As Round 1 moves into its second half, the strategy shifts. Teams drafting in the late teens and 20s are often closer to contention, looking for players who can contribute early while still offering long-term upside. Depth, scheme fit, and positional value take center stage — and this year’s mock reflects that balance.
Here’s the breakdown for picks 17 through 32.
1.17 Denver Broncos – Jack Endries, TE, Texas
Endries is a versatile tight end with strong hands and reliable blocking ability. He excels working the middle of the field and provides a dependable target in play-action concepts. Denver adds a well-rounded tight end who can contribute immediately in multiple roles.
1.18 Philadelphia Eagles – Caden Durham, RB, LSU
Durham is an explosive runner with elite burst and vision. He thrives in space and consistently creates big plays when given daylight. Philadelphia adds a dynamic back capable of changing the pace of games and stressing defenses horizontally.
1.19 New Orleans Saints – Jordan Anthony, WR, Arkansas
Anthony brings vertical speed and quick-twitch athleticism to the receiver position. He’s a natural deep threat who can stretch coverage and create matchup problems. New Orleans injects speed into its offense with a player who can flip field position in a single snap.
1.20 Las Vegas Raiders (from Jets) – Drayk Bowen, MLB, Notre Dame
Bowen is a high-IQ linebacker with excellent instincts and leadership qualities. He diagnoses plays quickly and excels in run defense while holding his own in coverage. The Raiders add a tone-setter in the middle of the defense.
1.21 Chicago Bears – Colin Simmons, EDGE, Auburn
Simmons is a twitchy edge rusher with explosive first-step quickness. He consistently pressures quarterbacks and shows strong upside as a pass rusher. Chicago targets a defensive difference-maker to energize its front seven.
1.22 Atlanta Falcons (from Giants) – Jermaine Matthews, CB, Ohio State
Matthews is a smooth cover corner with excellent ball skills and awareness. He thrives in man coverage and shows strong route recognition. Atlanta continues to fortify its secondary with a polished, pro-ready defender.
1.23 Baltimore Ravens – Bryant Wesco, WR, Clemson
Wesco is a physical wide receiver with strong hands and body control. He excels in contested-catch situations and offers reliable production on intermediate routes. Baltimore adds a tough, dependable target who fits their offensive identity.
1.24 Indianapolis Colts – AJ Harris, CB, Penn State
Harris is a disciplined corner with good length and strong coverage instincts. He plays with confidence and isn’t afraid to challenge receivers at the line. The Colts add depth and future stability to an already improving secondary.
1.25 Seattle Seahawks – Billy Schrauth, G, Notre Dame
Schrauth is a powerful interior lineman who brings physicality and consistency to the run game. He anchors well in pass protection and plays with a nasty edge. Seattle reinforces the interior of its offensive line with a plug-and-play guard.
1.26 Los Angeles Chargers – Eli Bowen, CB, Texas
Bowen is a technically sound corner with excellent footwork and recovery speed. He thrives in zone coverage and shows strong awareness in off-man looks. The Chargers add a reliable defensive back with immediate rotational value.
1.27 Cleveland Browns – Boo Carter, CB, Tennessee
Carter is an athletic, aggressive corner who excels in press coverage. He brings physicality at the line of scrimmage and plays with confidence. Cleveland continues to invest in defensive backs to match up with the AFC’s elite passing attacks.
1.28 Dallas Cowboys – Malik Murphy, QB, Texas
Murphy boasts elite arm strength and prototypical size. While still developing as a processor, his physical tools are undeniable. Dallas takes a high-upside quarterback who could develop into a future starter.
1.29 Pittsburgh Steelers – Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State
Leavitt is a composed quarterback with good accuracy and mobility. He plays with poise and makes smart decisions under pressure. Pittsburgh adds a developmental passer who fits their preference for toughness and discipline at the position.
1.30 Washington Commanders – Gavin Sawchuck, RB, Florida State
Sawchuck is a balanced back with strong vision, patience, and pass-catching ability. He thrives in zone schemes and consistently finds lanes at the second level. Washington adds a versatile running back who can contribute in all phases.
1.31 Las Vegas Raiders – Taylor Tatum, RB, Texas A&M
Tatum is a powerful, downhill runner with breakaway speed once he hits the second level. He runs with authority and finishes plays. Las Vegas continues to load up on offensive talent with a back built for sustained drives.
1.32 Las Vegas Raiders (from Packers) – Logan Fano, EDGE, Texas
Fano is a high-motor edge defender with strength and versatility. He sets the edge well against the run and flashes pass-rush upside. The Raiders cap off a strong first round by adding depth and energy to their defensive front.
Closing Thoughts
The back half of Round 1 showcases how contenders and rising teams fine-tune their rosters. From quarterbacks with upside to defenders who can contribute immediately, these selections highlight smart, calculated team-building.
With three first-round picks, the Raiders emerge as one of the biggest winners on paper — but as always, draft night will decide who truly got it right.
