Star-Advertiser sports editor Curtis Murayama has been doing NFL mock drafts since the 1970s.
Barring any trades — although there probably will be some — this is how he sees today’s first round:
(Each prospect is listed with height, weight, 40 time and other measurables, such as “A” for arm length, “H” for hand size, “BP” for bench press, “VJ” for vertical jump.)
Time for a culture change, Raider Nation. Your new leader is a squeaky-clean Heisman Trophy winner who enjoys dissecting defenses, emphasizing positivitiy and crediting everyone else. He’s a winner with a winning personality who makes winning plays. As a QB, he’s tall and possesses a strong and accurate arm while having sneaky mobility.
Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State, 6-4, 241, A: 321⁄2, 4.46
The Jets were busy during free agency, restocking a new 3-4 defense with four new D-lineman, a linebacker and four DBs. Reese could eventually become the ring-leader of the entire defense. He is an elite athlete who plays downhill and has the versatility to rush or cover. Just cut him loose.
David Bailey, DE, Texas Tech, 6-4, 251, A: 333⁄4, 4.5, VJ: 35”
Could this spot be a trade target for a team salivating over running back Jeremiyah Love? The Cardinals would love Love, but they already have recovering James Conner and free agent signee Tyler Allgeier. But picking the draft’s best pass rusher should help a team that ranked 30th in sacks.
It’s not easy for defensive-minded head coach Robert Saleh to pass on defensive studs. But OC and former Giants HC Brian Daboll will get his Saquon Barkley and second-year QB Cam Ward will get some help.
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State, 6-5, 244, 4.46, VJ: 43.5”
The Giants could trade up, let’s say with the Cardinals, and steal Love and frustrate their former coach Daboll. A WR to complement often-dinged-up Malik Nabers — concussion in 2024, knee injuries in 2025 — also could be tempting. But getting a defensive ringleader and play-maker would be hard for coach John Harbaugh to pass up. Styles is a former safety and a thumper who can own the middle of field.
The Browns could influence the course of this draft with this pick. They’ll choose either an OT or a WR. Their O-line is entirely new, with last year’s solid five now free agents. They could also use a WR opposite Jerry Jeudy. Since the draft is deeper at WR, the Browns go OT and take Fano. a technician with mobility and versatility to play along the entire O-line.
Short arms be damned. According to Pro Football Focus, Kyle Van Noy is the only player with sub-31-inch arms to have moderate success as a rush end. Bain, however, is a bulldozer with D-tackle build. He plays with violence.
How about a wideout like Carnell Tate from what’s become Wide Receiver University to pair with another Ohio State alum in Chris Olave? Or how about another Marshon Lattimore, a former Saints star corner? Delane has shutdown ability. Either way, looks like a can’t-lose prospect whichever way Saints decide to go.
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami, 6-51⁄2, 329, 5.10, VJ: 29”
WR Carnell Tate is awfully enticing, but it’s probably best to protect Patrick Mahomes, or Justin Fields if Mahomes isn’t fully healthy. Mauigoa plays mainly right tackle but has the traits to play guard, displaying quick feet and agility.
Downs is an enforcer, forcing fumbles and incompletions with big hits. His Ohio State DC Matt Patricia called him the “smartest” player in the draft and said that Downs is “a guy with the skill set that can play in the box, has great run instincts, can blitz, can cover, can play man-to-man, played in the deep part of the field.” Looks like a can’t-miss prospect.
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State, 6-2, 192, H: 10 1⁄4”, 4.53
No Tyreek Hill, no Jaylen Waddle, no Tua Tagovailoa. De’Von Achane possibly holding out. The Dolphins’ offensive arsenal is nearly empty. They get to choose their weapon from the deep WR pool. Tate is polished and reliable. While he ran 4.53, it’s been pointed out that some of the best WRs had 40 times in the 4.5 range — like Jaxon Smith-Njigba (4.52), Amon-Ra St. Brown (4.51), CeeDee Lamb (4.51) and oh, Jerry Rice (4.55).
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee, 6-1, 188, 4.38, 14 BP, VJ: 38”