Ryder Stoolie's NFL Mock Draft Part 1 and Best Bets

It's a great time of year for fans who truly enjoy watching ball. Two weeks ago, we watched Rory slip into his first green jacket that he has so long coveted after making a putt to win the Masters on a playoff hole. The transfer portal has continued to be a hot topic, for better or for worse, and the NHL and NBA playoffs are officially underway.

However, the thing I enjoy most in late April is being an NFL draft nerd and trying to figure out not only what position of needs my team will be looking for but also trying to figure out which players will be put into good situations for Fantasy Football rookie dynasty drafts. Especially when you're a fan of the St. Louis Blues, who are down 2-0, Memphis Grizzlies down 1-0, and the St. Louis Cardinals, who don't know how to win a baseball game.

The 2025 NFL Draft will begin at 7:00 p.m. CT on Thursday, April 24, in Green Bay (the best football town in America). Let's take a stab at predicting the first round (with no trades) based on what I believe will happen in a 3 part series that will feature 10 picks on Tuesday, 10 picks on Wednesday, and the final 12 picks on draft day on Thursday.

Stay tuned at the bottom of the story for a few of my NFL Draft best bets for Thursday.

Tennessee Titans, Round 1 Pick 1

CAM WARD, QB, MIAMI — It feels like this one has been decided for a while for the Titans' front office. Tennessee loaded up on offensive linemen in free agency with the additions of Dan Moore Jr., Kevin Zeitler, and more. You're not doing that to protect Will Levis (who I expect will be moved at some point during the draft for picks); you're doing that for the guy you think will be the face of the franchise for years to come in Ward.

2024 stats: 4,313 passing yards, 204 rushing yards, 43 touchdowns, 7 interceptions

Cleveland Browns, Round 1 Pick 2

TRAVIS HUNTER, WR/CB, COLORADO — First, let me tell you how badass it is that Hunter wants to be announced as both a wide receiver and cornerback come Thursday night when he is announced as the newest member of the Cleveland Browns. Truth be told, Cleveland might be getting the best player in the entire draft class with the No. 2 pick. The NFL is going to see their of a "unicorn," and it's going to be beautiful. I expect him to get a majority of snaps as a receiver, but we shall see.

2024 stats: 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, 96 receptions, 1,258 receiving yards, 15 touchdowns, 4 interceptions.

New York Giants, Round 1 Pick 3

ABDUL CARTER, EDGE, PENN STATE — This is where the draft begins in my eyes. I believe the Giants did the right thing this offseason by adding Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston to their QB room instead of risking it all for a quarterback like Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart. Take the obvious choice here and see if either of those guys can do enough to get you into a decent spot heading into next season. If all else fails, at least you will have fun interviews. Undoubtedly, Carter is the best pass rusher in the class and will be a perfect fit for Big Blue.

2024 stats: 68 tackles, 12 sacks, 2 FF, 4 PD.

New England Patriots, Round 1 Pick 4

WILL CAMPBELL, OT, LSU – As a Missouri fan, it would be awesome to see Armand Membou be the first offensive lineman drafted. Truth be told, I don't think you can go wrong with either option here. I loved Campbell talking about his arm length being an issue for some NFL teams (video below), and I expect him to do a nice job of protecting Drake Maye, who seems to be the man in charge for a long time under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel. Campbell is a high football IQ guy who will likely churn out a solid NFL career.

Jacksonville Jaguars, Round 1 Pick 5

TETAIROA MCMILLAN, WR, ARIZONA — My first pick of the draft where I believe anything could truly happen. Do we see someone try to move up here for a QB? We know how much new head coach Liam Coen loves his wide receivers, and pairing McMillan up with Brian Thomas Jr. would give the Jaguars the best WR duo in the AFC South, in my opinion. I wouldn't be shocked to see them take Mason Graham or maybe Ashton Jeanty here, too, but let's have some fun. McMillan is great in size and has the hands to be a longtime starter in the league. Duval deserves to be happy.

2024 stats: 84 receptions, 1,319 receiving yards, 8 touchdowns

Las Vegas Raiders, Round 1 Pick 6

ASHTON JEANTY, RB, BOISE STATE — This pick may just be me doing some wishful thinking of hoping that Jeanty doesn't end up in Chicago to haunt the Packers for years. However, it is hard to deny the greatness he showed during the 2024-25 college football season. He's a smart, physical runner, and like the man even said himself ...

"I'd draft the guy they can't tackle."

Also, who can forget him putting on one of Stoolie's favorites, Coach Gruden, on the Migos? This man needs to be in the Black and Silver.

New York Jets, Round 1 Pick 7

ARMAND MEMBOU, OL, MISSOURI— Have you ever seen someone mocked in the same place so many times you think there's no way it can happen? I have a weird feeling here, but I also believe the Jets have to do something with that abysmal offensive line. Newly signed quarterback Justin Fields will likely scramble nowhere anyway, but nonetheless, you can at least say you tried. Membou has been a hot commodity regarding draft talk after his epic 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. You're not going to find someone who will outwork him. His length, agility, and power should make New York fans happy about their future at the tackle position.

Carolina Panthers, Round 1 Pick 8

JALON WALKER, EDGE, GEORGIA — I know Mason Graham is still on the board here, and if I were the Panthers, I would highly consider just taking Graham and building depth along the defensive line. However, we are talking about the Carolina Panthers, so therefore I must draft on need rather than best player available. Walker is a dynamic pass rusher with quick, strong hands that you can play in multiple positions and should be a fun Swiss army knife-type player in Ejiro Evero's defense.

2024 stats: 61 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 2 PD

New Orleans Saints, Round 1 Pick 9

MASON GRAHAM, DL, MICHIGAN — I wouldn't be shocked to see the Saints go for a quarterback here with the uncertainty of Derek Carr's availability next season. However, with a player of Graham's caliber still on the board (yes, I know I am an idiot for this circumstance happening), I think this is a no-brainer for the Saints. Graham presents an issue with his quickness and athleticism as a rusher and has a high motor as a run defender—a guy likely to have immediate Pro Bowl potential from Day 1.

2024 stats: 46 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 1 PD

Chicago Bears, Round 1 Pick 10

KELVIN BANKS JR., OL, TEXAS — The Bears have backed up the Brink's truck to protect Caleb Williams, who was sacked 68 times during his rookie season. They signed Drew Dalman from Atlanta, traded for Joe Thuney from Kansas City, and added Jonah Jackson from the Rams in free agency. Now, they look to add another piece to the offensive line puzzle with one of the top offensive linemen in the entire class. Banks could play either tackle spot and should fit their scheme well.

Now, let's really talk about why we are all here. Below are some of my best bets for the first round of the NFL draft. It might spoil some of what's to come, but I want to make sure you guys get in before the odds shift too much.

Confident plays

Jahdae Barron u18.5 -115 (DraftKings)

Malakai Stars o23.5 -175 (DraftKings)

James Pearce Jr. o31.5 -130 (DraftKings)

Ashton Jeanty drafted by Las Vegas Raiders -125 (DraftKings)

o2.5 QB's in first round -150 (DraftKings)

Longshots

Colston Loveland o17.5 +270 (DraftKings)

Luther Burden to be selected in first round +180 (DraftKings)