Top prospects Carter and Graham expected to drop

Mike Tannenbaum, a former NFL executive and current ESPN analyst, has released his latest NFL mock draft. With the draft just a month away, these predictions are becoming more popular. Tannenbaum's approach is unique as he acts as the general manager for every team rather than just predicting what teams will do. In his mock draft, Tannenbaum has top prospect Abdul Carter falling to the Jacksonville Jaguars at pick number five. He also predicts that defensive tackle Mason Graham will drop to the Chicago Bears at pick ten. This is surprising because both players are highly regarded in many other drafts. Tannenbaum’s reasoning for Carter's fall is based on the strong interest in quarterbacks and other prospects like Travis Hunter, who is expected to go second overall. Even the New England Patriots, who many expected to draft Carter at four, decide to go with offensive lineman Armand Membou instead. Similarly, Graham sees a fall in Tannenbaum's mock. Teams such as the Bears and others choose players like running back Ashton Jeanty and edge rusher Mykel Williams before Graham is picked. This suggests that teams are passing on him for positions of need rather than selecting the best player available. While Graham’s recent combine performance may have raised some doubts, many teams needing defensive line help would still find him an attractive option. Tannenbaum’s choices highlight his preference for filling team needs over picking the best talent available. Tannenbaum’s mock draft includes other notable picks as well, such as wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan to the Cowboys at pick twelve and quarterback Jaxon Dart to the Rams at pick twenty-six. Overall, his predictions stand out in comparison to other mocks and reveal his distinct priorities as a former general manager.