The New England Patriots need to surround young quarterback Drake Maye with a much better offensive line and more high-end talent at the skill positions on offense going into next season, but that doesn’t mean they should totally ignore defense with the No.

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 31: Colston Loveland #18 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a second half touchdown with Tyler Morris #8 while playing the Fresno State Bulldogs at Michigan Stadium on August 31, 2024 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Should Kiper’s projection hold true, it would be the first time since the 2018 NFL Draft that the SEC failed to produce a top-5 pick. Oklahoma (then in the Big 12) produced the No. 1 overall pick in Baker Mayfield while Georgia’s Roquan Smith was the league’s top selection at No. 8 overall.

The Miami Dolphins plan to rebuild their offensive line this offseason, according to general manager Chris Grier, but that's not the only spot on the roster that needs work. In Mel Kiper Jr.'s first mock draft of the year,

In the latest mock from our Christian D’Andrea — a top-five mini-mock — he had the Browns taking Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders at quarterback. But in Mel Kiper Jr.’s first mock of the year for ESPN, he had Sanders’ teammate Travis Hunter going to Cleveland and Sanders going to the New York Giants at No. 3.

ESPN’s draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. released his first mock for the 2025 draft on Wednesday, predicting the first round of picks only ahead of the April 24 draft. It’s loaded with Wolverines. Kiper listed four Michigan players among the top 32 picks, the most of any school.

Rich Eisen says the Ravens ‘are going to be in it every year.’ Former Orioles great Jim Palmer is among those showing support for Mark Andrews. Kyle Van Noy says the Bills’ conservative approach paid off.

As the Lions now look to the offseason following their division round upset loss to Washington, they’re indeed projected to look to add depth to their defense. ESPN’s Mel Kiper mocked the Lions to pick Tennessee linebacker James Pearce Jr.

The Bengals have bigger needs, regardless. The next pick in Kiper’s mock is a guard prospect in Armand Membou. The one after that is a safety, Nick Emmanwori. A few picks later, top tight end Colston Loveland. Later in the round? Pass-rusher Nic Scourton.

The Eagles are heading to the NFC Championship game and will face the Washington Commanders for the third time this season. Even with the Birds locked in a playoff run, it's never too early for a look