Mock Draft
1/6/25
16 min read
2025 NFL Mock Draft: Latest First Round Predictions Entering Playoffs
The final bell has sounded. We've reached the finish line of the 2024 NFL regular season.
As the dust settles in the coming days and the fallout from disappointing campaigns becomes more and more apparent, we'll begin to understand the future direction of some of the league's less successful teams in the weeks ahead. As that unfolds, a postseason melee with the other 14 franchises will keep our hunger for more football alive for another month. After that? The NFL Draft will begin to creep closer on the horizon.
For the top-18 teams, the order is now settled — and now the process of sorting out which top talents make the most sense for which teams are in the queue. Enjoy this first crack at the 2025 NFL Draft with the official order set for picks 1-18. And, of course, congratulations to Titans fans for claiming the pole position.
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2025 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1
1. Tennessee Titans
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 223 lbs
Class: Senior
Fit: What traits is Brian Callahan looking for? This is the big question looming for the Titans as they brace to make the top pick. Will Levis was given the keys to the franchise this season and promptly struggled through much of the season before being benched in favor of Mason Rudolph. He should get zero benefit of the doubt with the Titans sitting in the pole position.
Cam Ward has the highest ceiling of the quarterbacks in this class, thanks to his dynamic arm, poise in the pocket, and ability to extend with his legs before utilizing his arm strength to launch the ball all over the field.
2. Cleveland Browns
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 185 lbs.
Class: Junior
Fit: The Browns' future at quarterback is shaky at best because of the team's continued guaranteed money commitments to injured QB Deshaun Watson. However, the Browns still have several years of big money left on the schedule and may be inclined to try to find a way to make it work in an unimpressive quarterback class.
If they do, Travis Hunter's flexibility to play on either side of the ball at positions that could move the needle for the Browns makes this an enticing pick. Cleveland's second cornerback spot on the outside opposite Denzel Ward is a prime impact role for Hunter, and there's no reason to think he can't eventually find a way to contribute to the skill group, too.
3. New York Giants
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 215 lbs.
Class: Senior
Fit: New York's quarterback situation is too dire to pass up the "other" standout signal caller at the top of this class. New York's ultimate offensive direction will need clarity, but after the decision to part ways with Daniel Jones in the midseason, the team could aspire to build their ultimate offensive direction around Sanders's strengths. Those strengths? Timing, field vision, and rhythm. All elements are opposite of much of what Giants fans were accustomed to with Jones at the helm, making it a good start for the next chapter.
4. New England Patriots
Abdul Carter, LB, Penn State
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 259 lbs.
Class: Junior
Fit: New England's future success will largely be tied to how well the team can build out around QB Drake Maye. Maye has shown plenty of ability this season despite a woeful offensive line, inconsistent skill players, and some questionable coaching along the way. Despite it all, Maye has shown enough promise to likely make the cap-rich Patriots active spenders for veteran talent on the open market. If that's the case, look for a big-name offensive lineman or a big-name wide receiver (why not both?) to ink an open-market deal with New England.
That sets the stage for the Patriots to take the best talent at a premium position. The general consensus seems to have accepted Abdul Carter as such, thanks partly to a strong season with Penn State in the CFB Playoff semi-finals. Carter has been featured all over the Penn State defense and could do the same for a Patriots pass rush that has withered in recent years amid a talent exodus.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 202 lbs.
Class: Junior
Fit: Jacksonville's upcoming offseason will be a big one. This team has some obvious talent but needs to find a way to kickstart a new competitive window amid what is expected to be another significant organizational change. They can start by drafting the best player available in the draft — which at this juncture would be hard not to claim is Will Johnson. Conveniently enough, the Jaguars do have a need at the second cornerback spot, making this a proper marriage of best player available and need.
6. Las Vegas Raiders
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 212 lbs.
Class: Junior
Fit: The Raiders passing attack runs through Brock Bowers right now. And, after that, not much else. Las Vegas is in the process of trying to find the right quarterback to commandeer their offense into the future. Part of that process is finding the right talent to build around the mystery man of the future. Pairing McMillan, who is impressive both vertically down the field and with the ball in his hands, with Bowers gives the Raiders an inside/out combination of size and run-after-catch ability that would make any quarterback's life easier.
7. New York Jets
Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 320 lbs.
Class: Junior
Fit: The Jets claimed a pair of wins on Sunday — one against the Dolphins in their home finale and the other by staying ahead of the Carolina Panthers in the final draft order. Carolina should be considered the main competition for a player like Mason Graham, who can help provide every-down impact along the defensive front. The Jets need more depth on the defensive interior to help their run defense moving forward and Graham is just what the doctor ordered.
8. Carolina Panthers
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 245 lbs.
Class: Junior
Fit: Carolina's defense can best be summarized by a single number. 534. That's the number of points this team allowed in 2024 — the most in the NFL by nearly 60 points. Carolina fortunately saw some of their investments pay off in a big way courtesy of the life we saw from Bryce Young down the stretch. However, the Panthers will need a more balanced roster in 2025, and it would be wise to start looking at pass rushers who can disrupt the pocket. Jalon Walker has great versatility; the skills to rush or play in space will do wonders for the Panthers' ability to disguise calls. Walker is a powerful rusher with a potent first step; those usually don't last long on draft night.
9. New Orleans Saints
Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 265 lbs.
Class: Junior
Fit: Williams' resume isn't the most productive of any of the pass rushers in this year's class. But his raw ability is certainly at or near the top. He boasts easy power, surprising fluidity, elite length and a savviness in navigating creases to attack the pocket. That would be a welcomed addition for the Saints amid the expiring contract of Chase Young and the questionable future of Cameron Jordan. Williams and Bryan Bresee can afford the Saints a promising future amid having to compete with a rebuilt offensive line in Carolina, one of the best tackles of the game in Tristan Wirfs in Tampa, and a well-established and continuous unit in Atlanta.
10. Chicago Bears
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 310 lbs.
Class: Senior
Fit: Chicago's future outlook is yet to be determined; they'll need to commit to a new head coach and vision in order to get a higher resolution for that. But it is hard to go wrong drafting a top-shelf pass protector to look after your No. 1 overall pick at quarterback. Caleb Williams is going to need to do his part moving forward to keep himself healthy and upright behind center moving forward but the Bears can help that process with a player like Simmons. He has sublime pass protection ability and may have the most complete skillset of any offensive tackle eligible for 2025. The catch is, of course, the knee injury. Simmons suffered a season-ending injury against Oregon midway through the season; which may cost him some draft positioning. Chicago cashes in as a result in this scenario.
11. San Francisco 49ers
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 320 lbs.
Class: Junior
Fit: San Francisco's offensive line ideology has been leaning heavily on Trent Williams and getting by with the rest of the group for probably too long now. The 49ers' 2024 season was ravaged by injuries all over the roster — including to Williams. Given that he's in the later chapters of his career and San Francisco is facing the prospect of potentially handing out even more big contracts, getting ahead of the need for a replacement for Williams makes sense. Many also feel as though Banks Jr. can play guard in the short-term, which could set the stage for immediate playing time thanks to the expiring contract of LG Aaron Banks.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Will Campbell, OL, LSU
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 323 lbs.
Class: Junior
Fit: Dallas is a team that has plenty invested in the offensive line — they've drafted Cooper Beebe, Tyler Guyton, and Tyler Smith in the top 100 of the last few years. But with Zack Martin getting towards the end of his line as an NFL player and entering into a contract year in 2025, Smith is a viable option at either left guard or left tackle in the long-term, and Guyton is a natural right tackle from his time at Oklahoma. That gives the Cowboys ample flexibility for who to play where moving forward — and room to add another asset to help the Cowboys get back on track. Campbell is dense, could play guard or tackle, and boasts the kind of functional power to help both the run game and helping to keep QB Dak Prescott healthy in 2025.
13. Miami Dolphins
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 205 lbs.
Class: Junior
Fit: Miami could easily go after an offensive lineman or a pass rusher here — but neither spot looks as dire as the Dolphins do in the secondary. The offensive line has viable long-term options at both tackle spots and center; rookie Patrick Paul played well in his opportunities this season, Austin Jackson's value was illustrated after his midseason injury, and Aaron Brewer is a wonderful fit for what the Dolphins ask of a center. The pass rush group saw Chop Robinson emerge as a rookie, will see Jaelan Phillips back from an ACL injury, and will have the option to bring back veteran Bradley Chubb after a missed season in 2024.
Cornerback? Kendall Fuller has suffered two concussions and ended the season on injured reserve for an unrelated injury. 2023 2nd round pick Cam Smith has hardly played in two seasons and the team's next option is a 2024 UDFA in Storm Duck. Safety? Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer are both expiring contracts — leaving Miami in position to potentially remake the entire room. It's time to get serious about the complexion of the back end.
14. Indianapolis Colts
Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 193 lbs.
Class: Senior
Fit: The Colts's needs for this upcoming offseason are unique. The team desperately needs to see growth from quarterback Anthony Richardson. Complicating that fact is that the team is well invested in the offensive line, in the running game, and in the wide receiver room. If you shift the attention to the defensive side of the football, the Colts are among the worst teams in net yards per attempt defensively as the season ends. A game-changing talent with unique talent, such as Shavon Revel, could help transform the Colts' youthful secondary with elite physicality, tackling, and length. Revel has all the goods for some highly entertaining divisional matchups with Jaguars rookie phenom Brian Thomas Jr.
15. Atlanta Falcons
James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 243 lbs.
Class: Junior
Fit: This wasn't the season it looked like could have been for the Falcons, who once upon a time sat at 6-3 and appeared to have the division in their grasp after sweeping the Bucs. But seasons are marathons — and the Falcons, namely Kirk Cousins, simply ran out of gas. Michael Penix Jr. has stepped in and shown promise, that's the good news for Atlanta. But more work remains for this roster to emerge moving forward and a high level pass rusher such as James Pearce Jr. could be a strong addition to a young pass rush room, particularly amid Matthew Judon's expiring contract. Pearce Jr. has explosive burst, elite bend and Coach Raheem Morris could help him develop even further to build counters off of his speed.
16. Arizona Cardinals
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 339 lbs.
Class: Junior
Fit: Arizona's need for more physicality on the trenches looms large this offseason. It's the last piece to come together for a team that started building up their roster with GM Monti Ossenfort, and the opportunity to add a heavyweight anchor to their interior like Grant is a match made in heaven. Grant has three down upside and explosiveness readily on hand, making him a different breed of defensive tackle than most of the team's current snap-takers.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
Nic Scourton, DL, Texas A&M
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 285 lbs.
Class: Junior
Fit: Cincinnati's defense flipped the switch down the stretch, forcing 13 turnovers across the final five games as the Bengals ran the table for a fourth consecutive winning season. However, as a whole, this group was not good enough in 2024, particularly when you factor in how well Joe Burrow played this season. There are several needs to consider, but you'd be hard-pressed to go wrong boosting the pass rush in the AFC. Scourton has the kind of build on the edge that the Bengals have gravitated towards as a dense pass rusher who can win with power and he boasts a nice variety of rush counters at his disposal — making him a potential dangerous running mate for Trey Hendrickson.
18. Seattle Seahawks
Josh Conerly Jr., OL, Oregon
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 315 lbs.
Class: Junior
Fit: The objective for Seattle this offseason should be simple — fix the trenches. This team has plenty of talent in the skill group, and Geno Smith's down production this year is less about him and more about the limitations of his line and the necessary maturation of OC Ryan Grubb. The Seahawks' interior offensive line was problematic on several fronts, ranging from disappointing free agent and draft impacts to the in-season retirement of Connor Williams. Getting this group up to par would go a long way in securing more consistent performance.
Oregon's Josh Conerly Jr. is an athletic tackle who could feasibly play inside at the NFL level and still make an impact with his athleticism and pass protection ability. In the event of injuries at tackle, he could easily bump out to help keep the pocket integrity on the edge, too.
19. Houston Texans
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 205 lbs.
Class: Senior
Fit: Houston has several needs, including figuring out who the answers are along the offensive line and perhaps a pass rush threat for the team's defensive interior. But the wide receiver spot has been unceremoniously turned upside down with a trying season — Stefon Diggs had his year cut short due to injury, as did second-year receiver Tank Dell. Dell's season-ending injuries are an unfortunate reminder of his size, and Houston would be wise to ensure they're well-protected from attrition at this position moving forward.
So why not reunite him with his old college teammate in Emeka Egbuka? The chemistry between the two is obvious, given Egbuka enjoyed his most productive college season with Stroud as his quarterback, and Egbuka's skill set as a middle-of-the-field target would play quite well off Nico Collins' explosive presence down the field.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 244 lbs.
Class: Junior
Fit: The Tampa Bay defense finished with their worst rankings since the first year of the Todd Bowles/Bruce Arians era. This was a unit in transition at several key spots — a trend that threatens to continue in 2025 as veteran LB Lavonte David turns 35 before the end of the month and is set to see once again his contract expires. Meanwhile, on the edge, the Bucs' pass rush leaves you wanting more. The team's investments into the interior of the defensive line have paid big dividends, but there's still a need for a winner to rush the passer from the outside.
Campbell can help on both fronts. He's a diverse linebacker who can play on the edge or off the ball and would likely enjoy the opportunity to play for a great defensive mind like Bowles.
21. Denver Broncos
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 215 lbs.
Class: Junior
Fit: From one set of Broncos to another. Both Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin entered Week 18 under 500 rushing yards for the season, with Williams set to hit free agency in the spring. Yes, former Notre Dame standout Audric Estime has shown some promise as a powerful runner — but good shouldn't prevent anyone from targeting great.
And that's what the Broncos have the chance to do here with Jeanty, who is one of the best players eligible for the entire draft. Jeanty's home-run hitting ability as the featured player in the backfield would make Sean Payton's offense all that much more challenging to prepare for each week.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers
Luther Burden, WR, Missouri
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 208 lbs.
Class: Junior
Fit: Pittsburgh's regular season ended with a fizzle on Saturday night. The Steelers will have the opportunity to right their wrongs in the postseason, but their offense was, frankly, a mess down the stretch. Russell Wilson regressed, and his play only reinforced his reputation as a "touchdown to check-down " passer. And with the Steelers dancing in the postseason again, their options to upgrade the quarterback may be limited.
If that means more Russell Wilson in 2024, the Steelers should find a talent who can create with the ball in his hands at receiver or win vertically over the top to go opposite George Pickens. Luther Burden is best in those two areas, making him a sensible fit.
23. Los Angeles Rams
Aireontae Ersery, OL, Minnesota
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 330 lbs.
Class: Senior
Fit: Despite all of the investment into the offensive line this past offseason, it was once again the trenches up front that posed challenges for the Rams early in the year. Granted, the team overcame once the heart of the unit got healthy, but these issues have to be getting old for Sean McVay. The answers on the interior are evident, but what about left tackle? Joe Notebook and Alaric Jackson are set to hit the market in March.
Meanwhile, Aireontae Ersery is a powerful mauler of a tackle who would give the Rams a violent finisher in the run game and a prototypical size to protect the edge for Matthew Stafford.
24. Green Bay Packers
Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 290 lbs.
Class: Junior
Fit: The Packers' recent history speaks for itself — this team loves drafting defense early. If Brian Gutenkust and company decide to go on that side of the ball again in 2025, their options at cornerback are somewhat modest at this stage. Not modest? Shemar Stewart's traits. In recent memory, Green Bay has bet on big-time elite athletic profiles and potential more than once with selections on this side of the ball, including Lukas Van Ness, Eric Stokes, Edgerrin Cooper, and Quay Walker. Stewart would perhaps be their most high-ceiling bet to date, but don't mistake an incredible athletic profile for a low floor. Stewart is a violent run defender with flashes of pass-rush ability that suggest he's a monster in that regard, just waiting to be developed.
Few teams are drafting and developing, as well as the Packers have in recent years.
25. Los Angeles Chargers
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 257 lbs.
Class: Senior
Fit: The Chargers' identity under Jim Harbaugh is well-established after just one season. If the Chargers are going to keep the heat on the rest of the AFC field, however, they'll need to continue to tool for the grand vision of who Harbaugh aspires to be. Few players are more versatile in this year's class than Penn State's Tyler Warren — a physical pass-catching tight end who can play in the core, from the backfield, or flexed into the slot. As the Chargers look to impose their will on the opposition into the future, having players like this who can still generate big plays in the passing game creates quite the challenge to prepare for.
26. Washington Commanders
Xavier Watts, SAF, Notre Dame
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 203 lbs.
Class: Senior
Fit: Dan Quinn's defense in Dallas had several ballhawks in the secondary — from DaRon Bland to Trevon Diggs to Malik Hooker. Washington's secondary doesn't quite have that embarrassment of riches yet, but Notre Dame's Xavier Watts could change all that. Watts is the best ballhawk in college football and is an impressive talent on the back end of the Irish's defense. Adding him to the mix for Quinn and company, especially as the offense looks to gel and continue scoring points in bunches in 2025, is a scary thought.
27. Baltimore Ravens
Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 248 lbs.
Class: Sophomore
Fit: Baltimore deserves a ton of credit for unearthing the veteran marriage made in heaven between them and Kyle Van Noy. Van Noy eclipsed 12 sacks on the season on Saturday afternoon against the Browns and has over 20 across the last two seasons in Baltimore. But Van Noy is a wily vet who will be 34 years old in 2025 while entering into a contract year. The rest of the pass rush room? Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo are also both expiring contracts.
If the Ravens want an NFL-ready-made pass rusher who can get after the elite quarterbacks in the AFC, they're in luck. Green has perhaps the deepest pass-rush arsenal in the class and one of the best first steps.
28. Philadelphia Eagles
Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 314 lbs.
Class: Senior
Fit: A pick like Membou makes sense on a couple of fronts for Philadelphia. The Eagles are a team that never shies away from the opportunity to proactively invest in the trenches under Howie Roseman. Philly's bet on Mekhi Becton paid off in a big way in 2024 but given the team's big contracts up and down the roster, they feel unlikely to figure out a long-term arrangement between the two — leaving the right guard spot vacant, where Membou has the potential to kick inside and play. In the long term, Lane Johnson is getting ready to enter his age 35 season in 2025. How much longer will he go? Membou could be a viable answer at right tackle whenever the end comes for Johnson.
29. Buffalo Bills
Landon Jackson, DL, Arkansas
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 280 lbs.
Class: Senior
Fit: Buffalo's defensive identity has continued to evolve under Sean McDermott. But one thing we know for certain is this team still loves heavy-handed pass rushers. Few fit the bill (pun intended) quite like Landon Jackson, who offers a surprising variety of pass-rush moves for his build. Jackson can win off the edge but, just as importantly, can set a hard edge in the run game. It matters more for a nickel-exclusive defense like the one the Bills run, giving Jackson the right mix of skills to contribute on all downs for McDermott & company.
30. Minnesota Vikings
Darien Porter Jr., CB, Iowa State
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 200 lbs.
Class: Senior
Fit: Will Minnesota get to enjoy another season of defensive coordinator Brian Flores? After a stint in Miami as the Dolphins' head coach, Flores looks plenty ready for another shot, and his name is attached to a number of the vacancies (known or expected) across the league. Whether the Vikings have him back or not, Minnesota's cornerback room could use more talent to develop to play on the back end of the aggressive Minnesota scheme.
Darien Porter has elite length and speed — with loads of developmental upside as a former wide receiver. He's a perimeter cornerback with very good ball skills and, in a pressure scheme, could use his eyes and length to contest throwing windows while having a greater margin of error to play in phase.
31. Detroit Lions
Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 325 lbs.
Class: Junior
Fit: The Lions' identity is clear — Dan Campbell ensured we all knew what that was when he took the job. Detroit is a tough football team looking for tough additions. Tyler Booker's game oozes toughness. Sure, he's a guard. But the Lions have two possible vacancies looming between veterans Graham Glasgow and Kevin Zeitler.
Booker would be an incredible addition next to Penei Sewell, ensuring the Lions have tidal waves of power they can throw at opposing defenses and continue to wear teams down.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 245 lbs.
Class: Junior
Fit: The Chiefs aren't exactly an easy team to go shopping for — but it is worth remembering how they've become a two-time defending champion. Kansas City has been willing to find ways to make the wide receiver room work each year, but its investment in the tight end room has been a much more central focus. Travis Kelce is irreplaceable — but that shouldn't stop the Chiefs from trying to ensure they are as well equipped for the future without him as they possibly can be. That means Colston Loveland, the hybrid flex tight end out of Michigan, could make some sense.
Yes, Kansas City drafted Jared Wiley in last year's draft. But that shouldn't prevent Loveland, a much more dynamic and refined receiving threat, from being on their radar.