Mock Draft
12/17/24
17 min read
2025 NFL Mock Draft: Latest First-Round Predictions Entering Week 16
While the end of the 2024 college football regular season is a sad moment, it's hard to be upset when the College Football Playoffs begin this coming weekend. The new 12-team layout means iron will be sharpening iron, and there's no better opportunity to see the nation's stars improve their 2025 NFL Draft stock. We're giving one more 2025 NFL mock draft before the Playoff begins.
Some recent player announcements have changed the names in our mock draft. Drew Allar is returning to Penn State, while a slew of underclassmen have declared their intentions to enter the 2025 NFL Draft class. We'll keep seeing these bits of news into the New Year.
Who will go where under the latest 2025 NFL Draft order? Here's our latest mock draft with the most updated order after Monday Night Football.
2025 NFL Mock Draft
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 223 lbs.
Class: Senior
The Raiders simply need to get one of the two clear first-round quarterback prospects in the 2025 class. Cam Ward has better physical tools than Sanders but is also more reckless with the ball.
While that's a red flag, Vegas can't keep spinning its wheels. Barring a signing of Sam Darnold, drafting a quarterback to compete with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert is imperative.
2. New York Giants
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 215 lbs
Class: Senior
The mission is clear for the New York Giants in the last few weeks of the season. Just lose, baby!
We'll see whether this regime is making the call, but Shedeur Sanders is my top quarterback either way. Highly intelligent, competitive, and with a tremendous developmental track over the course of his career, Sanders has the talent and toughness to be worth the No. 1 pick.
3. New England Patriots
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 202 lbs.
Class: Junior
Putting Travis Hunter here and moving on is popular, but Hunter's case to be selected as the top corner or receiver is weak. He's not the best prospect at either individual position. Instead, the Patriots go with Will Johnson to pair with Christian Gonzalez.
They'd become the most feared cornerback duo in recent league history, with each boasting elite ball skills and physicality.
4. Carolina Panthers
Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 259 lbs.
Class: Junior
The top edge rusher spot will likely come down to what teams prefer. Abdul Carter has spent less time as a true pass-rusher than James Pearce Jr. but is more productive.
His violent hands, low center of gravity, and strength through contact profile are that of a stellar foundational piece. Carolina would be getting a slam dunk athlete and competitor.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Mason Graham, DT, Michigan Wolverines
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 320 lbs.
Class: Junior
Jacksonville's goal this offseason is to get nastier and more explosive in the trenches. They lose the toughness battle almost every week.
Mason Graham is the cure for those issues, offering a rare pass-rushing presence as an interior defender. He'll be in the mix to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.
6. Tennessee Titans
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 212 lbs.
Class: Junior
Taking a big swing at quarterback might make sense, but Day 2 options can offer a safer floor than spending a top-10 pick on a developmental player.
Instead, Tennessee has to continue building its roster for Will Levis or whoever is under center. Tetairoa McMillan is the top receiver, offering a massive catch radius and the ability to create after the catch.
7. New York Jets
Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 185 lbs.
Class: Junior
Another Colorado star lands in the Big Apple as the Jets quickly snatch Travis Hunter up and figure out what to do later.
Hunter profiles best at cornerback with his ball skills, and the Jets don't have as pressing of a need for a receiver in the meantime. Plus, Sauce Gardner can help Hunter maximize his talent at the position.
8. Cleveland Browns
James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 243 lbs.
Class: Junior
Cleveland may feel inclined to address various needs, but choosing a lesser offensive lineman or a second-rate quarterback would be a poor decision.
Instead, focusing on enhancing their defense with top-tier talent is the way to go. James Pearce Jr. is the highest-rated player, showcasing impressive speed and versatility.
9. Chicago Bears
Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 320 lbs.
Class: Junior
Braxton Jones has the 42nd-best pass-blocking efficiency rate in the NFL, winning only 96.2 percent of snaps, per PFF. That's not good enough for Caleb Williams to thrive with, so Chicago can add a more gifted blindside tackle to protect him.
Kelvin Banks is a top-tier athlete for his size and incredibly strong at the point of attack. Jones could compete at guard, strengthening two positions with one move.
10. New Orleans Saints
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 208 lbs.
Class: Junior
Locked into several expensive veterans who are declining, the Saints really just need to go with the best player available at a position of need.
The receiving room has produced some nice complementary pieces, but Chris Olave would benefit as much as anyone from a true partner. Luther Burden III can transform the passing offense with his speed and creativity after the catch.
11. Miami Dolphins
Will Campbell, OL, LSU
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 323 lbs.
Class: Junior
One of the most efficient pass blockers in the nation throughout his career, some evaluators will push Will Campbell from tackle to guard because of his shorter arms.
That shouldn't matter as much for Miami, which desperately needs to overhaul its offensive line. Whether at guard or tackle, Campbell will significantly upgrade a major part of an ailing unit.
12. Indianapolis Colts
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 257 lbs.
Class: Senior
Adding an explosive and versatile playmaker for Shane Steichen to unleash sounds fun and practical.
Tyler Warren is the type of transitive presence who can upgrade a unit from good to great. The Colts wanted Brock Bowers in 2024 but do well to land Warren instead. He's a top-five overall player on my board.
13. Cincinnati Bengals
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 215 lbs.
Class: Junior
The Bengals lack a reliable running back on their roster. While Chase Brown has been an interesting option lately out of necessity, he hasn't proven to be effective enough.
His career-rushing success rate is around 48 percent, and his performance in this year's limited opportunities has been declining. Adding Ashton Jeanty would provide the Bengals with a real game-changer.
14. Dallas Cowboys
Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 245 lbs.
Class: Junior
Dallas previously found success with a versatile defender in Micah Parsons, so it makes sense that they'd bank on athleticism and instincts once again.
Jalon Walker is a terrific linebacker with the strength and speed to be a third-down pass-rusher. With recent draft picks at linebacker flaming out, spending a premium pick who can play all over is justified.
15. San Francisco 49ers
Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 310 lbs.
Class: Junior
Derrick Harmon started the year as an intriguing developmental prospect, but he turned into a bonafide star in 2024.
Much of San Francisco's 2024 downfall can be traced to poor play in the trenches. Adding Harmon helps alleviate the pressure on their top-heavy defense.
16. Atlanta Falcons
Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 248 lbs.
Class: Junior
A fast riser due to his blend of elite production, speed, and functional move set, Mike Green is the biggest wildcard in the class.
He'll explode this offseason as he tests through the roof at the Scouting Combine and performs in the all-star circuit. Atlanta desperately could use such a presence.
17. Arizona Cardinals
Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 285 lbs.
Class: Senior
There's a real chance Nic Scourton goes in the top handful of picks overall despite logging only five sacks this past year.
His athletic profile for a 285-pound human is incredible. Arizona can offer him a strong coaching staff, low pressure to develop, and plenty of snaps to improve over time.
18. Seattle Seahawks
Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 290 lbs.
Class: Junior
Another physical ball of clay with rare movement ability for his mass, Shemar Stewart can get after quarterbacks from multiple alignments.
That's perfect for Seattle, who is willing to play hybrid fronts and attack with mismatches. Giving Mike Macdonald more athletes to unleash is a recipe for fun.
19. Los Angeles Chargers
Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 339 lbs.
Class: Junior
The obvious connection between Michigan's Kenneth Grant and Jim Harbaugh aside, defensive tackle is one of the biggest needs on the Chargers' roster.
Grant brings impact size and stellar upside from the middle of a defense. His quickness and lateral agility create havoc in the passing game, and his upside against the run is sky-high.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 225 lbs.
Class: Junior
Baker Mayfield's limitations continue to show as Tampa Bay's season has progressed. He's a fine stopgap but won't get the franchise anywhere meaningful.
Instead, taking Jalen Milroe gives Tampa Bay a future to build toward, as Mayfield serves as an ideal bridge presence.
21. Los Angeles Rams
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 245 lbs.
Class: Junior
We haven't seen an impact playmaker at tight end in a Sean McVay offense, so why not swing for one here?
Colston Loveland suffered from terrible quarterback play in 2024, but evaluators know his blend of size, route running, and football IQ will lead to Pro Bowls.
22. Washington Commanders
Aireontay Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 330 lbs.
Class: Senior
Going with a wide receiver sure is tempting, but Washington can't continue to trot out Andrew Wylie at right tackle. Whether the answer is moving Brandon Coleman to the right side or he works out at left tackle, getting an impact blocker for Jayden Daniels is paramount.
Aireontae Ersery might be the best overall blocker in the class right now because he's a mauling road grader.
23. Denver Broncos
Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 225 lbs.
Class: Junior
The return of the running back is upon us. Kaleb Johnson isn't far behind Ashton Jeanty as an incredible prospect, and Denver will appreciate his ability to create for himself.
Forcing 66 missed tackles, averaging 4.42 yards after contact per carry, and totaling 1,060 yards after contact in 2024, Johnson is a workhorse capable of being Sean Payton's next star rusher. There's not a better investment Payton could make to help Bo Nix.
24. Baltimore Ravens
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 310 lbs.
Class: Senior
Josh Simmons might have been off the board in our top 10 picks if not for a torn ACL. The smooth but powerful left tackle showed signs of stardom before a torn ACL took him out for the season.
Baltimore, known for always landing value picks, could get another steal. Simmons could either replace Ronnie Stanley at left tackle or allow Roger Rosengarten to move to guard, then take over at right tackle.
25. Houston Texans
Malaki Starks, SAF, Georgia
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 205 lbs.
Class: Junior
The Texans decided to shift Jalen Pitre to the nickel position after he faced a lot of scrutiny early in his career, and the duo of Eric Murray and Calen Bullock has been unreliable at times.
Houston secures Malaki Starks, a player who dropped much further than expected, to strengthen their secondary and establish a top-tier playmaker for years to come. The athletic yet tough safety would significantly enhance the unit as it develops cohesion.
26. Pittsburgh Steelers
Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 193 lbs.
Class: Senior
Adding a dynamic and explosive 6-foot-3 playmaking cornerback next to Joey Porter would supersize Pittsburgh's secondary in a meaningful way.
Shavon Revel is recovering from a torn ACL, but his talent and upside are worth banking on. He'd be long gone if not for the injury.
27. Green Bay Packers
Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 305 lbs.
Class: Junior
A selfless pass rusher who creates havoc without needing to be the one who gets credit for the sack, Walter Nolen can be the new face of the Green Bay defensive front.
Not to be undersold as a tenacious run defender with excellent pursuit angles and high pedigree traits, Nolen is close to being the whole package who can contribute on every down.
28. Minnesota Vikings
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 244 lbs.
Class: Junior
A Nick Saban linebacker at 6-foot-3 and 244 pounds, Brian Flores will love that Jihaad Campbell is a new-age Dont'a Hightower.
Physical, fast, and surprisingly rangy, Campbell's pass-rush ability and coverage upside for his size gives him unique value for a linebacker. That's the type of tone-setter Flores will desire.
29 . Buffalo Bills
Nick Emmanwori, SAF, South Carolina
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 227 lbs.
Class: Junior
The safety position used to be a hallmark of the Bills' defense. They've made do with what they have over the last two years, but a talent upgrade would help.
Nick Emmanwori is massive at 6-foot-3 but has the ball skills and range of a cornerback. The future of Emmanwori and Cole Bishop should be bright.
30. Philadelphia Eagles
Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 265 lbs.
Class: Junior
We know Philadelphia loves Georgia players, and Mykel Williams is a bargain at this point. Bruce Huff has been a bust of a signing, and Brandon Graham is on his last leg.
Williams' motor sometimes runs hot and cold, but his pass-rush tools are awesome. If he hits, Williams can be a Pro Bowler.
31. Detroit Lions
LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 283 lbs.
Class: Junior
If the acquisition of Za'Darius Smith indicates how Detroit wants to complement Aidan Hutchinson, then LT Overton is a good replacement for the veteran.
Overton is massive and wins with power and underrated quickness, but he's raw. I trust Detroit's staff to maximize his talent.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Cameron Williams, OT, Texas
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 335 lbs.
Class: Junior
The young duo of Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris failed, so another option is needed. Moving Suamataia inside can help their 2024 draft pick.
Meanwhile, Cameron Williams can be their more natural tackle project to take on. He's the most gifted athlete in the class at the position but will need refinement.
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