Mock Draft

9/25/24

14 min read

2025 NFL Mock Draft: Latest First-Round Predictions Entering Week 4

By Ian Valentino

NFL/NFL Draft Analyst
Sep 14, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) throws a pass during warmups prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

If your team had a slower start than expected during the first three weeks, you might find our latest 2025 NFL mock draft interesting. Whether you're feeling disappointed in your team's performance or just eager to track emerging talents in college football, we've got you covered. 

We've meticulously analyzed games at the professional and collegiate levels to provide updated evaluations.

Based on what we understand about each team's needs and how individual players are performing, we've crafted this first-round mock draft to create ideal matches. Although we expect to see some players rise and others fall as the year progresses, now is an opportune moment to capture an overview of how this class is shaping up.

2025 NFL Mock Draft Entering Week 4

For this 2025 mock draft, we used the reverse order of Super Bowl odds from FanDuel Sportsbook. 

1. Carolina Panthers

Selection: Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)

Well, if Andy Dalton's 2024 debut showed us anything, it's that the Carolina Panthers were being held back, at least to some degree, by Bryce Young. Giving up on Young already is painful, but it's hard to see a path for him to become an impactful starter. Several of the top 2025 quarterbacks have much better physical skill sets to work with.

Some weak opponents have boosted Cam Ward's ascension in his first month at Miami, but he's shown enough growth across the board to believe he's taken a big leap in development. He's the smoothest passer in the class to all three levels and has the mobility to become a star.

>> READ MORE: How High Can Ward Climb?

2. Denver Broncos

Selection: Travis Hunter, WR, Colorado

Travis Hunter can play cornerback or wide receiver at a high level, but the NFL values the receiver position more based on veteran salaries.

Hunter will affect more plays on offense, so the Denver Broncos would be wise to give their young offense an explosive jolt. He brings great quickness, elite hands and focus, and versatility. It's impossible to deny how cool it would be to keep Hunter within the state.  

3. New York Giants

Selection: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

Whether the current management remains or not, the New York Giants have to land a new quarterback. In his first two games this season, Quinn Ewers has been outstanding, demonstrating enhanced footwork and reliability even though he's working with a completely new set of teammates.

He's unmatched as a pocket passer across the country, and his advanced performance when facing pressure is encouraging.

4. New England Patriots

Selection: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

Luther Burden III is perfectly built to thrive in today's yards-after-the-catch offenses. The New England Patriots have some intriguing young players at receiver but lack a clear No. 1.

Burden is all that and more, comparing favorably to Ja'Marr Chase. As badly as the Patriots need offensive line help, it'd be easier to land a solid blocker in Round 2 than an elite playmaker. 

5. Tennessee Titans

Selection: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

The Will Levis experience has been ugly thus far, and if the next three months continue the trend, a change is coming next spring.

Colorado's Shedeur Sanders is a lightning rod for criticism, but his talent is worthy of being a top pick. His strong arm, poise under pressure, and linear development throughout college all point toward him becoming a good NFL quarterback.

6. Washington Commanders

Selection: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

The Washington Commanders did not provide Jayden Daniels with elite weapons this offseason. It's crucial to replace older, underperforming athletes like Jamison Crowder, Zach Ertz, and Austin Ekeler.

Bringing in Tetairoa McMillan, who stands 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, would offer Daniels a comparable star to former LSU teammate Brian Thomas Jr. McMillan would surely help ease the burden on the young quarterback.

7. Las Vegas Raiders

Selection: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

A more traditional pocket-passing option like Carson Beck or Garrett Nussmeier would be worthy of this pick, but the situation the Las Vegas Raiders are in will require a big swing.

Being set to face Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert for the next decade means they need a fellow alien at quarterback to win. Jalen Milroe has that potential, possessing elite rushing and deep passing abilities. 

8. Los Angeles Rams

Selection: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Will Johnson is the nation's premier ballhawk while providing elite man coverage skills. He's my top overall player, and he reinforced that with a pick-six against USC this past weekend.

The Los Angeles Rams, with a bleeding secondary, desperately need a Jalen Ramsey-type of presence. 

9. Indianapolis Colts

Selection: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Finding disruptive playmakers on the defensive interior is one of the most difficult tasks for NFL general managers. The 2025 class is filled with projected impactful pass-rushers, but Michigan's Mason Graham stands out as the best defensive tackle of the group.

Adding Graham to the NFL's second-worst run defense would significantly boost the unit. 

10. Chicago Bears

Selection: Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas

Despite the excitement surrounding them entering the season, the Chicago Bears are learning that blocking still matters. The offensive line has been a significant worry for the long run and hasn't improved as weeks have progressed. 

Kelvin Banks would be a better choice than Braxton Jones for the left tackle position. While Jones is adequate, he's more of a temporary solution. Banks, on the other hand, offers greater strength and superior mobility for his large build, and he's expected to reach at least Pro Bowl status in his career.

11. Arizona Cardinals

Selection: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee

Getting an elite pass-rush prospect this late is rare, but the need for quarterbacks across the league helps the Arizona Cardinals in this mock.

James Pearce Jr.'s tremendous speed and balance through contact allow him to be the face of a defensive revamp. Finally, Jonathan Gannon can get someone to build around. 

12. Jacksonville Jaguars

Selection: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

Shavon Revel Jr. suffered a torn ACL last week, which is a huge bummer. However, the positive spin here is he has more time to recover and prepare for the 2025 season.

He's the most athletic cornerback in the class and has the ball skills needed to be this year's Quinyon Mitchell.

13. Atlanta Falcons

Selection: Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas

Isaiah Bond has quickly established a rapport with Ewers at Texas. With his speed under 4.3, exceptional ability to make plays with the ball, and more precise route-running than Xavier Worthy, Bond stands out. 

Outside of its main trio — Kyle Pitts, Bijan Robinson, and Drake London — Atlanta needs playmakers. Bond could be a valuable addition, providing a threat that can stretch the defense.

14. Cleveland Browns

Selection: Carson Beck, QB, Georgia

There's a lot going wrong in Cleveland, including a league-worst PFF pass-blocking grade. What's unavoidable and a bigger problem in the long term, though, is that Deshaun Watson's on-field mindset no longer includes attacking downfield opportunities, and his body seems incapable of executing a quality offense.

Giving Kevin Stefanski someone like Carson Beck, who can get rid of the ball in rhythm and with accuracy, can put the Browns into the playoffs quickly.

15. Los Angeles Chargers

Selection: Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky

Although the Los Angeles Chargers have the third-best scoring defense thus far, Jim Harbaugh will continue to dump resources into adding trench talent. Deone Walker, a 6-foot-6, 348-pounder who can play at end or tackle, makes too much sense.

Walker is unbelievable to watch because his agility and size combination has such an impact in the run-and-pass game.

16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Selection: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

With few needs along the offense, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have to find some defensive playmakers.

Benjamin Morrison has excellent physicality and ball skills and would be a CB1 in most classes. He led the nation in interceptions in 2022 and then with 10 passes defensed in 2023.

17. Seattle Seahawks

Selection: Will Campbell, OL, LSU

A very good left tackle currently, the Seattle Seahawks could take their offensive line to the next level for Geno Smith by taking Will Campbell.

The powerful 6-foot-6, 323-pounder hasn't allowed a sack throughout his career but might be even better at guard due to balance in space concerns. He'd also be excellent insurance at right tackle if Abraham Lucas struggles with injuries. 

18. Miami Dolphins

Selection: Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona

The Miami Dolphins offense has cratered without Tua Tagovailoa, so the fix is pretty straightforward. Miami has to improve in the trenches.

Whether replacing one of Terron Armstead or Austin Jackson or moving inside to guard, Jonah Savaiinaea would immediately give Miami an athletic 330-pounder to reshape its line with. 

19. Minnesota Vikings

Selection: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State

Big, fast, and physical, Denzel Burke is comfortable in zone and man assignments alike. His experience at Ohio State makes him a fairly easy projection into a varied scheme.

Brian Flores throws out a lot of looks, so Burke would be a solid addition who can contribute on Day 1.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

Selection: Tai Felton, WR, Maryland

Tai Felton is this season's biggest riser at receiver. The 6-foot-2, 180-pounder has raced out to 604 yards and five touchdowns in four games, showing off tremendous ball skills and downfield speed.

His growth from a gadget player who won on screens to a reliable big-play threat has changed his NFL outlook. Pittsburgh desperately needs an infusion of playmaking, so pairing him with George Pickens and Justin Fields makes sense.

21. New Orleans Saints

Selection: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

Mykel Williams hasn't produced the numbers we'd expect for someone of his talent, but there comes a certain point where a team will bank on development.

The 6-foot-5, 265-pounder has top-tier strength, speed, and flexibility through contact. He can be the latest edge project for the New Orleans Saints to roll the dice on.

22. Green Bay Packers

Selection: Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville

Despite the Green Bay Packers' numerous injuries, this season has reinforced how well-coached and built the roster is.

The main eyesore right now is at cornerback, where they lack playmaking and versatility. The 6-foot, 195-pounder can play inside or outside, showing great acceleration and ball skills.

23. Cincinnati Bengals

Selection: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

The sooner Cincinnati adjusts its offensive identity to be less reliant on Joe Burrow making aggressive throws, the healthier this team will look.

Ranked 31st in rushing yards, it's clear adding an impact back is needed. Ashton Jeanty has the speed, contact balance, and vision needed to be an All-Pro. 

24. Dallas Cowboys

Selection: Tyleik Williams, IDL, Ohio State

A dominant presence at the point of attack, Tyleik Williams is unusually fast for a 320-pounder.

He tossed blockers around through Ohio State's first two games and was sorely missed in their third. Williams could be this year's version of 2024 first-rounder Byron Murphy as a big-time riser. 

25. New York Jets

Selection: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

There's no receiver in this range with Emeka Egbuka's blend of size and build. He's 6 feet and 205 pounds but fast enough to rip off explosive plays.

Reuniting him with Garrett Wilson would give the New York Jets passing game a needed boost of versatility and reliability. 

26. Baltimore Ravens

Selection: Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss

Princely Umanmielen might've been a first-round pick in 2024 had he entered the draft, so transferring to Ole Miss was a surprise.

The speedy, bendy pass-rusher fits the mold of athletic types Baltimore has added in the last decade. He might finally be the guy who lands sacks instead of generating pressures. 

27. Philadelphia Eagles

Selection: Malaki Starks, SAF, Georgia

From the moment he stepped onto the field in Georgia, Malaki Starks made his mark. He's showcased a boundless range as a profound force, the versatility to excel in man-to-man coverage, and a knack for delivering impactful hits. 

While it's become uncommon for safeties to be selected in the first round, Starks possesses the potential to be drafted significantly higher than this. Philadelphia loves Georgia defenders, but it makes sense from a roster-building standpoint to add a ballhawk to the unit. 

>> READ MORE: What Makes Starks So Special

28. Detroit Lions

Selection: Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State

A fierce run defender who is coming into his own as a pass-rusher, Jack Sawyer has the tools to be a Day 1 impact presence on a Super Bowl contender.

Sawyer's blend of strength and closing speed would complement Aidan Hutchinson in a way that no one else has. This is also close to where the defensive end talent drop comes, so this is a good value for the Detroit Lions.

29. Houston Texans

Selection: Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma

Leave it to DeMeco Ryans to add the lone linebacker in the first round. The Houston Texans are relatively set on offense, but their linebacker corps is weak.

Danny Stutsman is incredibly rangy and instinctive at 6-foot-3, 230 pounds. He could lead the NFL in tackles as a rookie on this defense.

30. Buffalo Bills

Selection: Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon

Buffalo has done well to overcome the lack of star power at receiver thus far, but it's not a position the team will overlook on purpose.

Evan Stewart will be dwarfed next to Keon Coleman, but the 5-foot-11, 170-pounder has the speed and movement ability to be a tremendous route runner. The Bills must continue giving Josh Allen weapons. 

31. San Francisco 49ers

Selection: Tacario Davis, CB, Arizona

Some may consider Tacario Davis, at 6 feet 4 inches, better suited as a safety or a large slot player. However, there's no need to alter his current role.

Davis stands out as a force on the field, overwhelming opponents with his exceptional reach and rapid closing ability as a cornerback. San Francisco's pass defense has disappointed, so Davis could be a piece who helps get the unit back to being among the league's best.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Selection: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

After transferring to Oregon to Michigan State, Derrick Harmon somehow became a pass-rushing force.

He already has 14 quarterback hurries, proving to be incredibly disruptive. Putting the 6-foot-5, 320-pounder next to Chris Jones would keep the Kansas City Chiefs' defense operating at an elite level. 

Tags: 2025 NFL Draft

Ian Valentino

NFL/NFL Draft Analyst

Ian Valentino is an NFL and NFL draft contributor for The 33rd Team. He has covered all aspects of the NFL since 2013. He's previously provided scouting services to the NFL, XFL and CFL. He also has written for Bleacher Report, Complex Sports and Pro Football Network.

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