Mock Draft

10/9/24

13 min read

2025 NFL Mock Draft: Latest First-Round Predictions Entering Week 6

By Ian Valentino

NFL/NFL Draft Analyst
Oct 5, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) runs ball while defended by Texas Tech Red Raiders defender Macho Stevenson (12) during second quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Half of the NFL is making the 2025 NFL Draft a bigger priority. With five weeks down, we have a good idea of which teams are entering crisis mode and which have a shot at reaching the playoffs. Few teams will recover from a bad start.  

With six weeks firmly in the books on the college football side, it's clear which 2025 NFL Draft prospects are rising and which have fallen off the radar a bit. Our latest 2025 NFL mock draft reflects the best players in the nation and what we know is a need for each team. 

While we anticipate certain players ascending and others declining as the year unfolds, now is an ideal time to take a snapshot of this class's current state.

2025 NFL Mock Draft Entering Week 6

For this 2025 mock draft, we're using the most up-to-date order based on records after Monday Night Football. 

1. New England Patriots

Selections: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

The New England Patriots have a massive need for playmaking, but picking No. 1 in this class puts them in an uncomfortable position. The receivers available are better than the tackles on the board, so a slight reach for a good starting tackle over a potential All-Pro receiver doesn't make sense. 

Instead, the Patriots give Drake Maye an ideal top target. At 6-foot-5, 210 pounds, McMillan has been the most dominant offensive player in the 2025 class, not named Ashton Jeanty. 

2. Cincinnati Bengals

Selection: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee

Even with Tee Higgins headed for free agency, the Cincinnati Bengals can't lose focus on repairing the defense.

Ranked 27th in scoring, the only way to repair the unit is to add a star pass rusher. James Pearce Jr. fits the bill, boasting elite speed and contact balance. 

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

Selection: Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas

The best pure pass blocker in the class is Kelvin Banks. With Cam Robinson and Anton Harrison struggling to prove their value, Banks offers greater strength and superior mobility for his large build.

He's expected to reach at least Pro Bowl status in his career.

4. Cleveland Browns

Selection: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Fingers can be pointed all over in Cleveland, considering the poor play along the offensive line and drops from receivers. But it's unquestionable that the level of quarterback play they're getting isn't NFL-caliber. Cleveland can't continue to waste the careers of Myles Garrett, Nick Chubb, and others.

Colorado's Shedeur Sanders has separated himself from the pack as the top quarterback in the class. Giving Kevin Stefanski a mobile passer with a strong arm and great poise under pressure would transform the Browns' offense into a much healthier and more efficient attack. 

5. Los Angeles Rams

Selection: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Until we see evidence the Los Angeles Rams are willing to tear their offense down to the studs, we can only assume they'll favor a revamp over a rebuild.

Adding the 6-foot-2, 200-pound Will Johnson gives them their own version of Sauce Gardner. Johnson has been the nation's premier ballhawk, providing elite man coverage skills in the last few years. 

6. Carolina Panthers

Selection: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

Andy Dalton won't be the long-term answer in Carolina, but his success might be enough for the Carolina Panthers to convince themselves that another veteran can bridge the gap in 2025 and buy Bryce Young more time. 

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 Panthers would be wise to give their young offense an explosive jolt. 

7) Tennessee Titans

Selection: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

Barring a mid-season evolution, Will Levis does not appear to be a franchise quarterback for the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee coach Brian Callahan could craft a uniquely explosive offense around Jalen Milroe, the class' best deep-ball thrower and rusher.

Milroe can be an offensive hub with his elite traits and willingness to attack downfield. 

8. Miami Dolphins

Selection: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Barring another injury to Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins need trench help on both sides of the ball. The best option is Michigan's Mason Graham, who will be in the running for the top overall selection.

His pass-rushing prowess, awareness in the run game, and sheer explosiveness will make him a franchise stalwart for years. 

9. New York Jets

Selection: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

It's possible this is it for Aaron Rodgers, but until he's gone, the New York Jets must invest around him.

With hopes the Jets would also hire a real offensive coordinator who could maximize Garrett Wilson and this selection, Luther Burden III would legitimize this unit as one of the best young surrounding casts in the NFL. Burden offers rare creation after the catch and is versatile as a deep threat. 

10. Las Vegas Raiders

Selection: Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)

He's not perfect, but Cam Ward has rallied after a couple of rough starts in each of the last two games. With a sweet throwing motion that can deliver an accurate ball to any field level, Ward has the physical traits of being a franchise star.

His mental processing has improved in the last year, so there's reason to believe he can be a long-term answer in Vegas. 

11. Arizona Cardinals

Selection: Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas

Hitting on Marvin Harrison Jr. from this past draft class has paid off for Arizona, but more help is needed.

Isaiah Bond brings 4.2 speed to the table, making him a perfect complementary piece to Harrison and TE Trey McBride. Bond's quality route-running has also been a huge part of his early success with Texas. 

12. Indianapolis Colts

Selection: Malaki Starks, SAF, Georgia

From the instant Malaki Starks set foot on the field at Georgia, he has left an indelible impression. Demonstrating immense versatility, he excels in 1-on-1 coverage and naturally makes significant tackles, establishing himself as a formidable presence.

While it's become uncommon for safeties to be selected in the first round, Starks is worthy of being a unicorn at the position. The Indianapolis Colts' secondary has played well, but a superstar presence can take them to the next level. 

13. San Francisco 49ers

Selection: Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky

The San Francisco 49ers' defense hasn't been nearly as good this year, and that's because they lack a secondary trench star.

Defensive tackle Deone Walker, a 6-foot-6, 348-pounder, makes too much sense. Walker is unbelievable to watch because his agility and size combination have such an impact in the run-and-pass game.

14. 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.

Quinn Ewers had been outstanding before suffering an oblique strain, demonstrating enhanced footwork and reliability, even though he'd been working with a new set of teammates. He's unmatched as a pocket passer across the country, and his advanced performance when facing pressure is encouraging.

15. Philadelphia Eagles

Selection: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

The Philadelphia Eagles haven't seen the growth they've needed from Nolan Smith and Bryce Huff, so another option is needed.

Moving from linebacker to more of a pure edge defender this year, Abdul Carter has taken a massive leap in effectiveness in the last two weeks. An elite athlete at 6-foot-3, 259 pounds, Carter has two sacks and 12 total quarterback pressures in the span. 

16. New Orleans Saints

Selection: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

We'll see Will Campbell's name mentioned for the top pick because he's been such an efficient pass-blocker throughout his career. The powerful 6-foot-6, 323-pounder hasn't allowed a sack throughout his career but might be even better at guard due to concerns of 32-inch arm length.

At this point, the New Orleans Saints should be willing to invest heavily to replace Trevor Penning, who has still not proven consistent enough to start. 

17. Chicago Bears

Selection: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

A few weeks back, Shavon Revel Jr. experienced a significant setback with a torn ACL. However, looking on the bright side, this gives him additional recovery time and the opportunity to gear up for the 2025 season.

Renowned for being the class's most athletic cornerback, he also possesses the necessary ball skills to be an impact presence.

18. Green Bay Packers

Selection: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

After transferring from Oregon to Michigan State, Derrick Harmon became a pass-rushing force. He already has 25 quarterback hurries, proving to be incredibly disruptive.

Green Bay hasn't seen a significant impact from any of its interior linemen, so the 6-foot-5, 320-pounder can be the primary building block moving forward. 

19. Los Angeles Chargers

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.

Jim Harbaugh won't hold it against Egbuka that he played at Ohio State, as the Chargers search for a reliable star receiver. 

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

Selection: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

A first-round running back won't solve all of Pittsburgh's offensive issues, but we've hit the point where the talent difference between the available receivers and Ashton Jeanty is too large to ignore.

Jeanty has the speed, contact balance, and vision needed to be an All-Pro. Pairing him with Justin Fields and George Pickens is a promising foundation.  

21. Seattle Seahawks

Selection: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

The Seattle Seahawks have the 11th-best scoring offense in the league, but why not add to it?

Noah Fant hasn't been anything special throughout his career, so upgrading the position with a bigger threat makes sense. Colston Loveland is a good blocker and a terrific receiver in the mold of Brock Bowers. 

22. Denver Broncos

Selection: Tyleik Williams, IDL, Ohio State

A dominant presence at the point of attack, Tyleik Williams is unusually fast for a 320-pounder. When he's played, Williams has been the best player on a loaded Buckeyes roster.

The Denver Broncos would benefit from yet another pass-rushing option that would make life difficult for Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. 

23. Dallas Cowboys

Selection: Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State

The Dallas Cowboys' defense has fallen apart this season, so going with the best player available is wise. 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 Micah Parsons for years to come. 

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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. His stock could rise significantly as he gets back to 100 percent from an ankle injury. 

25) Buffalo Bills

Selection: Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma

Injuries have robbed Matt Milano of fulfilling his immense potential, and now Buffalo will need to consider bolstering a position that hasn't been nearly as steady without him.

Danny Stutsman is incredibly rangy and instinctive at 6-foot-3, 230 pounds. With his closing ability, size, and physicality, he could lead the NFL in tackles as a rookie.

26. Baltimore Ravens

Selection: Emery Jones Jr., OG, LSU

There's no reason for the Baltimore Ravens to force Daniel Faalele to play guard when he seems incredibly uncomfortable there. Through five weeks, he has given up eight pressures and committed three penalties.

Emery Jones is a more natural option who would enhance the Ravens' pass-blocking and run-blocking efforts. Jones has been great at right tackle for LSU, but a move inside should better utilize his quickness.

27. Atlanta Falcons

Selection: Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss

A bendy pass-rush specialist, Princely Umanmielen can directly address Atlanta's biggest roster weakness.

With 20 pressures and four sacks in five games played, Umanmielen has a pro-ready skill set and body. Falcons coach Raheem Morris will also appreciate that Umanmielen's run support has improved, totaling 13 run stops. 

28. Detroit Lions

Selection: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

After a slow start to the year, we're seeing more of what put Nic Scourton on our radar as a potential first-round defender. He's produced two sacks and 10 pressures in the last three games and has stepped up his run defense.

He's more of a project than a sure-fire star, but this class doesn't have the depth to keep him out of the top 32. 

29. Washington Commanders

Selection: Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss

The NFL's best storyline this year is easily the breakout of Jayden Daniels. He's been everything that Washington could've dreamed, and now it's time to go all-in around him.

Tre Harris has been the best receiver in the country who wasn't already projected in the first round before the fall, showing off tremendous creation ability after the catch for someone 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds. 

30. Houston Texans

Selection: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State

With the Houston Texans seeing positive results from rookies Calen Bullock and Kamari Lassiter, they are in a spot to take a bit of a luxury here.

Considering the injury issues at the position and Joe Mixon's age, taking Quinshon Judkins is the best way to help C.J. Stroud. Judkins can be Houston's version of Christian McCaffrey. 

31. Kansas City Chiefs

Selection: Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati

Now that Dontay Corleone has gotten past a scary incident where blood clots in his lungs were found this summer, he's been dominant for the Bearcats.

He ranks second among defensive tackles with 17 pressures, and he's done it in two fewer games than his peers. The Chiefs have run-stuffers; Corleone's ability to collapse the pocket is much harder to find. 

32. Minnesota Vikings

Selection: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

For as amazing as Brian Flores is, giving him guys with Pro Bowl potential will unlock more possibilities.

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.

Tags: 2025 NFL Draft, 2025 NFL Mock Draft, 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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