NFL Analysis
10/22/24
14 min read
2025 NFL Mock Draft: Latest First-Round Predictions Entering Week 8
We're nearing the halfway point of the 2024-25 NFL season. With seven weeks down and eight teams sitting with five losses already, the 2025 NFL Draft is becoming a hotter topic. Add in injuries, and team needs are becoming clearer as well.
After eight weeks of college football, it's evident which prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft are gaining attention and which ones are slipping. Our updated mock draft highlights the country's top players, along with each team's needs.
As we expect some players to rise and others to fall as the season progresses, now is the perfect moment to assess the current state of this draft class.
2025 NFL Mock Draft Entering Week 8
For this 2025 mock draft, we're using the most up-to-date order based on records after Monday Night Football.
James Pearce Jr. epic jump pic.twitter.com/GhppG2Q8NC
— Jordan Dajani (@JordanDajani) October 19, 2024
1. New England Patriots 
Selection: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
This is a strange draft in which there's not an obvious No. 1 pick despite some terrific talents. The New England Patriots desperately need tackle help, but passing on one of the elite receivers or James Pearce Jr. to reach this mediocre group doesn't make sense.
It's easier to find a great receiver later, whereas Pearce is someone who can be the face of this front seven for the next decade.
2. Cleveland Browns 
Selection: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The Cleveland Browns already needed to look at quarterbacks before Deshaun Watson's devastating Achilles injury. Now, it's even easier to justify taking someone else and sitting Watson until they can escape his historically bad contract.
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.
3. Carolina Panthers 
Selection: Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
There's more risk with Cam Ward than Sanders, but the Carolina Panthers have little choice here, barring a massive leap from Bryce Young.
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 over the last year, so there's reason to believe he can be a long-term answer in Carolina.
4. Tennessee Titans 
Selection: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
On the heels of seeing Jalen Milroe struggle dearly against the Volunteers, the last thing I'll do is project him to the pro team nearest to the university. In fact, I think Milroe's pro projection is a lot more concerning now than it has been recently. Instead of forcing a quarterback, the Tennessee Titans opt for a star.
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 Titans would be wise to give their young offense an explosive jolt.
Mason Graham’s block destruction never gets old. The Michigan star is just too explosive and violent to block. pic.twitter.com/5vTqEPqdAl
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) October 19, 2024
5. New Orleans Saints 
Selection: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
After a hot start, pretty much everything has gone wrong for the New Orleans Saints. The best option here 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.
6. Jacksonville Jaguars 
Selection: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Jacksonville Jaguars could look for a tackle or impact receiver, but the defensive backfield has the chance to add a building block.
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Will Johnson gives the Jaguars their own version of Sauce Gardner. Johnson has been the nation's premier ballhawk, providing elite man coverage skills over the last few years.
7. Las Vegas Raiders 
Selection: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Continuing to project quarterbacks to the Las Vegas Raiders makes sense, but it's boring. Instead, maybe the Raiders snag Sam Darnold or trade for a veteran and take someone in Round 2.
With Davante Adams gone, Luther Burden III can be the new focal point of a lacking supporting cast. Burden offers rare creation after the catch and is versatile as a deep threat.
8. New York Giants 
Selection: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
This seems rich and especially strange since the New York Giants were the last team to reach for a running back when they needed a quarterback.
However, the dream of pairing Arch Manning and the Giants in 2026 can live on with this scenario, and Ashton Jeanty is even better than what Saquon Barkley was hyped to be. Jeanty has the speed, contact balance, and vision needed to be an All-Pro.
🦆One of biggest risers in '25 #NFL draft so far is Oregon DT Derrick Harmon (2i-tech over RG).
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) October 15, 2024
Michigan St. transfer dropped significant weight in offseason and is playing like different guy this year.@DerrickHarmon20 stepped up huge last week with Jordan Burch out vs. OSU.… https://t.co/S55AgfzMJo pic.twitter.com/hWrrmnzRPp
9. Miami Dolphins 
Selection: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
The Miami Dolphins have an old, expensive roster that isn't good or deep. Injuries have complicated their long-term outlook even more, so finding a cost-controlled impact defender can help tremendously.
Derrick Harmon is one of the most disruptive presences in the class and gives a Christian Wilkins-type impact.
10. New York Jets 
Selection: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
There haven't been many better players across the nation than Abdul Carter in the last three games.
An elite athlete at 6-foot-3, 259 pounds, Carter has three sacks and 16 total QB pressures in that span. He's comfortably the second-best edge rusher in the class as of today.
11. Los Angeles Rams 
Selection: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Everything about this season has played out poorly for the Los Angeles Rams. There's no fast-tracking a rebuild, so going for elite talent will help the most. There's no way the Rams can count on the health of Cooper Kupp and even Puka Nacua going into 2025.
At 6-foot-5, 210 pounds, Tetairoa McMillan has been the most dominant offensive player in the 2025 class, not named Ashton Jeanty. He and Nacua can hopefully be the future of this offense.
12. Cincinnati Bengals 
Selection: Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
The Cincinnati Bengals are one of the best teams in the league at addressing needs in the draft. Landon Jackson quietly started the year but has ramped up his production in the last month against SEC competition.
With 17 quarterback pressures and two sacks during the last four games, the 6-foot-6, 280-pound edge-rusher has the athleticism and production of a first-round pick. He has all of the tools needed to replace Trey Hendrickson.
13. Arizona Cardinals 
Selection: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
Teams love moldable talent, and Nic Scourton has tons of it. The 6-foot-4, 285-pounder can line up at multiple spots and have an athletic advantage.
His pass rush is still not where it needs to be to hit the ground running immediately, but there are signs of improvement for the freak athlete. The Arizona Cardinals can be patient and benefit from Scourton hitting his stride with better coaching and more experience.
Mykel Williams beats Kelvin Banks off the edge to strip sack Ewers pic.twitter.com/cP6rhGFOdk
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) October 20, 2024
14. San Francisco 49ers 
Selection: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
An ankle injury kept Mykel Williams on the sideline for the majority of the season until Week 8. The 6-foot-5, 265-pounder has top-tier strength, speed, and flexibility through contact.
Finally healthy, Williams logged four pressures and two sacks against Texas' top tackle duo. Pairing him with Nick Bosa is a scary proposition for NFC West foes.
He snapped the ball, and he caught the TD 😱@PennStateFball TE Tyler Warren's 11th reception of the game is must-see stuff. #B1GFootball on CBS 📺 pic.twitter.com/BtSRdKuntY
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) October 12, 2024
15. Los Angeles Chargers 
Selection: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
An explosive, multi-talented athlete who has transformed the Penn State offense, Tyler Warren is the type of weapon that Jim Harbaugh will love.
The Los Angeles Chargers need playmaking wherever they can get it, and Warren's a mismatch option unlike any other in the class. He's not as refined as Brock Bowers, but he has a similar level of presence.
16. Dallas Cowboys 
Selection: Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
There's no question that the Dallas Cowboys need a star partner next to CeeDee Lamb. Isaiah Bond brings 4.2 speed, and the Cowboys' offense completely lacks a game-breaker who can create easy yards.
Bond's quality route-running has also been a huge part of his success with Alabama and Texas.
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 
Selection: Tacario Davis, CB, Arizona
Todd Bowles looks for specific physiques in his cornerbacks. Consider the dimensions of Jamel Dean and the size of former Buccaneer Carlton Davis. Bowles prefers cornerbacks capable of physically challenging receivers at the line of scrimmage and excelling in 1-on-1 situations.
In this draft class, there may not be a cornerback that fits this profile better than Tacario Davis from Arizona. The 6-foot-4 corner has allowed only 48.7 percent of targets to be completed and 51 yards after the catch through seven games.
18. Philadelphia Eagles 
Selection: Malaki Starks, SAF, Georgia
Beyond the inevitable Georgia-to-Philadelphia pipeline that's well-established now, this is a fit that works for the Philadelphia Eagles and Malaki Starks.
The Eagles need to continue their youth movement as they seek out more playmaking, and Starks is a rare safety prospect. His range and football IQ are undeniable.
19. Seattle Seahawks 
Selection: Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas
Kelvin Banks is the best pure pass blocker in the class. With Abraham Lucas' availability a concern, Seattle may need to consider a more reliable option.
Banks offers greater strength and superior mobility for his large build. He's expected to reach at least Pro Bowl status in his career.
20. Indianapolis Colts 
Selection: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
The Indianapolis Colts are relying on an unheralded cornerback group that still needs more standout talent.
While Shavon Revel Jr. is recovering from a torn ACL, he's the class's most athletic cornerback. Add in also possesses the necessary ball skills to be an impact presence, and Revel can transform the defensive back room in Indianapolis.
21. Denver Broncos 
Selection: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
If the Denver Broncos are ever going to get Bo Nix playing more like the quarterback they'll need him to be, he'll need better weapons.
Emeka Egbuka's blend of size and build makes for an ideal option in Sean Payton's offense. Standing 6 feet and 205 pounds but fast enough to rip off explosive plays, Egbuka can be the future of Denver's passing game.
22. Atlanta Falcons 
Selection: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
Despite adding Matthew Judon, the Atlanta Falcons' pass rush is still not good enough. Atlanta, with Kirk Cousins at quarterback and several veterans on their defense, should be chasing after rookies who can play right away.
Donovan Ezeiruaku is putting up a career season in 2024, already totaling 30 pressures and 26 run stops. His hand usage and burst give him the chance to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
23. Chicago Bears 
Selection: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Able to play guard or tackle, Will Campbell offers versatility and a high floor at multiple positions. The powerful 6-foot-6, 323-pounder hasn't allowed a sack throughout his career.
Whether the Chicago Bears want to upgrade Braxton Jones at left tackle or insert Campbell at right guard, protecting Caleb Williams is worth the cost of spending another first-round pick on a blocker.
24. Baltimore Ravens 
Selection: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
Able to play on the interior as a tackle or slide out to the edge, LT Overton has a Calais Campbell-esque level of versatility and speed for his size. The 6-foot-4, 280-pounder has been a big riser this year as he's morphed into Alabama's best defender.
The Baltimore Ravens love Alabama players because they can play a role early, and Overton is a good enough pass-rusher to impact a Super Bowl-caliber roster.
25. Buffalo Bills 
Selection: Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
Giving Sean McDermott an athletic freak to pair next to Ed Oliver would help create new looks. Defensive tackle Deone Walker stands at 6 feet 6 inches and weighs 348 pounds, making him a compelling choice at this stage in the draft.
Watching Walker play is impressive; his combination of agility and size significantly influences both the running and passing games.
Shemar Stewart is climbing draft boards because of raw ability like he showed on this play.
— Drewtamu (@Drewtamu) October 20, 2024
Major credit to Van Buren who got the ball out for a first down. He’s special. pic.twitter.com/lhocrnKFVe
26. Washington Commanders 
Selection: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
After projecting an offensive playmaker to the Washington Commanders in recent mocks, it's time to shift attention to the defensive side.
Needing pass-rush help, Washington can grab Shemar Stewart, who is trending up with his recent play. The 6-foot-6, 290-pounder is only 20 years old but has produced 16 pressures against four SEC foes and Notre Dame. He has the foundation to become a terrific two-way defender.
27. Pittsburgh Steelers 
Selection: Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
Even with the Pittsburgh Steelers benching Justin Fields for Russell Wilson, adding playmaking is the priority here. Tre Harris has emerged as the top receiver in the nation who wasn't initially forecasted to be a first-round pick before the fall.
He showcases impressive skills in creating plays after the catch, especially considering his size at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds.
28. Green Bay Packers 
Selection: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
The defensive tackle run continues, as the position is absolutely loaded in this class. Walter Nolen's quickness is the best in class, and that defines who he is as a pass-rusher. Nolen has tortured South Carolina and LSU over the last two weeks, totaling 13 pressures and two sacks.
Considering Preston Smith is a free agent this offseason, and Kenny Clark is getting older, Nolen can be next up.
29. Houston Texans 
Selection: Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati
Following a concerning episode this summer, blood clots were discovered in his lungs. Dontay Corleone has since been a standout player for the Bearcats.
He's turning in a career-best season as a disruptor after being a dominant two-gapper in his first two seasons. The Houston Texans have a ton of talent, but they could use a young interior defender who can collapse the pocket.
30. Minnesota Vikings 
Selection: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
More talent is needed across this Minnesota Vikings defense for it to hit its true peak. Tyleik Williams is unusually fast for a 320-pounder, penetrating into the backfield and creating havoc each week.
Instead of handing Brian Flores the scraps of other teams, Williams can be someone who becomes a featured star in time.
31. Detroit Lions 
Selection: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
There's not a ton that the Detroit Lions need, but their outside cornerback position lacks star power.
Benjamin Morrison has excellent physicality and ball skills. He led the nation in interceptions in 2022 and then with 10 passes defended in 2023. He's recovering from a torn ACL, so Detroit gets some value.
32. Kansas City Chiefs 
Selection: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Travis Kelce is 35 and has only 245 yards this season, so it's clear the end is coming sooner than later for the future Hall of Famer.
With the position such a massive part of Andy Reid's offense, Colston Loveland is a natural heir to the throne. The 6-foot-6, 245-pounder plays similarly to Kelce, so there's reason to believe he can produce early in his career.
