Mock Draft
4/3/25
18 min read
2025 NFL Mock Draft: Quarterbacks Fall, Defensive Linemen Dominate Round 1
The 2025 NFL Draft is this month, and free agency has basically reached its end. Team needs are mostly set, and many of the top prospects have some form of athletic testing through their pro day or the 2025 NFL Combine.
With that in mind, we've decided to predict how the first round could play out at the end of this month.
2025 NFL Mock Draft
1. TENNESSEE TITANS
Selection: QB Cam Ward, Miami
Tennessee is either set on taking Cam Ward or doing a masterful job disguising its intentions.
Ward is the only quarterback available with any short-term or long-term potential, so the choice is clear. He’ll need to reel in some of the reckless tendencies that cost Will Levis his starting job, but Ward has a dynamic arm and rare playmaking instincts.
While the out-of-structure plays are exciting, Ward’s most impressive tape comes from within the pocket, where his anticipation is on full display.
2. CLEVELAND BROWNS
Selection: EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State
Browns general manager Andrew Berry recently said he wasn’t worried about Abdul Carter’s stress reaction in his foot, and with those injury concerns gone, this is a fairly easy selection.
I would be tempted to take Travis Hunter, but I don’t think there’s a wrong answer when choosing between Hunter and Carter. Game-planning to stop Myles Garrett is already a massive challenge, but with Carter lined up across from him, offensive coordinators will have to be careful how many resources they devote to one side.
3. NEW YORK GIANTS
Selection: CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
Quarterback desperation might win out in the end, but I would have a hard time taking Shedeur Sanders over a blue-chip player like Travis Hunter.
We’ve never seen a prospect like Hunter – he’s the best receiver and cornerback in this class, and he’d most likely win the Giants more games next year than anyone else who’s available. Pairing his skill set with Malik Nabers would give New York one of the most dynamic receiver duos in the NFL.
He could also replace Deonte Banks if he continues to struggle.
4. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Selection: OT Armand Membou, Missouri
If Armand Membou had any experience at left tackle, this would be one of the easiest picks in the entire draft. Membou is the best offensive lineman in the class, but in his 2.5 years as a starter, all of his snaps have been at right tackle.
His private workout will be critical to determine if he’s comfortable switching sides, but in this scenario, he is, and New England secures their franchise left tackle.
5. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Selection: G Will Campbell, LSU
The Jaguars did a great job of plugging holes in free agency to give themselves the flexibility to take a “best player available” approach in the draft.
While guard isn’t an immediate glaring need, Campbell is a long-term building block who would be one of Jacksonville’s five best offensive linemen. I question his upside at tackle, but I’d certainly give him a chance to compete for the left tackle spot, given the importance of the position.
6. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
Selection: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
Jihaad Campbell is one of the best athletes in this class, but he’s far from a project. He’s a prototypical three-down linebacker with pass-rushing versatility and impressive coverage instincts for his age.
If he continues to develop his processing skills in the run game, Campbell has All-Pro upside. This pick gives Patrick Graham a movable chess piece and a clear upgrade to Devin White and Elandon Roberts.
7. NEW YORK JETS
Selection: DL Mason Graham, Michigan
The primary cause of New York’s defensive regression and overall disappointing season was the downfall of their defensive line. Trying to replace John Franklin-Myers and Quinton Jefferson with Javon Kinlaw and Leki Fotu ended up being a huge mistake, but adding Mason Graham would help this unit return to 2023 form.
Graham won’t be for everyone, as he lacks ideal length to free himself from contact and transition to counters when he gets tied up. But his ability to generate quick pass-rushing wins would synergize with a pocket-pusher like Quinnen Williams.
8. CAROLINA PANTHERS
Selection: EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia
Stacking the first-round edge rushers after Abdul Carter is a challenge, but I think the NFL will be a lot higher on Mykel Williams than people expect.
He has a long, athletic frame and is already an outstanding run defender. While he is a developmental pass rusher, he’s a lot more technically advanced than Shemar Stewart (low bar) and played the entire 2024 season on a sprained ankle. There’s reason to be optimistic that Williams’ best football is ahead of him.
9. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Selection: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
New Orleans’ roster is bereft of young building blocks, having struck out on many of their recent draft picks.
Taking Tyler Warren, who is one of the safest players in the class, is a great way to end their cold streak. Warren is dominant at the catch point and has an enticing upside as an inline blocker.
10. CHICAGO BEARS
Selection: HB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
After rebuilding their interior offensive line through trades and free agency, Chicago’s offensive roster is almost complete. An elite running back like Ashton Jeanty would elevate this offense and take some pressure off of Caleb Williams.
Aside from occasional fumbles, it’s hard to poke too many holes in Jeanty’s game. He has elite vision and contact balance and proved his ability as a third down back in 2023, leading all FBS backs in receiving yards.
11. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Selection: EDGE Jalon Walker, Georgia
The 49ers select Jalon Walker, who split time between edge and off-ball linebacker in Georgia’s defense but projects as a stand-up edge in the NFL. Walker is explosive and flexible with elite pursuit speed and is nearly impossible to evade as a quarterback spy.
For a smaller player with a sawed-off frame, he’s very effective at converting speed to power and displacing tackles with a long arm. Walker is a dynamic weapon on the field, but NFL teams will also value his leadership and football character.
12. DALLAS COWBOYS
Selection: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
Dallas’ offense became too one-dimensional last season, as CeeDee Lamb was its only dynamic weapon worth featuring. Tetairoa McMillan has rare ball skills and can produce as a jump-ball winner, but he significantly improved his route running and YAC ability in 2024.
He gives Dak Prescott an easy outlet when defenses roll the coverage in Lamb’s direction.
13. MIAMI DOLPHINS
Selection: CB Will Johnson, Michigan
This isn’t a great year to need a cornerback, but Miami’s defensive backfield is thin. Will Johnson is a gambler with some volatile coverage tape, but he generates turnovers and is instinctive in zone coverage.
Johnson has All-Pro potential if he can learn to take smart, calculated risks instead of recklessly hunting big plays.
14. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Selection: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
The Colts take the second tight end off the board, but they aren’t settling or reaching. Colston Loveland would be TE1 in most draft classes, and there are certain aspects of his game that are superior to Tyler Warren.
Loveland is a three-level separator with seam-stretching speed and rare fluidity as an intermediate route runner. He has more advanced footwork and technical nuance than some receivers in this class. With Loveland, Downs, Pierce, Pittman, and Mitchell, Indianapolis would have an extremely versatile group of pass catchers that can threaten every level of the field.
15. ATLANTA FALCONS
Selection: EDGE Mike Green, Marshall
The Falcons take an edge rusher in the first round for the first time since 2015, selecting Marshall’s Mike Green. Green is a natural pass rusher with a dangerous blend of technique and athleticism.
He has exceptional bend and explosiveness and ran the fastest 3-cone of any edge in this class at Marshall’s pro day (6.85). However, he also has skilled hands and a deep bag of primary moves and counters to keep blockers guessing.
Green will provide an immediate boost to Atlanta’s pass rush, which ranked 30th in the NFL in pressure rate last year.
16. ARIZONA CARDINALS
Selection: CB Jahdae Barron, Texas
The Cardinals select Jahdae Barron, a versatile defensive back with experience at safety, slot, and outside corner. Garrett Williams had a breakout season in 2024 and is locked in as the nickel of the future, but Barron could fill any other spot in the defensive backfield.
He recorded nine pass breakups and five interceptions last year and has incredible composure and precision at the catch point to separate the ball from the receiver.
17. CINCINNATI BENGALS
Selection: DL Derrick Harmon, Oregon
Last year, the Bengals couldn’t stop the run and couldn’t generate an interior pass rush, so investing in defensive tackle is critical. Derrick Harmon is a big, long, and explosive three-technique who will provide a positive impact in both phases.
He holds his ground in the run game and has violent hands to discard single blocks. He has an effective bull rush and good quickness to attack the edge of the block as a speed rusher. He is disruptive but is an inconsistent finisher who lacks the flexibility to break down and secure tackles in the backfield.
18. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Selection: G Tyler Booker, Alabama
Seattle’s interior pass protection is a massive problem, and Tyler Booker is a massive solution. Booker is the most physically dominant blocker in this class, and most reps end up with his opponent on the ground.
At 348 pounds (playing weight), Booker has almost 35-inch arms, and his anchor is essentially bulletproof. He strikes with heavy hands as a pass blocker and erases the defender’s upfield momentum on contact.
19. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Selection: EDGE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
Tampa Bay takes a gamble on Shemar Stewart, who is arguably the most athletic edge prospect since Myles Garrett. Stewart is powerful, explosive, and flexible but isn’t a skilled or instinctive pass rusher yet.
His production was deflated by his run-first role within Texas A&M’s scheme, but when he did get 1-on-1 opportunities to rush the passer, he showed that he’s a long way from being able to compete with NFL tackles.
20. DENVER BRONCOS
Selection: WR Matthew Golden, Texas
Denver gets Bo Nix another weapon, selecting Texas receiver Matthew Golden. Golden is a skilled route runner with crisp footwork who separates consistently against man coverage.
He has reliable hands and outstanding ball-tracking skills to secure the catch through traffic. He ran a 4.29 in the 40-yard dash, but his speed seemed closer to above average on tape.
21. PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Selection: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Shedeur Sanders’ fall ends here, as the Steelers take a swing at a potential franchise quarterback. Sanders is tough, smart, and accurate and has a good chance to develop into a quality starter.
However, I’m not sure he has the arm talent or athletic traits to be much more than that, and his pocket presence is extremely concerning.
22. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Selection: DL Kenneth Grant, Michigan
The Chargers have had a persistent need at defensive tackle for the last decade but haven’t addressed the position in the first round since taking Jerry Tillery in 2019. Kenneth Grant has a rare blend of size and athleticism and has the potential to be a dominant force in both phases.
His bull rush is overwhelming when he plays with low pads, and he has the lateral quickness to cross his opponent’s face with a club or swipe. He still needs to improve his footwork when taking on double teams, and it was surprisingly easy to move out of the A-gap.
23. GREEN BAY PACKERS
Selection: DL Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
With Kenny Clark regressing and Devonte Wyatt unable to lock down a full-time role, defensive tackle is an underrated need for the Packers. Walter Nolen is a disruptive three-technique who had a breakout season in 2024, recording 35 pressures and leading the SEC with 26 run stops.
He has heavy hands and flashes a coordinated pass-rushing plan, but he needs to play with more precision and control. Nolen is an ascending talent and will be a productive NFL player if he continues to develop his technique.
24. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Selection: SAF Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
Nick Emmanwori is a Swiss army knife who can plug into any spot on the back-seven and is essentially immune to mismatches. He’s the perfect safety for Brian Flores’ disguise and rotation-heavy defensive scheme because there’s nowhere on the field that Flores could send him where he’d be out of place.
He has the range to defend the sidelines as a deep safety. He can play press-man on tight ends and slot receivers. He can drive on in-breaking routes as a robber, shed blocks, and fit the run like a linebacker.
Emmanwori’s skill set gives a creative defensive coordinator like Flores so much flexibility when designing coverages because he never has to worry about giving him an assignment or role that he can’t execute.
25. HOUSTON TEXANS
Selection: OL Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
The Texans began the offseason needing to improve the interior offensive line, and after trading Laremy Tunsil to Washington, they now also need a new franchise left tackle.
Kelvin Banks has three years and more than 2,700 snaps of experience at left tackle, but guard could end up being his best position in the NFL.
Regardless of where he ends up, he fills a need and brings Houston one step closer to having adequate pass protection for C.J. Stroud. Banks is explosive, powerful, and technically advanced, but needs to significantly improve his balance in the run game.
26. LOS ANGELES RAMS
Selection: CB Trey Amos, Ole Miss
The Rams take Trey Amos, a long press cornerback who led the SEC with 10 pass breakups in 2024.
Amos has phenomenal instincts in zone/match coverage. He shows the ability to read route combinations and peel off of his initial assignment to play the ball. He’s somewhat rigid moving laterally but has good straight-line speed.
27. BALTIMORE RAVENS
Selection: G Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
A college left tackle, Grey Zabel, is being projected by most to move to center, but in this scenario, Baltimore selects him as a Daniel Faalele replacement at guard.
Zabel dominated FCS competition and is a mauling run blocker with scheme versatility. He wasn’t challenged by the pass rushers he faced, but his Senior Bowl performance erased any concerns over his competition level.
28. DETROIT LIONS
Selection: EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
Detroit needs a capable edge rusher to play opposite Aidan Hutchinson, and Donovan Ezeiruaku is the best one available. Ezeiruaku is a flexible speed rusher with long arms and very good hand usage.
He was one of the most productive edge defenders in college football last year, leading the Power-4 in both sacks (16.5) and run stops (30).
29. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
Selection: HB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Washington selects Omarion Hampton, a sturdy downhill runner with excellent contact balance.
Hampton has reliable hands and is a brick wall in pass protection. His vision and creativity are average, but he does a good job getting north and south and churning out tough yards.
30. BUFFALO BILLS
Selection: CB Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State
Azareye’h Thomas had a disappointing 40 times at his pro day, but his tape was first-round caliber.
He was one of the lone bright spots on Florida State’s defense, blanketing receivers on an island in press-man and rarely getting targeted. His length is a weapon at the line of scrimmage and at the catch point.
31. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Selection: OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
Kansas City takes left tackle Josh Simmons, who was playing like the best offensive lineman in this class before he tore his patellar tendon in Week 7.
He has prototypical measurables and athletic traits for an NFL tackle. He’s a smooth mover with the range to mirror pass rushers on an island, and his anchor significantly improved from last season.
32. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Selection: SAF Malaki Starks, Georgia
The Eagles add another Georgia defender in Malaki Starks, a versatile safety with outstanding ball skills. Starks played out of position for most of 2024, as he lined up at nickel on the majority of passing downs.
This resulted in fewer opportunities to read the quarterback, and he set career lows in interceptions and pass breakups. He’s still a very talented player, however, with the ideal blend of coverage range and physicality in run support.
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