NFL Analysis
10/7/24
14 min read
2025 NFL Mock Draft: Updated Picks, Predictions For Round 1
The haves and have-nots are revealing themselves across the NFL through the first five weeks of the season.
While Super Bowl contenders are emerging like the Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs, others like the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots are already looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft.
The draft order will continue to change in the coming weeks, but with Week 5 wrapping up, let's dive into an early mock draft.
>> READ MORE: Prospect Stock Report for CFB Week 6
1. New England Patriots 
Selection: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
The New England Patriots desperately need offensive line help, but it will be too hard to pass up on one of the most rare talents the NFL has seen in decades.
Hunter has the stamina, instincts, and athletic ability to be a legitimate two-way player, even at the NFL level. His presence on both sides of the ball could bolster a Patriots team in need of talent just about everywhere.
2. Cincinnati Bengals 
Selection: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
Defense continues to be an issue for the Cincinnati Bengals, especially up front. Mason Graham checks all the boxes you want out of an interior defender with a 320-pound frame and an excellent motor.
He can hold his gap at the point of attack but also has the disruptive ability and hand usage to get penetration into the backfield as a run defender and pass rusher. That's exactly the kind of impact player the Bengals need in the trenches.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars 
Selection: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
For as bad as things have been going for the Jacksonville Jaguars, there's a dominant defensive unit being built in Jacksonville. Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen are impressive edge defenders, and Tyson Campbell is a solid corner when healthy.
Adding another lockdown corner in Will Johnson would almost immediately make the Jaguars one of the best defensive units in the league.
TETAIROA. MCMILLAN. WHAT. A. CATCH. @TMAC96795 🤯🤯🤯
— Arizona Football (@ArizonaFBall) September 17, 2023
📺: Pac-12 Network pic.twitter.com/EMGwmKPrYX
4. Cleveland Browns 
Selection: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Cleveland Browns *should* draft a quarterback, but the organization seems willing to keep riding with Deshaun Watson. His $172 million dead cap hit in 2025 if they cut him probably doesn't help with that.
If the Browns are stuck with Watson, they might as well add a receiver with Amari Cooper hitting free agency after this season. McMillan is the ultimate contested-catch wideout, with 29 contested catches made in his college career.
5. Los Angeles Rams 
Selection: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
A depleted offensive line hasn't stopped Matthew Stafford from continuing to compete and keep the Los Angeles Rams in games this season. As long as he plans on continuing to play, the Rams should prioritize bolstering that offensive line.
Will Campbell is this year's top offensive tackle prospect, allowing zero sacks in the last two seasons. He could slot in anywhere on the line to immediately upgrade the unit.
6. Carolina Panthers 
Selection: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
Are the Carolina Panthers ready to move on from Bryce Young? If so, they'd have their pick of the litter from this year's quarterback prospects.
If not, they should focus on improving a depleted defense with a player like Nic Scourton. Not only is he a polished pass-rusher with multiple moves to get to the quarterback, but he's also a stout run defender with a 285-pound frame to hold the edge.
7. Tennessee Titans 
Selection: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
The Tennessee Titans don't even need to move up to take whichever quarterback they want in this mock. Brian Callahan likely wants his own quarterback to develop as a new head coach, and Jalen Milroe has the physical tools to be an explosive playmaker at the NFL level.
He's still a work in progress, but he's drastically improved as a pro-caliber passer this season at Alabama, improving his accuracy and post-snap processing.
8. Miami Dolphins 
Selection: Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas
As long as Tua Tagovailoa and Mike McDaniel are in Miami, the Miami Dolphins need to keep adding to their offensive line.
Kelvin Banks Jr. is a big-bodied lineman at 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds but also has the quick feet to play all over the offensive line.
9. New York Jets 
Selection: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Garrett Wilson is an established No. 1 receiver for the New York Jets, but they still need that reliable second option. Luther Burden III can play outside or in the slot, with the quickness to create separation and make defenders miss after the catch.
He's the perfect complementary receiver to Wilson and could give Aaron Rodgers another outlet if he returns in 2025.
— go to ➡️ collegefootballnetwork.com (@PickettsPool) October 1, 2024
10. Las Vegas Raiders 
Selection: Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
The lack of a quarterback is really hurting the Las Vegas Raiders. At the same time, they need someone under center with the swagger and confidence to play for a head coach like Antonio Pierce.
Cam Ward fits that bill, playing with fearlessness while possessing outstanding arm talent and athletic ability. They'll need to find another established weapon if Davante Adams leaves, but finding a quarterback needs to be a priority after missing out on one in last year's draft.
11. Arizona Cardinals 
Selection: Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals offense are off to another hot start, but the defense needs more starting-caliber players up front to be a legitimate playoff contender in the coming years.
Kenneth Grant will fix a lot of those issues by himself. The 6-foot-3, 339-pound interior defender has elite play strength to dominate in the trenches and plug up rushing lanes to open up opportunities for the rest of his teammates. He's also a solid pass rusher with 11 pressures and two sacks this season.
12. Indianapolis Colts 
Selection: Malaki Starks, SAF, Georgia
The Indianapolis Colts need all kinds of help on defense. Cornerback could be an option, but Jaylon Jones is starting to emerge as a playmaker while JuJu Brents should be back and healthy next season.
Malaki Starks could be an elite safety on the back end to clean up for the rest of the defense while they build out the rest of the roster. Starks and Nick Cross would create a strong long-term safety tandem.
13. San Francisco 49ers 
Selection: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Isaac Yiadom is a solid journeyman cornerback, but not one you want to lean on as a full-time starter as a Super Bowl contender.
Benjamin Morrison could be an awesome corner to pair with Charvarius Ward, bringing explosiveness and tenacity to the position to be an asset in coverage and in run support.
Ashton Jeanty vs. Utah State
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) October 7, 2024
Rare to find RBs that can shed tackles as easy as he does. Showed it all in this game. pic.twitter.com/RehHtMFMlc
14. New York Giants 
Selection: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
What if the New York Giants decide that a $22 million dead cap hit isn't worth it to get rid of Daniel Jones in 2025? It's not like he's having a bad season, and the emergence of Malik Nabers has the Giants offense showing signs of life.
Instead of taking a quarterback, the Giants could find their next star running back in Ashton Jeanty. He has elite contact balance and outrageous production with 1,031 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns through five games.
He could give the Giants a much-needed workhorse in the running game to open up things even more for Jones, Nabers, and the rest of the passing game.
15. Philadelphia Eagles 
Selection: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The Philadelphia Eagles haven't effectively replaced Haason Reddick, but that could change quickly by drafting Abdul Carter.
The in-state prospect has elite explosiveness and bend, along with the versatility to play both off-ball and on the edge. His presence would immediately elevate Philadelphia's pass rush.
16. New Orleans Saints 
Selection: Deone Walker, DL, Kentucky
The New Orleans Saints continue to invest in their defensive front as they prepare for Cameron Jordan's eventual retirement.
However, they don't have anyone like Deone Walker. Listed at 6-foot-6 and 345 pounds, Walker can manhandle offensive linemen with enough quickness to generate pressure as a pass rusher.
17. Chicago Bears 
Selection: Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona
The Chicago Bears need to embrace versatility for their offensive line, adding players who can play both guard and tackle. Jonah Savaiinaea, a 6-foot-5, 336-pound lineman, fits that bill.
He has experience at both tackle spots and right guard and can move in space as a puller or in the screen game. He'd likely immediately slot in as an upgrade over Teven Jenkins or Nate Davis.
Donovan Ezeiruaku has the best cross-chop in CFB, 34 5/8 inch arms pic.twitter.com/cUqXYVAj2n
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) October 3, 2024
18. Green Bay Packers 
Selection: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
The Green Bay Packers aren't getting the job done right now when it comes to rushing the passer. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley could reunite with one of his former players as the old Boston College head coach if the Packers drafted Donovan Ezeiruaku.
He's a legitimate pass rusher with an FBS-leading nine sacks so far this season. He has twitch, burst, bend, and everything else you want to see from a sub-250-pound rusher.
>> READ MORE: Why Ezeiruaku Is Rising Up Boards
19. Los Angeles Chargers 
Selection: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Jim Harbaugh has the chance to reunite with a former Wolverine, and the Los Angeles Chargers need a tight end. Colston Loveland is a legitimate weapon as a pass-catcher with length, top-end play speed, and a feel for soft spots in zone to get open.
He'd be the perfect safety valve for Justin Herbert, giving the Chargers a much-needed underneath target in the passing game.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers 
Selection: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Justin Fields is filling in admirably for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Russell Wilson is still on the bench waiting for a chance to play. However, if the Steelers want to take a step forward as an offense, they need a quarterback who can make throws all over the field.
Shedeur Sanders has that, along with the toughness to deliver a ball while getting hit. Mike Tomlin is the perfect coach to mentor a young quarterback like Sanders as he continues to mature as a leader because the talent is already there.
21. Seattle Seahawks 
Selection: Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama
Despite all of the talent on the Seattle Seahawks offense, an injured offensive line is keeping them from reaching their full potential. Some added depth in the trenches could do this team a lot of good, which is why Tyler Booker is such an ideal fit.
He could slot in at right tackle or one of the guard spots and is already a physical and technical prospect in pass protection, giving Geno Smith time to throw downfield to Seattle's explosive playmakers.
22. Denver Broncos 
Selection: Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
Courtland Sutton is struggling to get open, as Bo Nix takes some rookie-season lumps. A vertical playmaker could open things up for the rest of the offense, and Isaiah Bond is an ideal option for that role.
He has excellent play speed and explosiveness to take off downfield, stretching opposing defenses and opening things up underneath for his teammates.
23. Dallas Cowboys 
Selection: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Demarcus Lawrence is a free agent after this season, and the Dallas Cowboys are struggling mightily to stop the run without him this year.
Mykel Williams brings excellent strength to the edge, which allows him to cave in the edges and stop the run. He's still working on being a more diverse pass rusher, but the Cowboys could afford to let that develop as Micah Parsons gets after the quarterback.
24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 
Selection: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are missing a chess piece on defense with the versatility that Jalon Walker possesses.
He operates as both an off-ball linebacker and edge rusher for the Georgia Bulldogs, and that versatility would open up things for the rest of Tampa's defense in 2025.
Tennessee’s James Pearce easily beating the RT with a rip-n-dip to turn the corner for a sack. Future first-round pick is just so smooth pic.twitter.com/vH5Q9Mu3Gx
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) October 6, 2024
25. Buffalo Bills 
Selection: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Von Miller is 35 years old and nearing retirement. Without him, the Buffalo Bills don't have enough pass-rushing juice to be a serious Super Bowl contender in 2025 and beyond.
That would change with James Pearce Jr., who is a twitched-up speed rusher capable of flying around offensive tackles on his way to the quarterback. He'd be a different style of pass rusher than the rest of the roster if Miller is gone after this season.
26. Baltimore Ravens 
Selection: Donovan Jackson, IOL, Ohio State
For an offense as exciting as the Baltimore Ravens' offense is, the offensive line still needs a lot of work.
Donovan Jackson has been a stable presence at left guard for the Ohio State Buckeyes for the last few seasons and could bring a similar stable presence to Baltimore.
27. Atlanta Falcons 
Selection: Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina
Even with a torn ACL, Shavon Revel deserves legitimate first-round consideration. Opposing quarterbacks have a 59.7 passer rating when targeting him during his college career, and he's a tenacious tackler when triggering downhill.
The Atlanta Falcons have enough cornerbacks that they don't need to rush Revel onto the field, but he could be an impact starter once fully healthy.
28. Detroit Lions
Selection: Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State
Jack Sawyer feels like an ideal fit for the Detroit Lions defense. On top of being a legitimate pass rusher with 18 pressures this season, he can dominate in the trenches against the run.
He's an ideal EDGE partner to Aidan Hutchinson, who will give the Lions a boost against the pass and run.
29. Washington Commanders 
Selection: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
The Washington Commanders' top priority needs to be protecting their new star quarterback, Jayden Daniels.
Cornelius Lucas seems like a legit left tackle so far, but a prospect like Aireontae Ersery could be slotted in at right tackle with his 330-pound frame to protect Daniels off the edge while being a road grader in the run game.
30. Houston Texans 
Selection: T.J. Sanders, DL, South Carolina
The South Carolina Gamecocks have an imposing defensive line led by T.J. Sanders. He is a dominant force against the run and as a pass rusher despite being a tick undersized at 290 pounds.
His relentlessness fits right in with the rest of the Houston Texans defense, which is flying around and sticking ball carriers in 2024.
This catch was INSANE!!! 🤯
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 21, 2024
Tyler Warren only needs one hand 🤚😤@PennStateFball pic.twitter.com/UcZlAzuoEQ
31. Kansas City Chiefs 
Selection: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Travis Kelce has to be nearing the end. In fact, a Super Bowl this season could be the perfect time for the future Hall of Fame tight end to retire.
Tyler Warren could be the perfect replacement for Kelce in the Chiefs' offense. He's a terrific athlete with body control and ball skills, but also the competitive toughness and strength to be a legitimate in-line blocker.
32. Minnesota Vikings 
Selection: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Aaron Jones is a free agent after this season, but even if he returns, Omarion Hampton would be the perfect change-of-pace back for the Minnesota Vikings.
He has an absurd 120 forced missed tackles in the last three seasons, using his size and contact balance to let defenders wash off of him with ease. That kind of power in the backfield would give Kevin O'Connell yet another wrinkle to work with on offense.
