Mock Draft
4/7/25
13 min read
NFL Mock Draft 2025: Browns, Cowboys, 49ers Make Bold Trades
It's smokescreen season as the 2025 NFL Draft nears. With free agency coming to a slowdown and the calendar turning to April, the best time of the NFL offseason is upon us. We're celebrating with a new 2025 NFL mock draft.
The evaluation process is complete for us and teams alike. Big boards are set pending any last-minute pro day performances or interviews, and coaches and scouts have to hash out specific rankings. After months of projecting how this class could play out, we have to adjust our expectations based on what's transpired.
While I'm not buying all of the noise and chatter around the league, I am buying the slide of Shedeur Sanders. This mock reflects how that could affect how things shake up, including a handful of trades.
Latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft
1. Tennessee Titans
Selection: Cameron Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
Talk about who is going to be the No. 1 pick has stopped because the Tennessee Titans are confident in Cameron Ward being the choice.
Ward has the physical traits of a top-tier quarterback, but he needs to work on being more consistent in his performance. His playing style is similar to that of Jordan Love, resulting in both impressive highs and frustrating lows. The payoff could be massive, though, and Tennessee could use a jolt of excitement at the position.
2. Cleveland Browns
Selection: Travis Hunter, WR/DB, Colorado
I think passing on a quarterback is a mistake unless you're confident in later options, and Cleveland might have a trick up its sleeve.
If so, then Travis Hunter should be the pick over Abdul Carter. Cleveland's 32nd-ranked offense in 2024 desperately needs help, and Hunter has the personality and work ethic to be a generational presence for the city.
3. New York Giants
Selection: Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
It seems unfathomable New York would pass on Shedeur Sanders because of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, but it's something ESPN's Adam Schefter believes happens.
We'll roll with that, and if it happens, the Giants will go with Armand Membou. Membou has the traits and play style to be their version of Tristan Wirfs, even if he's a raw prospect.
4. New England Patriots
Selection: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
This is the best case for New England.
With the Giants already having two high-end pass-rushers and maybe some concern about Carter's health, the Patriots get the chance to get the highest-rated player on most boards. Carter's upside is that of a perennial Pro Bowler.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Selection: Will Campbell, OL, LSU
Jacksonville aggressively added 10 free agents this offseason in an effort to plug holes. The one position they opted against investing in was defensive tackle.
That said, fixing the offensive line still has to be a priority. They bank on the class' depth at defensive tackle and add Will Campbell, who can play tackle or guard at a very high level right away.
6. San Francisco 49ers (via LV)
Selection: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
San Francisco has more needs than what we're used to seeing with this regime, but it still has more picks (11) than what they can use.
Moving some of that capital to land one of the few elite players at a position of critical need is worthwhile. Mason Graham is incredibly disruptive and might be the safest prospect in the class.
7. New York Jets
Selection: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
This is a big swing for the New York Jets, but I think Aaron Glenn will embrace the risk that goes with taking a player with 4.5 sacks in three years.
Stewart is an all-time athlete, though; his tape is better than his numbers suggest. With Jermaine Johnson's health unclear, the Jets can't enter 2025 with him in line for a major role.
8. Dallas Cowboys (via CAR)
Selection: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Dallas is the next team to trade up, as it wants to beat the Raiders for a playmaker. Tetairoa McMillan is the ideal fit with CeeDee Lamb, boasting elite size and creation after the catch.
Dak Prescott would love to have two unique receivers who would make his job easier. This also allows Dallas to take a running back in Round 2 instead of reaching on a non-premium position at No. 12.
9. New Orleans Saints
Selection: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
New Orleans puts a significant focus on strengthening its offensive line and defensive backfield, similar to many top teams in the league. Therefore, it's logical to consider using a high draft pick to fill the vacancy left by Paulson Adebo.
Although Will Johnson's draft stock has taken a hit due to a turf toe injury that sidelined him for half of the 2024 season, his film and compatibility with New Orleans are impressive enough to suggest he won't fall too far in the draft. He remains one of the standout playmakers in this class.
10. Chicago Bears
Selection: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Considering Ashton Jeanty makes sense, but Ben Johnson might see greater value in bringing in an explosive tight end.
While Cole Kmet is a decent veteran earning $12.5 million annually, Tyler Warren's athleticism and potential far surpass Kmet's. An added benefit is that the Bears could benefit financially in the long run.
11. Las Vegas Raiders (via SF)
Selection: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
There's a lot of smoke to Las Vegas taking Ashton Jeanty, and it'd be a gamble on teams being cool on the receiving class as a whole for them to go for it.
I'm buying the NFL being averse to reaching on receivers in this range, so the Raiders are giddy when the Bears pass on Jeanty. They can look for a pro-ready receiver on Day 2 to pair with him.
12) Carolina Panthers (via DAL)
Selection: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
There's no more awkward pick than when Carolina gets on the clock at No. 8. The Panthers could be over-drafting a pass-rusher they don't love or taking a non-premium asset.
Moving down is ideal, and Mykel Williams plus an additional pick is a great haul for Day 1. Williams is a stout run defender with sky-high potential if he can prove durable.
13. Miami Dolphins
Selection: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Miami is entering a critical draft after botching its roster management for years. The Dolphins have an unfillable number of needs, so going with the best player available at a high-value position would be wise.
Kenneth Grant is my pick, as only so many 335-pounders can move as well as he does. Grant can be the anchor of a rebuilding defense for years to come.
14. Indianapolis Colts
Selection: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Tight ends frequently find themselves heading to Indianapolis, but the Colts' defense is also in need of some rebuilding. Walter Nolen ranks among the top five players in his class when he’s motivated, but he has some character concerns that could lead to him dropping in the draft.
With the Colts starting two defensive tackles at the age of 31, this would be an ideal opportunity for the team to infuse youth into their roster while also allowing Nolen to gain experience under the guidance of veteran players.
15. Atlanta Falcons
Selection: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Losing Grady Jarrett further weakened a defensive line that lacked consistency and upside. The best way for Raheem Morris to get his defense where it needs to be is to continue beefing up the middle of the unit.
Derrick Harmon was the most productive pass-rusher of all tackles last year and should be able to carve out a role early in his career.
16. Arizona Cardinals
Selection: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Adding several veterans to the defensive front seven in free agency was smart business for Arizona. It needs grit, toughness, and explosiveness as this unit continues to be revamped.
Middle linebackers rarely prove to be especially remarkable, but Jihaad Campbell looks like a future superstar. His physicality, range, and three-down playmaking projects perfectly for Jonathan Gannon's defense.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
Selection: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
While Tyler Booker's combine performance was bad enough to consider whether he'll even be taken Round 1, his tape and fit within gap run schemes tell another story.
Cincinnati doesn't always stick to athletic guidelines, and this is the right time to consider throwing the book out of the window for an effective Day 1 upgrade at guard. Booker will help the Bengals' passing offense and run-game efficiency.
18. Seattle Seahawks
Selection: Nick Emmanwori, SAF, South Carolina
The second-best athlete in this class is custom-made to be a Seattle Seahawk. The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder has excellent range, ball skills, tackling efficiency, and instincts.
Pairing him with some of the most exciting young corners in the league is too tempting to pass on.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Selection: Malaki Starks, SAF, Georgia
Acquiring Haason Reddick to strengthen the pass rush gives Tampa Bay the freedom to be strategic with this selection. They don’t have to reach for a safety, but Antoine Winfield Jr. would benefit from a more capable partner than the previous undrafted players they've had.
Malaki Starks would complement Winfield perfectly, allowing the veteran to operate more freely in the middle of the field or closer to the line of scrimmage. Starks' exceptional deep coverage skills would be fully utilized in Tampa.
20. Cleveland Browns (via DEN)
Selection: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Can Cleveland have its custom cake and eat it, too? If New Orleans passes on Shedeur Sanders at No. 9, the watch is on for a major slide.
Sanders has the right mental makeup to be a star, but concerns about his average traits are justified. If Cleveland can snipe Pittsburgh for him without giving up a 2026 first-rounder, it should absolutely consider it.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Selection: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Regardless of whether Aaron Rodgers joins the Steelers as anticipated, Pittsburgh still requires a long-term quarterback option to develop around. Jaxson Dart has distinguished himself as the third-best quarterback.
His accuracy, confidence, experience, and athleticism will help him acclimate to the NFL quickly. Although his ceiling may not be exceptionally high, being a consistently good player on the verge of Pro Bowl status could be sufficient for the Steelers to make a Super Bowl run.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Selection: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
It's easy to fall in love with Matthew Golden's speed, but Jim Harbaugh will trip over himself watching Emeka Egbuka get involved in run blocking.
Egbuka is the quintessential winning football player who affects the game on almost every down. Pairing him with Ladd McConkey will finally give Justin Herbert the chance to raise his game in the postseason.
23. Green Bay Packers
Selection: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
Green Bay's draft position is admittedly an awkward one. The Packers only have a few needs, but the board runs dry at most of those positions before they pick.
Shavon Revel Jr. is coming off a torn ACL, which is not ideal. However, his upside as a 6-foot-2 playmaking corner was worth a top-10 pick before the injury, so he's worth the gamble.
24. Minnesota Vikings
Selection: Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
By adding a handful of veteran defenders in free agency, the Minnesota Vikings will hit the clock with only a few outstanding positions lacking talent.
A guard is justified, but I have a higher grade on Azareye'h Thomas. The elite press-man corner will give Brian Flores someone to stick on physical receivers and unleash more varied coverages.
25. Houston Texans
Selection: Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia
I'm lower on Jalon Walker than most media members, as he's a bit small to be a full-time edge rusher and isn't the most comfortable player in coverage as a middle linebacker.
He'll need a creative defensive mind who moves him between the SAM linebacker role in base fronts and as a blitzer on third downs. DeMeco Ryans is that man in Houston.
26. Los Angeles Rams
Selection: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
We can't often say Sean McVay leaves production on the table, but I'd love to see what he could do with an upgrade at tight end.
Tyler Higbee is a good blocker but a mediocre receiving threat. Rewarding Matthew Stafford with Colston Loveland and Davante Adams in the same offseason would give this offense the refresh it needs.
27. Baltimore Ravens
Selection: Grey Zabel, OG, North Dakota State
There aren't many teams with a worse situation at guard than the Baltimore Ravens.
They prefer athletic blockers who maximize their ability to reach the second level, which fits the description of Grey Zabel's game. Zabel would slide next to Tyler Linderbaum and form one of the best-pulling duos in football.
28. Detroit Lions
Selection: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Detroit is unlikely to invest significantly in a defensive end in the near future due to the substantial extension Aidan Hutchinson is expected to sign.
This means they will need to look to the draft for a complementary player. James Pearce Jr. is the second-best pass-rusher in the class overall but has been knocked down due to some concerns about his light build.
29. Washington Commanders
Selection: Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas
Acquiring Laremy Tunsil from Houston was massive for Washington, but its quest for improvement shouldn't end there. Right tackle Andrew Wylie is merely a temporary solution, and finding a sustainable long-term option should be a top priority.
Kelvin Banks has shown promise even with his raw technique, and this draft position presents an excellent opportunity to land someone with significant potential.
30. Buffalo Bills
Selection: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Going with a running back has to be in play here because the Day 2 run will happen before the Bills can get back on the clock. However, there's no more perfect defensive back for Sean McDermott in the class than Jahdae Barron.
Barron's not a fit everywhere, but the versatile and physical playmaker embodies the same swagger that has led to countless defensive backs thriving under McDermott.
31. Kansas City Chiefs
Selection: Nic Scourton, DL, Texas A&M
It's time to refresh Kansas City's aging, expensive core of talent. Nic Scourton fits its mold of versatile talents along the defensive line who can rush the passer without giving up size.
They could even beef him up to be a full-time tackle or lean him out as a full-time edge if they ever want to change schemes.
32. Philadelphia Eagles
Selection: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
I could say this is purely a value pick for the defending Super Bowl champions, and it is justified. However, there's a little future-proofing here in case A.J. Brown ever wants to pursue a situation with more targets headed his way.
The Matthew Golden hype has gotten a little rich for my blood, but this is the right range for the speedy, high-effort star.
Make sure to check out our new home for all of our NFL Draft content.
