Conference re-alignment and the 12-team playoff made the 2024 College Football season perhaps the greatest year in the sport’s decorated history. From emerging stars, a longshot Heisman Trophy winner and Cinderella stories like Arizona State and Indiana, college ball had just about everything. I’m lucky enough to have covered it all from a gambling perspective on the “BettingPros College Football Podcast.”
While the season has concluded, the storylines continue into the offseason, with the 2025 NFL Draft now taking center stage. Starting with the Senior Bowl and continuing past the NFL Combine, we’ll keep you up to speed on all the action over on “The FantasyPros Dynasty Football Podcast.” In the meantime, though, I’ll read the tea leaves and predict how I expect the dominoes to fall in Green Bay, Wisc., on April 25 with my 2025 NFL Mock Draft 1.0.
Here are my full first-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft picks and predictions:
- 2025 NFL Draft Guide
- 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
- 2025 NFL Mock Drafts
- Dynasty Mock Draft Simulator
2025 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round Picks & Predictions
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Shedeur Sanders (QB – Colorado)
It’s a new chapter for the Raiders after firing head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco, but a story as old as time. Owner Mark Davis pushes his chips to go all-in on Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders. After being spotted talking with Raiders owner Mark Davis last year and some timely “Thank God” Tweets after Raiders losses, this remains arguably the chalkiest pick on the board.
However, it isn’t just the name and star value that has the Raiders’ future general manager ready to turn in the card for Sanders. The 22-year-old has developed well in his transition from FCS school Jackson State to the FBS level at Colorado. He led the country in passing completion percentage (74.0%) and passing yards (4,134) while finishing second in passing touchdowns (37).
Being the son of Deion “Prime Time” Sanders, Shedeur has had a target on his back and gotten everyone’s best at every level. He’s risen above the noise and solidified himself as arguably the top quarterback prospect of the 2025 class.
In this trade scenario, Tennessee begins its rebuild by trading back five picks to acquire an additional 2025 second-round pick and both of the Raiders’ top-two 2026 picks. They also add a former second-round tight end, Michael Mayer, whom the Raiders no longer need, and a serviceable bridge quarterback in Gardner Minshew.
Trade Details:
- Titans Receive:
- LV 2025 Pick 1.06
- LV 2025 Pick 2.10
- LV 2026 First-Round Pick
- LC 2026 Second-Round Pick
- Michael Mayer (TE)
- Gardner Minshew (QB)
- Raiders Receive:
- TEN 2025 Pick 1.01
2. Cleveland Browns: Cameron Ward (QB – Miami)
Known as a promising player during his two seasons as the signal caller for Washington State, it took a transfer to Miami for Cameron Ward to truly shine. The 6-foot-2, 223-pound quarterback has the prototypical size to compete at the next level and the game to boot.
While some upset defeats might’ve upended Miami’s postseason bid, Ward brought back “The U” to national relevance for the first time since the early 2000s. He led the nation in passing touchdowns (39) and was second in passing yards (313). He can also boot-scoot and boogie when he needs to, totaling 17 rushing touchdowns over his three-year career.
With Deshaun Watson re-tearing his Achilles recently after initially rupturing the tendon on Oct. 20, his tenure in Cleveland looks all but over. General manager Andrew Berry follows the Denver Broncos’ model by cutting Watson, taking on an astronomical $72.9 million dead-cap hit and drafting Ward, who fits Kevin Stefanski’s run-centric playcalling.
3. Minnesota Vikings: Travis Hunter (CB/WR – Colorado)
The New York Giants must address the quarterback situation this offseason, and with the best two prospects off the board, GM Joe Schoen moves the third-overall pick and a third-round selection to move back and acquire the Vikings’ QB J.J. McCarthy. The former Michigan Wolverine would arguably be the top quarterback prospect in this year’s draft and pairs well with alpha receiver Malik Nabers and standout RB Tyrone Tracy, both coming off breakout rookie seasons.
While it would be tough for Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to move on from McCarthy before even seeing him play, their window to win now is very much open with QB Sam Darnold resurrecting his career. Adding Travis Hunter, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner and the best two-way player in College Football since Charles Woodson, would immediately make Minnesota co-favorites to win the NFC North next year.
Hunter ranked top five in the nation for receptions (92), receiving yards (1,152) and receiving touchdowns (14). This is while being arguably the cornerback in the nation, ranking 15th in interceptions (four) and pass deflections (11).
Landing in Minnesota would allow Hunter to become the team’s top cornerback, replacing veteran Stephon Gilmore. Head coach and play-caller Kevin O’Connell could also dial up Hunter on offense in specific packages that also feature arguably the league’s best receiver, Justin Jefferson, and former Biletnikoff Award winner Jordan Addison. Good luck to any secondary stopping that trio.
Trade Details:
- Giants Receive:
- MIN 2025 Pick 1.24
- J.J. McCarthy (QB)
- Vikings Receive:
- NYG 2025 Pick 1.03
- NYG 2025 Pick 3.03
4. New England Patriots: Abdul Carter (EDGE – Penn State)
With Mike Vrabel now the head coach of the New England Patriots, he’ll look to instill a culture of toughness and grittiness. What better way to do that than by adding the best EDGE rusher in this class?
Yes, EDGE Keion White has proven to be a great second-round value for New England, totaling five sacks as a rookie. However, the Patriots have holes to fill in their defensive front after trading both EDGE Matthew Judon and OLB Joshua Uche this season.
Abdul Carter was a certified wrecking ball for Penn State and once again solidified the Nittany Lions as one of the best defenses in the nation. A blend between a speed and power rusher, Carter led the country in tackles for loss (24) and tied for sixth in sacks (12). Keep in mind, this was in the Big Ten, one of the best conferences for offensive line play.
With likely a fat dip in his lip, Vrabel grins, adding “his guy” at pick No. 4.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham (DT – Michigan)
While problems were abundant for Jacksonville in 2024, stopping the run was a major one, allowing 132.6 rushing yards (eighth-most) and eight rushing first downs (third-most) per game. Therefore, general manager Trent Baalke adds the best run-stuffer in the class, Michigan’s Mason Graham.
Represented by Drew Rosenhaus, who has ties to the state of Florida and “expects [Graham] to get drafted in the top-five picks,” this feels like a no-brainer. The Jaguars’ front four of Travon Walker, Josh Hines-Allen, 2024 second-rounder Maason Smith and the 2024 Consensus All-American, Graham, would be among the most formidable in the league.
6. Tennessee Titans (via Las Vegas): Tetairoa McMillan (WR – Arizona)
While he may have to spend another season with a bridge quarterback or a day-two prospect, head coach and former Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan gets his Ja’Marr Chase in Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan at the sixth-overall pick.
At 6-foot-5 and 212 pounds, the 21-year-old is your prototypical “X” receiver. He can move all over the field and has one of the nastiest catch radii you’ll see from a college prospect. Third in the nation in receiving yards in 2024 (1,319) and a Consensus All-American, McMillan would allow Calvin Ridley to play the flanker position, where he can best thrive at this stage in his career.
7. New York Jets: Will Johnson (CB – Michigan)
From ownership rumors, the 33rd Team assisting in the general manager/head coaching search and Aaron Rodgers‘ uncertain future, there are more questions than answers with the New York Jets. One thing is for certain, though: Their defense regressed this year, especially following the departure of head coach Robert Saleh.
One way to sure that up is by adding a top cornerback prospect in Michigan’s Will Johnson to play opposite Sauce Gardner. The 2023 National Championship Defensive MVP anchored the Wolverines’ backend since day one, being named to the 2022 Freshman All-American Team while earning First-Team All-American Honors as a sophomore. Though he was limited to just six games with a turf toe injury in 2024, Joshnon led the country in interceptions for a touchdown with two and earned All-American Second-Team honors.
With the secondary addressed, the Jets can spend the remainder of the draft adding offensive line depth and addressing their needs at quarterback and linebacker.
8. Carolina Panthers: Kenneth Grant (DT – Michigan)
The Carolina Panthers make it three Mighican players going in the top-10 picks by drafting DT Kenneth Grant at eight-overall. An athletic freak, listed at 6-foot-4 and 360 pounds, Grant is expected to have an impressive NFL Combine performance.
With or without it, he’s the type of player who could help clog up the rush lanes that Carolina left wide open in 2024, allowing by far the most rushing yards (179.8), rushing touchdowns (1.4) and rushing first downs (10.5) per game. A former defensive player himself, expect general manager Dan Morgan to further the Panthers’ rebuild by building through the trenches on both sides of the ball in the 2025 NFL Draft.
9. New Orleans Saints: James Pearce Jr. (EDGE – Tennessee)
The New Orleans Saints are yet another team with more holes than draft picks. However, with a solid offensive line, WR Chris Olave returning and Derek Carr still under contract without a $50 million dead cap hit for cutting him, the new regime likely builds up a defense, hoping it can do enough to get by with a middling offense.
With New Orleans ranking in the bottom half of the league in sacks (39) and QB pressure percentage (21.5%), now is the time to add a potential star edge rusher who can learn under three-time All-Pro Cam Jordan, who will be 36 by the start of training camp.
That makes Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. the pick. After leading the SEC in sacks as a sophomore with 10, the 21-year-old had another standout season in 2024, being named a Bednarik Award semi-finalist and helping the Volunteers advance to the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. At 6-foot-5 and with an expected speedy 40-yard-dash time to come, Pearce Jr. has the upside to justify going ninth overall.
10. Chicago Bears: Will Campbell (OT – LSU)
After an overall record of 15-36 since taking over as the Chicago Bears’ general manager, Ryan Poles is fortunate to be employed. With a new lease on life – at least for another year – the former Boston College tackle learns from his mistakes and builds up the offensive line, taking Will Campbell with the 10th-overall pick.
Campbell anchored the line that protected Jayden Daniels during his 2023 Heisman Trophy campaign. While LSU’s disappointing 9-4 2024 season kept him out of the spotlight some, he was still a Consensus All-American who helped the Tigers rank 25th in total offense behind inconsistent quarterback play from Garrett Nussmeier.
With 2023 first-round pick Darnell Wright anchoring the right side of the line, Campbell comes in to protect Caleb Williams‘ blindside.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT – Texas)
After a down season, the 49ers will want to return to doing what they do best: running the ball out of Kyle Shanahan’s zone-run scheme. To do that, they take Texas’s Kelvin Banks Jr. to play at right tackle and learn under one of the league’s best left tackles, Trent Williams.
While better overall protection will also help Brock Purdy improve his pedestrian 2024 stats, Banks projects as arguably the best run-blocking tackle in this year’s class. This was evident in Texas’s late-season push that featured heavy doses of Quintrevion Wisner and Jaydon Blue.
Expect a trenches-heavy draft for general manager John Lynch, starting here in the first round by selecting the 2024 Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award winner.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty (RB – Boise State)
Maybe even more than winning, owner Jerry Jones values putting butts in seats. Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty does just that. The 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up posted 2,601 rushing yards, the most since Barry Sanders went for 2,628 at Oklahoma State in 1988. Catching 43 balls for 569 yards and five receiving touchdowns as a sophomore before his record-breaking junior season, Jeanty has the makings of a true workhorse running back at the pro level.
RB Rico Dowdle had a nice 2024 season, going for 1,079 yards and 249 receiving yards, adding five total touchdowns. However, he’s an Unrestricted Free Agent (UDFA). With the Cowboys committed to both QB Dak Prescott and WR CeeDee Lamb long-term and needing to extend EDGE Micah Parsons, they’re strapped for cash. That means they need to address the backfield through the draft.
While some worry Jeanty doesn’t have the size (5-foot-9 and 215 pounds) that some of the recent great NFL backs have, his elite contact balance and burst give him a floor too high for Jones and the new regime to pass up.
13. Miami Dolphins: Mykel Williams (EDGE – Georgia)
Head coach Mike McDaniels’ recent comments suggest the team is looking for committed players who are leaders and love ball. That’s Georgie EDGE Mykel Williams in a nutshell.
The former five-star recruit has lived up to the billing in Athens, Ga., earning First-Team Freshman All-American honors and being named a 2024 Lombardi Award finalist. While the 6-foot-5, 265-pounder is arguably a top-three EDGE in this class against the run, he also registered 14 career sacks playing on one of the most stacked defensive lines in the country.
With the Dolphins ranking bottom-six in the league in sacks (35) and turnovers (16), Williams will be a welcomed edition. A front consisting of Bradley Chubb, Chop Robinson, Jaelan Phillips and Williams is exactly what Miami needs to compete in a division with athletic quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Drake Maye.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Malaki Starks (S – Georgia)
Another general manager entering 2025 on the hot seat is the Indianapolis Colts’ Chris Ballard. The Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennesee Titans have all passed around winning the NFC South title for the past decade, leaving the Colts out of this game of “Ring Around the Rosies.” With perhaps not much time left to spare, Ballard has to get the secondary fixed.
With FS Julian Blackmon a UDFA and the Colts allowing 229.4 passing yards (seventh-most) and 1.6 passing touchdowns (14th-most) per game, Georgia’s Malaki Starks is the obvious pick. The former five-star recruit is a down-hill safety with similar upside to Kyle Hamilton and a young Minkah Fitzpatrick. He led the Georgia Bulldogs in combined tackles this season (77) after finishing fourth on the team in 2023 (52) and third in 2022 as a true freshman (68). Starks was a 2023 consensus All-American and followed it up by finishing sixth in the SEC in solo tackles with 52.
The Colts have a lot of holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball in the offseason, but they can cross off getting a potential franchise safety and day-one difference-maker here with Starks.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Nic Scourton (EDGE – Texas A&M)
Even after trading for Judon, the Atlanta Falcons finished second-last in sacks in 2024 with 31. This has been an issue for years, but it hasn’t stopped the powers that be from going offense in the first round in six of the past seven years. That ends here with the selection of Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton.
Originally a four-star recruit, the 6-foot-4, 285-pounder played his first two seasons at Purdue, where he led the Big Ten in sacks with 10 as a sophomore. After transferring home to College Station, Texas, where he was named the Aggies’ Defensive MVP, Scourton registered five sacks and was third in the SEC in tackles for loss with 14.
While he’s not the freak that some of the other top EDGE rushers are in this class, he’ll be an immediate upgrade along Atlanta’s defensive line.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Benjamin Morrison (CB – Notre Dame)
With Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson still holding down the safety positions, the Arizona Cardinals are a stud cornerback away from having an elite secondary. Enter Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison. Despite playing just six games in 2024 before suffering a hip injury that ended his season, the former four-star recruit is a top-three cornerback in this class.
It didn’t take long for the 6-foot, 190-pounder to make an impact in South Bend, Ind., finishing third in the nation with six interceptions in 2022 and being named to the Freshman All-American team. He continued his dominance as a sophomore with 10 pass deflections and three interceptions, earning him Second-Team All-American honors.
Jonathan Gannon’s secondary was already in the top half of the leagues in major statistical categories. Adding Morrison gives them the potential to become a backend unit that teams fear.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Jack Sawyer (EDGE – Ohio State)
While the Cincinnati Bengals will likely need to find a way to replace WR Tee Higgins‘ production, don’t expect them to address it here in the first round. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo was fired after the defense dropped to a bottom-eight unit in both yards allowed (348.3) and points allowed (25.5) per game. Also, despite Trey Hendrickson leading the lead in sacks (17.5), the team was bottom-eight in sacks with 36 total.
Hendrickson is up for a new deal, and Sam Hubbard enters the final season of his four-year contract. Therefore, they inject youth into their pass-rush by adding Ohio native Jack Sawyer. A former five-star recruit and a key player in Ohio State’s 2021 recruiting class, Sawyer has become the heartbeat of the Buckeyes’ defense. The 6-foot-5, 260-pounder is smaller than some of the other EDGE prospects in this class, but that didn’t stop him from finishing top-seven in the Big Ten in sacks twice (6.5 in 2023 and 9.0 in 2024) and leading the conference in forced fumbles (three) this season.
Adding “Captain Jack” gives the Bengals a tone-setter and potential budding star waiting in the wings.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Josh Simmons (OT – Ohio State)
The Seattle Seahawks’ defense certainly improved under head coach Mike Macdonald. However, their offense ultimately fell short, leading to the firing of offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. That’s a decision the organization could regret because Grubb was nothing more than the scapegoat for another subpar offensive line that allowed Geno Smith to get sacked 50 times, the third-most in the league.
They address the real issue by adding Ohio State’s Josh Simmons. The 6-foot-6, 330-pounder played right tackle at San Diego State before transferring to Columbus, Ohio. Therefore, he should have no problem anchoring the right side of the line as 2022 first-rounder Charles Cross remains at left tackle.
While Simmons’ season-ending knee injury could scare teams off him in the pre-draft process, his overall body of work still gets him drafted 18th overall by Seattle.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Shavon Revel Jr. (CB – East Carolina)
Opposing offensive coordinators and fantasy football managers alike knew from early on this season that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ most significant weakness was their leaky secondary. Ultimately, they finished with the fourth-most passing yards (243.9) and tied for the 10th-most passing TDs (1.6) allowed per game.
That makes East Carolina CB Shavon Revel Jr. the pick. The lanky corner would immediately slot into Tampa Bay’s starting lineup, adding a disruptive coverage corner and attacking run defender. While theirs always risk drafting a G5 player in the first round, the 6-foot-3, 193-pounder appeared to be a top-tier NFL prospect during his 2023 season, where he finished 10th in the country in pass deflections with 13.
Had he not torn his ACL in the third game of the season, he had the potential to challenge Howard and Hunter as the premier cornerback in the class. Instead, he slides to 19th to the Buccaneers.
20. Denver Broncos: Tyler Warren (TE – Penn State)
As evident in the Denver Broncos’ 31-7 Wild Card Weekend loss to the Buffalo Bills, they just didn’t have the horses on offense this season to be real true competitors in the AFC. WR Courtland Sutton led the team with 135 targets, 81 receptions, 1,081 yards and eight touchdowns. The next closest player in terms of receiving yards was Marvin Mims, with 503. With the mediocre Adam Trautman playing the most snaps at tight end, the pick is Penn State’s Tyler Warren.
The Virginia native had perhaps the best College Football season in history at the tight end position. Finishing seventh in the Heisman Trophy voting and winner of the John Mackey Award given to the country’s top tight end, Warren was one of the main offensive contributors that helped the Nittany Lions advance to the College Football Playoff Semifinals.
Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki used the tight end out-wide, in-line, under center, in the backfield and wild cat formations. Warren finished second in the country among all players in receptions (104) and sixth in receiving yards (1,233). He also added 218 rushing yards and was good for 12 combined touchdowns.
Head coach Sean Payton has his prayers answered with Warren falling to him at pick 20.
21. Green Bay Packers (via Pittsburgh): Luther Burden III (WR – Missouri)
The Green Bay Packers became too reliant on Josh Jacobs down the stretch to make a deep playoff push. Christian Watson tore his ACL in Week 18 and has likely played his final game in green and gold. Jayden Reed failed to cross 50 receiving yards in eight of the team’s final nine games. Romeo Doubs missed four games due to injury and suspension and then suffered a nasty head injury (his second of the season) against the Eagles on Wild Card Weekend.
Therefore, general manager Brian Gutenkusnst makes the move to trade up and draft Missouri WR Luther Burden III. Despite being listed at just 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds, the Ozark state native profiles as a potential alpha receiver at the next level. While many view him as a slot merchant, he can absolutely play on the outside, too, with excellent ball-tracking and separation skills.
After a 2023 season where he finished ninth in the country in receiving yards (1,212), earning him Second-Team All-American honors, Burden had the potential to be a top-10 pick. However, a disappointing season overall from the preseason top-five ranked team led to Burden III regressing to the tune of 61 receptions for 676 receiving yards and eight total touchdowns. He was even outpaced by Theo Wease, who led the team with 884 receiving yards.
Still, he’s enough of a major upgrade to the Packers’ unbalanced offense – starving for consistent production at the position – for Green Bay to part ways with a late third-round pick to jump ahead of the Chargers.
Trade Details:
- Steelers Receive:
- GB 2025 Pick 1.23
- GB 2025 Pick 3.23
- Packers Receive:
- PIT 2025 Pick 1.21
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland (TE – Michigan)
With Burden III off the board, the Chargers pivot to the tight end, adding Jim Harbaugh’s former four-star tight end prospect, Colston Loveland. After playing a huge role in Michigan’s 2023 National Championship run and being named First-Team All-Big Ten, he was the clear TE1 of the class. However, with Michigan struggling at the quarterback position this season, Loveland led the team with just 56 receptions, 582 yards and five TDs. His impact was still felt when on the field, resulting in First-Team All-American honors and being named a John Mackey Award finalist.
While Loveland isn’t quite the athlete Warren proved to be, he is a matchup mismatch – even at the next level – with vertical speed to win up the seam and enough agility to separate on short routes. He also is no stranger to run blocking, a must to play in Greg Roman’s run-heavy offense.
Ladd McConkey proved to be a legit WR1 option for the Chargers, hauling in 82 receptions for 1,149 yards and seven TDs as a rookie. Quentin Johnston also rebounded from a disappointing rookie year, posting 711 yards and eight touchdowns. Yet, the Chargers lacked play-makers through the air and had to rely heavily on TE Will Dissly down the stretch, essentially costing them in their 32-12 Wild Card Weekend loss to the Houston Texans.
After building through the trenches in year No. 1 of the Harbaugh era in Los Angeles, year No. 2 is all about adding weapons for Justin Herbert.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers (via Green Bay): Emeka Egbuka (WR – Ohio State)
It’s another masterclass by Steelers general manager Omar Khan, AKA “The Khan Artist,” who adds a valuable day-two pick and gets the receiver he wanted all along, Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka. Named the 2018 Gatorade Player of the Year for being the best high school player in the state of Washington, Ekbuka lived up to the billing at Ohio State and could have been a borderline first-round pick before returning to Columbus for his senior year.
With C.J. Stroud at quarterback in 2022, Egbuka flourished, finishing third in the Big Ten in receiving yards (1,151) and touchdowns (10). While some will knock the 22-year-old for never leading the Buckeyes in receiving, playing alongside two generational players, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jeremiah Smith, makes that a non-concern for me.
Egbuka is a true technician with a fluid change of direction and can do more than just play the slot like he was asked to do during much of his time at Ohio State. His after-the-catch ability makes him a threat to take it to the house on both screen passes and over-the-middle crossers. However, he is also a gifted down-field ball-tracker and special teams returner.
With the Steelers’ only legitimate pass-catchers being George Pickens on the perimeter and TE Pat Freiermuth, he’ll be a welcomed addition to a middling offense.
24. New York Giants (via Minnesota): Jalon Walker (LB – Georgia)
After trading back to acquire the Giants’ quarterback of the future, Joe Schoen adds a difference-maker on defense in Georgia LB Jalon Walker. The winner of the 2024 Butkus Award, given annually to the nation’s best linebacker, the former four-star recruit is undoubtedly the LB1 in this class.
Used mostly as a third-down EDGE while a freshman and sophomore, Walker showed versatility this season, lining up off-ball and sticking to tight ends and running backs in man coverage. However, he also showed he disrupts when blitzing, totaling 6.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss this season. Perhaps most impressively, four of his sacks also came in two games against Texas, which is arguably the best offensive line in the country.
Walker will slot in right away as one of the Giants’ starting inside linebackers on early downs and could be used to spell Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux as a pass-rusher on third downs.
25. Houston Texans: Cameron Williams (OT – Texas)
With QB Stroud taking the second-most sacks in the league (52) and eight against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round, it’s imperative the Houston Texans improve their offensive line this offseason. They do so in the first round, bagging Texas OT Cameron Williams at pick No. 25.
The 6-foot-5, 335-pounder solidified himself as one of the premier tackles in the nation this year, but many still question how his strength will hold up against top pass-rushers at the next level. However, with second-round 2024 rookie Blake Fisher in the mix at right tackle, the Texans could move Williams inside to guard until he gets his feet under him.
Regardless, Bobby Slowik’s zone-run scheme is a perfect fit for Williams’ athleticism to be put on display.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Jahdae Barron (CB – Texas)
With EDGE Jared Verse and DE Braden Fiske being revelations as rookies, the Rams’ defense became a force to be reckoned with down the stretch. However, the Rams were relying on aging CBs Darious Williams (31) and Ahkello Witherspoon (29), to hold their own on the outside. They get immediate help and youth at the position by adding Texas CB Jahdae Barron.
Winner of the 2024 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, going to the best defensive back in College Football, Barron led the SEC in interceptions (five) and was fourth in passes defended (11). The former four-star recruit’s high football IQ makes him a day-one starter. What he lacks in size (just 5-foot-11), he makes up for in short-area agility, allowing him to position himself for plays on the ball.
The Rams keep their Super Bowl window open by getting one of the steals of the draft at pick No. 26.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Booker (iOL – Alabama)
After another Divisional Round exit, it’s obvious that the Baltimore Ravens need to re-tool on both the offensive and defensive line. Selecting Alabama’s Tyler Booker, the best guard in this class, helps them do the former. The IMG Acadamy recruit saw work on the Crimson Tide’s offensive line as a freshman before winning the starting left guard role as a sophomore. At 6-foot-5 and 325 pounds, with a clean bill of health, Booker is among the most NFL-ready offensive line prospects available in 2025.
As always, guards will get pushed down the board in favor of tackles. However, the Alabama team captain and MVP will immediately slot in at Baltimore’s left guard. They’ve been relying on utility lineman Patrick Mekari, who will be a UFA, to fill that role.
28. Detroit Lions: Tyleik Williams (DT – Ohio State)
After a disappointing Divisional Round loss to the Washington Commanders and a majority of their defensive depth being UFAs, the Detroit Lions need to continue to stack youth on that side of the ball. They do so by adding Ohio State’s DT Tyleik Williams to eventually replace D.J. Reader, who enters the final year of his contract.
With five sacks as a freshman, Williams was named a 2021 Freshman All-American. The 6-foot-4, 327-pounder relies on his impressive stature and athleticism to move back interior linemen and collapse the pocket. However, his technical inconsistencies limited him to just 6.5 sacks through his remaining three seasons at Ohio State.
Still, the upside is unmatched. Hopefully, sharing a locker room with Aidan Hutchinson, who led the Lions with 7.5 sacks in just five games played in 2024, can help Williams refine his craft and maximize his potential at the next level.
29. Washington Commanders: Tre Harris (WR – Ole Miss)
The Washington Commanders were undoubtedly 2024’s surprise team, finishing 12-5 during the regular season and making a Cinderella run to the conference championship game. Maybe what’s most impressive about Daniels’ awe-inspiring rookie season is that he did it without a true No. 2 option in the passing game. Terry McLaurin led the team with 117 targets, good for 82 receptions, 1,096 yards and 13 TDs. However, 34-year-old TE Zach Ertz was second on the team in all major statical categories.
That will change with the Commanders’ pick of Ole Miss’s Tre Harris. The 2024 Bilentikoff Award semi-finalist is a fifth-year senior who will be 23 before the draft, which is what kept him available this long for Washington. In his final season at Louisiana Tech in 2022, he finished seventh in Conference USA in receptions (65) and receiving yards (935) while finishing fourth in the G5 conference in receiving touchdowns (10).
Those skills translated to Ole Miss, where he finished fifth in the conference in receiving yards (985) in 2023 and second in 2024 with 1,030 receiving yards despite playing just eight games. At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, Harris is the ideal size to play flanker for Washington, opposite of McLaurin. He has glue for hands and an outstanding catch radius. While his lack of overall speed will deter some, it shouldn’t be an issue in Kliff Kingsbury’s uniquely called offense.
30. Buffalo Bills: Princely Umanmielen (EDGE – Ole Miss)
The Bills have depth at pass-rusher, including DEs Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa and Von Miller. However, general manager Brandon Beane won’t outthink the room two years in a row and let an elite prospect like Princely Umanmielen fall to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The fifth-year senior transferred to Ole Miss after four years of playing in “The Swamp,” a move that paid dividends. Umanmielen finished second in the SEC in sacks (10.5) and seventh in tackles for loss (seven) in 2024. Winning All-American Second-Team honors, he is more of a speed and technique rusher than a true power rusher.
He needs to improve his off-the-snap reaction time. However, his 6-foot-4, 255-pound frame with long arms gives him too much upside to slide out of the first round.
31. Philadelphia Eagles: Wyatt Milum (OT – West Virginia)
Even after losing future Hall-of-Famer center Jason Kelce to retirement, the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line helped lead Saquon Barkley to the ninth all-time 2,000-yard rushing season for a running back. Still, RT Lane Johnson is 34 years old and could call it quits if the Eagles can capture another Lombardi Trophy. That makes West Virginia’s Wyatt Milum the slam-sunk pick here at No. 31 overall.
With starts at both left and right tackle over his four years of starting, Milum has been the stalwart for the Mountaineers’ offensive line since arriving on campus in 2021. Not only did he allow no sacks in 2023, but he helped West Virginia become a top-five rushing offense in the nation, averaging 222.7 yards per game. While WVU as a whole regressed in 2024, Milum held up his end of the bargain, being named a Consensus All-American and the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year.
General manager Howie Roseman does it again, grabbing a potential generational player late in the first round.
32. Tennessee Titans (via Kansas City): Jalen Milroe (QB – Alabama)
There it is. After trading back from the first-overall pick to stockpile multiple Raiders picks and draft McMillan at six overall, the Titans trade back in to select Alabama QB Jalen Milroe and secure his fifth-year rookie option.
The 22-year-old is by no means a perfect prospect who has struggled with turnovers and pushing the ball downfield consistently against premier competition. However, it’s hard to ignore the 6-foot-2, 225-pounder’s traits as a rusher. Milroe ran 168 times this season for 726 yards and 20 TDs (eighth-most in the country among all players). In big games against SEC defenses like Georgia, LSU and Auburn, Milroe ran for a combined 406 yards and nine touchdowns. He was practically unstoppable in those contests. I think when he shows off his athleticism at his pro day and the NFL Combine, someone will take a gamble on him at the end of the first round.
Suddenly, the Texans have an offense that includes Milroe, McMillan, Ridley, Mayer, Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears that could compete in a weak AFC South division. They also still hold the No. 33 overall pick, plus the Raiders’ 2026 first and second-round picks.
- Chiefs Receive:
- LV 2025 Pick 2.10
- TEN 2025 Pick 4.01
- TEN 2025 Pick 6.01
- Titans Receive:
- KC 2025 Pick 1.32
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Seth Woolcock is an on-air host and featured writer at FantasyPros/BettingPros. For more sports betting and fantasy sports analysis from Seth, check out In-Between Media & follow him on X/Twitter @Between_SethFF.