We’ve finally reached the week of the 2025 NFL Draft. Countless hours of watching film and breaking this all down is what it’s all about. We’ve done that and now we put together our final mock draft of the 2025 NFL Draft cycle.
Here’s how I see the first round playing out on Thursday for the 2025 NFL Draft. For more draft content, you can follow me on X: @RussNFLDraft
2025 NFL Mock Draft
1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward (QB -Miami)
This pick has been locked in for weeks. We’ll see how long it takes for the pick to be announced, but all signs point to the Titans getting their new signal-caller.
2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter (WR/CB – Colorado)
Since the Senior Bowl, I’ve heard Abdul Carter would be the pick for the Browns. It’s been fun going back and forth between the two, but ultimately, this pick will be Travis Hunter. The Browns should start him at cornerback and package him at wide receiver periodically each week.
3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter (EDGE – Penn State)
It still wouldn’t surprise me if the Giants land on Shedeur Sanders from Colorado with this pick. They don’t have a long-term answer at quarterback and already have Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Chauncey Golston on defense.
That said, all signs point to Carter being the pick. If that’s the case, this gives the Giants a true identity on defense, and they’re going to make life tough for opposing quarterbacks.
4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell (OT – LSU)
Two weeks ago, I received a text about the Patriots having interest in Georgia defender Jalon Walker. If he ended up being selected here, that wouldn’t be surprising. However, I think the Patriots are still sold on the idea of protecting quarterback Drake Maye. By adding Campbell, the Patriots get their left tackle of the future.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ashton Jeanty (RB – Boise State)
Before the Senior Bowl, I had heard the Jaguars were high on Ashton Jeanty. Since then, they’ve revamped their coaching staff and front office. Coming full circle, it appears the Jaguars are set on the idea of selecting an offensive playmaker. Building around Trevor Lawrence is a smart choice, and one of the best players in the draft is Jeanty.
Jeanty helps Coen build an identity for his offense.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Jalon Walker (LB – Georgia)
It wouldn’t be surprising if Kelvin Banks Jr. or Armand Membou were the selections here. But looking at the Raiders’ defense, they don’t have a long-term answer at linebacker. Devin White and Elandon Roberts are on the back end of their careers and playing under one-year contracts.
By adding Jalon Walker, the Raiders add a chess piece to their defense that can play opposite of Maxx Crosby and align as a WILL linebacker on early downs.
7. New York Jets: Mason Graham (iDL – Michigan)
If Mason Graham doesn’t get selected at this spot, I think he could fall a little bit (maybe to 11th or 13th overall). That said, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is going to want players who fit his defense, and it’s hard to say that Graham won’t fit here.
Graham is a high-motor player with good effort and active hands. Pairing him with Quinnen Williams could lead to a dangerous combination in the middle of the Jets’ defensive line.
8. Carolina Panthers: Mykel Williams (EDGE – Georgia)
We should keep tabs on the Panthers as a potential team to move back a few spots for a team wanting to come up for a wide receiver or offensive tackle. For the sake of my sanity, we won’t predict any trades. I think the Panthers could be higher on Mykel Williams than most teams.
It’s been no secret this offseason that the Panthers have been trying to add to their pass rush and upgrade their defensive line. Adding Williams will help with that, as he sets the edge and has the tools to develop into a double-digit sack producer.
9. New Orleans Saints: Armand Membou (OT – Missouri)
As I’ve mentioned, we could see Armand Membou off the board by this spot. Fortunately, he’s available here. He would be a plug-and-play starter at right tackle for the Saints. There have been improvements along the offensive line with Trevor Penning, but not enough to prevent the Saints from swinging at right tackle again.
Membou is physical, plays square and will finish blocks consistently in the run game. He’d pair nicely with Saints left tackle Taliese Fuaga.
10. Chicago Bears: Tyler Warren (TE – Penn State)
We could see the Bears look to trade up, but without predicting trades in this mock, they stay put and add another piece to their offense for Caleb Williams. By adding Warren, they get a versatile tight end that can play in the slot, in-line or even take snaps in the backfield. I can only imagine what Ben Johnson may scheme up for the former quarterback.
Dropped my top-50 players for the 2025 NFL Draft today on @FantasyPros! It's a timely process but I absolutely love watching and writing about these prospects. https://t.co/hNB5WSINTm
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) April 10, 2025
11. San Francisco 49ers: Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT – Texas)
There’s been a lot of speculation that the 49ers will take a defensive lineman in the first round. If Mykel Williams or Mason Graham were to fall to this spot, I think it’s likely. However, they don’t in this mock, and the 49ers look to the future by adding Kelvin Banks Jr. from Texas.
Banks can wait in the wings behind Trent Williams or he could compete with Colton McKivitz for the starting right tackle spot.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Tetairoa McMillan (WR – Arizona)
It feels like wide receiver or bust for the Cowboys at this point. They could be intrigued with the cornerbacks, but finding another pass-catcher appears likely for the Cowboys. There’s been a lot of love for Matthew Golden in this spot, but I think getting a big-bodied receiver is far more important.
Tetairoa McMillan provides run after the catch ability and can high point the football while maintaining steady body control. He should contribute right away.
13. Miami Dolphins: Jahdae Barron (CB – Texas)
With the news of Jalen Ramsey departing the Dolphins (at some point), the talent in their secondary is thin and weak. Adding an immediate impact player is important. Jahdae Barron could provide that. He can play inside, outside or even align as a safety for the Dolphins.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland (TE – Michigan)
When talking about the draft, Colts general manager Chris Ballard mentioned he wants to add a pass-catching tight end at some point. That’s pretty eye-opening for a team sitting in the driver’s seat to obtain either Colston Loveland or Tyler Warren. In this scenario, they land Loveland. If healthy, he can start right away for the Colts.
15. Atlanta Falcons: James Pearce Jr. (EDGE – Tennessee)
There are a lot of questions for James Pearce Jr. off the football field. Up to this point, he’s certainly answered most of them. The question now becomes which team is comfortable with drafting him?
There’s a chance he slips into Day 2, but at this point, I think he finds a way into the first round with so many teams wanting to acquire pass rush talent. One of those teams is the Falcons, and they’re one of the teams that have done the most work on Pearce.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Shemar Stewart (EDGE – Texas A&M)
There may not be a better landing spot for Shemar Stewart than right here with the Cardinals. He doesn’t have to be rushed onto the field, and he could be used in a rotation with Calais Campbell to start his career. By adding Stewart, this gives the Cardinals a pass rusher with the desired traits and athleticism to become a dominant producer in the NFL.
Impressive power from Texas A&M 4 Shemar Stewart pic.twitter.com/gff79o9tOp
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) January 13, 2025
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Walter Nolen (iDL – Ole Miss)
Some have suggested Walter Nolen could be off the board by this point, so that will be worth monitoring. If he makes it to this spot, it would be a no-brainer for the Bengals to select him. Despite having B.J. Hill and Kris Jenkins Jr., the addition of Nolen gives them a versatile and violent interior defender who has the desired tools to be developed.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel (iOL – North Dakota State)
The Seahawks need to upgrade the interior part of their offensive line. By drafting a player such as Grey Zabel, they get a versatile and experienced player (62 games with 46 career starts) who can contribute right away.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Malaki Starks (S – Georgia)
I could see a scenario where Malaki Starks is off the board already. After all, he’s my fourth overall player. For now, he lands in the lap of the Buccaneers, and he’s too good to pass up. He’s a versatile chess piece with some of the most consistent tape of any player in the draft.
Starks is the exact player the Bucs look for on defense every year, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he provided an immediate impact.
Georgia DB 24 Malaki Starks doing great things on multiple plays in a row.
1st play – covers Texas WR DeAndre Moore on the crosser out of trips bunch
2nd play – buzz defender with great positioning. flies upfield on the swing
3rd play – covers corner route from #2 out of… pic.twitter.com/su1gVQYDGd
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) March 14, 2025
20. Denver Broncos: Omarion Hampton (RB – North Carolina)
I’m sold that the Broncos are taking an offensive player in the first round. With how much smoke has been surrounding them and running backs, it feels as if that will be the direction they go on Thursday. The question now becomes: Will it be Omarion Hampton or TreVeyon Henderson?
I lean towards Hampton as the Broncos have been tied to him through the entire process. He’s got a well-built frame with a strong lower half and the desired burst to threaten defenders in the open field.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Shedeur Sanders (QB – Colorado)
The fall for Shedeur Sanders stops here. It feels as if Sanders could fall just like Geno Smith did in the 2013 NFL Draft, when we saw only one quarterback selected in round one of that draft. But again, the fall stops here, and I just don’t see a scenario where the Steelers pass on a quarterback with only Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson on the depth chart.
None of the quarterbacks in this draft class are perfect, but the Steelers are going to have to roll the dice on someone. Why not try it with the quarterback Mike Tomlin is rumored to be a fan of?
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Matthew Golden (WR – Texas)
The Chargers had 30 visits with Matthew Golden and Tetairoa McMillan, so they’ve done some homework on the wide receivers in this draft. Adding another pass-catcher to help Justin Herbert is a smart move.
Golden may not play the way he tested, but there’s no denying his burst after the catch. He’s the type of receiver that can run vertically or work quicker routes in the short-and-intermediate areas of the field.
23. Green Bay Packers: Josh Simmons (OT – Ohio State)
During the draft process, I was asked if the Packers would pay offensive tackle Rasheed Walker a contract worth north of $20 million per season. That got me thinking, especially after the Packers have met with Josh Simmons.
It’s not exactly what the Packers do in the draft, but protecting Jordan Love should be a priority. If it weren’t for the knee injury Simmons suffered this season, we’d be talking about him as a top-15 lock in this draft. There’s a chance he could still go that high, but if he ends up becoming available here, I think the Packers will surprise a few folks with this selection.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Will Johnson (CB – Michigan)
The fall for Will Johnson stops here. I know there are injury and long-speed concerns, but if there’s any defensive coach that can get the most out of his players, it is Brian Flores. Johnson has shown that when he’s healthy, he’s a willing tackler and has some of the best ball skills of any cornerback in the draft.
When he’s not healthy, Johnson is late turning out of his backpedal and isn’t as consistent in run support. Going to Minnesota gives him a chance to get healthy faster and, most importantly, puts him in a very good spot to succeed.
25. Houston Texans: Emeka Egbuka (WR – Ohio State)
I could see a scenario where Emeka Egbuka is already off the board at this spot. After all, he’s my top-ranked receiver and my 10th overall player. That said, I know the Texans are very high on Egbuka. Getting a solid pass-catcher to pair with Nico Collins and C.J. Stroud is important for this offense.
Egbuka has been praised for his leadership and ability to always get open. This one is a no-brainer.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Trey Amos (CB – Ole Miss)
One of my favorite players in the 2025 NFL Draft is Trey Amos from Ole Miss. He ended up as my 20th overall player and feels like an ideal fit for what the Rams look for on defense — good athletes that compete and play aggressively. Amos has checked a lot of boxes through the draft process, and he’d give the Rams a long-term option at cornerback.
Ole Miss CB 9 Trey Amos (top of the screen) locking down the single WR pic.twitter.com/Gjg5gBhL5R
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) March 15, 2025
27. Baltimore Ravens: Donovan Ezeiruaku (EDGE – Boston College)
Most teams are a wild card in the NFL Draft, but that’s the case with the Ravens every year. I think adding to their defense makes a lot of sense, and getting a pass rusher with a bunch of upside is a move I could see them making.
Donovan Ezeiruaku plays with good flexibility and athleticism while having the desired arm length to create separation consistently. He could be a stand-up pass rusher the Ravens have shown a history of drafting under John Harbaugh with the upside to produce at a high level.
28. Detroit Lions: Tyler Booker (iOL – Alabama)
I could see the Lions drafting a defensive lineman or wide receiver in the first round. However, Brad Holmes has reiterated they will draft good football players. There may not be a higher player on their board than Tyler Booker.
Booker fits exactly what they’re looking for as he looks to destroy the opposition. I’d expect him to come in and compete and potentially start right away at left guard for the Lions.
29. Washington Commanders: Jihaad Campbell (LB – Alabama)
The shoulder and knee injuries scare Jihaad Campbell down the board, but there’s no denying he’s one of the most athletic and explosive defensive playmakers in this draft. With Bobby Wagner operating under a one-year deal, the Commanders could look to Campbell as a potential replacement for the future.
This allows Campbell to play and learn alongside one of the best linebackers in football, but it also gives him a chance to get healthy and ease into a role for the Commanders’ defense.
30. Buffalo Bills: Derrick Harmon (iDL – Oregon)
Drafting a cornerback is still something I could see the Bills do with this selection. If anything, I think they could be active and look to trade up in the first round. For now, I have them stay put and select Derrick Harmon from Oregon.
When watching Harmon, he’s a versatile defender with long arms and the desired frame to withstand contact consistently. Best suited to play as a 3-technique or 4i-technique in the NFL, Harmon could pair well with Ed Oliver and Gregory Rousseau.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Mike Green (EDGE – Marshall)
It may not be possible for Mike Green to be available this low in the first round. Especially with so many teams needing pass rush help. However, he lands right in the lap of the Chiefs in this scenario, and he makes a ton of sense.
Green has an explosive first step and wins with how he can turn speed into power. With the Chiefs only registering 39 total sacks last season (tied for 18th in the NFL), there’s a potential need for some pass rush help. Green has some off-the-field accusations and balance concerns on the field. Overall, he could provide immediate pass rush help.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Nick Emmanwori (S – South Carolina)
The Eagles could look at a pass rusher in this spot. However, they did trade safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson this offseason, and they’re left with Reed Blankenship, Lewis Cine and Sydney Brown at safety. They could be intrigued enough to use Cooper DeJean back there as well, but Nick Emmanwori could be an ideal fit for Vic Fangio.
When watching Emmanwori, it’s clear he’s a great athlete and has no issues running the alley. He’ll need to get faster at locating the football and his form tackling needs to become more consistent. Overall, he’s the type of player that has the athleticism and traits that teams bet on as a first-round draft pick.
More 2025 NFL Mock Drafts
- Andrew Erickson: 2025 NFL Mock Draft (2.0, 3.0, 4.0)
- Pat Fitzmaurice: 2025 NFL Mock Draft (2.0, 3.0, 4.0)
- Derek Brown: 2025 NFL Mock Draft
- Kurt Blakeway: 2025 NFL Mock Draft (2.0, 3.0)
- Matthew Jones: 2025 NFL Mock Draft (2.0)
- Kent Weyrauch: 2025 NFL Mock Draft
- Mike Fanelli: 2025 NFL Mock Draft With Trades (2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0)
- Richard Janvrin: 2025 NFL Mock Draft (2.0, 3.0)
- Russell Brown: 2025 NFL Mock Draft (2.0)
- Seth Woolcock: 2025 NFL Mock Draft With Trades
- Jason Kamlowsky: 2025 NFL Mock Draft Two Rounds
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
