With the 2025 NFL Draft just over a week away, here’s what will likely be my penultimate projection for how the first round could play out.
I’m still flipping a lot of the picks around, so it’s likely my final mock will look fairly different. Feel free to contact me on Twitter @draftexaminer with any comments/suggestions!
2025 NFL Mock Draft
1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward (QB -Miami)
Rather than talking about why the Titans will almost certainly draft Cam Ward, let’s think about their second-round pick. Treylon Burks hasn’t made a huge impact, so a receiver for Ward would be in play.
They could also try to upgrade over Jarvis Brownlee at corner, bring in an inside linebacker, or maybe take an EDGE to complement Arden Key. If he made it to 35, someone like Donovan Ezeiruaku would be a nice value.
2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter (WR/CB – Colorado)
Travis Hunter makes some sense here, as the Browns could use him on both offense and defense, where he’d replace starting cornerback Martin Emerson Jr.
General manager Andrew Berry has also taken cornerbacks with his first pick in two drafts since taking over. It seems like Hunter has more momentum than Carter, but I’m not stressing it much yet.
3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter (EDGE – Penn State)
If Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll make this pick, I’m thinking they take whoever the Browns don’t to try and get an instant impact and save their jobs.
Schoen has mentioned focusing on people who can help them win this year, which seems to rule out Shedeur Sanders. However, it’s possible ownership could step in and direct them to take Sanders (or maybe Jaxson Dart).
4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell (OT – LSU)
Mike Vrabel has stated he views Will Campbell as a left tackle, and with Carter and Hunter both off the board, this seems like a fairly likely pick.
I see Campbell as a better scheme fit than Armand Membou, who’s more of a zone-scheme blocker. There have been some rumors New England loves Jalon Walker, but tackle is a much bigger need.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham (DL – Michigan)
I’ll admit to being a bit lazy when it comes to projecting this pick, because Mason Graham seems like a perfect fit. If the team traded down, other players could come into play.
I’m not sure how I feel about them taking a bigger receiver given the presence of Brian Thomas Jr., but it wouldn’t be crazy for them to look at the position. A safety like Malaki Starks would provide an upgrade over Darnell Savage.
***Trade Alert***
6. Chicago Bears (from Las Vegas): Ashton Jeanty (RB – Boise State)
Here’s a projected trade. Let’s say Chicago sends picks #10 and #72 and their 2026 third-round pick to Vegas.
If the Raiders are locked in on Ashton Jeanty, the Bears could consider trading with, say, New England to get him, or explore other options, maybe Kelvin Banks Jr. or a trade down to target someone like Omarion Hampton.
Without many needs, trying to land a blue-chipper makes sense.
7. New York Jets: Armand Membou (OT – Missouri)
I’d be pretty surprised if the Jets took Shedeur Sanders after signing Justin Fields. Based on some reports, they’re looking to build around Fields rather than bring in competition.
Positional value tilts this pick toward Armand Membou over Tyler Warren. It’s rare to see a tight end coming off the board in the top 10, and Warren may not be graded high enough.
8. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker (LB – Georgia)
Something I’ve considered recently: Is the Patriots’ reported interest in Jalon Walker genuine? Or are they trying to get a team like the Panthers to trade up? Would Carolina move up for him?
I’d guess no, just because there are some other pretty good possibilities for them here. Carolina doesn’t have quite as much draft capital as you’d think, picking 57th in the second.
9. New Orleans Saints: Shedeur Sanders (QB – Colorado)
Shedeur Sanders would have been a consideration here even before Derek Carr injured his shoulder, but now it’s hard to imagine them passing on the chance to land a potential franchise quarterback.
Kellen Moore has shown interest in starting Carr, but the team would save $50 million by designating him as a June 1st cut next year, and they’re in cap hell right now.
***Trade Alert***
10. Las Vegas Raiders (from Chicago) – Will Johnson (CB – Michigan)
Let’s say the Raiders determine they’d rather land a top cornerback and hit running back with a later pick, possibly one of the Ohio State guys in the second round.
They can pick up a solid haul to move down a few picks, and still get one of the higher-upside prospects in the class. Releasing Jack Jones leaves them with one of the weakest cornerback rooms in the league.
11. San Francisco 49ers – Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT – Texas)
This is one of the hardest picks to mock. I could see an offensive lineman to play left guard and maybe left tackle once Trent Williams retires.
They could also add pretty much anything to the defensive line, as Nick Bosa is their only real foundational piece there. The secondary is closer to serviceable than elite. Steve Sarkisian ran a lot of outside zone at Texas.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Tetairoa McMillan (WR – Arizona)
The Cowboys spent a first on Mazi Smith in 2023 (he hasn’t lived up to the pick yet), drafted Marshawn Kneeland in the second last year and signed Dante Fowler Jr.
That makes me think they might feel OK on the line for now, unless they’re giving up on Smith. A receiver or running back makes the most sense, and I’d give safety an outside shot as well, replacing Donovan Wilson.
13. Miami Dolphins – Kenneth Grant (DL – Michigan)
Terron Armstead retired, but I’m guessing Miami wants to give Patrick Paul a chance to play left tackle. A guard could work, as the division is loaded with interior rushers.
Cornerback is a big need, as they’re currently set to start 2024 undrafted free agent (UDFA) Storm Duck at one spot, with Jalen Ramsey seeking a trade (2023 second-rounder Cam Smith has struggled). Anthony Weaver’s three-man line could use help, too.
14. Indianapolis Colts – Tyler Warren (TE – Penn State)
I could imagine Chris Ballard preferring Colston Loveland, but Tyler Warren seems more like a Shane Steichen tight end.
Indianapolis has a strong roster overall, but I’d also think about maybe a linebacker (they lost E.J. Speed and would be relying on 2024 fifth-rounder Jaylon Carlies), with an off chance of a right guard.
15. Atlanta Falcons – Malaki Starks (DB – Georgia)
Getting younger on Atlanta’s three-man line would be nice, although they have competent veteran stop-gaps. Their starting pass-rush duo, Arnold Ebiketie and an aging Leonard Floyd, leaves something to be desired.
Secondary help could make sense; they’ve signed Jordan Fuller to replace Justin Simmons and got good play from Mike Hughes last year, but both are inconsistent.
16. Arizona Cardinals – Mykel Williams (DE – Georgia)
Arizona could use a third receiver. Jonah Williams got hurt, but is a good right tackle when healthy, so the only line spot to consider for 2025 is right guard. They’ve added to the defensive front, but are mostly old on the line.
I like the EDGE trio of Josh Sweat, Zaven Collins and BJ Ojulari, who missed last year. An outside corner would be good, since Garrett Williams plays inside. I’d imagine they lean front-seven here.
17. Cincinnati Bengals – Tyler Booker (OG – Alabama)
Guard is a big need in Cincinnati. If Trey Hendrickson is traded, the defensive end room wouldn’t be too strong, although they did draft Myles Murphy in 2023. Kris Jenkins has struggled, so we’ll see how they feel about him.
Linebacker is decent, but they could upgrade on Germaine Pratt. Slot corner Dax Hill made some strides after struggling in his first two seasons, so they might feel like his trajectory is pointing upwards. The safety position wasn’t too strong last year, so if Malaki Starks fell, that’d make sense, too.
18. Seattle Seahawks – Grey Zabel (OL – North Dakota State)
Signing DeMarcus Lawrence means the team has some pretty good EDGE rushers. A third cornerback could make sense as an upgrade over Josh Jobe.
They’re playing Devon Witherspoon in the slot, but could move him outside. An outside receiver to challenge Marquez Valdez-Scantling could work, too. I’ll stick with Grey Zabel since the team’s offensive line needs help, especially inside.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jihaad Campbell (LB – Alabama)
Offensively, this team has a lot of talent at the skill positions and could maybe use a left guard, but is otherwise good there, too. That makes me think this is very likely to be a defender.
Linebacker is weak, outside of Lavonte David, who’s up there in age and on a one-year deal. They could use an outside corner or a free safety.
20. Denver Broncos – Emeka Egbuka (WR – Ohio State)
Denver spent big on Talanoa Hufanga, so they probably feel set at safety, but cornerback isn’t the strongest aside from Patrick Surtain.
They look pretty good up front, although it’s possible they could add a big lineman or something. Otherwise, I expect the Broncos to focus on getting some weapons to help Bo Nix. Emeka Egbuka is a good fit for Sean Payton’s offense.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Derrick Harmon (DL – Oregon)
This is a pretty talented roster without many glaring holes on defense, although the Steelers could use a nickel and another five-technique. Offensively, they need a quarterback, running back and perhaps a receiver if they trade George Pickens.
On the offensive line, they’ll be hoping to see something from Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu this year at the tackle spots. They could look at a guard.
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Colston Loveland (TE – Michigan)
What would the Chargers do if Colston Loveland weren’t available? I don’t love the outside receiver pair of Mike Williams and Quentin Johnston. Otherwise, this looks more like a defensive pick in such a scenario.
They could use a cornerback after losing Kristian Fulton, an EDGE (Khalil Mack‘s still got it, but they need to replace the snaps Joey Bosa played and they didn’t get a great year from Bud Dupree) or anything on the three-man line (Kenneth Grant would presumably be tempting.)
23, Green Bay Packers – Jahdae Barron (CB – Texas)
This is a pick I struggle with. Keisean Nixon isn’t an ideal boundary corner, and if they cut or trade Jaire Alexander, cornerback would make sense.
Lukas Van Ness hasn’t made a huge impact, so they could consider bringing in another EDGE if they’re not comfortable with his progress. Green Bay’s also been looking at wide receivers, although they have some pretty good ones.
24. Minnesota Vikings – Nick Emmanwori (DB – South Carolina)
Safety seems like a good bet here as long as they like the option(s) available. If not, I like left guard as a possibility, maybe a slot receiver (Jalen Nailor and Rondale Moore are adequate) or a cornerback. Mekhi Blackmon and Isaiah Rodgers have flashed (the former in 2023, the latter last year), but neither is proven.
That leaves them with Byron Murphy Jr. as their only top guy. A man-cover cornerback to replace Stephon Gilmore would help Brian Flores. I like Benjamin Morrison, but I’m probably higher on him than most.
25. Houston Texans – Matthew Golden (WR – Texas)
If I’m Houston, I’d like to give Tank Dell and Christian Kirk a chance before investing heavily in another receiver, but Dell’s injury history and lack of size are a scary combo.
The team could use long-term pieces along the offensive line, although they brought in veteran stop-gaps like Cam Robinson, Laken Tomlinson and Ed Ingram.
I imagine Houston likes their defense, but could use a stud defensive tackle, as they’re relying on complementary guys like Tim Settle, Sheldon Rankins and Mario Edwards Jr.
26. Los Angeles Rams – Trey Amos (CB – Mississippi)
It seems like Sean McVay wants to better integrate Tutu Atwell this year, so I might rank receiver as a lower need. If the team is looking toward the future, they could consider a quarterback or right tackle, but neither is a need at the moment.
Jihaad Campbell would make sense if available, but cornerback is probably the team’s biggest defensive need after signing Poona Ford to play the nose. Chris Shula runs a lot of zone, especially Cover 3.
27. Baltimore Ravens – Shemar Stewart (DE – Texas A&M)
This is a team with a very capable starting lineup on defense, but they do rotate players relatively often, and could stand to bolster some of the depth if they wanted. I tend to think the first round would be rich, unless they loved someone or maybe took a five-technique.
Offensively, they could use interior line help. The team hasn’t gotten great production from Rashod Bateman, and is relying on DeAndre Hopkins at receiver, too.
28. Detroit Lions – Nic Scourton (DE – Texas A&M)
I’m a fan of Tim Patrick, but Detroit could entertain an upgrade given his age and lack of ideal production last year. The guard spots aren’t very proven now that Kevin Zeitler is gone, but Christian Mahogany flashed last year.
Defensively, this team lacks an ideal second pass-rusher, which is their major need there. They’re relying on Marcus Davenport and Josh Paschal.
29. Washington Commanders – James Pearce Jr. (DE – Tennessee)
After making a surprisingly deep playoff run, Washington blew a ton of money and picks upgrading their team this offseason. Outside of perhaps left guard or right tackle, they look good on offense.
They could look for an impact player at defensive end or cornerback to build around long-term, despite having veteran stop-gaps like Deatrich Wise and Jonathan Jones there. Getting an explosive Leo to complement their high-scoring offense would be nice.
30. Buffalo Bills – Maxwell Hairston (CB – Kentucky)
What can get the Bills over the hump? A guard might be nice if they’re not sold on O’Cyrus Torrence. Signing Joshua Palmer obviates the need for a starting receiver. Otherwise, they could maybe use a linebacker, probably a bigger one, but the value here isn’t great.
The secondary is their biggest need — cornerback is a bigger need than safety, where Taylor Rapp is a good run stopper and they spent a second-round pick last year on Cole Bishop. They play a lot of zone, in a division with smaller, quicker/faster receivers.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – Walter Nolen (DL – Mississippi)
Signing Jaylon Moore gives them a left tackle candidate, but it might not be good enough to stop them from bringing in someone. I wouldn’t rule out a safety, but the top two guys are gone. Otherwise, I imagine they’d like to bolster the defensive front.
Their first-round pick from 2023, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, hasn’t been able to beat out Mike Danna yet. The Chiefs could also get a defensive tackle to pair with Chris Jones. Andy Reid loves building in the trenches, and I could see them taking one of the high-risk/high-reward options.
32. Philadelphia Eagles – Mike Green (DE – Marshall)
Like the Chiefs, Philadelphia likes building through the trenches and had a pretty significant talent exodus this offseason, losing Milton Williams, Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham.
Other than that, the team could look at a third receiver or maybe a right guard to replace Mekhi Becton. They’re currently projected to go with Jahan Dotson, who underperformed last year, in the slot. At right guard, Tyler Steen seems like the most likely starter.
Also Considered (click on player name for full scouting report):
- Jaxson Dart (QB – Mississippi)
- Omarion Hampton (RB – North Carolina)
- Luther Burden III (WR – Missouri)
- Josh Conerly Jr. (OT – Oregon)
- Donovan Jackson (OG – Ohio State)
- Aireontae Ersery (OT – Minnesota)
- Darius Alexander (DL – Toledo)
- Tyeik Williams (DL – Ohio State)
- Benjamin Morrison (CB – Notre Dame)
- Shavon Revel Jr. (CB – East Carolina)
- Jayden Higgins (WR – Iowa State)
- Josh Simmons (OT – Ohio State)
- Donovan Ezeiruaku (DE – Boston College)
- Xavier Watts (DB – Notre Dame)
More 2025 NFL Mock Drafts
The NFL Draft is one of the most anticipated events on the football calendar, shaping the future of teams and fantasy rosters alike. At FantasyPros, we provide unparalleled draft insights, from in-depth prospect profiles to expert mock drafts, to help you stay ahead of the curve.
This guide is your go-to resource for the NFL Draft, updated regularly with the latest analysis, rankings, and coverage. The 2025 NFL Draft figures to be one of the more interesting drafts in recent memory, especially in the first round, with two-way player Travis Hunter and teammate Shedeur Sanders expected to go at the top of the draft.
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- 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, 4.0)
- Russell Brown: 2025 NFL Mock Draft (2.0)
- Seth Woolcock: 2025 NFL Mock Draft With Trades
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