2025 NFL first round mock draft prediction: Surprise team trades into top 5 for Ashton Jeanty, and trenches dominate round one
Ashton Jeanty lands in a shocking destination
Happy NFL Draft day to those who celebrate! The long wait has officially come to an end. The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft is set to kick off tonight. This means that this is the final chance to predict how the first round will turn out for all 32 teams.
Below is my final 2025 first-round NFL mock draft of the year. It includes multiple surprises, none more significant than a shocker team trading into the top five to select Ashton Jeanty.
Final 2025 NFL 1st Round Mock Draft
1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
There isn't much more to say that hasn't been said at this point. Cam Ward to the Titans has been written in sharpie for quite some time. Will Levis wasn't able to show the team that he deserved the job long term, and now they have moved into a new era with Ward at QB 1.
2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The Browns may not hold the first pick, but they are in a position to land the consensus top player in the 2025 NFL Draft class, Travis Hunter. The 2024 Heisman winner and two-way phenom is highly sought after, and the Browns shouldn't hesitate to bring him to Cleveland. He will be their WR one right away, and they will find select packages to work him into the fold on defense as well.
3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
The Giants probably would have preferred to land Ward or Hunter, but with them off the board, they focused on one of the few blue-chip prospects left in this class, Abdul Carter. Carter is the best pass rusher in this class, and for multiple teams would have been the best edge in the last few draft classes as well. The Giants pair Carter with Brian Burns to form quite the dynamic duo. They'd also have Kayvon Thibodeaux to use either as a trade chip or as a very talented role player.
4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Many have looked at Will Campbell as a shoo-in over the past few weeks. This pick wasn't as easy for me, as I also heard they have significant interest in Jalon Walker and Ashton Jeanty. Ultimately, I think improving the offensive line is the best way for the Patriots to support Drake Maye. And they will only go as far as Maye can take them.
TRADE: Jaguars send Pick 5 to the Cowboys for Picks 12, 76 (third round), 174 (fifth round), and 2026 second
5. Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
It wouldn't be the NFL Draft without a few trades, now would it? The Cowboys were heavily connected to Ashton Jeanty early in this process, but his draft stock continued to rise ahead of their draft slot at 12. In recent days, all the smoke leads to the Jaguars taking Jeanty if they stay at 5, but that getting out this close to the draft smells awfully like a team trying to generate trade interest. So the Cowboys moved a hefty package of picks to move up and land the 2024 Heisman runner-up to drastically improve a running game that desperately needs it.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Armand Membou, OT/G, Missouri
With a new front office and coaching staff in place, the Raiders could take multiple different approaches with this pick. The team made a big move to trade for Geno Smith to be their new starting QB, so making sure he is protected would help get the most out of the veteran. Missouri's Armand Membou has the ability to play either tackle spot or even move into guard. He would offer the Raiders flexibility to get their best five lineman on the field in 2025.
7. New York Jets: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
I think the Jets' top preference with this pick would have been Armand Membou, so seeing him go just a pick ahead of them would certainly hurt. With him off the board, the next most popular pick in mock drafts has been Penn State TE Tyler Warren. I personally have a hard time seeing a new GM and coaching staff making their first pick in New York being a TE. And Texas' Kelvin Banks Jr. is going to go higher than people think, so the Jets pivot from Membou but stay focused on the offensive line. Banks Jr. can play either tackle spot, and some around the league think he could even slide inside to guard if needed.
8. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, Edge/LB, Georgia
The Panthers have been connected to Jalon Walker for quite some time. One look at their depth chart at edge rusher and you will see why. Walker is a versatile player who has the ability to be a stand-up linebacker as well. But he is at his best rushing the passer, and I think the Panthers would let him play on the line full time.
9. New Orleans Saints: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
The immediate reaction to the news of Saints QB Derek Carr's new injury was that they would take a QB with this pick. But all the signs point to them going a different direction here and waiting to find their new QB. Another spot they need help is on the defensive line. One player they've been heavily linked to is Mykel Williams. He isn't who I would take if I were the Saints, but he has a crazy high ceiling, and I would understand how a team could fall in love with him.
10. Chicago Bears: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The Bears got beat to the punch in this mock with the Cowboys trading up for Jeanty. But a star player in this class falls into their lap by staying at pick 10. Michigan DT Mason Graham is believed to be one of the top prospects in the class and would be a perfect addition to Dennis Allen's defense in Chicago. He could be the final piece to the defensive line that Ryan Poles has built over the last year and a half with Montez Sweat and newly signed edge Dayo Odeyingbo.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
The 49ers saw multiple holes on their roster form this offseason by losing key players throughout their roster. This opens them up to go in multiple directions with this pick. Improving their defensive line seems to be the consensus, and Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart would be a great fit to develop opposite Nick Bosa on their line.
12. Jacksonville Jaguars: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
After trading back and adding multiple picks, the Jaguars can take a player I sense they would have considered taking at five as well. Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan isn't everyone's cup of tea, but many believe the Jaguars are one of the teams highest on him. New Jaguars head coach Liam Coen has had success with big-bodied WRs in the past, and he would complement Brian Thomas Jr. well in his offense.
13. Miami Dolphins: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
I've personally thought the Dolphins would go secondary with this pick for quite some time. But as the draft has gotten closer, the offensive line has become more likely for this pick. Ohio State's Josh Simmons arguably had the best film of any offensive tackle in this class last year, but some medical concerns have dropped his draft stock for some teams. But his talent is evident, and he would be a nice upgrade for the Dolphins, who have to protect Tua Tagovailoa if they have any shot of competing in 2025.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
If Tyler Warren is on the board, the consensus around the league is that the Colts would be ecstatic. They had one of the worst TE rooms in the league last season, and are entering a make-or-break year for Anthony Richardson. So, giving him as much help as possible to see if he is the answer at QB or not seems like the best approach for the team to take. He would be an immediate upgrade in the receiving game and can be a plus addition in the run game.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
The Falcons have needed to upgrade their defensive line for multiple seasons. They need to generate more pressure on the QB, and they could consider a few options with this pick. I landed on Marshall's Mike Green, who is coming off a great season, and put up a dominant performance at the Senior Bowl this offseason. Green would be a day one starter and has the potential to develop into a true number one edge rusher.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
This is the first time I've mocked the Cardinals to not address the trenches. The idea of them pairing Marvin Harrison Jr. with his former teammate Emeka Egbuka sounds pretty enticing and would fit a need on their roster. And they would have some solid options on day two to still upgrade the trenches if they see fit.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
All signs point toward the Bengals adding to their defensive line with this pick. The future of Trey Hendrickson still seems up in the air, so they could go edge, but they already have a hole at DT. Walter Nolen is a great athlete and a dominant pass rusher out of the interior. He showed at the Senior Bowl how talented he is by being one of, if not the best, DT in attendance. Some believe there are some character concerns with Nolen, but I've been told the Bengals are one of a few teams that feel comfortable drafting the Ole Miss DT.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel, G/C, North Dakota State
The Seahawks' offense got a full makeover this offseason. Geno Smith and DK Metcalf are out, and Sam Darnold and Cooper Kupp are in. Now they need to improve the offensive line to help Darnold have similar success to what he saw last year with the Vikings. North Dakota State's Grey Zabel can play all five offensive line positions, though with the Seahawks, I'd expect him to play either guard or center.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
One of the worst-kept secrets coming out of the Scouting Combine was the Buccaneers' infatuation with Alabama off-ball linebacker Jihaad Campbell. Since then, it's been revealed that multiple teams aren't comfortable using a first-round pick on the LB due to multiple medical red flags being uncovered. I think the Buccaneers are still interested, though I'm unsure if he is still their top option due to the medical situation. How the board fell, though I think he'd be a great value and would get to have quite the mentor early in his career in Lavonte David.
20. Denver Broncos: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
The Broncos had great success in 2024 with their first-round pick from last year, Bo Nix, leading the team to a playoff appearance. Giving him more help on the offensive side of the ball to help him take another step forward in his second season seems like the best bet for this pick. I was between a couple running backs and TE Colston Loveland here, but landed on North Carolina's Omarion Hampton. Hampton projects as a three-down starter and would be able to take the reins on a Broncos run game that is missing a leader in the room.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The Steelers are stuck in limbo, waiting for Aaron Rodgers to decide whether he will be their starter in 2025. And with draft day arriving and still not having an answer, it feels like they the chances of the team going QB early in the 2025 NFL Draft have risen. Shedeur Sanders seems to be heading towards a major drop today, but the Steelers seem like a solid fit to end that fall by making him their new franchise QB.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
If he makes it here, Colston Loveland seems like the perfect selection for the Chargers. They have needed a difference maker at the spot for a while now. Loveland has experience with Jim Harbaugh's offense from their time together in Michigan.
23. Green Bay Packers: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
If you told me a year ago that Will Johnson would be on the board at pick 23, I would have said you were crazy. But there's a lot of smoke for him to experience a fall; some draft analysts even think he could fall out of round one altogether. The Packers have a big need at CB, though, and they could land one of the top ones in the class if they turn in the card with Will Johnson's name on it.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
As a CB, Jahdae Barron might not be seen as worthy of being a first-round pick for some teams because he projects best as a slot. But if a defensive coordinator is willing to use him as the dynamic chess piece he is, he becomes immensely more valuable. Barron can play in the nickel but also drop back and play as a deep safety or in the box. Give Brian Flores a versatile player like Barron, and you have a match made in heaven.
25. Houston Texans: Donovan Jackson, G/T, Ohio State
The Texans need to improve their offensive line early in the 2025 NFL Draft. The line derailed their 2024 season at multiple points of the year. And some believe it's gotten even worse with the moves they made in the offseason. The Texans could add a guard or a tackle at this spot, and Donovan Jackson out of Ohio State has the ability to play either position.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
The Rams could use help at a few spots now that they were able to keep Matthew Stafford as their QB. They are still in win-now mode and need to protect Stafford to get the most out of the talented veteran. In a class full of tackles with people wanting them to move to guard, Josh Conerly out of Oregon seems like a safe bet to stay at the position. He is one of the safer options for a team to consider, even if he may not have as high of a ceiling. But he would help stabilize the position for the Rams in the coming years with Stafford still in the fold.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
The Ravens' rushing attack with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry is truly elite. While the draft is sometimes used to fill holes, sometimes teams use it to make their strengths even more dominant. Alabama's Tyler Booker arguably has the most impressive film of any offensive lineman in this year's class. He was dominant at guard even against tough opponents in the SEC. He would start day one and help improve a rushing attack that is already among the best in the NFL.
28. Detroit Lions: James Pearce Jr. Edge, Tennessee
The Lions found out the hard way last season that their depth behind star pass rusher Aiden Hutchinson wasn't where they needed it to be. They will have their star back this season, but they need to improve the position to make sure they never run into that problem again. Here they land James Pearce Jr., who, this time last year, was projected to be a top-five pick in this class. Pairing him with a player of Hutchinson's caliber would allow Pearce to not have as much attention thrown his way by opposing offenses. Which could lead to him reaching the potential he showed early in his career at Tennessee.
TRADE: Commanders send pick 29 to the Giants for picks 34, 99 (third round), 154 (fifth round), 2026 second
29. New York Giants: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
One more trade for the road, as the Giants move back into round one with their divisional rivals, the Commanders. They send a package of picks their way in order to land their QB of the future in Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart. People have gone back and forth on whether he will hear his name called in the first round, but I think the Giants' need at QB will lead them to get aggressive to land him. This would give them the desirable fifth-year option and a new QB to build their future.
30. Buffalo Bills: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
The Bills have been on the cusp of a Super Bowl appearance but have struggled to get past the Chiefs. This pick needs to be a day-one contributor in a position of need to help them finally accomplish that goal. Malaki Starks is a talented safety who excels in single-high situations. His coverage ability would be a welcome addition to their defense and should help make life harder on teams like the Chiefs that stand in the Bills' way of a Super Bowl.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
The offensive line is the most common pick for the Chiefs, but the run lineman throughout this mock doesn't leave many great options that would be a good value here. So instead, I have them going to the other side of the trenches to take Boston College's Donovan Ezeiruaku. Ezeiruaku was dominant last season, he led the ACC with 21 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks. He could end up being the dominant edge rusher the Chiefs have been looking for. And with a star DT like Chris Jones there to take some of the attention off of him, this could be a fantastic fit for Ezeiruaku.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
The Super Bowl champs wrap up this mock draft by adding one of the stars from the 2025 Scouting Combine, Maxwell Hariston. Hairston showed off his elite speed by running a 4.28 40-yard dash. They added two early-round defensive backs last NFL Draft and moved on from veterans Darius Slay and James Bradberry this offseason. Adding Hairston to Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper Dejean would be quite the young trio in trio in their secondary. As they look to continue to compete for Super Bowls.
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