A to Z Sports' Initial First Round Mock Draft for the 2025 NFL Draft: Cam Ward stays in the South, Commanders land a steal, and more
The first days of April are just around the corner, which means the NFL world is in full-on draft mode, and it'll only continue to ramp up from here.Therefore, it's time to put out our first site-wide, first round mock draft of the offseason. Like last year, there won't be any trades or anything like […]
The first days of April are just around the corner, which means the NFL world is in full-on draft mode, and it'll only continue to ramp up from here.
Therefore, it's time to put out our first site-wide, first round mock draft of the offseason. Like last year, there won't be any trades or anything like that, just the simple exercise of our primary writers picking the guy they think their respective team will take when things kick off the night of April 24.
So, without further ado, let's go ahead and dive in.
A to Z Sports' Initial First Round Mock Draft
Tennessee Titans, No. 1 overall: QB Cam Ward, Miami Hurricanes
After the Scouting Combine in February, it was clear that Cam Ward would be the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. And after the Tennessee Titans met again with both Ward and Shedeur Sanders a week later, their plan to be the ones to take him was all but locked-in.
Taking Cam Ward at No. 1 is so much more than just taking the best QB of the bunch; it’s about taking a quarterback prospect who is in every way worthy of a first overall selection. He’s not without his warts, but you simply don’t find many players with his creativity and mental acumen. He plays smart and strong in the pocket, and is very difficult to bring down. He’s got enough arm talent and athleticism to thrive at the NFL level. – Easton Freeze, A to Z Nashville
Cleveland Browns, No. 2 overall: EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State Nittany Lions
The closer we get to the draft, the less likely it feels that the Browns will take a quarterback. Instead, with their first pick, Cleveland can land the best player in the draft: Abdul Carter. Carter paired with Myles Garrett gives the Browns the scariest pass-rushing duo in the NFL from Day 1. In a division that features Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson, it isn’t such a bad idea.
Carter has been a full-time edge rusher for just one season and he put up impressive numbers at Penn State during that time. The draft’s top pass rusher totaled 68 tackles (24 TFL), 12 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Working with just one arm in the College Football Playoff, Carter was still a force to be reckoned with. If the Browns can get a quarterback in the similar threshold as Sanders in the second round it makes this pick easy. – Brandon Little, A to Z Cleveland
New York Giants, No. 3 overall: QB Sheduer Sanders, Colorado Buffaloes
The Giants get to have their cake and eat it too if Cleveland opts against adding Shedeur Sanders with the No. 2 pick. Sanders doesn't have the physical profile that past Brian Daboll success stories Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts had, but he's a cerebral passer with rare playmaking chops. Daboll will appreciate Sanders' gusto and hard-working nature, and there's no question the former Colorado QB would fit Daboll's quarterback-friendly system.
Arguably the best benefit is that New York avoids a chaotic end to the first round as they'd look to trade back up for Jaxson Dart. – Ian Valentino, A to Z Sports
New England Patriots, No. 4 overall: CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado Buffaloes
Since Travis Hunter is still on the board, this pick is a no-brainer for the Patriots. Hunter can contribute on both sides of the ball, but considering the additions they made on defense, his ability on offense is what truly stands out. New England is in the need of another playmaker to go alongside the newly-signed Stefon Diggs and Hunter proved he can be exactly that during his time at Colorado. It almost feels like a steal to get Hunter at 4, but its one the Patriots will happily take. – Sophie Weller, A to Z New England
Jacksonville Jaguars, No. 5 overall: DT Mason Graham, Michigan Wolverines
The Jacksonville Jaguars had a significantly worse defense last year than they did the year before, and as new general manager James Gladstone said — the unit could be better almost right away. And, a large part of that could be because of who they take at No. 6. They have the edge rusher position down with Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. Now they need a guy on the inside. Graham is a guy they simply can’t pass on. – Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports
Las Vegas Raiders, No. 6 overall: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State Broncos
The Raiders had a historically bad offense in 2024, and knowing Pete Carroll, the Raiders will surely want to run the ball a ton in 2025. Getting the best running back in the best running back class would be a good start, especially when you look at what their RB class currently looks like. – Justin Churchill, A to Z Las Vegas
New York Jets, No. 7 overall: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State Nittany Lions
The Jets are going to be faced with a similar situation they faced last year: Do you take the safe player in the tackle like Missouri's Armand Membou or do you gamble on the upside of the top tight end? Last year, the Jets chose the former, opting for Olu Fashanu over Brock Bowers. The way I see it, if both players live up to the hype, the tight end is a much rarer find than the right tackle. The Jets need a second pass-catcher and as much help in the running game as they can get with Justin Fields at the helm. Tyler Warren addresses both of these issues with the potential of being elite at his position.
After 14 years of missing the playoffs, it might be time to take a chance. As Jerry Seinfeld once said to the great George Constanza: "If every instinct you have is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right." In this case, it's time for the Jets to do the opposite of last year. – Mike Antoniou, A to Z New York
Carolina Panthers, No. 8 overall: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona Wildcats
The Panthers need to give Bryce Young plenty more help if they want this thing to work out. One area of the roster that the Panthers haven’t hit hard this offseason is wide receiver. Taking the consensus top wideout here makes plenty of sense. McMillan gives the Panthers an X receiver with a big frame at 6-foot-4 and solid athleticism for his size. No receiver in this draft was more productive over the last two seasons than McMillan, who had 2,712 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns during that time. This is a no-brainer of a pick for Carolina. – Brandon Little, A to Z Sports
New Orleans Saints, No. 9 overall: CB Jahdae Barron, Texas Longhorns
I considered two guys here for Kellen Moore’s team: Barron, a versatile, gritty cornerback & Armand Membou, arguably the most complete offensive lineman prospect in the class. Ultimately, I gave new Saints DC Brandon Staley a chess piece for his secondary to alleviate some pressure on Kool-Aid McKinstry & Alontae Taylor. Barron deserves to be a top-15 pick in this class. – Adam Holt, A to Z New Orleans
Chicago Bears, No. 10 overall: RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina Tar Heels
Based on how this board lined up, Ryan Poles will miss out on three top options potentially on his board. Will Campbell or a top edge rusher are enticing, but instead I'm going with Omarion Hampton.
In 2023, Ben Johnson was on the staff that drafted Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall as the second RB off the board. With Hampton, Johnson and the Bears can follow a similar blueprint, adding a powerful back to the room alongside D'Andre Swift. The Bears met with Hampton at the Combine and his first-round momentum continues to develop leading up to the draft. – Kole Noble, A to Z Chicago
San Francisco 49ers, No. 11 overall: OT Will Campbell, LSU Tigers
The group led by Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch has already shown willingness to spend high picks on offensive linemen: Mike McGlinchey was the ninth overall pick in 2018 and Aaron Banks went 48th overall in 2021. Moreover, right tackle Colton McKivitz is an average starter and Trent Williams is already 36. Getting the best player on the board might not always be easy, but it is in this case when he plays at a valuable position.
Campbell offers a solid fit for Shanahan's offense, being a good pass protector and better in zone concepts to run block. He could even be moved inside to left guard as a rookie, replacing Aaron Banks while he develops his technique to be a full-time tackle later in his career. – Wendell Ferreira, A to Z Sports
Dallas Cowboys, No. 12 overall: WR Matthew Golden, Texas Longhorns
I’m just not sure the Cowboys can afford to pass on wide receiver in the first round. Golden’s game would make CeeDee Lamb’s life much easier as he’s more than just a speedster. He’s a legit route runner that could make an impact right away as a No. 2 on Brian Schottenheimer’s offense. – Mauricio Rodriguez, A to Z Dallas
Miami Dolphins, No. 13 overall: OT Armand Membou, Missouri Tigers
The Dolphins desperately need volume of cheap talent based on their financial outlook, so a trade down here wouldn't be a bad idea. But in this exercise, taking a player like Membou would be more than enough to fit the team's long-term plan. Membou played at right tackle throughout his college career, so he would immediately compete with Austin Jackson for the starting job.
At the same time, they would be a solid duo when Terron Armstead calls it a career—and considering Armstead's age and injury history, it's important to have a replacement plan in place. – Wendell Ferreira, A to Z Sports
Indianapolis Colts, No. 14 overall: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama Crimson Tide
Drafting an off-ball linebacker in the top-15 isn't for everyone, but the Colts' defensive overhaul in free agency sets them up to do just that. They filled their two biggest needs by signing corner Charvarius Ward and safety Cam Bynum, but outside of Zaire Franklin, their LB room is pretty bare.
Campbell is much more than just a linebacker – his ability to rush the passer and drop back in coverage is a defensive-minded coach's dream. He is the type of player who could wear the green dot as early as his rookie year in Lou Anarumo's defense and I expect him to be very high on the Colts draft board despite the shoulder surgery. – Destin Adams, A to Z Indianapolis
Atlanta Falcons, No. 15 overall: EDGE Mike Green, Marshall Thundering Herd
Atlanta still has work to do building out its pass rush. Leonard Floyd was signed for the year, but a 33-year old outside linebacker isn’t going to be a long-term answer. Green has the strongest production profile in this class of pass rushers outside of Abdul Carter and confirmed his elite flexibility at Marshall’s pro day this past week.
Assuming the Falcons have cleared his character profile, this looks like a good landing spot for Green as he fits alongside Floyd and 2022 second-round pick Arnold Ebiketie at the top of their rotation off the edge. – John Sheeran, A to Z Sports
Arizona Cardinals, No. 16 overall: OG Tyler Booker, Oklahoma Sooners
The Cardinals offense is at its best when the run game is the focal point, whether that's a handoff or utilizing Kyler Murray's legs. The Cardinals' plan at RG, right now, would be Royce Newman which would be a downgrade from last year. I think the best guard in this draft is Alabama's Tyler Booker, whose tape this past year is arguably the most dominant of any offensive linemen in this year's class. He would start right away at RG and would make an immediate impact in both the run and pass game. – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports
Cincinnati Bengals, No. 17 overall: DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss Rebels
The Bengals are exiting free agency without picking up any sort of disruptor at defensive tackle, leaving that position group very one-dimensional entering the draft. Director of player personnel Duke Tobin also emphasized the defense’s lack of depth inside last year was a major liability. They’ll look for someone who can hold up against the run but can also cause havoc against the pass.
Nolen has proven he can do both better than anyone they can pick at this is juncture. Cincinnati also consistently targets 21-year old former five-star recruits from big programs in the first round; more boxes that Nolen checks. – John Sheeran, A to Z Cincinnati
Seattle Seahawks, No. 18 overall: WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State Buckeyes
Seattle is going through a tumultuous offseason on offense, parting ways with both wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, and swapping out quarterback Geno Smith for Sam Darnold. The team will look very different. Jaxon Smith-Njigba returns as the top wide receiver on the roster, but adding more talent to the room remains a crucial need for the team.
I can’t think of a better scenario than pairing Jaxon Smith-Njigba with his former Ohio State teammate Emeka Egbuka, a do-everything wide receiver that’s a polished route runner, can attack all levels of the field, and has elite body control. This is on the early side for Egbuka, but he’s a stud. Seattle would have a formidable young duo of receivers to build around for years to come. – Jon Helmkamp, A to Z Sports
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, No. 19 overall: CB Will Johnson, Michigan Wolverines
Johnson's recent injury history be damned – the Bucs would teleport through their war room TV and to the podium if the former All-American is available.
Johnson has the traits and production to become one of the NFL's best players at his position and he's an excellent fit for Todd Bowles' scheme. He has the ideal length and size the Bucs head coach looks for in his cornerbacks and he can play zone, press, and man coverage at a high level. He's one of the best players in the draft and would be a steal at No. 19.
Sure, Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum are the team's starters, but Dean's injury history and lack of ball production have put him on the hot seat. There's certainly a world where Johnson comes in and challenges him for the starting spot and even beats him out. Just put it this way – the Bucs open up more than $12.8 million in cap room if Dean is released after June 1.
That, or, he spends a year as a subpackage/rotational player and then takes over next year. Either way, the pick makes sense and it could make the Bucs secondary a force for years to come. – Evan Winter, A to Z Tampa Bay
Denver Broncos, No. 20 overall: DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan Wolverines
George Paton could go in a few different ways in the draft, but with Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton off the board in the first 10 picks, he'll pivot to the defensive trenches.
The team has a solid pass-rushing duo along the interior in Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers, but they could use an upgrade to improve their run defense. Grant boasts impressive athleticism for his 6-foot-3 and 339-pound size, consistently blowing up double teams. He's the type of big body in the middle who can open things up for their newest free agent addition, LB Dre Greenlaw, to shoot gaps and attack rushing lanes. – Charles Goldman, A to Z Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers, No. 21 overall: DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon Ducks
The Steelers are going to go either DT or WR in round one, barring a slide from Shedeur Sanders. The Steelers would prefer Kenneth Grant, but the way this board fell, it has them taking their second-best option via Harmon. A giant nose tackle, with Keeanu Benton likely to kick outside, Harmon can immediately step in as the starting 1-tech and get the Steelers' defensive line back on the track like they want. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Pittsburgh
Los Angeles Chargers, No. 22 overall: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan Wolverines
Even with Tyler Conklin and Will Dissly on the roster, the Chargers could use another weapon at the tight end position. No one knows Loveland and what he's capable of better than his former coach at Michigan, Jim Harbaugh.
Loveland can be that safety blanket QB Justin Herbert lacks opposite WR Ladd McConkey in the passing game. He can also raise the bar on the multi-tight end formations that are a staple in Greg Roman's run-heavy offense. – Charles Goldman, A to Z Sports
Green Bay Packers, No. 23 overall: EDGE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M Aggies
I don't see a world where Stewart is available and the Packers bypass him. He is the exact type Brian Gutekunst loves: Absurdly athletic, extremely high potential, and certainly has his best football ahead of him. The lack of productivity might concern Packers fans after underwhelming experiences with this prototype, but in Stewart's case it was closely related to what he was asked to do in Texas A&M's defensive scheme.
Edge is a short- and long-term need for the Packers, and getting a potential future number one defensive end later in the first round would be an ideal outcome. – Wendell Ferreira, A to Z Green Bay
Minnesota Vikings, No. 24 overall: DB Malaki Starks, Georgia Bulldogs
The trends for the Vikings among expert mock drafts has shifted significantly toward taking a safety and it's easy to see why. The Vikings have a major need at safety for depth right now and moving forward with the futures of both Josh Metellus (contract expiring) and Harrison Smith (retirement) currently up in the air. Starks would provide a player who is great over the top and can do a little bit of everything, which versatility is huge in Brian Flores' defense. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Minnesota
Houston Texans, No. 25 overall: OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas Longhorns
Houston boldly swapped out three veteran starters along the offensive line for three other vets and no one seems to think it was the correct play, but it’s what CJ Stroud has to work with for now. Left tackle Cam Robinson is only signed for 2025, which makes Banks an ideal future investment at the position.
Banks was a pristine pass protector 165 miles west in Austin for the Longhorns and only improved as a run blocker as his three-year career progressed. I wouldn’t be surprised if Banks found the field as a rookie at either tackle or guard in this scenario. – John Sheeran, A to Z Sports
Los Angeles Rams, No. 26 overall: WR Luther Burden III, Missouri Tigers
The board didn't quite fall the way the Rams would have liked it too, but they still come away here with a premier playmaker. Even after signing Davante Adams, the Rams need to continue adding talent to their offense around Matthew Stafford to make their unit as explosive as possible.
Burden is just as capable of winning after the catch as he is downfield, giving the Rams a terrific complement to Adams and Nacua. Don't be surprised if the Rams opt to invest in their offense early and often in the draft and bank on their staff's development defensively. – A.J. Schulte, A to Z Los Angeles
Baltimore Ravens, No. 27 overall: OL Grey Zabel, North Dakota State Bison
The Ravens have a glaring need to bolster both guard spots still, and their prayers for an uber-athletic presence who can keep their run game strong are answered, here. Grey Zabel played tackle at North Dakota State but will move inside to either guard or center. Putting him next to Tyler Linderbaum gives Baltimore two elite pull options to clear lanes for Derrick Henry, and there's no reason to think Zabel won't benefit as a pass blocker with Ronnie Stanley to his other side. – Ian Valentino, A to Z Sports
Detroit Lions, No. 28 overall: DE Nick Scourton, Texas A&M Aggies
This is a pick that makes so much sense for the Lions for multiple reasons. The first is that they need a pass rusher obviously. The second is that Scourton is just 20-years-old. Here's a guy that can grow with the Lions and be here for the super long-term. The third is that the Lions had a formal meeting with him at the combine. There's just a lot here that says Scourton could be the Lions pick at 28. – Mike Payton, A to Z Detroit
Washington Commanders, No. 29 overall: LB Jalon Walker, Georgia Bulldogs
At this point, it's the best player available for the Commanders and that's certainly Walker. Washington could easily go cornerback, here, as well, but they need that chess piece to replace Dante Fowler Jr. and Walker has all the tools and versatility to get that done. The fact he's still on the board at this point can certainly be considered a steal.
Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. will have to get creative when it comes to how they use Walker since Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu are both in the fold, but if there are any coaches in the NFL that can get it done, it's those two. Walker can thrive in their multi-look defense and could eventually serve as Wagner's replacement once he retires. – Evan Winter, A to Z Washington
Buffalo Bills, No. 30 overall: DL Mykel Williams, Georgia Bulldogs
I’d be fine with Brandon Beane being aggressive and trading up to get Mykel Williams on draft night, but if Williams falls into his lap, it’s the biggest steal of Round 1. Williams is still only 20 years old, has a high ceiling as a pass rusher, and is a disruptor in the run game. Youth and upside? Sounds a lot like what Beane has proven to covet in recent years. – Jon Helmkamp, A to Z Buffalo
Kansas City Chiefs, No. 31 overall: S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina Gamecocks
Even with the board falling so that some offensive tackles are available, I'm going to go against the grain with this pick. The Raiders have a major weapon in TE Brock Bowers for the foreseeable future. The Broncos added TE Evan Engram in free agency. The Chargers selected Michigan TE Colston Loveland in this draft. Adding an elite athlete like Emmanwori, who can be a true coverage mismatch against tight ends and big slot receivers, seems like a good strategy for the Chiefs.
Beyond the appealing coverage matchups, he can be a three-level defender and chess piece for Steve Spagnuolo's defense. Dime linebacker, edge rusher, deep safety- you could really see it all from Emmanwori. – Charles Goldman, A to Z Kansas City
Philadelphia Eagles, No. 32 overall: T Josh Conerly, Oregon Ducks
The Eagles pride themselves in having one of the best offensive lines in the NFL and left tackle is the most important position. Of course, the Eagles have Lane Johnson locked in until 2027 but whether or not he plays out his contract remains to be seen. Now could be a good time to invest in their future at the position and Josh Conerly would be a perfect fit.
The former Oregon Ducks product enters the draft after playing more than 900 snaps at left tackle while allowing only one sack in 2024. He also has the skills to play right tackle. Coach Stoutland will have a field day with him. – Kelsey Kramer, A to Z Philadelphia
