2-Round 2025 NFL mock draft: Jaxson Dart and Jalen Milroe fight for QB3 behind Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward

The NFL playoffs are underway, and the college football National Championship is set for next week. The initial deadline for underclassmen to declare has passed, so the 2025 NFL Draft class is close to being set. Soon, we'll be at the 2025 Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl before the NFL Scouting Combine. Our two-round 2025 […]

Ian Valentino National College Football Writer
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Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) runs after making a catch during the NCAA football game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Ohio State won 38-15.
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

The NFL playoffs are underway, and the college football National Championship is set for next week. The initial deadline for underclassmen to declare has passed, so the 2025 NFL Draft class is close to being set. Soon, we'll be at the 2025 Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl before the NFL Scouting Combine.

Our two-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft will blend my evaluations with team needs and buzz from around the NFL.

Which player will your favorite team choose? Many things could shift as the offseason and free agency progress. But for now, this is how I envision the draft playing out.


2-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft

1) Tennessee Titans: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

This will be a big offseason for the Titans, as they need upgrades all over their roster. I did a deep dive to see which quarterback fits the Titans the best, and the answer is a resounding one: Shedeur Sanders. Sanders' accuracy, playmaking, and sharp decision-making will help Brian Callahan get his offense back to a respectable level.


2) Cleveland Browns: Cameron Ward, QB, Miami (FL)

Cameron Ward is risky, and how he compares to Deshaun Watson as a freelancer is concerning, but maybe Ward will get closer to Jordan Love than Watson, and the latter has been very good in Green Bay's scheme. Ward is a terrific athlete with the physical tools to be a superstar. His decision-making needs work, but I can also appreciate his gusto. Cleveland needs to make a swing here as they continue to search for a franchise QB.

3) New York Giants: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

Instead of going with a reach at QB, the New York Giants go with the best overall player in the 2025 NFL Draft. Abdul Carter is similar to Micah Parsons as an explosive, well-rounded pass-rusher. Pairing him with Brian Burns would be tremendous, but it also means the Giants need to fix their offense through free agency and Day 2 of the draft.


4) New England Patriots: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

With Drake Maye symbolizing the Patriots' offensive future, New England is well-positioned to secure a defensive star. No tackle or receiver surpasses Mason Graham. The agile and quick pass-rusher could be a cornerstone for New England's defense for the next decade.

5) Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

This is a popular spot to mock Travis Hunter, but it's disingenuous to say he's the best prospect available. Will Johnson has the size, physicality, and ball skills to be a home run for Jacksonville. The Jaguars' need for star power and high-end talent is massive, making Johnson the ideal fit.

6) Las Vegas Raiders: Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado

The Raiders may want to force a quarterback pick here but it just feels wrong to put Jaxson Dart or Jalen Milroe this high. Travis Hunter in black and silver sounds right and will look so good. He's the type of transformative, football-loving player who will fit their culture and give Maxx Crosby reason for optimism.


7) New York Jets: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee

Recent offensive investments put the Jets in a position where they almost have to take a quarterback or tend to their aging defense. My top prospect left is James Pearce Jr. His speed and fluidity through contact are unreal, so I'm banking on his physical upside, helping him reach Pro Bowl status.

8) Carolina Panthers: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

I'm going back to the athletic pass-rusher mold with Mykel Williams. I don't think Williams is anywhere near his ceiling yet, as injuries and a lack of playing time have kept him around 400 snaps each season at Georgia. The Panthers need a playmaker, though, so rolling the dice on Williams' traits is a worthy roll of the dice.

9) New Orleans Saints: Jalon Walker, EDGE/LB, Georgia

I like Jalon Walker more as an edge defender than a pure linebacker, but the beauty of his game is that he can play both on a drive and at a high level. Walker's physicality and speed is so unique, and he would've been a household prospect name much earlier if he was unleashed on the edge on a full-time basis. New Orleans needs impact pass-rushers, so here's a third-straight one off the board.


10) Chicago Bears: Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas

Surrounding Caleb Williams with the best talent possible is imperative this offseason. Fixing the offensive line will take multiple steps, but the left tackle spot is the most important. The tackle class is good but not great, so Chicago might not be able to wait to add their guy. Kelvin Banks is the best pass-blocker and will continue getting better.

11) San Francisco 49ers: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Kenneth Grant was excellent as the season has progressed, flashing the quickness and strength needed to be an impact presence. San Francisco's demise has largely been tied to less effective trench play, so Grant addresses that.

12) Dallas Cowboys: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

The best pure first-round fit possible for Dallas is to see Tetairoa McMillan fall to them. While Burden, Isaiah Bond, and Emeka Egbuka could fit any offense, McMillan complements CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott's play style better. The 6 foot 5, 210-pounder offers a huge catch radius, terrific quickness and agility for his size, and post-catch creation upside.


13) Miami Dolphins: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

The Tyreek Hill era looks over in Miami, but the Dolphins have done a terrible job of developing anyone not named Jaylen Waddle. Spending a premium pick on a receiver isn't ideal, but Luther Burden III can keep the offense revving hot. Burden is similar to Ja'Marr Chase in terms of skill set, so this investment will pay off.

14) Indianapolis Colts: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

Although Shavon Revel Jr. is coming off a torn ACL, his pre-injury tape and athleticism were unreal. He'll re-establish himself as an elite corner prospect as he gets to full strength. The Colts have one of the worst cornerback rooms in the NFL, so going with the best possible player at a key position of need is a no-brainer.


15) Atlanta Falcons: Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State

The back half of the 2024-25 season has been spectacular for Jack Sawyer. Not only has he been tremendously disruptive, but he's also made several splash plays that show he's ready to start in the NFL. A great run defender and bursty pass-rusher, Atlanta's pass-rush will be significantly better with Sawyer starting.

16) Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

A selfless pass rusher who creates havoc without needing to be the one who gets credit for the sack, Walter Nolen can be the new face of Arizona's defensive front. Not to be undersold as a tenacious run defender with excellent pursuit angles and high pedigree traits, Nolen is close to being the whole package who can contribute on every down.

17) Cincinnati Bengals: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Cincinnati seems optimistic they'll bring Tee Higgins back, but I'll believe it when I see it. Sure, passing on Emeka Egbuka is a given if Higgins is brought back, but if Higgins hasn't signed long-term, then Egbuka has to be in play. The smooth-moving, reliable, and versatile pass-catcher will be an even better NFL player than he was at Ohio State.


18) Seattle Seahawks: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Capable of playing tackle or guard, Will Campbell is a high-floor, reliable pass-blocker with good size and power. Seattle needs stability at right tackle after seeing Abraham Lucas miss so much time. Campbell has shorter arms than what's idea, but passing on him here would be bad business.

19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss

Trey Amos rapidly gained attention and is in a strong position to be selected in the first round. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 190 pounds, he has allowed approximately half of the passes thrown his way to be completed, making him a promising playmaker. With Tampa Bay needing talent across its defense, Amos’s ball skills make him a compelling choice over other edge rushers who are still available.

20) Denver Broncos: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

With Egbuka off the board, Ashton Jeanty is the easy call here for me. I think Jeanty's range bottoms out within the next few picks, anyway. The running back position is back, and Jeanty will be an elite rusher regardless of his next destination. His contact balance, agility, and burst will give Sean Payton his next top running back.


21) Pittsburgh Steelers: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

It'll be fascinating to see which team pulls the trigger on the third quarterback in this class and who it will be. Jaxson Dart is a good athlete with enough arm to be another Brock Purdy. That's worth a first-round pick, especially for a veteran team like Pittsburgh. He's far better than Kenny Pickett and can start on Day 1.

22) Los Angeles Chargers: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

The Chargers have to get more consistent and dynamic at the same time for Justin Herbert to become greater than his immensely impressive physical tools suggest. Tyler Warren will be another elite tight end in the AFC West. Warren's verticality, finishing ability, and hard-nosed run style make him so easy to love and root for.

23) Green Bay Packers: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

There are few more valued talents than a dynamic pass-rushing threat at defensive tackle. Derrick Harmon has been the best in the nation at collapsing the pocket from his spot, showing off speed and contact balance, which will cause issues in the NFL. Green Bay has to overhaul the defensive line, so this is an easy fit.


24) Minnesota Vikings: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

It's easy to forget that Notre Dame's best defender missed the entire season with an injury. Minnesota could grab an interior lineman here, but I think they address that in free agency. Benjamin Morrison gives Brian Flores an elite man corner to deploy, which will take his unit up a whole new notch.

25) Houston Texans: Malaki Starks, SAF, Georgia

Rangy, physical, and a ballhawk, Malaki Starks is perfect for the young Houston secondary. DeMeco Ryans can have Starks working off his teammates in order to bait risky throws or for Starks to erase faux-rushing lanes. He's a massive value here, but safeties tend to go lower than expected.

26) Los Angeles Rams: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Before his ACL injury sustained in a game against Oregon, Josh Simmons showcased impressive skills at Ohio State. His strength and athleticism stand out, and he should be prepared to make an impact as a starter in his rookie year once he fully recovers. The Rams could slide him into either tackle spot.


27) Washington Commanders: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

Brandon Coleman, selected in the third round of the 2024 draft, is best built to play guard or right tackle. Aireontae Ersery is more built to be a high-end left tackle, boasting better balance and hand usage than Coleman. The 330-pounder was one of the most reliable blockers in the nation over the last two years.

28) Baltimore Ravens: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

An athletic blocker who elevated his game since transferring to Oregon, Josh Conerly Jr. could sneak his way past some bigger-named options like Cameron Williams. Baltimore doesn't have the biggest need at tackle right now, but upgrading on Roger Rosengarten would be nice, and then the rookie could be moved inside. Getting better at two spots would be worth this investment.


29) Buffalo Bills: Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss

Giving Josh Allen another big, physical, and fast receiver who can dominate on slants and create after the catch is a slam dunk. Tre Harris isn't so different than former Saints star Michael Thomas. A top trio of Keon Coleman, Harris, and Khalil Shakir is pretty good.

30) Philadelphia Eagles: Wyatt Milum, OG, West Virginia

We know the Eagles are happy to invest in the trenches, and it's a miracle they've gotten so much out of Mekhi Becton. Future-proofing their tackles and getting a Day 1 guard starter in Wyatt Milum is a very Howie Roseman move. Milum is as strong as an ox and bullies defenders out of their assigned gaps, making him a good scheme fit.


31) Kansas City Chiefs: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

It's hard to watch Travis Kelce run anymore, and I think this might be the last season we see Kelce in the NFL as he turns his attention to his next phase of life. That makes this pick easy. Colston Loveland isn't Kelce, but he will thrive in an offense that generates a ton of favorable looks and open space.

32) Detroit Lions: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

There will be competition questions about Mike Green, but the 6 foot 4, 250-pounder is the most productive pass-rusher in the nation for several translatable reasons. He's fast, boasts strong, effective hands, and has enough developed moves to justify taking over the moldable pieces of clay that aren't producing. Expect Green to rise throughout the offseason as evaluators catch up on his tape.


Round 2

33) Cleveland Browns: Marcus Mbow, OT, Purdue

34) New York Giants: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

35) Tennessee Titans: Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss

36) Jacksonville Jaguars: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama

37) Las Vegas Raiders: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa


38) New England Patriots: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

39) Chicago Bears: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State

40) New Orleans Saints: Emery Jones, OT, LSU

41) Chicago Bears: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

42) New York Jets: Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State

43) San Francisco 49ers: Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona


44) Dallas Cowboys: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

45) Indianapolis Colts: Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State

46) Atlanta Falcons: Zy Alexander, CB, LSU

47) Arizona Cardinals: J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State

48) Miami Dolphins: Nick Emmanwori, SAF, South Carolina

49) Cincinnati Bengals: Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas


50) Seattle Seahawks: Shemar Stewart, DT, Texas A&M

51) Denver Broncos: Andrew Mukuba, SAF, Texas

52) Pittsburgh Steelers: Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami (FL)


53) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State

54) Green Bay Packers: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

55) Los Angeles Chargers: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State

56) Buffalo Bills: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama


57) Carolina Panthers: Chris Paul Jr., LB, Ole Miss

58) Houston Texans: Alfred Collins, DT, Texas

59) Baltimore Ravens: Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky

60) Washington Commanders: Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford


61) Buffalo Bills: T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina

62) Philadelphia Eagles: Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State

63) Kansas City Chiefs: Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina

64) Detroit Lions: Armand Membou, OL, Missouri