2025 NFL Three-Round Mock Draft: NFC North dedicates draft to defense, Giants, Titans take quarterback of the future
The 2024 college football season has ended, and we are officially onto the postseason. That means, however, that draft season is now full steam ahead. Declarations are being announced daily and players are getting invites to the various NFL Draft Bowl events. The NFL Playoff picture is all but settled. After a couple of weeks […]
The 2024 college football season has ended, and we are officially onto the postseason. That means, however, that draft season is now full steam ahead. Declarations are being announced daily and players are getting invites to the various NFL Draft Bowl events.
The NFL Playoff picture is all but settled. After a couple of weeks with crazy NFL results, the picture of the draft has totally shifted, especially at the top. With a new team holding the #1 pick, how does the draft change?
3-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft
Round One
1. New York Giants: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
What a turn of events for the Giants over the weekend. Set to pick QB2 in this year's draft for most of the season, the Raiders suddenly win the Battle of Mid between them and the Jaguars, leaving the Giants with the top overall pick.
We're going to get plenty of draft overthink with Shedeur Sanders as the draft cycle picks up (I can't wait), but there's no real other choice for the Giants. They need a quarterback. He's the best quarterback in the draft. You can connect the dots there.
2. New England Patriots: Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado
The Patriots are getting exactly what they wanted out of a rebuilding year. Drake Maye looks like a superstar and the team is competitive while still losing games. With their last two games against the Chargers and Bills, it feels pretty likely that the Patriots are going to lock in a top-three selection in the 2025 draft.
If they were picking second here, I feel like they would explore a trade option, though I can't imagine the market will be hot to move up in this class. Thus, they're going to just make a pick here.
Travis Hunter is a special talent who can play on both sides of the ball. If you're the Patriots who just need a boost in talent, taking the best player in this class is a pretty good prize to pair with Drake Maye.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Jaguars could go with a different Michigan player here, but I'm pretty concerned about their secondary. Rookie Jarrian Jones has been a quality slot corner, but their play on the outside has largely been disappointing. Tyson Campbell has struggled to stay healthy and Ronald Darby is a free agent after next season.
Will Johnson is an elite playmaker in his own right. While I'm not sure what Jacksonville's scheme will be next year, Johnson fits into any scheme and would improve the secondary in a big way. He became the first player in Michigan history to record three pick-sixes in their career. Considering the elite talent that has come out of Ann Arbor, that's an amazing feat that serves as a testament to his playmaking ability.
4. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
I think it's safe to say the Will Levis experiment is over for the Titans, and he can be the Meme Quarterback of the Week™ for a different team next season. This puts the Titans in a bit of a bind. On one hand, they could go the veteran route at quarterback. I'm not convinced that they'll be a hot team for a free agent to choose, but that is a route they can go.
On the other, they could just take a rookie quarterback here, earn some salary cap relief, and buy themselves some job security in the process. Cam Ward has his warts, but he's a gifted passer in his own right.
5. Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The Browns might be interested in moving up for a quarterback, but I'm not convinced they'll do so in this year's class. Their quarterback room keeps losing them games along the way and it's landed them a top-five pick, an unfortunately familiar spot for the team.
However, this means they can add a top-five player in the class in Abdul Carter. Abdul Carter is a freak of nature whose game has gotten better and better every game this season. He'll draw plenty of Micah Parsons comparisons and they're not too far-fetched.
Imagine him and Myles Garrett rushing the passer together. No thanks to blocking that.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Well, the Raiders won this weekend (everyone send Mac Jones a fruit basket) and pushed themselves out of quarterback territory at the top of the draft. That puts them in a weird position as far as the draft goes. The rest of this quarterback class is poor (that's putting it gently) and they have a ton of needs.
The best place to start a rebuild? Take the best player available. It helps that Mason Graham also fills a need. Now, the Raiders can trot out a defensive line of Graham, Maxx Crosby, Christian Wilkins, and a newly resurgent Tyree Wilson next season to help pin Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert.
7. Carolina Panthers: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
The Panthers pass rush has quietly picked up steam in recent weeks, but they need to keep adding talent into that front. Jadaveon Clowney has picked up three of his four sacks in their last four games and DJ Wonnum has emerged as a nice complementary rusher. However, both of them are free agents after next season, and I'm not sure either will return, given their ages.
Mykel Williams is raw, but the traits are undeniable. He's 6'5, 265 pounds with nearly 36-inch arms, and he knows how to use his frame, especially in the run game. Don't let his production numbers fool you. Georgia doesn't really teach its edge rushers to pass rush, so there will be some growth needed, but in many ways, he resembles Travon Walker, who has evolved into a high-impact edge defender for the Jaguars.
8. New York Jets: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Who knows what the Jets' future holds, but whatever it is, fixing what is currently going on in that organization will take years. Much like what I said about the Raiders above, when in doubt, take the BPA for a need. With the Aaron Rodgers experiment crashing and burning somewhere in the Hudson, Davante Adams and Allen Lazard seem like the next to go. The Jets can save over $35 million in cap space by cutting the two.
While they don't have a quarterback ready to go behind him, whoever it is will need weapons to throw it to. I think Tetairoa McMillan is the best wide receiver in this class and will be a franchise building block for the Jets.
9. Chicago Bears: Will Campbell, OL, LSU
I don't think I need to write too much here. We've all seen the Bears' offensive line this year, right? Right.
Will Campbell is the best offensive lineman in this class. He'll likely have to slide inside to guard at the NFL level, but he's a smart, physical, and gifted blocker who will set the tone for an offensive line. For a line searching for answers, Campbell is the clear solution to plugging up the middle of their line for Caleb Williams.
10. New Orleans Saints: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Saints' defense has been a bitter disappointment this season. Their run defense is one of the worst in the league and their pass rush hasn't consistently delivered to help make up the deficit. To make matters worse, Chase Young, Payton Turner, and Tanoh Kpassagnon are all pending free agents, and the Saints will need to make cap sacrifices somewhere.
Shemar Stewart fits the mold the Saints typically target with his massive 290-pound frame and his explosive movement skills.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas
The 49ers didn't envision picking close to the top ten by season's end, but here they are. This opens up quite a few possibilities for this pick.
It might be time to think about finding Trent Williams's long-term replacement over at left tackle soon, and picking this high ensures they get almost any tackle they want. Kelvin Banks has the ability to kick inside in the short-term to replace Aaron Banks or can flip over to right tackle if they want him to before settling down at left tackle in the future.
12. Miami Dolphins: Malaki Starks, SAF, Georgia
The Miami Dolphins secondary hasn't delivered to its promise on paper this season, and part of that has been regression in the safety room. It doesn't seem likely that the team will retain Jevon Holland in free agency, and they have little behind him.
Malaki Starks is one of the best pure talents in this class who can do it all on the field. He's, quite frankly, one of the easiest evaluations in this class. Add on to that his young age (just 21 years old) and he's a no-brainer top player in this class.
13. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
The battle for the TE1 spot between Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren will be one worth monitoring. However, I do think Loveland is a better athlete, and those tend to get drafted higher.
The Colts' tight end room has been an utter disaster this season, and both them and Anthony Richardson need a dependable target somewhere in the offense. Loveland solves that problem
14. Cincinnati Bengals: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
Watching the Bengals' pass rush this season has been pretty disappointing. It's entirely been driven by Trey Hendrickson, as high draft picks Myles Murphy and Joseph Ossai haven't panned out. To make matters worse, Hendrickson has just one year left on his deal. If he leaves and the Bengals haven't fixed it by then, it could get ugly.
Nic Scourton has to fix his body but his quickness mixed with the power he added this season, he has the potential to be a terrific pass rusher at the NFL level.
15. Dallas Cowboys: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
CeeDee Lamb is one of the best receivers in the NFL and Jalen Tolbert has developed into a reliable target as well, but the Dallas Cowboys are missing that extra gear in their receiver room that they were hoping Brandin Cooks would bring.
Luther Burden is a bit of a tricky evaluation with his usage at Missouri, but he's a seamless fit into Dallas's offense and would give them a real plethora of weapons to push for regaining the NFC East title with.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
I know the focus has mainly been on the edge rushers for Arizona, but the interior of the Cardinals' defensive line is in similar dire straits. The Cardinals' defensive line is second-to-last in pressure rate and 28th in sacks per game.
Derrick Harmon has been a fast riser this season, for good reason. His outstanding quickness, length, and power have made a disruptive force for the Ducks this season, and his play has been pivotal to Oregon being the #1 team in the country.
17. Seattle Seahawks: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
I feel like I make a different pick for the Seahawks every week, but that team is incredibly frustrating to figure out. One week, the offense will play well, then the defense falls apart and the next week will be the inverse. However, their recent struggles are almost entirely on the offensive structure. I'm not convinced offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb will keep his job once the season ends.
With that change, more will likely follow on the offense. I think it's prudent to extend Geno and DK Metcalf to keep them both around and drop their cap hits for next season. To do that, however, they'll likely have to make cuts elsewhere. I'd start with Noah Fant. Get more dynamic at the tight end position to give the offense some more flexibility and help out their struggling run game. Fortunately, Tyler Warren solves both.
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia
The Buccaneers' pass rush has been carried pretty heavily by the duo of NT Vita Vea and second-year player YaYa Diaby. With Anthony Nelson and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka set to be free agents, it's time the Bucs added some serious juice to their pass rush.
I'm not quite certain what I would do with Jalon Walker, but his athleticism and intelligence make him a Day one starter. I feel confident Todd Bowles could maximize his ability to play all over the formation.
19. Atlanta Falcons: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
I almost held off on giving the team a pass rusher here, as Arnold Ebiketie and Matthew Judon have started to come alive in recent weeks. However, does that mean much against the Raiders and Giants? The Falcons are still right at the bottom of the league in getting after the quarterback. To cloud the evaluation further, Judon is a pending free agent.
James Pearce has elite quickness and length and pairs them with a good array of pass-rush moves to make him a disruptive pass rusher. His ability on run downs is a tough question to navigate, but it's hard to deny his gifts as a rusher.
20. Los Angeles Chargers: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
I initially didn't plan to pair Jim Harbaugh and Ashton Jeanty together, but now that I've written it down, I'm one hundred on board with it.
Offensive coordinator Greg Roman asked in the preseason "Can you imagine Justin Herbert with a great running game?". While he's completely failed to implement that this year, adding one of the best running back prospects in recent memory would help that along.
21. Houston Texans: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Texans' wide receiver room, a once-promising unit, has fallen off as the season has gone on. Stefon Diggs suffered a season-ending injury and the whole unit has battled injuries and inconsistent play. To make matters worse, Diggs and Robert Woods are pending free agents.
Pair Stroud with a high-floor target he already has tremendous chemistry with Emeka Egbuka to take some of the attention away from Nico Collins.
22. Denver Broncos: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
As good as the Broncos defense has been this season, they've hit some regression as the season has gone on. The interior of their defensive line has been virtually all Zach Allen, and they need to add to the talent there, especially with D.J. Jones a pending free agent.
Tyleik Williams is a tremendous run-defender with jaw-dropping power, IQ, pad level, and hands. Williams handling the dirty work for so long has been pivotal to the Buckeyes' defense becoming one of the best in the country and has freed up other players to feast in pass-rush situations. He can be a terrific one-technique very quickly at the next level.
23. Los Angeles Rams: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
It's about time the Rams wisened up and invested in their linebacker room with a player capable of playing on every down after foolishly trading away Ernest Jones in the offseason. Omar Speights is a base run defender and nobody else on the team is capable in coverage.
Jihaad Campbell has shot up draft boards with his freakish athleticism for his 6'3, 244-pound frame. He's a capable do-it-all 'backer who can carry vertical routes just as easily as he can scrape across the formation in pursuit of a ball carrier.
24. Washington Commanders: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
Washington's outside cornerbacks have allowed the most receptions, the second-most yards, and the most touchdowns n the NFL this season. That's just not going to fly in a division that has CeeDee Lamb, AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Malik Nabers in it.
Shavon Revel's film is a little more limited than I would like in a first-round cornerback, but he's a perfect fit for Dan Quinn's defense.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
I just discussed how poor the Commanders' cornerbacks have been this season and the Steelers' room isn't far behind them. Time to upgrade the talent there.
Hairston missed most of 2024 with an injury, but multiple scouts I spoke to said they preferred him over teammate Andru Phillips last season and it's easy to see why. He's incredibly fluid and possesses great length and twitch. Pair that with elite ball skills (third in the country in interceptions in 2023) and it's no surprise Hairston is in first-round conversations even with the injury.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford
I feel like I've been sending a wide receiver to the Ravens in a mock draft for years, but it's still not a position I'd label as a strength for Baltimore. Zay Flowers is obviously electric and Rashod Bateman is better than his production, but this team has nobody beyond them and they desperately need someone who can stretch the field.
There's a part of me that thinks Elic Ayomanor is very quietly still flying under draft radars right now, but he feels like a Ravens wide receiver. Watch him get after it as a run blocker and win vertically downfield and you'll see what I mean.
27. Green Bay Packers: Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss
I almost went in a different direction with this pick with how Green Bay's pass rush has seemed to click in recent weeks, but I'm not sure games against the Seahawks and Saints really count.
Princely Umanmielen fits what the Packers look for in an edge rusher to a T and would bring some much-needed juice to their pass rush.
28. Philadelphia Eagles: Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
I can't really explain it, but something about watching Armand Membou's film just screamed out that he's a Jeff Stoutland guy. It's also a very Howie Roseman pick to just keep investing in the offensive line. Membou can slide right in to replace Mekhi Becton at right guard and could be the long-term Lane Johnson replacement at right tackle down the line.
29. Buffalo Bills: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
I could have gone pass rusher here for the Bills, but fortunately, the best player on my board just happens to fill a need for the team. Kenneth Grant is a ready-made one-technique with his size, power, and athleticism. He can anchor and hold the point of attack against double teams with ease. Grant is more than just a run stuffer, however, as he is surprisingly nimble for his size, suggesting some potential upside as a pass rusher.
30. Minnesota Vikings: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
The Vikings' defensive line has the worst sack rate in the NFL, which feels remarkable for a team as adept as getting after the passer as they are. Imagine how much more of a headache they would be with a capable pass rusher in the middle of their defense.
Walter Nolen is streaky, but he's a marvelous athlete with plenty of upside to develop.
31. Detroit Lions: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
The Lions traded for Za'Darius Smith, but they need a long-term partner for Aidan Hutchinson in their pass rush room. At this point of the first round, teams are going to be looking for traits in their pass rush room.
If you haven't had a chance to watch Mike Green, do so immediately. He's explosive off the snap and surprisingly more physical against the run than you would expect given his size.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Jahdae Barron, DB, Texas
The Chiefs keep finding ways to win games on their way to a 14-1 season. They are doing this despite having plenty of needs on both sides of the ball, which speaks to the abilities of Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. One of those needs is finding another cornerback opposite of Trent McDuffie.
The winner of the Jim Thorpe Award for best defensive back, Barron is arguably the biggest reason the Texas Longhorns are in the College Football Playoff.
Round Two
33. New York Giants: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
34. Jacksonville Jaguars: Wyatt Milum, OL, West Virginia
35. Tennessee Titans: Cameron Williams, OT, Texas
36. Cleveland Browns: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
Jedrick Wills has played his last snap for the Browns and Dawand Jones has delivered very little for as much promise as he initially showed.
Josh Conerly is a natural fit in Cleveland's scheme and can start at left tackle on Day 1.
37. Las Vegas Raiders: Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
38. New England Patriots: Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
39. New York Jets: Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
40. Chicago Bears: Kyren Lacy, WR, LSU
41. Chicago Bears (via CAR): Marcus Mbow, OL, Purdue
42. New Orleans Saints: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
The interior of the Saints' offensive line, particularly the left guard spot, has battled poor play and health all season long. Tyler Booker is a plug-and-play replacement at left guard that can start for a decade.
43. San Francisco 49ers: J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State
44. Indianapolis Colts: Nick Emmanwori, SAF, South Carolina
45. Cincinnati Bengals: Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
46. Dallas Cowboys: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
I was torn on this pick because Rico Dowdle has played well, but he's also benefitted from his offensive line plenty. Ultimately, with how many players the Cowboys have to pay this offseason, I think Dowdle might be an unfortunate loss in free agency.
They can rebound by taking another talented and younger back who can upgrade their rushing attack and give them a capable receiving back in Kaleb Johnson.
47. Arizona Cardinals: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
48. Miami Dolphins: Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona
49. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia
50. Seattle Seahawks: Xavier Watts, SAF, Notre Dame
51. Atlanta Falcons: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
52. Houston Texans: Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
53. Denver Broncos: Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
I like what the Broncos have done with their offense this season, but if there's one thing they must improve, it's their running back room. Javonte Williams has been a large disappointment this season and is in the middle of a disastrous run of games. I think the Broncos got a steal with Audric Estime last year. Pair him with an explosive, do-it-all rusher in Nick Singleton.
54. Carolina Panthers (via LAR): Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon
55. Los Angeles Chargers: Gunnar Helm, TE, Texas
56. Washington Commanders: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
57. Baltimore Ravens: Aireontae Ersery, OL, Minnesota
Baltimore has some choices to make on their offensive line this offseason as Ronnie Stanley, Patrick Mekari, Josh Jones, and Ben Cleveland are pending free agents. I think they'll retain Stanley but they need to solve both of their guard spots.
Aireontae Ersery can play tackle if they need him to but is much better suited inside for guard.
58. Pittsburgh Steelers: Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami (FL)
59. Green Bay Packers: Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
60. Philadelphia Eagles: Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina
61. Buffalo Bills: Jared Ivey, EDGE, Ole Miss
62. Buffalo Bills (via MIN): Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
63. Detroit Lions: Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
The Lions need to keep investing in their cornerback room, particularly on the boundary. I'm still a firm believer in Terrion Arnold, even after some struggles as a rookie, but the opposite side needs a long-term upgrade.
Porter, a former WR, is an intriguing blend of size, speed, and length that would boost their secondary right away.
64. Kansas City Chiefs: Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green
Round Three
65. New York Giants: Dorian Strong, CB, Virginia Tech
66. Kansas City Chiefs (via TEN): Jordan Burch, DL, Oregon
67. Cleveland Browns: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
68. Las Vegas Raiders: Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State
69. New England Patriots: Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary
Most of the Patriots offensive line feels settled for next season, as they're poised to return players like Mike Onwenu, Cole Strange, and Caedan Wallace to (likely) start at three of their spots, but I'd like to see them add better competition at left tackle with Vederian Lowe.
Grant is an excellent fit for the Patriots' offense. He is a terrific mover in space and boasts excellent length (35 5/8 inch arms). He'll have a chance to prove himself against top competition at the Senior Bowl in January, but Grant has the tools to be a quality starting tackle in the NFL.
70. Jacksonville Jaguars: Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M
71. Chicago Bears: TJ Sanders, DT, South Carolina
72. Carolina Panthers: Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State
73. Las Vegas Raiders (via NYJ): Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State
74. New Orleans Saints: Jack Bech, WR, TCU
75. San Francisco 49ers: DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson
On runs up the middle, the 49ers rank dead last in the league in yards, first downs, and touchdowns allowed. The middle of their defensive line has been a problem for years, and it's about time that they fix it.
76. Cincinnati Bengals: Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
77. Dallas Cowboys: Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee
78. Arizona Cardinals: Emery Jones, OL, LSU
79. Washington Commanders (via MIA): Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State
80. Indianapolis Colts: Jeffrey Bassa, LB, Oregon
81. Seattle Seahawks: Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
82. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma
83. New England Patriots (via ATL): Josaiah Stewart, EDGE, Michigan
84. Denver Broncos: Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami (FL)
85. Los Angeles Rams: Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas
The Rams' secondary has played better as of late, but they need to find more long-term players in their secondary.
Cobee Bryant will be a fast riser this offseason as more and more people get to his tape. He's an incredible ballhawk who is also willing to fly up and play the run.
