2025 NFL Mock Draft: Shedeur Sanders and Cameron Ward fight for the top spot, and a historic run on the defensive line
We are inching closer and closer to the end of the NFL regular season, and it is playoff time in the college ranks. For the 2025 NFL Draft class, we are also starting to see players accept their All-Star game opportunities, and a lot of prospects declaring to be a part of the class. Before […]
We are inching closer and closer to the end of the NFL regular season, and it is playoff time in the college ranks. For the 2025 NFL Draft class, we are also starting to see players accept their All-Star game opportunities, and a lot of prospects declaring to be a part of the class. Before we know it, April will be here.
In order to continue to get to know the 2025 group, there’s nothing better than a good ole’ fashioned first round mock draft. To get the particulars out of the way, I don’t hate your team. The draft order is what it would be if the season ended today with no projection forward.
This also isn’t a predictive mock draft. Things will change over the next few months, players will continue to develop, some will regress or stagnate, free agency will happen, and so will trades. When the rosters are settled heading into draft day, then we can talk about the predictive type of mocks.
This is how I would draft it today if I were the general manager of your favorite squad. So just sit back, open up your mind, and let’s consider some different potential player-team fits. That’s the whole point of mock drafts, evaluating prospects and projecting what system, and role could best give their talents the ability to thrive.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Cameron Ward, QB, Miami
The Raiders need a new face behind center, and one that can generate excitement. Ward is a roller coaster at times, but the highs will get fans very excited. He has also improved every season, and brings tantalizing upside that can still be tapped into. That ability as a creator was the major separation.
2. New York Giants: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Copy and paste the Raiders section below. While Sanders isn’t quite as exciting as Ward, he is more accurate and consistent overall as a passer. The Giants need to find an answer behind center desperately. It is no secret that Sanders wants to be in Las Vegas, but it doesn't work out in this scenario.
3. New England Patriots: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The Patriots have their franchise quarterback in Drake Maye, but have holes throughout the roster otherwise. Hunter may be viewed as a luxury pick but this is your quintessential best player available selection. He has Pro Bowl upside at two different positions.
4. Carolina Panthers: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
After Brian Burns left this past offseason via trade, the pass rush is a major concern. From a raw tools perspective, you won’t find many better than Carter. He’s only getting better and better since transitioning from linebacker before the season.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The offensive line is a big area of need, but this just isn’t the year to need one this early. Instead, the Jaguars add a difference maker from the interior. Graham moonlights as an interior rusher, but his biggest impact comes as a dominant run defender.
6. Tennessee Titans: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
The Titans are in a weird place. Quarterback Will Levis has shown some signs of being the guy in Nashville, but has mostly been a dude. They unfortunately aren’t in a great spot here to find their quarterback of the future, so the plan turns to making the position as attractive as possible by adding a dominant YAC threat like Burden.
7. New York Jets: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
It feels like tight end has been a big need for the Jets for a long time now, and Tyler Warren gives that position a massive frame with unreal athleticism. While he isn’t a dominant inline blocker, his passing game impact is next level. Warren has Pro Bowler written all over him.
8. Cleveland Browns: Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas
The Jedrick Wills era in Cleveland is seemingly over, and Jack Conklin is also aging fast at right tackle as well. Banks isn’t perfect but he has the requisite length, movement skills, and power to develop into a good starter at multiple spots up front.
9. Chicago Bears: Will Campbell, OT/OG, LSU
Getting better protection in front of quarterback Caleb Williams is going to be a priority this offseason. Upgrading left tackle could be in the cards, but doing so inside at guard is an option without question. There are some debates about whether Campbell can last outside, but at worst he is going to be a butt kicker inside at guard for a long time.
10. New Orleans Saints: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Johnson might just be too good to pass up here. Finding a long-term answer at quarterback could be in the cards, but there just isn’t an answer in this spot. The true debate is between Johnson and a pass rusher, but the coverage instincts, ball skills, and change of direction ability win out for the Wolverine standout.
11. Cincinnati Bengals: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
The Bengals defense has been an awful group this season. They could potentially upgrade multiple spots, and pass rush is one key area to watch. Trey Hendrickson is outstanding in that department, but Cincinnati has almost no production otherwise and Pearce would be a welcomed addition instantly.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Rinse, lather, repeat. The Cowboys need a long-term answer in the backfield, and Jeanty might be the best running back to come out in the last few years. He has three down upside with impressive contact balance, and really soft hands as a pass catcher.
13. Miami Dolphins: Jonah Savaiinaea, OT/OG, Arizona
The Dolphins could use upgrades all over the offensive line. Savaiinaea is a blocker who could potentially play tackle, or could be dominant inside. No matter where you project him, Savaiinaea has impact starter upside.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
There is a need to find a playmaker on the back end, and there isn’t a safety in the class more impactful than Starks. He can run, makes big plays, and also isn’t afraid to tackle. Starks has an argument as the top safety to come out in a couple of years.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Falcons need a pass rusher who can come in and help immediately, and that’s exactly what Scourton can provide. He’s a really nuanced pass rusher who also brings a big frame, and is still very young. The future is very bright for Scourton.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Getting bigger and more impactful up front is a must for the Cardinals. Grant has been pretty inconsistent throughout his career, but has been a ton better in 2024. You don’t see many guys his size be able to move the way Grant does.
2025 NFL Draft prospect Savion Williams demanding a lofty comparison as most unique talent in the class
TCU star Savion Williams receives lofty NFL comparison
17. San Francisco 49ers: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Nick Bosa could use some pass rush help on the other side of him. Williams is also a player who can move up and down the line of scrimmage, and provide playmaking upside for a prospective defensive coordinator. His body type and play style are eerily similar to former 49er star Aldon Smith.
18. Los Angeles Rams: Shavon Revel, CB, ECU
The Rams are starting Darious Williams and Cobie Durant at outside cornerback right now, and clearly that’s a spot that can be upgraded. Revel is an outstanding raw talent, possessing the length, movement skills, and upside to be an outstanding starter if developed properly.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Walker is an interesting prospect, having a projection both on the EDGE and at linebacker on the next level. Luckily for Tampa Bay, they would use help in both areas. In this instant, Walker could be a hybrid piece on defense that could make an impact in several areas.
20. Washington Commanders: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Outside of wide receiver Terry McLaurin, the wide receiver group doesn’t have much talent for Washington. There especially isn’t a ton of impact size, which McMillan has. He would add a presence outside of the numbers, which quarterback Jayden Daniels would love.
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
There is a connection between Loveland and head coach Jim Harbaugh obviously, and this could be one of the more seamless fits of all the first round selections. Loveland is an incredibly smooth athlete who brings mismatch potential to the table. Will Dissly has done a solid job at tight end, but there’s no question that spot can be upgraded.
22. Denver Broncos: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Quarterback Bo Nix has shown a lot of good signs this season. Continuing to add good receiving talent around him is a strong investment. Egbuka is a tremendous YAC option, and a well-rounded overall receiver.
23. Seattle Seahawks: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Ersery just screams Seahawks offensive lineman. He’s long, strong, and nasty in the run game. It isn’t always pretty in pass protection but it should be good enough to last at right tackle. If not, Ersery would be a dominant guard long-term at the very least.
24. Baltimore Ravens: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Is Stewart a true EDGE or does he fit better inside long term? Who cares? The Ravens have made a habit of letting good football players fall to them, and Stewart’s imposing size (6-6, 290 pounds) and rare movement skills provide a world of possibilities.
25. Houston Texans: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
Booker feels like one of the more slept-on prospects in the class, but he’s also one of the easier evaluations as well. The Texans need to get more talented and meaner up front, and Booker should upgrade that quickly. He’s a dominant blocker with tremendous size and a mean disposition.
26. Green Bay Packers: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Kenny Clark is a staple on the interior, but players like Devonte Wyatt and TJ Slaton haven’t taken the steps forward the Packers may have hoped. Harmon has experience playing both nose and three technique during his college career, and has outstanding penetration upside moving up and down the line of scrimmage.
27. Pittsburgh Steelers: Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
It has been an up and down season for Bond, but he still brings a ton of speed and playmaking potential to the table. That speed could provide a nice combination to go along with George Pickens, giving quarterback Russell Wilson a player to stretch the field from various alignments.
28. Minnesota Vikings: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Cornerback has become a popular selection for the Vikings, and for good reason. Hairston has become one of the more underrated defensive players in the class, but the NFL remains very high on his ball skills, coverage instincts, and competitiveness.
29. Buffalo Bills: Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss
There aren’t many more gifted pass rushers in the class than Umanmielen. He is explosive, loose, and a tough player to handle around the corner. Combining his pass rushing tools with Gregory Rousseau gives them an imposing duo for the future.
30. Philadelphia Eagles: Cameron Williams, OT/OG, Texas
Williams has the tools to play right tackle long-term on the next level, but the short term could slot him inside at guard. Mekhi Becton has played well at right guard this season but he is set to be a free agent. Williams could be a younger and cheaper option, while also presenting upside to take over for Lane Johnson once he retires.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
The left tackle position has been a troubling one for the Chiefs, and continuing to strengthen the room is important. If Simmons hadn’t suffered an injury early this season, he could very well have gone higher. He brings impressive foot quickness, and an outstanding frame to the table.
32. Detroit Lions: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
When healthy, Aidan Hutchinson is one of the best young pass rushers in the NFL. Getting him a bookend on the other side would be huge. Overton is an impressive athlete with a frame to play from multiple alignments, and a huge upside to continue tapping into.
