2025 First Round NFL Mock Draft: Browns land their quarterback, Giants create a dynamic duo, Rams plan for the future, and more
The 2025 NFL Draft is still over a month away. But NFL free agency slowing down and Pro Days kicking off have fans already shifting their focus to the draft. Questions are running wild around the league: Will the Titans trade the first pick? Are the Browns locked in on taking a quarterback? I provide my […]
The 2025 NFL Draft is still over a month away. But NFL free agency slowing down and Pro Days kicking off have fans already shifting their focus to the draft.
Questions are running wild around the league: Will the Titans trade the first pick? Are the Browns locked in on taking a quarterback? I provide my answer to those questions and more in a new 2025 NFL first-round mock draft.
2025 1st Round Mock Draft
1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
The Titans, rightfully so, don't seem eager to trade away the top pick in the draft for anything more than a king's ransom. And I don't see a team accommodating those requests at this time. So if they stay put, I think they will be more than happy to take the top quarterback in the class in Cam Ward, which would put the final nail in the Will Levis experiment in Tennessee.
2. Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
More and more smoke around the league points towards the Browns wanting to go QB with their first-round pick. I remain a bit skeptical, but sometimes smoke turns into a fire, so here I have them taking Colorado's Shedeur Sanders. His floor as a prospect would be a breath of fresh air for Browns fans, even if I think his ceiling as a player is more limited than you would typically want to see out of a first-round QB.
3. New York Giants: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Missing out on Matthew Stafford via trade, potentially Aaron Rodgers in free agency, and the top two QBs in the class is a less-than-ideal offseason outcome for the Giants. To attempt to make up for it, I think they'd need to go best player available at pick three. For me, that's two-way phenom Travis Hunter out of Colorado. I think his primary role would be at WR for New York, where he'd form quite the duo with Malik Nabers, and they would find select packages to get him snaps on defense as well.
4. New England Patriots: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
The Patriots could consider going offensive line here, but I don't think Mike Vrabel would be able to resist adding a talent like Abdul Carter to his defense. Getting a dominant pass rusher is one way the Patriots can begin to shorten the gap between them and current kings of the AFC East, the Buffalo Bills. Which has to be the team's first goal as they attempt to bring New England back to being one of the best teams in the league.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
The new regime for the Jaguars needs to do everything in their power to support Trevor Lawrence better than the previous one did. Taking the draft's top offensive lineman is a significant first step of doing just that. LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell showed at the combine that he is a fantastic athlete at the position. He would slide in as the team's starting LT as a rookie and would help Liam Coen get the most out of his offense in his first year as a head coach.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The Raiders made a big splash by trading for Geno Smith to start at QB for 2025 and upcoming seasons. Smith isn't going to be a long-term answer at QB, but it helps the team be able to look elsewhere with this pick. Giving a QB like Smith a dominant run game would go a long way in getting the most out of him. So I have the Raiders adding 2024 Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty to be the new bell cow in Las Vegas.
7. New York Jets: Armand Membou, OT/G, Missouri
The Jets moved on from Aaron Rodgers this offseason in favor of Justin Fields. His ability as a runner will be a welcomed addition to the roster, but it makes the need for dynamic athletes on the line more important than ever. Missouri's Armand Membou had one of the strongest performances on the field at the combine this year. He has the ability to play tackle and guard, though I think he would end up playing tackle in New York.
8. Carolina Panthers: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Some may think Jihaad Campbell having to have surgery after the combine could lead to him dropping down the board. I honestly don't think that happens. Teams were high on Campbell before his dominant performance at the combine, and I believe he is going to be one of the first defensive players off the board come April. Campbell is a do-it-all LB who has the ability to elevate a defense more than your typical off-ball LB. There were multiple teams rumored to be high on Campbell leaving the combine; one that I heard the most, though, was Carolina.
9. New Orleans Saints: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The Saints need to get more impact out of their defensive line going forward. Mason Graham is one of the best players in the class, but because he plays defensive tackle will hear his name called later than he probably should. Graham can impact the game against both the pass and the run. And he would have the perfect mentor in Cam Jordan to begin his career in New Orleans.
10. Chicago Bears: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
The Bears have been active this offseason to fill needs, but their secondary would greatly benefit from finding a game-changer at safety. Nick Emmanwori models his game after Derwin James, and his elite size and athleticism allow him to do things most guys can only dream of. Kevin Byard isn't getting any younger, and the team is approaching decision time on Jaquan Brisker's future. Give Dennis Allen a player with Emmanwori's skill set and watch him work his magic.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The 49ers have suffered multiple losses to their roster this offseason. One of which was seeing star corner Charvarius Ward leave in free agency to join the Indianapolis Colts. Rumors believe Will Johnson could fall farther than expected, so the 49ers take this chance to replace Ward with one of the best CBs in college football over the past few years.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
Its nearly impossible to replace a future Hall of Famer, but that's the task in front of the Cowboys with Zack Martin retiring. Luckily for them, Alabama guard Tyler Booker is a perfect fit for them to target at pick 12. Booker's tape is arguably better than any offensive linemen in the class, but he doesn't have the flexibility to play tackle, so he will probably not be the first off the board. Booker would be an immediate starter for Dallas, and I think he would soften the blow of losing Martin for their offense in 2025.
13. Miami Dolphins: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
The Dolphins have multiple directions they could go with this pick. But due to the drop-off at tackle in this class, I think it would be wise to attack the position here. Ohio State's Josh Simmons was fantastic for the Buckeyes in 2025, and his ability as a pass blocker would help Miami protect and keep Tua healthy and on the field. Something they've struggled to do in recent years.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The Colts tight end room was nearly invisible in 2024. And they absolutely have to find a way to upgrade the position ahead of 2025. Luckily for them, this TE class is full of talent, with Penn State's Tyler Warren being one of, if not the best, in the class. His ability with the ball in his hand is interesting, but how he impacts the run game as a blocker and a runner himself would fit well with the Colts run-first system.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
The Falcons simply have to improve their pass rush this offseason. In this mock, the only one off the board is Abdul Carter, so they have their choice of the rest, and I have them selecting Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart. If you look at Stewart's sack numbers, this pick won't excite you much, but his pressure stats and performance at the Senior Bowl show how dominant he can be in that department. And I think there's a solid chance the Falcons are high on his upside.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
Some may think this is a reach by the Cardinals, but I honestly don't think it would be. Azareye'h Thomas is only 20 years old and easily one of the top-corner prospects in this year's class. He showed off his coverage skills at the senior bowl, and multiple sources around the league shared that he impressed teams in interviews at the combine. The Cardinals' defense needs to improve their secondary, and Thomas would be a day-one starter with a lot of room to grow and develop into a lockdown number-one CB for Arizona.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
This offseason, the plan for the Bengals was pretty simple: Keep the band together. And they've done it with new contracts already signed by Tee Higgins and Jamaar Chase, and one seems to be on the way for Trey Hendrickson. Because of doing this, though, they haven't been able to make needed improvements on the defensive side of the ball. So here they added Oregon's Derrick Harmon, who has upside to become a difference-maker in both the passing and running games.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Seahawks offense got quite the makeover this offseason with Geno Smith and DK Metcalf out and Sam Darnold and Cooper Kupp in. I don't think Kupp's addition should deter the Seahawks from drafting a WR though. Especially if Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan is on the board, who I believe would complement Jaxson Smith-Njgiba perfectly.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
The Buccaneers have been trying to find a disruptive pass rusher in recent offseason, to no avail. They have multiple options that would warrant the selection, but I landed on Marshall's Mike Green. Green showed off his pass-rushing ability at the Senior Bowl by dominating potential first-round pick offensive tackles. Green's production at a small school may scare some people, but go watch how he played against Ohio State last year; the kid can flat-out play.
20. Denver Broncos: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
The Denver Broncos let Javonte Williams walk in free agency this offseason and now have an even bigger hole at RB. North Carolina's Omarion Hampton is the consensus second RB in the class, though some people around the league think the gap between Jeanty and Hampton is marginal at best. Hampton would give the Broncos a back with a down ability, and he would help make Bo Nix's life easier during his second NFL season.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
The Steelers let Dan Moore walk in free agency after he got a massive offer from the Titans (good call on the Steelers part). They are still trying to figure out who their starting QB will be for 2025, but no matter who it is, they need to add a starting-caliber tackle to their roster. Texas' Kelvin Banks Jr. fits that mold and would slide into LT for the Steelers and could move Broderick Jones to RT.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
This pick is one of the most popular selections you will see made in mock drafts across the league. The Chargers need to improve at TE, and Michigan's Colston Loveland obviously knows Jim Harbaugh's offense well from their time at Michigan together.
23. Green Bay Packers: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
The Packers were connected to multiple edge rushers in the offseason but couldn't land any of them. Just a year ago, James Pearce was being mentioned as an option to be the first overall pick, but some character concerns and some production regression in 2024 has dropped his stock quite a bit. The talent is clearly there, though, so if the Packers can get some answers to the questions surrounding his character, he could end up being a massive steal.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
One of my favorite fits in the first round is giving Brian Flores a dynamic playmaker at LB in Jalon Walker out of Georgia. Walker has the ability to drop back in coverage and is disruptive in the run game. His most exciting trait is how talented of a pass rusher he is at the position. Flores is one of the most aggressive play callers in terms of utilizing the blitz in the NFL, and a player like Walker would allow him to get creative with how he deploys him.
25. Houston Texans: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
The Texans traded for Christan Kirk this offseason but still have a solid need at WR for 2025. Stefon Diggs seems unlikely to be back, and Tank Dell has a long recovery road ahead before he can make his return to the field. Matthew Golden was born and raised in Texas before putting on the burnt orange with the Longhorns. Golden is viewed as one of the top WRs in the class by many and has the ability to play on the outside or in the slot. So this would give CJ Stroud a great trio for 2025 in Nico Collins, Kirk, and Golden.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
There was a moment this offseason when it really looked like the Rams and Matthew Stafford were going to part ways. In the end, they were able to keep the star QB in Los Angeles, but the situation makes you think it might be time for them to prepare for life after Stafford. Ole Miss's Jaxson Dart is a polarizing prospect who has a lot of fans across the league but also plenty of haters in the draft community. From talking to scouts, I believe the NFL is higher on him than people realize, and I think there's a good chance he end up being a first-round pick. I think his arm and mobility would be an excellent fit for Sean McVay, and he would have a fantastic mentor in Stafford to sit behind and learn from for a year or two while he develops the mental side of playing the position.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Grey Zabel, G/C/T, North Dakota State
If you are looking for a versatile offensive lineman, look no further than North Dakota State's Grey Zabel. Zabel can play all five starting offensive line positions, though I think his best fit is at either center or guard. He would most likely be viewed as a guard and a solid candidate to be a day-one starter for the Ravens. The team leans heavily on the run game, with Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Zabel would help open up some holes for both out of the interior. Some have questions about whether he will translate to the NFL after playing at the FCS level, but he quieted those concerns with a strong week at the Senior Bowl.
28. Detroit Lions: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
The Lions tried a lot of different options after losing Aiden Hutchinson to a season-ending injury last year. But they were never able to figure out any long-term solution. Now, heading into 2025, finding a long-term partner for Hutchinson should be a high priority for the team. Georgia's Mykel Williams is an excellent athlete, and many believe his best football is in front of him as he is a better fit for the NFL game than he was at the college level.
29. Washington Commanders: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
The Commanders moved on from Jonathan Allen this offseason, which opens up significant snaps at DT for the team. Michigan's Kenneth Grant is one of the most dominant run-stoppers at DT in the class, and his ability in the passing game is severely underrated. Grant would be able to start right away for the Commanders and help improve Dan Quinn's defense as the team looks to build off their great success in 2024.
30. Buffalo Bills: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
At one point, some viewed Malaki Starks as a potential top-10 pick in the class. But his 2024 film saw some significant regression from years past and lacks elite athleticism that some teams will covet at the position. His instincts in coverage, though, will have him high on some team's boards, and the Bills should be one of them. The team didn't get enough from their safety duo in 2024, and Starks has the ability to play either safety spot, though I think he would be best used at FS.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Chiefs have tried a lot of WRs over the years but need more quality at the position. Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice seem to be a part of the team's long-term plans, and they resigned Hollywood Brown for the short term. Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka is a highly intelligent player who was a significant part of the Buckeye's national championship in 2024. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce have had an elite connection for quite some time, but Kelce's time in the NFL is clearly coming to an end very soon. Egbuka's ability when a play breaks down makes him an intriguing option to help soften that blow whenever it comes. The pick may create a logjam at WR for 2025, but I don't think the Chiefs would be worried about it due to the overall long-term fit.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
The reigning Super Bowl champs could do a lot of different things with this pick. But I have them adding to their secondary after moving on from veterans Darius Slay and James Bradberry by selecting Texas' Jahdae Barron. Barron can play in the slot or on the outside, which would offer some creative options to let Cooper DeJean play more safety going forward, as well as being a nickel corner for the team. A young trio of Quinyon Mitchell, DeJean, and Barron would create quite the secondary for Philadelphia for the foreseeable future.