2025 NFL Mock Draft features a historic run on cornerbacks and high-upside EDGE defenders
We are less than a month until college football returns, and we just got our first taste of preseason NFL action. What better time than an early look at the 2025 NFL Draft with some mock draft action? We are toward the end of Summer Scouting, which means a clearer understanding for what next year's […]
We are less than a month until college football returns, and we just got our first taste of preseason NFL action. What better time than an early look at the 2025 NFL Draft with some mock draft action? We are toward the end of Summer Scouting, which means a clearer understanding for what next year's class could ultimately look like.
Let's get some particulars out of the way. The draft order was based on the current Super Bowl LIX odds over at BetMGM. If you hate where your team is selecting, hope for improvement, and go yell at Vegas. In the end, mock drafts are fun exercises to make people familiar with a list of talented NFL Draft prospects. If being correct mattered this time of year, nobody would be employed.
With that out of the way, the 2025 class feels like it has been mislabeled as a poor class early on. There is a lot of talent to get excited about for your prospective team to add next offseason.
1. Carolina Panthers: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
It’s not hyperbolic to say that Pearce is an elite-level athlete at the defensive end position. He will need to show that he can play at a higher weight, and be more impactful against the run – but the pass rush upside is incredible. Despite only starting two games a year ago, the 6-5, 241-pound defensive end was able to record 14.5 tackles for loss, and ten sacks. His explosiveness is rare, as is his bend and change of direction. Don't overthink Pearce.
2. New England Patriots: Luther Burden, WR, Missouri
The projected starting wide receivers for the Patriots this season are Kendrick Bourne, KJ Osborn, and DeMario Douglas, which isn't the most ideal situation for quarterback Drake Maye. They do have a couple of younger wide receivers in Javon Baker and Ja'Lynn Polk but there is still a need to find a high-volume pass catcher. Burden would be the most dynamic weapon on the New England offense instantly. They need someone who can make big plays in space.
3. Washington Commanders: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
At 6-4 and 285 pounds, they don't make edge rushers as fluid as Scourton at that size. He has a rare size profile for the position, as well as power and coordination. The former Purdue star also understands how to soften angles, which helped him record 15 tackles for loss, and ten sacks a year ago. Scourton now has the opportunity to torment the SEC this fall.
4. Tennessee Titans: Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
The Titans are trying to see exactly what they have in 2024 with quarterback Will Levis. Here is the thing, if the Titans are drafting this high, it's more than likely it wasn't very good under center. Beck is a strong pocket passer at 6' 4 1/4" and 218 pounds. This might be the chance Tennesse needs, officially getting "the guy" under head coach Brian Callahan.
5. New York Giants: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
There are a wide variety of opinions on Sanders, and there should be right now. He is a smooth passer who has very good accuracy, and overall feel for the game. Sanders also hits the thresholds you need in terms of having good enough arm strength and mobility. The biggest question is going to be pocket management. Sanders needs to show a better field playing within the structure of an offense and getting the football out on time.
6. Denver Broncos: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
There is a real argument that Starks could be the best overall player in the 2025 NFL Draft regardless of positional value. At 6-1 and 205 pounds, he has the size to play in the box when needed, and is one of the more impactful cover players coming from depth in recent memory. Starks has been a mainstay on the back end for the Bulldogs the last two years, recording 52 total tackles, three interceptions, and seven pass breakups in 2023. He may be the best safety to come out since at least Kyle Hamilton, but maybe even before that.
7. Arizona Cardinals: Mason Graham, IDL, Michigan
Graham is one of the easier evaluations in the 2025 NFL Draft class. Do you like defensive tackles with absurd power, really nice quickness, play with outstanding leverage, and take over in the biggest games? Then you will love Graham. He is a 6-3, 318-pound ball of fury. This is an opposing offense's worst nightmare to play against on the interior.
8. Las Vegas Raiders: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Similarly to Graham, Johnson is a relatively easy evaluation. A huge cornerback at 6-2 and 204 pounds, he has been stellar for the Wolverines the last two seasons. During that time, he has hauled in seven interceptions, and broke up another seven passes. Playing with tremendous instincts, ball skills, and movement skills, there is a lot that is reminiscent of former NFL standout Trumaine Johnson. That is the good Trumaine, not the New York Jets one.
9. New Orleans Saints: Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame
After a strong start to the 2023 season, many believed that Leonard would be a first round selections in the 2024 NFL Draft. Obviously, a foot and ankle injury ruined that campaign, making the former Duke signal caller to opt to come back to school and transfer to Notre Dame. All the talent is there, and now Leonard gets a year to work under Mike Denbrock. At a verified 6' 3 5/8" and 212 pounds, Leonard has run as fast as 4.52 seconds in the forty-yard dash in the past. He is also a natural thrower with a ton of upside to tap into.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado
There is going to be some debate about whether Hunter is better at cornerback, wide receiver, or should have a chance to play both on the NFL level. At 6'0 1/8" and 184 pounds, he has good upside on offense. On defense, however, he has outstanding potential. His feel in zone coverage is tremendous, as is Hunter's fluidity, ball skills, and length. Hunter's upside has not been overstated.
11. Minnesota Vikings: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
I am a sucker for physical defensive backs who play with an edge. That is Burke in a nutshell. After a rough 2022 season, Burke was outstanding in 2023. He also possesses above average long speed, and has enough change of direction skills to mirror out of his pedal. There is an extremely high floor to work with Burke.
12. Seattle Seahawks: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
The run on the cornerbacks continues. There’s an argument that Morrison may be the most naturally gifted cover corner in the class, evidenced by his nine interceptions over his first two seasons. Morrison is back healthy for Fall camp, which is great news for the Irish. Improving his play strength will be big for him in 2024.
13. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
The Colts are a team that quietly does not have a ton of needs on their roster. One spot that could use an upgrade is at tight end, and could potentially complete a very explosive offense in Indianapolis. Loveland was one of the breakout stars in college football this past season. His effortless movements and flexibility as a route runner make him an extremely hard cover lining up all over the formation.
14. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas
The offensive tackle class is a bit divisive right now. There is a lot of talent but there’s also a lot of projection that is needed right now. On paper, Banks has all the requisite skills to become a plus starting option on the next level. Cam Robinson has mostly been underwhelming at left tackle, and his contract runs out after the 2024 season. That could allow someone like Banks to find a starting role early.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Whether it is Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, or someone else under center for the Steelers in 2025, Pittsburgh needs to find another passing game weapon to go along with George Pickens. Egbuka has played mostly in the slot for the Buckeyes, where he’s been a dynamic weapon when healthy the last two seasons. His after-catch ability is a massive need in this offense, and Egbuka brings it at a high level.
The 2025 NFL Draft brings a lot of upside, but a ton of question marks concerning the offensive tackle class
The offensive tackle class for the 2025 NFL Draft is extremely volatile. There is certainly talent, but a lot of question marks to figure out.
16. Cleveland Browns: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Jedrick Wills has been a very odd player at left tackle for the Browns. At times, he looks quite good but often seems disinterested. There is major concern for whether he is the guy at left tackle long term. While Campbell is not the most exciting prospect in the draft, he does bring one of the highest floors. His hand nuance and grip stretch is stellar.
17. Chicago Bears: Deone Walker, IDL, Kentucky
The Bears are projected to start Andrew Billings and Gervon Dexter in 2024. That is a very replaceable interior of the defense. In a vacuum, Walker is one of the more physically gifted overall players in the class. The skill set is tantalizing at 6-6 and 348 pounds. Playing with better pad level and getting some bad weight off of Walker’s frame are things to watch this fall.
18. Los Angeles Chargers: Tyleik Williams, IDL, Ohio State
Wide receiver is still a potential need on paper, but there has been a lot of draft capital invested in that spot recently. The hope is that the position takes a step forward in 2024. The Chargers defense is steadily improving on paper. Adding a force like Williams to the middle would be menacing. At 6’ 2 ½” and 325 pounds, he is a dense defensive tackle that is extremely difficult to move off of his spot.
19. Atlanta Falcons: Mikel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
There’s a chance that Williams goes much higher than this when all is said and done, but an ascension in 2024 is very much needed. At 6-5 and 265 pounds, he has everything you look for on the edge. The technical prowess, and production just haven’t come, recording just 13 tackles for loss and nine sacks in two seasons. Playing from a wider alignment in 2024 should give us a better gauge on just how far along he has come.
20. Los Angeles Rams: Shavon Revel, CB, ECU
Revel is the best player you have never heard of. At 6-2 and 190 plus pounds, he is about as gifted of a mover as you are going to find. Just based on raw tools, he has about as much upside as anyone in this class. The Rams have gotten by with average performers playing above their talent level recently. Revel would potentially thrive in Los Angeles.
21. Miami Dolphins: Jonah Savaiinaea, IOL, Arizona
Go look up the projected starting guards for Miami in 2024, and then just nod in agreement. Some will view Savaiinaea as an offensive tackle, and it’s understandable. Inside, there is Pro Bowl upside for the Arizona standout. He is an extremely gifted mover at 6-5 and 335 pounds, with an improving power profile.
22. New York Jets: Conner Weigman, QB, Texas A&M
There is a lot of Weigman hype in the preseason, projecting as one of the more natural throwers in the class. The nine-game sample size is just too small to justify an early Round One gamble right now. With Aaron Rodgers still in the building, he is, however, the perfect player to invest in lower down in the first round.
23. Dallas Cowboys: Harold Perkins, LB, LSU
With Eric Kendricks and Damone Clark set to start on the second level for the Cowboys, investing in to the future should be a top priority. Perkins is a very unique player at 6’ 0 ⅛” and 215 pounds, having played on the edge, as a SAM linebacker, and as an overhang his first two years. The athleticism pops instantly when you watch him. Perkins is setting in as a WILL linebacker this season, which helps settle his projection.
24. Green Bay Packers: Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas
Eric Stokes has been often injured, while the long-term future of Jaire Alexander with the team is still in question. Investing in cornerback could be very wise. The team also liked physical cornerbacks who can potentially play outside and in at times. That fits Bryant perfectly. You won’t find a more tenacious defender with more confidence than the Kansas star.
25. Houston Texans: Abdul Carter, LB/EDGE, Penn State
Pass rush isn’t a massive need on paper. Will Anderson is a budding superstar, while Danielle Hunter is still productive when healthy. The interesting part about Carter is he can also play on the second level. Having this type of movable chess piece (yes, I know the saying is flawed) is an interesting option under head coach DeMeco Ryans.
26. Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Hairston is another of the best-kept secrets in college football. He has tremendous instincts, the ball skills, and is a really smooth player when it comes to change of direction. The Bills are set to start Christian Benford and Rasul Douglas on the outside this season. Upgrades are very much needed.
27. Philadelphia Eagles: Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama
The Philadelphia Eagles offensive line is one of the very best in the NFL. There is, however, a massive hole at right guard where Tyler Steen and Mekhi Becton are battling for it this offseason. Booker is an instant starter in that position, boasting outrageous size at 6-5 and 352 pounds. The Alabama standout is also flexible and has good foot quickness, which should improve as he’s lost some bad weight on his frame this offseason.
28. Cincinnati Bengals: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
The Bengals offensive line is definitely better that it has been, but improvement is still ahead. While there may be an offensive tackle label next to Ersery’s name, he has incredible power and flexibility to play all over at 6-6 and 325 pounds. In the short term, he could unseat Cordell Volson, or even compete to start over Alex Cappa for a guard spot. For the long term, Ersery could be the heir apparent behind Orlando Brown Jr., breaking an exciting long-term duo at offensive tackle with Amarius Mims.
29. Detroit Lions: Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Florida
The Lions have a developing star at one defensive end with Aidan Hutchinson. Everyone knows that No. 97 is the player to stop up front. Getting Hutchinson a partner in crime should be on the agenda in the future. Umanmielen is an exciting pass rusher with tremendous upside. The level of twitch and bend he brings make his upside as a pass rusher high.
30. Baltimore Ravens: Kaden Prather, WR, Maryland
The Ravens continue to invest in the wide receiver position, but it has brought a lot of mixed results. It appears Zay Flowers is a hit but other than that, it’s unsure who is going to be a stable member of the long-term plan. Adding length and downfield ability is an interesting opportunity, which is what you find with Prather. An outstanding athlete at 6-4 and 211 pounds, Prather is one of the most talented pass catchers who needs more publicity.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
There seem to be many who are high on McMillan in the media space, loving his length, hand strength, and ability to make some spectacular catches. While those moments are fun, there is a conversation that needs to be had about McMillan’s lack of speed and separation. The 49ers major in creating that space, which will help big time. With the future of Brandon Aiyuk very unclear, and Jauan Jennings very replaceable, finding impact size could be in the cards.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Payton, EDGE, Florida State
Chris Jones is the best pass rushing interior player in the NFL. George Karlaftis is also a very good contributor on passing downs. Outside of those two, there really isn’t an outside pass rusher you can depend on. Finding speed, explosiveness and bend could make a great defense even more imposing. At 6-5 and 250 pounds, Payton is eerily similar to current Philadelphia Eagle Josh Sweat. He is the speed rusher that the Chiefs need.
Best players remaining
Here are the best players who were not selected in the first round of this mock draft. It is a deep and talented group of prospects.
Dontay Corleone, IDL, Cincinnati
An offseason issue with blood clots has put Corleone’s future in doubt. On the field, he’s fantastic. Corleone is a disruptive force with incredible power at 6-1 and 320 pounds.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Jeanty is the top running back in the class, and a big-time weapon in the run and pass game. At 5’ 8 ⅛” and 217 pounds, he is a compact runner with great balance. Jeanty also has tremendous hands, hauling in 43 receptions for 569 yards and five touchdowns last season.
Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
The tools are all there for Conerly. He is long, explosive with good foot quickness. The power profile needs to take a step forward. When the game begins to slow down for Conerly, there is easy upside to work with.
Mansoor Delane, CB, Virginia Tech
For a long time, the Hokies churned out outstanding defensive backs. It appears they are getting back to that in the 2025 NFL Draft. Delane is a really nice blend of movement skills, physicality, and versatility on the back end. He could play a little bit everywhere for a prospective defense.
Dante Trader Jr., S, Maryland
Perhaps one of the more impressive watches this preseason, Trader is an impressive football player. Also a lacrosse player for Maryland, Transfer is really fluid and impactful working from depth. He also has no problem coming up and getting involved in the run game.
Francisco Mauigoa, LB, Miami
An attack-style defender at 6’ 1 ½” and 241 pounds, Mauigoa recorded 18 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks for Miami last season. He needs to be a bit more consistent with his reads but Mauigoa is very explosive, pretty long, and has very good range from the second level.
