Latest 2025 NFL mock draft sees a surprise trade for Travis Hunter, the Cowboys land their next big star, and the Lions get a steal
The 2025 NFL draft is fast approaching, and before we all know it, we'll be booing NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and hearing that iconic draft pick chime. As we inch toward April 24, some things about what will occur in Round 1 have become increasingly apparent. But the NFL draft is never what it seems, and […]
The 2025 NFL draft is fast approaching, and before we all know it, we'll be booing NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and hearing that iconic draft pick chime.
As we inch toward April 24, some things about what will occur in Round 1 have become increasingly apparent. But the NFL draft is never what it seems, and all it takes is a single trade to shake up the entire draft.
Some notable themes of my Round 1 mock draft include. . .
Four quarterbacks are selected despite this being viewed as a weaker quarterback class. Teams are stubborn when it comes to getting their guy. Running back value is on the rebound because the NFL is cyclical, and teams are realizing the value of having an elite rusher. Tight end value is also rising, despite history looking poorly on first-round tight ends. Four teams make a trade, including one team trading back into the first round. I'm not projecting exact trade compensation, but let your imagination run wild with how your team will take advantage or get worked over.
That said, here's what else is cooking in my latest first-round mock draft:
1. Tennessee Titans select Miami QB Cam Ward
The Titans have laid their cards on the table through their offseason actions, with all signs pointing to Miami QB Cam Ward being their guy. The latest evidence was Tennessee canceling pre-draft private workouts with Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders. It'd be an absolute stunner if they did anything other than select Ward with the No. 1 overall pick, and it'd take a king's ransom to pry this pick from them.
2. Cleveland Browns select Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter
With the latest shift in betting odds, there is certainly some new buzz about Travis Hunter being the guy for Cleveland. The fact that they seem to view him as a wide receiver might be a problem for the two-way star, who still thinks he can play both positions at the next level. Pairing Myles Garrett with another generational talent at edge rusher like Carter is the best option for the Browns in the short and long term. Garrett and Carter would undoubtedly form the most terrifying pass rush duo in the league, the type that keeps offensive coordinators up at night.
3. Las Vegas Raiders (via trade with New York Giants) select Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter
The Giants move back and collect draft capital, knowing they'll eventually need to find a quarterback of the future. The Raiders move up for a superstar player in Hunter, taking a big swing in a move that I feel like Al Davis would make in a heartbeat, no matter the cost. Las Vegas makes the most sense when considering the fit and which franchise could best utilize a two-way player like Hunter. He can thrive outside, playing in Pete Carroll's patented Cover 3 defensive scheme, while becoming a weapon for Geno Smith in a passing attack that lacks talent outside second-year TE Brock Bowers.
4. New England Patriots select LSU OT Will Campbell
Last year, the Patriots found their quarterback of the future in Drake Maye. Now, they need to find him some consistent blindside protection on the offensive line. They'll get their choice of the offensive tackle class at pick No. 4. Arm length is a legitimate concern for Campbell, but it might not be significant for the Patriots' coaching staff. I can totally see how the new Patriots head coach, Mike Vrabel, would love the way Campbell plays, blending an old-school mauler skillset with new-age athleticism.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars select Michigan DT Mason Graham
The Jacksonville Jaguars' new general manager, James Gladstone, comes from a team that has had great success building through the trenches. He also knows how a game-wrecking defensive tackle can completely change a defense. Graham has elite movement skills at 6-foot-3 and 320 pounds, boasting a great blend of run-stopping and pass-rushing prowess. He's the type of young player you can build an entire defense around, which should be a perfect way to start this new regime in Jacksonville.
6. New York Giants (via Las Vegas Raiders) select Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty
The New York Giants made a big mistake in not retaining Saquon Barkley, and their division rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, capitalized. Tyrone Tracy Jr. was an exciting piece in 2024, but they still lack a superstar. The biggest thing they can do to help Russell Wilson have a successful season in 2025 (and buy more time if you're Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen) is to build a strong running game to coincide with the play-action passing game. Jeanty gives them a dynamic rusher who can be the offense's focal point.
7. New York Jets select Texas WR Matthew Golden
The New York Jets must surround Justin Fields with better weapons to succeed in 2025. Josh Reynolds and Allen Lazard will not cut it playing opposite Garrett Wilson. Golden is a crafty route runner who tempos his routes well and has elite ball-tracking skills. The 5-foot-11, 191-pound wideout isn't a burner despite his recorded 40-yard dash time at the NFL Scouting Combine. Where he'll beat you is with the suddenness of his cuts, breaking and start-stop ability.
8. Carolina Panthers select Georgia EDGE Mykel Williams
As much as I'd be tempted to add to the offense, fixing the defense in Carolina is just as crucial to sustaining long-term success. A switch seems to have flipped for Bryce Young, but he needs better play on the defensive side of the ball to take some pressure off the offense in 2025. Despite some inconsistent tape from his time at Georgia, Williams feels like one of the higher-upside edge rushers in this class. He's listed at 6-foot-5, 265 pounds, and he's only 20 years old. He racked up 14 sacks and 23 tackles for loss in 40 career games for the Bulldogs, most of which came while he was a teenager.
9. New Orleans Saints select Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders
This is a high-level fit for the Saints and Sanders, not just because he's a pocket passer who can thrive in the scheme. New Orleans has the pieces in place for him to succeed, such as an offensive-minded head coach in Kellen Moore, a franchise left tackle in Taliese Fuaga, and plenty of weapons in Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, Brandin Cooks, and Rashid Shaheed. There's also a vet in the building in Derek Carr for Sanders to learn from in 2025, not necessarily forcing him into starting action unless he's deemed ready for it.
10. Chicago Bears select Penn State TE Tyler Warren
Sure, they already have Cole Kmet and Durham Smythe, but my head spins thinking of all the different things Ben Johnson could do with Tyler Warren as a centerpiece of his offense. Sam LaPorta had a massive role in his scheme for the Lions, lining up across the formation and being featured in several different looks. He can find a way to utilize all three players effectively and turn this into one of the best tight end rooms in the league.
11. San Francisco 49ers select Mizzou OT Armand Membou
The 49ers will run to the podium and hand-deliver his draft card if Membou is still available when they come on the clock. He's the perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan's wide zone blocking scheme. He might be viewed as a potential successor for Trent Williams, who is nearing the end of a potential Hall of Fame career. In the meantime, he could play right tackle instead of Colton McKivitz, who might be better suited for a reserve role after Jaylon Moore left in free agency.
12. Dallas Cowboys select Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan
The Cowboys will soon pay Micah Parsons a boatload of cash and cap space. They already paid Prescott, Lamb, Steele, and Diggs. This draft should be about trying to add young and cheap talent at some of the more expensive positions in the NFL. McMillan is viewed as a polarizing prospect, but he gives Dallas a big-bodied pass catcher who can box out defenders and play the jump ball better than anyone else in this class. He's not for everyone, but I think the Cowboys can best utilize his skill set and turn him into a star.
13. Miami Dolphins select Texas OT Kelvin Banks Jr.
Dolphins' Terron Armstead announced his retirement, leaving second-year OT Patrick Paul as the team's projected starter at left tackle opposite Austin Jackson. They could hypothetically roll with those two players at the position, but they're also in a prime position to land one of the top offensive tackles in this draft class. Banks Jr. is a clean prospect with excellent movement skills and powerful hands. He's the type of guy that you want protecting Tua Tagavailoa's blindside long-term.
14. Indianapolis Colts select Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell
The Indianapolis Colts haven't had a truly dominant linebacker room since Shaq Leonard was at the height of his game before his body started to break down with injuries. They recently lost EJ Speed to the Houston Texans during the offseason. Campbell has a seek-and-destroy style, a quick trigger in the run game, and a natural feel for coverage. Pair Campbell with Zaire Franklin, and watch the center of this defense prosper.
15. Atlanta Falcons select Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen
After releasing franchise cornerstone Grady Jarrett in a salary-cap clearing move, I suspect the Falcons will jump at the opportunity to land a player like Nolen at this spot. If he can answer questions teams seemingly have about his character, the football upside is phenomenal. He'll add much-needed juice to the Falcons' pass rush from the defensive line room. He boasts explosive get-off and is generally good at disrupting the backfield, as evidenced by his 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss with Ole Miss last season.
16. Denver Broncos (via Arizona Cardinals) select UNC RB Omarion Hampton
After landing Evan Engram in free agency, the only thing the Broncos are truly missing on the offensive side of the ball is a lead running back. Denver could try to wait this out, but I don't think they'll want to risk missing out on their guy, so a slight move up makes sense. Hampton posted 3759 scrimmage yards and 33 touchdowns over the last two seasons, marking himself as one the most productive runners in the 2025 draft. He's also proven to be one of the more elusive runners in the class, practically never going down after first contact.
17. Cincinnati Bengals select Oregon DT Derrick Harmon
The Bengals made an oopsies last season with their decision to replace D.J. Reader with Sheldon Rankins. Even with B.J. Hill and Kris Jenkins on the roster, Harmon should have a ton of appeal for a team like Cincinnati, which needs better play out of their defensive interior in 2025. Harmon's 55 pressures last season led all FBS interior D-Linemen. With all the financial investment on the offensive side of the ball, they really need to hit on some defensive cornerstones with cheap contracts.
18. Seattle Seahawks select Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka
The Seahawks jettisoned two of their top receivers during the 2025 NFL free agency period, leaving a significant need for weapons for new starting QB Sam Darnold. Egbuka might be the most slept-on receiver in this draft class, but he also might be the player at the position with the highest floor. His routes are smooth, he can play in the slot or out wide, he has great hands, and his ball-tracking ability is second to none. This would go a long way toward helping Seattle retool the offense for a new era.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Georgia LB Jalon Walker
Landing 2024's Butkus Award winner at pick No. 19 feels like a bit of a steal for the Buccaneers. Considering the offseason departure of Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, the uncertainty surrounding Haason Reddick after his funky season with the Jets in 2025, and Lavonte David's return for a 14th season, this pick makes a ton of sense. Walker is a jack-of-all-trades who can rush from the edge or align off-ball, providing depth and stability for Todd Bowles' defense.
20. Arizona Cardinals (via Denver Broncos) select NDSU OL Grey Zabel
Interior offensive line is not viewed as a sexy pick, but it's a bit more digestible for a team like the Cardinals since they're trading down from No. 16. They pick up some extra draft capital and get a guy who makes a lot of sense for them at the bottom of Round 1. Zabel can legitimately play all three interior offensive line positions at the next level and even kick out to play offensive tackle if they find themselves in a pinch.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers select Alabama QB Jalen Milroe
I fully expect that just hours before the first round of the 2025 NFL draft, the Steelers will agree to terms with Aaron Rodgers on a one-year contract. But that won't stop them from securing a player like Milroe to learn behind Rodgers for a year before taking over as the team's starting quarterback in 2026. Milroe is one of this class's most dynamic running quarterbacks but needs refinement as a passer. We've already seen Jordan Love come up behind Rodgers, and Milroe will be the next in his tree.
22. Los Angeles Chargers select Michigan TE Colston Loveland
I sent Loveland to the Chargers in our recent collaborative mock draft. I'm not sure there's a better fit in the first round:
Even with Tyler Conklin and Will Dissly on the roster, the Chargers could use another weapon at the tight end position. No one knows Loveland and what he's capable of better than his former coach at Michigan, Jim Harbaugh.
Loveland can be that safety blanket QB Justin Herbert lacks opposite WR Ladd McConkey in the passing game. He can also raise the bar on the multi-tight end formations that are a staple in Greg Roman's run-heavy offense.
23. Houston Texans (via Green Bay Packers) select Ohio State OT Josh Simmons
The Texans completely blew up their offensive line during the offseason with a trade sending Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders. While they've made some other moves, I fully expect they will want to move up and grab someone to protect CJ Stroud's blindside. While Stroud and Simmons didn't play together at Ohio State, I suspect there will be greater comfort given that connection. If Simmons didn't have the knee injury, he'd arguably have the experience and tape to be selected much higher in this draft.
24. Cleveland Browns (via Minnesota Vikings) select Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart
The Vikings don't have much draft capital, so naturally, they're a candidate to move out of the first round and pick up some extra Day 2 and Day 3 picks. The Browns need to find a solution at quarterback this season with Deshaun Watson's acquisition and contract being a complete and utter disaster. Dart can compete with Kenny Pickett, and I suspect this is a good landing spot for him. Kevin Stefanski mentioned decision-making and accuracy at the combine as something he's looking for in this QB class. Dart's play-action and RPO-heavy background should also match what OC Tommy Rees is looking for at quarterback.
25. Green Bay Packers (via Houston Texans) select Texas A&M EDGE Shemar Stewart
The Packers take a calculated risk by moving back, knowing their division rival, the Minnesota Vikings, comes on the clock just after them. That risk pays off, and they land one of the freakiest athletes in the draft in Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart, along with some extra draft capital. Teams love to gamble on traits, so I wouldn't be shocked if Stewart goes higher, but the lack of production (just 4.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss) during his time with the Aggies is why I expect him to be available here.
26. Los Angeles Rams select Texas CB Jahdae Barron
The Los Angeles Rams' secondary is one of their weaker units for a defense that outperformed expectations in 2024, but Barron could be the quick fix that further elevates the entire unit. As a player who can play inside in sub-packages and the perimeter in base defenses, he can fulfill two needs for Sean McVay's defense. Barron is an outstanding blitzer, aggressive when playing the run, and consistently makes plays on the football. What's not to love?
27. Baltimore Ravens select Georgia S Malaki Starks
Pairing Starks with Kyle Hamilton would be a homerun move for the Ravens to elevate their secondary. The 6-foot-1 and 193-pound Georgia Bulldog can play anywhere in the defensive secondary, boasting tremendous versatility. He has verified ball skills and instincts in coverage with six interceptions and 17 passes broken up in three seasons in Athens. He's got a quick trigger in the run game and is unafraid when tackling ball carriers in the open field.
28. Detroit Lions select Marshall EDGE Mike Green
The Lions' edge rusher room is a bit of an enigma because Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport are great players who have seen recent seasons cut short by injury. While he has the football acumen of a mid-round 1 pick, Green has some allegations from high school and Virginia working against him, but the football of it all makes a lot of sense here. Green led the FBS with 17 sacks last season. He's got a great pass-rushing toolkit, with many effective counter moves paired with his natural quickness and relentless effort. He could be a true steal when it's all said and done.
29. Washington Commanders select Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton
The Commanders are another team desperately in need of edge rush help. Dorance Armstrong and Deatrich Wise are currently their projected starters after losing 2024 sack leader Dante Fowler Jr. to free agency. Scourton's role at Texas A&M stunted his productivity compared to his role at Purdue in 2023, where he was among the nation's most productive pass rushers. His size (6-foot-4 and 280 pounds), quickness, and power make him a natural fit for Dan Quinn's defense.
30. Buffalo Bills select Michigan CB Will Johnson
The reunion with Dane Jackson helps, but the Bills must find a solution for the cornerback position in 2025. They traded former first-round draft pick Kaiir Elam to the Cowboys after he failed to acclimate in Buffalo. Johnson could be a steal for them if he slides due to the injury that hampered him in his final season for the Wolverines or the hamstring injury he suffered in February. When he's healthy, he's an instinctual, tough-nosed All-American with lockdown coverage abilities.
31. Kansas City Chiefs select Mizzou WR Luther Burden III
I was tempted to look at Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr. here, but Burden's upside is too good to pass up. Some have been quick to dismiss him after a down season in 2024, but I think a lot of that blame can fall on his quarterback and the situation in Missouri. Burden is built like a running back and is best with the ball in his hands, creating yards after the catch and forcing missed tackles with suddenness and explosion. Given Rashee Rice's knee injury and Travis Kelce's age, he'd provide some insurance for the Kansas City offense.
32. Philadelphia Eagles select Tennessee LB James Pearce Jr.
There is no Georgia Bulldog for Howie Roseman this time, but I suspect he won't be too broken up. They'll be happy to replace Josh Sweat with a player like Pearce, who boasts impressive quickness and athleticism more akin to that you'd typically find in a defensive back. This swift edge rusher is a two-time First-Team All-SEC selection with a penchant for making plays in the backfield, be it his 29.5 career tackles for loss or his 19 career sacks.
Tyreek Hill, Trey Hendrickson, and James Cook headline most logical 2025 NFL Draft trade targets
The 2025 NFL Draft will showcase the future stars as they are chosen by their first franchises. While the spotlight is often on the rookies, there's a good chance we'll see a veteran player traded as well. This can happen due to a falling prospect or a front office missing out on a target. Veteran […]
