2025 NFL Mock Draft with trades: Dallas lands Travis Hunter, Cleveland grabs Abdul Carter and future franchise QB

The Super Bowl is almost here, and the offseason has all but arrived. The 2025 NFL Draft is the primary concern for most of the league. Plus, we're at the 2025 Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl before the NFL Scouting Combine. With the latest intel from scouts and my own evaluations in my back pocket, […]

Ian Valentino National College Football Writer
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Nov 16, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Travis Hunter (12) looks on during the first quarter against the Utah Utes at Folsom Field.
Nov 16, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Travis Hunter (12) looks on during the first quarter against the Utah Utes at Folsom Field. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Super Bowl is almost here, and the offseason has all but arrived. The 2025 NFL Draft is the primary concern for most of the league. Plus, we're at the 2025 Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl before the NFL Scouting Combine.

With the latest intel from scouts and my own evaluations in my back pocket, I've put together a one-round 2025 NFL mock draft with trades to help simulate how this April could play out.

Which player will your favorite team choose? Many things could shift as the offseason and free agency progress. But for now, this is how I envision the draft potentially going.

2025 NFL Mock Draft

1) Tennessee Titans: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

This will be a big offseason for the Titans, as they need upgrades all over their roster. I did a deep dive to see which quarterback fits the Titans the best, and the answer is a resounding one: Shedeur Sanders. Sanders' accuracy, playmaking, and sharp decision-making will help Brian Callahan get his offense back to a respectable level.

2) New York Giants (via CLE): Cameron Ward, QB, Miami (FL)

There's a possibility, better than most might think, that Cleveland is Shedeur Sanders or bust at the No. 2 pick. If they are, a trade down makes sense. Cameron Ward is risky, and how he compares to Deshaun Watson as a freelancer is concerning, but maybe Ward will get closer to Jordan Love than Watson, and the latter has been very good in Green Bay's scheme. Ward is a terrific athlete with the physical tools to be a superstar. His decision-making needs work, but I can also appreciate his gusto.

3) Cleveland Browns (via NYG): Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

New York swaps a pick or two to ensure they get Ward, and Cleveland locks in an elite prospect before trading back up later. Abdul Carter is similar to Micah Parsons as an explosive, well-rounded pass-rusher. Pairing him with Myles Garrett would be tremendous, and is especially intriguing if the Browns have plans to land a quarterback in free agency and later.

4) New England Patriots: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

With Drake Maye symbolizing the Patriots' offensive future, New England is well-positioned to secure a defensive star. No tackle or receiver surpasses Mason Graham. The agile and quick pass-rusher could be a cornerstone for New England's defense for the next decade.

5) Jacksonville Jaguars: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Hiring Liam Coen, albeit in odd circumstances, is a win for Jacksonville. The easy connection to make is Coen gets Trevor Lawrence his version of Mike Evans in Tetairoa McMillan. The tall, long-striding playmaker will make everyone's job easier in Jacksonville and fit the scheme.

6) Las Vegas Raiders: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Giving Pete Carroll his modern version of Richard Sherman is a no-brainer. Will Johnson has it all and will be a top-end defender right away. Fast, long, physical, and a playmaker, the Raiders have to prioritize getting rare athletes who Carroll can mold.

7) New York Jets: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee

Recent offensive investments put the Jets in a position where they almost have to take a quarterback or tend to their aging defense. My top prospect left is James Pearce Jr. His speed and fluidity through contact are unreal, so I'm banking on his physical upside, helping him reach Pro Bowl status.

8) Dallas Cowboys (via CAR): Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

Cornerback isn't the biggest need for Dallas, but a receiver has to be added. The great part is that Travis Hunter can play either at a high level. A small trade-up ensures one of the biggest stars in the sport goes to a huge marketing machine in Dallas.

9) New Orleans Saints: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

You could throw a dart and hit on a short or long-term need for New Orleans, but tackle continues to come up as a priority for them. The franchise might go in another direction now with a new head coach in charge, but Josh Simmons can't be underrated as an OT1 option. He's so smooth in pass pro and has the power to become a defining part of an excellent line.

10) Chicago Bears: Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas

Surrounding Caleb Williams with the best talent possible is imperative this offseason. Fixing the offensive line will take multiple steps, but the left tackle spot is the most important. The tackle class is good but not great, so Chicago might be unable to wait to add their guy. Kelvin Banks is the best pass-blocker and will continue getting better.

11) San Francisco 49ers: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Kenneth Grant was excellent as the season progressed, flashing the quickness and strength needed to be an impact presence. San Francisco's demise has largely been tied to less effective trench play, so Grant addresses that. Don't be surprised if this is considered his floor.

12) Carolina Panthers (via DAL): Jalon Walker, EDGE/LB, Georgia

I like Jalon Walker more as an edge defender than a pure linebacker, but the beauty of his game is that he can play both on a drive and at a high level. Walker's physicality and speed is so unique, and he would've been a household prospect name much earlier if he was unleashed on the edge on a full-time basis.

13) Miami Dolphins: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

The Tyreek Hill era looks over in Miami, but the Dolphins have done a terrible job of developing anyone not named Jaylen Waddle. Spending a premium pick on a receiver isn't ideal, but Luther Burden III can keep the offense revving hot. Burden is similar to Ja'Marr Chase in terms of skill set, so this investment will pay off.

14) Indianapolis Colts: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

Although Shavon Revel Jr. is coming off a torn ACL, his pre-injury tape and athleticism were unreal. He'll re-establish himself as an elite corner prospect as he gets to full strength. The Colts have one of the worst cornerback rooms in the NFL, so going with the best possible player at a key position of need is a no-brainer.

15) Atlanta Falcons: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

Athletic upside is the ultimate trump card when it comes to ciphering who to project where. Atlanta desperately needs young talent to mold into a star, and Mykel Williams is the best-equipped in the class to get there with Raheem Morris. Williams' spurts of high-end play toward the end of the year reinforced he's still the guy who can pay off with a big swing.

16) Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

The character concerns for Walter Nolen are considerable, but I have a sweet tooth for pass-rushing, uber-athletic interior defenders. Nolen's movement ability is that of a potential All-Pro tackle. Arizona has to be confident in who Nolen is or who he will be to make this pick, but it'd be a stellar addition if it works out.

17) Cincinnati Bengals: Will Campbell, OL, LSU

There's enough optimism around Tee Higgins and Cincinnati to feel comfortable moving away from receiver with this pick. Will Campbell can step in to be a reliable upgrade at either guard or tackle, depending on how the Bengals see their line shaping up. The run game has to get better in Cincinnati for Joe Burrow, and Campbell will help accomplish that immediately.

18) Seattle Seahawks: Donovan Jackson, OT, Ohio State

Capable of playing tackle or guard, I think Donovan Jackson's projection was completely changed by his remarkable move to left tackle midway through the season. 6-foot-4 with long arms, the powerful blocker is a dominant run-game presence. Seattle would move him again, this time to right tackle, but there's no reason to think Jackson can't adjust and thrive.

19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State

The back half of the 2024-25 season was spectacular for Jack Sawyer. He was tremendously disruptive and made several splash plays that show that he's ready to start in the NFL. A great run defender and bursty pass-rusher, Tampa's pass-rush will be significantly better with Sawyer starting.

20) Denver Broncos: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Even with Emeka Egbuka on the board, Ashton Jeanty is my easy call. Jeanty's range bottoms out within the next few picks, anyway. The running back position is back, and Jeanty will be an elite rusher regardless of his next destination. His contact balance, agility, and burst will give Sean Payton his next top running back.

21) Pittsburgh Steelers: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

It'll be fascinating to see which team pulls the trigger on the third quarterback in this class and who it will be. Jaxson Dart is a good athlete with enough arm to be another Brock Purdy. That's worth a first-round pick, especially for a veteran team like Pittsburgh. He's far better than Kenny Pickett and can start on Day 1.

22) Los Angeles Chargers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

The Chargers have to become more consistent and dynamic simultaneously for Justin Herbert to become greater than his immensely impressive physical tools suggest. Just based on those needs, Emeka Egbuka is a natural fit. Egbuka's ability to win from any alignment, contribute as a run blocker, and most importantly, catch the ball consistently, makes him the ideal value.

23) Green Bay Packers: Malaki Starks, SAF, Georgia

Valuing top-end safeties isn't always easy, but Malaki Starks will be a star for the next generation. Green Bay needs as many top-end guys as they can get and can bank on rebuilding their defensive front with the depth of this class. Starks would fit well with both Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams on the back-end in three-safety looks.

24) Minnesota Vikings: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

There are few more valued talents than a dynamic pass-rushing threat at defensive tackle. Derrick Harmon has been the best in the nation at collapsing the pocket from his spot, showing off speed and contact balance, which will cause issues in the NFL. Minnesota has to overhaul the defensive line, so this is an easy fit.

25) Houston Texans: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

The fastest-rising playmaker in the class is Matthew Golden. A sweet route-runner with reliable hands and quick feet, there's a lot of Jordan Addison in his game. The Texans have financial incentive to extend Stefon Diggs, and they hope Tank Dell comes back, but getting Golden is probably the safest bet for the unit long-term.

26) Los Angeles Rams: Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss

The best receiver in the nation after the catch this past year was Tre Harris. Sean McVay talked about getting more versatile and expanding what he can do with his personnel, indicating Cooper Kupp may be done as a primary option. Harris' physicality and quickness would be a good fit for the next iteration of this offense.

27) Baltimore Ravens: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

The most productive pass-rusher in the country isn't a well-known name, but he's a force to be reckoned with. Mike Green is the ideal speed rusher and can maximize the complex blitzes Baltimore likes to deploy with their array of edge defenders. The difference between Green and the others is he actually finishes sacks, unlike several of Baltimore's current options, who largely create pressure but struggle to complete the tackle.

28) Detroit Lions: Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss

A second pass-rush specialist in a row, Detroit is almost certainly adding a trench player here. They should prioritize beefing up their defense at all costs, but landing Princely Umanmielen will help them avoid trading up. Umanmielen is long, works hard, and has the explosiveness needed to be a true partner in crime for Aidan Hutchinson.

29) Cleveland Browns (via WAS): Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

We mentioned a trade up for Cleveland, and here it is. In hiring Tommy Rees as their offensive coordinator, the Browns have someone with hands-on experience with Jalen Milroe. Assuming the Browns nab a veteran like Kirk Cousins, they can slowly bring Milroe up to speed before unleashing him. Milroe needs work, of course, but is a premium athlete with a huge upside.

30) Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

I love the second tier of cornerbacks in this class. Maxwell Hairston will be among the best options in the range, showing great speed, hand usage, and spatial awareness. Buffalo will love his comfort in zone and tackling ability as a Day 1 starter.

31) Philadelphia Eagles: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

There's young talent all over the field for Philadelphia to develop. Dallas Goedert is playing well but is aging and has durability concerns. Why not take arguably the best athlete in the draft to augment this dynamic offense?

32) Kansas City Chiefs: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

It's hard to watch Travis Kelce run anymore, and I think this might be the last season we see Kelce in the NFL as he turns his attention to his next phase of life. That makes this pick easy. Colston Loveland isn't Kelce, but he will thrive in an offense that generates a ton of favorable looks and open space.