2025 NFL Three-Round Mock Draft: Shocking selections in late first and dominant edge defenders stack early rounds
Somehow the NFL Draft is just four months away. The final draft order is coming into view as the NFL season is nearing its end. the College Football Playoff is already approaching the quarterfinals. That means it's time to look ahead to the top tier playmakers who will be joining NFL teams very soon with […]
Somehow the NFL Draft is just four months away. The final draft order is coming into view as the NFL season is nearing its end. the College Football Playoff is already approaching the quarterfinals. That means it's time to look ahead to the top tier playmakers who will be joining NFL teams very soon with a 2025 Three-Round NFL Mock Draft!
Every selection considered specific team needs, contracts, detailed film analysis, meaningful metrics, and intel from NFL staffers around the league to help inform each pick. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and depending on when you're reading this a Happy New Year!
3-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft
Round One
1. New York Giants: Cam Ward, QB Miami (FL)
Cam Ward finished the 2024 college football ranked first overall in total QBR, second in total adjusted net yards per attempt and yards per play, and made highlight plays every week just to keep Miami within reach of winning games. His effortless arm talent shines when he needs it most on plays like the one against Louisville in the post below. Ward could completely transform the Giants offense.
2. New England Patriots: Travis Hunter, CB/WR Colorado
There aren't many players in any NFL Draft class with truly "generational talent", but Travis Hunter fits that bill. He boasts legitimate first round talent as both a wide receiver and cornerback. Hunter's ball skills, elite in-game IQ/instincts, athleticism, and true two-way ability make him the best player in the entire 2025 NFL Draft. Given the Patriots needs at both corner and wide receiver it would be absurd not to make this pick at second overall.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DL Michigan
Most NFL Draft analysts believe Mason Graham will be a top five overall pick. That's a bit rich for most defensive tackle prospects, but Graham is special. He's young, strong, technical, and takes control of games by himself as a wrecking ball in the middle of a defense. The Jaguars have several needs but they don't believe quarterback is one of them. Grabbing perhaps the best talent on the board here would be an easy decision for Jacksonville.
4. Tennessee Titans: Kelvin Banks, OT Texas
The Tennessee Titans could draft Shedeur Sanders here if the 2025 NFL Draft plays out this way considering how the Will Levis experiment went this season. However, they may add a quarterback via free agency and attempt to finish building the offensive line around him here with Kelvin Banks, the best offensive tackle in the draft. Adding Banks could allow JC Latham to flip back to right tackle where he played in college, giving the Titans their first functional offensive tackle tandem in years.
5. Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders, QB Colorado
Shedeur Sanders improved every single year throughout college and finished strong this season, nearly carrying Colorado to the College Football Playoff. He doesn't have truly elite physical traits that we might usually see in a top five quarterback and lacks mobility to add a lot of rushing value, but if he can extend plays like in the post below, keeping his eyes down field, avoiding pressure, Sanders might be something special for the Cleveland Browns here as they desperately look to put Deshaun Watson behind them in the near future.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Abdul Carter, EDGE Penn State
Abdul Carter is the most versatile and talented athlete in the entire 2025 NFL Draft class outside of Travis Hunter. He converted from off-ball linebacker this past offseason to become one of the best (if not the best) edge defender in the nation, tallying a dozen sacks this fall with a pass rush pressure rate near 20% (elite mark). The Raiders need a quarterback and might reach one for here instead, but passing on Carter would be a mistake if they do.
7. Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR Arizona
Nearly 2.5 yards per route throughout his entire career. Over 3 yards generated per team pass attempt in 2024. He dominates at the catch point with his 6'5", 215-pound frame. Tetairoa McMillan can take over games at will, which the Carolina Panthers desperately need if they want Bryce Young to continue developing.
8. New York Jets: Will Johnson, CB Michigan
Some may have already forgotten since he missed a little time with injury this fall but Will Johnson returned two interceptions for touchdowns, defended four passes, and allowed exactly zero plays over 30 yards in just six games this season. He was already considered the top overall perimeter cornerback in the nation prior to this season. Johnson will be overshadowed by Travis Hunter in terms of hype but he is just as good or better at corner. Pairing him with Sauce Gardner would be unfair.
9. Chicago Bears: Will Campbell, OT LSU
The Chicago Bears' offensive line wasn't too bad this year, but they could still improve when it comes to protecting their most valuable asset in quarterback Caleb Williams. Although Will Campbell logged over 2,500 snaps at offensive tackle at LSU some believe he could also find success inside as well. At 6'6", 323 pounds, with a near perfect pass blocking record for three straight years the Bears would get a good one here in Will Campbell.
10. New Orleans Saints: Emeka Egbuka, WR Ohio State
The New Orleans Saints have been trotting out the sorriest group of NFL wide receivers in the league for much of this season as both Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed have missed time. Adding another elite playmaker from "WR U" Ohio State as the Saints have been known to do only makes sense. Egbuka is a former five star talent (as a recruit) who was nearly outperforming Marvin Harrison Jr. as a true sophomore. He'd be an immediate plug-and-play star wide receiver from day one.
11. San Francisco 49ers: James Pearce Jr., EDGE Tennessee
James Pearce has logged back to back seasons with pass rush win rates and pressure rates above 20%, making him the only edge defender in this draft class to do so. He is perhaps the best pure pass rusher in the class who would immediately give the 49ers the most dynamic duo of edge defenders in the NFL (playing opposite Nick Bosa).
12. Miami Dolphins: Malaki Starks, S Georgia
When he arrived at Georgia, Malaki Starks had skills to play any defensive back position from day one. He led the defense three straight seasons logging 2400 total snaps, defending more than 20 passes, and succeeding in a number of roles that Georgia asked him to play. Adding Starks to a secondary with Jalen Ramnsey and Jevon holland would give the Dolphins a ton of pre- and post-snap flexibility in the secondary.
13. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE Penn State
Tyler Warren can block opposing defenders into oblivion then turn around and catch 17 passes for 224 yards in a single game (seriously did that this year against USC). Warren provides the most balanced skill set among all tight ends in the 2025 NFL Draft class and would be a potential 1000-yard player in year one (if Anthony Richardson improves as a passer). Warren dominated this past season as the de facto WR1 for the Penn State Nittany Lions and could do so for the Indianapolis Colts right away.
14. Cincinnati Bengals: Luther Burden, WR Missouri
The Cincinnati Bengals might be in desperate need of a wide receiver should Tee Higgins depart this offseason (and they might need one already). Luther Burden–like Emeka Egbuka–is a former five star talent who brings versatility, explosion, play strength, and finish at wide receiver. His overall stats suffered this year as Missouri's quarterback Brady Cook played like one of the worst passers in all of college football at times, but Burden is a worthy first round round playmaker.
15. Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty, RB Boise State
Many believe that Ashton Jeanty was snubbed for Heisman as he he was ever so close to breaking the all time FBS rushing record set by Barry Sanders 40 years ago. Jeanty has been an electric talent for three years in a row at Boise State and could be a game-changer for a Dallas Cowboys offense that needs some fresh life breathed into it.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Jalon Walker, LB Georgia
Jalon Walker is a bit of an athletic unicorn at linebacker who plays downhill, aggressive, and ferocious as both an off-ball defender and edge player. Walker tallied nearly 30 pass rush pressures and seven sacks while playing the majority of his snaps off the ball. He would give the Arizona Cardinals a much-needed unique talent that could keep opposing offenses guessing before every play.
17. Seattle Seahawks: Tyler Booker, IOL Alabama
Tyler Booker is easily the best natural interior offensive lineman in the 2025 NFL Draft class. He can maul as a run blocker, but his consistency in pass protection is unmatched among his contemporaries. The Seahawks have had one of the most pathetic offensive lines in the NFL this year as five different lineman have surrendered at least four sacks apiece according to multiple charting services (PFF and SIS). Booker would immediately improve the Seahawks offense greatly.
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nic Scourton, EDGE Texas A&M
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could go a number of directions at pick 18, but if Nic Scourton is still available this could very likely be their pick. Scourton is a rocked up 6'4", 285-pound monster on the defensive edge who has logged nearly 80 pass rush pressures in the last two seasons alone. His sack totals weren't there this year, but his skill set screams early-mid round one talent.
19. Atlanta Falcons: Jahdae Barron, CB Texas
This might feel like a reach for the Atlanta Falcons, but it surely is not. Jahdae Barron has been a turnover machine and an important leader this season for the Texas Longhorns defense. He's been nearly perfect in coverage as he's giving up just 7.9 yards per reception, zero touchdowns allowed on 61 targets, and 13 passes defended this year. He just seems to be in the right place at the right time all the time thanks to his veteran savvy, physicality, and instincts at defensive back.
20. Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland, TE Michigan
Despite Michigan's passing offense being a complete dumpster fire of horrible quarterback play this season Colston Loveland still found a way to rack up nearly 600 yards and touchdowns this year. Loveland logged more receiving yards and touchdowns than Michigan's top four wide receivers combined. Even when teams knew exactly what was coming they couldn't stop Loveland as a receiving threat. Jim Harbaugh would probably sprint to the podium himself to make this selection given his history winning a national championship with Loveland just a year ago.
21. Houston Texans: Kenneth Grant, DL Michigan
At 6'3", 340 pounds, Kenneth Grant is a monstrous run-stopping force at defensive tackle. He's not exactly a pass rushing specialist, but still posted pressure rates about 50% higher than FBS positional average two years in a row at a ridiculous physical size. The Texans would be lucky to have such a talent fall into their laps here.
22. Denver Broncos: Tre Harris, WR Ole Miss
The Broncos need to continue building around their young quarterback Bo Nix if they want to find continued offensive success. They really only have one decent receiver in Courtland Sutton, so adding another talent like Tre Harris would be a smart move. Harris totaled over 1000 receiving yards in just eight games this past season as the best wide receiver in the nation for much of the year.
23. Los Angeles Rams: Wyatt Milum, OT West Virginia
When an offensive lineman goes three years in a row without allowing a single sack NFL teams should probably just go ahead and draft him pretty early. The Rams could look to replace at least one offensive tackle starter (if not both) after this season given their contract statuses so taking the most proven tackle in the class with nearly 3000 snaps of starting experience makes way too much sense.
24. Washington Commanders: Josh Simmons, OT Ohio State
Josh Simmons was quickly becoming one of the best offensive tackles in all of college football prior to going down with a season-ending knee injury in October against Oregon. The Washington Commanders easily have one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL and should feel confident investing in Simmons, who should be ready to play by the start of NFL training camp.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Aireontae Ersery, OT Minnesota
Three offensive tackles in a row? Yes, three offensive tackles in a row. Dan Moore Jr.'s contract is expiring at left tackle and Broderick Jones has frankly been a disappointment for the last two seasons. They need another offensive tackle (if not two unfortunately). Aireontae Ersery fits the prototypical imperfect offensive tackle profile with all the traits to develop into a great starter in the NFL.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Benjamin Morrison, CB Notre Dame
Benjamin Morrison suffered a hip injury that needed surgery in October, but he should be fully ready to go well before his rookie season begins. He allowed an insanely low 45% completion rate when targeted throughout his entire career at Notre Dame as an elite cover corner every season for the Fighting Irish. If he had spent all last season healthy it's likely he would go much earlier than this pick.
27. Green Bay Packers: Derrick Harmon, DL Oregon
Derrick Harmon needs to improve his tackling and gap control consistency for a man who measures in a 6'5", 310 pounds, but he's also perhaps the best pass rushing defensive tackle in the 2025 NFL Draft not named Mason Graham. He creates consistent havoc and offers crazy high pass rush win rates and pressure percentages. The Packers could use some more havoc up front to help supplement their strong offense.
28. Philadelphia Eagles: Mykel Williams, EDGE Georgia
It's likely that we never got to see the third year Mykel Williams in his fullest, fittest form this season. He was dinged up throughout much of the year, but still managed to look absolutely dominant in a handful of games this season, especially in both bouts against Texas. He has all the raw traits to be a potential top ten NFL Draft pick. Williams just never put together a spectacular season (by the numbers) that typically coincides with early first round draft capital.
29. Buffalo Bills: Walter Nolen, DL Ole Miss
Walter Nolen was the perfect fit for Ole Miss' number one pass rush in all of college football. He was a selfless disruptor who would clear wide open lanes for blitzing linebackers and stunting edge defenders by taking out two blockers in the same play. Nolen would relentlessly pursue quarterbacks, running backs, and any extra offensive lineman he could get his hands on to make an impact on every play. It's that kind of tenacious high motor play that would fit the Bills culture and scheme perfectly.
30. Minnesota Vikings: Shavon Revel Jr., CB East Carolina
Shavon Revel Jr. is a long lean cover cornerback with tons of athletic upside, but the early-mid first projections are probably a bit too optimistic for a Group of Five Conference defender who will miss all of NFL Draft season due to a torn ACL. However, he's too good a value to let drop out of round one completely as the Vikings hope to bolster their leaky secondary that's surrendered the fourth most passing yards in the NFL so far this season.
31. Detroit Lions: Princely Umanmielen, EDGE Ole Miss
Eventually stubborn draft folks living off of Princely Umanmielen takes from 2022 will have to get with the times and realize he just posted back to back seasons with 45+ pass rush pressures and a pressure rate of 18%. He was a bit stiff a couple years ago. He is not so now, and should be a first round pick given his wild consistent run of dominance. The Lions win big here in the 2025 NFL Draft adding Umanmielen.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Shemar Stewart, EDGE Texas A&M
Shemar Stewart is a "swing for the fences" type prospect and the Kansas City Chiefs are in a great position to afford a gamble or two. Stewart is a twitched up athletic freak at 6'6", 290 pounds who should be one of the best edge rushers in the class. However, as of today he simply isn't there (yet). Stewart should win in pass rush situations much more often than he does given his traits. He just needs some refinement. If Stewart puts it all together he could be an absolute steal at 32.
Round Two
33. New York Giants: Josh Conerly Jr., OT Oregon
The 2025 NFL Draft class is stacked enough at offensive tackle that potential first round players at the position might drop to the New York Giants to kick off round two. Conerly has the measurables and movement skills to play almost any offensive line position if called upon, but would be a potential foundation builder at offensive tackle to help protect new franchise quarterback Cam Ward.
34. New England Patriots: Mike Green, EDGE Marshall
63 pressures and 17 sacks in a season is wildly impressive, even if it did come against lower level competition. Mike Green has become a fast riser in the NFL Draft community as many have caught up to how special he might be. The Patriots have all kinds of needs and getting the pass rush right can't hurt.
35. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trey Amos, CB Ole Miss
Trey Amos has quickly climbed from small school phenom, to prominent Alabama Crimson Tide role player, to a punch-you-in-the-mouth every snap starter as one of the best cornerbacks in the country for Ole Miss. The Jaguars have allowed the most passing yards in the NFL this season and must fix their secondary to have any hope moving forward. Trey Amos helps them do that.
36. Tennessee Titans: Jaxson Dart, QB Ole Miss
Jaxson Dart has his doubters, but he certainly shouldn't. He finished the 2024 season with the number one overall meaningful metric profile among all quarterbacks in college football. First in adjusted yards per attempt. First in passer rating. First in total yards per game. First in yards per play. Top five in QBR, total adjusted net yards per attempt, and EPA per play. No quarterback has a better profile in the entire class. Snagging that kind of player in the second round because some old hats worried about Lane Kiffin's scheme "being too play action and RPO dependent" would be amazing for the Titans as they grab their quarterback of the future here.
37. Cleveland Browns: Ja'Corey Brooks, WR Louisville
This pick would be another eyebrow-raiser for some, but it shouldn't be. Ja'Corey Brooks is a former five star talent who broke out as a true sophomore as Bryce Young's go-to option down the stretch in 2022. Now he's added a 1000-yard season as a dominant alpha wide receiver showcasing his early-round receiver skills every single week. There isn't much not too like with Brooks. This would help a young quarterback like Shedeur Sanders, adding a fun downfield weapon in Ja'Corey Brooks.
38. Las Vegas Raiders: Jalen Milroe, QB Alabama
The Raiders could very well draft Jalen Milroe in the first round due to their great need at quarterback and his athletic upside, but there are definitely questions about his consistency, accuracy, and decision making against pressure. At this point of the 2025 NFL Draft it would be impossible for the Raiders not to select Milroe though. Huge need. Dual threat capabilities that rival the best in the NFL. Easy decision.
39. Chicago Bears: Deone Walker, DL Kentucky
The Chicago Bears need difference-makers in the trenches on both sides of the ball and Deone Walker certainly fits that description. He's logged over 100 snaps in every pre-snap alignment gap you can play along the defensive line for Kentucky over the last three seasons at nearly 350 pounds. He can win in pass rush and run situations as an edge defender, b-gap guard destroyer, or anywhere else teams want him to play. He tallied over 50 pressures in 2023, then slowed down a bit as teams tried to take him away completely this past year.
40. New York Jets: Quinn Ewers, QB Texas
This might be early for Quinn Ewers, but the Jets need a hard reset at quarterback. If they miss in round one and still land a quarterback who–at his best–has looked like a first round talent, that's potentially perfect for the future they want and need to start building towards. Aaron Rodgers is clearly washed.
41. Chicago Bears (via CAR): Nick Emmanwori, S South Carolina
42. New Orleans Saints: Tyleik Williams, DL Ohio State
43. San Francisco 49ers: Cameron Williams, OT Texas
44. Miami Dolphins: Bradyn Swinson, EDGE LSU
45. Indianapolis Colts: Xavier Watts, S Notre Dame
46. Cincinnati Bengals: Omarr Norman-Lott, DL Tennessee
47. Dallas Cowboys: Jihaad Campbell, LB Alabama
48. Arizona Cardinals: LT Overton, EDGE Alabama
49. Seattle Seahawks: Jonah Savaiinaea, OT Arizona
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Zy Alexander, CB LSU
51. Atlanta Falcons: Landon Jackson, EDGE Arkansas
52. Los Angeles Chargers: Omarion Hampton, RB North Carolina
53. Houston Texans: Donovan Jackson, IOL Ohio State
54. Denver Broncos: Quinshon Judkins, RB Ohio State
55. Carolina Panthers (via LAR): Kyle Kennard, EDGE South Carolina
56. Washington Commanders: Jack Sawyer, EDGE Ohio State
57. Pittsburgh Steelers: Isaiah Bond, WR Texas
58. Baltimore Ravens: Tate Ratledge, IOL Georgia
59. Green Bay Packers: Maxwell Hairston, CB Kentucky
60. Philadelphia Eagles: Harold Fannin Jr., TE Bowling Green State
61. Buffalo Bills: Evan Stewart, WR Oregon
62. Buffalo Bills (via MIN): Domani Jackson, CB Alabama
63. Detroit Lions: Grey Zabel, IOL North Dakota State
64. Kansas City Chiefs: Nicholas Singleton, RB Penn State
Round Three
65. New York Giants: Kyren Lacy, WR LSU
66. New England Patriots: Charles Grant, OT North Dakota Sat
67. Jacksonville Jaguars: Marcus Mbow, IOL Purdue
68. Kansas City Chiefs (via TEN): Gunnar Helm, TE Texas
69. Cleveland Browns: Anthony Belton, OT Maryland
70. Las Vegas Raiders: Kaleb Johnson, RB Iowa
71. Carolina Panthers: Chris Paul Jr., LB Ole Miss
72. Las Vegas Raiders (via NYJ): Elic Ayomanor, WR Stanford
73. Chicago Bears: J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE Ohio State
74. New Orleans Saints: Armand Membou, IOL Missouri
75. San Francisco 49ers: Azareye'h Thomas, CB Florida State
76. Washington Commanders (via MIA): Xavier Restrepo, WR Miami (FL)
77. Indianapolis Colts: Harold Perkins, LB LSU
78. Cincinnati Bengals: Barrett Carter, LB Clemson
79. Dallas Cowboys: T.J. Sanders, DL South Carolina
80. Arizona Cardinals: Andrew Mukuba, S Texas
81. Seattle Seahawks: Danny Stutsman, LB Oklahoma
82. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kevin Winston Jr., S Penn State
83. New England Patriots (via ATL): Jeffrey Bassa, LB Oregon
84. Los Angeles Chargers: Ajani Cornelius, OT Oregon
85. Houston Texans: Quincy Riley, CB Louisville
86. Denver Broncos: Jordan Burch, EDGE Oregon
87. Los Angeles Rams: Smael Mondon, LB Georgia
88. New Orleans Saints (via WAS): Billy Bowman Jr., S Oklahoma
89. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dylan Sampson, RB Tennessee
90. Baltimore Ravens: Tez Johson, WR Oregon
91. Green Bay Packers: Ashton Gillotte, EDGE Louisville
92. Philadelphia Eagles: Alfred Collins, DL Texas
93. Cleveland Browns (via BUF): TreVeyon Henderson, RB Ohio State
94. Jacksonville Jaguars (via MIN): Mason Taylor, TE LSU
95. New York Jets (via DET): Antonio Williams, WR Clemson
96. Kansas City Chiefs: Michael Taafe, S Texas
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