2025 NFL Two-Round Mock Draft: Cam Ward to the Big Apple, Shedeur Sanders to the Southeast, and a run on pass rushers

We are more halfway through the 2024 season, and as a whole, we are developing a much deeper and thorough understanding of the 2025 NFL Draft landscape. That has also provided us some insight into the various NFL teams, and the positional needs they all have. That presents a great time for a two-round 2025 […]

Ryan Roberts National College Football Writer
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Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) prepares to pass in the second half against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Folsom Field.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

We are more halfway through the 2024 season, and as a whole, we are developing a much deeper and thorough understanding of the 2025 NFL Draft landscape. That has also provided us some insight into the various NFL teams, and the positional needs they all have. That presents a great time for a two-round 2025 NFL mock draft.

There are typically two things that people gripe about when it comes to mock drafts, so let’s get it out of the way. This isn’t a predictive mock draft. It is November, and a lot of things will change. The draft order will change, free agency and trades will happen, and we are still guessing who will ultimately declare for this draft. If you want a predictive one, check in a few months.

Second, I don’t make up the draft order. This is the most recent one following this week’s action. Blame your favorite team for where they are currently selecting.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s project the first two rounds out. Open up your mind, take a breath, and let’s fix some football teams.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

The Jaguars are the rare first overall selection that doesn’t need a quarterback. Is Hunter better at cornerback or wide receiver? Should he play some on both sides? That’s for Jacksonville to decide. 

2. New York Giants – Cameron Ward, QB, Miami

It didn’t take long to realize that the Daniel Jones Era wasn’t going to work. The Giants need a reset at quarterback, and that’s exactly what Ward provides. Ward might be a bit boom-or-bust as a prospect but New York needs to take a chance that it’s the former. 

3. Tennessee Titans – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

In a not so shocking turn of events, Will Levis isn’t good. While Sanders doesn’t have quite the ceiling of Ward, his floor is considerably higher. The former Jackson State and Colorado star is the most accurate passer in the 2025 class.

4. Cleveland Browns – Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

Cleveland could have taken a gamble on Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, but it just felt like a funky fit into the Kevin Stefanski offense. Instead, they figure out a huge need at wide receiver, and Burden brings the upside to be a headache in space.

5. Las Vegas Raiders – Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

Desperate times call for desperate measures. The Raiders have been trying to figure out the quarterback position seemingly forever, and it hasn’t worked. Milroe is a gamble but brings a ridiculous amount of athleticism and upside to the table. This is a franchise who needs to take a bit of a risk.

6. New England Patriots – Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona

This could be somewhat of a surprise for some, but Savaiinaea has been tremendous this season. He has looked very comfortable at left tackle, but also has an easy skill set to play inside at guard. The Patriots have multiple needs up front, and Savaiinaea can fill at least one.

7. New Orleans Saints – Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

Getting Carl Granderson a partner in crime should be one of the top priorities this offseason, especially with the quarterback and wide receiver classes being a bit lackluster up top. There is an argument to be had that Carter could be the highest upside overall prospect in the class if developed properly. 

8. New York Jets – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

The Jets are a pretty good roster on paper, even though they are flawed in several ways. They would be in a position to take the best player on the board, and that’s Graham. Putting him next to Quinnen Williams is a scary thought for opposing offenses.

9. Carolina Panthers – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

The Panthers would heavily consider a quarterback, but the board just didn’t fall the way. From a roster perspective, there isn’t a wrong answer. This team needs talent upgrades everywhere and in this case, Johnson was just too good to pass up.

10. Miami Dolphins – Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas

The Dolphins seriously neglected the offensive line this offseason, which is bad business when you have an injury prone quarterback behind center. Whether it is as the future at left tackle, insurance at right tackle, or playing guard, Banks brings a lot of flexibility to the table.

11. Dallas Cowboys – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

The Cowboys leading rusher is Rico Dowdle, and that just isn’t going to get it done. Jeanty is one of the prospects who has a strong case as the best in the class regardless of positional value. This is a move that can completely transform your running back room instantly.

12. Indianapolis Colts – Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

It appears that the Colts could be in the quarterback market once again, but this just isn’t the spot in the class to address it. Instead, they take arguably the best player on the board. Starks is a dynamic safety with Pro Bowl upside.

13. Cincinnati Bengals – James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee

The defense for Cincinnati has been a major issue this season, so adding talent on that side of the football is a must. From a pure talent perspective, you can argue that Pearce is the highest upside pass rusher in the class. Getting him in this spot is a massive steal.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Shavon Revel, CB, ECU

While Revel is recovering from an injury, he should be good to go by the time the 2025 season kicks off. He is a height-weight-speed freak that brings a similar play style to former Pro Bowler Antonio Cromartie. The Buccaneers need some cornerback help desperately. 

15. Seattle Seahawks – Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

Williams fits what the Seahawks like off the edge perfectly. This is a situation where you pass on some bigger needs to take the most talented player on the board. The production isn’t quite there yet, but the talent is undeniable for Williams.

16. Los Angeles Rams -Tacario Davis, CB, Arizona

The Rams desperately need cornerback help, and Davis is a really intriguing selection for them. At over 6-3, Davis has some rare movement and ball skills. His upside is tremendous.

17. Chicago Bears – Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Despite struggles, you are going to continue hoping Darnell Wright trends upward. You can potentially upgrade left tackle Braxton Jones, and also need a ton of help inside at guard. Campbell has the demeanor and technique to fill a couple of different roles.

18. San Francisco 49ers – Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

We have been waiting for the 49ers to find a bookend for star pass rusher Nick Bosa, and that happens here with Scourton. The former Purdue star is a power rusher with a vicious spin move. At 6-4 and 285 pounds, there’s a lot to like about Scourton.

19. Denver Broncos – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Quarterback Bo Nix has shown a lot of positive signs as a rookie. Continuing to put skill position talent around him would be big. McMillan has an outrageous catch radius with smoothness, and strong hands.

20. Houston Texans – Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

When healthy, the Texans don’t have a ton of holes. Getting someone like Grant to bolster the run defense would be a huge boost to the entire unit. His sheer size (6-3, 339 pounds) and movement skills could create a lot of headaches for opposing offenses.

21. Atlanta Falcons – Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

AJ Terrell just hasn’t been the same guy over the last couple of years, and although he just signed for another four years, getting more production out of that room is a must. You would use help strengthening the cornerback depth even with Terrell in the plans. Morrison brings a lot of instincts and ball skills to the table to get excited about.

22. Arizona Cardinals – Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

Right tackle and both guard spots could potentially be upgraded for the Cardinals this offseason. Ersery brings the combination of size, power, and movement skills to potentially slot into a couple of different spots. He has a plus starter written all over him.

23. Los Angeles Chargers – Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas

The Chargers are in a very good place with Jim Harbaugh as their head coach. They will inherently want to be a running football team, but creating more explosive plays in the passing game should still be a priority. Not only can Bond do that, but he also has the ability to separate in several different ways. 

24. Green Bay Packers – Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

The future of Jaire Alexander is still in question, and the depth outside of him isn’t great right now for the Packers. Hairston is tremendous in off man coverage, possessing outstanding ball skills and change of direction skills. He’s injured but when healthy, Hairston has been awesome. 

25. Washington Commanders – Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

If Simmons didn’t get injured, he could have paternally gone even higher. You might have to bring him along slowly, but Simmons has really nice feet and uses his length well. He looks like a plus starter at left tackle long term.

26. Baltimore Ravens – Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama

In a typical Baltimore Ravens move, they land a massive steal with Booker. They have a clear need on the interior of their offensive line, and there isn’t anyone better than the Alabama standout in this class. He is a massive guard who loves surprisingly well for his size.

27. Pittsburgh Steelers – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

If Egbuka is on the board, this is a slam dunk selection. The Steelers need a wide receiver who can consistently make plays outside of George Pickens. Egbuka is the slot separator and YAC weapon that Pittsburgh just doesn’t have right now.

28. Minnesota Vikings – LT Overton, DL, Alabama

With the Vikings playing a lot of three down looks in Brian Flores’ defense, having a player like Overton on the front is super valuable. He can play from multiple alignments, and cause absolute mayhem due to his incredible movement skills at 6-5 and 285 pounds.

29. Philadelphia Eagles – Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss

The Eagles need to bolster their pass rush after Bryce Huff has been a bust of a signing. Umanmielen has had a tremendous season so far for Ole Miss since transferring from Florida. His combination of bend and closing speed rivals the best in this class.

30. Buffalo BillsDerrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

Getting Ed Oliver a partner inside should be a priority this offseason. Harmon is one of the big risers in the 2025 class, possessing a really nice combination of flexibility, first step quickness, and raw power. 

31. Detroit Lions – Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

Walker is one of the best pass rushers in the 2025 class, having explosiveness and bend for days. He is a lightly-built standup rusher that would look good on the other side of Aidan Hutchinson. It could take the pass rush to the next level.

32. Kansas City Chiefs – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Travis Kelce is one of the best tight ends of all time, but his days are obviously coming to an end. Getting someone like Loveland to slide into that role could provide quarterback Patrick Mahomes with the next great safety blanket to the middle of the field.

ROUND TWO

33. New York Giants – Emery Jones Jr., OL, LSU 

34. Jacksonville Jaguars – Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky

35. Cleveland Browns – Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

36. Las Vegas Raiders – Wyatt Milum, OT, West Virginia

37. Tennessee Titans – Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss

38. Miami Dolphins – Cameron Williams, OT, Texas

39. New York Jets – Landon Jackson, DL, Arkansas

40. New Orleans Saints – Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

41. Chicago Bears – Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

42. New England Patriots – Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State

43. Dallas Cowboys – Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M

44. Cincinnati Bengals – Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State

45. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina

46. Indianapolis Colts – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

47. Chicago Bears – Tate Ratledge, IOL, Georgia

48. Seattle Seahawks – Josh Conerly, OT, Oregon

49. Carolina Panthers – TJ Sanders, DT, South Carolina

50. San Francisco 49ers – Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State

51. Denver Broncos – JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State

52. Atlanta Falcons – Harold Perkins, LB, LSU

53. Arizona Cardinals – Mansoor Delane, CB, Virginia Tech

54. Houston Texans – DJ Giddens, RB, Kansas State

55. Green Bay Packers – Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU 

56. Los Angeles Chargers – Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati

57. Baltimore Ravens – Jared Ivey, EDGE, Ole Miss

58. Washington Commanders – Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

59. Buffalo Bills – Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State

60. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jihaad Campbell, LB/EDGE, Alabama

61. Philadelphia Eagles – Marcus Mbow, IOL, Purdue

62. Buffalo Bills – Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State

63. Detroit Lions – Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M

64. Kansas City Chiefs – Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State