2025 NFL Mock Draft, Version 1: Predicting Round 1
The Eagles are Super Bowl champs, the Titans are on the clock, and the 2025 NFL Draft is loaded with stars. From Shedeur Sanders to Travis Hunter, here’s how the first round could shake out.
Following the Eagles’ dominant victory in Super Bowl LIX, the 2024 NFL season has officially wrapped—and that means Draft Season is upon us.
When it comes to building an NFL contender, it all begins with the draft. This moment represents renewed hope for each franchise—even those that finished as the league’s worst.
The Tennessee Titans “earned” the first overall pick after a dismal 3-14 season (which concluded with six straight losses), and they aren’t the only team in dire need of a reset. All of the teams at the top of this year’s draft order, including several sporting new head coaches, are desperate to land game-changing talent.
This draft class features some marquee names, and who will go first overall is a matter of fierce debate among draft pundits. Let’s dive into the top 32 picks. Here’s how we currently see things playing out on April 25.
1. Tennessee Titans: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The Titans’ gamble on Will Levis didn’t pay off, and now they’re hitting the reset button at QB. Sanders, Deion’s son, checks all the boxes Tennessee needs in a franchise quarterback: elite poise, accuracy, and mobility. Sanders has proven he can take care of the ball while making big plays. This selection could be a career-saver (or career-breaker) for Titans coach Brian Callahan.
2. Cleveland Browns: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
The Browns’ quarterback situation remains uncertain, and with Deshaun Watson’s future in doubt, they pass up on a potential generational talent in Travis Hunter and instead snag their new man under center: Cam Ward. This pick, of course, is highly controversial. A dynamic playmaker, Ward brings a lightning-quick release, impressive mobility, the ability to throw on the move, and a gunslinger mentality that could make him a hit in Cleveland.
3. New York Giants: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
With their quarterback situation still murky, the Giants can’t resist snagging the most electrifying prospect in the draft. Hunter is a rare two-way talent who could become an elite cornerback while occasionally moonlighting as a receiver. New York’s secondary has struggled to create turnovers, and Hunter’s elite ball skills could provide a game-changing presence for their defense.
4. New England Patriots: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
New England has needs all over the field, so the Patriots opt to take the best player available. With Christian Gonzalez in place, the Patriots double down on their secondary by grabbing Johnson. A true lockdown corner, Johnson has the size, length, and physicality to take on the AFC’s best receivers. Mike Vrabel’s defensive-minded approach will benefit from having two elite corners to build around, though New England will also be tempted to shore up its offensive line with this pick.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Jacksonville’s defense was picked apart all season, giving up 29 touchdowns to just six interceptions. Enter Starks, a rangy safety with elite instincts and physicality. His ability to make plays on the ball and provide run support would give new Jaguars coach Liam Coen a cornerstone piece in the secondary.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
With Pete Carroll looking to turn the Raiders’ fortunes around, adding Grant gives Las Vegas an absolute wrecking ball in the trenches. At 6’3”, 339 pounds, Grant possesses the power to eat up double-teams while still providing some interior pass-rush ability. His presence alongside Maxx Crosby would solidify a Raiders defensive front that has been pushed around far too often and would help a lost team to develop an identity.
7. New York Jets: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
The Jets’ defense remains a strength, but their linebacker group lacks depth. Walker brings versatility as a sideline-to-sideline playmaker who can also rush the passer. He would fit beautifully in Aaron Glenn’s scheme, giving New York a long-term leader to anchor the second level.
8. Carolina Panthers: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
It’s clear the Panthers need an infusion of youth on the edge. Abdul Carter is, simply put, that guy—a game-wrecking rusher with explosive athleticism and a relentless motor. Carter, who transitioned from linebacker to edge at Penn State, has elite first-step explosiveness, allowing him to get into the backfield in an instant. Carolina would be thrilled if he fell to No. 8.
9. New Orleans Saints: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
With an aging defensive front, the Saints grab one of the most disruptive interior linemen in the draft. Williams has the power to collapse the pocket and the quickness to make plays in the backfield. He would immediately upgrade a Saints defense that was one of the NFL’s worst in 2024.
10. Chicago Bears: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
The Bears made it a priority to surround Caleb Williams with playmakers last offseason, and now it’s time to fortify his protection. Conerly is an athletic, technically sound tackle with the footwork to excel in pass protection and the power to open up running lanes. His versatility also allows him to play inside if needed, giving Chicago flexibility along the offensive line.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
The 49ers’ marquee offensive names are aging, so John Lynch opts for another explosive receiver in hopes that he can help get their offense humming again. Burden is a dynamic playmaker with the ability to create separation, stretch the field, and make plays after the catch. He would be a perfect fit in Kyle Shanahan’s system and could give Brock Purdy new life.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Dallas needs a spark in the backfield after a weak rushing attack in 2024. Jeanty is an all-purpose back who can make plays both between the tackles and in the passing game. His versatility and toughness would give the Cowboys’ offense a much-needed boost.
13. Miami Dolphins: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Miami’s defense lacked a true anchor in the middle after losing Christian Wilkins in free agency. Nolen, a former five-star recruit, lived up to the hype at Ole Miss with his rare combination of size, power, and quickness. His combination of brute power and sudden burst allows him to collapse the pocket as a pass rusher while also serving as an immovable force against the run.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Will Campbell, OL, LSU
The Colts need to prioritize protecting Anthony Richardson, and Campbell gives them a long-term stalwart. Campbell has the strength, athleticism, and technique to handle NFL pass-rushers, and his ability in the run game would help Jonathan Taylor continue to dominate. One of Campbell’s most impressive traits is his football IQ. That mental processing, combined with his physical gifts, makes him one of the most well-rounded offensive linemen in the draft.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
The Falcons’ defense showed some signs of improvement under head coach Raheem Morris, but their pass rush remains a glaring weakness. Williams has the burst and bend to develop into a premier pass-rusher. Though he still needs to refine his pass-rushing arsenal, his raw talent and motor make him a high-upside pick for the Falcons, whose fans are eager to see a better product on the field.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Josh Simmons, OL, Ohio State
Kyler Murray’s resurgence this season gave Arizona fans hope, but keeping him upright remains a top priority. Simmons initially made waves at San Diego State before transferring to Ohio State, where he showed he could handle top-tier competition. Though a knee injury cut his 2024 season short, he remains one of the most intriguing tackle prospects in the class. If Arizona is comfortable with his medicals, this pick would provide much-needed help for an offense that has relied too heavily on Murray.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
Cincinnati’s defensive line rotation could look very different in 2025, with a new defensive line coach in place and multiple key contributors potentially heading elsewhere. Harmon brings real size and power to help the Bengals shore up their run defense while offering some pass-rushing upside. Harmon could help Cincy return to its status as a premier AFC team.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Kelvin Banks, OL, Texas
The Seahawks’ offensive line issues are nothing new, but Banks could help provide a solution. Banks, a standout left tackle at Texas, is a physical specimen with quick feet and a strong anchor in pass protection. With the Seahawks looking to return to playoff contention, investing in the trenches makes sense. Banks brings the talent and nastiness Seattle needs to regain its identity as a physically dominant team up front.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The Buccaneers’ defensive line is in need of a long-term anchor, and Graham provides just that. A high-motor, fundamentally sound defensive tackle, Graham thrives against both the run and pass. With Tampa Bay’s defensive identity built around pressure, Graham would fit perfectly alongside Vita Vea to create a fearsome interior. He’s expected to go higher, but if he slips, look for Tampa Bay to excitedly scoop him up.
20. Denver Broncos: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Bo Nix’s development will be the major focus for Denver in 2025, and adding a reliable tight end like Warren could accelerate that process. Warren, who stands 6’5” and weighs 260 pounds, was Penn State’s go-to target in key moments. His soft hands, strong route-running, and blocking ability make him an ideal fit for Sean Payton’s offense, giving Nix a big-bodied security blanket in the passing game. The dream scenario, of course, is that he could become the Kelce to Nix’s Mahomes.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
The Steelers’ secondary has been inconsistent, and with Barron still available, they get a versatile, aggressive corner who can play inside or outside. Barron’s physicality fits Pittsburgh’s defensive identity under Mike Tomlin, and the former Longhorn’s ability to track the ball in the air makes him a natural playmaker. With the ability to play multiple roles in the secondary, Barron gives Pittsburgh options when matching up against different offensive schemes.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
The Chargers have spent the past few years relying on a revolving door of tight ends, but it’s time to give Justin Herbert a long-term, reliable target at the position. Taylor, the son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, has the athleticism and soft hands to be a reliable target in the Chargers’ offense. He would be a nice weapon for Herbert, who missed Mike Williams and Keenan Allen this season. Notably, Taylor is also a capable blocker, which is a must in Jim Harbaugh’s offense.
23. Green Bay Packers: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
The Packers have invested heavily in their secondary, but their pass rush needs reinforcements. Pearce brings an elite first step and a relentless motor, making him a disruptive force off the edge. His athleticism and bend around the corner give Green Bay a much-needed injection of juice in their front seven. He’s good enough to go in the top 10, but he’s a surefire first-round pick.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
The Vikings’ aging defense needs some help. Revel is a long, athletic corner who can match up with big receivers, and he demonstrated excellent ball skills throughout his college career. Despite an ACL injury in September, his talent makes him worth a gamble late in the first round.
25. Houston Texans: Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M
Head coach DeMeco Ryans has transformed the Texans into a scrappy, competitive team, but the defensive front still needs work. Enter Scourton, a polished pass-rusher who brings both power and technique to the table. His ability to set the edge and collapse the pocket makes him a perfect fit for Ryans’ scheme.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
The Rams are focused on building around Matthew Stafford for one last push, and adding help on the offensive line will be key. Membou has risen up draft boards thanks to his blend of strength, length, and athleticism. He’s a powerful run-blocker who plays with a mean streak and has the potential to develop into a cornerstone tackle for Los Angeles.
27. Baltimore Ravens: JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State
Here we begin a four-pick run on defensive linemen. The Ravens love adding high-upside defenders, and Tuimoloau fits their mold. He’s a powerful edge rusher who can set the edge against the run and generate pressure with his bull rush. Though his sack numbers don’t jump off the page, his impact on the game goes beyond the stat sheet. Baltimore would give him the perfect environment to reach his potential.
28. Detroit Lions: Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M
The Lions have built a tough, physical defense under Dan Campbell, but they still need help alongside Aidan Hutchinson. Stewart is a high-upside prospect with ideal size (6’6”, 290 pounds) and athleticism. He has the versatility to line up inside or outside, giving the Lions flexibility in how to deploy him. Stewart would be a nice addition in the wake of Aaron Glenn’s exit.
29. Washington Commanders: Jack Sawyer, DE, Ohio State
After a tremendous first season under Dan Quinn, the Commanders need to fortify their defensive front. They particularly need help on the edge. Sawyer would bring a relentless motor and high football IQ to Washington. He may not be the flashiest edge rusher in the class, but he’s a perfect fit for the culture Quinn has established.
30. Buffalo Bills: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
The Bills need help up front after struggling to generate pressure with four-man fronts down the stretch in 2024. Green is an impressive athlete, balancing speed with strength, and though he played college ball at a relatively small school, his stock has been soaring as the draft approaches. With Von Miller aging, Green could be the future of Buffalo’s edge rush alongside Greg Rousseau.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Kansas City is always looking to give Patrick Mahomes new weapons, and the Chiefs find a dynamic one in McMillan. The 6’5”, 212-pound wideout offers a huge catch radius and has the ability to win contested catches. McMillan’s physicality will pair beautifully with Xavier Worthy’s speed in Andy Reid’s high-powered offense.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Loveland is a well-rounded tight end with the size, athleticism, and hands to be a reliable weapon in Philadelphia’s offense. Though Dallas Goedert is a perfectly capable TE1, Loveland would offer a nice complement. At 6’’5”, 245 pounds, Loveland is an excellent route-runner with the ability to stretch the field, and he brings a physicality that fits well with the Eagles’ smash-mouth style. Adding Loveland gives Jalen Hurts another dangerous red-zone target, ensuring Philadelphia maintains one of the most versatile and potent offenses in the league.
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