As more teams continue to lose, they get closer and closer to NFL draft season, and the reality sinks in that this is not their year. The offseason is all about improving year over year, and the best way to do that is through the draft. Check out my 2025 NFL mock draft to see which players each team should target to ensure that the 2025 season is a successful one.
Please note that the draft order is set using the real-time order at the time of publishing (during Sunday Night Football). Click on each player's name to read their full scouting report.
2025 NFL Mock Draft
1. New York Giants
Cam Ward, QB, Miami
There isn't a franchise that needs more rehabilitation to its public perception regarding football decisions than the New York Giants. Last year, they opted not to draft a quarterback, but this year, there’s no way they leave the draft without addressing that need.
With this selection, they choose the gunslinger Cam Ward. Ward can make all the throws on the field and possesses the athleticism to create plays on his own. Head coach Brian Daboll needs a quarterback who can be a playmaker when things don't go perfectly, and Ward fits that mold. The Giants have invested heavily in the receiver position over the past few years, and with this pick, they may finally have a quarterback capable of getting them the ball.
2. Las Vegas Raiders
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
"Just win, baby" is the Las Vegas Raiders' motto, but lately, they haven't been doing much of that. The franchise, known for making headlines, has an opportunity to do so in a positive way. The Raiders have been lacking a franchise quarterback for quite a few years now and are in a prime position to draft one.
With this pick, the Raiders select quarterback Shedeur Sanders, a player who has embraced the bright lights and the pressure of playing under his father, Deion Sanders. This pick seems like a perfect pairing—addressing a positional need while also drafting a player who fits the Raiders' brand perfectly. And who knows? Maybe Deion Sanders could come along with him.
3. New England Patriots
Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
It's official: Travis Hunter is the 90th winner of the Heisman Trophy and the 2024 recipient. Hunter earned the award because he is a natural playmaker, excelling on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.
The New England Patriots desperately need playmakers, and if there’s any franchise that would embrace a player excelling on both sides of the football, it’s the Patriots. I believe Hunter’s biggest impact would be on the offensive side, helping their franchise quarterback, Drake Maye. However, he could also provide valuable reps at cornerback in critical situations.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
Will Campbell, OT, LSU
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been one of the most inconsistent franchises over the past few years, embodying the ultimate rollercoaster. While Trevor Lawrence is undoubtedly the franchise quarterback, I believe the Jaguars need to shift their focus from relying solely on Lawrence and instead emphasize the run game. With this pick, the Jaguars address the trenches by selecting offensive tackle Will Campbell. Campbell can play tackle but also has the versatility to kick inside and excel as a road-grading interior offensive lineman, paving the way for the Jaguars' run game.
5. Carolina Panthers
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The biggest winner of the 2024 season may be the Carolina Panthers, thanks to Bryce Young taking significant strides forward and looking more and more like a franchise quarterback. This progress means that, instead of addressing the quarterback position, the Panthers can focus on surrounding Young with more weapons. It’s clear that the Panthers' receiving corps is still a long way from being a strong unit. With this pick, the Panthers select playmaker Tetairoa McMillan to bolster their offense.
6. Tennessee Titans
Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
The Tennessee Titans took a swing at quarterback just a couple of years ago, but it looks like they missed. Now, back near the top of the draft and still in need of a quarterback, Drew Allar would have been the initial pick here. However, with him deciding to return to school for the 2025 season, I believe they will still prioritize drafting a quarterback and select Jalen Milroe. Milroe has areas where he needs to improve, but the potential of having a dual-threat quarterback as the signal-caller for the Titans is too intriguing to pass up. The Titans have already invested draft resources into improving their roster, and with a revamped run game powered by the threat Milroe poses, I think the Titans could build a solid foundation moving forward.
7. Cleveland Browns
Mason Graham, IDL, Michigan
The Cleveland Browns could opt to draft a quarterback here, but with this pick, I think the Browns choose to address the trenches. Removing positional value, a case could be made that Mason Graham is the best player in this draft. Pairing Graham with Myles Garrett could form a dominant one-two punch for the Browns, helping them get back to being a dominant force.
8. New York Jets
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
The New York Jets appear to lack a clear direction for the next few years. With the Aaron Rodgers experiment going sideways and no head coach in place, the future is very much up in the air. So, the Jets should simply draft the best player available. At this pick, that player is tight end Colston Loveland. Loveland is a dynamic tight end who creates mismatches for defenses and is a flat-out playmaker.
9. Chicago Bears
Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
The Chicago Bears went all in on addressing the skill position group last year, and that group has played fairly well. The glaring offensive issue now is the offensive line. If the Bears want to get the most out of Caleb Williams, they have to protect him. They've given multiple people the opportunity to step up and take the job, but it’s failed to happen. So, with this pick, the Bears draft Josh Connerly Jr., a player who has the upside to be a premier LT in the NFL—exactly what the Bears need.
10. New Orleans Saints
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The New Orleans Saints have looked somewhat revamped after the firing of Dennis Allen. While the Saints could afford to add offensive pieces, with this pick, they decide to fill the void created when they traded away Marshon Lattimore. Will Johnson is a lockdown corner who can match up with every team's No. 1 receiver.
11. Miami Dolphins
Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia
The Miami Dolphins are trying to get themselves back into the playoff picture, using their offense to fuel the comeback. But one thing remains the same: the Dolphins need electric playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. With this pick, the Dolphins draft linebacker/edge rusher Jalon Walker. The intensity with which Walker plays the game makes it safe to say he is a culture changer. Walker will help fill a void at the linebacker position but will also be able to rush the quarterback.
12. Indianapolis Colts
Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
While most of the attention has been on Anthony Richardson and the offense, the truth is that the Indianapolis defense needs to continue to build. Last year, they drafted Laiatu Latu in the first round, and with this year’s first-round pick, the Colts selected edge rusher Nic Scourton. Scourton is a good complementary piece, as Latu is more of a speed rusher, while Scourton is a power rusher. This combination could be a great one-two punch.
13. Cincinnati Bengals
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The Cincinnati Bengals' game plan this year has relied on Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase being perfect, and as great as those two are, that just isn't a sustainable method for any team. The Bengals need balance offensively, and balance comes with running the football. So, with this pick, they draft the Heisman runner-up, Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty excels at breaking tackles and converting them into big plays. With the firepower at receiver that the Bengals have, you have to believe that Jeanty is going to see some light defensive boxes, which should be a great benefit for him.
14. Dallas Cowboys
Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
Just a few years ago, the Dallas Cowboys drafted a linebacker from Penn State with major pass-rushing upside, Micah Parsons. A few years later, he turned into one of the best edge rushers in the NFL. With this pick, they draft another linebacker from Penn State, Abdul Carter. While they have similar skill sets, Carter showcases himself to be a more natural stack linebacker, which helps fill a need for the Cowboys, especially after the injury to DeMarvion Overshown. Carter can play linebacker on first and second down and then walk down on third down and pair up with Parsons to sack the quarterback.
15. San Francisco 49ers
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The truth is that franchises that have sustained success over a long period have to eventually replace their once-franchise players. And I believe the San Francisco 49ers are at that point. Last year, they drafted Ricky Pearsall, and in this draft, they selected TE Tyler Warren. While I believe Kittle still has a few years to play at a high level, Warren is a versatile piece who can play alongside Kittle and then step into the role when Kittle moves on. This would be a good transition for the 49ers moving forward.
16. Atlanta Falcons
Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
The Atlanta Falcons have taken the approach of drafting the best player available the past few years and have disregarded addressing the edge rusher position. But in this year’s draft, the best player available and positional need finally aligned, and they selected edge rusher Mykel Williams from Georgia. The Falcons may have finally drafted their franchise edge rusher.
17. Arizona Cardinals
Shemar Turner, IDL, Texas A&M
Under head coach Jonathan Gannon, the Arizona Cardinals have become one of the most physical teams in the NFL. This has happened because of the players they've drafted in the past. With this pick, they continue to add to that physical mentality by drafting IDL Shemar Turner, an alignment-versatile player who plays with the physicality and intensity the Cardinals are trying to build on.
18. Los Angeles Rams
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
The Los Angeles Rams are not the favorites to win the Super Bowl, but they are one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL that no one wants to play. The Rams appear to be re-entering a Super Bowl window, which they may have open for another three years. If that’s going to be the case, they need to protect Matthew Stafford. So with this pick, they draft OT Klevin Banks Jr., a true inside protector who will help the Rams in their newly created Super Bowl window.
19. Los Angeles Chargers
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
The Los Angeles Chargers appear to be playing just how head coach Jim Harbaugh wants them to play by running the football and playing good defense. In terms of their backfield, they've put together a running back by committee that is effective, but they need more youth and more juice. With this selection, the Chargers go with Omarion Hampton, an explosive runner who can carry an entire backfield and may be the best running back in the draft.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Early on in the season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers appeared to be a dark horse NFC contender. But then injuries happened to their receiver corps, with both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin sustaining injuries. Godwin’s injury, in particular, was more severe, and his timetable for return was up in the air. With this draft pick, the Buccaneers go with Luther Burden III, a receiver who does many of the same things as Godwin—playing in the slot and also making plays deep down the field.
21. Seattle Seahawks
Emery Jones Jr., OL, LSU
The Seattle Seahawks would have liked to draft a quarterback in this position, but with the top three guys off the board, there’s no reason to reach. So, with this pick, the Seahawks choose to address a position of need on the interior offensive line and draft LSU's Emory Jones Jr. While Jones is listed as a tackle, he plays with the physicality and temperament of a dominant interior offensive lineman. The belief is that his versatility will allow the Seahawks to reshuffle the deck on their offensive line and put together the best combination of five starters. Jones' ability to play multiple positions makes him a valuable asset for Seattle as they look to solidify their line.
22. Washington Commanders
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Washington Commanders' offense started off hot but then slowed down, and it's clear that the Commanders cannot solely rely on Terry McLaurin as their only playmaker—despite what happened in Week 15 With this pick, the Commanders select Emeka Egbuka, a receiver who plays in the slot, is good after the catch, and should help provide more explosiveness to this Commanders offense.
23. Denver Broncos
Donovan Jackson, IOL, Ohio State
The biggest surprise of the year thus far has to be the Denver Broncos and how well Bo Nix is playing. A large part of Nix's success has been that his O-line has been playing well. The Broncos understand the importance of protecting Nix, so they draft Donovan Jackson. Jackson is a versatile IOL who has kicked out to OT when needed and will keep their face-of-the-franchise quarterback protected and playing well. The thought is that Jackson could play all positions along the offensive line to help the Broncos put their best combination on the field.
24. Baltimore Ravens
Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama
As great as Lamar Jackson is as a passer, it appears that the Baltimore Ravens are operating most efficiently when he or the running backs are running effectively. With that being the case, the Ravens need to make sure that their offensive line is operating at a high level. Tyler Booker is a physical, road-grading IOL that should fit perfectly with this scheme and continue the Ravens' dominance on the ground.
25. Houston Texans
Walter Nolen, IDL, Ole Miss
The Houston Texans had some people favoring them to win the Super Bowl in the preseason, but this season has shown that the Texans may actually have more holes than initially thought. One of the holes on their roster is IDL. Walter Nolen is a physical IDL who has the quickness to also get pressure on the quarterback. Nolen has the skill set to be a plug-and-play rookie, helping bolster this defensive line unit.
26. Green Bay Packers
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
The Green Bay Packers since David Bakhtiari have had stopgap pieces at the left tackle position, but I feel it's now time to fix that and address the position permanently. Josh Simmons, at the time of his injury, was my favorite OT in the draft, and if the medicals check out, they could be getting the best value in the first round.
27. Pittsburgh Steelers
Jabbar Muhammad, CB, Oregon
The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense is once again one of the best in the NFL, with their front seven playing as the foundation for their success. But the secondary could be an issue. Joey Porter Jr. appears to be a home-run pick, but the opposite side needs to be addressed for the future. Jabbar Muhammad is a scrappy outside corner who can kick inside to nickel and would give the Steelers some versatility on the back end of their defense.
28. Minnesota Vikings
Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
We are deep into the season and the Minnesota Vikings' record proves that they are one of the best teams in the NFL, but it appears that people still aren't buying into them for the year. Part of that reason could be their offensive line and the injury to their top-ranked OT Christian Darrisaw early in the season. Ersery plays LT, but I believe he could kick inside as well. Aireontae Ersery would automatically help bolster this O-line unit, and if Darrisaw is not ready by Week 1 of next year, look for him to be the starting LT.
29. Buffalo Bills
Malaki Starks, SAF, Georgia
The Buffalo Bills have had a lot of transition over the past few years, losing many high-end veterans to free agency and the salary cap. No position may have been hit harder than safety. With that being the case, I believe the Bills should draft Georgia playmaker Malaki Starks. Starks is a smart, instinctual player who seems like a perfect fit.
30. Philadelphia Eagles
Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina
The Philadelphia Eagles have drafted a bunch of Georgia Bulldogs over the past few years. And with this selection, they are not drafting a Bulldog, but they are taking a player from the SEC East. That player is South Carolina edge rusher Kyle Kennard. Kennard has first-step quickness and a high motor that can become a real problem off the edge.
31. Detroit Lions
James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
The Detroit Lions are the hottest team in the NFL and have a great culture. They have every reason to be Super Bowl favorites. If there is any reason the Lions may lose before reaching the Super Bowl, it would be their lack of pass rushers. With Aidan Hutchinson being out, it is becoming more obvious that they need to draft another guy. So with this pick, the Lions go with edge rusher James Pearce Jr., an explosive EDGE who will pay dividends early as a pass rusher.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Savion Williams, WR, TCU
The Kansas City Chiefs are winning a lot of games, but they are clearly not operating on all cylinders offensively. Part of that issue is the lack of offensive pieces. With this pick, the Chiefs go with a dynamic playmaker who has aligned everywhere from wide receiver to slot to running back and would be a fun piece for Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs need mismatches offensively and playmakers, and Savion Williams could be exactly that.
