The 2025 NFL Draft is less than a month away, and it's shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. With so many NFL teams having fewer than 15 first-round grades, the back end of opening night could be filled with surprises and trades. For this 2025 NFL Mock Draft, we'll skip the trades and stick with player-to-team fits. Here is how the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft could play out.
Please note that you can click on each player's name to read their full scouting report.
2025 NFL Mock Draft
1. Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward, QB, Miami
A month ago, I was convinced the Titans would trade this pick to the Giants, draft Abdul Carter, and replenish their draft capital. But as the NFL Combine came and went, the trade chatter cooled considerably. In the meantime, Tennessee is operating like a franchise that's setting the foundation for a young quarterback. Cam Ward is the NFL's consensus QB1, and the lowest ranking I've heard is "1B" with most confidently saying he's the top choice. The Titans get the opportunity to reset their franchise with a high-upside passer who has progressed considerably from his time at Incarnate Word.
2. Cleveland Browns
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
There is a ton of uncertainty around what the Browns hope to accomplish with their top pick. However, they are still in need of a quarterback, short and long-term, as the free agent frenzy dies down. Given Myles Garrett's about-face paired with his recent comments about Cleveland's future at quarterback, it's reasonable to assume the Browns may be zeroing in on a rookie with their first-round pick. Shedeur Sanders has his detractors. I like the fit for Sanders in Kevin Stefanski's offense. Sanders has plenty to work on with his game—taking fewer sacks, throwing with more anticipation, etc.—but he has the football IQ, toughness, and a good enough arm to flash NFL success quickly. Sanders' deep ball and ability to succeed throwing both over the middle and outside the numbers should translate to the NFL. Navigating the early peaks and valleys will be the key for Stefanski and Co., but don't discount the value of a young passer landing with an offensive-minded head coach.
3. New York Giants
Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
While the additions of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston shouldn't preclude the Giants from drafting a rookie quarterback, there's no need to reach for one here with Ward and Sanders off the board. The next decision for the Giants is whether to take Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter, the two best players in our Draft Network Top 100 Player Rankings. I expect Travis Hunter to primarily play cornerback with 20-ish snaps per game on the offensive side of the ball for New York in this scenario. He can help the Giants in a number of areas from day one.
4. New England Patriots
Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
While I'm sure Mike Vrabel and the Patriots would love to bolster the offensive line here, they simply can't pass on arguably the top player in the draft. Abdul Carter is a true game-wrecker and the clear top pass rusher in the draft. Maybe he falls a couple of spots because of his injury. However, he's an ideal piece in the front seven for Mike Vrabel to build his defense around. They'll address the offensive line at the top of the second round.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Mason Graham, IDL, Michigan
The Jaguars have several holes to fill, but there's one more blue-chip player left at the top of the draft and they can't let him slip by. Mason Graham is a dominant and disruptive three-down defensive lineman who'll have an immediate impact up front for Jacksonville. It's not the sexiest pick—and Trent Baalke would never—but it's the prudent one.
6. Las Vegas Raiders
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Ashton Jeanty is a popular pick here, but I think that's a bit too rich for a Raiders team not yet ready to compete. Turf toe and hamstring injuries severely limited Will Johnson's availability late last season and during the pre-draft process, but let's not forget he's a high-caliber cornerback prospect. When healthy, Johnson is the best corner in the class and the Raiders need to upgrade the position. They'll also host him for a 30 visit.
7. New York Jets
Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
The Jaxson Dart hype train coming out of the Senior Bowl and extending through the NFL Combine is a little baffling. Those in attendance at the Senior Bowl had a very different interpretation of his success than those who weren't there—the latter showered the passer with praise on social media. It seems like most of the NFL is not in on the first-round Dart bandwagon, but there's one team that may be. The Jets have been linked to Dart in various mock drafts because other NFL teams think it's a very real possibility. If Dart goes in the top 20, it feels like it has to be to the Jets.
8. Carolina Panthers
Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
The Panthers are doing heavy due diligence on pass rushers and should have a plethora to choose from at pick No. 8. Mykel Williams has varying opinions surrounding him, but they all have him as a first-round talent. The Panthers are reportedly very interested in Williams, who meets the size thresholds teams desire off the edge. While his sack numbers at Georgia don't jump off the page, his upside is as high as any pass rusher left on the board.
9. New Orleans Saints
Will Campbell, OT, LSU
New Orleans is showing heavy interest in the 2025 QB class, but I can't see them using the No. 9 pick on one unless Ward or Sanders falls. Instead, they'll address a need on the offensive line. New Orleans needs help at multiple spots, so let's give them the best overall offensive lineman in the class—yes, I still feel this way despite his arm length—and see where he sticks. I would be shocked if he isn't at minimum a high-level guard for the Saints, but I'd start him at tackle first.
10. Chicago Bears
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The Bears are building to compete for the playoffs now and have done a good job retooling their offensive line in front of Caleb Williams this offseason. That allows them to not force an OL pick here. Is Ashton Jeanty a bit of a luxury pick? Sure, but he'll have an immediate role in Ben Johnson's offense and should help keep Chicago in a playoff window throughout his rookie contract. A young big three of Williams, Jeanty, and Rome Odunze is an exciting trio to build around.
11. San Francisco 49ers
Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
This selection benefits the 49ers' present and future. Armand Membou can begin his career at right tackle before eventually taking over for Trent Williams at left tackle. Membou has dominated the pre-draft process and has a very real shot to be the first offensive lineman selected.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Cowboys need another weapon on the outside to join CeeDee Lamb. While he's become a polarizing player in recent weeks, Tetairoa McMillan has the size, hands, athleticism, and body control to be a true X receiver. He'd be a great fit in Dallas' offense and a much-needed secondary target for Dak Prescott.
13. Miami Dolphins
Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas
The Dolphins can solidify their offensive line with an instant starter here in Kelvin Banks Jr. He may begin his career at guard, but I believe he can play tackle at the NFL level. For now, he should be a high-level guard right away for Miami.
14. Indianapolis Colts
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Addressing the tight end position is clearly the way to go here. If the Colts want to give Anthony Richardson (or Daniel Jones 😬) the best chance to succeed, they need an athletic presence over the middle of the field to complement Josh Downs. Tyler Warren can do a little bit of everything and can quickly help Indianapolis break its streak of tight ends failing to record even 500 receiving yards in a season since Eric Ebron left.
15. Atlanta Falcons
Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia
The Falcons need to address their pass rush this offseason. Period. I'm a huge fan of Jalon Walker's game. He's disruptive, explosive, and a fluid mover who has positional versatility and a knack for making splash plays in big games. He was a joy to watch on Georgia's defense in 2024, and looks like he can be a quick contributor to Atlanta's defense.
16. Arizona Cardinals
Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Shemar Stewart is more of a projection than a finished product right now, and box-score scouts hate him, but he's got all the tools to develop into a high-end pass rusher in the NFL. The Cardinals don't have enough juice in their defensive front, and adding a player like Stewart to pair with Josh Sweat will help Jonathan Gannon's defense immensely.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
It looks like the Bengals might be able to keep Trey Hendrickson, but that wouldn't stop me from adding to the defensive front. Cincinnati has met with Mike Green at the NFL Combine, and he'd be a great addition to their team. If the Bengals are comfortable with his previous off-the-field red flags, Green's dominant tape is worthy of a top-20 pick.
18. Seattle Seahawks
Nick Emmanwori, SAF, South Carolina
The Seahawks have met with Nick Emmanwori—the star of the 2025 NFL Combine—twice, and it's hard to ignore how well he'd fit in Mike Macdonald's defense. It's not fair to call him Macdonald's next Kyle Hamilton, but Emmanwori is a versatile safety who'll bolster Seattle's secondary immediately.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Jahdae Barron is a do-it-all defensive back with five interceptions and 11 passes defensed for Texas this season. Put him outside, at nickel, linebacker, safety, it doesn't matter. Barron will find a way to make an impact in the Buccaneers' secondary.
20. Denver Broncos
Derrick Harmon, IDL, Oregon
Taking a running back or tight end here has been super popular in NFL mock drafts, but don't be surprised if the Broncos decide to bolster the other side of the ball instead. Denver should take advantage of the 2025 defensive line class by drafting Derrick Harmon. Harmon is great against the run in particular, but is a true three-down defensive lineman who can line up all along the front.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
The Steelers are sniffing around the top running backs in the class and I bet they make an early addition to add to Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. If they do go with a running back on day one, Omarion Hampton would be a great fit. Hampton is closer to being RB1 than he is RB3 and has all the tools to be an impact playmaker in Arthur Smith's offense.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Adding a wide receiver should be a high priority for the Chargers. Matthew Golden brings a big-play element to an offense and I believe he can develop into a true outside complement to Ladd McConkey, who'll dominate the middle of the field. Justin Herbert needs more reliable weapons and the Chargers get him one here.
23. Green Bay Packers
Kenneth Grant, IDL, Michigan
Kenneth Grant is a true disrupter on the interior of the defensive line and can be a player the Packers build around as Kenny Clark ages. Grant is a high-level athlete with the ability to dominate offensive linemen.
24. Minnesota Vikings
Malaki Starks, SAF, Georgia
Although he was overshadowed at the NFL Combine by Nick Emmanwori, I'd argue Malaki Starks is the best safety prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. He'll be a versatile chess piece in the secondary for Brian Flores and can play all over the defensive backfield.
25. Houston Texans
Donovan Jackson, IOL, Ohio State
It's been an... interesting offseason when it comes to the offensive line in Houston. Shoring up this area long-term is a must. Donovan Jackson is a plug-and-play starter at left guard and a true first-round talent. He may even be able to play a little tackle as he showed in his final season at Ohio State.
26. Los Angeles Rams
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
The Rams were reportedly very interested in trading up for Brock Bowers in the 2024 NFL Draft. Colston Loveland isn't quite at Bowers' level right now, but he's a first-round talent and the TE1. This coming offseason will be more kind to Loveland, as more evaluators get into the tape and don't knock his 2024 production that was hindered by Michigan's inability to throw a forward pass. If Sean McVay is looking for a more dynamic player at the position, Loveland is a great addition.
27. Baltimore Ravens
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
I do wonder if Jihaad Campbell's labrum injury will cause him to fall a little bit on draft night after trending toward being a top-15 pick. If so, drafting him at No. 27 would be a very Ravens thing to do. Campbell may play more on the edge in the NFL than he did at Alabama, but he's a high-level talent who can play a versatile role on the second level of a defense.
28. Detroit Lions
Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
Will the Lions pass on Donovan Ezeiruaku for someone a little larger? Maybe. But there's no denying that Ezeiruaku is worthy of being a first-round pick. Ezeiruaku is a high-effort player who can make an immediate impact rushing the passer opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
29. Washington Commanders
Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
The Commanders have met with Josh Conerly Jr. multiple times, and one has to wonder if they're looking at him as a potential hole-filler a year or two down the road. Andrew Wylie is in the last year of his contract and with Brandon Coleman potentially holding down a guard spot with Laremy Tunsil now at left tackle, Conerly can be groomed to be the future starting right tackle in Washington.
30. Buffalo Bills
Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
The Bills appear to be enamored with Landon Jackson, meeting with him several times in the pre-draft process. Jackson can play all along Buffalo's defensive front with the size and motor Sean McDermott would like. Jackson has come a long, long way since the viral bag drill video and I wouldn't bet against him being an impact player in the NFL.
31. Kansas City Chiefs
Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Yes, the Chiefs signed Jaylon Moore this offseason, but his contract is very easy to move next season. Kansas City needs to keep taking swings at getting its offensive line right because that seems to be its only kryptonite. Aireontae Ersery can hold down the fort on the left side at 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds in 2026 if everyone stays healthy this upcoming season.
32. Philadelphia Eagles
Walter Nolen, IDL, Ole Miss
There are reportedly some red flags surrounding Walter Nolen, but the Eagles have not shied away from drafting top talent with baggage. I love what Walter Nolen can do in both the run and pass game. He can play all over the defensive line and be a disruptive force as he rotates around the other studs Philadelphia has on their defensive line.
