It is time for my first and only mock draft as we near the 2025 NFL draft. I have been a massive draft nerd for as long as I can remember, so doing my own mock is pretty cool. Let’s see if I can do better than last year, in which I got 6 right.
- Tennessee Titans
Pick: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
This one is a no brainer. Ward, who finished 4th in the Heisman Trophy race, had 43 total touchdowns and over 4,500 yards in 13 games. He has the ability to throw from various arm angles, outside the pocket, and with velocity. He is the clear QB1 in this class. As tempting as Abdul Carter is, the Titans need to take a shot with a talent like Ward at the most important position in sports.
- Cleveland Browns
Pick: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
Travis Hunter to Cleveland has gained a lot of steam, but I still think pairing Myles Garrett with Abdul Carter is too tempting to pass on. I also believe that it is difficult to miss on Penn State linebackers and Carter just looks like the next all-pro caliber Nittany Lion at the position. The unanimous All-American had 12 sacks last season and was dominant with a bum shoulder in the College Football Playoffs. He has the IT factor.
- New York Giants
Pick: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
I am operating under the assumption that the Giants will roll with Russell Wilson as the bridge in 2025, with the Giants potentially using the 34th pick on a quarterback. The Heisman Trophy winner would be a massive addition to both the Giants’ wide receiver and defensive back rooms. The Giants adding Paulson Adebo and re-signing Darius Slayton gives them decent depth at both positions, so Hunter could work in on both offense and defense. Everyone is talking about the Giants attending several Colorado games and practices to watch Shedeur, but maybe they came away from it thinking Travis Hunter is the best player in the draft. A Nabers-Hunter combo gives this offense a ton of juice and makes New York a much more attractive destination for the 2026 quarterback crop. I would use Hunter on obvious passing situations and in crunch time on the defensive side of the ball.
- New England Patriots
Pick: WIll Campbell, T, LSU
Shedeur falling out of the top three picks has got to sting for New England, as they miss out on the two blue chip prospects in this class. Protecting Maye is not a bad consolation prize though, as Campbell would be a big upgrade at left tackle. There is a lot of talk about Campbell’s arm length, but I am not too concerned about it. Wide receiver seems like too big of a reach here.
- Jacksonville Jaguars
Pick: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The Jags have been letting a lot of players go, but I like the additions of Patrick Mekari on the offensive line and Jourdan Lewis in the secondary. This defense was towards the bottom of the league in essentially every major metric. Mason Graham is a bully on the interior and adds a ton of juice as a pass rusher, but he is at his best in the run game. A defensive line of Josh Hynes-Allen, Travon Walker, Mason Graham, and Arik Armstead could lead this Jaguars team to a solid 2025 season. Jags GM James Gladstone also said they would be adding multiple defensive lineman in the draft, so signs point to Graham being the pick.
- Las Vegas Raiders
Pick: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
This is a Pete Carroll pick. And in this instance, I actually don’t mind taking a running back this high. A Pete Carroll led football team will finish top 5 in the league in percentage of run plays, but the issue is that the Raiders backfield is barren of talent. The Raiders have yet to sign a running back in free agency, as I believe they are targeting Jeanty here. Jeanty was 27 yards short of Barry Sanders’ record that has held since 1988, and I think he will be a superstar from day one. With the trade for Geno Smith and Pete Carroll’s age, I think the Raiders are going with a win-now type of pick with Jeanty.
- New York Jets
Pick: Armand Membou, T, Missouri
I heavily considered Tyler Warren here, but if the Jets passed on Brock Bowers last year for Olu Fashanu, I think they will pass on Warren in favor of Membou. After all, Aaron Glenn is coming in from Detroit where they took Penei Sewell to play right tackle very high in the draft and he helped transform their offense. Membou played right tackle for three years at Mizzou, but he also has guard flexibility. His stock has been climbing since the combine after putting up a stellar season at Missouri in which he did not allow a single sack.
- Carolina Panthers
Pick: Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
The thought of adding a weapon for Bryce Young was tempting, but Jalon Walker just seems to be the pick here. This defense was one of the worst in NFL history last year and desperately needs help up front. Walker has a ton of versatility, but he is being picked this high to fully commit to playing on the edge, where he showed flashes of dominance. Walker paired with Derrick Brown gives Panthers fans something to be excited about.
- New Orleans Saints
Pick: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
WIth Derek Carr’s availability in 2025 in question, along with the terrible cap situation, now is a good time to take a shot on a quarterback. Spencer Rattler is clearly not the answer and it would be a painful 2025 to watch if he were to be the starter. Although I don’t think Shedeur will be an elite quarterback, I like his game. His accuracy and ability to extend plays stick out to me, as does how terrible the offensive line play was throughout his Buffalo tenure. I do wonder how he will perform without a talent like Travis Hunter out wide, and the offense Pat Shurmur ran at Colorado has hardly a resemblance of an NFL style playbook.
- Chicago Bears
Pick: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
This pick might seem like a shocker, but hear me out. Ben Johnson coming over from Detroit, in which they took Jhamyr Gibbs 12th overall. Daniel Jeremiah mentioned on Move the Sticks recently that he was told by people within the league that teams are trying to find guys who can turn 4 yard runs into 12 yard runs, meaning dudes that just move a little faster than everyone else. And Maurice Jones-Drew, who played for Eric Bieniemy, Chicago’s running backs coach, said that Henderson is in play for Chicago due not only his homerun speed, but also for his pass protection, which is the best in this class.
- San Francisco 49ers
Pick: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The 49ers have lost a ton of core players this offseason, most notably Deebo Samuel, Dre Greenlaw, and Charvarious Ward. Johnson takes the spot of Ward, creating an exciting tandem with Deommodore Lenoir in the slot. Johnson missed much of this season, but his 2023 was as legit as it gets for a college corner. San Francisco needs to hit on its picks with the Purdy extension looming, and I think they will be confident in Johnson’s potential to be a star.
- Dallas Cowboys
Pick: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Cowboys desperately need to add playmakers to help out CeeDee Lamb. Running back is certainly in play, but there will be a strong crop of backs available in the second round. McMillan has great athleticism for a player his size and he put up phenomenal production at Arizona, leading the Big 12 with 1,319 yards in 2024. His playstyle would mesh well Lamb and give Prescott another weapon in what he hopes is a resurgent year.
- Miami Dolphins
Pick: Kelvin Banks Jr., T, Texas
With the retirement of Terron Armstead, I am not very confident in this offensive line’s ability to keep Tua Tagavaloia healthy. Eichenberg is inconsitent at left guard, and are we really that confident in 2024 2nd round pick Patrick Paul to step in and fill that void? I think adding competition for both players makes sense as Banks, who although was a unanimous First-Team All-American at left tackle last season, may move inside to guard in the NFL.
- Indianapolis Colts
Pick: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The additions of Charvarius Ward and Camryn Bynum in free agency mightily improved the 29th total and 26th passing ranked defense, so let’s get Anthony Richardson a weapon that can work over the middle of the field. Tyler Warren is an absolute beast with the ball in his hands, recording 88 catches for 1,062 yards with 11 total touchdowns (6 receiving, 4 rushing, and 1 passing) in 2024. The Colts will sit in mediocrity if Richardson doesn’t improve, so adding Warren to help boost Richardson’s completion percentage makes sense.
- Atlanta Falcons
Pick: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Is this the year the Falcons finally address the pass rush in the first round? I think so.
Stewart is a physical specimen who may be the best athlete in the draft. Stewart had one of the highest Relative Athletic Scores (RAS) of all time at the combine, and although the production wasn’t quite there in College Station, pass rushers with traits like this don’t fall down the board very far. I could see Stewart going as high as seven to the Jets.
- Arizona Cardinals
Pick: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
The Cardinals could go a lot of directions with this pick, with offensive line being a huge need, but this team still has a ton of holes and a player the caliber of Barron at a premium position is extremely valuable. Barron has elite ball skills, picking off five passes last season, and has played over 600 snaps on the outside and in the slot over the last two seasons. Barron would be a huge upgrade in this Cardinals secondary alongside Budda Baker.
- Cincinnati Bengals
Pick: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
This pick just HAS to be on the defensive side of the ball. After agreeing to monster extensions with both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Cincinnati’s focus has shifted back to Trey Hendrickson, who I believe will be playing in a Bengals uniform next season. I thought about Mike Green here, but I just think Starks will be higher on Cincinnati’s board. Daniel Jeremiah also mentioned that people within NFL circles raved about Starks’ interviews at the combine, citing his knowledge and leadership qualities. The two time All-American would bring an influx of talent to a Bengals defense that couldn’t stop a nosebleed last year.
- Seattle Seahawks
Pick: MIke Green, EDGE, Marshall
I really wanted to go offensive line, but Mike Green is too good to pass up. I think head coach Mike Macdonald will be ecstatic to add Green to a defensive front that already includes Leonard Williams, Demarcus Lawrence, and Byron Murphy. Green led all FBS players with 17 sacks, earning All-American honors.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pick: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Campbell would be a perfect fit for this defense. The former Alabama star ammassed 117 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and an interception in 2024, showcasing his ability to affect the game in many aspects. With David back on a 1 year deal, Campbell can learn for a year alongside David and take over green dot duties in year 2.
- Denver Broncos
Pick: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
With the departure of one UNC running back, a younger and better UNC back steps in to take his place. Hampton is a more polished prospect than Javonte Williams was, amassing over 2,000 total yards and 17 touchdowns last season for the Tar Heels. The 220 pound back ran a 4.46 at the combine, solidifying himself as a first round pick. Adding more weapons to help Bo Nix should be the priority for Denver, as they have one of the best defenses in the league constructed already.
- Pittsburgh Steelers
Pick: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Nolen was the top recruit in the 2022 class, and he put it all together for the Rebels in 2024, earning First-Team All-American honors after leading the SEC with 12 tackles for loss. The Steelers need to start thinking about life after Cam Heyward, and Nolen just feels like a fit for what this organization wants to do.
- Los Angeles Chargers
Pick: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
I don’t see Jim Harbaugh passing on a Michigan man with this pick, although Matthew Golden was very tempting. Loveland’s 2024 stats don’t tell the story of who he is as a player given how poor the Michigan quarterback play was, but the First-Team All Big Ten tight end is a great athlete who will become Herbert’s best friend. He has an elite catch radius, strong route running skills, and can make things happen with the ball in his hands.
- Green Bay Packers
Pick: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
I think this pick will either be a wide receiver or a cornerback, but with Jaire Alexander still on the roster, I am going with another weapon for Jordan Love in Matthew Golden. Golden worked his way up to the top of the depth chart in his only season as a Longhorn, becoming the go-to man for Ewers in the College Football Playoffs. He is an elite route runner who ran a 4.29 at the combine. Green Bay finally pulls the trigger on a first round wide receiver.
- Minnesota Vikings
Pick: Nick Emnanwori, S, South Carolina
The Vikings improved its defensive front with the additions of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, and now they upgrade a passing defense that was ranked 28th in the league last year. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and 220 pounds, Emmanwori ran a 4.38 and has freakish athleticism. The First-Team All-American could elevate this Minnesota defense to one of the best in the league.
- Houston Texans
Pick: Josh Simmons, T, Ohio State
Houston traded away Leremy Tunsil, Tytus Howard, and Kenyon Green. They then added Cam Robinson, Ed Ingram, Laken Tomlinson, and Trent Brown. After Stroud had a bit of a sophomore slump, general manager Nick Caserio decided he was going to rebuild the entire offensive line in front of his young quarterback. Adding a tackle like Simmons makes a ton of sense. Simmons would have gone much higher if he had not suffered a season ending knee injury, but all reports coming out from the draft cycle indicate he is recovering on track.
- Los Angeles Rams
Pick: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
This just feels like a Sean McVay pick, as Egbuka steps into the Cooper Kupp role on a much cheaper contract. Egbuka is a clean route runner, was a leader in the Ohio State locker room, and has been one of the most consistent wide receivers in the country over the past few seasons. Adding him to a wide receiver room with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams will keep Matthew Stafford happy.
- Baltimore Ravens
Pick: Grey Zabel, IOL, North Dakota State
After losing Patrick Mekari in free agency, Baltimore needs to add to an offensive line that doesn’t have a ton of depth right now. Zabel is a mauler in the run game, which would be welcomed in an offense that was the best rushing attack in the league last season. Zabel has also played tackle at North Dakota State, offering flexibility.
- Detroit Lions
Pick: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
I absolutely love this fit for both parties. Detroit doesn’t have a lot of needs, but a running mate for Aidan Hutchinson is definitely on the top of the list. Williams didn’t stuff the stat sheet for the Bulldogs but was a force. He had five sacks last season but battled through an early season ankle injury. Pass rushers with the athleticism and tools like Williams and Shemar Stewart, who I projected going 15th to Atlanta, usually push up the board come draft time.
- Washington Commanders
Pick: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
The Commanders have had a pretty strong offseason, but they need to add more juice up front. Enter Pearce, the former five star recruit who has all the tools necessary to become a pro bowl caliber edge rusher but never put it together on a consistent basis for the Volunteers. He had the third highest pressure rate in the country at 21.3% last year, according to PFF. I think playing in the Dan Quinn culture will help Perce reach his full potential.
- Buffalo Bills
Pick: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Bills GM Brandon Beane has talked about the need to add more weapons for Josh Allen, and I don’t think he was referring to just Josh Palmer. Burden saw his draft stock slip after he took a step back in 2024, but he did not have the best quarterback play or talent around him at Mizzou. In 2023, however, Burden had over 1,200 yards and 9 touchdowns, earning Second-Team All-American honors.
- Kansas City Chiefs
Pick: Josh Conerly Jr., T, Oregon
The Chiefs have only lost the Super Bowl twice in the Mahomes era, and in both games he was running for his life. Kansas City can’t rely on Jaylon Moore, Wanya Morris, or Kingsley Suamataia to protect Mahomes’ blind side in 2025, so enter Conerly, who only allowed one sack in 929 snaps at left tackle for the Ducks a season ago.
- Philadelphia Eagles
Pick: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
With the loss of Josh Sweat, I feel like Howie Roseman will once again retool his defensive line. Ezeiraku’s name has been getting a lot of first round buzz after he recorded 16.5 sacks, 20.5 tackles for loss, and 3 forced fumbles a season ago.
