The 2024 college football season has reached its final four teams, and the NFL regular season ended on Sunday. This marks a good moment to reassess the 2025 NFL draft, with updated predictions for the 32-team first round.
A lot can change before the draft on April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Some players may decide to stay in school, while others might enter the draft unexpectedly. Pre-draft events will affect team strategies, and offseason needs will shift with free agency in March. Therefore, this mock draft reflects the current situation.
The draft order is based on the final regular-season standings, with the first 18 picks officially set. The Tennessee Titans hold the first pick! For the playoff teams, the order is still to be decided, so we used ESPN’s Football Power Index for picks 19-32. Since no first-round picks have been traded yet, all teams are entering the draft with their own selections.
Here are my predictions for all 32 first-round picks in 2025, starting with the Titans. (Note: Underclassmen are marked with an asterisk.)
Tennessee Titans (3-14)
Cam Ward, QB, Miami
When discussing what the Titans should do with their first No. 1 pick since 1978, sources around the league suggest they need a quarterback. There’s a split between Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. At 6-foot-2, 223 pounds, Ward is my top QB prospect. I believe the Titans will select him, especially with a new GM after firing Ran Carthon. Ward stands out with his arm strength, playmaking ability, and quick release. He threw for 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions while rushing for 4 touchdowns this season.
Cleveland Browns (3-14)
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The Browns face a decision: draft a quarterback or trade down. With Deshaun Watson’s contract likely holding them until 2026, drafting a QB while adding a veteran through free agency is a smart choice. Sanders fits well in Kevin Stefanski’s system, excelling as a polished pocket passer. His ball placement is excellent, and his 6.5% off-target percentage was the third-lowest in FBS. Sanders completed 74% of his passes for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions this season.
New York Giants (3-14)
*Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado **
For the Giants, the best QB prospects are off the board, leaving them in a difficult spot. But they could still grab the best player in the draft: Travis Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner and a two-way star. Hunter impressed on both sides of the ball, recording 96 catches for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns while also picking off 4 passes on defense. Hunter can provide the Giants with a second receiving threat or help strengthen their cornerback position, or even both.
New England Patriots (4-13)
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas*
The offensive tackle class in 2025 is not very strong, but the Patriots must improve their protection for quarterback Drake Maye, who was sacked 34 times in 13 games this season. New England’s sack rate of 8.2% was the sixth highest in the league. Banks is the top tackle in this class and has allowed only one sack this season. At 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, he is strong and quick, making him a great choice to start at left tackle immediately.
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-13)
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan*
The Jaguars recorded just six interceptions this season, the third-lowest total in the league. Their secondary needs improvement, and Johnson, who set Michigan’s school record with three career pick-sixes, could help. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds, he is a big corner who has been compared to Broncos Pro Bowler Pat Surtain II. Pairing him with Tyson Campbell would give the Jaguars a strong, young duo on the outside.
Las Vegas Raiders (4-13)
Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State*
The Raiders seem unlikely to pick a quarterback again, as their two wins in the final three games put them out of position to grab Ward or Sanders unless they trade up. Instead, they could select the best available player. Carter, a 6-foot-3, 259-pound edge rusher, is the No. 2 prospect on my list. He has a fast first step and ranks fourth in the FBS with a 17.7% pressure rate. He also had 11 sacks this season.
New York Jets (5-12)
Mason Graham, DT, Michigan*
The Jets have many areas to improve after what was one of the most disappointing seasons of 2024. Their defensive line lacked depth, and Graham would help strengthen it. He could partner with Quinnen Williams on the interior. Graham is a powerful force against both the run and the pass. His 19 pressures were among the top 20 for FBS defensive tackles.
Carolina Panthers (5-12)
Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia*
The Panthers’ defense in 2024 was among the worst in NFL history, allowing 534 points — the most since the 1981 Baltimore Colts. Their defensive pressure rate of 25.3% was the worst in the league. Williams, an edge rusher with great potential, would be a strong fit in Carolina. At 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, his length and upside are impressive. He recorded a career-high five sacks this season and is similar to Danielle Hunter coming out of LSU.
New Orleans Saints (5-12)
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona*
McMillan is a tall, athletic receiver who can provide a strong complement to Chris Olave, who is entering his fourth year. He has the ability to catch tough passes, as shown by his 16 contested catches, which ranked 19th in the FBS. At 6-foot-5 and 212 pounds, he causes problems for defenders. McMillan averaged 109.9 receiving yards per game this season, which was the fourth most in the FBS. The Saints need more offensive playmakers, so McMillan would be a solid pick here.
Chicago Bears (5-12)
Will Campbell, OT/G, LSU*
After a tough season, the Bears need to fix their inconsistent offense. They had the highest sack rate in the NFL at 10.3%, so improving the offensive line should be their priority. Campbell would be a big improvement for a line that needs new starters. Standing at 6-foot-6 and 323 pounds, Campbell is a skilled blocker who could start immediately at either tackle or guard and help protect Caleb Williams.
San Francisco 49ers (6-11)
Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M*
The 49ers need to improve their defensive line, which has been key to their success with Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch. Stewart is an athletic defensive lineman who could see his stock rise at pre-draft events due to his skills and 6-foot-6, 290-pound size. While he hasn’t had more than 1.5 sacks in a season, his 2.42-second average time to get his first pressure is the fastest among all defensive linemen in the FBS. He just needs to work on turning pressures into sacks.
Dallas Cowboys (7-10)
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State*
Rico Dowdle had a solid season, rushing for 1,079 yards, but he’s a free agent, so the Cowboys might need to draft a running back. Jeanty is an excellent choice, with 2,601 rushing yards, the second-most in FBS history. He also scored 29 rushing touchdowns and has great balance and the ability to break tackles at 215 pounds. He could be a game-changer for Dallas.
Miami Dolphins (8-9)
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia*
Jevon Holland is a free agent this offseason, so the Dolphins might need a replacement. Starks can fill that role, or help in other areas of the secondary. He has played in various roles throughout his career, showing a lot of range and football IQ. His versatility and ability to make plays make him the best safety in the 2025 draft class.
Indianapolis Colts (8-9)
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Anthony Richardson needs more weapons in the passing game. Warren could help, as he is versatile and one of the most dangerous targets in the country. The 6-foot-6, 257-pound Warren averaged 77.2 receiving yards per game, second among FBS tight ends. He caught 98 passes for 1,158 yards and 8 touchdowns, and he is also a solid run blocker who could help improve the Colts’ rushing attack.
Atlanta Falcons (8-9)
Jalon Walker, Edge/LB, Georgia*
Trading for Matthew Judon didn’t fix the Falcons’ pass rush, as they had one of the worst pass rush win rates in the NFL. Their lead edge rusher, Arnold Ebiketie, will be a free agent in 2025. Walker is a versatile defender who can rush the passer (17.1% pressure rate, 6.5 sacks) and also play off-ball linebacker, making him a good fit for Atlanta’s defense.
Arizona Cardinals (8-9)
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
The Cardinals need to improve their offensive tackle position since Kelvin Beachum is a free agent, and Jonah Williams only played six games due to injuries. Simmons, who suffered a knee injury on Oct. 12, was looking like one of the best tackles in this draft before his injury. At 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, he didn’t allow a sack or pressure in the six games he played.
Cincinnati Bengals (9-8)
James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee*
The Bengals struggled to get sacks, ranking sixth-worst in the NFL in sack rate, despite having NFL sack leader Trey Hendrickson. Pearce, a 6-foot-5, 243-pound edge rusher, is very quick and can get around blockers with ease. His 18.7% pressure rate ranked second in the FBS, and he finished the season with 7.5 sacks. He could help the Bengals with a pass rusher opposite Hendrickson.
Seattle Seahawks (10-7)
Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon*
Right tackle Abraham Lucas has missed games due to injuries, so Seattle should look for a player who could eventually replace him or fill another position on the offensive line. Conerly, at 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, made a huge improvement in his second season as a starter, allowing only one sack and five pressures. He could take over for Lucas or play another spot on the Seahawks’ line.
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
The Steelers have had problems with the cornerback spot opposite Joey Porter Jr., as neither Donte Jackson nor Cameron Sutton has been able to solve the issue. Before he tore his ACL, Revel was making a name for himself as one of the top corners in this draft class, with two interceptions in just three games. At 6-foot-3 and 193 pounds, he has good length, good movement, ball skills, and is an enthusiastic tackler, which are all qualities Pittsburgh looks for in its cornerbacks.
Houston Texans (10-7)
Jonah Savaiinaea, OT/G, Arizona*
C.J. Stroud struggled in his second season, and the poor performance of the Texans’ offensive line played a big part in that. Houston had the third-most pass-blocking losses in the league and struggled with run blocking too, especially with the guards. Savaiinaea, at 6-foot-5 and 336 pounds, is a strong blocker with powerful hands and a solid base. He gave up only one sack this season and can play both tackle and guard, although he might be better suited for guard in the NFL.
Denver Broncos (10-7)
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri*
The Broncos need help at wide receiver alongside Courtland Sutton. Burden is a competitive receiver who can line up outside or in the slot. While he didn’t match his outstanding 2023 performance, where he had 86 catches for 1,212 yards and 9 touchdowns, Burden still had 61 catches for 676 yards and 6 touchdowns this year. He forced 28 missed tackles, showing how dangerous he can be after the catch. He would give rookie quarterback Bo Nix a reliable, versatile target.
Los Angeles Rams (10-7)
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan*
Loveland would be a great addition to the Rams’ offense, joining quarterback Matthew Stafford and receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. Loveland had a strong season, catching 56 passes for 582 yards and five touchdowns, despite inconsistent quarterback play. He has strong hands, runs a variety of routes, and can create mismatches against linebackers and safeties. Loveland has qualities similar to Dalton Kincaid, making him a great fit for the Rams.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama*
Campbell is the best off-ball linebacker in this draft class. His range, instincts, and ability to make plays stand out in every game. He also showed his pass-rushing ability with five sacks this season, making him a complete three-down linebacker. He could be a perfect fit next to Lavonte David and could immediately take over for K.J. Britt in the middle of Todd Bowles’ defense.
Green Bay Packers (11-6)
Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
The cornerback position has become a bigger need for the Packers. Jaire Alexander played only seven games due to injuries, and Eric Stokes is a free agent. Amos could be the solution, as he knows how to find the ball in the air and adjust his eyes. He excels in zone coverage, which is a good match for the Packers’ defense, which uses zone coverage the most in the NFL. Amos had 15 pass breakups, the second most in FBS, and intercepted three passes.
Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan*
The Chargers got good play from veterans Poona Ford and Teair Tart, but both are set to become free agents. That makes defensive tackle an important position to fill. Grant is a hardworking, active defender who is still developing. In his first season as a starter, he had three sacks. If he reunites with his former college coach, Jim Harbaugh, and defensive coordinator, Jesse Minter, he could help the Chargers improve their poor run-stopping numbers, ranking fifth-worst in the NFL.
Washington Commanders (12-5)
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
While defense could be a good option for the Commanders, adding another pass catcher for Jayden Daniels also makes sense. Egbuka had a strong season despite dealing with injuries, with 70 receptions for 896 yards and 10 touchdowns. He has great route-running skills and strong hands, making him one of the most ready-to-play prospects in this class. Egbuka would be a good complement to Terry McLaurin as a high-end WR2.
Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)
Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M*
After moving away from their usual strategy of selecting first-round defensive linemen in 2024, the Eagles should go back to that plan in April. Scourton is a strong, well-built edge rusher at 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds, known for playing physically. He has 15 sacks over the past two seasons and is also good against the run with his powerful hand usage. Scourton has a similar build to former Eagles edge rusher Brandon Graham and can play both outside and inside like Graham does now.
Buffalo Bills (13-4)
Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon*
Harmon would add depth to the Bills’ defensive line, which needs players who can create pressure. After transferring from Michigan State, Harmon showed big improvement. He had a 10.7% pressure rate when playing inside, which was the second best in the FBS. Harmon can fight through double-teams as a run defender and overpower interior blockers during pass rushes with his quick hands and strong lower body.
Minnesota Vikings (14-3)
Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss*
The Vikings could use some help at defensive tackle, and Nolen would give them a strong push in the middle of the defense. After two not-so-great seasons at Texas A&M, Nolen showed his full potential at Ole Miss, finishing with a career-high 6.5 sacks. He was one of the most impressive players I saw this fall, consistently breaking through the first level with his explosiveness and powerful hands. He may continue to rise in the pre-draft process.
Baltimore Ravens (12-5)
Tyler Booker, G, Alabama*
Booker set a strong tone for Alabama’s offensive line with his physical style, helping him finish blocks. He plays with a tough attitude and only allowed one sack and nine pressures in three seasons. At 6-foot-5 and 325 pounds, Booker would fit well in the Ravens’ run-heavy offense, especially with his effectiveness in pulling and trapping blocks. The Ravens gained 44% of their yards on the ground (second most in the NFL), and Booker could help continue that success.
Kansas City Chiefs (15-2)
Armand Membou, OT/G, Missouri*
Membou is expected to rise in the pre-draft process and could be a late first-round pick. He is known for his strength and poise, and his film shows he consistently gets the job done. He only allowed one sack and was very effective against opposing rushers all season. At 6-foot-3 and 314 pounds, Membou is steady at right tackle but could also move inside to guard if Trey Smith, a pending free agent, leaves the team.
Detroit Lions (15-2)
Mike Green, Edge, Marshall*
The Lions desperately need another edge rusher to help Aidan Hutchinson, especially after Hutchinson’s injury in Week 6. Since then, the Lions’ 29.7% pass rush win rate is the sixth worst in the NFL, and Green could provide help immediately as a pass rusher. Green led the FBS with 17 sacks this season, and his 15.5% pressure rate ranked ninth.
