2025 NFL Mock Draft: First Round Picks & Predictions

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We’ve finally reached the NFL offseason. That means we move into high gear towards the 2025 NFL Draft. Last season, I posted a total of four mock drafts and my final one for 2024 ended up being a top-15 mock draft in the country.

We’ll see if we have that type of luck this year. Additionally, we’ll see what direction each team in the NFL goes this offseason. There will be a lot of moving parts, especially with the quarterbacks.

2025 NFL Mock Draft (Round 1)

Could we see Matthew Stafford move on from the Rams? What about Sam Darnold or Russell Wilson? There are plenty of teams that have to answer questions at quarterback but this isn’t necessarily the right class to answer those questions. It’s all going to get interesting. Let’s dive into my first 2025 NFL mock draft.

1. Tennessee Titans: Shedeur Sanders (QB – Colorado)

We all know what this quarterback class is for the 2025 NFL Draft but most importantly, we know what the Titans’ quarterback room was this past season. There needs to be improvements on offense and it starts at quarterback. Shedeur Sanders should provide a spark as he’s shown that he can hit receivers in stride and is willing to take shots in the pocket. He’s far from perfect but I like him as the top quarterback in this class.

2. Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter (EDGE – Penn State)

Is the writing on the wall for which direction the Browns are going in the 2025 NFL Draft? With Myles Garrett going public with his trade request, it sure feels like it. Despite a very uncertain path at quarterback, the Browns opt for the best pass rusher in the draft. Abdul Carter can be an impact player from the start. If all goes right, they end up convincing Garrett to stay so they can pair up.

3. New York Giants: Cam Ward (QB – Miami)

We’ll have a much better picture in the next few weeks of which teams will need quarterbacks. For now, the Giants need all the help they can get. Cam Ward can sling it and he’s consistently able to extend plays beyond the pocket. Giving Malik Nabers a quarterback should be the Giants’ top priority this off-season.

4. New England Patriots: Travis Hunter (CB – Colorado)

Certainly could see the Patriots playing it safe with an offensive tackle such as Will Campbell but just take the best player in the draft and move on. Travis Hunter is the best receiver and best cornerback in the draft and should be viewed as the best player. I think he’s best suited to play defensive back in the NFL. If that’s the case, he’ll fit just fine in the Patriots’ defense.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Campbell (OT – LSU)

Before the playoffs, I had heard the Jaguars could be a potential fit for Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. However, I don’t believe that to be the case with the recent coaching and front office changes in Jacksonville.

That said, Will Campbell is a very safe pick and should be considered the top offensive lineman in the draft. Getting help around Trevor Lawrence needs to be at the top of the list for Jacksonville, no matter who is in the front office or coaching.

6. Las Vegas Raiders: Mason Graham (iDL – Michigan)

If this was a better quarterback class, I could certainly see someone such as Jalen Milroe or Jaxson Dart in this spot. The class is what it is to this point and the Raiders could look to start in the trenches and build up from there. If that’s the case, Mason Graham would be a fine fit for a Raiders defensive front that already features Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins.

7. New York Jets: Mykel Williams (EDGE – Georgia)

New Jets head coach Aaron Glenn should get the opportunity to take one of the better defensive prospects, if he wants to do that. Figuring out what they do at quarterback is also important. For now, I lean towards the defense in this spot. Mykel Williams has a quick first step and changes direction well for a player of his size. His pad level will need improvement but there’s plenty to work with.

8. Carolina Panthers: Emeka Egbuka (WR – Ohio State)

Without including Travis Hunter in the conversation, Emeka Egbuka is the best receiver in the class this year. He’s one of the most fluid receivers in the class and does a great job tracking the football.

As he runs his routes, not only does he win with a fluid lower half but he does a great job working his hands to beat defenders to open space. Pairing Egbuka up with Bryce Young would be a slam dunk for him and the Panthers’ offense.

9. New Orleans Saints: Will Johnson (CB – Michigan)

The defensive side of the football in New Orleans is starting its makeover process. Players such as Cameron Jordan aren’t getting younger and they traded away cornerback Marshon Lattimore at the deadline.

Additionally, they’re set to see players such as Paulson Adebo hit the open market. Medicals will be big in the pre-draft process for Will Johnson. If he’s available, he’d be a no-brainer for the Saints. Labeled as a smooth operator in space, Johnson closes quickly to the football and shows good fluidity when flipping his hips.

10. Chicago Bears: Ashton Jeanty (RB – Boise State)

Some would say that the Bears don’t have the luxury to draft a running back in the first round but we can all agree Ashton Jeanty is different. He has home run ability and can win with decisive cuts and contact balance.

By selecting him, the Bears give themselves a true No. 1 running back and would help keep defenses honest. That only helps Caleb Williams. Meanwhile, the Bears have four picks in the top 75 of the draft, so they could afford to take the best back in the class. We saw what Ben Johnson was able to do with a split backfield in Detroit. Could he have the same vision for Chicago?

11. San Francisco 49ers: Tyler Warren (TE – Penn State)

Don’t look now but George Kittle is entering the last year of his contract and he’ll be 32 this season. Expectations are that he will re-sign with the 49ers this offseason but Kittle has dealt with injuries.

Meanwhile, this offense could use playmakers. Adding Tyler Warren gives them that and more. Warren is a very fluid athlete for his size and provides very good run-after-the-catch ability. He’ll provide the 49ers alignment versatility and assurances they’ll have strong production from either tight end when available.

12. Dallas Cowboys: James Pearce (EDGE – Tennessee)

There are plenty of defenders in Dallas set to hit the free-agent market. That includes DeMarcus Lawrence and Carl Lawson. Getting another EDGE defender to pair with Micah Parsons would be a wise investment as the Cowboys’ defense prepares for a bit of a facelift.

Adding a player such as James Pearce Jr. would do wonders for the Cowboys’ pass rush. He’s got an explosive first step with good length and can close quickly to quarterbacks.

13. Miami Dolphins: Malaki Starks (DB – Georgia)

Both Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer are set to be free agents this offseason. Regardless of who they bring back, the Dolphins could look for a defensive back who can play in a split-safety role or cover the slot. Malaki Starks can do both things for the Dolphins’ defense and provide a spark in their secondary.

14. Indianapolis Colts: Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT – Texas)

It’ll be interesting to see what the Colts do with their offensive line. They need right guard help and center Ryan Kelly is set to hit the market. Meanwhile, there’s some uncertainty surrounding right tackle Braden Smith and his tenure with the team.

Adding a player such as Kelvin Banks Jr. gives them options but he upgrades their talent at either tackle spot. Banks is a very good athlete who moves well in space for a player of his size. He’ll need to improve his hand placement at the next level but there’s a chance for him to start from Day 1.

15. Atlanta Falcons: Jalon Walker (EDGE – Georgia)

One of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft is Jalon Walker. He’s only 20 with impressive movement skills. He’s versatile with the ability to play in multiple spots along a defensive front-seven.

The question will be what he ultimately ends up playing in the NFL for a defense. He’ll need to get stronger against the run and will need to watch how he plays chest-to-chest with the opposition so much. Certainly a work in progress but there’s reason to believe quite a few teams will fall in love with Walker during the draft process. The Falcons could be one of those teams.

16. Arizona Cardinals: Luther Burden III (WR – Missouri)

It feels like the Cardinals have gone through and added multiple receivers every year for Kyler Murray. But that doesn’t mean they should pass on doing so in this year’s draft. Especially when they’re in a good spot to add a player such as Luther Burden.

Burden is a versatile pass-catcher with very good run-after-catch ability. Pairing Burden with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Kyler Murray could do wonders for the Cardinals’ offense.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Tetairoa McMillan (WR – Arizona)

This pick will make more sense once we see what the Bengals do with Mike Gesicki and Tee Higgins this offseason. Quarterback Joe Burrow wants both players back in Cincinnati but that may not be realistic with so many key free agents set to hit the market.

We’ll see if Tetairoa McMillan is available in this spot. If he is, he could slide right into the Tee Higgins role. McMillan is a terrific athlete and plays with great body control. He can go up and pluck the ball from defenders. Playing above the rim pairs nicely with Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. This pick makes too much sense.

18. Seattle Seahawks: Shavon Revel Jr. (CB – East Carolina)

If it weren’t for a torn ACL, I think we’d be talking more about Shavon Revel Jr. as a top-10 pick in this year’s draft. Unfortunately, he’s still rehabbing and may not be ready by the start of the season.

That’s fine for a Seahawks defense that already features Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen. Revel has long arms and uses them often to jam and re-direct receivers. He’s a willing tackler and has shown he can flip his hips and run vertically. He’ll need to work on getting his head around more consistently but the tools are there for Revel to blossom into a No. 1 corner for a defense.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Green (EDGE – Marshall)

At this point, we’ve all seen the bull rush from Mike Green at the Senior Bowl. An impressive rep and week for Green, who had doubters due to weight concerns. However, he checked into Mobile at 251 pounds and should be locked into the first-round conversation.

One team that makes a ton of sense for Green is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They’ve got decisions to make on players such as Joe Tryon-Shoyink and Anthony Nelson. One thing is for sure, though, and that is Todd Bowles can always use pass rushers.

20. Denver Broncos: Colston Loveland (TE – Michigan)

Head coach Sean Payton has made it a point this offseason to address what some of the Broncos’ needs are going into free agency. He wants to add a running back and a tight end, so we’ll see what they end up doing in free agency.

If they don’t add a tight end before the draft they could be in a great spot to draft one for quarterback Bo Nix. Adding a player such as Colston Loveland would be great for the Broncos’ offense vertically and in the short and intermediate areas of the field. There were some injury concerns with Loveland from this past season, but if healthy, we could be talking about him as a first-round pick.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Matthew Golden (WR – Texas)

No matter what happens at quarterback for the Steelers or what decision is made on George Pickens, one thing is for sure, this team needs help on offense. Getting an explosive playmaker such as Matthew Golden would be a wise investment for the Steelers.

This past season, Golden averaged 17 yards per reception and saw a career-high in receptions, yards and touchdowns. Playing with quick feet, Golden shows he can change direction with ease and can sink his hips while breaking in and out of his routes.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Jahdae Barron (CB – Texas)

Injuries piled onto the Chargers’ secondary last season. They’ve got decisions to make on players such as Kristian Fulton and Asante Samuel Jr. Getting a younger playmaker at cornerback would make sense for them. By adding Jahdae Barron, they get a defender who can play inside and outside and can close quickly on the football consistently.

There are times he tries to pre-determine certain routes when playing man coverage, so it’ll be interesting to see how that transitions for him in the NFL. Overall, he’s a physical defender with good route recognition skills, but his long speed could get tested.

23. Green Bay Packers: Benjamin Morrison (CB – Notre Dame)

It feels like Benjamin Morrison should be labeled as the forgotten prospect in this draft class. He suffered a hip injury and it required surgery, but he should make a full recovery. As it feels like Jaire Alexander could be on the way out in Green Bay, they could be intrigued with a player such as Morrison.

The Notre Dame cornerback has great ball skills, plays patiently and is always competing at the catch point. Upgrading their secondary will be important for the Packers as they play in one of the best divisions in football. Morrison gives them a fresh start as their top cornerback.

24. Minnesota Vikings: Shemar Stewart (DL – Texas A&M)

There’s a chance Shemar Stewart is already off the board by this point in the draft. He’s explosive, versatile and has all the tools needed to develop into a dominant defensive lineman in the NFL. If he ends up falling in the lap of the Vikings, it feels like a sprint for the podium moment for them.

Pairing Stewart with Dallas Turner, Jonathan Greenard and the rest of their talented defense would do wonders for Brian Flores and his talented defense.

25. Houston Texans: Kenneth Grant (DL – Michigan)

Expected to test well in the coming weeks, Kenneth Grant is a freak athlete with terrific size as an interior defensive lineman. He’s versatile and absorbs contact well when facing double teams. His base tends to get too narrow.

Overall, though, there’s much to be desired with his skillset. Consistent in stopping the run, Grant will flash as a pass rusher and would pair nicely with a Texans defense that already features Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson.

26. Los Angeles Rams: Jihaad Campbell (LB – Alabama)

It’ll be interesting what the Rams’ offense looks like next season with Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford possibly on their way out. As for the Rams’ defense, both of their starting linebackers are set to hit the open market.

With that, Jihaad Campbell could be a potential fit for this spot. He’s a great athlete with good size for the position and can play in multiple spots. He’ll need to get stronger but there’s Day 1 ability for him to see the field when blitzing or dropping into coverage.

27. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Booker (iOL – Alabama)

This feels like a safe old-school Ravens pick that will pay off in a big way down the road. Tyler Booker can be a plug-and-play guard for Baltimore. He’s got a clean base and hits with heavy hands in the run game. He plays with good spatial awareness and always keeps his head on a swivel against line stunts and blitzes.

28. Detroit Lions: Walter Nolen (DL – Ole Miss)

Despite having a ton of depth on their defensive line, injuries prevented the group from taking off last season. As the Lions head into the offseason, they could look to revamp their defensive line.

Adding a player such as Walter Nolen would certainly help with that. He’s an explosive athlete that provides the Lions with plenty of versatility. He’ll need to become more consistent with his hands but he should provide Detroit with a spark in multiple spots up front.

29. Washington Commanders: Harold Fannin Jr. (TE – Bowling Green)

It was cool seeing tight end Zach Ertz have a career resurgence this past season but we all know that it’s not sustainable forever. With how much the Commanders like to run with ’12’ and ’13’ personnel, adding a player such as Harold Fannin Jr. would be wise.

Fannin is a good athlete with the desired speed to win vertically down the field. He needs to get stronger and has to work on his lateral movement, but there’s potential for him to be very productive in a Commanders offense led by quarterback Jayden Daniels.

30. Buffalo Bills: Nic Scourton (EDGE – Texas A&M)

Certainly, the Bills could look to add more pieces to their offense for MVP Josh Allen, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they look to add to their inconsistent pass rush. Nic Scourton is a physical pass rusher who can win with a nice blend of speed and power.

The EDGE rusher plays with tight hips and doesn’t always change direction as fluidly as one should, but pairing him with players such as Greg Rousseau and Ed Oliver should help the Bills’ defense.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Armand Membou (OT – Missouri)

We all saw what happened in the Super Bowl. You know addressing the offensive line will be a top priority for Kansas City this offseason. It feels like Jawaan Taylor could be on his way out after 2025 as the Chiefs could clear close to $27 million by moving on from him. Having someone waiting in the wings is smart.

Meanwhile, there’s potential that by selecting a player such as Armand Membou he could end up being a plug-and-play guy for them. When watching Membou, he’s got a thick frame with a strong lower half. He plays square in the run and pass and moves well laterally when zone blocking. He will need to become more consistent in the NFL but taking a hometown kid could be promising for the Chiefs’ offensive line.

32. Philadelphia Eagles: JT Tuimoloau (EDGE – Ohio State)

All signs are pointing to the Eagles’ longest-tenured player, Brandon Graham, being set on retirement. With that being the case and Josh Sweat possibly set to hit free agency, there could be a need for another pass rusher in Philadelphia. Depending on how it all shakes out, JT Tuimoloau from Ohio State could be an ideal fit.

Tuimoloau is not exactly the type of player they’ve selected out of the SEC (Georgia) in recent years but he did end the season on a very high note. With 6.5 sacks in his final four games, there’s belief that it’s starting to come together for the Ohio State pass rusher. Tuimoloau is well-built with long arms and has plenty of power behind him. He’ll need refinement but landing in a defense that features the talent of the Eagles could do wonders for his development in the NFL.