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With Super Bowl 59 now in the books following the Eagles’ 40-22 rout of the Chiefs, we continue our look ahead to the NFL draft April 24-26 and offer another version of our mock draft.
Here’s my first 2025 NFL mock draft, which does not include any trades:
1. Tennessee Titans: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The Titans made it clear they won’t pass on a generational talent, which to me, means it’s either Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner and two-way star, or Abdul Carter, the stud edge rusher from Penn State.
2. Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The guess here is Cleveland attempts to fix its mess at quarterback via free agency or a potential trade, leaving the Browns free to select arguably the best overall prospect in this year’s draft. With Myles Garrett requesting a trade, the Browns would be wise to add an edge rusher just in case.
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3. New York Giants: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
The Giants solve their own issues at QB by drafting the best one available. Ward possesses everything the G-men need to get back on track.
4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
New coach Mike Vrabel knows the importance of building a team by starting in the trenches and he’ll convince the Patriots to nab either Campbell, the top offensive tackle on the board, or the best defensive lineman available, Mason Graham from Michigan.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The Jaguars could go numerous routes here because their needs are plenty, but if they hit on free agency, it will allow them to happily draft Graham and improve their defensive front.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
I can see new coach Pete Caroll possibly being reunited with Russell Wilson, who’s set to hit free agency after a decent season with the Steelers. But if Sanders is still on the board, he isn’t slipping past the Raiders. Sign Wilson, draft Sanders, and let him sit for a year until he’s ready to take over.
7. New York Jets: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Even if veteran Davante Adams doesn’t become a salary cap casualty, the Jets would immediately bolster their receiving corps by selecting the agile, 6-foot-5 McMillan to pair opposite Garrett Wilson. The quarterback situation, of course, remains a mystery as of today.
8. Carolina Panthers: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Williams projects as one of the draft’s elite edge rushers and the Panthers are in dire need of one. He’s a game-wrecker, but he might require a little patience.
9. New Orleans Saints: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Saints must upgrade their secondary and drafting Johnson would be a smart way to help go about it. He’s the total package.
10. Chicago Bears: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT/OG, Texas
Quarterback Caleb Williams needs more protection, and Banks can easily slide in at one of the tackle spots or inside at guard.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
It’s no secret the 49ers are looking to beef up their offensive line. Selecting Simmons makes a lot of sense. He’s coming off a knee injury that prematurely ended his season, but he can be a beast at multiple spots up front.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
It will be a shock if Jerry Jones passes on Jeanty if he’s still on the board. We’ve seen stranger things out of the Cowboys, but Jeanty is exactly what this team needs.
13. Miami Dolphins: Armand Membou, OT/OG, Missouri
The Dolphins know they must continue to find ways to protect quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and Membou would be an excellent addition at one of the guard spots. He can also play tackle, which bolsters his draft stock.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Starks is a versatile defender who can be a force in coverage as well as a stopper closer to the box. The Colts might look for more offensive help here with quarterback Anthony Richardson facing a critical third NFL season, but they can’t and won’t ignore the defensive side of the ball.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
Green led the nation this past season in sacks (17) and tackles for loss (22½) and his pursuit to the quarterback is relentless and amazing to watch. He’s the type of difference-maker the Falcons have long needed.
At 6 feet 2, 245 pounds, Walker is a bit undersized for an edge rusher, but the skills are easy to see. The Cardinals can’t afford to get this pick wrong and if the choice is Walker, we’ll see if he’s able to deliver.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
There’s a lot of room for growth with this prospect, but he’s capable of becoming a dynamic playmaker, and with Tee Higgins facing free agency, the Bengals should pounce on Burden.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Seattle is probably going to lose a couple of big bodies up front to free agency, and adding the 6-3, 339-pound Grant to a unit that includes Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II would make for a scary trio.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Campbell is a four-down linebacker who can stuff the run, drop in coverage, and rush the quarterback. He’d help shore up the middle of Tampa’s defense right away.
20. Denver Broncos: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Denver had five tight ends who combined for 51 receptions last season, but in Warren, they’d get the best tight end in the draft who more than doubled that total alone last season for the Nittany Lions. He finished with 104 catches for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns and would make QB Bo Nix a happy camper.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Steelers need another top-line wide receiver and I’m not so sure the turbulent George Pickens will last much longer in Pittsburgh, so draft this guy and figure out what to do at the quarterback position as soon as possible.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Coach Jim Harbaugh is a Michigan man, and this pick will be far too tempting for him to pass. Loveland gives QB Justin Herbert another valuable security blanket to go along with wideout Ladd McConkey and it should pay off for the Chargers.
23. Green Bay Packers: Chavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
This might be a bit too high for the rangy, 6-3 Revel considering he’s coming off a torn ACL, but he can easily become a first-round pick if he’s able to impress teams during his combine interviews and interactions. The tape doesn’t lie.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Minnesota will be eyeing help in the secondary and this prospect has excellent size, speed and skill to be a longtime keeper if coaches can keep his motor running.
25. Houston Texans: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
They could use a wide receiver with Stefon Diggs likely headed toward free agency, but there’s an obvious need on the offensive line and Booker can step in immediately to lend support in both pass and run blocking for QB C.J. Stroud.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
The Rams hit home runs last year with their first two picks, Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, but now it’s time to address the offensive line. Conerly could be a late-round steal if the scouting observations are correct.
27. Baltimore Ravens: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
He might not last this long, but he’s got the size and strength to be a very effective pass rusher wherever he lands. The Ravens always seem to find prized prospects on the defensive side of the football.
28. Detroit Lions: Jack Sawyer, LB, Ohio State
“Captain Jack” might not be a super-polished NFL prospect, but he makes plays all the time and has a nose for the ball that can’t be coached. He’s the perfect type of fit for the Lions, even if he is from Ohio State.
29. Washington Commanders: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Commanders clearly are on the rise under a new regime and special young quarterback Jayden Daniels. They could go anywhere with this pick and not regret it, but Stewart offers tangibles at one of the most important positions on any team.
30. Buffalo Bills: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
A transfer from Michigan State, Harmon is a load and should fit right in as a member of the Bills’ defensive front. With the right conditioning and coaching, he can become a long-term fixture who could win over Buffalo fans.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
When you’re in full-blown dynasty mode, there’s no such thing as “luxury picks.” Look for the Chiefs to stockpile talent wherever they can find it, starting up front on the D-line with an underrated, but very talented prospect in Nolen.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Cameron Williams, OT, Texas
In Williams, the Eagles could find their next longtime right tackle once 34-year-old Lane Johnson is ready to step aside and retire. At the very least, Williams provides some extra depth and insurance right away.
Reach McManaman atbob.mcmanaman@arizonarepublic. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @azbobbymac and listen to him live every Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. on Roc and Manuch with Jimmy B on ESPN 620 (KTAR-AM).
