2025 NFL Mock Draft 2.0
In just two short months, mock drafts change dramatically. We all got more familiar with the prospects as the Combine and Pro Days have taken place. Free agency also served to dramatically change team needs. I’m trying once more to project round 1 of the draft, knowing that it will all change in 10 days when I do it again. We’re still not considering trades yet, but don’t worry about seeing the same picks as you did in the previous version. As teams become linked to prospects and signings are made to fill holes, the best match for each team shifts in turn. Let’s see where things stand in version 2.0 of my 2025 NFL mock draft!
1. Tennessee Titans – QB Cam Ward, Miami
We’ve got a pick change right at the top. I had Tennessee taking a QB, but through the draft process, Ward has overtaken Shedeur Sanders to become the clear-cut QB1 in this draft. This isn’t my opinion but rather the prevailing opinion among teams. For Tennessee in particular, they have now canceled their private meeting with Sanders. I am still mocking them a QB because after most of free agency, the Titans have just Will Levis and Brandon Allen on the roster at the position. That can’t happen if they don’t want the fans to riot. Thus, I’m led to believe that the team’s brass has settled on Ward and his superior upside.
2. Cleveland Browns – EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State
This is where the draft truly begins. With Tennessee pretty much locked in, the Browns have to decide whether to take a QB or their top player available. Given the fact that Deshaun Watson’s crippling contract runs for 2 more years, you can’t take the quarterback unless you’re sure he’s the guy. I don’t believe right now that Cleveland views Shedeur Sanders that way, so they might opt to give DE Myles Garrett the best running mate of his career. Carter has great burst, which complements Garrett’s strength. The Browns need to start building up their overall talent, and then they can swing on another QB.
3. New York Giants – WR/CB Travis Hunter, Colorado
My sense is that the Giants would only take a QB if Cam Ward somehow became available here. Since he’s not, and the G-Men signed both Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency, I’d expect them to turn in their draft card with glee. Hunter could fill a critical need at CB while also providing snaps at WR to help Malik Nabers out. Many would argue that Hunter is the #1 overall prospect, and I have a hard time disagreeing with that. He’s definitely CB1, and he’s arguably WR1 as well. With so few elite talents on the roster, the Giants have to grab whichever one drops to them here at #3.
4. New England Patriots – OL Will Campbell, LSU
New England would not like the board to work out this way. They want one of the two blue-chip talents: Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter. From what I understand though, if those two aren’t available, the Patriots want to attack the offensive line, and Campbell is the player they like best. After his hands magically grew between the Combine and his Pro Day, Campbell’s main issue fell by the wayside. As far as his tape, he was a very good blindside protector for the Tigers. If the reports from teams continue to be positive, I may change “OL” back to “OT” in my final mock draft.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars – DT Mason Graham, Michigan
Last time we did this, Jacksonville didn’t have a GM. They do now, and it’s a former Ram in James Gladstone. In LA, he likely learned about building stout offensive and defensive lines from Les Snead. An offensive tackle is a real possibility here, but I don’t have one graded this highly. Thus, I’m looking at the defensive side of the ball and taking the cleanest DT prospect in the class. Graham doesn’t have one truly elite trait, but he’s very good at pretty much everything. He’s a safe bet to be a solid starter at the very worst and a mainstay on the defensive line for many years to come.
6. Las Vegas Raiders – RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
As much as the Raiders need a WR, they need an RB just as badly. Ever since Pete Carroll became the team’s head coach, this pairing with Jeanty has been gaining steam. It makes a ton of sense: he’s the bell-cow back that Carroll hasn’t possessed since Marshawn Lynch. No RB has also been worth picking in the first round in a couple of years, but the Heisman runner-up bucks the trend. Jeanty is a three-down workhorse that can get tough yards, break away for long gains, and contribute on passing downs. The Raiders need a threat on offense other than TE Brock Bowers, and Jeanty would certainly give them one.
7. New York Jets – QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
I’ll admit it: I wanted to find a spot for Sanders, and this is really the only one I could justify until the Steelers at 21. This fit also assumes that new HC Aaron Glenn was lying about Fields being a budding star. Truthfully, teams lie more than they tell the truth in the leadup to the draft, and I’ve never been a believer in Fields. His contract is also truly only guaranteed for 1 year. Sanders is the young QB the Jets need, and he’s actually better than Cam Ward right now. His upside isn’t quite as high, but he’s very pro-ready. If he doesn’t go here or at #9, a major Aaron Rodgers-like slide could be in order.
8. Carolina Panthers – LB Jalon Walker, Georgia
We’ve still got a defensive prospect here, but while James Pearce (my former pick for Carolina) has seen his stock fall for unknown reasons, Walker is on a serious rise. Part of the reason for that is how he’s being viewed as more of an edge rusher now than as a traditional MLB. His 11.5 sacks over the past two years should’ve given that away, but as people look more at Walker’s tape, they find that he’s really proficient in the role. Honestly, the Panthers need either version of Walker if not both: a pass rusher to replace Brian Burns or an ILB to replace Shaq Thompson. No matter what, he’s a fantastic fit.
9. New Orleans Saints – CB Will Johnson, Michigan
Paulson Adebo and Marshon Lattimore have both departed within the past year. That seems like a good reason to select the draft’s best pure corner. Johnson is both long and smooth, and he brings adequate speed. He should be able to lock down the CB1 role, which is the only way you’d take a cornerback this high up. An injury slowed Johnson in 2024, but that shouldn’t have much of an impact on his NFL future. Note that Derek Carr’s potential season-ending injury does make QB an option here, but I already gave Shedeur Sanders to the Jets. This could be his floor though.
10. Chicago Bears – RT/G Armand Membou, Missouri
Same position, different prospect this time for the Bears. While the team has done fantastic work on the interior of the offensive line, the tackle position still poses a problem. Everything Chicago has done this offseason has been with QB Caleb Williams in mind, so why not do that one more time? Membou’s stock as soared because at just 21 years old, he might be one of the more polished o-line prospects. He was projected to move inside to guard, but his Combine testing showed that he’s a true RT. Membou would help the Bears in the run game and in pass protection, so he’d be a great choice here.
11. San Francisco 49ers – OT/G Kelvin Banks Jr, Texas
I’m not going to give up on getting the 49ers a right tackle. I had them taking Armand Membou before, but his stock his actually risen past that of Banks. That’s fine for SF though, as Banks is just as much of a true tackle prospect who can also play inside. Aside from two games against Georgia, Banks was a stalwart LT for the Longhorns. Those matchups against the Bulldogs are probably why he might be the third lineman off the board though. Banks needs to add play strength if he’s going to hold off pro-style rushers (his physical power is fine). I think he can do so, particularly on the right side of the line.
12. Dallas Cowboys – WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
A cornerback or defensive lineman going to Dallas would make plenty of sense. However, owner/GM Jerry Jones is known to go for flashy skill players in round 1, and they’d be getting the best WR in the draft with this pick. I’ve long been a fan of McMillan, but his stock has dropped a bit because of questions about his speed. We know he’s big, physical, and sure-handed. The only thing scouts aren’t sure about is whether he can separate. That’s nonsense to me. His Pro Day 40 time was reportedly in the realm of 4.55 s. DeAndre Hopkins ran a 4.57-s 40. How did he turn out? McMillan is going to do very well in the pros.
13. Miami Dolphins – G Tyler Booker, Alabama
Now that LT Terron Armstead has retired, Miami desperately needs some sort of linemen. However, the top 3 players with tackle potential are all off the board. Guard remains an acute need though, so Booker, who is probably the best pure guard in the class, is my choice. Many mock drafts seem to have Booker’s stock falling, and I haven’t figured out why. This didn’t happen after his poor Combine performance, and who cares about that anyway for a guard? His tape is one of the cleanest in the draft, and he could start on day 1. I should note that given the way this board looks, #13 would be a prime trading spot.
14. Indianapolis Colts – TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
Let’s keep two consecutive picks the same. The word out of Indianapolis is that the Colts still do want a safety blanket to try and jumpstart QB Anthony Richardson’s career. Playing tight end caps Warren’s draft position, but he’s a top-5 overall player in the class. I wouldn’t put him near Brock Bowers in terms of his prospect level, but he’s very good at everything. He catches the ball, separates, and blocks. The Colts don’t currently have a viable receiving TE on the roster, so they’ll have to address that early in this draft. In this case, I have them taking the best one out there.
15. Atlanta Falcons – LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
One constant thing I keep hearing is that Tampa Bay covets Campbell. However, I also know of reports that say Atlanta desires him too. Being able to keep him away from their division rivals would be an added bonus. In addition to being the premier inside LB in this class, Campbell also has good pass rush skills for an MLB. He had 5 sacks last year, but he’s a sure tackler in the run game and possesses the speed and instincts to cover. Considering the fact that this class doesn’t have too many top-tier prospects, the idea of obtaining one here, albeit at a less-valued position, could appeal to the Falcons.
16. Arizona Cardinals – CB Jahdae Barron, Texas
The Cardinals could use help on either line of scrimmage, as well as in the secondary. Based on who’s available here, I tend to favor the CB. Barron is becoming more popular with teams because his testing numbers, including a 4.39-s 40 time, back up what you see on film. He’s a multiyear starter who can play both outside and in the slot, and there aren’t very many holes in his game. Those holes can be fixable (sometimes he’s a bit too aggressive) or not (his 5’11” frame is slightly on the small size). Arizona could use him as either type of corner, and he’s likely to be effective as soon as he enters the league.
17. Cincinnati Bengals – DE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
While Cincinnati surprisingly got WRs Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins under contract, the negotiations with DE Trey Hendrickson are not going nearly as well. The player everyone is high on due to his traits is Stewart. I’m putting him here for that reason, but he isn’t even my favorite edge rusher from the Aggies. Nic Scourton had more production, as Stewart earned just 4.5 sacks in 3 years (1.5 each year). Stewart certainly has the size, strength, and speed that teams crave. I just don’t know why he hasn’t been able to put everything together, particularly under a defensive HC like Mike Elko. Still, he’s at #17 because the scouts have spoken.
18. Seattle Seahawks – OL Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
Seattle cannot ignore their offensive line weakness anymore, especially now that Sam Darnold is their starting QB. Zabel, listed here with an “OL” designation, is unique in that he can play at any of the 5 spots along the line. Based on his measurables, he’d best fit at guard or center, both of which are Seahawk needs, but he can line up at tackle in a pinch. While his playing in the FCS may scare a few people, Zabel dominated at the Senior Bowl against FBS competition and tested really well athletically. Seattle can pick him here and then figure out where to play him later.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – DE Mykel Williams, Georgia
Based on other mock drafts I’ve seen, the Bucs REALLY want Jihaad Campbell. Unfortunately for them, he’s not available in this particular mock. They can still address the front seven though. A bit like Shemar Stewart, Williams has the traits you want but never put together a monster season. However, he was more productive than Stewart, with 4.5-5 sacks in each of his 3 college seasons. Part of that stems from playing on a stacked Georgia roster with many mouths to feed. In Tampa, he’d be the primary edge rusher, where his strength and motor could allow him to excel.
20. Denver Broncos – WR Matthew Golden, Texas
The idea of Denver selecting RB Omarion Hampton is gaining a lot of steam, but I’m still not sure whether HC Sean Payton would opt for that position in round 1. Another need is a weapon to go along with Courtland Sutton. Golden, the fastest WR at the Combine, would complement the big-bodied Sutton as a field-stretcher for QB Bo Nix. His CFP performance, particularly against Arizona State, really opened eyes, as he used his ample speed to great effect. I’d like to see him add a bit of mass for durability reasons, but DeVonta Smith is a good prototype for how Golden can succeed in the NFL.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
To be clear: this pick is not a QB if Aaron Rodgers signs with the Steelers as expected. Even if he doesn’t, I’m not sure they’d take a signal caller at #21. They do, however, need a secondary boost, and a bigger safety to play alongside the rangy Minkah Fitzpatrick would be perfect. A player with Emmanwori’s size (6’3″, 220 lbs) should not be as fast and explosive as he is. He uses his physical gifts well, and in 2024, he earned 4 INTs and 107 tackles. Emmanwori has the strength to stop the run but the burst and instincts to thrive in coverage. As he comes with 3 years of quality production, his floor and ceiling both seem sky-high.
22. Los Angeles Chargers – TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
At this point, I’m still not budging on Jim Harbaugh taking a Michigan player. That’s especially true in this case because Loveland fills a great need. Beyond WR Ladd McConkey, the Chargers are very light on weapons for Justin Herbert, and it showed in the playoff loss to Houston. While Loveland isn’t much of a blocker and plays more like an oversized receiver, he fills that role well. His athleticism is apparent, and his strong hands enable him to overpower defenders for contested catches. Harbaugh knows what he’d be getting here, which is why I think the team would be getting both security and potential simultaneously.
23. Green Bay Packers – DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon
Green Bay needs a #1 receiver, and Emeka Egbuka is available. But we all know Green Bay would never do that. They also need a corner, but the Packers typically target the trenches in the first round. Sticking with that theme, I’m giving them a DT to play alongside Devonte Wyatt and Kenny Clark. This would be an attempt to follow the Eagles’ approach of “you can’t have too many DTs”. It’s really true, and Harmon has the raw upside that Green Bay typically goes for. His technique could use some work, but he brings excellent strength to defend the run along with the burst to get after QBs.
24. Minnesota Vikings – S Malaki Starks, Georgia
Cam Bynum’s departure left a gaping hole at safety. The last time Minnesota drafted a first-round Georgia safety (Lewis Cine), it was a major whiff. I doubt this one fails. Starks would be the first safety drafted most years, and only Nick Emmanwori’s ascent keeps that from happening here. More of a classic free safety, Starks is a defensive leader who possesses crazy range. What makes me excited about him as a rookie is the fact that he has advanced instincts, so his learning curve should be short. I don’t see many real weaknesses here; only the positional value of safeties drops Starks into the 20s.
25. Houston Texans – OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
If the Texans don’t address the offensive line here, CJ Stroud should probably refuse to play QB for them. I’m keeping this pick the same because I think Simmons, despite coming off a torn patellar tendon, is still the best OT available. He’s also perhaps the only potential LT on the board at this juncture. If not for his injury, it’s possible that Simmons would go much higher. To me, that’s among the worst injuries in football, but Simmons is young enough to bounce back. If he does, Houston is getting possibly the best tackle at a bargain price. The considerable risk comes with an incredible reward.
26. Los Angeles Rams – CB Trey Amos, Mississippi
So many mock drafts have been giving the Rams a QB or a WR. With Matthew Stafford back, LA is all in and isn’t taking a QB of the future, especially a reach in round 1. Davante Adams also eliminates the WR option in my opinion. I still think a CB is the most likely selection, but I’m not sure which one. Nobody seems to agree on the cornerback prospects after the top 3, so I’m just going with the one I like best. Amos had everything on tape except speed, and then he answered the speed question at the Combine. We could look back on this pick and wonder why Amos didn’t get selected earlier.
27. Baltimore Ravens – DE James Pearce Jr, Tennessee
It would be just like Baltimore to catch a highly talented player who slid to them for no apparent reason. The Ravens also need a pass rusher badly, and I’d argue that nobody has more athletic upside than Pearce among this year’s edge rushers. Pearce’s lean build limits him against the run, so getting stronger would be ideal. However, there’s no doubting his explosion as a QB hunter. Pearce uses his speed and agility to avoid blockers while also showing good hand usage. His move set is advanced, and I think he’ll be a force off the edge in the NFL. If he bulks up a bit without sacrificing speed, he’ll be a complete player.
28. Detroit Lions – DE Mike Green, Marshall
Anything on defense would be helpful for Detroit. In particular, an edge rusher across from Aidan Hutchinson (who could also help him ease his way back from a broken leg) would be a great choice. Therefore, I’m giving the Lions the 2024 FBS sack leader. Two sexual assault accusations might scare some teams away, but as of now, they’re unproven. Supposedly he has handled the issue very well in his interviews, so a contender like Detroit could bet on his high skill level as a pass rusher. Like James Pearce above, Green needs to increase his strength to play the run, but he’s very polished in terms of rushing the passer.
29. Washington Commanders – EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
I seem to be sending edge rushers flying off the board right now, as this is our third in a row. That’s a premium position for anyone, especially playoff teams trying to win it all. It also just so happens that these potential contenders all need help at that spot, and Ezeiruaku was highly productive in college. While Mike Green had the most sacks in the FBS, Ezeiruaku led the Power 4. As with our last two players, he needs to do better in the strength department. However, his bend around the edge is excellent, and his motor never quits. I’m expecting a bit of sack production based on pure effort alone.
30. Buffalo Bills – CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
The Bills extended Christian Benford, but a second CB still profiles as the team’s biggest need. For a team without elite speed elsewhere, we have the fastest man at the Combine. Hairston’s stock skyrocketed since his 40-yard dash, but it wasn’t just about the speed. His quickness motivated people to go back to his tape, where he showed that he could play as fast as he runs in a straight line. He is an excellent zone defender, though his slight frame isn’t ideal for man coverage. Put Hairston in the proper scheme (like Buffalo’s zone defense), and he could really thrive.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan
Kansas City really seems to be going with Jaylon Moore at left tackle, so a running mate for Chris Jones makes sense. Tershawn Wharton left, and while Jones is a great interior rusher, he could use some help in the run game. Enter Grant, who will enter the league as an elite run defender with some upside as a rusher. In the latter department, his ability is fine, but he needs to improve his technique. I think he will do that as he learns from pro coaches. An athletic freak despite his massive size, Grant has already dominated in the Big Ten. He may be poised to do the same at the next level.
32. Philadelphia Eagles – DE JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State
GM Howie Roseman must be crying that there’s no Georgia Bulldog worth selecting with this pick. His other constant though is that he loves stocking up on defensive linemen, and edge rusher Josh Sweat just left for Arizona. Tuimoloau would be going from one championship team to another, having just won the CFP with Ohio State. He saved his best season for last, earning 12.5 sacks and destroying playoff opponents. Unlike most of the edge rushers we’ve talked about, Tuimoloau doesn’t have great speed, but he brings ample power. That rugged style will mesh nicely with the Eagles’ talented line.