2025 NFL Mock Draft 3.0—FINAL VERSION
This is it, my final mock! Teams have done their homework, met with prospects, and spread rumors. We’ve all parsed through the smokescreens to try and figure out what on Earth is going to happen tonight. This is my best guess, and I’ll be the first to admit that it is simply that: a guess. Every pick after #1 has an air of mystery to it, with particular ambiguity at QB, CB, and edge rusher. Teams are holding their cards close to the vest, but that won’t stop me from taking a shot at predicting their picks. Sit back and enjoy the chaos, but before that, here’s my final 2025 NFL mock draft! See this link for the previous version.
1. Tennessee Titans – QB Cam Ward, Miami
The unknowns are almost entirely gone here. Tennessee did not sign a notable QB in free agency, and they beefed up their offensive line, presumably in preparation for a young QB. They also opted against trading this pick away, which you’d only do if you were taking a quarterback. Ward has separated himself from Shedeur Sanders on most draft boards, making him the obvious choice. To top it off, Ward and the Titans aren’t even hiding their mutual interest. This would be a high-risk, high-reward pick given Ward’s style of play, but it seems like that’s exactly what Tennessee is going to do.
2. Cleveland Browns – WR/CB Travis Hunter, Colorado
While I thought adding Abdul Carter to pair with Myles Garrett would be a great move, Cleveland disagrees. They seem to be trending strongly toward Hunter, the two-way star their GM has compared to Shohei Ohtani. Honestly, even if Carter is a better fit, Hunter is a better prospect. Sources suggest that the Browns view him primarily as a WR, but they’re very open to him playing at CB as well. Hunter is currently more polished as a corner but possesses equally stellar upside as a wideout. With the Titans locked in on Ward, Berry can afford to show his true intentions without any smokescreens.
3. New York Giants – EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State
In this imaginary scenario, the Giants are probably trying to trade out of the #3 pick. Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux form a plenty-good edge rushing tandem. Though you can never have too much in that department, a roster with so many holes can’t afford to take luxuries. Since we don’t project trades here (and there may not even be enough interest to make one happen anyway), New York is stuck taking the last blue-chip talent in the class. I’m not as high on Carter as most are, and his durability is a major question mark, but this is about what I think will happen, not what I think should happen.
4. New England Patriots – OT Will Campbell, LSU
Yes, I’ve shifted my “OL” designation to “OT”. That’s because this is a projection and not my personal opinion. The Pats believe that Campbell is a tackle prospect despite his short arms. They’re hoping he works out like Rashawn Slater did a few years ago for the Chargers. There’s no doubt that Campbell is the most skilled lineman in the class, and if it weren’t for those arms, he’d be a top-5 lock. In a class like this, he appears to be one anyway. Luckily for New England, they need so much help across the line that it doesn’t really matter if Campbell works out as a tackle or ends up being a great guard. He’s necessary wherever.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars – DT Mason Graham, Michigan
If this pick seems a bit too safe for the top 5, that’s exactly the point. Jacksonville has been taking big swings under former GM Trent Baalke and coming up empty. New shot-caller James Gladstone wants to hit on his very first draft pick to show that this is a different team. Graham is a highly polished player without a truly elite aspect to his game, but he’s good at everything. Both as an interior rusher and a run defender, Graham excelled for the Wolverines. Jacksonville needs reinforcements on both lines of scrimmage, and Graham would be a rock-solid way to start off Gladstone’s tenure.
6. Las Vegas Raiders – RT/G Armand Membou, Missouri
So many mock drafts have given RB Ashton Jeanty to the Raiders, including mine. I’m starting to see through the smoke though. New GM John Spytek and new coach Pete Carroll consistently take linemen (offensive or defensive) in the first round. Las Vegas badly needs a right tackle, and Membou might be the best overall lineman in the class. I also saw Spytek mention how his son would change his allegiance if he didn’t select Jeanty. Why share that story if you actually want Jeanty? OC Chip Kelly, fresh off of a title at Ohio State, can have one of his two Buckeye RBs (TreVeyon Henderson or Quinshon Judkins) at the top of round 2.
7. New York Jets – OT/G Kelvin Banks Jr, Texas
My change for the Raiders probably breaks the Jets’ hearts. They too need a right tackle and likely wanted Membou. Instead, they’ll have to settle for the third of the three tier-1 linemen in this class. Banks is projected by some to move inside, but I think he’ll be just fine on the edge. As soon as he hits an NFL weight room, he’ll be able to better anchor and become the aggressor rather than a pure defender. New York is entering a sudden retooling phase, and if Justin Fields is going to have any chance, he’ll need to be protected. Banks can help with that effort in a big way.
8. Carolina Panthers – OLB Jalon Walker, Georgia
Among all the picks in the 5-10 range, this one feels the safest. So it’ll probably be wrong. Walker is competent as a traditional linebacker or as a rusher, but the latter is what excites teams. Carolina in particular hasn’t possessed a dangerous pass rusher since Brian Burns was traded. Their defense finished at the bottom of the league in numerous categories, so fixes are needed everywhere. A competent front four would mask some deficiencies in the secondary by pressuring opposing QBs. Walker is a very safe pick due to his traits, production, and character. He’ll be a very nice building block for the Panthers.
9. New Orleans Saints – CB Will Johnson, Michigan
Quarterback was a possibility in the wake of Derek Carr’s injury, but that would likely be addressed at #40. Not #9. On a roster with many needs, the best value comes at cornerback. The Saints traded Marshon Lattimore away last year, creating a major deficiency at the position. Johnson’s stock has been up and down due to his 2024 injury, but it’s clear to me that he’s the best outside CB in this class after Travis Hunter. He actually reminds me a bit of Lattimore in the way that he can shadow #1 receivers and shut them down. You only take a CB this high if he can do things like that.
10. Chicago Bears – RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
I’ll be honest with you and tell you that this one doesn’t make sense to me. D’Andre Swift isn’t a liability at RB, and just because new coach Ben Johnson came from a loaded backfield in Detroit doesn’t mean he needs to create it. He can’t bring the Lions’ offensive line with him. In this case though, no lineman makes sense for the #10 pick, and the team is badly hoping for Jeanty to reach them. He does so in this mock. Jeanty happens to be the #1 overall prospect, but his positional value has him dropping a bit. He’d certainly be a weapon for Chicago, but RB isn’t their most critical need.
11. San Francisco 49ers – DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan
Truthfully, this is a prime trade spot, and the 49ers are actively exploring that option. Only Denver has shown interest in moving up though, and that would be for Ashton Jeanty, who’s off the board. That makes sticking to my no-trade rule a little easier. If they have to make a pick, the Niners might like Grant as a replacement for the DTs they’ve lost as cap casualties. He fell a bit in recent weeks but has surged back into the top 15. Some like his upside more than that of his college teammate (Mason Graham). Grant profiles as an instant rock in run defense with the potential to grow as an interior rusher.
12. Dallas Cowboys – WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
The Cowboys haven’t been the subject of much talk, which probably drives owner Jerry Jones crazy. A splashy playmaker could change that, and Dallas certainly needs one with nothing but CeeDee Lamb in the WR room. McMillan has taken a lot of heat over his long speed and even about his work ethic. I’m not buying into the latter, and the former may not matter. He can carve out a career like Mike Evans, where his long strides help on deep routes and his big body works for everything else. McMillian will also take advantage of the one-on-one matchups that Lamb provides, so he can have an impact early on.
13. Miami Dolphins – S Malaki Starks, Georgia
On my board, Nick Emmanwori is the top safety prospect, but he’s more of a strong safety. Miami, who lost Jevon Holland in free agency, needs more of a free safety, which aligns with Starks. The Georgia star isn’t great in run support, but he’s stellar in pass coverage. When you envision a safety that roams the middle of the field and makes plays, that’s who Starks is. The Dolphins haven’t gone without that type of player in a while, with Holland and Minkah Fitzpatrick preceding him. His football character and IQ are also off the charts, thus fitting what DC Anthony Weaver is trying to do.
14. Indianapolis Colts – TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
Consider this the absolute floor for Warren. Reports suggest that teams as high up in the draft as the Jets at 7 have interest in him. Indianapolis needs a tight end the most though, and they could trade up for Warren if it turns out to be necessary. The clear top TE in the class for me, Warren is an athletic freak (like many Penn State players) who had an outstanding season last year despite catching passes from Drew Allar. His blocking is better than what you get from most rookie TEs, and there’s no doubt about his receiving ability. With Drew Ogletree penciled in as the Colts’ starting TE, this pick makes a ton of sense.
15. Atlanta Falcons – DE Mykel Williams, Georgia
I’ve given up on trying to gauge the Falcons’ draft plans after the past few years. This has to be the year they finally draft an edge rusher though…right? I’m keeping this simple and going with the in-state prospect. Williams has loads of talent but moderate production in 3 years at Georgia. His 5 sacks last year were a personal best, but that looks better when you consider that he hurt his ankle in the season opener and never was 100%. Now that he’s healthy, Williams could be on the verge of a breakout. The Falcons need a star pass rusher, and someone with traits like this is the type of player who becomes that guy.
16. Arizona Cardinals – CB Jahdae Barron, Texas
It’s no secret that Arizona needs major upgrades at CB. They can only fill one corner spot at a time though, so let’s start with Barron. Some analysts say he can only play in the slot, while others think he’s versatile and can line up at any CB position. Arizona would be thrilled with any of those outcomes. Barron’s ball skills are very good, and his coverage became stickier as the 2024 season went on. He’s also not afraid to get dirty in the run game. That mentality reminds me a lot of current Cardinals S Budda Baker, and pairing those two might be very enticing for GM Monti Ossenfort.
17. Cincinnati Bengals – DE Mike Green, Marshall
Some believe that the Bengals will take a safety here. That’s completely valid, but so would any position on this putrid defense. I believe that the front office values edge rushers more though, and it could be an even bigger need. Trey Hendrickson may be traded, so he’d require a premium replacement. Even if he stays, Sam Hubbard retired, making another edge rusher a necessity regardless. Green led the FBS in sacks last year and owns plenty of upside, but his NFL team will have to come to terms with his sexual assault allegations (he denies them all). Cincinnati strikes me as a team that would do so.
18. Seattle Seahawks – OL Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
Zabel and the Seahawks are a match that is gaining plenty of steam. Seattle needs help all over the offensive line. Too bad Zabel isn’t multiple people, because he really has played all over the line. All 5 spots in fact! With his shorter arms, he’ll probably fill one of the interior positions in the NFL. It’s not like GM John Schneider to take a guard or center in round one, but his line play has never been this dire, and I hear the team is high on Zabel. Don’t worry about the fact that he came from an FCS school; facing FBS players at the Senior Bowl, he more than held his own. In fact, he dominated the competition.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
All along, we’ve known about Tampa’s interest in Campbell. Until now, I didn’t have him making it to the 19th pick. However, his status as an inside linebacker, a less premium position, could cause some other prospects to pass him on teams’ boards. Additionally, some injuries from his time at Alabama might scare some teams away. They shouldn’t. This is a complete ILB with elite instincts and closing speed who also happens to be a competent pass rusher as a blitzer. When the Bucs took Devin White 5th overall several years ago, this is who they thought they were getting. The time to rectify that mistake is now.
20. Denver Broncos – WR Matthew Golden, Texas
It’s a fact that Denver wants to move up for a running back, but I don’t believe that they would really do it for anyone but Ashton Jeanty. Omarion Hampton is the consensus pick for the Broncos if they stay at #20, but I think the round-2 backs would be just as good. Thus, I’m sticking with my previous pick to fill their other need: a running mate for WR Courtland Sutton. While Sutton has a large frame to box out opponents, Golden complements him with blazing speed. His production picked up in the CFP, and it sent his stock soaring. To some, Golden is the WR1 of this class, and Denver would be thrilled to land him.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon
What an interesting scenario this would be for the Steelers. The team apparently hadn’t considered the idea of QB Shedeur Sanders being available at their pick, but he is in this mock. It would be very tempting to take him, but I’m not convinced that they’ll do it. Pittsburgh is in the market for a DT to play alongside Cam Heyward (and maybe even replace him once he retires). His 55 pressures led the FBS among DTs, and he also plays the run well. A recent report has cited a shoulder issue that could drop Harmon to the back half of the round despite missing no time in college, but this is where I had him ranked anyway.
22. Los Angeles Chargers – TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
Last year, all the noise about coach Jim Harbaugh and OT Joe Alt turned out to be true. I don’t see why the same can’t be said for Harbaugh and Loveland, his Michigan pupil. There’s a chance Loveland could come off the board earlier, particularly if Tyler Warren goes higher than I have him listed. In this universe though, he’s there to provide a big pass catcher for Justin Herbert. Aside from Ladd McConkey, the Chargers don’t have many viable receiving options. Loveland is essentially an oversized WR, and Harbaugh will know how to use him immediately given their history together.
23. Green Bay Packers – CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
RB Josh Jacobs asked for a #1 WR. The man has only been a Packer for a year, so he clearly doesn’t know how things work there. This team NEVER drafts receivers in the first round, even what it’s a need. Their other need is at CB, so that’s where we’re headed. Jaire Alexander may be on his way out, and Eric Stokes is already gone. If you want elite speed, look no further. Hairston was the fastest man at the Combine, but he’s more than that. His coverage skills are nicely developed, and he’s a terror as a blitzer. Regardless, if he makes a mistake, he has the feet to recover, which should make his learning curve smoother.
24. Minnesota Vikings – S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
For the record, I don’t endorse the idea of the Vikings making a pick here. They have just 4 selections in this year’s draft after two round-1 trade-ups in 2024. Since my rules say they have to stick and pick, at least they’re getting an excellent prospect. Minnesota lost S Cam Bynum in free agency, and Emmanwori is my top player at the position. He’s big, fast, and productive, which is not a combination you see all too often, especially this late in the round. Emmanwori would be a great talent for DC Brian Flores to groom, and I also love that he’d be learning from a veteran like Harrison Smith.
25. Houston Texans – OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
Tyler Booker was a real consideration here, but I hesitate to give Houston a guard when one of the last real LT prospects falls to you. Simmons shouldn’t be available in this spot, but a torn patellar tendon suffered last year has understandably given teams pause. Players with the size, length, and athleticism to play on the blindside are rare though, and Houston needs a tackle after basically swapping Laremy Tunsil for Cam Robinson and not adding any other linemen of note. Simmons didn’t quite overlap with QB CJ Stroud at Ohio State, but I imagine Stroud would love to welcome him nonetheless.
26. Los Angeles Rams – CB Trey Amos, Mississippi
There are some really weird picks going around for the Rams. I’ve seen a running back despite the presence of Kyren Williams. I saw a few people give them a QB, which would be crazy for an all-in team. The one spot we know LA needs help at is the secondary. Thus, I feel like this pick is a CB, but which one? Though this could theoretically be Shavon Revel Jr, the fact that he’s coming off an ACL tear leads me to Amos, who has great tape and ran much faster than expected at the Combine. With the speed concerns alleviated, he could easily find himself drafted in the opening frame.
27. Baltimore Ravens – DE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
Stewart could be taken as high as #9 and as low as #32. I’m erring on the side of caution because his lack of college production could cause a significant slide. Baltimore has taken this exact type of player before in Odafe Oweh: a player with ample traits who hadn’t put everything together prior to being drafted. That pick has worked out decently but not great, which is why they need an edge rusher now. Among all the defensive ends in this class, Stewart is the best against the run, so his floor should be good. His athleticism says he should be a great rusher, but we’ll have to see if his pro team can extract that talent.
28. Detroit Lions – G Tyler Booker, Alabama
Detroit needs defense above all, but as we learned with the Penei Sewell pick in 2021, the Lions always opt for the best player available. Combine that with the gaping hole at RG left by the departure of Kevin Zeitler, and the value here on Booker may be too good to pass up. His athletic testing at the Combine was rather poor, but he’s a guard, not a receiver. Everything else about Booker is great: his tape, his play style, and his character. He might be the most natural leader in this class. Coach Dan Campbell’s “grit” and Booker’s tenacity should mesh right away on a contending team.
29. Washington Commanders – EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
This is another top trade spot for a team looking to jump back into the first round for a QB. Assuming they stay at 29, Washington needs an edge rusher. Two first-round talents are available, but I suspect they may go for the proven production of Ezeiruaku over the raw talent of James Pearce Jr. Ezeiruaku needs to build strength for playing the run, but he’s quick off the edge and led the Power 4 in sacks. For a team that suddenly shifted from rebuilding to contending, a player with a massive learning curve wouldn’t be ideal. HC Dan Quinn can make good use of Ezeiruaku from the jump.
30. Buffalo Bills – DT Walter Nolen, Mississippi
I know that the Bills need secondary help, but the value isn’t great at this juncture. Their other primary need is a big DT that can slot next to the smaller Ed Oliver. Enter Nolen, who might have the most talent of any DT in this class. On tape, you’ll notice some inconsistency with him, but the raw ability is evident. He’s big and fast, and his production is actually pretty good; he had 6.5 sacks last year without another star creating opportunities for him. Proponents of Nolen have to look past some bad play during his time at Texas A&M, but if you believe that he turned a corner at Ole Miss, then he can be a star.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – OT Josh Conerly Jr, Oregon
Conerly is probably the last player on the board with true left tackle upside. KC signed Jaylon Moore to play there, but can a consistent contender rely on someone without even 1 full season of starting experience? Like Kingsley Suamataia was last year, Conerly is a bit of a projection. His run blocking is poor due to a lack of playing strength, but his pass protection technique is advanced. With the proper coaching, Conerly could develop into a reliable left tackle, but there’s some risk involved. This selection would be Kansas City swinging for the fences to keep their Super Bowl window open.
32. Philadelphia Eagles – DE James Pearce Jr, Tennessee
A high-end talent with good traits but character questions…does that remind you of Jalen Carter? The former Bulldog had a similar profile before the Eagles selected him, and he has become a dominant DT. Pearce could be the next success story. He has the exact profile Philly likes: long with plenty of bend and fast. Josh Sweat left in free agency, so a new edge rusher is necessary. Pearce could join a talented defensive line rotation while he learns and gains strength to play the run better. Within a year or so, he could become one of the best edge rushers in this class. The rich just get richer.