NFL Analysis

10/14/24

17 min read

2025 NFL Mock Draft: Latest First-Round Predictions Entering Week 7

Oct 5, 2024; Berkeley, California, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) rushes for a touchdown /across the/ during the fourth quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Don't look now, but we're one-third of the way through the 2024 NFL regular season. Bye weeks impact your fantasy lineup once again, and stress-free weekends meet a handful of fanbases each Sunday as a result.

However, as we near the season's mid-point, we also gain resolution on which teams are for real and which teams are teetering on the brink of having to tear things down and start again. Which teams are heading in what direction? And who might be the right prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft to kickstart your optimism for the future?

We take an updated look at the 2025 NFL Draft order and the top prospects eligible for next April.

>> READ MORE: Latest Top 100 Big Board Rankings

2025 NFL Mock Draft

1. New England Patriots 

Selection: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, COLORADO

Travis Hunter is the perfect answer for what New England should do at the top of the draft.

The New England Patriots have been actively trying to secure a breakthrough in the wide receiver market this past year, but it's lacking. They still need the allure to get veterans interested in coming to town. On defense, the team has seen its pool of impact players steadily dwindle throughout the past few seasons. No matter where he plays, Travis Hunter would provide a long-term solution to either (or both) issues.


2. Cleveland Browns 

Selection: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, ARIZONA

The Cleveland Browns offense has issues, many of which can be attributed to injuries along the offensive line.

Other shortcomings fall squarely at the feet of QB Deshaun Watson, who continues to struggle with the Browns. However, this team's options are limited if they were to try to offload Watson's contract. The team has shown restraint in transitioning away from him as the starter despite the addition of QB Jameis Winston this offseason as another viable starter.

So, I'm not sure that a new quarterback is the play for the Browns. Instead, getting a dominant young wide receiver who can offer a wider margin of error with decision-making and ball placement at quarterback could be the ticket to getting the Browns more competitive on offense.


3. Jacksonville Jaguars

Selection: Will Johnson, CB, MICHIGAN

Things are getting ugly in Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Jaguars got smoked overseas by the Bears in Week 6, dropping them to 1-5 and seemingly dead in the water.

However, a pivotal moment in the game on Sunday highlighted Jacksonville's desperate need. Veteran CB Ronald Darby committed multiple defensive holding penalties on a long Bears touchdown drive, killing any hopes of a Jaguars comeback.

Will Johnson has the prototypical size and instincts to fit in any scheme and would pair with Tyson Campbell to give the Jaguars two super-physical corners to play on the outside.


4. Carolina Panthers 

Selection: Cameron Ward, QB, MIAMI

Carolina's Bryce Young investment appears to be a lost cause. The Carolina Panthers have reason to make the world believe that Young's time as the future isn't over — especially if they end up coming on the clock without the No. 1 overall pick and, indeed, want a new franchise quarterback.

Carolina picking at No. 4 and ending up with their choice of quarterbacks would be a dream come true, and no quarterback is playing better this season than Miami's Cam Ward.


Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter
Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter (11) pressures UCLA Bruins quarterback Jaylin Davies (6) during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium. Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images.

5. Los Angeles Rams

Selection: Abdul Carter, EDGE, PENN STATE

The Los Angeles Rams' defensive front investments from the 2024 NFL Draft look like big hits. Jared Verse and Braden Fiske have had moments of disruptiveness in the first month or so of the season.

Still, this defense's youth leaves ample room for more cornerstone talent to be added to the mix, and a weapon like Abdul Carter would be an excellent addition to give the Rams another piece to rebuild this defense in the post-Aaron Donald era.


6. Tennessee Titans 

Selection: Luther Burden III, WR, MISSOURI

The Tennessee Titans have made significant investments along the offensive line in recent years, and the foundation of that unit is sturdy. That, along with a modest top of the offensive tackle class for 2025, leaves Tennessee looking in a different direction with their top draft choice.

Coach Brian Callahan's offense comes from Cincinnati, where wide receivers make the world go round — and Tennessee has DeAndre Hopkins and Tyler Boyd set to hit free agency next spring. Luther Burden would provide explosiveness opposite Calvin Ridley.


7. Cincinnati Bengals

Selection: Mason Graham, IDL, MICHIGAN

The Cincinnati Bengals surrendered at least 149 yards rushing in four of their first five games despite QB Joe Burrow playing some of the best early-season ball of his career.

That's a troubling development for Cincinnati, which will have to go back to the drawing board defensively with its personnel up front. Mason Graham can do it all on the defensive line and feels like a great foundational piece to help revitalize this side of the football.


8. Las Vegas Raiders

Selection: Shedeur Sanders, QB, COLORADO

Las Vegas is amid a delicate dance with WR Davante Adams. It was reported this weekend that Aidan O'Connell may be the key to Adams staying in Las Vegas — but is that a long-term productive enough answer for this team? Probably not.

So, whether Adams is or isn't a part of the future, the Las Vegas Raiders should target a quarterback to offer an improved ceiling in the AFC West. Sanders has shown growth this season with his decision-making and is accustomed to playing quarterback for a team that has had its fair share of struggles running the football.


9. Arizona Cardinals

Selection: Nic Scourton, DL, TEXAS A&M

The Arizona Cardinals spent a first-round pick in 2024 on a powerful defensive lineman in Darius Robinson, but this team has plenty of room for more accomplished and impactful pass rushers. Young speed rusher BJ Ojulari is out for the year with an ACL injury.

How much can you bank on him in 2025? Dennis Gardeck is 30 and in a contract year. Scourton has power and a nice blend of pass-rush counters at his disposal — making him a great pairing with Robinson to add more versatility and disruption to the Cardinals' front.


Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs for gain during the first half against the Utah State Aggies at Albertsons Stadium. Brian Losness-Imagn Images.

10. New Orleans Saints

Selection: Ashton Jeanty, RB, BOISE STATE

The New Orleans Saints are sinking back to earth after a hot start, but this team has proven time and time again that it enters every season with competing in the now on its mind.

Amid their salary cap management, the Saints can save nearly $19 million in cap space if they move on from Alvin Kamara this offseason. That recipe feels excellent for New Orleans to be the team that lands superstar running back Ashton Jeanty.

>> READ MORE: Why Jeanty Should Go Top 10


11. New York Giants

Selection: Carson Beck, QB, GEORGIA

Whether or not a resurgence of the New York Giants offense happens under Brian Daboll, I'd love to see them fully embrace a new direction at quarterback.

Carson Beck has been maligned this season for his struggles without 2023's top pass catchers (Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey are sorely missed). But his production has steadily risen, and he has good traits in just about every phase of the position — from his arm to his athleticism and processing.


12. Miami Dolphins

Selection: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

Miami is on the cusp of a potential return for Tua Tagovailoa from his most recent concussion. He'll be eligible to return to the active roster after the team's Week 7 contest in Indianapolis. Yet, the long-term picture for the Miami Dolphins at quarterback remains muddy thanks to Tagovailoa's health concerns and a potential out the team built into his contract extension that would limit the financial guarantees if the two sides parted ways after the year.

Nussmeier did not play particularly well on Saturday night against Ole Miss, but he made the clutch plays when LSU needed them to help pull out the win. It was the second major comeback win for Nussmeier this season, and it spotlighted several traits as a passer that would fit well with the Dolphins' offensive system under Mike McDaniel.

>> READ MORE: All Aboard The Nuss Buss


13. New York Jets

Selection: Kenneth Grant, IDL, MICHIGAN

The New York Jets are experiencing an identity crisis. The team fired its head coach already and flopped to a 2-3 start in what is supposed to be a win-now window despite having Aaron Rodgers.

Do they get another year with Rodgers? Do they go with a quarterback here? That's a tough call, especially without clarity on their front office and coaching staff direction.

Instead, we'll give the Jets another piece to the foundation they've been built with — a dynamic and stout defensive lineman to help the defining unit of this football team fire on all cylinders.


14. Seattle Seahawks

Selection: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Seattle's offensive line performance looms as one of the major faults with a Seahawks team suddenly faltering. A 3-0 start has turned into a 3-3 record, and Geno Smith has been harassed constantly. The guard spots are the biggest concern, especially if center Connor Williams continues to find himself as he progresses in his return from an ACL tear last December.

Campbell may be a tackle for some, but he projects best inside at guard. There, his mass can help reset the line of scrimmage, but his lack of length will be less problematic than it would be on the edge.


Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Isaiah Bond (7) runs onto the field prior to the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl. Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images.

15. Denver Broncos

Selection: Isaiah Bond, WR, TEXAS

The Denver Broncos need some playmakers to help ignite the passing offense for their young quarterback. Their latest offensive showing was too little too late against the Chargers, and Nix had as close to zero production as you can.

Isaiah Bond would introduce a different skill set to the wide receiver room; he'd have the unique wiggle to complement the size of Courtland Sutton and automatically be the next best target in the room.


16. Dallas Cowboys

Selection: Emeka Egbuka, WR, OHIO STATE

The Dallas Cowboys offense has a balance problem. Yes, it is wise to feed CeeDee Lamb many targets. But the rest of this pass-catching group, even when Brandin Cooks is healthy, sure could use another difference-maker.

Egbuka has been on a tear for Ohio State this season; he's logged six touchdowns in his last four games and is back to looking like the dynamic version of himself that broke out with the Buckeyes as a sophomore in 2022. Adding another option to the passing game, especially someone who can play inside and out like Egbuka, can keep this passing attack running smoothly.


17. Philadelphia Eagles

Selection: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, TENNESSEE

The Philadelphia Eagles have sorely missed Haason Reddick, and adding Bryce Huff as a free agent has yet to offer the fruit that Howie Roseman and the company had hoped.

With Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat scheduled for voided contracts this offseason, Philadelphia needs Huff to come to life and that 2023 first-round pick Nolan Smith starts to stir, or else they'll be firmly in a position to draft an explosive, disruptive EDGE defender like Pearce Jr.


18. Chicago Bears 

Selection: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, TEXAS

The Chicago Bears are getting hot! And so, too, is No. 1 overall draft choice Caleb Williams — who passed for four touchdowns against Jacksonville on Sunday morning.

The offensive line performance has stabilized, too — but that doesn't mean there isn't room for growth and improvement. With LT Braxton Jones entering into a contract year in 2025, Chicago will have a decision to make. Do you pay him? Do you let him walk?

Banks Jr. feels like good value in this spot to help free up the Bears from having to commit a contract to their current starter.

>> READ MORE: Caleb Finally Looks Like a Star


19. Indianapolis Colts

Selection: Malaki Starks, SAF, GEORGIA

In this scenario, the Indianapolis Colts take advantage of positional value to add one of the elite players in the class. Julian Blackmon has an expiring contract, but Starks would immediately step into this group and be the most talented of the bunch.

With all of their young, toolsy cornerbacks, having a star safety could help the group get the most out of Indianapolis' secondary.


Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison
Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison (20) walks with his team during warm-ups before a NCAA college football game between Notre Dame and Northern Illinois at Notre Dame Stadium.

20. San Francisco 49ers

Selection: Benjamin Morrison, CB, NOTRE DAME

Amid the potential San Francisco 49ers cap crunch, it shouldn't be overlooked that Chavarius Ward has an expiring contract this offseason. If the 49ers want to proactively pay Brock Purdy and get him under contract before the quarterback market swells any further, they may have to let Ward walk.

If that is true, this would be a great value fit for the 49ers to grab a technician at cornerback to keep the floor and ceiling of San Francisco's defense up to its high standards.


21. Buffalo Bills

Selection: Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, LOUISVILLE

Gillotte is an accomplished college pass rusher with the same physicality and density that the Buffalo Bills have gravitated towards, with edge rushers like AJ Epenesa and Boogie Basham in the draft during the Brandon Beane era.

Gillotte is a refined rusher with his hands and can play at the point of attack despite a lack of prototypical length. He feels like a good brand and style fit for Buffalo's defense, and I would expect he finds an impact on passing downs sooner rather than later.


22. Los Angeles Chargers

Selection: Tyler Warren, TE, PENN STATE

If you missed out on Saturday afternoon, Tyler Warren had 17(!!!) receptions against the USC Trojans in Penn State's comeback victory. Warren is an impressive talent — he's got prototypical stature for the position, has great hands, and has an even greater catch radius.

And, as a fit for Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman, he can block. The Los Angeles Chargers paid Will Dissly to play in Los Angeles in free agency, but durability has been the question. The next three tight end depth chart names are also expiring contracts.


23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Selection: Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, MISSISSIPPI

The edge rusher group in Tampa Bay has a blend of expiring contracts (Anthony Nelson & Joe Tryon-Shoyinka) and unproven youth. Umanmielen has the same length and twitch that made YaYa Diaby a target for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Umanmielen looks to be turning the corner during his season at Ole Miss after starting his career at Florida. He missed the LSU game this past weekend but logged a sack in three of his previous four games.


24. Green Bay Packers

Selection: Denzel Burke, CB, OHIO STATE

Burke did not have a good game against the Oregon Ducks on Saturday night. Let's be abundantly clear, though — this is a good football player.

He plays a position that the Green Bay Packers boast a need for, and at this stage in the draft, Burke's year and a half of quality corner tape should trump a lousy night in Eugene.


25. Washington Commanders

Selection: Kevin Winston, SAF, PENN STATE

Winston is a big, do-it-all safety with the tools necessary to be an impact player for Dan Quinn's defense. The safety group in Washington has a few recent draft picks, including an intriguing player in Quan Martin.

Winston is a different animal, and the play of QB Jayden Daniels takes a ton of pressure off the potential team needs on the offensive side of the football.


Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) throws a pass against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Butch Dill-Imagn Images.

26. Pittsburgh Steelers

Selection: Jalen Milroe, QB, ALABAMA

Justin Fields has experienced some stability for the first time in his career, but is he even the Pittsburgh Steelers' long-term starter? Will Mike Tomlin eventually grant the job to Russell Wilson?

Both are in the final years of their respective contracts, and one or the other would have to change their current outlook significantly to garner long-term support. Instead of making a contractual commitment to either, the Steelers could pull the best parts of Fields' game but get a rookie contract at their disposal in the process by selecting Milroe.


27. Baltimore Ravens

Selection: Tre Harris, WR, MISSISSIPPI

Another wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens in the first round? Why not?

Tre Harris plays in a wide-open offense at Ole Miss, and the Ravens' group figures to offer him plenty of 1-on-1 and opportunities to win vertically downfield. Lamar Jackson should ensure you catch a lot of zones, and his escapability can let Harris, who has size, speed, and tracking ability, push targets down the field to help punish teams on the boundary.


28. Atlanta Falcons

Selection: Jack Sawyer, EDGE, OHIO STATE

The Atlanta Falcons' past investments on the edge targeted many high-ceiling players, but I'd consider Sawyer a different animal. This should be a high-floor player for the NFL game — he's got size, he's got heavy hands, and he's also made a major leap in his game this season with the Buckeyes.

Between him and Matthew Judon, plus 2024 3rd-round pick Bralen Trice, Atlanta should have confidence in its pass rushers as it looks to take command of the NFC South.


29. Detroit Lions

Selection: Jalon Walker, LB, GEORGIA

What a dominant showing by the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Dallas. Detroit ran the Cowboys out of their own building — but the Aidan Hutchinson injury looms large as a blow to the Lions and their outlook on rushing the passer.

Detroit figures to have Hutchinson back by 2025, but the rest of their pass rush group has some questions, and this season will afford them a chance to answer the call. If the group comes up short, a linebacker who can rush the passer and line up on the edge, like Jalon Walker, would be an excellent addition to add new layers to the rush.


30. Houston Texans

Selection: Walter Nolen, IDL, MISSISSIPPI

The Houston Texans defense is looking spooky. The pass rush for DeMeco Ryans' group can be overwhelming at times. However, getting a disruptive presence to play in the middle could take things to the next level, and Walter Nolen is starting to splash for the Rebels' defense.

His athleticism is evident, but playing on that Texans line should give him many 1-on-1 opportunities.


31. Kansas City Chiefs

Selection: Emery Jones Jr., OL, LSU

Will the Kansas City Chiefs pony up the big money needed to extend Trey Smith long-term? If not, Emery Jones Jr. could be a short-term replacement with a long-term upside at tackle.

Kansas City's investments in the offensive line are well documented — it is not shy about going above and beyond to secure quality talent here. Jones Jr. could be a "two birds with one stone" type of move.


32. Minnesota Vikings

Selection: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, EAST CAROLINA

I cannot quit this fit. Revel Jr. is down for the season with a torn ACL, but his fit from a length and coverage instincts perspective in a pressure-heavy system like the one Brian Flores implements is too good to pass up.

The Minnesota Vikings force you to process quickly after the snap but manage to attack your protection rules, creating urgency to get the ball out fast. Having a corner with the instinct to attack the ball is a perfect match.


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