NFL Draft
4/18/25
20 min read
2025 NFL Mock Draft: Picks, Predictions For First 3 Rounds
The 2025 NFL Draft is next week, so I figured I'd try my hand at one final mock draft.
The first few picks seem to be chalk at this point in the cycle, but after that, anything can happen. Here's a look at how I think the first round will play out next Thursday.
2025 NFL Mock Draft
1. TENNESSEE TITANS
Selection: QB Cam Ward, Miami
If it wasn’t a lock already, Cam Ward confirmed that Tennessee was selecting him on his Twitch stream, in which he called Brian Callahan the best coach in the NFL and listed Treylon Burks in his top four receivers.
Ward has the best physical tools and playmaking instincts of any quarterback in this class, but his anticipation from within the pocket is underrated. If he can cut down on the turnovers and improve his deep accuracy, Ward could be a game-changing franchise quarterback.
2. CLEVELAND BROWNS
Selection: CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
Travis Hunter is comfortably the best cornerback and wide receiver in this class, and he fills two holes on Cleveland’s roster. If the Browns let him play both sides of the ball, Hunter will be their most explosive offensive weapon and a turnover machine opposite of Denzel Ward.
His versatility also raises his floor significantly, since he has a fallback option if he fails at one position.
3. NEW YORK GIANTS
Selection: EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State
Joe Schoen would love to draft a franchise quarterback here, but with none available, he takes the best player on the board. Abdul Carter is a premier athlete with rare explosiveness, quickness, and bend, but his technical polish after just one season as a full-time edge rusher is even more impressive.
Even though it doesn’t fill the most pressing need, it’s hard to justify passing on a player of this caliber.
4. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Selection: OL Will Campbell, LSU
Taking Will Campbell over Armand Membou would be a massive mistake in my opinion, but all signs point to New England going with Campbell.
The Patriots are desperate for a starting-caliber left tackle, but Campbell’s lack of length and recovery athleticism were exposed against SEC competition. His power, tenacity, and grip strength would make for a seamless move inside.
5. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Selection: DL Mason Graham, Michigan
Jacksonville’s roster has very few gaping holes after free agency, but it lacks proven contributors along the defensive line.
Graham’s short arms will move him down some teams’ boards, but his ability to generate quick wins will bolster Jacksonville’s pass rush. He has rare technical prowess for a player of his age and will be an immediate contributor in both phases.
6. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
Selection: HB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
The Raiders select Ashton Jeanty, one of the safest players in the draft. Pete Carroll wants to win now, and no one on the board will have a greater immediate effect than Jeanty.
Aside from occasional fumbles, it’s hard to poke too many holes in Jeanty’s game. He has elite vision and contact balance and proved his ability as a third down back in 2023, leading all FBS backs in receiving yards.
7. NEW YORK JETS
Selection: OT Armand Membou, Missouri
For the second year in a row, the Jets draft an offensive tackle in the first round, solidifying their offensive line for the next decade.
Membou is the best offensive lineman in this class, producing shutdown tape against the SEC’s best pass rushers and testing like an elite athlete at the combine. Membou looks like a guard, but checks every non-aesthetic box to play tackle in the NFL.
8. CAROLINA PANTHERS
Selection: EDGE Jalon Walker, Georgia
The Panthers take Jalon Walker, who split time between edge and off-ball linebacker in Georgia’s defense but projects as a stand-up edge in the NFL.
Walker lacks prototypical size, but his explosiveness allows him to convert speed to power and generate displacement as a pass rusher. His pursuit speed is unmatched, and his leadership will be valuable on a rebuilding unit.
9. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Selection: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
New Orleans’ roster is bereft of young building blocks, having struck out on many of their recent draft picks. Taking Tyler Warren, one of the safest players in the class, is a great way to end their cold streak.
Warren is dominant at the catch point and has enticing upside as an inline blocker.
10. CHICAGO BEARS
Selection: EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia
After rebuilding their interior offensive line through trades and free agency, Chicago turned its attention to the defense and selects Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams.
Williams has a long, athletic frame and is already an elite run defender. While his pass rush is still in development, he’s a bit underrated in that phase and played through most of 2024 on a sprained ankle.
11. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Selection: EDGE Mike Green, Marshall
The 49ers select Mike Green, the second-best pass rusher in this class, behind Abdul Carter. Green led the FBS with 17 sacks in 2024 and has the physical traits to maintain his production against better competition.
He’s explosive, flexible, and violent into contact, but is also a talented hand fighter with a varied pass rushing arsenal.
12. DALLAS COWBOYS
Selection: WR Matthew Golden, Texas
Dallas’ offense became too one-dimensional last season, as CeeDee Lamb was their only dynamic weapon worth featuring. Matthew Golden is a talented second wide receiver who will give Dak Prescott an easy outlet when defenses roll the coverage in Lamb’s direction.
His 40-yard dash doesn’t translate to elite on-field speed, but he’s a crisp and efficient route runner who can separate from man coverage.
13. MIAMI DOLPHINS
Selection: CB Will Johnson, Michigan
Miami’s defensive backfield was already thin, but after moving on from Jalen Ramsey, they have no choice but to address cornerback early.
Will Johnson is a gambler with some volatile coverage tape, but he generates turnovers and is very instinctive in zone coverage. Johnson has All-Pro potential if he can learn to take smart, calculated risks instead of recklessly hunting big plays.
14. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Selection: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
The Colts take the second tight end off the board, but they aren’t settling or reaching here. Colston Loveland would be TE1 in most draft classes, and there are certain aspects of his game that are superior to Tyler Warren's.
Loveland is a three-level separator with seam-stretching speed and rare fluidity as an intermediate route runner. He has more advanced footwork and technical nuance than some receivers in this class. With Loveland, Downs, Pierce, Pittman, and Mitchell, Indianapolis would have an extremely versatile group of pass catchers that can threaten every level of the field.
15. ATLANTA FALCONS
Selection: EDGE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
The Falcons take a gamble on Shemar Stewart, who is arguably the most athletic edge prospect since Myles Garrett. Stewart is powerful, explosive, and flexible, but isn’t a skilled or instinctive pass rusher yet.
His production was deflated by his run-first role within Texas A&M’s scheme, but when he did get 1-on-1 opportunities to rush the passer, he showed that he’s a long way from being able to compete with NFL tackles.
16. ARIZONA CARDINALS
Selection: DL Derrick Harmon, Oregon
The Cardinals fortify their interior with Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon. Harmon is a big, long, and explosive three-technique that will have a positive impact on both phases.
He holds his ground in the run game and has violent hands to discard single blocks. He has an effective bull rush and good quickness to attack the edge of the block as a speed rusher. He is disruptive but is an inconsistent finisher who lacks the flexibility to break down and secure tackles in the backfield.
17. CINCINNATI BENGALS
Selection: DL Kenneth Grant, Michigan
Last year, the Bengals couldn’t stop the run and couldn’t generate an interior pass rush, so investing in a defensive tackle is critical. Kenneth Grant has a rare blend of size and athleticism and has the potential to be a dominant force in both phases.
His bull rush is overwhelming when he plays with low pads, and he has the lateral quickness to cross his opponent’s face with a club or swipe. He still needs to improve his footwork when taking on double teams, and it was surprisingly easy to move out of the A-gap.
18. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Selection: G Tyler Booker, Alabama
Seattle’s interior pass protection is a massive problem, and Tyler Booker is a massive solution. Booker is the most physically dominant blocker in this class, and most reps end with his opponent on the ground.
At 348 pounds (playing weight), Booker has almost 35-inch arms, and his anchor is essentially bulletproof. He strikes with heavy hands as a pass blocker and erases the defender’s upfield momentum on contact.
19. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Selection: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
Jihaad Campbell is one of the 10 best players in this class, but injury concerns cause him to fall to 19. He’s a premier athlete with pass-rushing versatility and impressive coverage instincts for his age.
If he continues to develop his processing skills in the run game, Campbell has All-Pro upside.
20. DENVER BRONCOS
Selection: HB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Denver selects Omarion Hampton, a sturdy downhill runner with excellent contact balance. Hampton has reliable hands and is a brick wall in pass protection.
His vision and creativity are average, but he does a good job getting north and south and churning out tough yards.
21. PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Selection: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
The Steelers are taking a swing at a potential franchise quarterback with Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders.
Sanders is tough, smart, and accurate and has a chance of developing into a quality starter. However, I’m not sure he has the arm talent or athletic traits to be much more than that, and his pocket presence is extremely concerning.
22. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Selection: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
The Chargers give Justin Herbert another weapon and select Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. McMillan lacks ideal speed and struggles with physical press coverage, but he has some of the best ball skills I’ve seen for a college receiver.
In 2024, he became a much more detailed route runner and was more productive after the catch.
23. GREEN BAY PACKERS
Selection: EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
Rashan Gary’s regression and Lukas Van Ness’ lack of development have left the Packers in need of pass-rushing help. Donovan Ezeiruaku was the most productive edge defender in college football last year, leading the Power-4 in sacks (16.5) and run stops (30).
He has long arms, elite bend, and precise hand usage to win the corner as a speed rusher, but his lack of power could limit his upside.
24. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Selection: CB Jahdae Barron, Texas
Jahdae Barron is a versatile defensive back with experience at safety, nickel, and outside corner. He recorded nine pass breakups and five interceptions last year and has incredible composure and precision at the catch point to separate the ball from the receiver without drawing a penalty.
His timed speed doesn’t quite show up on tape and I question his ability to play press-man on the outside, but Brian Flores will be able to use his talent somewhere in the defensive backfield.
25. HOUSTON TEXANS
Selection: OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
After trading Laremy Tunsil to Washington, the Houston Texans need a new franchise left tackle. Josh Simmons was playing like the best offensive lineman in this class before he tore his patellar tendon in Week 7.
Simmons has prototypical measurables and athletic traits for an NFL tackle. He’s a smooth mover with the range to mirror pass rushers on an island, and his anchor significantly improved from last season.
26. LOS ANGELES RAMS
Selection: CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
Maxwell Hairston has some rough moments on tape, but the Rams are in need of an outside corner, and you can’t teach Hairston’s speed and ball skills. He’s at his best reading the quarterback from off coverage, where his plant-and-drive explosiveness allows him to spring into underneath passing lanes.
He has elite recovery speed, but needs to become more disciplined earlier in the route to keep himself out of compromising situations.
27. BALTIMORE RAVENS
Selection: G Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
A college left tackle, Grey Zabel, is being projected by most to move to center, but in this scenario, Baltimore selects him as a Daniel Faalele replacement.
Zabel dominated FCS competition and is a mauling run blocker with scheme versatility. He wasn’t challenged by the pass rushers he faced, but his Senior Bowl performance erased any concerns over his competition level.
28. DETROIT LIONS
Selection: EDGE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
Detroit needs a capable edge rusher to play opposite Aidan Hutchinson, and James Pearce Jr. is the best one available. Football character concerns might cause him to fall to the second round, but Detroit has a strong enough culture to take a gamble on Pearce Jr.’s talent.
He’s an elite linear athlete with two years of high-level production in the SEC, and he improved significantly as a run defender in 2024.
29. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
Selection: SAF Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
Nick Emmanwori was built in a lab to play safety for Dan Quinn. He’s a Swiss army knife who can plug into any spot on the back-seven and is essentially immune to mismatches.
He can defend the sidelines as a deep safety, play press-man on tight ends, drive on in-breaking routes as a robber, and shed blocks and fit the run like a linebacker.
30. BUFFALO BILLS
Selection: CB Shavon Revel, East Carolina
Buffalo missed on Kaiir Elam and needs another outside corner to pair with Christian Benford. Shavon Revel has a dream blend of size, length, and speed to play press-man in the NFL.
He’s a roadblock in press coverage, smothering releases at the line of scrimmage with his two-handed punch. He has good speed to keep pace with vertical routes, and impressive focus locating and playing the ball down the sideline.
31. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Selection: OL Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
Kansas City takes Kelvin Banks, who would be an upgrade at left tackle or left guard. Banks has three years and more than 2,700 snaps of experience at left tackle, but guard could end up being his best position in the NFL.
He needs to improve his balance in the run game, but he’s a good athlete with precise hands, who will give Patrick Mahomes more time to operate.
32. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Selection: DL Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
Howie Roseman built a historically good roster by drafting talented players who fell due to off-field concerns, and he gets another steal with Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen.
Nolen is one of the 15 most talented players in this class and would be an ideal replacement for Milton Williams. He’s an athletic and disruptive wrecking ball who lives in the opponent’s backfield.
Round 2
33. Cleveland Browns: QB Jalen Milroe - Alabama
34. New York Giants: QB Jaxson Dart – Ole Miss
35. Tennessee Titans: WR Emeka Egbuka – Ohio State
36. Jacksonville Jaguars: TE Mason Taylor - LSU
37. Las Vegas Raiders: CB Trey Amos – Ole Miss
38. New England Patriots: WR Luther Burden III - Missouri
39. Chicago Bears: SAF Malaki Starks - Georgia
40. New Orleans Saints: EDGE Landon Jackson – Arkansas
41. Chicago Bears: HB TreVeyon Henderson – Ohio State
42. New York Jets: QB Tyler Shough - Louisville
43. San Francisco 49ers: DL Tyleik Williams – Ohio State
44. Dallas Cowboys: G Donovan Jackson – Ohio State
45. Indianapolis Colts: LB Carson Schwesinger - UCLA
46. Atlanta Falcons: WR Jaylin Noel – Iowa State
47. Arizona Cardinals: CB Azareye’h Thomas – Florida State
48. Miami Dolphins: OT Josh Conerly Jr. - Oregon
49. Cincinnati Bengals: G Jonah Savaiinaea - Arizona
50. Seattle Seahawks: WR Jayden Higgins – Iowa State
51. Denver Broncos: TE Elijah Arroyo - Miami
52. Seattle Seahawks: EDGE Jordan Burch – Oregon
53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: EDGE Oluwafemi Oladejo - UCLA
54. Green Bay Packers: WR Jalen Royals – Utah State
55. Los Angeles Chargers: DL Darius Alexander - Toledo
56. Buffalo Bills: EDGE Nic Scourton – Texas A&M
57. Carolina Panthers: WR Kyle Williams – Washington State
58. Houston Texans: G Tate Ratledge - Georgia
59. Baltimore Ravens: EDGE JT Tuimoloau – Ohio State
60. Detroit Lions: OT Aireontae Ersery - Minnesota
61. Washington Commanders: EDGE Bradyn Swinson - LSU
62. Buffalo Bills: DL Joshua Farmer – Florida State
63. Kansas City Chiefs: DL TJ Sanders – South Carolina
64. Philadelphia Eagles: WR Jack Bech - TCU
Round 3
65. New York Giants: DL Alfred Collins - Texas
66. Kansas City Chiefs: CB Nohl Williams - California
67. Cleveland Browns: HB Quinshon Judkins – Ohio State
68. Las Vegas Raiders: WR Tre Harris – Ole Miss
69. New England Patriots: C Jared Wilson - Georgia
70. Jacksonville Jaguars: SAF Xavier Watts – Notre Dame
71. New Orleans Saints: CB Benjamin Morrison – Notre Dame
72. Chicago Bears: DL Shemar Turner – Texas A&M
73. New York Jets: DL Ty Robinson - Nebraska
74. Carolina Panthers: SAF Kevin Winston Jr. – Penn State
75. San Francisco 49ers: OT Ozzy Trapilo – Boston College
76. Dallas Cowboys: HB Kaleb Johnson - Iowa
77. New England Patriots: EDGE Ashton Gillotte - Louisville
78. Arizona Cardinals: OL Anthony Belton – NC State
79. Houston Texans: DL Vernon Broughton - Texas
80. Indianapolis Colts: OL Marcus Mbow - Purdue
81. Cleveland Browns: LB Smael Mondon Jr. - Georgia
82. Seattle Seahawks: CB Jacob Parrish – Kansas State
83. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Darien Porter – Iowa State
84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Quincy Riley - Louisville
85. Denver Broncos: EDGE Princely Umanmielen – Ole Miss
86. Los Angeles Chargers: TE Terrance Ferguson - Oregon
87. Green Bay Packers: CB Dorian Strong – Virginia Tech
88. Jacksonville Jaguars: HB Dylan Sampson - Tennessee
89. Houston Texans: WR Savion Williams - TCU
90. Los Angeles Rams: WR Elic Ayomanor - Stanford
91. Baltimore Ravens: SAF Jonas Sanker - Virginia
92. Seattle Seahawks: G Miles Frazier - LSU
93. New Orleans Saints: OT Charles Grant – William & Mary
94. Cleveland Browns: WR Tory Horton – Colorado State
95. Kansas City Chiefs: EDGE Sai’vion Jones - LSU
96. Philadelphia Eagles: G Wyatt Milum – West Virginia
97. Minnesota Vikings: DL Jamaree Caldwell - Oregon
98. Miami Dolphins: DL Omarr Norman-Lott - Tennessee
99. New York Giants: HB Damien Martinez - Miami
100. San Francisco 49ers: OL Chase Lundt - Connecticut
101. Los Angeles Rams: OT Logan Brown - Kansas
102. Detroit Lions: LB Danny Stutsman - Oklahoma
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