Free agency is behind us, and the draft is upon us. A new class of select collegiate stars will take the stage Thursday night in the first round of the NFL draft, with 32 players expected to be selected. With that being said, here are my predictions for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward, QB, Miami
This year’s first overall pick lands in the lap of the Tennessee Titans — their third No. 1 selection in franchise history — and one they can’t afford to waste. With head coach Brian Callahan on the hot seat, the Titans have a prime opportunity to select their franchise quarterback in Cam Ward.
A prototypical gunslinger, Ward boasts a high athletic ceiling but lacks the decision-making intangibles needed to succeed in the NFL. For Ward to become even a solid starter, he must stray away from his hero-ball play style and focus on finishing the play rather than trying to extend it. Holding onto the ball for upwards of four seconds invites constant pressure — something the Titans can’t afford, especially considering the current state of their offensive line.
Still, if Ward can flip the switch and mature at the position, Tennessee may have found their guy.
Cleveland Browns – Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The undisputed most dominant pure pass rusher in this draft, Carter, is already an early candidate for the best overall player in the class. He anchored a top-five defense to a College Football Playoff semifinal, led the NCAA in tackles for loss, ranked second in total pressures, and capped the season off with a respectable 12 sacks.
Taking Carter with the No. 2 overall pick would propel this defense to new heights. Lining up alongside him would be six-time Pro Bowler Myles Garrett, arguably the best pass rusher in all of football. This offseason,
Garrett expressed his desire for team success and requested a trade. Just one month later, with no indication he wanted any kind of return to Cleveland, he signed a four-year, $160 million extension with the Browns.
The only explanation for the unexpected move? The Browns promised Garrett they would draft Carter — forming a two-headed monster and one of the most exciting pass-rushing units in NFL history.
New York Giants – Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
One of the most paradoxical figures in college football and among the most intriguing prospects in recent years. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly where he’ll land in the draft, but sources around the league say his stock is falling. Teams don’t see Hunter successfully transitioning on both sides of the ball, raising the question: Is he good enough in the secondary to be taken in the top three?
If New York picks up Hunter, it would bolster an already promising secondary and give the Giants another young cornerback to pair with Deonte Banks.
If they’re smart, they’ll still allow Hunter to contribute in red zone packages and continue developing as a receiver — resulting in a two-for-one pick with long-term upside.
New England Patriots – Will Campbell, OT, LSU
The Brady era in New England is long over, and the heir to his throne is in place. Protecting Drake Maye has to be the Patriots’ top priority this season, and that starts with taking a tackle.
The only knock on Campbell is his arm length. At around 33 inches — just one inch below the ideal — he may have to transition to a guard role or overcome the slight disadvantage at tackle. Still, given the opportunity, Campbell has the potential to develop into a cornerstone on the Patriots’ offensive line.
He already carries himself like a veteran, has the work ethic and football IQ to match, and excels in every other facet needed to be a powerful force in the NFL.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
With a steal like Brian Thomas Jr. in last year’s draft, it appears Jacksonville is shifting away from weapons for Trevor Lawrence and instead focusing on building a more robust defense. Mason Graham is a great place to start.
Arguably the most versatile defensive lineman in this year’s draft, Graham lined up at 3-technique and slid outside in even fronts. His first-step explosiveness, paired with fast hands, makes him a disruptive run-stopper — exactly what Jacksonville needs with the likes of Bijan Robinson and Bucky Irving in the division.
Graham gives the Jaguars a ready successor to Arik Armstead — a mentor pairing that eases the transition while boosting the interior pass rush from day one. It’s an even better fit when paired with Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen lining up on either side of him.
Even if Jacksonville opts for a receiver like Tetairoa McMillan at this spot, it will still be a home run pick. There’s not much the Jaguars can do to mess up this pick.
Las Vegas Raiders – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Geno Smith just signed a two-year, $75 million contract, and right now, he has nobody to throw to besides rookie standout Brock Bowers. Jakobi Meyers showed promise last season, bringing in 1,027 receiving yards on 87 receptions with the Raiders, but he certainly isn’t a No. 1 wide receiver going forward.
At 6-foot-5, 212 pounds, McMillan isn’t as explosive as you’d like, but his fluid route-running and ability to separate make him the top receiver in this class. He is a walking highlight reel and a deep threat to watch going forward.
Even with McMillan’s stock falling after the combine, he is still easily my No. 1 receiver in the draft. While Golden and Egbuka offer high ceilings, both lack the polish that McMillan already shows as a true No. 1 wide receiver.
New York Jets – Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Membou has flown up the big boards in recent weeks — and for good reason. Entering the draft, he stands at just 6-foot-3 and 314 pounds, measurably undersized by NFL tackle standards.
Despite the lack of ideal height, Membou’s body control in pass protection is exceptional. Still, his size could pose problems at the next level. He is at high risk of losing ground against the blitz and struggles to generate lower-body drive, limiting his leverage against power rushers.
The Jets hold yet another risky pick, but targeting an offensive tackle may be their best option — short of trading back and hoping to land an edge rusher later in the round.
Carolina Panthers – Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
It’s no secret that this linebacker class is stacked with explosive talent, and Jalon Walker earns the distinction of being the first one off the board.
Walker is the most versatile linebacker in the draft, and he proved it last season, lining up at outside linebacker, rushing off the edge, and plugging gaps across the front.
Even with the versatility Walker provides, he still falls into the same category as Isaiah Simmons — a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. NFL scouts are struggling to see how his skill set will translate to the pro level, especially when comparing his measurables to other top linebackers in the league.
New Orleans Saints – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
If Shedeur Sanders isn’t taken in the top three, it might be a long night for the young quarterback. I have Sanders ultimately landing in New Orleans, with a team that is desperate for something positive.
Last season, wide receiver Chris Olave suffered two concussions, ending his year early and raising questions about his long-term future with the Saints. That kind of instability at the position could significantly hinder Sanders’ performance and cost him a key year of development.
If the Saints draft Sanders, he’ll be entering a far less favorable situation than Cam Ward, which is a major reason I have him sliding in this mock. I don’t see Sanders leading a team full of No. 3 options to a winning record. Teams are understandably wary of the inherent risk of early failure that comes with placing a raw prospect in a tough environment.
However, this could be a different story if New Orleans uses a second- or third-round pick on a wide receiver. If a player like Jayden Higgins or Tre Harris is available in later rounds, that kind of addition could go a long way towards Sanders’ early development. go a long way towards Sanders’ early development.
Chicago Bears – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
My favorite player in the class — and one of the best players in college football last season — is Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty is the modern Barry Sanders when it comes to pure dominance on the ground. He was so prolific that he finished with nearly 1,000 more rushing yards than the next closest player, so dominant that he finished with nearly one thousand more yards than the runner-up.
The stigma around taking running backs in the first round is understandable, but Jeanty is a different story. He rushed for over 2,600 yards on 374 carries — just 28 yards short of surpassing Barry Sanders’ single-season record. If Boise State had left him in for one more play, there’s a good chance he would’ve taken the crown.
One concern, however, is how that workload translates to the NFL. Three hundred seventy-four carries is a massive number, and it’s unlikely Jeanty will approach that total again anytime soon.
Shifting focus to Chicago, Jeanty appears to be a perfect fit in new head coach Ben Johnson’s system. With last year’s No. 1 overall pick in quarterback Caleb Williams, the idea of pairing two potential franchise cornerstones on one offense is exciting.
Given how deep this running back class is, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Bears prioritize an offensive tackle early and look for a back in the second or third round.
San Francisco 49ers – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Johnson remains a bit of a mystery due to his limited tape, but the flashes we’ve seen hint at true blue-chip potential. He suffered a season-ending turf toe injury, which has caused his stock to fall, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Jahde Barron taken before him.
With Johnson’s build and stature, it’s impressive how fluidly he moves in man coverage. He’s not a burner — more of a Jamel Dean type — winning with his eye, not his wheels. He has elite pre-snap recognition and reads throws and routes like a book.
After Travis Hunter, the cornerback class is wide open with prospects like Johnson, Barron, and others neck and neck in talent.
Dallas Cowboys – Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
The running game has been something Dallas has failed to replicate since Ezekiel Elliott’s prime years in the late 2010s. This makes it tempting to mock a strong running back like Omarion Hampton to the Cowboys, but the team’s drop-off at receiver is more concerning.
After CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin fill out the depth chart as reliable WR3s — but Dallas lacks a clear WR2.
That’s where Golden enters the conversation, a rising prospect who could immediately fill that WR2 void. An excellent combine performance highlighted by a 4.29-second 40-yard dash has catapulted Golden into a WR2 role far ahead of his teammate at Texas, Isaiah Bond.
Few prospects can threaten a defense vertically the way Golden can. His lightning-quick releases create the kind of early separation that quarterbacks love — especially in contested areas. However, his lack of urgency in route execution can limit his timing with quarterbacks, raising concerns about how quickly he’ll acclimate to pro systems.
Miami Dolphins – Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Just last week, the Dolphins announced they would be moving on from Jalen Ramsey in the coming months. If the Dolphins stand by their word, the move would eliminate any sense of foundation in their defense, leaving a significant hole in the secondary.
Barron is a prospect that has slowly inched his way up draft boards as Texas continued its SEC reign and a name to watch closely on draft night. He is the most versatile defensive back in the class, lining up at both cornerback and safety during his senior season. He has strong instincts and awareness in zone assignments but lacks the speed needed for consistent man coverage.
Overall, Barron is someone who comes in, does his job, and provides reliable production — something every defense needs.
Indianapolis Colts – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The award for the worst tight end play in 2024 goes to Indianapolis, with their core consisting of Mo Alie-Cox and Kylen Granson, who combined for a measly 467 yards on 39 catches. If the Colts truly believe that Anthony Richardson is the future, then they need to start equipping him with some weapons.
Warren is a coach’s dream at tight end; he’s physical in all aspects of the game, stands at 6-foot-6, and is a selfless playmaker ready to do whatever it takes for the team to win. To me, Warren is a surefire star and a player who will excel in any playbook and environment.
His most notable game this year came against USC, where he hauled in 224 yards on 17 receptions in the overtime win. I would use this game as a ceiling for Warren, demonstrating his ability to dominate in critical moments. It provides a reference point for what he can be in the right system with the right support.
The only drawbacks for Warren are his stiffness when turning, and he’s limited after the catch due to poor acceleration. This didn’t seem to cause many issues during the season but could easily be exposed by the speed of NFL coverage.
Atlanta Falcons – James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Last season, the Falcons stunned the league by drafting Michael Penix Jr., despite signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal. Heading into this year’s draft, I believe Atlanta will make headlines again with another surprising selection.
The 21-year-old came into the year with high expectations, but lingering character concerns and inconsistency against the run have pushed him to the fringe of the first round, despite his elite upside.
Pearce Jr. has some of the fastest feet and hands in the entire class. Paired with a lethal arsenal of pass rush techniques, he’s one of my top edge rushers in this draft.
Arizona Cardinals – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
The Cardinals are still in the process of overhauling their offense after a boost to the defensive line in free agency. Last year, they selected wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., and the year before that was offensive tackle Parris Johnson Jr. It’s time for Arizona to invest even more in their offensive line to let Kyler Murray showcase his dual-threat capabilities.
Kelvin Banks Jr. comes in as my No. 3 offensive tackle, behind Membou and Campbell, but he’s neck and neck with the other two and could end up going before Membou. Ultimately, it’s about which player has the traits to dominate in year 5 — not just survive in year 1.
Banks Jr. is a win-now tackle who likely won’t see significant improvement after his rookie season. Similar to Campbell, he’s lacking in arm length and may have to move inside to guard to hold up against NFL-level pass rushers.
Cincinnati Bengals – Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
This offseason, the Bengals made a questionable move by extending Higgins through the 2028 season for $115 million. The large payout restricts the Bengals’ salary cap flexibility, with 33% of the team’s total salary allocated to Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins.
This move leaves no room to re-sign Trey Hendrickson at the end of the season, creating a significant gap in the Bengals’ pass rush heading into 2026.
Campbell is a lengthy linebacker who excels in pass-rushing situations. As an off-ball linebacker, his movements are more controlled, but he struggles to read passes and is still developing as a coverage linebacker. In his rookie season, Campbell could see time in blitz packages.
Seattle Seahawks – Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
I’m a firm believer that any quarterback can look good with the right team around him. Last year, Sam Darnold proved that point. If Seattle wants to replicate what Minnesota pulled off last season, the offensive line needs an overhaul.
Booker passes the eye test, standing at 6-foot-5 and 325 pounds. With that size, it’s understandable he doesn’t have the fastest feet and occasionally struggles with balance when facing a bull rush. Where Booker excels is his football IQ. The guard has a strong understanding of the position and consistently shows awareness of defenders on all sides.
He’s not the best pass protector in the class, but he’s a solid player to plug in this season — with the tools to develop into a cornerstone guard if Seattle gives him time.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Over the past two seasons, Tampa Bay’s defense has struggled in all areas of coverage: over the middle, deep, and along the sidelines. On paper, this unit looks elite, but the secondary has consistently underperformed.
Malaki Starks enters the draft as a projected first-round pick, though he’s a candidate to slip. At 6-foot-1, Starks plays lighter than his frame suggests and lacks the physicality some teams want in a box safety. He projects as a strong safety, where his tackling is top-tier and his movement is fluid across the board. Starks’ coverage isn’t a liability, but it’s not yet refined enough for an every-down NFL safety.
Tampa Bay may have to hold its breath with this pick, but if Starks finds his footing as a rookie, the Buccaneers could have a second star safety lining up opposite Antoine Winfield Jr.
Denver Broncos – RB, Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Javonte Williams showed plenty of promise last year, but his time with the Broncos has come to an end. Now on a new team, Williams leaves Denver without a starting-caliber running back.
Jeanty’s dominance has made it easy to overlook the depth of this class — but this is one of the best running back groups in recent memory. I’ve touched on the stigma around selecting halfbacks in the first round, but the talent across the board is simply too good to ignore.
Hampton offers great speed for his size and fully utilizes his lower body to generate powerful runs. He doesn’t shy away from contact — in fact, he seems to embrace it — ranking third in the nation in yards after contact with 1,072.
Alternatively, the Broncos have receiver concerns, with Courtland Sutton entering the season as their No. 1 option. Emeka Egbuka and Luther Burden III should still be available the time Denver picks, and the Broncos certainly benefit from targeting a wide receiver in this draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Maybe one of the riskiest picks in this mock, I have Jaxson Dart as a mid-first-rounder. Dart has been one of the most electric quarterbacks since he stepped on campus as a sophomore.
Last season, he finished with 4,279 passing yards on 398 attempts — the third most in all of college football. His mobility elevates any offensive line he joins, and he’s a natural playmaker. He makes escaping the pocket look easy and is the best out-of-pocket quarterback in the class besides Jalen Milroe.
His arm strength can come into question, and his ball placement can be inconsistent — most notably against Florida, where he threw three interceptions to close out the loss.
Aaron Rodgers is still a free agent, and if Pittsburgh pursues the veteran, I could see the Steelers focusing on the defensive line and leaving the offense as is.
If Rodgers signs with Pittsburgh, stashing Dart behind him for a year could be a smart long-term move for the franchise. Dart would have the chance to refine his mechanics and decision-making under one of the game’s most seasoned passers, while Pittsburgh buys time to develop a true successor without rushing him into a starting role.
Los Angeles Chargers – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
The search for weapons has been a saga for the Chargers, as year in and year out, they struggle to put a winning team around quarterback Justin Herbert. In 2024, the Chargers finally found help at wide receiver, selecting Georgia’s Ladd McConkey with the No. 34 overall pick. His breakout rookie year gave Herbert the weapon he had long been missing. That success now allows the Chargers to explore other options in the draft.
Michigan tight end Colston Loveland is a talented receiver who gets off the line quickly and creates early separation. As a blocker, he weighs just 245 pounds, meaning NFL-caliber bull rushers could overwhelm him if lined up on the inside. Still, if his college tape translates, Loveland could become Herberts’ go-to option over the middle — and a nightmare for linebackers from day one.
Green Bay Packers – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Packers are in the same situation as Las Vegas: one promising receiver followed by a major drop-off at the position. Wide receiver Jayden Reed was highly efficient, averaging more than 15 yards per catch, but his limited volume raises questions about whether he can carry a WR1 workload. Behind Reed, the Packers have Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson — both have shown flashes, but neither managed to put together the kind of season that would solidify them as reliable long-term options.
That lack of depth makes a player like Emeka Egbuka an intriguing option here. At the beginning of the season, Egbuka was arguably the best receiver in the draft, but after Jeremiah Smith’s takeover at Ohio State, Egbuka would finish as the No. 2 receiver on his own team.
Despite the lack of ideal production last year, Egbuka is still considered one of the top receivers in this class, and it would be a surprise to see if he slips out of the first round.
Minnesota Vikings – Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
At pick No. 24, the Minnesota Vikings face a tough decision: bolster the offensive line to support second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy or reinforce the defensive front with a true nose tackle to complement Jonathan Allen and Jonathan Greenard.
It’s a 50-50 toss-up between Kenneth Grant and Walter Nolan on who’s taken first, but Grant’s upside is too high to let slide. Weighing nearly 340 pounds, Grant possesses unusual speed for the position but underutilizes it, as he sometimes has an inconsistent motor against the run. However, when he turns it up a notch, he is an unstoppable force on the line.
Grant does suffer from streakiness and didn’t put together the greatest tape every game this year, but if he learns to harness his size with consistent effort, he’s not just a first-rounder — he’s a future cornerstone.
Houston Texans – Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Houston’s most apparent problem last season was the offensive line. When your franchise quarterback is sacked 52 times, something needs to be addressed — and Josh Simmons may be the answer.
If not for his ACL tear in October, he could have been an early first-rounder. Before the injury, Simmons was one of the most NFL-ready tackles in the class: he’s athletic, flexible and balanced. Combine that with his strong lower body, and you have a tackle who can anchor against bull rushers on day 1.
With no specific return date listed, it’s easy to write Simmons off as a long-term project — a player typically selected later in the draft. But if he returns to form after rehab, this pick could be a steal at No. 25.
Los Angeles Rams – Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
Matthew Stafford is 37. If the Rams are committed to him for this next season, they need to ensure he stays healthy. Currently at right tackle, the Rams have Rob Havenstein — a longtime starter and a reliable veteran — but he’s a player they’ll want to start thinking about replacing soon.
Josh Conerly Jr., projected to go early in the second round, may need some time to develop, but the movement ability he showed throughout the season makes him worth the pick. At 6-foot-4, he displays impressive lateral quickness and fluid footwork, particularly in pass sets and pulling situations.
He shut down Abdul Carter in the Big Ten Championship, holding him to zero sacks and zero tackles for loss — a performance that deserves recognition. Conerly Jr. was also the anchor of an offensive line that finished the season undefeated.
In the NFL, Conerly Jr. projects as a future starter who needs some fine-tuning in his ability to ground himself and stay balanced in pass protection.
Baltimore Ravens – Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
The Ravens could not stop the pass last year, partly due to a lackluster pass rush. Mykel Williams is still developing in his pass-rush approach, but his techniques are NFL caliber. He sets the edge with discipline and rarely gives up ground — his defense is already NFL-ready.
His upside could ultimately push him into first-round territory, even though he’s still developing. In two to three years, Williams could become a solid to above-average edge rusher in the pass rush and run defense.
Detroit Lions – Walter Nolan, DL, Ole Miss
The Lions’ front office has repeatedly stated that they’re going to take the best player on the board no matter the team’s need. That makes this pick an easy one, as I have Walter Nolan as the best player still available, with Trey Amos and Luther Burden III not far behind.
Nolan is one of the strongest defensive linemen in the class, with the ability to bully blockers off the snap. He leans heavily on his bull rush, which can limit his versatility, but it’s NFL-ready power that should play early. Nolan generates consistent pressure, and that’s all they need with Aidan Hutchinson on the edge.
Although I considered pairing Hutchinson with another freak edge rusher, Nolan’s interior dominance and physical traits make him a safe, high-upside pick. If his technique develops, Nolan has the tools to be the latest in a growing list of Lions defensive draft hits.
Washington Commanders – Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
The Commanders enter the draft as one of the most well-rounded teams on paper. There isn’t much that needs improving, but they could benefit from a boost in the secondary.
Emmanwori is a versatile defender, capable of lining up at strong safety, free safety, or nickel. His speed and athleticism drive his game; however, he struggles with the recognition skills required at the position.
NFL scouts remain cautious about his projection, as similar hybrid safeties have struggled to translate to the next level and find a defined role in coverage. Washington must establish his identity as a box safety — one who can cover tight ends and running backs and contribute as a sub-linebacker in certain packages.
At times, he lacks urgency and drifts through plays instead of attacking them. That tendency may cause him to slip to the second round. Still, if the Commanders can develop his instincts and focus, they could land a high-upside steal.
Buffalo Bills – Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
The Bills made do with a subpar secondary the past few years, but that needs to change going into the season.
Amos combines size and foot quickness, giving him the tools to press in man coverage. His twitchy movement helps — but also hurts — occasionally leading to premature reads and giving up inside leverage.
Another option for the Bills is Maxwell Hairston out of Kentucky, whose speed is his calling card. But with Buffalo needing a physical presence at corner, Amos’ traits are too promising to pass up — especially with Day 2 interest building league-wide.
Kansas City Chiefs – Grey Zabel, OT, North Dakota State
The Chiefs are coming off an embarrassing Super Bowl loss that exposed issues along the offensive line. Collectively, they gave up six sacks and 16 pressures — problems that must be addressed immediately.
Although Zabel has primarily faced FCS competition, which raises some concerns about his readiness for the NFL, his standout performance at the Senior Bowl helped elevate his stock, pushing him into late-first-round consideration. Zabel’s footwork, while occasionally inconsistent, is coachable. However, his lack of strength makes him ill-suited for tackle at the NFL level. As a result, a move to guard seems likely, where his skills could be better utilized within the Chiefs’ offensive scheme.
Philadelphia Eagles – Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
The Super Bowl champions hold the last pick in the draft, and it’s one of the most valuable for them. This offseason, the Eagles lost Josh Sweat to the Cardinals and Brandon Graham to retirement, leaving the pass rush virtually nonexistent heading into next season.
Mike Green was projected to go much earlier, but character concerns have caused his stock to slide — and Eagles general manager Howie Roseman never shied away from players with red flags. Known for selecting talent that comes with drama, Green fits that mold.
Statistically, Green dominated the Sun Belt, racking up 17 sacks and 59 pressures. His violence at the point of contact is jarring for offensive lines. On top of that, his chop and swim moves are NFL caliber — a notable feat considering he didn’t play in a Power Four Conference.
