The 2025 NFL draft is just around the corner. Prospects who have waited and trained all of their lives will now have the chance to hear their name called. The NFL draft consists of seven rounds with a total of 257 selections. The top 32 picks are considered the first round of the draft. A mock draft is not always exactly what will happen, but an opinion on what someone thinks will happen. This is what I think will happen in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft.
1. Tennessee Titans- Cameron Ward, QB, Miami
Ward is the best quarterback in this draft class, and his stats show it. He came into the Incarnate Word Cardinals as a one-star prospect in 2020 and has really exceeded the expectations of a one-star. With Miami last season, Ward threw for over 4300 yards and 39 touchdowns. Tennessee has been looking for an elite quarterback, and Ward certainly has the measurables. Will Levis, Tennessee’s quarterback at the moment, has not panned out. Ward needs to pan out for the sake of Titans fans.
2. Cleveland Browns- Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
This is the most convoluted pick of the draft. Realistically, Cleveland could take Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter, or even Mason Graham. However, Cleveland needs to separate itself from Deshaun Watson as much as it can if it wants respect back as an organization. A new quarterback in Sanders would be a great start on a much-needed rebuild. His dad is an NFL Hall of Fame inductee, and his brother is also a prospect at cornerback. Even though Sanders is risky, he gives Cleveland options again. He played well at Colorado, it is up to Cleveland to develop him into an NFL quarterback.
3. NY Giants- Travis Hunter, ATH, Colorado
Travis Hunter is the most athletic player in the draft. The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner played Cornerback and wide receiver for Jackson State and then for Colorado. The former 5-star would fit right in New York with his play-making abilities. He would be the lockdown defender the Giants need, as well as being a good receiver alongside Malik Nabers.
4. New England Patriots- Will Campbell, OT, LSU
The Patriots are in need of protecting Drake Maye. Jack Welsh (11), a lifelong Patriots fan, agrees that the linemen are an area of concern.
“Last year we had a terrible line,” Welsh said.
The Patriots need offensive linemen badly, and Will Campbell is the best lineman in the draft. He has the size and the talent to be an elite blindside tackle at the next level. The Patriots need an elite tackle if they want to contend.
5. Carolina Panthers (trade with Jaguars)- Abdul Carter EDGE, Penn State
My first predicted trade in the draft sees Carolina swapping first-rounders with the Jags and sending a third-round pick to Jacksonville. Carolina has severe issues on the defensive side of the ball. In 2024, Carolina allowed a total of 6877 yards. He is an elite pass rusher and a freak athlete who specializes in getting to the quarterback. Although he would not fix every issue on the defense, Carter would solve a lot of them.
6. Las Vegas Raiders- Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Raiders have a lot of needs, but there are some names to consider: Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, and Kyle Philips. That is the receiving corps of the Raiders heading into the draft. Meyers is not a bad receiver by any means, but is not a true number one. McMillan has the best hands in the draft and has elite route running. With Geno Smith in Las Vegas, McMillan could help elevate one of the worst offenses in the league.
7. New York Jets- Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
With the Jets acquiring Justin Fields in free agency, New York should jump at the chance to add a scary interior defensive lineman to their defense. Mason Graham is a Nightmare for a defense, and leaving him one-on-one with a guard usually didn’t end well in college. The Jets would have a scary pass-rush duo with Quinnen Williams and Graham that could be a defensive tandem for a decade.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars (trade with Panthers)- Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Jacksonville is far off from the defense it once had. Tyson Campbell needs some help in the secondary, and Johnson is the best corner in this class with lockdown speed. The defensive MVP of the 2023 National Championship game would be a great addition to the Jacksonville defense.
9. New Orleans Saints- Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
New Orleans had the 30th-best pass rush in 2024. If New Orleans ever wants to contend, the defense needs to be able to get to the quarterback. Walker is an explosive rusher who uses his elite speed to crush tackles. He did it for years at Georgia, and that will not change in the NFL.
10. Chicago Bears- Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas Tech
Stewart may not be the fastest edge prospect, but he is 6’6 and extremely athletic. With Chicago building the O-line in free agency, the next course of action would be to get an elite edge rusher like Stewart. Chicago needs to start winning with Caleb Williams on his rookie deal, and a big-time edge rusher like Stewart will help with that.
11. San Francisco 49ers- Armand Membou, OT, Mizzou
With the 49ers uprooting the roster in free agency, they can really take anyone, and it would help. The extremely athletic Membou would be a great addition to the 49ers. Trent Williams is getting old, and the line could use some work. Membou could play at any position on the line and dominate.
12. Dallas Cowboys- Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The Cowboys are in win-now mode. Ceedee Lamb can not be the only option for Dak Prescott, and the running back duo of Javonte Williams and Deuce Vaughn is not very promising. Jeanty is the next big running back in the league and could really elevate the Cowboys.
13. Miami Dolphins – Klevin Banks, OT, Texas
With Terron Armstead retiring and quarterback Tua Tagoviloa getting injured constantly due to poor O-Line play, the Dolphins need more big guys in the trenches. Banks was one of the best tackles in the country in the Texas offense. Banks has experience blocking for a high-value quarterback in Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. The Dolphins need to protect Tagovailoa.
14. Indianapolis Colts- Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Tyler Warren is an elite tight end by every metric. The 6’6, 260-pound monster can catch and block and is the best tight-end in a loaded class. The Colts need another guy who can catch for Anthony Richardson and a guy who can block for Jonathan Taylor.
15. Atlanta Falcons- Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
The Falcons made the confusing selection of Michael Penix in last year’s draft, even though they had and still have a dire need at edge. Williams was an explosive edge rusher at Georgia. This pick doesn’t just make sense due to him being a good prospect; however, he also has a storyline that fits the Falcons. The local boy was born and raised in Georgia, attending the University of Georgia before playing for his hometown NFL team. Williams, as a player, would sell tickets on his own.
16. Arizona Cardinals- Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Arizona has issues on the defensive side of the ball. The defense needs to be more than Budda Baker and a player like Campbell would help Arizona get over the hump of mediocre seasons. Traditional linebackers are not as valuable as they used to be, but when a prospect like Campbell is here and you have a need at linebacker, it is hard to pass on him. It has been a while since Arizona has had a truly dominant defender; they could have their guy in Campbell.
17. Cincinnati Bengals- Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
The Bengals would be crazy not to pick a defender here. The defense was the key reason the Bengals missed the postseason last year, and with all the offensive extensions in free agency, they need young guys on cheap rookie deals. Green was a standout pass rusher at Marshall and really bullies the offensive linemen. Green and Trey Hendrickson could be an amazing duo for the Bengals.
18. Seattle Seahawks- Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Simmons is a big-time tackle for the National Champion Ohio State Buckeyes. On the season, Pro Football Focus graded him an impressive 74.4 overall grade. Simmons is a fantastic run blocker and can open up holes for any running back. Seattle needs a guy to line up across from Charles Cross, and Simmons can do that.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- James Pearce Jr, EDGE, Tennessee
Tampa is a team that will be set to contend here in the next couple of years as long as Baker Mayfield plays well and the defense holds strong. Edge was not a huge issue for the Buccaneers, but it definitely fills a need. Pearce was a killer at Tennessee, and if Tampa wants to succeed in a playoff run, then an elite edge prospect who can get to the quarterback would be of utmost importance.
20. Houston Texans (trade with Broncos)- Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Houston’s offense took a hit from their 2023 season and hasn’t been the same since. C.J. Stroud had a down year, Stefon Diggs ended up not working out and then he ended up leaving in free agency. Another big-time weapon at receiver will need to replace Diggs, and Golden could be that guy. The Texas prospect has blazing speed and confidence that will help him dominate at the next level. The Texans would have to trade up for him, but Golden is a player worth trading up for.
21. Buffalo Bills (trade with Steelers)- Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Buffalo has an offense that can dominate, but the defense is not what it used to be. Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde are long gone, and Damar Hamlin and Taylor Rapp are good but not great, and if the Bills want to win the Superbowl they have to have great players. Starks is the best safety in the draft and dominated at Georgia. The Bills could have a scary secondary if Starks pans out.
22. Los Angeles Chargers- Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
The Chargers would fill a huge need at tight end by picking up Loveland. Loveland is not the most athletic tight end ever, but he had really good production in college and can run any route. He is also a good run blocker and fits the Harbaugh mold, being a former Michigan player. More weapons for Justin Herbert will be a necessity if they want to get back to the playoffs and win.
23. Green Bay Packers- Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
The Packers need another cornerback to play alongside Jaire Alexander. Barron can do that and can do it well. The Texas cornerback produced really well in college and knows what he is doing. Eric Stokes never panned out for the Packers, and the Packers need someone who can produce now. Barron could fill that need and more.
24. Minnesota Vikings- Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
The Vikings were ranked as the 28 passing defense in 2024 by FOX Sports. Getting a lockdown safety would help quell these needs and make a really good roster even better. Emmanwori could be what the Vikings need to break the playoff win drought that they have been experiencing.
25. Denver Broncos (trade with Broncos)- Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
The Broncos’ running game was abysmal in 2024. Javonte Williams only averaged 3.7 yards per carry and did not hit last year. Now that Williams is a Cowboy, Denver needs a featured back. We know that Bo Nix can throw the ball, but a running back who can power forward will be crucial to the Broncos’ future playoff efforts.
26. Los Angeles Rams- Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Rams have a hole on offense with Cooper Kupp leaving in free agency. Egbuka could fill that hole and do a lot for this offense. Stafford is aging, and if the Rams want another year to compete, then look no further than the strong route running of Egbuka. The National Championship winner knows what it takes to win on the biggest stage.
27. Baltimore Ravens-Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama
The Ravens are already one of the best teams in the league and giving Lamar Jackson more protection could put Baltimore over the hump. Derrick Henry would be thankful as well. It is hard to mess up an interior offensive lineman pick.
28. Detroit Lions- Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
Detroit is one of the most complete teams in the league as of right now. However, the defensive line had many issues with injury and not a lot of depth. Grant is a huge nose guard who is an elite run stopper while still maintaining the speed that allows him to get to the quarterback. Grant would make the already scary Lions defense and make it even scarier.
29. Washington Commanders- Luther Burden, WR, Mizzou
Washington is building for a Jayden Daniels-led future, and with Jahan Dotson not panning out, the Commanders need an elite pass catcher next to Terry McLaurin. Burden is an extremely fast receiver with the ability to run complicated routes that will throw off NFL-caliber defensive backs. Burden would take the pressure off McLaurin and be a speedy second option that could make this team go all the way.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers (trade with Bills)- Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
The Steelers might want to trade down if a quarterback is the route that they want to go. As for the fans, they know they need a quarterback. Crosby Haughn has been a Steelers fan all of his life, and he believes that the Steelers would do good by taking a quarterback.
“We need a quarterback, bad,” Haughn said. “Our quarterback room is horrible.”
He is not wrong either. Mason Rudolph does not seem like a promising starter, and Jaxson Dart has a lot to offer in terms of arm talent. Dart is a classic SEC quarterback who could really change an NFL offense. However, he will need time to develop. Hopefully, the Steelers can give him the time that he needs.
31. Kansas City Chiefs- Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
Surprisingly, coming off a 15-2 regular season, where the Chiefs lost the Super Bowl to the Eagles, there are still many parts of this team that can improve. The team as a whole lost a lot of its depth, as the salary cap did not allow them to re-sign these players. With Chris Jones hitting the age of 30 and the defense losing its depth, the Chiefs should take Nolen. He may not be the best lineman in this draft, but he was able to play and dominate against top SEC offensive lines for years and would be a solid pass rusher and run stopper at the NFL level.
32. Philadelphia Eagles- Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
The issues that plague Kansas City are the same ones that are going to be hitting the Super Bowl Champion Eagles. The defensive line depth, such as Milton Williams, left in free agency, and needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Harmon is an Oregon prospect who was able to consistently dominate against top interior linemen. The Eagles have been one of the best teams at developing defenders in the past couple of years, and Harmon would be no exception if he goes to Philadelphia.
