The 2025 NFL Mock Draft

With a lot of division happening in our world today, the NFL Draft has finally arrived as an elusive vestige of hope and cooperation. Having that been said: ain’t a whole lot of cooperating going to be going on between division rivals at the 2025 college-to-NFL selection process, bet that!

Mock drafts can feel futile because of the unpredictable chaos that inevitably reigns when you have 32 individually cunning and ambitious organizations competing in real time. Subterfuge and misdirection are all part of the game, baby. With that in mind, I sought to create something as adaptable as each GM’s gameplan has to be (at least close right? 😏). This year’s draft seems to be as amorphous as ever, with factors such as NIL proving to be silent influencers in the shape of this list of NFL prospects.

This year, I admittedly spent less time searching for consensus and studying up on the opinions of others… I’m shooting from the hip, so GET DOWN! We’ll see how this goes. If it works, I will follow this course from now until eternity. If not? Well, then I’ll follow the methods of research and analytics that I have in the past! I just didn’t want to overthink on this go-round, which is hopefully what our favorite GM’s are doing in their draft rooms right now.

You’ll see draft pick predictions for each team, followed by a list of 1-3 other strong positional considerations (in parentheses, after my actual prediction). The more question marks, the more likely/tempting I think that alternate pick is. Consider this somewhat of a draft strategy roadmap for each team.

I included two projected trades (JAX-CHI and CAR-CLE). Drumroll please…

1. Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward, QB Miami (WR? EDGE??) Cam Ward is an aggressive and confident passer with a lot of physical tools. The former WSU Cougar should take the reins from the recently benched Will Levis in Nashville. As one of the great poets of our day (J. Cole) said (kinda), some quarterbacks make millions, some quarterbacks make memes. The new regime presses forward with THEIR guy as the signal caller. Oh, and Tyler Lockett will be there to bail a rookie out.

2. Cleveland Browns – Travis Hunter, WR/CB Colorado (EDGE? QB??) Welcome back to the first round, Cleveland Browns! They were last part of this dance 4 years ago, then traded an arsenal of 1sts for Deshaun Watson… 😬 Draft Hunter as a QB-helper / pass rush helper to have your cake and eat it too. My personal hunch is that Myles “Generational Talent” Garrett came back because he was down with the plan that Cleveland brass sold him on. He probably didn’t want to wait for a rookie QB to develop. The Brownies can take a developmental guy later to complete the maneuver. They resist the allure of another restart at QB by focusing on how Hunter benefits from elite cross training. He is especially tough and agile for a WR and has ball skills and route familiarity that many CB’s don’t always possess. I see wideout as his first home, but see some defensive packages being made available to him. He’s on a mission to prove his uniqueness.

3. New York Giants – Abdul Carter, EDGE Penn State (DT? CB?? QB???) This will absolutely load that Big Blue front. Carter could play off-ball on 1st downs or give way to Thibodeaux in those situations. He’s a true Micah parsons-lite who was also a Penn State #11. I still do have my eyes on these guys as potential players in the Shedeur Sanders sweepstakes. You’d think that the presence of vets like Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston could go a long way in mentoring Sanders and keeping him even-keel as a rook.

4. New England Patriots – Will Campbell, OT LSU (HB? WR?? DT???) Bad news: these guys have no playmakers and were in the running for worst offensive line in the league last year… Good news: Will Campbell is available to help with one of those! Does Will actually play guard due to his lack of arm length…? Not in this economy! Will looked like he’s ready to storm the stage and slap the hell out of the arm length criticism.

5. Chicago Bears – Ashton Jeanty, HB Boise State (TRADE UP ⬆️ with JAX, FROM 10) (EDGE? OT??). In this scenario, Da Bears They could stay at 10 and get one of the top 2-3 tackles? Instead, they go and get a game-breaking rushing guru and Heisman Trophy finalist to power their offense. A strong running game should lift some of the burden from Caleb Williams shoulders and pink-adorned fingers. Ben Johnson waited a year for this.

6. Las Vegas Raiders – Mason Graham, DL Michigan (WR? CB?? HB???) Jeanty was stolen right under their silver and black noses. Vegas lost a 3rd for Geno Smith but gained a 3rd from the Davante Adams trade. I could see the Raiders springing for a smash mouth power back like Omarion Hampton in the 2nd! Now, a topflight CB would take this defense to another level, but HC, Pete Carroll is also very good at finding diamond in the rough DB’s late in the draft who can shine. Carroll has a good shot at continuing to be a thorn in Jim Harbaugh’s side by landing one of two elite defenders from Harbaugh’s old team. Graham would line up with Maxx Crosby, Christian Wilkins and former 1st-round pick, Tyree Wilson to form a stout stop unit.

7. New York Jets – Tyler Warren, TE Penn State (S? OL?? EDGE???) I tried to give them a TE last year, and they threw it back in my face like a pestilent child. Warren is the type of player who can help on the ground as well as by air. Aaron Glenn’s Lions sold out to stop the run so that their pass rushing and coverage strengths would shine through. Times to reinforce the run on offense so that they can build a stable offense with easy answers for Fields. A. Glenn is also, apparently, the only one that has the huevos to give it to Rodgers straight like dat. For all those gang green fans dreaming of a Shedeur Sanders acquisition to battle Justin Fields… don’t forget about Jordan Travis waiting in the wings.

8. Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders, QB Colorado (TRADE UP ⬆️ with CAR, From Round 2) (OT?? EDGE???) It’s got to be a QB with this type of move. Jimmy Haslem recently said that he wished he could have both Hunter and Sanders… maybe he wants to flex his money where his mouth is, like Jay-Z rapping that he would move the Nets to BK. Shedeur is an accurate distributer and has a built-in relationship with Trav. (who went #2 overall). Would this be pulling a Houston? The Texans took C.J. Stroud at 2 in 2024, then orchestrated quite the aggressive trade up for another top 5 selection, taking Will Anderson with a consecutive pick at 3. Time for Cleveland to rock.

9. New Orleans Saints – Will Johnson, CB Michigan (QB? EDGE?? WR???) NOLA selects a very good cover corner to help ease the loss of Lattimore and Adebo. Johnson is technically sound and has size. They got leapfrogged by Cleveland to take Shedeur, but new coaches, Kellen Moore (HC) and Brandon Staley (DC) know how important it is to control the pass game.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Tetairoa McMillan, WR Arizona (TRADE DOWN ⬇️ with CHI, FROM 5) (OL? CB?? EDGE???) Get a top wideout and your pass catching corps is revamped in two years! They already dealt Christian Kirk. Liam Coen saw how two stud WR’s helped to bouy an offense in Tampa. There’s also the fact that J-Ville was the worst pass defense in the league this past season. Will they get a coverage specialist to pair with their new DC? Especially that if Tet. falls.

11. San Francisco 49ers – Armand Membou, OT Missouri (LB? EDGE?? DT???) Trent Williams cannot play forever… can he? The Niners have a tough decision between a defensive tackle like Walter Nolen, and a future building block to protect the edges. Nolen would make a more immediate impact, but SF goes with the most blue-chip remaining talent on the board as they look to reload. I waffled here, but the memory of Javon Kinlaw and the impending Brock Purdy extension may help swing the decision towards an offensive trench player. Brandon Thorn, offensive line guru has praised his movement skills, which should mesh well with Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system.

12. Dallas Cowboys – Matthew Golden, WR Texas (DL?? DB??? HB????) Is this the year that the ‘Boys actually go all in? They did try to get Cooper Kupp! Is Hakeem Adenji going to play RG? They may fortify that position later in the draft, along with a guy to tote the rock. Omarion Hampton will make them really consider taking the 2nd back in the top 12. Matthew Golden is a guy that possesses both blazing speed along with sharp route running ability. He is a capable Robin to CeeDee Lamb’s Batman to bring back the high-flying Dallas offense.

13. Miami Dolphins – Jahdae Barron, DB Texas (OG? DT?? DB???) Miami received the third-highest percentage of contact behind the line of scrimmage for running backs entering Week 14, which makes them a true candidate to trade up to stop the slide of Membou. The ‘Fins instead go fishing for a Swiss army knife in the secondary, especially with the prospective exit of Jalen Ramsey. Defensive Coordinator, Anthony Weaver needs more cover men to execute his system of simulated pressures and mixed zones.

14. Indianapolis Colts – Colston Loveland, TE Michigan (LB? DT?? TE??? OG????) Loveland is a real threat in the passing game, which is where Indy needs help these days. This pick could set the offense up to be very successful… with Daniel Jones as the starting QB. It will give him a level of protection and weaponry that he never had at his disposal in the Big Apple. Anthony Richardson will just have to sit and learn until he gets his next opportunity. Linebacker is a consideration, but DC, Lou Anarumo could be motivated to try to trade for his former Bengals general in Germaine Pratt.

15. Atlanta Falcons – Mykel Williams, EDGE Georgia (S? WR?? CB???) Does he go even higher? Trice is coming off a major ACL injury, Judon is gone and Arnold Ebiketie has replacement-level sack production. All 45 of the Falcons’ combine interviews were with defensive players and the only coaches they sent were on the defensive side of the ball lol! Atlanta brings in the hometown hero who played through injury last year. When healthy, he should be able to show off his elite explosiveness off the edge. I don’t want to mock an edge rusher to the Falcons anymore ya’ll… I’m tired. Fix it.

16. Arizona Cardinals – Kelvin Banks, Jr., OL Texas (CB? DT?? WR???) Signing Josh Sweat might’ve salved the pass rush needs for now, which frees AZ up to make a pick that is *gasp* non-urgent (for the first time in a while). This is a double whammy for the Cards, as they steal a potentially perfect fit of need and talent from the division rival Seahawks. Banks can slide inside and solve issues at guard, while providing flexibility to man the tackle position if need be.

17. Cincinnati Bengals – Jalon Walker, LB Georgia (EDGE? DB?? OL???) They could take a defensive back to upgrade the defense a little, since everyone on offense is getting PAID. Or another lineman to make sure those investments have the runway to perform. With star pass rusher, Trey Hendrickson and star middle linebacker, Germaine Pratt both on the trade block, why not take a guy who can help pitch in on both front-end levels of the defense?

18. Seattle Seahawks – Kenneth Grant, DT Michigan (TE? CB?? OL???) After an offseason of major change, Seattle has the opportunity to reload with 5 selections in the first 92 picks of the NFL draft. Do they make a splash and trade up for a QB, or an OT/OG such as Kelvin Banks, Jr.? I’ve come to accept that John Schneider will not draft a (non-LT) offensive lineman in the 1st round… no matter how badly the roster needs it. It’s best player available approach here. Nick Emmanwori is tempting, as he could complete a ferocious 3-safety set, but something about the idea of a 1st round pick at DB as a part-time player doesn’t sit well. The 340 lb. Kenneth Grant has Michigan ties, can really move and could restock the DL (a position where a heavy rotation is a good thing). Go and get a speedster at wideout and a versatile guard with picks in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jihaad Campbell, LB Alabama (OL? HB?? EDGE???) The Bucs have a balanced overall roster but take a player who is scheme flexible. Campbell can fill in for the 14-year vet, Lavonte David in the middle, while also augmenting Tampa’s pass rush efforts.

20. Denver Broncos – Mike Green, EDGE Marshall (HB? DB?? WR???) Russell Wilson is still responsible for a $32M dead cap hit in 2025: The final year of dead cap. Denver will continue to load up on young talent while they feel their window of contention opening. Green gives this team more bite on defense. On offense, they have the best line in the league, but could take a tackle to groom for the future? …They also tried to get Kupp 🤨 They should be able to find more offensive threats later in the draft.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jaxson Dart, QB Ole Miss (ER? QB?? HB???) They almost traded for Christian Kirk, in-season? George Pickens could go to Green Bay?? DK Metcalf doesn’t have a quarterback because he thought the grass would be greener? Dart is a late riser who has drawn the description of a possible white Jalen Hurts 😂 He may go much higher.

22. Los Angeles Chargers – Walter Nolen, DT Ole Miss (TE? CB?? WR???) The prodigal son hath returned, HAHA… WOOHOO!! Mike Williams is back to help open up the offense for Justin Herbert, allowing the Bolts to get even tougher in the trenches. That is always an M.O. For Jim Harbaugh-coached teams. This makes it back-to-back Ole Miss players. Walter Nolan has the potential to develop into a game-wrecker, and this could even be too low for him.

23. Green Bay Packers – Shemar Stewart, EDGE Texas A&M (OL? DT?? CB???) Does the Pack trade up or trade this away for a bonafide WR1? Josh Jacobs called for an alpha in that room… and you don’t know how much longer J.J. will be dominant for. The time to make a big swing definitely feels at hand for this young and talented team. It may not be the biggest need ever, but this spot in the draft feels right to take a promising pass rusher… especially if the QB hunters couldn’t get much done when it mattered the most.

24. Minnesota Vikings – Malaki Starks, S Alabama (DL? OG?? CB???) Their pass-defense is a problem (28th out of 32 teams) and got torched in the playoffs by the Rams. Starks can eventually replace Harrison Smith, manning the slot in the meantime. This move would also allow Byron Murphy Jr. to play more outside when necessary. The Vikings have a bonafide star slide into their laps in this scenario.

25.Houston Texans: – Tyler Booker, OG Alabama (WR? DT?? HB???) Anybody paying attention to what Houston is doing!? They have built some pretty insane depth across their roster. Luxury pick incoming… one that could make Stroud’s job easier. Running back and MAYBE guard are the only positions on the roster where they don’t have enviable depth. Hampton at tailback is a really enticing thought… but getting Booker (a gap scheme savant) as new OC, Nick Caley switches things over to more gap concepts could be a match made in Houston!

26. Los Angeles Rams – Emeka Egbuka, WR Ohio State (LB? OT?? DT???) A star slot who would further stratify attention between he, Puka Nacua, and new addition, Davante Adams. Egbuka can hold down the slot, help with spacing, and is a willing blocker for Sean McVay’s scheming ways. They may be highly tempted to take a developmental offensive tackle here as well.

27. Baltimore Ravens – Nick Emmanwori, S South Carolina (WR? OT?? DT???) Imagine a back end composed of Ar’Darius Washington, Kyle Hamilton and Emmanwori… they could line up all over and be as adept in the run game as they would be covering deep. B-More may have lost their prodigious DC in Mike Macdonald, but this is a team that hung its hat on having a physical defense much before Mikey Mac. came on the scene, and this pick will ensure that that tradition will live on. Emmanwori is a big, fast safety who can even line up in the box.

28. Detroit Lions – Grey Zabel, OG/C North Dakota State (WR? EDGE???) Remember that their identity is to want to run the ball on offense to avoid the pass rush, and to stuff the run on defense to bring up obvious pass rushing situations. Funnily enough, they visited with Matthew Golden… maybe they still want wideouts. Zabel is a great value and depth pick, who can bring yet another layer of grit to the team.

29. Washington Commanders – Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE Boston College (OL? LB?? CB???) The capitol team will bring the pressure back with this pick. This team is loading up for a run over the next couple of years, and you can never have too large of a rotation at EDGE.

30. Buffalo Bills – Omarion Hampton, HB North Carolina (WR? EDGE?? OT???) Let’s get our hands dirty. Let’s roll in the mud baby! It’s time to get tougher as a team and approach your yearly bouts with KC as a more ball-control offense. Hampton can shoulder a run game, while punishing defenders and keeping the Bills’ stop unit fresh. I think he’ll go higher, but I don’t yet see the opening… Bills Mafia will not complain if this beast of a ball carrier is available.

31. Kansas City Chiefs – Josh Simmons, OT Ohio State (TE? DB?? DT???) Will we see the return of Tyreek during the draft? I see the Chiefs licking their wounds after their 3-peat was spoiled by Philly and coming back with a commitment to the trenches. Simmons should add more security, compete for the job at LT, and keep games from looking like this each week.

32. Philadelphia Eagles – Jalen Milroe, QB Alabama (WR? TE?? DT???) Derrick Harmon was the original pick: another defensive tackle demon to add to their already nightmarish rotation… but where’s the fun in that??? Let’s shake s**t up and get them a polarizing and dynamic runner at the quarterback position. Milroe has the chance to sit and learn from a guy, in Jalen Hurts, who came into this league with people doubting his ability as a passer. Hurts’ work ethic helped him to develop, grow and thrive. We all know GM, Howie Roseman loves having extra QB’s as future assets as well!