The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to have some tantalizing prospects. This college football season has seen some amazing performances on the field from individual players. We are almost halfway through the NFL season. At this point, we have a pretty good idea of what teams need for their rosters. As always for these mock drafts, we will be taking the current draft order. Obviously, these positions can change, but teams are starting to settle into areas of the draft.
1. New England Patriots: Travis Hunter CB Colorado
If I were to put my money on a team having the first overall pick, it would be New England at this point. Outside of Drake Maye, this team has very little going for them. On the one hand, the Patriots should look for offensive line help in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, Travis Hunter is too good to pass up. He has the potential to be a game-changing player on the defensive side of the ball. He could also be used in certain offensive packages as well. Offensive line talent can be found later. Hunter is special and will put butts in seats.
2. Carolina Panthers: Cam Ward QB Miami
Unless Bryce Young shows some sign of growth in the back half of the season, the Panthers should look to reset at the quarterback position. It was a historically bad trade. Do you want to know what would make it worse? Continuing to deny that it was a bad trade and keep trying to make Young a thing. (Insert Mean Girls gif here). Ward has been one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football and could be in contention for the Heisman. The Panthers reset at the position and see if they can move Young for a day three pick.
3. Cleveland Browns: Will Campbell OT LSU
There’s the temptation for the Cleveland Browns to go for a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, their issues are bigger than one position. I believe this team can get by signing a veteran. Shoot, Jameis Winston might be the answer in the short term. However, the offensive line has been a problem partly due to injuries. The team can’t get out from under the Deshaun Watson contract just yet, and taking a top offensive tackle is never a bad idea.
4. Tennessee Titans: Jalen Milroe QB Alabama
Will Levis has become a walking internet meme. Mason Rudolph isn’t the answer long term. This team needs to reset at quarterback. One of the huge advantages of getting Levis in the second round is it makes it a lot easier to move on. Unlike Carolina, who invested a king’s ransom, there’s no shame in taking Levis, seeing what you’ve got, and moving on when it isn’t there. Milroe has had a rough couple of weeks, but the Crimson Tide’s problems go deeper than the quarterback position. He still provides a dual-threat ability and big-game experience. This roster is sneakily filled with lots of talent, and Milroe could produce right away in a weak AFC South.
5. New York Jets: Kelvin Banks OT Texas
My gut says that Aaron Rodgers will come back for one more year. Barring a huge run in the second half of the season, the Jets will not be breaking the Super Bowl drought. (They may not even break the playoff drought at this rate). With all the turmoil this season, Rodgers will convince himself to come back for one more year. If that happens, there is no way the Jets take a quarterback. The offensive line is still an issue for the Jets, and whatever happens in the future, having young offensive line talent is always helpful. If Rodgers does retire, this is almost guaranteed to be a quarterback.
6. New Orleans Saints: James Pearce Jr. Edge Tennessee
Every year, it seems like the Saints will have to blow things up because of their salary cap issues. And every year, they keep signing players to longer deals. The only way New Orleans can survive is by working the NFL Draft. They have so many holes on the roster. The advantage of the draft is they can take the best player available. In this case, that is Pearch Jr. out of Tennessee. The Volunteers defense has been suffocating, and Pearce is one of the biggest reasons. The Saints need a lot of help, but this puts a premium player in a premium position.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Johnson CB Michigan
The Jaguars pass defense has been a joke so far. Here’s where they rank right now.
- 32nd in defensive pass EPA/dropback
- 32nd in blitz rate
- 25th in sack percentage
- T29th in takeaways
- 30th in scoring defense
Not great. It is hard to win games when teams can move the ball at will. The move is easy for the Jaguars at this point in the mock draft. Will Johnson is a player many believe to be the best in the class. They get an elite corner who has shown an ability to generate takeaways.
8. Las Vegas Raiders: Shedeur Sanders QB Colorado
For Shedeur Sanders, you have to take all of the media circus out of the equation. Sanders has been impressive the past three weeks. He has led the Colorado Buffaloes to a 5-2 record, surpassing the wins total from last year. Furthermore, if the winning continues, the team could find themselves in the mix for the Big 12 title. I understand there is a lot of baggage, but Sanders is a clear upgrade from Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell. There are many needs on the roster, but quarterback makes the most sense.
9. New York Giants: Carson Beck QB Georgia
Despite getting chance after chance, Daniel Jones cannot seem to prove he belongs in a starting role. The rest of the Giants roster looks really good. Their defensive line has been wreaking havoc on opponents. Malik Nabers looks to be a certified star. There is a real scenario where the Giants get a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft and immediately become a playoff contender. Beck has been solid this season and is no stranger to being under pressure to perform.
10. Miami Dolphins: Mason Graham DL Michigan
It looks like Tua Tagovailoa is the plan for the future at quarterback. Where the Dolphins are lacking is in the trenches. The offensive line seems less important because of the system Mike McDaniel runs. He wants to get the ball out quickly and let his speedy receivers run wild. The team is feeling the loss of Christian Wilkins. Graham has been a stud for the Michigan Wolverines this season. While the team has taken a step back, the defense has shown they can shut down opposing offenses, and Graham is a huge part of it. Miami needs someone to be an enforcer in the run game, and they get one here.
11. Los Angeles Rams: Quinn Ewers QB Texas
What the Los Angeles Rams do in the 2025 NFL Draft will be more clear after the trade deadline. Rumors have been swirling about them moving on from Cooper Kupp and even Matthew Stafford. The former number-one overall pick is no spring chicken and has an injury history that isn’t pretty. Even if Stafford plays for another year or two, getting Ewers in the building would be beneficial. We’ve seen success stories of quarterbacks sitting for a year or two and then starting. The Rams have the infrastructure and nab their future quarterback.
12. Cincinnati Bengals: Luther Burden WR Missouri
Tee Higgins is likely gone after this year. With a Ja’Marr Chase extension looming and Joe Burrow already on a massive deal, the Bengals simply don’t have room for him on their books. However, the past two weeks have shown the value he brings to the offense. Burden has a similar play style to Higgins, so the Bengals hope the cheaper option yields the same results. I’m a huge believer in the idea of making sure you do one thing well as a team. Cincinnati has a great offense. While there are plenty of defensive holes, the team looks to keep the offense humming.
13. Arizona Cardinals: Mykel Williams Edge Georgia
The Cardinals have spent the past few NFL Drafts focusing on the offense. While the early returns on Marvin Harrison Jr. might be a little concerning to some, the team needs to focus on the defense. It is hard to win in this league without putting pressure on the quarterback. Arizona’s offense showed that, on Monday night, they could move the ball, albeit with some bumps in the road. However, the team needs more dynamic playmakers on defense. Williams brings a great presence off the edge and should make an impact immediately.
14. San Francisco 49ers: Emery Jones Jr. OT LSU
Trent Williams isn’t getting any younger. One of the reasons the 49ers have been able to sustain success is the play of their offensive line. Kyle Shanahan’s offense is centered around the running game. Even with Christian McCaffrey out, Jordan Mason has thrived in the offense. The injuries are piling up this year, which may lead some to believe they need help in other positions. Don’t be fooled. The offensive line should be an area of focus in the 2025 NFL Draft for the 49ers.
15. Los Angeles Chargers: Tetairoa McMillan WR Arizona
The Chargers have good pieces at wide receiver. Ladd McConkey has looked solid. Josh Palmer shows up in spurts. Even Quinten Johnston has shown some promise. However, they lack a game-breaking player at the position. Jim Harbaugh will always favor the running game, but Justin Herbert has the ability to beat teams in the passing game. Giving him an elite talent will help this offense reach its full potential.
16. Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty RB Boise State
Jerry Jones won’t be able to help himself. He’ll see the highlights of Jeanty after a year of watching his running back room and will have the card ready a month before the 2025 NFL Draft. While there is much debate about the value of first-round running backs, it has worked out well for teams recently. Bijan Robinson is electric at the position, and Jahmyr Gibbs has taken the Lions offense to another level. The Cowboys’ offense has always been better when there is an elite running game. Jeanty fills a huge position of need.
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Abdul Carter Edge Penn State
Baker Mayfield has the offense running better this season. The running game has improved drastically after being terrible last season. Tampa Bay is getting into too many shootouts. When this team was winning Super Bowls, it was because they had elite production off the edge. Carter has the Penn State Nittany Lions ranked in the top five and hurdling toward a Big Ten title. The defense has been suffocating and would be a great fit under Todd Bowles.
18. Philadelphia Eagles: Malaki Starks S Georgia
I’m confident in the Philadelphia Eagles offense. The offensive line is aging but should be good for another year or two. In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Eagles should address a huge area of need, the safety position. Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell have shown promise. DeJean especially has quietly put together a nice rookie campaign after being injured to begin the season. They continue to add to the young secondary by grabbing the top safety in the draft.
19. Seattle Seahawks: Nic Scourton Edge Texas A&M
Head coach Mike MacDonald has had to deal with some injuries but also needs more talent on the defensive side of the ball. At some point, the team will have to address the quarterback position but any player here would be a reach. Getting a quality edge rusher would help the defense tremendously. Scourton has had a solid season for an Aggies team that is quietly making some noise in the SEC.
20. Indianapolis Colts: Kenneth Grant DL Michigan
It’s too early to give up on Anthony Richardson. Yes, he has struggled, but scouts knew he was a raw prospect. What helps a young quarterback? A good defense. While injuries have been a big part of it, the defense has struggled, especially against the run. It’s a clear need and Grant is part of a unit that is keeping an anemic Michigan offense in games. This is a great fit and will help add some youth to a struggling unit.
21. Denver Broncos: Isaiah Bond WR Texas
It hasn’t been pretty for the Broncos this season, but they have a winning record. The defense has been a huge part of it, and the offense has done just enough to get by. What this unit needs is some explosiveness. While Sean Payton’s offenses have been historically about the short passing game, there is usually one player who can take the top off a defense. Bond fills a need and maybe elevates the play of Nix and the rest of the offense.
22. Atlanta Falcons: Deone Walker DL Kentucky
The Falcons are one of the most frustrating teams to watch on a week-to-week basis. Just when you think they are putting it together, they have a performance like last Sunday against the Seahawks. One thing that stood out was the lack of defensive line talent. Even after trading for Matthew Judon, this group has struggled at the point of attack. Walker has helped Kentucky pull off some upsets in the SEC and helps a unit that has talent in the secondary but not on the line.
23. Chicago Bears: Aireontae Ersery OT Minnesota
I know it has been against some of the worst teams in the NFL, but the Bears are looking good on offense. Caleb Williams and the trio of DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze have put up good numbers. The only thing missing is better protection. Drives have been killed by bad sacks at untimely moments. I could see the Bears going with a defensive lineman in the 2025 NFL Draft but for this mock draft, I like them taking Ersery and protecting their franchise quarterback.
24. Baltimore Ravens: Emeka Egbuka WR Ohio State
Zay Flowers is a stud. Excuse me for not believing in Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor in the long term. With Lamar Jackson playing at an MVP level week in and week out, getting another talented pass catcher should be the focus. Yes, the defense has holes, but Egbuka is too talented to pass up. He also fills a huge need. Mark Andrews has always been Jackson’s safety blanket. As he gets to the twilight of his career, they need a sure-handed receiver to get open on third down. Egbuka continues the tradition of Ohio State wide receivers taken in the first round.
25. Buffalo Bills: Benjamin Morrison CB Notre Dame
The offense will get better next year. There are a lot of young receivers, though the addition of Amari Cooper helps mitigate the inexperience. Where the Bills have gotten into trouble is on defense. They do not have a defensive stopper on the outside who can lock down an elite receiver. Morrison gives the Bills a young piece to build around as Josh Allen continues his prime years.
26. Washington Commanders: Jack Sawyer Edge Ohio State
The Washington Commanders have a historically good offense right now. While regression is expected, there is optimism Jayden Daniels can elevate whoever is on the field. Defense is still an issue for Washington. This unit is still a bottom third of the league defense in many of the advanced metrics. Their strategy in the 2025 NFL Draft is clear: Give Dan Quinn some defensive pieces to help get stops for their high-powered offense.
27. Pittsburgh Steelers: Walter Nolen DL Ole Miss
Cam Heyward is having an All-Pro-type season in his mid-30s. The Steelers need to get the future of their defensive line and Nolen is a great fit. While he hasn’t lived up to the expectations of a former number-one overall recruit, Nolen has the skill set for the NFL. Putting him in the Steelers system will only help him, and Heyward can show him the ropes and pass the torch.
28. Green Bay Packers: Shavon Revel Jr. CB East Carolina
One thing is clear about the Green Bay Packers draft strategy: they love defense, and they love speed. Over the past two years, they have taken some of the fastest players in the class. Revel Jr. is a relatively unknown player because of the college he attends. However, he is an elite athlete who has been clocked at a 4.40 40-yard dash. Green Bay needs help in the secondary. Eric Stokes is struggling to find his footing, and Jaire Alexander looks a little past his prime.
29. Houston Texans: Tyler Booker OL Alabama
I don’t care how the Houston Texans get it, but they need to protect CJ Stroud. On Sunday, he was under constant pressure and finished with less than 100 yards passing. It wasn’t that he played poorly. He simply didn’t have time to process anything before getting chased by every defender on the Packers roster. I don’t care if it is in free agency or the 2025 NFL Draft. The Texans need to invest heavily in their offensive line.
30. Minnesota Vikings: Denzel Burke CB Ohio State
Minnesota has gotten away with blitzing heavily in the first part of the season. However, cracks are starting to show. There is only so long you can put mediocre corners on the elite receivers in the NFL. They took the quarterback last year and are obligated to give JJ McCarthy a shot if they decide to move on from Sam Darnold. Burke gives them a solid player on the outside who will help them shut down the glut of elite receivers in the NFC North.
31. Detroit Lions: J.T. Tuimoloau Edge Ohio State
One of the biggest disappointments of the season is the Aidan Hutchinson injury. He was having a season that likely would have put him in strong consideration for Defensive Player of the Year. Regardless, he needs some help rushing the passer. Getting another young edge rusher will help the struggling secondary. Tuimoloau will see plenty of one-on-one opportunities as teams have to focus on Hutchinson.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Colston Loveland TE Michigan
The Kansas City Chiefs win a third straight Super Bowl. Then, in the 2025 NFL Draft, they draft Travis Kelce’s successor. For the next decade, Patrick Mahomes and Loveland become a dominant duo in the NFL. I’m preparing you for this now. Steve Spagnuolo has shown he can do less with more and the rest of the offense will see a boost as players get healthy. Getting an elite tight end back on the field would make the offense hum again.
With the number of quarterbacks in this class, (and the number of teams who need quarterbacks) the 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a fun one.
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