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2025 NFL mock draft: Predicting all 32 first-round picks
ESPN PLUS $ MATERIALThe 2024 college football regular season is winding down and getting revved up for the new 12-team College Football Playoff, just as the NFL season's playoff field is taking shape. It makes for a perfect time to peek ahead to the 2025 NFL draft and make some first-round predictions with a fully updated mock draft of the opening 32 picks.
A lot will change before April 24, when the draft rolls into Green Bay, Wisconsin. Besides the expanded college postseason seeing risers and fallers, there will be players on draft boards who will return to school. Pre-draft events will further alter boards, and the needs of NFL team will change due to free agency and salary cap situations. In short, this is a projection based on what we currently know.
Our draft order is based on the current standings and reflects where all 32 teams would slot if the season ended today. And since no first-round picks have been traded yet, every team is set to enter the draft with its own Day 1 selection. But we like trades in mock drafts, so I pieced together one of my own to get things going.
Here are my projections for all 32 first-round picks in 2025, starting with a trade to set up the top of the board. (Note: Underclassmen are noted with an asterisk.)
Projected trade: Giants move up for a QB
I have the Giants going big to fix their quarterback situation, giving Jacksonville their second- and third-round picks in 2025, plus a 2026 second-rounder, to move up from No. 3. It gets New York out in front of Cleveland, which could also be looking at the QB class, and crucially doesn't involve any future first-round picks. The Jaguars, meanwhile, collect valuable draft capital to restock a roster in desperate need of repair.1. New York Giants (via projected trade with 2-9 JAX)
Shedeur Sanders, QB, ColoradoThe Giants would be going all-in for what they hope will be their quarterback of the future, as the Daniel Jones era has officially come to a close. He was recently benched, and with no more guaranteed money on his deal after this season, the Giants decided to move on, releasing him Friday. Sanders is the best quarterback in the 2025 class, bringing pinpoint accuracy (72.9% completion percentage), toughness in the pocket and playmaking ability that the Giants' offense has lacked. His ability to see the field and get the ball out with a fast release makes him ready to play right away.
Sanders is similar to C.J. Stroud in his ability to put the ball on his receivers. And like Stroud, Sanders isn't a runner by trade but moves very well in the pocket and can be a rushing threat when needed; he has run for four touchdowns in each of the past two seasons. The Giants could pair the uber-accurate Sanders with 2024 first-round receiver Malik Nabers to give themselves a chance in the NFC East.
Editor note: This was updated after Jones was released on Nov. 22.
2. Cleveland Browns (2-8)
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado*The Browns' front office must decide whether it should draft a quarterback early in Round 1 to compete with Deshaun Watson once he returns from the Achilles injury that shut down his season, a decision that's complicated by Watson's contract situation and struggles before he was injured (league-low 22.4 QBR). But NFL decision-makers I've talked to expect Cleveland to bring in a veteran to compete while using the draft to upgrade the roster at other spots.
If that is the strategy, drafting the most electric player in the nation is a good start. Hunter, who excels at both wide receiver and cornerback, has an opportunity to jumpstart the Browns as a full-time player at one spot (while making a part-time impact at the other). He could join Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman in the Browns' receiving corps or line up opposite Denzel Ward on defense. My scouting report lists Hunter as a receiver, given his size (6-foot-1, 185 pounds) and ball skills, but the Browns could experiment with him in multiple roles given his usage in college (FBS-high 996 snaps).
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (via projected trade with 2-8 NYG)
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas*Left tackle moved to the top of the Jaguars' wish list for 2025 once they traded Cam Robinson to the Vikings before the deadline. Robinson's replacement, Walker Little, is set to be a free agent after the season and hasn't played enough to establish himself as a reliable future building block. Banks has been rock solid for the Longhorns except for a rough outing against Georgia on Oct. 19, when he surrendered his only sack of the season. Jacksonville should be excited by Banks' experience and productivity, as he has given up only three sacks and 13 pressures over 36 starts since cracking the lineup as a freshman.
4. Las Vegas Raiders (2-8)
Cam Ward, QB, MiamiThe Raiders missed out on Shedeur Sanders in this mock, just as they missed the six first-round quarterbacks in the 2024 draft. But they would land the 2025 draft's second-best QB in Ward. He has displayed an ability to dial up velocity from the pocket and when throwing off-platform, allowing him to make throws few college quarterbacks would even attempt. At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, he also has the body type to excel as a runner when the pocket breaks down.
With 54 starts on his résumé, Ward should be ready to step right in and guide a Raiders team that is desperate for a new signal-caller after struggling with Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell this season.
5. Tennessee Titans (2-8)
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri*
The Titans would miss out on the top two quarterbacks on my board but would get my No. 3 overall player. Burden's production has suffered with Missouri's offensive struggles in 2024 (53 receptions, 574 yards and 5 TDs in 2024 after going for 86-1,212-9 in 2023), but he's an elite playmaker who can bounce off tacklers. The Titans' receiver room doesn't have much besides Calvin Ridley, so if the team plans to give quarterback Will Levis another shot in 2025, it will need to provide him with explosive players such as Burden.
6. New England Patriots (3-8)
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan*
Left tackle is an important need for the Patriots, but the offensive tackle class isn't strong beyond Kelvin Banks Jr. Instead of reaching, the Patriots could fill another need at corner with Johnson, my top-rated prospect in the class. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Johnson fits the mold of Pat Surtain II, showing excellent ball skills and the physicality to hang with NFL wide receivers. He has been limited by injuries this season but has two interceptions, both of which were returned for touchdowns. Pairing Johnson with 2023 first-rounder Christian Gonzalez would give the Patriots a legitimate spot of strength on defense, and having two top corners on rookie contracts would give New England flexibility to build around them.
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0:28
Michigan ices game with 86-yard pick-six
Will Johnson intercepts a pass for Michigan and returns it 86 yards to the house.
7. New York Jets (3-8)
Abdul Carter, DE, Penn StateThe Jets could be at a crossroads next offseason, as they'll have to wait to see whether soon-to-be 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers will return for another season. They could go for a hard reset, but it's possible that Rodgers, Davante Adams & Co. will return for another run at it. If that's the case, the Jets probably would look to plug some holes, including at defensive end.
That's where Carter factors in, as he pivoted from split duty between linebacker and edge his first two seasons to a full-time pass rusher in 2024. He has compiled eight sacks while getting pressure on 16.4% of his snaps (fifth in the nation). That production would be welcome for a Jets pass rush that hasn't adequately replaced Bryce Huff and faces questions about Jermaine Johnson, who tore his Achilles in Week 2.
8. Carolina Panthers (3-7)
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona*Bryce Young's play in the three games since returning from his benching has given the Panthers some encouragement about his future. But he needs help around him. Rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette has been promising, but Carolina would love someone who can win more 50-50 balls. The 6-5, 212-pound McMillan is a Drake London clone with awesome vertical ability and great hands. He has hauled in seven touchdowns and provided the Wildcats with 44 first downs on his 69 receptions. And he has the size to consistently win physical matchups and is versatile enough to split out wide or play in the slot.
An interesting note from ESPN Research: Three receivers have never gone in the top eight picks in the common draft era (since 1967).
9. Dallas Cowboys (3-7)
Mason Graham, DT, Michigan*The Cowboys began the 2024 season with Super Bowl aspirations but are picking in the top 10 of this mock, indicating a roster in need of a talent infusion. They've locked in their offensive nucleus with extensions for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, but Graham could help on defense. He has been an unstoppable force for Michigan, posting 12 run stops and 22 pressures this season. I love his first-step speed through gaps and relentless effort in chasing quarterbacks.
The Cowboys could also go running back here given their rushing issues, and Boise State's Ashton Jeanty (my No. 10 overall player) is still on the board. But the Cowboys need help at too many spots, and the RB class is deep enough for them to wait.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (4-7)
Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia*Except for Trey Hendrickson (11.5 sacks), no Bengals player has more than two sacks this season, so Cincinnati definitely needs a pass rusher. At 6-5 and 265 pounds, Williams is a trait-based prospect whose length, speed and power are reminiscent of former Georgia edge rusher Travon Walker, the No. 1 pick of the 2022 draft. Williams' 2024 season has been underwhelming so far, as he sat out because of an ankle injury and has only two sacks, but he has tremendous upside.
11. New Orleans Saints (4-7)
Jalon Walker, DE/LB, Georgia*There's a lot of uncertainty in New Orleans, which will have a new coach after Dennis Allen's midseason firing and has questions about quarterback Derek Carr's future. The Saints could use this pick to improve a defense that gives up 6.1 yards per play, second worst in the league. Plus, Cameron Jordan and Demario Davis will be 36 years old next season. Walker has played as an off-ball linebacker and off the edge. He doesn't have great size, but his first-step speed and power have helped him to 5.5 sacks. I like him in a stand-up rushing role in a 3-4 scheme if New Orleans' new regime goes that route.
12. Chicago Bears (4-6)
Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon*The Bears have a lot of improvements to make this offseason, and there could be coaching changes coming. The offensive and defensive lines are both in play here, but the defensive side makes more sense. Harmon has been fantastic this season with three sacks, nine run stops and 25 pressures. The 6-foot-5, 310-pound junior has a great swim move and active hands, and has flashed top-tier agility, power and balance. Chicago tried to fix its defensive interior in 2023 by picking Gervon Dexter Sr. (second round) and Zacch Pickens (third round), but neither has emerged as an impact player. Harmon can be that guy.
13. Miami Dolphins (4-6)
Shemar Stewart, DT, Texas A&M*The Dolphins aren't the easiest team to predict, but one place they could certainly upgrade is on the defensive line. Calais Campbell is 38 years old, and the Dolphins have struggled to replace departed free agent DT Christian Wilkins. Stewart could fill those gaps as an ideal 5-technique. He has inside-outside versatility, rare quickness for his size, good length and plenty of play power. With edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips back to accompany 2024 first-round pick Chop Robinson on the edge, Stewart could occupy the attention of opposing linemen and help those edge rushers wreak havoc.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6)
James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee*Outside of better health at receiver, the Buccaneers' roster is in good shape, which could allow the team to utilize the "best player available" strategy. Pearce certainly fits that bill, as he tops all FBS players with a 20.2% pressure rate. (He has just 5.5 sacks, though, compared to 10 in 2023.) Pearce might be a little small right now at 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds, but his frame is conducive to adding bulk. His speed and power combination would be a hit in Tampa Bay opposite Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Yaya Diaby.
15. Indianapolis Colts (5-6)
Malaki Starks, S, GeorgiaThe Colts have given up 231.5 passing yards per game this season, seventh worst in the league. Starks is a top-10 prospect with good positional versatility. He has 46 tackles, one interception and three pass breakups this season, taking snaps at safety, slot corner, outside corner and linebacker. The Colts have a good nickel corner in Kenny Moore II, but Starks could move around and serve as an upgrade at either safety position.
16. San Francisco 49ers (5-5)
Cameron Williams, OT, Texas*Injuries can explain a lot of the 49ers' offensive issues, but they could stand to upgrade their O-line. Right tackle Colton McKivitz has surrendered five sacks, and Williams could be a long-term fix. He's a first-year starter, and his game is still raw, but he shows considerable potential. The 6-foot-5, 335-pounder has drawn comparisons to 2024 first-rounder Amarius Mims in terms of his strength and agility, with one NFC South area scout telling me that Williams has a chance to be the first OT drafted if he declares. The 49ers could plug him next to guard Dominick Puni, their third-round pick in 2024, and form an incredibly young and strong right side of the line.
Both of Texas' starting offensive tackles could be off the board here. It would mark the third time in the common draft era that two OTs from one school went in the first half of Round 1, per ESPN Research (Tennessee's Charles McRae/Antone Davis in 1991 and USC's Ron Yary/Mike Taylor in 1968).
17. Seattle Seahawks (5-5)
Will Campbell, G/OT, LSU*Seattle's offensive line probably will receive plenty of attention this offseason after surrendering 32 sacks so far (seventh worst in the NFL). Campbell had high first-round rankings before the season, but he has had some issues with outside speed rushers, and his shorter arm length has scouts telling us that he'll be kicked inside to guard in the pros.
Campbell's fall would be a boon for Seattle, as he's an agile, easy mover with very good play strength despite an upright stance. Putting him at guard, where the Seahawks lost Damien Lewis in free agency last offseason, could make him a Pro Bowl-caliber player. And Campbell's three seasons of starting experience at LSU could allow him to jump right into a starting role.
18. Los Angeles Rams (5-5)
Carson Beck, QB, Georgia*Matthew Stafford will turn 37 before the 2025 draft, putting his status in year-to-year mode from this point forward. So the Rams should turn over every stone to find their QB of the future. They were linked to Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix before the 2024 draft, but both were off the board before their pick.
Los Angeles could be the beneficiary of Beck's stock dropping. Beck has thrown 12 interceptions, and his accuracy has suffered without Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey, but he has a strong arm, the ability to make full-field reads and upside. The consensus in talking to scouts this week was that Beck could get himself back into mid-Round 1 consideration with a strong finish -- which is what we're projecting here due to the supply and demand at the position.
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1:04
Carson Beck keeps it himself for a Georgia TD
Carson Beck finds pay dirt on a 10-yard scamper to reclaim a lead for the Bulldogs.
19. Denver Broncos (6-5)
Aireontae Ersery, OT, MinnesotaLeft tackle could be a significant need for the Broncos come April, even though Denver has given up only 18 sacks (tied for fifth fewest). Current 32-year-old starter Garett Bolles will be a free agent after the season. Ersery has given up only one sack this season and four in his 36-start career. The 340-pounder is a good mover with the ability to get outside the box on zone plays. Ersery has high upside and could rise in the pre-draft cycle if he performs well at the Senior Bowl.
20. Atlanta Falcons (6-5)
Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M*The Falcons were expected to address defense in the first round of the 2024 draft but threw a curveball and drafted quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The defensive needs still exist, especially when it comes to rushing the passer; the Falcons have an NFL-worst 10 sacks.
Scourton, who transferred from Purdue to Texas A&M this past offseason, is a prototype power rusher. Though the 285-pounder might lack elite first-step explosion, he always comes with an excellent pass-rush plan and shows pro-grade hand usage, along with a surprising ability to bend the edge at his size. Scourton's production is proven, with 15 sacks and 26.5 tackles for loss the past two seasons, but he has even more upside if he improves at the point of attack.
21. Arizona Cardinals (6-4)
Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas*It's tempting to have the Cardinals draft for need, with safety Budda Baker and running back James Conner both set to become free agents. Replacing Conner with Boise State's Ashton Jeanty is particularly enticing, but what the Cardinals really need is a WR2 to complement receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey McBride. Bond has elite speed and a rare second gear that's useful on deep routes and slip screens. Quinn Ewers' deep-ball struggles have held back Bond a bit at Texas, but he's a prime example of an upside player who has more value than his college production indicates. Arizona could use more big plays, as the Cardinals currently rank 17th in the NFL with 28 plays of 20 yards or more.
22. Washington Commanders (7-4)
Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame*The Commanders picked up veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore at the trade deadline but should continue to remake their secondary to fit coach Dan Quinn's schemes, especially with three of their current corners (Michael Davis, Benjamin St-Juste and Noah Igbinoghene) becoming free agents after the season. Morrison, my second-ranked CB, was sidelined for the season in mid-October because of a hip injury, but he has good size (6-foot, 196 pounds), speed and instincts playing the ball, as evidenced by nine interceptions over his first two seasons.
23. Houston Texans (7-4)
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State*Houston's trade for Joe Mixon has worked out nicely, as he has been a perfect scheme fit when healthy. But Mixon will be 29 years old next season and has an out from his contract after the 2025 campaign. It's important for Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik -- a Kyle Shanahan disciple--- to have an effective running game, which would make Jeanty an ideal fit at this spot.
The 215-pounder leads the nation in rushing yards (1,893) and total touchdowns (27) while averaging a wild 7.4 yards per carry. He hasn't been used as a pass catcher as much this season but is capable, grabbing 43 passes for 569 yards and five touchdowns in 2023. He has similarities to Alvin Kamara, making him a three-down back who could take pressure and attention off Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud.
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0:18
Ashton Jeanty seals Boise State's win with 3rd TD of the night
Ashton Jeanty is the first player to record 26 rushing touchdowns in his first 10 games of a season since Ricky Williams in 1998.
24. Baltimore Ravens (7-4)
Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East CarolinaThe traditionally stout Ravens defense has been anything but this season, giving up the most passing yards in the NFL (3,351) and giving up 7.7 yards per attempt, the fifth-worst mark in the league. While there probably will be adjustments to defensive coordinator Zach Orr's scheme, more cornerback talent would also help. Baltimore drafted Nate Wiggins in the first round in 2024, and Revel would be a further boost. Before tearing his ACL, he was on the verge of truly breaking out. Scouts told me this summer that Revel would be "an elite tester with ideal height/weight/speed numbers." He started the season hot, with two interceptions (including one pick-six) before the injury, and Revel probably will soar back up draft boards once given a clean bill of health.
25. Los Angeles Chargers (7-3)
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan*Tight end isn't a new need for the Chargers, who were linked to Brock Bowers in the 2024 draft. Loveland would be an ideal fit in Los Angeles, as he played his first two collegiate seasons under Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh. The 6-foot-5, 245-pounder has overcome subpar Michigan quarterback play to rack up 53 receptions and four touchdowns this season, already topping last season's figures. I was wowed by his flexibility, movement traits and straight-line speed when watching him catch passes from J.J. McCarthy at Michigan's pro day in March. Loveland is a modern tight end with Dallas Goedert-like upside.
26. Green Bay Packers (7-3)
Jahdae Barron, CB, TexasPackers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley craves cornerbacks with physicality and toughness, so he could make a push to get a player like Barron into the fold. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Barron is a versatile defender who started as a safety at Texas but has played mostly as an outside corner this season, occasionally kicking into the slot. He has four interceptions and seven pass breakups while giving up only eight completions. And he has the size to play inside or outside in the NFL.
27. Philadelphia Eagles (8-2)
Barrett Carter, LB, ClemsonThe value of off-ball linebackers is frequently debated in NFL draft circles, but a good one can positively change a franchise. Carter is a weakside linebacker with legitimate three-down skills and would fill a need for the Eagles, who have to find help alongside 2022 third-rounder Nakobe Dean.
He is everywhere on the Clemson tape, as he has posted 12.5 sacks and three interceptions over the past three seasons, while also getting at least 50 tackles in each campaign. He had Round 1 buzz before the 2024 draft, and that has only been boosted with the most complete season of his career. The Eagles' roster is pretty solid across the board, which would allow them to use a luxury pick on Carter.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2)
Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama*The Steelers' future at quarterback is a big question heading into the offseason, as both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are set to be free agents. Either could return, but the Steelers might be searching for a more long-term option. Milroe has a combination of Wilson's arm strength and pocket mobility and Fields' rushing ability. He's still a bit raw as a prospect, but he has thrown 15 touchdown passes and rushed for 17 more scores this season. Milroe just needs to improve his touch as a passer, but scouts I've talked to have said he has the most upside of any draft-eligible quarterback in the class. And should the Steelers re-sign Wilson, Milroe could sit, learn and develop further.
29. Minnesota Vikings (8-2)
Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss*The Vikings should address the trenches with their first-round pick; the debate will just be whether they would focus on the offensive or defensive side. But the way the board shook out here and overall positional value made Nolen an easy choice. He has been excellent this season after transferring from Texas A&M to Ole Miss. He's built in the mold of a versatile 3-technique but also has 5-technique ability at 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds, sporting active hands, length, quickness and strength. His All-Pro potential would be welcomed in Brian Flores' complex defensive scheme.
30. Buffalo Bills (9-2)
Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio StateThe Bills have improved their pass rush this season, but they're still lacking production from their defensive interior, as only DaQuan Jones has more than two sacks from inside. Buffalo also has three D-linemen (Austin Johnson, Quinton Jefferson and Jordan Phillips) slated for free agency and has drafted only one defensive tackle (DeWayne Carter) in the past five drafts. The Bills have a clear-cut need that shouldn't be ignored any longer.
Williams doesn't get the hype of Ohio State teammates Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau, but his tape speaks for itself. At 6-foot-3, 327 pounds, Williams is a classic nose tackle who can anchor in the run game, but he also has 2.5 sacks this season.
31. Detroit Lions (9-1)
Jonah Savaiinaea, G, Arizona*The Lions have been dominant this season, but they have clear needs to address in the offseason. The interior offensive line is one, as Detroit lost Jonah Jackson in free agency and it's unclear how much longer center Frank Ragnow will play after this season. Savaiinaea has played both tackle spots this season but is projected as an NFL guard by scouts. He's a mauler in the run game and has shown improved footwork and poise in pass blocking, not giving up a sack this season and committing only two penalties. At 336 pounds, Savaiinaea has the power and first-step quickness to reposition defensive linemen.
32. Kansas City Chiefs (9-1)
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio StateBoth of the Chiefs' tackle spots continue to be big questions. Kingsley Suamataia, a second-rounder this year, was a healthy scratch in Week 11, and left tackle Wanya Morris has given up six sacks. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor hasn't worked out since signing a big contract before the 2023 season, leading all offensive linemen in penalties last season and ranking in the top 10 in that category this season. But Simmons could be the answer. He was trending toward OT1 status before sustaining a season-ending knee injury in October, and his recovery agility and use of length stand out.
