With just two weeks until the 2025 NFL Draft, we’re in hyperdrive trying to finish last-minute scouting reports and figure out what teams might be thinking come draft day. I can’t remember a draft where not only the media but also team personnel had so little idea of what might happen.
The gap between a top-10 player and someone who could go around pick 35 is as slim as I can remember. One NFL team’s board will likely look very different from another’s, and teams may value some players much more than others who are ranked higher publicly.
This is a rare draft where using the word “reach” doesn’t really make sense. Teams will value fit and character more than usual, especially with the talent so close across the board. With that in mind, here’s my latest guess at how things might go on draft day. I went with no trades for this version and hope you enjoy it.
1) Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
All signs point to Cam Ward being the Tennessee Titans’ pick at No. 1 overall. He is the clear No. 1 quarterback in this class and would fill a big need for the Titans.
Ward is a playmaker with outstanding arm talent and creativity. He can make all the throws and thrives when plays break down. He’d give the Titans offense a much-needed spark.
2) Cleveland Browns
Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
The Cleveland Browns have a tough call here between Shedeur Sanders and his teammate Travis Hunter. In the end, I think they’ll wait on quarterback and take Hunter, who might be the best overall prospect in this draft.
Hunter is a one-of-a-kind talent who could be a top-five corner or receiver in the NFL. He’s a dynamic athlete and playmaker on both sides of the ball. He’d bring some real excitement to a Browns team that could use it.
3) New York Giants
Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The New York Giants seem set at quarterback for now after adding Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency, so I think they’ll go with the best player available — and that’s Abdul Carter.
Carter is the top pass rusher in this class and a real game-wrecker off the edge. He combines rare explosiveness and power, making him nearly unblockable in one-on-one situations. Even with Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux already in place, I don’t see the Giants passing on a talent like Carter.
4) New England Patriots
Will Campbell, OT, LSU
The New England Patriots struck gold last year by drafting quarterback Drake Maye. Now, they’d be wise to invest in protecting him. LSU’s Will Campbell is the top tackle in this class and would give them a solid pass protector up front.
Campbell is an athletic mover who flashes quickness, balance and bend. He may not have ideal length, but he still projects as a top-tier starter.
5) Jacksonville Jaguars
Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
I’ve given the Jacksonville Jaguars Mason Graham in all my previous mocks, and that still makes sense — but this time, I’m going with a star offensive lineman to help build around Trevor Lawrence.
Armand Membou is a bit shorter for a tackle, but he moves well and has strong power at the point of attack. He could lock down the right tackle spot in Jacksonville for the next decade.
6) Las Vegas Raiders
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Now that the Las Vegas Raiders have addressed quarterback by adding Geno Smith, bringing in a top-tier running back makes a lot of sense. Their run game was one of the worst in the league last season, and Ashton Jeanty could fix that fast.
Jeanty is an explosive playmaker with speed, vision and contact balance. He’d give the Raiders a Pro Bowl-level player at the position.
7) New York Jets
Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Graham is one of my favorite players in this class and might be a can’t-miss prospect. He plays with great power and athleticism and was dominant against top competition at Michigan.
The New York Jets already have a talented defensive line but still have room to improve. Putting Graham next to Quinnen Williams and Jermaine Johnson would be scary for opposing offenses.
8) Carolina Panthers
Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
I keep making this pick in every mock because it just fits too well. The Carolina Panthers badly need a pass rusher and some energy off the edge.
Jalon Walker is a bit of a tweener but has strong burst, bend and finish. He may not have elite size, but his speed and ability to flatten around the corner make him tough to block.
9) New Orleans Saints
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
New head coach Kellen Moore needs to figure out the quarterback spot if he wants to stick around. I think Derek Carr can still be solid, but I don’t see how the New Orleans Saints pass on Sanders here.
Shedeur Sanders has the accuracy, poise and touch teams want in a quarterback. He’d be a great fit in Moore’s offense, and I like the idea of him pushing Carr for the starting job.
10) Chicago Bears
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
No team has done more to upgrade its offensive line this offseason than the Chicago Bears. After signing three new interior linemen, this group could become one of the league’s best.
Still, they could use an upgrade over Braxton Jones at left tackle. Kelvin Banks Jr. would be a great addition and could compete to protect the blind side. He has strong athleticism, size and strength.
11) San Francisco 49ers
Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
One player I think will go higher than most expect on draft day is Oregon’s Derrick Harmon. He’s a productive and disruptive defensive tackle with the length, quickness and power to break through the line and get to the quarterback.
The San Francisco 49ers have been trying to replace DeForest Buckner for years, without much luck. Maybe drafting another Duck is the answer.
12) Dallas Cowboys
Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
The contract situation with Micah Parsons has Dallas Cowboys fans feeling uneasy — and that’s fair. Even if he ends up signing a long-term deal, adding another pass rusher makes sense.
Mike Green is an explosive edge rusher with great bend and a knack for getting to the quarterback. He’d be a strong complement to Parsons.
13) Miami Dolphins
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
This is the lowest I’ve had Tyler Warren fall in any of my mock drafts — and honestly, it doesn’t feel right. I think he’s a top-10 player, but he slides a bit here with teams not prioritizing tight end.
The Miami Dolphins got decent production from Jonnu Smith last year, but I don’t see Mike McDaniel passing on a chance to coach a versatile weapon like Warren. The 12 personnel sets they could run would be a lot of fun.
14) Indianapolis Colts
Grey Zabel, OG, North Dakota State
This one’s tough for the Indianapolis Colts — I’d love to give them a tight end like Colston Loveland, but I think they go with a trench pick.
Indy needs to get younger and more athletic inside on the offensive line, and Grey Zabel fits that mold. He’s played almost every spot up front and could push for a starting role early on.
15) Atlanta Falcons
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Atlanta Falcons could upgrade any level of their defense, and it would make sense. Instead of going pass rusher, I’ve got them taking the second-best corner in the draft: Michigan’s Will Johnson.
Johnson is long and rangy, excels in zone, and has great eyes and ball skills. He’s a smart, instinctive cover guy who fits what Atlanta needs.
16) Arizona Cardinals
Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
The Arizona Cardinals are one of the hardest teams to project in the first round. They could go in a lot of directions, and it would all make sense. In the end, I gave them a high-upside player who can also contribute right away.
Walter Nolen is an explosive interior rusher with the quickness, bend and power to cause problems on passing downs. He’s still developing, but the ceiling is high. I’d love to see what Jonathan Gannon could do with him.
17) Cincinnati Bengals
Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
One of the big question marks in this draft is where Shemar Stewart will land. He’s a classic traits-vs.-production case — tons of physical tools, but the numbers didn’t always match.
If he reaches his potential, he’ll easily outperform this slot. Given the Trey Hendrickson situation, this pick would make a lot of sense for the Cincinnati Bengals.
18) Seattle Seahawks
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
I made this pick in my last mock and I’m sticking with it. Tetairoa McMillan’s stock may be slipping in the draft community, but I’m still a believer.
He’s a long, rangy target who thrives in the red zone. With DK Metcalf gone, the Seattle Seahawks need an outside receiver to pair with Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the slot. McMillan fits the bill.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
There’s buzz going around that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are really high on Jihaad Campbell — and honestly, I get it. He’s an explosive athlete with a high motor and plays with effort on every snap. He’s a true three-down linebacker who can hold his own in coverage and against the run.
20) Denver Broncos
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
I almost gave the Denver Broncos a running back here, but Loveland is just too good to pass on. He’s got top-tier athleticism, strong hands and great ball skills. The Broncos’ passing game needs a jolt, and he could help right away.
Putting Loveland in an offense with Evan Engram and Courtland Sutton gives Sean Payton some fun options to get creative with personnel.
21) Pittsburgh Steelers
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
This might feel like a luxury pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers since they already have George Pickens and traded for Metcalf this offseason, but I think it’s still justifiable. Matthew Golden’s skill set would be a great fit in this offense, operating from the slot while Metcalf and Pickens handle the outside.
22) Los Angeles Chargers
Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
With Joey Bosa no longer in the picture, the Los Angeles Chargers could use more help on the edge — and one of the top prospects in the class falls right into their lap.
Mykel Williams is a traits-heavy player who’s still developing. The production hasn’t quite matched the tools yet, but his flashes are eye-catching. He’s a physical edge defender with strong length and toughness.
23) Green Bay Packers
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
All signs suggest Jaire Alexander may not be with the Green Bay Packers this season, so grabbing a corner early would be a smart move. With Jahdae Barron still on the board, this pick makes a lot of sense.
Barron is a versatile cover guy who can play inside or out. He’s long, athletic, and plays with the kind of physicality you want in a top-tier corner.
24) Minnesota Vikings
Nick Emmanwori, Safety, South Carolina
The Minnesota Vikings can’t afford to miss out on Nick Emmanwori at this point. He’s a rare athlete with length, speed and explosiveness, and he can play both deep and in the box.
His range and ability to impact both the run and pass make him a valuable asset. With
Harrison Smith near the end of his career, Minnesota would be wise to find a safety with Emmanwori’s skill set.
25) Houston Texans
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
The Houston Texans’ decision to trade Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders was a surprise and left a major hole on the offensive line. That means it’s time to find a new blindside protector for C.J. Stroud, and the draft is the right place to look.
Despite tearing his ACL this season, Josh Simmons remains an athletic, high-upside pass protector. If not for the injury, he’d likely be off the board by now.
26) Los Angeles Rams
Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
The Los Angeles Rams have needed a lockdown corner since trading away Jalen Ramsey. With Darious Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon as their current starters, the need is still huge heading into the draft.
Trey Amos is a long corner with great movement and cover skills. He plays with good instincts and has solid ball skills to match.
27) Baltimore Ravens
Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama
This pairing just makes too much sense. Tyler Booker is a physical guard who fits the Baltimore Ravens’ mold perfectly.
He may lack some quickness, but he plays with a strong base, heavy hands and the toughness Baltimore wants up front.
28) Detroit Lions
James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
James Pearce Jr. is one of my favorite edge rushers in this class and doesn’t get enough credit. He has excellent speed, bend and control to beat tackles around the edge.
Putting him opposite Aidan Hutchinson would give the Detroit Lions one of the best young pass-rushing duos in the league.
29) Washington Commanders
Malaki Starks, Safety, Georgia
Washington has holes all over the secondary, especially at safety. They’d be smart to add talent here in the first round to help solidify things in a pass-heavy league.
Malaki Starks is a top-tier safety prospect with athleticism and instincts. He has the range and ball skills to thrive in multiple coverage schemes.
30) Buffalo Bills
Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Benjamin Morrison is flying under the radar in this cornerback class. He missed a big chunk of the year with an injury, but his 2023 tape shows he has what it takes to succeed as a boundary corner in a zone-heavy scheme.
The Buffalo Bills are still trying to stay on pace with the AFC’s elite, and adding more corner depth always helps. Morrison is a great fit and could contribute early.
31) Kansas City Chiefs
Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
This would feel borderline unfair. Imagine trying to block Chris Jones — already one of the best interior pass rushers ever — and now having to deal with Kenneth Grant, who weighs 330 pounds but moves like he’s 280.
Grant is a high-upside prospect who has all the tools but needs to refine his technique to win more consistently.
32) Philadelphia Eagles
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Philadelphia Eagles already have DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, but adding another wideout makes sense. Brown has had injury issues, and outside of Smith and Brown, the team hasn’t gotten much from its other pass catchers.
Emeka Egbuka would be a great fit. He can work the slot and the short-to-intermediate game, allowing Brown and Smith to stay focused on the outside. Egbuka brings toughness and physicality to the group.
Round 2 | 33) Cleveland Browns
Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Jaxson Dart falls out of the first round but doesn’t last long, as Cleveland scoops him up here. He could come in and compete for the starting job early in his rookie year.
34) New York Giants
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
The Giants got their WR1 in Malik Nabers but could still use another playmaker. Burden is a great complement, working underneath while Nabers stretches the field vertically.
35) Tennessee Titans
Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
The Titans need to replace Harold Landry III, who left in free agency. Ezeiruaku is a long, explosive rusher who would thrive next to Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat.
36) Jacksonville Jaguars
Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
Despite an early-season ACL tear, Shavon Revel Jr. has the instincts and movement skills that would’ve made him a likely first-rounder. He should compete for a starting role right away in Jacksonville.
37) Las Vegas Raiders
Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
Jalen Milroe is loaded with tools but still developing in terms of accuracy and decision-making. With Geno Smith in place, Milroe could learn and compete for the job down the line.
38) New England Patriots
Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
The Patriots need to give their young quarterback more weapons, and Tre Harris fits the bill. He’s a big-bodied receiver with better route-running skills than most expect from someone his size.
39) Chicago Bears
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Omarion Hampton could easily be a first-round pick, but he falls here due to the no-trade setup. The Bears would be thrilled to land him — he’s a physical runner with big-play upside.
40) New Orleans Saints
Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State
Donovan Jackson is a powerful, balanced lineman who can play guard or tackle. He’s one of the more polished O-line prospects in the class and a good fit for the Saints.
41) Chicago Bears
Xavier Watts, Safety, Notre Dame
Xavier Watts is one of my favorite players in this class. He’s a ballhawk with great range and production who fits right into Chicago’s young secondary.
42) New York Jets
Jonah Savaiinaea, IOL, Arizona
Jonah Savaiinaea brings versatility, having played both guard and tackle. He should push for a starting job on the Jets’ offensive line this season.
43) San Francisco 49ers
Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
Josh Conerly Jr. is another Duck the 49ers would love to have fall this far. He’s athletic, experienced and would immediately upgrade their offensive line depth.
44) Dallas Cowboys
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
TreVeyon Henderson is a home-run threat with serious juice out of the backfield. With Rico Dowdle gone, Henderson can step in and start right away.
45) Indianapolis Colts
Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
Carson Schwesinger checks every box for today’s linebacker: size, length, athleticism and instincts. He flies to the ball and can cover in space.
46) Atlanta Falcons
Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
Landon Jackson brings the kind of length and strength that could lead to 8–10 sacks per year. He may not be a star, but he’s a rock-solid pass rusher.
47) Arizona Cardinals
Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
After hitting on Marvin Harrison Jr. last year, the Cardinals add another weapon. Jaylin Noel can work out of the slot and provide Kyler Murray with reliable short-yardage targets.
48) Miami Dolphins
Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
Tyleik Williams is a dependable, well-rounded interior defender with real strength and anchor. He doesn’t wow with flash but brings steady, powerful play on every down.
49) Cincinnati Bengals
Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
The Bengals always need more protection up front. Aireontae Ersery brings size and power, though he needs to clean up his pad level to reach his full potential.
50) Seattle Seahawks
Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
Azareye’h Thomas has the size, length and traits Seattle loves in its corners. He’s young and raw but has high-end starter potential.
51) Denver Broncos
Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
The Broncos need help at running back, and Quinshon Judkins is ready to roll. He has great vision, balance and change of direction — and he can thrive in any scheme.
52) Seattle Seahawks
Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
Nic Scourton is undersized but brings burst and bend to Seattle’s multiple-look defense. He’s a fun addition to the pass-rush group.
53) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Maxwell Hairston is a twitchy, explosive corner with excellent recovery speed. He needs to improve at finding the ball, but the upside is real.
54) Green Bay Packers
JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State
JT Tuimoloau is a solid run defender with power and length. He may not be flashy, but he’s reliable and should contribute early as a rotational piece.
55) Los Angeles Chargers
Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
Even with Tyler Conklin added, the Chargers could look for a long-term answer at tight end. Mason Taylor is a smooth route-runner and pass catcher who fits the bill.
56) Buffalo Bills
Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
The Bills brought in Joshua Palmer, but Isaiah Bond’s speed adds another layer to the offense. He’s a deep threat who pairs well with Josh Allen’s arm.
57) Carolina Panthers
Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford
Elic Ayomanor brings strong hands, good ball skills and toughness at the catch point. He’s a nice complement to a developing receiver room in Carolina.
58) Houston Texans
Wyatt Milum, IOL, West Virginia
Houston double-dips on the offensive line, and Wyatt Milum likely kicks inside at guard. He’s athletic enough to hold his own but could use protection from edge speed.
59) Baltimore Ravens
Oluwafemi Oladejo, EDGE, UCLA
Oluwafemi Oladejo is still learning the edge role after transitioning from linebacker, but the athletic traits and length are there. Baltimore has a history of developing guys like him.
60) Detroit Lions
Andrew Mukuba, Safety, Texas
Andrew Mukuba can play both nickel and safety and brings some of the same versatility as Brian Branch. Detroit could have some fun with those two rotating roles.
61) Washington Commanders
Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss
Washington still needs pass-rush help, and Princely Umanmielen has the traits to be productive. He’s a little undersized but makes up for it with savvy and quickness.
62) Buffalo Bills
T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina
T.J. Sanders brings quickness and strong hand technique. He’d slot right into a deep Bills front and contribute early on passing downs.
63) Kansas City Chiefs
Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
With uncertainty around Isiah Pacheco’s long-term role, Johnson gives the Chiefs a big back with vision and balance. He fits their style well.
64) Philadelphia Eagles
Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU
Bradyn Swinson is a quick, fluid pass rusher who popped this season. Philly loves stacking their front seven, and he’d be another exciting rotational option.
