Heading into the summer months, this 2025 NFL Mock Draft explores what the early draft board currently looks like. The quarterback group is still very uncertain, but an abundance of talent on the defensive side of the ball helps keep the outlook optimistic.
2025 NFL Mock Draft | Round 1
1) Carolina Panthers: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
The Panthers have a capable cast of receiving weapons for Bryce Young, with first-round pick Xavier Legette and veterans Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen leading the way. But Johnson will be a free agent in 2025, and Thielen is only getting older. There’s still room for more.
If the Panthers are picking high again in the 2025 NFL Draft, they can capitalize by adding another potential generational-type talent in Luther Burden III. The 5’11”, 208-pound Burden has the skills to win underneath, but he’s a complete three-level weapon at WR.
2) Tennessee Titans: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Much like the Panthers, the Titans have a stable short-term situation for their young quarterback Will Levis at WR. But in 2025, both DeAndre Hopkins and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine will be free agents, and Treylon Burks’ returns have been subpar to this point.
If WR is once again a need in 2025, Tetairoa McMillan could be an option. The 6’5″, 210-pound monolith — who’ll be 22 years old on draft day — has been a stellar producer since Day 1, and he has uncommon separation flexibility and control for his size.
3) New York Giants: Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
The 2025 offseason will be the Giants’ first window to cut ties with Daniel Jones. Barring an unforeseen resurgence from Jones in 2024, it’s hard to imagine New York passing up that opportunity. If the current regime gets another chance, Carson Beck should be next.
Right now, Beck is safely my preliminary QB1 of the 2025 NFL Draft class, and he would’ve been a Round 1 candidate in the 2024 cycle. He’s a prototypical passer with exceptional processing ability, clean mechanics, a live arm, and rare layering ability inside the pocket.
4) Washington Commanders: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Things are looking up for the Washington Commanders under Dan Quinn. They have their franchise quarterback in Jayden Daniels, and they put together a strong 2024 NFL Draft class around him. With a blue-chip CB prospect like Will Johnson, they’d be able to take the next step.
At around 6’2″, 204 pounds, Johnson has the tools and the football IQ to be a picture-perfect fit in Quinn’s scheme. He’s an instant click-and-closer in zone coverage but also has the foot speed, fluidity, throttle freedom, and swarming ball skills to envelop WRs in man.
5) New England Patriots: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
If everything goes according to plan, the combination of Drake Maye, Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, and Caedan Wallace can help reforge the Patriots’ offensive core. However, with the expiring contracts on the defensive side of the ball, New England may shift focus in 2025.
James Pearce Jr. is an EDGE talent who could provide optimal value for the Patriots. Though he’s a bit light at 6’5″, 242 pounds, Pearce is hyper-explosive, bendy, and has the length to channel his burst into point-of-attack power — as he showed in his 10-sack 2023 season.
6) Denver Broncos: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
The hope is that Bo Nix can help kickstart a new era in Denver under Sean Payton. But even if the offense takes a step forward in 2024, the defense still needs more high-end talent — especially on the defensive line. That’s where Kenneth Grant can be a central force.
Grant is a freak — rumored to run a sub-5.00 40-yard dash at 6’3″, 339 pounds. He’s a high-level two-gapper who can absorb blocks, but in 2023, he also flashed the ability to stunt across alignments as a pass rusher and explode up seams with alien bend and athleticism.
7) Arizona Cardinals: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The Cardinals’ plan on defense is slowly coming together. In the 2024 NFL Draft, they added a 3-tech/5-tech hybrid in Missouri’s Darius Robinson — and they also brought in Max Melton at cornerback. The unit’s ceiling could rise further with a dynamic rusher like Abdul Carter.
Though Carter isn’t a traditional edge rusher, he’s making the shift in 2024. As a linebacker in 2021 and 2022, he showcased his elite playmaking range at 6’3″, 250 pounds. With his speed, bend, and play strength, he could be a cheat code for an NFL team.
8) Las Vegas Raiders: Donovan Smith, QB, Houston
Right now, Beck is the runaway preliminary QB1 of the 2025 NFL Draft class, but there are a few under-the-radar prospects in the early-round conversation on my initial board. Donovan Smith is one of them, and in this mock, he heads back home to Las Vegas.
At 6’5″ and 235 pounds, Smith is an athletic mover and an adaptable passer who quietly flashes high-end anticipation, situational precision, and pocket navigation skills. If he can cut down on occasional ill-advised decisions, his ceiling is incredibly high.
9) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Buccaneers received much-needed reinforcements on the interior offensive line, at the wide receiver position, and in the safety room. But boundary cornerback is still a glaring need that Travis Hunter could help fill.
Hunter could feasibly play wide receiver or cornerback — not both — but he could potentially be an All-Pro playmaker at CB with his elite functional athleticism, fluidity, and playmaking chops at 6’1″, 185 pounds. Ball-hawks like Hunter don’t come around often.
10) Indianapolis Colts: Fernando Carmona Jr., OT, Arkansas
For the foreseeable future, the Colts are set at tackle with Bernhard Raimann and Braden Smith. But both players will be free agents in 2026, and Indianapolis needs more long-term security and developmental upside at the position. That’s where Fernando Carmona Jr. comes in.
Carmona is still relatively obscure in the 2025 class, but the 6’5″, 324-pound blocker was dominant at San Jose State in 2023. At his size, his explosion, change of direction, and torque output defy logic, and he’s a relentless mauler who routinely finishes defenders.
11) New Orleans Saints: Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
At 6’6″, 348 pounds, Deone Walker is a mind-boggling physical talent, as he showed after amassing 7.5 sacks and 12.5 TFLs in 2023. His pad level is still a major work in progress, but he has uncanny lateral agility, explosive capacity, and freedom for his size.
Walker could end up being a similar case study to Jordan Davis — a size-athleticism freak who needs a year or two of more seasoning before he’s truly ready to be a nose tackle. But for a team like New Orleans, he’s very much worth the investment.
12) Minnesota Vikings: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Brian Flores’ defensive scheme places slightly less emphasis on interior defensive linemen, but there’s still a long-term need for disruption at defensive tackle for Minnesota. And in the 2025 class, Mason Graham might be the best blend of tools available for them.
At around 6’3″, 318 pounds, Graham almost has the size to survive as a 0- or 1-tech, but he has the explosive, energized athleticism and violent hands to flourish as a 3-tech disruptor. And to top it off, he’s a slab of rock against the run — a two-phase terror if there ever was one.
13) Seattle Seahawks: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
The Seattle Seahawks are primed to produce early under the oversight of Mike Macdonald, and they should have some flexibility in terms of the best player available in the 2025 NFL Draft. If Benjamin Morrison is on the board, he makes a lot of sense with Seattle’s personnel.
At cornerback, the Seahawks have Riq Woolen on the boundary and Devon Witherspoon as a match piece, but Morrison could help complete the unit as a suffocating boundary presence with stifling man coverage chops. At 6’0″, 185 pounds, his foot speed is frightening.
14) Jacksonville Jaguars: Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU
Anton Harrison showed plenty of promise in his rookie season with the Jaguars. However, Jacksonville will have another need to fill at tackle when Cam Robinson eventually moves on. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they could target LSU’s Emery Jones Jr. to fill that void.
At around 6’6″, 322 pounds, Jones is a blocky, light-footed pass protector who excels at playing square to opponents and letting his core strength work. The Jaguars would have to move either Jones or Harrison to the left side, but Jones’ upside would play well in Duval County.
15) Pittsburgh Steelers: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
There wasn’t much to criticize inside the Steelers’ 2024 NFL Draft haul. They reinvigorated their offensive line, added weapons in the receiving room, and scored great value at the second level on defense. Cornerback is one of just a few needs remaining.
If Donte Jackson walks in 2025, the Steelers can effectively upgrade with Denzel Burke in the 2025 NFL Draft. At around 6’1″, 194 pounds, Burke is a variable cover man with the ball skills of a former WR and the support chops of a defender who relishes physicality.
16) Cleveland Browns: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Browns have traded for both Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore over the past 16 months, but they could stand to add even more security at the WR spot, especially after sinking so much money and capital into Deshaun Watson. Emeka Egbuka makes lots of sense here.
An in-state product, Egbuka has a coveted blend of functional utility, versatility, and athleticism at 6’1″and 205 pounds. He’s a dynamic movement-Z WR with RAC chops and high-level catching instincts who can also use his route-running ability to carve through zones.
17) Chicago Bears: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Chicago Bears scored a franchise-defining connection with Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze in the 2024 NFL Draft and added quality depth at other spots. That said, the franchise could still use another premier edge rusher opposite Montez Sweat.
In the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, Nic Scourton could be an EDGE prospect who earns the interest of Matt Eberflus. At 6’4″, 280 pounds, Scourton — who racked up 10 sacks in 2023 — has the length and power Eberflus craves, but he’s also impressively agile and active in pursuit.
18) Los Angeles Chargers: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers gained momentum with their 2024 NFL Draft haul, but a few position groups still need more early-round infusion, and the defensive line is near the top of the list. In 2025, Tyleik Williams could be a prime Round 1 candidate.
At 6’3″, 327 pounds, Williams — who logged 10 TFLs in 2023 — has incredibly unique alignment versatility. He’s a capable 1-tech with play strength and power-nullifying density, but he also has the explosiveness and flexibility to stunt across gaps and rush the passer.
19) Los Angeles Rams: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
The Los Angeles Rams signed their tender for left tackle Alaric Jackson, bringing him back into the fold for the 2024 season. That said, Jackson isn’t yet a long-term asset, and the Rams could wind up looking for a new LT in 2025. Will Campbell could be an option.
With Jackson, the Rams have proven they don’t care about arm length quite as much as other teams, which could qualify Campbell beneath their parameters. At 6’6″ and 320 pounds, Campbell is athletic, composed, well-balanced, and advanced for his age.
20) Atlanta Falcons: Nic Anderson, WR, Oklahoma
The Falcons passed up an opportunity to pair Rome Odunze with Drake London at eighth overall in 2024. Instead, they selected Michael Penix Jr. Time will tell if that decision will cost them, but more opportunities will come down the line to supplement the WR position.
Oklahoma’s Nic Anderson might not be as fluid or refined as Odunze, but at 6’4″, 213 pounds, he’s an electric deep threat with game-breaking long speed. He also flashes impressive flexibility and tempo freedom as a route runner — tools Kirk Cousins could use.
21) New York Jets: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
The 2024 season has already started to be marketed as the farewell tour for legendary QB Aaron Rodgers. The Jets have a capable backup for Rodgers in Tyrod Taylor, but they’ll need a new succession plan at some point. Jaxson Dart could qualify for the 2025 NFL Draft class.
Dart, who stands around 6’2″ and 220 pounds, is my QB3 entering the 2025 cycle and a definite early-round candidate. He’s tough, a stellar athlete, and has near-elite composite arm talent, which he weaponizes with active anticipation and situational precision.
22) Miami Dolphins: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
The guard spot is one the Dolphins neglected in the 2024 offseason. They lost Robert Hunt to the Panthers and didn’t add any major assets through free agency or the draft. Interior pressure isn’t something to shrug off, especially with Tua Tagovailoa. Tyler Booker can help.
Booker was a highly-touted recruit coming out of high school, and it’s easy to see with his massive 6’5″, 352-pound frame. Despite his size, he carries his weight very well, and the 20-year-old has the explosiveness, raw power, and synergy in pass protection to thrive.
23) Green Bay Packers: Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington
Eric Stokes’ injuries have been a concern for several seasons now. With his contract soon to expire, it’s unlikely the Packers bring him back. Green Bay still has Jaire Alexander and Carrington Valentine, but they could use another long-term investment on the boundary.
At 6’4″ and 190 pounds, Ephesians Prysock is one of the most unique CB prospects to hit the circuit in recent years. He has overwhelming length and disruptive range, but with his low-cut frame, quickness, fluidity, and jamming potential, he can thrive in Jeff Hafley’s man-heavy scheme.
24) Dallas Cowboys: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
There’s a reasonable outcome where Dak Prescott isn’t the Cowboys’ QB in 2025. Dallas could opt to roll with Trey Lance, but there could also be an opportunity to reset with a quarterback from the 2025 class. Shedeur Sanders — son of franchise star Deion Sanders — is an option.
Heading into the year, Sanders grades out as a fringe top-100 prospect on my board, but he has the arm talent and accuracy to rise. Pocket management must be a major point of emphasis moving forward, but if he can clean that up, he can be a capable distributor.
25) Philadelphia Eagles: Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Florida
The Eagles acquired Bryce Huff in the 2024 offseason and drafted a high-upside developmental EDGE in Jalyx Hunt. But there’s still some long-term uncertainty at the position for Philadelphia, and they could be in demand for a player like Princely Umanmielen.
If the Floridian phenom had declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, he would have been a potential Round 1 prospect on my board. At 6’5″, 255 pounds, he’s an active and intelligent run defender with a volcanic first step and gravity-defying bend capacity in the pass-rushing phase.
26) Cincinnati Bengals: Ollie Gordon II, RB, Oklahoma State
The Bengals hedged for the future with many of their early picks in the 2024 NFL Draft cycle. Amarius Mims, Jermaine Burton, and Kris Jenkins are future starters at their respective positions. Those picks allow them to indulge in a luxury in this 2025 NFL Mock Draft.
The 2025 NFL Draft is set to be an absolutely stacked RB class, and Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon II is at the top of the list. The 2023 Doak Walker Award winner has a rare mix of cutting flexibility, vision, and grating play strength at 6’1″, 211 pounds — and he’s a capable receiver.
27) Buffalo Bills: Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas
The Bills re-signed Dion Dawkins on a long-term deal, but they could use more long-term security across the line. Spencer Brown will be a free agent in 2025, and David Edwards’ deal will be up in 2026. Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. helps hedge for uncertainty at both spots.
Banks, who stands around 6’4″ and 324 pounds, still has plenty to clean up from a technical standpoint. Cutting down on lurches and inefficient footwork will be the first step, but he’s an explosive, tenacious blocker who translates well at either tackle or guard.
28) Houston Texans: Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
Opposite Derek Stingley Jr., the Houston Texans have a few viable short-term solutions at the cornerback spot with Jeffrey Okudah and CJ Henderson, while Kamari Lassiter profiles as a solid nickel. But on the boundary, there’s room for more long-term playmaking upside.
Though Domani Jackson’s growth was stunted at USC, the 6’1″, 190-pound speed demon will have a chance to resurrect his stock at Alabama. In high school, he tied the California state record in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.25 seconds. That recovery speed can be lethal.
29) Detroit Lions: Patrick Payton, EDGE, Florida State
If there’s one knock you could give the Lions for their 2024 NFL Draft class, it’s that they didn’t invest enough into the EDGE position opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Luckily, the 2025 NFL Draft class will allow them to right their wrongs on that front.
Patrick Payton is an outrageously long edge rushing prospect at 6’5″, who’s beefed up to 254 pounds ahead of the 2024 season. In 2023, he logged 7.5 sacks, 14 TFLs, and 10 pass breakups with his closing speed, bend, and disruptive range, and he’s due for even more.
30) Baltimore Ravens: Jonah Savaiinaea, OT, Arizona
Ronnie Stanley has been a productive starter in his time with the Ravens — when he’s been available. However, Stanley, who has an expiring contract soon, will be 31 years old next March, and injuries have been a concern. Baltimore may need to find a successor soon.
Jonah Savaiinaea is a natural right tackle, so he’ll have to make the transition to the left side to complement Roger Rosengarten. But at 6’5″, 330 pounds, Savaiinaea is a dense, well-leveraged lineman with eye-catching explosiveness and physicality in open space.
31) San Francisco 49ers: Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
With uncertainty surrounding the long-term futures of De’Vondre Campbell and Dre Greenlaw, the 49ers are one team that might take advantage of a position-less prospect like Harold Perkins Jr. falling farther than his level of talent warrants.
Perkins will naturally bring about some debate among NFL evaluators with his frame at 6’1″, 225 pounds, but make no mistake — he’s a born pass-down playmaker with elite closing speed, range, and bend capacity as a rushing threat.
32) Kansas City Chiefs: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Even if Justin Reid leaves in 2025, the Chiefs have a few quality future assets at safety — among them Bryan Cook, Jaden Hicks, and Chamarri Conner. For all of their volume, however, the Chiefs don’t have a complete two-phase presence like Malaki Starks.
Starks — who put up 52 tackles, three interceptions, and seven PBUs in 2023 — almost has the size and tackling ability of a de facto linebacker. In coverage, he can play two-high or single-high effectively with his fluidity, effortless range, and quick processing.