We may still be eight months from the NFL Draft, but it is never too early to start thinking about who might be selected next April. The NFC is projected to be the weaker of the two conferences in terms of top-end talent, but what does that mean in terms of draft picks?
In our most recent seven-round NFL Mock Draft, we examined who each of the 16 NFC teams may select next year over three days in Green Bay.
The draft order for the 2025 NFL Mock Draft was derived from my record and playoff predictions for the 2024 NFL regular season.
7-Round 2025 NFC Mock Draft | Round 1
1) New York Giants (via DEN): Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
Projected Trade: Giants receive No. 1 overall pick, 2026 seventh-round pick; Broncos receive No. 2 overall pick, 2026 second-round pick, 2026 third-round pick
In this 2025 NFL Mock Draft, the Giants make a slight trade-up with the Denver Broncos to block out other QB-needy teams and ensure they acquire Georgia’s Carson Beck.
On my board, Beck is the preliminary QB1 in the 2025 NFL Draft by a sizable margin. His mix of arm talent, processing ability, poise, and discretion can elevate an NFL team.
4) New Orleans Saints: Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU
If the Saints can’t get one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, an acceptable alternative would be to take the best tackle and pair him with Taliese Fuaga on the line.
My highest-graded OT in the 2025 class is Emery Jones Jr. — a natural right tackle with suffocating core strength paired with mobility, power, and synergetic technique.
5) Carolina Panthers: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The Panthers could play Travis Hunter at WR or CB, but I’d prefer WR. In my opinion, that’s a better long-term stylistic fit for him, and it’s also where Dave Canales needs him most.
Hunter is the three-level threat Bryce Young needs. He has unmatched separation potential with his flexibility, he’s an acrobat at the catch, and he’s a dazzling creator after the catch.
7) Arizona Cardinals: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The Cardinals’ defensive line has improved with the additions of Darius Robinson, Justin Jones, and Bilal Nichols. Now imagine if they had a pass-rush threat like Abdul Carter.
Carter was built to beat tackles to the apex with his speed and bend, and already in a brief sample, he’s shown the necessary multitasking ability to pry past extensions on the attack.
8) Washington Commanders: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
As good as Terry McLaurin is, Washington needs more firepower for Jayden Daniels. And the Commanders are at a point where they can swing for the fences with a pick like Luther Burden III.
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At 5’11”, 208 pounds, Burden’s most marketable trait is his electric RAC ability, but he’s also a stalwart, instinctive vertical threat — something Daniels can take advantage of.
9) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
This is an incredible confluence of need and the best player available for the Buccaneers, who land a top-three prospect on my board as the ninth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Will Johnson has all of the physical tools you want, but what makes him a notch above as a prospect is his route recognition, reaction quickness, transition freedom, and ball skills.
13) Dallas Cowboys: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
Let’s assume the Cowboys eventually get a deal done with Dak Prescott — because they should. CeeDee Lamb is on the list, too. That may leave DeMarcus Lawrence unsigned.
If EDGE becomes a need again in 2025, Nic Scourton makes sense as Lawrence’s successor. Like Lawrence, he’s powerfully built but can win with force and finesse.
15) Minnesota Vikings: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Tragedy and hardship have combined to thin the Vikings’ cornerback room in 2024. As unfortunate as it is, they may have to re-invest in the 2025 NFL Draft.
At the very least, Benjamin Morrison can be a silver lining. He’s a gnat in man coverage and a prolific playmaker who should fit well with Brian Flores’ scheme and mentality.
18) Seattle Seahawks: Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
This is more of an upside pick than anything because before Deone Walker has the functionality Mike Macdonald wants, he must drastically improve his pad level.
That said, there aren’t many raw talents that match Walker. He’s a supercharged athlete at 6’6″, 348 pounds, who can play from 1-tech to 7-tech. He has game-breaking potential.
19) Atlanta Falcons: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Even after the Matt Judon trade, there’s still a sense that one more thing is missing on the Falcons’ defensive front. That one thing is certified game-breaker Mykel Williams.
Williams can be one of the finishing pieces with his hyper-elite power profile and stunt capability. In time, with more hand usage refinement, he can become a terror one-on-one.
21) Chicago Bears: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Austin Booker’s 2.5-sack preseason debut generated some excitement, but odds are Chicago will still need another early-round investment at EDGE in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Opposite Montez Sweat, James Pearce Jr. would be a menacing addition. His speed-to-power, with his burst, can be devastating, and there’s untapped potential with his bend.
22) Philadelphia Eagles: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
The Eagles could go several different directions in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft. But depending on who’s still available, defensive tackle could be an underrated avenue.
Philadelphia still has Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, but a Milton Williams departure could create a void. Tyleik Williams can function as a pass-rush disruptor and a slab in run defense.
26) San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Payton, EDGE, Florida State
The 49ers have one of the better defensive line coaches in the game in Kris Kocurek. But as good as their developmental staff is, they could use an elite talent like Patrick Payton.
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While Nick Bosa pummels tackles on the other side, Payton could incite terror with his one-step explosiveness, ankle flexion, swarming length, and sense for the football.
28) Detroit Lions: Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss
The Lions improved in the 2024 offseason, but the team’s lack of focus on the EDGE position opposite Aidan Hutchinson could come back to haunt them.
A player like Princely Umanmielen could elevate Detroit’s D-line from good to elite. Umanmielen’s volcanic burst and gravity-defying bend are perfect complements.
29) Los Angeles Rams: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
In my last 2025 NFL Mock Draft, I made the same pick for the Los Angeles Rams—only 10 spots higher. If Kenneth Grant is there for them, I’m not passing him up.
The Rams need a nose tackle to pair with Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske, and Grant is one of the better functional nose tackles to hit the circuit in recent years with his strength and agility.
31) Green Bay Packers: Jordan Hancock, CB, Ohio State
If the Packers choose to roll with Carrington Valentine opposite Jaire Alexander, they could target an upgrade from Keisean Nixon in the slot. Jordan Hancock would fill in nicely.
Hancock’s 2023 tape is eye-opening. Despite being listed at 6’1″, his energetic motion, fluidity, versatility, and relentless drive remind me a bit of Trent McDuffie.
32) New Orleans Saints (via HOU): Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Projected Trade: Saints receive No. 32 overall pick; Texans receive No. 36 overall pick, No. 101 overall pick, 2026 third-round pick
At the tail end of Round 1 in this 2025 NFL Mock Draft, the Saints make an aggressive move and trade back into the first round for Derek Carr’s successor, Shedeur Sanders.
Though Sanders is a bit undersized and not an elite creator, he’s garnered some comparisons to Geno Smith with his live arm, accuracy, and touch.
Round 2
34) New York Giants: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
At 5’8″ and 217 pounds, Ashton Jeanty is a nightmare to tackle with his combined running leverage, mass, contact balance, and elite elusiveness and agility. New York has a respectable RB stable, but Jeanty is the three-down destroyer.
37) Chicago Bears: Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State
Whether Nate Davis underperforms or Teven Jenkins leaves in free agency, guard could be a need in 2025. The 6’4″, 320-pound Donovan Jackson can help right the ship with his lateral mobility, strength, power, and explosive upside in the run game.
39) Arizona Cardinals: Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
While Carter projects as an EDGE full-time for Arizona, Harold Perkins Jr. can be Jonathan Gannon’s wild card at the second level. His run defense is still an unknown, but Perkins’ playmaking range and attack proficiency are nearly unmatched.
40) Washington Commanders: Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
If the Commanders choose not to bring back Bobby Wagner, Barrett Carter makes sense as a successor. Though he’s not a MIKE yet, he can be an effective WILL alongside Frankie Luvu with his athleticism and versatility at 6’0″, 233 pounds.
41) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
At 6’5″, 270 pounds, Dani Dennis-Sutton bears some similarity to Jason Pierre-Paul as a functional athlete on the field. Despite his size, he’s explosive and fluid. He has the tools to buoy a complete rush arsenal, and his motor runs hot in pursuit.
45) Dallas Cowboys: Damien Martinez, RB, Miami (FL)
At around 240 pounds, Damien Martinez is just the type of volume back the Cowboys need to play ball-control offense. He has the size, power, and tenacity of a true road-grader, but his vision and fluidity when pressing are quietly major strengths.
50) Seattle Seahawks: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
In the meantime, Smith is the man in Seattle. But if the value is right, it can’t hurt the Seahawks to look to the future at QB.
MORE: 2025 NFL Draft Big Board
In this 2025 NFL Mock Draft, getting Jaxson Dart — a natural throwing talent with mobility and zip — is a major win.
51) Atlanta Falcons: Oronde Gadsden II, WR/TE, Syracuse
Oronde Gadsden II can feasibly play WR or TE, but alongside Kyle Pitts, I prefer keeping Gadsden at WR with Drake London.
Gadsden is an effortless separator at 6’5″, 220 pounds who brings smooth, authoritative catch-point skills to the fold.
53) Chicago Bears: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
The Bears’ roster will soon be strong enough that they can make this kind of luxury move. Forming a two-headed dragon with D’Andre Swift, Omarion Hampton brings a brand of punishing physicality beyond his elite vertical athleticism at 220 pounds.
54) Philadelphia Eagles: Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
At some point, the Eagles will need to legitimately address the linebacker spot. There’s a lot of merit to adding Deontae Lawson — a 6’2″, 239-pound three-down presence with lightning-quick twitch, coverage upside, and terse physicality on the attack.
58) San Francisco 49ers: Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington
From a technique standpoint, there are still things that Ephesians Prysock can clean up. Nevertheless, he has extremely rare sink and quickness for a 6’4″ CB, and that complete pallet of physical tools grants him vast coverage variability.
60) Detroit Lions: Will Sheppard, WR, Colorado
Amon-Ra St. Brown is the central force. Jameson Williams is the speed threat. Sam LaPorta is the Swiss army knife at TE. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs buoy the ground game.
And Will Sheppard is the reliable WR3 with red-zone and chain-mover upside.
61) Carolina Panthers (via LAR) Parker Brailsford, OC, Alabama
At 6’2″, 275 pounds, Parker Brailsford won’t be for every team at center. But if the Panthers are willing to look past his size, he has exciting range in the run game, and he counteracts his mass limitations with proper leverage as a pass blocker.
63) Green Bay Packers: Marcus Mbow, OL, Purdue
At 6’5″, 300 pounds, Marcus Mbow aligns with the Packers’ preference for versatility between tackle and guard.
At both spots, Mbow’s ability to stay square, match laterally, maintain leverage, and win with violent hands are major strengths.
Round 3
66) New York Giants: Xavier Nwankpa, S, Iowa
If he can improve his weaving skills, Xavier Nwankpa can be the next high-level center-field safety in the NFL.
68) New Orleans Saints: JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State
The quintessential Saints edge rusher, JT Tuimoloau has an exceptional power profile at 6’4″, 270 pounds, and he has a nose for the football in pursuit.
69) Carolina Panthers: Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, Louisville
In the long term, the Panthers could develop Ashton Gillotte into an impact player with his speed and bend at 270 pounds. In the short term, he’s a power plant across the front.
71) Arizona Cardinals: Barion Brown, WR, Kentucky
In the short term, Barion Brown gives Arizona a truly uncommon talent as a return specialist. And in time, he could grow to become a dynamic WR2.
72) Washington Commanders: Terrance Brooks, CB, Illinois
At around 6’2″, Terrance Brooks has the length and physicality Dan Quinn prefers in his CBs, and Brooks also offers exceptional overall coverage mobility.
73) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tate Ratledge, OG, Georgia
Sturdy and experienced, and also equipped with good flexibility and leverage acquisition skills, Tate Ratledge can man the left guard spot.
77) Dallas Cowboys: Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
At around 6’2″, 208 pounds, Tre Harris has some of the best catching instincts in the entire 2025 NFL Draft, and he gives the Cowboys a needed complementary WR.
82) Seattle Seahawks: Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa
Provided that he can stay healthy, Luke Lachey can work up the seam, make tough catches, and serve as a blocking presence.
85) Chicago Bears: Dane Key, WR, Kentucky
Dane Key can still reach a greater level as a separator, but he’s a well-sized catch-point controller who’d play well with Rome Odunze and DJ Moore in 2025.
86) Philadelphia Eagles: Jonas Sanker, S, Virginia
The Eagles like versatility at safety, and Jonas Sanker provides that. An explosive mover at 210 pounds, he can play two-high, in support, and moonlight as an off-man nickel DB.
89) Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA): Trey Moore, EDGE, Texas
A double-digit TFL producer for two years running, Trey Moore has the speed and burst at 6’3″, 245 pounds to supplement the Eagles’ rush arsenal.
90) San Francisco 49ers: Andrew Mukuba, DB, Texas
Though he’ll need to add more mass to his frame, Andrew Mukuba’s combination of short-area malleability and competitiveness makes him a fit for the slot.
93) Los Angeles Rams: Ricardo Hallman, CB, Wisconsin
The Rams don’t have stringent size parameters at CB like other teams, so Ricardo Hallman — a 5’10”, 185-pound, high-IQ ball-hawk — should be well on their radar.
95) Green Bay Packers: Kaden Prather, WR, Maryland
The Packers can afford to hedge for future turnover at WR. Kaden Prather has a level of separation ability at 6’3″, and he’s a grown man at the catch point.
96) Atlanta Falcons (via HOU): Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati
Projected Trade: Falcons receive No. 96 overall pick, 2026 seventh-round pick; Texans receive No. 116 overall pick, 2026 fourth-round pick, 2026 sixth-round pick
Dontay Corleone is the perfect anchor for a defensive line that now has Grady Jarrett, Mykel Williams, Matt Judon, and Ruke Orhorhoro.
97) San Francisco 49ers: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Josh Simmons needs to add mass and improve his play strength, but he’s an explosive, flexible mover with experience on the left and right sides.
Round 4
99) New York Giants
Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State
102) Carolina Panthers
Yahya Black, DT, Iowa
104) Arizona Cardinals
Mansoor Delane, CB, Virginia Tech
105) Washington Commanders
Ajani Cornelius, OT, Oregon
106) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
110) Dallas Cowboys
Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma
115) Seattle Seahawks
Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
119) Detroit Lions
Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State
123) San Francisco 49ers
Mitchell Evans, TE, Notre Dame
125) Philadelphia Eagles
Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
126) Los Angeles Rams
Austin Barber, OT, Florida
128) Green Bay Packers
Brian Stevens, OC, Virginia
Round 5
131) Carolina Panthers
Jabbar Muhammad, CB, Oregon
133) New Orleans Saints
Billy Bowman, S, Oklahoma
134) Carolina Panthers
Earnest Greene III, OL, Georgia
136) Arizona Cardinals
Jeffrey Bassa, S, Oregon
137) Washington Commanders
Kamren Fabiculanan, S, Washington
138) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Antwane Wells Jr., WR, Ole Miss
142) Dallas Cowboys
Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
144) Minnesota Vikings
CJ Daniels, WR, LSU
146) Minnesota Vikings
Phil Mafah, RB, Clemson
147) New York Giants
Thor Griffith, DT, Louisville
148) Atlanta Falcons
Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State
150) Chicago Bears
Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
151) Philadelphia Eagles
Donovan Edwards, RB, Michigan
152) Philadelphia Eagles
Jason Marshall Jr., CB, Florida
155) San Francisco 49ers
Fa’alili Fa’amoe, OL, Washington State
157) Detroit Lions
Armand Membou, OG, Missouri
160) Green Bay Packers
Zy Alexander, CB, LSU
Round 6
165) New Orleans Saints
Keli Lawson, LB, Virginia Tech
166) Carolina Panthers
Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
168) Arizona Cardinals
Squirrel White, WR, Tennessee
169) Washington Commanders
Ethan Burke, EDGE, Texas
170) Detroit Lions
Kain Medrano, LB, UCLA
173) Chicago Bears
LaMiles Brooks, S, Georgia Tech
174) Dallas Cowboys
Ashton Grable, OL, Florida A&M
179) Seattle Seahawks
Robert Scott Jr., OT, Florida State
180) Los Angeles Rams
Ricky White, WR, UNLV
182) Chicago Bears
Jager Burton, OL, Kentucky
186) Chicago Bears
Graham Mertz, QB, Florida
187) San Francisco 49ers
Ja’Mori Maclin, WR, Kentucky
190) Los Angeles Rams
Jestin Jacobs, LB, Oregon
192) Green Bay Packers
Shemar Turner, EDGE, Texas A&M
193) Los Angeles Rams
Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
Round 7
195) New York Giants
Riley Mahlman, OT, Wisconsin
200) Carolina Panthers
Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
201) Washington Commanders
Matthew Bedford, OL, Oregon
202) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jay Higgins, LB, Iowa
206) Detroit Lions
Jared Brown, WR, South Carolina
211) Seattle Seahawks
Javontez Spraggins, OG, Tennessee
212) Philadelphia Eagles
Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green
215) Philadelphia Eagles
Spencer Brown, OL, Oklahoma
216) New York Giants
Xavier Truss, OG, Georgia
219) Carolina Panthers
Power Echols, LB, North Carolina
221) Detroit Lions
Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State
222) Atlanta Falcons
T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina
223) San Francisco 49ers
Leon Lowery, LB/S, Wisconsin
224) Green Bay Packers
Ulysses Bentley, RB, Ole Miss
