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    2025 NFL Mock Draft: Shedeur Sanders Replaces Daniel Jones In New York, Cam Ward Set to Take Over For Aaron Rodgers

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    We used the PFN Mock Draft simulator to select the first round of a 2025 NFL Mock Draft, revealing surprising choices, including two QB trade-ups.

    Completing an accurate 2025 NFL mock draft is improbable at this time of year. Analysts create mock drafts using their big boards, and the PFN Mock Draft Simulator uses similar prospect and team-specific data to make predictions.

    However, current rankings are so tight that it is impossible to call, so the draft order in this mock will be predictive rather than the current set. So, how does the sim currently project how the first round will go?

    For this 2025 NFL mock draft, we have simulated the entire first round using the PFN Mock Draft Simulator and put its selections under the spotlight, analyzing the choices made by the simulator for all 32 NFL teams.

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    1) Jacksonville Jaguars

    Travis Hunter CB/WR, Colorado

    The MDS has followed the growing consensus that Travis Hunter is the firm favorite to be drafted first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. In a class where only a handful of players hold true first-round grades and even fewer are viewed as blue-chip caliber talents, Hunter stands out as an elite prospect with rare athleticism.

    The Jacksonville Jaguars must improve their secondary, so this would be a home run selection for Jacksonville because Colorado’s two-way player projects best as a cornerback who can occasionally play offensive downs as a sub-package player.

    2) Tennessee Titans

    Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

    The simulator correctly identifies wide receiver as a pressing need for the Tennessee Titans. With DeAndre Hopkins being traded and Tyler Boyd and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine out of contract at the end of the season, the room will need numbers and explosive playmakers.

    Luther Burden III may have fallen down boards after not replicating his ultra-productive season from a year ago, meaning second overall feels very high at this moment in the draft cycle.

    However, he offers a great complementary skill set alongside Calvin Ridley. An elusive, sharp WR who generated elite RAC ability, the star Mizzou playmaker would be a solid fit in Tennessee, even if it feels early for Burden.

    3) Cleveland Browns

    Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

    Cornerback doesn’t feel like an immediate need for the Cleveland Browns — especially ahead of quarterback, wide receiver, and offensive line. But you have to play the board, so the simulator has done an excellent job of drafting for value and not for need, especially when the value isn’t necessarily there.

    Will Johnson is considered an elite talent and one of the top players in the entire draft class, playing with instinctual awareness, athleticism, and quality ball skills.

    4) New York Giants

    Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

    After releasing Daniel Jones, the New York Giants have shown their hand and will have to do something different at the QB position in 2025. Shedeur Sanders is the first QB off the board as the Colorado passer heads to New York in this simulation.

    Sanders is on track to become QB1 in the 2025 QB class, and there won’t be many arguments if this ends up being the selection when the Giants are on the clock in April.

    5) Las Vegas Raiders

    Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

    The simulator has potentially thrown out its first surprise selection as it decides not to give the Las Vegas Raiders a QB. It presumably has Las Vegas pursuing one of the veteran free agents like Sam Darnold of Justin Fields.

    Instead, it picks a WR with the group depleted of top-end talent since the Davante Adams trade, and Tetairoa McMillan has the huge frame at 6’5” and 212 pounds, the underrated athleticism, and ball skills to be WR1.

    6) New England Patriots

    Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

    Another strong pick from the simulator. Sure, the New England Patriots would like to give Drake Maye a weapon, but the top two WRs are off the board, and Abdul Carter isn’t a consolation prize. He is one of the top players in this draft class with unrivaled upside and freaky athleticism.

    The Penn State star has developed into one of the top pass rushers in the nation in his first full year playing off the edge, and if he continues his ascending trajectory and development arch, he will be a stud in the NFL.

    7) New York Jets

    Cam Ward, QB, Miami

    Aaron Rodgers may still be on the roster in 2025, but there is also a chance he is not. Either way, the PFN Mock Draft Simulator has correctly identified that the New York Jets must find a way to replace the 40-year-old who doesn’t look like the same player who was in Green Bay.

    Enter Miami QB Cam Ward, who is having the best season of his career in South Florida. While there are still some plays where Ward needs to show better decision-making, the fact that he has shown development year after year, his natural playmaking ability, and his creative arm talent can give confidence that this would be the right selection for Gang Green.

    8) Carolina Panthers

    Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

    The Carolina Panthers could go in various directions with this selection with plenty of needs, including QB. However, the Mock Draft Simulator has established that the value lies elsewhere with Sanders and Ward off of the board.

    Mykel Williams fills a need on the edge, and his athleticism and 6’5”, 265-pound frame are NFL-ready, meaning the former five-star recruit has all the traits and a high ceiling to be successful against the run and the pass.

    Nevertheless, this range also feels early for Williams. He needs to showcase a more consistent pass-rush plan and be more productive if he is to be a top-10 selection and be drafted before his edge rusher prospect teammate, Jalon Walker.

    9) Dallas Cowboys

    Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

    The simulator has deviated from the consensus pick for the Dallas Cowboys. Boise State RB and Heisman Trophy contender Ashton Jeanty has become the default selection for Dallas, which has struggled to establish the run game in 2024.

    Instead, the sim has chosen a cornerback. This position isn’t an immediate need for Dallas, but drafting an outside corner would allow DaRon Bland to move inside, making the Cowboys’ CB room formidable.

    However, passing on Jeanty or even Mason Graham only makes sense if an elite option remains on the board. While Benjamin Morrison has the makings of an NFL quality starter, this is very, very early for the Notre Dame CB who suffered a season-ending hip injury.

    10) New Orleans Saints

    Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

    This is an excellent pick for the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans must freshen up its defensive line with Chase Young, Tanoh Kpassagnon, and Payton Turner on expiring contracts.

    Nic Scourton has the build (at 6’4” and 280 pounds) and the special athletic ability that the Saints love to draft. The Texas A&M edge rusher possesses an undefendable spin move and has one of the most complete résumés of any edge rusher in the 2025 NFL Draft.

    11) Cincinnati Bengals

    James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee

    James Pearce Jr. was projected to challenge to be the first overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft during the offseason, but he has failed to live up to the hype or expectations. After leading the SEC with 10 sacks in 2023, the same issues continue to show up on tape.

    At 6’5” and 242 pounds, Pearce struggles to defend the run due to his lack of play strength, which limits his ceiling. Additionally, the Volunteers pass rusher hasn’t generated the same pressure and sack ratios to compensate for his deficiencies against the run. Therefore, this feels early for Pearce, but he is explosive, and his burst, pass-rushing skills, and bend could see him develop into one of the top rushers in this class.

    12) Miami Dolphins

    Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

    The Miami Dolphins drafting along the offensive line is a tale told every draft season in recent memory. And the story is repeating ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. While the unit has played better recently, it can still be improved. Kelvin Banks Jr. can play across the line and start at guard as a rookie before moving to either tackle spot when called upon.

    13) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

    Tampa Bay needs help on defense. A CB or an EDGE would have been a wise decision by the PFN Mock Draft Simulator. Surprisingly, the sim has opted to add an elite athlete to the secondary in Shavon Revel Jr. The ECU corner has already declared for the 2025 NFL Draft and has received rave reviews from scouts.

    However, Revel suffered a season-ending ACL tear in practice after featuring in three games in 2024. While he showcases great ball skills, athleticism, and anticipation, the injury combined with the Pirates defender’s overly aggressive technique, which will need to be reined in, may see him fall down the board on draft day.

    14) Chicago Bears

    Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss

    Remarkably, the simulator has not chosen an offensive lineman for the Chicago Bears. Protecting Caleb Williams has to be the priority for Chicago, and with Will Campbell still on the board, it would have made sense to take the LSU tackle here and slot him in at guard. Instead, Ole Miss edge rusher Princely Umanmielen has been chosen.

    It is clear that an edge rusher is needed in the Windy City, and the Rebels’ pass rusher is a good fit in Chicago because of his explosive first step, flashy power, and unusual bend. However, the value and emphases haven’t aligned in this spot.

    15) Indianapolis Colts

    Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

    Malaki Starks to the Indianapolis Colts is a staple of 2025 NFL Mock Drafts, and the simulator has continued that consensus. The need and the value align beautifully with the Georgia safety being one of the top prospects in the class.

    It is unusual for safeties to be drafted this high in modern drafts. However, with a down year for first-round grades, picking a borderline blue-chip prospect who fills an immediate hole makes sense.

    16) Seattle Seahawks

    Will Campbell, OL, LSU

    Will Campbell would be a home-run pick for the Seattle Seahawks. There is a divide between analysts, with some projecting him as a guard in the NFL due to his arm length. On the other hand, some analysts think he has the technical fortitude and refined ability to stick outside. Regardless of how they lean in Seattle, the LSU OT can be the answer.

    Campbell would be an immediate improvement as a guard but would also play right tackle in the Pacific Northwest with Abraham Lucas unable to stay healthy.

    17) Los Angeles Rams

    Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

    There are two mistakes here from the simulator. Firstly, there is little doubt that Mason Graham will be drafted higher than Pick 17. Most analysts view the Michigan DT as an elite prospect and one of the top three prospects in the entire class, and there are a handful of teams drafting higher that require his services.

    Secondly, the Los Angeles Rams already have one of the better defensive lines in the NFL. The unit is having an unbelievable season with Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske through the middle and Jared Verse and Byron Young off the edge.

    Graham may have the talent that is too good to pass up in this situation, but the case remains that his combination of athleticism and power in all phases of the game is worthy of a top-10 selection.

    18) San Francisco 49ers

    Emery Jones Jr., OL, LSU

    The San Francisco 49ers need to find their RT for the future, and the simulator has done an excellent job identifying the need. The conversation here is about whether Emery Jones Jr. is the right player. Jones would be a good fit for San Francisco’s run-heavy scheme, and he is one of the most technically refined options in the class, but his projection is looking closer to a second-round prospect.

    With prospects like Cameron Williams, Aireontae Ersery, Josh Simmons, and Jonah Savaiinaea still available, it is right to question this selection.

    19) Denver Broncos

    Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

    Emeka Egbuka to the Denver Broncos is a brilliant selection from the simulator. Denver has been better than anyone imagined in 2024, with Bo Nix and Courtland Sutton establishing a connection.

    However, they will need more receiving playmakers for this offense to take the next step. Egbuka is a route-running technician with an innate tendency to find and exploit space. With the versatility to play outside or from the slot, the smooth, fluid Ohio State receiver has clean hands and an elusive RAC ability to thrive catching balls from Nix.

    20) Atlanta Falcons

    Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State

    Cornerback and EDGE are the two positions the Atlanta Falcons must address to become the contender they expect to be after paying Kirk Cousins. Despite Atlanta ranking dead last in the NFL in sacks, the simulator has addressed the secondary first. That would be hard to justify with Jalon Walker and Shemar Stewart on the board.

    Even so, Atlanta needs a CB opposite A.J. Terrell Jr., who has yet to play up to his standard self in 2024. Denzel Burke is a strong physical athlete at 6’1” and 193 pounds who also defends the run well, and the Ohio State CB’s skill set should easily translate to the NFL.

    21) Arizona Cardinals

    Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

    Arizona currently ranked eighth in the NFL in rushing yards, with James Conner accounting for 697 yards and five TDs through 10 weeks. They also used a third-round pick to select Trey Benson in the 2024 NFL Draft.

    This is a difficult pick to justify, with the Arizona Cardinals having other primary needs despite Ashton Jeanty being a superior talent to Conner and Benson, with his shifty movement, game-breaking vision, and tackle-evading power.

    22) Washington Commanders

    Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

    The MDS has correctly identified that Washington Commanders need help along the defensive line. They need to inject more athleticism and youthfulness on the edges, and Washington’s run defense ranks 30th in the NFL. Kenneth Grant would help beef up the defensive line with the great size (6’3” and 339 pounds) to fill gaps in run defense while also being a keen penetrative pass rusher.

    23) Houston Texans

    Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State

    This is a puzzling selection. Joe Mixon is signed through 2026 (although there is a potential out after 2025) and is on track for one of his best seasons since turning pro in rushing yards and touchdowns. This is all while the Houston Texans’ offensive line needs a significant upgrade.

    Even if the Texans were looking to add another RB to complement Mixon, Pick No. 23 is exceptionally early for Quinshon Judkins, who isn’t the consensus RB2 in the 2025 NFL Draft. Therefore, this selection is disagreeable.

    24) Carolina Panthers (via BAL)

    Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

    The Carolina Panthers receive No. 24 in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Baltimore Ravens receive Nos. 48 and 72 in the 2025 NFL Draft and a 2026 second-round pick.

    The simulator hasn’t yet thrown out a pick that could be considered egregious — until now. Hard pass.

    Selecting Quinn Ewers in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft would be nothing short of malpractice. Trading up to do so would be fireable. The Texas QB has inconsistent fundamentals, struggles to get off reads, and has yet to be able to stay injury-free. While he may be worth a flyer in later rounds, selling Ewers as a first-round player in April is difficult based on his current projection and résumé.

    25) Los Angeles Chargers

    Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU

    Harold Perkins Jr. has undeniable talent. Though, at 6’1” and 225 pounds, he doesn’t feel like a Jim Harbaugh player. Plus, after suffering a season-ending ACL tear, the likelihood of the LSU defensive playmaker becoming a first-round selection is improbable.

    The Los Angeles Chargers would be better off putting their resources into a foundational defensive lineman or corner to solidify their defense or even selecting a tight end who can block like Tyler Warren, who can play pure Harbaugh football.

    26) Cleveland Browns (via GB)

    Carson Beck, QB, Georgia

    The Cleveland Browns receive No. 26 in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Green Bay Packers receive No. 34 in the 2025 NFL Draft and a 2026 second-round pick.

    Oh boy. This is the second error the simulator has thrown out at the quarterback position. While Carson Beck was the QB1 in the summer, he has tumbled down boards and looks increasingly like a Day 3 player.

    Undoubtedly, the Browns need to find a QB who can lead them into the future. However, trading back up into the first round for the Georgia QB won’t cut it. This would be a difficult sell with Alabama QB Jalen Milroe still on the board.

    27) Pittsburgh Steelers

    Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama

    The Pittsburgh Steelers need to address their offensive line. The simulator could have auto-selected a tackle or interior player here, and both would have been acceptable with RT Broderick Jones failing to play up to his draft position and LG Isaac Seumalo being a free agent at the end of the year.

    Tyler Booker would be an upgrade over either guard spot with his dense 6’5”, 352-pound frame, violent downhill blocking, and purposeful leg drive.

    28) Minnesota Vikings

    Tacario Davis, CB, Arizona

    The Minnesota Vikings’ poor play and expiring contracts in the CB room mean the position is the major need that requires addressing this offseason in Minneapolis. Tacario Davis hasn’t taken the step forward he was expected to take during the 2024 season, but his rare 6’4” and 190-pound frame and craft movement skills give him a high ceiling at the next level.

    The first round may be early for the Arizona CB, but his active footwork, disruptive route-shadowing, and explosive burst mean he could go higher than many analysts expect.

    29) Philadelphia Eagles

    Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas

    Isaiah Bond would be an absolute steal for the Philadelphia Eagles. With one of the best rosters in the game and no significant needs to address, Philadelphia can go with the best player available, and that is a scary thought for the rest of the NFL.

    Ultimately, Bond should go much higher than this and is a contender to be the WR1 in the 2025 NFL Draft. With elite separation mobility, sharp route running, and blazing speed, the Texas WR will continue to rise up boards.

    30) Buffalo Bills

    Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

    Omarion Hampton is the third RB to be drafted by the simulator, and all three have been strange fits. While it wouldn’t harm the Buffalo Bills to add another RB in later rounds, the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft isn’t the place to do it. Hampton is in contention to be the RB2, but the position isn’t high on the list of priorities in Buffalo, N.Y., with the team being fragile in defending the run.

    Adding a defensive tackle such as Walter Nolen, Derrick Harmon, or T.J. Sanders makes more sense for this team.

    31) Kansas City Chiefs

    Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

    Jalon Walker is considered a top-five edge rusher in the 2025 class but continues to go underrated. The Georgia defender has flashed more than his teammate, Williams, while not exclusively rushing from the edge.

    The Bulldogs’ head coach Kirby Smart has sometimes asked Walker to play off-ball linebacker, although he projects as a pass-rusher in the NFL. This selection would be an outstanding pick for the Kansas City Chiefs, who continue to get richer in this simulation.

    32) Detroit Lions

    JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State

    This selection by the MDS gets a big thumbs up. The Detroit Lions need to find a running mate for Aidan Hutchinson, and JT Tuimoloau feels like a Dan Campbell-type player, as does his teammate, Jack Sawyer — big, hardened, high-motor players who can do the dirty work and also succeed against the run.

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