Smokescreen season is in full bloom with the teams coming closer to making their selections come the day of the NFL Draft, with plenty of news and noise out there.
We are past the main part of free agency, so now teams will fill their necessary holes via next week’s NFL Draft to select potential future stars. Here is a look at what the first round might look like.
1) Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
For some time, it looked like this pick could’ve gone in a couple of different directions, but now, a few weeks before the draft, all signs point to this being Miami (FL) QB Cam Ward. Not only is Ward the best QB in this draft, but he fits the offense that second-year head coach Brian Callahan wants to run.
While they did take Will Levis in the second round in 2023, Levis does not seem to be the long-term answer in Tennessee. Tennessee has a lot of holes to fill, but starting over at QB and building for the future with a big arm, athletic QB is a step in the right direction.
2) Cleveland Browns
Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The Cleveland Browns need a new QB as well, but between bringing back veteran Joe Flacco last week, the trade for Kenny Pickett, and still having the Deshawn Watson problem, the Browns won’t go QB and instead take Abdul Carter, the top-ranked prospect on PFSN’s big board, and a blue-chip EDGE talent in the 2025 NFL Draft.
As one might expect, being a young EDGE at just 6’3″ and 250 pounds, Carter still has room to improve his run defense, and he’s never going to be immovable against combos and duo blocks. But as a pass-rusher and pursuit threat, Carter has a kind of instant explosiveness and closing speed that’s near-impossible to replicate.
He builds upon that generational burst with speed-to-power, wicked bend capacity, and strong, intentional hand usage. Additionally, his off-ball background gives him the versatility to rush gaps, disguise blitzes, and drop in coverage. At his peak, he can be an absolute game-wrecker.
A combo of Carter and Myles Garrett will keep the AFC North offenses awake at night.
3) New York Giants
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
A month ago, everyone had QB here. The New York Giants failed to land any of the big QBs in free agency and likely will still have Shedeur Sanders on the board. However, they have since signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. While that might not fill Giants fans with much hope, it will prevent them from drafting Sanders.
They will pair the veteran QBs with the best all-around talent in this class — Travis Hunter.
The Heisman winner, alongside Malik Nabers, gives a veteran signal-caller the chance to make something happen in 2025. No one in East Rutherford, N.J., is thinking about 2026 right now. Take the free square and play the free agency game.
4) New England Patriots
Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
The New England Patriots spent a lot of money to overhaul their entire defense and also signed offensive tackle Morgan Moses from the division-rival New York Jets. But they shouldn’t stop there, as they had the worst offensive line in 2024, according to PFSN’s OL+ rankings.
No offensive lineman impressed more than Membou at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. He clocked in at 332 pounds, ran a 4.91-second 40-yard dash, hit a 34″ vertical, and showed he’s more than just a guy looking for pancake blocks. He rises up the draft board to become the top lineman selected and finds a home in New England, where he’ll protect quarterback Drake Maye.
5) Jacksonville Jaguars
Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The Jacksonville Jaguars finished the 2024 season with the 31st-ranked defense, according to PFSN’s Defense+ metric. They struggled at times to get to the quarterback, and with new general manager James Gladstone coming over from Los Angeles — a team that has boasted a strong defensive line for years, anchored by Aaron Donald — the Jaguars are looking to improve.
If the Jaguars are building for the future and already have their quarterback, wide receiver, and running back positions filled with young talent, Michigan’s Mason Graham could be the guy to lead the defense’s reformation.
At Michigan, Graham demonstrated explosive ability as a defensive tackle and could bring the needed aggression to Jacksonville’s defense.
6) Las Vegas Raiders
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The Las Vegas Raiders filled their QB need with the trade for Geno Smith and continue to improve the offense by adding one of the better RB prospects we have seen in a few years. A lot of people have mocked Ashton Jeanty to Dallas, but he doesn’t make it that far as the Raiders see a good opportunity here.
Jeanty put up video game numbers for Boise State in 2024. He’s a smart runner with great agility, vision, and contact balance. His skills in the passing game also make him a high-impact starter. He’d be a great fit for a coach like Pete Carroll, who leans on the run game.
7) New York Jets
Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
After signing Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract, Gang Green seems set with a plan at quarterback moving forward. The failed Aaron Rodgers experiment is over, and a new era under head coach Aaron Glenn begins with Fields.
The Jets lost Haason Reddick, Javon Kinlaw, and D.J. Reed on defense, though they extended Jamien Sherwood. Either way, with the losses, it is time to rebuild here. With a great NFL Combine, Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart jumps over Jalon Walker in the EDGE rankings and ends up with the New York Jets.
Stewart tested as one of the best and most dynamic ends in the history of the NFL Combine and earns the bump over Walker. He’s that rare combination of athleticism, power, and length, and he faced some strong opponents in his SEC career.
8) Carolina Panthers
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Carolina Panthers’ problem is that their 32nd-ranked defense was fairly ineffective in many categories. No team in the league had a worse pressure rate (16.2%) or QB knockdown rate (5.5%) last season than the Panthers.
Will Johnson is a complete cornerback with size, speed, fluidity, and instincts. He’s physical in coverage and has a high floor with an even higher ceiling. An injury dropped him behind Hunter in this draft, but on tape, the two are neck and neck, and he could end up being the best CB in the draft.
9) New Orleans Saints
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The New Orleans Saints are going to need a complete rebuild with aging players and no cap space. They do have an ailing Derek Carr, so a quarterback could be an option here. However, with mixed feelings on Sanders, the Saints go to one of the top wide receivers on the board and bolster the offense that way.
A top-10 talent that has been mocked all over the board, McMillan gives the Saints’ offense a boost. His 1,319 receiving yards ranked third in the country last year and would be a dynamic weapon for Carr, assuming he is healthy.
10) Chicago Bears
Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Heading into the NFL Combine, Will Campbell was a projected top-five pick. However, Membou’s rise allows the Bears to snag a versatile offensive lineman to complement the offseason trades for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson.
With multiple Bears linemen likely leaving via free agency, Campbell can fit in at either guard or tackle, helping to further solidify the trenches. He has shown impressive power and movement skills and will be a key player to protect Caleb Williams for years to come.
11) San Francisco 49ers
Jalon Walker, EDGE/OLB, Georgia
This pick is all about team needs, and the San Francisco 49ers primarily need a cornerback or an edge rusher. With Hunter and Johnson off the board, cornerback isn’t the option here. Walker is a young playmaker the 49ers need, especially with many expiring contracts on the defensive side of the ball.
The 49ers are a team to watch, as they could trade up to secure a cornerback or trade down for more picks. If they stay put, they’ll take the best player available, and Walker fits that bill here.
12) Dallas Cowboys
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
The Cowboys have many needs to fill in this draft. Beyond RB and EDGE, which went off the board in the top 11 picks, they have other holes on the roster, with the biggest being cornerback. They still have Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, but behind those two, there is not a lot to be excited about.
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Emmanwori had one of the best workouts at the NFL Combine that we have ever seen by a safety. He has the hyper-elite size and athleticism to play big nickel, and his skills also lend well at strong safety. He projects as a versatile playmaker who can excel in the deeper areas of the field but also make plays in the box.
13) Miami Dolphins
Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas
It is no secret that the key to the Miami Dolphins’ offense is keeping quarterback Tua Tagovailoa upright. Concussions and other injuries have derailed their plans, and that begins up front. Kelvin Banks Jr. can immediately slot in as a starting guard, where Miami is losing its top three options. His position versatility also allows him to be the long-term solution for Terron Armstead.
While I firmly believe they go offensive line here, keep an eye on the star of the NFL Combine, Emmanwori, as the Dolphins currently have one safety under contract, and Emmanwori impressed the entire NFL world and will shoot up the board.
14) Indianapolis Colts
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
There might be no better fit in the NFL Draft than Tyler Warren to the Indianapolis Colts.
The tight end position has been largely ignored in Indy over the years, and there are multiple ones on the board to choose from. The Penn State weapon showed during the College Football Playoff that he can line up anywhere, block, catch, and run. He had over 1,200 yards and 104 catches and will be a perfect dump-off or down-the-field weapon for young Anthony Richardson to use.
15) Atlanta Falcons
Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
Mike Green has been a mover on the draft board after a final college season with 17 sacks (best in the country) and 51 pressures (tied for sixth). He’s an explosive athlete who offers very good length and quickness as a pass rusher, filling an immediate need for an Atlanta Falcons defense that has perpetually been inside the bottom five in sack and pressure rate.
That was no different this past year. Despite picking up Matthew Judon, Atlanta ranked inside the bottom 10 in terms of pressure rate. That, combined with several defensive departures, means that Atlanta needs to add more pass-rushing talent.
16) Arizona Cardinals
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
The Arizona Cardinals’ offensive needs to revolve around adding another weapon they can rely on alongside Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride. They will want another young receiver they can develop into a devastating trio of receivers.
Texas WR Matthew Golden is a coordinated, intelligent route runner with impressive body control attacking the ball in the air and has been the subject of plenty of buzz in recent weeks. This will give the upstart Cardinals another weapon for Kyler Murray, who is entering the prime of his career.
17) Cincinnati Bengals
Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
In looking to improve the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive front, Derrick Harmon provides them with a dynamic force in the middle, capable of disrupting both the running game and the passing game.
Harmon offers the potential to be a key building block for a defense that is looking to get back into playoff contention. The Bengals just missed the postseason last year, primarily due to a 28th-ranked defense. He is a versatile athlete who can move around while also excelling at run stuffing.
18) Seattle Seahawks
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The once-a-year prospect free-fall ends here as Deion Sanders’ son gets drafted by the Seattle Seahawks at No. 18. The Seahawks traded away Smith a few weeks back and then signed Sam Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million deal. But much like Darnold was not the long-term answer for any of the previous teams he was on, including Minnesota last season, he won’t be the long-term solution in Seattle either.
This leaves a perfect opportunity to bring in Sanders, who was mocked as high as No. 1 in the draft during the end of the regular season. There will be no pressure to play him right away with $50+ million guaranteed invested in Darnold, but he is there in case Darnold doesn’t repeat 2024. It might be an uncomfortable night for the Sanders family, but Shedeur lands nicely in the Pacific Northwest.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ biggest needs after free agency are to add more depth in the secondary and ensure they are set long-term at EDGE.
Nic Scourton is a powerful edge rusher with a muscular, heavy build that carries his listed 285 pounds very well. He has some of the most refined hand usage you’ll see in an edge rusher in this draft class, and his short-area quickness is better than you’d expect for a man of his size.
The Buccaneers were able to create pressure at a high rate last season thanks to an aggressive scheme, but the ability to get home from a standard formation will prove critical if the Bucs want to improve upon the fourth-lowest interception rate in the league (1.1%).
20) Denver Broncos
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
With Warren going to the Colts, the Denver Broncos grab the next tight end for second-year QB Bo Nix. It’s no secret that Sean Payton is looking for his “joker” on offense, and Loveland is the perfect piece. He is a great route runner with excellent size and strength to be an effective weapon in the passing game.
Some have him ahead of Warren on their TE list, but either way, Payton gets what he wants.
21) Pittsburgh Steelers
Mykel Williams, EDGE, Steelers
I’d watch for a potential Pittsburgh Steelers trade up if Sanders starts falling, but if not, they need to improve a defense that finished 12th in PFSN’s Defense metric in 2024, a rare non-top-10 ranking for a franchise that usually makes its bones on that side of the ball.
The run defense was below average, ranking 17th in success rate (61%) and 20th in yards before contact per rush (1.55), something they figure to address in this draft. Mykel Williams is a young playmaker the Steelers need.
Williams has an ideal frame with great length and strength. He’s still refining his technique, but his athleticism and power already make him a dangerous pass rusher.
22) Los Angeles Chargers
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
The Los Angeles Chargers have had several departures in free agency: Poona Ford and Morgan Fox (both DTs) and Kristian Fulton and Asante Samuel Jr. (both CBs). Add in the release of Joey Bosa, and that leaves a lot of needs on the defensive side of the ball if they want to be strong again in 2025. Bringing back Khalil Mack and Teair Tart helps stabilize things, while adding Donte Jackson gives them a veteran presence at cornerback.
At 6’3″ and 235 pounds, Jihaad Campbell possesses the athleticism and sideline-to-sideline range that is becoming increasingly valuable in today’s NFL. His ability to diagnose plays quickly and cover ground makes him a threat in both the running game and the passing game and a great fit for Jim Harbaugh’s defense.
23) Green Bay Packers
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Offensively, there are two main needs for the Green Bay Packers. Josh Jacobs called out the wide receiver situation, stating that they need a true No. 1 for Jordan Love. The Packers have a very talented group, but none of them are receivers you look at as potential game-winners on a regular basis. However, this is a case where, if they do not draft a No. 1, they do not need to add more No. 2 level options to the offense.
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Emeka Egbuka is a big, reliable receiver with good hands and quick lateral movements as both a route runner and a ball carrier. Egbuka’s tape looks the part of a future NFL starting wide receiver.
24) Minnesota Vikings
Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
The Minnesota Vikings returned Byron Murphy Jr. and have Isaiah Rodgers coming in, solving some of CB concerns. However, they could benefit from another starting-level talent at cornerback. The speedy Maxwell Hairston gets the nod over Trey Amos and other corners.
Hairston turned heads at the NFL Combine with his 4.28-second 40-yard dash and has shot up many draft boards. He has incredible range but needs to get stronger to make an immediate impact in the secondary in Minnesota.
25) Houston Texans
Josh Simmons, OL, Ohio State
The Houston Texans offense ranked 28th in PFSN’s Offense+ metric, mainly because of an O-line that ranked 31st. After trading Laremy Tunsil to Washington, they need a complete rebuild of the line.
If it weren’t for a season-ending injury, Josh Simmons could have been more widely regarded as the best offensive line prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. In the six games he started, Simmons put out some of the best and most consistent tape in the class, allowing just one QB pressure.
While his injury opens the door for other prospects to be picked before him, Simmons still should be a first-round pick and could be a top-20 selection. His physical profile and athleticism are ideal in a franchise’s cornerstone left tackle, and Simmons also has RT versatility.
He does a tremendous job of mirroring pass rushers, using his fluidity to match and stay square. He also flashes high-end driving power as a moving blocker in space, and he can knock rushers off-kilter with disorienting punches. Provided that he makes it back to full health, Simmons can start immediately and grow into an impact player.
26) Los Angeles Rams
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
The Los Angeles Rams were another spot where I saw a WR going, but they took care of that by signing Davante Adams on March 9. With the bulk of the rest of the offense returning, the Rams go back to defense.
They drafted DE Jared Verse and DT Braden Fiske last year to beef up the line, so I am having them go to the secondary in 2025 with the selection of Texas CB Jahdae Barron.
Barron is a highly skilled cornerback known for his physicality, quickness, and ball skills. In addition to his coverage skills, Barron is a physical tackler who is not afraid to step up against the run.
27) Baltimore Ravens
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
As the Baltimore Ravens usually do, they grab a player who was mentioned as a top-10 pick who somehow falls to No. 27. Malaki Starks didn’t have the best NFL Combine, and with more people needing corners than safeties, Starks dropped down the board. It’s not necessarily an immediate need for the Ravens, but it’s the top player on the board and one that was once going much, much higher.
28) Detroit Lions
James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
After showing promise on defense last season but needing more consistency in their pass rush, the Detroit Lions draft James Pearce Jr. as a player who could make an immediate impact and help elevate their defense to the next level.
In the postseason loss to the Washington Commanders, Detroit rarely got pressure on Jayden Daniels. Combined with injuries all over the secondary, they allowed 45 points in an early exit.
Pearce is an explosive edge rusher with the athleticism and the motor to generate consistent pressure as a pass rusher. He’s shown that his combination of first-step acceleration, counter agility, and speed-to-power allows him to beat NFL-caliber offensive linemen at the point of attack on a consistent basis.
His potential to develop into a top-tier pass rusher, combined with the return of 2022 first-round pick Aidan Hutchinson, will give the Lions the depth they need to repeat the 15-win season from last year.
29) Cleveland Browns (Trade with Commanders)
Cleveland trades No. 33 and a 2026 third-round pick to Washington for No. 29
Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
You had a feeling it would happen as it does in most drafts — trading into the back end of the first round to grab a quarterback. And the Browns, who passed on Sanders with the second pick, get Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss, who many have going in the latter half of the first round.
Lane Kiffin’s offense at Ole Miss consistently insulates QB production, and Dart is the latest to ascend within it. His numbers improved year over year in college, culminating with 4,279 passing yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024. Now, Dart has some fringe first-round hype in the 2025 NFL Draft cycle.
Looking at the physical profile, it’s easy to see why. At 6’2″, 223 pounds, he has good size, great athleticism, and toughness, plus a loose, elastic arm that can layer throws.
30) Buffalo Bills
Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
The Buffalo Bills’ cornerback issue is clear and has become somewhat urgent. Christian Benford and Taron Johnson are a good duo, but they need a third starter and then an improvement in depth options ahead of 2025. With Rasul Douglas gone and Kaiir Elam traded to Dallas, this depth chart now looks fairly thin in terms of reliable starting talent.
Once a top-15 prospect, East Carolina’s Shavon Revel Jr. falls here due to a torn ACL suffered in September. That doesn’t change the fact that he was once seen as one of the top corner prospects in this draft.
31) Kansas City Chiefs
Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
We all saw what happened in the Super Bowl when the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line was run over by an aggressive defensive front. Philadelphia rushed four all night and did whatever it wanted in the Super Bowl win.
Josh Conerly Jr. is an athlete pass protector who has excellent feet and quickness. He can handle speed rushers off the edge and has very good length to punch and stymie the rushers’ attacks. He is still getting stronger and needs some work when faced with power on his head, but he would be a great addition to the Chiefs’ offensive line.
32) Philadelphia Eagles
Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
When you get this far down in the first round, it’s usually drafting for luxury and not need. The Philadelphia Eagles showed what their front four can do, dominating the Chiefs in the Super Bowl without blitzing. With Josh Sweat due for a huge payday, reinforcements are on the way on defense.
At 6’4″, 296 pounds, with solid proportional length and strong burst, Walter Nolen’s power will fit in perfectly on this Eagles defense, joining Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis in one of the best DT rotations in the game.