The NFL Draft is right around the corner. For this special and unique mock draft, we reached out to 32 content creators and beat writers across the NFL landscape to make a first-round pick for the team they cover daily.
During the mock draft, which included a week-long email chain, the writers talked player value and trade options, eventually leading to a big trade between Cincinnati and Carolina that involved a Pro Bowl player.
How will the choices in this 2025 NFL Mock Draft pave the way for the future of the NFL? Here are the picks from the journalists who cover their teams on a day-to-day basis.
1) Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
(Paul Kuharsky, columnist, PaulKuharsky.com) The Tennessee Titans will still take a close look at the two Colorado prospects. I wouldn’t entirely eliminate the possibility of a trade-out for the right haul, but general manager Mike Borgonzi and head coach Brian Callahan both said at the owners’ meeting that a franchise QB is priceless, so if they love Cam Ward, he’ll be the man.
Callahan talked glowingly about Ward’s progression throughout his three-stop college career in decision-making and accuracy, two very important areas.
Stats & Insights Analysis: No reason to get cute here. The Titans haven’t had a quarterback post an above-average QB+ grade (PFSN’s QB+ metric) since Ryan Tannehill in 2021, and Ward’s dynamic rushing ability makes all the sense in the world as this franchise tries to retool an offensive line that graded 21st a season ago.
Tennessee is one of four teams to have lost 10+ games in each of the past three seasons (this coming after joining Kansas City as the only team to not lose more than seven games in a single year from 2016-21), and the hope is that Ward can right the ship sooner than later.
2) Cleveland Browns
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
(Tom Moore, Senior Editor at Dawgs By Nature) Some may not be completely sold on Shedeur Sanders, but the Cleveland Browns need to find their next quarterback, and Sanders is the best bet. It may take him a little bit of time to settle in, but he has the smarts and the playmaking ability the team needs, and doubters will look back on the pick as the day the Browns finally got it right at the game’s most important position.
Stats & Insights Analysis: The Browns have had their highest-ranked quarterbacks over the past two years finish as QB19 (Joe Flacco) and QB24 (Jameis Winston) in their respective seasons, according to PFSN’s QB+ metric, so taking another bite at the apple is a logical move.
Sanders’ accuracy is his calling card, and Cleveland is betting on that in a big way. Over the past two seasons, a team has finished a season with a sub-60% completion rate and an interception percentage north of 3% three times:
- 2023 Browns
- 2024 Browns
- 2024 Colts
3) New York Giants
Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
(Ed Valentine, Editor, Big Blue View) This could be the scenario GM Joe Schoen actually faces. You can make good arguments for Travis Hunter or Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter here. I will opt for Hunter because I see him as really a player-and-a-half with his ability to impact both sides of the ball.
I don’t know which side of the ball the New York Giants would play him the most, but I can’t imagine an offensive coach like Brian Daboll not wanting to get the ball in his hands. Either way, it’s a nice problem to have.
Stats & Insights Analysis: The value of a quarterback on a rookie deal is well known; if the G-Men elect to use Hunter as a Shohei Ohtani-like weapon, could you not argue that this pick could help seriously accelerate the rebuild?
In 2024, New York ranked 28th in the percentage of opponent deep passes that resulted in a touchdown and 29th in deep completions of their own. Either version of Hunter is of use to this team, and his rare potential to impact both weaknesses at some level is appealing.
4) New England Patriots
Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
(Ben Volin, Patriots Beat Writer, The Boston Globe) They need a left tackle and probably wish Hunter fell to them, but they still race to the podium to take the most talented pass rusher in the draft
Stats & Insights Analysis: The Patriots spent on Stefon Diggs to help facilitate the development of Drake Maye, and now it’s time to build the roster as a whole around who they believe is their QB of the future.
Defensive Pressure Rates:
- 2022 Patriots: 36.4%
- 2023 Patriots: 32.8%
- 2024 Patriots: 28%
In a sport with results directly correlated to passing game success, the Patriots can reverse this trend in a hurry, and that would give them a building block for this rebuild.
5) Jacksonville Jaguars
Mason Graham, IDL, Michigan
(Eric Dillard, Host, “Bold Take Pod”, Jacksonville) The Jacksonville Jaguars could go a lot of different directions here, but they have a feature group at edge with Joshua Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. Adding Mason Graham in the middle not only lands them a blue chip tackle that wins with his hands, but they get their missing piece to really bring things together on the DL under new defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile in Jacksonville.
The Jaguars have a glaring defensive line need. They’ve lacked toughness on that side of the ball for years, and adding Graham immediately changes that.
Graham has the potential to be a perennial Pro Bowler. He’s a powerful interior defender with quickness off the snap and an array of disruptive moves. While his trench power is clear, Graham’s football IQ separates him from other interior linemen.
With new head coach Liam Coen seemingly content with the team’s offensive weapons, addressing defense early makes sense.
Stats & Insights Analysis: The Jaguars bet on Coen reviving this offense during the offseason, and that puts them in a position to address the other side of the ball early and often.
In 2023, Jacksonville was the sixth-best defense in terms of RB rush success rate. They were the sixth-worst unit in that regard a season ago, and you’re threading an awfully thin needle to struggle at that level while trying to compete at a real level.
6) Las Vegas Raiders
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
(Ezekiel Trezevant IV, Las Vegas Co-Beat Writer, SI.com) The Las Vegas Raiders’ ground game has quietly been just as big of a problem as their issues at quarterback. They finished this past season with the fewest rushing yards of any team in the NFL. They finished the season before that with the third-fewest rushing yards in the league.
Adding Geno Smith and other free agents at positions of need gives the Raiders flexibility to choose one of many positions, but Ashton Jeanty at No. 6 makes too much sense for it not to happen.
Stats & Insights Analysis: The Raiders’ running backs gained just 1,120 yards as a collective on the ground last season, the lowest mark since the 2020 Texans (1,018).
Atlanta might not be the model most franchises look to follow in terms of a rehab, but they finished fourth in their division in 2022, third in 2023, and second in 2024 — they prioritized the offensive skill positions at the beginning of that stretch and are now in a position to contend if they can get above average quarterback play.
Las Vegas seems to be following a similar blueprint after hitting big on Brock Bowers a season ago, and while Smith doesn’t profile as a long-term solution, he’s serviceable and should be able to give this franchise a picture of what is possible with this nucleus.
7) New York Jets
Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
(Nick Faria, New York Jets Beat Reporter – Jets X-Factor, Athlon Sports) When Aaron Glenn was hired in 2021 as the defensive coordinator of the Lions, Detroit chose to draft Penei Sewell, a right tackle, over top receivers like DeVonta Smith, even though they had a desperate need for a pass catcher.
New York follows that same mold by getting the offensive lineman with the highest upside in the class. New York Jets fans may not be pleased — many want tight end Tyler Warren — but this is the best pick for the future of the organization.
Stats & Insights Analysis: The Jets earned a 64.0 in PFSN’s OL+ metric (26th), making this a more than reasonable direction to go. The pressure numbers weren’t too bad, but that was due in large part to them being forced to scheme around the weakness (sixth-lowest average time to throw).
The exact direction of this team at the quarterback position is to be determined, but it’s likely to be a player (whether it is Justin Fields or someone else) who needs more time to process defenses than Aaron Rodgers did a season ago. It’s not a flashy pick, but it can impact the long-term picture in a significant way.
8) Cincinnati Bengals (Trade with Panthers)
Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Trade details: Bengals send DE Trey Hendrickson and a first (No. 17) to the Panthers for a first (No. 8) and a third (No. 74)
(Mike Masala, NFL writer, The Sporting News) After locking up wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on four-year deals this offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals have officially kept their championship window open. However, those moves also mean that Trey Hendrickson probably won’t get the contract he’s looking for from Cincinnati before the season starts.
The Bengals can ship him to a team that needs help on the edge and select Jalon Walker, one of the draft’s most intriguing prospects. While his size isn’t that of a prototypical edge rusher, Walker possesses the tenacity and athleticism to cause problems for opposing tackles. He can also play off-ball linebacker, which could come in handy for new Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden.
Stats & Insights Analysis: This is certain to be a defensive-oriented draft for Cincinnati (28th in PFSN’s Defense+ metric last season). The Bengals allowed passing touchdowns at the eighth highest rate in 2024, and part of that was their unwillingness to send pressure (25th in blitz rate).
Across the league, the completion percentage of passes when not facing the blitz was 4.9 percentage points higher than when blitzed last season. The addition of a versatile threat like Walker would give this undermanned defense more potential to create chaos and get creative with their scheming.
9) New Orleans Saints
Will Campbell, OT/G, LSU
(Caleb Yaccarino, Contributing Writer, Canal Street Chronicles) The New Orleans Saints’ current offensive line group has some talent, but there are still issues. With no long-term answer at left guard and starting right tackle Trevor Penning’s fifth-year option deadline coming up, investing here should be a priority. Kellen Moore has also made it known how much he values the offensive line, and after the success he had in Philadelphia, why not try to build that in New Orleans?
Stats & Insights Analysis: Any time you have a pocket-locked quarterback as the Saints do, the importance of the offensive line is amplified.
Two invitees to the MVP ceremony and a Super Bowl champion; those were the only three QBs with a higher non-pressured passer rating than Derek Carr in 2024. With him and his weaponry hoping for more in the way of health luck this season, the ability to keep him comfortable is paramount if this team wants to rebound from their worst season since 2005.
10) Chicago Bears
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
(Alan Goldsher, Bears On SI Contributing Writer; Chicago Sports Stuff Substack Editor-In-Chief) Warren isn’t Tony Gonzalez, nor is he Bowers, but he might be Sam LaPorta, and new Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson worked wonders with the Iowa product while coordinating Detroit’s high-octane offense.
Conversely, former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus and his rotating cast of offensive coordinators didn’t work wonders with Chicago’s incumbent TE starter, Cole Kmet — frankly, when watching Kmet’s tape, one might question if there are wonders to be worked in the first place — so it’s time to reboot the position.
The multi-tooled Warren will do just that. (P.S. Don’t be surprised if Bears GM Ryan Poles trades down more than once.)
Stats & Insights Analysis: You’re going to have to score points to compete in the NFC North, and giving the creative Johnson a versatile weapon like this is a good way to build up Caleb Williams’ confidence.
Chicago had the fifth-fewest receiving yards from tight ends last season (512) and over the past six seasons; this has been an organizational weakness for a while, so when the opportunity to rectify it with a unique talent presents itself, you pounce.
We saw just how valuable a tight end can be in quarterback development with Zach Ertz and Jayden Daniels last season. The ceiling for this Nittany Lion is above peak Ertz, let alone the version of him that gave Daniels plenty of confidence in 2024.
11) San Francisco 49ers
Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
(Kyle Posey, Managing Editor, Niners Nation) Walter Nolen is all power. There’s no fluff in his game. He displaces blockers with ease and high-end upper body strength. He has a reputation for not being much of a pass rusher, but Nolen is third in the class in true pressure rate. He’s a dominant run defender who will jolt back whoever you put in front of him.
Nolen causes chaos in the backfield, and that generally leads to good things for the defense. We have not seen the best of Nolen yet, which is why he’s ranked so highly.
Stats & Insights Analysis: What caused the San Francisco 49ers’ six-win dropoff last season? That’s a loaded question, but its inability to demand attention on the interior was certainly a factor.
Pressure rates when blitzed can be used as a tool to evaluate a defensive line need — if your opponents fear the potential of your defensive tackles, they have to allocate resources in that direction and thus can be vulnerable to exotic blitzes.
With 32 teams in the NFL, we have 64 individual seasons since 2023 to evaluate in terms of pressure created when blitzing.
- 2023 49ers: 56.1% (first)
- 2024 49ers: 35.2% (59th)
The ability to disrupt the run game is an obvious strength, and if his muscle on the inside requires attention, it’ll open up more of what made San Francisco so dangerous back in 2023.
12) Dallas Cowboys
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
(Brian Martin, Staff Writer, Blogging the Boys) After trying unsuccessfully to find a trade partner to move down, the Dallas Cowboys stick to their big board and draft the best player available (BPA). This was a close call between Michigan CB Will Johnson and Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan, but we ultimately decided on the latter due to a rather weak WR draft class.
McMillan is the top-ranked player at his position and, at 6’5” and 212 pounds, is the X receiver the Cowboys are looking for to pair with CeeDee Lamb. He may not be the focal point like he was at Arizona, but he gives Dak Prescott another go-to target and someone who should immediately improve the worst red-zone offense in the league last year.
Stats & Insights Analysis: The Cowboys have been waiting a long time for a legitimate wide receiver to play opposite of Lamb, who has consistently paced the team in targets (152 in 2024) and has developed into one of the NFL’s elite wideouts.
The next highest-targeted receivers were tight end Jake Ferguson (86) and wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (79). While Tolbert had the best EPA per target on the team last season (+0.25), he lacks the desired dynamic ability of a No. 2 receiver. McMillan’s elite combination of size, route-running prowess, and hands could give Dallas two legitimate alphas.
13) Miami Dolphins
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
(Alain Poupart, Publisher, Miami Dolphins On SI) The Miami Dolphins’ relatively quiet free agency shopping had them looking for starters at four positions as April arrived, with cornerback and defensive tackle probably bigger concerns than safety or guard at the moment. Of the cornerback and defensive tackle options on the board, Will Johnson simply looks like the best prospect available, and he should start on Day 1 opposite Jalen Ramsey.
Stats & Insights Analysis: The Dolphins finished just outside the top 10 in our Defense+ metric last season (11th). Their advanced numbers against the pass were solid, finishing seventh in defensive EPA per dropback (0.0), 10th in opponent passer rating (88.7), and third in yards per pass attempt (6.7).
With Ramsey getting older (31 next season) and the rest of the cornerback room lacking proven production, it would be wise for Miami to grab Johnson here. The Michigan product is scheme-proof and projects as the league’s next shutdown corner. Lining him up opposite Ramsey would help solidify the back end.
14) Indianapolis Colts
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
(Paul Bretl, Managing Editor, Colts Wire) The Indianapolis Colts are very much in need of a pass-catching presence at the tight end position, and Colston Loveland can absolutely provide that element. He can be a receiving threat at all levels of the field. That not only creates mismatches that Loveland himself can exploit, but it can create opportunities for others within the offense as well.
Blocking is also an important and not-to-be-forgotten-about component of playing tight end in Shane Steichen’s offense, and Loveland has continued to improve in that area over his career. A tight end who can impact both the running and passing games adds some unpredictability to an offense.
Stats & Insights Analysis: The Colts’ offense was very much hit-or-miss in 2024, finishing 21st in EPA per play (-0.04) and 19th in points per drive (1.91). Obviously, the constant struggles at the quarterback position were a large reason for the inconsistency.
While Indianapolis has building blocks at wide receiver in Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce, there’s not much juice at the tight end position. Loveland’s athletic traits for the position jump off the page. While the idea of catching passes from Anthony Richardson and/or Daniel Jones doesn’t exactly sound appealing, the Colts have to do everything in their power to help their quarterback succeed.
15) Atlanta Falcons
Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
(Matt Urben, Managing Editor, Falcons Wire) While Mykel Williams, Jahdae Barron, and Jihaad Campbell were each considered here at pick No. 15, the Atlanta Falcons go with Marshall EDGE Mike Green and upgrade their putrid pass rush. The team finished 31st in the NFL with 31 sacks last season and didn’t do much to address the issue in free agency.
Green is arguably the second-best EDGE prospect in the 2025 draft class, and his production — 23 sacks and 53 hurries over the last two seasons — is too tempting for Atlanta to pass up.
Stats & Insights Analysis: The Falcons’ lackluster pass rush numbers last season were a massive disappointment, considering they brought in Matthew Judon before the season, and his production was wildly inconsistent. From Weeks 13-17, Atlanta had the highest sack rate in the NFL (11.2%), but they took advantage of a soft stretch of the schedule.
Green has an explosive first step and an advanced set of pass rush skills. He would join a unit that also includes veteran Leonard Floyd (13.6% pressure rate in 2024) and Arnold Ebiketie (five sacks between Weeks 13 and 18), who still has untapped potential.
16) Arizona Cardinals
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
(Jess Root, Managing editor, Cards Wire) After months of projections that the Arizona Cardinals would take a defensive lineman or an edge rusher, they basically filled those rooms in free agency. Where could they get a player who could make a big impact early is on the offensive line.
The Cardinals’ new offensive line coach is Justin Frye, who was Ohio State’s O-line coach. Were it not for his knee injury, had he played the full season the way he did before he got hurt, he might have been OT1 in this draft. Assuming the medicals are clean, the Cardinals set themselves up to have bookend Buckeye tackles, paired with Paris Johnson Jr., for years to come protecting Kyler Murray.
Stats & Insights Analysis: The Cardinals’ offensive line finished the 2024 season as a top-10 unit in our offensive line metric. They were excellent when facing four or fewer rushers, finishing fifth in pressure rate (25.3%) and second in sack rate (3.9%). In the run game, Arizona ranked ninth in run blocking yards before contact per rush (1.00) and 11th in run block win rate.
Josh Simmons is a good athlete who offers elite power and block-finishing ability. By pairing Simmons with Johnson, the Cardinals could form one of the most promising offensive tackle duos in the NFL. This team fielded a highly productive offense last season, and solidifying themselves in the trenches could elevate them even higher.
17) Carolina Panthers (trade with Bengals)
Mykel Williams, DL/EDGE, Georgia
Trade details: Bengals send DE Trey Hendrickson and a first (No. 17) to the Panthers for a first (No. 8) and a third (No. 74)
(Natalie Miller, NFL Analyst, USA Today) Carolina headed into the offseason with massive needs all along their defense. The Carolina Panthers were able to fill some of the holes along the defensive line in free agency, but after a trade down in which they acquired one of the best pass rushers in the league in Hendrickson, the team also landed who was going to be their pick at No. 6 in Williams.
With these two additions, Carolina instantly turns what was their biggest weakness into one of their biggest strengths, with four solid edge rushers on the roster.
Stats & Insights Analysis: Trading for Hendrickson would be a massive game-changer for a Panthers defense that received an F grade in our Defense+ metric. They ranked last in the NFL in sacks (29) and pressure rate (25.1%). Hendrickson was a one-man wrecking crew in 2024, ranking first in sacks (17.5) and pressures (83).
Williams is one of the most enticing edge rushers in the class because of his elite physical attributes and relentless motor. He’s a raw talent with a limitless upside. By adding Hendrickson and Williams to their existing duo of Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum in one fell swoop, the Panthers become one of the most dangerous pass-rushing units overnight.
18) Seattle Seahawks
Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
(Doug Farrar, NFL Analyst, Athlon Sports) The Seattle Seahawks are in desperate need of upgrades at both guard spots, and depending on how third-year center Olu Oluwatimi does in 2025, that might be a position of potential upgrade as well.
In his five seasons with the North Dakota State Bison, Grey Zabel put together serious reps at left and right tackle, as well as left and right guard, and he was fairly dominant everywhere during Senior Bowl week. A smart and agile lineman, Zabel would be a great fit in new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s system, which relies heavily on play-action, pre-snap motion, and the outside-zone run game.
And he’ll help new quarterback Sam Darnold, who is reliant on protection to throw all those deep passes.
Stats & Insights Analysis: The Seahawks were close to making the playoffs last season despite fielding one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Seattle finished 31st in our OL metric (F grade). On the season, it allowed a 39.4% pressure rate (30th) and an 8.3% sack rate (24th). Additionally, they ranked third from last in yards before carry per rush (0.66) and 28th in run-block win rate.
Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas are promising as the bookends, but the Seahawks have lacked stability on the interior. Zabel brings significant starting experience at an FCS powerhouse. He offers positional versatility, having played four of the five offensive line positions.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
(Greg Auman, Fox Sports) Linebacker isn’t always a top-20 position, but it’s an obvious need for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, especially preparing for Lavonte David’s eventual retirement. Campbell is a versatile piece who can rush the QB as well as cover ground, and he should step right in for Todd Bowles.
Stats & Insights Analysis: Linebacker is one of the more pressing needs for Tampa Bay heading into the draft for several reasons. David isn’t getting any younger. SirVocea Dennis showed brief flashes, but he’s coming off a season-ending injury. The Buccaneers also added veteran Anthony Walker, but there are question marks all around.
The Buccaneers’ defense took a step back in 2024. They were strong against the run, allowing just 97.4 yards per game (fourth in the NFL), but ranked 29th in passing yards allowed per game (243.9). Campbell is a high-end prospect who can impact the game in both departments. He’s a violent tackler, a coverage specialist, and he can even get after the quarterback.
20) Denver Broncos
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
(Laurie Lattimore-Volkmann, Editor, Mile High Report) The trick is not to overthink this. The Denver Broncos need a solid addition at running back, and Omarion Hampton is a powerful and productive running back who could be a plug-and-play starter. He is a legitimate option at 6’0″, 220 pounds, and has the traits to be a three-down back in the NFL. He has the desired build, frame, and running style you look for in a running back while also having the ability to be a receiver out of the backfield.
Stats & Insights Analysis: The Broncos moved on from Javonte Williams this offseason. He delivered less than stellar production in 2024, averaging 3.7 yards per carry and -0.6 yards over expected per rush attempt. No Denver running back was very effective despite running behind the No. 1 offensive line in our OL+ metric.
Enter Hampton: a violent downhill runner who also has the hands to be serviceable in the passing game. From a talent perspective, Hampton is an instant upgrade over anyone currently in the Broncos’ RB room. If Denver can establish a consistent rushing attack, it will take pressure off of Bo Nix’s shoulders.
21) Pittsburgh Steelers
Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
(Curt Popejoy, Managing Editor, Steelers Wire) No one would bat an eye if the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart with this pick — and I seriously considered putting him in this spot, as the Steelers do seem rather enamored with him. But if the Steelers want to be better in 2025 and be competitive, Kenneth Grant has to be the pick.
The one caveat to all this is the Steelers do eventually sign quarterback Aaron Rodgers. If Rodgers goes elsewhere or retires, all bets are off. But assuming the Steelers have a starter for 2025, getting a modern-day nose tackle like Grant, who can just eat up double teams and shore up an inconsistent run defense, is the top priority.
Stats & Insights Analysis: The Steelers finished 12th in PFSN’s Defense metric in 2024, a rare non-top-10 ranking for Pittsburgh. The run defense was below average, ranking 17th in success rate (61%) and 20th in yards before contact per rush (1.55).
Grant profiles as an excellent run-plugger who would fit nicely next to Cameron Heyward. With Keeanu Benton not quite developing into the three-down contributor the Steelers expected just yet, Grant would also add much-needed depth and competition to help Pittsburgh rebuild its once ferocious defensive line.
22) Los Angeles Chargers
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
(Alex Insdorf, Bolt Beat contributor, Guilty as Charged Podcast video content) Perhaps WR or DT are the more needy positions here, but the Los Angeles Chargers operated well enough in free agency to give themselves a true best-player-available selection. Barron is a perfect athletic piece for the second year of Jesse Minter’s defense.
Some will have questions about Barron’s ability to play outside in the pros as a “big nickel” corner. But the film, in my view, shows a decisive tackler who is disruptive in coverage. Barron finished the 2024 season with a 34.2 opposing QB passer rating when targeted, five interceptions, and nine PBUs.
Adding Barron to a rotation with promising young DB talents in Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart would be a great development for Los Angeles as they continue to reshape their secondary.
Stats & Insights Analysis: Barron is one of the best zone corners in this class, which should dovetail nicely with a Chargers defense that played the highest rate of zone defense in 2024 (79.6%). His versatility would make for an interesting pairing with Derwin James Jr., who was primarily a slot cornerback in 2024 but has played all over the formation throughout his career.
Insdorf’s analysis is correct that the Chargers have more urgent positional needs, but Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh demonstrated last year that they would take the best available player in Round 1.
Trey Pipkins III could have started at right tackle across from Rashawn Slater, but pairing Slater with Joe Alt gave Los Angeles a clear strength to build around on offense. Pairing Barron and James together could provide a similar foundation in the secondary.
23) Green Bay Packers
Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
(Bill Huber, publisher, Green Bay Packers On SI) Sometimes, the immortal “best player available” fits nicely with a team’s biggest need. The Green Bay Packers haven’t drafted a receiver in the first round since 2002. An entire generation of Packers fans learned this fact at the same time as their ABCs.
Texas receiver Matthew Golden, who took a pre-draft visit to Green Bay on April 3 and 4, would make sense to provide the deep threat the Packers lost following Christian Watson’s torn ACL.
However, the Packers lost starting defensive tackle T.J. Slaton Jr. in free agency; he was an anchor to one of the best run defenses in the NFL. Former Pro Bowler Kenny Clark will turn 30 this year and is coming off a down season.
Derrick Harmon could replace Slaton in the lineup immediately while potentially growing into a Clark-style dominator. Harmon had five sacks last season. According to PFF, no interior defender delivered more quarterback pressures.
Stats & Insights Analysis: The Packers’ pass rush only ranked 13th in pressure rate last season (35%) but exploded over the final month and ranked third from Weeks 15-18 (43%). Even if Green Bay isn’t a true top-three pass rush, adding a player like Harmon would be a move toward ensuring they can finish in the top 10 in 2025.
The interesting part of this pick is that it would represent the Packers continuing to double down on defensive front-seven picks. Green Bay has drafted a defensive player with 12 of its past 14 first-round picks, and its 10 DL or LB selections since 2021 rank seventh most in that span.
24) Minnesota Vikings
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
(Will Ragatz, beat writer, Minnesota Vikings On SI) With a league-low four selections coming into this draft, there seems to be a strong chance that Minnesota Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah trades down from this spot. But that requires a competitive offer from a team interested in moving up. If none comes — or if there’s simply a player Minnesota feels is too good to pass up — sticking and picking is certainly an option.
Malaki Starks could be one such player. No, it didn’t work out the last time the Vikings took a Georgia safety in the first round (Lewis Cine in 2022), but the draft should always be about scouting the prospect, not the helmet, and Starks happens to be extremely talented. He’s a dynamic, rangy playmaker with the versatility to line up all over the defense.
The tools are there for Starks to thrive in Brian Flores’ scheme and become the successor to Harrison Smith if this is indeed Smith’s final NFL season.
Stats & Insights Analysis: The Vikings lost Camryn Bynum in free agency. He had become a reliable staple in playing over 90% of the snaps over the last three seasons. With Josh Metellus entering the last year of his contract and Smith approaching retirement, as mentioned, a once-stable safety room could see lots of turnover in short order.
Starks played a lot in the slot during his final season at Georgia, but he might make more sense as a Bynum replacement, at least as a rookie. Some of his struggles with tackling and ball tracking in coverage would be exacerbated in a more versatile role like the one Metellus occupies. Easing him in as a rookie before he potentially becomes the top Minnesota safety in 2026 would be a solid development plan for Starks.
25) Houston Texans
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
(Cole Thompson, Managing Editor, Texans Wire) Yes, the Houston Texans need a long-term replacement for Laremy Tunsil, but Golden falling this low changes the draft plans. Adding a game-changing target to elevate the passing attack for the long haul makes sense. Golden might not be a No. 1 weapon, but he should be a solid secondary option next to Nico Collins as the new Z receiver in place of the injured Tank Dell.
Stats & Insights Analysis: Last season, C.J. Stroud averaged 10.8 yards per attempt and 0.55 EPA per play targeting Collins. Throwing to any other receiver, he averaged 6.4 yards per attempt (the same as Mac Jones in 2024) and -0.22 EPA per play (slightly better than Deshaun Watson’s -0.25 average in 2024).
Golden could be a top-15/20 pick, so this is a solid value for him late in the first round. Houston ranked 20th in explosive pass rate last season, with 12.6% of their completions gaining 20+ yards. During Stroud’s rookie season, they were second-highest at 18.5% in 2023. Adding Golden’s speed would be a big step toward rectifying that weakness.
26) Los Angeles Rams
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
(Cameron DaSilva, Managing Editor, Rams Wire) There were a lot of different directions I considered going here, from Kelvin Banks Jr. to Emeka Egbuka to Nick Emmanwori and even Dart. Ultimately, Luther Burden III offers a unique skill set on offense with his combination of speed, agility, and physicality.
He can be a yards-after-catch weapon alongside Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, giving Matthew Stafford another guy who can make plays on the outside. His stock seems to be slipping a little bit as the draft approaches, but the Los Angeles Rams could do much worse at this spot near the end of the first round. He’d be an immediate and long-term contributor for Los Angeles.
Stats & Insights Analysis: This would be a case of the Rams leaning into their strengths. Los Angeles’ wide receivers ranked fifth in average YAC in 2024 (5.1), with Nacua ranking ninth among qualifying wide receivers (6.6). Even with offensive line continuity, there’s value in emphasizing quicker throws for Stafford to ensure the 37-year-old doesn’t take too much punishment, given his lack of mobility.
The only question here is whether the Rams would be better served leaning defense. PFSN’s metrics had Los Angeles with the 11th-ranked offense in 2024 but the 24th-ranked defense. Drafting Burden would also make the one-year, $10 million deal for Tutu Atwell appear even more curious, though that’s a sunk cost at this point and shouldn’t stop the Rams from adding a receiver who would fit well.
27) Baltimore Ravens
Shemar Stewart, Edge Rusher, Texas A&M
(Glenn Erby, Managing Editor, Ravens Wire) A physical edge rusher who embodies the Baltimore Ravens’ style, Shemar Stewart would bring athleticism and physicality to a position that will see Kyle Van Noy one year older and David Ojabo likely as the odd man out.
Stewart joined Texas A&M as one of the top recruits in the 2022 class, appearing in 37 games for the Aggies over the last three seasons and amassing 65 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, four passes defensed, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in those games. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Stewart weighed 267 pounds and recorded an unofficial Relative Athletic Score of 10.00, surpassing former A&M star Myles Garrett.
Stats & Insights Analysis: Stewart falling to the late first round would qualify as a major surprise and likely lead to the Ravens being labeled one of the winners of Round 1. Yes, his sack production in college was underwhelming, but edge rusher is one of the positions where the athletic requirements to excel are so high that leaning into athleticism over production makes more sense compared to other positions.
Baltimore ranked third in edge rusher sacks in 2024 (34.5), though that belies the group’s actual productivity. The Ravens only ranked 27th in pressure rate from their edge rushers (9.7% position average) but converted pressures to sacks at the second-highest rate (21%). With Odafe Oweh entering the last year of his rookie deal, Stewart could headline the position group by 2026 if the Ravens choose not to extend Oweh.
28) Detroit Lions
Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M
(Jeff Risdon, Managing Editor, Lions Wire/Draft Wire) The Lions are in need of a long-term starting EDGE to play opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Nic Scourton fits the Detroit Lions’ “crush the can” pass rush style with his long frame and power-to-speed approach.
Still just 20 years old, Scourton showed his ability to be consistently impactful while at Purdue, though that waned in his one year with the Aggies. This pick is a bet that the Lions coaching staff can rediscover the double-digit sack potential Scourton offered earlier in his college career.
Stats & Insights Analysis: Edge rusher is one of the Lions’ only glaring needs. Hutchinson led the Lions with 7.5 sacks despite playing only five games. Second on the team was Za’Darius Smith (4.0), who played eight games with Detroit after being acquired at the trade deadline and was released this offseason.
Scourton is a bigger edge rusher at 280 pounds, which fits the prototype the Lions have gone for with this roster. However, Scourton is a far more explosive and fluid athlete than the non-Hutchinson edge rushers on the Lions roster. He’ll likely play at a lighter weight like he did at Purdue, but that should aid his pass-rushing productivity after that fell off when he put on weight for a different role at College Station, Texas.
29) Washington Commanders
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
(Bryan Manning, Managing Editor, Washington Wire) The Commanders wanted to land an edge rusher here, but GM Adam Peters looks elsewhere with all of the top prospects gone. Henderson fits the style of offense the Commanders run, and he is the type of player head coach Dan Quinn loves. In addition to being a game-breaker, he’s also not afraid to mix it up in pass protection. Henderson can help take this offense to another level, giving Jayden Daniels another weapon.
Stats & Insights Analysis: While not an obvious need for 2025, the Commanders don’t have a single running back under contract past this upcoming season. Drafting a running back in the first round would be a surprising outcome, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see Washington draft its future starter in this class.
Henderson is also the type of rookie running back that a contending team would feel comfortable playing right away, given his advanced pass protection skills. Jayden Daniels averaged a middling 0.06 EPA per dropback targeting RBs in 2024 (16th-highest), so Henderson could provide a meaningful boost in the passing game as well.
30) Buffalo Bills
Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
(Joe Marino, Host, Locked On Bills Podcast) Christian Benford has emerged as one of the NFL’s best young cornerbacks, but he desperately needs a running mate. Given the lucrative contract extension he just signed, Buffalo should prioritize finding an economic starter. Trey Amos is a scheme-versatile corner with outstanding athleticism who plays the physical brand of football the Bills require out of the position.
Stats & Insights Analysis: The Bills need a boundary cornerback with Rasul Douglas still unsigned, so Amos would be a perfect stylistic fit alongside Benford and Taron Johnson. From a roster needs perspective, this would fill the biggest remaining hole on a roster that should again contend for a Super Bowl.
Amos’ ability to play sticky coverage on vertical routes could allow Buffalo to play more single-high coverages after doing so at the fifth-lowest rate (48%) in 2024. Having fewer bodies in the box played a role in the Bills’ boom-or-bust run defense. Thus, Amos could have additional benefits in allowing the Bills to play a more balanced distribution of coverages.
31) Kansas City Chiefs
Nick Emmanwori, DB, South Carolina
(John Dillon, Lead Writer, Chiefs Wire) Kansas City needs an ultra-athletic presence in its secondary, and Emmanwori is among the most physically gifted players in his class. The departure of veteran safety Justin Reid has a chance to be a crushing blow to the Chiefs’ defense next season, and while Emmanwori may need time to develop, Kansas City would immediately benefit from his range and ball skills.
Other needs may keep the Chiefs from selecting Emmanwori with the No. 31 pick, but the former South Carolina Gamecock’s upside would make him an ideal fit for Kansas City’s re-tooled defense.
Stats & Insights Analysis: Steve Spagnuolo’s defenses rely on versatile players at linebacker and safety who are just as comfortable blitzing and playing around the line of scrimmage as they are dropping into deeper zones in coverage. In that sense, Emmanwori’s athleticism makes him a very intriguing ball of clay who could develop into a deadly Swiss Army knife if everything hits.
Of course, Spagnuolo’s defense is notoriously difficult to master, part of the reason why some past Chiefs defenses have started slow before improving down the stretch. Emmanwori (or any other rookie safety) would likely follow in the steps of Bryan Cook and Jaden Hicks, who were third safeties as rookies before ascending to starting roles.
32) Philadelphia Eagles
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
(Anthony DiBona, Lead Eagles Writer, Philly Sports Network) After winning Super Bowl 59, the Philadelphia Eagles have the luxury of letting the first round unfold and seeing which prospect falls in their lap at 32. In this scenario, Philadelphia lands arguably the biggest steal of the first round in Texas offensive lineman Banks.
While starting right tackle Lane Johnson signed a contract extension this offseason, the Eagles need to prepare for his eventual retirement. Banks is widely regarded as one of the best offensive linemen in the 2025 NFL Draft and would be an ideal pick for the Eagles.
While Banks played left tackle at Texas, there is a belief that he could also play guard at the next level. In Philadelphia, Banks would immediately compete for the starting job at right guard while also serving as the team’s eventual replacement for Johnson.
Stats & Insights Analysis: The Eagles struck gold with Mekhi Becton as a post-hype sleeper in 2024, but counting on Kenyon Green to do the same in 2025 is a shaky proposition. If Banks slips this far without an unknown injury concern emerging, it would be a shocking draft-day outcome that would benefit the Super Bowl champs.
Philly has shown a pattern of using high picks on successors rather than players expected to help immediately. Quinyon Mitchell arrived last year with Darius Slay Jr. and James Bradberry IV aging out, Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter were taken with Fletcher Cox still on the roster, and Cam Jurgens played next to Jason Kelce before taking over for him at center. A player like Banks would simply be the next in that line of succession planning.