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| Ashton Jeanty, Boise State to Las Vegas |
1. Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
Cam Ward has been perched near the top of the boards throughout this entire pre-Draft process and heading into Thursday night, there's little question that he will be the first pick off the board for the Tennessee Titans. Ward took a winding road through the college ranks at three different schools, but one thing never changed: his elite playmaking ability. He will jolt a Titan offense that floundered last fall en route to a 3-14 campaign.
Previous Selection: Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
Other Possibility: Abdul Carter, DE/LB, Penn State
2. Cleveland Browns
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The 2025 NFL Draft really begins at pick No. 2, but even here there doesn't appear to be much mystery with the way things have shook out in recent weeks. The Browns have been projected to go just about everywhere throughout the pre-Draft process, but it appears as though Travis Hunter is a near lock at this spot. The reigning Heisman winner's future fit in the NFL still remains a mystery, but a special athlete like him is going to find some way to impact football games for Cleveland, who could upgrade two positions for the price of one.
Previous Selection: Abdul Carter, DE/LB, Penn State
Other Possibility: Abdul Carter, DE/LB, Penn State
3. New York Giants
Abdul Carter, DE/LB, Penn State
The Giants already were unlikely to take a quarterback with this pick following the offseason signings of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, but getting a chance to take Abdul Carter at No. 3 leaves them as the big winners of the early portion of this first round. Carter is my top prospect of this cycle, a freakish athlete who was a Day One star at Penn State. Combined with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns, this is a young and talented pass rush in the Big Apple.
Previous Selection: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Other Possibility: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
4. New England Patriots
Will Campbell, OL, LSU
Another pick that seems to be lacking in the mystery department, it seems highly likely Will Campbell will be the first offensive linemen off the board come Thursday night. Mike Vrabel is looking to add some physicality to this Patriots offense, and Campbell provides a long-term building block who can keep Drake Maye standing for years to come.
Previous Selection: Will Campbell, OL, LSU
Other Possibility: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
There's been some thought Jacksonville could be trending towards an offensive weapon with this pick, perhaps an Ashton Jeanty or Tyler Warren, but I don't think the organization is looking to reinvent the wheel this early. They have a chance to add a fundamentally sound, relentless interior defensive linemen to a position group that has lacked this type of presence for a long time. Sometimes, it doesn't have to be much more complicated than that.
Previous Selection: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
Other Possibility: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
6. Las Vegas Raiders
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The combination of Zamir White & Alexander Mattison was the most horrific in the NFL last season and now Pete Carroll arrives with an eye for pounding the rock. Needless to say, the Raiders are going to have a much different identity in 2025, and they have the chance to take the prospect who can help get them there. Ashton Jeanty has not moved from his position as the top tailback in this Draft, and he now becomes the focal point of this offense in Las Vegas.
Previous Selection: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Other Possibility: Jalon Walker, DE/LB, Georgia
7. NewYork Jets
Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
Tyler Warren has been trending at this spot in the lead-up to Draft Night, but the Jets have plenty of opportunities to add a pass-catcher later on. That can't be said when it comes to offensive linemen that match Armand Membou's potential, a fast riser who looks like a Top 10 lock. Membou is almost sure to be the first offensive linemen not named Will Campbell selected, and he adds another young piece to this New York O-Line.
Previous Selection: Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
Other Possibility: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
8. Carolina Panthers
Jalon Walker, DE/LB, Georgia
I've had a difficult time mocking Jalon Walker throughout this pre-Draft process, but I increasingly like the fit of him in Carolina. This defense needs help at all three levels after giving up the most points in NFL history last fall, and Jalon Walker's versatility is a major selling point. His presence off the edge immediately gives the Panthers some real bite in this front seven.
Previous Selection: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Other Possibility: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
9. New Orleans Saints
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Much like Jalon Walker, mocking Shedeur Sanders has proven to be a difficult exercise. However, New Orleans feels the most likely destination of anywhere in the first round, especially given Derek Carr's injury concerns. The Saints are still built like a team that believes they can be a contender in the NFC, and taking a swing at a talented QB prospect like Shedeur just feels right for them. Despite his limitations, Shedeur's staggering arm talent would give the Saints their best pure passer since Drew Brees was still playing.
Previous Selection: Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M
Other Possibility: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
10. Chicago Bears
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Chicago is in prime trade position at this juncture but if they do stay here, the most likely direction is in the trenches. However, it would not be shocking if they ended up getting a new toy for head coach Ben Johnson to work with. Tyler Warren is going to go in the upper half of this Draft, and could spell a different direction for the Bears at the position away from Cole Kmet.
Previous Selection: Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas
Other Possibility: Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas
11. San Francisco 49ers
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
There may be greater needs for San Francisco than at corner, but I just can't imagine Will Johnson passing beyond this point. The former Michigan Wolverine struggled through an injury-plagued 2024 campaign, but was one of the game's best when healthy. He projects as a consistent, steady defender on the perimeter who looks to have a long NFL career - this would be great value for the Niners.
Previous Selection: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Other Possibility: Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M
12. Dallas Cowboys
Tetairoa McMilllan, WR, Arizona
There is little question Dallas will be in the market for a playmaker early on in this NFL Draft, whether it be at tailback or receiver. So if this mock stays true to form, this would end up working out perfectly for them, as they get a chance to add the best pure receiver available in Tetairoa McMillan. The Arizona product is an elite athlete with remarkable ball skills. Pairing him with CeeDee Lamb is a terrifying proposition for the rest of the NFC.
Previous Selection: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Other Possibility: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
13. Miami Dolphins
Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas
The Dolphins could choose to target defensive back with this selection, especially if Will Johnson were to still be available. However, with Johnson off the board, and Kelvin Banks Jr. still available, Miami adds the former Texas offensive linemen. Banks is a physical mauler fresh off an impressive career in Austin, who could immediately help out at either guard or tackle.
Previous Selection: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Other Possibility: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
14. Indianapolis Colts
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
I've had Tyler Warren mocked here for awhile, but I fear he'll be long gone if Indianapolis stays at pick 14. While unfortunate, the Colts could choose to just call an audible and go with the other top prospect at the position in this Draft in Colston Loveland. Loveland is a sure-handed target who would immediately upgrade a position that has been a revolving door for this organization for years.
Previous Selection: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Other Possibility: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
15. Atlanta Falcons
Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia
Atlanta taking an edge rusher feels like one of the most obvious pairings of this Draft, but the question is, which one? Names like Mike Green and Shemar Stewart should be in the mix, but Mykel Williams would be quite the get at pick No. 15. He has all the physical tools to be an impact defender from the get-go in Atlanta, immediately upgrading a lethargic Falcon pass rush.
Previous Selection: Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia
Other Possibility: Mike Green, DE, Marshall
16. Arizona Cardinals
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
The Cardinals may have a full cornerback room, but this is a defense that needs playmakers at every level. Jahdae Barron is a Brian Branch-like prospect who can either be a shutdown slot corner, or go outside on an island and still make his presence felt. He offers tremendous value in the mid-first, if he happens to last this long.
Previous Selection: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Other Possibility: Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M
17. Cincinnati Bengals
Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M
It's been difficult to get a read on Texas A&M product Shemar Stewart in the lead-up to this Draft. Mere weeks ago, I had him mocked inside the Top 10 and that seemed to be where he was trending, but now it feels like he could tumble down a bit. I don't see him getting past Cincinnati at this spot, however, as the Bengals could use an elite defensive line presence like him.
Previous Selection: James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee
Other Possibility: Mike Green, DE, Marshall
18. Seattle Seahawks
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
It feels like everyone has Seattle choosing an offensive linemen here, and for good reason considering how inept the Seahawks have been at the position. At the same time, they do have a need at receiver, and you wonder if seeing a prospect like Matthew Golden on the board could tempt them. He's shot up boards with a strong pre-Draft and could be the type of deep threat that opens up this entire offense for Sam Darnold and company.
Previous Selection: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
Other Possibility: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Donovan Ezeiruaku, DE, Boston College
This is another pick where I could see a late curveball being thrown. Jihaad Campbell makes all the sense in the world for Tampa and this is certainly his range, but the signing of Haason Reddick does make things interesting. Instead, the Buccaneers add a high-risk, but high-reward edge rusher in Donovan Ezeiruaku, who continues his steady climb up the boards.
Previous Selection: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Other Possibility: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
20. Denver Broncos
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Ashton Jeanty has of course dominated the conversion when it comes to running backs in this Draft, but there's a chance we could see as much as three off the board on Thursday night. That includes Omarion Hampton, who seems like an ideal fit for the Broncos. This is a team that needs a weapon at the position after offseason turnover, and Hampton's college production speaks for itself.
Previous Selection: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Other Possibility: Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
It's impossible to get a read on Pittsburgh's quarterback situation as things stand today. The Aaron Rodgers shadow has hung over this team for so long, it almost feels as though it's never going to happen if it hasn't yet. With Shedeur Sanders off the board, the Steelers still upgrade their room with Jaxson Dart, an elite athlete at the position who put up huge numbers with Ole Miss.
Previous Selection: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Other Possibility: Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
I've always found mocking a Michigan player here just because it's Jim Harbaugh to be lazy, but the fact of the matter is that Kenneth Grant truly does fit a need for this Chargers team. He'd give them a gap-stuffing, powerful interior linemen that will give this defense an edge they lacked throughout the 2024 season.
Previous Selection: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Other Possibility: Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
23. Green Bay Packers
Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
We always have to be prepared for a Draft Night curveball from the Packers, particularly on as they host the event. However, corner feels like their most clear need and this fit makes plenty of sense with Trey Amos, who played for three college programs across his career before putting together an All-SEC campaign under Pete Golding last fall.
Previous Selection: Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
Other Possibility: Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
24. Minnesota Vikings
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
You always have to watch the trade down when it comes to the Minnesota Vikings, but they simply can't pass up an opportunity to add a defender like Malaki Starks if he lasts this long. The ultra-versatile safety has superb coverage skills and could become a key figure in Brian Flores' defense right away. The Vikings may be hesitant to draft another Georgia safety so soon after missing on Lewis Cine, but this Starks is at a whole different level.
Previous Selection: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Other Possibility: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
25. Houston Texans
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
There are certainly much flashier prospects than Josh Simmons available late in the first, but this would be quite the get for Houston. He comes at an obvious need position after the Texan offensive line was shelled all 2024 long, and he offers tremendous value in this spot. I firmly believe he'd be in discussion to be the first linemen off the board if not for an injury that cost him most of the season.
Previous Selection: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Other Possibility: Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama
26. Los Angeles Rams
Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
I previously mocked Grey Zabel to Seattle but now I envision him landing at their NFC West rival in Los Angeles. The Rams need offensive line help and Zabel's versatility is a major selling point - he could legitimately play just about any position across the line at the next level.
Previous Selection: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
Other Possibility: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
27. Baltimore Ravens
Mike Green, DE, Marshall
Every single year, Baltimore finds a way to snag a sliding prospect with high upside, and Marshall's Mike Green fits the bill this time around. Green was a sack machine in college who has the potential to bring new blood into a Ravens pass rush that needs it. You do wonder if character concerns off-the-field could cause him to drop into this range.
Previous Selection: Jalon Walker, DE/LB, Georgia
Other Possibility: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
28. Detroit Lions
Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
Another prospect that would be a steal in this range, Walter Nolen is a difficult player to mock. There's a very good chance he lands somewhere in the early 20s, potentially higher, but he happens to slide in this mock. Detroit has a greater need off the edge than in the interior, but I can't imagine them passing on Nolen at this point.
Previous Selection: Mike Green, DE, Marshall
Other Possibility: James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee
Previous Selection: Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
Other Possibility: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
30. Buffalo Bills
Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
Buffalo added Joey Bosa over the offseason, but this still feels like a team that will look to bolster their defensive line in this Draft, and Derrick Harmon is another guy I don't see lasting past the first round. The former Michigan State and Oregon Duck gives them a supremely athletic interior D-Linemen.
Previous Selection: Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
Other Possibility: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
31. Kansas City Chiefs
Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
Oregon goes back-to-back in the late first round, as Kansas City adds a much-needed left tackle in Josh Conerly Jr. Sure, the Chiefs did bring in veteran Jaylon Moore in free agency, but he's a short-term solution at best. Conerly gives them a long-term building block who can protect Pat Mahomes' blindside for the future.
Previous Selection: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
Other Possibility: Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama
32. Philadelphia Eagles
Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama
The Eagles are in prime position to sit back and take whoever ends up falling to the late first at this spot, and there is almost sure to be O-Line or D-Line help available considering how deep those classes are. Tackle is the greater need if Philadelphia thinks they can get the eventual replacement here, but Tyler Booker is the type of versatile blocker who can find some role up front.
Previous Selection: Donovan Ezeiruaku, DE, Boston Colllege
Other Possibility: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
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