The 2024 NFL regular season comes to a close on Sunday. While the 2025 NFL Draft order could change wildly between now and then, below is a mock draft of where the order currently stands heading into Week 18.
For this exercise, I’ll be making picks based on what I would do without trades. I’ll be sure to include trades in my next mock draft when the order is settled more.
Let’s dive in.
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2025 NFL Mock Draft (Round 1)
1. New England Patriots: Travis Hunter (DB/WR – Colorado)
The Patriots desperately have needs along the offensive line. However, in this exercise, with no trades, they stand pat at No. 1 and take the best player on the board in Travis Hunter.
He’ll be excellent across Christian Gonzalez and can also be used as another weapon for quarterback Drake Maye.
A cornerback with his ball skills and elite athleticism is rare and tough to pass up on.
2. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward (QB – Miami)
This is a weak quarterback class, but if I was going to bet on anyone to progress and be a franchise-level signal-caller it’s Cam Ward.
He is a less chaotic Jameis Winston. When I watch him, I sometimes hold my breath, but more often than not, he makes a great play.
He’s a fantastic story — starting his career at Incarnate Word to throwing 39 touchdowns and seven picks as a fifth-year senior at Miami.
He had 17 turnover-worthy plays, so there was some luck, but he’s a playmaker and someone Titans head coach Brian Callahan can work with.
I’d keep Will Levis on the roster and let Ward sit as long as possible.
3. Cleveland Browns: Will Campbell (OT – LSU)
The Browns need to address the quarterback position, but let’s face it: Deshaun Watson is hanging around a bit longer. During this period of dealing with him on the roster, they might as well begin building the team up for whoever the next guy will be.
Will Campbell is a plug-and-play left tackle in the NFL right now. He’s only allowed four sacks over his three-year career at LSU.
His arm length isn’t the most ideal, but it’s more than passable.
He’ll immediately upgrade their offensive line.
4. New York Giants: Shedeur Sanders (QB – Colorado)
I don’t think there’s any possible way the Giants can leave this draft without a quarterback if the current regime stays in place.
There’s no answer at the position for an offense that’s got some explosiveness to it with Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Malik Nabers.
Shedeur Sanders gets a lot of publicity, but to me, he’s a fairly boring quarterback prospect, and that’s not a bad thing.
He’s accurate and has a good enough arm. He reminds me a lot of Teddy Bridgewater.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT – Texas)
With Will Campbell off the board, the Jaguars look to another phenomenal offensive line prospect in Kelvin Banks Jr.
It’s tough to pass on Michigan cornerback Will Johnson here, but the Jaguars need to bolster this offensive line for Trevor Lawrence. Jaguars offensive tackles, through 17 weeks, have allowed 10 sacks and 61 pressures.
There are certainly worse pass-blocking offensive lines in the league, but the Jaguars need to throw more resources at it to get the most out of the former No. 1 overall pick.
6. Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan (WR – Arizona)
It looked like Bryce Young‘s career was over after getting benched earlier this year, but he’s shown there’s some hope for him since returning to the lineup.
What better way to build on that than adding a reliable possession receiver like Tetairoa McMillan?
Listed at 6-foot-5, McMillan was fifth among all college wide receivers in receptions against man coverage (28) and was fourth in yards (460).
He excels at all levels of the field, including from 10 yards and beyond.
This is a slam-dunk pick for the Panthers.
7. New York Jets: Will Johnson (CB – Michigan)
D.J. Reed is set to hit free agency, leaving a hole at outside cornerback opposite Sauce Gardner.
Will Johnson is 6-foot-2 and over 200 pounds. He brings rare traits along with him.
Johnson isn’t afraid to tackle and has only allowed two touchdowns during his three-year stint at Michigan, all of them in his first season.
He missed a good chunk of the 2024 season due to a turf toe injury, but he’ll be ready to start Day 1.
8. Las Vegas Raiders: Abdul Carter (DE – Penn State)
The Raiders need a cornerback, but with Benjamin Morris‘ injury, it’s recommending him here.
Instead, I’m rolling with Abdul Carter.
The thought of him and Maxx Crosby coming off the edge would be a nightmare for any opposing offense.
K’Lavon Chaisson has been a fine EDGE rusher for them this season, but he’s set to hit free agency.
9. Chicago Bears: Mason Graham (iDL – Michigan)
With the top two tackles off the board, the Bears will look to another massive need — interior defensive line. Mason Graham can rush the passer, no doubt, but he’s phenomenal against the run.
The Bears are giving up nearly five yards per carry this season to running backs.
There are some flaws, such as lack of height and arm length, but he’ll be fantastic on Day 1 along this defensive line with Montez Sweat.
10. New Orleans Saints: Aireontae Ersery (OT – Minnesota)
With Josh Simmons‘ injuries, I’m passing on him here and instead going with a player I think is an excellent fit for this Saints offense.
Under offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, the Saints are a zone running squad and Aireontae Ersey showed he excels in that role.
Not only that, but he’s not too bad at pass blocking either, allowing 13 pressures and one sack this season.
He could compete with Trevor Penning right away for a starting job.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Benjamin Morrison (CB – Notre Dame)
The 49ers are the type of team that can take a swing on a player like Benjamin Morrison earlier in the draft and hope for the best because of how stable their coaching staff and general manager are.
Yes, it was a down 2024, but there were numerous injuries.
Morrison did have hip surgery. Of course, we’ll learn more as the process continues into the combine and medical checks, but if the 49ers can get a player like Morrison to return to form, they’re getting a steal.
12. Indianapolis Colts: Malaki Starks (S – Georgia)
The Colts need a spark on defense. Malaki Starks is the type of player who may not get fans hyped right away, but he’ll make plays in the secondary.
His athleticism and physicality make for one of the better safety prospects we’ve seen in some time.
He’ll have an immediate impact against the run and in coverage for a Colts defense ranked 29th in yards allowed per game in 2024.
13. Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty (RB – Boise State)
The chalkiest pick of them all, Ashton Jeanty is headed to Dallas.
It’s impossible to explain how rare of a running back prospect Jeanty is.
He finished fewer than 30 yards shy of the single-season NCAA college football rushing record and finished the year with 151 missed tackles forced. For context, that’s 49 more than the next closest running back.
Of his rushing yards, 1,970 came after contact.
Jeanty had more rushing yards after contact than any running back had in college football, period.
The Cowboys averaged just 97.2 rushing yards per game (27th). Jeanty finished with 100 rushing yards or more in every game this season.
Run the card in.
14. Arizona Cardinals: Josh Simmons (OT – Ohio State)
The Cardinals need offensive line talent. Given their roster, taking a swing at Josh Simmons could pay dividends if he’s healthy.
There are some question marks surrounding Simmons because he was injured early this season, played easy opponents before the injury and comes from San Diego State, where he faced easy competition.
I’m betting on the traits paying off. If not for the injury, he’s arguably one of the top tackles on the board.
15. Miami Dolphins: Wyatt Milum (OT – West Virginia)
The Dolphins like to run the ball outside. Wyatt Milum can step in on Day 1 and be a competent starter at one of their tackle spots.
He started all four years of college football at West Virginia, making him one of the most experienced players available in the draft.
It’s time the Dolphins draft a guy who may not have the ideal measurables but is experienced and a known commodity.
16. Cincinnati Bengals: Luther Burden III (WR – Missouri)
The Missouri passing attack was far from good this season, so Luther Burden III didn’t have a ton of production, but with Tee Higgins likely leaving, the Bengals have immediately found a No. 2 wide receiver.
At 5-foot-11, Burden is a different player than Higgins, but he’s the type of player that if quarterback Joe Burrow can get the ball in his hands — and we know he will — is a threat to score every time.
17. Atlanta Falcons: Nic Scourton (DE – Texas A&M)
The Falcons have been racking up some sacks in the final weeks of the season, but before this recent stint, they were dead last at sacking the quarterback.
Thus, they need to leave this first round with a pass rusher. Nic Scourton is a great one.
He’s a bigger player and can be used at various spots along the defensive line.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Cameron Williams (OL – Texas)
The Seahawks’ offensive line has had a multitude of issues this season. They’ve allowed 36 sacks and 243 pressures.
Cameron Williams is a raw player who’s played right tackle for Texas this season.
He’s likely starting Day 1 along this Seahawks interior offensive line and could kick out to right tackle if needed.
19. Houston Texans: Kenneth Grant (iDL – Michigan)
Kenneth Grant is much better against the run than as a pass-rusher right now, but he can certainly push the pocket enough to help open things up for Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr.
20. Denver Broncos: Emeka Egbuka (WR – Ohio State)
One of the top-tier tight ends would be nice, but adding a player like Emeka Egbuka, who can play outside and in the slot, would help elevate this offense further in 2025.
Courtland Sutton has one more year on this deal, so why not a season of Sutton and Marvin Mims on the outside with Ebguka manning the slot and some plays outside?
Love it.
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jalon Walker (LB – Georgia)
The Buccaneers could certainly use a tight end, too, but getting a player of Jalon Walker’s ability this late is too good to pass up.
I prefer Walker in more of a pass-rushing role, and the Buccaneers could certainly use some help there.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland (TE – Michigan)
Jim Harbaugh coached Colston Loveland at Michigan, but more so than that, Loveland has speed and is a phenomenal pass-catching tight end.
The Chargers need more pass-catchers. Loveland will help out Ladd McConkey.
23. Los Angeles Rams: Jalen Milroe (QB – Alabama)
Jalen Milroe is a prime candidate for a team to trade up into the first round to grab him, but I’ll settle with him at pick No. 23.
To me, it’s all about landing spots with him. Los Angeles with Sean McVay and behind Matthew Stafford is perfect.
It’s said a lot, but Milroe is seriously a player that needs to sit.
He’s an excellent athlete for the position, but there are a lot of inconsistencies in his game.
24. Green Bay Packers: Shavon Revel (CB – East Carolina)
He’s coming off a torn ACL, but the way Shavon Revel can make plays on the ball and his traits will make the Packers run the card in to take him.
Yes, they’re already dealing with one injured cornerback in Jaire Alexander, but I expect Revel to bounce back.
The Packers will need a player like him in this loaded NFC North moving forward.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tyler Warren (TE – Penn State)
Yes, the Steelers already have Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, but that’s not stopping me from taking a player like Tyler Warren.
Not only is he a fantastic pass-catcher, but he’s also not afraid to block, which lines up well with the aura of the Steelers.
26. Washington Commanders: Shemar Stewart (DE – South Carolina)
Shemar Stewart is a versatile player at his 6-foot-6 size. There are some other notable pass-rushers on the board still like Mykel Williams and James Pearce Jr., but I think Dan Quinn will like a player of his size, strength and ability against the run.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Trey Amos (CB – Ole Miss)
The Ravens have changed up their defense to make it much more difficult on opposing passing attacks, but I’m adding more talent in the secondary with Trey Amos.
The Ravens are a defense that can adapt to a player’s skill set, and they’ll love the physicality he brings.
28. Philadelphia Eagles: Elic Ayomanor (WR – Stanford)
I’m tempted to go with a pass-rusher, but the idea of DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown on the outside and Elic Ayomanor in the slot is unfathomable.
The Eagles are knocked often for their passing attack, but bringing in a player like Ayomanor, who can catch contested passes, play near the line of scrimmage and isn’t unafraid to block for running back Saquon Barkley will be an excellent asset.
29. Buffalo Bills: Walter Nolen (iDL – Ole Miss)
The biggest knock on Walter Nolen is his ability to move off blocks, but playing on the defensive interior, he’s still solid against the run. He has the strength to bull rush and help collapse pockets.
This will be massively beneficial against playoff-caliber teams in the AFC, such as the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals.
30. Minnesota Vikings: Jahdae Barron (CB – Texas)
Under defensive coordinator Brian Flores, the Vikings make things difficult for opposing offenses. Adding Jahdae Barron only furthers that.
Barron has been phenomenal for Texas this season. He’s a versatile player who’s not afraid to attack the ball and make a play on it.
He’s also not afraid to make a tackle and get involved in the running game.
The Vikings need help at the corner, and Barron fills it.
31. Detroit Lions: James Pearce Jr. (DE – Tennessee)
James Pearce Jr. isn’t the strong or biggest EDGE rusher, but he has long arms, great athleticism and is a wildly gifted player.
He’d complement Aidan Hutchinson beautifully.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Mykel Williams (DE – Georgia)
The Chiefs need help at tackle, but there’s simply no one on the board I’m comfortable taking a chance on at pick No. 32, especially given the Chiefs’ track record.
Instead, I’m going to give them a traits-filled defensive end fantastic against the run but needs some work rushing the passer.
Right now, Mykel Williams is the type of player who wins off the edge with strength and athleticism.
Here, he lands with the Chiefs, who can certainly coach him up to get the most out of him.
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