The 2024 NFL regular season wraps up with Week 18 this weekend. While a few teams are still fighting for a playoff spot, many have turned their attention to the postseason or the offseason.
We head into Week 18 with four teams in the mix to earn the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The New England Patriots currently hold the top selection. Furthermore, they are the only team guaranteed a top-five pick, even if with a win this weekend.
While the NFL Draft is still four months away, let’s dive into my first mock draft of the year.
2025 NFL Mock Draft With Trades
*** TRADE ALERT ***
New York Giants receive pick 1. New England Patriots receive picks 4, 35, 2026 first-rounder.
1) New York Giants (via Patriots) – Shedeur Sanders (QB – Colorado)
Unfortunately, the Giants’ winless win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17 knocked them out of the top draft slot. Therefore, the team will need to trade up to secure their next franchise quarterback. The Patriots are in an excellent position to build around Drake Maye by trading the top pick for extra draft capital.
2) Tennessee Titans – Travis Hunter (CB/WR – Colorado)
Many believe the Titans will draft a quarterback if they have a top-two pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, don’t be surprised if the team adds a veteran in free agency, like Aaron Rodgers or Kirk Cousins, to compete with Will Levis. Signing a veteran would allow Tennessee to add the top player in the draft class.
3) Cleveland Browns – Cam Ward (QB – Miami)
While the Browns recently reworked Deshaun Watson‘s contract, that was purely for salary cap purposes. Cleveland will add a quarterback to compete or replace Watson as the starter in 2025. The team could look at adding a cheap veteran in free agency, but don’t rule out them drafting a rookie with their top pick.
4) New England Patriots (via Giants) – Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT – Texas)
The Patriots manage to trade back in this mock draft, add two significant picks, and still land the top offensive lineman in the draft class. While he has played well this season despite a lack of weapons in the passing game, Drake Maye won’t make it through next year behind New England’s awful offensive line.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Chicago Bears receive pick 5. Jacksonville Jaguars receive picks 9, 40.
5) Chicago Bears (via Jaguars) – Will Campbell (OL – LSU)
Unfortunately, the Bears have fallen well short of their 2024 expectations. The team was 4-2 at one point but has lost 10 consecutive games. While Caleb Williams has had some massive moments as a rookie, the former USC star has struggled behind a terrible offensive line. Chicago has an extra second-round pick from the Bryce Young trade, allowing them to move up for Campbell.
6) Carolina Panthers – Abdul Carter (EDGE – Penn State)
Carolina could consider adding a wide receiver with their top pick. However, Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker have shown enough promise as rookies to allow the Panthers to address their top needs on defense. They have 31 sacks this season, with A’Shawn Robinson being the only player totaling more than five (5.5). Carter could have a massive impact on Carolina’s defense as a rookie.
7) New York Jets – Mason Graham (DL – Michigan)
Everyone is focused on Aaron Rodgers‘ future with the team and what the Jets will do at the quarterback position. However, the team has other needs on both sides of the ball. Quinnen Williams is one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL. Pairing him with Graham would give New York an elite defensive line capable of taking over games.
8) Las Vegas Raiders – Will Johnson (CB – Michigan)
The Raiders have won two meaningless games in a row, likely knocking them out of the mix to take Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward with their top pick. Unfortunately, there isn’t another quarterback prospect worthy of a top-10 selection. Therefore, Las Vegas focuses on its top need on defense by selecting Johnson.
9) Jacksonville Jaguars (via Bears) – Benjamin Morrison (CB – Notre Dame)
Some will argue that Morrison being a top-10 pick is a reach. While that could be true, every year some team makes a head-scratching decision early in the draft. What team is more likely to do that than the Jaguars? Meanwhile, they have had one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL this season.
10) New Orleans Saints – Tetairoa McMillan (WR – Arizona)
Unfortunately, the Saints have had to rely on Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kevin Austin Jr., and Dante Pettis at wide receiver over the past several weeks with Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) on injured reserve. While both should be back in New Orleans next year, that shouldn’t stop the Saints from adding the top wide receiver in the draft class.
11) San Francisco 49ers – Colston Loveland (TE – Michigan)
The 2024 season was a lost one for San Francisco. They have more injuries than almost any other team in the league. More importantly, the 49ers will have to decide on Brock Purdy‘s contract in the offseason. With the star quarterback up for a massive contract extension, the team will likely need to move on from several veterans over the next two years, including George Kittle.
12) Indianapolis Colts – Jalon Walker (LB – Georgia)
While most of the conversation this season has been about the Colts’ offense, their defense has been awful. Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed have played well at the linebacker position. However, Speed is a free agent this offseason and could find a better offer on the open market. With no cornerback worthy of the draft pick, Indianapolis takes the hybrid threat at linebacker to add another element to their defense.
13) Dallas Cowboys – Ashton Jeanty (RB – Boise State)
Almost every mock draft over the next few months will have Jeanty landing with the Cowboys. Rico Dowdle had some success this season. However, that shouldn’t stop the team from drafting the top running back in the draft class. Jeanty wants to play for Dallas, making Jerry Jones all the more likely to draft him.
14) Arizona Cardinals – Kenneth Grant (DL – Michigan)
Last year, the Cardinals used a first-round pick on Darius Robinson. However, their front seven on defense needs more work. Grant was part of an elite defensive line at Michigan and should help transform Arizona’s defense as a rookie.
15) Miami Dolphins – Josh Simmons (OT – Ohio State)
Tua Tagovailoa has taken too many hits this season, including one that forced him to miss four games because of a concussion. Terron Armstead isn’t getting any younger and has struggled with injuries in his career. Simmons might begin his rookie year as the swing tackle but will start games in Miami.
16) Cincinnati Bengals – Luther Burden III (WR – Missouri)
Hopefully, Tee Higgins will be back in Cincinnati next year. However, his contract demands might be too much for the Bengals to match. Even if the star wide receiver is back with the team in 2025, that shouldn’t stop them from adding Burden to Joe Burrow‘s receiving core, especially with Jermaine Burton having such a disappointing rookie season.
17) Atlanta Falcons – Mykel Williams (EDGE – Georgia)
Every year, it seems like the Falcons’ top need heading into the NFL Draft is pass rush help. Trading for Matthew Judon was a nice addition, but the veteran has only 5.5 sacks this season. Furthermore, no one on the team has more than six sacks entering Week 18.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Washington Commanders receive picks 18, 235. Seattle Seahawks receive picks 26, 59.
18) Washington Commanders (via Seahawks) – Emeka Egbuka (WR – Ohio State)
Terry McLaurin has had a career year with Jayden Daniels under center. However, the Commanders’ next best-receiving option is soon-to-be free agent Zach Ertz. While Olamide Zaccheaus and Noah Brown have had some positive moments this season, don’t be surprised if Washington trades up for a wide receiver in the first round.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Los Angeles Chargers receive pick 19. Houston Texans receive picks 22, 86.
19) Los Angeles Chargers (via Texans) – Tyler Warren (TE – Penn State)
While Will Dissly has been solid this season, the Chargers need a playmaker at tight end. Last year, they considered taking Brock Bowers with their top-five pick. Imagine how much fun Los Angeles’ offense would be with Justin Herbert throwing to Ladd McConkey and Warren.
20) Denver Broncos – James Pearce Jr. (EDGE – Tennessee)
Denver could use another weapon on offense, especially at tight end or running back. Unfortunately, there isn’t one worth drafting with this pick, so they add to their already impressive pass-rush unit. Nik Bonitto has 11.5 sacks heading into Week 18. However, he is entering the final year of his rookie deal in 2025 and will need to be paid.
21) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Tyleik Williams (DL – Ohio State)
The Buccaneers have invested multiple first-round picks in their defensive line over the past few years. However, Williams is too talented of a prospect to let slide any further in this mock draft. Pairing him with Vita Vea could give Tampa Bay the best run defense in the NFL next year.
22) Houston Texans (via Chargers) – Tyler Booker (G – Alabama)
Unfortunately, C.J. Stroud and the Texans’ offense have regressed this year. A significant part of the problem has been the offensive line, especially on the interior. Booker is likely the first interior offensive lineman off the board and the only one guaranteed to be a Day 1 pick.
23) Los Angeles Rams – Malaki Starks (S – Georgia)
Many thought the Rams’ defense would struggle without Aaron Donald. However, they have played well after using their top two picks in last year’s draft on Jared Verse and Braden Fiske. Unfortunately, their secondary could use some more help. Starks is a steal at this point of the mock draft and could be a top-15 pick come April.
24) Green Bay Packers – Jahdae Barron (CB – Texas)
Green Bay hit a home run in free agency by signing Xavier McKinney. Meanwhile, rookies Javon Bullard and Evan Williams have been outstanding this year. Unfortunately, their cornerback unit needs help. Jaire Alexander‘s injury problems have become severe, while Erick Stokes is a free agent this offseason.
25) Pittsburgh Steelers – Isaiah Bond (WR – Texas)
George Pickens and Calvin Austin III are entering the final year of their rookie contracts in 2025. Meanwhile, third-year rookie Roman Wilson has struggled to stay healthy this season. Adding a wide receiver to one of the worst units in the NFL is a must for the Steelers.
26) Seattle Seahawks (via Commanders) – Cameron Williams (OT – Texas)
A Longhorn comes off the board for the third consecutive pick. Yet, Williams has the most upside of any Texas player in the draft class besides Kelvin Banks Jr. The other starting offensive tackle for Texas has been outstanding this season. Meanwhile, Seattle’s offensive line has severely struggled in 2024.
27) Baltimore Ravens – Aireontae Ersery (OT – Minnesota)
While Ronnie Stanley is one of the top left tackles in the NFL when healthy, the veteran has missed over 40% of the games in the past five years because of injury. Furthermore, he will turn 31 this March and is an upcoming free agent. Ersery could step in as a rookie at left tackle.
28) Philadelphia Eagles – Nic Scourton (DL – Texas A&M)
The Eagles have several defensive linemen and edge rushers set to hit the open market in March, including Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, and Milton Williams. Some believe Scourton is a bit of a tweener, meaning he could play with his hand in the dirt or stand up on defense. His versatility should only make him more attractive to defensive coordinators.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Las Vegas Raiders receive pick 29. Buffalo Bills receive picks 39, 69, 2026 second-rounder.
29) Las Vegas Raiders (via Bills) – Jalen Milroe (QB – Alabama)
Las Vegas passed on a quarterback earlier in this mock draft, opting to take Will Johnson instead. However, don’t be surprised if they trade back into the late first round to select a quarterback. The Bills have a history of trading back and even out of the first round, so don’t be surprised if teams wanting a quarterback call Buffalo.
30) Minnesota Vikings – Shavon Revel Jr. (CB – East Carolina)
Unfortunately, the Vikings have four cornerbacks set to hit the open market in March, including Byron Murphy and Stephon Gilmore. While Murphy could return, Minnesota still needs help in the secondary after surrendering the fifth-most passing yards in the NFL entering Week 18.
31) Detroit Lions – Donovan Jackson (G – Ohio State)
It’s difficult to find a hole on Detroit’s roster when everyone is healthy. However, the team lost Jonah Jackson in free agency last offseason, replacing him with Kevin Zeitler on a one-year deal. Jackson would make for an excellent replacement. Furthermore, he can kick out to tackle in a pinch.
32) Kansas City Chiefs – Harold Fannin Jr. (TE – Bowling Green)
Travis Kelce is heading into the final year of his contract in 2025. The future Hall of Famer will turn 36 next season and has shown signs of decline over the past two years. Kansas City always plans ahead, meaning don’t rule out them using their first-round pick on Kelce’s heir apparent.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.