Free-agent signings and trades have changed draft priorities for a lot of teams, so it’s time to take a crack at another first-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft.
Before we get into it, a few quick thoughts:
- There’s always pre-draft intrigue at the QB position, and the intrigue this year involves Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart. Will Shedeur be an early first-round pick, or will he slide? And does Dart go in the top 10 or fall out of the first round entirely?
- There could be three or four receivers drafted in the first round, not including CB/WR Travis Hunter. But as of now, I only have one: Tetairoa McMillan. It’s certainly possible that one or more of Luther Burden, Emeka Egbuka and Matthew Golden hear their names called Thursday night, but it seems as if the teams in the latter part of the first round that could take a wide receiver have more pressing needs elsewhere.
- It isn’t clear who’ll be the first offensive lineman or the first safety drafted. I think it’s also a close call as to who’ll be the first tight end drafted.
- The online sportsbooks – and particularly DraftKings – have dramatically expanded their NFL Draft wagering options since my last mock, and those odds yield some interesting clues.
And away we go. Here’s my latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft.
- 2025 NFL Draft Guide
- 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
- 2025 NFL Mock Drafts
- Dynasty Mock Draft Simulator
Fitz’s 2025 NFL Mock Draft 2.0
1. Tennessee Titans – QB Cam Ward, Miami-Fla.
It seems increasingly less likely that Tennessee does anything but take the consensus No. 1 quarterback. I don’t want to force comparisons between Ward and Steve McNair, but the Titans would be delighted if Ward could become the same sort of franchise QB McNair was.
Titans’ selection in previous mock: Cam Ward
Abdul Carter NFL Draft Profile
2. Cleveland Browns – EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State
In mock draft 1.0, I had the Browns taking Carter because Myles Garrett had issued a trade request, and Carter would offer needed fortification for the Cleveland pass rush. Now that Garrett is staying in the fold … I still like Carter here. Good luck trying to throw downfield on the Browns with Garrett and Carter roaring in off the edges.
Browns’ selection in previous mock: Abdul Carter
Shedeur Sanders NFL Draft Profile
3. New York Giants – QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Could Shedeur slide? Maybe. But it’s hard for me to imagine that NFL personnel people wouldn’t be impressed by Shedeur’s pinpoint accuracy and high-level processing. The Giants haven’t found another solution at quarterback, and the only available options are senior citizens Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson. No sense kicking the QB can further down the road.
Giants’ selection in previous mock: Travis Hunter
Travis Hunter NFL Draft Profiles: CB & WR
4. New England Patriots – CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
Offensive line is New England’s most glaring need, but they can’t pass up the best overall player in the draft. After adding Carlton Davis to a CB collection that already included Christian Gonzalez and Marcus Jones, the Patriots can primarily use Hunter at wide receiver, giving young QB Drake Maye the sort of electric playmaker this roster lacks.
Patriots’ selection in previous mock: Will Campbell
Mason Graham NFL Draft Profile
5. Jacksonville Jaguars – DT Mason Graham, Michigan
The Jags need a disruptive force in the middle of their defensive line. They get one with Graham, who might be the third-best player in this draft behind Hunter and Carter.
Jaguars’ selection in previous mock: Mason Graham
Ashton Jeanty NFL Draft Profile
6. Las Vegas Raiders – RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Pete Carroll is all about the running game, and you can bet it isn’t going to be Sincere McCormick spearheading ol’ Pete’s backfield. With Geno Smith at quarterback and Jeanty at running back, suddenly the Raiders’ offense looks ready for prime time.
Raiders’ selection in previous mock: Shedeur Sanders
Armand Membou NFL Draft Profile
7. New York Jets – OT Armand Membou, Missouri
Membou is now the DraftKings betting favorite to be the first offensive lineman selected at -135, followed by Will Campbell at +125. The Jets plug in Membou at right tackle and can claim to have one of the best young O-lines in the league.
Jets’ selection in previous mock: Tyler Warren
Jalon Walker NFL Draft Profile
8. Carolina Panthers – EDGE Jalon Walker, Georgia
There will never be another Luke Kuechly, but Walker has some Kuechly-esque traits. A high-motor, high-character North Carolina native, Walker is A perfect fit for the Panthers.
Panthers’ selection in previous mock: Jalon Walker
Tetairoa McMillan NFL Draft Profile
9. New Orleans Saints – WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
The Saints could go in any number of directions here, but they’re alarmingly thin at wide receiver. Chris Olave had had multiple concussions, Rashid Shaheed missed most of last season with a torn meniscus, and there’s little behind those two. Tet gives New Orleans some needed pass-catching firepower.
Saints’ selection in previous mock: Tetairoa McMillan
Shemar Stewart NFL Draft Profile
10. Chicago Bears – EDGE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
Stewart’s draft stock is on the rise after a tour-de-force performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. He’s not a finished product, but Stewart’s high ceiling should appeal to a Bears team poised for a big step forward.
Bears’ selection in previous mock: Ashton Jeanty
Will Campbell NFL Draft Profile
11. San Francisco 49ers – OT Will Campbell, LSU
With his sub-33-inch arms, it isn’t clear whether Campbell can effectively play tackle at the NFL level. But the 49ers need an heir apparent to 36-year-old left tackle Trent Williams and guard help, so Campbell is a nice fit regardless of where he ends up playing.
49ers’ selection in previous mock: Will Johnson
Kelvin Banks NFL Draft Profile
12. Dallas Cowboys – OT Kelvin Banks, Texas
Throughout the years, the best iterations of America’s Team have always had powerful offensive lines. The current iteration: not so powerful. The Cowboys look close to home and grab Banks, who’s been starting at left tackle for the Longhorns since the first game of his freshman season.
Cowboys’ selection in previous mock: Armand Membou
Will Johnson NFL Draft Profile
13. Miami Dolphins – CB Will Johnson, Texas
Miami would like to get an offensive lineman here, but with Membou, Campbell and Banks off the board, the Dolphins add some needed CB help.
Dolphins’ selection in previous mock: Kelvin Banks
Colston Loveland NFL Draft Profile
14. Indianapolis Colts – TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
A lot of people are expecting Tyler Warren to be the first tight end selected, but Loveland is two years younger, and many have a higher ceiling. After rotating a mediocre group of tight ends last season, the Colts find a long-term answer at the position.
Colts’ selection in previous mock: Colston Loveland
Mykel Williams NFL Draft Profile
15. Atlanta Falcons – EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia
Never in franchise history have the Falcons taken a University of Georgia player in the first round of the draft. With pass-rushing help a major need for Atlanta, the explosive Williams is a logical choice.
Falcons’ selection in previous mock: Mike Green
Kenneth Grant NFL Draft Profile
16. Arizona Cardinals – DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan
The Cardinals can line up the 6-4, 331-pound Grant next to 325-pound veteran Dalvin Tomlinson and let them wreak havoc up front.
Cardinals’ selection in previous mock: Shemar Stewart
17. Cincinnati Bengals – EDGE Mike Green, Marshall
With pass rusher extraordinaire Trey Hendrickson seemingly on his way out of Cincinnati, the Bengals desperately need pass-rushing help. They get it from Green, a high-upside EDGE who put on a show in Mobile during Senior Bowl week.
Bengals’ selection in previous mock: Jahdae Barron
Tyler Booker NFL Draft Profile
18. Seattle Seahawks – OG Tyler Booker, Alabama
Seattle could take an outside receiver here, but the Seahawks’ offensive line needs patching, and Booker might be the best pure guard in the class.
Seahawks’ selection in previous mock: Tyler Booker
Jihaad Campbell NFL Draft Profile
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
The Buccaneers have had some special linebackers over the years. Current LB Lavonte Davis is one of them, but he’s now 35. The Bucs have added Anthony Walker Jr., but he’s had injury problems in recent years, and this will be his age-30 season. Campbell could be the Bucs’ new torch-bearer linebacker.
Buccaneers’ selection in previous mock: Mykel Williams
Omarion Hampton NFL Draft Profile
20. Denver Broncos – RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
The Broncos figure to go with either a running back or a wide receiver here. They’re currently in better shape at WR, and they can add a pass catcher on Day 2. Hampton is potentially special and can be the centerpiece of Sean Payton’s running game.
Broncos’ selection in previous mock: Nick Emmanwori
Omarion Hampton NFL Draft Profile
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
The Steelers are still without a quarterback. It seems inevitable that they’ll either re-sign Russell Wilson or sign Aaron Rodgers, but they need a long-term answer. This is (ahem) a worthwhile Dart throw.
Steelers’ selection in previous mock: Emeka Egbuka
Tyler Warren NFL Draft Profile
22. Los Angeles Chargers – TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
The Chargers are fortunate to have Warren fall into their laps. Head coach Jim Harbaugh thought he might be reunited with Colston Loveland but is quite content to land a Penn State tight end.
Chargers’ selection in previous mock: Kenneth Grant
Jahdae Barron NFL Draft Profile
23. Green Bay Packers – CB Jahdae Barron
The Packers may have regrets about passing on slot corner Cooper DeJean in the first round of last year’s draft. They atone for that mistake by grabbing Barron, a slot corner with the versatility to play outside. With Jaire Alexander not expected to remain with the team, Green Bay needs CB help.
Packers’ selection in previous mock: Donovan Ezeiruaku
Nick Emmanwori NFL Draft Profile
24. Minnesota Vikings – S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
Having addressed their offensive line needs in free agency, the Vikings cast an eye toward their secondary, where standout safety Harrison Smith is entering his age-36 season. Emmanwori, who tested like a superhero at the combine, adds athleticism to Minnesota’s defensive backfield.
Vikings’ selection in previous mock: Walter Nolen
Josh Simmons NFL Draft Profile
25. Houston Texans – OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
Houston’s offensive line was awful last season — and that was before the Texans traded away their best offensive lineman, Laremy Tunsil. They need an offensive lineman here, and getting Simmons here would be a gift.
Texans’ selection in previous mock: Josh Simmons
Maxwell Hairston NFL Draft Profile
26. Los Angeles Rams – CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
The Rams value speed at cornerback, and Hairston ran a 4.28 at the combine. His draft stock is on the rise, and it now seems a good bet that Hairston goes in the first round.
Rams’ selection in previous mock: Matthew Golden
27. Baltimore Ravens – DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon
I had the Ravens taking an offensive lineman in my first mock, and that’s probably their biggest need. But the Ravens traditionally draft for value, not need, and landing Harmon, a disruptive interior defender, would be nice value.
Ravens’ selection in previous mock: Josh Conerly
Donovan Ezeiruaku NFL Draft Profile
28. Detroit Lions – EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
Detroit’s starting EDGE players are the terrific Aidan Hutchinson, who’s coming back from a broken tibia and fibula, and Za’Darius Smith, who’s entering his age-33 season. Ezeiruaku had 16.5 sacks for Boston College last season and would give the Lions needed pass-rushing depth.
Lions’ selection in previous mock: James Pearce
James Pearce Jr. NFL Draft Profile
29. Washington Commanders – EDGE James Pearce, Tennessee
The Commanders’ defense ranked 14th in pressure rate last season despite blitzing at the fifth-highest rate in the league. Pearce can help Washington generate more pressure with its front four.
Commanders’ selection in previous mock: Malaki Starks
Malaki Starks NFL Draft Profile
30. Buffalo Bills – S Malaki Starks
Buffalo needs more juice in its secondary. The Bills could go with a cornerback, but it would be hard for them to pass on Starks if he slid to them at No. 30. Starks didn’t test especially well at the combine but was a playmaking force for Georgia.
Bills’ selection in previous mock: Derrick Harmon
Josh Conerly Jr. NFL Draft Profile
31. Kansas City Chiefs – OT Josh Conerly, Oregon
The Chiefs’ offensive line has become a problem. Maybe Jaylon Moore is the answer at left tackle. If not, Conerly could be. Regardless, K.C.’s offensive line needs a talent infusion, and Conerly could play inside if the Chiefs find other solutions at tackle.
Chiefs’ selection in previous mock: Aireontae Ersery
32. Philadelphia Eagles – EDGE Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
I gave Scourton to the Eagles in my first mock, and I still think there’s a good chance the Eagles take him if he’s available. Eagles GM Howie Roseman has some flexibility here, but EDGE is one of Philadelphia’s few positions of need.
Eagles’ selection in previous mock:Nic Scourton
More 2025 NFL Mock Drafts
- Andrew Erickson: 2025 Mock Draft (2.0)
- Kurt Blakeway: 2025 NFL Mock Draft (2.0)
- Russell Brown: 2025 NFL Mock Draft (2.0)
- Matthew Jones: 2025 NFL Mock Draft (2.0)
- Mike Fanelli: 2025 NFL Mock Draft With Trades (2.0, 3.0, 4.0)
- Richard Janvrin: 2025 NFL Mock Draft (2.0, 3.0)
- Kent Weyrauch: 2025 NFL Mock Draft
- Seth Woolcock: 2025 NFL Mock Draft With Trades
- Jason Kamlowsky: 2025 NFL Mock Draft Two Rounds
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