We are back.
My 2025 NFL mock draft 2.0 is officially here and my excitement is through the roof in my first post-free agency mock draft.
As noted in my NFL team needs article, NFL teams’ needs have changed dramatically since the 2025 free agency period began.
While it seems like NFL Free Agency will never actually come to an end, we must trudge forward with the release of my latest mock draft with the initial free agency frenzy in the rearview.
Let’s dive in.
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2025 NFL Mock Draft
Please note that this mock draft reflects my predictions of the draft outcomes rather than my personal choices for each team. I want to project what happens to take advantage of it in our fantasy football leagues and NFL Draft betting props.
Also note that all the odds for a team to select a player with their first pick are provided by BetMGM, as it was the only sportsbook I could find with the offerings available.
1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward (QB – Cam Ward)
The love and steam for Cam Ward as the No. 1 overall pick have only grown since my first mock draft. His odds have shifted dramatically to as high as -700 on some sportsbooks. The Titans did virtually nothing to improve their quarterback room during free agency aside from adding Brandon Allen. Ward is their guy and future franchise signal-caller.
Shedeur Sanders NFL Draft Profile
2. Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders (QB – Colorado)
The draft starts at No. 2. And this seems where Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders could be in a position to be selected. All reports from Browns camp have been extremely high on Sanders.
The fact he would also be on a rookie contract can help them mitigate the Deshaun Watson salary cap situation. There’s a great Reddit thread on the Browns’ connection to Sanders that was eye-opening to me.
Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot believes all the “breadcrumbs” are pointing to Sanders at two, and I see no reason to deviate from the Browns insider.
Like the Titans, the Browns also did virtually nothing to address the quarterback position during free agency, aside from trading for Kenny Pickett. Sanders’ odds are listed at +150 to be the second overall pick on Fanatics Sportsbook. Abdul Carter is the favorite at -110.
Armand Membou NFL Draft Profile
3. New York Giants: Armand Membou (OT – Missouri)
The Giants are in a tough quarterback spot. They need to add one of the remaining veteran quarterbacks at some point, but they are likely to be sunk at the third overall pick for a rookie quarterback if they miss out on the top two.
Therefore, it comes down to Travis Hunter versus Abdul Carter. Carter is by far the favorite to be the first non-quarterback drafted (-500 on DraftKings Sportsbook). But I’m not so sure it’s such a slam dunk over Travis Hunter, who is listed at +500 (Bally Bet) to be the first non-quarterback selected. It’s closer to +250 at most other books that have “first non-quarterback selected” as a bet option.
And if we want to be galaxy-brained… I’d take a strong look at offensive line options at third overall. Remember, Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen have to win this year to keep their jobs. And that will almost surely be more related to offense output than defense. An offensive lineman seeing a rise into the top three wouldn’t be too shocking for a team that needs offensive production.
Armand Membou (who met with the Giants at the combine) and Will Campbell are both listed at greater than +1000 odds to be the first non-quarterbacks drafted (DraftKings Sportsbook). Campbell also met with the Browns on a top-30 visit.
Let’s have some fun and embrace the chaos at the third overall pick with the Giants going offensive line to protect their quarterback-to-be-named. If you want to swing for the fences for some longshot betting, the odds for Membou to be the third overall pick are +10000 on Fanatics Sportsbook.
Travis Hunter NFL Draft Profiles: CB & WR
4. New England Patriots: Travis Hunter (WR/CB – Colorado)
This mock represents the best-case scenario for the Patriots. Not only does one of Abul Carter or Travis Hunter fall… both fall. I fully expect them to go with Membou if Carter/Hunter are both gone, but in this mock we have them getting an embarrassment of riches to select from.
New England is the betting favorite to land the wide receiver/cornerback hybrid with them ranking him as their top prospect at both cornerback and wide receiver.
Now those odds are considering Carter is already off the board, so it is an interesting thought experiment to consider what New England would do if Carter were available. I still think it might be Hunter regardless given his dual usage.
Abdul Carter NFL Draft Profile
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Abdul Carter (EDGE – Penn State)
New general manager James Gladstone is stepping in after Trent Baalke’s four-year tenure as the Jacksonville Jaguars general manager. Some key takeaways from his press conferences are that the team seeks to prioritize the offensive and defensive fronts. So, the Abdul Carter “fall” stops at five overall in Duval County.
Will Campbell NFL Draft Profile
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Will Campbell (OT – LSU)
We’ve seen some reports trickle out that suggest the Raiders went hard after Geno Smith because they felt there was no chance a quarterback worthy of the sixth overall pick would fall to them.
Ashton Jeanty is a popular pick here as the Raiders have a dire need for a running back. But given that new general manager John Spytek just saw 2024 fourth-rounder Bucky Irvin, melt faces in Tampa Bay last season, he upgrades the trenches with an offensive lineman selection.
I could also see a cornerback selection here, given how heavy the Buccaneers were into drafting cornerbacks. It’s also a pretty big need defensively.
Mason Graham NFL Draft Profile
7. New York Jets: Mason Graham (DT – Michigan)
According to Tony Pauline, the Jets are in the market for a defensive tackle. At seventh overall, they land the top one in the draft class with Michigan’s Mason Graham. Could also see Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker here in play as well.
New York’s odds are +275 to draft a defensive tackle/EDGE with their first pick, the second shortest compared to offensive line (+200), per BetMGM.
Mykel Williams NFL Draft Profile
8. Carolina Panthers: Mykel Williams (EDGE – Georgia)
Panthers general manager Dan Morgan has explicitly stated the team wants to attack the defensive line this offseason, similar to their approach to the offensive line last season. No better way to beef up the pass rush than by selecting Georgia’s Mykel Williams.
Carolina is reportedly ‘very interested’ in the former Bulldog EDGE defender. The Panthers are also listed at -135 on BetMGM to select an EDGE rusher with their first pick. Williams is listed at 10-1 at most sportsbooks to be the first EDGE defender selected (third-shortest odds) with Mason Graham the heavy favorite.
Ashton Jeanty NFL Draft Profile
9. New Orleans Saints: Ashton Jeanty (RB – Boise State)
My first official bet made on the 2025 NFL Draft? Ashton Jeanty to be selected by the Saints at +3000. The odds have shifted dramatically since the combine to +1400 on DraftKings Sportsbook.
For the best odds, consider taking the Saints to draft a running back with their first pick, which is listed at +2000 on BetMGM.
My rationale behind the pick? Well, the Saints had a formal meeting with the Boise State running back. New Saints head coach Kellen Moore’s alma mater is also Boise State. And if there’s anybody who knows about how valuable a running back can be for an offense, it’s Saquon Barkley‘s former offensive coordinator.
Also, keep in mind that Mickey Loomis is no stranger to drafting running backs in the first round (i.e., Reggie Bush and Mark Ingram).
Jalon Walker NFL Draft Profile
10. Chicago Bears: Jalon Walker (LB/EDGE – Georgia)
With Ben Johnson taking over as the head coach in Chicago, I expect he will play a big role in the team’s first draft selection. As noted by NFL insider Tony Pauline, the offensive line makes the most sense, but a best player available approach shouldn’t surprise anyone. The way Chicago has improved the offensive line before and during free agency further emphasizes best player available over need at the 10th overall pick.
This could still be Ashton Jeanty or another offensive line piece (Caleb Williams can use all the protection he needs), but I’ll go in a different direction across the defense with another Georgia Bulldog in Jalon Walker. He is projected to be the first linebacker taken, even though he is more of an EDGE rusher than an off-ball linebacker. At Georgia’s Pro Day, he met with all the teams selecting inside the top 10.
From a betting perspective, I like the Bears’ odds at +200 to draft a trench player on defense with their first pick, even if Walker doesn’t qualify in my specific mock. I just don’t think it will be the offensive line based on the moves they already made this offseason.
Shemar Stewart NFL Draft Profile
11. San Francisco 49ers: Shemar Stewart (DT – Texas A&M)
According to Tony Pauline, the 49ers are very high on EDGE defender Oluwafemi Oladejo. The NFL insider also said he was told the Niners will look at offensive line, cornerback and wide receiver during free agency.
They addressed wide receiver/cornerback with veteran signings, suggesting they look for offensive linemen/defensive linemen in the NFL Draft. Oladejo will likely be a second-round pick, but the interest supports my position on them targeting EDGE players with the 11th overall pick.
They select Texas A&M DL Shemar Stewart, fresh off a monster performance in the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. He also owns a 49ers backpack.
Also, nobody should be surprised by the 49ers drafting yet another defensive lineman in round one. They are +210 (BetMGM) to draft a defensive lineman/EDGE player with their first pick.
Tetairoa McMillan NFL Draft Profile
12. Dallas Cowboys: Tetairoa McMillan (WR – Arizona)
Brandin Cooks is a free agent. Jalen Tolbert is in the last year of his rookie deal.
Tony Pauline noted that Dallas will potentially prioritize wide receiver in the NFL Draft, and they could even move up to select one.
They take Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.
I also love the idea of betting them at +250 to draft a wide receiver with their first pick (BetMGM). Because if it’s not McMillan, it might be Matthew Golden/Emeka Egbuka instead.
Will Johnson NFL Draft Profile
13. Miami Dolphins: Will Johnson (CB – Michigan)
Will Johnson missed games in 2024 with an injury, but he is still an elite cornerback prospect, with scouts comparing him to Patrick Surtain. The Dolphins have a huge need at cornerback, so the former Wolverine fits the bill.
I understand offensive line is the bigger “need” but it’s more of the interior than at tackle. They signed guard James Daniels in free agency. As noted by Edwin Sphere on X, both tackles are on cheap deals. Miami going best player available is being undersold at the 13th overall pick.
I think it will either be Johnson or a defensive lineman/EDGE rusher.
Colston Loveland NFL Draft Profile
14. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland (TE – Michigan)
The Colts need to do everything in their power to get Anthony Richardson‘s completion percentage up in 2025. A young quarterback’s best friend? A reliable tight end.
Enter Michigan’s Colston Loveland, who is listed at +600 on FanDuel Sportsbook (once at +200) to be the first tight end drafted. Tony Pauline has reported many teams feel Loveland and not Tyler Warren is the top tight end in the draft. I think the Colts will agree.
They are favored (+165) to take a tight end first, followed by an offensive lineman (+210), per BetMGM.
Jihaad Campbell NFL Draft Profile
15. Atlanta Falcons: Jihaad Campbell (LB – Alabama)
Death, taxes and the Falcons’ lack of pass rush. Luckily, it’s a great year to draft EDGE rushers. Don’t blow this, Atlanta. They are at-160 odds, according to BetMGM, to take a defensive lineman/EDGE rusher.
From a betting perspective, opting for linebackers at +650 is a different way to attack the Falcons’ first-draft pick market. The top two linebackers in this year’s class also come with a pass-rush skill set.
Kelvin Banks NFL Draft Profile
16. Arizona Cardinals: Kelvin Banks Jr. (OL – Texas)
Kelvin Banks Jr. is one of the highest-ranked offensive linemen in the 2025 NFL Draft, offering the versatility to play both tackle and guard at the next level. At 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, Banks has the power and athleticism to thrive in Drew Petzing’s offense.
Given the investment the Red Birds made on defense during free agency, it wouldn’t surprise me to see them opt for offense in here.
Walter Nolen NFL Draft Profile
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Walter Nolen (DT – Ole Miss)
Cincy’s offense has more than enough to work with.
Let’s do what we can to improve the Bengals’ defense after they were repeatedly gashed in 2024. Ole Miss’s Walter Nolen provides the plug on the interior for the Bengals’ defense.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel (iOL – North Dakota State)
Everybody knows the Seattle Seahawks need to improve the interior offensive line.
Grey Zabel has been a steady pre-draft riser stemming from a strong Senior Bowl outing. Zabel will be a late first-round pick but could rise based on specific team needs.
Plus-money odds for the Seahawks to select an offensive lineman? Child, please.
James Pearce Jr. NFL Draft Profile
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: James Pearce Jr. (EDGE – Tennessee)
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what the Buccaneers need the most. Defense. Whether it’s an EDGE rusher, cornerback or an off-ball linebacker, the need is clear. Todd Bowles bolsters his pass rush with Tennessee EDGE defender James Pearce Jr.
Tyler Warren NFL Draft Profile
20. Denver Broncos: Tyler Warren (TE – Penn State)
Sean Payton wants to find his joker on offense. A tight end or wide receiver who is a mismatch nightmare. Even after the addition of the injury-prone Evan Engram, Payton is taking no chances on missing out on a potential joker.
Tyler Warren — to the dismay of all fantasy football managers — welcome to Broncos Country. The Penn State tight end won the John Mackey Award in 2024 as the nation’s top tight end, and the first ever in Penn State history.
However, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Broncos went with a running back here. They are favored at +250 for them to take a running back first.
Kenneth Grant NFL Draft Profile
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenneth Grant (DT – Michigan)
The Steelers tend to be one of the more obvious teams to mock players to as they tend to be an open book when it comes to their top player targets.
Sources in Indianapolis have stated the Steelers will look at the trenches with the 21st pick. That being said, they are also looking to add more wide receivers, according to Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live, in addition to the defensive line in the draft.
DK Metcalf is locked in the long term, but based on the contracts of the remaining wide receivers on the roster, that’s about it.
Instead of going to wide receiver, they add an interior disruptor in Kenneth Grant. He had a formal meeting with Pittsburgh at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Spoiler Alert: Matthew Golden didn’t make it into round one with how my mock played out. However, I could see him going as early as 12 to Dallas (like in NFL’s Daniel Jeremiah’s Mock Draft 3.0) or somewhere like Pittsburgh based on their current wide receiver setup.
Golden was the first wide receiver drafted in Jeremiah’s mock, which goes completely against the betting markets that have McMillan as the heavy favorite to be the first wideout selected.
Donovan Ezeiruaku NFL Draft Profile
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Donovan Ezeiruaku (EDGE – Boston College)
The Chargers did enough during free agency to move away from the offensive line in favor of the defensive line with the 22nd overall pick. That’s under the assumption the two top tight ends in the class are not available.
The Bolts are favored at +200 to draft a defensive lineman/EDGE player, and I tend to agree.
Jim Harbaugh is going to love this guy. According to Jeff Risdon of the Lions Wire, the Boston College EDGE rusher said, “I want to destruct a quarterback” during his combine interview.
Jahdae Barron NFL Draft Profile
23. Green Bay Packers: Jahdae Barron (CB – Texas)
Cornerback Jaire Alexander‘s time with the Packers has all but reached its conclusion. Even if he comes back to the team, he cannot be trusted to stay healthy.
And with multiple-depth cornerbacks on expiring contracts or free agents (Eric Stokes -Raiders, Corey Ballentine – Colts, Robert Rochell – unrestricted free agent), the secondary lacks reliable depth. The Packers signed former Raiders slot cornerback Nate Hobbs to a four-year, $48 million contract.
Green Bay knows they can still get a strong pass rusher on Day 2, so they opt for a top-tier cornerback with the 23rd pick. Jahdae Barron was Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) second-highest-graded cornerback in 2024, generating a 34.2 passer rating when targeted in coverage. The 23rd overall pick might be too low for the Jim Thorpe Award recipient from this past college football season.
Malaki Starks NFL Draft Profile
24. Minnesota Vikings: Malaki Starks (S – Georgia)
The Vikings desperately needed cornerback depth before free agency.
However, they signed cornerback Isaiah Rodgers in free agency and retained Byron Murphy Jr. on a three-year extension.
They are favored (+175) to select a cornerback with their first pick.
But I think this is a sneaky spot for the first safety to come off the board. The Vikings lost Camryn Bynum to the Colts in free agency and Harrison Smith isn’t getting any younger.
I love the odds of Minnesota going with a safety at +360.
Also, Caesars Sportsbook has first drafted safety odds with Malaki Starks at +110 compared to Nick Emmanwori at -150. Based on the all mock draft data I’ve been able to consume, this should be much closer to a coin flip. And in the overall first defensive back market, Starks has shorter odds than Emmanwori (+650 versus +1000 via FanDuel Sportsbook).
I’ll take the plus-money odds and Georgia safety Starks to the Vikings at 24 overall.
Tyler Booker NFL Draft Profile
25. Houston Texans: Tyler Booker (iOL – Alabama)
Everybody knows the Houston Texans need to improve their offensive line. They are in a total “rebuild” mode after last season’s disaster.
And after trading for wide receiver Christian Kirk before the start of free agency, H-Town can shift their draft focus on versatile protectors for C.J. Stroud.
Alabama’s OG Tyler Booker is expected to be a top-20 draft selection but falls a bit based on lackluster testing. The Texans don’t care and add yet another Alabama prospect to their roster.
The Texans are -225 to draft an offensive lineman with their first pick. The juiciest of all the team-to-player props.
Josh Simmons NFL Draft Profile
26. Los Angeles Rams: Josh Simmons (OT – Ohio State)
The team re-signed tackle Alaric Jackson but right tackle Rob Havenstein is in the last year of his contract. The Rams get ahead of the tackle need by selecting Ohio State’s Josh Simmons, who was highly regarded as the top offensive tackle in this year’s draft before a season-ending knee injury.
Nick Emmanwori NFL Draft Profile
27. Baltimore Ravens: Nick Emmanwori (S – South Carolina)
How do you “try” to stop Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins over the next four years? Kyle Hamilton and Nick Emmanwori.
28. Detroit Lions: Mike Green (DT – Marshall)
The defense let the Lions down in the back half of 2024. Losing Aidan Hutchinson was a major blow. Detroit can’t afford to enter this season without more pass-rush answers.
They already released Za’Darius Smith and only re-signed Marcus Davenport. Former Cardinals nose tackle Roy Lopez was also added for interior depth along with defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike.
The defensive tackle signings were ideal, given how poor they were in between the tackles defensively. This class has a ton of great defensive line prospects, so it’s a great problem to have for Detroit. The Lions are -155 to go defensive lineman/EDGE with their first pick, per BetMGM.
Mike Green has his fair share of off-field concerns, but the talent is too good here at 28 overall to pass up.
Omarion Hampton NFL Draft Profile
29. Washington Commanders: Omarion Hampton (RB – UNC)
Both top running backs currently on the roster will be free agents in 2026. I’d be shocked if they don’t draft an running back in such a strong class to save salary cap space in future seasons.
This is one of the reasons why I think Brian Robinson Jr. is a sell in dynasty fantasy football.
Omarion Hampton is often compared to James Conner, whom Kliff Kingsbury knows too well from their time spent together in Arizona.
Maxwell Hairston NFL Draft Profile
30. Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston (CB – Kentucky)
No surprise that the odds for the Bills’ first selection are divided between defensive lineman/EDGE (+140) and cornerback (+250).
But the Joey Bosa addition pushes me in the direction of cornerback.
Maxwell Hairston has been on an atomic rise in the mock draft community after blazing a 4.29 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. With a strong showing at the Senior Bowl and sub-4.3 wheels, nobody will be surprised if he is a first-round selection.
Josh Conerly Jr. NFL Draft Profile
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Conerly Jr. (OT – Oregon)
Let’s get more protection for Patrick Mahomes up front.
They desperately need another tackle. Jawaan Taylor was the most penalized tackle last season and can easily be moved on after the 2025 season. Jaylon Moore was signed during free agency, but he is more of a project.
Josh Conerly Jr. met with the Chiefs at the combine, citing Patrick Mahomes as the “baby GOAT,” via Arrowhead Pride.com. According to PFF, Conerly only gave up one sack and two quarterback hits last season as the Ducks’ left tackle.
Kansas City is listed at -110 to draft an offensive lineman first at BetMGM.
Emeka Egbuka NFL Draft Profile
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Emeka Egbuka (WR – Ohio State)
What do the Eagles do better than anybody else? Just draft the highest-ranked guys on Daniel Jeremiah’s top 50 draft board and get showered in praise.
The rumor is that Dallas Goedert is on the trade block, so the Eagles replace his pass-catching production with a highly-touted rookie wide receiver.
Just Missed
- Jaxson Dart (QB – Ole Miss)
- Derrick Harmon (DT – Oregon)
- Matthew Golden (WR – Texas)
- Trey Amos (CB – Mississippi)
- Azareye’h Thomas (CB – Florida State)
More 2025 NFL Mock Drafts
- Andrew Erickson: 2025 Mock Draft
- 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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