2025 NFL Mock Draft
This 2025 NFL Mock Draft is courtesy of Matt Brandon.
With free agency moves and trades reshaping rosters, NFL teams are now turning their focus to the 2025 NFL Draft, just weeks away. Below, we explore how the top prospects might land in the first round and what it means for the ever-shifting fantasy football landscape.
1. Tennessee Titans: QB Cam Ward, Miami
In an earlier mock, the Giants traded up for this spot, but after signing Jameis Winston, they’ll stand pat. Instead, the Titans nab Miami’s Cam Ward as their franchise cornerstone. Ward’s composure and creative playmaking give him a higher floor than expected, and with Tennessee bolstering their O-line and possibly adding another weapon alongside Calvin Ridley, they’re building a solid foundation for his growth.
Fantasy Outlook: Ward’s fantasy ceiling is tempered by Tennessee’s lackluster skill-position group. Still, his dual-threat style—extending plays and adding rushing value—offers upside. He’s a mid-tier QB2 for 2025 but could climb higher with development.
Check out Cam Ward’s rookie profile.
2. Cleveland Browns: EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State
Abdul Carter is the draft’s top talent here, and Cleveland won’t force another QB gamble. Fans may clamor for a signal-caller, but the Browns opt for Carter, pairing him opposite Myles Garrett to form a ferocious pass-rush duo. The QB search continues, but this pick fortifies their defense.
3. New York Giants: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
The Giants added Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, but both are on short-term deals and are viewed as bridge quarterbacks. Shedeur Sanders, however, is a talented rookie with franchise QB potential. His arm strength and pocket toughness stand out, though I’m not sold on his top-tier hype. QB demand could push him up draftboards, giving New York a long-term option.
Fantasy Outlook: Sanders skipped throwing drills at the Big 12 pro day but will display his arm on April 4 at Colorado’s event. If selected, he’d boost Malik Nabers’ output, but his unproven elite status makes him a risky fantasy investment—more of a wait-and-see QB2.
4. New England Patriots: WR/CB Travis Hunter, Colorado
The Patriots land perhaps the draft’s best overall player in Travis Hunter, a two-way phenom. They need O-line help, but Hunter addresses bigger gaps—adding a weapon for Drake Maye and a playmaker in the secondary. If anyone can thrive on both sides in the NFL, it’s Hunter in New England.
Fantasy Outlook: Hunter’s offensive snap count is uncertain, but his 2024 Heisman win proves his talent. With New England’s thin WR corps (Demario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, Kayshon Boutte), he could emerge as Maye’s go-to target, offering WR2 upside if he sticks at receiver.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: DT Mason Graham, Michigan
Mason Graham is a lock for any top-10 pick. He may not look like a classic dominant DT, but his disruptive college career—shredding blockers with ease—translates to the pros. After free agency splashes at WR, O-line, and DB, Jacksonville doubles down on defense. Graham alongside Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker could wreak havoc.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Taking a running back this high feels bold, but Ashton Jeanty turbocharges the Las Vegas offense. It’s not my preferred strategy, given RB depth in this class, but Jeanty’s elite skills fit the Raiders’ need for a dependable playmaker. Additionally, Vegas seems to favor the Raiders making this selection.
Fantasy Outlook: Jeanty echoes Marshawn Lynch’s success under Pete Carroll and could thrive in Vegas. As the top fantasy rookie, he’d claim the starting job instantly in a thin RB room, potentially posting top-10 RB numbers in year one.
Check out Ashton Jeanty’s rookie profile.
7. New York Jets: EDGE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
Shemar Stewart’s low sack totals at Texas A&M belie his impact—run defense was his focus, not pass-rush explosion. His Senior Bowl dominance and ideal frame (size, length, burst) scream Pro Bowl potential. Unleashed as a pass rusher, he could shine in 2025.
8. Carolina Panthers: LB Jalon Walker, Georgia
Post-Brian Burns, Carolina’s front seven needs athleticism and depth. Jalon Walker, a versatile, hard-hitting linebacker, fits perfectly. No Panther had more than six sacks last year—Walker’s rookie impact could change that.
9. New Orleans Saints: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
Beyond Chris Olave, the Saints lack passing-game firepower. Even with Juwan Johnson, Tyler Warren’s size and playmaking ability add a new dimension.
Fantasy Outlook: Warren, the draft’s top TE, won’t match Brock Bowers’s rookie splash but could carve out a role in a thin Saints offense. He’s unlikely to start 2025 as an every-down player but could finish as a top-20 TE, with dynasty value outpacing redraft.
Check out Tyler Warren’s rookie profile.
10. Chicago Bears: OL Armand Membou, Missouri
Caleb Williams took the most sacks in 2024, and despite free agency O-line upgrades, Chicago isn’t finished. Armand Membou, a dominant right tackle (90.6 PFF grade), excels in pass protection (82.2) and zone blocking (87.4), giving Williams the shield he needs.
11. San Francisco 49ers: OL Kelvin Banks, Texas
Free agency hit the 49ers hard, leaving them with multiple roster holes to fill. The offensive line stands out as the top priority, and while Will Campbell or Armand Membou might be preferred, San Francisco happily settles for Texas standout Kelvin Banks Jr.—a massive, reliable blocker to shore up the trenches.
12. Dallas Cowboys: CB Will Johnson, Michigan
Dallas faces needs at wide receiver, pass rush, and cornerback. Will Johnson, once a top-five prospect in pre-draft buzz, is a steal at No. 12. His versatility and high-end skills bolster the Cowboys’ secondary, giving Jerry Jones a cornerstone with Pro Bowl potential.
13. Miami Dolphins: S Malaki Starks, Georgia
Jevon Holland’s exit to the Giants left a gap, and though Miami added veteran help, Malaki Starks brings a different dimension. A versatile, playmaking safety, he’s a movable chess piece who can transform the Dolphins’ backfield into a strength.
14. Indianapolis Colts: EDGE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
The Colts might eye tight end Coleston Loveland, but I see them prioritizing their D-line with Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. His stat line—28 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles over two years—makes him a disruptive force that Indianapolis can’t pass up.
15. Atlanta Falcons: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
After drafting Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 last year and using three straight picks on defense, Atlanta still needs more juice up front. Jihaad Campbell, a hybrid defender with untapped pass-rush potential, fits the bill. His multi-role versatility could make him a draft riser.
16. Arizona Cardinals: DL Kenneth Grant, Michigan
Arizona’s defense got a boost with Josh Sweat in free agency, but Kenneth Grant adds a dominant interior presence. Dalvin Tomlinson helps now, but his age signals a need for a long-term anchor—Grant fits that mold perfectly.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: EDGE Mike Green, Marshall
With Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins locked up and Joe Burrow still slinging, Trey Hendrickson might be on his way out. Enter Mike Green from Marshall—a sleeper pass rusher whose production could make him a Day 1 difference-maker, regardless of his smaller-school roots.
18. Seattle Seahawks: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
Seattle could target an O-lineman, but the value lies with Tetairoa McMillan at receiver. Even after adding Cooper Kupp to replace DK Metcalf, McMillan’s speed revitalizes a Sam Darnold-led offense craving dynamism.
Fantasy Outlook: McMillan starts behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Kupp, but his elite ball-tracking, contested-catch ability, and YAC prowess give him a Drake London-like upside. He’s a stash with WR2 potential as the season unfolds.
Check out Tetairoa McMillian’s rookie profile.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Jahdae Barron, Texas
Baker Mayfield has Tampa Bay exceeding expectations, and the offense hums with Jalen McMillan emerging, Bucky Irving grinding, and Chris Godwin re-signed alongside Mike Evans. The defense, though, needs help. Jahdae Barron steps in as a versatile rookie starter—able to play outside, in the slot, or even at safety—adding flexibility and immediate impact.
20. Denver Broncos: RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Omarion Hampton, the clear RB2 behind Ashton Jeanty, dazzled at the Combine with a 4.46 40, 38-inch vertical, and 10-foot-10 broad jump. His explosive, physical running style makes him a prime target for a Broncos team looking to build on 2024’s success.
Fantasy Outlook: Javonte Williams’ move to Dallas leaves Denver thin at RB. Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin are solid, but Hampton’s talent could vault him into the lead role fast. Paired with Bo Nix, he’s a rookie with RB1 upside in a rising offense.
Check out Omarion Hampton’s rookie profile.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
The Steelers are reportedly nearing a deal with Aaron Rodgers, but they still lack a long-term answer at QB—a void unfilled since Ben Roethlisberger’s prime. I’m not sold on this pick, but the signs point to Mike Tomlin pairing with Mississippi QB Jaxson Dart.
Fantasy Outlook: Rodgers or not, Pittsburgh needs a future QB. Dart would thrive with a developmental year behind a veteran, offering no redraft value in 2025 but intriguing dynasty upside for patient owners.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: TE Coleston Loveland, Michigan
Justin Herbert’s Chargers offense floundered in their playoff loss to Houston, with Ladd McConkey as the lone bright spot in the passing game. Tight end is a glaring weakness, and Michigan’s Coleston Loveland could be the fix—adding a versatile weapon to the arsenal.
Fantasy Outlook: Loveland’s size-speed combo and blocking chops make him a three-down player. With little competition in L.A., he’s got a shot at top-20 TE status in 2025.
23. Green Bay Packers: EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia
A first-round receiver might tempt Green Bay, but they haven’t gone that route since 2002. Instead, they target a regressing D-line with Georgia’s young Mykel Williams. A standout run-stopper with raw pass-rush potential, he fits the Packers’ mold of athletic upside picks.
24. Minnesota Vikings: OL Tyler Booker, Alabama
Kevin O’Connell’s zone-blocking system needs a lift, and Alabama’s Tyler Booker delivers it for JJ McCarthy’s Vikings. His Combine was shaky, but his size and intangibles scream NFL-ready.
25. Houston Texans: OL Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
Houston’s O-line dragged down their efficiency last season, making it a top priority. Grey Zabel’s ability to play guard or center offers flexibility and a quick fix for a unit in need.
26. Los Angeles Rams: WR Matthew Golden, Texas
The Rams crave a speed threat, and Matthew Golden’s blazing Combine 40 fits the bill. Alongside Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, he’d stretch defenses in a big way.
Fantasy Outlook: Golden slots in as WR3, likely thriving in the slot with Stafford’s precision. In L.A.’s high-flying offense, he’s a dream stash with WR2 upside.
Check out Matthew Golden’s rookie profile.
27. Baltimore Ravens: S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
Lamar Jackson’s offense is electric, and while an O-lineman could help, Baltimore opts for a ball-hawking safety in Nick Emmanwori. With a stout pass rush already in place, he elevates the secondary as a safety or nickel.
28. Detroit Lions: EDGE Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
Injuries ravaged Detroit’s defense last year, so they pair Nic Scourton with Aidan Hutchinson. His stats (17.1% win rate in 2024, 21.3% in 2023) undersell his impact—scheme limited his pass-rush role, but his 265-pound frame and 2023 Purdue tape (eight sacks) show his fit in Dan Campbell’s system. This duo could terrorize the NFC North.
29. Washington Commanders: DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon
With Jayden Daniels and new addition Deebo Samuel firing up the offense, Washington turns to its D-line. Derrick Harmon’s power and pass-rush ability plug a key gap.
30. Buffalo Bills: CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
Buffalo’s cornerback room has a gaping hole, and Maxwell Hairston can fill it as a Day 1 starter. The defense needs playmakers, though a safety could also be in play.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: OL Josh Simmons, Ohio State
Jaylon Moore’s free-agent signing secures the left tackle spot, but Josh Simmons offers the highest ceiling among linemen in this class. Recovering from an ACL tear, he’s a patient developmental pick—especially with Jawaan Taylor struggling at right tackle.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: OL Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon
The Eagles are set at tackle now, but Josh Conerly Jr. preps them for Lane Johnson’s eventual exit. His athleticism fits Philly’s O-line archetype, making this a smart, future-focused luxury pick.
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