It's the week of the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, which means we've got you covered with bonus 2025 NFL mock draft madness. We'll have a couple of fun scenarios to look through this weekend including today's predictions, which will include a scenario involving Seattle Seahawks superstar wide receiver DK Metcalf being traded.
There have been rumblings that Metcalf could be on the move for the right price, and one specific NFC North team is interested in acquiring him, but that won't be the only trade we look at in this mock draft. What are quarterback-needy teams near the top of the draft going to do now that Matthew Stafford has agreed to a new contract to return to the Los Angeles Rams? Myles Garrett won't sign an extension, so where could he land?
This is going to be a rare jam-packed 2025 NFL mock draft in terms of the trade scenarios. We're going to include a whopping total of five. Let's get into it.
2025 NFL Mock Draft: Giants trade up for 1st overall pick in 1st-round predictions
1. New York Giants (from Titans): Cam Ward, QB, Miami
There’s no doubt that the New York Giants need a long-term quarterback solution and there were some rumblings coming out of the 2025 Scouting Combine that they could be in the mix to trade up to the #1 overall pick.
The Giants would have their pick of the litter at quarterback in a trade with the Titans while Tennessee could add picks and get one of the top non-quarterbacks on their overall board. Cam Ward doesn’t strike as a unanimous 1st overall pick but Giants GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll are desperate.
2. Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The Cleveland Browns will be trading Myles Garrett in this 2025 NFL mock draft (more on that later) but the obvious next step after trading him (even in a hypothetical world) is to get the best pass rusher in the draft. Abdul Carter recently had a foot issue pop up at the Combine but it sounds like he’s going to be able to work out for teams later in March and it won’t be a lingering issue.
As I’ve said all offseason, the Browns need to take it down to the studs this offseason and start from scratch.
3. Tennessee Titans (from Giants): Travis Hunter, WR, Colorado
Even after trading down with the Giants, the Titans end up getting one of the most unique players in this year’s draft and someone who could drastically change the outlook of their franchise. I’m not sure what direction new GM Mike Borgonzi will go at the quarterback position but Travis Hunter is both the best receiver prospect and the best cornerback prospect in this class.
Borgonzi said he wouldn’t pass on a “generational” talent in the draft and Hunter is very much that, even if that term is thrown around too much nowadays.
4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OL, LSU
With Mike Vrabel coming in as the Patriots’ next head coach, the emphasis is going to be on building in the trenches. That’s how he put together successful teams in Tennessee that consistently outkicked their coverage.
The Patriots need weapons for Drake Maye, but more than that, they need guys to put around him on the offensive line as they have arguably the worst unit in the NFL. Will Campbell’s measurements could dictate his long term future at tackle or guard but he looks like the best offensive lineman in the class regardless.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Jaguars): Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Here we have our second blockbuster trade of this 2025 NFL mock draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers making a big leap up the board with the Jaguars for quarterback Shedeur Sanders. It cost the Steelers George Pickens to move up here, but getting the quarterback in place is the most crucial part of the offseason for Mike Tomlin and company.
Shedeur Sanders has the type of confidence you need at the quarterback position, and while he took too many sacks at Colorado, his football IQ and competitive nature will be desirable assets for any NFL team needing a QB.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
We have no idea at this point what the NFL really thinks of Jaxson Dart, but the hype surrounding him after the Senior Bowl has been impossible to ignore. The Las Vegas Raiders just missed out on Matthew Stafford. They missed on QBs last year. They got jumped for Shedeur Sanders in this scenario.
But sometimes, good things come to those who wait. There are some out there who believe Dart is this year’s version of Bo Nix, a QB who will go underrated through the pre-draft process but will have big fans in high places in NFL buildings.
7. New York Jets: Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
When in doubt, go after a pass rusher. Nobody knows that better than new Jets general manager Darren Mougey, whose best teams with the Denver Broncos were built around Von Miller.
The presence and development of Will McDonald IV as well as what we just saw from the Eagles in the Super Bowl could prompt more teams to go after the top pass rushers in the class and the Jets, while they have a need for the quarterback position, opt to go defense in this scenario with three QBs off the board in the top six selections.
8. Carolina Panthers: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
There should be a plethora of options on the table here for the Carolina Panthers because they are one of the least talented rosters in the league defensively. Having so much talent available on the defensive front in this class should be a very welcomed sight for Panther GM Dan Morgan, who desperately needs another disruptor for his defensive front four.
That comes in the form of Mason Graham, who is typically long gone by this point in our mock draft projections.
9. New Orleans Saints: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The New Orleans Saints could be set to move on from both Juwan Johnson and Taysom Hill this offseason with new head coach Kellen Moore coming in. The true blue-chip talent types of prospects in this class are in short supply, but Tyler Warren might be one of them.
Warren has the ability to be a featured piece in Moore’s offense immediately with his ball skills and run-after-the-catch prowess.
10. Chicago Bears: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Since the Chicago Bears usually get strapped with whatever top offensive lineman is left on the board here (for good reason), we’ll go a different direction and explore another option. The Bears might have a more pressing need on the offensive line but they could look to address that in free agency.
Instead of going offensive line here, the Bears and GM Ryan Poles upgrade the defensive front with one of the most ridiculous athletes you’ll ever see off the edge in Shemar Stewart. He didn’t have sack production at Texas A&M, but he racked up pressures.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The San Francisco 49ers are expecting veteran offensive tackle Trent Williams to be back for another season in 2025, but I don’t expect that to prevent them from considering offensive tackles. Still, the top-end talent at that position group might not be what they’re looking for here.
At least, not in comparison to Will Johnson, who is the best “pure” cornerback in the class outside of Travis Hunter. The secondary could look a lot different for returning defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
I know a lot of Cowboys fans are sick of seeing this pick being made in mock drafts, but it just makes way too much sense not to happen. Especially with the way Saquon Barkley just ran through the entire NFL last year, you don’t think the Cowboys would jump at the chance to get an impact player like that in their offense?
Plus, most NFL Draft analysts have Jeanty as one of the few truly elite prospects in this class. Positional value as it relates to running back is not the same as it was five years ago.
13. Miami Dolphins: Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas
The Miami Dolphins have a wide variety of players set to hit free agency on the offensive line this offseason, and they simply can’t sit idly by and hope for results there. They have to invest in protecting Tua Tagovailoa, and they pretty much have everyone available here. Other than Will Campbell, every offensive lineman is still on the board.
Kelvin Banks played left tackle at Texas and could play there at the next level or potentially kick inside to guard. He’s extremely athletic.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
I think the Colts are going to do anything and everything they can this offseason to move on from Anthony Richardson, or at least put enough pieces in place to justify it if he struggles. The Colts already have a ton of outstanding weapons offensively, but the one thing they really lack right now is a playmaking tight end.
A weapon in the passing game like Colston Loveland could remind Colts head coach of when he had Dallas Goedert with the Eagles.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
The Falcons keep it local here and go after pass rusher Mykel Williams, a desperately needed move to upgrade their defensive front after an abysmal 2024 season in that regard. The Falcons are in a rough situation right now with the investment they made last year in Kirk Cousins, but they aren’t lacking for pieces offensively. This is the ideal draft to load up on guys for the defensive line.
Williams played hurt this past year but is still just extremely talented and could be a steal here.
16. Washington Commanders (from Cardinals): Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
One of the players who seems to have been much more beloved by the mock draft machines over the last few months than actual NFL teams is Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. But watching him play, it would be shocking if teams didn’t covet his size, ball skills, and big play ability.
The Washington Commanders should be expected to be very aggressive this offseason in adding talent to surround rookie sensation Jayden Daniels. Getting him a guy like McMillan would pair perfectly with Terry McLaurin.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
The Cincinnati Bengals are going to try to keep the core of their roster intact, but even if they are able to keep someone like Trey Hendrickson around, I don’t think they can afford to pass on a top-flight pass rusher if one is available at pick no. 17.
Mike Green was an absolute terror for opposing teams last season and his best days may yet be ahead of him. New Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden gets a pass rusher.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
If there’s one thing we learned from the 2024 season for the Seattle Seahawks, it’s that their offensive line is very much a work in progress. The Seahawks get arguably the best right tackle in the class in Missouri’s Armand Membou, and he has the versatility to kick inside to guard as well if they so choose.
If they’re going to commit to Geno Smith, they need to support him properly with offensive linemen.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
The Buccaneers were desperate enough off the edge to call Shaq Barrett out of retirement last season. They got a nice breakout year from Yaya Diaby, but Todd Bowles needs more to work with in the pass rush department.
The Bucs have invested heavily on the defensive line in recent draft classes but with former 1st-round pick Joe Tryon-Shoyinka on his way out this offseason, a replacement is needed. James Pearce looks like a double-digit sack guy annually at the next level.
20. Denver Broncos: Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
The Denver Broncos have obvious needs on the offensive side of the ball this offseason, but this is a deep class of players at both tight end and running back, and the top-end talent at defensive line is just undeniable in this scenario.
The Broncos go after another playmaker and pass rusher for a defensive front that led the NFL in sacks last season. With so many pending 2026 free agents on that unit, this is a move for both now and with the future in mind.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Steelers): Jahdae Barron, DB, Texas
The value of a versatile defensive chess piece like Jahdae Barron has skyrocketed in the last couple of years with players like Cooper DeJean and Brian Branch making such a substantial impact right out of the college level. After trading down with the Steelers earlier, the Jaguars come away with playmakers on both sides of the ball in this mock draft, snagging George Pickens as well as Barron here.
This team was competitive in the playoffs just a couple of years ago and new GM James Gladstone needs to make the most of his opportunity.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Jihaad Campbell, LB/EDGE, Alabama
There are some teams out there that view Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell as a full-time EDGE player at the next level. And if that’s the case, his value could shoot up between now and the 2025 NFL Draft.
Campbell’s outstanding athletic traits were somewhat hidden with the loaded depth chart at Alabama, but he has outstanding skills as a pass rusher and the athleticism to be a chase linebacker at the next level. The Chargers could be losing both Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa this offseason.
23. Seattle Seahawks (from Packers): Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
The Seattle Seahawks had their starting center – Connor Williams, who was a late signing in the first place – literally retire in the middle of the year last year. It may seem like overkill after trading away someone of the caliber of DK Metcalf (and needing a receiver to replace him) but the Seahawks are truly down bad on the offensive line.
Grey Zabel looks like the top center in this class, with the versatility to play any number of positions and have success at the next level.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
The Vikings could still end up retaining him, but one of the key areas of need on this roster will be safety if free agent Camryn Bynum doesn’t return. The Vikings were so successful last year due largely to the fact that they turned the ball over at such a high rate defensively.
They need to do whatever it takes to keep that going. Vikings fans might be scarred after the Lewis Cine pick from a few years back but they go to the Georgia well again for a possible Pro Bowl-level safety in Malaki Starks.
25. Houston Texans: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
We know the general manager of the Houston Texans is Nick Caserio, but how much is CJ Stroud going to inform this selection? I just have a sneaking suspicion that the Texans won’t leave the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft without one of Stroud’s old Ohio State buddies in Emeka Egbuka.
The Texans obviously have Stefon Diggs set to leave in free agency as well as another injury scare for Tank Dell. They will need to invest more premium assets into this position yet again and Egbuka would be a perfect complement to Nico Collins.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Luther Burden, WR, Missouri
One of the interesting situations everyone is going to be monitoring this offseason for the Rams is what happens at their wide receiver position. Cooper Kupp is all but gone at this point with a trade or release on the near horizon, and the Rams have obviously had to deal with Puka Nacua missing significant time due to injury.
Luther Burden seems to be an ideal possible 1st-round fit for that team with his ability to make plays after the catch.
27. Philadelphia Eagles (from Ravens): Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama
The Philadelphia Eagles jump up ahead of the biggest threat in the NFC to their title this coming season – the Detroit Lions – to snag the best interior lineman left on the board. The Lions have needs there with two older veterans starting for them and the Eagles could be set to lose Mekhi Becton in free agency.
Regardless of Becton’s status, the Eagles love to invest in the trenches and Howie Roseman went off the beaten path last year. Expect him to get back on it in 2025.
28. Cleveland Browns (from Lions): Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
After the absolute debacle we saw from the Lions injury-wise on the defensive side of the ball in 2024, there’s no way general manager Brad Holmes is going to let that happen again. And he knows he's in a championship window.
The Browns make the difficult decision to let go of Myles Garrett, take the picks, and move along. The Lions get an an elite edge player to pair up with Aidan Hutchinson as they pursue their first Super Bowl in franchise history.
The Browns go after Kenneth Grant to continue building in the trenches on the defensive side of the ball.
29. Arizona Cardinals (from Commanders): Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
Depending on who you ask, the Cardinals might be getting Harmon for a good value with the 16th overall pick. Jonathan Gannon needs to start loading up his defensive front in Arizona, especially after watching his old team – the Eagles – absolutely dominate in the Super Bowl with their front four.
Gannon previously benefitted from the luxury of waves of pass rushers and he needs that same luxury in Arizona if the Cardinals are going to actually compete in the NFC West going forward.
30. Buffalo Bills: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
The Buffalo Bills go after a playmaker on the defensive side of the ball who just jumped 43 inches in the vertical at the Combine. Emmanwori is 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, and one of the most athletic defensive players in this class.
Buffalo needs difference makers like this on their defense who can provide an edge when they get to the postseason. Emmanwori has the type of ability to be the next Kyle Hamilton or Derwin James type of chess piece defender.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
This would be the luckiest kind of situation for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2025 NFL Draft. Obviously, this is a team that is set up exceptionally well with their core pieces, but the one position they have been completely unable to lock down is the left tackle spot.
Even with some injury risk based on this past season, the value of Josh Simmons is too good to pass up here for the Chiefs. They might just find their long-term solution at left tackle, after all.
32. Baltimore Ravens (from Eagles): Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
The Baltimore Ravens moved down in this mock draft projection, and they still managed to land an ultra-athletic EDGE player who could slide in and play significant snaps for them immediately.
Landon Jackson had a 40.5-inch vertical jump and a 4.68 in the 40-yard dash at 6-foot-6, 264 pounds. He’s exactly the type of big, long, athletic edge player the Ravens typically go after.