We are officially less than one month away from the 2025 NFL Draft, which means we're going to have to continue to ramp up production on 2025 NFL mock draft scenarios. Buckle in.
This mock draft scenario is going to have all 32 teams keeping their first-round picks, but we've got some new surprises throughout including Shedeur Sanders going in his highest spot we've had in a couple of months, a quarterback making a triumphant return to the first round, and plenty of other twists and turns throughout.
Teams have done the majority of their big spending and addressing needs in NFL Free Agency, and now it's time for everyone to fill out the remainder of their roster in the 2025 NFL Draft. Who is your favorite team going to pick?
2025 NFL Mock Draft: Cam Ward & Shedeur Sanders go back-to-back
1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
There is no question that the Tennessee Titans need direction. It’s already year two for head coach Brian Callahan but it’s year one for general manager Mike Borgonzi. At some point, does that cause an issue? Or will these two share the same sense of urgency? Cam Ward might not have even been the fourth-best quarterback in the class of 2024, so for him to be a lock for the 1st overall pick at this point is a little mind-boggling. There’s still time for the Titans to change their mind, but this is the way the wind is blowing with one month to go.
2. Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
How did the Cleveland Browns convince Myles Garrett to come back? Well, a contract worth $160 million certainly helps, but you have to think they also made some sort of promise about a quarterback coming in. Right? And not Kenny Pickett. The Browns might be reaching for Shedeur Sanders here, but he will be a solid fit in Kevin Stefanski’s offense and should be able to be a solid “point guard” at the position right away.
3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
If the New York Giants end up missing out on both the top two quarterbacks in this draft, Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen might as well just update their stuff on LinkedIn. Not that Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders is going to be the savior of the franchise, but it’s possible that the Giants will also be missing out on Aaron Rodgers. Not good. The only way for this team to prove it is still relevant is to dominate on defense, and Abdul Carter pairing up with Brian Burns off the edge could make that possible.
4. New England Patriots: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The closer we get to the 2025 NFL Draft, the less I think the Patriots would pass on Travis Hunter if he’s available in this pick slot. The Pats were prepared to make a massive offer to Chris Godwin before he went back to the Bucs. They’ve been interested (at least allegedly) in a number of receivers, but to no avail. They need to get an alpha at the position for Drake Maye.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
While we want to keep these mock draft projections as exciting as possible and explore as many options as possible, the idea of the Jaguars passing on Mason Graham given the state of their defense just seems too foolish to explore. Some other recent mock drafts have had the Jaguars going with someone like Jalon Walker here, but that would likely mean saying goodbye to Travon Walker. Mason Graham is a safe bet.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Another safe bet for your 2025 NFL mock draft projections is Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty to the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders might take a quarterback here if Shedeur Sanders is still on the board, but after acquiring Geno Smith, they need to get a strong running game going. Jeanty is the best back in this class and even though there are some rumors Omarion Hampton could catch him, I still believe he’s RB1.
7. New York Jets: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
The New York Jets go with arguably the best player on the board here in Will Campbell, who is pretty routinely projected to land with their division rival New England Patriots. Campbell is a stud but there are questions about whether he’ll be a tackle or guard at the next level. The Jets lost both Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses to NFL free agency, so they can afford to pick Campbell and pair him up with 2024 first-round pick Olu Fashanu however they see fit.
8. Carolina Panthers: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Almost every 2025 NFL mock draft scenario we create has the Carolina Panthers taking Jalon Walker here, but what if they want to go with a more “traditional” player off the edge? Shemar Stewart is a tremendous talent when it comes to his overall size and athleticism, but his production in college has raised some eyebrows, and not in the best way. He racked up pressures but didn’t have a ton of sacks or tackles for loss. He’s a bit of a projection but the kind NFL teams usually love to take chances on.
9. New Orleans Saints: Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia
If the Carolina Panthers are going to pass on Jalon Walker, the New Orleans Saints might gladly oblige. Even after re-signing Chase Young to a big-money deal this offseason, the Saints still need help in the pass rush department. And Jalon Walker is going to be a fun upgrade for just about any defense in the league thanks to his versatility. He can play off the ball, off the edge, or on the defensive line. He’s a valuable chess piece.
10. Chicago Bears: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
The Chicago Bears brought in Ben Johnson to bring his creative offensive style of football from Detroit, although there’s really nothing creative about just pounding the ball down the throat of the opposition. At times, Johnson’s run game in Detroit was simply overpowering, and the way he did it was with a dominating offensive line and elite talent at running back. The Bears have the pieces on the offensive line, but they need upgrades at running back. Omarion Hampton has the size, speed, and playmaking ability to be that guy Johnson filters the offense through.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
The 49ers are retooling, rebuilding, reloading – whatever term you want to use, they’re doing it. 49ers GM John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan are under a ton of pressure because this team was in the Super Bowl just two seasons ago and they are now obviously very much in a confusing state of transition and roster deconstruction. If you can raise the floor on the offensive and defensive lines, you stand a chance to weather the storm.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
The Dallas Cowboys miss out on the top two running backs in this scenario, paving the way for them to go with the best player on their board. And will that be Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden? That remains to be seen, but Golden would fill a massive void for the Cowboys as a receiver who can move all around the formation and not only get open quickly but make difficult plays early on. The Cowboys could pivot to an offensive lineman here after the retirement of Zack Martin but it’s possible that Golden will be the WR1 on their board.
13. Miami Dolphins: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
There are a lot of folks who think that NFL teams are higher on Malaki Starks than the media seems to be, and he’s got the type of talent to step right in and be a Pro Bowl level player from Day 1. Starks can play the deep free safety, he can come into the box, or he can match up in the slot. There’s a lot to like about his game from his range and instincts to the maturity you see from him on the field. He’ll be considered one of the “safe” picks of this class.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Is this the absolute floor for Penn State tight end Tyler Warren? He could go as high as 5th overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars or he could drop a little bit but I don’t see him falling past the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts have built an impressive array of weapons offensively but they don’t currently have a playmaker at the tight end position and Warren is exactly that. If Warren falls out of the top 10 picks, it’ll be interesting to see if teams will consider moving up to get him.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Jihaad Campbell, LB/EDGE, Alabama
Whatever direction you want to take it, I think the Falcons are just going to take the best defensive player on their board overall. That could end up being a different player depending on the day of the week. Mike Green, Jihaad Campbell, Jalon Walker, Mykel Williams, maybe even Jahdae Barron. It doesn’t matter who you put in this slot, but if the Falcons don’t go defense, I will be completely shocked. Jihaad Campbell can play off the ball but some teams view him as an every-down EDGE guy at the next level.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
The Arizona Cardinals went after Josh Sweat in NFL free agency and they’ve attempted to upgrade their defensive front and overall pass rush. They should be all but guaranteed to continue upgrading that area of the team with this selection, maybe even moving up to do so. Mykel Williams is a player who had top-five hype at one point and could end up being a great value for the Cardinals here in the middle of round one.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
We’re no longer waiting to find out if the Bengals are going to pay Ja’Marr Chase or Tee Higgins, but we are still waiting to find out if they’re going to pay Trey Hendrickson. And while the Bengals work that out, they still need help off the edge. Hendrickson is already into his 30s as well, so a youth movement off the edge is necessary. Mike Green was one of the most dominant pass rushers at the college level this past season and has the potential to be the best pass rusher in this class.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The availability of Tetairoa McMillan could make this a difficult situation for the Seattle Seahawks. There is the obvious void that has been left behind by wide receiver DK Metcalf, though the Seahawks have attempted to fill that void temporarily with guys like Cooper Kupp and Marques Valdez-Scantling. But those additions aren’t going to be long-term fixes. As much as the Seahawks need help on the offensive line, the value of McMillan at this pick slot could be too good to pass on.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Todd Bowles knows how to maximize talent on the defensive side of the ball, and coaches like Bowles are going to fall in love with the versatility of a player like Jahdae Barron. As much time as teams are spending in their nickel and dime formations defensively these days, a versatile chess piece like Barron can be the difference in tight games. Barron has played safety, slot corner, outside corner, dime linebacker, and he’s thrived in every role. His combination of aggressiveness and instincts shrinks the field for offenses.
20. Denver Broncos: Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
I think we’re shaping up for the Denver Broncos to go one of two directions with this pick. They could either take the top running back on their board (biggest need offensively) or they could take advantage of the depth of the defensive line in this year’s class. If they determine that someone like TreVeyon Henderson is 1st-round worthy, then he’s a no-brainer at this slot. But Kenneth Grant is over 330 pounds and moves like a light defensive end. Guys like that don’t grow on trees.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
And Jalen Milroe is back in the first round discussion for the first time in a long time here on NFL Spin Zone. This isn’t meant to be a hot take, even though it might seem like one, but teams that have specific convictions on quarterbacks are apt to do rather shocking things. Think about the Michael Penix Jr. pick last year for Atlanta, or how the Bo Nix selection was received for Denver. Expect the unexpected. The Steelers could sign Aaron Rodgers and add Milroe as their QB of the future. They won’t be able to wait until late in round 3 to get him, in my estimation.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
One way or another, Jim Harbaugh is going to have himself a Michigan Wolverine in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, I reckon. Last year, the Chargers took Joe Alt and Ladd McConkey at the top of their rookie class, and those were both absolutely grand slam selections. This year, they get Colston Loveland to add to the mix after missing out on Evan Engram in NFL Free Agency. They know they have a need for a better pass-catching option at tight end and Loveland already knows the offense.
23. Green Bay Packers: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Green Bay Packers have yet to trade Jaire Alexander at the time of his writing, but it seems like Alexander has finally worn out his welcome in Green Bay. Eric Stokes is gone. The Packers have an obvious need at the outside cornerback position and they probably wouldn’t be able to believe their eyes if Will Johnson was staring them in the face with this pick. Maybe people are overthinking Johnson but he could be the best value of the 1st round if this pick happens.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
There are few defensive players in this year’s draft class with the type of traits Nick Emmanwori has. This guy is a perfect 10/10 on the RAS scale and would be such a valuable piece for a defensive coordinator like Brian Flores who likes to attack the line of scrimmage and blitz more than anyone else. Emmanwori’s size and athleticism make him a unique matchup player in situations similar to Derwin James or Kyle Hamilton.
25. Houston Texans: Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas
The Texans have done a decent job of reloading their offensive line with at least some recognizable names this offseason after trading Laremy Tunsil and Kenyon Green, but the reset is likely to continue into the 2025 NFL Draft. Houston would be lucky to land a player like Kelvin Banks this late in round one, an athletic player who has gone up against the best pass rushers in the country consistently and has the ability to play either tackle or guard at the next level.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
Here we have another potential surprise selection in round one. This is the range of picks where anything is possible because some of these teams won’t be picking until the late second round and some of them don’t have second-round picks at all. The Rams would fit the latter description. Carson Schwesinger might be the best pure off-ball linebacker in this class and he’s right in the Rams’ backyard. He would provide a nice upgrade to their second level and if they want him, this is the only way they’re getting him barring a trade down the board.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
The Baltimore Ravens always find themselves a great value in the NFL Draft and this would be no different. Donovan Ezeiruaku is one of those prospects whose production screams first-rounder, his traits scream first-rounder, and for whatever reason, more people don’t talk about him. He will probably end up going in the later portion of the first round to a team like the Ravens and racking up 10 sacks a year.
28. Detroit Lions: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
This pick just feels like it’s destiny at this point. The Detroit Lions lost Kevin Zeitler in NFL Free Agency and they have an obvious need on the interior offensive line. With Ben Johnson off to the Chicago Bears, they can’t risk a dropoff offensively due to the loss of their offensive coordinator and a worse offensive line. Zabel played tackle at North Dakota State and was outstanding during the week of Senior Bowl practices when he was asked to play on the interior. He’d be a Day 1 starter.
29. Washington Commanders: James Pearce JR., EDGE, Tennessee
Not that it was ever “realistic” anyway, but the idea of the Washington Commanders landing Myles Garrett in a trade with the Cleveland Browns is officially dead. The Commanders still need help off the edge and thanks to the explosive and rapid growth of Jayden Daniels in his rookie year, they are picking way later than expected this year. Luckily for them, if the Commanders would have been picking in the top 3 of a mock draft four months ago, this would have been a plausible scenario. James Pearce’s stock has significantly dropped but this might be the ideal time to buy low.
30. Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
The Buffalo Bills are a team to watch in the first round for a potential move up the board if the right guy falls. They are going to be aggressive in finding ways to surpass the Kansas City Chiefs. And to be honest, a great sign of changing their ways would simply be the Bills not trading their picks to the Chiefs for guys the Chiefs want like Patrick Mahomes and Xavier Worthy. The Bills need guys who can create turnovers and help get their defense off the field. Maxwell Hairston has size, length, and speed at the cornerback position.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Whatever the Chiefs have done in NFL Free Agency is borderline irrelevant to the left tackle position, at least from where I’m sitting. This team has done just about everything possible to upgrade that spot over the course of Patrick Mahomes’s NFL career, and they have failed a variety of ways. They have to double down and make sure they turn over every stone and Josh Simmons would be a nice value here. He was on track to be OT1 in this class last year before injury.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
With the loss of Milton Williams in NFL Free Agency (Patriots), the Eagles will be on the hunt for help on the defensive line with this pick. Even after using recent first-round picks on the likes of Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, another first-round defensive tackle could be in play here. And with the depth of this class, that position could provide the best bang for your buck at 32 overall as well. Derrick Harmon is a productive and disruptive interior player who would fit right in to Vic Fangio’s defense.