NFL Analysis
7/4/24
13 min read
2025 NFL Mock Draft: Predicting Next Year's Full First Round
The 2025 NFL Draft is a long way away, but the dog days of summer mean training camp and the start of college football are almost here. It's never too early to get familiar with the next crop of stars who will grace the NFL. We celebrate the nation's birthday with a full one-round 2025 NFL mock draft.
Some of these picks will look foolish in a year since we're projecting how these collegiate stars will pan out and how the incumbents they're replacing will perform. Nevertheless, we're unafraid to stick to our current evaluations and re-evaluate as things play out this fall.
2025 NFL Mock Draft
We used the reverse order of Super Bowl odds from FanDuel for this draft order.
1. Carolina Panthers: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Assuming Bryce Young shows signs of life in 2024, the Carolina Panthers will have no choice but to continue investing around him.
With Ikem Ekwonu still better projected to be on the interior, Carolina can improve at two spots by moving him to center and inserting Will Campbell at left tackle. The 6-foot-6, 320-pounder has the traits to be a perennial Pro Bowl player.
2. New England Patriots: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
His numbers are relatively mundane compared to his peers because he plays in Georgia's deep rotation, but Mykel Williams is the freakiest pound-for-pound athlete in the class.
The 6-foot-5, 265-pounder has top-tier strength, speed, and flexibility through contact. He'd be a force for Jerod Mayo to revamp the New England Patriots defense around.
3. Denver Broncos: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
James Pearce Jr. is not far behind Williams as an elite pass-rushing prospect. Pearce isn't nearly as functionally strong right now, but his best plays are reminiscent of Javon Kearse's speed rushes.
The Denver Broncos, lacking defensive playmaking and foundational pieces outside of Patrick Surtain, would love to add Pearce.
4. Tennessee Titans: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Most will mock a new quarterback to the Tennessee Titans, but what if Will Levis is average or better in Year 2 with an improved scheme and surrounding cast?
This defensive class is loaded, and Will Johnson fits the profile as a high-end CB1 early in his career. The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder is a ballhawk while providing elite man coverage skills.
5. New York Giants: Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
The 2025 QB1 spot is certainly up for grabs. Right now, Carson Beck's blend of accuracy, processing, and performance under pressure makes him the easiest of the bunch to project.
He might not have the huge upside that allows him to fight off late bloomers with better traits, but he's the surest bet we've seen in the group.
>> READ: In-Depth Beck Film Review
6. Washington Commanders: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
A menacing mauler in the run game, the Washington Commanders' long-woeful run game would become a much more formidable unit by adding Kelvin Banks Jr.
With his excellent length, power, and tenacity, Banks will be in the mix to be the top overall pick in 2025. Washington still lacks a great long-term answer at both tackle spots, so this is a relatively easy projection.
7. Arizona Cardinals: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Even after adding 11 rookies in this most recent draft, the Arizona Cardinals still need more trench help. Michigan's Mason Graham would be a good value here, as he has the argument to be the top overall player.
His quickness and creativity for shedding blocks are incredibly promising for his future.
8. Las Vegas Raiders: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The hot takes around Shedeur Sanders will be nauseating. We know he's a hard worker who has improved massively since entering college, and he possesses high-end accuracy and playmaking ability.
If his pre-snap processing and quick game improve, he can be the first quarterback off the board and project close to a top-10 NFL passer.
>> READ: Does Sanders' Tape Match The Hype?
9. Minnesota Vikings: Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
They just don't make guys as big and fast as Deone Walker. Giving Brian Flores the 6-foot-6, 348-pounder makes too much sense.
Walker is unbelievable to watch because of his agility and size combination. He'll always deal with pad-level concerns with his height, but Walker's pass-rush impact is well worth an unavoidable limitation.
10. Seattle Seahawks: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
One of the young 2025 quarterbacks will rise. Maybe it'll be Conner Weigman and his shot-put-like release or Donovan Smith from Houston. My best guess is Garrett Nussmeier.
In limited snaps last year, Nussmeier showed off a great arm, enough mobility and flexibility to create plays outside of the pocket, and the accuracy needed to lead receivers upfield into space. Can he do it for a full season?
If so, Nussmeier will be viewed as a potential franchise quarterback.
11. New Orleans Saints: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
The final quarterback in our mock is Jalen Milroe. Milroe's physical gifts and rapid improvement throughout 2023 give him the advantage over Weigman, Cameron Ward, and other talented but flawed passers.
Considering the lack of impact the New Orleans Saints have seen from Derek Carr and the franchise's spinning wheels since Drew Brees retired, Milroe can bring an electric, dynamic presence.
>> READ: Milroe's Tools Are No. 1 Overall Worthy
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Most of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' core is locked in, so this would be a bit of a luxury pick to help the offense become more multi-faceted.
Luther Burden III is this class' version of Malik Nabers. The slick-footed dynamo can do everything he's asked at a high level, making him an ideal heir to the throne as Mike Evans and Chris Godwin age.
13. Indianapolis Colts: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
The Indianapolis Colts already have one massive cornerback in JuJu Brents, so why not add a technician with tremendous ball skills? Benjamin Morrison fits the bill as a 6-foot, 190-pounder with nine career picks, elite footwork, and mirroring ability.
Finally, after searching high and low for a decade, the Colts would have their cornerback room settled.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers: Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado
While Travis Hunter can play corner and wide receiver at Colorado, his best fit at the next level is probably on the defensive side.
His instincts and ball skills are much rarer on that side of the ball. The Pittsburgh Steelers will be smitten with Hunter's tough-nosed mindset, and he'll fill a huge need across from Joey Porter Jr.
15. Los Angeles Rams: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Eventually, the Los Angeles Rams will come to terms with Cooper Kupp's continued regression. If it's not already clear he's on the downside of his career, the Rams won't sit idly and wait for injuries to continue piling up.
Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka isn't a perfect replacement, but he's about as good as the Rams could ask for as someone who thrives after the catch.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Malaki Starks, SAF, Georgia
With effortless deep range, the fluidity to hold his own in man coverage, and a hard-hitting nature, Malaki Starks has been a difference-maker from Day 1 at Georgia.
Safeties are rarely taken in the top 10, but Starks can go much higher than this. The Jacksonville Jaguars have been lacking a dynamic presence like this in the back-end of the unit for too long.
17. Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The Cleveland Browns may have to take a tackle to replace Jedrick Wills if this fall doesn't go better for the former first-round pick.
However, reaching for a tackle isn't necessary. The Browns could use a long-term accomplice across from Myles Garrett, and Abdul Carter is the freakish presence who can provide a star companion.
18. Chicago Bears: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
Everyone is excited about the Chicago Bears' young roster after significant talent was added in the last two years. However, more impact players are needed, especially on defense.
Nic Scourton is relentlessly strong and flashes crafty handwork that should lead to a key complementary role across from Montez Sweat.
19. Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Not only is it convenient to stick Colston Loveland with former head coach Jim Harbaugh, but it addresses a massive need for the rebuilding Los Angeles Chargers offense. Loveland is the latest tight end prospect with stellar speed, soft hands, and a great change of direction for his size. He would stretch the field for Justin Herbert and the offense.
His blocking is the real key to lock in this draft spot, and Harbaugh already knows he can count on Loveland in the trenches.
20. Houston Texans: Harold Perkins, LB, LSU
Another young team that has fast-tracked its rebuild is Houston. Some coaches will see Harold Perkins as an undersized 6-foot pass-rusher without a full-time home, but DeMeco Ryans is the type to unlock his incredible athleticism and instincts.
The Houston Texans desperately lack playmaking at linebacker, and Perkins is a defensive weapon by nature.
21. New York Jets: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Adding the next franchise quarterback could make sense for the New York Jets if they're done with the Aaron Rodgers experience or if his play in 2024 isn't up to snuff.
They could also add a viable star next to Garrett Wilson since their receiving depth is poor. Tetairoa McMillan is in the Mike Evans mold as a gigantic 6-foot-5, catch-everything threat with surprising speed and fluidity.
22. Atlanta Falcons: Tacario Davis, CB, Arizona
Even after adding four defenders in the first five rounds of the 2024 class, the Atlanta Falcons need more help in their secondary. Some might view 6-foot-4 CB Tacario Davis as a safety or big slot prospect, but there's no reason to change what works.
Davis is a shutdown, gigantic presence who swallows receivers with his rare length and closing speed.
23. Miami Dolphins: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
The Miami Dolphins primarily focus on the most premium of positions in early rounds, so it makes sense they'd prioritize adding a pass-rushing defensive tackle.
The Dolphins will miss Christian Wilkins this fall, so recalibrating the unit with Tyleik Williams can help fill a considerable hole. Williams boasts the speed-to-size ratio needed to be an impact starter early in his career.
24. Green Bay Packers: Emery Jones, OT, LSU
Few teams are as savvy at addressing the offensive line as the Green Bay Packers. Even after adding three rookies in this past class, Rasheed Walker's development at left tackle remains to be seen.
If Walker struggles in Year 3, LSU's Emery Jones projects as a high-end starter as he switches from the right to the left side.
25. Dallas Cowboys: Nic Anderson, WR, Oklahoma
Unless the Dallas Cowboys see Jalen Tolbert breakout this season, there's a massive need for a quality second playmaker next to CeeDee Lamb. Dallas can keep it local by taking third-year sophomore Nic Anderson from Oklahoma.
A game-breaking vertical threat at 6-foot-4, 209 pounds, Anderson is the prototypical X-receiver who takes the top off of defenses.
26. Philadelphia Eagles: Kevin Winston Jr., SAF, Penn State
The Philadelphia Eagles took major strides in rebuilding their aging secondary by adding Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Depending on if they use DeJean as a safety or cornerback, a rangy, playmaking safety like Kevin Winston Jr. can maximize the young core already in place.
Winston, at 6-foot-2, 204 pounds, is comfortable in zone assignments and would allow Sydney Brown and Cooper to roam closer to the line of scrimmage without fear of allowing big plays downfield.
27. Detroit Lions: Fernando Carmona Jr., OT, Arkansas
Taylor Decker's future is muddied, so the Detroit Lions won't wait too long to add a more viable replacement than 2024 fourth-round flier Giovanni Manu.
Fernando Carmona Jr. brings a similar level of toughness and physicality as Decker. The 6-foot-5, 320-pounder would seamlessly fit into Detroit's culture.
28. Cincinnati Bengals: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
With elite contact balance, quickness, vision, and change of direction ability, Quinshon Judkins is the early top back in a loaded class.
The Cincinnati Bengals must continue to give Joe Burrow high-end but affordable weapons to maximize his prime. Getting a full rookie contract out of Judkins is a good way to revamp the running attack.
29. Buffalo Bills: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
As tempting as it is to give the Buffalo Bills another receiver, Bills general manager Brandon Beane made it clear he doesn't feel the team has to rely on a star at the position.
Instead, if 2022 first-round pick Kaair Elam fails in this make-or-break season, swinging again at cornerback makes sense. Denzel Burke has a great feel for the position and is an uncanny playmaker.
30. Baltimore Ravens: Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon
Barring a late breakout from Rashod Bateman, the Baltimore Ravens will realize they still lack enough viable playmakers for the offense to take the next step in the postseason.
Oregon WR Evan Stewart is a reliable but explosive presence who can complement Zay Flowers as an intermediate option. After averaging 12.8 yards per catch in two seasons at Texas A&M, expect to see Stewart show off his athleticism more in Oregon's scheme with Dillon Gabriel at quarterback.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State
Picking at the end of Round 1 for several years has made it difficult for the San Francisco 49ers to add a quality prospect across from Nick Bosa.
Instead of chasing mediocre second options, Jack Sawyer better fits the profile as a complementary piece thanks to his high-end run defense and burst as a pass-rusher. It wouldn't be surprising to see Sawyer push closer to the top half of the round after the combine.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
After adding several edge defenders in recent years, the Kansas City Chiefs can finally address the long-term need for an interior presence next to Chris Jones.
Walter Nolen is more of a run-stopper right now, but he flashes the strength and quickness to be effective on all three downs. This will be a big season for the Texas A&M transfer.
