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Bucky Brooks 2025 NFL mock draft 2.0: Jags scoop up Travis Hunter; three playoff teams add a receiver

With the league gathering in Indianapolis for the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, it's a good time to provide my second projection of how the entire first round will play out in Green Bay, Wisconsin, when the 2025 NFL Draft takes place on April 24-26. It will be interesting to see how this week's events at Lucas Oil Stadium impact the prospect pecking order. But at the moment -- just before the free agency frenzy -- this is my forecast for Round 1.

Programming note: Tune in for live coverage of the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine beginning Feb. 27 on NFL Network and NFL+.

Pick
1
Penn State · Edge · Junior

If the Titans solve their quarterback issue in free agency, they could take the best pass rusher in the draft to help them neutralize the high-powered offenses in the AFC.

Pick
2
Miami · QB · Senior

With Kevin Stefanski reclaiming play-calling duties, the Browns could opt for an athletic gunslinger to help them bounce back from a horrendous 2024 campaign. 

Pick
3
Colorado · QB · Senior

There is not a quarterback more prepared to deal with the bright lights and intense spotlight that comes with being the Giants’ QB1. Sanders’ experience directing a pro-style system could help Brian Daboll jump-start the offense with a rookie starter. 

Pick
4
LSU · OT · Junior

Despite needing perimeter weapons to help Drake Maye flourish as a passer, the Patriots could opt for a protector over a playmaker early in the draft. Campbell is a plug-and-play starter with the talent, technique and temperament to set the tone for the offensive line. 

Pick
5
Colorado · WR/CB · Junior

Adding a dynamic defensive playmaker could help solidify the Jaguars' coverage and improve their takeaway prowess in a “see ball, get ball” scheme under new DC Anthony Campanile.

Pick
6
Arizona · WR · Junior

Upgrading the talent on the perimeter is a top priority for a Raiders offense that relied extensively on rookie tight end Brock Bowers in 2024. 

Pick
7
Georgia · Edge · Junior

Aaron Glenn understands and appreciates the value of a disruptive defensive front. Adding Williams to the mix would give the Jets another dynamic pass rusher and enable them to move on from the Haason Reddick debacle. 

Pick
8
Michigan · DT · Junior

Pairing the Michigan standout, who has a low-leverage playing style and exceptional strength, with Derrick Brown would give the Panthers a formidable point-of-attack presence. 

Pick
9
Georgia · Edge · Junior

Adding an off-ball linebacker with pass-rushing skills enables the Saints to address multiple defensive needs. New defensive coordinator Brandon Staley could unlock Walker’s big-play potential by deploying him as a hybrid defender in a creative scheme. 

Pick
10
Texas · OT/OG · Junior

Upgrading the offensive line is a top priority for Ben Johnson as he attempts to reshape the Bears into a bully-ball squad that mauls and mashes opponents at the line of scrimmage. 

Pick
11
Marshall · Edge · Junior (RS)

With Robert Saleh back in San Francisco to direct the defense, the 49ers could return to their disruptive ways by snatching up a dominant pass-rushing prospect to supplement Nick Bosa and Co.

Pick
12
Missouri · OT/OG · Junior

The retirement of Zack Martin could prompt Dallas to address the offensive line with a top pick. Membou is a bully at the point of attack who could help Brian Schottenheimer get the Cowboys back to their roots as a ground-and-pound squad.

Pick
13
Alabama · OG · Junior

Upgrading the offensive line should be Mike McDaniel's top task as he attempts to reshape the Dolphins into a more physical squad. Booker fits the bill as a rough-and-rugged blocker at the point of attack. 

Pick
14
Penn State · TE · Senior

Adding more playmakers is essential to helping Anthony Richardson reach his potential as a franchise quarterback. Warren is a freak athlete with the athletic measurements and production to tickle Chris Ballard’s fancy. 

Pick
15
Michigan · CB · Junior

Head coach Raheem Morris opts for the cover corner over the pass rusher in this scenario. Johnson is a polished technician with the instincts, awareness and versatility to thrive in any scheme. 

Pick
16
Mississippi · DT · Junior

The team’s need for a disruptor at the point of attack makes Nolen a sensible selection. The Ole Miss standout is a high-energy playmaker with a relentless approach. 

Pick
17
Michigan · DT · Junior

Fortifying the defensive front is a top priority after a highly disappointing 2024 campaign from Cincinnati's defense. Grant is a monstrous run-stopper with the size (6-foot-3, 342 pounds), strength and explosiveness to destroy opposing game plans at the point of attack.

Pick
18
Ohio State · OT · Junior (RS)

The team’s pressing offensive line needs are surely top of mind for GM John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald. Simmons’ 6-5, 310-pound frame and impressive skill set make him a natural fit for a team that wants to emphasize a balanced offensive attack.

Pick
19
Ohio State · WR · Senior

With Chris Godwin heading toward free agency and Mike Evans entering his 12th NFL season, the Buccaneers continue to replenish the receiver room with a skilled pass catcher who offers a mature game. Egbuka is a fluid athlete with strong hands and polished route-running skills, giving Tampa Bay another young weapon alongside 2024 third-rounder Jalen McMillan.

Pick
20
Boise State · RB · Junior

In this scenario, I can't imagine Sean Payton bypassing an RB1 with three-down ability and the potential to score from anywhere on the field. Jeanty is special, and his presence could ignite an offense primed to challenge Kansas City's longstanding AFC West supremacy as soon as next season.

Pick
21
North Carolina · RB · Junior

The Steelers need an elite running back to impose their will on opponents in the way Mike Tomlin and Arthur Smith envision. Hampton is an A+ talent with the size (6-foot, 220 pounds), athleticism and raw power to thrive as a workhorse in a ground-and-pound offense. 

Pick
22
Michigan · TE · Junior

Few NFL coaches love tight ends as much as Jim Harbaugh, who reunites with a former Michigan standout in this simulation. Loveland would help Justin Herbert attack the middle of the field on various ball-control passes at intermediate depth. 

Pick
23
Texas A&M · DL · Junior

The Packers have assembled a blue-chip defense by acquiring talented, developmental prospects with early picks. Stewart is a work in progress as a playmaker, but his prototypical size and tools could make him an ideal pick for a team that specializes in drafting and developing high-end athletes. 

Pick
24
Texas · CB · Senior

Facing a ton of attrition in the secondary this offseason, defensive coordinator Brian Flores needs high-IQ corners to keep opponents guessing while facing the Vikings’ chaotic scheme. Barron’s versatility, instincts and awareness could help him thrive as a nickel/outside corner in purple.

Pick
25
Missouri · WR · Junior

If the Texans don't retain Stefon Diggs -- the impending free agent who's still recovering from a torn ACL suffered in late October -- this Missouri standout would be a perfect replacement as an electric catch-and-run specialist. 

Pick
26
Oregon · OT · Junior

Finding pass protectors for Matthew Stafford -- or the Rams’ next QB1 -- is a top priority. Conerly’s athleticism could intrigue Sean McVay as he looks to upgrade the offensive line. 

Pick
27
Georgia · S · Junior

If the Ravens stick to their usual script of selecting the best player available in Round 1, it's hard to imagine Starks getting past them at No. 27. The Georgia standout is a versatile defender with an old-school game that fits Baltimore's bully style.

Pick
28
Ohio State · OG · Senior

General manager Brad Holmes' master plan involves collecting bullies on the offensive line. Jackson is a Day 1 starter with the nasty attitude and physical game to fit right in with the Lions’ dominant front. 

Pick
29
Texas · WR · Junior

Understandably looking to build around 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels, the Commanders take a playmaker early in this exercise.

Pick
30
Boston College · Edge · Senior

The energetic sack artist is a perfect fit for Buffalo as a blue-collar playmaker with a relentless approach. 

Pick
31
Oregon · DT · Junior (RS)

Finding Chris Jones a disruptive playmate would keep Kansas City's defense operating at a high level. Harmon’s athleticism and instincts could help him flourish in Steve Spagnuolo's ultra-aggressive scheme. 

Pick
32
Tennessee · Edge · Junior

The Eagles' success with polarizing prospects ultimately could make Pearce a value pick at the end of Round 1. The Tennessee standout's pass-rushing prowess would further enhance a unit that is loaded with young playmakers on the front.