Four-round 2025 NFL mock draft: Three QBs taken in top seven picks; Steelers select RB in first round

Ward's been my top pick for the Titans since they secured the No. 1 overall selection because elite quarterback play is required to make it through the AFC gauntlet. His four-plus years of starting experience at Incarnate Word, Washington State and Miami are a major asset, as are his playmaking ability and toughness.

Trading for Kenny Pickett means the Browns could focus on taking the best player available at No. 2 before picking up another quarterback later in the draft. The extension of Myles Garrett does not mean Cleveland will pass on Carter, whose elite talent on the edge would only make the perennial All-Pro better.

Sanders might not be the biggest, strongest or fastest passer, but he throws with anticipation from the pocket and can test defenses with his feet when facing man coverage. The Giants have lacked a true leader at the quarterback position for years; Sanders works to make his teammates better and knows what it means to play under the spotlight.

If the Browns decide to draft Abdul Carter, the Patriots will gleefully select Hunter as a future two-way star. His ball skills and after-the-catch ability are not of this planet, so it won't be a surprise if he becomes a prolific receiver for an offense that needs one, while also working with corners Carlton Davis and Christian Gonzalez.

Graham's quick feet, upper-body strength, versatility and consistent motor portend a successful NFL career. The Jaguars did not address their defensive line after trading Roy Robertson-Harris to Seattle last fall, so pairing Graham with 2024 second-round pick Maason Smith makes all kinds of sense.

It's no secret new Raiders head coach Pete Carroll wants to run the ball. Jeanty will likely pound the rock 20-25 times a game without hesitation, running through contact and exploding for big gains in the open field.

Justin Fields could join Sam Bradford (Philadelphia, 2016), Mike Glennon (Chicago, 2017), Andy Dalton (Chicago, 2021), Mitch Trubisky (Pittsburgh, 2022) and Kirk Cousins (Atlanta, 2024) as veteran quarterbacks signed to be QB1 until the team selected a passer in the first round. (All but Trubisky were overshadowed by top-11 picks.) In this simulation, the Jets appreciate Dart's physical traits and work ethic, hoping that he or Fields will step up in a leadership role during 2025 and end the league's longest playoff drought.

The Panthers could pick Walker or Jihaad Campbell here to be a versatile linebacker/edge rusher in the Micah Parsons mold. Walker's experience rushing the passer, explosiveness and strength holding the point of attack might give him a slight edge to end up in Carolina. 

Johnson's injuries, including a hamstring issue that forced him to miss Michigan's pro day, could push him down some draft boards, but the Saints have a major need at cornerback after trading away Marshon Lattimore last season. The former Wolverine was widely viewed as a top-five prospect entering the 2024 season because of his rare combination of size (6-foot-1 3/4, 194 pounds) and instincts on the outside. He is still top-10 worthy if New Orleans is satisfied with his medical reports. 

Membou manned right tackle for most of his three seasons at Missouri but handled weak-side edge rushers when occasionally lining up as a tight end outside the left tackle. General manager Ryan Poles -- briefly a Bears offensive lineman himself -- may believe the athletic, long Membou can make the transition permanently to challenge Braxton Jones, a free agent in 2026, for the LT spot this season.

Campbell's relatively short arms (32 5/8 inches) and narrow frame (77 3/8-inch wingspan) may push him inside at the next level, but the 49ers are thrilled to see him available here to challenge for the open left guard spot. Like the Colts' Braden Smith and others, Campbell may eventually get the chance to prove himself outside to replace Trent Williams or Colton McKivitz.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH DALLAS COWBOYS

Sean Payton takes advantage of teams overlooking Warren's skills, sending Denver's first- and second-round picks to Dallas for this selection and a fifth-rounder. The tight end brings great value to second-year signal-caller Bo Nix as a strong but nimble pass catcher who’s able to move the chains, get down the seam and be a major red zone threat.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH MIAMI DOLPHINS

The Cardinals ensure they beat the Colts to a premier offensive line prospect, moving up three slots in Round 1 by swapping their third-round pick for Miami's late fourth-round selection. Arizona traded up for a versatile lineman in Paris Johnson Jr. two years ago, and Banks could play inside or outside as a rookie. (He could also move to tackle in 2026 if Jonah Williams departs as a free agent.)

In terms of play style, Loveland is more comparable to 2024 first-round pick Brock Bowers than Tyler Warren. The Michigan product missed a chunk of last season with a shoulder injury, but the Colts could see a weapon who can win with size, quickness and savviness against defensive backs and linebackers. 

Campbell was initially recruited to play on the edge at Alabama, but he developed an all-around game that could make the Falcons quite happy if he's available here. This SEC star should prove himself to be an apt blitzer in the NFL and he will use his speed to track down ball-carriers before they hit the sideline.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH ARIZONA CARDINALS

In this four-round mock, Barron joins second-round pick Xavier Watts (SPOILER ALERT!) to rebuild a Miami secondary in flux. Remember: The Eagles picked two defensive backs in the first two round last year -- scooping up Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean -- and the strategy helped them win the Super Bowl. Barron proved his long speed with a 4.39 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, so he could man the perimeter CB spot opposite Jalen Ramsey. That said, his inside/outside versatility is a major strength.

Williams could become one of the steals of this draft in time, and the Bengals clearly need more pass-rushing juice. Injuries limited his snaps as a junior at Georgia, but Williams' strength, length and hustle to the ball give him a chance to contribute as a rookie before developing into a very good starter down the line.

DK Metcalf sought and received a trade, leaving Seattle in need of a strong outside receiver like the 6-4 1/8, 219-pound McMillan. He joins Jaxon Smith-Njigba and free-agent acquisitions Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling to stretch defenses horizontally and vertically.

Stewart's lack of production and lack of elite change of direction are concerning when projecting him as a pure edge rusher. However, teams like Tampa Bay who could use the Texas A&M product as a 5-technique on obvious passing situations will appreciate his strength and versatility.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH DENVER BRONCOS

In this scenario, Dallas moves down for the third time in five years to stack draft currency and ultimately land a very good prospect. (Their previous trade-downs netted them star defender Micah Parsons and starting left tackle Tyler Guyton.) Egbuka played in the slot often at Ohio State because of his toughness and reliability over the middle -- as well as the presence of Marvin Harrison Jr. and freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith. In Dallas, though, he and CeeDee Lamb would work together inside and outside to expose opponents' weaknesses.

Hampton's impressive burst and power through contact make him a great fit for a Steelers running game in need of an identity.

Re-signing Khalil Mack on a one-year, $18 million deal was a coup. Releasing Joey Bosa, however, makes it necessary for the team to add another young talent to rotate with Bud Dupree and Tuli Tuipulotu. Ezeiruaku possesses only adequate size for an edge (6-2 1/2, 248 pounds), but his 34-inch arms, short-area quickness (6.94 three-cone drill) and varied pass-rush moves make him an effective QB hunter.

The Mecole Hardman signing will help the Packers make up for the loss of Christian Watson as he recovers from a January knee injury, but the team still requires long-term help at the position. Golden's speed and ability to win contested catches make him a legitimate downfield playmaker.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Buffalo moves up to secure Thomas' 6-1 1/4, 197-pound frame, giving up their two fourth-round selections to Minnesota in the deal. The Vikings could stay put and take a defensive back themselves, but they currently only have four selections in this draft, so adding two early Day 3 picks might be worth the risk of moving down the board a bit.

Signing Cam Robinson gives Houston some insurance at left tackle after the Laremy Tunsil trade, and the addition of Trent Brown provides more bookend depth. But both veterans have missed time due to injury in the past and they're stop-gap solutions on one-year deals. Thus, the Texans select Ersery here to start this year or next. Protecting C.J. Stroud must be a long-term plan.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH LOS ANGELES RAMS

Why change something that works? Philadelphia moves up in Round 1 for a defensive lineman once again -- after doing so to acquire Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis -- plugging Nolen into the void left by free-agent departure Milton Williams. The Eagles give the Rams their late third-round pick and one of four fifth-rounders in order to move up six spots, while also receiving a sixth-round pick from Los Angeles in the deal.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH BALTIMORE RAVENS

Kansas City is haunted by its inability to stop Philadelphia's front four in the Super Bowl. The Chiefs signed 49ers backup tackle Jaylon Moore to a two-year, $30 million free-agent deal, but they keep addressing the OL issue in this exercise. K.C. sends first- and third-round selections to Baltimore for this pick and a fourth-rounder, adding Booker to replace Joe Thuney up front.

Detroit moves Savaiinaea back to right guard, where he started as a freshman before shifting to tackle for most of his sophomore season and his entire junior campaign. The Dan Campbell/Brad Holmes Lions have won a lot of games due to their offensive line, so it's important to keep the strength a strength.

Head coach Dan Quinn takes a shot on Green's speed late in the first round. He'd be a designated pass rusher as a rookie but could round out his game to become a starter pretty swiftly.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH BUFFALO BILLS

Minnesota could look at a cornerback here, but Emmanwori's value may be too good to pass up -- and the Vikings might have taken him if they'd stayed at No. 24. Stepping into the lineup at strong safety, this athletic freak also showed the quickness to play nickel while at South Carolina.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Some teams will view Starks as a fair athlete without an NFL position; despite their talent, Brian Branch and Cooper DeJean lasted until the second round for similar reasons. The Ravens won't let that happen, though, as they see Starks' playmaking skills -- just like when they scooped up Kyle Hamilton at No. 14 overall after his 4.59 40 caused other franchises to pass.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

The Rams move down in the first round to get a third pick in the third round, an area of the draft in which general manager Les Snead and his scouts have excelled in recent years. They still find an immense talent available at No. 32, though, in Bond. His suddenness after the catch and willingness to take (and make) hits despite his slight build give him an outside shot of joining Texas teammate Matthew Golden in Round 1.