Three-round 2025 NFL mock draft: Jets make deal for quarterback in one of five first-round trades

A lot has been made of new Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi's comment about taking a "generational talent" with the first overall pick. All I know is that the Titans need a quarterback to get back to competing for a playoff spot. Ward's five years of starting experience in college and ability to make plays in and outside the pocket give him a chance to replicate the success of 2024's "experienced rookies," Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix.

Despite Deshaun Watson's injury issues (and subpar play), the Browns pass on a quarterback at No. 2 to select a true two-way star in Hunter. I expect the Heisman Trophy winner to focus on offense at the next level because of his special ball skills and athleticism, both of which are lacking in the Browns' wideout room. And just imagine Hunter occasionally lining up opposite Denzel Ward at the other corner spot when DC Jim Schwartz wants to match up with the league's top receiver duos.

As the son of Coach Prime, Sanders has lived in the spotlight his entire life. So I don't think the New York stage will be too big for him. That said, for the the Giants to maximize their new QB's talents, they must improve the offensive line and find more playmakers to team with Malik Nabers.

The Patriots land a difference-maker with the No. 4 pick. Carter's speed and relentless nature immediately improve one of the league's worst pass rushes, while his experience as both a hand-down and off-ball defender gives new coach Mike Vrabel flexibility up front.

Johnson suffered a lower-body injury this past year at Michigan that sidelined him for the second half of the season, so any team taking him (especially this high) will need to be comfortable with his medical. If healthy and able to prove he possesses the long speed to keep pace with NFL receivers, he has the height, length and ball skills to remind everyone why he was a blue-chip prospect entering the 2024 campaign.

If the Raiders opt to ride with a veteran quarterback next season -- someone like Sam Darnold or Russell Wilson -- I'd expect the team's new regime to use this pick on an offensive weapon. Vegas missed having a bell-cow back this past year, and Jeanty's combination of vision, balance, speed and power project for him to have a highly productive NFL career.

If the Jets do not re-sign free agent defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, I'd expect them to take Graham, the best defender still on the board, to pair with Quinnen Williams up front. Graham's strength and quickness allow him to play multiple spots on the line, while his relentless hustle can be taxing on offensive lines.

Speaking of Quinnen Williams ... Nolen earned that comp this season from Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding, who coached the three-time Pro Bowler at Alabama. Nolen's explosiveness off the ball and ability to chase down plays make him a potential top-10 selection like Williams, and pairing him with Derrick Brown means trouble for opposing offensive lines.

With Juwan Johnson entering free agency and Foster Moreau in a contract year, the team could use a big man like Warren in the middle of the field to complement a healthy Chris Olave in 2025.

Chicago lands a legitimate starting left tackle to protect Caleb Williams and move defenders in the run game. He'll be the best player they've had at that spot since Jimbo Covert, the sixth overall pick of the 1983 NFL Draft.

Trent Williams can't play forever. Banks could wait his turn and be the third tackle on the Niners' depth chart, or begin his career inside at left guard as a potential replacement for free agent Aaron Banks.

Dallas takes the top player still on the board in McMillan, whose 6-foot-5 frame, long strides and strong hands make him a threat down the sideline, in the red zone and over the middle.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH MIAMI DOLPHINS

The Texans showed they are willing to make a big move for a special player when they traded up for Will Anderson Jr. two years ago. Walker can blitz, play the run at the second level and line up on the edge. Houston sends its first-, second- and third-round selections to Miami for this pick and a fourth-rounder.

Barron's versatility, toughness and football IQ should land him in the middle-third of the first round. The Colts extended Kenny Moore last offseason, but injuries this past fall exposed the team's lack of depth in the secondary. 

Ezeiruaku is not the tallest edge rusher (6-2 1/4), but he has plus length (34 1/2-inch arms) and can swim, bend and spin around tackles to pressure the quarterback. Arnold Ebiketie could take another step in Year 4 and 2024 third-round pick Bralen Trice should return from a knee injury in 2025, but Matt Judon and Lorenzo Carter are impending free agents.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH ARIZONA CARDINALS

Loveland's reliable hands, body control, foot quickness and willingness to block should endear him to head coach Sean Payton. The Broncos send Pick No. 20 overall, along with a third- and sixth-round selection, to the Cardinals for their first- and fifth-round selections, jumping ahead of the tight end-needy Bengals.

Booker would take over at left guard in 2025, joining Orlando Brown Jr. to create a massive left side of the offensive line.

Picking defensive tackles in Round 1 in back-to-back years has worked out for the Eagles (Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis). The strategy could appeal to GM John Schneider, if he continues to pass on using his most premium picks on interior offensive linemen. Combining Harmon's powerful frame and pass-rush ability with 2024 first-rounder Byron Murphy II’s quickness inside will allow linebackers to run free on the second level.

Membou played tackle at Missouri but possesses a guard build and would be a real asset inside. Starting right tackle Luke Goedeke is a free agent after the 2025 season, so Membou could end up outside at some point in the near future.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH DENVER BRONCOS

Simmons has experience at both tackle spots and could potentially play inside to give the Cardinals their strongest five guys up front for Kyler Murray. Starting right tackle Jonah Williams missed all but six games this year and is a free agent in 2026, as well.

Judkins' open-field burst, ability to read blocks and willingness to run through contact will make him a great fit for the Steelers -- and he's a nice outlet for quarterbacks out of the backfield. Remember, Najee Harris is headed for free agency. I’m projecting Pittsburgh will take a quarterback in Round 2.

Starks is a versatile defender with excellent cover skills who's capable of playing free safety or nickel, depending on the Chargers' needs.

Williams could go earlier in the draft. An exceptional NFL Scouting Combine workout would help in that regard, like it did for former Georgia lineman Travon Walker. However, the Packers would undoubtedly love it if the powerful pass rusher were still available at No. 23. Edge rushers Jermaine Johnson II, George Karlaftis and Greg Rousseau were picked in this range in recent years.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH MINNESOTA VIKINGS

The Bills send Pick No. 30 and two fourth-rounders to Minnesota (which currently has no selections in Round 4) to move up for the big but nimble Grant, improving a rush defense that gave up 311 yards and four scores on the ground in Buffalo's final two playoff games.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH HOUSTON TEXANS

Miami adds Campbell's all-around skill set to its defense, giving leading tackler Jordyn Brooks some much-needed help at the second level. Campbell will contribute in coverage, against the run and as a blitzer when given the opportunity.

Puka Nacua will lead the Rams' receivers in 2025, but Cooper Kupp is on the trade block and the team might lose Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell in free agency. Burden will be a big-play threat like he was with Missouri in 2023, when he averaged 14 yards per catch and scored nine times in 13 games.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH BALTIMORE RAVENS

The Eagles often focus on the trenches early in drafts, but GM Howie Roseman did trade up for receiver DeVonta Smith four years ago. With the team's depth at receiver lacking, Roseman swaps his third-round pick for the Ravens' fourth-rounder -- similar to what the Chiefs did last year to land Xavier Worthy -- to grab a reliable playmaker in Egbuka.

The strength of the Lions' offensive line has been a major factor in the team's recent success, so adding Savaiinaea to take over for free agent Kevin Zeitler at right guard makes a lot of sense.

Tuimoloau will step into the Commanders' starting lineup as a rookie, using his explosive burst and strong, active hands to play like a veteran from Day 1, just as he did with Ohio State.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH BUFFALO BILLS

The Vikings face the possibility of a near-complete turnover at the corner position this offseason, with four veterans -- including starters Stephon Gilmore and Byron Murphy -- scheduled for free agency. Thomas' size (6-1, 191) and aggressiveness in coverage make him a first-round value.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Multiple teams could be looking for a quarterback early in Round 2. To avoid the Friday night rush, the Jets trade up from Pick No. 42 overall in Round 2, sending that selection and a fourth-, fifth- and sixth-round pick to the Chiefs. Dart's efficiency, smooth delivery and above-average mobility for the position earn him the nod in this mock.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Baltimore trades down in the first round and finds a bargain. Veterans Ronnie Stanley and Patrick Mekari are due to become free agents, so the team must add a starting left tackle.