With the dust beginning to settle after the early stages of free agency, here's my new projection for the first 32 picks of the 2025 NFL Draft. Mocks are always a difficult exercise at this time of year, when there are still moves to be made before Round 1 kicks off, but it's even more of a challenge this time around because I can't remember a draft with less certainty than this one. It should make for a fun weekend in Green Bay when it's finally time to start making the real picks!
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As we inch closer to the draft, it’s beginning to look more and more likely that Ward will be the first overall pick, whether it’s to the Titans or one of the QB-needy teams that sit close behind them in the order, if one were to trade up to No. 1. In this case, Tennessee stays put and gets a fresh start at the position.
The Browns could be weighing taking Carter second and a quarterback in Round 2 versus picking Shedeur Sanders at No. 2 and waiting on an edge rusher until the second round. I think you can make a strong argument that taking Carter and waiting for a second-tier QB in Round 2 is the better option.
I’ll be curious to see what the Giants do here. If Abdul Carter is available at No. 3, that might change things, but in this scenario, they secure their answer at quarterback.
Bolstering the offensive line would seem to be the obvious move here for the Patriots, but it would be tough to pass up such a unique talent like Hunter. He would immediately be their most potent weapon for Drake Maye.
Jalon Walker would form a dynamic trio with Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, with the latter kicking inside on passing downs to give all three players the chance to rush the passer at the same time. Jalon Walker could play off-ball linebacker on early downs and then rush off the edge when it's time to hunt the quarterback.
The Raiders can take some pressure off of Geno Smith by adding Jeanty, who is one of the top three players in the draft.
Membou slides in at right tackle for the Jets. His size, physicality and athleticism would make him a great fit.
The Panthers came up a little short in their pursuit of Milton Williams in free agency, but they get another chance to bolster the interior defensive line here. Graham would be a key addition for a defense that ranked last in yards and points allowed last season.
Campbell has the versatility to be a major weapon for a creative defensive coordinator like Brandon Staley.
The overhaul of the offensive line is now complete with a new left tackle in place. Chicago's trio of March O-line acquisitions would be sandwiched between two top-10 picks in Campbell and right tackle Darnell Wright.
The 49ers’ defense has seen a lot of departures this offseason, including at cornerback. Barron is one of the most consistent players on tape among prospects in this year’s class and he can take the ball away. He’ll be able to match up against some of the talented slot receivers in the division.
With Ashton Jeanty off the board, I wouldn’t rule out North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton landing here. In this case, the Cowboys give CeeDee Lamb a partner who can take the top off the defense and is more than just a speed threat.
The further we get into the evaluation process, the more teams I find that are in love with Starks’ game. He would be a plug-and-play replacement for Jevon Holland, with the versatility to play as a high safety or nickelback.
Whether it’s Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones starting for the Colts next season, the team needs to help its quarterback with some easy completions. Warren can provide them, and he’ll also be an asset in the run game for Jonathan Taylor.
While some inconsistencies popped up in Johnson’s 2024 tape, it’s hard to find big, rangy corners with his ball skills.
There will be quite a few teams targeting Zabel in this area of the draft. He’s had a great process, from his final college season to the Reese’s Senior Bowl to the NFL Scouting Combine.
Green would be an outstanding complement to Trey Hendrickson if the Bengals are able to work things out with their star defensive end.
The Seahawks might have bigger needs, but the value is just too great to pass up Loveland at No. 18. The former Michigan tight end joins Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp to give Sam Darnold an intriguing group of pass catchers.
Bucs GM Jason Licht has always valued production, and Ezeiruaku brings exactly that to the table with 16.5 sacks last season. He’s one of the most gifted pass rushers in the draft.
Head coach Sean Payton loves running his offense through the tight ends, running backs and slot receivers. The Broncos landed their tight end via free agency in Evan Engram and now they get a back with some big-time juice.
The Steelers’ plan at quarterback is not completely clear at the moment. Even if they were to land 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers, they would still need a long-term option at the position, so they take another swing here with Dart.
I won’t be shocked if McMillan goes in the top eight picks or if he slides into this section of Round 1. There is a wide range of potential landing spots for the former Arizona star, but the team that drafts him will be getting a receiver with incredible size, body control and ball skills.
It’s not clear if Jaire Alexander has a future in Green Bay, so the Packers turn to the highly dynamic Hairston at cornerback.
With Harrison Smith entering Year 14, the Vikings go get a young safety with the ability to impact the game in a variety of ways.
Previously, I had mocked Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka to the Texans, but with the departure of Laremy Tunsil, it feels like the offensive line has moved to the top of the priority list.
The only question I had about Amos was his pure speed, but he put any concerns to rest at the NFL Scouting Combine with his 4.43-second 40-yard dash.
Harmon is ultra disruptive. He plays with outstanding effort and a motor that would be appreciated in Baltimore.
Williams is another player with a wide range of potential destinations. The production has trailed the athleticism, but there’s a ton of upside here.
Thomas is a long, rangy cornerback who can match up with some of the bigger receivers in the NFC East.
Grant fills a need for the Bills. They recently signed DT Larry Ogunjobi, but he’s facing a six-game suspension. Grant’s raw upside and athleticism are tough to pass up.
I know the Chiefs signed Jaylon Moore in free agency, but I’m not so sure Simmons won’t ultimately be the better option for them at left tackle. Regardless, building quality depth up front would seem like a wise move based on the issues they dealt with last season.
Stewart has offered more disruption than production to this point in his career, but the Eagles made a similar move with Nolan Smith a couple years ago and it has paid off in a big way.
