Now that the final deadline for underclassmen to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft has passed, Mock Draft Season is here!
After getting a chance to dig into the class, there are some truly exceptional talents at the top of the group, but it looks like the best value in this year's draft will be in the range of Picks 20-60. I see depth at running back, tight end and on the defensive line, but, unlike last year, it's not a draft chock full of quarterbacks and receivers. We are very early in the process, though. With more tape study, all-star games, the NFL Scouting Combine and free agency still to come, a lot will change between now and the draft.
I tend to base my mock drafts on what I'm hearing around the league, whereas my Top 50 prospect rankings reflect what I'm seeing during my own evaluations. Keep an eye out for those rankings in the days ahead, but for now, here is my first look at how the top 32 selections could play out when the draft gets underway on April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
NOTES:
- The order for picks 29-32 will be determined by the remaining postseason games.
- Tune in for live coverage of the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine beginning Feb. 27 on NFL Network and NFL+.
My ears perked up when Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker said the team wouldn’t pass on a generational talent with the first pick. To me, Carter is the best player in the draft and he plays a premium position. I could see Tennessee looking to add competition for QB Will Levis in the free-agent market or later on in the draft.
Quarterback is in play here for the Browns, but in this scenario, they pick Hunter, the Heisman Trophy-winning two-way star. I’m in the minority as someone who prefers him as a full-time offensive player who moonlights on defense.
The Giants are desperate for a quarterback. Ward’s strong arm and playmaking ability would be a great fit.
The Patriots must help Drake Maye on the offensive line. I see Campbell as a safe, steady player who is still improving.
Graham is one of the cleaner evaluations in the draft. He provides unbelievable quickness, balance and instincts.
Tom Brady, now a partner in the Raiders’ ownership, is someone who would appreciate Sanders’ toughness, accuracy and decision making.
Warren is one of my favorite players in this draft. He will be popular with his quarterback and running backs as a difference-making in-line tight end.
The Panthers continue to build around Bryce Young with a big, rangy and athletic receiver in McMillen. He’ll be a red-zone menace.
The Saints continue to add young, athletic players to their defensive front. Williams played hurt all season long, but his tools are exceptional.
I think Booker is one of the safest picks in the draft. He will help firm up the interior offensive line for Caleb Williams.
Membou is the most technically sound offensive lineman in this class. He reminds me of Aljah Vera-Tucker when he entered the league. Membou will be an exceptional guard who can also play tackle if needed.
I know I’m not the first to make this connection and I’m sure I won’t be the last. Jeanty is one of the more enjoyable players to study in this class. He has elite vision and balance, offering a massive upgrade in Dallas.
Nothing is more important for the Dolphins than protecting Tua Tagovailoa. Banks could do that at tackle or guard.
I think you’ll see the buzz around Barron continue to grow. He possesses great quickness, instincts and ball skills.
Johnson is a polarizing player around the league. He provides size and production, but some questions emerged about his tackling and top speed in 2024.
Walker is a bit undersized as an edge rusher, but he offers an intriguing mix of length, explosiveness and playmaking ability.
Nolen is a dynamic interior disruptor. He would be a key part of a turnaround under new Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden.
Mike Macdonald looks back to his old stomping grounds at Michigan to select Grant, who would be part of a great interior trio with Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II. Keep in mind that Jarran Reed and Johnathan Hankins are headed for free agency.
They rave about Campbell’s leadership and versatility at Alabama. He’s a unique player because of his size and length as an off-ball linebacker. With Lavonte David and K.J. Britt ticketed for free agency, the Bucs fill a need.
Emmanwori gave me some Derwin James vibes when I studied him. I love his instincts and production.
I don’t think the Steelers could go wrong drafting Golden or Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka here. They go with Golden in this case, but they are both professional route runners with outstanding hands and toughness.
The Chargers need to give Justin Herbert more firepower. The coaching staff will be extremely familiar with what Loveland brings to the table.
The Packers love front-seven players from the SEC with outstanding traits. Stewart fits the mold.
Starks didn’t make as many plays as we’re accustomed to seeing from him in 2024, but people at Georgia rave about his intangibles, leadership and work ethic. He has the versatility to play over the top or cover the slot.
The Texans are in the market for a new offensive coordinator, but they could use more help at receiver, too. Burden reminds me of Stefon Diggs, who is headed for free agency.
I’m still getting used to seeing the Rams make picks in the first round after their seven-draft gap from 2017 to 2023! The team pored resources into the defensive line in the last draft. They flip the script and take care of the offensive line in the first round this year.
The Ravens double dip on drafting big, long corners after selecting Nate Wiggins last year. Thomas is a smooth, fluid athlete.
It will be huge for the Lions to get Aidan Hutchinson back next season. Green would be a perfect complement with his speed and quickness off the edge. This team values production off the edge and Green had a ton of it during his college career.
The Commanders’ offensive line has played well above expectations, but I think they need to upgrade the talent to protect Jayden Daniels going forward.
Harmon is a very disruptive player at a deep position in this year’s class. He could fill a void with Austin Johnson among the Bills defensive linemen due to hit free agency this offseason.
There has not been a lot of buzz for Sanders, but I thought his tape was outstanding. He’s really twitchy and would fit right in with the bevy of talented defensive linemen in Philly.
Some people see Pearce going earlier in Round 1. While there might be a debate about where he’ll land in the draft, there’s no doubt about his elite speed and production.
