Updated NFL Mock Draft - First Round Predictions for 2025 (Pre-NFL Combine)

It is NFL mock draft season, and what a difference a month can make. Since the Senior Bowl, we have seen plenty of prospects improve their draft stock, and some take a bit of a hit. 

NFL brain trusts are setting up their war rooms and sending their staff to Indianapolis, as the NFL Combine is just a day away. For some prospects, the combine is more important than others, as medical rechecks or poor performance could have a lasting effect on their careers.

This is the second edition of my NFL mock draft, and as expected, there has been some movement as the market continues to shift with every bit of news we hear. You can also see the first edition of my NFL Draft mock here. Tennessee, you are on the clock.

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Top 10 Picks of the 2025 NFL Draft

1. Tennessee Titans - Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

Biggest Needs: QB, Edge, WR, OT, S

Nothing has changed since the first mock draft. Tennessee adds the best player in this draft and will look to either add a bridge quarterback in free agency or draft one in a later round. When a talent like Abdul Carter comes around, you can't pass that up.

Carter will step in on Day 1 and make this Titans team better. His motor never stops, as evidenced by his performance against Notre Dame when he played with a bad shoulder and still managed to get to the quarterback.

After the combine, Carter will leave little doubt about who the best prospect is in the 2025 NFL Draft.

 2. Cleveland Browns - Cam Ward, QB, Miami

Biggest Needs: QB, Edge, WR, OT

Cleveland needs to get this right. The list of Browns quarterbacks has been a graveyard of disappointment. I could list every quarterback by name, but this mock draft has a word limit.  

Cam Ward immediately becomes an upgrade on the platoon of mediocrity that was under center a season ago. Ward arrives in Cleveland as the all-time leader in touchdown passes after tossing 158 of them during his stops in Incarnate Word, Washington State, and Miami.

Ward has all the physical tools necessary to exorcise the Browns' quarterback demons.

3. New York Giants - Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

Biggest Needs: QB, OT, OG, CB

Another team that could go quarterback elects to take the best player available and hopes to address its quarterback needs a little later.

Cornerback is a major concern for the Giants, and with the recent announcement that Travis Hunter will participate as a corner in the combine, the Giants couldn't be happier. Hunter has proved to be a playmaker on the defensive side of the ball and one of the few players in this draft capable of turning defense into offense in the blink of an eye.

New York also needs weapons on the other side of the ball for whoever is under center next season. With 96 receptions, 1,258 receiving yards, and 15 receiving touchdowns, Hunter will make for a dynamic complement to Malik Nabers in those sub-packages.

4. New England Patriots - Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Biggest Needs: Edge, CB, OG, OT, WR

New England could add some playmakers for Drake Maye, but the best course of action is to invest in protecting its franchise quarterback. Keeping Maye upright will be the best way for the Patriots to see a return on their investment from last year's draft. 

Campbell is one of the safest draft picks. His tape suggests he is reliable in both pass protection and the run game and should be able to slide in at left tackle immediately.

 5. Jacksonville Jaguars - Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

Biggest Needs: CB, S, IOL, WR

Jacksonville needs help everywhere in the secondary. It can go with safety help in Malaki Starks, Nick Emmanwori, or a cornerback as it has here. With Travis Hunter off the board, the Jaguars find themselves trying to decide between Jahdae Barron and Will Johnson.

Ultimately, they select the former Longhorn, Barron, who took home the Jim Thorpe Award a season ago. Barron's tremendous instincts, length, and physicality all played a role in his five interceptions last year.

Texas CB Jahdae Barron wore a lot of hats for one of the best defenses in the country and will likely slide inside to the slot in the NFL.

His short area burst, consistency finding the ball in flight and competitive toughness should make him a hot commodity on day two. pic.twitter.com/oYq0ICSj9l

— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) January 16, 2025

6. Las Vegas Raiders - Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Biggest Needs: QB, WR, DT, RB

Las Vegas could pass on a quarterback as it has several other needs, but Shedeur Sanders' accuracy and timing as a passer are too good of a fit for Chip Kelly's offense.

Over the last two seasons, Sanders has completed 71.8 percent of his passes, which is the highest completion rate among quarterbacks with at least 875 passing attempts in FBS history. Right now, any quarterback would be a welcomed addition after watching both Gardner Minshew II and Aidan O'Connell attempt to lead this offense.

7. New York Jets - Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Biggest Needs: DT, QB, OT, S

New York has an opportunity to bolster its interior defense, which already features Quinnen Williams and Javon Kinlaw. Graham has proved to be a consistent producer, not only as a stout run defender but also a disruptive force on passing downs.

At pick seven, it may be a reach for the Jets to select the top remaining offensive tackle, safety, or quarterback on their big board. New York could also find itself trading back and accumulating more draft capital. Free agency will go a long way in determining what the Jets do with this pick.

8. Carolina Panthers - Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Biggest Needs: WR, Edge, OC, DT

Carolina is still looking for that alpha wide receiver. Last year, it selected Xavier Legette early on and added Jalen Coker later. Neither one has proved to be a dominating force or a reliable target for Bryce Young. Adam Thielen isn't getting any younger and lacks the separation ability to allow Young to develop.

Enter Tetairoa McMillan into the conversation. At 6-foot-5, McMillan has the size and ball skills to become a true No. 1 receiver. Look, McMillan played at Arizona and put up back-to-back 1,300-yard seasons. We already know he is quarterback-proof.

9. New Orleans Saints - Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia

Biggest Needs: CB, Edge, WR, S

If McMillan had fallen, the Saints may have considered the Wildcat receiver. Unfortunately, he did not, and the Saints look to plug holes elsewhere on what was a sinking ship in 2024.

Addressing the edge may be the best bang for your buck in today's game outside quarterback and left tackle. Walker has proved that he can play inside or outside, having recorded 60 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 34 quarterback pressures last season on his way to winning the Dick Butkus Award. Walker also showed that he can be a sideline-to-sideline defender and dependable in coverage when called upon.

Working on a comp for Jalon Walker but at the moment I’m going with one of those birds that dive bombs at 200 mph to pluck helpless fish from the water pic.twitter.com/EG5kkGmiHR

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) February 17, 2025

10. Chicago Bears - Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

Biggest Needs: OT, IOL, Edge, RB

Chicago allowed a league-high 68 sacks last season. Protecting Caleb Williams and giving the second-year quarterback will be key for his development. 

Chicago will look to put additional resources and funds toward offensive line upgrades this offseason, and by selecting Kelvin Banks Jr., it added a piece to its offensive line that can anchor the tackle position or kick inside as needed. 

Picks No. 11-22: Running Backs Matter Once Again

11. Denver Broncos - Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Biggest Needs: RB, TE, DT, LB

Projected Trade with the San Francisco 49ers

What good is having a mock draft if you can't have trades? Sean Payton loves to get freaky on the offensive side of the ball, and while he could make this move to select Tyler Warren, the Broncos are a logical landing spot for Taysom Hill should he be available. 

With that said, besides tight end, the biggest need for the Broncos is their need to establish the run, so why not add the most dynamic back in recent memory to their roster? Ashton Jeanty is that guy -- more than 2,700 total yards last season. Jeanty forced 151 missed tackles, created 1,970 yards after contact, and possesses untapped upside in the passing game.

12. Dallas Cowboys - Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi

Biggest Needs: OG, DT, LB, RB

Both the Cowboys and the Los Angeles Chargers were potential suitors for Jeanty, but with the Boise State back off the board, Dallas looks to address one of its biggest needs: a defensive tackle.

At pick 12, Dallas selects Mississippi product, Walter Nolen. Many consider Nolen to be the most disruptive interior defender in this year's class. Nolen finished the 2024 campaign with 6.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and 25 quarterback hurries.

13. Cincinnati Bengals - Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

Biggest Needs: TE, OG, OT, CB

Projected Trade with the Miami Dolphins

We have another trade. This time, the Cincinnati Bengals pay the price to move up four spots to select Tyler Warren. It's unknown right now if the Bengals will be able to retain Tee Higgins and/or Mike Gesicki, but the addition of Warren guarantees that the Bengals will continue to have a dominant offense for years to come.

Warren had 104 receptions and 1,233 receiving yards for the Nittany Lions last season, the seventh most in FBS. Last season, we saw the difference Brock Bowers made for the Raiders; the Bengals added a similar weapon, looking for similar results.

Tyler Warren Vs. Man Coverage:

➖1st in Receptions (36)
➖1st in Yards (444)
➖1st in YAC (213)

Tyler Warren Vs. Zone Coverage:

➖3rd in Receptions (62)
➖2nd in Yards (741)
➖2nd in YAC (469)

He’s 6’6, 261 lbs & won the John Mackey Award which is given to the BEST TE in CFB. pic.twitter.com/wYwyTkdfge

— Austin Abbott (@AustinAbbottFF) February 19, 2025

14. Indianapolis Colts - Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Biggest Needs: IOL, CB, LB, S

Indianapolis already had Warren's name written on its card, but before the ink dried, the Bengals made the move. Indianapolis now moves on to plan B and addresses the cornerback position with Will Johnson.

Johnson is a big, physical corner who thrives in zone coverage but isn't afraid to mix it up in man-to-man. His size and athleticism have drawn comparisons to Pat Surtain II.    

15. Atlanta Falcons - Mike Green, Edge, Marshall

Biggest Needs: Edge, CB, S, WR

Atlanta should be set on the offensive side of the ball with Michael Penix Jr., Drake London, and Bijan Robinson. However, it needs to rebuild its defense, and the selection of Mike Green does just that.

Atlanta's 31 sacks a season ago were the second-fewest in the league. No player was more productive off the edge in college last season than Green. Green was a monster for Marshall, recording 17 sacks, 85 tackles, and 23 tackles for loss.

16. Arizona Cardinals  - Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Biggest Needs: DT, Edge, OG, OT

Grant routinely takes on double teams and lets his presence be known along the defense's interior, something the Cardinals lacked last season. Grant steps in on Day 1 and makes the Cardinals a more formidable run defense while offering much-needed upside as an interior pass-rusher.

17. Miami Dolphins - Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama

Biggest Needs: OG, LB, DT, QB

The pick is easy when the best player available meets the biggest need. Miami's selection of Tyler Booker isn't sexy, but it is necessary. Miami needs to protect Tua Tagovailoa at all costs. With Tagovailoa out of the lineup, this Dolphins team looks very different, and not in a good way.

18. Seattle Seahawks - Grey Zabel, OG, North Dakota State

Biggest Needs: OT, OG, LB, QB

No prospect helped themselves more at the Senior Bowl than North Dakota State's Grey Zabel. Zabel's dominating performance in Mobile put him into the first-round conversation. Zabel's ability to play anywhere along the offensive line will make him very attractive for a team like Seattle, which needs help at multiple positions along the offensive line.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Armand Membou, OG, Missouri

Biggest Needs: OT, OG, LB, Edge

Armand Membou is one of this class's most versatile and well-rounded offensive linemen. Tampa Bay can plug-and-play Membou at right guard or right tackle. Membou was a rock for the Tigers offensive line as he did not allow a sack or a quarterback hit in 2024.

20. San Francisco 49ers - Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia

Biggest Needs: OG, CB, DT, Edge

With the depth of this edge class, talent is going to get pushed down the board. This is why the 49ers made the deal to trade back, as they had options in Shemar Stewart, Landon Jackson, James Pearce Jr., and Mykel Williams.

San Francisco selects Williams with the pick, and while the production wasn't great, the talent is certainly there. Williams is as explosive as they come and has the length to be a real force for years to come. For Williams to reach his full potential, he will need to add some strength and refine his pass-rush abilities. That's where Nick Bosa comes in handy.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers - Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Biggest Needs: QB, WR, OT, CB

Most anticipate the Steelers drafting a wide receiver here to pair with George Pickens, but the Steelers' recent track record suggests they should probably pump the brakes, at least for now. If Josh Simmons hadn't fallen to them with this pick, they very well may have gone with a pass-catcher. 

Simmons likely would have been drafted earlier if not for a knee injury, so those medical rechecks in Indianapolis will be important. The former Buckeye lineman can play multiple positions within the trenches, making him a valuable commodity.

22. Los Angeles Chargers - Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

Biggest Needs: WR, Edge, DT, OC

Everyone wants the Chargers to draft a running back within the first few rounds. In fantasy, any running back the Chargers select automatically carries fantasy appeal. Last season, J.K. Dobbins was exceptional coming back from injury, but he isn't the long-term answer for this Jim Harbaugh/Greg Roman offense.

With Jeanty off the board, the Chargers grab the next best thing in Omarion Hampton. Hampton is a great fit for Roman's offense and has shown workhorse potential, carrying the rock 534 times for 3,164 yards and 30 touchdowns over his final two seasons at North Carolina.

Don't overthink it; he's RB2 in this class.

Omarion Hampton's footwork and acceleration: pic.twitter.com/QV8Ve9uVcx

— Colton Edwards (@coltonedwardsFB) February 19, 2025

Picks No. 23-32: Possible QB Darting into the First Round?

23. Green Bay Packers - Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M

Biggest Needs: Edge, CB, OT, DT

The NFC North features some of the most explosive offenses in the NFL today. If you want to compete, you must find a way to neutralize those high-scoring offensive units. Shemar Stewart has the potential to be a disruptive force in the NFC North for years to come.

Stewart may not look like a great scheme fit for the Packers right now, but the talent and the upside are too much for Packers brass to pass up on.

24. Minnesota Vikings - Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Biggest Needs: CB, OG, DT, S

Harrison Smith isn't getting any younger. Minnesota allowed fantasy production in bunches last season to opposing wide receivers. Starks has a proven nose for the ball, finishing his junior season with six interceptions and 77 tackles. 

Oh my goodness. This is why Malaki Starks is a blue chip prospect pic.twitter.com/NqkR9qS3G9

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) August 31, 2024

Starks' ability to locate the deep ball, come downhill, and play the run makes him a great fit for a Vikings defense that looks to compete with Detroit and Philadelphia.

25. Houston Texans - Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Biggest Needs: OT, OG, DT, WR

With Tank Dell unlikely to return in 2025 and Stefon Diggs heading to free agency, Houston will look to add more playmakers for C.J. Stroud. It's not very often that you can add instant chemistry by adding the all-time receiving yards leader at Ohio State and a former teammate in the process, Emeka Egbuka.

Egbuka will help alleviate some pressure put on Nico Collins, especially down in the red zone. Egbuka's elite route running, spatial awareness, and separation skills make him a nightmare in this area of the field, especially if teams are already focused on Collins.

26. Los Angeles Rams - Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

Biggest Needs: WR, OT, CB, LB

Los Angeles has already decided to move on from Cooper Kupp this offseason and is looking at potential trade destinations for the former Triple Crown winner. With that said, Los Angeles will need to find secondary production in the passing game behind Puka Nacua. Both Tutu Atwell and Demarcus Robinson will soon be free agents, so wide receiver is a position of need heading into the draft.

Los Angeles is unlikely to retain Atwell or Robinson, so it adds a very talented Luther Burden III with its late-first-round selection here. Los Angeles also hopes it is getting the 2023 version of Burden, who averaged 3.00 yards per route run and produced 718 of his 1,212 yards after the catch.

27. Baltimore Ravens - James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee

Biggest Needs: OT, Edge, S, WR

Recent rumors of "character" concerns are slowly starting to connect with James Pearce Jr. and his name leading up to the NFL Draft. The unfortunate truth is that this happens to one player or another every year, whether the claims are true or not.

Fortunate for the Ravens, Pearce falls right to them and addresses one of their biggest needs: an edge defender. Pearce adds a dynamic pass rush to this Ravens defense that seemed to have figured things out in the back half of the 2024 season.

28. Detroit Lions - Darius Alexander, DT, Tulane

Biggest Needs: Edge, DT, CB, OG

Detroit had plenty of injuries along that defensive line last season, and eventually, in the playoffs, it caught up to it. With this selection, Detroit addresses that concern by selecting Darius Alexander, who is an absolute load in the trenches. 

With an impressive showing at the Senior Bowl, Alexander has been generating first-round consideration that continues to get louder every week. Alexander should make life easier for Aidan Hutchinson by demanding double teams on the inside. The last thing opposing offensive coordinators want is for Hutchinson's life to become easier.

Darius Alexander is just incredible at the Senior Bowl.

He’s one of 10 defensive tackles who could go in the first two rounds. pic.twitter.com/oxUyTvdoAD

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 1, 2025

29. Washington Commanders - Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

Biggest Needs: OT, Edge, WR, CB

Washington has a glaring need along the offensive line and Josh Conerly Jr. is the best offensive lineman on the board. Conerly was named the top OL on the national squad during the Reese's Senior Bowl in a vote from the defensive line and linebacker groups.

Conerly still needs to develop, but he did have some good reps last season against Abdul Carter and Jack Sawyer and allowed just a pair of sacks during his collegiate career.

30.  New York Giants - Jaxson Dart, QB, Mississippi

Biggest Needs: QB, OT, OG, CB

Projected Trade with the Buffalo Bills

New York decided to jump back into the first round and get ahead of the Titans to secure its future quarterback and pick up that fifth-year option along the way.

While Sanders and Ward get all the love in what many consider a weaker quarterback draft class, Dart's analytics are promising. Dart's "big time" throw rate was 7.1 percent, his average depth of target was 11.9, and his yards per attempt was 10.7. These are all better metrics than the quarterbacks likely to be selected ahead of him.

Jaxson Dart’s Advanced Analytics:

➖11.9 Average Depth of Target
➖7.1% Big Time Throw Rate
➖10.7 Yards Per Attempt

They were ALL better than Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders

The most impressive part? Jaxson Dart accomplished this while having LESS time to throw (2.77) than them pic.twitter.com/ccWkMBPMGU

— Austin Abbott (@AustinAbbottFF) February 14, 2025

First, the Giants drafted Malik Nabers in 2024. Then, they drafted Travis Hunter with their first pick of the 2025 draft. With the addition of Dart, the Giants offense is starting to take shape.

31. Kansas City Chiefs - Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State

Biggest Needs: DT, OG, OT, CB

After watching the Super Bowl, it is more evident now that the Chiefs need to improve their offensive line. Patrick Mahomes will be getting Rashee Rice back at some point next year. The defense is still one of the top units in the NFL, but that offensive line just surrendered six sacks to the Eagles despite the Eagles not bringing an extra guy the entire game.

Donovan Jackson projects as a guard for the Chiefs, but he did slide out to left tackle when the Buckeyes needed him to. That versatility bolds well for him at the next level.

32. Philadelphia Eagles - Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

Biggest Needs: LB, Edge, WR, OG

What do you get for the team that already has everything? How about the best off-the-ball linebacker the 2025 draft has to offer?

Philadelphia closes out the first round by selecting Jihaad Campbell, who, in 2024, racked up 117 tackles, five sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. I am sure there was a partridge in a pear tree somewhere in there as well. 

With a rotation of Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean, Oren Burks, and Campbell, along with Josh Sweat and Nolan Smith Jr., the Eagles defense puts the team in a position to start talking dynasty.

Just Missed: Tre Harris (WR), Derrick Harmon (DT), Colston Loveland (TE), Nick Emmanwori (S), Matthew Golden (WR), Donovan Ezeiruaku (Edge), Quinshon Judkins (RB), Joshua Farmer (DT), Azareye'h Thomas (CB), Landon Jackson (Edge)

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