RADIO
Predicting the first round of the NFL Draft is a futile exercise. The “best” mock drafts have a hit rate lower than Anthony Richardson's completion percentage, which probably explains why so many are floating about. Here, we won’t be trying to predict the future of the 2025 NFL Draft. Instead, we will be doing an NFL mock draft to make all of you, the fans, happy.
If you’re a fan of the Washington Commanders, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, or New York Jets, you’ve likely become more accustomed to watching NFL Draft highlights that could be used in a what NOT to do training video. Here, we will try to make as many of the 32 NFL fan bases as happy as possible by giving their team exactly what they need. It’s more of a "what should happen" mock draft, if you will.
Now, there’s no way to make everyone happy. The reason it's impossible to do that is because fans are not rational, and often, they're not honest. I have Packer friends who are die-hard fans and insist Romeo Doubs is a good receiver. Those same guys expected Allen Lazard to gain 1,000 yards in 2022. No, we won’t be able to make everyone happy, but we will try. Here’s a two-round mock draft, with trades based on what should make each fan base happy… or not. Here's to hoping!
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:- 2025 fantasy football rankings (redraft)
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
- 2025 NFL rookie fantasy football rankings
- Best ball fantasy football rankings
- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
First Round NFL Draft Projections
1. Tennessee Titans - Edge, Abdul Carter, Penn State
Tennessee has plenty of holes across their roster, which includes quarterback. While Cameron Ward and Shedeur Sanders are options for the Titans, they've indicated they don't intend to pass up on a generational talent. Is that Carter? I'm not sure I'd go that far, but he does seem to be the best prospect in this draft. Travis Hunter is an intriguing prospect. His two-way ability is unheard of. Still, Tennesee's general manager has stated they view him as more of a cornerback, and they're pretty set there. Recent rumors have revealed that they will listen to trade Harold Landry III. If he is traded, that would make pass-rusher a significant hole.
2. Cleveland Browns - QB, Cam Ward, Miami
The Browns gave up significant draft capital to acquire Deshaun Watson and gave him a fully guaranteed contract. He's been as bad on the field as he's been off it. Now, his contract has hindered the team from being a player in the market for Sam Darnold, the best quarterback on the free-agent market. The team will be dealing with Watson's contract for several years, and having a quarterback on a rookie contract will significantly benefit the team. Ward has elite physical traits and possesses the highest ceiling among quarterback prospects.
3. New York Giants - CB/WR, Justin Hunter, Colorado
The Giants desperately need a quarterback. Rumors are swirling that the Giants are interested in Aaron Rodgers or another veteran quarterback. The Giants also have holes at cornerback and receiver. Could Hunter realistically fill both? It's certainly possible. He did it at Colorado. Deonte Banks struggled in coverage last season, and while Malik Nabers is a star in the making, they have no quality No. 2 receiver and no quality tight end. It's unrealistic that he can be a full-time player both ways, but what about 55-65% on both sides of the ball? The Giants have so many holes. They're best trying to fill as many as possible instead of reaching for a quarterback.
4. New England Patriots - OT, Will Campbell, LSU
He's the unquestioned No. 1 tackle in this year's draft class. There's an argument that he's a top-two prospect in the draft. The Patriots' No. 1 need is at tackle. Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye were under pressure all the time last season. The offensive line was so bad last year that, at times, the offense couldn't function. They also have a significant hole at receiver, but Campbell is a far better player than any of the receivers left on the board. The team must protect Maye.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars - OT, Armand Membou, Missouri
Trevor Lawrence has struggled with injuries the past few seasons. Their running game couldn’t get anything going last year. Jacksonville’s offensive line was one of the worst in the NFL. They can no longer afford to have Lawrence uncomfortable and running for his life back there. Not if they want to get the most out of him. Membou was a top-20 prospect before the combine, but the numbers he posted there will surely increase his value. His athletic traits are off the charts, providing an immense upside for the Jaguars at arguably their most significant position of need.
6. Las Vegas Raiders - RB, Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
After trading for Geno Smith, it's clear that the Raiders intend to compete sooner than later. They have a solid offensive line, along with Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers, to carry out their passing attack. Their running back depth chart is one of the worst in the NFL, and head coach Pete Carroll has long desired a strong running game. Jeanty would provide that for Las Vegas from day one. Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins lead their defense and should help make that side of the ball passable. If Smith can provide consistency to the offense, Jeanty could send it into overdrive.
7. New York Jets - TE, Tyler Warren, Penn State
The Jets have Garrett Wilson, but Davante Adams won’t be back this season. They need to add another quality pass-catcher to their roster. Offensive tackle would’ve been in play here, too, but with Campbell and Membou gone, the Jets should add Warren. He’s the best tight end in the draft and possesses elite receiving talent. He’s also a capable blocker. His dual skillset will benefit the offense and take some pressure off Wilson.
8. Carolina Panthers - WR, Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
McMillan has been an impact player since setting his feet on the field as a true freshman. He’s a big, strong possession receiver who wins with size, crisp route-running, and strong hands. He’s often compared to Drake London, and with good reason. He’s precisely the kind of receiver Bruce Young would benefit from. The Panthers need to give Young more playmakers, and McMillan certainly qualifies.
9. New Orleans Saints - QB, Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
The Saints' salary cap situation is in a dire state. They can only get under the cap now by restructuring contracts and continuing to push out money into the future. Eventually, the Saints need to reset. Having a quarterback on a rookie deal will make that easier. Derek Carr is a bridge quarterback, and his contract is one the Saints can move on from next season. Sanders will not be pressured to start as a rookie in this situation. He can watch and learn from Carr before taking over in 2026.
10. Chicago Bears - Edge, Shemur Stuart, Texas A&M
After addressing their offensive line the past few weeks with the addition of Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney, Chicago's most significant need becomes their pass rush. Montez Sweat is a solid pass rusher, but Chicago needs more. They have D.J. Moore, Cole Kmet, Rome Odunze, and D'Andre Swift on offense. Their entire starting secondary is returning, as is their starting inside linebackers. With the offensive line addressed already, adding Stuart, who has elite upside with his explosiveness and athletic traits, should be an easy decision for Chicago.
11. San Francisco 49ers - OT, Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
Their offensive line wasn’t where San Francisco is accustomed to having it last year. Brock Purdy was under pressure far too often. Trent Williams isn’t getting any younger, and they’ll need a long-term left tackle option sooner than later. There are NFL Draft scouts and analysts who think that guard might be Banks’ best position, but this affords San Francisco some flexibility. Banks can start at guard and be mentored by Williams, and when he retires, if they want, they can shift Banks out to left tackle.
12. Dallas Cowboys - DL, Mason Graham, Michigan
Graham falls here, probably farther than he should, but weighing in at just 296 pounds with 32-inch arms might cause him to fall slightly. Dallas should not hesitate to run up to the podium to take him here. He’s the best player on the board and was an elite college producer. He’s been part of a winning school and can be a culture-builder for a team that desperately needs leadership. He’s an elite penetrator. This isn’t the most significant area of need for Dallas, but they’re getting a top-10 player at No. 12; they should be thrilled. Graham, Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Osa Odighizuwa could send their pass rush into elite overdrive.
13. Miami Dolphins - DL, Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
Miami needs help in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Their defensive line is especially weak. Calais Campbell is their best player, but he’s at the end of his career. They let Christian Wilkins walk in free agency last year and now need to add some talent upfront. Nolen is another excellent penetrator and can cause havoc from the inside. He was an elite run-stopper at Ole Miss and will be a day-one starter for Miami. Nolen is one of the best players on the board here, and this is a significant positional need for Miami.
14. Indianapolis Colts - DB, Jahdae Barron, Texas
Barron can do a little of everything, but he has the traits and college production that says he can be an elite nickel corner or safety at the next level. He’s in the same mold as Brian Branch and Tyrann Mathieu. That is the kind of player that every defense in the NFL could use, especially the Colts. He’s listed as a top-10 player on most boards, so this is excellent value for the Colts.
15. Atlanta Falcons - Edge, James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
Atlanta has a strong offensive line. They have their quarterback of the future (or so they think), and they have elite offensive weapons in Drake London and Bijan Robinson, along with quality role players in Darnell Mooney, Tyler Allgeier, and Kyle Pitts. The problem is the defense. Pearce is arguably the best edge defender left on the board. He has elite physical traits and has been a disruptive pass-rusher the past two seasons at Tennessee.
16. Arizona Cardinals - DL, Derrick Harmon, Oregon
Arizona is another team with much work to do in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Their most significant need, however, might be in the interior of their defensive line. Harmon was an elite run-stopper in college and showed plenty of pass-rush ability with 43 hurries. He’s an elite athlete and would be slated to start on the interior of Arizona’s defensive line on day one.
17. Cincinnati Bengals - CB, Will Johnson, Michigan
He’s arguably the best pure cornerback in the draft. He’s tall, he’s long, he’s athletic, and he displayed plus ball skills over the past three years at Michigan. Teams tend to love cornerbacks with his size, length, and speed. Cincinnati had one of the worst overall pass defenses in the NFL. Their priority should be on defense and the offensive line. They need a No. 1 cornerback, and Johnson has the tools and traits to be just that.
18. Seattle Seahawks - G, Tyler Booker, Alabama
Booker isn’t even 21 years old yet, and he’s already been a two-year starter and captain for Alabama. That speaks volumes about who he is as a person and a teammate. Before the combine, he was widely regarded as a first-round lock, but a poor performance caused some questions. His film is elite. He’s a mauler in the running game and has excellent technique. Seattle’s offensive line has been a problem for years now. Booker would provide them a day-one starter who would immediately pay dividends in the run game.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Edge, Mike Green, Marshall
Tampa Bay has a well-rounded roster. That’s especially true on the offensive side of the ball (assuming they re-sign Chris Godwin, which it sounds like they will). On defense, however, they could use more help up front getting after the passer. They had to blitz more than they’d liked, and Green would help.
20. Denver Broncos - RB, Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Emeka Egbuka and Colston Loveland are options here, but Sean Payton has long loved designing his offense around the running back position. Hampton is an explosive athlete with home run ability and is strong in the passing game. Denver desperately needs to upgrade at running back. They have a strong offensive line that Hampton could thrive behind, and establishing a strong running game would help take pressure off Bo Nix.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers - WR, Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
George Pickens is a quality X receiver, and if he had better quarterback play and was, at times, a bit more focused, he might be outstanding. All the tools are there. Regardless, however, the Steelers still need another weapon. While Pickens thrives downfield as a man-beater, Egbuka is an excellent option out of the slot and thrives in the short to intermediate part of the field. He’d be a great compliment to Pickens’ skill set.
22. Los Angeles Chargers - TE, Colston Loveland, Michigan
The Chargers need to give Justin Herbert more weapons in the passing game. Ladd McConkey is a stud, and Quintin Johnston is a decent role player, but they need more juice. Loveland is one of the better receiving tight ends in the draft and would immediately upgrade the position for Los Angeles. It’s also hard to ignore the Michigan ties between Loveland and Harbaugh.
23. Green Bay Packers - Edge, Mykel Williams, Georgia
Williams is under 21 and has a freak physical build, which will interest the Packers. Rashan Gary hasn’t been the same player since his knee injury, and Luke Van Ness hasn’t developed as the team hoped he would. The Packers have needs at cornerback and receiver, but Williams is the best player on the board at those positions. The Packers need an insurance policy in case LVN doesn’t take a step forward or if Gary continues to take a step back as a pass-rusher.
24. Minnesota Vikings - RB, TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
The defense has plenty of departures they’ll need to deal with, but Aaron Jones is a free agent, and Henderson might be the best player available here. All signs point to J.J. McCarthy being the starting quarterback for Minnesota in 2025. He’s essentially a rookie. Giving him a strong running game would help take pressure off of him. Minnesota has a solid offensive line, one Henderson could thrive behind right away.
25. Houston Texans - G, Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
C.J. Stroud took a big step back in 2024. There were plenty of reasons for that, but maybe no more significant reason was the play of their offensive line. Stroud isn’t immobile, but he’s best when he can stand in the pocket, trust his protection, and deliver accurate passes. He wasn’t offered that chance last season. Jackson is a three-year starter at Ohio State, and he’ll instantly add some toughness to a unit that desperately needs it.
26. Los Angeles Rams - WR, Luther Burden, Missouri
Cooper Kupp has been told he’s going to be traded. He just hasn’t been the same for the past few years. Burden would make for an excellent replacement if he's traded or released. He looks like a prime Randall Cobb or D.J. Moore clone. He’s not tall, but he’s thick and explosive. He’s a menace after the catch and can be a terror in the screen game. Sean McVay will have fun designing plays to get him the ball early.
27. Baltimore Ravens - Edge, Jalon Walker, Ohio State
Baltimore has a strong, balanced roster. They don’t have many holes. Assuming they resign Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore will be free to go with the best player available. When you’re in a chance to do that, adding players at premium positions should be the goal, and you can never have too many pass-rushers. Walker is a bit of a tweener, but there’s no denying his speed and power. He would strengthen Baltimore’s front seven on defense, specifically their pass rush.
28. Detroit Lions - Edge, Nick Scourton, Texas A&M
Detroit could look at cornerback with Carlton Davis a free agent, but given the severity of Aidan Hutchinson’s injury and the lack of quality pass-rushers behind him, Detroit needs to upgrade their pass rush. They were forced to blitz at a very high rate after Hutchinson went down. Adding another quality pass rusher to the mix will help balance their defense and make Hutchinson’s job easier.
29. Washington Commanders - CB, Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State
Thomas is a tall, length cornerback with above-average athletic traits. Washington’s secondary desperately needs reinforcements. The trade for Deebo Samuel Sr.. allows the team to focus their early draft attention to the defensive side of the ball. Thomas has good instincts and a knack for the ball. He’d be a day-one starter for Washington.
30. Buffalo Bills - S, Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
Taylor Rapp is okay but nothing special. Damar Hamlin is a free agent. Matt Milano is getting up there in age and has struggled with injuries. Emmanwori is a physical freak in every sense of the word. He’s 220 pounds and ran a sub-4.40 forty-yard dash. He’d be an upgrade for Buffalo at safety. Still, he can shift down to linebacker in dime and quarter packages and provide more speed and coverage ability without sacrificing too much size and strength. He can be a chess piece on defense.
31. Kansas City Chiefs - OT, Josh Simmons, Ohio State
Simmons suffered a significant knee injury this past season, which could impact his early 2025 status. It’ll also act as a negative influence on his draft capital. Without it, Simmons may have been a top-20 pick. The Chiefs desperately need help on their offensive line. They had guard Joe Thuney play left tackle in the Super Bowl and traded him to Chicago. Simmons has the size, strength, and athleticism to be their future left tackle once he’s healthy.
32. Philadelphia Eagles - Edge, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
Milton Williams and Josh Sweat are both free agents, and they’ll be lucky if they can resign one of them. If they lose both, Philadelphia should focus on reloading their pass rush and front seven on defense. Ezeiruaku had 16.5 sacks last year and could immediately contribute to Philadelphia’s defense.
Second Round NFL Draft Projections
33. Cleveland Browns - WR, Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
34. New York Giants - QB, Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
35. Tennessee Titans - WR, Matthew Golden, Texas
36. Jacksonville Jaguars - CB, Trey Amos, Mississippi
37. Las Vegas Raiders - S, Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
38. New England Patriots - WR, Tre Harris, Ole Miss
39. Chicago Bears - RB, Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
40. New Orleans Saints - Edge, Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
41. Chicago Bears - OT, Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon
42. New York Jets - S, Malaki Starks, Georgia
43. San Francisco 49ers - CB, Shavon Revel, East Carolina
44. Dallas Cowboys - LB, Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina
45. Indianapolis Colts - TE, Mason Taylor, LSU
46. Atlanta Falcons - DT, Kenneth Grant, Michigan
47. Arizona Cardinals - LB, Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
48. Miami Dolphins - OT, Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
49. Cincinnati Bengals - Edge, Landon Jackson, Arkansas
50. Seattle Seahawks - Edge, Bradyn Swinson, LSU
51. Denver Broncos - WR, Jack Bech, TCU
52. Pittsburgh Steelers - DL, Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - CB, Darien Porter, Iowa State
54. Green Bay Packers - WR, Jalen Royals, Utah State
55. Los Angeles Chargers - Edge, JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State
56. Buffalo Bills - WR, Elic Ayomanor, Stanford
57. Carolina Panthers - DT, Shemar Turner, Texas A&M
58. Houston Texans - OT, Ozzy Trapilo, Boston College
59. Baltimore Ravens - CB, Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
60. Detroit Lions - OL, Tate Ratledge, Georgia
61. Washington Commanders - Edge, Josaiah Stewart, Michigan
62. Buffalo Bills - Edge, Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss
63. Kansas City Chiefs - RB, Dylan Sampson, Tennessee
64. Philadelphia Eagles - WR, Jaylin Noel, Iowa State
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!
