It’s draft week! We’ll have one more mock draft before Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, but this mock to kick off the week goes in a different direction than the chalk picks in the first quarter of most mocks.
1. TEN: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
It’s not like they’ve said much publicly, but it’s no secret the Titans intend to take Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the top pick in the draft.
2. CLE: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
There was some intrigue throughout the process, but the Browns—from the coaching staff eager to utilize Hunter to the analytics side loving the value of getting someone who can play on both sides of the ball—appear to be locked in on Travis Hunter.
3. NYG: Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State
Things could potentially get crazy here if a team gets aggressive for a trade-up late, or if the Giants decide to take quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Odds are New York just goes with Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter.
4. NE: Jalon Walker, OLB, Georgia
No. 4 is likely where things have a chance to get wild. LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell would be somewhat of a boring pick many are projecting as chalk, but Georgia star defender Jalon Walker should not be counted out. He can help the Patriots attempt to match up with Josh Allen in the division.
5. JAX: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Ashton Jeanty is very popular here and ultimately might be the guy. But there was some buzz early in the draft process for Tetairoa McMillan going to the Jags—and that’s now picked back up for draft week. If he has protection, Trevor Lawrence can light it up throwing to Brian Thomas Jr. and McMillan.
6. LV: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Jeanty will be in the mix here, too, along with Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron. The new regime for the Raiders might want to start by strengthening the trenches with Armand Membou.
7. NYJ: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Barron is also expected to be in the discussion for the Jets, but Tyler Warren feels like a tough, gritty, productive pick for the offensive side of the ball if they go that route. The impressive tight end would make things easier on Justin Fields.
8. DEN (mock trade via CAR): Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The Broncos might try as high as No. 4 to get Jeanty, but they’d have a very realistic shot if the Boise State running back drops past the Jaguars and Raiders and makes it to No. 8. Carolina has wanted to trade back, and it sounds like Denver is plotting a massive leap up the board to add a superstar weapon in Jeanty.
9. NO: Will Campbell, G, LSU
Will Campbell might just go No. 4 to New England as many expect, but he’s here at No. 9 to the Saints for the second straight mock. A big question is if Campbell settles in at guard in the NFL.
10. CHI: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The thought is that the Bears would love to get Jeanty—they were projected to trade to No. 5 for him in the previous mock. Instead, they’re also apparently high on Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, who might go lower than many expect.
11. SF: Kelvin Banks Jr., G, Texas
Another Michigan defensive tackle—Kenneth Grant—might be in the mix for the 49ers, but Kelvin Banks Jr. can immediately slide in at left guard next to Trent Williams for a team looking to compete for a title in 2025.
12. DAL: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
The Cowboys have been a tough team to pin down, with a trade back being their preferred path. If they stay at No. 12, it feels like they might take one of the top three receivers in the class. Matthew Golden’s speed could potentially take some pressure off CeeDee Lamb.
13. MIA: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
A run of three straight Texas guys ends with Barron for the Dolphins, who are exploring a Jalen Ramsey trade and could use more juice in the secondary.
14. IND: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
The Colts have been connected to tight end all draft season. This just feels like the first-round spot for Colston Loveland—someone projected to go in Round 1—as Indy can mold him and bring him along given all the tight ends they’ve used in recent years.
15. ATL: Mykel Williams, OLB, Georgia
These next few picks are prime spots where teams will want to explore a trade back—but I’m having trouble finding a team that will want to trade up. If the Falcons stick here, they might stay in state with a Georgia Bulldog in Mykel Williams.
16. ARI: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Josh Simmons’ knee has reportedly checked out well heading into the draft, which is great to hear. Arizona has depth at tackle, and they wouldn’t need to rush the talented Simmons into the lineup.
17. CIN: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
The Bengals lost Akeem Davis-Gaither to the Cardinals in free agency, and while they signed Oren Burks and still have Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they pulled the trigger on Jihaad Campbell. Campbell can also help get after the passer. A pure edge rusher is an option, too.
18. SEA: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
Don’t count out quarterback here, even after the signing of Sam Darnold. But to help have Darnold have success, they’ll want to keep him clean with more beef up front with Tyler Booker.
19. TB: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Buccaneers want to add at cornerback, and Will Johnson was seen as a potential top-five pick entering the year. The Michigan product would be in an ideal spot here under an elite coach of defensive backs like Todd Bowles.
20. CAR (mock trade via DEN): Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
If the Panthers do trade back like with this mock trade, they can go in a bunch of different directions when they’re on the clock. Emeka Egbuka is a fit for what they’re looking for at receiver and can emerge as a go-to target for Bryce Young.
21. PIT: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
Jalen Milroe as the second quarterback drafted? If the Steelers love him, why not? Remember, Pittsburgh does not have a second-round pick. If they like one of these quarterbacks, they might have to get them early.
22. LAC: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
This could be the floor for Kenneth Grant, who played under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan and might be the best player among the Wolverines in this year’s draft.
23. GB: Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M
Shemar Stewart would be a typical Packers draft pick, and it was an easier connection to make with the top three receivers off the board.
24. CLE (mock trade via MIN): Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Look for the Giants or the Browns to consider moving back into Round 1 to add a quarterback after spending a top-three pick elsewhere. The Vikings only have four selections in the draft and certainly want more draft capital, so they might be the best spot to move up to. Reuniting Sanders and Hunter would bring major energy to Cleveland.
25. HOU: Grey Zabel, C, North Dakota State
Grey Zabel is again the mock pick for the Texans, who profile as a wild-card team that could move up or down the board under general manager Nick Caserio.
26. LAR: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Cornerback figures to be a position the Rams target—if they don’t go quarterback, that is. (Keep an eye on Milroe if he gets past Pittsburgh.) Maxwell Hairston brings athleticism and playmaking to the secondary.
27. BAL: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
This would be a typical Ravens pick, and adding a stud deep safety in Malaki Starks would free up Kyle Hamilton and the secondary.
28. DET: James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee
James Pearce Jr. arguably has top-10 talent, and his speed opposite Aidan Hutchinson can get home when it matters for a Super Bowl hopeful Lions squad.
29. WAS: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Omarion Hampton would be a fantastic fit in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense, and it’s easy to envision him breaking off chunk plays with the attention quarterback Jayden Daniels draws from defenders.
30. BUF: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger is getting first-round buzz, and he’s a potential fit in Buffalo given the injuries the defense has dealt with in recent years. Cornerback appears less likely after former All-Pro Tre’Davious White returned to the Bills.
31. KC: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
A lot of people might be shaking their heads if the Chiefs get a talented interior defensive lineman in Walter Nolen at pick No. 31. This is another spot to keep an eye on for a trade.
32. PHI: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Finally, if the Eagles don’t move up or down the board, Benjamin Morrison would be a high-upside selection forming an insane long-term trio at cornerback for Philadelphia.