Only a few more college football games remain, meaning we’ve gathered about all the video evidence necessary to evaluate the players in the 2025 NFL Draft class properly. Although the top names in the class are well-known, there are always new angles to explore in NFL mock drafts.
As NFL teams begin slowly gearing up for their own draft processes, we can begin piecing together potential team-player fits, although team needs will change drastically between now and April.
1) New York Giants
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Young quarterbacks’ successes and failures often have far more to do with their environment than their own talent. We’ve seen this play out so frequently over the years that it’s become nauseating.
The pressure to play young QBs early in their careers is astronomical. And there certainly is something to be said about gaining that live experience.
However, untenable situations have ruined or stunted many quarterbacks over the years. Look at Bryce Young, Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, Sam Darnold, and several others who stepped into an active volcano and got burnt.
The New York Giants’ situation isn’t so bad, depending on how one feels about Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen. They finally have some semblance of weaponry on the outside, their offensive line isn’t a complete disaster when healthy, and Tyrone Tracy Jr. has some juice out of the backfield.
Shedeur Sanders is the most accurate passer in the class by a fair margin. While he certainly tends to hold the ball to let plays develop in the intermediate areas of the field, he’s also shown more than enough ability to operate the quick game while also having the chutzpah to push the ball downfield, which has been sorely lacking in New York during the Daniel Jones era.
2) New England Patriots
Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
Abdul Carter’s ascension as a legitimate pass rusher in 2024 has been surreal. Every single week this young man seems to show sharper hands and a better plan.
In his only full season on the edge, Carter has already amassed ridiculous production and technical prowess to go along with teleportation levels of closing speed and tabletop ducking bend.
Don’t worry. Folks will question his ability to set the edge as a run defender. As a 250-pound defensive lineman, it’s only natural for that to be the narrative.
It’s malarky!
Carter plays the position with gladiatorial levels of physical violence. He possesses heavy hands and enough length to maintain leverage on the edge. He’s a complete player who also provides an added layer because he showed as much coverage process as most linebacker prospects in a given draft class.
3) Jacksonville Jaguars
Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
There’s not much more to say about Travis Hunter at this point. The Colorado weapon has arguably the greatest ball skills of this generation as a wide receiver.
That makes him the unquestioned top dog in that respect at cornerback. He’s darty and fast and, in 2024, played with more physicality than in the past.
Hunter isn’t perfect as a man coverage defender. He could use a bit more mass and physicality to his frame. However, his coverage intelligence is unmatched. Only Pat Surtain II carries any argument for being an equal in that department.
Defensively, Hunter’s mental process as a receiver allows him to get into the head of opposing WRs. As a receiver, he’s elevated his game as a route runner.
While Hunter’s true calling card would be his ability to attack the football, the acrobatic catches aren’t what he’s best at, either. His most remarkable trait is his ability to feel out his move post-catch while maintaining full attention on the incoming football. If he had a sturdier frame, he’d be one of the most dangerous NFL offensive weapons after the catch.
4) Las Vegas Raiders
Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Cam Ward likely never becomes a viable NFL starter if Las Vegas forces him onto the field early in his career. We’d be witnessing a reenactment of Zack Wilson’s time in New York, except with potentially an even worse supporting cast surrounding Ward.
Right now, Ward is an incredibly entertaining Saturday player with impressive Sunday physical tools without the ability to consistently operate a Sunday offense. Everyone rightfully falls in love with the unbelievable arm talent and heroics outside of the pocket while ignoring the fact that quarterbacking is most often done within three seconds of the snap and within structure.
Thriving in that environment while having the playmaking ability is what makes Patrick Mahomes the best player in the world while Wilson and Caleb Williams have struggled early in their careers relative to their peers with less physical wonder.
But if Las Vegas commits to sitting Ward NO MATTER WHAT in 2025 while building a foundation around him, his physical ability could be exactly the thing to try and fight back against Mahomes and Justin Herbert in the division, as well as what seems to be a solid unit and efficient QB in Denver.
5) Cleveland Browns
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Elijah Moore is a free agent after the season, and he wouldn’t (or shouldn’t) keep the Cleveland Browns from pursuing Luther Burden III anyway. Cedric Tillman has flashed ability on the outside, and Jerry Jeudy was resurgent with Jameis Winston slinging the pill around to whoever had a jersey on out there (complimentary).
Burden’s evaluation is murky because of his horrific usage at Missouri. However, his natural fluidity, explosiveness, and density scream “three-level threat” at the NFL level in the same way it did for Ja’Marr Chase, albeit to a lesser degree.
The Missouri WR played in the slot most often for the Tigers, but his transition to the outside and his overall versatility make him a prime complement to Jeudy. The veteran’s presence also takes some of the initial heat off of Burden, who won’t be forced into a high-volume role he’s not ready for when Jeudy has shown the ability to consistently separate as he can.
6) Tennessee Titans
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Speaking of separation, that is something we’ll need to be cognizant of when discussing Tetairoa McMillan. His wingspan is otherworldly, and he’s endlessly fluid for being 6’5″. However, that frame makes it difficult to be explosive in and out of sharper breaks, which naturally puts McMillan in more contested situations than the shiftier types ruling the league.
Mike Evans will be a popular comp for McMillan, but Evans has 20 pounds and far greater natural physicality to his game. The fact is, McMillan’s archetype doesn’t really exist at the NFL level. His closest stylistic comp would likely be Tee Higgins, who is certainly a good NFL wide receiver.
McMillan’s ability to attack the ball could make him a quarterback’s best friend, but the number of quarterbacks willing and able to operate in those windows is few and far between — and they certainly don’t play for the current Tennessee Titans.
7) Carolina Panthers
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The only reason we don’t talk about Will Johnson’s ball skills nearly enough is because Hunter is an alien. Yet, when healthy, few outside cornerbacks have Johnson’s ability to play in phase, find the football, and attack it in the air from man coverage the way he can.
Johnson’s frame is perfect for the position, and he’s also one of the more intelligent zone defenders we’ve seen over the past half-decade or so.
Some have questioned his long speed, just as Surtain’s was questioned coming out of Alabama. But Johnson maintains such impressive positional leverage that he’s rarely forced into recovery mode, which means we don’t often get to see him at full chap. His athletic testing and tracking data will tell a better story.
8) New York Jets
Will Campbell, OL, LSU
It looks like Olu Fashanu avoided a major injury and has established himself as the New York Jets’ long-term solution at left tackle. Although Will Campbell played tackle in college (and well), much like Alijah Vera-Tucker, he best projects to the interior at the next level.
Quenton Nelson was the last guard selected in the top 10, but Vera-Tucker landed just outside of it. And with few glaring holes on the roster aside from quarterback (which isn’t being answered in this class), drafting the best player available to improve the trenches is a good plan.
Campbell’s torque strength will help him displace interior defenders, and his athleticism and tenacity will make him a dangerous weapon on the hoof in space as well.
9) Chicago Bears
Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Pairing Mason Graham with Gervon Dexter Sr. makes for a potentially devastating duo on the Chicago Bears’ interior.
Graham has the heaviest hands since Jeffery Simmons. However, he also possesses ankle flexibility that other defensive ends and outside linebackers would die for.
Graham plays like his pants are on fire, and his explosiveness and quick wit make him a devastating defender from any alignment, including as a rusher from outside of the tackles if you want to get creative on obvious passing downs.
10) New Orleans Saints
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Dennis Allen and his defense will be gone but not forgotten.
Malaki Starks feels like a New Orleans Saints safety. He possesses the kind of coverage versatility and ferocity in pursuit that was always present in their safeties not named Marcus Williams throughout the years.
In fact, Starks has flashed such coverage skills that it wouldn’t be surprising to see some teams give him a look at cornerback in a class with so much uncertainty at the position behind Hunter and Johnson.
11) San Francisco 49ers
Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
It’s been a long time since Nick Bosa had a legitimate running mate on the opposite side. It feels too early for any of the offensive tackles in the class despite the San Francisco 49ers’ need at the position.
Nic Scourton will be one of the youngest players in the class, and his pass-rushing repertoire is well beyond his years. The Aggie could stand to lose 10-15 pounds from his frame, but even at nearly 280 pounds, Scourton showed more juice and bend than most pass rushers 30 pounds lighter. He also has some of the best outside-winning hands in the class while also boasting a devasting inside spin.
12) Miami Dolphins
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
The Baltimore Ravens selected Kyle Hamilton with the 14th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. The league let arguably the best player in the class slip because he ran a 4.6 and played safety.
The Miami Dolphins aren’t letting that happen again on their watch.
Nick Emmanwori is likely the least-heralded name in the top 20 here. However, that comes from the ignorance of safety play at the college level. In short, too many draftniks don’t like watching safeties because they’re “boring.” But if you’re bored watching this Gamecock’s defender, you’re a square.
At 6’3″ and 230 pounds, Emmanwori looks like a modern WILL linebacker. He certainly pursues and tackles like one. He even flashes some linebacker-like take-on skills against offensive linemen in the box.
But in South Carolina’s two-high quarters defense, Emmanwori plays as their boundary safety, and he does so at an incredibly high level. He’s a snappy processor in coverage, but his calling card is the looseness and explosiveness he possesses to turn and burn with receivers vertically from depth.
Emmanwori is one of the best players in the class, and his skill set pairs wonderfully with Jevon Holland’s more traditional free safety style.
13) Indianapolis Colts
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
For the rest of the NFL Draft cycle, I can promise that this is the only selection that I will make for the Indianapolis Colts. Chris Ballard isn’t going anywhere, has an affinity for outrageous athletes, and has a glaring need at the position. It’s a match made in heaven.
Can you imagine a backfield consisting of Tyler Warren, Anthony Richardson, and Jonathan Taylor? That’s 730 pounds of some of the most explosive athletes we’ve ever seen at their given positions!
Warren is a blue-chip player with outrageous versatility. He’s Taysom Hill injected with super soldier serum, and the strides he’s made as a blocker this season make him an in-line presence for the future in “traditional” looks.
14) Cincinnati Bengals
Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
Shavon Revel Jr. had the opportunity to play his way into elite territory in 2024, but an ACL tear cut his year short. Like Quinyon Mitchell a season ago, Revel could have competed at a college all-star game, tested well in Indianapolis, and found himself a few more dollar bills in his pocket from improved draft stock.
However, this cornerback class lacks ideal Day 1 candidates, and Revel has the size, explosiveness, and playmaking prowess of a difference-making cornerback at the NFL level.
15) Dallas Cowboys
Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
DeMarcus Lawrence isn’t getting any younger, and it wouldn’t hurt Dallas to think about the future opposite of Micah Parsons. What better way to complement the lightning-bolt pass rusher with an opposing 6-foot-4, 285-pound presence?
Shemar Stewart, like Warren, possesses 10.0 Relative Athletic Score potential, given his unique size and athletic profile. He’s far from a finished product as a pass rusher, but Stewart’s realistic projection looks like what Jadeveon Clowney became in the NFL. He should be no less than a good run defender who consistently threatens the quarterback, even if he doesn’t consistently finish.
16) Arizona Cardinals
James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Finishing at the quarterback isn’t an issue for James Pearce Jr. The Volunteers’ pass rusher might be the closest thing we’ve seen to Brian Burns since his selection in 2019.
When Pearce times the snap just right, there’s essentially nothing that an offensive tackle can do to beat him to the set point up the arc. His skill set is why the NFL allows tackles to leave a hair early. Quarterbacks would be in constant peril without allowing that.
Like Burns, Pearce may never be a consistent run defender at the NFL level, but he’ll be disruptive. His burst and bend extend to the screen game, where he consistently gets outside in pursuit of the ball carrier.
Pearce’s bend also allows him to come downline quickly as a backside defender, and his length keeps him alive as an edge setter despite his lean frame.
17) Seattle Seahawks
Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
Jalon Walker is one of the more difficult evaluations and projections in the last few years. There’s no denying his ability to come downhill as a playmaker both as a pass rusher/spy/blitzer and as a run defender. However, much of his production is premeditated, meaning he’s allowed to simply fly downhill on post-snap run blitzes to a single gap.
From there, Walker’s athleticism takes over, and he splashes at or behind the line.
He’ll need massaging as a coverage player if Seattle wants to utilize him at the second level. However, his burst, length, and ability to convert speed to power could also see him slide down to the edge permanently.
Boye Mafe and Dre’Mont Jones will both be in the final years of their deals in 2025, and Uchenna Nwosu is about to get relatively expensive and has struggled to stay healthy in the past two seasons. We could see Walker start at linebacker and slide down to the edge, a la… seemingly every Cardinals linebacker that Steve Keim drafted.
18) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Jihaad Campbell is the best pure linebacker in the class. He possesses an “X” frame that forces him to wear a crop top and the athleticism of a modern space player while providing the density of a 240-pounder.
Campbell’s ascension as a coverage defender in 2024 has been a treat to watch, considering I liked Deontae Lawson’s tape better over the summer (a lot can change quickly in this world).
Campbell also provides some juice as an edge rusher on obvious passing downs, which simply adds to his already impressive versatility. He’s a better prospect than Jack Campbell, Quay Walker, Devin Lloyd, and Zaven Collins, who all went in this range or higher in their respective classes.
If a team needs a linebacker, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Campbell selected in the top 10-15 picks.
19) Atlanta Falcons
Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Mykel Williams is an enigma. His two best performances this season came against the Texas Longhorns, his stiffest direct competition. In fact, four of his five sacks occurred in those two games, and his tape in both clearly laps other performances.
Why? That’s the question evaluators will be asking throughout the process if Williams indeed declares. However, the physical presence he provides alone makes him an intriguing prospect.
Williams has about as much length as a human can possess without it becoming comical, and his 265-pound frame can hold up to some severe double teams on the interior when he’s aligned inside.
20) Los Angeles Chargers
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Colston Loveland might not have the phone number of the landline the Los Angeles Chargers will call him from, but he won’t need an introduction to his “new” head coach.
With Will Dissly under contract for the next two seasons, Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman can live out their 12 personnel fantasies without needing Loveland to ever put his hand in the dirt.
Loveland’s production this season — despite Michigan’s horrific QB situation — is a testament to his ability as a pass catcher. He’s smooth and slippery in the slot while also having quite the experience playing on the outside.
Loveland will provide Justin Herbert with a hilariously long seam threat, along with the ability to bend routes inside and out to create space.
21) Houston Texans
Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
We’re all watching the same Houston Texans… right?
Tyler Booker has the burst and fluidity to get moving as a lead blocker on the outside while also providing the anchor and hands of a high-end pass protector on the interior.
The Crimson Tide lineman has never truly relinquished his title as the best interior blocker in the class. But to Booker’s dismay, NFL evaluators and decision-makers alike have great imaginations and see the tackle-to-guard route as viable for some in the class.
Shaq Mason is a 10-year veteran with a ton of miles, and the left guard spot, where Booker plays, has long been in flux because of underwhelming performance and injuries.
22) Denver Broncos
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
I don’t expect Ashton Jeanty to slip this far in April. However, it’s important to note that no first-round running back has had the amount of miles he has on the odometer in a very long time. The Boise State runner toted the rock 345 times this season and will carry a heavy load against Penn State in the Broncos’ playoff game.
Jeanty doesn’t have the same athletic package as Saquon Barkley or Bijan Robinson, but he might just be the most complete back we’ve seen in quite a while. He led all running backs in receptions and yards a season ago, and he’s an impressive pass protector.
23) Los Angeles Rams
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Josh Simmons is the most frustrating player in the 2025 NFL Draft class, simply because of his injury timing. There wasn’t a better tackle in college football this season. Simmons looked poised to be a very high draft pick, dominating the first five games of the season before injuring his knee in Week 7 against Oregon.
But like Phyllis once said to Paul Finebaum, “They ain’t played nobody, Paul!”
Mike Green only played a few snaps on the same side as Simmons in the Marshall game. Akron, Western Michigan, Michigan State, and Iowa had nobody that could test him. In short, we didn’t really get to see Simmons against legitimate NFL talent.
Last season when we did, like against Penn State, it did not go well.
If the technical improvements we saw this season extend to the next level, Simmons could be the biggest steal in Round 1. If it was all a fugazi based on playing lesser competition, then he could be one of the biggest busts.
24) Washington Commanders
Jahdae Barron, S, Texas
Like Ballard with athletes and Harbaugh with 12 personnel, Dan Quinn loves playing three safeties on the field at the same time.
Quan Martin and Jahdae Barron are different athletes, but both have the coverage versatility to go from the slot to the back end in a pre-snap rotation. Quinn loves versatility, and Barron’s experience as an outside cornerback and safety is everything Washington’s HC could dream of.
25) Pittsburgh Steelers
Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
The Pittsburgh Steelers have consistently had a “type” at wide receiver since Antonio Brown.
Isaiah Bond is arguably the most gifted route runner and separator in the class. However, something has been going on in Austin with him that stinks to high heaven. He’s reportedly battled an ankle injury all season, but the stink goes beyond that.
The ankle has made the tape less impressive in the back half of the season, but the clear disconnect between Bond and Quinn Ewers seems to ooze through the television screen. Between miscommunications, missed opportunities inside the progression while wide open, and bad plays like the SEC Championship Game interception, it seems Ewers doesn’t trust Bond.
We’ve seen Mike Tomlin and the Steelers harness players like this before. Bond could be a special player at the NFL level because few players have had his combination of explosiveness, fluidity, and natural route-running prowess over the years.
26) Baltimore Ravens
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Ronnie Stanley is on a one-year deal and won’t exactly be inexpensive to return on another rental agreement. However, he’s been relatively healthy over the past two seasons and is still one of the more impressive blindside blockers in the game.
So where does that leave Kelvin Banks Jr.? In the reality that Stanley re-signs, Banks will play left guard… at least initially.
Maybe he’ll stay there. Banks is a really good player, but Texas’ offense does a nice job of insulating him from the dangers of real, true speed off the edge because of their quick passing attack and impressive design. Banks can get out and be a menace on the hoof, but his phone-booth foot speed leaves a bit to be desired.
So, that issue goes away a bit on the interior. Additionally, Banks is a menacing run blocker, which would make him an upgrade from Patrick Mekari, who is fine but replaceable at left guard.
27) Green Bay Packers
Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
Landon Jackson is 270 pounds with a floating cross chop and legitimate bend to capture the arc. Although his height can be a detriment when his pad level rises vs. the run, Jackson’s length and natural anchoring ability also make him an impressive weapon against the run.
Despite his leggy frame, Jackson’s reactive athleticism is relatively impressive. He changes direction well in pursuit, and he can win at all three phases as a rusher. The only thing keeping him from an ascension into the upper echelon in this class is a somewhat underwhelming (given his size) power profile.
28) Philadelphia Eagles
Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona
Jonah Savaiinaea has no such issues with his power profile. The Arizona RT won’t get to stay outside for the Philadelphia Eagles unless Lane Johnson decides to hang up the cleats. But that doesn’t mean he couldn’t be a tackle at the NFL level.
Savaiinaea’s looked less natural on the left side when forced there this season, but at right tackle and at guard, there’s no denying his potential. The Wildcats’ lineman has one of the most explosive get-offs I’ve seen from a blocker his size, and he’s impossible to move from his spot.
The Eagles have a very well-rounded roster, and they’ve always felt comfortable having MORE offensive linemen than needed to man a starting lineup. That means Savaiinaea can ease his way into a starting guard role.
29) Buffalo Bills
Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State
Donovan Jackson likely won’t have the luxury of waiting to start in the NFL. However, we already know he can play left guard at a high level.
The Buckeyes’ blocker is a former five-star player with exceptional athleticism for his size. Although we haven’t quite seen the dominating consistency we would like from him in the run game, Jackson is an excellent pass protector, thanks in part to the absolute vines he possesses for arms.
30) Minnesota Vikings
Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
It’s hard to look anywhere else but running back for the Minnesota Vikings. Although Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson could be an outstanding fit in Minnesota if Kevin O’Connell wanted to lean heavier into wide zone looks, he’s split Aaron Jones practically down the middle in 2024.
Minnesota is also no stranger to using Jones as a pass catcher, and NicholasSingleton is practically the Nittany Lions’ second-best pass-catching weapon behind Warren.
At 6’0″, 226 pounds, Singleton has legitimate home-run speed while also boasting impressive contact balance and low miles due to his heavy rotation at Penn State with Kaytron Allen.
31) Detroit Lions
Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss
Even with Za’Darius Smith still under contract in 2025, it’s clear that the Detroit Lions could use a long-term solution opposite of Aidan Hutchinson. Additionally, having Smith on the roster will allow the defensive staff to bring Princely Umanmielen along at his own pace as a rotational player, which will likely be necessary.
Umanmielen easily produced his best tape in 2025, but it took years of patiently waiting for this day to come, and it came in the waning hours of his college career. There could also be a relatively steep curve at the next level despite his length, bend, and explosiveness.
32) Kansas City Chiefs
Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
We can’t keep letting the Kansas City Chiefs get away with this.
There isn’t a single offensive lineman in the country with a better résumé than Armand Membou. He allowed only nine pressures without a single sack this season and did so playing against Boston College (Donovan Ezeiruaku,) Texas A&M (Stewart and Scourton), Alabama (LT Overton and Co.), South Carolina (Kyle Kennard and Dylan Stewart), and Arkansas (Jackson).
Oh, and he was Missouri’s representative on Bruce Feldman’s “Freak List” for 2024 over Burden.
The lack of hype surrounding Membou and the narrative that the NFL might see him as a guard are frankly frightening. If anything, a move to the interior would only magnify the few flaws in his game on tape.
But the Chiefs will start him at right tackle on Day 1 and he’ll thrive, because wealth inequality exists everywhere, including the NFL.