Only three college football games remain, which means the tape for the 2025 NFL Draft class is just about finished. 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.
Note: This is a projected draft order and not based on the current draft order. For the most up-to-date order and to run your own mock draft, head over to the free PFN Mock Draft Simulator.
1) New England Patriots
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Is Travis Hunter a wide receiver or a cornerback? The great news for the New England Patriots is that it doesn’t really matter either way.
New England badly needs a true top weapon for Drake Maye entering his second season. That could come in the form of both a free agency splurge and the usage of a premium pick.
And while cornerback Christian Gonzalez has emerged as the team’s second-most-promising building block after Maye, fellow starting corner Jonathan Jones is an impending free agent. If Hunter ends up in Foxboro, perhaps his two-way playing days can continue after all.
2) Tennessee Titans
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The Will Levis experiment is almost assuredly at an end after two unsuccessful seasons. The former Kentucky product was a negative play machine in 2024, leading the league in sack rate and ranking second in interception rate.
Shedeur Sanders’ accuracy would be a welcome change from the quarterback play that Nashville has seen the past two seasons. Sanders brings more of the playmaking ability that Levis has flashed, but without the frequent disasters that accompany Levis’ playing style.
3) Cleveland Browns
Cam Ward, QB, Miami
It feels as though the Cleveland Browns are locked in to taking a quarterback in the first round. Deshaun Watson’s albatross contract forces the Browns to have their starting quarterback be on a rookie contract, particularly after a restructuring ensures that Watson will remain in Cleveland in 2025.
The issue is that Cam Ward could need development time on the bench to train him out of his worst habits that come with extending the play too late. That could lead to an awkward situation with Watson holding the fort as an unpopular starter while calls for Ward intensify as the losses (presumably) pile up. (Watson was dead last in PFN’s QB+ metric.)
Still, Cleveland doesn’t have a choice when it comes to moving past the Watson disaster. Ward’s arm talent and mobility gives him a high ceiling if the Browns can put the proper infrastructure in place for him when it’s time to take the field.
4) New York Giants
Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The New York Giants’ Week 17 win over the Indianapolis Colts was the rare offensive outburst that has been elusive for this franchise over the last decade. Unfortunately for the Giants, the win knocked them out of the top pick and could cost New York the opportunity to draft a quarterback capable of leading them to future fireworks.
Nevertheless, Abdul Carter is a pretty solid consolation prize. His ascent to the top pass rusher in this draft class has been solidified in his first season as a pure edge rusher. The Penn State product has an FBS-high 11.0 sacks entering the Nittany Lions’ semifinal game against Notre Dame.
When paired with Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, Carter’s presence could help New York build the type of pass rush that defined their championship teams of this century.
5) Jacksonville Jaguars
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Jacksonville Jaguars need help at every position on defense. The Jaguars have the second-worst Defense+ grade in 2024 ahead of only the Carolina Panthers, and don’t rank in the top half of the league in any category that comprises PFN’s defensive metric.
Will Johnson has been destined to be a top cornerback pick for some time now. Johnson brings the best ball skills of any defensive back outside of Travis Hunter in the class, while also demonstrating the ability to play sound zone coverage.
The Jags need tons of work before this defense is back to average, but a cornerback tandem of Johnson and Tyson Campbell would suddenly give Jacksonville a nice foundation to build its unit around.
6) Carolina Panthers
Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The only defense worse than Jacksonville’s resides in Charlotte. The Panthers have the worst Defense+ grade of any team since 2020, and need difference-makers at every level.
While the temptation is strong to give Bryce Young more help, Carolina won’t break out of the top 10 picks until it fields at least a passable defense. Mason Graham possesses a lethal combination of size and flexibility, giving him the opportunity to emerge as the rare effective pass-rushing 1-tech.
Even at a wider alignment, Graham has shown the ability to get after the quarterback. Pairing him with Derrick Brown on the interior would define the Panthers’ defense for years to come.
7) New York Jets
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
A once-mighty New York Jets defense has totally collapsed since Robert Saleh’s midseason firing. The Jets still have plenty of talent on their defense, but safety stands out as a position that could use a future boost.
Enter Malaki Starks. The Georgia safety is versatile enough to line up in the deep half or in the box, and he’s flashed enough coverage skills to believe he could play cornerback.
The Jets may need another cornerback anyways if they can’t bring back D.J. Reed in free agency. However, no matter where he lines up, Starks would be a Day 1 starter that could help elevate the New York defense back to its prior elite levels.
8) Las Vegas Raiders
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
As badly as the Las Vegas Raiders need a quarterback, back-to-back late-season wins may have tanked their ability to get one in the draft without trading up. While the Raiders could reach for someone like Alabama’s Jalen Milroe here, the better bet is giving their 2025 quarterback a true No. 1 receiver.
Tetairoa McMillan comes out of central casting for the true No. 1 X receiver role. McMillan is 6’5″ yet retains the fluidity of a much smaller receiver. His frame and production makes him one of the easier projections among top-end picks this draft cycle.
The Raiders clearly prioritized building up their receiver corps when they traded for Davante Adams two years ago. While Adams is now gone, the Raiders can replace his production and create a terrifying young pass-catching duo with McMillan and Brock Bowers.
9) Chicago Bears
Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Chicago Bears had one of the better defenses to begin the season, but saw their production dip sharply in the second half of the season. While Montez Sweat has been an effective edge rusher since arriving via midseason trade last year, the Bears could use another pass rusher to take some attention off Sweat.
Nic Scourton will be one of the youngest players in the class, but he comes with a pro-ready pass-rushing tool kit. He’s a bit of a tweener at his size, and losing some weight could help him translate to a more true edge-rushing role.
10) New Orleans Saints
Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
The New Orleans Saints have invested in edge rushers over the years but still need pass-rushing help. Franchise icon Cameron Jordan is aging, former first-round pick Payton Turner never panned out, and Chase Young is a free agent after a one-year deal.
Mykel Williams is a risky projection, but he could help stabilize that defensive line for years to come. Williams’ production is the opposite of what you’d typically expect, with four of his five sacks coming against his best competition in Texas.
While it’s disconcerting that he was held in check against Georgia’s other opponents, his freakish length should translate right away and could even lead to interior pass-rushing snaps on third downs.
11) San Francisco 49ers
Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
Charvarius Ward is a free agent, potentially leaving the San Francisco 49ers perilously thin on starting cornerbacks. The Niners seemingly signaled Ward’s impending exit by extending Deommodore Lenoir this season, particularly with tons of impending contracts (including Brock Purdy’s) coming up on offense.
However, drafting a top prospect like Shavon Revel Jr. would ease the pain that will come when Ward likely departs in free agency. Revel might not be ready to play right away after tearing his ACL in September, but he shouldn’t be out for the entirety of his rookie year.
The 49ers have a history of taking big swings on injured-but-talented prospects, and Revel could be the latest in that draft pattern.
12) Indianapolis Colts
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
The Indianapolis Colts utilized a revolving door at tight end this season, but they could end that with a true No. 1 tight end like Colston Loveland.
A top target on Michigan’s 2023 title team, Loveland erased any questions about his receiving abilities by producing in 2024 despite the Wolverines’ abysmal quarterback play. His route-running ability holds up in the slot, making him the type of “big slot” weapon that offenses have been craving in recent years.
Anthony Richardson took too many downfield chances in 2024, but part of the issue was that the Colts didn’t have great possession receiving options available (particularly with Josh Downs’ health issues). Loveland would solve that problem and hopefully lead to a more well-rounded passing chart for Richardson in 2025.
13) Dallas Cowboys
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Dallas Cowboys have leaned far too heavily on CeeDee Lamb. Over the last two years, no receiver has accounted for a higher share of his team’s targets or receptions than Lamb.
Thus, a running mate for Lamb looms as one of the Cowboys’ biggest needs this offseason. Emeka Egbuka would fit just about any system with his versatility and playmaking ability. In Dallas, he could play more out wide with Lamb operating as the best primary slot receiver in the league.
Egbuka gets pushed down some boards due to Ohio State’s loaded wide receiver room depressing his production. However, there are few wide receivers outside of Hunter and McMillan with higher ceilings in this class, potentially giving the Cowboys a deadly top two for Dak Prescott to target.
14) Arizona Cardinals
James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
The Arizona Cardinals have fielded one of the most anonymous defenses in recent years. Apart from safety Budda Baker, the Cardinals don’t really have any player that forces offenses to game plan around.
That would change in a big way with James Pearce Jr. The Tennessee edge rusher has the most fearsome speed of any pass-rushing prospect this class, as he will inject some badly needed juice into a flagging Cardinals pass rush.
Pearce may not have much early-down value in the league, but pass rushers don’t get paid for their ability to make run stuffs. His burst could transform Arizona’s young defense and help Jonathan Gannon’s unit take a decisive step forward.
15) Miami Dolphins
Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Offensive line has been a problem for the Miami Dolphins for years. And with left tackle Terron Armstead one of the biggest health liabilities in the league, it’s important for the Dolphins to restock their offensive tackle pipeline.
Patrick Paul was a good start in 2024, but Will Campbell would be a nice boost as one of the highest-floor offensive line starters in this class. Campbell’s arm length makes his ability to hold up at OT a question mark, but if the worst-case scenario is a Pro Bowl-level guard, then there’s nothing to worry about.
The Dolphins arguably need more help on the interior after Robert Hunt’s departure last offseason anyway. Whether it’s offensive tackle or guard, Campbell is a plug-and-play starter anywhere along the offensive line.
16) Cincinnati Bengals
Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Defense spoiled an MVP-caliber season from Joe Burrow and will likely prevent the Cincinnati Bengals from making the playoffs despite an elite offense.
With B.J. Hill set to hit free agency and the Sheldon Rankins experiment belly-flopping, the Bengals sorely need help at defensive tackle. Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon could be an immediate starter.
Harmon’s disruptive pass-rushing skill set (five sacks and 11 TFLs) would play nicely next to run-plugger Kris Jenkins Jr., whom the Bengals drafted last year. Trey Hendrickson accounted for a higher share of his team’s sacks than any player in 2024, and the Bengals need to ensure that doesn’t happen again in 2025.
17) Atlanta Falcons
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
The Falcons have a history of investing in offensive line early in the draft. With right tackle Kaleb McGary entering the final year of his deal in 2025, it’s important for Atlanta to invest in an upgrade for his successor given that right tackle will (ideally) be protecting Michael Penix Jr.’s blind side for years to come.
Kelvin Banks Jr. has the versatility to play guard as well, potentially giving him an opportunity to start as a rookie before kicking out to tackle in 2026. Banks is also an excellent run blocker, which pairs well with the Falcons’ Bijan Robinson-led offensive identity.
18) Seattle Seahawks
Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
Pressure ruined an otherwise talented Seattle Seahawks offense in 2024. Geno Smith had the most turnovers of any quarterback under pressure this season, as the Seahawks gave up the third-highest non-blitz pressure rate of any offense.
The bookend tackles are set with Charles Cross and Abe Lucas, but the interior offensive line could use a makeover.
Tyler Booker is the best interior blocker in the class, demonstrating an enticing combination of the power to anchor and fluidity to climb to the second level in run blocking. It’s possible Booker’s NFL team tries to convert him to tackle, but he’d be a perfect fit along the interior of Seattle’s line.
19) Houston Texans
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
The Houston Texans’ offense was one of the most disappointing units of 2024. The Texans rank 30th in PFN’s Offense+ rating, the lowest for any playoff team since the metric began in 2019.
Among their multiple needs on offense, wide receiver stands out. Tank Dell likely won’t play much if at all in 2025 after his horrific Week 16 knee injury, while Stefon Diggs is a free agent coming off a torn ACL of his own. Luther Burden III would represent great value at this point, as he projects as a three-level threat with a more varied usage than what Missouri afforded him.
While the Texans were able to cruise to the AFC South title due to the division’s mediocrity, they won’t be so lucky in 2025 with a similar level of offensive performance. Burden’s arrival could help ensure that doesn’t happen again.
20) Denver Broncos
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Running back may not be a high-profile draft position anymore, but certain prospects overcome positional value as no-doubt first-round projections anyways. Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty is one of those, and the Denver Broncos should fit him just as well as the Boise State Broncos did.
The only issue with Jeanty is his high usage, as he carried the ball a whopping 374 times in 2024. He’s led the FBS in carries two years in a row, albeit at a much more palatable 220 carries in 2023.
Denver used a true committee at running back this year, with Javonte Williams losing his grip on the RB1 role. Jeanty would quickly solve that and give Bo Nix a running mate in the backfield.
21) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers never truly replaced Carlton Davis after their top cornerback’s departure in free agency. And while the Bucs’ defense improved in the second half of the season, Tampa Bay still ranked as one of the 10 worst defenses by defensive EPA per dropback in 2024.
Benjamin Morrison would go higher in this draft if it weren’t for his season-ending hip injury suffered in October. Morrison’s medicals will be important at the Combine, but so long as they check out, he would be a great value in the latter half of the first round.
22) Los Angeles Chargers
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Jim Harbaugh enjoyed a terrific all-around tight end at Michigan in Colston Loveland. While Loveland isn’t available in this mock, Harbaugh could pilfer from a former Big Ten rival and achieve a similar effect with Tyler Warren.
Warren possesses the type of versatility that defines some of the best tight ends in the league, such as Brock Bowers and George Kittle. His improvement as a blocker makes him a good fit in a Los Angeles Chargers offense that clearly wants to prioritize running the ball, just as Harbaugh’s Michigan teams did.
The added bonus is that Warren serves as a seam-stretching threat for Justin Herbert. He would create more space for Ladd McConkey underneath as well, giving the Chargers a less constricted feel to their passing game.
23) Los Angeles Rams
Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
The Los Angeles Rams are one of the youngest defenses in the league. That’s led to some wide variance in their week-to-week performances in 2024, even with building blocks such as Jared Verse and Kobie Turner rushing the passer.
Sean McVay typically hasn’t placed a huge value on linebackers, but there’s no denying that the Rams missed Ernest Jones after trading him in the preseason. Jalon Walker’s downhill burst as a tackler and blitzer is reminiscent of Jones, who racked up high sack totals for an off-ball linebacker in LA’s blitz schemes.
Walker isn’t a finished product in coverage, but his athleticism would provide an upgrade in the Rams’ linebacker room immediately.
24) Green Bay Packers
Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
The Packers have a history of investing along the defensive line early in the draft. While less heralded than teammate Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant’s athleticism at his 340-pound frame is astounding.
With shades of Jalen Carter, Grant’s quickness off the snap defies his massive frame. His six sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss over the last two years are reasonable production totals to believe he could hold three-down versatility in the NFL.
25) Pittsburgh Steelers
Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Cameron Heyward remains a foundational rock for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense, but he’s also aging. With Keeanu Benton not taking the expected step forward in 2024, it would behoove the Steelers to reinforce their pipeline in the defensive trenches.
Walter Nolen is a true 3-tech defensive tackle who can create disruption and get up the field. He demonstrated improved run-down ability in 2024 as well, all while earning All-American honors because of his 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss.
26) Washington Commanders
Cameron Williams, OT, Texas
The Washington Commanders’ offensive line loomed as a huge question mark entering 2024. While rookie left tackle Brandon Coleman looks like a future starter, Jayden Daniels’ mobility bailed the line out of some rough performances.
Cameron Williams could make for a nice bookend pairing with Coleman for years to come. The 6’5″, 335-pounder possesses ideal measurables for a tackle and already played the right tackle position in Austin.
He’s green as a one-year starter, and weight was a problem for him in the past. However, with veteran Andrew Wylie still under contract for 2025, Williams could potentially use a year on the bench before turning into a starter if needed.
27) Baltimore Ravens
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
The Baltimore Ravens’ defense turned in Week 11 when Swiss Army knife Kyle Hamilton gave up some of his versatility to play full-time safety. And while Hamilton will excel no matter where the Ravens line him up, they’d be doing him a disservice by limiting him to just deep safety.
Nick Emmanwori is built like a linebacker but possesses the explosiveness to play boundary safety. At 6’3″ and 230 pounds, Emmanwori is bigger than some of Baltimore’s undersized linebackers as well, potentially making him another interchangeable piece with Hamilton.
28) Philadelphia Eagles
Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
The Philadelphia Eagles don’t have many holes, but edge rusher looms as a big question this offseason. Josh Sweat is easily their top player at the position and is set to hit free agency, while franchise stalwart Brandon Graham said that 2024 would be his last season.
Landon Jackson provides three-down value right away with his massive frame and athleticism. His power could use some development, but there’s room for growth there given his size and age.
Even if the Eagles retain Sweat, they could use another edge rusher opposite him after free agent signing Bryce Huff flopped. Jackson would represent a better long-term solution to a once-deep position for Philly.
29) Buffalo Bills
Jahdae Barron, S, Texas
The Buffalo Bills were rebuilding their defense in 2024. One of the positions that got the biggest overhaul was safety, where longtime starters Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer both left.
Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin have gotten the job done in 2024, but Hamlin is a free agent, and the room could use an upgrade anyway. Jahdae Barron has the coverage versatility to play in the slot, box, or deep half, giving the Bills lots of roster-building options. His experience at outside cornerback shows in his coverage ability, always a plus in the AFC that features oodles of quarterback talent.
30) Minnesota Vikings
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Aaron Jones is a free agent, and the Minnesota Vikings may choose to move on from the 30-year-old back if he’s seeking a multi-year deal. With Ty Chandler never developing as hoped, that leaves running back as one of the few clear needs for the Vikings.
Omarion Hampton is versatile enough to play all three downs as a rookie. He’s also a willing pass protector, a rare trait for a rookie that can keep him on the field to help take advantage of his receiving ability. Whether it’s Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy at quarterback for the Vikings next year, a player like Hampton would be useful to have in the backfield.
31) Detroit Lions
Shemar Stewart, DT, Texas A&M
The injury-plagued Detroit Lions defense is better than their current form indicates. However, one thing that’s true even when healthy is that the Lions need more pass-rushing help. Aidan Hutchinson accounted for the highest share of his team’s pressures for any player in the NFL prior to breaking his leg.
Shemar Stewart is a moldable player whose athleticism and movement ability for his size project a very high ceiling. Stewart may not be ready for heavy snaps as a rookie, but that’s fine with Alim McNeill and D.J. Reader both under contract for 2025.
Eventually, Stewart could develop into the type of three-down freak that McNeill has become. That would alleviate the pressure on Hutchinson and keep the Lions’ Super Bowl window wedged open.
32) Kansas City Chiefs
Josh Simmons, OT, Arizona
The Kansas City Chiefs have very few holes, but offensive tackle is a glaring one. Left tackle was never solved after Donovan Smith’s departure in 2024, with All-Pro guard Joe Thuney being forced to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blind side late in the season.
Josh Simmons was in contention for the top tackle drafted in 2024, but he suffered a season-ending left knee injury in October. That could make his rookie season a dicey one in terms of availability, but the Chiefs rarely have the opportunity to draft a top-half-of-the-first-round talent.
If Simmons’ knee injury pushes him down to the bottom of the first round, the Chiefs shouldn’t hesitate to pounce on someone who could stabilize a premium position for the rest of Mahomes’ prime.