With the NFL Draft swiftly approaching and the chaos of free agency dying down, organizations can start to place their full attention on which positions are still in need of an upgrade.
All eyes will be on draft night, as there is not a consensus No. 1 pick in this year’s class. This mock draft was created using PFSN’s Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator, where you can do your own mock drafts and draft alongside your friends with our multi-user draft experience.
With that said, let’s dive into this first-round mock draft.
1) Tennessee Titans
Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
It feels as though the closer the draft gets, the less people project the Tennessee Titans to go with a quarterback. This is largely because the top QB prospects simply don’t possess the same ceiling as others in recent classes. Tennessee could opt for one more season with Will Levis at the helm or chase a free agent such as Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson.
A unanimous All-American and Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, Carter took the country by storm in his first year as a true pass rusher. He has good overall size but just average length for an edge defender. He is an outstanding overall athlete with a rare blend of speed, burst, and agility that allows him to be a game-wrecker as a pass rusher.
2) Cleveland Browns
Cam Ward, QB, Miami
After the Cleveland Browns secured defensive end Myles Garrett to a record-breaking contract extension, it’s obvious the route they plan on taking. Rather than starting a full rebuild, the Browns could select Cam Ward and use Deshaun Watson as a bridge QB while the rest of the roster is built up.
Ward is by no means a surefire future face of a franchise, but he has all the physical tools to evolve into one. He is explosive and shifty in the pocket and open field while also having a really good deep ball feel.
3) New York Giants
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
It turns out Shedeur Sanders didn’t wear New York Giants-themed cleats for nothing, even though he isn’t going off the board at the top spot in this scenario. The Giants weren’t able to steal Matthew Stafford away from the Los Angeles Rams and it remains to be seen if they can land Aaron Rodgers in free agency, so their only promising route may be the draft.
Sanders is a near-perfect fit in New York. Regardless of how he performs on the field, he’s a popular player and the son of an NFL legend joining one of the biggest markets.
4) New England Patriots
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The New England Patriots have a plethora of holes on both sides of the ball, so why not kill two birds with one stone? Travis Hunter is one of the most unique prospects and Heisman Trophy winners of this century, performing at a high level on both sides of the ball.
While the Patriots made a number of splashy free-agency additions, they will need to put the right pieces around quarterback Drake Maye if they want to chase Super Bowls once again.
5) Jacksonville Jaguars
Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
There are many reasons the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense ranked No. 31 in PFSN’s Defense+ metric, but one of the most obvious was their inability to stop the run. Enter 6’3″, 318-pound monster Mason Graham, who can not only help stuff running lanes but also has a respectable set of pass-rushing moves.
While it would be nice to add another weapon for Trevor Lawrence, who struggled heavily last season, shoring up the defensive line is higher on the priority list.
6) Las Vegas Raiders
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Las Vegas Raiders added head coach Pete Carroll and QB Geno Smith this offseason, making it known they have no interest in finishing toward the bottom of the NFL standings once again. This is why selecting the best pure wide receiver in the class, Tetairoa McMillan, is a strong choice.
McMillan is a strong, physical deep threat who, alongside tight end Brock Bowers, could form one of the NFL’s best up-and-coming receiving duos. It’s a recipe for success for the Raiders’ offense in their first season with Smith under center.
7) Chicago Bears (Trade with NYJ)
Will Campbell, OL, LSU
This is the dream scenario for Chicago’s front office, as it trades up and gets the best player at their position of need in the class. With their quarterback of the future, Caleb Williams, in place, it’s time to start protecting him. They began doing so with the acquisitions of Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, but for last season’s most-sacked QB, too much security does not exist.
Some are anticipating Will Campbell may shift to guard once in the NFL, but regardless, he’s an incredibly smart offensive lineman with the mental tools and size to sit near the top of the league for years to come.
8) Carolina Panthers
Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Despite the below-average statistics for the Georgia Bulldogs star, Mykel Williams is a physical specimen, which is what the Carolina Panthers are betting on with this pick. The Panthers’ defense was historically bad in 2024, so adding a dominant talent at one of the most important positions just adds up.
As appealing as it would be for the Panthers to add a reliable weapon for QB Bryce Young, that can be found much easier in later rounds than a physical specimen like Williams.
9) New Orleans Saints
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The reality is the New Orleans Saints are stuck in mediocrity and could use youth and talent almost anywhere on their roster. So, it makes sense to take an upside swing on one of the best prospects from 2024.
While Will Johnson’s stock took a serious hit this past season due to injury, he is still incredibly talented, possessing an All-Pro level of IQ.
10) New York Jets (Trade with CHI)
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Considering the New York Jets’ defense and offensive line are regarded as above average, it could be in their best interest to add another weapon for new QB Justin Fields.
Tyler Warren is a terrific receiving tight end, but he’s also a capable and willing blocker. A duo of Garrett Wilson and Warren could cause serious trouble for opposing secondaries, especially when Fields escapes the pocket and starts scrambling.
11) San Francisco 49ers
Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas
No one is quite sure what the San Francisco 49ers’ future blueprint is, considering the ongoing contract dispute with QB Brock Purdy. For the sake of this mock draft, let’s assume Purdy and the 49ers agree to a lucrative extension. Adding protection for Purdy on an aging offensive line is a strong idea.
Bringing in the 6’4″ athletic lineman is a good place to start, as he’s physically gifted with much experience. Many disagree on how secure Kelvin Banks Jr.’s fundamentals are, leaving him ripe to rise and fall all over draft boards.
12) Dallas Cowboys
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The addition of veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders made it clear that the Dallas Cowboys hope to revive their pitiful run game next season. While Williams is a serviceable back and Sanders is a depth piece, Ashton Jeanty could take the unit to another level.
The Heisman Trophy runner-up rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns last season while leading Boise State to its first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoff.
13) Miami Dolphins
Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M
A phenomenal NFL Combine from Shemar Stewart allows him to go off the board a bit earlier than most previously anticipated. The Miami Dolphins are seemingly continuing their hunt for a healthy and successful season, meaning a gamble on a versatile defensive lineman is worth it.
Stewart has all of the physical tools to play on the inside or outside of the line — it’s just a matter of whether he can play at the right pace and put it all together in a timely fashion.
14) Indianapolis Colts
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
The Indianapolis Colts miss out on the consensus No. 1 TE for a second consecutive season with Bowers and Warren being selected prior to their pick. Instead of opting for the best player available, the Colts’ front office could become tired of waiting and take the next-best player at the position.
Colston Loveland continued his success last season, but the lack of productive quarterback play and the run-oriented offense hurt his level of production.
15) Atlanta Falcons
Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
The Atlanta Falcons’ offense is one of the most dynamic in the league, which is why the front office should immediately turn their attention to defense early in the draft.
Rather than shooting for upside in this situation, the Falcons land Marshall’s Mike Green, who is arguably the most polished edge rusher in this class.
16) Arizona Cardinals
Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
Arguably no offensive lineman in the country faced more high-quality pass rushers on their schedule than Armand Membou. Likewise, no blocker consistently found a way to disallow pressures and sacks against top-notch competition the way Membou did.
The Arizona Cardinals have been stuck in mediocrity for a few years, and prioritizing protecting QB Kyler Murray is a strong step in the right direction.
17) Cincinnati Bengals
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
With the Cincinnati Bengals spending a jaw-dropping amount of cap space on contract extensions for the WR duo of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, it’s time to add cheap and strong help around them and QB Joe Burrow — particularly on defense.
Malaki Starks ended the season with career-high totals of 77 tackles and four tackles for loss. He also had an interception with three pass deflections, becoming a first-team All-American in the process.
18) Seattle Seahawks
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
On the opposite end of the spectrum from the Bengals, the Seattle Seahawks lost wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. This leaves the young Jaxon Smith-Njigba and veteran Cooper Kupp to steady a new-look offense.
Adding a final weapon for ex-Minnesota Vikings signal-caller Sam Darnold could be of great benefit to get the best version of the free-agent addition.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
It’s almost inevitable for someone of great potential to fall in every draft class, and Jalon Walker fits that description in this mock draft.
Walker exploded for a dominant 2024 season, winning the Butkus Award. He led the Georgia Bulldogs in tackles for a loss with 11 and sacks with 6.5. He also totaled 60 tackles, good for fourth-best on his team. Additionally, he finished the season with 23 total pressures and 13 QB hurries.
20) Denver Broncos
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
QB Bo Nix had a surprisingly promising rookie campaign for the Denver Broncos, which should hurry the front office’s rebuilding process.
One of the best ways to do so and supercharge Nix’s development is to strengthen the weapons around him. Heading into his junior season, Golden entered the transfer portal and went to Texas, where he exploded for 987 yards, 58 receptions, and nine touchdowns. He was a key contributor to Texas’ late-season run in the College Football Playoff, particularly against Arizona State, where he dominated with seven receptions for 149 yards and one touchdown.
21) Pittsburgh Steelers
Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Just as a player seemingly falls every year, there is also a huge shock in each draft. If the Pittsburgh Steelers fail to sign Aaron Rodgers or bring back Russell Wilson (which is highly unlikely), Jaxson Dart could come off the board earlier than anticipated.
Dart’s offense at Ole Miss was predicated on speed and efficiency, running a play every 22 seconds on average. This tempo minimizes responsibility for the QB, eliminates their ability to take a detailed pre-snap scan of the defense, and gives him tunnel vision towards his read key. If the Steelers and head coach Mike Tomlin implemented a similar system, Dart could find success for a pick that some might deem a reach.
22) Los Angeles Chargers
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
There’s a plethora of options for the Los Angeles Chargers to find talent on the outside to pair alongside Ladd McConkey, but the longer they wait, the more likely it is that the draft will be the primary route to find said player.
Luther Burden III is not the most physically polarizing receiving threat, but he is a dynamic playmaker capable of creating plenty of separation.
23) Green Bay Packers
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Jahdae Barron would be in a fantastic position if he’s drafted by the Green Bay Packers. If Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander returns, Barron could learn a lot from him. If Alexander is traded as the rumor mill suggests, Barron could step into a significant role right away.
Barron lacks the elite athleticism of others at his position, but his tackling, physical presence, and play strength are exactly what the NFL needs from slot defenders.
24) Minnesota Vikings
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Depth in the secondary is never a bad thing, and with Harrison Smith returning for possibly his final season, Nick Emmanwori could be mentored by one of the best.
The Minnesota Vikings’ secondary returned Byron Murphy and added Isaiah Rodgers fresh off a Super Bowl. However, they could benefit from another starting-level talent in the secondary.
25) Houston Texans
Josh Simmons, OL, Ohio State
The Houston Texans should waste no time replacing superstar offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil, who they dealt to the Washington Commanders.
Josh Simmons had a hot start to the 2024 season, starting six games at left tackle and only allowing only one QB hurry and no sacks in that stretch. His season was cut short against Oregon, however, after he suffered a torn patellar tendon.
26) Philadelphia Eagles (Trade with LAR)
James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
While James Pearce Jr. had another solid campaign in 2024, his slight regression is the reason for his falling.
Still, if he’s able to live up to previous expectations, Philadelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman will be praised as a genius once again.
27) Baltimore Ravens
Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State
The Baltimore Ravens were thankfully able to retain Ronnie Stanley, but that doesn’t mean there’s not room for a developmental project to begin.
Donovan Jackson doesn’t stand out in any one skill but instead is a reliable option in all facets.
28) Detroit Lions
Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
Bolstering the defensive line should be one of the top priorities for the Detroit Lions entering the 2025 NFL Draft.
This is a loaded defensive tackle class, but Derrick Harmon has the tools to be among the best. He’s big, long, and athletic, with the power and hand usage to generate pressure up the middle.
29) Washington Commanders
Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
The Washington Commanders can absolutely use some assistance in the secondary, as seen by how the Philadelphia Eagles’ receiving core tore them apart in the NFC Championship Game.
Shavon Revel Jr. is a lengthy cornerback with strong physical traits capable of being perfected with the right coaching, possibly from head coach Dan Quinn.
30) Buffalo Bills
Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
The Buffalo Bills signed Larry Ogunjobi to a one-year deal in free agency, but since it’s only a one-year contract and Ogunjobi will turn 31 years old in June, Buffalo may want to land a long-term solution at defensive tackle. It’s also worth noting that Ogunjobi will be suspended for the first six games of the season after testing positive for PEDs.
Kenneth Grant capped off his illustrious career at Michigan with Third Team All-American honors. In 2024, Grant started 12 games and produced 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and three quarterback hurries.
31) Kansas City Chiefs
Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama
The Kansas City Chiefs make an obvious selection at No. 31 after losing Joe Thuney. Tyler Booker would easily be the best offensive lineman on the board at this point, leaving the Chiefs with little room for error.
Heading into the 2024 season, Booker shed a significant amount of weight, and his play ended up improving as a result. He didn’t allow a single sack all year on 395 pass-blocking reps, earning All-American nods as a junior guard and landing on CSN’s All-SEC team as an honorable mention.
32) Los Angeles Rams (Trade with PHI)
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
The Los Angeles Rams’ biggest need is at linebacker, and Jihaad Campbell is arguably the best LB in this draft class.
Campbell has a very impressive set of physical tools and uses these characteristics to his advantage. He is widely regarded as one of the best tacklers in the class, and he’s very good in coverage. Campbell possesses the kind of playmaking gene that coaches love. Also, he’s no slouch as a blitzer or in the Sam role rushing off the edge. As positionless football becomes increasingly popular, Campbell has every available tool in the shed.