The drought is over, college football fans, for the dam has finally burst. To celebrate, we offer an all-new 2025 NFL Mock Draft.
But this isn’t your run-of-the-mill mock.
Each franchise is only allowed to select a player from a school within their state, meaning the 27 states without an NFL team are ineligible.
2025 NFL Mock Draft | Round 1
For the draft order, we used the free Pro Football Mock Draft Simulator, now equipped with a multi-user experience. And for the college football sickos here, you can now simulate the 2024 season with CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor.
With the preamble out of the way, let the fun begin!
1) Carolina Panthers: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
State: North Carolina
Many will remember Omarion Hampton‘s 234-yard reckoning vs. Appalachian State, but Duke (169), Clemson (178), and Miami (197) were also subject to his utter dominance.
Even after generating 1,500 yards and 15 TDs, Hampton is primed for a prolific season with star QB Drake Maye gone.
2) Tennessee Titans: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
State: Tennessee
As a true sophomore, James Pearce Jr. generated 14.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, one interception, and two forced fumbles in the SEC.
If you only have time to watch one of his games, turn on the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Iowa. That contest fully encapsulates Pearce’s destructive tendencies and points to a player worthy of a top-five selection.
3) New England Patriots: Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College
State: Massachusetts
With UMass and Boston College the only two FBS teams in Massachusetts, the Patriots have to reach deep into the prospect pool.
Ozzy Trapilo, who switched from left to right tackle last season, continues to establish himself as one of the better offensive tackles in the ACC despite missing a few games due to minor injuries.
Known for his size and length, Trapilo excels as a run blocker, though he still needs to refine his technique, particularly against widely aligned pass rushers.
His mobility and versatility make him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams. If Trapilo shows improvements in 2024, he could be a top-100 pick.
4) Denver Broncos: Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado
State: Colorado
On any given play, Travis Hunter could lock down a receiver as a cornerback or burn cornerbacks as a receiver. Hunter’s smooth athleticism and body control make him dangerous in both phases, but his playmaking skill set likely translates best on the defensive side of the ball.
For more on Hunter, scroll to the bottom of the mock draft for his full scouting report from PFN Draft Analyst Ian Cummings.
5) Las Vegas Raiders: Ricky White III, WR, UNLV
State: Nevada
The Raiders would love a QB here, and as much as I believe in Matthew Sluka, the former Holy Cross passer isn’t first-round worthy. Thus, Las Vegas bolsters its WR corps with one of college football’s best: Ricky White III.
After starting off slow against Bryant and Michigan last year, White exploded for 12 receptions and 165 yards vs. Vanderbilt and never looked back.
White can take any play to the house, hitting a top speed of 21.2 mph in Week 12 against Air Force. But the UNLV WR simply knows how to win on his routes, creating separation at an impressive rate.
6) New York Giants: Kyle Monangai, RB, Rutgers
State: New Jersey
The New York Giants (and Jets, for that matter) are actually based out of New Jersey, limiting their scope to Rutgers in the FBS and Princeton and Monmouth in the FCS.
Don’t sleep on Rutgers’ Kyle Monangai. He rushed for 1,262 yards and eight TDs, even with defenses knowing he was the offense’s focal point.
More impressive? He didn’t fumble once and held his own in pass pro. Improvement in the passing game would only open up the rushing attack for Monangai to take advantage of with his quick-cut ability.
7) Arizona Cardinals: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
State: Arizona
Noah Fifita and Tetairoa McMillan formed one of the best QB-WR duos in the nation last year, combining for 1,402 yards and 10 scores.
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At 6’5″, 210 pounds, McMillan comes with obvious contested-catch appeal, but he’s also flexible for his size as a route runner.
The potential 2025 first-rounder also posted 107.8 yards per game, ranking fifth in the FBS.
While not quite on the same level — yet — McMillon offers flashes of Atlanta Falcons WR Drake London on the outside.
8) Washington Commanders: Tai Felton, WR, Maryland
State: Maryland
With Jahan Dotson now in Philadelphia, the Commanders could use another WR. Tai Felton led the Terrapins with six TDs and ranked second with 723 receiving yards last season, surpassing his combined totals from his freshman and sophomore years.
Felton averaged 15.1 yards per reception, but he is more than just a deep threat, using his above-average athleticism to pick up yardage in the open field.
9) New Orleans Saints: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
State: Louisiana
The Trevor Penning experiment at tackle has seemingly failed, so the Saints move him inside to guard in this 2025 NFL Mock Draft.
Will Campbell has started at left tackle since his true freshman season in 2022 and has been elite. The 6’6″ and 325-pound OT is a mauler in the ground game and didn’t allow a sack in 2023. He’s balanced, has strong hands, and is explosive off the ball with the range to pull in the run game and mirror twitchier edge rushers.
10) Minnesota Vikings: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
State: Minnesota
Aireontae Ersery is an athlete at 6’6″ and 325 pounds, able to pull and seal off lanes for RBs to run through. He is the definition of a “people mover” in the run game, which overshadows his inconsistencies in pass protection.
If he can continue to develop his hand usage and work to maintain his anchor, as he did from 2022 to 2023, Ersery could challenge for a first-round pick.
11) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
State: Florida
After lighting up the FCS at Incarnate Ward in 2021, Cam Ward had a bit of an up-and-down tenure at Washington State. Now at Miami, he’ll fit perfectly into Shannon Dawson’s system.
Reigning in Ward’s gunslinger mentality will be Dawson’s biggest offseason hurdle, but he has the arm strength and accuracy to dot up the field.
With Houston transfer Sam Brown joining a receiving corps that returns its top two playmakers, slot savant Xavier Restrepo and YAC threat Jacolby George, Ward has the weapons to thrust himself into the first round.
12) Seattle Seahawks: Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington
State: Washington
Ephesians Prysock isn’t a technician just yet, but 6’4″ CBs that move the way he does are as rare as his name. He has all the tools to win on an island, and a year in Washington could do wonders for his draft stock.
13) Indianapolis Colts: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
State: Indiana
Benjamin Morrison put his name on the map with six INTs as a true freshman in 2022. Even though coverage numbers are usually volatile year over year, he came right back and put up 10 pass breakups and three interceptions in 2023.
At 6’0″ and 185 pounds, Morrison doesn’t win with brute strength or suffocating length; he wins on his movement skills and instincts to erase wide receivers.
14) Pittsburgh Steelers: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
State: Pennsylvania
Abdul Carter has been a force to be reckoned with at linebacker, but a full-time move to EDGE this offseason will result in widespread paranormal activity in the Big Ten.
The 6’3″, 250-pound defender puts offensive linemen in a blender with his combination of power, speed, and bend.
15) Jacksonville Jaguars: Daryl Porter Jr., CB, Miami (FL)
State: Florida
Darly Porter Jr. flashed his potential during his second year at West Virginia in 2021, earning a spot on Miami’s roster. However, he hasn’t had a full season with the Hurricanes, playing in nine games in 2022 and 10 in 2023.
Health permitting, DPJ will have the opportunity to completely shut down his side of the field as he did last year. He broke up four passes and conceded one pass over 10 yards downfield, keeping nearly every play in front of him.
16) Cleveland Browns: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
State: Ohio
A former four-star recruit, Tyleik Williams‘ gap integrity and physicality at the point of attack led to 54 tackles and a team-high 10 TFLs in 2023.
MORE: Top 100 Prospects To Watch in the 2025 NFL Draft
Williams excels against the run with his ability to control the line of scrimmage and stack and shed opponents. With further development as a pass rusher, he’s on track for top-25 status in the 2025 NFL Draft.
17) Los Angeles Rams: Jonah Monheim, OL, USC
State: California
Jonah Monheim can line up anywhere on the offensive line and dominate, but he has played most of his career at tackle (both left and right).
Mauling defenders isn’t rare for the USC lineman, yet he’s clearly spent his time in the lab fine-tuning his pass-blocking skills. He largely kept Caleb Williams’ jersey clean, and that wasn’t always easy due to the former Trojans QB’s pocket tendencies.
18) Los Angeles Chargers: Jaydn Ott, RB, Cal
State: California
Welcome to the ACC, Jaydn Ott! That’s likely the warmest welcome he’ll receive, as defenses will disdain playing against him.
The well-built 6’0″ and 200-pound RB churns through contact and breaks out for multiple long runs per game.
If you have any questions regarding Itt’s ability to single-handedly take over a contest, simply turn on the Arizona State (165 rushing yards), USC (153), or Washington State (167) tape from last season.
19) Chicago Bears: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
State: Illinois
Gabe Jacas, the first-ever true freshman All-American for the Illini in 2022, saw his production dip slightly as a sophomore under new coordinator Aaron Henry, who used him both as a linebacker and defensive lineman.
Despite the shift, Jacas remains a constant threat off the edge, blending explosive speed with a 6’3″, 275-pound frame that makes him a nightmare for QBs.
20) Atlanta Falcons: Malaki Starks, DB, Georgia
State: Georgia
Carson Beck is Georgia’s No. 1 prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, but after surprisingly taking Michael Penix Jr. in Round 1 this year, the Falcons shouldn’t look at QB again anytime soon.
There are no guarantees when it comes to the NFL Draft, but Malaki Starks is as close to a first-round lock as you can find from a safety prospect. He isn’t just another playmaker on Georgia’s star-studded defense; he’s the leader of the unit.
Starks checks all the boxes (tackling, run defense, coverage) and is versatile enough to line up wherever an NFL team needs him, much like the Steelers’ Minkah Fitzpatrick.
21) Miami Dolphins: Patrick Payton, EDGE, Florida State
State: Florida
The recipient of first-round draft hype, Patrick Payton enters the 2024 season with elevated expectations. While he needs to expand his pass-rush toolbox, he possesses a Gumby-esque frame at 6’5″ that affords him room for error other EDGEs aren’t privy to.
FSU’s roster lists Payton at 254 pounds now, which should help add strength at the point of attack and put sand in his pants against the run.
22) Green Bay Packers: Riley Mahlman, OT, Wisconsin
State: Wisconsin
Yet another massive Big Ten OT at 6’8″ and 320 pounds, Riley Mahlman has the footwork and hand usage to combat most pass rushers.
Speed around the edge can give Mahlman issues when he misses with his hands, but his size and length alone stymie attempts to go through or around him.
Star safety Hunter Wohler is an option for the Packers here, but after selecting three safeties last cycle, it’s unlikely they’ll target the position much at all in 2025.
23) New York Jets: Tyreem Powell, LB, Rutgers
State: New Jersey
At 6’5″, 252 pounds, Rutgers linebacker Tyreem Powell stands out as an intriguing prospect. He’s a rangy and explosive athlete with untapped potential.
While he still needs to refine his coverage instincts and tackling technique, Powell showcased his playmaking ability over the last two years with 124 tackles, eight TFLs, five sacks, and four six pass deflections.
24) Houston Texans: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
State: Texas
Nic Scourton brings his lethal spin move and raw power to College Station after dominating the Big Ten with 10 sacks and 15 TFLs in 2023.
At 6’4″, 280 pounds, Scourton looks every bit the power rusher with his hand in the dirt, yet he can also thrive as a standup rusher on the edge, using finesse and nausea-inducing spins to showcase his versatility.
25) Dallas Cowboys: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
State: Texas
Kelvin Banks Jr. stepped off the plane in Austin and immediately shined at left tackle, particularly in pass protection. The former five-star recruit has lived up to his billing and then some.
MORE: Simulate the NFL Season With PFN’s Playoff Predictor
Banks’ run-blocking prowess trails his mastery as a pass blocker, but he’s shown flashes over the last two years, especially at the end of the 2023 campaign.
26) Philadelphia Eagles: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
State: Pennsylvania
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Nittany Lions had two edge rushers — Chop Robinson (Round 1 to the Dolphins) and Adisa Isaac (Round 3 to the Ravens) — go within the top 100 picks. Already, Penn State may have another top-100 duo on deck in 2025.
Playing behind Robinson and Isaac in the rotation, Dani Dennis-Sutton flashed in 2023, putting up 3.5 sacks and six TFLs. Now, the 6’5″, 270-pound edge rusher will have a chance to unleash his explosive athleticism, bend, and power in a full-time role.
27) Cincinnati Bengals: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
State: Ohio
After a breakout sophomore season with 74 receptions, 1,151 yards, and 10 touchdowns, Emeka Egbuka looked poised for another big year in 2023, but a midseason ankle procedure slowed him down.
While he may not have the elite size or speed of some past Ohio State first-round WRs like Marvin Harrison Jr., Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, or Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Egbuka has NFL starter potential.
28) Buffalo Bills: Oronde Gadsden II, WR/TE, Syracuse
State: New York
Oronde Gadsden II, the son of the former NFL player of the same name, is a compelling prospect. At 6’5″ and 236 pounds, he blends the lines between WR and TE, offering a significant mismatch.
Despite missing nearly all of last season due to injury, he showcased his potential with a 54-891-6 receiving line in 2022. His near-elite size and athleticism, combined with sharp route-running and strong hands, make Gadsden a dynamic receiving threat and a formidable catch-point presence.
29) Detroit Lions: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
State: Michigan
The Lions have their pick of Michigan defenders in this 2025 NFL Mock Draft.
Will Johnson could’ve been a Day 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and another standout season could propel him into the top 10. His 6’2″, 200-pound frame comes equipped with the athleticism of a smaller corner, allowing him to stick to his opponent’s hip all over the field.
Add in Johnson’s competitiveness, patience, and high football IQ, and you have the top CB in the country.
30) Baltimore Ravens: Colin Ramos, LB, Navy
State: Maryland
Navy is coming off four straight losing seasons, but Colin Ramos has done all he could to keep his team in games. Last year, he became the first Midshipman to total 100+ tackles (110) since 2019, receiving a first-team all-conference nod.
With 24 starts behind him, Ramos is one of the most experienced players in the AAC. His 5’11” and 209-pound frame should cause issues in the box, but he plays far bigger than his size. Crash in run defense, blitz up the middle, or drop into coverage — Ramos can do it all.
31) San Francisco 49ers: Teddye Buchanan, LB, Cal
State: California
Turn on the film, and you’ll believe UC Davis transfer Teddye Buchanan is the second-coming of Fred Warner. He joins Cal after racking up 208 tackles, 14.5 TFLs, four sacks, eight INTs (one pick-six), 14 PBUs, and 14 forced fumbles across four seasons with the Aggies.
The 2023 second-team All-Big Sky selection is a turnover machine, with an innate ability to lock onto the ball in coverage and ball carriers in run defense. Buchanan isn’t as fluid a mover as Warner, but the tools are there to thrive in the 49ers’ scheme.
32) Kansas City Chiefs: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
State: Missouri
A Heisman candidate entering his true junior season, Luther Burden III has all the tools of a premier pass-catching weapon. After displaying his playmaking ability as a true freshman, LBIII torched SEC defenses to the tune of 1,212 yards and nine scores in 2023.
Before the catch, at the catch point, or after the catch, Burden can win at every level. Now imagine him in a WR corps with Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, and Travis Kelce while receiving passes from Patrick Mahomes.
2025 NFL Draft Projections
Travis Hunter, WR/CB | Colorado Buffaloes
Entering the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, Hunter grades out as an early-to-mid first-round prospect at both WR and CB. He’s in contention for the top spot at both positions, and he has the potential to be a blue-chip prospect worthy of top-10 capital by season’s end.
As both a WR and a CB, two traits stand out as central qualities to Hunter’s game: His hyper-elite athletic and mobility profile, and his arguably generational ball skills and catch-point instincts.
Hunter simply moves differently — with awe-inspiring explosiveness, twitch, bend, and sink for his 6’1″ frame. He can use these dynamic traits either to gash coverages as a route runner, generate RAC yards in space, or match WRs and transition in zone coverage with effortless ease.
As a CB, Hunter’s ability to sense where the ball is going and position himself to make plays is truly extraordinary, and it separates him as a deadly turnover-generating force. But those same catching instincts also make him very reliable as a receiving threat on offense.
To start the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, Hunter is my WR1, slightly over Luther Burden and Tetairoa McMillan, and he’s my CB3 behind only Will Johnson and Benjamin Morrison.
At the NFL level, Hunter might be better served to focus on one position more than the other to avoid spreading himself too thin. But this is also true: We simply haven’t seen anything like Hunter. And he could be the rare prospect who pulls off being a true two-way player.
To reach the blue-chip range at either position, adding additional mass and improving his play strength will go a long way. But at WR, Hunter’s preferred brand of physicality — deconstruction as a separator rather than obstruction as a coverage defender — may be more translatable long-term.
At WR, Hunter would be a dynamic three-level threat as a movement-Z receiver. And he’d be well-equipped to dominate in a space-dominated modern NFL, so long as he can become a competent run blocker.
Regardless of position designation, if Hunter can improve in the areas that are more attuned to physicality, he can be a blue-chip and top-10 prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft with the transcendent athleticism and playmaking instincts to be a side-diverse weapon.
Want more? Click for Travis Hunter’s Draft Profile and Scouting Report.