The NFL Scouting Combine is here, and we are starting to get more information on what teams are planning for April. Once we have the final measurements and test results, we will have just a few more boxes to check to get complete player profiles and a clear picture of who may be going where in the 2025 NFL Draft.
That being said, it is too early to have an educated idea of what trades will be made, so for this mock, we avoided making those decisions. One thing is for certain: the coveted EDGE rusher position is being fully reloaded in this class.
As a reminder, this is a first-round mock draft indicative of how I expect the draft to go, not necessarily how I would rank these players in terms of pure talent or skillset.
The draft was conducted using PFSN’s free Mock Draft Simulator, where you can create your own mock drafts and draft alongside your friends with multi-user draft experience.
1) Tennessee Titans
Abdul Carter, EDGE – Penn State
The Titans may be looking to trade down with this pick, but I am unsure if they will get the return they are hoping for. In that case, they go with the No. 2 player on my big board, at a position coveted in the NFL, EDGE rusher Abdul Carter.
Carter displays incredible athleticism and quickness off the edge. He generates pressure with an aggressive burst and strong pursuit. Carter is a Brian Burns clone; he stays fluid and is developing an increasingly impressive variety of pass-rush moves. They don’t fix the entire roster in Round 1 but land a staple on their defense for years to come.
2) Cleveland Browns
Cam Ward, QB – Miami
The Browns may still be in quarterback hell with Deshaun Watson, but while they bleed out from those wounds, they can start their rebuild and look to the future in 2025. It is becoming increasingly likely that they’ll take their quarterback of the future in Cam Ward.
Ward has a lot of experience as a fifth-year player entering the draft. This experience has benefitted young quarterbacks as recently as this past year with Jayden Daniel and Bo Nix. Ward is two tiers below Daniels in my current prospect grading, but the potential is palpable. His mechanics are also sound — the real questions about him at the next level will be about his decision-making and accuracy.
The Browns will need to surround him with high-IQ coaching and veterans, which they have not historically been capable of doing with their young signal callers.
3) New York Giants
Shedeur Sanders, QB – Colorado
The Giants, in an attempt to separate themselves even further from Daniel Jones, select Shedeur Sanders, his exact opposite. He will come with the sideshow and distractions due to his name, but New York is one of the few places that may work in his favor.
Sanders is the most accurate passer in the class, and he has the mobility to extend plays. Many question his arm strength, but having Malik Nabers lessens the concerns about his early-career success. His biggest obstacle will be his awareness of pressure. He tends to hold onto the ball too long and can sometimes move into pressure rather than away from it.
4) New England Patriots
Travis Hunter, CB/WR – Colorado
Travis Hunter is the best all-around player in this draft class, and it’s not particularly close. The questions around his position in the NFL and the need for QB allow him to fall into the laps of Mike Vrabel, Drake Maye, and the new-look Patriots. Hunter is the best cornerback in this class, and he is, at worst, the second-best wide receiver in the draft.
His best comparison is his college head coach, Deion Sanders, but he is more of a threat on offense. As much as it would be a spectacle to see Hunter regularly play both sides of the ball, it is unlikely any NFL team will allow that to happen for the sake of Hunter’s longevity in the league. I bet we see Hunter find his home as a defensive back with some offensive packages sprinkled in here and there.
MORE: Updated 2025 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
Either way, the Patriots will get a steal with the fourth pick in the draft. Pairing Hunter with Christian Gonzalez gives New England one of the best young secondaries in the NFL. Not only that, but every time he does lineup on offense, you should expect him to be Maye’s top option.
Hunter offers elite athleticism. He displays strong ball skills in coverage and as a receiver. The one thing that jumps off the screen when watching his tape is Hunter’s body control. He can do things few others can in contested catch situations and has an impressive catch radius as well. If you are looking for one crack in his armor, it would be his play strength when going against NFL-caliber receivers and defenders.
5) Jacksonville Jaguars
Mason Graham, IDL – Michigan
The Jaguars have a glaring need at defensive line. They have consistently lacked toughness on defense and the addition of Mason Graham fixes that from the jump.
Graham has the skill set to be a perennial Pro Bowler and anchor of a defense. A powerful interior defender with quickness off the snap and solid disruptive moves. While his power in the trenches is evident to anyone who watches Graham, the difference maker for him is his football IQ. New head coach Liam Coen seems to be content with their offensive weapons enough to push those needs to later in the draft.
6) Las Vegas Raiders
Will Campbell, OT – LSU
The Raiders have emerged as a major player in the Matthew Stafford sweepstakes. They have plenty of other holes on the roster, but if they do lure Stafford away from Los Angeles, they will need to make sure they are protecting their veteran quarterback.
Will Campbell shows strong blocking fundamentals and balanced footwork. His pass protection is generally sound, but he needs to continue refining his lateral quickness and technique to counter faster, more agile defenders. He is a candidate to move inside if a team has concerns about his length. Campbell would immediately provide a reliable young option for the Raiders, who are building their new-look offense around phenom Brock Bowers.
7) New York Jets
Armand Membou, OL – Missouri
Aaron Glenn and the Jets are parting ways with Aaron Rodgers, so the future of the quarterback position is once again in flux. The options remain limited, but if Glenn learned anything from this time with the Lions, he knows how important building the trenches is to the success of a team.
Membou is a ferocious pass blocker, and he can more than hold his own in the run game. He has clean footwork and exhibits good balance and sound-blocking fundamentals. Primarily a right tackle in college, Membou may find a home in the NFL as a guard more often than not due to his height (6’3″).
8) Carolina Panthers
Tetairoa McMillan, WR – Arizona
The Panthers’ struggles continued for much of last season. The good news is that Bryce Young emerged in the latter part of the campaign and gave some hope to Carolina fans. The one thing that is still evident is that they are in desperate need of a true alpha wide receiver.
Tetairoa McMillan is the prototype for an NFL X receiver, coming in at 6’5″ and 215 pounds. He shows impressive body control and strength. He also excels at picking up yardage after the catch better than you would expect for a player with his frame. He has enough speed to be dangerous, even though he isn’t likely to be running away from NFL defenders. Think Tee Higgins.
9) New Orleans Saints
Will Johnson, DB – Michigan
New Saints head coach Kellen Moore has quite the mess to clean up in New Orleans. As easy as it is for fans to replace Alvin Kamara with Ashton Jeanty, I doubt we will see them pull the trigger on a running back this early, especially with so many options at the position in this year’s draft.
Turning their eyes to the defense, they go with the best defensive player on the board, Will Johnson. Johnson could end up not making it to the ninth pick — he is that talented — but assuming he does, the Saints snag a lockdown corner. Johnson is an instinctual player. He has an impressive understanding of route concepts and reacts quickly. He has a tendency to jump routes, which is the one area he’ll have to improve. In college, he was able to lean on his athleticism to recover, but that is not something that will translate to Sundays.
10) Chicago Bears
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT – Texas
If the Bears don’t land the lineman in free agency that they are hoping for, it makes the decision at No. 10 rather simple. It also sets them up to select three offensive linemen in the first two rounds of this year’s draft.
Kelvin Banks Jr. is technically sound with robust strength in pass protection. He puts on a clinic with his footwork both against the run and the pass, and his experience makes him one of the more reliable options in the first round. There are some questions about where he will fit best in the NFL but whether he slots in as a tackle or guard, he should be a mainstay of an NFL offensive line for years to come.
11) San Francisco 49ers
Malaki Starks, DB – Georgia
The Niners’ defense needs help in the secondary. They can add one of the most versatile defensive backs in the class with their first pick in the draft.
Malaki Starks features impressive quickness and ball-hawking skills. He also has the frame and physicality to be an impact player in every phase of the game. His football IQ is also frequently on display when diagnosing play concepts.
12) Dallas Cowboys
Shemar Stewart, EDGE – Texas A&M
Shemar Stewart is a big-bodied athlete. He provides the Cowboys’ defense with the spark they need while also making them more versatile.
Stewart stands out with an explosive first step and relentless energy as a pass rusher. His ability to disrupt plays early is a key strength, though focusing on hand usage and maintaining balance will make him more effective at the next level. Pairing Stewart with Micah Parsons gives Dallas’ pass rush a terrifying tandem heading into the 2025 season.
13) Miami Dolphins
Josh Simmons, OT – Ohio State
It is not a secret that Miami needs offensive line help, and they need it fast. Josh Simmons displays refined technique and solid physicality in pass protection.
He is effective in both run-blocking and pass schemes. He has quick feet and, when healthy, is one of the more athletic tackles in this draft.
The only reason he is not a consensus top-10 pick is that he is recovering from a season-ending knee injury that may delay his NFL debut.
14) Indianapolis Colts
Colston Loveland, TE – Michigan
The Colts need to both protect Anthony Richardson and provide him with available weapons in the intermediate area of the field. As popular as Tyler Warren is at this pick, he does not provide the versatility as a blocker that Colston Loveland does.
Loveland is a well-rounded tight end with a solid blocking and receiving skill set. His hands are a major strength along with his length and speed. Enhancing his release from blocks and refining his route-running will improve his pass-catching consistency. Still, he is dangerous with the ball in his hands and even though he has a thinner frame is a serviceable blocker.
15) Atlanta Falcons
Mykel Williams, Edge – Georgia
The Falcons had one of the league’s worst pass rushes last season, so adding an athletic EDGE rusher is a no-brainer at No. 15. Mykel Williams is one of my favorite players in this draft. He has some developing to do if he wants to reach his full potential, but all the physical traits are there.
Williams combines speed and power to generate pressure off the edge. His length is ideal for an EDGE rusher, and he has the prototypical size to win at the next level. Williams’ ability to quickly diagnose plays is a plus trait, but refining his shedding techniques and balance against physical opponents will be important to take the next step.
16) Arizona Cardinals
Jalon Walker, LB – Georgia
The Cardinals surprised many people last season with how well they kept up with some of the top teams in the league. That being said, they left you wanting more on the defensive side of the ball.
Jalon Walker is a versatile linebacker with solid athleticism and coverage skills who can also play on the edge. He shows good agility in navigating the field. He will need to hone his tackling technique, and consistency in reading plays is key to his development. Some teams may consider him a tweener, which is why he falls outside the top 15.
17) Cincinnati Bengals
Mike Green, EDGE – Marshall
The Bengals are looking for answers after a down season. As they navigate the contracts for their dynamic pass-catching duo Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins and sack leader Trey Hendrickson, they will need to find cap space elsewhere. One way to do that is by investing in high-value positions in the draft to lock in rookie contracts.
Mike Green brings high energy and an aggressive pass-rushing style. His bend and twitch at the position have allowed him to be highly productive during his college career. While his athleticism can cover some of his rawness, he is inexperienced as a redshirt sophomore and will need some time to learn on the job. If the Bengals are willing to be a little patient with his development, he may repay them as a game-changing defender for years to come.
18) Seattle Seahawks
Emeka Egbuka, WR – Ohio State
The Seahawks made the surprising move to part ways with Ryan Grubb as their offensive coordinator after just one season. Grubb unleashed Jaxon Smith-Njigba and helped the Seahawks’ offense come back to life after a down season in 2023. Still, they turn the page and welcome Klint Kubiak, who has generated a lot of excitement about Seattle’s passing attack.
It seems likely that one of Tyler Lockett or DK Metcalf will be moved this offseason. Smith-Njigba has claimed the top wide receiver role for this team, but that won’t be enough if the Seahawks want to win this division. Emeka Egbuka offers reliable hands and route-running out of the slot and could fit perfectly alongside his former teammate in JSN.
Egbuka set the record for career catches at Ohio State and was consistently a difference-maker for the Buckeyes. Last season, I had him ranked as my WR5 behind Brian Thomas Jr. This year, he lands as my WR4 in the class (assuming you count Travis Hunter as a WR).
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
James Pearce Jr., EDGE – Tennessee
The Bucs have a number of defenders who could be playing elsewhere in 2025, so finding ways to bring in difference-makers on that side of the ball will be paramount to their success.
James Pearce Jr. possesses explosive speed and quickness off the edge. His decisive first step is a key asset, though he would benefit from refining his leverage and technique to better handle power moves from blockers.
20) Denver Broncos
Ashton Jeanty, RB – Boise State
Sean Payton needs more offensive weapons for Bo Nix. Courtland Sutton is not getting any younger, and the offense will be looking to replenish their running back room after a disappointing season from Javonte Williams, who is a free agent.
Enter Ashton Jeanty, an Alvin Kamara clone.
Jeanty is a nimble and agile runner with excellent vision. His ability to identify and exploit running lanes is impressive. Last year, he forced the most missed tackles in FBS history in a single season with 163; for context, Bijan Robinson forced 112 missed tackles in 2022. Expect Jeanty to take pressure off of Nix and help take the offense to the next level.
21) Pittsburgh Steelers
Luther Burden III, WR – Missouri
The Steelers are looking for answers at a number of positions this offseason, and what they decide to do with George Pickens remains to be seen. The volatile receiver is a trade candidate as things stand, which would leave an enormous vacancy in targets for this team. Even if Pickens remains in Pittsburgh, they need a reliable WR2.
Luther Burden III is coming off a down season after a stellar 2023. Most of that has to do with Missouri’s puzzling offense and overall lack of production. Burden brings physicality and strength to contested catches. His ability to win in tight coverage is a positive attribute and one that should translate well to the next level.
Some teams may consider him solely a slot receiver, but once Burden is free from his college scheme and usage, more could be uncovered.
22) Los Angeles Chargers
Tyler Warren, TE – Penn State
The Chargers’ first season under Jim Harbaugh was a huge step in the right direction. The emergence of Ladd McConkey and the most healthy season of J.K. Dobbins’ career helped keep the offense moving. Still, one thing was clear: they need another weapon for Justin Herbert.
Tyler Warren was able to post over 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns last season. He is a playmaker with the ball in his hands who can hold his own as a blocker. He excels in contested catch situations and can be used in a variety of ways.
23) Green Bay Packers
Derrick Harmon, IDL – Oregon
Derrick Harmon is a powerful interior defender with a quick burst that allows him to penetrate offensive lines.
He checks all the boxes you want for the middle of your defensive line: size, length, versatility, and consistency. His one glaring area of improvement comes with tackling, usually struggling to wrap up.
The Packers could look to add the talented pass-rushing defender, as their division sports two young signal callers and one of the best offensive lines in the NFL in Detroit.
24) Minnesota Vikings
Omarion Hampton, RB – North Carolina
The Vikings are in need of a reliable running back option. It is unclear if free agent Aaron Jones will be returning to the team, and if the inexperienced J.J. McCarthy is starting under center, he’ll need someone to take attention off of him.
Omarion Hampton is a playmaker. He averaged over 150 yards per game over his last two seasons for the Tar Heels. He has the prototypical frame of an NFL back, coming in at 6’0″ and 220 pounds. Expect Hampton to be a do-it-all player for the Vikings, who will be able to impact the game on all three downs.
25) Houston Texans
Kenneth Grant, IDL – Michigan
The Texans took a step back last season as the offense struggled to find its rhythm and the defense took a small step back as well. Investing in the trenches continues to be a recipe for success, and the Texans can continue to bolster their front seven by adding Kenneth Grant out of Michigan.
Grant combines solid strength with quickness off the snap. His ability to disrupt plays in the interior is undeniable. His physical traits are just the beginning, as he displays impressive anticipation and awareness of passing downs, which makes him almost as dangerous as he is when stopping the run.
26) Los Angeles Rams
Jaxson Dart, QB – Ole Miss
The Rams look like they may be heading towards a youth movement. They are set on moving on from Cooper Kupp, and Matthew Stafford’s status is also up in the air right now. No matter what happens with Stafford, Jaxson Dart is an easy selection for the Rams if he falls this far.
Dart is my QB1 in this class, just slightly ahead of the aforementioned Ward and Sanders. Some may not like his big-game-hunting play style at times, but with strong coaching, he has all the traits to be a franchise cornerstone.
Dart demonstrates dual-threat capabilities with strong mobility and the ability to extend plays. His arm strength is promising, but improving his accuracy and decision-making under pressure are going to be a priority. Pairing him with Sean McVay and a pass catcher like Puka Nacua could do wonders for his development.
27) Baltimore Ravens
Shavon Revel Jr., DB – East Carolina
The Ravens are looking for answers in their secondary and they may have found one in Shavon Revel Jr.
Revel is only dropping this far due to his recovery timeline from his torn ACL last season. He may be slow to start the season, but once he is healthy, he should be able to acclimate quickly.
Revel displays excellent agility and quick reaction times in coverage. His ball skills and uber athleticism stand out.
28) Detroit Lions
Benjamin Morrison, DB – Notre Dame
The Lions’ front seven is impressive when healthy, but the secondary was lacking, even if it took a step forward from years past. Benjamin Morrison shows solid fundamentals in defensive back play with good speed and awareness.
He falls this far in large part due to hip surgery that took him out for the latter part of last season. He lacks elite closing speed but is a physical player with great ball skills that should translate well.
29) Washington Commanders
TreVeyon Henderson, RB – Ohio State
The Commanders had a lot of things that worked for them in 2024. One area that needs improvement is their run game outside of Jayden Daniels. They tried to piecemeal their backfield with Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler, but both players lacked the juice to truly impact games on a regular basis.
TreVeyon Henderson is an explosive runner with great vision and agility. His ability to change direction quickly is impressive. He also has solid long speed and is among the top in the class at explosive run rate. The only two concerns for Henderson are his extensive injury history and his ability as a pass catcher.
He won’t kill a team in that area, but he won’t be Jahmyr Gibbs, either. Henderson is my RB2 of this class and could fit perfectly in the Commanders’ system in 2025.
30) Buffalo Bills
Walter Nolen, IDL – Ole Miss
The Bills need to continue to bolster their defense if they want to get over the Kansas City-sized mountain in their way. Walter Nolen is a robust interior defender known for his quick burst and strength.
His ability to generate pressure is a standout trait, as he consistently disrupted plays on every down. He will need to work on developing a variety of pass-rushing moves and maintaining effort throughout plays, and he will be able to learn from the strong group already in Buffalo.
31) Kansas City Chiefs
Tyler Booker, IOL – Alabama
The Chiefs may be losing starting guard Trey Smith this offseason. If that happens, they will need to address that hole immediately.
Tyler Booker displays strong technical skills and physical strength as an interior lineman. He has a strong base and generates power well.
32) Philadelphia Eagles
Nic Scourton, EDGE – Texas A&M
The Eagles may be in the Myles Garrett sweepstakes, but if the asking price is too high, they have plenty of options in the early rounds of the draft. In Round 1, they scoop up one of the youngest players in the draft in Nic Scourton.
The 20-year-old is known for his explosive first step and quick pursuit off the line. His athleticism allows him to disrupt the quarterback’s timing and be a bully up front. He is an incredibly versatile player but relies heavily on his strength. When watching his tape, you see Jared Verse lite. He’ll benefit from having a room full of veteran players to learn from.
