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    2025 NFL Mock Draft: Carson Beck, Jalen Milroe, and Shedeur Sanders All Go Inside the Top 5

    In our latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft, we examine what the biggest needs are for each team and which prospects could fill those spots.

    We are over a quarter of the way through the 2024 NFL season, and things are starting to take shape in terms of which teams might be eyeing a high draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. For most teams, the draft is still in the back of their minds, but others will begin firmly turning to who can improve their roster next year.

    At this stage in the season, the focus of this mock draft is more on the teams’ needs than the players’. We will see natural fluctuations in player value as we creep closer to the draft itself. Therefore, the name that fills the hole is less important than the hole itself in October.

    Of course, those needs may also change as teams re-sign players to long-term deals and enter free agency. With so much up in the air right now, let’s examine which positions each team might be targeting and who could fill those slots if the draft were taking place this weekend.

    The order of this 2025 NFL Mock Draft was extrapolated from the latest Super Bowl odds for the 2024 NFL season. You can find the same order in the PFN Mock Draft Simulator, where you can make all the selections for yourself across all seven rounds.

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    1) Carolina Panthers: Carson Beck, QB, Georgia

    When we started the season, you could have considered quarterback to be on the “Do Not Draft” list for the Carolina Panthers, but that is no longer the case. Bryce Young’s career with Carolina may not be over, but there is a long way for him to come back to make good on being the No. 1 overall pick two seasons ago.

    If the Panthers end up selecting first overall, there is some ignominy in selecting a quarterback in the top spot twice in three years. However, for the good of the franchise, they may need to swallow their pride and move on from Young as their future.

    Carson Beck is shaping up to be the top option for them to do that with. He profiles as the prototypical NFL quarterback and can operate well within the pocket. Additionally, Beck has enough speed to make him valuable when things break down. There are some areas he can improve, and his arm strength is not on the high end, but Beck profiles nicely for the Dave Canales offense.

    2) New England Patriots: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

    The New England Patriots have needs all over the field, so pinpointing just one area is tough to do. They haven’t been good on offense or defense this year and need a strong draft class or two to turn things around.

    Two areas that stand out are cornerback and wide receiver, which would make them a perfect fit for Travis Hunter.

    Sure, we have no idea if Hunter can be a long-term solution at two NFL positions, but if there is a team that might just be desperate enough to try, it is New England. Hunter could slot straight in as a starting option on both sides of the ball, giving Drake Maye another weapon and a partner for Christian Gonzalez.

    3) Cleveland Browns: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

    Naturally, we don’t know the Cleveland Browns’ behind-the-scenes workings, but if that franchise hasn’t accepted that Deshaun Watson cannot be the long-term answer, they’re fooling themselves.

    Watson has been second-from-last in PFN’s QB+ rankings over the last two seasons, with only the aforementioned Young sitting behind him. Therefore, the Browns need to target a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. They cannot afford to trade for a high-profile option, so they need a low-priced rookie to come and give them an option.

    Jalen Milroe would give Cleveland that in a dynamic package that could provide immediate improvement at the position.

    Shedeur Sanders might be the more high-profile name, but do the Browns want more drama around the position? If the answer is no, then Milroe is the better franchise fit to come in and attempt to repair the damage done to the offense.

    4) Las Vegas Raiders: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

    Unless Aiden O’Connell produces a superb run over the next couple of months, the Las Vegas Raiders are going to be in the market for a quarterback. That was always likely to be the case when they chose to use Gardner Minshew II as a bridge option in 2024. But that hasn’t worked, and now O’Connell gets a chance to prove he can be the player to lead the Raiders forward.

    Assuming that O’Connell is not the long-term answer, Vegas should be in a position to get a solid starting quarterback next April.

    Shedeur Sanders is a risk, and there is no doubt about that. Sanders brings plenty of talent, but he could also bring plenty of drama off the field. He just feels right as a Raiders’ player in the limelight of Las Vegas.

    5) Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

    It took all the strength in the world not to give a quarterback to the Jacksonville Jaguars because every metric points to Trevor Lawrence not being the answer. The problem is that the Jaguars don’t seem to know that. They just gave Lawrence a huge contract, and now they have to let that play out. Therefore, the focus has to go elsewhere.

    Offensive tackle could be the way to go, with Cam Robinson and Walker Little both free agents in 2025. That would give Lawrence more support on offense, but the value here would feel a bit like a reach unless an OT steps up in the next couple of months. Thus, let’s look at where a need matches the talent available, which is cornerback.

    Will Johnson profiles as one of the best players available in the 2025 NFL Draft, and getting him at five may be great value. If Lawrence is going to continue to be a handcuff on this offense’s upside, then improving Jacksonville’s defense to a level where it negates the offense’s lack of ceiling is the best option.

    6) Los Angeles Rams: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

    The Los Angeles Rams have needs all over their roster, which puts them in an intriguing spot. Matthew Stafford’s career is on the decline, so quarterback isn’t out of the question, especially if the Rams pick inside the top five or one falls into their laps. They could also help their veteran QB by putting a top-tier offensive lineman in front of him.

    If the Rams end up in this spot, they would actually profile more as a trade-down candidate. They have plenty of needs, and if they could get a mid-round first and another second-round pick to move down, that would put them in the best position to improve. Yet, we are steering clear of trades in this draft, so let’s examine where Los Angeles might go at pick 6.

    Cornerback certainly stands out as an option. Benjamin Morrison is a talented player, and the Rams have major issues in their secondary. Tre’Davious White is a free agent next year, and both Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick will be in 2026. Therefore, they could get a No. 1 option here and plan to build around down the line.

    7) Tennessee Titans: Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU

    The Tennessee Titans have a few areas of potential needs, and most of the focus is on the offense. DeAndre Hopkins and Tyler Boyd could both leave as free agents, so wide receiver should not be out of the question. There is certainly good value to be found with Luther Burden III and Tetairoa McMillan available.

    However, the clips of Will Levis getting buried under free rushers made offensive tackle the call here in this mock. Putting a player like Emery Jones Jr. at right tackle to complement JC Latham and Peter Skoronski as recent high-end offensive line picks should give Tennessee’s unit a boost.

    One wild card to consider here is that the Titans may decide Levis is not their future. If that’s the case, then quarterback jumps to the top in the list of needs. We’re not quite there yet, but we could easily be by the end of the season.

    The three ways the Titans could go with a top-10 pick are OT, WR, or QB, and none of them should be ruled out completely.

    8) New York Giants: Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)

    At this point, the whole world knows what Daniel Jones is as a quarterback. He’s fine as a low-end starting option but is not a player who is elevating a team to a playoff run. If the New York Giants aren’t happy about building around a mediocre quarterback, then they need to target a new one in the 2025 NFL Draft.

    There are several question marks over Cam Ward as an NFL starter, and rightly so. However, those same question marks didn’t stop Michael Penix Jr., J.J. McCarthy, and Bo Nix from being selected inside the top 12 last year.

    Ward offers a rocket arm and talent to spare. He might need some time to develop, but that might need to be on the job, as we are seeing from Nix in Denver.

    There is no certainty that Ward would be an upgrade on Jones in 2025, but beyond that, he offers more upside than the Giants’ current QB.

    9) Miami Dolphins: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

    The Miami Dolphins are a tough team to figure out what they might do in the 2025 NFL Draft. If Tua Tagovailoa’s recovery from his latest concussion doesn’t go well, they could be in the market for a quarterback. Ward and Sanders both make appealing options for different reasons.

    We also cannot rule out Miami chasing speed in Round 1 of the draft, especially if a high-end wide receiver falls into their lap. It seems unlikely with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle under center, but it’s not impossible to rule out.

    However, where the Dolphins should focus is in the trenches. The value is not there at this point on the offensive interior, so that’s probably not happening, and there is no slam-dunk tackle option if Jones is already off the board. Therefore, we could see Miami look at the big men on the defensive side with Calais Campbell and Benito Jones both potential free agents.

    Mason Graham doesn’t feel like a Mike McDaniel-Chris Grier type of top-10 selection, but it might be a shrewd move. Graham would be a solid unit in the middle of the field that the defense can base around. He may not profile as the second coming of Aaron Donald, but who does? Just improving their work on the defensive front should make Miami’s entire team stronger long term.

    10) Denver Broncos: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

    The Denver Broncos are currently riding through 2024 on the back of their defense while their offense scrambles to play catch-up. Sure, the Broncos have defensive needs to consider still, but they have to give Nix more weapons to play with if they want to get the improvement from him they need.

    Denver has invested some capital in Marvin Mims Jr. and Troy Franklin, but neither holds a candle to Luther Burden III‘s potential. Putting him or McMillan opposite Courtland Sutton (even if just for 2025) would open up the offense considerably. You can debate all day which of those is the right one, but most draft analysts could make the case that you won’t go wrong either way.

    The other option would be for the Broncos to target an OT with Garett Bolles set to be a free agent this offseason. While that would also make sense, there are solid options in the second round who could replace Bolles. Wide receiver talent, however, dips considerably after the top three.

    11) Indianapolis Colts: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

    The Indianapolis Colts are a tough team to pin down exactly where they might look to target in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. On Day 2, they will almost certainly have the OL interior as a target and potentially tight end as well. The Colts could go for a pass rusher with Dayo Odeyingbo set to be a free agent, but they have Kwity Paye and Laiatu Latu, among others.

    The secondary is intriguing, with Julian Blackmon also expected to be a free agent and Nick Cross potentially the year after. Combine that with a player like Malaki Starks being available here, and getting a playmaker of his style is a solid fit.

    You could argue for a number of options for Indianapolis in this spot and counter with a counter-argument for why not. Drafting the best player available or making a trade down feels like the right choice here, making the Colts an unknown as we look ahead.

    12) Arizona Cardinals: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

    The Arizona Cardinals’ biggest needs this offseason could be in the trenches. There will be some opportunity to address both sides in free agency, and the Cardinals could re-sign any of their four pending EDGE free agents to relieve the pressure on them chasing a particular spot with this pick.

    OL interior and an offensive tackle are Arizona’s other big needs, but both could be addressed on Day 2 with some good options waiting there.

    In this scenario, the Cardinals receive a very talented pass rusher in Mykel Williams. If Arizona can harness his raw potential, Williams has buckets of upside and could be a superb value outside the top 10.

    13) Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

    Other than Colin Kaepernick marauding through opposing defenses, the long-standing memory of the John Harbaugh San Francisco 49ers was the domination of Vernon Davis from the tight end position. In the 2025 NFL Draft, Harbaugh may get the chance to address tight end with a player he knows very well in Colston Loveland.

    There are certainly other needs to consider, especially with three of the Los Angeles Chargers’ corners expected to be free agents next offseason. Nevertheless, Loveland could be the piece that makes the Harbaugh-Greg Roman offense go from a tick to a purr.

    Common sense and position importance may win out, but you can bet that Loveland is going to be a tick higher on the Chargers’ draft board than many others.

    14) Chicago Bears: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

    The Chicago Bears’ focus this offseason is likely going to be on continuing to build out their offense around Caleb Williams. They have long-term options at running back, wide receiver, and tight end, so that leaves the focus on the offensive line. We could see an overhaul of the unit, with needs at tackle, guard, and center.

    With the defense largely playing very well and in a good spot contract-wise, offensive tackle becomes the best talent to find a specific need option in the first round.

    Kelvin Banks Jr. has a few concerns surrounding his game, but he is generally a very effective pass blocker, which will be the first priority for Chicago. Banks may not end up being the pick, but offensive line should be high on the agenda.

    15) Seattle Seahawks: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

    The Seattle Seahawks’ offensive line has gotten a bit overwhelmed at times in the 2024 season. They have a number of options right now at the tackle positions, but many of them are either free agents in 2025 or 2026. As a result, it could be a position Seattle looks to address in order to stabilize its offense going forward.

    There are needs on the defensive line interior or a linebacker, but both can either be addressed later or have depth to fill potential departures.

    Will Campbell has the potential to be an immediate starter at one of the tackle spots, which isn’t something that can be easily found on Day 2. Other needs can be addressed later, but ignoring OT would be a mistake.

    16) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

    The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a handful of areas to address, with WR, OL, and DL being the standout spots. If one of Campbell or Banks drops to the Bucs, then they may go for a tackle and sure up that line. They could also draft a potentially elite receiver to replace Chris Godwin if he leaves this offseason.

    The third option is to address the EDGE position, with Joe Tryon-Shoyinka set to be a free agent. Historically, the Buccaneers have prioritized defensive strength, and this pick would do that. Nic Scourton is a powerful pass rusher who can collapse one side of the pocket. That is a valuable skill set to have and not one that can easily be found later in the draft.

    17) New Orleans Saints: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

    The New Orleans Saints’ focus this coming offseason is likely to be in the trenches. There are potential needs on the offensive line, but the biggest needs are on the interior, which can be addressed later in the draft.

    One area where New Orleans could get a potential difference-maker is at EDGE, especially with three players all set to hit free agency.

    Abdul Carter has top-10 potential, so if he dropped to this point, he would be a solid value for the Saints. Carter would make a dynamic partnership with either Cameron Jordan or Carl Granderson lining up at the other end of the line.

    Carter’s main weakness comes against the run, but the Saints have a solid trio of run-stopping linebackers behind him, diminishing some of those concerns.

    18) Washington Commanders: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

    The Washington Commanders might be 4-1, but they still have major holes on their roster, and they’re only likely to get bigger next offseason.

    Washington has potential free agents all over, especially at linebacker and corner. The sensible approach here would be to go CB or maybe even OT, but the chance to put Tetairoa McMillan in this offense would be mouthwatering.

    With a combination of Luke McCaffrey, Olamide Zaccheaus, Dyami Brown, Noah Brown, and Jamison Crowder currently serving as the No. 2 and 3 options, there is certainly a need to add more talent alongside Terry McLaurin.

    Giving Jayden Daniels a combination of McLaurin and McMillan to target would kick start this already potent Commanders offense into overdrive.

    19) Pittsburgh Steelers: Isaiah Bond, WR, Alabama

    Naturally, the Pittsburgh Steelers need to consider the QB position, with Justin Fields and Russell Wilson unlikely to be the long-term answer. Yet, the problem for the Steelers would be that if they select in the 15-20 region, they would be in no-man’s land when it comes to quarterbacks.

    Pittsburgh could be a trade-up candidate if they see a quarterback they like at the back end of the top 10. They could also move down to get the best of the second wave later in the first round or at the top of Round 2, with Quinn Ewers or Jaxson Dart being potential targets in a trade down.

    However, if the Steelers hold firm or decide they have a quarterback to invest in for a little longer, then wide receiver is the glaring need. George Pickens’ time with the franchise doesn’t seem to be much longer lived, and Isaiah Bond could be the natural replacement as the WR1.

    Pittsburgh would need to add more pass-catching talent around him, but Bond would be a good starting point to build around.

    20) Cincinnati Bengals: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State

    The Cincinnati Bengals are likely to head into the 2025 offseason with a few discussion areas. Wide receiver will naturally come up, with Tee Higgins on the franchise tag and Ja’Marr Chase looking for a new deal. There are also some potential needs on the back end if Mike Hilton and Vonn Bell leave without adequate replacements coming in.

    But the potential glaring hole comes up the middle of the defensive line.

    The Bengals have struggled to create pressure on opposing offenses, and Tyleik Williams could help solve that problem. B.J. Hill and Jay Tufele will both be free agents in 2025, so there is a need for a starting DT to come in this offseason.

    Putting Hill alongside the pass-rushing duo of Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson would be an instant upgrade for Cincinnati’s line. They could also look to draft a pass rusher, with both veterans due to be free agents in 2026.

    21) Atlanta Falcons: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee

    The Atlanta Falcons attempted to solve their pass-rushing issues with a preseason trade for Matthew Judon. The results have not been immediate, and now they have the headache of four pending EDGE free agents next offseason. That immediately makes this the area of greatest need, both because of the relative ineffectiveness and the potential departures.

    James Pearce Jr. has some concerns with his weight and strength relative to his size, but he’s an exciting pass rusher who can impact games. Adding Pearce as a potential replacement for Judon or Lorenzo Carter would give the Falcons an immediate option in the lineup.

    22) Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

    When it comes to the Dallas Cowboys, there is much to unpack. Dallas needs more depth behind CeeDee Lamb at wide receiver and has a number of potential free agents at defensive tackle and EDGE, with some cornerback holes to fill. Nevertheless, the Cowboys also have a major question at running back.

    Ashton Jeanty is ripping up the college football landscape right now at a pace that is just mind-blowing. We know that Jerry Jones loves to make a headline, and Jeanty could be the relatively cost-controlled splash at running back everyone was waiting for last offseason.

    Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott are not the solution, so the Cowboys need a different plan.

    23) New York Jets: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

    Who knows what the New York Jets might look like come April 2025? The head coach is already gone, and their veteran quarterback could also be gone by then. That potential decision regarding Aaron Rodgers’ future will determine a lot about how the Jets approach free agency and the draft.

    One thing that is clear is that New York needs a high-end WR option to partner with Garrett Wilson. Mike Williams and Allen Lazard are placeholders, and Malachi Corley is a project. Emeka Egbuka could be an immediate No. 2 to give Rodgers a second option and take the focus off Wilson.

    Of course, the Jets could also add Davante Adams and change the entire conversation. Other areas New York could target are defensive line or safety. If veteran D.J. Reed leaves as a free agent, the Jet may want to draft his replacement opposite Sauce Gardner.

    24) Green Bay Packers: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

    The Green Bay Packers roster is a tough one to find an immediate need on. Most of their key offensive players are under contract for the next couple of years, and the same can be said of the defense. That could allow Green Bay to simply target BPA or add depth options to its defensive line rotation.

    One such option would be Kenneth Grant, who could play the most tackle position. Tedarrell Slaton is set to be a free agent this offseason, so there might be a reshuffling of the defensive line, and Grant would be a perfect piece to fit in. He’s a space eater on the inside, who feels like a luxury pick, which is something the Packers can afford.

    25) Buffalo Bills: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State

    The Buffalo Bills have three main areas that stand out as potential spots to target. They could add another wide receiver but will likely look to do that in free agency with a veteran. Buffalo could go for more depth at EDGE, with Gregory Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa becoming free agents in 2026.

    Yet, the more immediate need might be a starting cornerback if Rasul Douglas leaves in free agency. Kaiir Elam, Christian Benford, and Cameron Lewis are all options to be a trio of full-time starters in 2025, but all are potential free agents in 2028.

    Denzel Burke has Week 1 starting potential and could be the long-term piece to build the secondary around.

    26) Philadelphia Eagles: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama

    When most people think of the Philadelphia Eagles, they think of power football, both on offense and defense. With Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, the run game has so much potential, and investing in the center of the offensive line would be investing in that run game. It will also help relieve some pressure off of Hurts in the passing game.

    Tyler Booker could be a fantastic target for the Eagles in order to maintain the strength of their offensive line. Sure, he has issues in space and in terms of his range, but Philadelphia can scheme around that if he can provide solid pass and run blocking.

    EDGE could also be another potential target if both Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham walk out the door. The Eagles have built up good pass-rush depth reserves, so they may just look to build through Day 2 and 3 options.

    27) Houston Texans: Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky

    While they are far from perfect, the Houston Texans are in a good spot as things stand entering Week 6 of the 2024 NFL season. They have a couple of potential needs this offseason, with CB, RB, WR, and DT standing out at this point.

    Houston’s biggest need might be on the interior of the defensive line, with Mario Edwards Jr., Folorunso Fatukasi, and Khalil Davis all set to hit free agency.

    Deone Walker could be a perfect replacement option in that spot. Walker is a big unit in the center of a run defense and can apply pressure on a quarterback effectively up the middle. Not the sexiest pick, but one that would make sense for defensive-minded head coach DeMeco Ryans.

    28) Minnesota Vikings: Tacario Davis, CB, Arizona

    If Booker is still on the board when the Minnesota Vikings pick, then he would be the natural fit here as a replacement for Dalton Risner and Dan Feeney. Equally, the Vikings could target a luxury pick in the form of a running back with Aaron Jones a free agent at the end of this season.

    However, they also have a glaring need at cornerback, with Stephon Gilmore, Byron Murphy Jr., Shaquill Griffin, and Fabian Moreau all set to be free agents this offseason. Tacario Davis could be an immediate starter for Minnesota and offers an incredible skill set at an impressive size of 6’3″.

    29) Detroit Lions: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State

    There’s a case to be made that the Detroit Lions could either target their defensive front or secondary at the back end of Round 1 in 2025. There are some talented cornerback options available, so someone like Jordan Hancock could be the pick here.

    However, the bigger need might be on the defensive line. If a defensive tackle slides to here, that might be the way. If not, putting a talented player opposite Aidan Hutchinson improves this pass defense to no end.

    Dani Dennis-Sutton would give Detroit that in abundance, and he could prosper with Hutchinson getting the majority of the attention from opposing offenses.

    30) Baltimore Ravens: Jonah Savaiinaea, OT, Arizona

    The Baltimore Ravens’ two main needs as things stand next offseason are on the offensive line and at cornerback. Ronnie Stanley and Patrick Mekari are both potential free agents leaving a gap at left tackle. Thus, given the importance of Baltimore’s run game, that has to be the focus.

    It might be that Baltimore decides Roger Rosengarten can just slide into that spot. If so, then Hancock, as a corner upgrade over their current options alongside Marlon Humphrey, would make sense. If not, then Jonah Savaiinaea is the best available tackle on the board and could be a candidate to start immediately at either OT spot.

    31) San Francisco 49ers: Jordan Hancock, CB, Ohio State

    With Charvarius Ward, Deommodore Lenoir, Rock Ya-Sin, Isaac Yiadom, and Ambry Thomas all expected to be free agents this upcoming offseason, there is little question that cornerback is a major need. It’s also their only major need, so it’s an easy option to select if the right talent remains on the board.

    Jordan Hancock would qualify, and many would consider him to be a value at this spot. He is a talented corner who has been viewed as a mid-first-round pick by many. That would make Hancock a fantastic option for the 49ers to help them plug some gaps.

    If Hancock is gone and there’s no other obvious option at corner, then San Francisco could be a team to watch in terms of trading back. If Ewers or Ward is on the board at the end of Day 1, we could see a team jump up to grab them and that important fifth-year option.

    32) Kansas City Chiefs: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

    The Kansas City Chiefs are another potential trade-back team. When you look at their roster, it’s hard to find major areas of concern that need addressing.

    Given how late Kansas City picks in the first round every year, that’s crazy to say, but it’s true. The Chiefs could have the luxury of going for talent over need at this spot in the draft.

    They may decide that defensive line is a priority and, if so, could grab an option to partner with Chris Jones in 2025. The Chiefs have a few potential free agents at that spot, so they could find their replacement in the draft.

    Meanwhile, they may decide to spend another first-round pick on a running back to give them insurance with Isiah Pacheco. Yet, they’ve had success recently with late-round options.

    Instead, the pick here to round out this mock draft is Shavon Revel Jr., who was considered by many to be a potential top-15 selection before tearing his ACL. That makes Revel a perfect “luxury” pick for the Chiefs, who could give him the time to recover and not need to rush him in as a starter.

    This would be an ideal pick for Kansas City, allowing the rich to get richer.

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