I know it’s early, but I wanted to get ahead of the curve with my first 2025 NFL mock draft. I’ve been deep into my prospect evaluations for some time now, and I want to take a swing at the 2025 NFL Draft since April is right around the corner!
I’ll use a combination of the projected team needs mixed with my current player values for each team. Also, I expect a good amount of trades in the first round, but I will NOT be attempting to project these trades.
Jake Parry’s 2025 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: First-Round Picks & Predictions
1. Tennessee Titans: Abdul Carter (EDGE, Penn State)
New general manager Mike Borgonzi recently stated that he would not pass up on a “generational talent.” I’m taking his word for it and predicting that the Titans take the player I view as the single-best prospect in this class.
Abdul Carter is an animal, leading the entire NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in tackles for loss and locking up 12 sacks. This secured his spot as a consensus All-American. Tennessee is willing to build through the draft and develop their players. I would be shocked if they take a quarterback here, though many expect that to be the case.
2. Cleveland Browns: Cameron Ward (QB, Miami)
Quarterback is the clear question mark position for Cleveland. After giving disgraced quarterback Deshaun Watson a $230-million, fully guaranteed contract, they hoped they had answered their problem at the position. However, between his suspension, poor play and multiple injuries, including a now twice-torn Achilles tendon, they’ve been one of the worst teams in football.
Will they take a quarterback here? I think they do, and I have them picking my QB1 in the 2025 NFL Draft, Cameron Ward. He’s coming off a strong season at Miami, where he set the combined FBS and NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) record for passing touchdowns.
3. New York Giants: Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)
I predict the Giants land Shedeur Sanders with the third pick in the draft. For most people, Sanders is neck-and-neck with Ward for the QB1 spot in the class, but he’s closer to QB3 than QB1 for me. However, he has made it very clear that he’d love to be in New York, and many there have also made it known they like him. Sanders gives them a chance to reset their team, but he’s just the beginning, as this Giants roster still leaves a ton to be desired.
4. New England Patriots: Travis Hunter (CB/WR, Colorado)
Travis Hunter is one of the most dynamic players in College football. One of the few true two-way players in the sport, Hunter presents an interesting opportunity, as he can likely play both sides of the ball in the NFL, at least to an extent. While I believe Hunter is better suited to player cornerback in the NFL, he can likely still play wide receiver at a smaller capacity at the next level. With New England needing help on both sides of the ball, Hunter is the perfect choice for the Patriots at four overall.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham (DL, Michigan)
Jacksonville does not currently have a general manager. However, they do have a new head coach. Liam Coen left his offensive coordinator role in Tampa Bay in spectacular fashion by initially turning down the job in Jacksonville, then accepting it after Trent Baalke’s firing. While Coen does have spectacular offensive playcalling skills, this team needs help on defense more than anything. How do they solve this conundrum? I’m going to solve it by giving them Mason Graham. While most of their defensive need lies in the secondary, I expect Graham to be taken ahead of teammate Will Johnson. He’s a menace in both the passing and running game, and he could solidify the Jaguars’ defensive line for years to come.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)
What don’t the Raiders need? For my money, Johnson is the second-best player in the class and should easily go in the top five. Will the Raiders correct their ways and make an intelligent draft pick? That remains to be seen, but if Johnson (or Graham) is available at this pick, he absolutely should be taken.
7. New York Jets: Malaki Starks (S, Georgia)
The Jets are in a great spot here, with clear needs at multiple positions. They could take someone like Tetairoa McMillan, Johnson or even a quarterback like Quinn Ewers, but I predict they take Malaki Starks. New GM Darren Mougey is a former NFL wide receiver (and, funny enough, a former quarterback who once took the starting spot at San Diego State from current Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell). During his tenure as assistant general manager in Denver, Mougey helped draft players like Patrick Surtain II, Nik Bonitto and Quinn Meinerz. They’ve also shown a history of drafting very physically gifted players. As a result, I have them drafting former sprinter and elite athlete Malaki Starks. He would help shore up the secondary and allow the Jets to take one final run with Aaron Rodgers.
8. Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona)
The new Panthers head coach, Dave Canales, seems to have made a breakthrough with Bryce Young, who showed significant improvement towards the end of 2024. I think they will address the team’s biggest weakness on offense, which is the wide receiver position. They’ve attempted to address it multiple times over the last few years, reaching on players like Jonathan Mingo and Xavier Legette and signing Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen. This hasn’t worked out for them, but they could draft the best option to fix this issue in “Tet.” He immediately slots in as a flexible WR1 who can play in the slot or outside, and he is likely the consensus WR1 in the class (though he isn’t mine).
9. New Orleans Saints: James Pearce Jr. (EDGE, Tennessee)
New Orleans has some great pieces and some not-so-great pieces. James Pearce Jr. fills one of their larger holes at EDGE, as Chase Young is a free agent, and mainstay Cameron Jordan is turning 36. In 2023, Pearce led the SEC in sacks and followed it up with another spectacular season in 2024. While he likely needs to put on some size at the next level, he’s an extremely explosive player who can disrupt an offense at any moment.
10. Chicago Bears: Will Campbell (OT, LSU)
With new head coach Ben Johnson taking over, there has been much speculation that the Bears will select Ashton Jeanty here. This makes no sense to me, as Johnson has mentioned that he understands the need to shore up the trenches. Will Campbell is the clear OT1 in this class. His combination of strength and motor make him exactly what this Bears offensive line needs. While he mostly played tackle in college, I expect him to be a dominant guard in the NFL. The Bears’ biggest weakness in the offensive line is their interior play, and Campbell should shore this up.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Mykel Williams (EDGE, Georgia)
The 49ers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020, and they are in a good spot to address some of their team needs. While they have issues at cornerback and also need some help on the offensive line, Mykel Williams offers elite athleticism and size and will pair well with Nick Bosa. He’s not a sure thing by any means, but he has the tools to become an elite player at the next level.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State)
The consensus RB1 falls to Dallas here and honestly, do we expect anything else from Jerry Jones? Jeanty is the epitome of a Dallas running back. He’s a strong playmaker, who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. Coming off a near-record-setting season, there is certainly a chance that we see another team draft him, even with it being clearer than ever that running back is not valued in the league like it used to be. However, if he falls to Dallas, I have zero doubt that they take him here, positional value be damned.
13. Miami Dolphins: Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT, Texas)
Miami is another team that clearly has multiple needs on both sides of the ball. I’ll give them my favorite player left on the board, offensive lineman Kelvin Banks. Banks is another tackle that is projected to play guard in the NFL. That said, he can likely still play tackle, allowing Miami to reset their offensive line and give Tagovailoa some much-needed protection. They have talent at most offensive positions, but the line certainly needs some work.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren (TE, Penn State)
Tyler Warren, the consensus TE1 in the 2025 NFL Draft class, is exactly what the Colts and quarterback Anthony Richardson need. Warren had one of the best tight end seasons we’ve seen in College Football history, and this cannot be ignored. He’s a solid blocker with great hands and solid Yards After the Catch (YAC) ability. He could be the security blanket Richardson needs to have any chance of developing as a quarterback. Between wide receivers Michael Pittman and Josh Downs and running back Jonathan Taylor and Warren, Richardson will have no excuse if he cannot perform in 2025.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Jalon Walker (LB, Georgia)
I have the Falcons addressing a team need here and selecting Jalon Walker out of Georgia. He is a versatile player who can line up at any linebacker position or as a pure edge rusher. He’s also solid in coverage, making him a perfect fit for Atlanta’s 3-4 scheme. He can be a dynamic player at the next level if all works out, and Atlanta is just about a perfect fit in my mind.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Luther Burden III (WR, Missouri)
Arizona has multiple needs, but in this 2025 NFL Mock draft, I have them going back-to-back in their strategy and taking a receiver in the first round. To complement their pick of Marvin Harrison Jr. last year, Luther Burden III is a very different player who I believe fits the offensive scheme well. He’s a fast and explosive player who would instantly add another dimension to this offense on a team that desperately needs playmakers. He needs refinement, but his profile is solid, and he would be a great fit here.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Emeka Egbuka (WR, Ohio State)
This pick will likely boil down to what the Bengals do this offseason. Will Tee Higgins and Mike Gesicki get re-signed? If not, this team will need another playmaker across from Ja’Marr Chase. My WR1 Emeka Egbuka would be a perfect fit in this offense. The 2-year-old is the most refined, pro-ready wide receiver in this class. He can line up anywhere and is probably the most refined route runner in the class. He’d instantly be a great target for Joe Burrow and could easily end up as the best wide receiver in this class.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Tyler Booker (IOL, Alabama)
Seattle has constantly had issues with the offensive line over the last few years, and I think they attempt to shore up those concerns here. Tyler Booker has played on both sides of the line at guard, and his combination of size and athleticism make him an ideal fit for a Seattle team that isn’t afraid to run the ball.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nic Scourton (EDGE, Texas A&M)
From the 2025 NFL Mock drafts I’ve seen so far, this is where the draft starts to get interesting, as Tampa Bay has plenty of needs that could be addressed here. If I had to guess, I think they’ll shore up the defense and take Nic Scourton. The former Aggie can line up anywhere on the defensive line and is one of the higher-upside players left on the board at this position. He was a successful player at Purdue and Texas A&M and would help shore up the pass rush.
20. Denver Broncos: Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan)
Sean Payton gets his new-age Jimmy Graham. Colston Loveland improved every year at Michigan, capping his career off last season, where he showed growth as both a receiver and blocker. Loveland would instantly be the second-best receiving option on this offense, and his versatility allows him to be the do-it-all tight end Denver desperately missed in 2024.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Benjamin Morrison (CB, Notre Dame)
Mike Tomlin and crew should address one of the team’s biggest needs defensively and select Benjamin Morrison to assist in rebuilding their secondary. While he missed most of 2024 with a hip injury, he’s consistently been an impact player for Notre Dame and is a flexible player who can line up anywhere from the nickel to covering WR1s.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina)
The Chargers will follow Pittsburgh’s lead and shore up the secondary. Nick Emmanwori was one of, if not the best safety in College Football. He’s reliable in coverage while also demonstrating elite tackling, giving Jim Harbaugh a flexible defensive back that will fit perfectly into their team’s scheme.
23. Green Bay Packers: J.T. Tuimoloau (EDGE, Ohio State)
Green Bay fills a gap on their defensive line with J.T. Tuimoloau. A power rush specialist, he could certainly develop into a more well-rounded player, and the Packers have shown no concern about drafting players with high upside who need growth. His frame has room to add weight, so he can likely flex all over the defensive line.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Kenneth Grant (DL, Michigan)
Kenneth Grant is a freak athlete who can play a traditional three-technique and flex as a defensive end in a traditional 3-4 scheme. He’s dominant in the run game and can grow into an all-around player who can wreak havoc in the pass rush.
25. Houston Texans: Jonah Savaiinaea (OT, Arizona)
One of my favorite offensive linemen in the class, Jonah Savaiinaea, can immediately help this Houston offensive line, which mightily struggled in 2024. He has a history of playing both guard and tackle positions, which happens to be the same positions Houston was struggling with last year. While I do think he profiles best on the interior in the NFL, his flexibility will be coveted by teams.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Maxwell Hariston (CB, Kentucky)
Maxwell Hariston is a ballhawk corner who has consistently proven his worth to his teams. As a sophomore, he led the SEC in interceptions and is a co-holder of an SEC record with two pick-sixes in the same game. He can certainly put on some weight, but I bet Sean McVay and company fall in love with the skill set here.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Wyatt Milum (OT, West Virginia)
Wyatt Milum is a high-upside tackle prospect who can help Baltimore shore up their offensive line. While Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten were fine in 2024, both showed weaknesses at times. Milum’s biggest weakness is his arms (14th percentile arm length), but he has shown that this won’t be an issue for him at the next level. Even if he’s kicked inside, he projects as one of the best offensive linemen available.
28. Detroit Lions: Shemar Stewart (DL, Texas A&M)
Shemar Stewart is a player who could easily sneak into the top 15, and I doubt the Lions will pass up on this guy if he falls to them. He’s raw but has the physical talent and tools to play multiple positions. The Lions’ defense was its biggest weakness this year, mostly due to injuries, and Stewart allows them to not only shore up depth but also get a potential difference-maker.
29. Washington Commanders: Tre Harris (WR, Ole Miss)
This 6-foot-3 wide receiver out of Ole Miss gives the Commanders exactly what they need. He has the natural hands and physical power they desperately need in contested catch situations and the red zone. Terry McLaurin can’t be the only pass-catcher here, and Tre Harris may have the highest upside if he can round out his skill set.
30. Buffalo Bills: Isaiah Bond (WR, Texas)
Buffalo clearly needs wide receiver talent. Keon Coleman was relatively fine, but Isaiah Bond gives the Bills a wide receiver with true game-breaking potential. He gives me Xavier Worthy vibes in that he can be used as a rusher and receiver. He offers the high-speed this team so badly needs.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Shavon Revel Jr. (CB, East Carolina)
Shavon Revel Jr. is a big, physical corner that offers all the physical talents needed to succeed at the next level. He was a potential top-15 pick before tearing his ACL, and Kansas City is a team that can take the risk on a player like this. If healthy, Revel Jr. can offer arguably the highest upside amongst corners in the class.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Jack Sawyer (EDGE, Ohio State)
Jack Sawyer rounds out the first round. He’s a former five-star recruit and is regarded as the best defensive end in the 2021 recruiting class. He continued to shine at Ohio State, where he played as a hybrid DE/”Jack.” This flexibility makes him a great fit for Philadelphia and will allow the Super Bowl contenders to continue growing defensively.
Honorable Mention First-Round Talents:
- Josh Simmons (OT, Ohio State)
- Walter Nolen (DL, Ole Miss)
- Mike Green (EDGE, Marshall)
- Harold Fannin Jr. (TE, Bowling Green)
- Tyleik Williams (DL, Ohio State)
Thanks for reading my 2025 First-Round NFL Mock Draft! Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter/X @Parry_FF for more sports & entertainment content, and check out our entertainment betting show, “Popcorn & Root Beer,” on our YouTube channel!
*Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy – USA TODAY Sports*