- Another choice at No. 1 general: The Titans are overwhelming favorites to pick Cam Ward with the primary general choose within the 2025 NFL Draft. But if there’s even a slim probability they go in a distinct route, Shedeur Sanders could possibly be the shock. He checks the three bins head coach Brian Callahan has emphasised as priorities at quarterback: decision-making, timing and accuracy.
- The wealthy to get richer? The 49ers have already got famous person tight finish George Kittle firmly entrenched of their offense, but it surely’s truthful to surprise if Kyle Shanahan may take into account including Tyler Warren to kind the league’s most intimidating 12-personnel bundle.
The NFL draft is stuffed with surprises, and yearly, one or two picks go away followers and analysts scratching their heads.
This mock draft embraces that chaos by assigning one out-of-left-field first-round choose to every group — picks that may not match the consensus however aren’t fully off the board. From Jaxson Dart touchdown in Cleveland to Shedeur Sanders headed to Tennessee, right here’s a have a look at how Round 1 may unfold if NFL groups throw a curveball.
JUMP TO A TEAM:
ARZ | ATL | BLT | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN | CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND | JAX | KC | LVR | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN | NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF | SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
1. Tennessee Titans: QB Shedeur Sanders
The Titans are overwhelming favorites to pick Cam Ward with the primary general choose within the 2025 NFL Draft. But if there’s even a slim probability they go in a distinct route, Shedeur Sanders could possibly be the shock. He checks the three bins head coach Brian Callahan has emphasised as priorities at quarterback: decision-making, timing and accuracy.
2. Cleveland Browns: QB Jaxson Dart
Jaxson Dart’s draft inventory could be the hardest to pin down on this class. If the Browns view him as their man, they might decide to attend till the highest of the second spherical to make their transfer. But in the event that they’re actually offered — particularly on the again of his FBS-best 91.9 passing grade in 2024 — they may not find a way to withstand pulling the set off at No. 2 general.
3. New York Giants: DI Mason Graham
The Giants face an intriguing determination at No. 3 general. If Travis Hunter is off the board they usually aren’t able to take a quarterback, Abdul Carter looks as if the logical fallback. But New York’s greater want may very well lie on the inside, the place Dexter Lawrence stands alone. Mason Graham — school soccer’s highest-graded defensive deal with in 2024 — could possibly be an ideal working mate.
4. New England Patriots: RB Ashton Jeanty
Lost within the dialog round New England’s wants at left deal with and vast receiver is their underwhelming backfield. Patriots working backs ranked nineteenth in dashing grade and twenty eighth in yards per carry final season. Even with an enhancing offensive line, that’s a priority. Ashton Jeanty broke 284 tackles throughout three school seasons and brings a dynamic presence that might assist steadiness the offense because the group builds round Drake Maye.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: OT Will Campbell
Jacksonville’s offensive line has been a weak hyperlink over the previous two seasons, and with Trevor Lawrence battling accidents, reinforcing the trenches stays a precedence. If Will Campbell is on the market and seen as an improve over Walker Little, Ezra Cleveland or Anton Harrison, the Jaguars may justify making a transfer. Their line ranked simply twenty third in PFF grade final season — removed from supreme for a franchise quarterback.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: LB Jihaad Campbell
Las Vegas’ much-maligned secondary will understandably draw consideration on this draft, however the linebacker group additionally wants assist. As issues stand, the Raiders venture to begin Elandon Roberts and Devin White — with Roberts offering strong run protection however restricted protection potential and White logging fewer than 200 snaps final season in Houston. Jihaad Campbell would give Las Vegas a proficient, younger presence in the course of the protection — one thing they presently lack.
7. New York Jets: S Malaki Starks
Perhaps Aaron Glenn sees shades of Brian Branch in Malaki Starks as he works to form the Jets’ protection in his imaginative and prescient. With Tony Adams and newly signed Andre Cisco presently projected to begin, Starks would carry a extra dynamic and versatile presence to the security place — and doubtlessly develop right into a cornerstone on the again finish.
8. Carolina Panthers: S Nick Emmanwori
Every yr, there’s not less than one participant who rises up draft boards due to a jaw-dropping mix efficiency that showcases uncommon athletic traits. In 2025, that participant could be South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori. He posted a career-best 79.6 PFF grade in his closing school season, and with the Panthers missing a real starter alongside Tre’Von Moehrig, Emmanwori could possibly be an intriguing match.
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9. New Orleans Saints: DI Walter Nolen
Given the uncertainty surrounding Derek Carr’s shoulder damage, the Saints could possibly be available in the market for a quarterback. There have additionally been whispers about upgrading the offensive line or including assist off the sting. Another chance? Reinforcing the inside of the line of defense with a prospect like Walter Nolen — and hoping he develops extra persistently than Bryan Bresee has by way of his first two seasons.
10. Chicago Bears: WR Emeka Egbuka
Emeka Egbuka’s professional comparability within the PFF Draft Guide is Amon-Ra St. Brown. If Ben Johnson shares that analysis, he may goal Egbuka to spice up a Bears offense that ranked twenty ninth in slot receiving grade final season. Egbuka would additionally carry worth as a keen blocker in Chicago’s retooled floor recreation.
11. San Francisco 49ers: TE Tyler Warren
The 49ers have already got famous person tight finish George Kittle firmly entrenched of their offense, but it surely’s truthful to surprise if Kyle Shanahan may take into account including Tyler Warren to kind the league’s most intimidating 12-personnel bundle. Warren earned an elite 93.4 receiving grade in 2024 and brings the sort of physicality as a run blocker that may complement Kittle completely on the sting.
12. Dallas Cowboys: CB Jahdae Barron
Cornerback isn’t a obvious want for Dallas, however the group did lose Jourdan Lewis in free company and doesn’t have a transparent in-house alternative for his slot function. Texas’ Jahdae Barron brings over 900 snaps of expertise enjoying inside and was the highest-graded cornerback in zone protection throughout the FBS in 2024 — a ability set that may make him a powerful slot in Matt Eberflus’ scheme.
13. Miami Dolphins: DI Kenneth Grant
Miami’s offensive line and secondary have taken hits lately, however the lack of Calais Campbell in free company additionally leaves a significant void within the run protection. Zach Sieler is the one returning inside lineman who earned a run-defense grade above 62.0 final season. Michigan’s Kenneth Grant — who posted an 87.5 run-defense grade in 2024 — could possibly be a powerful choice to assist fortify the center.
14. Indianapolis Colts: OL Grey Zabel
The Colts misplaced middle Ryan Kelly and proper guard Will Fries in free company. They have younger gamers like Tanor Bortolini and Dalton Tucker, who performed a considerable quantity final season, however they might search an infusion of younger expertise to compete with them. Zabel’s versatility would give Indianapolis choices as they appear to maintain their historically robust offensive line.
15. Atlanta Falcons: TE Colston Loveland
If Atlanta shocks the world and selects Colston Loveland, it may sign an eventual commerce of Kyle Pitts, whose PFF grades have declined in every of the previous three seasons. Loveland earned an elite 90.6 receiving grade at Michigan in 2024 whereas enjoying by way of a shoulder damage. If totally wholesome, he may supply not solely a dependable receiving choice but additionally improved blocking — a precious asset for a group dedicated to a run-first identification.
16. Arizona Cardinals: OG Tyler Booker
Booker’s pre-draft momentum has cooled following underwhelming athletic testing, however his tape nonetheless tells a powerful story. He ranked fourth amongst certified FBS guards in true pass-blocking grade final season at Alabama, displaying the sort of reliability the Cardinals may use. Arizona presently tasks to begin Isaiah Adams — who posted only a 50.3 pass-blocking grade in 2024 — at proper guard.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: RB Omarion Hampton
Cincinnati ranked twenty seventh in group dashing grade and twenty sixth in yards after contact per try final season, highlighting a transparent want for backfield assist. North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton is a yards-after-contact machine who may present the Bengals with much-needed offensive steadiness. With buzz rising round Hampton as a possible first-round choose, Cincinnati could possibly be the group that makes that shock transfer.
18. Seattle Seahawks: CB Will Johnson
If Will Johnson remains to be on the board when Seattle is on the clock, the Seahawks may give critical thought to addressing their secondary — even with clear wants on offense. Keeping Devon Witherspoon within the slot means discovering one other outdoors nook to pair with Tariq Woolen, and Johnson matches the invoice. While he has some lingering damage considerations, his 91.3 profession protection grade exhibits he’s able to enjoying at an elite stage when wholesome.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: S Xavier Watts
Tampa Bay moved Christian Izien to security final season, however his PFF grade dropped almost 10 factors from his spectacular rookie marketing campaign as a slot defender. Drafting Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts would enable Antoine Winfield Jr. to maneuver freely across the formation whereas giving the Bucs a real ball hawk on the again finish, as Watts racked up 13 interceptions over the previous two seasons.
20. Denver Broncos: CB Trey Amos
Most of the deal with Denver’s draft wants has centered on the offense, however cornerback is also in play. Riley Moss earned only a 56.0 protection grade final season and struggled in a number of high-profile matchups. Ole Miss’ Trey Amos brings versatility and physicality to the place and is coming off a career-best 85.6 protection grade in 2024.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Luther Burden III
The Steelers don’t lack deep threats with DK Metcalf and George Pickens on the roster, however their passing recreation may use extra selection. Pittsburgh’s receivers ranked simply twenty fourth in yards after catch per reception final season, and including a participant like Luther Burden III would supply a much-needed spark. Burden ranked among the many prime 4 FBS wideouts in each yards after catch and missed tackles compelled over the previous two seasons.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: CB Maxwell Hairston
The Chargers obtained strong contributions from late-round picks Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart at cornerback final season and added Donte Jackson in free company, however depth stays a priority. A speedy zone protection specialist like Maxwell Hairston could possibly be an interesting choice in Round 1. Over the previous two seasons, Hairston posted a wonderful 81.0 protection grade in Cover-3 and Quarters — the 2 coverages Los Angeles leans on most.
23. Green Bay Packers: LB Demetrius Knight Jr.
After three underwhelming seasons, former first-rounder Quay Walker could possibly be on the commerce block throughout draft weekend. If Green Bay strikes on, they will want a brand new starter subsequent to Edgerrin Cooper — and Knight could possibly be a powerful match. His ability set as a weak-side linebacker pairs properly with Cooper, particularly after incomes an elite 92.4 protection grade over the previous two seasons.
24. Minnesota Vikings: LB Carson Schwesinger
Schwesinger’s athleticism and flexibility would doubtless attraction to Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Andrew Van Ginkel and Blake Cashman each have contracts that expire throughout the subsequent two years. Schwesinger is a speedy tackling machine at linebacker, however he additionally posted a 90.0 pass-rush grade in his lone season as a starter at UCLA.
25. Houston Texans: DI Tyleik Williams
Houston may use a constant run-stuffer who thrives in even fronts, and Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams matches that mould. Williams ranked eighth amongst all certified FBS defensive tackles with an 88.6 run-defense grade in 2024, whereas the Texans’ inside line of defense completed twenty eighth in that very same metric. It could be a slight attain at No. 25 general, however Williams’ ability set would align properly with Houston’s defensive wants.
26. Los Angeles Rams: ED James Pearce Jr.
While the Rams boast Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse, they lack confirmed depth off the sting past him and Byron Young. James Pearce Jr. could be a powerful match as an explosive stand-up rusher, having tallied 107 pressures and 21 sacks over the previous two seasons. Adding Pearce would give Los Angeles one other dynamic piece to bolster its already ascending defensive entrance.
27. Baltimore Ravens: CB Benjamin Morrison
If there have been full confidence in his restoration from hip surgical procedure, Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison would doubtless be a first-round choose. He earned an elite 90.5 protection grade over three seasons in South Bend — an particularly spectacular mark given Notre Dame’s frequent use of man protection. Adding Morrison to a secondary that already options Nate Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey may make life troublesome for opposing offenses.
28. Detroit Lions: DI T.J. Sanders
It’s broadly anticipated that Detroit will goal edge assist early within the draft, but when no edge prospect stands out at No. 28, they might pivot to the inside. South Carolina’s T.J. Sanders, who earned an 81.9 pass-rush grade in 2024, provides disruptive potential from the within and could possibly be a powerful complement to D.J. Reader and Alim McNeill. He might begin as a passing-down specialist however has the instruments to develop into an every-down contributor.
29. Washington Commanders: WR Jayden Higgins
Adding one other weapon like Jayden Higgins — who earned an ideal 99.9 intermediate receiving grade final season — would give Jayden Daniels the power to persistently assault all three ranges of the protection. Terry McLaurin may proceed stretching the sphere as a deep menace, whereas Deebo Samuel thrives beneath with yards after the catch. Higgins’ potential to win in isolation would carry one more dynamic component to an already harmful offense.
30. Buffalo Bills: OG Donovan Jackson
Buffalo has positioned larger emphasis on the run recreation over the previous two seasons, placing extra stress on the offensive line to carry out. Left guard David Edwards, who posted a 66.1 PFF grade in 2024, is coming into the ultimate yr of his deal, whereas proper guard O’Cyrus Torrence has earned subpar grades in every of his first two seasons. Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson may assist solidify the inside and usher within the subsequent period of success up entrance for the Bills.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: RB TreVeyon Henderson
Chiefs working backs ranked thirtieth in yards per carry and thirty first in explosive runs final season, together with the playoffs. While Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt present toughness and physicality, Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson may inject much-needed explosiveness and pass-catching potential into the backfield.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: TE Elijah Arroyo
There have been rumors swirling about whether or not Dallas Goedert has performed his closing recreation in Philadelphia. Even if he returns for 2025, he’ll be 31 by season’s finish and coming into the ultimate yr of his contract. Elijah Arroyo’s explosive athleticism may intrigue the Eagles — his 16.9 yards per reception ranked second amongst certified FBS tight ends in 2024.