- The Patriots discover themselves in a win-win spot: One of Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter appears set to fall to New England, with Hunter being the prize on this mock draft.
- Titans commerce again into Round 1 to safe assist for Cam Ward: Burden makes a speciality of making huge performs with the ball in his palms, and Tennessee ranked twenty ninth in yards after the catch per reception final season.
Estimated Reading Time: 14 minutes
Just a number of brief weeks from the 2025 NFL Draft, hypothesis is rampant about all the things from the early picks to potential trades. This could also be as unpredictable a draft as we’ve seen in a very long time.
Regardless, let’s take one other crack at predicting how issues might go for the 32 NFL franchises.
1. Tennessee Titans: QB Cam Ward, Miami (FL)
Nothing is about in stone till we see it occur, but it surely positive looks like Tennessee is locking in on faculty soccer’s highest-graded quarterback in 2024, Cam Ward. While the Titans would tremendously profit from choosing Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter, they ranked lifeless final in PFF passing grade final season and at the moment carry Will Levis and Brandon Allen on their roster as choices.
2. Cleveland Browns: EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State
The draft begins in earnest right here with the Browns. While they do want a franchise quarterback, this group isn’t arrange to reach 2025, no matter whom which may be. Instead, they add one other premier defensive position expertise in Carter, who posted an elite 92.4 PFF pass-rush grade final season and would mix with Myles Garrett to type a fierce edge duo.
3. New York Giants: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Some consider signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston would preclude the Giants from taking Sanders with this choose. However, these two are assured solely a mixed $14 million in 2024. New York might nonetheless choose Sanders with the thought of holding all three for this season and slowly ushering him into the league. If Sanders proves himself instantly worthy of being the Giants’ QB2 or starter, Winston possible turns into a commerce goal for a group coping with harm or looking for an skilled backup.
4. New England Patriots: WR/CB Travis Hunter, Colorado
New England cannot go flawed with both Hunter or Abdul Carter in the event that they fall right here. The solely different part of this choice stands out as the Patriots’ opinion of Hunter as a receiver. He’s definitely proved himself worthy on the offensive aspect of the ball with a 90.7 PFF receiving grade throughout his three faculty seasons. Mike Vrabel and his workers aren’t tied to any of the younger receivers on New England’s roster, and Hunter’s expertise is simply too engaging to cross up.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: DI Mason Graham, Michigan
Assuming Travis Hunter isn’t on the board, this ought to be a slam-dunk choose for Jacksonville. Graham was the highest-graded defensive sort out within the FBS in 2024. Jacksonville’s defensive tackles ranked twenty eighth general and thirty first in PFF pass-rush grade this previous season. New normal supervisor James Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen noticed firsthand how a dominant inside participant, Aaron Donald, might energize a protection. They take Graham right here hoping he can have an identical impression.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
Geno Smith has been among the finest vertical passers within the NFL over the previous three seasons. Over that span, he ranked tenth in PFF passing grade on 10-plus yard throws and generated the second-most big-time throws within the NFL. McMillan, in the meantime, led the FBS with a 98.6 PFF receiving grade on 10-plus-yard targets over the previous two seasons. Smith and McMillan are a terrific match. Ashton Jeanty is tempting, however the Raiders can discover different choices at operating again on Day 2.
7. New York Jets: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
The Jets really feel just like the draft’s first true wild card, having a number of choices to fill wants with this choose. Their tight finish room, headlined by Jeremy Ruckert and Stone Smartt, is the most important weak spot, although. Jets tight ends ranked twenty seventh in PFF receiving grade and final in PFF run-blocking grade in 2024. Warren ought to assist in each departments.
*TRADE* 8. San Francisco 49ers: T Armand Membou, Missouri
Trade phrases: 49ers obtain No. 8 choose; Panthers obtain No. 11 choose and No. 100 choose
The 49ers transfer up three spots to get forward of New Orleans and take Membou. He’s an ideal scheme match for Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Membou performed the ninth-most outside-zone run snaps at Missouri in 2024 whereas posting a wonderful 80.7 PFF run-blocking grade. He joins Dominick Puni to type a doubtlessly dominant proper aspect of San Francisco’s offensive line.
9. New Orleans Saints: T Will Campbell, LSU
New Orleans, which owned the league’s lowest PFF pass-blocking grade in 2024, heads simply up the street to Baton Rouge to pick out Will Campbell. There might be questions on their offensive line alignment, together with for Campbell himself, however he overcame his lack of size to place collectively an 81.3 PFF pass-blocking grade throughout three full years as an SEC starter.
10. Chicago Bears: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
The Bears might deliver a doubtlessly elite offensive line into the 2025 season. While the 2025 operating again class is depth-heavy, Jeanty is just too good to cross up if he’s accessible. His stellar profession at Boise State included him posting an ideal 99.9 PFF dashing grade and breaking a ridiculous 325 tackles in three seasons. Chicago shouldn’t cross on a particular expertise like Jeanty.
*TRADE* 11. Carolina Panthers: LB Jalon Walker, Georgia
Trade phrases: Panthers obtain No. 11 choose and No. 100 choose; 49ers obtain No. 8 choose
Carolina’s edge defenders and linebackers each ranked within the backside three amongst NFL groups in PFF general grade final season. It’s not recognized whether or not the Panthers would view Walker as one or each of these issues, however they want defensive expertise. Walker’s athleticism jumps off the tape, even when he does want a bit extra refinement. Adding a premier athlete whereas choosing up the one centesimal general choose is a victory for Carolina on this situation.
12. Dallas Cowboys: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
Dallas desperately wants an alpha presence at linebacker. Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is a linebackers coach at coronary heart and has at all times invested in having wonderful gamers on the place. Campbell proved this previous season that he could be that participant as certainly one of simply 4 Power Four linebackers with 80.0-plus grades in run protection and protection.
13. Miami Dolphins: T Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
Similar to San Francisco, Miami wants assistance on the offensive line. Banks suits as a wonderful cross protector and skilled outside-zone blocker. Even if the 49ers consider Patrick Paul is their beginning left sort out, Banks can transfer inside to left guard and nonetheless slot in properly.
14. Indianapolis Colts: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
The Colts didn’t have a single tight finish final 12 months who compiled both 200 receiving yards or not less than a 60.0 PFF receiving grade. Loveland’s 90.8 PFF receiving grade throughout the previous two seasons ranked fourth within the FBS. His skill to win from anyplace within the formation is exclusive, and his restoration from a shoulder harm ought to reenergize him as a blocker.
15. Atlanta Falcons: S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
Some group within the first spherical goes to fall in love with Emmanwori’s athletic expertise. In this situation, it’s the Falcons, who even have wants at edge defender and cornerback. Emmanwori’s supersized body and consistency in run protection might be a pleasant complement to Jessie Bates III’s elite protection skill.
16. Arizona Cardinals: CB Jahdae Barron, Texas
The Cardinals improved in protection at security and within the slot however struggled on the skin final season. Their outdoors cornerbacks earned a 52.0 zone PFF protection grade, the bottom within the NFL. Luckily, Jahdae Barron falls to them right here. He gained the Jim Thorpe Award — given to the highest defensive again in faculty soccer — in his ultimate 12 months in Texas, primarily as a result of he led all FBS cornerbacks with a 91.5 zone PFF protection grade.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: EDGE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
Stewart has been one of many largest risers all through the pre-draft course of after a dominant Senior Bowl displaying and a historic mix efficiency. Whether or not the Bengals re-sign Trey Hendrickson, they need assistance on the sting and will gamble on high-upside expertise. Stewart could be a robust run-defending complement to Hendrickson, even when they’ve to attend for him to develop as a cross rusher.
18. Seattle Seahawks: EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia
Seattle’s edge defenders ranked twenty third in PFF run-defense grade final season. While they acquired DeMarcus Lawrence on a large contract, the addition of Mykel Williams would additional assist that trigger. Williams’ expertise throughout a number of defensive position positions would additionally additional enable Mike Macdonald to maintain creativity in his fronts.
*TRADE* 19. Buffalo Bills: CB Will Johnson, Michigan
Trade phrases: Bills obtain No. 19 choose; Buccaneers obtain No. 30 choose and No. 62 choose
The Bills have loads of defensive depth however lack star energy and are extraordinarily skinny at cornerback. With an additional second-round choose at their disposal, they need to commerce up and seize a possible star like Johnson. While he’s had some latest harm points, he earned an elite 91.3 PFF protection grade throughout his three seasons at Michigan.
20. Denver Broncos: RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Denver’s operating backs ranked within the backside six in PFF dashing grade and yards after contact per try amongst NFL groups in 2024. During his previous two seasons in Chapel Hill, Hampton earned an elite 93.9 PFF dashing grade whereas trailing solely Ashton Jeanty in yards after contact. The Broncos might go about enhancing their offense in a number of methods on this draft. A workhorse again would slot in properly behind their wonderful offensive line.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: S Malaki Starks, Georgia
Starting safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott earned PFF protection grades beneath 65.0 for the Steelers final season. The protection additionally earned only a 59.2 slot PFF protection grade. Starks brings intensive expertise in a number of roles within the secondary and will give the group extra flexibility.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: EDGE Mike Green, Marshall
The Chargers introduced again Khalil Mack for one more season, however they want extra pass-rush assistance on the sting. Mack is their solely returning edge defender who earned not less than a 65.0 PFF pass-rush grade final season. Green is recent off a dominant season at Marshall during which he led the FBS with a 92.4 PFF general grade and 17 sacks.
23. Green Bay Packers: EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
Packers edge defenders posted the fifth-lowest PFF pass-rush grade within the NFL final season. The group might decide to attend for his or her different younger gamers to develop, however issues haven’t seemed promising to this point on that entrance. Ezeiruaku is accustomed to defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley from their days collectively at Boston College. He additionally simply completed a terrific ultimate faculty season with a 90.5 PFF pass-rush grade and 14 sacks.
*TRADE* 24. Seattle Seahawks: IOL Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
Trade phrases: Seahawks obtain No. 24 choose; Vikings obtain No. 50 choose, No. 92 choose and 2026 third-round choose
After buying and selling away Geno Smith and D.Ok. Metcalf for Day 2 picks, the Seahawks have the flexibleness to maneuver up for whoever they really feel will enhance their roster. They are in determined want of inside offensive line assist. Zabel’s athleticism and potential to play guard or heart could be a significant asset as Klint Kubiak makes an attempt to rebuild this offense in his imaginative and prescient.
25. Houston Texans: WR Matthew Golden, Texas
The Texans do want so as to add younger expertise within the trenches, however additionally they have main questions at broad receiver past Nico Collins and Christian Kirk. Golden offers them a official Z receiver who can take the highest off a protection and run excellent routes. With Golden in tow, they will deal with the trenches with their three Day 2 picks.
*TRADE* 26. Chicago Bears: DI Kenneth Grant, Michigan
Trade phrases: Bears obtain No. 26 choose and No. 127 choose; Rams obtain No. 39 choose and No. 72 choose
The Bears enter 2025 with Gervon Dexter Sr. and Grady Jarrett as their beginning defensive tackles, each of whom graded within the low 60.0s in run protection final season. Using the flexibleness that comes with having an additional second-round choose, they transfer into the primary spherical to choose up Kenneth Grant. His 340-pound body and stunning athleticism could be an enormous assist for Chicago on early downs.
27. Baltimore Ravens: G Tyler Booker, Alabama
The Ravens have achieved little to deal with the void remaining at left guard after Patrick Mekari’s departure. Booker would supply them a pleasant ground in cross safety and a effective match of their downhill run scheme. His 83.5 true PFF pass-blocking grade ranked fourth amongst certified FBS guards in 2024.
28. Detroit Lions: EDGE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
From Week 7 onward this previous season, Detroit ranked twenty seventh within the NFL in PFF pass-rush grade. The Lions retained a number of contributing defensive linemen in free company, however they want yet another star cross rusher to enrich Aidan Hutchinson. Pearce has that potential as somebody who racked up 107 pressures and an 89.4 PFF pass-rush grade over the previous two seasons.
*TRADE* 29. Tennessee Titans: WR Luther Burden III, Missouri
Trade phrases: Titans obtain No. 29 choose; Commanders obtain No. 35 choose and No. 103 choose
Tennessee offers Cam Ward one other weapon to work with in Burden. In the vein of Deebo Samuel or DJ Moore, Burden makes a speciality of making huge performs with the ball in his palms. Tennessee ranked twenty ninth in yards after the catch per reception final season. Burden’s arrival would considerably enhance that rating.
*TRADE* 30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Trey Amos, Ole Miss
Trade phrases: Buccaneers obtain No. 30 choose and No. 62 choose; Bills obtain No. 19 choose
Tampa Bay ranked thirtieth in man protection grade this previous season. Amos is a press-man specialist who would enable Todd Bowles to be extra aggressive along with his coverages. Securing him and buying the 62nd choose within the draft would put Tampa Bay in a great place to enhance its cross protection.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: DI Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
Nolen’s run-defense prowess and general upside are too good for Kansas City to cross up right here. He trailed solely Michigan’s Mason Graham in PFF run-defense grade (91.6) in his lone season at Ole Miss. His pass-rush potential began to shine as he generated 35 pressures and 6 sacks. Kansas City nonetheless has three picks on Day 2 to enhance a skinny offensive line.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: DI Derrick Harmon, Oregon
The Eagles shut out the primary spherical with Harmon, who ought to be a pure substitute for the departed Milton Williams. Harmon led all FBS defensive tackles with 55 pressures this previous season. His 86.3 PFF pass-rush grade tied him for third place amongst that very same group.