NFL mock draft: Predicting the first three rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft is set to begin Thursday, and it’s time for final mock drafts. We’ll be taking a shot at it with a three-round mock draft of our own. There are no trades projected, but there will likely be plenty at the top of the draft.
Scroll below for projections for all 102 picks in the first three rounds of the draft.
First round
1. Tennessee Titans — Cam Ward, QB, Miami
New Titans General Manager Mike Borgonzi recently said “everything is still on the table” involving the No. 1 overall pick. But we know GM-speak when we hear it. All signs point to Tennessee dumping Will Levis and drafting Ward on Thursday. How likely is it that Ward is drafted No. 1 overall? At some sportsbooks, wagering $200 on Ward’s top selection could net a cool profit of ... drum roll, please ... a single dollar.
2. Cleveland Browns — Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Tennessee going quarterback at No. 1 opens the door for Cleveland to take the No. 1 player in the draft. Hunter has a chance to be a high-level starter at both wide receiver and cornerback and has said he wants to play both in the NFL. It’s just a matter of whether the Browns feel like they’re getting enough value by playing him both ways. He could start at receiver and corner for them, but he’ll provide more value on offense right away for a team lacking weapons on the outside.
3. New York Giants — Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
There were some injury-related questions, but teams don’t seem too concerned with a stress fracture in his foot — especially when Carter is arguably the NFL draft’s most talented player. His elite explosiveness briefly put him in the conversation as No. 1 overall pick and, no matter where he’s drafted, he’ll be an immediate favorite to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Maybe the New York Giants learned from the last Nittany Lion they drafted in the first round (Saquon Barkley) and won’t muck this one up.
4. New England Patriots — Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Campbell isn’t a given to go here, but he still seems like the most likely choice. He has relatively short arms for an offensive tackle but that’s the only real flaw for one of the best players in this class. Missouri’s Armand Membou could be an option here, as could Michigan’s Mason Graham — both players who also play in the trenches. Either way, it would be a mild surprise if the Patriots don’t go with a lineman here to help build this team under head coach Mike Vrabel.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars — Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Graham is a popular pick for the Jags — because it makes perfect sense. Jacksonville is in serious need of help on the interior of the defensive line, as evidenced by ESPN ranking it last in 2024 in pass-rush win rate and 27th in run-stop rate. Graham is the NFL draft’s best defensive tackle, and it would be surprising to see him drop outside of the top 5. (Jacksonville needs WR help, too, but we see the second round as a better opportunity to fill that need.)
6. Las Vegas Raiders — Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
This isn’t quite the ceiling for Jeanty (the Jaguars could take him one spot earlier) but this might be the best case for him to start his career — and the best case for fantasy owners. The Raiders are going to run the ball under head coach Pete Carroll and have committed financially to being competitive right away with the trade — and then contract extension — for quarterback Geno Smith. Jeanty would get plenty of touches as a rookie and would be the east front runner for offensive rookie of the year if he ends up in Vegas.
7. New York Jets — Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Too soon for a tight end to come off the board? Maybe, but Warren is the kind of versatile tight end that doesn’t come around very often. He can give a creative offensive mind a lot to work with, and the Jets’ new OC — former Detroit passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand — loved getting the ball to TE Sam LaPorta. We’re bullish on Warren, and we don’t think he’ll last outside the top 10.
8. Carolina Panthers — Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
The Panthers could be a pivot point for teams looking to take a quarterback because of the smoke around the Saints looking to take one. Carolina would be an easy trade up option for one of those teams which would allow the Panthers to pile up more picks and keep building. That being said, we’re not projecting trades here and Walker is the best EDGE option in the class not named Abdul Carter.
9. New Orleans Saints — Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
The Saints have reportedly done a lot of homework on Dart and, where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Injury questions are swirling around QB Derek Carr, who could simply want out of The Big Easy, so drafting a quarterback looks more and more likely for the Saints. Dart’s stock has surged over the last few weeks, while there are concerns that QB prospect Shedeur Sanders holds on to the ball too long to be effective.
10. Chicago Bears — Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
This is a tough spot for the Bears. Running back or tight end could be an option but the clear-cut top guys at those positions are both off the board in this scenario, as is Walker as the second-best EDGE in the class. Chicago needs to improve its pass rush, and Stewart has all of the athletic tools to be an elite pass rusher in the NFL. It’s just a matter of whether he can put everything together to get there.
11. San Francisco 49ers — Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
You can argue that more talented players will be available here, but there’s no doubt that Membou is an ideal fit when it comes to the 49ers. San Francisco employs a zone-blocking scheme that emphasizes versatility and reaching the second level, and Membou runs a 4.91-second 40-yard dash while boasting the ability to slide inside if he needs to. He allowed just three career sacks over more than 2,000 snaps, and he’s nasty while run-blocking. It’d be difficult envisioning San Francisco choosing a different offensive lineman here.
12. Dallas Cowboys — Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Offensive weapons seem to be at the top of the Cowboys’ wish list, and fortunately for them the top receiver (not counting Travis Hunter) is still on the board. McMillan would be a quality complement to CeeDee Lamb at receiver in Dallas, a spot the Cowboys have been trying to fill since Amari Cooper was traded to the Browns after the 2021 season. Keep an eye out for North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton here, or a potential trade up for Ashton Jeanty.
13. Miami Dolphins — Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
The Dolphins boast one of the best receiving duos in the NFL and one of the fastest running backs in De’Von Achane — but they need help on the offensive line for this offense to go anywhere. Miami was miserable last season in short-yardage situations, going 11-for-20 on third-and-1, which was the second-worst rate in the NFL behind the New England Patriots. With the April 5 retirement of LT Terron Armstead, Banks would immediately slide in as the starter.
14. Indianapolis Colts — Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
The Colts’ love for Tyler Warren is no secret, but it’s hard to imagine them trading up high enough to get him. If he falls closer to eight or nine, then maybe Indianapolis makes a move up but the price is probably cost prohibitive for a team that is currently in no man’s land and on the precipice of another rebuild. Loveland is the next best option at tight end as the Colts try to make Anthony Richardson work at quarterback.
15. Atlanta Falcons — Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Quick, when’s the last time the Falcons had a pass-rusher reach double-digit sacks? Give up? Try 2017. Unsurprisingly, Atlanta ranked near the bottom of the NFL last season in sacks and pressure. So it’s clear the Falcons are in serious need of an EDGE, and Georgia alum Williams would be an instant fan favorite.
16. Arizona Cardinals — Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
This is an awkward spot for the Cardinals, with Williams going one pick sooner as the ideal option for them. Instead this scenario could lead to a trade down or taking the best player available at a position that is a need — even if it isn’t as glaring of a need as the one at pass rusher. Johnson was not as good in 2024 as he was in 2023, but if he can reclaim his form this could end up being a steal for the Cardinals.
17. Cincinnati Bengals — Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
Cincinnati will almost certainly take a defensive player in the first round, so it will either come down here to need (defensive line) or value. Green provides both, as he was a productive player in college with high upside. Sure, he might be the best fit for a 3-4 defense, but DC Al Golden still uses plenty of “amoeba” fronts. Plus, the Bengals need a replacement for recently retired DE Sam Hubbard.
18. Seattle Seahawks — Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Emmanwori has surpassed Georgia’s Malaki Starks as the top safety in this class and has freakish athleticism for the position. He should step into a starting spot right away for Seattle and has a chance to be a legitimate playmaker on the back end. There are other options here that the Seahawks could go to — like offensive line or even receiver — but Emmanwori has high upside and fills a need.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Head coach Todd Bowles needs some help generating an improved pass-rush, so we anticipate him going after a linebacker or EDGE rusher here. And Campbell appears to be a great fit. With veteran Lavonte David nearing the end of his career, Tampa Bay needs to develop a new anchor for its 3-4 defense — and Campbell is a rare, balanced talent who can play every down. He can stop the run and rush the passer, the kind of versatility that Bowles covets.
20. Denver Broncos — Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Sean Payton seemingly has his quarterback in Bo Nix, but the young signal caller could still use some help in the running game in order to get the offense to take a step forward. Hampton is the clear No. 2 back in the class and is closer to Jeanty than he is to whoever the third back ends up being. He’ll be productive right away wherever he ends up as a rookie and could compete with Jeanty for offensive rookie of the year.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers — Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
The Steelers’ need at QB is evident, but this isn’t exactly a repeat of the famously strong 1983 class. The Steelers’ front office is too disciplined to reach this early, so we envision it making the logical pick in Harmon. With veteran Cameron Heyward nearing retirement and the Steelers moving on from Larry Ogunjobi, the need for interior help is evident — and Harmon fits the Pittsburgh mold. He fits both 3-4 and 4-3 schemes, perfect for the Steelers’ mixed fronts, and his high-motor and physicality will allow him to make an instant impact. It’s difficult seeing Harmon not having success if the Steelers make the sensible pick here.
22. Los Angeles Chargers — Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
If Colston Loveland falls to this spot then he’d be the favorite here, but instead a different former Wolverine is the pick. Former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh knows Grant well after coaching him as part of the national championship team in the 2023 season and knows how he’ll project in the NFL. Grant might be more of run defender than interior pass rusher, but if the Chargers can tap into his upside when it comes to getting to the quarterback, then this could be a steal.
23. Green Bay Packers — Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
General Manager Brian Gutekunst has repeatedly emphasized the importance of having “interchangeable” parts in the secondary, and Barron is one of the draft’s most versatile corners. He can play in the slot, outside and even at safety. He’s fast (4.39-second 40), smart and physical. With the unknown future of CB Jaire Alexander, Barron becomes even more valuable at this spot.
24. Minnesota Vikings — Grey Zabel, OL, NDSU
Zabel is a versatile lineman who has played four positions on the offensive line but most likely slots in on the interior in the NFL. He should be a guard right away and start for Minnesota, but if any team takes him and wants to stick him at tackle, it could pay off big in the long run.
25. Houston Texans — Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
OT Laremy Tunsil was traded to the Washington Commanders this offseason because, despite that being a position of need, the Texans wanted to remain young there. In other words, it’s almost a lock the Texans draft an offensive lineman in the opening round. Conerly Jr. is an athletic prospect who fits with wide-zone and outside-zone schemes, meaning he fits with the Texans’ philosophy. He’s NFL-ready as a pass-protector and could replace Tunsil on Day 1.
26. Los Angeles Rams — Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Simmons is a pure tackle prospect and could end up being one of the best values in the draft. He’s a good pass protector who has played at a high level when he’s been on the field — which he hasn’t always been. Simmons’ injuries are a concern but the Rams are likely more focused on players who can help them now with an aging Matthew Stafford at quarterback. As long as he can stay healthy in the near-term, Simmons should add plenty of value for Los Angeles.
27. Baltimore Ravens — Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
This is more of a value pick than an immediate position of need like EDGE. But we can’t see Baltimore passing up the chance at an instant-impact player at No. 27. The Ravens love disguising coverages and moving safeties all over the field, and Starks has lined up for Georgia as a deep safety, slot corner and linebacker. He’s smart, athletic and boasts a high floor. If Baltimore would go EDGE here, it would have to settle for a prospect that’s nowhere near as NFL-ready as Starks.
28. Detroit Lions — Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
This is a “rich get richer” pick and the kind that can help head coach Dan Campbell lean even further into his team’s identity as one of the most physical groups in the league. That starts in the trenches for Detroit, where Booker should help the team continue its physical domination. He’s an excellent run blocker who should really help the Lions continue their elite ground attack. If Booker isn’t the pick, corner could also be an option for Detroit.
29. Washington Commanders — Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
Head coach Dan Quinn said last summer that, “Affecting the quarterback has to be at the top of what you want to do defensively.” Well, with the offseason departure of Dante Fowler Jr. and with no returning DL with more than five sacks last year, it’s pretty clear that EDGE should be the Commanders’ top priority. (Cornerback and offensive line are the other options.) Ezeiruaku is at his best when he operates in space, and that’s the manner in which Quinn prefers to deploy his EDGE rushers. Ezeiruaku is technically polished and may not be an immediate, every-down player — but he’ll rush the passer in sub-packages and other situations.
30. Buffalo Bills — Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Bills are in need of some immediate pass rush help and Scourton could provide that. He doesn’t have the upside of some of the other pass rushers in the class because he doesn’t have elite athletic traits, but his ability to win with toughness and physicality should allow him to make the transition to the league rather quickly.
31. Kansas City Chiefs — Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Forget the fact Ersery is a Kansas City native and went to a nearby high school. That’s not why we’re projecting him here. The Chiefs started OG Joe Thuney at left tackle during their Super Bowl run, and free-agent pickup Jaylon Moore is not the long-term answer. Kansas City needs a strong prospect to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blindside, and Ersery held his own against elite pass rushers such as Penn State’s Abdul Carter. On top of that, head coach Andy Reid loves linemen who can move around in space, and Ersery runs a 5.01-second 40-yard dash as a 6-foot-6 and 331-pound player. No offensive lineman that size has run that quickly at the NFL Combine in more than 20 years.
32. Philadelphia Eagles — Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
This could be another “Howie Roseman did it again” moment if Nolen falls to the reigning Super Bowl champs and he’s snatched up by the team’s general manager. The former Ole Miss defender has the type of twitch that could allow him to be a force as an interior pass rusher in the NFL — and lining up next to Jalen Carter at defensive tackle should allow him to get one-on-ones early in his career. He’s a raw prospect who has the upside to be one of the better defensive players in the class — if he makes some fairly large strides from a technique and discipline standpoint.
Second round
33. Cleveland Browns — Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
34. New York Giants — Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville
35. Tennessee Titans — Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
36. Jacksonville Jaguars — Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
37. Las Vegas Raiders — Donovan Jackson, OT/OG, Ohio State
38. New England Patriots — Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
39. Chicago Bears (from Panthers) — Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
40. New Orleans Saints — Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
41. Chicago Bears — TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
42. New York Jets — Jonah Savaiinaea, OT/OG, Arizona
43. San Francisco 49ers — Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
44. Dallas Cowboys — James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee
45. Indianapolis Colts — Tate Ratledge, OG, Georgia
46. Atlanta Falcons — Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
47. Arizona Cardinals — Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo
48. Miami Dolphins — Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
49. Cincinnati Bengals — T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina
50. Seattle Seahawks — Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
51. Denver Broncos — JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State
52. Seattle Seahawks (from Steelers) — Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Jordan Burch, EDGE, Oregon
54. Green Bay Packers — Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
55. Los Angeles Chargers — Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami
56. Buffalo Bills (from Vikings through Texans) — Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina
57. Carolina Panthers (from Rams) — Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
58. Houston Texans — Jayden Higgns, WR, Iowa State
59. Baltimore Ravens — Oluwafemi Oladejo, EDGE, UCLA
60. Detroit Lions — Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State
61. Washington Commanders — Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State
62. Buffalo Bills — Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State
63. Kansas City Chiefs — Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
64. Philadelphia Eagles — Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss
Third round
65. New York Giants — Marcus Mbow, OT, Purdue
66. Kansas City Chiefs (from Titans) — Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU
67. Cleveland Browns — Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
68. Las Vegas Raiders — Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
69. New England Patriots — Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee
70. Jacksonville Jaguars — Jack Bech, WR, TCU
71. New Orleans Saints — Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
72. Chicago Bears — Kevin Winston Jr., S, PSU
73. New York Jets — Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford
74. Carolina Panthers — Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
75. San Francisco 49ers — Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
76. Dallas Cowboys — RJ Harvey, RB, UCF
77. New England Patriots (from Falcons) —Wyatt Milum, OG, West Virginia
78. Arizona Cardinals — Ozzy Trapilo, OG/OT, Boston College
79. Houston Texans (from Dolphins through Eagles and Commanders) — Anthony Belton, OT, North Carolina State
80. Indianapolis Colts — Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina
81. Cincinnati Bengals — Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina
82. Seattle Seahawks — Jared Wilson, C, Georgia
83. Pittsburgh Steelers — Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers —Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State
85. Denver Broncos — Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State
86. Los Angeles Chargers — Savion Williams, WR, TCU
87. Green Bay Packers — Elijah Roberts, EDGE, SMU
88. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Vikings) — Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon
89. Houston Texans — Devin Neal, RB, Kansas
90. Los Angeles Rams — Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green
91. Baltimore Ravens — Charles Grant, OG/OT, William & Mary
92. Seattle Seahawks (from Lions through Jets and Raiders) — Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M
93. New Orleans Saints (from Commanders) — Josaiah Stewart, EDGE, Michigan
94. Cleveland Browns (from Bills) — Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State
95. Kansas City Chiefs — Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee
96. Philadelphia Eagles — Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas
97. Minnesota Vikings (Compensatory Selection) — CJ West, DT, Indiana
98. Miami Dolphins (Compensatory Selection) — Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon
99. New York Giants (Compensatory Selection) — Nohl Williams, CB, California
100. San Francisco 49ers (Special Compensatory Selection) — Ty Robinson, DT, Nebraska
101. Los Angeles Rams (Special Compensatory Selection) — Chris Paul Jr., LB, Ole Miss
102. Detroit Lions (Special Compensatory Selection) — Tai Felton, WR, Maryland
