The countdown is on for the 2025 NFL Draft, and with less than a week to go, here is my one and only Round 1 mock draft. This isn’t just what I would do as a general manager; it’s based on what I’m hearing from my sources around the league. As always, there are trades, surprises, and new developments that make this mock draft unique.
The 2025 NFL Draft will kick off on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, ABC, and the ESPN app. Here are my projected picks, with two major trades shaking up the first round.
1. Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Ward has impressed everyone, and the Titans’ leadership is excited about him not just as a player but as a leader. A new era begins in Tennessee.
2. Cleveland Browns – Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Hunter is arguably the most versatile and exciting prospect of the year. The Browns are considering using him on both sides of the ball to maximize his potential.
3. New York Giants – Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Carter, the top pass rusher from Penn State, is a logical pick for the Giants. His combination of strength and speed will make him an immediate impact player.
4. New England Patriots – Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Campbell brings toughness and leadership to the Patriots’ offensive line. With a need for a reliable tackle, he’s the perfect choice to help stabilize the offense.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Jeanty fits perfectly into the Jaguars’ offensive scheme, bringing speed, vision, and versatility to their backfield as a game-changer.
6. Las Vegas Raiders – Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Membou is a physical specimen, and the Raiders need to continue building from the trenches. His potential to anchor the offensive line is too good to pass up.
7. New York Jets – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Warren’s skills as a dynamic tight end could be a huge asset for the Jets. With his ability to impact both the passing and blocking game, he’s a key target for New York.
8. Carolina Panthers – Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
A true versatile linebacker, Walker has the ability to play inside or outside. His leadership and work ethic make him an immediate starter in Carolina.
9. New Orleans Saints – Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Williams is an explosive defensive end who can take over games. With a potential future Hall of Fame career, he’s the heir apparent to Cameron Jordan’s legacy.
In a major trade, the Indianapolis Colts send picks No. 14 and No. 80 to the Chicago Bears to move up four spots. This is a strategic move to help the Colts build their offense.
10. Indianapolis Colts (via trade with CHI) – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
The Colts secure Loveland, a 6’6” tight end with elite potential. He’ll give the offense a huge boost, helping either Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones.
11. San Francisco 49ers – Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Nolen is one of the fastest risers in this draft. He’s quick off the line and could bring back the 49ers’ dominant defensive line.
12. Dallas Cowboys – Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
With the retirement of Zack Martin, the Cowboys need a strong interior lineman. Booker’s toughness and ability to start from day one make him a perfect fit.
13. Miami Dolphins – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Graham is a massive presence in the middle of the field. If he falls to the Dolphins, they would be getting a Day 1 starter who can instantly change the game.
14. Chicago Bears (via trade with IND) – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
The Bears move back in the draft but still get one of the top offensive tackles in Banks, a more consistent and polished prospect than many others in this class.
15. Atlanta Falcons – Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Campbell’s work ethic and versatility make him a perfect fit for the Falcons’ defense. His tackle-heavy career at Alabama shows he’s ready to step into the NFL.
16. Arizona Cardinals – Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Barron is one of the top cornerbacks in this class and a perfect fit for the Cardinals’ defensive system. His ball-hawking ability and instincts stand out.
17. Cincinnati Bengals – Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
Green’s relentless pass-rushing style could help the Bengals fill the void left by Trey Hendrickson’s uncertain future with the team.
18. Seattle Seahawks – Grey Zabel, C/G, North Dakota State
Zabel has been a steady riser throughout the draft process. He’s versatile, providing the Seahawks with an option to play both center and guard.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
McMillan’s athleticism and potential make him a great fit for the Bucs’ receiver corps, complementing veterans Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
