2025 NFL mock draft 1.0

There’s nothing like fun filled Thanksgiving traditions such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade, the turkey, the pumpkin pie, but most importantly, my first mock draft of the season!

Obviously the draft order is subject to change, but I’ll use the current draft order predictions after the week 12 games. With over two months of the NFL season down the drain and the NFL trade deadline behind us, we’re really starting to see teams draft needs take shape.

Pay close attention. Looking back at my mock draft 1.0 last year, I accurately predicted 22 of the 32 first round selections. Many of the names on this list will be mainstay names atop many draft boards as we get deeper into mock draft season. Use my mock draft 1.0 to familiarize yourself with many of college football’s top prospects, as well as NFL teams main needs.

1. Jaguars: Travis Hunter, CB/WR

Jacksonville is projected to have the first overall pick for the third time in five seasons. I highly doubt they’re going to move on from Trevor Lawrence and if they’re not going to trade down (not projecting any trades this early), might as well select the overall best player in this year’s draft. Hunter could help Jacksonville on both sides of the ball, but would be a massive addition in their leaky secondary.

2. Giants: Shedeur Sanders, QB

With the release of Daniel Jones, The G-Men are obviously in the Quarterback market and I personally believe that Sanders is the best QB prospect in this year’s class. His elusiveness in the pocket and command of Colorado’s offense reminds me of Bryce Young as a prospect.

3. Raiders: Will Johnson, CB

With the Giants taking Sanders, I don’t think there’s another QB worth taking this high. With no trades projected, I’ll have Las Vegas simply taking the best player available and selecting Michigan’s Will Johnson with where their Cornerback position is at and Nate Hobbs hitting free agency.

4. Patriots: Will Campbell, OT

Look, I just don’t see a world where New England takes any other position besides offensive tackle in this years draft. A prospect similar to Peter Skoronski, Campbell offers the safest floor in this year’s draft class, although some teams might view his future as an all-pro guard.

5. Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR

Bryce Young has shown flashes since returning to the starting lineup, as I think you have to continue to harvest in your investment you selected first overall just two years ago. In my opinion, McMillan is the best wideout in the draft class, standing at 6’5” 212lbs with the ability to win at all three levels of the field. I’d compare him to Drake London from a few years back as a prospect. McMillan on the outside and Xavier Legette being a versatile chess piece in the Panthers offense gives the team a proper weaponry to see if Young is indeed their franchise guy or not.

6. Titans: Kelvin Banks, OT

Titans GM Ran Carthon and head ball coach Brian Callahan have enough of a leash to not rush into drafting a rookie Quarterback that they might not feel too good about, considering the draft class. With who coach Callahan’s dad is, I would assume focusing on that offense line will continue to be a priority. The selection of the toolsy Banks allows the team to move JC Latham to Right Tackle (His most natural position), because of their massive need on that side of the ball. A young nucleus of Banks, Latham and Peter Skoronski would create an exciting foundation for whoever their franchise signal caller might be.

7. Jets: James Pierce, EDGE

The Hasson Reddick saga has been quite the ride, but if I’m New York I let him walk and select who I believe to be the drafts most toolsy pass rush prospect. Prior to kickoff, Pierce was considered to be a prospect in the running to be the first player taken off the board. That’s how talented he is.

8. Browns: Ashton Jeanty, RB

Look. I’ve seen QB being mocked here, but I just can’t fathom Cleveland doing that with how tied down to Deshaun Watson they are. However, Jeanty is a Heisman favorite and Nick Chubb is 28 years old, coming off of a career altering injury and is set to hit the open market this offseason. For a team whose identity is having success on the ground, selecting a back like Jeanty would be ideal, even if they brought back Chubb to a team friendly deal this offseason.

9. Saints: Shavon Revel Jr, CB

You might be scratching your head on this one, but I promise the hype train will take off for him as we get deeper into the draft process. I’m just the first person on board. With the trade of Marshon Lattimore and the pending free agency of Paulson Adebo, selecting the long and rangy Revel with elite ball skills wouldn’t be the worst idea to pair with last year’s selection of Kool-Aid McKinstry.

10. Bengals: Shemar Stewart, EDGE

Another bold prediction within the top ten of my mock draft, as I don’t see why there isn’t any hype on the former five star recruit out of high school and athletic specimen. At 6’6” 290 pounds, Stewart is going to make a LOT of money at the combine with his testing numbers. He moves like a guy who’s 30 pounds lighter than he is. For Cincinnati, they have to address their woes on the defensive side of the ball this offseason and selecting the versatile Stewart to line up opposite of Trey Hendrickson is a solid start.

11. Cowboys: Luther Burden, WR

Getting into the mind of Jerry Jones is a very hard thing to accomplish, but I know one thing. He likes selling tickets and Luther Burden is absolutely a box office prospect at the wide receiver position. Not only that, but the Cowboys will need to surround their recent investment of Dak Prescott with more weapons outside of Ceedee Lamb moving forward. Especially with the potential of Brandin Cooks walking this upcoming offseason.

12. Bears: Abdul Carter, EDGE

Character concerns and questions on his future position in the NFL might cause him to drop a little, but I’m under the belief that Carter is one of the best overall prospects in this years draft class. His versatility, athleticism and admittedly his college destination has me drawing comparisons to Micah Parsons as a prospect.

13. Colts: Malachi Starks, S

Nothing has changed since my “Way too early” mock draft back in May. Indianapolis biggest draft need is in their secondary. Although a Safety, Starks is one of the best overall talents left on the board and his ability to win in coverage allows whoever drafts him to be more creative in the backend.

14. Dolphins: Mason Graham, DT

Although Miami’s defense has been underrated this year, they’re still missing the Christian Wilkins sized vacancy in their defense and can replace that production potentially with the selection of Mason Graham, who might be a top ten overall talent in this years draft class. His presence would allow for more one on one work for Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips and Chop Robinson.

15. Buccaneers: Jalon Walker, LB

Tampa Bay needs more depth along their defensive line, especially with Joe Tyron-Shoyinka set to become a free agent this summer. Not only that, but Walker’s versatility allows him to also play more in the box as well, which could soften the potential blow of Lavonte David leaving via the open market as well this offseason. Walker led the Bulldogs in sacks in 2023 (5) and has already eclipsed that number this season as well.

16. Rams: Benjamin Morrison, CB

I’m personally under the belief that if it wasn’t for injury, that we’d be talking about Benjamin Morrison as potentially the first Cornerback off the board. Since I have no medical knowledge at my disposal currently of the extent of his injury, I’m going to assume he’ll be ready for kickoff next season and would give a massive boost to a Rams secondary who desperately needs a difference maker.

17. 49ers: Walter Nolen, DT

Much like the Buccaneers and Rams above them, the 49ers could select an offensive tackle, cornerback or improved depth along their defensive line with their first round selection. Although not a direct need, Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins will both be in their thirties at the start of next season and Walter Nolen was a former first overall ranked prospect coming out of high school. With needed depth along their defensive line, Nolen makes a lot of sense due to his upside and versatility. I personally believe he’s the best prospect available when you look at all players along the defensive line, defensive tackles or edge rushers.

18. Cardinals: Emeka Egbuka, WR

Ranking in the bottom ten in the league currently in passing yards, Arizona needs to surround Kyler Murray with more weapons. Although Marvin Harrison Jr, Trey McBride and Trey Benson is a solid young nucleus to build upon, adding a consistent slot wideout like Egbuka makes Arizona’s offense that much more dynamic. Measuring in at 6’1” 205 pounds, the former first ranked wideout out of high school reminds me of Juju Smith-Schuster in his prime, with his success against press coverage and elite short area quickness.

19. Falcons: Mykel Walker, EDGE

I feel like we say this every year, but Atlanta is HORRIBLE at getting to the passer, as they’re currently last in the NFL in that category. Mykel Walker was my first overall pick in my “way too early” mock draft, but his lack of production hasn’t paired with his elite tools unfortunately. Although he likely falls out of the upper echelon of prospects, he’s going to test very well and some team will take the swing on him. I like the idea of him staying in the state of Georgia here.

20. Seahawks: Cameron Williams, OL

Cameron Williams has been a steady force for Texas at Right Tackle this season, a position that Seattle could improve at. However, the Seahawks also have issues along the interior of their offensive line, especially after the mid-season retirement of starting Center, Connor Williams. Which is where I see the value for Williams here at pick 20. With a nasty play style and raw power, I can see him turning into a better Guard at the next level than at Tackle and brings whichever team that drafts him some flexibility.

21. Commanders: Colston Loveland, TE

“But Trenton, Washington drafted Ben Sinnott in the second round last year!” Correct. The Las Vegas Raiders also selected Brock Bowers in the first round a year after selecting Michael Mayer in the second round as well. Although Washington will have an internal battle of surrounding franchise Quarterback Jayden Daniels with weapons on offense and Dan Quinn stockpiling defensive chess pieces, I view Loveland as one of the best remaining prospects on the board and will become his young Quarterbacks best friend in an offense that needs more playmakers.

22. Texans: Kenneth Grant, DT

Houston has great defensive playmakers on the edge of their defense with Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, but desperately needs more strength in the middle. In a talented defensive tackle class, Grants blend of sheer size and explosiveness sets him apart from the others. It would not shock me to see his draft stock rise as we get deeper into the process.

23. Broncos: Josh Simmons, OT

You can almost guarantee that Denver’s first round selection will be made with Bo Nix in mind and although a WR2 opposite of Courtland Sutton would be ideal, I believe the team will focus on an Offensive Tackle with the future of Garret Bolles on the team in question. Simmons is a San Diego State transfer with plenty of experience playing both right and left tackle at the college level with physical traits for days. If it wasn’t for his season ending ACL injury against Oregon earlier this season, Simmons is likely already off the board.

24. Chargers: Nic Scourton, EDGE

Scourton left Purdue after a productive season in 2023 to Texas A&M for one reason. To prove himself against SEC competition and become a first round prospect and that’s exactly what will happen. LA needs added depth along their defensive line with Khalil Mack likely parting ways with the team this offseason and Scourton’s motor, speed to power ability and bend for a 280 pound defensive lineman will definitely soften the blow.

25. Ravens: Jihaad Campbell, EDGE

If you asked me to pick out a player in this years class that most resembles a Baltimore Raven, I’d point to Jihaad Campbell. The Ravens love versatile hybrid pass rushers and that’s exactly what Campbell brings to the table with his fluid hips in coverage and natural bend in pass rush situations.

26. Steelers: Cam Ward, QB

With Russell Wilson and Justin Fields both on expiring deals, it makes sense to go Quarterback in this scenario where Cam Ward is still on the board. Ward has a quick release, good improvisational skills and elite arm elasticity that ensures him to make any throw off various platforms. He’s shown a meteoric rise in production in his collegiate career, showcasing signs that he’s still barely scratching the surface on what he can become. Bringing back Wilson on a cheap deal and allowing Ward a year or two to develop would be an ideal scenario for Pittsburgh.

27. Packers: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE

With Green Bay trading away edge rusher Preston Smith to the Steelers, they’re in need of pass rush help and Ezeiruaku is one of the best in the country at getting to the Quarterback (13 sacks and 3 forced fumbles). Not only that, but Packers defensive coordinator, Jeff Hafley coached the Golden Eagles bendy speed rusher during his time as the head coach at Boston College, creating a natural connection.

28. Vikings: Tyleik Williams, DT

Outside of Cornerback (and I don’t think there’s any good value at the position at this point in the draft), Brian Flores is an anchor in the middle of his defensive line away from having his prototypical defensive unit. Tyleik Williams is a 6’3” 330 pound defensive tackle who’s solid against the run, but has the explosiveness as well to disrupt plays in the backfield. Keep an eye on his 40 yard dash time, as he made Bruce Feldman’s freak list and could run under a 4.7 second 40 yard dash.

29. Eagles: Princley Umanmielen, EDGE

We sort of know how this thing works out for Howie Roseman at the draft. He’s going to take an offensive or defensive lineman and will likely take an SEC prospect. Princley was a prospect I had pegged as a standout last year before he decided to return to college and although there’s some reported character red flags surrounding his name, I don’t know enough about that at this point and time in the process to warrant him falling out of the first round. With Josh Sweat & Brandon Graham slated to hit free agency, I view a pass rusher as priority number one for the Eagles in the draft.

30. Bills: Landon Jackson, EDGE

Much like the Campbell pairing to Baltimore at pick 25, Landon Jackson fits the mold of what the Buffalo Bills want along their defensive line. Although he’s not the most explosive or flexible athlete, the 6’7” 280 pound defensive end is heavy handed and will fit seamlessly with Gregory Rousseau on the edge in Buffalo.

31. Chiefs: Aireontae Ersery, OT

It’s no secret that Kansas City could improve at both tackle positions with last year’s 2nd round pick Kingsley Suamataia not being able to find the field consistently to start his career. That’s where Aireontae Ersery comes in. He’s a Kansas City native who’s paved himself a solid career at Minnesota with experience at both tackle positions. A high upside selection, Ersery has the prototypical size, length and the agility to reach the second level as well.

32. Lions: JT Tuimoloau , EDGE

With Marcus Davenport slated to hit the open market and the release of James Houston recently, it’s looking like Detroit could be in the market for a pass rusher in the NFL draft. I’m taking my shot in the dark here, but similar to Nolan Smith in 2023, Tuimoloau will test off the charts and was a former top prospect in the 2021 recruiting class. Someone is going to fall in love with his measurables mixed with the safe floor and an unforeseen ceiling he brings to the table.