Latest Round 1 predictions for 2025 NFL Draft, No. 1 pick traded

2025 NFL mock draft — Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The 2024 NFL season is drawing to a close with the football world now turning its attention toward the 2025 NFL Draft. This year’s class is particularly intriguing because it lacks depth and premier talent at positions like wide receiver and cornerback, but the pre-draft process will create plenty of risers and fallers. Our latest 2025 NFL mock draft takes you through our latest Round 1 projections for all 32 teams. With the offseason underway, we’ve also included a few trades in our 2025 NFL Draft mock so let’s dive in.

1. New York Giants*: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

TRADE: New York Giants trade 3rd and 34th overall picks along with 2026 2nd and 3rd to the Cleveland Browns for the 3rd overall pick

By keeping general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, the New York Giants put themselves in a position where they must take a quarterback. A GM with his job at stake will be more aggressive, even if it means sacrificing future draft assets. So, New York gets aggressive here. Cam Ward offers superior physical tools compared to Shedeur Sanders and he seems to be the preferred QB for Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Malik Nabers. Ward’s athleticism and arm strength make him an exciting fit in Daboll’s offense and New York has enough of a supporting cast in place to make life easier for the rookie quarterback.

2. Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

The Cleveland Browns need a new face of the franchise with Deshaun Watson almost guaranteed to never play another snap for this team. Signing a veteran QB on the cheap (Kirk Cousins) is a viable possibility, but at this point, other teams can offer a better supporting cast. So, Cleveland rolls the dice on a rookie. Shedeur Sanders is experienced, poised, makes good decisions with the football and is accurate. Kevin Stefanski’s system needs a polished passer on a rookie-scale contract who can execute the play designs while adding a little creativity when needed. Plus, there won’t be a ton of pressure on Sanders to perform well immediately.

3. Tennessee Titans*: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

TRADE: New York Giants trade 3rd and 34th overall picks along with 2026 2nd and 3rd to the Cleveland Browns for the 3rd overall pick

It’s the best-case scenario for the Tennessee Titans in our NFL mock draft. First-year general manager Mike Borgonzo gets to move down two spots, picking up some much-needed draft capital, then still lands the best player in the 2025 NFL Draft. Travis Hunter will give Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, one of the top defensive backs coaches in the NFL before last season, a high-end No. 1 cornerback. Plus, Hunter can also function as a rotational receiver in the Titans’ offense.

4. New England Patriots: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

The choice with us for the New England Patriots is simple, take the best defensive player available in the 2025 NFL Draft. Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter is an elite athlete, coming off a breakout season with 12 sacks and an 18.5 percent pressure rate. Carter could challenge for Defensive Rookie of the Year immediately in New England, quickly developing into their No. 1 edge rusher. If he reaches his ceiling, the Patriots’ defense will have perennial Pro Bowl selections at CB1 and EDGE1.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

All-American defensive tackle Mason Graham was one of the best defensive players in college football in the last two years. He can be a Pro Bowl defensive tackle at the next level, but we particularly like the fit with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville will already have two high-end edge rushers in Joshua Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, making Graham the disruptive force on the interior. When he gets double-teamed, that opens things up for Hines-Allen or Walker to get into the backfield quickly. Putting the trio together could give Jacksonville one of the best defensive lines in football.

6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

There are plenty of 2025 NFL Draft rumors suggesting the Las Vegas Raiders could trade-up for a quarterback. However, given the level of job security that first-year general manager John Spytek has, that feels unnecessary. Instead, much like this team did last year, it takes the best playmaker available. Ashton Jeanty is a true floor-raiser for an offense and he can be a central piece for Las Vegas just as Brock Bowers was last season. This doesn’t address the Raiders’ absence of a franchise quarterback, but it does give them two potential elite talents that will create an outstanding environment for the eventual franchise QB to work with.

7. New York Jets: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

The New York Jets know the value of having a premium 1B cornerback, as DJ Reed Jr. demonstrated in the last two seasons. However, Reed is headed for free agency and this secondary outside of Sauce Gardner needs a lot of work. Will Johnson, easily a top-10 prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, wouldn’t have the pressure of shadowing No. 1 receivers working opposite of Gardner. Instead, Aaron Glenn could unleash Johnson’s playmaking ability and New York could quickly have one of the best cornerback tandems in the NFL.

8. San Francisco 49ers*: Will Campbell, OL, LSU

TRADE: San Francisco 49ers trade 11th and 43rd overall picks to the Carolina Panthers for the 8th and 109th overall picks

This is certainly an aggressive move for the San Francisco 49ers in our 2025 NFL mock draft, but they have the capital to pull it off. Will Campbell is the best offensive lineman in the 2025 NFL Draft and he could play either guard or right tackle at the next level. San Francisco could either start him at right tackle alongside standout guard Dominick Puni or provide him a little more help, sliding Campbell inside to left guard and starting next to Trent Williams. Either way, the 49ers offensive line should improve significantly.

9. New Orleans Saints: Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

It’s simple for the New Orleans Saints, take the best player available. Jalon Walker is the second-best edge rusher in this class, but he also demonstrates the ability to drop back in coverage or defend the run. The ability to play both edge defender and off-ball linebacker makes Walker particularly intriguing to defensive play-callers who can create confusion through diverse looks. Plus, given the Saints are essentially rebuilding, this team can be patient as Walker grows into his frame.

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10. Chicago Bears: Armand Membou, OL, Missouri

The emphasis for the Chicago Bears this offseason under first-year head coach Ben Johnson needs to be upgrading the offensive line. After all, the Detroit Lions’ ability to win the battle in the trenches played a massive role in the success of Johnson;’s play-calling. Missouri offensive lineman Armand Membou broke out in 2025, really making leaps in pass protection. He could be given a shot to play left tackle, but guard is likely his best position for immediate success.

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11. Carolina Panthers*: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

TRADE: San Francisco 49ers trade 11th and 43rd overall picks to the Carolina Panthers for the 8th and 109th overall picks

The Carolina Panthers get the best of both worlds in our latest 2025 NFL mock draft. Trading down allows Carolina to grab another top-50 pick, which can be used on the defensive side of the ball. Meanwhile, the Panthers offense still adds the best wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft class. While Tetairoa McMillan lacks great speed and isn’t much of a separator, he knows how to make contested catches and he’s an excellent threat both in the red zone and on jump balls. Most importantly, Bryce Young gets his No. 1 receiver.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

With DeMarcus Lawrence hitting NFL free agency and the interior defensive line a weakness, it might be time for the Dallas Cowboys to find a No. 2 pass rusher. Mykel Williams never quite met expectations with the Georgia Bulldogs, but an injury played a part in that. He’s drawn some NFL comparisons to Danielle Hunter and with the help of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, Dallas could have a fearsome pass-rushing duo once Williams develops.

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13. Miami Dolphins: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

It’s a simple goal for the Miami Dolphins, take the best offensive linemen on the board. Josh Simmons’ injury history is a concern, but it’s the only thing standing in the way of him being a fast riser in the pre-draft process. Simmons also has experience at right tackle (13 starts), so Miami has somewhere else to play him if Terron Armstead plays next season. Long-term, though, Simmons would be the left tackle in Miami.

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14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

One of the most common picks in NFL mock drafts this year is Tyler Warren to the Indianapolis Colts. It’s in part because Shane Steichen’s system is best executed with a tight end who can get open over the middle, creating a throwing lane versus either zone or man coverage. Warren, standing at 6-foot-6, showcases the athleticism to do just that. He is also the kind of security blanket that quarterback Anthony Richardson needs on the field.

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15: Denver Broncos*: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

TRADE: Denver Broncos trade 20th and 62nd overall picks to the Atlanta Falcons for 15th and 116th overall picks

This would likely be one of the scenarios in the 2025 NFL Draft that compels the Denver Broncos to explore trading up. One of the few weaknesses on Denver’s defense last season was at safety, Malaki Starks solves that. He is a do-it-all defensive back who defensive coordinator Vance Joseph could utilize perfectly because of cornerbacks Riley Moss and Patrick Surtain II. Starks’ versatility and pure talent would give Denver a very real chance at having a top-five secondary in the NFL.

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16. Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

Jalen Carter and Chris Jones are the latest examples of how important an elite interior disruptor can be. While defensive tackle Walter Nolen isn’t close to being at that level right now, the former No. 1 overall recruit started showing more frequent glimpses of that game-changing player in his final collegiate season. Nolen is exactly the kind of player the Arizona Cardinals defense needs and it might only take two years before he is Arizona’s best player on that side of the ball.

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17. Cincinnati Bengals: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M

A few months out from the 2025 NFL Draft, the odds of Tee Higgins re-signing with the Cincinnati Bengals seem to be increasing. If that happens, it means top draft picks must be devoted to the other side of the ball. Shemar Stewart – 6-foot-5 and 281 pounds – would step in as Cincinnati’s No. 3 pass rusher. He could eventually overtake Sam Hubbard next season and, depending on how contract negotiations go with Trey Hendrickson, develop into the Bengals’ top pass rusher by 2027.

18. Seattle Seahawks: Tyler Booker, iOL, Alabama

The Seattle Seahawks offensive line has been a glaring weakness for years and now is the time to fix it. Tyler Booker will step in as an immediate starter at left guard, providing Seattle with an above-average run blocker and someone who can develop into a steady interior pass protector. He is what the interior of the Seahawks offensive line has been missing for a while and he’s a legitimate first-round talent with pro-ready skills.

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19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: James Pearce Jr, EDGE, Tennessee

The choice comes down to cornerback or edge rusher for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, James Pearce Jr. is the top option available. Viewed as a potential top-five talent a year out from the 2025 NFL Draft, he didn’t quite develop as quickly as everyone hoped as evidenced by his final season. With that said, Pearce Jr’s traits – speed and first-step explosiveness- are enticing, especially as he adds bulk to his 6-foot-5 frame.

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20. Atlanta Falcons*: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

TRADE: Denver Broncos trade 20th and 62nd overall picks to the Atlanta Falcons for 15th and 116th overall picks

The 2025 NFL Draft has enough depth at edge rusher to allow the Atlanta Falcons to trade down. Moving down from 15 to 20, head coach Raheem Morris still lands a pass-rushing threat. Marshall edge defender Mike Green led the nation in sacks (17), showing off a non-stop motor with the flexibility and athleticism to get around tackles. Put him in an NFL weight room and with the help of the Falcons coaching staff, he can become a high-end starter in his prime.

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21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohi State

Emeka Egbuka just feels like the perfect fit for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This team is in desperate need of a No. 2 receiver who is happy to play the role, Egbuka demonstrated that at Ohio State working opposite Marvin Harrison Jr. and then Jeremiah Smith. Furthermore, Egbuka also brings the maturity and football IQ that are needed to help out George Pickens. Mike Tomlin will love Egbuka’s coachability and the Steelers’ quarterback in 2025 will like having a wideout he can consistently depend on at all times. In a best-case scenario, maybe Egbuka even helps Pickens take a step forward.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

The Los Angeles Chargers certainly will consider taking a wide receiver in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. If tight end Colston Loveland is on the board, however, it’s difficult to see Jm Harbaugh reuniting with his guy. Not only does Loveland fit the culture Harbaugh is creating in Los Angeles, but he also offers the pass-catching skill set that can give Justin Herbert an intermediate weapon to pair with Ladd McConkey.

23. Green Bay Packers: Kelvin Banks Jr, OL, Texas

Offensive tackle isn’t necessarily atop the list of Green Bay Packers draft needs, but this is the BPA approach in the 2025 NFL Draft. Kelvin Banks Jr. is an elite athlete, but there’s work to be done with an NFL coaching staff on his technique. He is exactly the kind of player you would want working with Adam Stenavich. With this pick, Rasheed Walker plays out his contract year at left tackle then Banks takes over in 2026.

24. Minnesota Vikings: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has done tremendous work with this unit, but more help is necessary. Kenneth Grant – 6-foot-3 and 339 pounds – is a space-eater who showed more consistent glimpses that he can create interior penetration this past season. Minnesota has a very good track record with defensive linemen and Grant could take this defensive front to the next level.

25. Houston Texans: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

Stefon Diggs is likely departing in NFL free agency and Tank Dell (knee) might not play next season. Having seen what this Houston Texans offense looked like with just Nico Collins, it’s worth spending a first-round pick on a wide receiver. Luther Burden III is an outstanding YAC threat who would function perfectly as a versatile No. 2 receiver working the short and intermediate areas with Collins stretching defenses vertically. It’s really the ideal pairing for both sides and C.J. Stroud would be the biggest beneficiary.

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26. Los Angeles Rams: Josh Conerly Jr, OT, Oregon

Cornerback is given some consideration here, but the Los Angeles Rams demonstrated a year ago that they are devoted to improving the offensive line. The interior is relatively set long-term, but there’s a lot of work left to be done at both tackle spots. Josh Conerly Jr. can be a Week 1 starter for Los Angeles, with his best work coming in pass protection.

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27. Baltimore Ravens: Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State

Even if he wasn’t an impending free agent, the Baltimore Ravens needed to replace outside cornerback Brandon Stephens. After all, he’s the only weakness in Baltimore’s secondary. Florida State cornerback Zaareye’h Thomas stood out at the Senior Bowl, showcasing great physicality and movement at 6-foot-1. He complements Nate Wiggins nicely and would also really benefit from being mentored by Marlon Humphrey. If he lands in Baltimore, the Ravens can have a top-five defense in 2025.

28. Detroit Lions: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

The Detroit Lions would certainly love to trade for Myles Garrett or sign Khalil Mack, both both seem to be unrealistic options right now. Instead, they find their No. 2 pass rusher in the 2025 NFL Draft. Nic Scouton is a bit of a project, but he’s only entering his age-21 season and he could still give Detroit a pass-rushing specialist in his rookie season. That leaves the door open to finding a veteran edge rusher who can start until Scourton is ready.

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29. Washington Commanders: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

With Terry McLaurin likely receiving a lucrative contract extension, it makes sense for a majority of the Washington Commanders cap space to be devoted to the offensive line and defense. That opens the door to taking a wide receiver early in the 2025 NFL Draft. At 6 feet, Matthew Golden’s wingspan and athleticism give him the ability to make some unbelievable catches. He is also NFL-ready in terms of his route-running. Golden would pair nicely with McLaurin and his NFL-ready skill set aligns perfectly with a team that has Super Bowl expectations next season.

30. Buffalo Bills: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

The Buffalo Bills have to improve on the defensive interior, finding someone to pair with Ed Oliver and Greg Rousseau. Oregon Ducks defensive tackle Derrick Harmon – 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds – was one of the best interior pass rushers in college football this past season. The burst he shows for his size is enticing and Buffalo could set itself up to half a strong front four next season with Harmon and Oliver working on the inside while Rousseau comes around the edge.

31. Philadelphia Eagles: Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State

Jack Sawyer shined in the College Football Playoffs, recording 4.5 sacks with 1 forced fumble and 6 pass deflections. The 6-foot-5 edge defender would provide an immediate boost for a Philadelphia Eagles defense that could lose both Brandon Graham (retirement) and Josh Sweat (free agency) this offseason. He also won’t have to be “the guy” on a defensive front that already has Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith.

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

Nick Bolton is likely leaving the Kansas City Chiefs in NFL free agency and Drue Tranquill will be heading into his age-30 season on a contract year. Jihaad Campbell is the best off-ball linebacker in the 2025 NFL Draft, providing tools that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo would maximize. Not only could Campbell help shore up a Chiefs defense that struggled to cover tight ends, but he could also be a very effective blitzer.