Round 1 projections for 2025 NFL Draft after the NFL Combine

2025 NFL mock draft — Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images

The 2025 NFL Combine is drawing to a close from Indianapolis and this year’s showcase of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft had plenty of risers and fallers. With the Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine in the rearview mirror, two of the most critical showcases in the pre-draft process are over. It’s now time for our latest 2025 NFL mock draft to project how Round 1 could unfold.

1. Tennessee Titans: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

Cam Ward is the best quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, but Travis Hunter is the best player. Really, this decision should come down to trading down or drafting either Hunter or Abdul Carter. In this case, it’s the two-way player. Hunter can achieve his potential as an All-Pro corner under Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson and he provides a pass-catching weapon who can be rotated in to help Tennessee’s offense.

2. Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

Adam Schefter is pretty adamant the Cleveland Browns use the second pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on a quarterback, we see things playing out differently. Once Kirk Cousins is released by the Atlanta Falcons, he can step in as a cost-effective Browns starting quarterback. That allows Cleveland to land Abdul Carter, adding an outstanding pass rusher to pair with Myles Garrett. This pick also allows Cleveland to potentially trade Garrett next offseason, with his replacement already on the roster and having familiarity with the team’s system.

3. New York Giants: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

The New York Giants walk out of this with the best quarterback and they don’t have to move up for him, the ideal scenario. Cam Ward steps into a situation with a high-end No. 1 receiver (Malik Nabers), a cornerstone left tackle (Andrew Thomas) and two building block skill players (Theo Johnson and Tyrone Tracy Jr). Ward also gives head coach Brian Daboll the ideal quarterback to build his offense around and general manager Joe Schoen might get some job security out of this pick. Everyone wins.

4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

We’ve previously had the New England Patriots taking the top defensive prospect in our 2025 NFL mock draft, so this is a bit of a shift. LSU Tigers offensive tackle Will Campbell could play guard or left tackle at the next level, but he’ll certainly get the first track protecting Drake Maye’s blindside. New England can spend heavily on its defense in NFL free agency and find a wideout in the second round of the draft.

5, Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan

Mason Graham just fits this Jacksonville Jaguars defense perfectly. Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker are excellent on the outside, but they aren’t as effective as they could be without someone on the interior eating up double teams. Graham, who has some similarities to Christian Wilkins, would complete this defensive line and help form a unit that could consistently hold up against the run and be in the top half of the league in pressure rate.

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

The Las Vegas Raiders want to be competitive in 2025, which means taking the best difference-maker on the board. Ashton Jeanty isn’t just the best running back in the 2025 NFL Draft, he can be a future All-Pro centerpiece of an offense. Adding Jeanty to the backfield can help Las Vegas unlock its ground game and with a veteran QB hitting Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers, the Raiders offense will finally be capable of winning games on its own. In a best-case scenario, Las Vegas is a threat for a WC spot.

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

With cornerback DJ Reed Jr. leaving in NFL free agency, the New York Jets can fill the void with cornerback Will Johnson. He’s best suited to be a playmaker, someone who can take advantage of a cornerback on the opposite side taking away the No. 1 receiver. It’s why the situation with New York is perfect. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn has an outstanding track record working with defensive backs and a cornerback tandem of Johnson and Gardner will help Glenn get very creative with the Jets’ pass rush and how the blitz is deployed.

Related: New York Jets mock draft 2025

8. Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

With Tee Higgins getting franchise-tagged by the Cincinnati Bengals, we think the Carolina Panthers should reach for Tetairoa McMillan. He’s not necessarily a top-10 prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft class, but it’s a thin group and there isn’t a No. 1 wideout available in free agency. With a similar skill set and body type as Drake London, McMillan would give Bryce Young a go-to target and help him build upon an impressive stretch in the second half last season.

9. New Orleans Saints: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

The New Orleans Saints are committed to Derek Carr for another season, but Shedeur Sanders can be the future of the franchise. In Sanders, head coach Kellen Moore gets a savvy quarterback with great anticipation, the ability to make plays under pressure, poise and sharp ball placement. There might not be an elite physical tool, but Sanders offers the little things that an offensive-minded head coach will love. If this pick is made, Sanders could be the Saints starting quarterback by November.

10. Chicago Bears: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M

One of the biggest winners of the NFL Scouting Combine, Texas A&M Aggies edge rusher Shemar Stewart might now be a top-10 pick. The lack of production in college – 4.5 sacks in three seasons – is certainly concerning. However, this is also a 6-foot-6 edge rusher with elite athleticism. Stewart has the body type and speed of a double-digit sack player, along with some nice alignment versatility. Plus, the Chicago Bears would be putting him opposite of Montez Sweat, so there wouldn’t be as much pressure on the rookie’s shoulders to be the top pass rusher.

11. San Francisco 49ers: Kelvin Banks, OL, Texas

Improving the San Francisco 49ers offensive line needs to be the biggest priority this offseason. Trent Williams is returning, but a succession plan is needed and San Francisco is also weak at right tackle. Kelvin Banks offers a plug-and-play starter who could either kick inside to guard, working alongside Williams, or he can play right tackle alongside standout Dominick Puni. Either way, the 49ers land a much-needed upgrade in the trenches.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia

The Dallas Cowboys land one of the most fascinating prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Jalon Walker has the tools to be a premier edge rusher, showcasing upper-echelon athleticism and flexibility. While he might not be a No. 1 pass rusher right now, he wouldn’t need to be playing on the other side of Micah Parsons. Plus, Walker’s ability to drop back in coverage and come down aggressively as a run defender will help make him a very effective three-down player in Matt Eberflus’ scheme.

Related: Dallas Cowboys mock draft 2025

13. Miami Dolphins: Armand Membou, OL, Missouri

It’s simple for the Miami Dolphins, take the best offensive linemen available. Armand Membou might not have the build to be an offensive tackle, but there’s also a huge need on the interior of this Dolphins offensive line. On the inside, Membou’s athleticism, body positioning, the effective use of his hands and his technique can make him a quality starter immediately. Miami could also try him out at right tackle, but he’s best suited for left guard.

14. Denver Broncos*: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

TRADE: Denver Broncos trade 20th and 52nd overall picks to the Indianapolis Colts for the 14th and 151st overall picks

This is a bit of an aggressive move, but safety Malaki Starks can really be the final piece that puts this Denver Broncos defense over the top and gets them closer to that Philadelphia Eagles’ level we saw in 2024. Starks would have a lot of freedom playing behind Patrick Surtain and Riley Moss, providing Denver with a centerfielder in the secondary. Starks also provides some versatility, allowing Broncos defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to get very creative with someone who has a Pro Bowl ceiling.

15. Atlanta Falcons: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

Mike Green does have some off-field concerns, which he addressed at the NFL Combine, but he’s still a top-20 talent in this class. The Atlanta Falcons need pass-rushing help and Green – 23 tackles for loss and 17 sacks last season – provides just that. He offers an excellent motor and wins with power, which becomes even more dangerous with his first-step burst. Green is also a more polished pass rusher than some of his peers in this class and Atlanta doesn’t have time to wait for a project player to develop.

16. Arizona Cardinals: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

This is an upside pick for the Arizona Cardinals. Georgia Bulldogs edge rusher Mykel Williams is an excellent athlete with absurd length and great bend. It’s a set of tools that the Cardinals coaching staff can mold into a great pass rusher, who can turn speed into power and also bend around the edge to get to the quarterback. Arizona needs all the pass-rushing help it can get and while there’s risk with Williams, the Cardinals need to roll the dice.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: James Pearce Jr, EDGE, Tennessee

The Cincinnati Bengals seem confident they’ll be able to pay Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson, but that feels highly unlikely for a relatively cash-strapped NFL franchise. Cincinnati needs to think about a future after Hendrickson, which is where James Pearce Jr. comes in. He showed off his unique athleticism during the NFL Combine with a big wingspan to go with it. There’s a lot of room for him to grow and he’ll never be a steady run defender, but he can be a productive No. 2 pass-rushing specialist opposite of Hendrickson in 2025 and then take over the following year.

18. Seattle Seahawks: Tyler Booker, iOL, Alabama

There are arguably some better prospects on the board here, but the Seattle Seahawks must address the offensive line first. Tyler Booker is ready to slide in as a starter at guard in Week 1. He has the ideal size for the position and pairs it with a great understanding of how to use his body positioning to win battles in the trenches. He could be an above-average starter at guard for Seattle within three years.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers want to re-sign Chris Godwin and doing so means there’s a lot less money to invest in this defense. So, it becomes the priority in the 2025 NFL Draft. Texas Longhorns cornerback Jahdae Barron lit up the NFL Combine this week, cementing his status as a first-round talent in a pretty deep class. Previously a nickel corner, who can also play safety, Barron demonstrated in 2024 that he can also start on the outside. Plus, he’s also willing to come down and attack as a run defender.

Related: NFL free agents by team

20. Indianapolis Colts*: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

TRADE: Denver Broncos trade 20th and 52nd overall picks to the Indianapolis Colts for the 14th and 151st overall picks

The Indianapolis Colts traded down in our NFL mock draft and still land their guy. Regardless of who wins the Colts quarterback competition in camp, the signal-caller needs more weapons. Plus, Shane Steichen’s offense is at its best with a tight end who can get open and make plays after the catch. Warren offers ‘plus’ athleticism for his position with a massive frame and an exceptional catch radius. There’s a Pro Bowl ceiling with Warren and he fits in nicely with Josh Downs and Michael Pittman Jr.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

The options at wide receiver dwindled before NFL free agency even began , so the draft is the best option for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Luther Burden III is a playmaker and while he can get open at all three levels, his best work comes in the short and intermediate areas. What matters for the Steelers offense is having someone who both complements George Pickens and who can be Mr. Reliable when Pickens’ emotions limit his on-field effectiveness.

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

Addressing the interior offensive line is certainly an option here for the Los Angeles Chargers, but we’ll reunite tight end Colston Loveland with Jim Harbaugh. At 6-foot-6, Loveland is a good athlete for his size and he knows how to use that along with his frame to get open and create a target for his quarterback. He could be a Sam LaPorta-like weapon for Justin Herbert and Los Angeles needs as many reliable pass-catchers as it can get moving forward.

23. Green Bay Packers: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

While spending a first-round pick might not be a popular decision for some Green Bay Packers fans, there’s logic behind it. Green Bay can let center Josh Myers depart in free agency, moving right tackle Zach Tom over a year after reports the team believed he had All-Pro potential at the position. That move opens up the right tackle spot for Josh Simmons. While he started games at both tackle spots for the Ohio State Buckeyes before suffering a season-ending injury, he’d likely have an easier time at right tackle in his rookie season. With more development, he could be Green Bay’s LT of the future.

24. Minnesota Vikings: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

The Minnesota Vikings had one of the NFL’s best defenses in 2024, but there’s room for improvement. Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen, a former five-star recruit, only scratched the surface of his potential in college. Nolen adds an explosive interior presence to the Vikings defensive line and he has extraordinarily high upside, especially if used correctly.

25. Houston Texans: Emeke Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Barring a trade for Deebo Samuel, adding a wide receiver early in the 2025 NFL Draft seems likely for the Houston Texans. The organization listened to quarterback C.J. Stroud about drafting Tank Dell and he was great when healthy. With Dell missing most of the 2025 season, Houston can reunite Stroud with Emeka Egbuka and give in a great receiver duo with Egbuka and Nico Collins.

Related: Houston Texans news, rumors

26. Los Angeles Rams: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

After working things out with Matthew Stafford, the Los Angeles Rams don’t have to reach for a quarterback in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Instead, they land versatile linebacker Jihaad Campbell. The Alabama linebacker flies to the football and he’s going to come in as an excellent tackler who can quickly bring the ball-carrier down. He’s impressive against the run and can more than hold his own in coverage, providing Los Angeles with a true three-down linebacker.

27. Baltimore Ravens: Nick Emmanwori, DB, South Carolina

Nick Emmanwori was one of the biggest standouts at the NFL Combine this year. The South Carolina Gamecocks safety already has outstanding size (6-foot-3 and 220 pounds), which makes it all the more remarkable he posted a 4.38 40-yard dash with an 11’6″ broad jump. For the Baltimore Ravens, Emmanwori allows for the return of having three safeties on the field while still providing versatility. It might not be the most conventional approach, but Emmanwori is an outstanding talent who could allow Baltimore to be even more flexible with how it uses Kyle Hamilton.

Related: Baltimore Ravens rumors, news

28. Detroit Lions: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College

The Detroit Lions seemed to indicate that they won’t be making a move for a top-end edge rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson. Instead, they’ll likely address the position early in the 2025 NFL Draft. Boston College edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku is undersized and not an elite athlete, but he’s pretty well-rounded in most areas. He also brings an intensity and high motor that the Lions coaching staff will love. Plus, he would be walking into a great situation where the surrounding talent can make it easier for him to have a bigger impact quickly.

29. Washington Commanders: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

Matthew Golden was the Texas Longhorns’ best receiver last season and with Tee Higgins not hitting the open market, he’s the best option here for the Washington Commanders. Golden can create separation and make plays at all three levels of the field, in part because he’s already a good route runner. With the football in his hands, Golden’s a threat to take it 20-plus yards on every touch. He’s well-suited to be a No. 2 receiver as a rookie and it wouldn’t be long before it became a 1A/1B situation with Terry McLaurin.

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. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Conerly Jr, OT, Oregon

By placing he franchise tag on Trey Smith, the Kansas City Chiefs left themselves with very little cap space to address left tackle. It means taking another stab at the position with a rookie. Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr. is certainly an intriguing option, especially because of the improvements he’s already made. Conerly has sufficient athleticism to play left tackle at the next level an how quickly he progressed in college bodes well for what he could do with the Chiefs coaching taff.

32. Philadelphia Eagles: Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas

Landon Jackson lit up the NFL Combine with his athleticism – 4.68 40-yard dash, 40.5′ vertical jump and 10’9″ broad jump – which might be enough to push him into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Philadelphia Eagles are likely losing Josh Sweat to free agency and Brandon Graham could retire. Jackson is clearly a great athlete at 6-foot-6 with a large wingspan, a nice set of pass-rushing moves and room on his frame to add more muscle.