2025 NFL Mock Draft 3.0
This is the third version of my 2025 NFL Mock Draft series.
*the crowd roars*
I started this about a week and a half ago, stopped, then implemented some finishing touches just now. This is my first mock draft with trades and a second round. I wanted to publish this as soon as possible in case a major trade shakes up the draft order. Let’s get to it!
First Round:
Las Vegas Raiders (via TEN) - Sheduer Sanders, QB, Colorado
Las Vegas receives: Pick No.1
Tennessee receives: Pick No.6 and 2026 first round pick (via LV)
THE RAIDERS TRADE UP TO SELECT SHEDUER! New coach, new offensive coordinator, Tom Brady connections, impatient owner. This all makes too much sense for me. Is Sheduer really worth the first overall pick? No. But there is a new regime in Las Vegas and Vegas DESPERATELY needs a QB. Sure Tennessee can stay here and take Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, or Abdul Carter but Vegas sends the house to get their guy.
Cleveland Browns - Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
With or without Myles Garrett, who recently requested a trade on February 3rd, Carter is the selection here. Sure, Travis would make sense, and you can argue that Cleveland should take Hunter over Carter. Abdul Carter, however, is the second coming of Micah Parsons and has a real shot to be even better. Alongside Garrett, Cleveland would have the best pass rush in the NFL. Without Garrett in Cleveland, the Browns already have a successor.
New York Giants - Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Yeah this is a no-brainer for the Giants. The clock is ticking for GM Joe Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll and results need to happen - fast. Heisman finalist Cam Ward can be the shining hope for Schoen and Daboll if Ward explodes in his rookie year. It doesn’t hurt that Ward would already have one of the best young receivers in the league, Malik Nabers, to throw to as well.
New England Patriots - Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
New England is patient, they held their horses, and are rewarded with the best overall player in the draft. Travis Hunter is nothing short of a generational football player. The pick is easy. The question is if Hunter will play primarily as a wideout for standout quarterback Drake Maye or pair alongside Christian Gonzalez in the secondary. Hey, why not both?! I really don’t know why he can’t and people will argue some stupid rule that prevents him from playing both offense and defense. F-ck em let Travis play both sides.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Mason Graham, DI, Michigan
The best interior defensive lineman in the draft, Graham immediately helps a struggling Jacksonville defense. While the defensive line isn’t the most pressing need for Jacksonville, passing on a player as talented as Graham would be a big mistake looking back on this draft.
Tennessee Titans (via LV) - Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Las Vegas receives: Pick No.1
Tennessee receives: Pick No.6 and 2026 first round pick (via LV)
The Titans trade down and rejuvenate their old, crappy weapon room with the 6’5 Tetiaroa McMillan. Additionally, they also receive more draft capital for the move too! Yes, Will Levis was bad - I completely understand that. However, it’s not worth investing in ANOTHER young quarterback with uncertain upside like Sanders or Ward. It’s just not. Instead do what the Raiders did last year and take the best overall player. Hey, maybe Levis or whoever benefits from the services of a McMillan. Look at all the rookie receivers from last year: Nabers, McConkey, Thomas Jr, Bowers (I know he’s a tight end but really he’s a bulked up wide receiver).
New York Jets - Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
No need to do anything fancy. Pick Will Johnson to replace D.J Reed and pair him alongside Patrick Surtain’s son (Sauce Gardner). There are many holes for this Jets team but trying to salvage a crumbling team with a quarterback, wide receiver, or tight end would be a disaster. Help a struggling defense and take Will Johnson (who I believe was the number 1 or 2 high school recruit in this class).
San Francisco 49ers (via CAR) - James Pearce Jr, Edge, Tennessee
San Francisco receives: Pick No.8
Carolina receives: Pick No.11 and Pick No.75
OUR SECOND TRADE. The Niners trade up and pick James Pearce, my favorite true edge rusher in this draft class. If one thing is for certain, the San Francisco trenches are in need of a renovation. Besides Nick Bosa (who is a frequent visitor of the injured reserve), the 49ers defensive line is unimpressive which makes the rest of the defense suffer. Fred Warner can only do so much.
New Orleans Saints - Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Sure, Jalon Walker is still on the board, as is Luther Burden, and Malaki Starks. Warren looked like the best draft eligible offensive weapon (besides Ashton Jeanty - of course) in college football last season. Keeping fingers crossed (i’m looking at you Josh Koeppel), in the best case scenario possible, Kellen Moore jolts Derek Carr to being a pro-bowl quarterback, Chris Olave returns from injury, and Tyler Warren is added to the gun room. That is an intriguing (but probably unlikely!) possibility that can happen - especially in a weak division.
Chicago Bears - Will Campbell, OL, LSU
This is as easy as it comes. Caleb Williams was bent over backwards last season and as a result - the Bears and Caleb’s pedigree of being a promising quarterback suffered. With a few free agent signings, the Bears should reconstruct this offensive line to improve the upside of an exciting new Ben Johnson offense in Chicago. It starts with drafting a cornerstone offensive lineman who can play tackle and guard.
Carolina Panthers (via SF) - Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
San Francisco receives: Pick No.8
Carolina receives: Pick No.11 and Pick No.75
I f-cking love this trade for the Panthers primarily because they add draft capital and rebuild from the ever so disastrous Bryce Young trade-up. Speaking of Bryce Young, he looked incredible during the last half of the season. He salvaged his career (which already seemed to be over after one and a half years) and did it without the help of real weapons. Enter Luther Burden who gives Bryce Young a legitimate wide receiver to throw, keeping his development on the right path. The defense is bad, yes, but giving Bryce Young as much support as he can get is a priority.
Dallas Cowboys - Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
I really tried to have Jeanty fall to the Broncos in this mock draft, but without Luther Burden or Tyler Warren on the board, it would be just unrealistic for Dallas to pass on Jeanty. As we all know, the Cowboys had their most disappointing season in a few years and an obvious hole was an elite running back. Rico Dowdle and certainly Ezekiel Elliot did not fit the bill. Jeanty is a generational running back who can easily rejuvenate a shriveled, hopeless, bad vibes Dallas Cowboys franchise.
Miami Dolphins - Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Jevon Holland will likely not return to Miami for next season but regardless Miami needs to renovate it’s secondary. Starks has all the traits of a modern NFL safety.
Minnesota Vikings (via IND) - Kelvin Banks Jr, OL, Texas
Minnesota receives: Pick No.14
Indianapolis receives: Pick No.24, Pick No.97, and 2026 fifth round pick (via MIN)
Guess who also loves this trade? Me! Why? Because I made it! All signs point to J.J McCarthy staying in Minnesota after a Cinderella season from Sam Darnold. If that's the case, Minnesota needs to upgrade this horse shit offensive line not only to protect McCarthy but to prevent what happened to Caleb Williams last season. A strong offensive line is key for development (Bo Nix) and this should be a priority for the Vikings.
Atlanta Falcons - Jalon Walker, LB/Edge, Georgia
It almost seems like Atlanta has never had a promising front seven defensive player. Or at least since I was in high school. Jalon Walker was impressive all year at Georgia and developed similarly to Abdul Carter transitioning from a traditional linebacker to an edge rusher. Walker stays in state and the Falcons add talent to their defense.
Arizona Cardinals - Tyliek Williams, DL, Ohio State
I’ve had Derrick Harmon from Oregon and Walter Nolen from Ole Miss at Arizona previously so we’ll switch it up and have Tyliek Williams come to Arizona at 16. Williams is quickly becoming one of the highest risers in this draft and I wouldn’t be shocked if he ends up higher than this.
Cincinnati Bengals - Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
The Bengals would’ve had a real shot to get to the super bowl if it weren’t for their defense. Coincidentally, Trey Hendrickson, who led the league in sacks will probably not be playing in Cincinnati next year. If he stays or leaves, the Bengals still need to address the elephant in the room regardless if they select a edge rusher, interior lineman, or secondary player.
Seattle Seahawks - Josh Conerly, OL, Oregon
Besides maybe Chicago or New England, Seattle had the weakest offensive line in the entire NFL. It was painfully obvious, especially around the interior. Conerly, who helped protect Dillion Gabriel last season, won’t need to move far to play in Seattle.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
Like Tyliek Williams, Mike Green has been bursting across draft boards. I can see Tampa, who would benefit from any defensive selection (edge, interior, linebacker, or secondary), taking a shot on Green for his ridiculous upside as a Myles Garrett level of pass rusher.
Denver Broncos - Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
First things first: If Ashton Jeanty falls to the Broncos at 20, there should be no hesitation to select him. This isn’t debatable. Second things second: In the case where he isn’t available - I am supportive of adding even more young talent around Bo Nix. Devaughn Vele showed flashes, Troy Franklin was a bit disappointing (besides that last game in Buffalo holy shit), and if Lil'jordan Humphrey is wearing a Broncos jersey next season, I will eat an Israeli salad from Falafel King. When watching Texas this season, Matthew Golden was the standout performer every single game. He stepped up when Isaiah Bond was injured, when Quinn Ewers turned the ball over, and when Cedric Baxter was hurt before the season.
I love this pick so much and I’m so happy he declared for the draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers - Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Historically, the Steelers don’t select wide receivers in the first round. However, it would be irresponsible to pass up on Emeka Egbuka to pair alongside George Pickens and give whoever plays quarterback next season another weapon. This offense is bland, boring, and dull. Yes, I know those are all synonyms but that’s what the Steelers offense is.
Los Angeles Chargers - Kenneth Grant, DI, Michigan
I was contemplating taking a running back here, but Kenneth Grant just makes too much sense. John Harbaugh, the Michigan connection, his love for the trenches. It’s perfect. Besides, the Chargers could benefit from another interior defender - why not take one of Harbaugh’s former players?
Green Bay Packers - Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Mykel Williams slips to the Packers at 23. Mykel Williams is a lengthy, no nonsense defensive player who is as tough as nails. Green Bay is a team with Super Bowl expectations and adding a legitimate edge rusher to it’s defense is necessary if the Packers want to advance farther in the postseason. With Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, and Trey Hendrickson all available via trade or free agency this spring, it wouldn’t be shocking if the Packers acquired a All-Pro pass rusher too.
Indianapolis Colts (via MIN) - Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Minnesota receives: Pick No.14
Indianapolis receives: Pick No.24, Pick No.97, and 2026 fifth round pick (via MIN)
Benjamin Morrison was a cornerstone for the Notre Dame elite man coverage secondary over the past few seasons. If he finished the season healthy, I’m sure (like Josh Simmons) Morrison would go into the top 14.
Houston Texans - Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
Sure Omarion Hampton, Dylan Sampson, and Cam Skattebo are still on the board and other mock drafties view those players higher than Judkins but there's just something about Judkins that appeals to me over the board. Judkins kind of reminds me of Jahmyr Gibbs - sharing the backfield with Treyveon Henderson with an elite combination of speed and strength. Joe Mixon had a nice season for the Texans but at 28 years old, Mixon is aging (and we saw signs of this down the stretch of last year). Judkins can pair alongside Mixon like Gibbs paired with Montgomery in Detroit for his rookie season.
Los Angeles Rams - Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina
The Rams defense was impressive down the stretch and coming into the playoffs but the credit can mostly go to the front four (especially with Jared Verse and BLANK). Shavon Revel is comparable to Quinyon Mitchell last season. They both played at a small school, were under looked, and are studs in the secondary.
Baltimore Ravens - Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
About half of Baltimore’s offensive line will be testing free agency this offseason which means the Ravens should look to draft a first-round offensive line talent. Armand Membou is the best tackle available and Baltimore shouldn’t think twice.
Detroit Lions - Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State
Jack Sawyer just looks like a Detroit Lion. With Aidan Hutchinson returning from a gruesome leg injury next season, the Lion’s defensive line (especially around the edges) might seem a step slow.
Washington Commanders - Colson Loveland, TE, Michigan
Loveland falls to the late first round in this mock draft. Zach Ertz isn’t getting any younger despite having a solid postseason and pairing Jayden Daniels with a potential pro-bowl tight end would be a smart move.
Buffalo Bills - Walter Nolen, DI, Ole Miss
While an edge rusher like Nic Scourton would make sense for the Bills here in the first round, I believe adding more juice to the interior defensive line is more of a priority. Nolen can go as high as 12 or 13 in this draft and Buffalo snags him at 30.
Kansas City Chiefs - Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
Zabel looked like an absolute stud during the senior bowl. As a versatile offensive lineman, Zabel can play tackle or guard and be a valuable piece to protect Mahomes for the foreseeable future.
Philadelphia Eagles - Josh Simmons, OL, Ohio State
Similar to Buffalo, an edge rusher would probably make the most sense for Philadelphia given that Josh Sweat will be a free agent this offseason. However, Josh Simmons would be regarded as the best offensive line prospect in this draft class if he didn’t get injured earlier this season.
Second Round:
33. Cleveland Browns - Marcus Mbow, OL, Purdue
34. New York Giants - Airoente Ersery, OL, Minnesota
35. Tennessee Titans - Princely Umanmielen, Edge, Ole Miss
36. Jacksonville Jaguars - Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
37. Las Vegas Raiders - Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
38. New England Patriots - Cameron Williams, OL, Texas
39. Chicago Bears (via CAR) - Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M
40. New Orleans Saints - Derrick Harmon, DI, Oregon
41. Chicago Bears - Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State
42. New York Jets - Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame
43. Carolina Panthers (via SF) - Omarr Norman-Lott, DI, Tennessee
44. Dallas Cowboys - Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
45. Indianapolis Colts - Kyle Kennard, Edge, South Carolina
46. Atlanta Falcons - Jahdae Baron, CB, Texas
47. Arizona Cardinals - Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona
48. Miami Dolphins - Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State
49. Cincinnati Bengals - Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami
50. Seattle Seahawks - Landon Jackson, Edge, Arkansas
51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
52. Denver Broncos - Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
53. Pittsburgh Steelers - Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
54. Los Angeles Chargers - Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
55. Green Bay Packers - Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
56. Buffalo Bills (via MIN) - Demtrius Knight Jr, LB, South Carolina
57. Houston Texans - Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia
58. Carolina Panthers (via LAR) - JT Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State
59. Baltimore Ravens - Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State
60. Detroit Lions - Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
61. Washington Commanders - Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
62. Buffalo Bills - Jack Nelson, OL, Wisconsin
63. Philadelphia Eagles - Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford
64. Kansas City Chiefs - Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee