RADIO
Dan completes a first round 2025 NFL mock draft based on what each team should do with their picks. What players were selected in the first round of the mock draft.
It seems like the Super Bowl was just yesterday, but in reality, the NFL offseason is chugging right along. We have gone through the Senior Bowl, the first waves of free agency, and the NFL Combine. In just a few short weeks, we will have the NFL Draft.
This draft class is unique, with a few “elite” talents at the top and a giant tier of players making up the second level. That makes this draft a very unpredictable experience, with players clustered wildly different from team to team. Since this is an initial mock draft, don't expect to see any trades. That may not be the case on draft night, with teams having so many different valuations on a large group of players.
However, mock drafting is a useful exercise to understand the team needs around the league and how they could be addressed during the NFL Draft. Check out a mock draft after teams have been able to fill some of their needs in free agency.
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No. 1: Tennessee Titans
Cameron Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
The Titans have made several moves this offseason to address their needs, including adding veteran offensive linemen Dan Moore Jr. and Kevin Zeitler. That suggests they are building up a supporting cast to drop in a rookie quarterback.
Cam Ward has the most raw talent in this class, with the arm strength and improvisational ability to become a success at the NFL level. Ward is far from a perfect prospect, but he showed that he can compete at the highest level in college during his lone season with Miami (67.2 percent completion rate with 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns with seven interceptions).
#Miami QB Cam Ward vs. Louisville
Easy arm strength and playmaking ability both showed up frequently. Just makes things happen. pic.twitter.com/lnY7yMV3xJ
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) October 20, 2024
No. 2: Cleveland Browns
Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
Cleveland could draft Shedeur Sanders to try to offset the awful Deshaun Watson contract, but taking the most talented player in the draft who plays a premium position is hard to pass up.
Abdul Carter would immediately form a devastating pass rush tandem with newly extended Myles Garrett on the opposite edge. The 2025 pass rush class is strong, but nobody has the blend of first-step explosion, flexibility, and production (12.0 sacks in 2024) that Carter boasts.
Abdul Carter starts off lined up on the inside shoulder of the TE on the right.
He takes 12 steps backwards or horizontally before taking a single step up the field.
He makes a tackle for a 0 yard gain on the left hash.
Freak. pic.twitter.com/9kO5A7yti1
— Dan Fornek ↗️ (@fornekdf) March 4, 2025
No. 3: New York Giants
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The Giants are desperate for a franchise quarterback, even though they signed Russell Wilson. Brian Daboll needs a young quarterback to try to extend his time as the head coach of the Giants. In this scenario, they run up the card to draft Shedeur Sanders.
The Colorado prospect is the best pocket passer in this class, routinely throwing the ball on time and into windows against defenses. He’s not a fantastic athlete, but he can pick up easy yards on the ground. The concerns about holding onto the ball for big plays are legitimate, but Sanders is lethal when he’s playing on time in the offense.
Shedeur Sanders in 2024:
🎯 81.8% adjusted completion percentage | 2nd among QBs pic.twitter.com/qku23I7B1p
— PFF (@PFF) March 24, 2025
Is Sanders a top-10 talent in this class? Probably not.
But he’s a very good quarterback who will get pushed up due to positional needs.
No. 4: New England Patriots
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The Patriots have it pretty easy. They just need to sit tight and hope that two quarterbacks go off the board before them to guarantee a shot at one of the two elite prospects in this class.
In this mock, they get to draft Travis Hunter with the fourth overall pick.
Hunter has natural ball skills as a wide receiver with explosive after-the-catch ability. On defense, he is a sticky cornerback who is a willing tackler and excellent at reading route combinations.
Conventional wisdom says that it makes sense for whatever team drafts Hunter to deploy him as a full-time cornerback and a situational wide receiver. However, New England has a desperate need for a wide receiver and a less urgent need for defense.
He’s arguably the top cornerback AND receiver in this class, so New England could deploy him however they see fit.
No. 5: Jacksonville Jaguars
Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
Jacksonville has plenty of needs, but their interior defensive line desperately needs a talent upgrade. Michigan’s Mason Graham would be the ideal fit to fortify their defensive line.
The Jaguars have two excellent edge rushers but need to get more punch on the interior defensive line after Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton combined for just 52 pressures and 2.0 sacks. Graham single-handedly generated 3.5 sacks and 26 pressures in his final collegiate season.
Mason Graham is TERRIFYING 😳
He effortlessly deconstructs blocks on film with raw power and has unreal quickness as an interior rusher.
63 pressures and 58 stops in the last two seasons while only missing 7% of tackles.
The best interior DL I’ve ever scouted… pic.twitter.com/l9DKfxcYzw
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 29, 2025
The measurables aren’t great, but Graham is a strong two-way defensive tackle who is an explosive athlete with a high motor. His pocket-collapsing ability would pair well with Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker for years to come.
No. 6: Las Vegas Raiders
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The Raiders have massive holes on their roster at running back, wide receiver, linebacker, and cornerback. While many would argue that taking a running back is a luxury pick, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is the rare running back who is worthy of a top-10 pick.
Perfect example of why Jeanty is special
Presses the LOS on the frontside zone patiently
Sees his C get pressed into the gap and get to the combo (2)
Cuts backside- sees the TE has outside leverage and bounces
Bounces off contact to gain four more at the end
He's a STUD pic.twitter.com/9lf7iv5DZu
— Dan Fornek ↗️ (@fornekdf) February 17, 2025
Jeanty was a force during his final season in college, handling 374 carries for 2,601 yards and 29 rushing touchdowns while adding 23 receptions for 138 yards and a receiving score. His contact balance and vision are already elite skills, putting him in the conversation of “best running back prospects in the last decade”.
Pete Carroll’s offense has always valued a high-end running back to set up the play action. Using a top-10 pick on a running back isn’t popular, but Jeanty is a perfect fit for an offense that needs a capable rushing component.
No. 7: New York Jets
Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
The Jets need to add pass catchers to their offense, but the opportunity to add another high-level piece to their offensive line is too good to pass up.
Missouri’s Armand Membou has emerged as the top tackle in the draft class thanks to his size, length, and athleticism. He’s a punishing run blocker who also has nimble feet to stay in front of speed rushers.
RT Armand Membou in pass pro vs Shemar Stewart pic.twitter.com/e3tyWKPvvs
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) March 24, 2025
Membou would replace free agent Morgan Moses at right tackle and form an excellent tandem with 2024 first-round pick Olumuyiwa Fashanu on the blind side. It would be hard to blame the Jets for fortifying their offensive line with Justin Fields set to serve as their bridge quarterback in 2025.
No. 8: Carolina Panthers
Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia
Jalon Walker might be the most dynamic defensive player in the 2025 NFL draft. Walker played 311 snaps as an off-ball linebacker and 249 snaps as an edge rusher in 2024. He finished with 60 tackles and 6.5 sacks in his final collegiate season.
Beast pic.twitter.com/2UG0Ba45Rx
— Dan Fornek ↗️ (@fornekdf) March 2, 2025
Walker is the ideal player in today’s NFL. He has the quickness and instincts to make an impact off the ball on early downs and is fluid in coverage. He also has the power and bend to rush the passer.
If properly deployed at the NFL level, he can be a player who can transform a defense.
No. 9: New Orleans Saints
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The Saints are the hardest team to peg in the top 10, but they need to add more weapons to their pass-catching group. Penn State’s Tyler Warren would be a versatile and dependable piece to add to their pass-catching group.
Warren was a modest producer in his first four years in college before breaking out during the 2024 season (104 receptions for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns). Warren averaged 12.0 yards per reception in his career and features strong hands and respectable straight-line speed.
He isn’t the most dynamic weapon after the catch or on routes down the seam, but he has more than enough ability to generate yards after the catch by lowering his shoulder. He’s also a respectable blocker with enough athleticism to line up anywhere in the offensive formation.
No. 10: Chicago Bears
Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Chicago has spent the offseason filling their biggest roster needs, putting them in a position to go any direction with the 10th pick in the draft. Ashton Jeanty would be an excellent piece to add, but since he’s gone, the team instead continues to fortify their defensive line with Georgia’s Mykel Williams.
Williams has more power than speed on the edge but has the versatility to kick inside to create a mismatch against guards or to set the edge against tackles. He generated 23 tackles for loss and 14.0 sacks in his three years at Georgia.
While he isn’t the most explosive edge rusher, he does flash the ability to win by converting speed to power, and is a force against the run. Adding Williams would give the Bears a versatile defensive line group of Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, Grady Jarrett, and Gervon Dexter Sr. to generate mismatches with different combinations.
No. 11: San Francisco 49ers
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
The 49ers lost a lot of key pieces to free agency this offseason, so this pick could go in many directions. A player that would offset some of their key losses on defense is Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron.
Barron is an excellent zone cornerback who has the speed to match up with wide receivers in man coverage. He allowed a 34.2 passer rating in his final college season while lining up at cornerback (679 snaps), slot (122), deep safety (15), and box defender (142). He’s a smart defender and a secure tackler.
The Texas product would fill the void left by Charvarius Ward in free agency and could even help offset the loss of Talanoa Hufanga at safety.
No. 12: Dallas Cowboys
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
The Cowboys desperately need to add another weapon to complement CeeDee Lamb in the passing attack. Texas’s Matthew Golden would be an excellent addition to the wide receiver position as an outside receiver with the speed to challenge secondaries deep.
Matthew Golden transferred to Texas for his final season after starting his collegiate career with two productive seasons (76 receptions, 988 yards, and 13 touchdowns) at Houston. The move to Texas was wise after Golden posted 58 receptions for 987 yards and nine touchdowns in his lone season with the Longhorns.
Every 15+ yard reception from Texas WR Matthew Golden from 2024. #NFLDraft2025 pic.twitter.com/Edn1WvAr03
— Ray G (@RayGQue) March 18, 2025
Golden inserted himself into the WR1 conversation for the draft class after Golden measured in at 5-foot-11, 191 pounds and blazed a 4.29 40-yard dash. That speed doesn’t always show up on film, but he’s got plenty of bursts, fast feet, and good route-running ability.
No. 13: Miami Dolphins
Will Campbell, OL, LSU
The Dolphins desperately need to improve their offensive line, especially on the interior, after losing Robert Hunt, Connor Williams, and Robert Jones to free agency over the last two offseasons.
LSU’s Will Campbell was a three-year starter at left tackle for the Tigers, allowing just four sacks and 32 hurries on over 1,500 career pass-blocking snaps. Campbell is an excellent athlete and has plenty of quickness, but his arm length at the combine (32 5/8 inches) is concerning for a tackle prospect.
That flaw shows up at times on film against lengthy edge rushers and when trying to stop speed-to-power pass-rush moves.
For a guy whose knock is his arm length, Will Campbell is still incredibly powerful at the point of attack. Compact force, loose hips, pure aggression.
He torques right through Nic Scourton here on the down block (and lets Scourton know about it after). pic.twitter.com/04KLtoDorE
— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) March 21, 2025
Miami doesn’t have a pressing need at left tackle with Terron Armstead and 2024 draft pick Patrick Paul, but Campbell has all the tools to be an impact interior lineman with the flexibility to kick outside if needed.
No. 14: Indianapolis Colts
Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
The Colts would love to add a pass catcher to help Anthony Richardson, but they have two pieces of their offensive line to replace. Alabama’s Tyler Booker is a force of nature at guard, with excellent size, length, and power that flashes in both the run game and pass protection.
Booker’s athletic testing was underwhelming at the combine, but that isn’t a big deal for interior offensive linemen. He’s highly regarded as a leader with his work ethic and may be the highest-floor offensive lineman in this class. The Colts would get an instant leader and talent upgrade on the interior after letting Will Fries and Ryan Kelly leave in free agency this offseason.
No. 15: Atlanta Falcons
Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
Atlanta has needs all over their defense, but the quickest way to improve all phases of the team is to add a legitimate pass-rushing talent. Atlanta generated just 31.0 sacks as a team in 2025.
Marshall’s Mike Green has some character concerns, but if those are clear, then he could be exactly what Atlanta needs off the edge. Green dominated in his final season with the Thundering Herd (17.0 sacks) and showed that his talent plays at a higher level after a stellar week at the Senior Bowl.
Mike Green (EDGE #Marshall) is electric on tape.
➖ Elite Production
➖ Explosive/Twitchy
➖ Deep Pass-Rush RepertoireI’m telling you now: he’s going to be higher than a lot of household names on my personal Big Board… pic.twitter.com/IXfs6mta1K
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) January 8, 2025
Green is extremely physical with strong burst and play strength. He can sometimes play out of control, but he has all the tools he needs to succeed at the NFL level, as evident on film. He also plays the run very well, allowing him to contribute as a three-down player at the NFL level.
No. 16: Arizona Cardinals
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Will Johnson entered 2024 as one of the top prospects in college football, much less at the cornerback position. However, an injury-plagued 2024 (mixed with questions about his deep speed) has dinged his profile enough for him to drop down the board.
Johnson likely won’t work out until the draft, but he has excellent length and consistently flashed the ability to generate turnovers when on the field at Michigan. He generated nine interceptions on 113 targets and returned three of them for interceptions.
Arizona used a 2024 second-round pick on Max Melton, but could still upgrade their cornerback position. There will be questions about his ability to hold up as a man-coverage cornerback, but that won’t be a big problem for the Cardinals, who played zone coverage 59.1 percent of the time in 2024.
No. 17: Cincinnati Bengals
Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Bengals have a lot of money and draft capital invested on the offensive side of the ball, so they’ll need to use the draft to bolster their defense. At this point in the draft, bringing in an edge rusher to replace Sam Hubbard (retired) is the best idea.
Shemar Stewart wouldn’t be a first-round pick based on his collegiate production (12 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in three seasons), but he generated 61 hurries in his career.
However, the edge rusher had an excellent combine and pushed himself into the first-round conversation. Stewart measured in at 6-foot-5, 267 pounds, and ran a 4.59 40-yard dash (1.58 10-yard split) with a 40-inch vertical and a 10-foot-11-inch broad jump.
The Bengals haven’t gotten much from 2023 first-round pick Myles Murphy or Joseph Assai, so adding Stewart would give them another chance to add some pop to their pass rush across from Trey Hendrickson (assuming they can figure out his contract heading into 2025).
No. 18: Seattle Seahawks
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
No player elevated his stock during the combine more than South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori.
Nick Emmanwori is a SS prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored an unofficial 10.00 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1 out of 1079 SS from 1987 to 2025.
Splits projected, times unofficial. Pending agis and bench, could be a new top guy!https://t.co/WDmbwaGk56 pic.twitter.com/53Vx9vR7dx
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) February 28, 2025
Emmanwori measured in at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, and posted a 4.38 40-yard dash, 43-inch vertical jump, and 11-foot-six-inch broad jump. His production at South Carolina (244 tackles with six interceptions and two touchdowns) backs up his prolific athletic ability. Emmanwori also flashed plenty of versatility, playing over 700 snaps as a deep safety, 900 snaps as a box defender, and 400 snaps as a slot corner.
Emmanwori struggles with his reads and securing tackles at times, but he has the athleticism to make an immediate impact at the NFL level.
The Seahawks desperately need to bolster their interior offensive line, but Emmanwori is the kind of weapon that can elevate a very good secondary into one of the best in the NFL. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has a history of utilizing a versatile safety from his time with Baltimore (Kyle Hamilton) and could easily harness Emmanwori’s size, speed, and versatility from day one.
No. 19: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Jihaad Campbell was the top edge rusher in his recruiting class before transitioning to off-ball linebacker due to Alabama’s edge depth. That gives him excellent size (6-foot-3, 244 pounds) and quickness (4.52 40-yard dash) while making him an effective blitzer. Campbell doesn’t always understand what he’s reading, but when he understands what is in front of him, he shows the ability to change the game.
Campbell can also rush off the edge. His final season at Alabama showed his ability to function as a three-down linebacker with 117 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, an interception, and five sacks.
Jihaad Campbell is a heat seeking missile. pic.twitter.com/ngEoCloekO
— Nick Penticoff (@NickPenticoff) March 23, 2025
There may not be a better fit for Campbell in the first round than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers brought Lavonte David back for one more season, but have little depth behind him and need to start transitioning to the next era at the position. Campbell could go earlier in the draft due to his versatility, but a post-combine shoulder surgery could also help him fall into this range.
No. 20: Denver Broncos
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Denver’s roster has very few holes, so they could reasonably address their biggest need by dipping into a position of strength in the draft. North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton would be a phenomenal fit for a team looking to bolster their backfield.
Over the last two seasons, Hampton has racked up 534 carries for 3,164 yards and 30 touchdowns while adding 67 receptions for 595 yards and three receiving scores. Hampton runs well through contact and maintains his balance as a one-cut runner who gets North and South in a hurry. He solidified himself as the RB2 in this class when he measured in at 6-feet, 221 pounds, and ripped off a 4.46 40-yard dash at the combine.
The linebacker overcommits and there is nobody else to stop Hampton.
He's got excellent straight-line speed. pic.twitter.com/qGyCQlXdFZ
— Dan Fornek ↗️ (@fornekdf) February 18, 2025
Hampton is an ideal fit for the Broncos, who have a need for a lead running back and have the offensive line to open up big rushing lanes in the run game.
No. 21: Pittsburgh Steelers
Jaxson Dart, QB, Mississippi
The Steelers are still firmly in the Aaron Rodgers sweepstakes, but the team needs to take a shot on a quarterback of the future. In this mock draft, they take a swing on Ole Miss’s Jaxson Dart.
Dart has gained steam throughout the draft process thanks to his ability to make big-time throws (7.1 percent big-time throw rate, 6th among 2024 quarterbacks) and his ability to limit turnovers (2.2 percent turnover-worthy play rate). Dart also averaged 10.7 yards per target in his final collegiate season, throwing for 4,276 yards and 29 touchdowns with six interceptions.
Nah bro, watch Jaxson Dart flip his hips to pin the flat defender down so he can throw the slot corner over the top.
Special combo of athleticism + genius to pull this off. pic.twitter.com/PWEEabo3uW
— JetPack Galileo (@JetPackGalileo) March 9, 2025
Dart also posted three straight seasons with at least 119 rushing attempts and 389 rushing yards. He consistently shows the ability to both play within structure and as an improvisational passer in his film.
No. 22: Los Angeles Chargers
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
The Chargers have done a great job addressing all of their major needs this offseason, leaving them in a position to attack the best player on the board. Michigan tight end Colston Loveland would add a new dimension to the offense and would be a clear steal at this point in the draft.
On the surface, Loveland’s statistical production isn’t anything special (56 receptions for 649 yards and five touchdowns), but the film shows a dynamic receiving weapon that can line up across the formation and steal extra yards after the catch. Loveland was the focal point of a bad Michigan passing attack in 2024.
He’s also a better blocker than he’s given credit for.
Colston Loveland cooking a defender and showing the catch radius off. pic.twitter.com/Ii0EAzLw2p
— Nick Penticoff (@NickPenticoff) March 23, 2025
Loveland would reunite with Jim Harbaugh and likely emerge as the team’s second passing option behind second-year receiver Ladd McConkey. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if he heard his name called well before this point in the draft.
No. 23: Green Bay Packers
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Green Bay has a slew of secondary/role receivers in their offense, but lacks a player who can function as an alpha. In this draft, they take their swing at Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan to fill that role.
McMillan posted two straight seasons with 84+ receptions, 1,300+ receiving yards, and eight+ touchdowns. He’s the best contested catch receiver in this draft class with an effortless athleticism that will translate to the NFL. McMillan is one of the few players with a true outside receiver build (6-foot-5, 212 pounds) and has enough speed (4.54 40-yard dash at his pro day) to challenge opposing secondaries.
Okay fine, I'll be a Tet guy pic.twitter.com/b489V1Qh5s
— Dan Fornek ↗️ (@fornekdf) March 7, 2025
At best, McMillan offers a different skill set and stronger hands than any other option the Packers have on their roster. At worst, he’s a solid addition to their offense but struggles to be more than a very good WR2 or 1B in the passing attack.
No. 24: Minnesota Vikings
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Malaki Starks was widely considered a top-five player in this draft class heading into 2024. However, a subpar season and average testing numbers at the combine (4.50 40-yard dash with a 33-inch vertical) have dinged his stock.
However, Starks is still a very good player and has become an excellent value for the Vikings at pick No. 24.
Starks was a three-year starter in the SEC, playing a versatile role as the key cog in Georgia’s secondary. He is a sure tackler (197 tackles) and has amazing ball-tracking ability (six interceptions and 17 passes defended) during his college career. Starks also logged over 1,100 snaps as a deep safety, 600 snaps as a slot corner, and 500 snaps as a box defender.
Atlanta Falcons DC Jeff Ulbrich after this Malaki Starks play.
"That might be the safest pick in the draft". pic.twitter.com/yXqzSklkjH
— Everything Georgia (@GAFollowers) March 12, 2025
The Georgia product could play many roles in Minnesota’s blitz-heavy defense to start his career before eventually taking over for Harrison Smith when he eventually retires. If he falls far enough, he could easily be one of the biggest steals in this draft class.
No. 25: Houston Texans
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
The Texans' offensive line was atrocious in 2024 and lost their most talented piece this offseason (Laremy Tunsil) thanks to a trade. The team addressed the hole at left tackle by signing veteran Cam Robinson, but could still upgrade the unit.
They get a chance to take the second-best offensive tackle in the class with Texas’s Kelvin Banks.
Banks was a three-year starter at left tackle for Texas, surrendering just four sacks and 26 hurries in his career. There were questions about his size heading into the combine, but those were largely answered when he measured in at 6-foot-5, 315 pounds with 33 1/2-inch arms.
On film, Banks has excellent foot speed and above-average athleticism. He also has the strength to hold up against power rushers and the mobility to function well in a zone run-blocking scheme.
#Texas OT Kelvin Banks Jr. (6–4, 324)
Very raw, but naturally gifted pass protector. Physical run blocker. Plays with plenty of raw power. pic.twitter.com/I0ryJbJI8D
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) June 5, 2024
Banks could factor in at guard in the short term before taking over as the left tackle of the future. He could also just win the job outright and relegate Cam Robinson to a swing tackle role.
No. 26: Los Angeles Rams
Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
The Rams have a roster loaded with good players and solid depth outside of the secondary. They get a chance to upgrade their cornerback room by taking Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston.
Hairston was limited by a shoulder injury in 2024 but was excellent in 2023 (five interceptions on 67 targets). There are some weight concerns with Hairston (183 pounds), but his time at Kentucky showed a player who is physical enough to play man coverage with the speed (4.28 40-yard dash) to do it at the NFL.
The Kentucky product has the speed to stick as an outside corner in the NFL, but will likely settle into a slot role thanks to his quickness and physical play.
No. 27: Baltimore Ravens
Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
The Ravens are always open to improving the talent in the trenches and draft Derrick Harmon, the defensive tackle from Oregon.
Harmon was a modest producer during his first three seasons at Michigan State (71 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks) before breaking out in his lone season with the Ducks (45 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and five sacks). He has exceptional quickness for a player his size (6-foot-4, 313 pounds) and a non-stop motor.
He would upgrade Broderick Washington at the defensive end, or could be used as an interior passing down specialist to start his career, to ensure that his motor stays hot.
No. 28: Detroit Lions
Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
Detroit returns most of its roster from 2024 but does have a glaring need at right guard after Kevin Zeitler departed in free agency. North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel would fill that hole (and could be a future replacement for center Frank Ragnow).
Zabel was a three-year starter at left tackle for NDSU but has experience playing all five offensive line spots. He’s exceptionally light on his feet and consistently displays finishing power in the run game. He dominated at guard and center at the Senior Bowl, pushing him into the first round of the draft.
No. 29: Washington Commanders
James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Nobody would have been surprised if James Pearce Jr. ended the 2024 season as the top-edge rusher in the class after a strong 2023 season (15 tackles for loss and 10 sacks). Instead, Pearce Jr. took a step back in the production department (13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks).
His explosive first step and quickness were confirmed at the combine with a 4.47 40-yard dash at 6-foot-5, 245 pounds. There are questions about his effort (especially as a run defender) and the fact that he was part of a deep rotation on Tennessee’s defensive line. But if a team can keep him motivated on the field, they could potentially get a top-10 talent on the edge.
James Pearce Jr. and Abdul Carter would have the 2nd and 3rd highest college PFF pass-rush win rates of any 1st round edge rusher drafted since 2017, trailing only Nick Bosa. pic.twitter.com/L31qazhHEF
— Ben Linsey (@benlinsey_) March 19, 2025
Washington returns Dorance Armstrong and Clelin Ferrell from their 2024 defense, but has little notable depth behind them. Pearce Jr. could continue to develop as an all-around edge rusher with more pass-rushing juice than anybody else on the roster.
No. 30: Buffalo Bills
Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
The Bills continue to build up the trenches by selecting Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant. Billed as a freak athlete coming into the season, Grant measured in at 6-foot-3, 331 pounds at his Pro Day while running an average 5.11 40-yard dash with a 1.79 10-yard split. His explosion was confirmed by a ridiculous 31-inch vertical for his size.
Grant’s film at Michigan is very impressive. He routinely beats blocks with a quick first step and consistently makes high-level effort plays all over the field. He does struggle to maintain aggression off the ball as a pass rusher despite racking up 6.5 sacks over his last two seasons.
He profiles best as a nose tackle and would be an excellent complement to Ed Oliver on the interior defensive line. Buffalo’s defensive line talent would also ensure that he consistently faced one-on-one matchups as a pro to start his career.
No. 31: Kansas City Chiefs
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
The Super Bowl showed just how bad the Chiefs' left tackle situation was in 2024. Kansas City has already tried to address the position in free agency (Jaylon Moore), but they have a chance to add a potential cornerstone tackle late in the first round in Ohio State’s Josh Simmons.
If he were healthy, there is an excellent chance that Simmons would be regarded as the top tackle prospect in this class. He’s got the best blend of size, length, athleticism, and tape in this class. On film, he consistently wins his matchups in the run game and shows an exceptional ability to play with patience as a pass protector.
He allowed just one hurry on 158 pass-blocking snaps in his final season with the Buckeyes.
I could watch Josh Simmons play LT forever.
Hope that patellar tendon heals up well... because man, that recovery sucks. pic.twitter.com/71yVYMlhDU
— Dan Fornek ↗️ (@fornekdf) February 28, 2025
Unfortunately, Simmons also suffered a torn patellar tendon against Oregon that ended his season. Patellar tendon injuries are very tricky, and the history of recovery for professional athletes isn’t great. But, the Chiefs would have the ability to “redshirt” Simmons in his rookie year with the hopes of deploying him at left or right tackle in his second season.
Simmons doesn’t make the 2025 Chiefs a better team, but he gives them a chance to add a top-10 caliber prospect with a high level of risk. That is a chance you take with Patrick Mahomes under center.
No. 32: Philadelphia Eagles
Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
The Eagles had some significant losses in their defensive front this offseason, with Josh Sweat and Milton Williams finding new homes in free agency. At this point, the edge rushers have been more depleted than the defensive line, so Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku becomes the pick.
Ezeiruaku isn’t a traditionally sized edge prospect (6-foot-2, 248 pounds), but has adequate length (34-inch arms) and displayed great explosiveness (35.5-inch vertical and a nine-foot-11-inch broad jump) and quickness (6.94 three-cone drill) at the combine. Despite his lack of size, Ezeiruaku’s production in the ACC can’t be ignored (16.5 sacks in his final season).
Philadelphia has no problem taking a shot on production over measurables, as evidenced by the success of Nolan Smith (6-foot-2, 238 pounds) in their system. Ezeiruaku could be used as a situational pass rusher to start his career surrounded by high-end talent, giving him a chance to focus on what he is good at while developing into a full-time starter.
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