2025 NFL Mock Draft: Third-Round Predictions With Trades

April 20, 2025

Mike Fanelli's third-round 2025 NFL Mock draft predictions with trades. His Round 3 projections and expert picks. Which teams could make big moves to secure a key player?

The 2025 NFL Draft is nearly here. While everyone wants to focus on the first round, many star players get drafted after the top 32 selections.

Most mock drafts start with the first pick and wrap up at the end of the first or second round. However, the draft doesn’t end after the first two rounds, so why should mock drafts?

Let’s try something unconventional and do a third-round mock draft, starting with the 65th overall pick.

Hypothetical Trades Before the Start of Round 3

Before we dive into this third-round mock draft, let’s highlight the 13 hypothetical trades that occurred over the first two rounds.

• The New England Patriots traded picks 4, 106 to the Dallas Cowboys for picks 12, 44, 2026 second-rounder.
• The Carolina Panthers traded picks 8, 74 to the Miami Dolphins for picks 13, 48, 98.
• The New Orleans Saints traded pick 9 to the Philadelphia Eagles for picks 32, 64, 2026 second and third-rounders.
• The Seattle Seahawks traded pick 18 to the Los Angeles Chargers for picks 22, 86.
• The Minnesota Vikings traded pick 24 to the New York Giants for picks 34, 65, 2026 second-rounder.
• The Los Angeles Rams traded pick 26 to the Jacksonville Jaguars for picks 36, 70.
• The Buffalo Bills traded picks 30, 109 to the Chicago Bears for picks 39, 72.
• The New England Patriots traded pick 38 to the Denver Broncos for picks 51, 85.
• The Chicago Bears traded pick 41 to the Seattle Seahawks for picks 52, 82.
• The Atlanta Falcons traded pick 46 to the Green Bay Packers for picks 54, 124, 2026 fourth-rounder.
• The Los Angeles Chargers traded pick 55 to the Baltimore Ravens for picks 59, 129.
• The Washington Commanders traded pick 61 to the New York Jets for picks 73, 145, 2026 fourth-rounder.
• The New Orleans Saints traded pick 64 to the Pittsburgh Steelers for picks 83 2026 third-rounder.

Pick Nos. 65-74

*** TRADE ALERT ***

Los Angeles Rams receive pick 65. Minnesota Vikings receive picks 70, 127, 195.

65) Los Angeles Rams (via Vikings, Giants) – Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

The Rams managed to keep Matthew Stafford this offseason. However, they don’t have a succession plan for the future Hall of Famer. Los Angeles flips a pair of Day 3 picks to the Vikings to secure Ewers.

66) Kansas City Chiefs (via Tennessee) – JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State

Last year, George Karlaftis was the only Chief with more than 6.5 sacks. While Tuimoloau doesn’t have the same upside as many of the first-round edge-rushers, the former Ohio State star has a high floor.

67) Cleveland Browns – Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa

Unfortunately, Nick Chubb’s time with the Browns seems to be over. Furthermore, Jerome Ford is heading into the final year of his contract. While Johnson didn’t have the ideal predraft process, the former Iowa star had 23 offensive touchdowns and zero fumbles in 2024.

Kaleb Johnson BALLED out in arguably the best conference this year 🔥

1,725 Scrimmage yards
23 Total TDs
Led the B1G in Rushing Yards & Rushing TDs
0 Fumbles

Someone will be picking up an absolute stud at RB in the NFL Draft 💯 pic.twitter.com/cShRTo3QaO

— College Football Report (@CFBRep) February 27, 2025

68) Las Vegas Raiders – Jack Bech, WR, TCU

While Brock Bowers is already arguably the best tight end in the NFL, the Raiders need more weapons in the passing game. Jakobi Meyers is heading into the final year of his contract. Bech was a star down at the Senior Bowl and would be Las Vegas’ No. 2 wide receiver as a rookie.

69) New England Patriots – Tyleik Williams, DL, Ohio State

New England was aggressive in free agency, signing Milton Williams and Khyiris Tonga to improve its defensive line. However, Tonga signed only a one-year deal, meaning the Patriots still need a long-term nose tackle. Williams is arguably the best pure run-stopper in the draft class.

70) Minnesota Vikings (via Rams, Jaguars) – Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas

Cam Bynum left in free agency, impacting the Vikings’ safety unit. Meanwhile, Harrison Smith isn’t getting any younger. Therefore, Minnesota should look for a long-term replacement for the future Hall of Famer.

71) New Orleans Saints – Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State

The Saints have lost two starting cornerbacks over the past year, trading Marshon Lattimore to the Washington Commanders and losing Paulson Adebo to the New York Giants in free agency. While New Orleans has used a Day 2 pick on a cornerback in two of the past three years, it needs more depth in the secondary.

72) Buffalo Bills (via Bears) – Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas

Last year, the Bills used a wide-receiver-by-committee approach after trading away Stefon Diggs. While they swapped out Mack Hollins for Joshua Palmer in free agency, Bond would give Josh Allen the ideal downfield threat he lacked last season.

73) Washington Commanders (via Jets) – Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State

Washington lost Dante Fowler Jr. in free agency after he led the team with 10.5 sacks and 14 tackles for a loss in 2024. While they signed Jacob Martin and Deatrich Wise Jr., expect the Commanders to add at least one edge-rusher over the first two days of the draft.

74) Miami Dolphins (via Panthers) – Deone Walker, DL, Kentucky

While the Dolphins had a solid run defense last season, they need some youth and depth along their defensive line. Walker is one of the biggest prospects in the draft class. He will demand a double team on nearly every snap, allowing the linebackers to make easier plays in the run game.

Pick Nos. 75-84

75) San Francisco 49ers – Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

The 49ers lost top cornerback Charvarius Ward in free agency. While many mock drafts have them selecting a cornerback in the first round, San Francisco is more likely to add one in the middle rounds. Morrison would be a top-50 lock if he wasn’t coming off a hip injury.

76) Dallas Cowboys – Tai Felton, WR, Maryland

CeeDee Lamb is the Cowboys’ clear-cut No. 1 wide receiver. Unfortunately, the combination of Jonathan Mingo, Jalen Tolbert, and KaVontae Turpin arguably makes Dallas’ receiving corps the worst in the NFL, despite having Lamb. Felton would be the team’s No. 2 wide receiver as a rookie.

*** TRADE ALERT ***

Seattle Seahawks receive pick 77. New England Patriots receive picks 86, 223, 2026 fourth-rounder.

77) Seattle Seahawks (via Patriots, Atlanta) – Marcus Mbow, OL, Purdue

Seattle needs to leave the NFL Draft with multiple rookie offensive linemen. Mbow played tackle at Purdue, but many scouts believe he can become a long-term starting guard in the NFL.

78) Arizona Cardinals – Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA

While the Cardinals signed Akeem Davis-Gaither and Mykal Walker in free agency, that shouldn’t stop them from using a Day 2 pick on a linebacker. Schwesinger led college football with 90 solo tackles last season.

79) Houston Texans (via Washington, Philadelphia, Miami) – Joshua Farmer, DL, Florida State

The Texans signed Sheldon Rankins in free agency. However, the veteran defensive tackle only signed a one-year deal, leaving the team without a long-term option. Farmer would form a dangerous trio on the defensive line with Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.

80) Indianapolis Colts – Cameron Williams, OT, Texas

Unfortunately, starting right tackle Braden Smith has missed 12 games over the past two seasons because of injuries. Furthermore, he is heading into the final year of his contract in 2025. Williams could replace Will Fries at right guard as a rookie before moving out to tackle when Smith’s contract expires.

81) Cincinnati Bengals – Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State

After locking up Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Mike Gesicki to long-term contracts this offseason, the Bengals should focus on defense during the NFL Draft. Geno Stone is heading into the final year of his contract in 2025. Cincinnati lacks a long-term replacement option on the roster.

82) Chicago Bears (via Seahawks) – Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma

Reportedly, the Bears considered moving on from T.J. Edwards or Tremaine Edmunds earlier this offseason. Furthermore, Edwards is heading into the final year of his contract. Meanwhile, Edmunds could be a cap casualty after the 2025 season.

83) New Orleans Saints (via Steelers) – Wyatt Milum, G, West Virginia

Milum was an outstanding offensive tackle at West Virginia. According to PFF, he surrendered only three sacks in college, with zero coming over the past three years. Yet, many scouts are concerned about his arm length, forcing him inside to guard where Milum should have a decade-long career as a starter.

84) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green

While Cade Otton had a productive 2024 season, he is heading into the final year of his contract, and the Buccaneers can upgrade at tight end. Fannin was once considered a potential first-round pick, making him a value in the third round. Last year, the former Bowling Green star had one of the best seasons by a tight end in college football history.

Harold Fannin tonight: 17 catches, 213 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

Season: 117 catches, 1,555 receiving yards, 10 receiving touchdowns

What a season. A true #MACtion legend. pic.twitter.com/DcGdAkhs92

— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) December 27, 2024

Pick Nos. 85-94

*** TRADE ALERT ***

Carolina Panthers receive pick 85. New England Patriots receive picks 140, 2026 third-rounder.

85) Carolina Panthers (via Patriots, Broncos) – Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State

Last year, the Panthers landed two solid rookie wide receivers, drafting Xavier Legette in the first round and signing Jalen Coker as an undrafted free agent. Yet, they need a long-term replacement for Adam Thielen. Carolina moves ahead of several wide receiver-needy teams to secure the former Utah State star.

86) New England Patriots (via Seahawks, Chargers) – Jordan Burch, EDGE, Oregon

The Patriots added Harold Landry III in free agency, reuniting him with former head coach Mike Vrabel. However, they could use another body coming off the edge. Last season, Burch had a career-high 8.5 sacks.

87) Green Bay Packers – Savion Williams, WR, TCU

Unfortunately, the Packers likely won’t have Christian Watson for most of the 2025 season after he tore his ACL in the final game last year. Meanwhile, Jayden Reed severely regressed in the second half of last season, while Dontayvion Wicks is wildly inconsistent. Expect Green Bay to add at least one wide receiver on Day 2 of the draft.

88) Jacksonville Jaguars (via Minnesota) – Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee

Travis Etienne Jr. is coming off the worst season of his career and is heading into the final year of his rookie deal. Meanwhile, Tank Bigsby tailed off after a solid start last season. Therefore, expect the Jaguars to add a running back on Day 2.

89) Houston Texans – Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas

After running a 4.38 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine with a slight groin tear, Blue ran a 4.25 at the Texas pro day. Many believe the former Texas star could sneak into the late second round, making him a value this late in the mock draft. More importantly, he met with the Texans following his pro day.

Texas RB Jaydon Blue has an upcoming meeting with the Houston Texans, according to @SECNetwork

GM Nick Caserio + HC DeMeco Ryans are at his Pro Day today.

4.29 speed in Nick Caley’s offense ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/7GmOauDo18

— Nick Schwager (@NickSchwagerNFL) March 25, 2025

90) Los Angeles Rams – Gunnar Helm, TE, Texas

Los Angeles needs a long-term answer at tight end. Tyler Higbee is heading into the final year of his contract, while Colby Parkinson is likely a cap casualty next offseason. Helm hasn’t had the ideal predraft process but could become a star in Sean McVay’s offense.

91) Baltimore Ravens – Josaiah Stewart, EDGE, Michigan

Last year, Kyle Van Noy led the team with 12.5 sacks. However, the veteran is heading into the final year of his contract and is on the wrong side of 30. Meanwhile, former second-round pick David Ojabo has four sacks in 18 career games. Expect the Ravens to add an edge-rusher on Day 2 of the draft.

92) Seattle Seahawks (via Las Vegas, New York, Detroit) – Sebastian Castro, S, Iowa

The Seahawks have an underrated secondary. However, starting safety Coby Bryant is a free agent after the upcoming season, and the team has limited options behind him.

93) New Orleans Saints (via Washington) – Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami

Unfortunately, Restrepo’s draft stock plummeted after running an awful 40-yard dash at his pro day. However, he would be an excellent fit in New Orleans. Rashid Shaheed is heading into the final year of his contract, while Brandin Cooks doesn’t have much long-term production left in the tank.

94) Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo) – Anthony Belton, OT, North Carolina State

While the Browns seem determined to give Dawand Jones every chance to fail at left tackle, Jack Conklin isn’t getting any younger at right tackle. Furthermore, the veteran has missed half of the games over the past four seasons because of injury and is heading into the final year of his contract.

Pick Nos. 95-102

95) Kansas City Chiefs – Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon

Travis Kelce will return in 2025 after considering retirement. However, he is heading into the final year of his contract and likely won’t play in 2026. Therefore, the Chiefs must take advantage of the talented tight end draft class and find the future Hall of Famer’s replacement.

96) Philadelphia Eagles – Ty Robinson, DL, Nebraska

Philadelphia puts more of a priority on its defensive line than any other team in the NFL. After losing Milton Williams in free agency, Robinson would be a solid replacement option to pair with Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter.

97) Minnesota Vikings – Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU

After adding Ryan Kelly and Will Fries in free agency, the Vikings have massively improved their offensive line. However, expect them to still select at least one offensive lineman during the middle rounds of the NFL Draft. Jones would be an excellent swing tackle behind Christian Darrisaw and Brian O'Neill, both of whom have missed time with injuries in their careers.

98) Carolina Panthers (via Dolphins) – Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State

The Panthers signed Jaycee Horn to a massive contract extension this offseason, making him the second-highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. However, the rest of their cornerback unit lacks upside, especially in the slot where Parrish could shine.

99) New York Giants – Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State

New York made massive improvements to its secondary in free agency, signing Paulson Adebo and Jevon Holland. However, it still needs help at cornerback, especially with former first-round pick Deonte Banks having an up-and-down first two years in the league.

100) San Francisco 49ers – Devin Neal, RB, Kansas

While everyone wants Isaac Guerendo to be the 49ers’ clear-cut No. 2 running back behind Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco had to rely on Patrick Taylor Jr. at one point last year because of injuries. The 49ers will draft a running back in the middle rounds, especially after moving on from Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason this offseason.

*** TRADE ALERT ***

Las Vegas Raiders receive pick 101. Los Angeles Rams receive picks 108, 2026 fourth-rounder.

101) Las Vegas Raiders (via Rams) – Will Howard, QB, Ohio State

After trading for and signing Geno Smith to a contract extension this offseason, the Raiders likely won’t select a quarterback in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft. However, don’t be surprised if they move up into the late third round to secure Will Howard after hiring his former college offensive coordinator, Chip Kelly.

The Raiders have two 3rd round picks.

Which one will they use to draft Will Howard? https://t.co/oXLoKHTFKh

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) February 2, 2025

*** TRADE ALERT ***

New York Jets receive pick 102. Detroit Lions receive picks 110, 162.

102) New York Jets (via Lions) – Kyle McCord, QB, Syracuse

The Jets signed Justin Fields to a two-year deal worth $40 million in free agency. Therefore, they won’t take a quarterback with one of their top picks. However, don’t be surprised if New York targets a mid-round quarterback to develop behind Fields as a potential long-term starting option.

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