2025 NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Late Season Edition

December 19, 2024

Kyle's updated 2025 NFL Mock Draft and NFL Draft predictions for the 2025 NFL Draft. Draft expert Kyle Lindemann breaks down all 32 picks from the first round.

It's hard to believe there are just a few weeks left in the 2024 NFL regular season. The draft order is taking shape, and the top seven teams in the draft order are separated by just one win, which means things could get exciting here down the stretch! If you're a dynasty fantasy football enthusiast, you've also come to the right place as the 2025 NFL Draft will impact the dynasty landscape for years to come.

Mock drafts are a lot of fun this time of year, and I'll be honest, the 2025 class is unique. There aren't as many eye-popping stars as there were in 2024, but there are a lot of useful players in this group. I believe what you will see in the coming months is a lot of split consensuses on prospects, as well as how the top ten picks in this draft will eventually shake out.

This group is deep on the defensive side, especially at cornerback. But as always, these picks aren't based on what I would do personally, they're drawn up from intel via team beat reports, GM/front office draft tendencies, team needs, and the overall talent of the prospects. Now, let's dive in and see what your favorite team might do here come April, shall we?

The Top 10 Picks of the 2025 NFL Draft

1. Las Vegas Raiders
Shedeur Sanders - QB, Colorado
Season Two of the Raiders and head coach Antonio Pierce hasn't been a good one by any stretch. Las Vegas has been in a bunch of games, but they haven't been able to seal the deal in most of them. The good news is they got some nice pieces on offense in the 2024 draft with tight end Brock Bowers, center Jackson Powers-Johnson, and offensive tackle Delmar Glaze. Tom Telesco, take a bow.

Shedeur will arguably be the most polarizing prospect in this year's draft class. He's a smart, instinctive quarterback who's been around the game his whole life, but it's fair to wonder just how well his physical tools will translate at the NFL level. Owner Mark Davis is known for making a splash, and the Raiders have been in quarterback purgatory since they moved on from Derek Carr.

This isn't the worst spot for Sanders, depending on who the next head coach is. Speaking of which, any chance that it might just be Deion who comes along with him?

2. New York Giants
Cam Ward - QB, Miami

The Giants are long overdue for a move at quarterback after riding the Daniel Jones train for six years, which is hard to believe. Will head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen be back in 2025? Ownership gave both a vote of confidence to the media earlier this season, but with the G-Men currently riding a nine-game losing streak, you just never know.

If Daboll and Schoen are back in 2025, it's going to be due to the reality that they never got to pick their own quarterback, and that changes with Ward. His journey to the NFL has been nothing short of unconventional, starting at Incarnate Word in Division II before transferring to Washington State and eventually making his way to the University of Miami.

The Giants took Miami QB Cam Ward first overall in the latest mock draft from The Draft Network🔥

I really liked Ward as a mid-round pick when he declared initially in 2024. He went back to school, grew a lot, and now looks like a legit franchise QB. Would love him in April. pic.twitter.com/bBEb4sNOFn

— Anthony Rivardo (@Anthony_Rivardo) December 17, 2024

Ward has better physical tools than Sanders does, but his decision-making and ability to throw into tight windows are arguably less than Sanders at this stage. Which quarterback would you prefer if you were one of these two teams? Unfortunately, we won't get to see Ward or Sanders in the BCS Playoffs against some better defenses, but both produced this season when it mattered.

My personal opinion is that this quarterback class is a step down from 2024 and that the draft is loaded all over the place on defense, but we know the demand for QBs always pushes them up the board. Always.

3. New England Patriots
Travis Hunter - WR/CB, Colorado

Which position will Hunter play in the NFL? Wide receiver, cornerback, or a little of both? In many scout's minds, he's the best prospect in this class and it's not even close. After winning the Heisman Trophy this past season as a two-way player playing over 100 snaps per game for Colorado, Hunter showcased his incredible talents every Saturday.

Hunter is a dynamic, twitched-up athlete with elite instincts. In my opinion, he's better suited as a cornerback in the NFL and has the pedigree to be the kind of defender in pass coverage who could completely shut down one half of the field, but with well modern offenses are at moving guys around these days, we haven't seen true shutdown play from a cornerback in the NFL in several years.

New England needs to get as much help around quarterback Drake Maye as humanly possible this offseason. Nothing else really matters right now if they want him to succeed and be their guy long-term.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars
Will Johnson - CB, Michigan

Quite possibly the best cornerback in the draft, Johnson fills a huge area of need for the Jaguars. This team has talent on offense, and two capable edge rushers on defense, so why can't the Jaguars seem to get it together?

It's looking more and more like head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke won't be back in 2025, and the Jaguars job will attract plenty of suitors to see who can finally unlock all of the promise and talent of quarterback Trevor Lawrence to become the prince that Jaguars fans were promised.

In steps Johnson, a player with nine interceptions over his college career who hasn't allowed a touchdown reception over the last two seasons. He's the real deal.

5. Carolina Panthers
James Pearce Jr. - Edge, Tennessee

This one is tough. Carolina has a variety of needs all across the roster, but the good news is quarterback Bryce Young has gotten out of his funk and has at least looked like a capable NFL quarterback. The Panthers roster has a lot of holes, but they badly need a premier edge rusher after trading Brian Burns to the New York Giants.

I'm calling my shot with this one. Pearce is the best edge rusher in the country and will prove it once the College Football Playoffs arrive. Tennessee has a challenging game in Columbus against the Buckeyes, but Pearce will show why he's such a force to be reckoned with. He's got eight sacks so far on the season and has an elite first step. He's going to rise up draft boards when it's all said and done.

6. Tennessee Titans
Tetairoa McMillan - WR, Arizona

It's pretty clear that quarterback Will Levis isn't the answer for the Titans long-term, but with the top two signal-callers already off the board, the team is likely to explore the veteran route in free agency this offseason anyway. Tennessee could go a variety of ways here. Their offensive line hasn't been great by any means.

Calvin Ridley is probably better as a No. 2 wide receiver and McMillan gives the Titans the true offensive playmaker they've been missing since A.J. Brown was traded away.

Tetairoa McMillan is a gassed ⛽up super slot modern offenses could put to work.

Kid is indomitable with the rock in his hands on these overs.

An absolute force that would help Drake Maye in szn 2. pic.twitter.com/3pfhcCVa5S

— ZeeBee (@BellinoZee) December 18, 2024

McMillan has been sensational this season, finishing with 84 receptions for 1,316 yards and eight touchdowns for the Arizona Wildcats.

7. Cleveland Browns
Will Campbell - OT, LSU

The Browns' 2024 season has been a big disappointment. Quarterback Deshaun Watson has been downright terrible, and the team has bottomed out. It seems likely that head coach Kevin Stefanski will be back, which has already led to plenty of rumors about Kirk Cousins joining him in Cleveland next season.

The Browns have a lot of holes on offense right now. Jerry Jeudy has been a capable wide receiver this season and has started to shed his former "bust" label, and the team wants to continue to see what it has in Cedric Tillman. The truth is the Browns need a lot of help along the offensive line.

Several scouts believe that Campbell might be better off inside as a guard, as he might not have the foot speed to deal with premier edge rushers at the next level, but he only allowed one sack in all 2023 and 2024 combined.

8. New York Jets
Abdul Carter - Edge, Penn State

The Jets are headed down the road of another long rebuild after former head coach Robert Saleh and former general manager Joe Douglas have already been dismissed. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers still has one more year left on his deal, but would a new regime want to bring him back? Probably not.

Carter is the No. 1 edge player on Dane Brugler's big board, and he's got 51 total pressures to go along with 11 sacks on the year. Sheesh!

The Jets have some good pieces in place on defense but could use some help on the edge. Carter could be another player who might just completely blow up during the College Football Playoff and not make his way out of the Top 5 come draft night.

9. Chicago Bears
Mason Graham - DT, Michigan

The Bears 2024 season has also been a mess, hence why they are picking in the top ten again. Getting extra help for quarterback Caleb Williams along the offensive line should be priority No. 1 this offseason, but the Bears have plenty of cash to spend and could go the veteran route on that one.

A player of Graham's caliber is an absolute steal at No. 9 in the draft and he boosts an already solid unit. Graham finished the 2024 season with 34 total pressures and five sacks, which is impressive for an interior defensive lineman playing at 300-plus pounds.

10. New Orleans Saints
Luther Burden III - WR, Missouri

Chris Olave has an uncertain NFL future given his concussion history, and this team could use some solid contributors on cost-controlled rookie contracts at expensive positions as the Saints front office continues to navigate their way out of their current salary cap predicament.

Luther Burden shares that he’s going to the NFL Draft

No surprise. Where do you see him being drafted? pic.twitter.com/kDp1Xs9Zql

— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) December 2, 2024

Burden had a bit of a down year this season, but it can largely be attributed to quarterback play and a complete regression of the Missouri offense. I expect him to be a player who will light it up at the NFL Combine in a few months. He's electric.

Picks No. 11-21: Where Do We See the Other Wide Receivers Go?

This draft class has a lot of good, capable NFL starters, but doesn't have the same star power of 2024. While undoubtedly several players will emerge to become the best at their position, at least in terms of prospect strength on paper, this draft class is starting to resemble 2022.

With the new addition of NIL deals as well as the added flexibility of the transfer portal, we are more likely to see borderline Day Two/Day Three prospects return to school instead of heading into the draft, and we can't blame them. But that creates a dynamic where late-round draft picks might not potentially be as valuable as they once were. Am I overthinking it? Perhaps.

11. Miami Dolphins
Kelvin Banks - OT, Texas

The Dolphins hit the skids in 2024. After quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was sidelined for a month with a concussion, the team never seemed to regain the same footing they had on offense in 2022 and 2023. Miami is all but out of the playoff picture now and protecting Tua after giving him such a large extension should be their top priority.

Banks projects better as a guard according to some scouts but given the age of offensive tackle Terron Armstead (33), this team needs a secession plan, as well as some more mean guys up front. The lack of physicality from the Dolphins is alarming.

12. Indianapolis Colts
Malachi Starks - S, Georgia

Will Colts general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen be back? They haven't handled the Anthony Richardson experience at quarterback rather well, and the Colts have somehow found themselves back on the brink of quarterback purgatory again since the day Andrew Luck retired.

Starks is more than just a prototypical safety. He's got the size, speed, athleticism, and versatility to be the kind of safety who impacts a game in the modern NFL. He can line up in the slot, play in the box near the line of scrimmage, and also defend the deep portions of the field. No. 12 overall is not too high once you see him play.

13. Cincinnati Bengals
Shemar Stewart - DE/Edge, Texas A&M

The Bengals defense has been one of the biggest disappointments of 2024. Quarterback Joe Burrow is playing at an All-Pro level, and it simply just doesn't matter because they can't stop anybody. Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson is closing in on 30 and the defensive side needs some impactful players badly.

Stewart can line up in multiple positions and had a solid career at Texas A&M. He might not wow you on the stat sheet, but he's a solid addition for the Bengals.

14. Dallas Cowboys
Ashton Jeanty - RB, Boise State

The Cowboys have plenty of other needs, but can owner Jerry Jones resist that shiny new toy? Running back Rico Dowdle has been more than capable of proving his worth as an undrafted player, but Jeanty is on a completely different level.

The Maxwell Award is voted on by head coaches, sportswriters and sports information directors.
✅Winner: Ashton Jeanty

The Heisman Nissan Fan Vote is voted on by fans themselves and football watchers around the country.
✅Winner: Ashton Jeanty

Of the 928 voters for the Heisman,… pic.twitter.com/jRkAeP8UAx

— Jake DeMeerleer (@jakedemeerleer) December 15, 2024

On the year, he's already accounted for over 2,500 total yards and 30 touchdowns on the season. With the rebirth of the running back in the NFL led by Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, and Josh Jacobs in 2024, No. 14 overall might not be too high for Jeanty when it's all said and done.

15. San Francisco 49ers
Mykel Williams - Edge, Georgia

Williams might end up higher than this, but his 2024 has been up and down due to injuries. The talent and the pedigree are there, and there's a good chance it shows up on the biggest stage in the CFB Playoffs. Georgia edge rushers don't always have gaudy stats due to Kirby Smart's scheme, but some scouts say he reminds them of Trayvon Walker.

16. Atlanta Falcons
Nic Scourton - Edge, Texas A&M

This one makes too much sense, doesn't it? The Falcons need a premier edge rusher like the deserts need the rain. The Michael Penix Jr. era in Atlanta has officially begun but imagine this team with Penix from the beginning and all the money they spent on Cousins in free agency going to edge rushers instead. Woulda, coulda, shoulda.

17. Arizona Cardinals
Jalon Walker - LB, Georgia

The Cardinals have evened their season at 7-7, but it's pretty clear they need more better players on defense. There are questions about where Walker will ultimately line up, in the box, on the edge, or back in coverage. The good news is he can do all three, and I think of him as a more talented Dennis Gardeck.

General Manager Monti Ossenfort is building this team the right way through the draft, and Walker fills a huge area of need.

18. Seattle Seahawks
Josh Simmons - OT, Ohio State

We won't see Simmons in the CFB Playoffs as he's out for the season with a left knee injury, but the talented big man has already declared for the draft. The Seahawks' offensive line is an abomination right now. Quarterback Geno Smith has struggled a bit, but the team needs to do whatever it can to keep him upright and to pave the way for their two talented running backs.

19. Los Angeles Chargers
Tyler Warren - TE, Penn State

We know that Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh loves to pound the football, and Warren gives their offense the best of both worlds. Not only is he an absolute hoss who can open up running lanes, but he's an absolute freak of an athlete.

Tyler Warren in the B10 Championship game was one of the best TE run blocking performances I’ve seen this year

pic.twitter.com/aWouYV0AED

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) December 18, 2024

Warren measures in at an unofficial 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds but moves incredibly well for a player that size. Los Angeles needs to continue to get more weapons for quarterback Justin Herbert and the addition of Warren gives the Chargers two birds with one stone.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Benjamin Morrison - CB, Notre Dame

The Bucs offense has been phenomenal in 2024, and offensive coordinator Liam Coen deserves a ton of credit. Quarterback Baker Mayfield is playing great and wide receiver Mike Evans is just an ageless wonder. Tampa could use some help in the secondary and Morrison fits like a glove.

He won't be in the CFB Playoff after suffering a scary hip injury that cost him the remainder of the 2024 season, but if Morrison's medicals check out at the NFL Combine, it's really hard to see him falling outside the Top 20 picks. He's a talented corner who was thought of in the same tier as Hunter and Johnson before the season.

Picks No. 21-32: Will There Be Another QB Off the Board?

21. Los Angeles Rams
Derrick Harmon - DT, Los Angeles Rams

It's fair to question when the Rams will begin their secession plan from quarterback Matthew Stafford, but there's no other quarterback worth taking in the first round in this draft.

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar announced he would return to school in 2025, and Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has simply been too inconsistent to deserve this high of a pick. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers is more likely to enter the transfer portal than he is to be a first-round pick in 2025.

In steps Harmon, who has been a force for Oregon this season. The Rams have a variety of needs, but their defense hasn't been the same since Aaron Donald retired. Harmon has five sacks on the season and gives them another talented player up front alongside Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, and Kobie Turner. Sheesh. A Return of the Fearsome Foursome?

22. Washington Commanders
Emeka Egbuka - WR, Ohio State

The Commanders have had an impressive season and it's no secret that a dark cloud was lifted from the building in Ashburn, Virginia the day that Daniel Snyder officially sold the team. Quarterback Jayden Daniels has been the offensive rookie of the year, but he doesn't have much help outside of Terry McLaurin.

Emeka Egbuka (WR #OhioState) reminds me a little bit of Amon Ra St. Brown.

Really reliable pass-catcher who has great spatial awareness and thrives in tight quarters.

Not going to be the most physically imposing or a true burner, but a sure-handed guy you can trust. pic.twitter.com/6JryU1NeIa

— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) December 16, 2024

Egbuka doesn't have any super dominant traits that wow you, but he does everything incredibly well. He can be a solid No. 2 wide receiver in this league for a long time.

23. Denver Broncos
Kenneth Grant - DT, Michigan

Another talented player who was part of an outstanding National Championship team at Michigan in 2023, the Wolverines continue to dominate Round 1 of this draft. Grant might end up higher than this but makes up a fantastic group of interior defensive linemen in the 2025 draft. It might be the deepest position group in this class.

24. Baltimore Ravens
Cameron Williams - OT, Texas

One of the staples for the Ravens over the years has been their offensive line, but the unit has struggled in 2024 and could use some shoring up. Defense could also be an area that Baltimore might address with this pick, but protecting Lamar Jackson is priority No. 1.

25. Houston Texans
Tyler Booker - OG, Alabama

The Texans' offensive line has been downright terrible this season. Outside of left tackle Laremy Tunsil, they just aren't getting it done. Booker is thought of by most scouts as the best interior offensive lineman in this class and fills a huge need as they need to keep franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud upright at all costs.

26. Pittsburgh Steelers
Jihaad Campbell - LB, Alabama

The staple of the Steelers over the years has always been their linebacking corps. While T.J. Watt roams the edge, and Patrick Queen was a nice addition in the middle, in Pittsburgh's eyes they can never have enough linebackers.

27. Green Bay Packers
Aireontae Ersery - OT, Minnesota

The Packers offense has been humming this season and quarterback Jordan Love has continued to get better. Protecting the face of their franchise is important.

28. Minnesota Vikings
Shavon Revel Jr. - CB, East Carolina

If not for an ACL tear that prematurely ended his season, Revel would be a Top 20 pick easily. He's got some impressive size (6-foot-2 and 200 lbs.) and 4.3 speed to go along with it. Minnesota's defense has been incredible in 2024, but adding to the secondary with a discount on a player like Revel here would be a nice get.

29. Buffalo Bills
Walter Nolen - DT, Ole Miss

Buffalo has an extra 2025 second from trading Stefon Diggs to move up for a player if they want, but trading up (outside of when they got Josh Allen) has never been what general manager Brandon Beane does. Nolen is a player with a mean streak who helps make up a deep interior defensive line class. If Buffalo or Detroit doesn't end up picking No. 32 when it's all said and done, I'll be disappointed.

30. Philadelphia Eagles
Colston Loveland - TE, Michigan

A tight end in the first round doesn't seem to be general manager Howie Roseman's usual move of gobbling up positional value but landing spots for tight ends are always tough to predict. Roseman did after all once draft Dallas Goedert with Zach Ertz still on the roster, so never say never.

3 months from now people are gonna be posting screenshots of Colston Loveland’s ESPN box score calling him overratedpic.twitter.com/g1cakMZ8vO

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) December 16, 2024

Goedert has dealt with a lot of injuries of late and his body may be breaking down. In steps Loveland, a talented and athletic tight end from Michigan who saw his stock dip due to the team's horrendous quarterback play in 2024. He's a big, athletic tight end who is dangerous down the seam.

31. Detroit Lions
L.T. Overton - Edge, Alabama

After losing edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson for much of the season, it's pretty clear that Detroit could use another edge rusher to keep the pass rush going. The Lions have been hit with a horrific rash of injuries over the last month, and you can't help but wonder if it's going to finally catch up to them against a premier quarterback in the playoffs.

32. Kansas City Chiefs
Wyatt Milum - OT, West Virginia

The Chiefs could always go several ways here but given the lack of talent they've been dealing with at left tackle this season, general manager Brett Veach might just continue with his pragmatic approach to drafting. The Chiefs don't seem as invincible in 2024 as they have been in seasons past, but great teams always find a way to win no matter what.

As the NFL regular season comes to a close, the first 16 picks in the draft will be set less than three weeks from now, and the impending coaching and front office carousel will have a profound impact on what will happen in the draft. No one has a crystal ball, but at this point in the year, it's never a bad idea to start familiarizing yourself with many of the top names in this class.

If you're hungry for NFL content even in the offseason, don't forget to follow me on X for all the latest insights into the 2025 NFL Draft all offseason long. Thanks for reading!

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