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Matt's NFL Mock Draft 1.0 and NFL Draft predictions for the 2025 NFL Draft. Draft expert Matt Donnelly of RotoBaller breaks down all 32 picks from the first round.
With the Senior Bowl here, the NFL Combine just a few weeks away, and the 2025 NFL Draft closing in, it's time to get our mock on and predict where some of the top players in college football will be taking their talents to in 2025
The 2025 draft class is deep and talented, with plenty of depth at running back and along the defensive line. Unfortunately, when talent rises at certain positions, it is often met with a decline in others, such as quarterback and wide receiver.
Plenty can change between now and April 24. In this edition of my mock draft, I chose not to include trades. We all know that when the Titans take to the podium, the action will be hot and heavy.
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Top 10 Picks of the 2025 NFL Draft
1. Tennessee Titans - Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Biggest Needs: QB, Edge, WR, OT, S
Tennesse can go several ways with this pick. Tennesse really could use an upgrade at quarterback. The feeling is that neither Will Levis nor Mason Rudolph is a franchise quarterback. I don't think of generational talent when I watch Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. However, when I watch Abdul Carter, I do.
Carter is a "generational talent" and the best player in this year's Draft. He also happens to be an edge rusher, a position that the Titans must also address ahead of the 2025 season.
Abdul Carter was as advertised vs. Notre Dame. pic.twitter.com/fwyxCYRtPr
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) January 10, 2025
2. Cleveland Browns - Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Biggest Needs: QB, Edge, WR, OT
I could see the Browns going in a different direction, considering their track record at the Draft when selecting quarterbacks, but they have to get this right. Last season, the Browns were the league's worst team regarding interceptions and QBR. Jameis Winston, Deshaun Watson, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Bailey Zappe—it has to stop.
Cam Ward holds the NCAA record for career passing touchdowns with 158. Between Incarnate Word, Washington, and Miami, Ward attempted 2,329 passes while only being picked off on 37 occasions.
Typical Cam Wardpic.twitter.com/mkCef6VLj3
— AngeloFF (@angelo_fantasy) December 28, 2024
3. New York Giants - Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Biggest Needs: QB, OT, OG, CB
After experimenting with Daniel Jones the last few seasons and throwing Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito under center at various times, the Giants are desperate for a quarterback with play-making ability.
New York's passing game was among the worst in the NFL last season, so if Sanders were to fall, I expect the Giants to sprint to the podium. With Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Malik Nabers already in place and Sanders's 74% completion percentage coming to town, the Giants' passing game suddenly appears competent.
Jimmy Horn Jr with a LONG touchdown! 70 YARDS! pic.twitter.com/EQnKXkIFHA
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) August 30, 2024
4. New England Patriots - Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
Biggest Needs: Edge, CB, OG, OT, WR
With needs at both cornerback and wide receiver, the thought of Travis Hunter falling to the Patriots at four seems like a huge win for the Patriots and Drake Maye.
Hunter is more of a cornerback who plays some receiver in sub-packages at the NFL level. The former Colorado product has shown elite ball skills on both sides of the ball, something the Patriots desperately need.
Travis Hunter CAN make plays on offense at the next level.
Efficient decision maker post-catch with the athletic traits to continually create chunk gains.
You want him touching the ball.pic.twitter.com/weFZVM85eh
— AngeloFF (@angelo_fantasy) November 23, 2024
5. Jacksonville Jaguars - Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Biggest Needs: CB, S, IOL, WR
Jacksonville has to go defense here. It comes down to two Michigan products in this selection: Mason Graham and Will Johnson.
Last season, the Jaguars allowed 132.6 rushing yards per game, so the need for a defensive tackle is slightly higher than the need for a corner. Graham is one of the safest picks in this class and can play alongside Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen on day one.
6. Las Vegas Raiders - Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Biggest Needs: QB, WR, DT, RB
If Sanders were to slide down the board, the Raiders would undoubtedly be quick to stop the bleeding. That said, watching Pete Carroll's press conference, it doesn't seem like the veteran coach desires a rebuild, so don't be shocked if Russell Wilson finds himself in silver and black ahead of the 2025 campaign.
Tetairoa McMillan posted 2.80+ yards per route run in back to back seasons.
He posted 8+ touchdowns in every season.
He also posted 1,300+ yards in back to back seasons.
Assuming top 10-12 draft capital, he’s a top 14-15 dynasty WR right away.pic.twitter.com/QqnHztG2MO
— Snoog's Fantasy HQ (@FFSnoog) January 13, 2025
Las Vegas can address quarterback in the second round, with Jaxon Dart or Quinn Ewers potentially still on the board. Here, they grab Tetairoa McMillan, who is coming off a season in which he had 1,319 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
7. New York Jets - Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Biggest Needs: DT, QB, OT, S
Had Mason Graham fallen to the Jets at seven, he would likely be the selection. Look for the Jets to pivot here and address the offensive line after entrusting the protection of Aaron Rodgers to Max Mitchell and Morgan Moses last season.
Kelvin Banks Jr. ends up being the selection here after allowing just three sacks over his 42 career college starts.
8. Carolina Panthers - James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
Biggest Needs: WR, Edge, OC, DT
Sure, it would be nice to give Bryce Young some support on the offensive side of the ball, but the Panthers need to find a way to get after quarterbacks. One player who can certainly help in that department is James Pearce Jr.
Over his last two seasons at Tennessee, Pearce met the quarterback in the backfield 17.5 times, and his 22.2% pressure rate since 2023 led all Power Four edge defenders. Carolina was at its best when Brian Burns was pinning his ears back, and Pearce is the perfect replacement to replicate that success.
9. New Orleans Saints - Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Biggest Needs: CB, Edge, WR, S
After trading away Marshon Lattimore, a vacancy in the Bayou opened up for another cornerback, and considering they allowed 7.3 yards per passing attempt last season makes Johnson all that more desirable.
Plenty of draftniks compare Johnson to Broncos corner Patrick Surtain II. At 6-foot-2, 205 lbs, Johnson is athletic enough to play tight coverage and plenty physical to come downhill and stop the run.
10. Chicago Bears - Will Campbell, OT/OG, LSU
Biggest Needs: OT, IOL, Edge, RB
I am going to protect new Bears head coach Ben Johnson from himself. It makes too much sense for him to add Ashton Jeanty here to play the role of Jahmyr Gibbs in this Bears offense. I also don't think D'Andre Swift is Johnson's guy, but he may need to be for this season, as the Bears have bigger holes to fill.
One such hole is along that offensive line, which allowed a league-high 68 sacks a season ago. Last season, Campbell surrendered just two sacks on 524 pass-block snaps. Campbell is also projected to kick inside, but it's a bonus for the Bears to have some flexibility.
Picks No. 11-21: Defense And The Trenches Reign Supreme
11. San Francisco 49ers - Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
Biggest Needs: OG, CB, DT, Edge
If the Bears pass up on Tyler Booker, the 49ers will quickly act as Booker is considered the best guard in this year's class. Booker does an excellent job anchoring himself in pass protection, and in the run game, he gets to the second level quickly.
12. Dallas Cowboys - Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Biggest Needs: OG, DT, LB, RB
I prefer Ashton Jeanty to fall to the Broncos, but Jerry Jones is gonna Jerry. With Dak Prescott healthy and ready to go in 2025, the addition of Jeanty and CeeDee Lamb makes this Cowboys offense a force to be reckoned with, especially with Jeanty's exceptional pass-catching abilities.
Let's be honest with ourselves: Jerry Jones is already in love.
ASHTON JEANTY'S FIRST TOUCH IS A TD 🤯😤
(via @CFBONFOX) pic.twitter.com/4Tbf7vvx56
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 5, 2024
13. Miami Dolphins - Armand Membou, OG, Missouri
Biggest Needs: OG, LB, DT, QB
It's another team that requires some interior offensive line help, and they get it here with the selection of Armand Membou. Not only is Membou a solid interior presence, but he also can kick outside tackle should the need arise.
14. Indianapolis Colts - Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Biggest Needs: IOL, CB, LB, S
Indianapolis has many needs elsewhere, but they must find a way to make good on a previous investment, Anthony Richardson.
A young quarterback's best friend is a solid tight end, and Tyler Warren offers that and much more. The John Mackey Award winner posted 1,230 receiving yards a season ago, with 693 of those yards coming after the catch. Kylen Granson and Mo Alie-Cox will soon be free agents, making this selection even more sense.
Penn State TE Tyler Warren vs. USC
17 catches, 224 yards and a TD.
Checkout the insane play design on his TD catch. He actually started the play at center. pic.twitter.com/jU1E1hFktq
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) October 13, 2024
15. Atlanta Falcons - Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Biggest Needs: Edge, CB, S, WR
Atlanta addresses a need, gets an absolute steal, and keeps a Georgia product in the state, making it an all-in-one selection.
All the physical tools are there for Mykel Williams to be a Pro Bowl player at the next level; his upside is undeniable. Although he missed time and was hurt much last season, he managed five sacks.
16. Arizona Cardinals - Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
Biggest Needs: DT, Edge, OG, OT
With so many edge rushers available, Arizona could opt to trade back, add some capital, and still get a player they would be happy with. At 16, Jalon Walker makes a lot of sense. If they did trade back, Shemar Stewart, Mike Green, and Nic Scourton all would come into play.
Walker is the selection here, thanks to his versatility. He can play off the edge or as an off-ball linebacker, although some question his size as an edge rusher.
Jalon Walker is that Lamar Jackson stopper type linebacker/edge hybrid
Roquan Smith, Fred Warner, peak Devin White, Lavonte David, etc…
He will disrupt the QB in the pass rush, he will be a top tier QB spy, and he will shut the run down.pic.twitter.com/g8c1zNun4Y
— Snoog's Fantasy HQ (@FFSnoog) January 17, 2025
17. Cincinnati Bengals - Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi
Biggest Needs: TE, OG, OT, CB
If you are going to get past Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes in the AFC, you will need to apply interior pressure.
Last season, Walter Nolen finished the campaign with 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. Nolen is a handful and is arguably the most disruptive interior pass rusher in the 2025 draft.
18. Seattle Seahawks - Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Biggest Needs: OT, OG, LB, QB
With Josh Simmons, Seattle addresses one of its most significant needs: the offensive line. Some may view this pick earlier than expected, especially after Simmons missed most of the 2024 season with a knee injury.
When healthy, Simmons has shown that he can offer the Seahawks something they sorely lacked last season: consistent protection after allowing 54 sacks, the third-most.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Biggest Needs: OT, OG, LB, Edge
While the Buccaneers need to address their offensive line woes, they need to inject some more talent into the defensive side of the ball. Two of their bigger needs are at linebacker and edge. Both Jihaad Campbell and Princely Umanmielen make a lot of sense, and it's hard to take linebackers in the first, but the depth of the edge position in this Draft affords the Bucs to do just that.
Eventually, Tampa Bay must replace Lavonte David, and Jihaad Campbell can fill that void. This past season, Campbell finished with 112 tackles, five sacks, and an interception.
20. Denver Broncos - Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Biggest Needs: RB, TE, DT, LB
With Jeanty off the board, the Broncos can look for help elsewhere and then reevaluate one of the many talented backs in this Draft in a round or two.
Colston Loveland also could make sense here as the Broncos have no tight ends to speak of, at least one that offers any offensive upside. However, with Malaki Starks still on the board, the value and talent are too good to pass up.
Starks can play in the slot or line up at safety and showed a nose for the ball with 67 tackles this season at Georgia. Add him to an already stout Broncos defense, and things just got a little more difficult for Mahomes and company.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers - Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Biggest Needs: QB, WR, OT, CB
With so much talent on the defensive side of the ball this season, elite offensive weapons have been pushed down the board.
With the 21st pick, the Steelers add an elite pass-catcher in Luther Burden III, opposite of George Pickens, and the Steelers are cooking with fire, with or without Wilson. Burden's 2024 numbers aren't the greatest, but in 2023, the Missouri receiver forced 50 missed tackles on his way to 1,212 receiving yards, with 1,097 yards of those yards coming after the catch.
Anyway here’s 60 seconds of Luther Burden III cooking defenders pic.twitter.com/vSydiG65IV
— Austin Abbott (@AustinAbbottFF) January 26, 2025
Picks No. 21-32: Where Have All The Skilled Positions Gone?
22. Los Angeles Chargers - Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Biggest Needs: WR, Edge, DT, OC
Imagine this: Ladd McConkey is working the slot with the all-time leading receiver out of Ohio State next to him on the field. Los Angeles selects Emeka Egbuka to add firepower to this Chargers passing attack.
McConkey is already considered one of the best route runners in the league, adding Egbuka, who was open on 87.6% of his career targets at Ohio State. Now, the Chargers' offense will keep defensive coordinators up all night.
Emeka Egbuka had some kind of Ohio State career 💥#B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/KXIaQvCPp2
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) January 23, 2025
23. Green Bay Packers - Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
Biggest Needs: Edge, CB, OT, DT
Green Bay will be looking to add an edge rusher with this pick, and they have plenty of options to choose from. Ultimately, the Packers go with Texas A&M star Shemar Stewart, who, at 6-foot-6, 290 lbs, is a force to be reckoned with if his potential ever meets up with production. Physical tools, traits, fit—it's all there for the Packers and Stewart.
24. Minnesota Vikings -Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Biggest Needs: CB, OG, DT, S
We know what this Vikings team can do on offense, but if they want to take that next step in 2025 and beyond, they need to address several needs on the defensive side of the ball. Names to watch here are Jahdae Barron of Texas, Kenneth Grant of Michigan, and Nick Emmanwori of South Carolina.
Minnesota goes with the Texas product in Barron with this selection who showed excellent instincts and ball skills. Barron allowed just 279 receiving yards when targeted in 2024, finishing with five interceptions, nine pass breakups, and zero touchdowns surrendered while in coverage.
25. Houston Texans - Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Biggest Needs: OT, OG, DT, WR
Speaking of Kenneth Grant, the Texans grab him at 25. With this selection, they considered both the defensive tackle from Michigan and Matthew Golden, the wide receiver from Texas. DeMeco Ryans, a defensive-minded coach, was the deciding factor. Grant is an immediate upgrade from Tim Settle Jr.
26. Los Angeles Rams - Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
Biggest Needs: WR, OT, CB, LB
Matthew Stafford isn't going to be around much longer, and with where the Rams are picking, a quarterback may not be available when they are on the clock next.
Could the Rams grab a quarterback here? Sure. However, it is more likely that they go all in one more time to make a run at the Lombardi with the roster they have, and the best way to do so is by adding Josh Conerly Jr. to that offensive line and keeping Stafford clean.
Conerly kept his quarterbacks at Oregon clean, allowing just a pair of sacks over three seasons in Eugene.
27. Baltimore Ravens - Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
Biggest Needs: OT, Edge, S, WR
This selection came down to Shavon Revel, Benjamin Morrison, and Azareye'h Thomas as the Ravens look to potentially replace Brandon Stephens. We know the Ravens have a type regarding their corners, and Thomas checks all the boxes.
The difference between Thomas and Revel is that Revel is coming off a torn ACL, and Thomas has a relatively clean bill of health. Thomas, opposite Nate Wiggins with Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey, gives the Ravens a formidable secondary.
28. Detroit Lions - Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
Biggest Needs: Edge, DT, CB, OG
Detroit did a formidable job piecing together a defense for much of the season—eventually, injuries caught up to them. The most significant loss was the loss of Aidan Hutchinson, who may or may not return to form before the kickoff of the 2025 season.
Detroit adds a much-needed pass rush with Marshall's Mike Green, who does an excellent job converting his speed into power; just ask Ohio State. Green's college production speaks for itself, as he recorded 17 sacks and 81 total tackles a season ago.
2025 NFL Draft Prospect
Marshall, Edge
Mike Green
6’4 - 248lbs - 4.57 forty🔹Twitchy edge rusher w/ bend who gets off the line quick.
🔹Former wrestler, wins with heavy violent hand use
🔹17 sacks & 51 pressures in ‘24 👀— Jared Tokarz (@JaredNFLDraft) January 28, 2025
29. Washington Commanders - Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M
Biggest Needs: OT, Edge, WR, CB
Golden makes sense for several teams, including the Commanders, but the emergence of Dyami Brown allows Washington to add along the defensive line. We all watched as Saquon Barkley averaged 7.9 yards per carry in the NFC Championship. In the Divisional round, Gibbs averaged 7.7 yards per tout. Even Bucky Irving averaged 4.5 yards per carry in the Wild Card meeting.
None of that should surprise you, as the Commanders allowed 4.8 yards per attempt this season, ranking 28th in the league. Nic Scourton not only can get to the quarterback, but he also does an excellent job setting the edge.
30. Buffalo Bills - Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Biggest Needs: WR, Edge, CB, S
Nick Emmanwori is one of those prospects who will be moving up draft boards as the process plays out. Buffalo requires secondary help, and Emmanwori has the size (6-foot-3, 227 lbs) and instincts to help the Bills exercise their postseason demons.
Emmanwori had four interceptions this season, two of which he brought back to the house.
31. Philadelphia Eagles - Princely Umanmielen, Edge, Mississippi
Biggest Needs: LB, Edge, WR, OG
Philadelphia continues to build this defense. Howie Roseman continues to crash the Draft with the selection of Princely Umanmielen. Look at the metrics, and tell me Umanmielen wasn't meant to be an Eagle and play alongside Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalen Carter. Umanmielen's pass rush grade is in the 96th percentile, his run defense grade is in the 89th percentile, and his win rate is in the 97th percentile.
32. Kansas City Chiefs - Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Biggest Needs: DT, OG, OT, CB
Kansas City simply grabs the best player available here. Derrick Harmon next to Chris Jones is a scary thought, as Harmon showed at Oregon that he has game-changing ability. In 2024, Harmon led the FBS with 49 pressures.
Just Missed: Shavon Revel (CB), Matthew Golden (WR), Colston Loveland (TE), Jack Sawyer (Edge), Benjamin Morrison (CB), Maxwell Hairston (CB), T.J. Sanders (DT), Wyatt Milum (OT)
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