2025 NFL Mock Draft Predictions: Still-Too-Early Edition

October 3, 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.

The Top 10 NFL Draft Picks of 2025

1. Jacksonville Jaguars
Travis Hunter - CB/WR, Colorado

Hard to imagine many out there envisioned the Jaguars off to an 0-4 start, especially after owner Shad Khan made comments this offseason about how this was the best Jaguars roster assembled under his tenure. Despite having some solid foundational pieces across the 53, the Jags aren't getting it done, and quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who was recently signed to an extension isn't going anywhere.

In steps Hunter, who is arguably the best player in the draft. Is he better as a cornerback or a wide receiver? The current market suggests he'll make more in the NFL as a receiver, but he fits the bill of a quick twitch, instinctive cornerback with elite athleticism who could completely reset the cornerback market. Hunter has at least 89 receiving yards through each of Colorado's first five games for an impressive 46 receptions for 561 yards and six touchdowns!

A lot of times saying a CB is best fit for a zone-heavy scheme is kind of a backhanded compliment but not with Travis Hunter. Never seen a college DB play the flats/shallow zones like this pic.twitter.com/knSpvpdrwG

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) October 1, 2024

On defense, he's already got two interceptions, a forced fumble, and three pass breakups alongside 16 total tackles. What Hunter's doing on both sides of the ball is simply incredible and hasn't been seen since the likes of Chris Gamble playing WR/CB at Ohio State in the early 2000s. Gamble would eventually go on to play cornerback in the NFL and stay in the league for nine years. Travis Hunter is the real deal.

2. Miami Dolphins
Will Campbell - OT, LSU

The Dolphins are in a tough spot after losing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a concussion. There is a chance he will return in Week 8 and it's pretty clear that Miami needs to do everything they can to protect him. The Dolphins offense has looked downright abysmal without Tua under center. It's not fair to speculate on the Dolphins drafting another quarterback at this time until we know more about the state of Tua's health.

Will Campbell is an impressive blind-side pass protector who was the unsung hero in quarterback Jayden Daniels' Heisman campaign. He hasn't allowed a single sack in 2023 or 2024 and was such a hyped prospect that he started at left tackle as a true freshman at LSU. With a powerhouse upper body, hands that know exactly where to land, and a brain wired for football, Campbell's not just playing the game, he's mastering it.

3. New England Patriots
Tetairoa McMillan - WR. Arizona

Given the state of their offensive line and lack of playmakers, the Patriots have been wise to not throw quarterback Drake Maye (the No. 3 overall pick in 2024) to the wolves just yet. It's pretty clear this pick is trending in the direction of offensive tackle or wide receiver, but even if the offensive line is revamped, Maye would still have no weapons to throw to.

McMillan has been up and down at times this year, but he's a big-bodied wide receiver with some impressive long speed and playmaking ability. He's got 29 receptions for 503 yards and four touchdowns, averaging an impressive 17.3 yards per catch! If you're not watching this guy on Saturdays, you're missing out on some major playmaking magic.

travis hunter vs tetairoa mcmillan #NFLDraft2025 pic.twitter.com/7eXwWHB5mk

— Ray G (@RayGQue) May 12, 2024

4. Cincinnati Bengals
Mason Graham - DT, Michigan

The Bengals defensive line hasn't looked as sharp as it has in years past after losing D.J. Reader and their front is getting older with Trey Hendrickson soon hitting 30. Cincinnati might be 1-3, but their offense is coming to life. When it's all said and done, it's hard to see them picking in the top five, but stranger things have happened.

Graham is a beast of a defensive tackle--this guy's the full package. He's got the size and power to shut down the run game, but he's also nimble enough to wreak havoc during passing plays. He's already chalked up 11 total pressures and bagged four sacks in the first month of the season. And the best part? He’s just warming up. Watch out, because Graham's about to hit his prime and make some real noise on the field.

5. Cleveland Browns
Kelvin Banks Jr. - OT, Texas

The Browns offense has been a disaster to start 2024. They can't block anybody off the edge, and they can't run the ball for anything. Being that this team is financially committed to quarterback Deshaun Watson through 2026, they can't even give themselves some cap relief with a quarterback on a rookie contract. Things are ugly in the trenches for this team, and they need some extra bodies up front in the worst way.

Banks hit the scene as a five-star recruit and the undisputed top offensive tackle in the state of Texas. Banks clinched Freshman All-American honors right out of the gate in 2022, and by 2023, he was the cornerstone of a Texas offensive line that bulldozed its way right into the College Football Playoff. Banks helped to clear a path for a Doak Walker Award semifinalist and a Davey O'Brien Award semifinalist.

6. Tennessee Titans
Will Johnson - CB, Michigan

It hasn't been a great start for Titans quarterback Will Levis in the first month, but the team needs to spend the rest of the year seeing what they have in him before deciding what to do in 2025. They might be 1-3, but Tennessee is a pick-six in Week 1, and a botched lateral in Week 2 by Levis from being 3-1. For now, they continue to build up their defense and stick to the draft board.

The buzz is loud, with many scouts slotting Johnson as the top dog, CB1, no contest. He's neck and neck with Hunter, two studs so stacked in talent they'd have both been the first cornerback picked in the 2024 draft. Johnson’s snagged nine interceptions over his last two-plus seasons, showing off more than just quick feet but a knack for the end zone. Like Hunter, he’s one of those big-bodied CBs, built to shadow those true X-receivers at the next level.

7. TRADE ALERT - Las Vegas sends No. 21, 53, and 2026 first. Carolina sends No. 7.

Las Vegas (from Carolina)
Cam Ward - QB, Miami

The Raiders feel long overdue for a big splash at this point. Since moving on from Derek Carr they've shuffled through the likes of Jimmy Garoppolo, Aidan O'Connell, and Gardner Minshew II. Wide receiver Davante Adams might be on the way out, and it's probably time for this team to reset itself a little.

ABSOLUTELY UNREAL SEQUENCE FROM CAM WARD 🤯 pic.twitter.com/FyIy5cPnwJ

— ESPN (@espn) September 28, 2024

Cam Ward has been reckless with the football at times, but after transferring from Washington State, he continues to put together a solid body of work down in Miami. He's an older prospect who will turn 23 right after the draft, but sometimes that added maturity helps in the NFL. Ward has worked his way up from Incarnate Word in Division II. Right now, he's averaging 356 yards passing with 3.6 passing TDs per game. Sheesh.

8. Los Angeles Rams
Benjamin Morrison - CB, Notre Dame

The Rams could go quarterback here and set up a succession plan from Matthew Stafford, but for now, their biggest need appears to be on defense. This team is talented despite their 1-3 start, but injuries have rendered them outmanned. If they can get healthy after their Week 6 bye, watch out.

Morrison is right up there in the cornerback trifecta of this year's draft class. With eight interceptions tucked under his belt over just two-plus seasons, he's setting the stage for Notre Dame’s playoff dreams. Morrison plays with a type of gusto that screams NFL-ready, but it’s not without its quirks. The challenge for him? Channeling that fire into disciplined, shutdown play without losing the edge that makes him a standout.

9. Arizona Cardinals
James Pearce - Edge, Tennessee

The Cardinals have plenty of solid pieces on offense, but right now they're just completely outgunned on defense. GM Monti Ossenfort is playing the long game and continuing to build this team the right way, but Arizona could desperately use another guy who can rush the passer after getting torched by Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels in Week 4.

Tennessee’s defensive ace, James Pearce, might not have hit his stride yet in 2024, but rewind to last year and the guy was a sheer havoc-wreaker. Racking up 52 pressures and bagging 13 sacks. Standing tall at 6-foot-5 and tipping the scales at 242 lbs, he’s got the reach and the nimble moves that make offensive linemen sweat. His quickness off the edge? Elite. If Tennessee’s plotting a course back to the top of college football’s elite circles, it’s Pearce who’s going to spearhead that charge.

10. New York Giants
Jalen Milroe - QB, Alabama

Barring an unforeseen playoff surge, it seems evident the Giants are going to move on from quarterback Daniel Jones this offseason. It's not all on Jones. GM Joe Schoen inherited a complete mess from the Dave Gettleman years and has this roster slowly getting back on track even if it might not reflect that in the win column. Are head coach Brian Daboll's days getting numbered?

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

This is the part in the 2025 NFL Draft where we start to see a little bit of a tier break in terms of the elite talents. This draft class has plenty of solid defensive players, maybe in a way that 2024 didn't. There isn't a Malik Nabers or Caleb Williams in this class, but it's still got plenty of talent, particularly at cornerback, running back, and potentially at offensive tackle.

Due to the NIL and the transfer portal, we are more likely to see some of the fringe Day 2 prospects stay in school for another year, and why wouldn't they given the fact many will make more money in college than on a rookie contract? The downside, it could lead to fewer talented players available on Day 3 than usual.

11. Indianapolis Colts
Mykel Williams - Edge, Georgia

Colts GM Chris Ballard loves guys who blow up at the NFL Combine with their athleticism and Williams certainly has the chance to do that. The Colts still need to see what they have in quarterback Anthony Richardson, and for now, it's still too early to tell. Williams paired up with Laiatu Latu could create some real problems for offenses.

Williams has started slowly in 2024 after an ankle sprain, but the guy’s a defensive dynamo. Last season? He was all over it, throwing down 26 pressures and snagging six sacks, per the stats gurus at PFF. But here’s the kicker--his versatility. Williams can light it up from any spot on the D-line, turning OCs' game plans into nightmares. With his knack for shuffling across the line and dishing out chaos, Williams is just warming up! Trust me.

12. Los Angeles Chargers
Nic Scourton - Edge, Texas A&M

Jim Harbaugh is continuing to build this roster with a lot of hard-nosed, determined football players. Edge rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack are getting up there in age and it might be time to start thinking about a replacement. Scourton had 42 pressures and eight sacks in 2023 and has started 2024 with 13 pressures and three sacks so far.

13. New Orleans Saints
Shedeur Sanders - QB, Colorado

It's about time we got to the most polarizing prospect in the 2025 class. There's a lot to like about Shedeur, he's a fearless leader with the determination to stand in the pocket and make the tough throws while getting crunched by defenders. The bad? Well, there's his Dad, Deion suggesting they're going to try and pick Shedeur's landing spot in the draft. That kind of stuff won't fly in the locker room.

Shedeur's offensive line has been terrible this season and it's fair to question how much better he would look in a better situation. The Saints can let him sit behind Derek Carr for a season before taking over and they could use a quarterback on a rookie deal to help reset their salary cap woes. The better question, does head coach Dennis Allen make it to 2025?

14. Dallas Cowboys
Ashton Jeanty - RB, Boise State

Make running backs great again! There's a campaign slogan we can all agree on. Jeanty has been a human highlight reel in 2024, rushing 82 times for 845 yards and 13 touchdowns. Sheesh! With so many NFL defenses featuring two-high safeties trying to eliminate explosive plays, it's brought back the importance of good running backs. The Cowboys offense could use another piece to help quarterback Dak Prescott.

Ashton Jeanty is on pace to run for 3,380 yards + 52 TDs while averaging 10.3 per carry.

His 588 rushing yards after contact alone would put him 6th in the country in rushing + his 43 forced missed tackles lead the country.

All-time season. Heisman.pic.twitter.com/NgxQx7iPpJ

— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) September 29, 2024

Jeanty is around 5-foot-8 and 217 lbs and even drew some recent NFL comps from renowned scout Dane Brugler to LaDainian Tomlinson. That's some serious praise. He's an all-around type of running back with some serious pass-catching chops. It's not unrealistic to see him as the 1.01 in all dynasty rookie drafts come 2025.

15. Chicago Bears
Emery Jones - OT, LSU

The main focus of 2025 should be to continue to get quarterback Caleb Williams as much help in protection and the running game as possible. Nothing else really matters.

16. Green Bay Packers
Kenneth Grant - DT, Michigan

Packers GM Brian Gutekunst loves addressing the offensive and defensive fronts in Round 1. The defense was shredded by the Eagles in Week 1 and the Vikings in Week 4. Getting some added help along the interior is never a bad thing.

17. San Francisco 49ers
Denzel Burke - CB, Ohio State

The offense might get all the credit, but having a stout defense has been a big part of the 49ers run of success. Burke might be a hair outside the big three cornerbacks in this class, but he's showcased plenty of potential.

18. Baltimore Ravens
Aireontae Ersery - OT, Minnesota

Continuing to revamp the offense line to help keep the running game going should always be a high priority on the Ravens list. They probably will end up picking in the twenties when it's all said and done.

19. Philadelphia Eagles
Danny Stuntsman - LB, Oklahoma

Are the Eagles in trouble? The offense has been sputtering and the defense is struggling to stop anybody right now. They need more players on defense who are good at flying to the ball and playing in space.

20. New York Jets
Luther Burden II - WR, Missouri

As long as quarterback Aaron Rodgers is calling all the shots in New York, they'll probably continue to invest heavily in the offense every offseason. This move makes a lot of sense though as the team has no one else to take any of the pressure off wideout Garrett Wilson.

Luther Burden wide open easy money

pic.twitter.com/n0KuMaaYKE

— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) September 21, 2024

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

Many have asked if Georgia quarterback Carson Beck would go in the first round of this initial mock draft and my response is that the jury is still out on that one. Beck has shown plenty of flashes, but in 2024, he looks mortal without Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey to throw to. That's concerning. The game he recently played against Alabama was easily the worst of his career.

USC quarterback Miller Moss deserves a lot of kudos for how well he's played while waiting behind Caleb Williams. Think big-armed Kirk Cousins. Moss has fantastic pocket presence, and the ball just flies out of his hand. Whether or not he declares is an unknown, but that's another QB to keep an eye on the rest of the way.

21. Carolina Panthers (from Las Vegas)
Abdul Carter - Edge, Penn State

The Panthers need to sit back, take their medicine, and learn from the Bryce Young debacle instead of rushing out to find that shiny new toy at quarterback in the 2025 season. Ownership has never been patient about wanting to make a splash, so Carolina trading back for a bevy of picks is probably a pipe dream, but the front office needs to just rebuild the core on both sides of the bowl before throwing another QB into the fire.

22. Denver Broncos
Isaiah Bond - WR, Texas

The Broncos are 2-2 thus far and quarterback Bo Nix is winning games despite showing plenty of ups and downs. This offense doesn't have a true playmaker on the outside and they desperately need more firepower on offense for their quarterback to have any shot at taking the next step.

Isiah Bond’s numbers through 5 weeks in the burnt orange:

• 20 Receptions
• 364 Yards
• 3 Touchdowns

• 2 Carries
• 51 Yards
• 1 Touchdown pic.twitter.com/t84uGaR3Qg

— One Stop Texas (@OneStopHorns) October 1, 2024

23. Atlanta Falcons
Harold Perkins Jr. - LB/Edge, LSU

Perkins was probably a top 15 pick easily before tearing his ACL. Will he return to LSU for another season or decide to take his chances in the draft? There's no denying his incredible talent, but how teams react after a major injury is always different across the board. The Falcons could afford to let him sit for part of his rookie year and get healthy.

24. Detroit Lions
J.T. Tuimolau - Edge, Ohio State

Is there a pick that screams more Dan Campbell than this one? Tuimolau was a borderline first-round pick in the 2024 draft before deciding to go back to Columbus for another season. He's a gritty, hard-nosed player that coaches will fall in love with. His production hasn't been elite as of yet, but plenty of high-end traits are there.

25. Washington Commanders
Jahdae Barron - CB, Texas

Addressing the offensive line is probably priority No. 1 for this team in the offseason, but with all the tackles off the board, they continue to restock their defense. Quarterback Jayden Daniels is the real deal and football is exciting in the nation's capital again.

26. Buffalo Bills
Deone Walker - DT, Kentucky

The Bills have an extra second in the 2025 draft from the Stefon Diggs trade, so they could try and move up if they feel the need. But for now, they take Walker and help to shore up the interior of their defensive line.

27. Seattle Seahawks
Tyler Booker - OG, Alabama

Quarterback Geno Smith has been cooking out of the gate and you have to wonder if his success will factor into the Seahawks front office deciding he should be the guy for several more seasons. The defense is still a work in progress, but they could use another body along the offensive line, especially for a team that has two solid running backs.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers
Emeka Egbuka - WR, Ohio State

Pittsburgh needs a WR2 more than Styx deserves more recognition as one of the best rock bands of all time. Wait, what am I saying? The Steelers have turned to the likes of Van Jefferson as their WR2 thus far. Yikes. Rookie Roman Wilson could be a solid player, but that remains to be seen until he can stay on the field.

Emeka Egbuka is about 500 yards away from being the Buckeye all time receiving yards record he is averaging 90 yards a game this season 👀 pic.twitter.com/OLqvv4NWHe

— Blake (@SteelersMafiaaa) September 30, 2024

29. Houston Texans
Luke Kandra - OG, Cincinnati

The Texans might be 3-1, but they've got some serious issues up front along the offensive line right now. Protecting quarterback C.J. Stroud while helping to open up running lanes for their backs is always a wise move.

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Colston Loveland - TE, Michigan

Tampa Bay has been one of the biggest surprises of the 2024 season. Offensive coordinator Liam Cohen is doing a fantastic job and quarterback Baker Mayfield looks better than ever. They could go a variety of ways with this pick, but grabbing a promising tight end like Loveland is never a bad move. Michigan's horrendous quarterback play has limited his stats and yards per catch so far, but Loveland is a promising player.

31. Minnesota Vikings
Malaki Starks - S, Georgia

Minnesota has been one of the feel-good stories of the year, and with the way this defense is playing, defensive coordinator Brian Flores might find himself back in a head coach's seat before long. This team needs an eventual replacement for safety Harrison Smith.

32. Kansas City Chiefs
Quinshon Judkins - RB, Ohio State

Kansas City could always go a variety of ways with this pick and GM Brett Veach has shown to be quite practical with his draft picks. With running back Isiah Pacheco entering the final year of his deal, do they want to pay him? Judkins is a dynamic back who could be the cherry on top for the Chiefs' offense.

While the 2025 NFL Draft is still six-plus months away, it's important to start familiarizing yourself with many of these names so you can impress your buddies when everyone starts talking ball. It will be interesting to see how this mock draft stacks up to the real thing next April. Feel free to follow me on X for plenty of NFL content this summer, even during the offseason.

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