NFL

2025 NFL Mock Draft: Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, and three other quarterbacks projected for Round 1, with Michigan players dominating the early picks

 

1. New England Patriots
Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The Patriots are in need of a major boost to their pass rush after trading Josh Uche. Carter is one of the draft’s top athletes and offers an incredible upside, making him an ideal pick for New England. – Ryan Roberts

2. Jacksonville Jaguars
Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Graham has been outstanding this season, with a 12% pass rush pressure rate and five sacks. His motor, strength, and athleticism make him a dominant force on the defensive line, even if selecting a defensive tackle this high seems early. – Travis May

3. New Orleans Saints
Cam Ward, QB, Miami
With the Saints rebuilding after firing Dennis Allen, selecting Cam Ward would bring fresh energy to a team that has struggled to find a quarterback since Drew Brees’ retirement. Ward has the potential to immediately engage fans and start a new chapter in New Orleans. – Rob Gregson

4. Carolina Panthers
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Panthers are committed to developing Bryce Young, and pairing him with McMillan, the top wide receiver in the draft, would provide him with a big, reliable target who can generate yards after the catch. – Tyler Forness

5. Cleveland Browns
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Cleveland needs a long-term answer at quarterback, and Shedeur Sanders’ football IQ and playmaking abilities make him an excellent fit for the offense, offering a more polished option than other potential quarterbacks in later rounds. – Ian Valentino

6. Las Vegas Raiders
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Although this pick might be viewed as a stretch, the Raiders urgently need a quarterback. Nussmeier could be the answer, following a recent trend of teams selecting quarterbacks higher than expected when they lack a long-term plan at the position. – Destin Adams

7. New York Giants
Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
While not a perfect prospect, Milroe’s athleticism and arm strength make him a promising option for the Giants, who need a new quarterback to build around. – Ryan Roberts

8. Miami Dolphins
James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Pearce is the top pure pass rusher in the 2025 draft, with an impressive record of elite pressure and win rates off the edge. The Dolphins need another strong edge defender to complement their existing defense. – Travis May

9. Tennessee Titans
Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
Hunter is one of the most dynamic players in this draft class, and his ability to play both cornerback and wide receiver makes him a perfect fit for the Titans, who need help at both positions. – Rob Gregson

10. New York Jets
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
With D.J. Reed possibly leaving in free agency, the Jets should target Johnson, the top cornerback in the draft, to pair with Sauce Gardner in their aggressive man-coverage defense. – Tyler Forness

11. Dallas Cowboys
Luther Burden, WR, Missouri
The Cowboys need depth at wide receiver beyond CeeDee Lamb, and Burden could provide that. He offers the kind of playmaking ability that would help strengthen their offense. – Ian Valentino

12. Indianapolis Colts
Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
While the Colts might prefer a secondary pick, Walker’s versatility and playmaking ability as both a linebacker and pass rusher make him a valuable addition to their defense. – Destin Adams

13. Cincinnati Bengals
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Starks is a top-tier prospect and could immediately upgrade the Bengals’ secondary. His elite skill set makes him one of the top players in this class. – Ryan Roberts

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tacario Davis, CB, Arizona
Davis is a physical cornerback who fits the man-coverage style favored by defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. His toughness and skillset will provide an immediate boost to Tampa Bay’s secondary. – Tyler Forness

15. Seattle Seahawks
Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Dart is enjoying another standout season, and he could be the answer for Seattle as they look to move on from Geno Smith. His draft stock is rising as one of the top quarterbacks in the class. – Travis May

16. Los Angeles Rams
Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Morrison is a strong fit for the Rams’ secondary, which has been in need of improvement. His high potential and ability to start right away would be a solid addition to their defense. – Rob Gregson

17. San Francisco 49ers
LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
Overton offers the size and athleticism to become a long-term asset for the 49ers’ defense alongside Nick Bosa. His versatility and upside make him a great fit for San Francisco. – Ian Valentino

18. Chicago Bears
Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama
To improve protection for Caleb Williams, the Bears need to upgrade their offensive line. Booker is a Day 1 starter at guard, which would solidify the interior of the line and allow the team to focus on other upgrades. – Destin Adams

19. Denver Broncos
Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Williams is an ascending pass rusher with Pro Bowl potential. The Broncos could use another talented pass rusher alongside Jonathon Cooper to solidify their defensive front. – Ryan Roberts

20. Arizona Cardinals
Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas
Banks is a top-tier pass blocker with the size and skills to make an immediate impact. He would complement Paris Johnson, forming a solid offensive tackle duo for the Cardinals’ future. – Travis May

21. Los Angeles Chargers
Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Chargers are likely facing the end of Joey Bosa’s time in LA, and they’ll need fresh talent on the defensive line. Scourton is a physical yet athletic pass rusher who fits well into Jim Harbaugh’s system, offering the kind of toughness and explosiveness needed to play in the trenches. – Rob Gregson

22. Atlanta Falcons
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Falcons take advantage of the opportunity to add a weapon for quarterback Kirk Cousins. Egbuka can fill the slot role, complementing Drake London and Darnell Mooney, creating a dynamic receiving trio. – Tyler Forness

23. Green Bay Packers
Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
With Kenny Clark aging, the Packers need to plan for the future of their defensive line. Harmon is a disruptive force who can immediately pair with Clark, providing strength and depth as they transition over time. – Ian Valentino

24. Baltimore Ravens
Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
Walker’s massive frame and ability to control the line of scrimmage make him an ideal addition to the Ravens’ defense. His presence would help the run defense and complement the other powerful players on the line, boosting an already strong defensive front. – Destin Adams

25. Houston Texans
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
With Dalton Schultz no longer living up to expectations, the Texans need a new target for quarterback CJ Stroud. Loveland is a reliable option in the middle of the field, capable of contributing immediately and providing a significant boost to the passing game. – Ryan Roberts

26. Philadelphia Eagles
Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Campbell has been nearly flawless this season, allowing no sacks. Though he might move inside to guard in the NFL, he’s still one of the top offensive linemen in the draft and would add immediate strength to the Eagles’ offensive line. – Travis May

27. Pittsburgh Steelers
Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
With top wide receiver prospects off the board, the Steelers turn their attention to cornerback. Burke’s size, physicality, and press-man coverage skills make him a perfect fit for Pittsburgh’s defense, potentially forming a dominant cornerback duo with Joey Porter Jr. for years to come. – Rob Gregson

28. Minnesota Vikings
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
While running back isn’t typically a premium position, Jeanty would be a major steal if he falls this far. He is a versatile, complete back who would become an immediate weapon in the Vikings’ offense, adding both depth and dynamic playmaking ability. – Tyler Forness

29. Washington Commanders
Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
Washington has struggled in the EDGE department in recent years, but adding young, athletic talent is essential for their rebuild. Jackson brings size, agility, and one of the highest pass-rushing productivity rates in the country, making him a potential cornerstone of their defensive front. – Ian Valentino

30. Buffalo Bills
Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
The Bills have made significant changes to their secondary recently, so grabbing Revel Jr. could help them bolster the position. Despite an injury setback, Revel’s size, length, and anticipated athleticism make him a high-upside pick if teams are confident in his recovery. His talent could make him a first-round selection if he returns to full health. – Destin Adams

 

 

31. Detroit Lions
Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Nolen is a versatile defensive lineman capable of lining up anywhere on the front. His exceptional strength, relentless motor, and unselfish playstyle allow him to disrupt every play. He would add significant depth and chaos to the Lions’ defensive line. – Travis May

32. Kansas City Chiefs
Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss
Umanmielen stands out as one of the top edge rushers in the nation, with an impressive pass rush win rate and pressure rate over 16%. With eight sacks through the season so far, he has proven his ability to finish plays, making him a valuable asset for Kansas City’s defense. – Travis May

 

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