As the Senior Bowl draws near, excitement is building in the world of college football. The 2025 NFL Draft landscape is beginning to take shape, and CBS Sports has unveiled its latest mock draft, featuring a surprising new No. 1 pick that has fans buzzing.
1. Tennessee Titans – Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
In a bold move, the Tennessee Titans have their sights set on Abdul Carter as the top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. New GM Mike Borgonzi has made it clear that the franchise won’t pass on what many are calling a “generational” talent. Carter has generated significant buzz after anchoring the Penn State defense with an impressive performance last season.
Carter’s statistics speak volumes: he led the nation with 23.5 tackles for loss, racked up 68 tackles, and recorded 12.0 sacks in 2024. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses could make him the cornerstone of the Titans’ defense as Brian Callahan enters his second year as head coach.
2. Las Vegas Raiders (projected trade with Cleveland Browns) – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The draft is heating up with potential trades, and CBS Sports anticipates a significant shake-up with the Cleveland Browns trading their No. 2 pick to the Las Vegas Raiders. In this scenario, the Raiders would select Shedeur Sanders, the standout quarterback from Colorado.
Sanders has solidified his status as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. He completed an impressive 74% of his passes for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns during the season. With Deshaun Watson sidelined due to injury, the Browns may look to trade their pick, making way for the Raiders to snag Sanders under the guidance of new head coach Pete Carroll.
3. New York Giants – Cam Ward, QB, Miami
The New York Giants are also in the market for a quarterback, and CBS Sports projects Cam Ward to fall into their lap at No. 3. After transferring from Washington State, Ward had a breakout season at Miami, leading the nation with 39 passing touchdowns and accumulating 4,313 yards with only seven interceptions.
With head coach Brian Daboll still at the helm, Ward’s improvisational skills could thrive in an offense reminiscent of what Josh Allen ran in Buffalo. The Giants are hoping to solidify their future at the quarterback position, and Ward could be the answer.
4. New England Patriots – Will Campbell, OL, LSU
With their quarterback situation settled after drafting Drake Maye, the New England Patriots are now focused on protecting him. Enter Will Campbell, the standout offensive lineman from LSU, who has emerged as the top lineman in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Campbell’s performance last season earned him consensus All-American honors, and he was instrumental in fortifying the LSU offensive line. The Patriots are in dire need of offensive line help, especially after Maye faced 34 sacks during his rookie campaign.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Jacksonville Jaguars are looking to bolster their defense, and CBS Sports has them selecting Will Johnson, a talented cornerback from Michigan, at No. 5. Despite missing most of the 2024 season due to injury, Johnson showcased his elite skills while helping lead the Wolverines to a national championship.
In just six games, Johnson made a significant impact, scoring two pick-sixes and recording four interceptions in 2023. As new coach Liam Coen builds his staff, Johnson could become a key player in the Jaguars’ defensive scheme.
6. Cleveland Browns (projected trade with Raiders) – Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
In the projected trade with the Raiders, the Cleveland Browns would pick up Travis Hunter, the dynamic Heisman Trophy winner from Colorado. Hunter’s versatility as both a wide receiver and cornerback makes him an intriguing prospect, and his elite skill set could be a game-changer for the Browns.
In 2024, Hunter amassed 1,258 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns while also contributing defensively with 36 tackles and four interceptions. His two-way talent could provide the Browns with a unique weapon on both sides of the ball.
7. New York Jets – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
As the New York Jets navigate uncertainty on offense with Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams considering their futures, CBS Sports predicts they will select Tetairoa McMillan at No. 7 overall. McMillan was a standout at Arizona, ranking third in the nation with 1,319 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
With the potential for changes in the wide receiver room, McMillan could provide a much-needed boost to the Jets’ offense, complementing Garrett Wilson and adding another elite target.
8. Carolina Panthers – Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
The Carolina Panthers are set to make a significant addition to their defense by selecting Mason Graham from Michigan at No. 8. Graham has been a force on the defensive line, earning All-American honors and totaling 45 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks in 2024.
As the Panthers look to build a formidable defense, Graham could be a key piece in their plans moving forward.
9. New Orleans Saints – Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
The New Orleans Saints are eyeing Luther Burden III as their No. 9 pick, despite his numbers dipping in 2024. Burden showcased his potential with over 1,000 receiving yards in 2023, and his skill set could provide a valuable asset to the Saints’ offense.
As the team continues its coaching search, Burden could become a vital part of their plans, adding depth and talent to the wide receiver corps.
10. Chicago Bears – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The Chicago Bears are projected to select Ashton Jeanty at No. 10 overall, following a standout season at Boise State. Jeanty finished just behind Travis Hunter in the Heisman Trophy voting, totaling 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns, leading his team to a College Football Playoff appearance.
His explosive playmaking ability could provide the Bears with a dynamic offensive weapon as they look to enhance their backfield.
Rest of CBS Sports updated 2025 NFL mock draft
The draft continues to intrigue with more talent on the board. Here are some notable picks beyond the top ten:
11. San Francisco 49ers – James Pearce, EDGE, Tennessee
12. Dallas Cowboys – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
13. Miami Dolphins – Malaki Starks, DB, Georgia
14. Indianapolis Colts – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
15. Atlanta Falcons – Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
16. Arizona Cardinals – Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
17. Cincinnati Bengals – Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
18. Seattle Seahawks – Kelvin Banks, OL, Texas
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
20. Denver Broncos – Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
23. Green Bay Packers – Omarr Norman-Lott, DL, Tennessee
24. Minnesota Vikings – Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
25. Houston Texans – Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama
26. Los Angeles Rams – Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
27. Baltimore Ravens – Aireontae Ersery, OL, Minnesota
28. Detroit Lions – Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State
29. Washington Commanders – Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
30. Buffalo Bills – Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
31. Philadelphia Eagles – Mykel Wiliams, EDGE, Georgia
32. Kansas City Chiefs – Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
The anticipation for the 2025 NFL Draft, set for April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is palpable. After the Senior Bowl wraps up, all eyes will shift to the NFL Scouting Combine in late February, where prospects will have one last chance to impress before the big day. The excitement of college football and the journey to the NFL is just beginning!
