With NFL wild-card weekend nearly in the rearview mirror, the excitement of the postseason is palpable. However, for six teams, the dream of a Super Bowl run has come to a screeching halt as they face elimination early in 2025. This shake-up sets the stage for the eagerly anticipated NFL Draft on April 24, where the first-round draft order is now solidifying from No. 1 to No. 24 overall.
As the newly ousted teams begin to assess their offseason needs, the focus shifts to the latest draft projections. Sporting News has released an updated mock draft, just in time for the College Football Playoff national championship game. This draft is crucial for teams looking to rebuild and strengthen their rosters.
NFL Mock Draft 2025: The Top Picks
Let’s dive into the latest first-round mock draft and see who is poised to make a significant impact in the NFL.
1. Tennessee Titans 3-14
- Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado (6-1, 185 pounds)
The Titans are likely to choose Hunter, whose exceptional talent on both sides of the ball makes him a coveted prospect. He can excel as a cover corner while also adding depth to the receiving corps when necessary.
2. Cleveland Browns 3-14
- Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona (6-5, 210 pounds)
With Deshaun Watson facing another setback, the Browns might explore quarterback options. However, securing McMillan as a dynamic No. 1 receiver would greatly benefit whoever takes the snaps next season.
3. New York Giants 3-14
- Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado (6-2, 215 pounds)
The Giants have a golden opportunity to snag Sanders, who can deliver clutch, accurate throws. With a talented group of young playmakers around him, he could be the spark the Giants need.
4. New England Patriots 4-13
- Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State (6-3, 250 pounds)
After finishing with the fewest sacks in the league, the Patriots are in dire need of a pass-rusher. Carter’s ability to disrupt plays makes him an ideal first-round pick for New England.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars 4-13
- Will Campbell, OT, LSU (6-6, 323 pounds)
With Cam Robinson’s departure, the Jaguars must prioritize finding a reliable pass protector. Campbell would provide much-needed security for Trevor Lawrence in the pocket.
6. Las Vegas Raiders 4-13
- Cam Ward, QB, Miami (6-2, 223 pounds)
Ward could be the franchise quarterback the Raiders have been searching for, combining a strong arm with the ability to make plays on the run.
7. New York Jets 5-12
- Mason Graham, DT, Michigan (6-3, 318 pounds)
As the Jets evaluate their quarterback situation, adding a powerhouse like Graham to bolster their defensive line would be a smart move.
8. Carolina Panthers 5-12
- Will Johnson, CB, Michigan (6-2, 202 pounds)
The Panthers need to address their defensive woes, and Johnson could be the key to solidifying their secondary.
9. New Orleans Saints 5-12
- Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama (6-2, 225 pounds)
Milroe’s dual-threat capabilities could provide the Saints with a fresh start as they look to revamp their offense.
10. Chicago Bears 5-12
- Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas (6-4, 324 pounds)
To protect their investment in Caleb Williams, the Bears must prioritize offensive line help, making Banks a top target.
11. San Francisco 49ers 6-11
- Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan (6-3, 339 pounds)
The 49ers are looking to add depth to their defensive line, and Grant’s presence could enhance their pass rush.
12. Dallas Cowboys 7-10
- Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State (5-9, 215 pounds)
With the departure of Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys need a new workhorse running back, and Jeanty could be the answer.
13. Miami Dolphins 8-9
- Malaki Starks, S, Georgia (6-1, 205 pounds)
If Jevon Holland leaves, Starks could be a game-changer in the Dolphins’ secondary, bringing versatility and playmaking ability.
14. Indianapolis Colts 8-9
- Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan (6-5, 245 pounds)
The Colts need a dynamic tight end, and Loveland’s athleticism could fill that void perfectly.
15. Atlanta Falcons 8-9
- Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M (6-4, 285 pounds)
Scourton could immediately boost the Falcons’ pass rush, making him a valuable addition to their defense.
16. Arizona Cardinals 8-9
- Mykel Williams, DT, Georgia (6-5, 265 pounds)
Williams would provide the Cardinals with a strong presence in the middle of their defensive line.
17. Cincinnati Bengals 9-8
- Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri (5-11, 208 pounds)
Burden could be a cost-effective option for the Bengals as they look to maintain their explosive offense.
18. Seattle Seahawks 10-7
- Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia (6-2, 245 pounds)
Walker would add versatility and reliability to the Seahawks’ linebacker corps, making him a solid choice.
19. Denver Broncos 10-7
- Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State (6-6, 260 pounds)
Warren’s size and receiving ability could make him a valuable asset for the Broncos’ offense.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10-7
- James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee (6-5, 243 pounds)
Pearce could provide the Buccaneers with much-needed pass-rushing support as they navigate free agency.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers 10-7
- Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas (6-2, 204 pounds)
The Steelers may look to Ewers as a potential franchise quarterback, aiming to revitalize their offense.
22. Los Angeles Rams 10-7
- Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame (6-0, 190 pounds)
Morrison’s return from injury could provide the Rams with a much-needed boost in their secondary.
23. Los Angeles Chargers 11-6
- Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State (6-5, 260 pounds)
Sawyer could help the Chargers reload their pass-rushing depth, ensuring they remain competitive.
24. Green Bay Packers 11-6
- Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas (5-11, 190 pounds)
The Packers are in dire need of a reliable receiver to support Jordan Love, and Bond could be the answer they’ve been searching for.
As we gear up for the NFL Draft, the stakes are high, and the excitement is building. Which of these talented prospects will make their mark in the league? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the future of the NFL is bright!
