Ahead of the holidays next week, CBS Sports has unveiled its latest mock draft for the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. With the excitement of college football season still buzzing, fans are already looking ahead to see which young stars will make their way to the professional ranks.
Quarterback Landscape: A Shift in Dynamics
This year’s quarterback class is generating plenty of discussion—or perhaps a lack thereof. Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders are the only two quarterbacks projected to be selected in the first round. This is a stark contrast to last spring, when five quarterbacks were taken within the top dozen picks. With such a limited pool of top-tier quarterbacks, any team in need of a signal-caller will find themselves in a competitive position, making the quarterback position even more of a premium.
Top Picks and Team Representation
When it comes to team representation, Michigan is leading the charge with four players projected in the first round, all landing in the Top-20. Following closely are Georgia and Ohio State, each with three prospects, although only one from each team is predicted to crack the Top-10. Other notable programs like Colorado, Penn State, Texas, Texas A&M, and Tennessee each have two players projected to be selected, showcasing the depth of talent across various college football programs.
Projecting the Top Picks
So, how does CBS Sports envision the 2025 NFL Draft unfolding? Here’s a look at their predictions for the first round, including a couple of trades in the top five:
1. Cam Ward (QB, Miami)
Ward is projected as the top pick and the first quarterback off the board. After a standout season at Miami, he has solidified his status as the number one quarterback in the upcoming draft. Ryan Wilson noted that Ward would have been no higher than QB5 in 2024, but his impressive development this season has propelled him to the top.
2. Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado)
The New England Patriots are expected to select Hunter, who recently claimed the Heisman Trophy. Wilson describes Hunter as “the best athlete—and the best player—in this draft class,” highlighting his dual-threat capability on both sides of the ball. The question remains: how will NFL teams, including the Patriots, utilize his unique skill set?
3. Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)
Following Ward, Sanders is projected to be the next quarterback off the board, with the Las Vegas Raiders trading up to secure him. His athleticism and arm strength set him apart, making him a top contender in a year with limited quarterback depth.
4. Olumuyiwa Fashanu (OT, Penn State)
Fashanu is viewed as the top offensive tackle in this draft class. His combination of athleticism, balance, and power makes him a coveted asset for teams looking to bolster their offensive lines.
Key Trades and Team Needs
5. Cleveland Browns (Trade with Las Vegas Raiders): Will Campbell (OT, LSU)
Campbell is the next tackle projected to be taken after a trade between Las Vegas and Cleveland. His consistency as a full-time starter at LSU has made him a reliable option for the Browns, who are currently struggling with the most sacks allowed in the league.
6. Jacksonville Jaguars: J.J. McCarthy (QB, Michigan)
After trading down to the sixth pick, the Jaguars are expected to select McCarthy, one of four Michigan players projected to be drafted. Wilson describes McCarthy as a “special talent” who has the potential to lead a franchise in the future.
7. Carolina Panthers: J.T. Tuimoloau (DE, Ohio State)
Tuimoloau, the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, is expected to go to Carolina. His freakish athleticism and position change from sophomore to junior year have made him a rising star, with plenty of untapped potential.
Defensive Standouts in the Top Ten
8. Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)
Despite an injury-shortened season, Johnson is still projected as a top-10 talent. With nine career interceptions, including three pick-sixes, he could form a formidable duo in the Jets’ secondary.
9. Jamon Dumas-Johnson (LB, Georgia)
Dumas-Johnson is another defensive prospect to watch. His impressive stats at Georgia, including averaging 21.3 tackles and no fewer than 4.5 sacks in any season, make him a valuable addition for a team looking to strengthen its defense.
10. Dallas Cowboys: J.J. McCarthy (QB, Michigan)
The Cowboys could also consider McCarthy, who has shown remarkable growth and potential during his time at Michigan.
Nos. 11-32: The Rest of the First Round
The rest of the first round features a mix of offensive and defensive talents, showcasing the depth of this draft class. Here’s how the latter picks are shaping up:
- San Francisco 49ers: OT Josh Simmons – Ohio State Buckeyes
- Miami Dolphins: DB Malaki Starks – Georgia Bulldogs
- Indianapolis Colts: DE Jalon Walker – Georgia Bulldogs
- Cincinnati Bengals: WR Tetairoa McMillan – Arizona Wildcats
- Dallas Cowboys: RB Ashton Jeanty – Boise State Broncos
- Arizona Cardinals: DL Kenneth Grant – Michigan Wolverines
- Seattle Seahawks: DL Deone Walker – Kentucky Wildcats
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DL Shemar Stewart – Texas A&M Aggies
- Atlanta Falcons: DE James Pearce Jr. – Tennessee Volunteers
- Los Angeles Chargers: TE Colston Loveland – Michigan Wolverines
- Houston Texans: DL Walter Nolen – Ole Miss Rebels
- Denver Broncos: TE Tyler Warren – Penn State Nittany Lions
- Los Angeles Rams: OT Aireontae Ersery – Minnesota Golden Gophers
- Washington Commanders: CB Shavon Revel Jr. – East Carolina Pirates
- Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Luther Burden III – Missouri Tigers
- Baltimore Ravens: DL Derrick Harmon – Oregon Ducks
- Green Bay Packers: CB Jahdae Barron – Texas Longhorns
- Philadelphia Eagles: DL Omarr Norman-Lott – Tennessee Volunteers
- Buffalo Bills: DE Landon Jackson – Arkansas Razorbacks
- Minnesota Vikings: DL T.J. Sanders – South Carolina Gamecocks
- Detroit Lions: DE Jack Sawyer – Ohio State Buckeyes
- Kansas City Chiefs: WR Emeka Egbuka – Ohio State Buckeyes
As we gear up for the draft in April, the excitement is palpable. Which prospects will rise to the occasion, and which teams will capitalize on their selections? The college football landscape is buzzing with talent, and the NFL Draft will be the ultimate stage for these young athletes to showcase their skills.
