The 2025 NFL Draft is one of the most intriguing drafts of the last decade. The draft combines a mix of unknowns at the QB position alongside stud linemen and RBs. With the resurgence of star RBs this season with Saquon Barkley in Philly, Derrick Henry in Baltimore, and Joe Mixon in Houston, other teams will start to look for their savior at the RB position.
- Tennessee Titans — Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
Probably the only lock of the entire draft. Ward was an exciting and flashy quarterback for Washington State and Miami. He has all the measurables and traits to translate at the next level, though concerns about holding the ball too long or hunting the big play loom. Regardless, the Titans grab their future signal caller to replace the disappointing Will Levis.
- Cleveland Browns — Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The Browns are tempted to go quarterback with Shedeur Sanders still on the board, but they opt to push the decision down the road. Instead, they form the league’s best edge-rushing duo. Carter projects as a Micah Parsons 2.0, and pairing him with Myles Garrett is too good to pass up. Expect Cleveland to make a move for Kirk Cousins later in the draft.
- New York Giants — Travis Hunter, ATH, Colorado
With the signings of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, the Giants can afford to wait until next year for a quarterback. They go all-in on Hunter, the best receiver and corner in the class. He will likely play full-time on offense and see 20–25 snaps at cornerback. Reports indicate he may not be available at No. 3, but if he falls, the Giants won’t let him slip past them.
TRADE – New Orleans sends Pick #9 and Pick #40 to New England for Pick #4.
- [via NE] New Orleans Saints – Shadeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Reports have emerged that the Saints starting QB Derek Carr has a new shoulder injury that could require season-ending surgery. It’s a clear signal to move on, and the Saints decide to pick up Deion Sanders’ son as his replacement. Shedeur excelled behind an awful Colorado O-line and has a very high floor. Even though concerns about his lack of arm power or mobility exist, it’s not enough to sway the quarterback-needy Saints from Shedeur.
- Jacksonville Jaguars — Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Graham was a Unanimous All-American his final season at Michigan, being the bedrock of the team’s dominant D-Line. He’s incredibly quick off the line for his size, and has the versatility to both rush the passer and stuff the run. Interior D-linemen who can do both are always highly valuable, thus landing him in the top 5 as a potential game-wrecker on the Jags defensive front.
- Las Vegas Raiders — Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
New HC Pete Carroll has found the team their new starting QB in Geno, so they pair him with the best RB prospect of the last few years in Jeanty. Jeanty ran for over 2600 this season with Boise State at nearly 7 yards a carry. The only concern is his level of competition—he dominated bad teams, but struggled against Penn State in the playoffs. Carroll teams have always been focused on the run—from USC to Seattle—so he gets his guy.
- New York Jets — Aramand Membou, OT, Missouri
Membou is the biggest riser of any player in the first round, and the Jets grab him after Carter and Hunter are off the board. Membou is a very safe pick who had a near-perfect combine and projects as a plug-and-play tackle to protect the Jets’ right side for years to come.
- Carolina Panthers — Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Following the resurgence of Bryce Young late last season, the Panthers finally get him a young threat on the outside in McMillan to help him develop further. McMillan has freak size and catch ability, but his speed leaves a lot to be desired, causing him to fall out of the Top 5.
- [via NO] New England Patriots — Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
Walker is a beast, both as an off-ball-linebacker and edge rusher. In 2024, he recorded 6.5 sacks and 61 total tackles, earning the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker. Although his versatility makes him a formidable opponent, size concerns may limit potential at edge in NFL as he lines up against much larger offensive lineman. The Patriots lack at both ILB and Edge, so they opt to take a chance on this dynamic playmaker from Georgia.
- Chicago Bears — Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
New HC Ben Johnson is looking to turn the Bears into Detroit Lite with the additions of Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson and Drew Dallman, turning their O-line from one of the worst in the league to one of the best on paper. Now they add their version of Jamhyr Gibbs in Omarion Hampton. Hampton ran over 1500 yards in his last 2 seasons at UNC and provides the Bears a spark at the RB position that could make them a playoff team.
- San Francisco 49ers — Will Campbell, OT, LSU
The Niners happily stop Campbell’s fall and plug him in at right tackle or guard until Trent Williams decides to hang it up. Will Campbell produced some of the best tape in college, and stuffed many elite rushers. His only concern is his shorter arms, but the value at pick 11 is too high to pass up.
- Dallas Cowboys — Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Golden has seen a meteoric rise up draft boards this year, and many have him as the best receiver in the class. His blazing 4.29 40 yard dash allows him to be a perfect compliment to the route running specialist Ceedee Lamb. The Cowboys have been starved of a WR 2 ever since the departure of Amari Cooper in 2022, and they finally land a replacement.
- Miami Dolphins — Jahdae Barron, DB, Texas
Barron won the Thorpe award for the best defensive back in college football last year over the likes of Caleb Downs and Malachi Starks. His 4 interceptions on the 24-25 season was tied for 4th nationally and his 11 pass break ups was top 15. He stands out for his versatility and ability to play slot corner, outside corner and safety. He is an immediate plug and play for the Dolphins who lost starting safety Javon Holland to the Giants this offseason.
- Indianapolis Colts — Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Warren won the Mackey Award for the best TE in College Football last year with 104 catches for 1,233 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns. The Colts struggled mightily on offense last season, with none of their 4 TEs catching more than 15 passes. With Brock Bowers’ success on the Raiders fresh in the minds of the NFL, the Colts decide to not pass on another generational TE prospect and add a tremendous receiver and blocker to help Anthony Richardson develop.
- Atlanta Falcons — Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Campbell is a slam dunk at the linebacker spot. His athleticism flies off the chart with his 4.5, 40 yard dash and superior tackling ability. His top end coverage skills and ability to rush the passer make him the ultimate chess piece for a defense that needs a spark.
- Arizona Cardinals — Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
At 6’2, 200 pounds, Will Johnson has both the physical and mental traits to dominate receivers in the NFL. He was the Defensive MVP of Michigan’s National Championship 2 years ago, but since then has struggled with shoulder, turf toe, and now a hamstring injury, which makes his durability a serious concern. The Cardinals had one of the worst coverage units in the league last year, so they opt to gamble on the talent and snag the best defensive back in the draft at pick 16.
- Cincinnati Bengals — Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
Mike Green was the most productive edge in college football this year with an absurd 17.5 sacks. The talent of Green is obvious, but character concerns loom. The Bengals, who are no strangers to problematic talent, take a chance on Green, seeing him as a potential replacement for star DE Trey Hendrickson if he gets traded.
- Seattle Seahawks — Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
With the acquisition of Sam Darnold in Free Agency, Seattle bolsters their o-line. Sam Darnold had an excellent season last year till the final two games where he clearly struggled under immense pressure. Seattle looks to alleviate that and get Darnold back to his form at the beginning of the year. Banks possess the ability at not just tackle, but guard as well.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
Ezeiruaku had a breakout year last year, putting up 14.5 sacks and winning the Ted Hendricks award for best defensive end in the country. Ezeiruaku lacks power, but makes up for it in bend-ability and great IQ and technique. The Buccaneers have solid depth at the position with the likes of Logan Hall and Hasson Reddick, but lack a consistent starting edge, which they get with Ezeiruaku.
- Denver Broncos — Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
The Broncos keep it simple and get the player they’ve been projected to get since the end of the year. Luther Burden is expected to be a real playmaker, drawing comparisons to Deebo Samuel among others. Luther joins a WR room that needs a true stud outside of Courtland Sutton.
- Pittsburgh Steelers — Derrick Harmon, DT, Michigan State
Aaron Rodgers to the Steelers looks more likely as the days pass, so the Steelers decide against reaching for their main position of need, QB, here. With star defensive lineman Cameron Heyward aging, the Steelers decide to shore up the trenches and go with what one NFL executive called “a bigger, younger, version” of him. Standing at 6’5” and weighing 310 pounds, the big man should be able to add some much-needed depth and versatility to the Steelers defense.
- Los Angeles Chargers — Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Colston was a beast at Michigan until getting injured, and reunites with his former coach Jim Harbaugh here. Loveland is the opposite of Tyler Warren, trading versatility and playmaking ability for near perfect fundamentals in blocking and catching. He joins a receiving core where he’ll become the 2nd option behind Ladd McConkey right away.
- Green Bay Packers — Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
At only 20 years old, Georgia superstar Mykel Williams is one of the highest-upside picks in this entire draft. His physical traits, aggression, and motor are off the charts, but his lack of experience means he is inconsistent with his hands and still needs to develop the pass-rushing moves to beat NFL tackles. The Packers pass rush is incredibly light outside of Rashan Gary; drafting a future superstar to play beside him could be game-changing for their already Top-10 defense.
- Minnesota Vikings — Malachi Starks, S, Georgia
Malachi Starks from Georgia is one of the most well-rounded prospects in this draft, with an impressive football IQ to complement his breakneck speed and aggressive tackling. Unfortunately, the low positional value of safeties in the NFL makes him drop all the way down to #24. The Vikings stop his fall, adding talent at a sore position of need to bolster Brian Flores’ already top-ranked defense.
- Houston Texans — Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Josh Simmons would have been a top 5 pick this year had he not torn his ACL midway through the year. Josh has the best tape of any offensive lineman and is elite in the pass and run. If he can come back strong from the tear, he will be the perfect replacement for the departing Laremy Tunsil and provide stability at the position for years.
- Los Angeles Rams — Grey Zabel, OT, North Dakota State
Zabel comes from a smaller school in NDSU, (Niners fans may be familiar with Trey Lance who played here), but his play has been elite. The NDSU scheme is very similar to the McVay offense, allowing him to be able to make an impact from day 1. The Rams have their LT of the future in Alaric Jackson, but need quality depth and a potential replacement for Rob Havenstein.
- Baltimore Ravens — James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
A projected top 5 pick at the start of the year, Pearce Jr. had a down year, only recording 7.5 sacks this season. He’s incredibly explosive, can bend the edge as well as any edge in the draft, and has a wide array of pass rush moves. With Kyle Van Noy getting up there in age, the Ravens need an edge rusher to line up opposite Odafe Oweh. Pearce Jr. has high upside, drawing comparisons to Brian Burns, and has the potential to become one of the league’s top edges.
- Detroit Lions — Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
Booker was a two year starter and captain on a very good Alabama O-line. He is a downhill run blocker who can utilize his 6’5” 321 frame and incredible power to stop defensive lineman in their tracks. The Lions are a run heavy offense who just lost starting guard Kevin Zeitler, and could use a power run blocker like Booker to bolster their O-line.
- Washington Commanders — Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Commanders lack of edge pressure cost them down the stretch, and with the loss of Dante Fowler, they are starved for a solid edge. The Commanders take a shot at Shemar Stewart, one of the best pure athletes in the draft who had similar measurables and combine results to Myles Garrett, but lacked production in college with a career high of only 3 sacks.
- Buffalo Bills — Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Nolen was a force on the interior, and reminds many of Chiefs Chris Jones at his best. But he possesses problems in stuffing the run and has character concerns regarding his work ethic. This causes him to fall to Buffalo, who need interior defensive lineman depth,
- Kansas City Chiefs — Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Tershawn Wharton is gone to the Panthers and Chris Jones is only getting older, meaning the Chiefs need a new, young playmaker to help him anchor their defense and keep them competitive for another Super Bowl. Kenneth Grant from Michigan at pick 31 is great value and a great fit—his 6’ 5”, 340 pound size combined with his freaky athleticism should definitely clog up rushing lanes, making the lives of opposing lineman very difficult.
- Philadelphia Eagles — Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
Hassan Reddick has been gone and Brandon Graham just retired, meaning the Eagles have a serious need at edge to complement their superstars on the interior. Nic Scourton is raw due to his young age, but his power and speed off the line made him one of the best defensive players in the SEC last year. Eagles GM Howie Roseman seems addicted to adding young defensive players in the first round, and Scourton feels like the perfect fit here to finish out the first round.