2025 NFL mock draft: Way-too-early Round 1 predictions

Draft season is a year-round process, so it’s never an inappropriate time to share a 2025 NFL mock draft!

The 2024 NFL Draft just concluded a few days ago, and it has the potential to produce an incredible amount of star power, especially early on in the draft. With a record six quarterbacks selected in the first 12 picks, it was incredibly heavy on talent at the most important position in football. Three offensive tackles and three wide receivers made up the rest of those first 12 selections, showcasing just how offense-heavy the talent was this year.

The 2025 NFL Draft, from an early glance, figures to be the opposite.

There is no bonafide superstar prospect like Caleb Williams heading into the 2024 college football season. Instead, the top prospects consist heavily of defensive linemen and cornerbacks, which should bode well for teams that well offense-first in late April’s draft. That’s not to say the cupboard is bare on offense — there are a few stud receivers and offensive linemen to work with — but it’s definitely a defense-heavy class.

Much will change between now and the 2025 draft, and this isn’t meant to be a predictive exercise. Rather, this is more to get an early look at potential prospects worth keeping an eye on heading into the upcoming college football season.

Without further ado, here is my super early first mock draft for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Note: Draft order determined through PFF, adjusted for playoff positioning.

1. Carolina Panthers: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee

One could argue that the Panthers ending up at No. 1 could put Bryce Young’s starting spot in jeopardy. However, Pearce is an explosive edge rusher with elite flexibility, a high motor, and a deep arsenal of moves. He would’ve been EDGE1 on my board by a mile if he were eligible for the 2024 draft.

2. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

The cupboard is bare in New England, so they could go in a lot of different directions here. However, an elite pass protector like Campbell, who has great size, strength, body control and a high football IQ, could be a great asset for Drake Maye when he gets to Year 2.

3. Denver Broncos: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Johnson would likely be a top-10 pick were he eligible for the 2024 draft. He’s a well-rounded cornerback with the size, fluidity, instincts, ball skills and speed to be a shutdown corner in the pros. Him and Patrick Surtain Jr. in the same secondary? Forget about it.

4. Tennessee Titans: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan

Would the Titans take a quarterback here? It’s not a super strong class, they’re good at wide receiver, and they now have a solid young tackle tandem in J.C. Latham and Dillon Radunz. Graham is a freak athlete as a defensive tackle with good pad level, tremendous anchor strength and rare pass-rushing value. If you put him and Jeffery Simmons on the same defensive line, Tennesse’s defensive line would be nearly unstoppable.

5. New York Giants: Carson Beck, QB, Georgia

The Giants were in the market for a quarterback this year, and if they pick in the top 5 in 2025, they’ll likely look for one to replace Daniel Jones. Beck is arguably the most pro-ready passer in next year’s draft with impressive touch, sound throwing mechanics and good pocket presence.

6. Washington Commanders: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

Now that the Commanders have their young quarterback in Jayden Daniels, they’ll need to surround him with pieces to succeed. Banks brings an impressive combination of power and agility to the left tackle position, and he could be the blindside protector Washington needs.

7. Arizona Cardinals: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

Darius Robinson was a good addition to a weak Cardinals defensive line, but they still need much more help. Scourton dominated at Purdue with a deep pass-rushing arsenal, a quick first step and a tenacious mentality to each snap, so he could be a standout edge rusher in Tennessee’s defense if he carries that level of play to Texas A&M.

8. Minnesota Vikings: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

Morrison is slightly below Johnson on my board for the CB1 spot on my board because of Johnson’s superior size and tackling ability, but I think Morrison is more physical in coverage. He’s just as fluid, just as fast on tape, just as intelligent and attacks the ball just as well. The Notre Dame star could be a star CB1 at the next level.

9. Las Vegas Raiders: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

The Raiders have a tandem of Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell competing at quarterback, so they’ll naturally be a favorite to select a QB in Round 1. Milroe had a rough start to 2023 but has a strong arm, high-end athleticism and improving accuracy. His ceiling might be the highest as any passer in the 2025 draft.

10. Seattle Seahawks: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

Seattle’s interior defensive line is stacked with Byron Murphy II, Jarran Reed, Leonard Williams and Dre’Mont Jones. However, they could still use one edge rusher to give them a complete group. Williams is raw but has a super high ceiling at 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds with great length and a combination of speed and strength.

11. New Orleans Saints: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

Burden is my WR1 in this draft class, as he possesses elite YAC ability, tremendous vertical speed, good hands and improving route-running capabilities. The Saints are likely on the books for Derek Carr until at least after the 2025 season, so they would be smart to maximize that window.

12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

Hunter’s two-way value is incredibly rare, as he’s a natural athlete with great ball skills, both as a wide receiver and as a cornerback. He could very likely go even higher if he improves as a technician in coverage and if NFL teams figure out how to maximize his skill set, but for now, the Buccaneers take advantage and use him as a star cornerback who can work alongside Mike Evans and — if they extend him — Chris Godwin in their offense.

13. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Many thought the Colts could target Brock Bowers in this year’s draft, and though they didn’t get him, they could still get a standout tight end in 2025. Loveland is a natural pass-catcher with elite athleticism and fluidity for his position, and he has the potential to be a top-10 tight end in the NFL.

14. Pittsburgh Steelers: Deone Walker, DL, Kentucky

Assuming one of Russell Wilson or Justin Fields works out for the Steelers, the team could look for a replacement for Cameron Heyward, who turns 25 next week. Walker is a 6-foot-6, 348-pound mammoth with great run-stuffing abilities and rare athleticism and pass-rushing value for his size; he had 7.5 sacks in 2023.

15. Los Angeles Rams: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

As the Rams continue to add youth to their roster, they could have the chance to add an extremely talented safety in 2025. Starks is a do-it-all star with plenty of range in coverage, good tackling ability, loose hips and a well-built frame.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State

Burke could’ve been an early-round pick this year off his fluidity, physicality and ball skills, but if he can sharpen up on his route-recognition abilities, there’s no reason to think he can’t crack Round 1 in 2025.

17. Cleveland Browns: Harold Perkins, LB, LSU

Perkins is undersized at 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, but he’s a true jack-of-all-trades who can rush the passer, chase down ball-carriers and cover out of the slot at a very high level. His athleticism and versatility would make him a fun addition to Cleveland’s defense alongside Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.

18. Los Angeles Chargers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

The Chargers used their first-round pick to address their offensive line in this year’s draft, but they could go to the wide receiver mill in 2025. He’s a huge receiver at 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds with elite ball skills, great physicality at the catch point and good awareness of how to exploit soft spots in zone coverage. He falls out of the top 15 due to inconsistency separating from man, but he has double-digit touchdown potential in the pros.

19. Chicago Bears: Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan

This spot would have the Bears slotted as a Wild Card team, which would be a step in the right direction for a team that had the worst record in the NFL two years ago. As their offensive transformation prepares to take place, there are still some holes along the defensive line.

Grant is a behemoth at 6-foot-3 and 339 pounds who excelled at Michigan. His sheer size and power forces teams to draw double-team attention towards him. Coming out of high school, he ran a 40-yard dash at 5.00 seconds, which is an absurd time for someone of his size. He’s quick off the ball and dynamic in short areas, and he rushes with a high motor, which is apparent in how he strings together moves with his hands and how he keeps churning in his lower half.

His ability to rush as a 3-tech, 2-tech or 1-tech would be helpful for the Bears here. The big question is how he’ll fare as a full-time starter in 2024, but Grant’s physical attributes would make him a fantastic, high-upside pick at No. 19.

20. Houston Texans: Howard Cross III, DL, Notre Dame

Cross had a breakout season in 2023 for the Fighting Irish, and he has the potential to go Round 1 with another strong campaign this year. He’s undersized, but he’s a polished technician with top-notch athleticism and great gap awareness.

21. New York Jets: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Aaron Rodgers won’t be playing forever, so the Jets will need to invest in a quarterback eventually. Sanders is an accurate passer with a high football IQ, a solid arm, and the chance to take the next step in 2024 with a better offensive line at Colorado.

22. Atlanta Falcons: J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State

Tuimoloau could’ve been an early-round pick in 2024, and I expect him to go Round 1 in 2025 if he doesn’t drop off this coming season. The Falcons still need EDGE help, so an explosive, powerful player like Tuimoloau would help them a lot.

23. Miami Dolphins: Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU

The Dolphins don’t have a ton of needs, and even after drafting Patrick Paul and extending Austin Jackson — a solid starter but one they could still improve off of — their star power at offensive tackle can improve if Terron Armstead leaves or retires soon. Jones is a bit raw, but his combination of athleticism and raw power is through the roof.

24. Green Bay Packers: Jonah Savaiinaea, OT, Arizona

After trading Jordan Morgan in Round 1 this year, why not add his running mate in 2025? Savaiinaea plays with low pad level, a strong anchor and a high football IQ. This move would allow Zach Tom to kick inside.

25. Dallas Cowboys: Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon

Stewart was a solid contributor at Texas A&M amidst turnover at quarterback. He’s an elite athlete who’s explosive out of his breaks and agile after the catch. His speed would make him a great complement as a WR2 to CeeDee Lamb in Dallas.

26. Philadelphia Eagles: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

A chance to build an elite wide receiver trio in Philadelphia? Howie Roseman says, “don’t mind if I do.” Egbuka is a well-built receiver who’s a surgical route runner with good speed and impressive YAC ability who could’ve been at least a top-50 pick in 2024.

28. Cincinnati Bengals: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State

Judkins is just a step below the likes of your Bijan Robinsons and your Saquon Barkleys as a running back prospect, but he’d be an easy RB1 in most of the last few draft classes. He’s a dynamic athlete with great breakaway speed, consistent ball-carrier vision and solid pass-catching skills — he’d be a great replacement for the recently-traded Joe Mixon.

29. Buffalo Bills: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama

With a 6-foot-5 and 352-pound frame, it’s no surprise Booker is a powerful interior blocker with strong strikes and a sturdy anchor. What is surprising, though, is how coordinated he is for such a big man. That could be right up Buffalo’s alley.

29. Detroit Lions: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

Carter was an off-ball linebacker his first two years in Happy Valley but is transitioning to an EDGE role. With his size, athleticism and flexibility turning the corner, there’s a good chance he ends up going much higher than this with a strong 2024 season of tape.

30. Baltimore Ravens: Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, Louisville

A heavier edge rusher, Gillotte is a polished technician with a great understanding of how to use his hands to disengage. He’s also a powerful rusher with low pads and a high motor, and if there’s any team who knows how to get production out of edge rushers, it’s Baltimore.

31. San Francisco 49ers: Tacario Davis, CB, Arizona

The 49ers could still use a little help at cornerback, though second-rounder Renardo Green should help. Davis is a tall corner at 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds, and while his frame is a bit too gangly at this stage, he moves incredibly well for a cornerback as tall as he is.

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville

Riley was a Draft Twitter favorite prior to his decision to return to school. With his super sharp football IQ, raw speed and competitive edge, he would be a starter pretty quickly for the Chiefs.

Bonus picks

33. Chicago Bears (via Panthers): Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss

After selecting a defensive tackle in Round 1, the Bears have the chance to address their need at edge rusher with much better value with the first pick in Round 2, compared to if they took one at No. 19.

Umanmielen could’ve been an early Day 2 pick had he declared for the draft in 2024. He’s a prototypical EDGE from a physical perspective, as he has a long wingspan that helps him lock out offensive tackles at the point of attack. During his time at Florida, he demonstrated tremendous get-off speed and flexibility turning the corner. He rushes with a high motor consistently and works hard to get into the opposing backfield. With 7.0 sacks and 11.5 tackles for a loss in 2023, he looks to build upon that campaign after transferring to Ole Miss.

He may be a bit too light in his lower half at this stage, and his counter-move strategy could improve a bit. However, Umanmielen is a high-upside edge rusher with the length, athleticism and effort to be a quality pass-rusher at the next level. If you’re building a defensive line in Chicago with him, Montez Sweat, Kenneth Grant and Gervon Dexter, it’s going to be very tough for offensive lines to stop that group.

51. Chicago Bears: Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame

The Bears went offense-heavy in the 2024 draft, and rightfully so. Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze figure to be immediate contributors, and Kiran Amegadjie has future starter potential at either tackle or guard. I’m operating under the assumption Chicago retains one of Teven Jenkins and Nate Davis, while the other one is replaced by Amegadjie and both tackles remaining in place. I’m not moved by the 2025 center class yet, so that may be a better focus for free agency.

Instead, the Bears could look to safety, where they may need a long-term option after Kevin Byard. Watts led the FBS with 7 interceptions in 2023 on his way to a Bronko Nagurski Trophy-winning season. Originally a wide receiver coming into college, his background on offense is apparent in his athleticism and ball skills. He tracks the best very well in coverage, and he’s a fluid mover who can thrive in a centerfielder-type role. He’s also incredibly versatile, playing 245 snaps as a deep safety, 218 snaps in the box, and 207 snaps in the slot in 2023.

Watts will need to work on his consistency in the run game, but he’s a valuable coverage safety who would fit well alongside Jaquan Brisker. Should the Bears come away with this haul in the 2025 NFL Draft, one could argue they wouldn’t have a single glaring need on their defense.