UPDATED: 4/24

The 2025 NFL Draft is TODAY. So we're doing one last FINAL update of our 2025 Mock Draft. The news and rumors are STILL trickling in as we laid out in our most recent article today so we have to stay on top of the rumblings in our mock draft as well!

The game now is identifying which rumors are true and which are your classic smokescreen. Without deviating too far from our gut instincts, this final mock draft has the best balance of our own research and the leanings from industry insiders. Let me know on Twitter at CoopAFiasco where you think I've hit or missed the mark!

 

 

Final 2025 NFL First Round Mock Draft

Do I think Cam Ward is the best prospect in this draft? No. Do I think Cam Ward is the best prospect at the most important position in football? Yes. 

When our first mock came out, the rumors had only begun of a Shedeur Sanders slide. Now it’s all but officially confirmed that the Tennessee Titans will select Cam Ward first overall. 

Shedeur Sanders was long projected for this pick. But, in light of recent developments and comments from Browns GM Andrew Berry, I’m feeling more and more confident about the Browns taking Hunter at this spot. 

And Berry is absolutely spot on with his comments. He’s going to be a good NFL player whether it’s at WR or CB but, if you can figure out how to use him both ways, you can end up with a unicorn like Shohei Ohtani in baseball. He’s the best overall prospect in this class. And once you start using the name Shohei Ohtani yourself, it feels odd to not pick that guy.

Abdul Carter is not only a top prospect but he’s a top prospect at a premium position.  His already-polished combination of moves and speed make him a guy that can pressure the quarterback for any defense from Day One. 

He hasn’t worked out this offseason with a shoulder injury and foot issue but that shouldn’t deter teams. A guy like Jeffrey Simmons actually tore his ACL in February before the draft in 2019 and the Titans still made the correct decision to make him their first round pick. I find it hard to believe many Giants fans would be upset with this selection. 

I previously had the Patriots getting Travis Hunter here in a slide. But it seems more and more likely that Hunter will go 2. I strongly believe that the Patriots take the “best available” player and it doesn’t get safer than Campbell. Like Zack Martin in the 2014 NFL Draft, there aren’t many questions about whether he can be a good NFL lineman - the questions are about whether or not he can play offensive tackle.

Martin played every snap of college football at tackle and every snap of NFL football at guard. And he just wrapped up a Hall of Fame career. I’m not saying Campbell is a Hall of Fame caliber player but the knocks on him at tackle aren’t much of a problem at guard. Virtually every redo of the 2014 NFL Draft has Zack Martin going top 5.

The Panthers have been dreaming about Jalon Walker sliding to them at 8. But the steam has recently been growing around Walker to the point that their dream may be dissipating I think they decide to just move up and pay what it takes to ensure that dream is a reality.

Now, there is a recent all out information blitz about the Jaguars taking Ashton Jeanty here. But I think it's posturing for a trade because they know the Raiders want him. I don't think anyone bites on Jeanty but I think the Panthers do on Walker. And don't be surprised if the return isn't huge for Jacksonville either to move back. I'm not saying it will be “the Raiders let the Dolphins move from 12 to 3 for only a second round pick like in 2013" cheap. But this class is fairly flat after the first few guys. 

Raiders new general manager John Spytek was obviously joking around when he told reporters that his son “threatened to leave the family” if the Raiders passed on Ashton Jeanty at 6. But Spytek’s son has a point. 

If the very best prospects of all time at their position, like Saquon Barkley or Calvin Johnson, are graded as an A+, Ashton Jeanty is an A. Or at least an A-. He has rare contact balance that allows him to virtually never get tackled in one-on-one situations at the second level. And it’s a glaring position of need for Las Vegas. After the Jaguars media scare, they still get their guy. 

The 49ers lost some key pieces as part of their bid to pay Brock Purdy. But they still have George Kittle, Jauan Jennings, and Ricky Pearsall with Brandon Aiyuk returning later in the season. That and Christian McCaffrey give them plenty of weapons.

They need to beef up the offensive line. And, per Pro Football Focus, Membou was top 10 in college football in snaps in outside zone situations which should make him a perfect scheme fit for the 49ers. He can start at right tackle right away though it’s hard to say if he’s good enough to be the eventual successor to Trent Williams at left tackle. 

Folks might be confused by this one after they just hit on Brian Thomas last year. But Liam Coen can immediately transform this offense by recreating a younger version of the combo he had in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. They already jettisoned Christian Kirk and Evan Engram to clear out that Chris Godwin slot role for Brian Thomas 

Tet McMillan is the top prospect in this draft to play the Mike Evans split end role. If you can pick up Brian Thomas Jr’s fifth year option without him holding out, you’d have both players on an affordable deal through 2028 at one of the league’s most expensive positions. And I'm sure if they play at a high level the Jags would be happy to extend them for years like the Bucs have with their guys. The Jaguars roll the dice by trading back and still getting the player they want.

 

 

 

Mickey Loomis and the Saints love two things - being in salary cap hell and trading up in the draft. In this case though, they don’t need to trade up, they just need to stay put and reach a little bit. Derek Carr sticking with the team on a restructure is more of a necessity than it is a plan for the future. And Dart can take time to learn before the veteran QB. 

It’s easy to forget that Patrick Mahomes sat behind a serviceable professional in Alex Smith for a year which Andy Reid claims was invaluable for his evolution. Dart has gotten as much steam as anyone over the last month and the Saints can’t wait around and risk the Steelers moving up. Some might be shocked to see Dart go ahead of Shedeur Sanders but those paying attention know the Saints love Dart. 

This could be viewed as a luxury pick for the Chicago Bears. And, in many ways, it is. But the Lions signing David Montgomery then drafting Jahmyr Gibbs at 12 overall was also seen as excessive. And that turned out just find. The 6’0”, 220 pound Hampton is the perfect candidate to play that David Montgomery role with D’Andre Swift operating as their version of Gibbs. 

The prudent play might be to select lineman Will Campbell here but they traded for Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson in the offseason while signing Drew Dalman so they used free agency to beef up the trenches already. 

When was the last time a difference-making tight end naturally made it to free agency? Jonnu Smith and Evan Engram were released for scheme reasons but they weren’t free agents who’s contracts expired. 

Even if we include Engram this tweet below lists the highest paid free agent tight ends over the last 3 years to change teams. Tight end is becoming an important yet scarce position vs. modern defenses utilizing cover 6 and cover 8. Tyler Warren was the “main character” at Penn State lining up inline, at wide receiver, and even wildcat QB. 

The Jets know the 49ers aren’t taking a TE when they make the trade, they know the Saints just extended Juwan Johnson, and they know the Bears have Cole Kmet under contract at 3 years $33M so they can take this risk knowing that one of Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland will be there. 

Cowboys fans might not love this one at face value. Jerry Jones has teased everyone with trade rumors. And they may be a little bit raw still from the Mazi Smith pick not being a difference maker. Everyone wants a wide receiver or running back but you sometimes just have to go best available rather than the flashy weapon.

Graham had widely been regarded as a top 5 pick until recently so they are getting a decent discount. They lost DeMarcus Lawrence this offseason and, though Graham plays 3 technique inside, he can create disruption alongside Micah Parsons from day one. 

I’ve had Will Johnson here from the start and it only makes more sense now that GM Chris Grier publicly mentioned they are open to trading Jalen Ramsey. 

There are arguments that Jahdae Barron might be the better overall player but Johnson, with his length, can play outside corner for Miami right away. His long frame has some comping him to guys like Christian Gonzalez and Jaycee Horn.

If Loveland went to the Jets and Warren to the Colts, I would not be surprised either. Both teams need a tight end. The Colts have essentially been patching the position together with a rotation for the last seven years. The three snap leaders last year were blocking tight ends Mo Alie-Cox (475) and Drew Ogletree (439) with pass-catching option Kylen Granson. 

Alie-Cox and Granson are now gone so they can add Loveland as their primary pass-catching tight end with Drew Ogletree as a blocking option. Loveland is deadly from a “big slot” or wing spot if you want to operate that way. 

Sometimes picks just line up perfectly. We mentioned Williams as a riser in our most recent news and rumors article so he could be gone before this. His two sack performance against Kelvin Banks (who we have going next) is still fresh in a lot of people's minds. But I think he ends up available here for the Falcons at 15. 

Jeff Ulbrich has historically run a lot of 3-4 but he claims he plans to do something "that’s maybe never been done before scheme-wise”, per The Athletic. That sounds like something that will require versatile athletes on the edge which is exactly what you would get from either Jalon Walker or Mykel Williams. You also get bonus points with the fans with either since they are Georgia Bulldogs. 

Many think that Kyler Murray scrambles a lot. And, to some degree, he does. But was also a top 3 QB in terms of throwing the ball in under 2 seconds, as we wrote in our recent piece on Marvin Harrison 

Basically, he’s either throwing it quickly or bailing on the play. That doesn’t allow the play to develop or for him to get through his reads. They have the weapons so now they need an offensive line that can hold up. 

 

 

 

Whether or not they figure things out with Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals need help on defense. With Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Mike Gesicki, they invest plenty of money in the offense - now it’s time to invest draft capital on the other side of the ball. 

Mike Green can make an immediate impact and, if they can convince Hendrickson to stay, now their pass-rush is looking pretty formidable. 

It’s not often that teams trade with division rivals. But I could see the Rams paying a pretty penny to move up and get a guy that some believe is the best defensive back in the draft. Les Snead has never been shy about trading away picks. 

Barron is a versatile player that can play safety, corner, or nickel which fits perfectly with what the Rams want to do on the backend. Seattle fans might be disappointed with the decision and they’ll probably also be disappointed with who I project them to draft.

After convincing Chris Godwin to say and hitting on Bucky Irving last year, the Buccaneers are set at weapons on offense. They are certainly a trade candidate but Jihaad Campbell sliding to this spot would be too good to give up on. 

Like every position, Alabama was loaded with edge rushers with guys like Will Anderson Jr. so Campbell had to learn to play some off-ball linebacker. That was a blessing in disguise as he still has great pass-rushing tools but is a much more versatile player. 

This is one of the best RB classes we’ve seen since 2017. Not only are the Broncos lacking at the top of the running back depth chart but TreVeyon Henderson is the perfect fit for what they like to do. 

With Courtland Sutton, Evan Engram, TreVeyon Henderson, and their field-stretchers in Marvin Mims and Troy Franklin, the Broncos have the weapons they need for Bo Nix. Offensive Coordinator Joe Lombardi absolutely LOVES throwing it to the running back.

We previously had Jalen Milroe here. But, as NFL insider Charles Robinson recently said, Sanders being available here could “wipe the Steelers board”.

Some of the key complaints about Sanders has been his attitude so who better to place him with than Mike Tomlin who has dealt with the egos of Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, Diontae Johnson, and George Pickens? He could fall right into the lap of the team that could give him an opportunity right away. 

A lot of folks love guys like Luther Burden and Emeka Egbuka - as do I. But they have too many overlapping traits with what Ladd McConkey does.

Los Angeles already has a slot/flanker in McConkey and big-bodied split end options on the outside in Quentin Johnston and Mike Williams so Golden offers them the element of field-stretching speed as a flanker. It might not translate well to fantasy football but taking those safeties with you is important for real life football. 

The order that these EDGE players go in this draft is fairly uncertain. You could potentially have Mykel Williams and Shemar Stewart swapped here. But I believe the recent rise of Williams could precipitate a bit of a fall for Stewart - and a discount for Green Bay. 

Many want Green Bay to select a wide receiver here. But, with Jayden Reed manning the slot, there’s just too much overlap with the top guys on my board. They can take a stab on an outside wide receiver like a Tre Harris or a Jayden Higgins later on.

Safety is not a premium position - otherwise guys like Malaki Starks and Nick Emmanwori would be going earlier. Both are great players and great options for the Vikings but they already have Josh Metellus as the hard hitting strong safety which is what Emmanwori brings to the table. 

Starks spent time at both nickel and safety so he could start out in a hybrid role before eventually taking over at free safety for a 36-year-old Harrison Smith.

 

 

 

Sometimes with a mock draft you have to listen to the rumors and projections from those close to the team. And the word is that they love Josh Simmons. They could certainly use a wide receiver with Stefon Diggs gone and Tank Dell set to miss the season. 

But this wide receiver class is relatively “flat” so I think they can get one in subsequent rounds in a similar tier to what they would have taken here. There are only so many offensive linemen in the top tier so Simmons is harder to replicate with later picks.

A lot of people want the Seahawks to take a wide receiver here. But the scheme that Klint Kubiak runs uses the fullback and multiple tight ends. So the WR3 really doesn’t play anything close to a full-time role. With Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp, it’s not a huge priority. 

The Seahawks have already tracked back in my mock and the smart move is to take the best available player which is interior offensive lineman Tyler Booker. Klint Kubiak and Rick Dennison want to pound the rock and Booker will be a part of that zone run scheme right from the rip.

The Baltimore Ravens are pretty strict about their value-based drafting system. If there is no one left in their top tier, they won’t be afraid to trade out of the first. The Tennessee Titans, after adding QB Cam Ward, make a bold play here and trade back in to get Emeka Egbuka. The Bears did something similar last year providing their young QB Caleb Williams with DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze.

The Titans will now have Calvin Ridley and the recently signed Tyler Lockett on the outside with Egbuka operating in the slot. That's basically how both Jaxon Smith-Njigba (DK Metcalf/Tyler Lockett) and Chris Godwin (Mike Evans/DeSean Jackson) started their careers. Chris Godwin is a favorite upside comp of mine for Egbuka and his career path could follow a similar trajectory. I previously considered Luther Burden here, but character concerns now have Burden out of the first round for me. 

There are a lot of defensive line options here so I would not be surprised to see them take someone like James Pearce or Derrick Harmon. 

But Ezeiruaku out of Boston College best fits their needs in terms of size plus pass-rush combo. With Za’Darius Smith gone, they will need someone opposite Aiden Hutchinson. 

The Commanders were a surprise last year going as deep as they did. They made moves on defense during the season grabbing Marshon Lattimore and they made a move this offseason to get Deebo Samuel. 

They really could use some help along the offensive line so taking the best available option in Gray Zabel makes a lot of sense. 

Pass rush from the interior is trendy at the NFL level, especially after the way the Eagles got to Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl. All the reports on Harmon suggest that he has a nonstop motor and keeps fighting to make a play regardless of whether it’s a double team or a run to the far side. 

There are a few good defensive interior guys that could help the Bills, but Harmon is the best of what is left in my rankings.

It’s a copycat league. The Eagles just beat the Chiefs with a devastating front seven. The Chiefs could improve their own front seven with a number of great options on the interior in this year’s class. 

If the Bills take Derrick Harmon at 30 as I have projected, I could see the Chiefs coming right back and taking Nolan. Or vice versa. 

Despite the attempts by the Bills and Chiefs to block the Eagles from finding a Milton Williams replacement, they find one anyway. Grant is a big fella and a monster in the run game but hasn’t been as dominant against the pass. 

The Eagles have had so much success developing guys into pass-rushers that I think they could take a shot on the big guy with hopes they can turn him into a super star. 

 

 

 

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