Between now and the start of the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, change is inevitable. Players will rise and fall in Round One projections based on how the NFL Scouting Combine and free agency shake out for all 32 clubs.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been allotted the 19th overall pick in the first round, which was the same spot where they landed Pittsburgh product Calijah Kancey in 2023. The Bucs will likely turn their focus to the defensive side of the ball in the first round, with edge, linebacker, cornerback and safety as the team's top-touted needs.
Senior Writer/Editor Scott Smith posted our first mock draft last week and the two of us will be rotating publications until the actual draft in April. The draft order below does not feature any trades and follows the current 2025 NFL draft order. Without further ado, let's kick it off!
- Tennessee Titans: QB Cameron Ward, Miami
Tennessee needs an answer at quarterback and if the team opts to go in the quarterback direction via the draft, Cam Ward is the current consensus favorite to be the first off the board. If there is not enough conviction on this year's class and the Titans elect to grab a top veteran quarterback available in free agency, this selection will shift next month depending on their course of action. The Hurricanes' quarterback possesses a high ceiling and pairs effective mobility with immense arm strength. Ward can execute a variety of throws from different release angles outside of structure and was named a First-Team AP All-American and Davey O'Brien Award recipient for his play during his final season of eligibility at Miami.
- Cleveland Browns: Edge Abdul Carter, Penn State
If Myles Garrett succeeds in getting the Browns to honor his trade request, the club will have a huge void to fill on the edge. Luckily for Cleveland, they have a plethora of names to choose from in arguably the deepest talent pool of the 2025 class. Abdul Carter produced a unanimous All-American season with the Nittany Lions as a junior after leading college football in tackles for loss. He has drawn comparisons to another consensus All-American at Penn State in Micah Parsons. Carter started out as an off-ball linebacker but reached another level after being moved to the edge full-time. He has a lethal combination of first-step quickness, speed and change-of-direction skills. Carter can also be used to drop in coverage with his athleticism and background at Penn State, providing versatility for the Browns.
- New York Giants: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
The Giants moved forward with the duo of Head Coach Brian Daboll and General Manager Joe Schoen and the franchise is seeking an upgrade at quarterback. Shedeur Sanders is no stranger to the spotlight with his Hall of Fame father, Deion Sanders (Coach PRIME), and the lights in the Big Apple would not be too bright for the young, polished passer. Sanders has a smooth throwing motion and can make any throw on the gridiron. The Colorado product plays with a high football IQ and mental fortitude. Sanders took a brutal number of sacks (99) over the previous two years with a shaky offensive line, but displayed poise under pressure and outstanding ball placement. He is not a dangerous runner but his accuracy and intangibles make him a first-rounder.
- New England Patriots: CB Travis Hunter, Colorado
The Patriots cannot pass on the tantalizing versatility of two-way player Travis Hunter. He is one of the most unique players to enter the draft in decades, regarded as the 'best player available' at not just one position, but two. New England is in need of a dynamic weapon for Drake Maye and Travis Hunter definitely fits that criterion – among others. The Patriots still need to address the offensive line, but Hunter's prolific ball skills at both receiver and cornerback secure the selection. The Heisman Trophy winner is skilled at high-pointing the ball and winning in contested catch scenarios. His route recognition makes him proficient at reading the quarterback as a zone corner or in off-man coverage. Hunter is adept at picking up yards after the catch and at generating separation with suddenness.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: DL Mason Graham, Michigan
The Jaguars have made significant contributions to the defensive line in recent years but it has not paid off with success. The Jaguars finished last season as one of the worst-ranked defensive units, including 32nd in pass defense. In order to help out the coverage unit, the Jaguars need to bolster the interior of their front. Michigan's Mason Graham has an upside as both a pass rusher and as a run defender. He is quick to push the pocket, achieving penetration, and plays with strength at the point of attack against the run. Graham wins with leverage and quickness off the line.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
The Raiders could move up to select a quarterback but with no trades in this mock and both quarterbacks already off the board, Las Vegas goes after another stellar offensive weapon to add to its nucleus, joining sensation Brock Bowers, who took the NFL by storm as a rookie tight end in 2024. Tetairoa McMillan wins in contested catch situations and possesses the physicality and catch radius to execute back-shoulder fades. The tall receiver creates mismatches against smaller defensive backs. He may not have top-end speed, but is an advanced route runner that plays with superb body control. McMillan utilizes his size effectively in the red zone and he would help bolster the Raiders' aerial attack.
- New York Jets: CB Will Johnson, Michigan
D.J. Reed is an impending free agent set to hit the open market and new Head Coach Aaron Glenn, who prioritized physicality in Detroit, will carry that belief system to the Jets. Will Johnson is a big, fluid cornerback with impressive pre-snap recognition and read-react skills. He is adept at anticipating throws, putting himself in position to generate takeaways. Johnson is smooth in transitions and would help elevate the Jets' secondary.
- Carolina Panthers: Edge James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
Carolina had the NFL's lowest quarterback pressure rate in 2024 at 25.5% per Next Gen Stats and the club needs to find a long-term replacement for Brian Burns. Carolina signed Jadeveon Clowney to help fortify the team's pass rush in Burns' absence last offseason but given that Clowney is 32 years old, the Panthers look for an ignitor in the draft. James Pearce Jr. is explosive at the top of his rushes and possesses an impressive speed-to-power conversion. He utilizes his length to his advantage and has a feel for how to gain optimal positioning through leverage to collapse the pocket.
- New Orleans Saints: Edge Mykel Williams, Georgia
The Saints need an infusion of youth along their defensive line. New Orleans has several players slated to hit free agency, including Chase Young and Payton Turner – two of the team's top-four rushers in terms of defensive snaps. New Head Coach Kellen Moore snags one of the most heralded edge rushers of the class in Mykel Williams. Williams uses his length to keep tackles and tight ends at bay, while covering ground with closing burst. He made a living in the backfield at Georgia, with more than 30% of his tackles culminating in a loss. Williams can rush from a variety of alignments and plays with a relentless temperament.
- Chicago Bears: OT Will Campbell, LSU
Ben Johnson addresses the Bears' offensive line woes by acquiring Will Campbell to help keep Caleb Williams upright in the pocket. Campbell, the top offensive line prospect in this year's draft, has the quickness to excel in space on zone plays and the power to ignite a between-the-tackles scheme. He finishes at the second level and effortlessly navigates combo blocks. Several of the Bears' interior linemen are impending free agents and Campbell has the flexibility to slide to the middle in the NFL. He plays light on his feet and possesses the range/mobility to create space at the point of attack to stretch defenses – a trait Johnson covets. Campbell is a scheme-versatile option that would bolster the trenches in the Windy City. With a stout anchor, he will help create depth for Williams to work.
- San Francisco 49ers: OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
The 49ers need to add reinforcements along the line. Future Hall of Famer Trent Williams is under contract for 2025, but at 37 years old, San Francisco has to plan for the future. Colton McKivitz, the club's right tackle, is also slated to become a free agent next offseason and the Niners proactively get ahead of the potential exodus next march at the tackle position, selecting Josh Simmons. Simmons can compete for the job at right tackle and learn from Williams, who is the standard at his position in the league. Simmons combines spatial awareness, balance and change-of-direction skills, which are seemingly prerequisite traits for a Niners' lineman. San Francisco's offense is predicated on getting skill players out in space to generate yards-after-catch and Simmons has experience in a variety of run schemes for the Buckeyes, including zone with gap principles mixed in. In pass protection, Simmons plays with effective pad level and clean timing on his anchor.
- Dallas Cowboys: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
The Cowboys could opt to draft a receiver in the first round, but given the backfield production last year and the value that Ashton Jeanty would bring to the passing game - creating another outlet for Dak Prescott besides CeeDee Lamb – the Cowboys draft a running back. Jeanty plays with elite contact balance and good acceleration through the initial line of defense. He is patient in letting blocks develop and displays excellent vison at navigating traffic and tight quarters. Jeanty absorbs attempted tackles to gain additional yards and can quickly get to top speed in the open field. In 2024, Jeanty averaged 7.0 yards per carry for 2,601 yards with 29 touchdowns, and while taking a running back early in the draft has become contrary to the norm in a pass-happy league, Jeanty presents a skillset that could make Jerry Jones break the mold on draft night. Jeanty has natural hands and could become a mismatch for linebackers.
- Miami Dolphins: S Malaki Starks, Georgia
Protecting Tua Tagovailoa is a priority in Miami and the team's brass could decide to go the route of a tackle in the first round, but safety is also among their list of needs. Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer are headed to free agency and Mike McDaniel has to fill the void on the back end. Miami could try to get in the ring for Jeremy Chinn, Tre'von Moehrig or Justin Reid but with limited cap space and the potential need for two starters, taking Malaki Starks with the 13th pick checks the box. Starks has ball-hawk skills and the speed to stay in phase/challenge deep threats. He attacks the ball with strength and plays with awareness in zone. Starks is quick in-and-out of breaks and would help solidify the Dolphins' secondary against AFC East receivers.
- Indianapolis Colts: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
As Anthony Richardson works through his progressions, having a big target in Tyler Warren would help take the pressure off. There is chatter that Warren could go in the top 10 but if he is there at 14, this seems like a match made in heaven. The Penn State star has the quickness at the top of routes to excel in the short-to-intermediate area and the recognition to exploit soft spots in zone. Warren has the disposition to win in contested catch situations and the first-team All-American terrorized defenses in 2024. The hybrid is able to extend beyond his frame to haul in grabs and he uses his long-striding speed to his advantage after the catch. With his background as a quarterback, Warren has an unconventional understanding of how to manipulate defensive backs and can line up anywhere along the formation from a tight bunch to split wide.
- Atlanta Falcons: WR Luther Burden, Missouri
The Falcons could certainly address a need at edge with this pick, however, for the last four drafts, Atlanta has selected an offensive skill player: Kyle Pitts, Drake London, Bijan Robinson and Michael Penix Jr. There has been controversy over the methods and Raheem Morris could take a different approach in April and pick a pass rusher – as most mocks are predicting – but with Luther Burden III falling to 15, it is too good of an offer for the Falcons to refuse. Despite a dip in production in 2024 compared to his 2023 campaign in which he crossed the 1,000-yard receiving threshold, Burden still remains one of the top receivers in the class and excels in space with the football in his hands. Granted, Missouri's overall passing game decline should also be factored into that stat line, proving that it may be more situational-based than regression. Burden can adjust to throws downfield without breaking stride and pairs vision and contact balance to generate YAC. He brings physicality as a blocker and is a versatile weapon who can line up anywhere. It seems the Falcons have adopted the Niners' playbook in acquiring athletic position-less players (Cordarrelle Patterson, Pitts, Robinson) and Burden could be the next chess piece.
- Arizona Cardinals: Edge Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
The Cardinals continue to add talent to their defensive front and do so with Shemar Stewart, who continues to rise on draft boards. He posted just 4.5 sacks in 37 games but Stewart left onlookers salivating at the Senior Bowl with an impactful week of practices in Mobile. Stewart drew countless superlatives from league executives during week evaluations and has the physical tools to climb during pre-draft deliberations. Stewart combines rare size, explosion and length to make him a highly-coveted prospect. He threatens opponents with first-step burst and has the closing speed to track down ball-carriers from the backside. Stewart often beats offensive linemen around the arc with an insane first step off the snap and the Cardinals take their guy.
- Cincinnati Bengals: DL Walter Nolen, Mississippi
I originally planned on the Bengals snagging a receiver but with the club reportedly willing to use the franchise tag to continue negotiations on a long-term deal with Tee Higgins, I shifted course. With the departure of D.J. Reader last offseason and both B.J. Hill and Sheldon Rankins impending free agents in this year's cycle, the Bengals add reinforcements to the defensive line with Mississippi's Walter Nolen. When isolated in a one-on-one, Nolen gains the upper hand with twitchy athleticism and play strength. He charges into blockers with violence and has the potential to serve as a three-down interior lineman with his ability to push the pocket. Nolen can overwhelm with power and absorb double teams. He plays with active hands and his motor never stops.
- Seattle Seahawks: OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
Seattle has invested in the trenches in recent years and it continues here with Kelvin Banks. Banks could start at guard or move to tackle if injuries pile up. Kenneth Walker III will enjoy having Banks out in front on lead-pulls. The former Longhorn has the wheels to move in space to elevate the screen game and he displays smooth footwork in pass protection. Banks is skilled at setting up a rusher with methodical hand placement to establish leverage on outside/inside moves. He is efficient on combination blocks and will help boost the Seahawks' line.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Edge Mike Green, Marshall
The Buccaneers did not pick up the fifth-year option on Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and he is slated to hit free agency, along with outside linebackers Anthony Nelson and Shaquil Barrett. Tampa Bay bolsters the defensive front in round one with the 2024 FBS leader in sacks (17), Mike Green. Green has rapidly climbed draft boards with his dominant performance in one-on-one competition and individual drills at the Senior Bowl. Notably, when placed against first-round graded tackle Josh Conerly Jr. in Mobile, Green utilized a bull rush and drove him into the ground. If Green falls to 19, Jason Licht and co. grab the instinctive rusher off the board. A finalist for the Ted Hendricks Award and the Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Green, ranked second in the FBS with 22.5 tackles for loss. He can win with brute force or finesse with various maneuvers and transitions in his bag of tricks. Green plays with a violent demeanor in the trenches and explosive power – the element that the Bucs' brass covets most in rushers. Both Barrett and Yaya Diaby have that quality in spades and have worked to harness their power to achieve dominion in Tampa Bay, and Green could be the next pupil for Todd Bowles to weaponize in pressure packages. Green's burst, leg drive, rush counters and active hands propel him into the backfield, where he has built his permanent address.
- Denver Broncos: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
The Broncos found their franchise quarterback in Bo Nix and the team's brass needs to surround him with weapons to join Courtland Sutton. Colston Loveland is a do-it-all chess piece that would help elevate their offense. Loveland can line up all over the field to create mismatches. He has the short-area quickness and suddenness to excel on short routes in the intermediate area and is adept at running option routes and like Bucs' Mike Evans, his hardwood background is evident in high-point situations. Loveland is a willing blocker and has the speed to threaten vertically. Defenses will have to choose who to place on Loveland, as both linebackers and nickel corners got exposed at the collegiate level in going up against the natural pass catcher.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
The Steelers are set to lose Cameron Sutton, James Pierre, C.J. Henderson and Donte Jackson in free agency and the club needs to add depth to star opposite Joey Porter Jr. The Steelers could go after a vested veteran like D.J. Reed or one of the other players set to hit the open market in March, but Pittsburgh snags Benjamin Morrison. Morrison is a well-rounded cornerback who has shown the ability to play both outside and in the slot for the Fighting Irish. He combines, physicality, a fluid backpedal and an outstanding understanding of leverage/positioning against receivers. Morrison attacks the ball at the catch point and is a compelling draw for his versatility in coverage.
- Los Angeles Chargers: WR Matthew Goldon, Texas
The Chargers need another weapon for Justin Herbert besides Ladd McConkey. Los Angeles has prioritized the line and now it is time for them to acquire a skill player to bolster the aerial attack. McConkey has been a dynamic weapon for the Chargers' out of the slot with crisp breaks but the club needs a complement to stretch the field. Matthew Goldon has burst off the line to create explosive plays deep and the long speed to keep defensive backs honest. He kept cornerbacks on their heels with speed variations in-and-out of breaks and lined up at the X, Z and slot positions for Texas. Goldon's acceleration can take the top off a defense and he is adept at selling a go-route, then working back to the quarterback once the DB commits. He would add another element to the Chargers' passing game.
- Green Bay Packers: CB Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina
The Packers could move on from Jaire Alexander this offseason, which would create a vacancy in the team's backfield. Matt LaFleur once again goes the defensive route and Green Bay takes East Carolina's Shavon Revel Jr. off the board. Revel utilizes his length and physicality to jam receivers at the line to disrupt routes and has the straight-line speed to stay with deep threats and for recovery. Revel has natural ball skills and is fluid in transitions. He is an intriguing prospect and has the capability of playing in both man and zone-heavy schemes. Revel would help strengthen the secondary in the Frozen Tundra.
- Minnesota Vikings: S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
With Harrison Smith slated for free agency, the Vikings fill the void with Nick Emmanwori. Under the direction of Brian Flores, Emmanwori has the potential to become an enforcer in Minnesota. Emmanwori has a rare blend of traits including speed, length and range in space. He has the flexibility to line up in the post, come down in the box, or match with pass-catching tight ends and running backs. Emmanwori was a force for the Gamecocks and showed his proficiency at creating turnovers.
- Houston Texans: C/G Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
The Texans need a boost in the interior of their offensive line, evidenced by C.J. Stroud running for his life on numerous occasions as protection broke down. Grey Zabel has moved up on draft boards after a phenomenal debut in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. He turned heads for his production against top competition at the all-star festivities and plays with a tough disposition. He took guard and center reps during the week of practices after playing primarily at left tackle for the Bison and made his presence felt. Zabel won every single rep during one-on-ones and was named the 'Senior Bowl Practice Player of the Week' on Feb. 1 in a poll from NFL executives. He plays with quick hands and agile feet in pass protection and possesses the versatility to play multiple positions on the line. He has a stout anchor and is adept at diagnosing and picking up loopers on twists.
- Los Angeles Rams: OT Armand Membou, Missouri
The Rams invest in the trenches and do so by adding Armand Membou at pick 26. He delivers a jarring pop at the point of contact and lateral range to create rush lanes, expanding his set point. Membou plays with elite body control and can mirror rushers around the arc with athleticism. He finishes his blocks with power and the 2024 AP second-team All-SEC player spurred Missouri's zone-based run scheme – helping the transition to a Sean McVay offense. Membou is an explosive mover in space and would be an ideal fit for the Rams.
- Baltimore Ravens: IOL Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
The Ravens will have to reload their line at several positions, with Ronnie Staley, Patrick Mekari and Ben Cleveland all set to become free agents. Donovan Jackson was thrust into action at left tackle for the Buckeyes after Josh Simmons was injured and was an All-American at left guard. Jackson is effective on pulls for counter gap runs and as an outside-zone blocker. He is a finisher at the second level and his fluid movement skills would ignite the Ravens' ground attack. Jackson has the core power to prevent the bull rush. He brings a physical presence and is effective downhill. Jackson can redirect against subpackages and will help solidify Baltimore's frontline.
- Detroit Lions: Edge Jalon Walker, Georgia
The Lions need another pass rusher to join Aidan Hutchinson in Detroit. There is a lot of disparity among mock drafts regarding Jalon Walker's placement, ranging from top-10 to late selection. He was named the Butkus Award Winner and concluded the 2024 campaign with 61 tackles and 6.5 sacks. Walker is currently undersized for full-time edge duties and is developing instincts off the ball. The former Bulldog is a hybrid player that has sensational closing speed. He could be utilized as a blitzer and split time between off-ball linebacker and edge. Walker has acceleration to attack the edge and is strong at the point of attack. He has the change-of-direction necessary to cover tight ends and running backs on option routes and Dan Campbell grabs the Georgia product.
- Washington Commanders: WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
The Commanders need to add another playmaker for Jayden Daniels. Terry McLaurin is a household name in the NFL and lines up on the outside 85% of the time, compared to just 14% in the slot. The addition of Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka would foster growth in the unit and provide Kliff Kingsbury with another player in his arsenal. Egbuka, a chain-mover, is a playmaker out of the slot with precision on routes. With quickness out of breaks, he exposes defenders in off coverage when given a free release. Egbuka runs a variety of routes including two-way-go's, outbreakers and corners. He is a high-effort blocker and could contribute on stalk blocks to elevate the Commanders' ground game. Egbuka is lethal in the short-to-intermediate area and would help the offense reach new heights.
- Buffalo Bills: DL Kenneth Grant, Michigan
Adding a player like Kenneth Grant to reinforce the interior of the defensive line would help the Bills get one step closer to besting the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game that has eluded the club in recent years. Grant has the capability of splitting double teams with power and the projected nose tackle can knock blockers back. He strikes with purpose and uses his length and hands to take command at the point of attack. Grant's size and base make him a challenge to displace in one-on-one situations.
- Kansas City Chiefs: OT Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota
The Chiefs address their offensive line woes via the draft and take Aireontae Ersery. Patrick Mahomes was sacked six times in the Super Bowl and this move would allow Ersery to return to his hometown of Kansas City. He continues to raise his stock on mocks and executes combo blocks with ease. Ersery is a talented zone run blocker and disrupts at the second level. The former Gopher has an explosive first step off the line and utilizes his raw linear power and length to put himself in advantageous positions against pass rushers.
- Philadelphia Eagles: Edge Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
Coming off a Super Bowl victory, the Eagles' roster is stacked but there are areas that need shoring up. The team's success has been achieved through an impenetrable defense and the Champs invest in the defensive line with Nic Scourton. His addition will likely strike fear in offensive coordinators around the NFC East. Scourton has a thick frame and sneaky athleticism. The former Aggie is physical at the point of attack and collapses the pocket with a nasty bull rush and spin move in his repertoire. Scourton plays with a relentless motor and due to his unique skillset, A&M and Purdue used him as a standup outside linebacker, dropping him in coverage on occasion. He can fill a variety of roles for the Eagles, enhancing their defense.
