The NFL's 32 teams will bring 257 new players into the league over the three days of the 2025 draft in late April. In terms of sheer volume, that's a lot more player movement than we just saw in the first blush of 2025 free agency, but the transactions we've witnessed this week are sure to cause seismic shifts in how the prospects fall about six weeks from now.
Are the Las Vegas Raiders a possible landing spot for one of the two top quarterback prospects at number six overall? That seemed a lot more likely before the team, with new Head Coach Pete Carroll in perpetual win-now mode, traded for former Seattle quarterback Geno Smith last Friday. That wasn't technically a part of free agency, which started on Monday with the "legal tampering period," but it is definitely part of the league's shifting QB mosaic.
After Smith's departure, Sam Darnold signed with Seattle, Daniel Jones went to Indianapolis and Justin Fields landed with the New York Jets. Kenny Pickett (Cleveland), Zach Wilson (Miami) and Jacoby Brissett (Arizona) also found new homes, though not necessarily as starters. Aaron Rodgers is still hovering over it all, with the New York Giants as a rumored landing spot, and there are still many who believe the Atlanta Falcons will put Kirk Cousins back on the market before paying him an upcoming roster bonus.
Myles Garrett is no longer asking for a trade out of Cleveland after becoming the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. That surely influences what happens with the second overall pick. New England went on a little shopping spree, making it a bit harder to pin down its top need in the draft. Chicago completely rebuilt its interior offensive line, so it seems much less likely they'll use the 10th overall pick on another blocker.
And so on. This is our first mock draft attempt since players started trading places over the last week, and things are definitely changing. We're far from over with free agency, as well, so there will certainly be reassessments of these predictions in the near future. Frankly, I'm just hoping to get this one done and posted before some other huge signing or a trade involving first-round picks occurs and throws the whole thing into chaos again.
Staff Writer/Reporter Brianna Dix and I are taking turns from week to week on these mock drafts, so this is my third effort and the fifth overall for Buccaneers.com. See our previous efforts here: 1.0 (Smith), 2.0 (Dix), 3.0 (Smith) and 4.0 (Dix). We're still not going to predict any trades in the mock draft until the dust settles a little bit more.
- Tennessee Titans: EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State
I'm still convinced that the Titans will pass on this year's QB class and find a veteran solution if they don't want to move forward with Will Levis as the starter. General Manager Mike Borgonzi has said the Titans wouldn't pass on a "generational talent" at another position to target a quarterback, and Carter fits the bill. Truly elite pass rushers tend to occupy the same draft region as top-rated passers, so this is a perfectly reasonable way to utilize the first-overall pick. If we were doing trades, I would be very tempted to have the Giants make a small move up to get their quarterback of the future. Tennessee cold do that and pick up some extra draft capital and still be choosing between Carter and another generational talent, Travis Hunter.
- Cleveland Browns: QB Cam Ward, Miami
Cleveland may have traded for Kenny Pickett, but I doubt that's intended to be the team's definite starter while DeShaun Watson is sidelined by an Achilles tendon injury. It's quite possible that Watson has played his last down for the Browns, and here they look to the future with Ward, a strong-armed passer who works the middle of the field well and can extend plays to take shots downfield.
- New York Giants: CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
It seems like the NFL is gradually becoming less sold on Shedeur Sanders as a top-10 talent, or possibly even a first-rounder. Personally, I don't believe Sanders will fall completely out of the first round, but I think the Giants pass here to take the player widely considered the best cornerback and the best receiver in the draft. Any team could use that.
- New England Patriots: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
Brianna and I each gave the Patriots tackle Will Campbell in our most recent mock drafts, but since then the Patriots have signed Morgan Moses to play right tackle. Yes, New England could probably use another upgrade or two to an O-Line that was among the league's worst last year, but there is plenty of depth in this year's draft to hit that need on Day Two. If the overall goal is to improve the surroundings for exciting young quarterback Drake Maye, lets help him in another way with Arizona's dynamic pass-catcher. McMillan's hold on a top-10 pick seems to be wavering a bit following the Combine, but I think when it's all said and done the Patriots will see this Mike Evans-sized receiver careening through defenses and will make him the first receiver off the board.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: DL Mason Graham, Michigan
You can accuse us of a lack of creativity here since Brianna and I have combined to make this same pick in four straight mocks. But we're hardly alone in this suggested combination; look around at all the mocks out there and you'll see this pick repeated over and over again. It just makes too much sense. While this is a deep class of interior linemen this year, Graham is clearly at the top of the group, even after his "short" arms were confirmed at the Combine. Jacksonville has made recent additions at wide receiver, guard, center, cornerback and safety, but not along the defensive front, which remains a key area of need.
- Las Vegas Raiders: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Sure, running backs are no longer considered good value in the top 10, but on the other hand everybody just witnessed how much of an impact Saquon Barkley made when added to the Eagles' offense. I mentioned above that Coach Carroll seems as driven as ever to win right away – perhaps even more so at the age of 73 – and this is definitely that kind of move. The Lions took some heat two years ago when they used the 12th pick on Jahmyr Gibbs, but look how that has worked. Jeanty might be the best running back prospect since…well, Barkley, better even than Bijan Robinson, who went eighth overall in 2023.
- New York Jets: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
Tyler Conklin is expected to depart in free agency and the Jets don't have much else in their tight end room. There also isn't much available at the position in free agency beyond possibly Evan Engram, who was let go by the Jaguars. That's okay, though, because Warren is sitting here and he will likely be a much more dynamic weapon in the passing game than Conklin anyway. The Jets are going with Justin Fields under center after parting ways with Aaron Rodgers, and it would be nice to give the still-unproven quarterback a safety blanket like Warren.
- Carolina Panthers: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
Carolina used the early hours of free agency to address multiple thin spots on defense, from interior line (Bobby Brown, Tershawn Wharton) to edge rusher (Patrick Jones) to safety (Tre'Von Moehrig). They also gave new deals to cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Michael Jackson (a really big one for Horn). However, they still have a hole in the middle of the defense as they will not be re-signing long-time standout Shaq Thompson. Campbell has been rising on draft boards in recent weeks but will he really crack the top 10? I think it's possible. He has great size and speed, rarely misses tackles, is strong and coverage and might even add some value as an edge rusher.
- New Orleans Saints: CB Will Johnson, Michigan.
The Saints lost Paulson Adebo to free agency and Marshon Lattimore was traded away last season. They have a pair of recent second-round picks at the top of their cornerback depth chart in Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor, but Taylor was originally playing in the slot before the Lattimore trade. The Saints could move him back into that role, freeing up an outside spot for Johnson, who has ideal size and length for the position. He is strong in both man and zone coverage and holds up well in run support.
- Chicago Bears: EDGE Mike Green, Marshall
We've gone offensive line in every mock draft for the Bears, but that was before they got an Extreme Makeover: Offensive Line Edition. The whole interior trio is new with guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and center Drew Dalman. So we pivot in version 5.0. I think Chicago would have jumped on either Jeanty or Warren were they here but instead I'll flip to defense and the most productive pass rusher in the draft. Yes, the Bears also splurged on former Colts edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo, but I think they do that free agency/draft double-dip thing and add Green to the rotation as well.
- San Francisco 49ers: OL Armand Membou, Missouri
Trent Williams can't play for ever and he missed seven games last season. Membou could ease into just about any spot on the line to start his career and then take over at left tackle when and if Williams hangs up the cleats. The Missouri product is a fluid mover at 6-3 and 325 pounds and he plays with power and a competitive demeanor. In addition, Membou will only be 21 when the 2025 season begins.
- Dallas Cowboys: WR Luther Burden, Missouri
Back-to-back Tigers. Mizzou-rah! I would probably be cutting and pasting our Ashton Jeanty picks from the last four mocks if the Raiders hadn't pulled their stunner at number six. Instead, we get another much-needed weapon for the Cowboys $60 million quarterback. Beyond CeeDee Lamb, there isn't a lot of upside on the Cowboys' current receiver depth chart. Burden is explosive and creative with the ball in his hands.
- Miami Dolphins: T Will Campbell, LSU
Is Terron Armstead retiring? It sure seems like it. The Dolphins have need all over their depth chart but tackle would jump to the top of the list if Armstead is gone. Campbell should be able to step right into the starting lineup. He is already a polished pass protector, and keeping the heat of Tua Tagovailoa is a necessity.
- Indianapolis Colts: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
I would have gone with a cornerback or safety here before free agency, but the Colts addressed both spots with the additions of Camryn Bynum and Charvarius Ward. Meanwhile, the tight end depth chart is headed by Mo Alie-Cox, who had 25 catches over the past two seasons combined and who is currently a free agent. Loveland projects as a good two-way tight end prospect and would be very useful for whoever is starting at quarterback, Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones.
- Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Jalon Walker, Georgia
I list Walker here as an edge because that's probably where he would prove most valuable in the NFL, but he played both edge rusher and off-ball linebacker at Georgia and would offer Raheem Morris some positional flexibility. Walker has tremendous physical tools; he has the speed and change-of-direction skills to excel in coverage but is also explosive off the edge when rushing the passer. Atlanta did add an edge rusher in veteran Leonard Floyd but they need a lot of help in that department.
- Arizona Cardinals: CB Jahdae Barron, Texas
Arizona nabbed one of the top prizes in free agency in former Eagles pass rusher Josh Sweat, and also kept edge Baron Browning from leaving in free agency. Thus, I think they go cornerback here, especially with Barron still sitting there. Barron has seen his draft stock rise steadily in recent weeks and it's quite possible he doesn't make it to the midway point of the round. But the Cardinals get him here and add an extremely versatile defender they can play all over the secondary.
- Cincinnati Bengals: S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
It looks like the Bengals are going to find a way to keep their big three on offensive together for the foreseeable future, but the defense needs a lot of work after a down 2024 season. A safety would be a great addition for the Bengals here, but which one? Do they go for the cleaner overall prospect in Georgia's Malaki Starks, or Emmanwori, who blew the roof off Lucas Oil Stadium at the Combine. I think they go upside on one of the most freakishly athletic safety prospects ever.
- Seattle Seahawks: WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
The Seahawks walk into the wide receiver store, throw a picture of Ohio State's Jaxson Smith-Njigba on the counter and say, "We'd like another one of these, please." In a matter of days, the house-cleaning Seahawks traded away DK Metcalf and released long-time Seattle favorite Tyler Lockett, leaving the cupboard pretty bare behind Smith-Njigba. Even after the recent addition of Marquez Valdes-Scantling, their projected starting trio of receivers includes Jake Bobo, a 2023 undrafted free agent. Smith-Njigba is a rising star and his fellow Buckeye, a polished player who does a little bit of everything, should help right away.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: EDGE James Pearce Jr. Tennessee
I nabbed Jahdae Barron here in my last mock draft and would probably take him again if he were still on the board. At this point, however, I think the Bucs move cornerback down to their Day Two checklist and dip into an intriguing pool of pass rushers still on the board. No, I do not think the addition of Haason Reddick on a one-year deal keeps the Bucs from addressing their outside pass rush, an issue that Head Coach Todd Bowles raised at the Combine. Some of the other edge rushers still available have very exciting physical tools, like Shemar Stewart, but the Buccaneers want to see production at the college level and Pearce had 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons. He might need to put on a little bulk to hold the edge against the run, but he would help immediately as a pass rusher in a rotation with Reddick, Yaya Diaby and Anthony Nelson.
- Denver Broncos: WR Matthew Golden, Texas
Denver's pick in my last mock, Luther Burden, is already gone this time but that's no problem. The theory remains the same – more weapons for second-year quarterback Bo Nix – and Golden brings elite speed to the position. Golden was a big-play maker for the Longhorns and the Broncos could use that to go with Nix and Courtland Sutton.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Sure, why not? Maybe Aaron Rodgers ends up here, or maybe Russell Wilson comes back, but neither one seems like a particularly long-term solution. The Steelers tried a similar thing a few years back when Kenny Pickett slid into the back half of the first round and it didn't work out, but that shouldn't preclude them from trying it again. Sanders is a very accurate passer who has a history of avoiding turnovers. I also think Sanders and his father, Coach Prime, would get along just fine with Mike Tomlin.
- Los Angeles Chargers: EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia
The Chargers did re-sign Khalil Mack but they released Joey Bosa and are not deep on the edges. Williams' pass rush game might need some polish at the next level but he's got great size and length and moves well. He also could be a versatile defender up front for the Chargers, taking snaps both standing up on the edge or putting his hand in the dirt as a 3-4 end.
- Green Bay Packers: EDGE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
Green Bay addressed two big needs in the early hours of free agency by giving lucrative deals to guard Aaron Banks and cornerback Nate Hobbs. Now they juice up the pass rush with perhaps the most athletic of all the edge prospects this year outside of Abdul Carter. Stewart's production with the Aggies – exactly 1.5 sacks in each of his three seasons – is a concern but the Packers bet on his impressive tools raising the ceiling considerably.
- Minnesota Vikings: S Malaki Starks, Georgia
There's extremely good value in both trenches here, but the Vikings deal with that concern in free agency, landing Ryan Kelly and Will Fries for the offensive line and Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave for the defensive front. The Vikings also re-signed Aaron Jones, so I'm not as tempted as I would have been by Omarion Hampton here. But, a-ha! Here's an area of need. The Vikings lost Camryn Bynum in free agency and Harrison Smith is going into his 14th season. Starks is a well-developed safety prospect who provides really good value at this spot.
- Houston Texans: T Josh Simmons, Ohio State
The Texans had a plan when they traded their left tackle, Laremy Tunsil to Washington to clear up an enormous amount of cap space. Right tackle Tytus Howard would move to the left end and 2024 second-round pick Blake Fisher would step in at right tackle. That's perfectly reasonable, though Fisher is a bit of a question mark, but with Simmons available Houston just can't pass him up. Simmons surely would have gone much higher if not for injury concerns.
- Los Angeles Rams: CB Shavon Revel, East Carolina
The Rams did a great job of rebuilding their defensive front last year, and even after losing a pair of linemen in Bobby Brown and Michael Hoecht they reloaded with Poona Ford. So now the attention turns to the secondary, where Darious Williams led a middling group last year. The 6-3, 193-pound Revel has good size and length and plenty of speed to stay with receivers deep.
- Baltimore Ravens: T Kelvin Banks, Texas
The Ravens succeeded in keeping Ronnie Stanley from departing after his great 2024 season, and they have 2024 second-round pick Roger Rosengarten entrenched at right tackle. But Banks is more than capable of playing one of the guard spots and the value here is hard to pass up. Banks could start out inside and be an eventual replacement for Stanley outside.
- Detroit Lions: EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
Interior linemen Kenneth Grant and Walter Nolen are very tempting here, but the Lions let Za'Darius Smith go and I'm not confident Marcus Davenport can stay healthy and be productive for a whole season. The Lions still need a good complement to Aidan Hutchinson on the edges and Ezeiruaku had great production at BC.
- Washington Commanders: CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
The Commanders let Jonathan Allen go but plugged his spot on the depth chart with Javon Kinlaw, so they too pass on Grant and Nolen for a defender at another position, in this case the Notre Dame standout. Marshon Lattimore is projected to start at one of the two outside spots but has struggled with injuries in recent years. Mike Sainristil, drafted in the second round last year, did well playing on the outside but is a natural in the slot and would be an upgrade over Noah Igbinoghene, a free agent. That leaves an opening on the outside and the steady and polished Morrison can step right in.
- Buffalo Bills: EDGE Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
The Bills have been very busy in recent days, locking up a bunch of their own players to new deals and adding such pieces as edge rusher Joey Bosa, defensive linemen Larry Ogunjobi and Michael Hoecht and wide receiver Josh Palmer. As such, this is a pretty buttoned-up roster with no absolutely glaring need. However, this team also cut Von Miller, so there's room for another pass-rusher in the rotation even with the arrival of Bosa.
- Kansas City Chiefs: DL Kenneth Grant
Everyone knew the Chiefs' offensive line would be a focal point for the team after Patrick Mahomes was swarmed over by the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. Few, however, could have predicted the Chiefs' next two moves: trading Pro Bowl guard Joe Thuney and signing 49ers backup Jaylon Moore to play left tackle. Is the bigger need now at guard or tackle? Let's punt that question to Day Two and give the Chiefs a great run-stuffing interior linemen with some pass-rush juice to pair with superstar Chris Jones. That would be a nightmare for opposing guards and centers.
- Philadelphia Eagles: G Tyler Booker, Alabama
The Eagles are known for two things in the draft, loading up on the defensive front and thinking ahead on the offensive line. They could do either here, possibly nabbing Arkansas edge rusher Landon Jackson to replace the departed Josh Sweat, or look for an option at right guard given the expected departure of 2024 reclamation project Mekhi Becton. The Eagles got a candidate for that spot in a trade with Houston that landed former first-round pick Kenyon Green, but he's no sure thing to win the job. Booker would give the Eagles another option there, and even if he doesn't start right away he would be part of Philly's next succession plan.
