2025 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Giants Trade Up to 1?

The off-season is already in full swing. The scouting combine is behind us already and free agency looms right on the horizon. We have already seen some big moves made like Joe Thuney to the Bears and Geno Smith to the Raiders, with more certainly to come. With all of this said, it is time for my mock draft 1.0., post-combine edition right before free agency opens. I WILL allow trades today, but probably won't do a ton in this first one. 

MOCK TRADE: The Tennessee Titans trade pick #1 to the New York Giants in exchange for picks #3, #34 & a 2026 second-rounder

1. New York Giants (via TEN) select: Cam Ward, Quarterback, Miami

A mock trade to open up the very first pick of my first off-season mock draft. This move makes a lot of sense in my opinion. While it is still early in the draft process, Tennessee really hasn't sounded all that excited about the possibility of taking any of the available QBs in this class which is considered by many to be weak. The Giants on the other hand have sounded desperate, and while they just move up two slots, the price is hefty, costing them two additional second round picks. Still, this is worth it for New York. Cam Ward is a big-armed gunslinger who has all the tools to eventually develop into an All-Pro level passer under Brian Daboll. I like this for the Titans as well because they get a lot of value moving down just two spots and can likely get the player they would be targetting here anyway. 

2. Cleveland Browns select: Shedeur Sanders, Quarterback, Colorado

The Browns are such a weird team to be picking right here. They are a pretty deep roster a year removed from making the playoffs with their same coach winning Coach of the Year. Deshaun Watson's brutal play/contract and the nagging injuries have just completely derailed this team's future. As much as I'm sure they'd want to take best player available in someone like Abdul Carter (to maybe replace Myles Garrett if they move him) or two-way star Travis Hunter, this is their chance to wipe the slate clean with the missed move that was the Watson trade and start over with Shedeur Sanders. Sanders is more polished than he's given credit for, he's incredibly accurate from the pocket and did a lot with a bad O-line in college. I think with the help of Kevin Stefanski, Sanders could finally be the QB of the future in Cleveland. 

3. Tennessee Titans (via NYG) select: Abdul Carter, Edge Rusher, Penn State

This would be the dream scenario for the Titans if I had to guess. I don't think they are sold on either of the top 2 QB prospects so they roll another year with Will Levis, trade down, and get the guy they would have taken at 1 anyway after adding multiple highly valuable picks in the process! Abdul Carter has really gained a lot of steam since the college season ended, as most now view him as the best player in the draft. Carter really just began to strictly play off the edge as he was more of a linebacker previously, and he looked amazing. The potential is simply off the charts as it is clear that Carter is just scratching the surface. Adding a guy like this changes the entire outlook of a Tennessee defense that lacks juice. Pairing up Carter and Jefferey Simmons on the same DL is gross, and will be a big start to the rebuild in progress in Nashville. 

4. New England Patriots select: Travis Hunter, Cornerback/Wide Receiver, Colorado

This was a tough call for me here. The Patriots have long been tough to predict, but this was just an overall difficult decision to make. The biggest need on this team has to be offensive line, but receiver is a close second, and Travis Hunter is by far and away the best player on the board here, and I think they take him. Hunter is a truly unique talent, he won the Heisman this past season for his ability to produce at an elite level on BOTH sides of the ball. He was a star receiver and arguably even better at corner. Hunter wants to continue to play both sides in the NFL, and the Patriots could use help next to Christian Gonzalez at corner, while Hunter would be a huge upgrade at WR1 or 2 for them on offense for second-year promising QB Drake Maye. Best player available here, and in my opinion, best player in the DRAFT.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars select: Mason Graham, Defensive Tackle, Michigan

Where there's smoke there's fire. I have seen an overwhelming amount of mocks pairing Michigan's Mason Graham with Jacksonville, and it makes sense, so I will ride with it myself. Graham is simply just a great DT prospect in an era where it is hard to find guys that are truly better than average at the spot. Graham is an excellent run stuffer with real pass rush upside, and the Jags could stand to add to their subpar DL and pair Graham with Joshua Hines-Allen!

6. Las Vegas Raiders select: Ashton Jeanty, Running Back, Boise State

Boom! RB in the top 6. This is starting to look more and more plausible here. Pete Carroll is in town in Vegas, and it is immediately clear that he has a big say in what the team is doing in terms of personnel. Last night he pioneered a move to secure his former starting QB from Seattle in Geno Smith to be his guy here in Vegas. And if we know anything else about Pete, he lives and dies off the run game. With no starting quality back in Vegas at the moment, I can't see Carroll passing on one of the better RB prospects we've seen in some time in Jeanty here. Jeanty was the Heisman runner-up after he had one of the greatest CFB RB seasons ever, bowling through whoever was in his way. I could get behind a Raider O that features Geno Smith, Jeanty, Brock Bowers, and more. Good fit here, and best player on the board again.

MOCK TRADE: The New York Jets trade pick #7 to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for pick #11, #43, and a 2026 3rd-rounder

7. San Francisco 49ers (via NYJ) select: Armand Membou, Offensive Tackle, Missouri

I'm predicting a bit of a stunning mock trade here, but Kyle Shannahan and John Lynch recognize how rare it is that they are in striking distance of trading in to the top 10, and with the Jets content to move down with no one player catching their eye fully, they make this move. The Niners move up to secure the best tackle in the draft in Armand Membou, who has become one of the biggest combine risers of the year. At around 320 pounds, Membou tested exceptionally well at the combine, historically well if you look at the deep stats. The Niners know just how important having a dominant OL is, as they were slightly weakened there this year and it showed in the win/loss columns. Here they secure their LT of the future who can play WITH Trent Williams until he retires, and then step in for him. Smart move up here for a team looking to get back to their winning ways in 2025. 

8. Carolina Panthers select: Tetairoa McMillan, Wide Receiver, Arizona

The buzz for the Panthers' selection seems to be shifting from wideout to defense, but I am still going WR here at 8 for the cats. I get that their DL was lackluster in many ways last season, but their offense was even more worrisome for much of the year. HC Dave Canales is an offensive guy, and his job is predicated on the success of young QB Bryce Young, who needs weapons to be able to prove he is the guy for the future. Insert Tet McMillan, who was amazing at Arizona this year. McMillan is a huge target who has good hands and runs good routes, and would be a major upgrade at WR1 for Young and the Panthers.

9. New Orleans Saints select: Shemar Stewart, Edge Rusher, Texas A&M

I genuinely think the Saints may be the worst team in the NFL this upcoming season. With that said, they have a lot of needs and I think they should just go best player available here, which I have them doing. Shemar Stewart is another major combine riser, displaying such freakish athleticism on top of the flashes of brilliance we saw from him at A&M all year. The Saints need talent, and Stewart is an athletic freak off the edge who could develop in time to one of the best mismatches on DL in all of football. Some might call this a reach because of his small sack totals, but I won't be surprised when this guy goes a lot higher than many expect. 

10. Chicago Bears select: Will Campbell, Offensive Line, LSU

I think the Bears will be quite sad that Ashton Jeanty didn't make it here, as with trades for Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson beefing up their OL made it possible for them to snag a talent like Jeanty here, but alas. Campbell is a great fallback option, as bringing in yet another plug and play starter will help change everything in Chicago under Ben Johnson. With this Campbell pick, the Bears will have at least THREE new starters on the offensive trenches, and all guys that are good to great players. Campbell is an insane athlete and one of the best overall players in this class, he just gets moved down a little for his shorter arms that have some thinking he should be a guard at the next level. Either way, I think he is a good enough athlete and technician to succeed anywhere on the line in the NFL. This pick makes the Bears offense potentially scary good.

11. New York Jets (via SF) select: Tyler Warren, Tight End, Penn State

After the trade down, the Jets go best player available in the tantalizing Tyler Warren from Penn State. Warren is an amazing athlete who is so much more than your average Tight End. He can really line up all over as a pass catcher and is more than a willing blocker. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network recently compared him to Rob Gronkowski, which I would say is pretty high praise. The Jets just need talent with their new regime, and adding Warren to this offense is big for their future, while QB remains a mystery. 

12. Dallas Cowboys select: Omarion Hampton, Running Back, North Carolina

Even with Ashton Jeanty, a popular fit for Dallas, gone, I have the Cowboys pulling off a stunner and going RB anyway. The current buzz is that UNC's Omarion Hampton has become a virtual lock to go in the first round, and some are now starting to say a first HALF of the first round lock. It reminds me a little of when Jahmyr Gibbs went so high and shocked the world. Dallas has nothing at RB and if they want to win with offensive minded HC Brian Schottenheimer, they will need to have all the playmakers around Dak Prescott possible. Insert the explosive but big back who can play all three downs and form a big 3 with Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Jerry Jones loves the flashy ones. 

13. Miami Dolphins select: Kelvin Banks Jr., Offensive Tackle, Texas

While he isn't quite the athlete of Membou or Campbell, Kelvin Banks is a great, somewhat safe offensive tackle prospect. The Dolphins have a lot of needs, including along the OL, and with Terron Armstead getting up there in age, it is time they think of a potential succession plan. Banks played great, refined football in the SEC for Texas and can be that guy for Miami. Smart, no hesitation pick here. 

14. Indianapolis Colts select: Colston Loveland, Tight End, Michigan

I heavily considered two Michigan men here at 14 for Indy, but ended up settling on Colston Loveland over CB Will Johnson. Loveland's name has been gaining a lot of steam recently, while Johnson's name has been falling and I do think TE/overall pass catcher is the much bigger need for Indy than DB at the moment. GM Chris Ballard loves to pick athletes, and you are getting on here in Colston Loveland. Loveland is an awesome receiver in every facet of the game while his blocking still does need some work. It appears for now that the Colts are going to give it another shot with young QB Anthony Richardson, and they need to get him more consistent weapons if he wants that chance to succeed. Good pick here for Indy. 

15. Atlanta Falcons select: Jalon Walker, Outside Linebacker, Georgia

Steal here for Atlanta. Jalon Walker is one of the hottest names in the draft right now, and he falls to 15 where the Falcons who are in dire need of pass rush help snag him. Walker plays some true off ball LB, which means he is a little smaller but ever-so versatile. He brings great speed AND power to the table, along with a good set of rush moves. This is a versatile chess piece that Raheem Morris would love to be able to deploy every Sunday, and he doesn't have to go far either. 

16. Arizona Cardinals select: Will Johnson, Cornerback, Michigan

Enough's enough, the fall had to stop somewhere for Will Johnson. I think this is an absolute steal for the Cardinals, who have a couple of big needs but at this point feel like they just need to get the best available players. A year ago, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Will Johnson went at it in Michigan vs. Ohio State and it felt like they were two generational prospects lining up against one another, now they both end up in the desert where they can sharpen iron with iron together in practice. The Cardinals may have just gotten their CB1 of the future if Johnson can stay healthy. 

MOCK TRADE: The Cincinnati Bengals trade picks #17 & #118 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for picks #21 & #85

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (via CIN) select: Jaxson Dart, Quarterback, Ole Miss

It is rare a team will just sit and wait as a QB they would take falls into their lap, especially a mid-first projected guy who you are hoping may fall to you. The Steelers are rumored to have interest in Jaxson Dart, and with Seattle who just traded Geno Smith coming up at 18, they swing a deal with their division rivals to bring in a potential future franchise QB. Dart feels like a very Steelers QB. He is a known leader and throws an accurate ball and is good at going through progressions. He doesn't feel like he has all world upside, but he feels like a safe type of pick who could turn a solid career one day. Mike Tomlin would probably love to have him come in and compete / learn from a guy like Justin Fields or Russell Wilson. I don't mind this fit at all for the Steelers, who hope this doesn't turn out like the last time they took a QB in the mid-first. 

18. Seattle Seahawks select: Nick Emmanwori, Defensive Back, South Carolina

With all 3 QBs off the board already, Seattle makes a very Seattle pick, and takes a freak athlete who they believe they can mold into something special. We've seen this movie before: Chancellor, Metcalf, Woolen, Wilson, Witherspoon, the list goes on, and Emmanwori could be the next. He was arguably THE MVP of the combine, showing off his ridiculous athleticism while standing 6'4, 220 pounds as a Safety. He isn't just a raw athlete, but he was a great DB in college as well. Mike MacDonald coached Kyle Hamilton into his All-Pro ability, and Emmanwori could be an even better athletic, toolsy prospect than him. This fit is awesome, and MacDonald could turn him into one of the best defensive chess pieces in all of football. Don't be surprised if this guy goes even higher come draft night. 

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Jihaad Campbell, Linebacker, Alabama

It was a toss-up here between a receiver and Campbell, but I ultimately went with the versatile Campbell who can kill multiple birds with one stone. The 6'3, 255 pound Linebacker can really do it all. He started out at Bama playing off the edge and developing solid skill there, before moving to ILB where he is a great tackler and sideline to sideline runner, a huge necessity at that position. As a prospect, Campbell profiles as an all-around versatile package who can be moved and used where needed. Tampa needs depth on the DL and at LB, and Campbell can help in both places, along with being the future successor of Lavonte David who is nearing the end of his decorated career. This is also just a steal value-wise for the Bucs at 19, as I'd be surprised if he doesn't go higher come draft night. 

20. Denver Broncos select: Matthew Golden, Wide Receiver, Texas

While I do think the Broncos are going to be hoping Colston Loveland or even Tyler Warren can fall to them at 20, I do think they would be fine with settling with a guy like Matthew Golden here. Denver is probably targetting one of those TEs or more of an X receiver, but the way the board shakes out today, they pivot. Golden was one of the stories of the combine, blazing a 4.29 forty yard dash time and really solidifying himself as a first round talent in this class. Bo Nix had an unreal rookie year, especially given the limited talent in his receiving core. Adding Golden's speed to Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims gives Bronco fans something to really get excited about for their 2025 offense! The overall HANDS on these three players might be the best in terms of a trio in football, as Golden just does not drop the ball. 

21. Cincinnati Bengals (via PIT) select: Mykel Williams, Edge Rusher, Georgia

After the trade down, the Bengals go with the guy I likely would have had them take at 18. The Bengals appear to have picked WR Tee Higgins over EDGE Trey Hendrickson, meaning their main focus should be to bolster their pass rush, especially with Sam Hubbard also retiring. Enter the physical Mykel Williams, who is so refined already with an entire arsenal of pass rush moves in his toolbox along with awesome run stuffing ability. This is one of the more underrated players in the class and would be a huge addition to a Bengal defense that struggled for much of 2024.

22. Los Angeles Chargers select: Emeka Egbuka, Wide Receiver, Ohio State

I do think the Chargers will work exhaustively to potentially move this pick for a proven WR in the coming weeks, like DK Metcalf for example, but if nothing materializes, I expect a receiver here. Emeka Egbuka has been at Ohio State for years now, but is finally coming out, and his draft stock feels like it is as high as it has ever been. Egbuka possesses great traits to work out of the slot, but likely won't be drafted to play that position in LA with Ladd McConkey holding it down. Still, Egbuka is a talented route runner with sure hands and a lot of experience and can really bolster this offensive passing attack for Justin Herbert. 

23. Green Bay Packers select: Jahdae Barron, Cornerback, Texas

Jahdae Barron is drawing a lot of comparisons to a player the Packers should be quite familiar with: Jaire Alexander. With DB already a bit of a need for Green Bay AND Alexander likely on his way out, Barron could be an immediate replacement. Barron profiles very similarly to Alexander in terms of height and weight as a smaller CB with great instincts and quickness, and awesome ability to guard slot receivers. Barron feels like a Packer, and would be great value for them at 23 here.

MOCK TRADE: The Minnesota Vikings trade pick #24 to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for picks #27, #91, & #176

24. Baltimore Ravens (via MIN) select:
Malaki Starks, Defensive Back, Georgia

The Ravens are known to be aggressive and are known to pick certain types of players, so they move up 3 spots with the Vikings (who currently have the least picks in the league) to 24 for Malaki Starks. Starks feels like he is getting overlooked when he is one of the better players in this draft. I feel like Starks is probably the best pure safety in this class, but he is versatile enough to play slot corner as well. Ultimately, Starks is an awesome chess piece that is a great tackler, leader, and instinctive player who would be unfair pairing up with another chess piece by the name of Kyle Hamilton in Baltimore. 

25. Houston Texans select: Luther Burden III, Wide Receiver, Missouri

The Texans have had some pretty bad luck when it has come to their receiving core lately, and they do something about it here. With Stefon Diggs possibly gone in FA, Tank Dell out for the forseeable future, and Nico Collins somewhat injury prone, the Texans NEED to address WR here for young QB CJ Stroud to bounce back this season. Luther Burden is a stud slot receiver prospect, but offers less on the outside which is why his value is seemingly dropping. He ran a blazing 4.4 forty at the combine as well. Burden playing with Stroud would be awesome, and he would make an unfair trio with Collins and Dell when healthy.

26. Los Angeles Rams select: Josh Simmons, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

I think WR is certainly a bigger need here for the Rams with the likely imminent departure of Cooper Kupp, but the Rams draft smart and well, and don't need to reach here to find someone down the board. OT is a need for the team and they snag Josh Simmons, great value here at 26. Aside from health concerns, Simmons is a very safe and refined pass protecting prospect. He is plug and play level for Los Angeles if they need.

27. Minnesota Vikings (via BAL) select: Derrick Harmon, Defensive Tackle, Oregon

This would be the ideal trade down for Minnesota. Move back 3 spots, gain more picks to add to your league-low 3, and still get the player you would have at 24. I love Derrick Harmon, especially for a Viking defense that desperately needs more on the middle of their DL. Harmon is a massive prospect at 6'5, 315, but he blazed a 4.95 forty time, showcasing his unreal athleticism. He needs to get more technically refined, but right now his quickness is enough for disruption, which the Vikings desperately need.

28. Detroit Lions select: Tyler Booker, Offensive Guard, Alabama

One of my favorite players in this draft, Booker should have gone a lot higher. Booker is simply a plug and play level guard who is one of the safest prospects in this draft. He didn't allow a sack as a multi-year starter for Alabama in the fricken' SEC. The Lions are getting older at guard with Kevin Zeitler hitting 34 years of age and free agency. Booker would be a smart pick for a team who has Super Bowl aspirations once again in 2025. 

29. Washington Commanders select: Kenneth Grant, Defensive Tackle, Michigan

Receiver no longer feels like the glaring need for the Commanders following the acquisition of Deebo Samuel, so they now turn their focus to DT, where Pro Bowl level player Jonathan Allen has requested a trade. Either way they could stand to improve their IDL, and they do just that with a steal in my opinion in Kenneth Grant at 29. Grant is one of the biggest DT prospects you will see at 340 pounds. He shows flashes of dominance as a run stuffer but has been very up and down overall in college. Dan Quinn is a defensive genius, and should be able to help get the most out of Grant, which makes this a worthwhile pick for the upstart Commanders.

30. Buffalo Bills select: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge Rusher, Boston College

The Bills do not have a ton of glaring needs, but could stand to bolster their pass rush department with Von Miller aging. Ezeiruaku was one of the most productive edge rushers in the country, totaling a whopping 16.5 sacks this past season, and he will hope to bring that to Buffalo with him. While he has work to do in terms of run defense, he is an amazingly productive rusher at this current moment with a lot of pass rushing tools already to his name. This could potentially be a home run pick for Buffalo who looks to finally knock off Kansas City in the AFC in 2025. 

31. Kansas City Chiefs select: Grey Zabel, Offensive Line, North Dakota State

After trading away Joe Thuney, offensive line which was already what many could say KC's only main weakness, just got heightened. Enter Grey Zabel, an outstanding athlete who could really play all 5 positions on the line. The Chiefs need depth in their offensive trenches to make sure a repeat of Mahomes' two Super Bowl losses never happens again, and adding a guy like Zabel helps going a long way towards that. 

32. Philadelphia Eagles select: James Pearce Jr., Edge Rusher, Tennesee

The defending champs simply go best player available here. Edge is also a need, and Pearce has big time potential. While he was presumed to be the no. 1 pick in the draft by some going into this season, he wasn't quite as good as some predicted, but still flashed tremendous NFL potential. With the Eagles potentially losing guys like Josh Sweat and others along the line, adding in a young stud with elite level potential like Pearce Jr. makes a ton of sense. Pearce boasts Pro Bowl or better potential in both run defense and pass rush and just feels like an Eagle to me.

There you have it, my mock draft 1.0! More to come soon after free agency opens up!