2025 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Re-Evaluating First Round After NFL Combine Results

With the Combine officially in the books, it’s time for my NFL Mock Draft 2.0! We’ve got quite a bit of shake-up from the 1.0 version, particularly with Matt Stafford staying in LA and Tee Hggins franchise tagged. Which players pushed their draft stock up?

***TRADE ALERT***

Before we could even start the draft, the Giants traded up and are officially on the clock…

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2025 NFL Draft Date, Location, and Where To Watch

• Date: April 24-26, 2025
• Location: Green Bay, WI
• Where To Watch: NFL Network, ESPN

2025 NFL Draft First Pick Odds

Click here for the latest 2025 NFL Draft Odds

2025 NFL Mock Draft Round 1 Picks

Pick 1: Cam Ward – Miami, QB – New York Giants via Trade

I originally had the Titans selecting Cam Ward because moving forward with Will Levis is irresponsible, and they aren’t exactly an ideal landing spot for a free agent quarterback. However, the Titans have many needs and stacking draft capital to address those needs is a solid move. The Giants are rumored to be in the market for Aaron Rodgers after the Rams extended Stafford. However, Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen can’t afford to gamble their jobs on Rodgers - just ask Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas. Rodgers is a band-aid, not a job-saver. There is skepticism around whether Ward truly warrants a first overall pick, but for the Giants, trading up for Ward is a necessary risk.

Pick 2: Abdul Carter – Penn State, EDGE – Cleveland Browns

It might seem counterintuitive not to draft a quarterback here. However, unlike Daboll and Schoen, the Browns’ front office has the confidence of their owner, and their team can succeed with an appropriate bridge quarterback - perhaps Sam Darnold. With Myles Garrett requesting a trade, drafting Carter is a logical move. 

Pick 3: Travis Hunter – Colorado, CB – Tennessee Titans via Trade

The lack of a clear-cut “generational” talent at quarterback, a new second-year coach and a new GM means the Titans aren’t in a “quarterback or bust” situation. The entire team needs a boost, and the Titans want a game-changing talent. Hunter solves a need at multiple positions, and the Titans can stack talent for their inevitable 2026 rookie quarterback.

Pick 4: Tetairoa McMillan – Arizona, WR – New England Patriots

New head coach Mike Vrabel would love to lead with a defensive pick, but defense isn’t the issue here. I previously had Hunter mocked to the Patriots as a truly ideal fit. With Tee Higgins tagged and the Bucs prepared to fight for Chris Godwin, the Patriots will likely use the draft for a WR1. With Hunter sniped, McMillan is the new WR1 for Drake Maye.

Pick 5: Mason Graham – Michigan, DL – Jacksonville Jaguars

Liam Coen’s offense needs an additional weapon, but if both Hunter and McMillan go, we should see the Jags pivot to defense. While their secondary could use a boost, the Jags don’t have a dire need at any position and should draft the best available player. Graham would be an excellent addition. 

Pick 6: Shedeur Sanders – Colorado, QB – Las Vegas Raiders

Sanders is the most polarizing player in the draft, with some believing he isn’t worth a first-round pick, let alone a top-10 pick. However, if the Giants pass on Sanders, the Raiders will take a chance. The Raiders have been in a tailspin, and while Sanders doesn’t offer the “raw” talent of his counterparts at the position, he brings stability that the Raiders desperately need.

Pick 7: Will Campbell – LSU, T – New York Jets

I admire the Jets’ attempt to secure their offensive line, even if the results were terrible. However, with multiple linemen set to hit free agency and the impending split from the Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams cut, the Jets need to build up from the trenches rather than reaching for skill positions.

Pick 8: James Pearce Jr. – Tennessee, EDGE – Carolina Panthers 

Pearce Jr.’s Combine performance was met with mixed reviews. He shined with a 4.47-second 40-yard dash, but his vertical and measurements were wildly underwhelming. Throw in the character concerns, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see Pearce drop and be this year’s “Howie Roseman got away with it again” pick. However, I’m standing pat that Pearce is worth the risk. Building a functional pass rush and stopping the run is paramount. Pearce Jr. would be a much-needed keystone piece. 

Pick 9: Jahdae Barron – Texas, CB – New Orleans Saints

Big Combine mover! Barron showed up, showed out and could potentially leap Will Johnson as the number two cornerback behind Hunter. Trading Marshon Lattimore opened up a need at cornerback, and Barron’s ceiling makes him a potential marquee pick.

Pick 10: Kelvin Banks Jr. – Texas, T – Chicago Bears

Chicago just acquired Jonah Jackson from the Rams, but that’s not enough. The Bears must draft an offensive lineman here. The visual of Caleb Williams lying across the bench suffering from shell shock is too much to bear. All the weapons in the world can’t make up for a poor offensive line that has plagued the franchise for years. Best available lineman is the only option here. Banks Jr. had a fantastic Combine, and the Bears need an immediate-impact lineman.  

Will the Bears compete in the NFC North under new leadership? Compare the best NFC North odds at each sportsbook

Pick 11: Will Johnson – Michigan, CB – San Francisco 49ers

I originally mocked a lineman to the 49ers. However, if Johnson drops, the 49ers will be more than happy to draft him. The anticipated exit of Charvarius Ward is a major issue, and the 49ers need a true difference-maker. 

Pick 12: Ashton Jeanty – Boise State, RB – Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys fans rejoice! Mock draft 1.0 had Jeanty going to the Raiders, but if the Raiders draft a quarterback, that leaves Dallas in the prime position to draft Jeanty. Jerry Jones is unpredictable, but I truly can’t fathom a scenario where Jeanty is available and they pass him up.

Pick 13: Malaki Starks - George, S – Miami Dolphins

It’s always difficult to mock safeties in the first because of positional needs, but safeties had an excellent Combine and *spoiler alert* multiple safeties warrant a first round pick this year. Despite challengers, Starks remains at the top of the class. The Dolphins have multiple free agents at the position and while offensive line is a need, I believe they’ll address the line in free agency and take the top-tier defensive talent here. 

Pick 14: Tyler Warren – Penn State, TE – Indianapolis Colts

Every year, we wait for a tight end to emerge in Indianapolis and end up disappointed. Our dreams may finally come to fruition! With the depth at tight end, I don’t anticipate another team grabbing Warren. Despite their record, the Colts don’t have any specific glaring needs. They scream “best available talent” and Warren fits the build. 

Pick 15: Mike Green – Marshall, EDGE – Atlanta Falcons

Death, taxes and Atlanta drafting yet another top-10 skill position. And after four straight years, I believe we’ve reached the end of an era. The offense is stacked with talent and the Falcons must focus on defense. It all begins with Edge and Green is the move here.

Pick 16: Armand Membou – Missouri, T – Arizona Cardinals

Credit to Jonathon Gannon - the Cardinals' defense took a good step forward this year. I can see them investing in the best available defensive player. However, the offensive line could stand to make some improvements, and additional protection for Kyler Murray is never a bad thing - particularly more time in the pocket to hopefully find Marvin Harrison Jr. Adding Membou is an excellent move.

Pick 17: Mykel Williams – Georgia, EDGE – Cincinnati Bengals

It’s tough to get a read on the Bengals. I have little confidence in their ability to extend Tee Higgins, but Burrow has been vocal. If the Bengals can make it work with Higgins, Trey Hendrickson seems like the odd man out. Best available defensive player is the smart move for the Begnals. Joe Burrow can throw for 5,000 yards and it ultimately means nothing if the defense can’t stop anyone. If they can’t retain Hendrickson, Williams is a must-draft. Honestly, he’s a must-draft, even if they do manage to retain Hendrickson.

Pick 18: Shemar Stewart – Texas A&M, EDGE – Seattle Seahawks 

This pick is in flux because DK Metcalf appears to be on the trade block and if he’s out, a receiver makes sense at this pick. For now, Stewart remains the pick. I had Stewart mocked to the Seahawks in the 1.0 draft. After his spectacular performance at the Combine, Stewart screams Seahawk. Seattle has been fairly consistent in drafting the best available player, and Stewart’s ceiling makes this a very intriguing value pick.

Pick 19: Jihaad Campbell – Alabama, LB – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With Higgins tagged, Chris Godwin is the top receiver on the market. However, I expect the Bucs to work out a deal. Tampa could be a serious contender if their defense was even mildly competitive. The Bucs have a clear need at linebacker, and Campbell would be an excellent fit. 

Pick 20: Luther Burden III – Missouri, WR  – Denver Broncos

Tight end is a popular mock here. However, Sean Payton can find his tight end on Day 2. An elite, dynamic receiver in tandem with Courtland Sutton will push the offense forward. Burden is a tough, extremely versatile weapon that will pique Payton’s creativity and fit perfectly with Bo Nix. 

Will Can Bo Nix and the Broncos challenge the Chiefs with a new pass catcher? Check out the look ahead odds in the AFC West

Pick 21: Matthew Golden – Texas, WR – Pittsburgh Steelers

First round receivers aren’t typically Pittsburgh’s thing, but that will change in 2025. George Pickens’ talent is undeniable, but lack of consistency ultimately makes him a clear WR2 and no other receiver on the roster is remotely close to emerging as a viable option. The Steelers remain stacked on defense, and investing in a receiver is a must.

Pick 22: Colston Loveland – Michigan, TE – Los Angeles Chargers

Quentin Johnston did make progress last year and Will Dissly was mildly fun, but the Chargers need another offensive weapon. After passing on Brock Bowers, Loveland is the perfect, natural receiving threat to add a reliable pass catcher opposite of Ladd McConkey.

Pick 23: Kenneth Grant – Michigan, DL – Green Bay Packers

The Packers need a true WR1, but with the depth of this year’s receiving class, we’ll likely see the Packers continue their strategy of targeting a receiver in the second. The Packers’ defense made a leap in 2024, but they must continue to reinforce the trenches to stop the run. Who is better equipped to stop the run than a 6’4”, 330-pound lineman? 

Pick 24: Josh Conerly Jr. – Oregon, T – Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota’s offensive line isn’t a major problem, but they were clearly outmatched in the playoffs. 2025 could be JJ McCarthy’s year, and a strong offensive line is a must for a young quarterback. Conerly at pick 24 is excellent value, compared to potentially reaching at another position of need like cornerback.

***Alternative pick: With Aaron Jones out of contract and no discernible heir apparent, don’t be shocked if Minnesota takes Omarion Hampton here. 

Pick 25: Tyler Booker – Alabama, G – Houston Texans

C.J. Stroud’s year two regression was largely due to Stroud fighting for his life behind PFF’s fourth-lowest graded line. Grabbing a lineman is an essential pick here, and Booker is the top-graded guard. 

Pick 26: Trey Amos – Mississippi, CB – Los Angeles Rams

After a dramatic start to the offseason with trade rumors, the Rams reached an agreement with Stafford and appear set to contend in 2025. Expect the Rams to address the offensive line through a key extension or free agency and use the draft to build on defense. Amos is a riser from my 1.0 draft after a strong showing at the Combine. The Rams struck gold on defense with Jared Verse and Braden Fiske. If Amos hits, we could see a significant leap for the Rams’ defense in 2025 and beyond.

Pick 27: Josh Simmons – Ohio State, T – Baltimore Ravens

If not for his injury, Simmons could have been the top tackle of the 2025 class. The Ravens have one of the stronger lines in the league but have multiple free agents. Simmons should be ready for the 2025 season, but a team like the Ravens can afford to sit Simmons until he’s ready and reap the fantastic discount when he’s fully healed. 

Pick 28: Grey Zabel – North Dakota State, T – Detroit Lions

Strength at the offensive line has been a major part of the Lions’ success, and the Lions love taking high-upside picks that end up paying huge dividends. Zabel is a big swing, high-ceiling prospect and satisfies the two most important things to the Lions - keeping pressure low on Jared Goff and opening lanes for the league’s most dynamic backfield.

Pick 29: Jalon Walker – Georgia, LB – Washington Commanders

The Commanders’ trade for Deebo Samuel lays the path for a defensive pick here for Washington. Edge is the most important. However, Washington needs upgrades across the board and best available is the clear pick here. Walker is a potential game-changing talent, and Dan Quinn is the perfect coach to develop him.

Pick 30: Walter Nolen – Mississippi, DL – Buffalo Bills

Buffalo does have a glaring need at receiver. However, they just re-signed Khalil Shakir and clearly believe in their receiving corps. They should grab Grant here at excellent value and push receiving needs to Day 2. The Bills’ defense struggled in 2025, and Nolen would be a significant upgrade. 

Can a DL addition help carry the Bills to the Super Bowl? Check out the latest Super Bowl 60 odds

Pick 31: Nick Emmanwori – South Carolina, S – Kansas City Chiefs 

Ideally, the Chiefs need to take a cornerback here. There are several strong round two picks they could draft a bit early. However, safety is also a position of need, and Emmanwori is truly a potential steal here. Emmanwori showcased exceptional athleticism with a 4.38-second 40-yard dash and is challenging Starks for the top safety in this year’s draft class. Kansas City’s pass defense took a big step back in 2025, and Emmanwori is a perfect fit. 

Pick 32: Landon Jackson – Arkansas, EDGE – Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles are in a precarious situation with two potential losses at Edge (via free agency or retirement), and investing in Edge is a strong move. Jackson is a borderline pick here. However, his speed and athleticism stood out at the Combine with a 40.5-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-9-inch broad jump. Philadelphia could absolutely develop him into an elite pass rusher. 

***Alternative pick: I mocked Pearce Jr. much earlier, but if character concerns continue to tank his stock, James Pearce Jr. - you are an Eagle!