The NFL combine in Indianapolis is fast approaching, signaling the start of mock draft season. Kory Woods of MLive has compiled his first projection for the 2025 NFL draft. Here’s a breakdown of the top picks:
- Tennessee Titans – Miami QB Cam Ward: The Titans are looking to move on from Will Levis, whose performance has been underwhelming. Ward is seen as the top quarterback this season, and Tennessee is in a position to secure their future with him.
- Cleveland Browns – Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders: Deshaun Watson’s tenure in Cleveland has been disappointing, and with Watson sidelined for most of the upcoming season, the Browns need to invest in a new quarterback. Sanders offers them a fresh start.
- New York Giants – Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter: With quarterback still a major need, the Giants opt to take the best available player. Hunter’s versatility on both offense and defense makes him a valuable asset, especially in a position of need like wide receiver and cornerback.
- New England Patriots – Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter: The Patriots, under new head coach Mike Vrabel, focus on defense, adding a dynamic edge rusher to strengthen their pass rush.
- Jacksonville Jaguars – Michigan DL Mason Graham: Graham complements Jacksonville’s young defensive line, alongside Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, helping to establish a formidable front for the future.
- Las Vegas Raiders – Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan: The Raiders need a deep-threat wide receiver to support their unknown quarterback situation, and McMillan’s height and skill set make him a top choice.
- New York Jets – Texas CB Jahdae Barron: With head coach Aaron Glenn’s preference for man coverage, Barron fits perfectly into the Jets’ defensive system, providing an upgrade at cornerback.
- Carolina Panthers – Missouri WR Luther Burden III: To aid quarterback Bryce Young, the Panthers select Burden, a dynamic and explosive wide receiver who could immediately elevate the offense.
- New Orleans Saints – Tennessee EDGE James Pearce Jr.: With veteran pass rusher Cameron Jordan aging, the Saints look to the future by selecting Pearce, a high-potential edge rusher.
- Chicago Bears – Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty: The Bears, under new head coach Ben Johnson, look to bolster their backfield with Jeanty, a versatile running back who could give their offense a boost.
- San Francisco 49ers – LSU OT Will Campbell: The aging Trent Williams could soon need a successor, and Campbell, the top offensive tackle, provides immediate depth to their offensive line.
- Dallas Cowboys – Ohio State OT Josh Simmons: With concerns about Tyler Guyton’s performance, Dallas strengthens its offensive line by adding Simmons, a Day 1 starter at tackle.
- Miami Dolphins – Michigan DT Kenneth Grant: Miami addresses its defensive needs with Grant, a disruptive force in the trenches, who could be the centerpiece of their defensive line.
- Indianapolis Colts – Michigan TE Colston Loveland: With a solid future quarterback in Anthony Richardson, the Colts pick Loveland, a top-tier tight end who can immediately make an impact.
- Atlanta Falcons – Georgia EDGE Mykel Williams: The Falcons bolster their pass rush by selecting Williams, an edge rusher with strong potential who played in SEC’s high-profile games.
- Arizona Cardinals – Texas OL Kelvin Banks: Arizona secures Banks, a versatile offensive lineman capable of playing both guard and tackle, addressing multiple needs.
- Cincinnati Bengals – Oregon DL Derrick Harmon: The Bengals look to rebuild their defensive line with Harmon, a physical presence who can make an immediate impact.
- Seattle Seahawks – Georgia LB/EDGE Jalon Walker: A versatile prospect, Walker’s combination of speed and strength makes him an enticing option to enhance Seattle’s defense.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Marshall EDGE Mike Green: Green, a relentless pass rusher with a complete skill set, fits the Buccaneers’ defense under Todd Bowles.
- Denver Broncos – Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka: The Broncos add another playmaker for Bo Nix by selecting Egbuka, a dynamic wide receiver who could make an immediate impact.
- Pittsburgh Steelers – Texas WR Matthew Golden: With Najee Harris and George Pickens already in place, Golden provides the Steelers with another explosive weapon on offense.
- Los Angeles Chargers – Texas A&M EDGE Shemar Stewart: Stewart’s athleticism and versatility make him an ideal selection for the Chargers, looking to upgrade their pass rush.
- Green Bay Packers – Michigan CB Will Johnson: Johnson’s fall to No. 23 is a steal for the Packers, who are in desperate need of playmaking in their secondary.
- Minnesota Vikings – Ole Miss DL Walter Nolen: The Vikings focus on bolstering their defense by adding Nolen, a dominant interior lineman who can disrupt both the run and the pass.
- Los Angeles Rams – Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell: With a need for defense, the Rams select Campbell, a linebacker capable of making plays from multiple positions.
- Baltimore Ravens – Boston College EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku: The Ravens need to add depth to their defensive line, and Ezeiruaku, with his pass-rushing ability, fills that need.
- Detroit Lions – Ole Miss EDGE Princely Umanmielen: The Lions seek another pass rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson. Umanmielen, with his explosive first step and impressive stats, provides the perfect fit.
- Washington Commanders – Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton: Scourton, a high-potential edge rusher, fills a gap for Washington’s defense as they search for more pass-rush help.
- Buffalo Bills – South Carolina DL T.J. Sanders: Sanders brings a powerful presence to Buffalo’s defensive line, providing a future starter who can develop into a key player.
- Kansas City Chiefs – North Dakota State OL Grey Zabel: The Chiefs improve their offensive line to protect Patrick Mahomes, selecting Zabel, who can provide protection for their star quarterback.
- Philadelphia Eagles – Ohio State EDGE Jack Sawyer: Sawyer, with his high football IQ and relentless approach, fits perfectly into the Eagles’ defense, giving them another pass-rushing weapon.
