NFL
By: Greg Rector
I am conducting a one-round draft for the 2025 NFL Draft. Yes, it’s early, but I understand what lies ahead for these upcoming NFL players. This draft has to be approached much differently than previous ones. Why? Because unlike last year’s draft or several others this season, we do not have many offensive tackles available, nor do we have a considerable number of first-round quarterbacks. Indeed, the Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Giants will have quarterbacks taken with the first two draft picks.
This is also a draft in which every team has a first-round draft pick. We shall see if that changes, but since every team has a first-round draft pick, let’s look and see where these players go in round one, shall we? I am using Tankathon to determine where teams draft. I also go with the positions needed by each team.
Las Vegas Raiders
Shedeur Sanders – QB Colorado
Sanders is definitely worthy of being drafted as a quarterback. He is good enough, but his character will be tested once he is no longer playing for his dad. 3,926 passing yards, 35 TDs, and 8 Interceptions mean this former HBCU quarterback has proved himself worthy.
New York Giants
Cameron Ward- QB Miami
As this former HBCU quarterback (Incarnate Wood) showed at Washington State and this year with the Miami Hurricanes when his game is on, there might not be a better quarterback to succeed in the NFL. Ward completed 67.4% of his passes and threw for 4,123 yards with 36 touchdowns and seven interceptions. If the Giants improve their offensive line, they can become a force yet again in the NFC East.
New England Patriots
Travis Hunter- WR/CB Colorado
The Patriots need help everywhere but the quarterback position. If the rumors hold true and they do sign Tee Higgins to a contract this offseason, they don’t need a wide receiver. How about a guy who can play both wide receiver and Cornerback? That’s right, Travis Hunter goes to the New England Patriots.
Hunter’s snap count has been massive for the last two seasons, and it goes way down when he comes to the NFL. Obviously, for the money, he wants to play WR, but I can see the Patriots using him more at cornerback and giving him special plays as a wide receiver.
Carolina Panthers
Mason Graham – DT Michigan
Another team that can use plenty of help is the Carolina Panthers. I gave them the number one three-technique defensive tackle, Mason Graham. The 6’3″ 320 lb Defensive tackle has played great football, and his ability to pass rush the quarterback will help the Panthers. 46 tackles and 3.5 sacks for what was not a regular season for the Wolverines. Graham was excellent all season.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Will Johnson – CB Michigan
Certainly, his injury-filled season might hurt Will Johnson in some people’s eyes. Not mine nor many NFL teams. Johnson stands at 6’2″ and weighs 205lbs. His man-to-man coverage is superb and he can play zone quite nicely as well. Johnson remains my first-ranked CB as he was before the season started.
Tennessee Titans
Teteroia McMillan- WR Arizona
Will Levis has his detractors and his supporters. I see Teteroia McMillan as the answer to the prayers of Titans fans. This guy is physically capable of playing in the NFL 6’5″ 210lbs and he has been the offensive sparkplug for the Arizona Wildcats for the last two seasons. He is my number one WR for the 2025 NFL Draft. Even in a down season he still managed 84 catches for 1319 yards and scored 8 TDs.
New York Jets
Abdul Carter- Edge Penn State
Now, most people assume the Jets need to draft a QB. I don’t have any, but the first two quarterbacks are worthy of being drafted in round one. I see the Jets using a later-round draft pick and selecting a quarterback later on in the draft. If this draft was as loaded at OT as last season, I could also see them using their pick at this position like they did last season with Fashanu. Instead, I have them taking Abdul Carter, the 6’3″ 250lb Edge from the Penn State Nittany Lions. Carter has made the move from linebacker to the Edge position very nicely.
Cleveland Browns
Will Campbell – OG/OT LSU
This has to be where the first OL gets selected. The Browns need to improve their depth along the OL. If I had my drothers it would be Will Campbell of LSU. Simply because his measurables likely mean he gets moved inside to play guard in the NFL. If his arm length is as short as many say then yes he becomes a guard.
Chicago Bears
Kelvin Banks- OT Texas
The Bears need to protect Caleb Williams and Kelvin Banks is the best OT in this year’s NFL draft. The Texas Longhorn did miss the SEC Championship game however he should be fine to play in the playoff game. He stands at 6;4″ and weighs 320lbs and will assist the Bears where they the most help.
Cincinnati Bengals
Ashton Jeanty – RB Boise State
I can hear fans groaning all over the league as I select Ashton Jeanty for the Bengals. 2,497 yards rushing with at least one more game to play means he likely beats Barry Sanders rushing record. Jeanty gives Joe Burrow a second NFL RB as Chase Brown can be used much more in the receiving game. Not saying this is Joe Burrow’s fault but for my money, the Bengals need to run the ball far more often.
New Orleans Saints
James Pearce Jr- Edge Tennessee
I can see the Saints offering Sam Darnold a contract after this season. Watch Pearce play against Ohio State ane you will see this young man attack the passing game and he also plays very well against the run. He is still on the smaller side of the weight category but he will add to his current 240lbs he stands at 6’5″ and has played great for the Volunteers.
Dallas Cowboys
Kenneth Grant- DT Michigan
Now, I, of course, would prefer Ashton Jeanty, but the Bengals have selected him. So, with this pick, I go with Kenneth Grant—the best one technique DT in this draft. I know Cowboys fans will destroy me for taking another DT from That School Up North, but when it comes to the draft, I don’t, and no one should ever scout the helmet. There are plenty of RBs and WRs available for me, though Grant, who stands at 6’3″ and weighs in at 340lbs, is the correct piece for the Dallas Cowboys to draft. He also had three sacks, and with Osa Odigizuwa likely to leave for more money, I don’t care. This is one time the Cowboys must address the number one technique position.
San Francisco 49ers
Jalon Walker LB/Edge Georgia
With the way the Niners have played this season, they have several holes to fill. If I had my way, the Niners would go for a new RB, but again, there are many excellent RBs to draft in this draft. With the quitting of LB De’Vondre Campbell and the aging Fred Warner and Greenlaw manning the Niners’ LB corps, I see a huge need at this position.
Miami Dolphins
Tyler Warren – TE/HB Penn State
The Dolphins’ needs are plenty, as they are for most teams. I’m not going to select an OL like so many others do. With Tyreek Hill getting older and a lack of a tight end, I’m going to select Penn State TE Tyler Warren. Here’s another reason why Warren can run with the ball: With Mostert and Warren both being older RBs, they can use Warren at both positions.
Indianapolis Colts
Malaki Starks – Safety Georgia
If you’re a Colts fan, you know how badly their defense needs a safety. Starks can be a huge assistance for Shane Steichen and his defense. The 6’1 ” 205 lb safety addresses many holes for the Colts. Starks plays great in coverage and also hits running backs very nicely.
Atlanta Falcons
Mykel Williams – Edge Georgia
This Bulldog remains in Georgia. The 6’%” 265lb Edge has been highly effective, and the Falcons’ pass rush needs someone to step up for them. He had 5 sacks in his limited playing time.
Arizona Cardinals
Nic Scourton – Edge Texas A&M
The Cardinals have had an up-and-down season, and they need help on their defensive line as well. Scourton is physically ready for the NFL, standing at 6’4″ and weighing 285 lbs. His physical presence alone will be a huge help in attacking opposing NFL offenses.
Los Angeles Rams
Shavon Revel – CB East Carolina
I could have gone with Benjamin Morrison from Notre Dame here, but if you watch Revel’s play from 2023, you’ll discover this draft version of Quinyon Mitchell, who made his mark on the NFL in a big way. Revel will be a great nickel corner in the NFL. Don’t worry about his ACL injury, IMO.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Benjamin Morrison – CB Notre Dame
Morrison missed the last half of Notre Dame’s games this season with a hip injury that appears to be just fine. The medical tests that will happen at the NFL draft combine should confirm that he is okay. The 6’0″ 190lb corner was outstanding for the Fighting Irish and will be an excellent option for the Buccaneers.
Washington Commanders
Aireontae Ersery – OT Minnesota
The Commanders needs more help along their O-Line and Ersery should be able to improve the protection for Jaylen Daniels. He stands at 6’6″ and weighs in at 330lbs. He will make life easier.
Los Angeles Chargers
Luther Burdon III – WR Missouri
I know Jim Harbaugh likes to run the football but there is some need for passing and with Justin Herbert at QB this is where I have Luther Burdon III going. Burdon III numbers went down in 2024 but with the Tigers QB being injutred for several games these thigs happen. The 5’11” and 210lb wide receiver will be a huge assistance for Herbert especially going downfield on longre passing plays.
Denver Broncos
Emeka Egbuka – WR Ohio State
Egbuka is simply put the best roiute runner in the draft and Bo Nix needs another weapon to throw the ball to. If there was an OL I would take here it might be Donovan Jackson from Ohio State. Egbuka though is the answer for the Broncos. He will be a great WR two. He stands at 6’1″ and weighs 205 lbs and with his experience at Ohio State he will be ready to go on day one.
Seattle Seahawks
Walter Nolen – DT Ole Miss
Nolen will test out better than many expect and that will mean he gets selected here by the Seahawks. The 6’3″ 305lb DT will be a key to getting to the quarterback for the Seahawks defense. He had 6 sacks this season and plays excellently against the run as well.
Baltimore Ravens
Josh Simmons – OT Ohio State
I know they have question marks on their defense but the Ravens can address those concerns in the later rounds of the 2025 NFL draft. Simmons prior to his knee injury was easily a top ten pick in this draft. Much like every NFL draft in my memory bank the Ravens get an excellent player as long as his knee checks out at draft combine. he stands at 6’5″ and weighs in at 315lbs which suits the Ravens just fine.
Houston Texans
Donovan Jackson -IOL/OT Ohio State
CJ Stroud needs much better play from his offensive linemen an Jackson has been outstanding for the Buckeyes. As a LG he was dominant and when Josh Simmons got injured he has played at LT and has been just as good as he was at LG. That says a lot and the 6’4″ 320lb guard will open holes for Texans RBs and protect CJ Stroud quite nicely.
Green Bay Packers
Landon Jackson- Edge Arkansas
I don’t see the Packers drafting a WR in round one. They usually draft the lines early on in the draft. This year, I see Jackson as a likely target. The Razorbacks Edge player played excellent football, and at 6’7″ and weighing around 280 lbs, you can see why the Packers selected Jackson to terrorize the quarterbacks in the very tough NFC North.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Jayden Higgins- WR Iowa State
The Pittsburgh Steelers have shocked many NFL fans this season, and I count myself as one who was shocked. If there weren’t that many great RBs as will be available in later rounds, I would grab one of them here. I still think the Steelers need another WR to go along with George Pickens, so I won’t hurt Dom’s or Bill Carroll’s Steelers by drafting Isiah Bond. Instead, I go with Jaylen Higgins, who stands at 6’4″ and weighs 215lbs. This young man has been so good for the Cyclones and will provide a bigger target for Russell Wilson or Josh Fields. Higgins caught 87 passes and was deadly in the red zone with 9 TDs.
Minnesota Vikings
Tyliek Williams – DT Ohio State
Williams has played very hard games for the Buckeyes, and he is suited to line up against the offensive lines of the NFC North. He stands at 6’3″ and weighs around 330 lbs. The Buckeyes didn’t ask him to pass rush very often, but he can get the job done.
Buffalo Bills
Deone Walker – DT Kentucky
Here is a team that is pretty well-loaded, and it’s hard to determine which way they will go. So, I also have them drafting a defensive tackle. Have you guys noticed the number of DTs I have taken so far? As I said earlier, this OT class is much weaker, and the DTs are outstanding. Walker is much like Kenneth Grant; he is a true one-technique DT. He stands at 6’6″ and weighs in at 345 lbs.
Philadelphia Eagles
Shemar Stewart – Edge Texas A&M
This is another huge Edge player who can also play inside on passing downs. 6’6″ and weighs in at 290lbs. It’s just another player that Howie Roseman gets who will be an excellent defender.
Kansas City Chiefs
Omarion Hampton – RB UNC
The Chiefs need an OT who can play on either side of the field. However, at this spot, I don’t have one who is any more than a project. I apologize to Chiefs Kingdom. Tankathon has your Chiefs losing in the Super Bowl. It’s not me, okay? So how about you give Patrick Mahomes a running back who can also get receptions? Hampton caught 38 passes for 373 yards and caught two of those passes for TDs. He stands at 6′ and weighs 220lbs. Just when the AFC West fans were used to seeing more from the Chiefs, right?
Detroit Lions
Mike Green – Edge Marshall
Indeed, Tankathon has given the Detroit Lions their first-ever Super Bowl. What more do the Lions need? Their O-line is signed and intact until 2027. So I decided to go ahead of where Green likely goes in round two, and I added him to Aidan Hutchison. Green is 6’4″ and weighs 250 lbs. Beware of him coming NFC North quarterbacks. He only had 17 sacks.
So there is my first NFL Mock draft of the season, which featured no trades. Go ahead and leave your comments. You can find me on X @GregCowboys
