By: Dom Choroski
As January comes to a close, we inch closer to a trip to the “frozen tundra” for the 2025 NFL Draft. Now that the deadline for underclassmen to declare has passed, we have a better view of the prospects that will be available on April 24th. Names will rise and fall as we go through the draft process (pro-days, combine, individual workouts, etc.) so I expect this mock will look very different from future versions. That being said let’s get into the fun stuff!
1. Tennessee Titans: Travis Hunter (DB/WR – Colorado)
Titan’s President of Operations, Chad Brinker, recently stated that they “won’t pass on a generational talent with the first pick in the NFL draft.” Insert Travis Hunter. Hands down the best overall prospect in the draft with insane versatility. I project he will be a corner at the next level who gets about 10-15 plays on offense, specifically in the redzone. Plain and simple, we have never seen anything like Travis Hunter, and it’s hard to find a downside to selecting him. The Titans can address QB next year with what should be a better class in 2026.
2. Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter (Edge – Penn State)
Another organization that could very well use this pick on a QB, however, Deshaun Watson’s contract makes moving on from him before 2027 difficult. Jameis Winston played well as the starter last year and could be brought back as a bridge QB. Abdul Carter had his best season in 2024, tallying 12 sacks and two forced fumbles. Pairing him with Myles Garrett gives the Browns the most dangerous pass-rushing duo in the league.
3. New York Giants: Cam Ward (QB – Miami)
Its no secret that Giants’ General Manager, Joe Schoen, and Head Coach, Brian Daboll, are on the hot seat after the Daniel Jones fiasco. Here they look to rectify that mistake by taking the QB prospect with the most potential. Ward is raw but has a rocket arm and off-the-charts playmaking ability. Daboll turned Josh Allen into an elite QB in Buffalo, he gets the chance to do the same in New York with Ward.
4. New England Patriots: Tetairoa McMillan (WR – Arizona)
99% of the time I am all in favor of building the offensive line to protect a young QB, however, the New England Patriots had the worst collection of offensive skill players in the league last season. Drake Maye, who was recently named a Pro Bowler, needs help and tons of it. The WR room desperately needs an upgrade and in a class where that position is not as deep as years before, getting the best prospect is paramount. The line can be addressed in later rounds and free agency.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham (DL – Michigan)
Mason Graham is regarded by many as one of the best overall prospects in the draft regardless of position. Pairing Graham with Mason Smith allows them to sure up a defensive line that gave up 132.6 rushing yards per game last year and ranked 31st in total defensive yards. Also, think of the fun nicknames, the Law Office of Maason and Mason, the Free Masons!
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Shedeur Sanders (QB – Colorado)
Shedeur Sanders has been the best QB in the nation for the past two years at Colorado. He possesses good enough athleticism to keep a play alive when it breaks down, elite accuracy, and poise in the face of adversity. The Raiders knew what type of season they were in for this year with Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell leading the charge. Sanders will continue his mentorship under Raider’s Minority Owner, Tom Brady, and just maybe Sanders to Brock Bowers can be the next Brady to Gronk.
7. New York Jets: Will Campbell (OT – LSU)
At 6’6″ and 320 Lbs, Will Campbell is a mammoth of a man who can control defenders with his upper-body strength and tight hands. Some teams may look to move him to guard due to a lack of arm length. Regardless of where he plays at the next level, he is an instant plug-and-play guy who can help the Jets keep Aaron Rodgers, or whoever will be playing QB for them next year, upright and off the grass.
8. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker (Edge – Georgia)
In all honesty, you could go with either of the Georgia edge rushers here, Jalon Walker or Mykel Williams. In this edition, we lean on Walker who was healthier than Williams in 2024. If you need to see his game-wreaking ability, just turn on the Texas tape. The Panthers had arguably the worst defense in the NFL last year, adding a consistent edge rush after trading Brian Burns is a step towards fixing that.
9. New Orleans Saints: Mykel Williams (Edge – Georgia)
The Saints will gladly select whichever Bulldog the Panthers opt not to. Chase Young will be a free agent and Cam Jordan isn’t getting any younger. Williams had somewhat of a down year in 2024, but as mentioned earlier most of that was due to playing through injury all season. However, when healthy two words come to mind when I watch Williams, violent and determined.
10. Chicago Bears: Armand Membou (OT/OG – Missouri)
Caleb Williams had his ups and downs as a rookie but showed enough promise that the Bears believe he can be the face of the franchise. With the addition of Head Coach Ben Johnson, building a dominant offensive line to protect Williams becomes the priority. Look at what Johnson did in Detroit, a large portion of their success came from having an offensive line that simply mauled opponents. Armand Membou, who some have compared to Elijah Vera-Tucker, is best suited to be a guard but could kick out to tackle if need be.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Will Johnson (DB – Michigan)
The expiring contracts of Charvarius Ward and Isaac Yiadom make finding a DB a priority. Outside of Hunter, Will Johnson may be the best pure corner in the draft. Despite Johnson’s aversion to tackling, he is a mixture of fluid hips, good instincts, and phenomenal ball skills.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty (RB – Boise State)
Not much explanation is needed here. Dallas’ run game fell off a cliff last year. On top of that, their most productive ball carrier from last year, Rico Dowdle, is set to be a free agent. Ashton Jeanty is a top-five talent in the draft that instantly makes life easier for Dak Prescott.
13. Miami Dolphins: Malaki Starks (S – Georgia)
Jevon Holland headlines a pretty lengthy list of Dolphins’ defensive players set to hit free agency. Some will argue the positional value of safety is not worth taking this early in the draft, I say hogwash. Difference makers are difference makers no matter when you select them. Starks has the versatility, sure tackling, and calm when the ball is in the air to play all over the field and, will be a headache for offenses. I could see the Dolphins adding some offensive line help here as well.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren (TE – Penn State)
The Colts have to find more playmakers to ensure that their young QB, Anthony Richardson, has the best setting possible for him to flourish. Having a dynamic tight end as a safety blanket will make that hope a reality. Tyler Warren exploded this past season totaling 104 receptions, 1,233 receiving yards, and 8 TDs. For reference, he totaled just 49 receptions, 606 receiving yards, and 11 TDs in his three seasons before 2024.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Mike Green (Edge – Marshall)
Mike Green was a name that most fans were not familiar with at the beginning of the year. However, after a 17 sack, 3 forced fumble performance in 2024, and a very impressive showing against Ohio State, Green is flying up draft boards. He is a relentless rusher and relishes getting after the QB. Green could be the answer to what has been an anemic pass rush in Atlanta for the better part of a decade.
16. Arizona Cardinals: James Pearce Jr. (Edge – Tennessee)
Arizona has a glaring need to fill out the defensive line after potentially losing five guys to free agency. James Pearce Jr. showcased his ability to move along the line and still be a force. He is explosive and was able to consistently generate pressure despite being under-sized.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Walter Nolan (DL – Ole Miss)
Cincinnati’s defense is a far cry from what it was a few years ago when the team made their first Super Bowl appearance since 1989. Since then, Defensive Coordinator, Lou Anarumo, has been fired and Trey Hendrickson represents a lone bright spot on a unit that needs some major updates. Bringing in a defensive tackle like Nolan who can be a disruptor on the inside makes a ton of sense.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT – Texas)
Seahawks’ General Manager, John Schneider, recently spoke on how guards are the “most overrated and over-drafted” positions in the NFL. Well, it’s good news that Banks Jr. has the chops to play both guard and tackle at the next level. Geno Smith will not be the signal caller in Seattle much longer and building a strong front to protect Smith’s successor should be in play.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jihaad Campbell (LB – Alabama)
I get really excited when you constantly hear about a player’s leadership. Campbell was the captain of the Crimson Tide defense and despite originally being recruited to be an edge rusher, he was able to transition to a rangy and explosive off-ball linebacker. Jihaad Campbell is the perfect Levontae David replacement.
20. Denver Broncos: Luther Burden III (WR – Missouri)
Bo Nix was surprisingly effective and impressive in his rookie season and with Sean Payton at the helm, you can only assume this offense is going to continue to grow into a juggernaut, especially if they want to compete in a loaded AFC West. Burden is a YAC machine who would excel in Payton’s offense allowing him to get in open space and showcase his run-after-catch abilities.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Matthew Golden (WR – Texas)
Arguably, no one did more to raise their draft stock this season than Matthew Golden. In Texas’ first year in the SEC, Matthew Golden stepped up in a major way for the Longhorns after Isiah Bond went down, hauling in 9 TDs. Pairing Golden with George Pickens would give the Steelers two receivers with outstanding hands and toughness, capable of taking any catch to the house.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland (TE – Michigan)
Am I putting too much into the Michigan connection here with Jim Harbaugh and Colston Loveland? Maybe. That being said, Loveland provides a much-needed explosive receiving option for Justin Herbert. Ladd McConkey emerged as WR1, but the rest of the cupboard is bare when it comes to playmakers. Loveland’s familiarity with Harbaugh’s system and big-play potential make him an ideal fit.
23. Green Bay Packers: Jahdae Baron (DB – Texas)
Jahdae Baron is the definition of a “do-everything guy.” Baron lined up outside, in the slot, and even took snaps as a dime linebacker. When dropping into coverage he has great anticipation and discipline and flashed some impressive blitzing ability. With Jaire Alexander set to hit free agency, Baron is more than capable of filling those shoes.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Shavon Revel Jr. (DB – ECU)
After a nine-sack performance from the offensive line against the Rams in the Wild Card round, finding help for that group seems like an obvious choice. However, after watching that game again, Sam Darnold did the line no favors with how long he held onto the ball. I don’t believe it’s as pressing of a need as some. The ECU product is coming off a knee injury that ended his season in September, but the upside makes it worth the risk.
25. Houston Texans: Tyler Booker (OG – Alabama)
The top priority for the Houston Texans is to make sure they don’t allow CJ Stroud to be the most sacked QB in the NFL, similar to Deshaun Watson during his time in Houston. Tyler Booker checks all the boxes. Prototypical size, consistent performances, and a willingness to find some work when he’s uncovered. He will clear the way for Joe Mixon and keep CJ Stroud’s jersey clean.
26. Los Angeles Ram: Josh Simmons (OT – Ohio State)
Matthew Stafford’s pending retirement seems to be a constant offseason topic for the Rams these days. Assuming the 36-year-old will be back in the yellow and blue next season, protecting him is the key to another Super Bowl run. Josh Simmons will have to bounce back from a season-ending knee injury, but when healthy he can line up on either side of the line and has the quickness to handle speed rushers on the outside.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Cameron Williams (OT – Texas)
I really wanted to go with Ohio State wideout Emeka Egbuka, but with Ronnie Stanley’s injury history and the fact he is set to hit free agency means the Ravens pivot to Cameron Williams. While Williams has only started eight games, he has appeared in 29 over the course of his career. That experience combined with his size and strong hands would be a welcome addition on the Ravens offensive line.
28. Detroit Lions: Shemar Stewart (Edge – Texas A&M)
Despite a disappointing, early exit from the postseason, the Lions are in an extremely enviable spot. Top to bottom there aren’t many holes on the roster and their playoff loss could be chalked up to a laundry list of defensive guys that were placed on IR during the season. That makes this pick a luxury one. Shemar Stewart is one of those “height, weight, speed” freak athletes that the NFL drools over. Taking a shot on his potential and pairing him with a returning Aiden Hutchinson should have the Lions thinking about a Lombardi next year.
29. Washington Commanders: Josh Conerly Jr. (OT – Oregon)
How do you reward Jayden Daniels after the greatest rookie season of all time? Get him some security! Conerly Jr. showed consistent improvement in his two years as a starter and has the athleticism to recover when beaten. If the Commanders want to get back to an NFC Conference Championship Game or further it starts and ends with keeping Jayden Daniels healthy.
30. Buffalo Bills: Nick Emmanwori (S – South Carolina)
Nick Emmanwori has an uncanny combination of size and production. His 6’3″, 227 Ibs frame doesn’t slow him down at all and he constantly makes breaks on short/quick routes, quickly turning them into TDs. He’s a willing and capable tackler who can be brought down to be a sub-linebacker. Bills fans will love him.
31. Philadelphia Eagles: Nic Scourton (Edge – Texas A&M)
Howie Roseman has done a fantastic job of building what is arguably the best offensive and defensive lines in football. The interior of the line is stacked with the likes of Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. An edge rusher will be the cherry on top. The former Purdue Boilermaker led the BIG Ten in sacks in 2023, his production dropped after transferring to the Aggies but still tallied five sacks in 2024.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Derrick Harmon (DT – Oregon)
Patrick Mahomes has proven he doesn’t need an offense loaded with elite-skill players. And for those paying close attention, you’ll notice the Chiefs dynasty has been supported by an elite defense that is spearheaded by Steve Spagnola and Chris Jones. An elite run stuffer to go alongside the pass rush of Jones adds another wrinkle to an already suffocating defensive unit.