2025 NFL Draft Mock Draft: Jets, Titans and Colts make game-changing picks

The 2024 NFL season has concluded, and the league now shifts its focus to the offseason. The scouting combine, pro days, and team interviews will shape how franchises approach the 2025 NFL Draft. Every year, teams face crucial decisions that will define their futures. Some will strike gold, while others will make choices they regret for years.

In this mock draft, the Jets nab a receiver, the Titans get a dynamic pass rusher, and quarterback-needy teams make aggressive moves to secure their signal-callers of the future. Let’s dive into how the board could shake out.

Complete first round 2025 NFL Mock Draft

While the Titans could consider taking a quarterback with the top pick, this year’s class lacks a true can’t-miss signal-caller. Instead, they opt for the best overall player in the draft: Penn State’s Abdul Carter. The explosive edge rusher led the nation with 23.5 tackles for loss and recorded 12 sacks, showcasing elite pass-rushing ability. With All-Pro potential, Carter is the kind of defensive cornerstone Tennessee needs.

Unlike the Titans, the Browns choose to address their quarterback situation in the first round. Deshaun Watson has proven he is not the answer, yet his massive contract will continue to burden the team's salary cap. Enter Cam Ward—a high-upside prospect with one of the strongest arms in the 2025 draft class. His raw talent gives Cleveland hope for the future at the position.

After moving on from Daniel Jones, the Giants have a pressing need at quarterback. Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders is the most polished pocket passer in this class, boasting elite accuracy. Pairing Sanders with 2024 first-round pick Malik Nabers would give New York an exciting young quarterback-receiver duo to build around.

Two of Patriots major needs this offseason are a go-to wide receiver and a cornerback to play opposite Christian Gonzalez. Luckily, Travis Hunter excels at both positions. The Colorado star has been elite on both sides of the ball throughout his college career, making him a perfect fit for New England’s rebuilding efforts.

Fixing a defense that ranked 31st in yards allowed per play (5.9) last season is Jacksonville’s top priority. One of the biggest holes is at defensive tackle, as the Jags struggled against the run and lacked interior pass rush. Michigan’s Mason Graham is a dominant run defender—earning a 92.6 PFF grade in that area—and flashes impressive quickness for a 320-pounder, tallying 3.5 sacks last season.

The Raiders have been rumored to be exploring a trade-up for a quarterback, but if they stay put and the top two signal-callers are gone, addressing wide receiver makes sense. Jakobi Meyers has been productive but isn’t a true No. 1 option. Tetairoa McMillan, the most polished receiver in this class, is a big-play threat every time he touches the ball, accounting for 42 receptions of 20+ yards over the past two seasons.

The Jets pull off the first big surprise in the 2025 NFL Draft by taking Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III with the seventh overall pick. While this move will raise eyebrows, it does address a need especially if Davante Adams does not return next season. Burden showed he has a high ceiling when he shined during the 2023 season, when he was named a second-team All-American and finished second in the SEC in receiving yards.

Carolina’s defense was historically bad last season, allowing an NFL record of 534 points. A major reason for their struggles was a lack of pass rush as no Panthers defender recorded more than six sacks, and the team ranked 31st in pass rush win rate (28.1%). Georgia’s Jalon Walker is an elite athlete with 6.5 sacks last season and would be an ideal fit in Carolina’s 3-4 defense, giving them a much-needed disruptive presence off the edge.

In his introductory press conference, new Saints head coach Kellen Moore emphasized that building success in the NFL starts with the offensive and defensive lines. One position he may look to upgrade this offseason is right tackle, as Trevor Penning has yet to establish himself as a dependable starter. A strong potential replacement is Will Campbell, who possesses outstanding body control and strength and earned First-Team All-American honors this past season.

While the Bears' biggest need may be the interior offensive line, no guard or center is worth the 10th overall pick, especially with Will Campbell off the board. Instead, Chicago opts to bolster its pass rush by selecting James Pearce Jr. Pairing him with Montez Sweat gives the Bears a formidable edge duo capable of wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks. Pearce has been an elite pass rusher at Tennessee, earning All-SEC honors while racking up 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons. He possesses exceptional burst off the ball and outstanding flexibility to bend around the edge, making him a feared pass rusher.

Offensive lineman fly off the board in the middle round of the 2025 NFL Draft

The 49ers struggled against the run last season, allowing 4.5 yards per carry, and their pass rush ranked 23rd in sacks, highlighting the need for defensive reinforcements. To address this, they select Georgia’s Mykel Williams, named the best run-stopping edge defender in the 2025 NFL Draft by Bleacher Report. Williams strengthens a defensive line that finished 21st in PFF’s rankings and provides much-needed support opposite Nick Bosa. While he recorded just five sacks last season, his ability to set the edge, disrupt offenses, and combine power with technique should immediately help San Francisco regain its defensive dominance.

With an aging offensive line and questions on the right side, Dallas looks to upgrade by selecting Texas standout Kelvin Banks. The 2024 Outland and Lombardi Award winner, Banks is an elite athlete who has excelled at left tackle but has the versatility to play right tackle or shift inside to replace Zack Martin, who is nearing free agency. A hard worker with impressive strength and mobility, he provides the Cowboys with a much-needed infusion of talent and flexibility in the trenches.

"If I can say, ‘Guys, who do I want you to emulate? I want you to emulate Kelvin Banks. The way he’s gone about his business has been tremendous."

Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian

After struggling with pass protection last season, finishing in the bottom five in pass block win rate (55.7%), the Dolphins look to shore up their offensive line by selecting Ohio State's Josh Simmons. With Tua Tagovailoa's injury history, it's crucial to protect him, and while Terron Armstead has been solid when healthy, his age (33) and recurring injury issues make him increasingly unreliable. Simmons, my top offensive tackle, has nimble feet and allowed just one sack over the last two seasons. His addition could be the long-term solution to Miami's offensive line woes.

The Colts need to upgrade their cornerback position after disappointing play from JuJu Brents and Dallis Flowers, contributing to a 69.4 completion percentage allowed, ranking 30th in the NFL. Michigan’s Will Johnson, the top cornerback in the 2025 NFL Draft, offers an ideal solution. Standing at 6'2" with impressive ball skills, Johnson excels in man-to-man coverage. Although he missed most of his final season due to a turf toe injury, Johnson's 2023 campaign was stellar, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors and defensive MVP in the national championship.

The Falcons are in dire need of a pass rush after recording just 31 sacks last season, ranking second-to-last in the NFL. While they traded for Matthew Judon to help address this, his 5.5 sacks and impending free agency left much to be desired. To fix this, the Falcons select Mike Green, who led the nation with 17 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss in 2024. Green’s explosive first step, elite edge speed, and play violence are reminiscent of Hall-of-Famer Dwight Freeney, making him a perfect fit for Atlanta’s 3-4 defense.

The Arizona Cardinals need to address their pass rush after finishing with the sixth-worst pressure rate and fifth-worst pass rush win rate in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. To fill this gap, they select Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, a 6-foot-5, 281-pound defensive end with elite athleticism and speed for his size. While Stewart has never recorded more than 1.5 sacks in a season, his raw tools make him a high-upside prospect who could develop into a much better pro than college player.

"Shemar Stewart is a tremendous kid. "(When) you first meet him, you're like, 'Oh, my God. This guy looks like a million dollars...' I told one of the NFL guys, 'If you gave me and you two hours in a lab to build a defensive end, they would come out looking like Shemar Stewart."

Texas A&M DC Jay Bateman

The Bengals’ defense was a key factor in their failure to make the playoffs, allowing 25.5 points per game and struggling against the run. To address this, Cincinnati selects Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, a 6-foot-3, 339-pound powerhouse who excels at clogging up running lanes. Grant’s size makes him a force in the run game, but he also brings underrated pass-rushing ability, showcasing impressive speed off the ball for a player of his size. With high upside and elite athleticism, including a 29-inch vertical and 18.75 mph GPS speed, Grant adds much-needed strength and explosiveness to the Bengals' defensive line.

Seattle's offensive line was one of the worst in the NFL last season, ranking 31st by Pro Football Focus while finishing 30th in rush yards before contact per carry and 29th in pressure rate. With new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak installing a zone-run scheme, the Seahawks need a more athletic lineman, making Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr. a perfect fit. A first-team All-Big Ten selection and the Senior Bowl’s OT Practice Player of the Week, Conerly possesses the agility and movement skills to thrive in Seattle’s system. 

While the Buccaneers would love to add a pass rusher, no edge defender left on the board is worth this pick, so they instead strengthen their secondary. Injuries and inconsistency plagued Tampa Bay’s defensive backs last season, and the team managed just seven interceptions all year. Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison is a true shutdown corner, allowing just a 49% completion rate in college while also recording nine career interceptions. His ball-hawking skills and ability to capitalize on turnover opportunities make him a valuable addition to a defense in need of playmakers.

Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren slip to teams in the AFC West in 2025 NFL Mock Draft

The Broncos land a steal with Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, one of the most productive running backs in college football. Jeanty led the nation in rushing last season with 2,601 yards and showcased his versatility by topping all FBS running backs in receiving yards in 2023 with 569. His elite contact balance, vision, and ability to contribute in the passing game make him a perfect fit for Sean Payton’s offense. With Javonte Williams set to hit free agency and Denver ranking just 20th in yards per rush (4.1), Jeanty provides an immediate boost to the backfield. 

The Steelers could consider a wide receiver here, but addressing cornerback makes more sense with Donte Jackson set to hit free agency. Shavon Revel is a rare prospect at 6-foot-3 with 4.44 speed, giving Pittsburgh the size and athleticism they need in the secondary. While his technique needs refinement, his physical tools provide All-Pro upside.

While Penn State’s Tyler Warren might be the higher-rated tight end in the 2025 class, Colston Loveland could be the first off the board due to his superior athleticism and upside. The Chargers need more weapons in the passing game, and Loveland, Michigan’s all-time leading receiver at tight end, fits the bill. Reuniting with his former college coach, Jim Harbaugh, makes this an even more natural fit. 

The Green Bay Packers finally address the wide receiver position in the first round, a move long overdue given the uncertainty in their receiving corps. Christian Watson will miss at least half the season, Romeo Doubs has battled concussions, and Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks struggled with drops last year. Golden brings much-needed reliability and explosiveness, having averaged 102.8 receiving yards over his final four games, including the SEC Championship and College Football Playoff. His speed, elusiveness, and kick return ability make him an ideal playmaker for Green Bay’s offense. 

The Vikings get tremendous value here, landing Malaki Starks, the eighth-best player on my board, with the 24th pick. With longtime star Harrison Smith possibly having played his last game in Minnesota and Camryn Bynum hitting free agency, safety is a major need. Starks is a fast, fluid, and hard-hitting defender who has been praised as the most versatile safety in the class.

The Texans must bolster an offensive line that allowed 54 sacks last season, particularly at guard, where former first-round pick Kendrick Green has struggled. Armand Membou, who played tackle at Missouri, has the versatility to shift inside and provide an immediate upgrade. Coming off a dominant season, he earned a 90.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus and didn’t surrender a single sack.

With Alaric Jackson potentially leaving in free agency and Rob Havenstein turning 33 next season, the Rams need to reinforce their offensive line. Aireontae Ersery, the 2024 Big Ten Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year, offers an elite blend of size and athleticism at 6-foot-6, 339 pounds, highlighted by his record-setting 1.52-second 10-yard split for a Minnesota offensive tackle. 

With Mark Andrews' future in Baltimore uncertain due to his high cap number and declining production, the Ravens could look for his replacement in the draft. Tyler Warren, the top tight end on my board, had a historic 2024 season, becoming the first tight end in Big Ten history to catch 100 passes. He finished the year with 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and 12 total touchdowns, showcasing his reliability and playmaking ability.

"Tyler Warren, obviously, he’s a unique guy. Everybody talks about obviously his production as a receiver and as a runner, but it’s also as a blocker. He had some phenomenal blocks on Saturday. It helps that he’s 6’6″. He’s essentially 260 pounds. He’s able to block you like a traditional in-line tight end, or from the hip position. He’s smart enough to line up at the number one receiver, the number two receiver, the number three receiver, in the backfield as a fullback or H-back. However you want to describe it. He’s able to line up and play the quarterback position, take snaps under center as well from the gun. He’s able to throw the ball. He’s a former quarterback."

Penn State head coach James Franklin

The Lions' top priority this offseason is finding a counterpart to Aidan Hutchinson on the defensive line. Nic Scourton, a standout from Texas A&M, could be a great fit as a late-first-round pick. Over the past two seasons, Scourton has accumulated 15 sacks, using his powerful pass-rushing technique to disrupt quarterbacks. He's also highly effective against the run, making him a well-rounded defensive end who can help strengthen Detroit’s front seven. 

After a surprising season with Jayden Daniels at the helm, the Commanders must continue building around their young quarterback. Adding a reliable target opposite Terry McLaurin would be a smart move, and Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka fits the bill. The Buckeyes’ all-time leader in catches and receiving yards, Egbuka is a polished route runner who excels at catching in traffic.

The Bills may be AFC favorites next season, but to reach the Super Bowl, they must improve their run defense—something the Chiefs exploited in the AFC Championship Game, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. Walter Nolen would be a key addition to fixing this issue, as he earned All-American honors and posted the second-best run defense grade (91.6) among defensive tackles, per Pro Football Focus. He also led all defensive tackles with 13 tackles for loss or no gain, including 6.5 sacks.

With no offensive tackle worth selecting at this spot and the possibility of losing Trey Smith in free agency, the Chiefs turn to the interior offensive line. Alabama’s Tyler Booker, an All-American, brings a physical presence up front, leading his team with 87 knockdown blocks last season while not allowing a single sack. Protecting Patrick Mahomes remains a priority after he was pressured on 16 dropbacks in the Super Bowl, and Booker’s strength and reliability in pass protection make him a perfect fit for Kansas City’s offensive line.

While the Eagles drafted Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean early last year, they could still add another cornerback with James Bradberry and Darius Slay Jr. potentially being cut. Jahdae Barron, the Jim Thorpe Award winner, led the SEC with five interceptions and brings excellent ball skills and versatility. Selecting Barron would allow Philadelphia to move DeJean to a full-time outside role while slotting Barron in as the starting nickel corner. 

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