NFL Draft Notebook: Browns, Raiders make shocking top 10 picks in 2025 NFL Mock Draft

The college football season wraps up with Monday night’s championship game, and as more than half of the NFL teams shift their focus to offseason planning, attention turns to the 2025 NFL Draft. In this edition of the NFL Draft Notebook, we explore how the top ten picks might take shape.

Alongside our top-ten mock draft, we also spotlight a dynamic running back entering the NFL, several key Penn State players opting to return to school, and other NFL Draft buzz.

2025 NFL Mock Draft: Top 10 picks

1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

The Titans need to address their quarterback situation, as Will Levis has proved he is not the long-term solution. Miami's Cam Ward has the highest ceiling among quarterbacks in the 2025 draft. With elite arm strength, impressive mobility, and the ability to throw from different platforms and angles, Ward is a top-tier prospect with the potential to thrive in the NFL.

2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, WR, Colorado

In a surprising move, the Browns select Colorado's Travis Hunter with the second overall pick. While they will likely address the quarterback position in free agency, they’re also still holding out hope that Deshaun Watson can return to form. Hunter is the most versatile player in the draft, capable of filling multiple roles for the Browns.

3. New York Giants: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

The Giants are thrilled to see Shedeur Sanders still available, as he fills an immediate need at quarterback. Sanders is regarded as the most polished passer in the 2025 draft and would complement wide receiver Malik Nabers, who showed impressive production despite playing with a variety of quarterbacks this season.

4. New England Patriots: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

The Patriots' top priority is improving their offensive line to provide better protection for quarterback Drake Maye, who was sacked 34 times this season. Texas' Kelvin Banks Jr., the Lombardi Award winner, has given up just two sacks in the last two years and would be a massive upgrade to New England’s offensive line.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

The Jaguars need to address their secondary after allowing 257 passing yards per game, the worst in the league. Michigan’s Will Johnson is the top cornerback in the draft and should immediately step in as a starter across from Tyson Campbell.

6. Las Vegas Raiders: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

With the top two quarterbacks off the board, the Raiders look to Alabama's Jalen Milroe, a highly athletic player with huge upside. While Milroe is still developing as a passer, his mobility and ability to contribute in the run game make him an exciting prospect for Las Vegas.

7. New York Jets: Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State

The Jets' edge-rushing situation needs to be addressed after a trade for Haason Reddick fell short. Penn State’s Abdul Carter is a dynamic pass rusher who led FBS with 23.5 tackles for loss this season. His explosive play will bolster New York’s defense.

8. Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Carolina’s wide receiver group was the weakest in the NFL, and with Adam Thielen possibly departing, the Panthers must invest in a top-tier target for quarterback Bryce Young. Tetairoa McMillan from Arizona is a true go-to wideout, capable of becoming the centerpiece of Carolina’s offense.

9. New Orleans Saints: James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee

Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr. entered the season as one of the top-ranked players in college football, and despite a slight dip in production, he still has the explosiveness and athleticism needed to be a top-tier edge rusher. The Saints need that kind of talent on their defensive line.

10. Chicago Bears: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

The Bears’ priority is protecting quarterback Caleb Williams, who endured a record-setting 68 sacks last season. LSU’s Will Campbell, a versatile offensive lineman who can play both tackle and guard, is the perfect fit to help improve Chicago’s offensive line. Campbell shared the Jacobs Trophy as the SEC's best blocker, showcasing his top-tier blocking ability.

Latest NFL Draft buzz

Georgia running back heading to the NFL: Georgia running back Trevor Etienne has announced his decision to enter the NFL Draft this week. While Etienne never eclipsed 800 rushing yards in a single season during his college career, he carries a fourth-round draft grade on NDN's draft board. His value is primarily attributed to his explosive speed, making him a home-run threat whenever he touches the ball. Beyond his speed, Etienne has proven to be an elite receiver out of the backfield, recording only one dropped pass during his collegiate career. One potential landing spot for Etienne is the Minnesota Vikings, a team that emphasizes involving running backs in the passing game. With Aaron Jones and Cam Akers set to hit free agency this offseason, the Vikings might view Etienne as a key part of their backfield of the future.

A disappointing end to a career: Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers’ college career ended in heartbreaking fashion as Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer forced a strip sack and returned it 83 yards, eliminating Texas from the College Football Playoff. Unfortunately, this moment capped off a season that fell short of expectations for Ewers. He struggled with consistency throughout the year, throwing 12 interceptions—double the combined total from his 2022 and 2023 seasons. These issues, coupled with concerns about his NFL potential due to a lack of elite arm strength and only average athleticism, have significantly lowered his draft stock. As a result, Ewers is projected to be a Day 3 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Several Nittany Lions are returning: While Abdul Carter has declared for the NFL Draft, several key Penn State players who were likely to be drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft have opted to return to Happy Valley. Leading the charge is quarterback Drew Allar, who has the potential to be a high first-round pick next year. Running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen are also back, both having surpassed 1,000 rushing yards this season. On the defensive side, returning players include Dani Dennis-Sutton, Zane Durant, and Zakee Wheatley. Dennis-Sutton, who tallied 8.5 sacks last season, stands out as the top player among this group.

Hula Bowl standout: Last season, former Purdue running back and current New York Giant, Tyrone Tracy, stood out at the Hula Bowl. This year, another running back has drawn the attention of scouts: Arizona’s Jacory Croskey-Merritt. He demonstrated good quickness and reliable hands in the passing game. Croskey-Merritt’s 2023 season was limited to one game for the Wildcats due to eligibility questions related to his redshirt status during his first year at Alabama State in 2019. In that single game, he rushed for 106 yards on 13 carries. Earlier in 2023, while playing at New Mexico, Croskey-Merritt had a productive season, rushing for 1,190 yards and scoring 17 touchdowns.