The first week of NFL free agency was a whirlwind, with teams aggressively addressing key roster needs. These early moves have also provided a clearer picture of how the 2025 NFL Draft might unfold.
In this updated top-10 mock draft, we project how teams will continue to fill their biggest holes—including one franchise making a bold trade up the draft board.
Top ten mock draft
1. Tennesse Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
After the first week of free agency, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the Titans are likely to select a quarterback with the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, especially after opting not to sign a veteran. It’s evident that Will Levis isn’t the long-term solution, and with no other viable options, Tennessee should take Cam Ward. Ward stands out as the top quarterback in this class, boasting elite athleticism and exceptional arm strength. With further development in his pocket presence, he has the potential to emerge as a high-caliber NFL quarterback.
2. Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The Browns are another team expected to target a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. While they acquired Kenny Pickett, he’s merely a temporary solution. By selecting Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland lands the most polished passer in this class. Sanders demonstrated remarkable accuracy, completing 74% of his passes on his way to earning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors. If the Browns can build a strong supporting cast—particularly an offensive line that can protect him—Sanders has the potential to become one of the best quarterbacks in franchise history, a position that has long been plagued by mediocrity.
SHEPPARD WITH THE DIVING TD CATCH 😱
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 28, 2024
Shedeur Sanders throws a DIME and Will Sheppard hauls it in for @CUBuffsFootball 🎯 pic.twitter.com/PshaYRmzHu
3. Atlanta Falcons: Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State
With both top quarterbacks off the board, the Giants opt to trade down, sending the No. 3 pick to the Falcons in exchange for Atlanta’s first- and second-round picks this year, a 2026 first-rounder, and quarterback Kirk Cousins. This move allows the Falcons to address their biggest weakness—pass rush—after finishing with just 31 sacks last season. By selecting Abdul Carter, Atlanta lands a dynamic edge rusher with explosive athleticism and a relentless motor. Meanwhile, the Giants secure a veteran quarterback in Cousins and add valuable draft capital to fill other key needs later in the draft.
4. New England Patriots: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Although the Patriots bolstered their secondary by signing cornerback Carlton Davis III in free agency, their top priority remains providing Drake Maye with more weapons. Enter Travis Hunter, the dynamic two-way star from Colorado. While he has the versatility to excel on both sides of the ball, New England will utilize him primarily as Maye’s go-to target. Hunter’s elite athleticism, ball skills, and big-play ability make him a game-changer for a Patriots offense in desperate need of explosive talent.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, Michigan
One of Jacksonville’s biggest offseason priorities should be improving a defense that allowed 25.6 points per game and struggled mightily against the run, giving up 133 rushing yards per game. A key piece to addressing this issue is Michigan’s Mason Graham. His elite strength and technique earned him Pro Football Focus’s top run-defense grade among defensive tackles, as well as recognition from Bleacher Report as the best run-stopper in this year’s defensive tackle class. Graham’s presence in the middle of the defensive line would provide a significant boost to the Jaguars' run defense.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
One team that has already addressed its quarterback situation this offseason is the Las Vegas Raiders, who acquired Geno Smith via trade. With that need filled, the focus now shifts to fixing a rushing attack that finished dead last in the NFL last season. Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, the top running back in a deep class, is the perfect solution. A dynamic runner with power, vision, and versatility, Jeanty fits the mold of the bell-cow back Pete Carroll has relied on throughout his coaching career.
7. New York Jets: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
The New York Jets addressed their biggest offseason need by signing Justin Fields. Now, they must focus on protecting him, especially after losing Morgan Moses to the Patriots. LSU’s Will Campbell is the top offensive lineman in the 2025 NFL Draft and should be a day-one starter at right tackle.
8. Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
After bolstering their defense in free agency with Pat Jones II and Bobby Brown III, the Panthers must now upgrade their receiving corps, which ranked as the NFL’s lowest-graded unit per Pro Football Focus. Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan is a big, athletic receiver who thrives at making plays after the catch. He should quickly develop into Bryce Young’s go-to target and provide a much-needed boost to Carolina’s passing attack.
9. New Orleans Saints: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
This pick may surprise some, as many draft analysts rank Penn State’s Tyler Warren as the top tight end in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, Michigan’s Colston Loveland offers the most upside at the position. A superior athlete, Loveland has the ability to create matchup nightmares in Kellen Moore’s offense and should become a key weapon for the Saints.
10. Chicago Bears: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
The Bears have strengthened their interior offensive line this offseason but still have concerns at left tackle, with Braxton Jones recovering from injury and Kiran Amegadjie struggling last season. Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr., the top left tackle in the draft, could be the solution. A dominant pass protector with elite athleticism, Banks has the skill set to solidify the Bears' offensive line and protect Caleb Williams.