NFL Draft Daily Dish: Patriots address offensive line in Top 5 2025 NFL Mock Draft

As the NFL season approaches its midpoint, it's becoming clearer which teams will likely land top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. With that in mind, we're diving into what prospects these teams might target with their top-five selections. In addition to unveiling NFL Draft Daily Dish’s first mock draft of the season, we spotlight an underrated Iowa Hawkeye who deserves more attention.

Top-five mock draft

1. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
While some mock drafts predict the Patriots will select Colorado’s Travis Hunter, addressing their most urgent need—the offensive line—seems more pressing. To find success with quarterback Drake Maye, New England must improve its protection, as the Patriots currently rank 31st in the NFL, allowing an average of 3.8 sacks per game.

Enter LSU’s Will Campbell, the top offensive tackle prospect in the 2025 class. Campbell has allowed only two sacks in his college career, both in 2022, and moves remarkably well for a 323-pound lineman. His balance and explosiveness off the snap could instantly improve the Patriots’ pass protection, while also boosting their struggling run game.

2. Cleveland Browns: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Despite their hesitation to move on from Deshaun Watson midseason, the Browns would be making a grave mistake by sticking with him long-term. Watson currently ranks last in NFL QBR and has shown no signs of improvement since arriving in Cleveland.

Miami’s Cam Ward could be the Browns’ solution. Ward is the most dynamic playmaker in this quarterback class, boasting a powerful arm and a career-high 69% completion rate this season. What sets him apart from the likes of Shedeur Sanders and Carson Beck is his mobility, giving Cleveland a versatile weapon under center.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado
Like New England, Jacksonville must decide between shoring up their offensive line (ranked 27th by Pro Football Focus) or adding a game-changing talent. If they opt for the latter, Travis Hunter offers unmatched versatility.

Hunter would likely slot in as a cornerback and special teams contributor for the Jaguars, pairing with Tyson Campbell to create a formidable duo in the secondary. This could help remedy Jacksonville’s league-worst pass defense, which is currently allowing 276.7 passing yards per game.

4. Carolina Panthers: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The Panthers missed big in the 2023 draft by taking Bryce Young over C.J. Stroud. To correct that mistake, they’ll likely seek a quarterback in 2025, and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders could be a perfect fit.

Sanders has thrived with a clean pocket at Colorado, demonstrating pinpoint accuracy. The Panthers already have an underrated offensive line, so adding Sanders could unlock the team’s potential. The next step would be providing him with additional weapons via free agency and the later rounds of the draft.

5. Los Angeles Rams: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Rams have underperformed this season, largely due to injuries, but their veteran-laden roster still has potential. One glaring issue is their secondary, which is allowing nearly 70% of passes to be completed and an alarming 12.1 yards per completion—the worst in the NFL.

Michigan’s Will Johnson, the best pure cornerback in the 2025 class, could be the answer. With elite cover skills, NFL-ready size (6’2”, 202 pounds), and impressive ball skills (two interceptions this season), Johnson could immediately elevate the Rams' defense and help solidify their secondary.

One of the most underrated players in the 2025 NFL Draft

One of the most overlooked players in the 2025 NFL Draft is Iowa defensive tackle Yahya Black. Watching film of draft prospects often reveals hidden gems, and Black certainly fits that mold. His potential is just beginning to surface with the Hawkeyes, making him an intriguing prospect.

What immediately stands out about Black is his impressive movement for a 6-foot-5, 317-pound lineman. On film this season, he consistently sheds blocks and pursues the ball carrier, a key reason he racked up 51 tackles last season on one of the top defenses in college football. His mobility, combined with a relentless motor, allows him to make plays that many others his size can't. 

Despite being viewed as an undrafted prospect by some, Black has mid-to-late Day 3 potential for a smart NFL team. However, there are areas for improvement. He needs to refine his hand usage and develop more counter moves as a pass rusher. Additionally, he tends to spend more time on the ground than NFL teams would like, a habit he'll need to address to make an impact at the next level.

In summary, Yahya Black may be flying under the radar, but his blend of size, athleticism, and motor could make him a valuable pick in the later rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. While he still needs to refine his technique and improve his consistency, his potential is clear. With the right development, Black has the ability to not only make a roster but become a key contributor. Teams seeking a dynamic, high-upside defensive tackle should keep an eye on this overlooked prospect.