Football season has officially come to a close, but draft season is just beginning.
The 2025 NFL Draft is just over two months away. This is an exciting time for teams and fans alike as they anticipate the potential changes to their rosters.
So, let’s get into it!
In a surprising move, the New York Giants are trading up for the No. 1 pick in the mock draft. Their interest in quarterback Sanders is no secret, as the organization has developed a solid rapport with him over multiple evaluations. This mutual interest could lead to a fruitful partnership.
When assessing Sanders as a quarterback, stripping away preconceived notions reveals his undeniable potential as the top choice. He possesses an impressive mix of traditional pocket-passing skills and the creativity to make plays outside the pocket. His ability to extend plays and improvise resembles the legendary Fran Tarkenton. Given the right protection, Sanders could surpass his college performance in the NFL.
While the Cleveland Browns could also pursue a quarterback, their immediate need is to fill the void left by Myles Garrett. Although a big board hasn’t been released yet, Carter stands out as the top prospect in the 2025 class. The Browns are likely to select him to bolster their defense.
Carter is an exceptional edge rusher, having transitioned from off-the-ball linebacker to a full-time edge rusher during his time at Penn State. His impressive performance, leading the nation in tackles for loss, suggests he could replicate Micah Parsons’ impact at the next level. His agility and ability to drop into coverage make him a versatile asset.
After the Titans swap picks with the Giants, they still secure a quarterback.
For the Titans, selecting Ward seems like a straightforward decision. He significantly improved Miami’s performance last season. If Carter were available, the Titans might reconsider, given their struggles with sacks last year. However, solidifying the quarterback position is paramount for Tennessee.
There’s a noticeable gap in quarterback talent after Sanders and Ward, making it risky to wait for a later pick.
Drake Maye is clearly the franchise’s future, but improving protection for him is essential. Although Travis Hunter is an enticing option due to the team’s needs at wide receiver and cornerback, the recent College Football Playoff and Super Bowl outcomes emphasize the importance of a strong offensive line. Selecting Campbell may not be the flashiest choice, but it is a smart one.
The Jacksonville Jaguars would welcome this draft scenario, especially after finishing last in passing defense and takeaways last season with only nine takeaways.
The Jaguars should capitalize on the opportunity to draft Hunter, the best ball-hawking corner in the country. Pairing him with Brian Thomas Jr. would create a formidable wide receiver duo.
Hunter has the potential to emerge as a top cornerback in the NFL while also contributing as a WR3 for his team.
The Las Vegas Raiders might consider trading up for a quarterback, but teams often revert to familiar strategies when they find success.
Pete Carroll thrived in Seattle by focusing on a strong defense. Johnson embodies the type of player Carroll would appreciate. With a build reminiscent of Richard Sherman, Johnson excels in zone coverage and is a shutdown corner with impressive ball skills and tackling ability.
The New York Jets are also in the market for a quarterback, but their current capital may not allow them to move up.
Aaron Glenn has the chance to draft Graham, the second-most disruptive defensive player in this draft. Graham’s tape showcases his ability to disrupt plays, stop the run, and contribute in various ways. Adding him would significantly enhance the Jets’ defense.
As the draft unfolds, some teams may contemplate trading down. However, finding suitable trade partners could be challenging due to the perceived lack of elite talent in this draft compared to previous years.
The Carolina Panthers need to bolster their defense after finishing with the worst scoring defense in the league and ranking low in sacks. Walker is a versatile linebacker capable of making tackles inside and pressuring the quarterback from the outside.
The New Orleans Saints have multiple needs to address. New head coach Kellen Moore understands the significance of pass rushing, especially after witnessing his former Eagles team excel at it in the Super Bowl with several Georgia players.
Williams, with nearly identical measurables to Josh Sweat, is an intriguing option for the Saints. When healthy, Williams demonstrated his dominance, recording four sacks in two wins against Texas.
The Chicago Bears have numerous areas needing improvement, and hiring Ben Johnson signals their commitment to maximizing Caleb Williams’ potential.
Strengthening the offensive line is crucial, especially considering Williams was sacked 68 times last season, ranking third-most in NFL history. Booker is a solid interior option, but the Bears need linemen who can excel in their roles.
The San Francisco 49ers face free agency concerns in their secondary, making the Thorpe Award winner a strong choice. Barron would help the 49ers get younger defensively and is a player to watch closely.
Defense and a solid run game are priorities for the Dallas Cowboys. With Dak Prescott recovering from hamstring surgery, he will need support in the backfield. Jerry Jones has a history of drafting running backs early.
Jeanty is the top running back prospect available. His blend of physicality, speed, and home-run ability sets him apart. Although his receiving skills were underutilized in 2024, he has shown promise as a pass-catcher in the past, with Boise State prioritizing his pursuit of the all-time rushing yards record.
The Indianapolis Colts must strengthen their offensive line to support Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor. They could adopt a Ravens-like style of play, utilizing both the quarterback and running back effectively. Adding talent to the offensive line is vital for this approach. Membou, who played tackle at Missouri, has the potential to transition to guard in the NFL.
The Atlanta Falcons require pass-rushing assistance after finishing with the second-fewest sacks in the league last season. Pearce was once considered a top pick but did not live up to expectations this past season. Nevertheless, he remains a top prospect on many boards, boasting top-five pick potential.
The Arizona Cardinals also need pass-rushing support. Stewart, despite not meeting expectations as a five-star recruit, has the physical tools to impress during the draft process. His performance at the Senior Bowl will likely attract significant interest.
Leaving the top two tight ends off the draft board is a tough call. The Bengals may lose Tee Higgins to free agency, and a strong target is essential for a successful passing game.
The Bengals’ offense should still revolve around Ja’Marr Chase, but Warren could become Joe Burrow’s version of Travis Kelce. While it’s unlikely Warren falls this far, the prospect of Burrow playing alongside a creative player like Warren is an appealing thought that could elevate the Bengals’ game.
Chris Godwin’s recent ankle injury and Mike Evans’ advancing age signal the Buccaneers may need a new wide receiver. McMillan fits the profile of a tall, rangy WR1, capable of making plays downfield. His drop in production this past season shouldn’t be a major concern.
The Denver Broncos must enhance their run game protection and develop passing threats for Bo Nix. Loveland has excelled as both an in-line blocker and traditional route runner. His versatility allows him to line up in various positions, showcasing his exceptional hands and ability to gain yards after the catch.
Similar to McMillan, Loveland’s lack of production in the previous season can be attributed to Michigan’s quarterback issues and his own injuries. He has the potential to become a more effective blocking version of Jimmy Graham, a player Sean Payton successfully utilized in New Orleans.
The Pittsburgh Steelers face uncertainty regarding their draft strategy. They have numerous positional needs and must decide on their quarterback situation. However, they also require another wide receiver. Golden made the most of his brief time at Texas, making crucial plays in the College Football Playoff to help the Longhorns reach the semifinals.
Jim Harbaugh has already seen three of his former Wolverines drafted this year. He is unlikely to let another Michigan player slip by, especially if that player is Grant. Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter are familiar with Grant, who is viewed as a potential standout among the Michigan prospects. Strengthening their run defense is a priority, and Grant would certainly contribute to that effort.
Grant’s potential is significant, and he is poised to become a successful professional player.
After focusing on the offensive line in the previous draft, the Green Bay Packers continue to strengthen their protection for Jordan Love. They have several areas to address, but ensuring the quarterback’s safety is paramount for success at the highest level.
The Houston Texans must support C.J. Stroud, and one way to do that is by drafting a familiar face. Egbuka is a favorite among scouts and has a strong friendship with Stroud. Their successful partnership at Ohio State suggests Egbuka will thrive in the NFL. He is a hard worker, a route technician, and capable of making plays in the slot.
Can anyone recall the last Ohio State wide receiver who didn’t succeed?
The Los Angeles Rams have a pressing need for a left tackle. With starter Alaric Jackson and backup Joe Noteboom entering free agency, selecting an offensive tackle in the first round is likely essential.
Simmons suffered an injury early in 2024, but his performance against Oregon earlier in the season showcased his talent. This injury is the primary reason he may fall in the draft.
The Baltimore Ravens need to address their left side of the offensive line, as both LT Ronnie Stanley and LG Patrick Mekari are free agents. They require a versatile player to fill this gap.
Jackson demonstrated his versatility after Simmons’ injury, excelling at left tackle during the second half of the season and contributing to a national championship. His intelligence and potential for success in the NFL are evident.
The Detroit Lions could be tempted to select Jack Sawyer to create a streak of four Buckeyes in a row. He seems like a perfect fit for Dan Campbell, and he and Aidan Hutchinson could form a dynamic duo reminiscent of comedic partners.
However, the small school bias should not cloud judgment. Green’s impressive performance against Ohio State caught attention. Former Marshall coach Charles Huff noted that Green would have started at Alabama, drawing comparisons to Will Anderson.
The Washington Commanders must address their defensive needs, especially after their NFC Championship Game performance. They could pursue Myles Garrett, but if they keep their pick, Emmanwori stands out as the best run-stopping safety in the draft.
The Philadelphia Eagles showcased a winning strategy for the Buffalo Bills against the Chiefs. Nolan fits that strategy by providing pressure up the middle. Once a top recruit, he excelled at Texas A&M before transferring to Ole Miss. The Bills have an opportunity to strengthen their defensive front in this draft.
The Kansas City Chiefs remain a dominant force but could benefit from bolstering their offensive line. With limited options available, Walker stands out as a fitting addition alongside Chris Jones.
Eagles GM Howie Roseman faces two significant free-agent decisions regarding linebacker Zack Baun and edge rusher Josh Sweat. Both players are likely to command substantial contracts this offseason, making it wise to follow the successful blueprint established this season.
Ezeiruaku had an impressive 2024 season, recording 16.5 sacks and making a strong impression during the Senior Bowl.
