Already into summer football, the buildup to the preseason is in full swing. Still, with less than a month until NCAA 25 drops, the hype around college football hasn’t been higher. But, what comes with college football is the next wave of players who will enter their names into the upcoming NFL Draft. While some may say it’s too early to put out a mock draft for the 2025 NFL Draft, I say nonsense.
(Disclaimer: the draft order in this edition was determined based on each team’s odds to win the Super Bowl for this upcoming season)
Image: Yahoo Sports
1) Carolina Panthers: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
Team Needs: TE, Edge, CB
After trading Brian Burns to the Giants, it’s no secret that the Panthers have a need on the edge. The team brought in aging veteran Jadeveon Clowney, but he’s by no means a long-term answer. Carolina is far from being a competitive club and could use this pick to trade down to acquire some draft capital. However, Pearce is a standout rusher who could make a serious impact in year one and could have an illustrious career after a season of learning under Clowney.
Image: Crescent City Sports
2) New England Patriots: Will Campbell, LT, LSU
Team Needs: OL, WR, CB
While the Patriots’ skill position players aren’t anything to brag about, offensive linemen are equally as important as arguably more key to a young quarterback’s development, as is his knowing that he’ll be secure in the pocket. Even though last year’s OT class was phenomenal, Will Campbell still would’ve been a top prospect at the position were he a year older. The once dominant franchise still has other holes to fill, but in selecting the LSU product, protecting Drake Maye’s blind side isn’t one.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72727221/1710136665.0.jpg)
Image: Rock M Nation
3) Washington Commanders: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Team Needs: OT, Edge, WR
This is a bit of a tricky situation for the Commanders. On one hand, you don’t want to reach on an OT. On the other hand, there’s a potential out of Terry McLaurin’s contract at the end of the season that could save the franchise a lot of money. Because of this, I have them planning for the future outwide with Missouri’s Luther Burden. Burden was phenomenal for the Tigers last year making highlight after highlight. He has experience being lined up all over the formation and can be the next big WR in D.C.
Image: Notre Dame Athletics
4) Denver Broncos: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Team Needs: CB, IOL, LB
This is tough considering that Benjamin Morrison and Will Johnson are the two best pure corners in this year’s class. However, I believe that Morrison is a bit more refined overall than Johnson resulting in this selection. Yes, Johnson has the size of Morrison, which partly makes this pick so difficult. Nevertheless, expect the Broncos to prioritize the CB position next offseason.
Image: Arizona Wildcats
5) Tennessee Titans: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Team Needs: Edge, S, WR
The Titans could use some help in the second and third levels of their defense. But, with Calvin Ridley being the only wideout on the books long term, and Treylon Burks’ future with the team uncertain, the franchise needs to add another weapon out wide for Will Levis. McMillan has been nothing short of spectacular for the Wildcats. He can go up and get the ball and is an underrated route runner as well. Some may question his long speed, but one thing’s for sure, the kid’s a playmaker.
Image: Georgia Bulldogs
6) New York Giants: Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
Team Needs: RB, TE, CB
It’s difficult to believe that the Giants won’t move on from Daniel Jones after the season unless he miraculously takes them on a deep playoff run. While there isn’t anything indicating that this will be the case, it makes sense that the Giants turn to the draft to replace him. As of right now, this year’s QB class isn’t looking like anything special. However, Carson Beck appears to be the outlier.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73304141/1677358922.0.jpg)
Image: Black Shoe Diaries
7) Arizona Cardinals: Abdul Carter, Edge/LB, Penn State
Team Needs: DL, CB, Edge
The Arizona Cardinals can kill two birds with one stone with this pick. In selecting Carter, you not only get a player who can stuff gaps against the run, and can drop into coverage, but you also get someone who’s an explosive edge rusher. It’s almost reminiscent of another Penn State alumnus. While Arizona has holes in its backend, most educated fans know that wars are won in the trenches.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24313948/1245349491.jpg)
Image: Maize n Brew
8) Minnesota Vikings: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
Team Needs: OL, CB, IDL
With Justin Jefferson locked up, the Viking’s front office can now focus elsewhere. The Viking’s secondary is by no means filled with household names, but, as said with the previous pick, wars are won in the trenches. This would almost be a dream draft pick for the Vikings as Mason shouldn’t fall this far come next April. Yet, in today’s mock, he has. While he won’t fill the exact hole that was created when Danielle Hunter left, Graham will plug up most of it. He’s extremely athletic for his size, allowing him to play in various fronts, and his relentless motor permits him to wreak havoc from wherever.
Image: ESPN
9) Las Vegas Raiders: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Team Needs: QB, OT, CB
Even though Aidan O’Connell has outperformed expectations since arriving in the NFL, he doesn’t project to be the team’s franchise guy at quarterback. While I don’t even have Shadeur as a top-two QB prospect in this year’s draft currently, I do think that his ceiling is higher than those whom I might have graded above him. Nonetheless, Sanders is a fun prospect. Not only because of his last name but because of what he can do outside the pocket. Shadeur is a threat at all times with what he can do if he has time in the pocket and with what he’s capable of should a play break down.
Image: 247 Sports
10) New Orleans Saints: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Team Needs: OL, Edge, WR
The buck stops here for Will Johnson. The Saints have needs in other areas on their depth chart, but they also owe a lot of money to Alvin Kamara and Marshon Lattimore. After not opting out of Kamara’s contract after last season, it isn’t crazy to think that Lattimore could be gone after the season, especially with the opt-out option the club has. Should this happen, the Saints will need a new man on the outside to lock up Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, or Drake London. Will Johnson is more than capable of being that guy.
Image: Sports Illustrated
11) Seattle Seahawks: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Team Needs: IOL, LB, TE
Almost every year for the past four years it seems like Georgia has been able to produce at least one stout prospect along the defensive front. This year that trend continues with Williams. He isn’t the best edge rusher this year but he’s by no means a bad one. With Devon Witherspoon setting the tone in the backend, Mykel Williams should be able to do the same up front. He has a good get-off, is big, and is firm going into contact. Williams could be the extra piece needed to connect Seattle’s promising young secondary with their defensive front.
Image: Sports Illustrated
12) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado
Team Needs: CB, Edge, RB
With an underrated offense and playmakers throughout all levels of their defense, cornerback is the most glaring need for Tampa Bay. They have Jamel Dean, who’s reliable, but he isn’t someone who’ll go out and consistently lock down a team’s WR1. Although Travis Hunter has some refinement to do with his game as a corner, he has a tremendously high ceiling thanks to his athleticism.
Image: UGASports
13) Indianapolis Colts: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Team Needs: CB, S, TE
While it would’ve been nice for Indy to snag Brock Bowers in last year’s draft, they still got a good one in Laitu Latu. It would make sense for the Colts to draft a TE here, but I think the team has a bigger need at safety with Blackmon only being on a one-year deal. The Colts have a young, up-and-coming offense with some solid depth throughout their defense except at safety. Georgia’s Malaki Starks could be the missing piece that propels the Colts to a playoff berth in an ever-improving AFC South.
Image: Michigan Athletics
14) Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Team Needs: WR, CB, IDL
The Chargers still need depth out wide and their interior defensive line has been a work in progress for years now. Still, needing a TE, I find it hard to believe that the Chargers and company would pass on the opportunity to reunite Loveland with his ex-collegiate head coach. Loveland is a receiving threat and will go into this year being Michigan’s primary target. Even more, you know he can block as well given how hard-nosed Harbaugh’s offense typically is.
Image: Bleacher Report
15) Pittsburgh Steelers: Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State
Team Needs: WR, CB, Edge
Despite their ages, Cameron Heyward and TJ Watt are still playing at an insanely high rate and make for one of the best pairings along the defensive front in the NFL. However, outside of these two, the Steelers’ depth at edge is almost nonexistent. Jack Sawyer is a gritty player from Columbus who doesn’t mind getting his nose dirty. He does his job and he does it well. He’s exactly the type of player whom Steelers fans would come to love.
Image: Cincinnati Athletics
16) Jacksonville Jaguars: Dontay Corleone, DL, Kentucky
Team Needs: CB, Edge, WR
With Josh Allen finally locked up long-term, the Jaguars can turn their attention elsewhere. They could use this selection to add depth to create a more formidable pass rush but they also need more depth along their interior. Corleone is currently being overshadowed by his teammate Deone Walker, who’s a mammoth of a human being. But while size along the interior is nice, I believe that Corleone is a more well-rounded prospect who could contribute on all three downs rather than only in run situations.
Image: Whole Hog Sports
17) Chicago Bears: Landon Jackson, Edge, Arkansas
Team Needs: Edge, DL, OL
After recent years of abysmal play, the Bears quickly turned everything around and are looking like a real threat to win the NFC North. From where they were a couple of years ago to where they are now, there aren’t really many holes with this team. The biggest gap they probably have is lining up someone across from Montez Sweat. For this reason, I have them taking Jackson. Jackson is a more raw prospect who wins primarily on grit and effort more than athleticism. Still, he has good size and length and should be someone to watch out for this upcoming college football season.
Image: Cleveland.com
18) Cleveland Browns: JT Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State
Team Needs: Edge, LB, CB
With Miles Garrett playing some of the best football of his career, it might be better to add elsewhere right? No. Garrett might be playing at an extremely high clip, but what if he gets injured? Texas A&M transfer Nic Scourton has been gaining some traction this summer, but with Tuimoloau playing within the same backyard as the Browns, I think the Browns will be willing to bet on a more homegrown kid.
Image: Tiger Rag
19) Los Angeles Rams: Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
Team Needs: LB, Edge, CB
After losing Aaron Donald to retirement, the Rams immediately replenished their defensive line by drafting Jared Verse and Braden Fiske. However, their second level could still use some work. Perkins is easily the best true LB in this year’s draft. He shows potential as a blitzer and rusher as well, but not to the same level as that of fellow prospect Abdul Carter. Still, Perkins is a terrific prospect to bridge the gap between the first and third levels of a defense.
Image: Bleacher Report
20) New York Jets: Rod Moore, S, Michigan
Team Needs: TE, DB, LB
With Aaron Rodgers back and Olu Fashanu drafted to solidify their offensive line, the primary focus in New York should be on safety. With Malaki Starks off the board, Rod Moore is the next best safety available. He’s rangy, is a good tackler, takes good angles, and has the vision to command a secondary. From his time in Michigan, Moore has experience lining up in man against TEs, near the line of scrimmage, in the box, and up high.
Image: 247 Sports
21) Atlanta Falcons: Deone Walker, IDL, Kentucky
Team Needs: Edge, CB, LB
With a defensive-minded head coach installed in Atlanta, the Falcons invested in their defensive front during last year’s draft. However, their depth along the true interior parts of the line of scrimmage is lacking. Enter Deone Walker who’s a bit reminiscent of last year’s T’Vondre Sweat. He’s an immensely large individual who’s better on his feet than his size indicates. He might not have much of a pass rush, but he takes up multiple gaps, has good strength, and has experience rushing from the 0 to the 5 technique.
Image: Sports Illustrated
22) Miami Dolphins: Donovan Jackson, IOL, Ohio State
Team Needs: S, IOL, CB
Someone who could’ve been one of the best IOL prospects in last year’s draft, Jackson enters this year being the premier prospect at the position. He has much experience playing against some of college football’s top competition and has been successful in these matchups. The Dolphins have the potential to be one of the best teams in the NFL but their offensive line has been holding them back. The team drafted Patrick Paul and signed Robert Jones this offseason but their unit could still use some work. With Donovan Jackson, their issues up front could be resolved.
Image: Arizona Desert Swarm
23) Green Bay Packers: Tacario Davis, CB, Arizona
Team Needs: CB, DL, IOL
Over the past few years, Tacario Davis has quietly been making a name for himself as one of the best corners in college football. An extremely lengthy cornerback at 6’4”, Davis would be the perfect opposite of Jaire Alexander. Green Bay has had success in the past with Eric Stokes, but his injury history means that he can’t be trusted throughout the entirety of the season. Worst case scenario with this pick, the Packers have some of the best secondary depth in the NFC North and arguably the NFC.
Image: Michigan Athletics
24) Houston Texans: Kenneth Grant, IDL, Michigan
CB, OL, IDL
When it comes to gap cloggers in this year’s draft, you have Kenneth Grant and Deone Walker. While I believe that Walker is currently the better player and prospect, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Grant being favored thanks to his past coaching. Nevertheless, I have Grant falling behind Walker in this edition. Still, Grant is a fitting blend of size, strength, and experience. He might not be the most nimble and he could be a more consistent finisher, but he has the floor and profile to be a solid contributor when paired with Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
Image: CBS Sports
25) Dallas Cowboys: Ollie Gordon II, RB, Oklahoma State
Team Needs: RB, CB, OL
After a season away from the franchise, Dallas brought back their once beloved workhorse, Ezekiel Elliott, on a one-year deal. Although not even thirty yet, the work rate of his youth has caught up to the once-stellar running back. This makes any long-term deal for Elliott and any team unlikely. Because of this, the Cowboys need to look past their once-prized first-rounder. Gordon is clearly the best back in his class. He has good acceleration, long strides, good balance, and is capable out of the backfield. His length makes him a bit clunky in tight spaces, but his vision and leg drive make up for it.
Image: Clemson Tigers
26) Philadelphia Eagles: Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
Team Needs: LB, S, DL
With much having been invested in their secondary and defensive line the past few drafts, it wouldn’t be the worst idea to get some depth at the second level. Although Devin White was brought in this offseason, it was only on a one-year deal. Furthermore, with Jeremiah Trotter having been drafted by Philly this past year, why not bring in a former teammate of his? After all, their chemistry is already there.
Image: Ole Miss Athletics
27) Detroit Lions: Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
Team Needs: Edge, LB, WR
It’d be nice to see the Lions’ defense become more daunting by adding another edge rusher opposite of Hutchinson, but I believe they have a greater need at WR. Already boasting the prowess of St. Brown and the speed of Williams, what they’re missing outside is size. Harris isn’t the typical jump ball receiver Sizewise, but he plays bigger than what he actually is and has great hands.
Image: ESPN
28) Cincinnati Bengals: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
Team Needs: Edge, IOL, CB
With both Tee Higgins and Tre Henrickson wanting out of Cincinnati, the Bengals have much on their plate. But with them still being in the building, their focus needs to be on winning. However, even with Henrickson and Higgins still in a Bengals uniform, there probably won’t be much winning until they sure up their backend. Were he to not pull his name out of the 2024 NFL Draft, Burke would’ve been one of the top prospects at his position. A player of his caliber could be what’s needed to persuade Higgins and Henrickson to stay long-term.
Image: Kansas Athletics
29) Buffalo Bills: Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas
Team Needs: CB, Edge, WR
After losing both Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis this offseason, the Bills are a bit short at the WR position. While they added Keon Coleman through the draft and others in free agency, the Bills have always been at their best when their defense was stout. Taron Johnson has been a good nickel, and Rasul Douglas and Kaiir Elam have been decent on the outside, but the Bills need more after letting Tre’Davious White walk. Bryant has been one of the best corners in the Big 12 as of recently. His size might be a bit of a concern given that he’s underweight for a premier corner, but his production and consistency are not to be taken lightly.
Image: The New York Times
30) Baltimore Ravens: Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M
Team Needs: Edge, IOL, S
The best defense in the NFL last season, the Ravens continue to make themselves more formidable with this selection. Scourton may only have just burst onto the scene having posted a plus pass-rushing grade and a plus pass-rush win rate per PFF. But should he have another season like last year, don’t expect him to last this long in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Image: The Seattle Times
31) Kansas City Chiefs: Jabbar Muhammad, CB, Oregon
Team Needs: DT, WR, CB
With L’Jarius Sneed off to Tennessee, the Chiefs now need to find a compliment to Trent McDuffie. From his time at Oklahoma State to Washington and now to Oregon, Muhammad is a well-traveled and highly experienced prospect. He’s a feisty, ball-hawking corner who plays bigger than what his size indicates. Jabbar Muhammad could be the perfect corner for Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.
Image: 247 Sports
32) San Francisco 49ers: Aireontae Ersery, LT, Minnesota
Team Needs: OL, DL, WR
Even though the team’s future on the left side is locked up with Trent Williams, Ersery is the best tackle available at this point. It might be more comforting for the 49ers to take someone familiar with protecting on the right side, but it shouldn’t be too difficult for Ersery to make the transition given how well he moves his feet. Even though the future of San Francisco’s WR room remains uncertain, the Bay Area team needs to eventually make the offensive line a priority.
For more football content click here.
Featured Articles
Featured Writers
