Well over halfway through the NFL season, we are quickly approaching the home stretch. While some teams completed trades to make a potential playoff run, others did so to prepare for the offseason, including the 2025 NFL Draft.
Similarly, in the college football world, several teams are living week to week to keep their CFB Playoff hopes alive. Some players need the CFB Playoffs to cement their draft position while others need it to rise or keep themselves from sliding down boards.
Image: Alabama Athletics
1. New York Giants: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
Team Needs: QB, CB, DT, OG, Center
Last offseason, the Giant’s division rival, Washington Commanders, turned their franchise around by selecting Jayden Daniels. This draft, the Giants could take a positive step forward in selecting Jalen Milroe.
Milroe isn’t the same prospect that Jayden Daniels was. He isn’t as accurate and his decision-making can be spotty at times. However, he’s arguably the most dangerous QB this year when combining both his arm and legs. Imagine someone with Daniels’ athleticism in a more filled-out body and you get Jalen Milroe.
Image: University of Texas Athletics
2. New England Patriots: Kelvin Banks Jr., LT, Texas
Team Needs: OT, WR, IOL, Edge, IDL
Although the Patriots most certainly need help at WR, they arguably need more help on the offensive line. Even more, with how deep this year’s class is out wide, it’d be extremely disappointing if they didn’t give Drake Maye help up front.
This year, Maye looks like he could be the franchise guy in New England. He’s made some mistakes, but look at the line he has in front of him and look at who he’s throwing to. From this alone, one would expect him to play a lot worse than what he actually has. Investing in protecting Maye and giving him some weapons later in the draft should be the Patriots’ priority this offseason.
Image: Bleacher Report
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Team Needs: IDL, CB, Safety, TE, WR
Will Johnson is still the premier corner in this year’s draft. Although the Michigan Wolverines might not be having a standout season, Johnson is showing weekly why he should be the first corner selected in April. Even though the Jaguars’ inconsistencies stem from more than just the defensive side of the ball, bolstering their secondary is a good start to getting them back on track. They have some decent pieces, now it all just needs to come together.
Image: CU Boulder Athletics
4. New Orleans Saints: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
Team Needs: CB, OT, DT, CB, WR
With Chris Olave mulling his retirement and Marshon Lattimore gone, the Saints desperately need help on both sides of the football. Luckily for them, two-way star Travis Hunter is available. While many argue he should focus on one side of the ball, whichever team selects him would be foolish to not try him both ways. For New Orleans, this could work out perfectly. He’s already used to playing both ways from his time at Jackson State and Colorado, so his conditioning shouldn’t be a problem in the NFL. With a new HC slated to take the helm this offseason, selecting Hunter would help him round out both sides of the ball.
Image: AP News
5. Cleveland Browns: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Team Needs: QB, WR, OT, LB, IDL
With the Deshaun Watson situation proving to be a complete disaster, the Browns are arguably the most QB-needy team in the NFL. Already boasting a more than decent defense and threatening weapons on offense the Browns are realistically a QB away from being in the playoffs. The Browns could take an offensive lineman here, and sign a veteran QB, but with Ward’s playmaking abilities, he should be able to compensate for the other areas where Cleveland may lack. As seen from his time at Wazzu and Miami, Cam Ward has the potential for a homerun play every play.
Image: Bleacher Report
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Team Needs: QB, WR, Edge, OT, RB
If the Browns aren’t the most QB needy team this offseason it has to be the Raiders. The Raiders aren’t as close to being a playoff team as the Browns but, one thing’s for sure, they won’t get there without a QB.
Throughout the CFB season, the rankings amongst the top QBs have been shaken up countless times. However, Sanders has been a consistent member on the list. He may not be enjoying the season that Colorado fans dreamed of, but this hasn’t seemed to really hurt his draft stock. At the end of the day, Sanders is a decent QB with an inadequate offensive line in front of him.
Image: Yahoo Sports
7. Miami Dolphins: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Team Needs: IOL, IDL, WR, TE, QB
The biggest question surrounding the Dolphins this offseason will be regarding Tua Tagolailoa’s future. With QBs like Quinn Ewers, Garrett Nussmeier, and Drew Allar still available, Miami could lock in Tua’s successor. However, what would be the smarter idea is drafting the best lineman available and signing a veteran.
With Sam Darnold’s resurgence this year, and Joe Flacco’s consistency over the past few years, these are two very viable options for the Dolphins. Furthermore, while many have Will Campbell at tackle in the NFL, the fact is that he’s a plug-and-play lineman who’s athletic and experienced enough to succeed from day one regardless of where he lines up.
Image: First Round Mock
8. Tennessee Titans: Emery Jones, RT, LSU
Team Needs: OT, IDL, TE, QB, WR
For the Titans to truly compete, they need better consistency at quarterback. However, if we take a look back at the most successful Titans squads in recent history, these teams thrived more from their OLine play.
Tennessee has taken steps toward this in recent years by selecting Dillon Radunz, Peter Skoronski, and JC Latham. Still, this unit is young and needs more rounding out. While most have been getting lost in Will Campbell, we must not forget about Emery Jones. He’s a big and strong individual who has good feet. More importantly, he’s very experienced at RT, which is where he’d play in Tennessee.
Image: Arizona Wildcat
9. Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Team Needs: QB, Edge, TE, WR, DT
After an extremely abysmal start to the season, the Panthers have recently picked things up. While Bryce Young’s future in Carolina is still uncertain, a strong end to the season could keep him as the starter for next season.
Even though the Panthers have a number of holes to fill, it’s obvious that they need weapons offensively. At this point, only linemen and QBs have really been selected. This leaves Carolina in a prime spot to land this draft’s best WR in McMillan. His shiftiness, length, and experience should make him an immediate threat in the NFL and add a new element to the Panther offense.
Image: Texas Athletics
10. New York Jets: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
Team Needs: Safety, IDL, TE, Edge, CB
Next season will be the last year of Aaron Rodgers’ quickly expiring contract. Although this isn’t the ideal pick for a team in win-now mode, the reality is that with a good QB, the Jets could be in win-now mode for a while. They have a good defense on all levels and plenty of weapons offensively. Adding a premier QB like Quinn Ewers, to learn under Rodgers for a year, could lead New York into a situation similar to Green Bay. That is still being able to compete despite their youthfulness at QB.
Image: Bleacher Report
11. Dallas Cowboys: Josh Simmons, LT, Ohio State
Team Needs: OT, Edge, IDL, C, Safety
If there’s any way to describe the Cowboys’ season it would be disappointing. For a team that’s annually expected to be a playoff contender, this year is one to forget. While the Cowboys need a RB, what they really need is a better offensive line. Going back to Dak Prescott’s best days in Dallas, it all happened when they had an excellent offensive line.
The past few years the Cowboys have invested in their OL by selecting Cooper Beebe, Tyler Smith, and Tyler Guyton. Give them Josh Simmons and the deed could very well be done for them.
Image: Michigan Athletics
12. Cincinnati Bengals: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Team Needs: CB, IDL, Edge, LB, IOL
Outside of Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals need as much help as they can get along their defensive front. Although Mason is more of an interior defensive lineman than he is an edge rusher, he’s athletic enough to rush as far out as the five-technique if needed. While the Bengals are going to need much more than this selection to make their defense stout, the best defenses are built from in inside out.
Image: The Draft Network
13. Indianapolis Colts: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
Team Needs: IDL, Safety, TE, CB, Edge
Already boasting a very talented defensive line, you truly can’t have enough talent in this area. Even after selecting Laitu Latu in last year’s draft, you simply can’t pass up the opportunity to draft a player of Pearce’s caliber. At this pick nearly halfway through the first round, Pearce is the best prospect available by far. It might be smarter for the Colts to add some depth at CB here but, like I said, you can’t pass up a talent like Pearce at this position in the draft.
Image: Missouri Athletics
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Team Needs: WR, Edge, DT, CB, IOL
With Chris Godwin and Mike Evans both having missed chunks of time due to injury, it’s impressive how well the Buccaneers have been playing so far. However, with Evans and Godwin both getting up there in age, it might be time for the Bucs to think about their future out wide.
Last year they thought about this a bit when selecting Jalen McMillan. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been enough to compensate for either Godwin or Evans when one is injured.
Burden entered the year as this draft’s WR1. While he doesn’t hold that distinction anymore, he’s still a top receiver in the draft. Luther Burden has the potential to propel the Bucs to being perennial NFC South champions.
Image: Sports Illustrated
15. Seattle Seahawks: Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona
Team Needs: OT, IOL, NT, Safety, CB
The Seahawks are another team with a more than decent defense that’s stunted by their offense. They have threatening weapons out wide and in the backfield but their OL is inconsistent. For the Arizona Wildcats, Savaiinaea has played as an offensive tackle the past few seasons. However, in the NFL he projects better along the interior. This isn’t a knock on him as much as it is playing him in a better spot to succeed. With this pick, the Seahawks get an uber-athletic guard who can play tackle in a pinch.
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Image: One Foot Down
16. Los Angeles Rams: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Team Needs: Center, Safety, LB, CB, OG
Ever since the Rams traded away Jalen Ramsey their secondary hasn’t been the same. In his rookie campaign, Derion Kendrick had a fine season but hasn’t been the same since. Over the years, the Rams’ secondary has had its ups and downs more than any phase of their defense.
Morrison is a lengthy and experienced cornerback who excels in press coverage. He loves the challenge of covering a team’s WR1 to which he succeeds more than he doesn’t. With how the Rams invested in their defensive front last draft, Morrison would be the perfect prospect to bridge their front with their backend.
Image: Windy City Gridiron
17. San Francisco 49ers: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
Team Needs: DT, Center, WR, LB, CB
Shavon Revel Jr. is this year’s Quinyon Mitchell. A prospect from the less-than-prestigious football school of East Carolina, Revel has managed to make waves in this year’s go-around. Listed at 6’3” Revel displays terrific length. Along with this, his quick feet and speed make him extremely difficult to dislodge at the line of scrimmage.
However, Revel did undergo season-ending surgery following an ACL tear back in September. Still, it’s unclear as to how much this will affect his draft stock.
Image: Alabama Athletics
18. Chicago Bears: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
Team Needs: OG, Center, OT, LB, CB
Although they weren’t expected to win the NFC North, much was expected of the Bears this season. They drafted a QB with the first overall pick, they have a good defense, and they have a great blend of youth and experienced veterans offensively. Yet they lack along the offensive line. Plagued by injuries and inconsistent play, the Bears’ OL is hindering them from playing to their full potential.
Booker is arguably the best offensive guard in this year’s class. He’s big, strong, experienced, and athletic. He shows good technique and can hold his own against both the run and the pass. He isn’t the final solution to the Bear’s OL woes, but he’s a missing piece to the larger puzzle.
Image: ESPN
19. Denver Broncos: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Team Needs: Edge, Center, RB, WR, TE
Emeka Egbuka might not be the best receiver at this point in the draft with Tre Harris and Isaiah Bond still on the board, but trust me when I say that he’s the right pick here. If he truly isn’t as good a prospect as Bond and Harris, it isn’t by much given how easy it is for him to get open. However, with a quarterback as young as Bo Nix, you’d like your receivers to carry some experience. A standout at Ohio State, often dubbed WR-U, Egbuka has far more experience than the average collegiate wideout.
Image: Sports Illustrated
20. Arizona Cardinals: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Team Needs: S, DT, Edge, CB, OL
When you hear Abdul Carter, think of someone who can transform a defense to new heights. I understand that one player doesn’t do much when it comes to subpar defenses, but Carter could be the exception.
While he’s better as an edge rusher, Carter is just as good in an off-ball linebacker role. He’s strong, twitchy, has great long speed, and diagnoses defenses exceptionally well. He isn’t going to be the immediate answer for Arizona’s defense, but he could be an integral part of their long-term plans.
Image: Yahoo Sports
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M
Team Needs: WR, CB, Edge, IOL, IDL
I said it once and I’ll say it again: this year’s WR class is deep. The Chargers are in desperate need of help out wide but Ladd McConkey has been great, Joshua Palmer has been his consistent self, and Quentin Johnston has made noticeable improvements. Still, the Bolt’s front four is quickly getting older. Even more, Khalil Mack is slated to be a free agent after this year.
Meanwhile, Nic Scourton is one of the best edge prospects this year. A transfer from Purdue, Scourton has excelled in College Station this season. Every bit as advertised, he’s a unique blend of strength and speed. Pair him with Tuli Tuipulotu and allow him to learn under Joey Bosa, and the Chargers could soon have the most formidable pass-rushing duo in the AFC West.
Image: University of Texas Athletics
22. Atlanta Falcons: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Team Needs: Edge, DT, Center, CB (nickel), LB
Listed at 5’11, Jahdae Barron won’t overpower ball-catchers with his size. Still, this hasn’t stopped him from being one of the best defensive backs in the country. More than capable of covering bigger receivers and tight ends, Barron is reliable in playing both in the slot and on the outside. Furthermore, he’s a capable run defender proving that he can be used in various alignments. Expect Barron’s draft stock to continue improving as the season prolongs.
Image: The Draft Network
23. Houston Texans: Kenneth Grant, IDL, Michigan
Team Needs: IOL, IDL, CB, LB, Safety
Although many scouts have their eyes on Michigan’s Mason Graham, it’s impossible to not notice Kenneth Grant. Listed at 6’3” and well over 300 lbs, Grant has the size and strength to dominate at the point of attack. But for how large he is, what’s arguably most impressive about him is the athleticism he displays. Light on his feet, he can get around linemen with more than just sheer strength. Additionally, he’s a highly experienced player who’s work ethic makes it easy to play him on all three downs.
Based on size alone, he may look like a gap-clogger. But rest assured, Kenneth Grant is much much more.
Image: Ole Miss Athletics
24. Green Bay Packers: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Team Needs: Center, CB, DT, Edge, LB
At 6’3” 304lbs, Ole Miss’s Walter Nolen is arguably the most explosive defensive tackle in CFB. He’s more of a pass rusher than anything but is still effective in the run game.
When it comes to this selection, it’s 50-50 for the Packers to go DL or DB. However, after trading Preston Smith at the trade deadline, a hole must be filled. Walter Nolen perfectly fills this hole.
Image: The Draft Network
25. Baltimore Ravens: Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State
Team Needs: OT, IOL, WR, Edge, CB
The Baltimore Ravens are a smashmouth football club that are capable of running it down your throat, outrunning you on the outside with Lamar, and surprising you over the top through play-action. Although they’ve managed to put together a solid season thus far, you can’t help but think how much better they could be with a better IOL. Enter Donovan Jackson. An experienced player, Jackson is a leader up front who could help gel the Ravens’ front five and take them to the next level.
The Ravens could also use some help at WR but that’s not the emphasis of their team. Equally, they could use help in their secondary, but with young guys like TJ Tampa and Nate Wiggins, and Marlon Humphrey’s veteran presence, their future in that department appears to be set.
Image: The New York Times
26. Philadelphia Eagles: Malaki Starks, Safety, Georgia
Team Needs: WR, LB, OT, Safety, Edge
With the season he’s having, it’s very well possible that Malaki Starks gets selected much higher than this. Unfortunately, high-drafted safeties don’t happen very often. Nevertheless, Starks has been on a tear for the Bulldogs this season. He’s displayed his range at high safety and versatility in the box as he’s able to run down ball carriers and take precise angles to result in PBUs. Furthermore, he can cover TEs in man coverage as well as blitz from various levels of the defense.
With a secondary already housing the young names of Cooper DeJean, Quinyon Mitchell, Reed Blankenship, and Keele Ringo, the Eagles’ DB unit could be the most fearsome in the NFL.
Image: Michigan State University Athletics
27. Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
Team Needs: WR, CB, IDL, RB, QB
Although the Steelers need help offensively, they seem to be doing fine with the weapons they have and their mix of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. After all, for as long as Mike Tomlin’s been Pittsburgh’s headman, they’ve won games more because of their defense. Why should that stop now?
Cam Heyward is still playing at an All-Pro level but he isn’t getting any younger. Meanwhile, MSU transfer Derrick Harmon is tearing things up in Eugene. He’s explosive, lengthy, and still has a lot of raw potential. There’s arguably no better coach and player to mold him than Mike Tomlin and Cam Heyward.
Image: Arizona Wildcats
28. Minnesota Vikings: Tacario Davis, CB, Arizona
Team Needs: OG, IDL, OT, CB, TE
One of the biggest surprises this season has been the Minnesota Vikings. After losing Kirk Cousins in free agency and JJ McCarthy to injury many were willing to write off the Vikings this season. However, Sam Darnold had other plans. Still, the Vikings need some help in their secondary.
Going into the season Khyree Jackson appeared to be the man who would lead the Vikings’ secondary into a new age of youth. Unfortunately, this wouldn’t come to fruition as Jackson sadly passed away after being involved in a car accident. Still, Tacario Davis could fill the shoes left behind. Like Jackson, Davis is a speedy corner with excellent length. It’s difficult to get around him and frustrating when going against him in jump-ball situations.
Image: Ole Miss Athletics
29. Washington Commanders: Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
Team Needs: CB, DT, OT, Safety, WR
Pressing forward, the Commanders have been just as much a surprise this season as the Vikings. One of the worst franchises, in general, the Commanders did a complete 180 from last year to now. They have their franchise QB, their offense is clicking, and their defense is holding its own. Still, while Terry McLaurin has quietly been one of the NFL’s best receivers, just as he has been for his entire career, it’s finally time to get him some help.
Tre Harris is an exciting receiver whose blend of agility and physicality makes him difficult to cover. At 6’2”, Harris is more likely to impose his physicality on you but is also agile enough to get open other ways. Nevertheless, an offense of shifty route-runners like McLaurin and McCaffrey, and a physical threat like Harris could dominate the NFC East for years.
Image: FanSided
30. Buffalo Bills: Nick Emmanwori, Safety, South Carolina
Team Needs: Edge, CB, LB, IDL, Safety
In a few short years, the Bills have managed to move on from Tre’Davious White, Micah Hyde, and Jordan Poyer. Going into the offseason the Bills will be in desperate need of CB help as they are yet to pick up Kaiir Elam’s fifth-year option, Rasul Douglas will be a FA, and Taron Johnson will remain in the slot. This leaves an opening across from Christian Benford. However, with openings also at LB and safety, Emmanwori seems to be the more viable option.
Physical, quick, and terrific size are the best adjectives to describe Emmanwori. At 6’3” he uses his size to cover TEs, crash downhill to disrupt runs, and create PBUs. It’d be best to not use him as a true high safety given his lack of range. But, his versatility as a safety in a two-high set, in the box, and around the line of scrimmage can help make up where other areas may lack.
Image: Georgia Athletics
31. Detroit Lions: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Team Needs: Edge, CB, OL, WR, IDL
With Alim McNeill locked up the Lions can afford to look elsewhere on their roster. Thankfully for them, and Aidan Hutchinson, help is finally on the way.
Mykel Williams entered the year as one of the top edge prospects in this year’s draft. While Georgia may not be enjoying the season they hoped for, this hasn’t stunted Williams’ draft projection. A being of great size and length at 6’5” 265lbs, Williams has been able to win now and then on size and strength alone. He has the agility and quickness to beat linemen in other ways but has been inconsistent at putting it all together.
Image: The Columbus Dispatch
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
Team Needs: WR, CB, Safety, IDL, OT
The Chiefs could use some help at WR, CB, safety, DT, and OT. Still, week in and week out they figure out a way to get things done. After trading away L’Jarius Sneed, they already seem to have found his replacement in Chamarri Conner. While they could use some help out wide, Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson, and Justyn Ross have all been reliable targets; of course they now also have JuJu and Hopkins to add to the mix. While they could look to upgrade their tackles or add depth at safety, I think they’ll want to get a head start at DT.
Chris Jones is performing at an All-Pro level but they don’t have much behind him. Meanwhile, Tyleik Williams necessitates a double-team at 6’3” and 327 lbs. But, besides clogging holes. Williams has the athleticism to also slip through blocks and collapse pockets. He might not be the most exciting prospect at 32, but he’s the correct choice at this point.
For my 2025 NFL Mock Draft 1.1 click here.
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