With Super Bowl LIX now being a thing of the past, the 2025 NFL Draft order has finally rounded out. Additionally, several prospects have risen and slid down draft boards with the Senior Bowl being a recent memory. How will the first round shake out?
Image: 6ABC
1. Tennessee Titans: Abdul Carter, LB/Edge, Penn State
Team Needs: WR, QB, Edge, LB, S
As soon as I heard Tennessee’s GM talking about how they’re not locked in on drafting a QB 1.1, I immediately thought of Penn State’s Abdul Carter. A true disruptor, Carter can be the leader of a defense as both an edge-rusher and an off-ball linebacker. Many are even touting the PSU product as a better prospect than Micah Parsons was coming out.
Image: Athlon Sports
2. Cleveland Browns: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Team Needs: RB, QB, Edge, DT, WR
With Cleveland trying to find an out from Deshaun Watson’s contract, the former Clemson Tiger’s future is uncertain. Whether they can find an out or not, the Browns are a QB-needy team. Heisman finalist Cam Ward would be an excellent addition to a team in need of a franchise player, with Myles Garrett seeking a trade.
Image: CBS Sports
3. New York Giants: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Team Needs: QB, IOL, DT, Edge, S
Even though they’re linked to veteran QBs in the trade market, I don’t believe the Giants would be willing to part with the few assets they have to acquire such a player. This being said, scouts are hit or miss on Sanders. However, with a faulty OL at Colorado and his best offensive weapon being a two-way player, Sanders still managed to look pretty decent.
Image: Crescent City Sports
4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Team Needs: OT, WR, IOL, DT, Edge
Protecting Drake Maye has to be New England’s priority this offseason. The North Carolina product performed exceptionally well during his rookie campaign despite a lack of weapons and protection. Imagine how good he could be with LSU’s Will Campbell protecting him. While some project Campbell to be an OG in the NFL, he’s a plug-and-play guy anywhere on the OL.
Image: Sporting News
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Team Needs: CB, S, DT, Edge, OL
The Jaguars have offensive weapons throughout their roster. They also have some big names on defense as well. Yet, things haven’t been able to click in Jacksonville. Although new HC Liam Coen is an offensive-minded individual, Will Johnson is too good of a prospect to pass up. Johnson could be Jacksonville’s best secondary defender since they selected Jalen Ramsey nearly a decade ago.
Image: Athlon Sports
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Team Needs: QB, RB, WR, DT, CB
A flashy player for a flashy town, this pick almost seems too good to be true. Despite his unique skillset, some reports indicate that Hunter might not go as high as expected. Nevertheless, with the Raiders needing offensive and defensive help, stealing Hunter here wouldn’t be surprising. Hunter wishes to play both ways in the NFL, while many scouts wish he’d stick to defense.
Image: HornSports
7. New York Jets: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Team Needs: TE, OT, Edge, S, QB
New reports have surfaced saying Aaron Rodgers will not be part of New York’s plans next season. Although this puts them in the market for a quarterback, how can they be expected to protect their new field-general if they couldn’t protect Rodgers? Even though I have Campbell being the first OL selected, many view Kelvin Banks as this year’s OT1.
Image: Arizona Wildcats
8. Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Team Needs: RB, WR, Edge, DT, LB
Several clubs across the league see Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan as this year’s WR1. With an offense desperate for a true WR1, the Panthers should pair the SoCal native with their franchise QB. The Panthers still have multiple holes to fill, but this would be a good start.
Image: Pro Football Network
9. New Orleans Saints: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Team Needs: WR, QB, OT, Edge, S
It’s unorthodox to see a safety being drafted this high. However, recent stories have surfaced about the Georgia product being viewed as a top-10 pick. His range, versatility, athleticism, and IQ should be highly coveted come April. Malaki Starks can be an all-around player for the Saints, lining up high, in the box, in the slot, and near the line of scrimmage.
Image: Roll Tide Wire
10. Chicago Bears: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
Team Needs: OG, OT, Edge, DT, S
It’s looking more and more like the Bears will lose veteran wideout Keenan Allen this offseason. Although he was a valuable asset to Chicago’s offense, the presence of Cole Kmet, Rome Odunze, DJ Moore, and others still leaves them in a good place. What Chicago needs to do is better protect Caleb Williams. Arguably the best true-guard prospect in the draft, Booker should be a staple in the Bear’s OL for years to come.
Image: First Round Mock
11. San Francisco 49ers: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Team Needs: RB, OT, DT, CB, Edge
To be honest, it’d be a bit of a miracle to see Graham drop this far. Even though there are more flashy players in this draft, some view the former Wolverine as a top-3 prospect. Should he fall to San Francisco, this makes him a can’t-miss pick. A defense that’s best when their line is stout, the Michigan product could help the 49ers reclaim dominance in the NFC West.
Image: Nevada Sports Net
12. Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Team Needs: RB, WR, OT, DT, CB
Where does one begin with fixing the Dallas Cowboys? From the outside looking in, it feels like they’re crumbling from the inside out. Even though they’re having problems with consistency from their offensive line and defensive secondary, I think Ashton Jeanty could give the franchise new life. A three-down back, there’s something comforting in knowing that you have a genuine threat in the backfield.
Image: 247 Sports
13. Miami Dolphins: Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State
Team Needs: TE, OT, DT, Edge, CB
It almost feels like it’d be a hate crime to send out Tua next season with the current OL in front of him. Many believe that the former Crimson Tide should retire from playing professional football, so protecting him has to be priority #1. If Tyler Booker isn’t the best OG prospect, the distinction goes to Donovan Jackson. A mauler in the run game, Jackson showed throughout this past season that he also has the athleticism and where-withal to play OT in a pinch. He shouldn’t be tried at tackle in the NFL, but knowing his versatility is reassuring.
Image: PHLY Sports
14. Indianapolis Colts: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
Team Needs: OG, LB, DT, TE, S
With a young offensive core and a young secondary, where else should Indianapolis add to? I think they prioritize versatility more than anything here. With Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter off the board, Jalon Walker is the next best thing in providing versatility. More of an off-ball LB, Walker has been equally effective at rushing the passer for the Bulldogs.
Image: Dallas Morning News
15. Atlanta Falcons: Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M
Team Needs: DT, Edge, CB, S, IOL
The Falcons invested in their defensive front during last year’s draft. While it’s only been one season with these players, things aren’t looking the most promising. Nic Scourton is a phenomenal edge rusher who translates acceleration into power. He’s stout against the run and is disruptive against the pass.
Image: Ole Miss Athletics
16. Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Team Needs: WR, DT, OG, Edge, LB
With a fine week in Mobile at the Senior Bowl, expect Nolen to move up draft boards. A twitchy lineman on the interior, Nolen has a good get-off and is strong throughout his upper and lower halves. He’s more of an interior defender but is also effective in lining up towards the edges of the line of scrimmage.
Image: Ohio State
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Team Needs: WR, DT, S, Edge, CB
With a subpar defense, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Cincinnati select a defender here. However, it is widely expected that the Bengals will lose Tee Higgins this offseason. That said, a WR could also be in play, especially with a prospect like Egbuka still available.
Image: Yahoo Sports
18. Seattle Seahawks: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Team Needs: WR, DT, OG, OT, QB
The Seahawks are a bit of a wildcard right here. It wouldn’t be surprising to see them beef up their defense, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see them go OL as well. With Tyler Lockett looking like he could be a cap casualty, I could just as quickly see Seattle drafting his replacement. Even though he didn’t have the year for Missouri many expected, Burden is still a threat with the ball in his hands.
Image: The Draft Network
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Team Needs: WR, DT, Edge, CB, LB
The jury isn’t quite yet out on Mykel Williams. On the one hand, you have a physical specimen that can rush along the interior to a standup edge. But on the flip side, you have an inconsistent prospect who lacks a formidable pass rush. While there are more complete edge defenders available, I think that a team, here the Bucs, will be willing to bet on Williams’ intangibles. In Tampa Bay’s case, offenses will already be occupied by Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, and Joe Tyron-Shoyinka.
Image: NFL Mocks
20. Denver Broncos: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Team Needs: RB, TE, WR, Center, S
This almost kills two birds with one stone. The Broncos need a TE, and they need a formidable receiving threat to take their offense to the next level. Tyler Warren is both. As an all-around excellent TE, Warren can block very well and haul in passes in a highlight-reel fashion.
Image: The Draft Network
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Team Needs: WR, RB, CB, DT, QB
Matthew Golden has been a very steady riser over the past few weeks. Some even consider him a better prospect coming out of Texas than former alumni Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell. Golden could be the security blanket Pittsburgh’s offense needs.
Image: All For Tennessee
22. Los Angeles Chargers: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
Team Needs: DT, Edge, WR, TE, CB
Although Mike Green has been rising up draft boards, I give the “Edge” to Pearce here. Formerly regarded as the favorite to go 1.1, Pearce brings speed, acceleration, length, and experience. For a team that could potentially lose both Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack this offseason, the Edge position should be a focus.
Image: Texas Longhorns
23. Green Bay Packers: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Team Needs: DT, Edge, CB, WR, RB
The most recent talk regarding the Packers has been about them adding a true WR1. While this could happen through the draft, I think they have a larger need at CB. Green Bay has an acceptable defense. However, they need to connect their front with their backend better. Jahdae Barron can play both in the slot and on the outside extremely well.
Image: Sports Illustrated
24. Minnesota Vikings: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
Team Needs: QB, RB, Edge, DT, CB
If Matthew Golden hasn’t been the biggest riser recently, it has to be Marshall’s Mike Green. A twitchy and athletic rusher, Green absolutely ran through his competition this past year. While he could add a few more pounds to his frame, his current build, IQ, and intangibles should make him a Round 1 lock.
Image: The Draft Network
25. Houston Texans: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
Team Needs: DT, Edge, CB, WR, LB
In my opinion, Tyleik Williams is one of the most underrated players this year. He’s bullish on the inside but also has the finesse to slip between gaps. DeMeco Ryans’ defenses have been best when their D-Line is great. Williams could elevate the Texans’ unit to another level.
Image: The Dispatch
26. Los Angeles Rams: Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
Team Needs: CB, WR, DT, Edge, OT
While I believe it to be more hype than anything, some are speaking of Tre Harris being a better prospect out of Ole Miss than AJ Brown and DK Metcalf were. A bigger-bodied receiver, Harris will give an offense an option as a jump-ball threat. However, his ability to create separation through his route running shouldn’t be overlooked.
Image: Bleacher Report
27. Baltimore Ravens: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Team Needs: WR, DT, Edge, S, LB
Something is fitting about the Ravens having an outstanding linebacker unit. Already boasting some household names in the second level, the Ravens could go elsewhere. Yet I think they get ahead of the curve by slowly taking Campbell to nurture him within their system. In reality, Campbell could be an early favorite to be DROY.
Image: The Columbus Dispatch
28. Detroit Lions: Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State
Team Needs: Edge, DT, CB, S, WR
How ironic would it be to pair Aidan Hutchinson with a Buckeye? The Lions need help opposite Hutchinson, and Sawyer would be the perfect compliment. He’s ferocious, intense, and has a tremendous football IQ. A Sawyer-Hutchinson duo could be a household combination within the organization.
Image: NBC4
29. Washington Commanders: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Team Needs: WR, OT, CB, Edge, S
Before going down with a season-ending injury, many are viewing Simmons as this year’s OT1. While his medical will be a big part of Simmons’ pre-draft process, a good bill of health should keep him in Round 1. The Commanders must be better at protecting Jayden Daniels, making the Buckeye a perfect pairing.
Image: 247 Sports
30. Buffalo Bills: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
Team Needs: WR, CB, DT, Edge, S
I feel like a broken record at this point, saying the Bills need help in their secondary. Like Josh Simmons, Shavon Revel also sustained a season-ending injury this past year. But before this occurrence, Revel was dominating. A speedy and lengthy corner, Revel has the potential to be a lockdown guy on the outside.
Image: Star Tribune
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Team Needs: DT, Edge, CB, WR, RB
If this Super Bowl was an indicator of anything, the Chiefs need to protect Patrick Mahomes better. He isn’t the most well-known prospect, but Minnesota’s Aireontae Ersery is an underrated name that could start for Andy Reid on Day 1.
Image: 247 Sports
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Team Needs: WR, TE, RB, DT, Edge
Another underrated draft prospect, in my opinion, is Derrick Harmon. While the Eagles don’t necessarily need help on their defensive front, they also don’t need much help elsewhere. Any good defensive coordinator will tell you that depth on the DL is crucial. Allowing your rushers to stay fresh is critical to any defensive game plan.
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