We're now officially less than a month out from the 2025 NFL Draft, and smokescreen season is in full effect. Every day, there's a new rumor—players flying up into the Top 10, others sneaking into the back of the first round. Let's cut through the noise.
1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
The Titans take a big swing on a high-upside passer in Cam Ward. While still raw, Ward offers elite arm talent and off-script creativity—exactly the traits that coaches and GMs get excited about. He's a natural fit for new head coach Brian Callahan. The Titans probably won't turn things around overnight in 2025, but Ward gives them something they desperately need: long-term hope at quarterback.
2. Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
I've been saying it since February, and I'll say it one more time. I think the Browns will select Shedeur Sanders with the second pick. Despite all the rumors surrounding where Sanders would go—and which team his father would "approve" of—it's the Browns who land him. Kevin Stefanski finally gets the accurate, efficient quarterback he's always wanted. While the run game may still be a question mark, Sanders walks into a decent setup with Jerry Jeudy, David Njoku, and Cedric Tillman at his disposal.
3. New York Giants: Travis Hunter WR/CB, Colorado
With the top QBs off the board, the Giants turn to the most versatile player in the draft. Travis Hunter brings rare two-way ability as both a wide receiver and cornerback. Whether New York uses him as a weapon on offense or a lockdown defender, he's going to make an impact immediately. Pairing him with Malik Nabers—regardless of who's under center—gives this team a legitimate offensive spark.
4. New England Patriots: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
This is the dream setup for New England: staying put and landing arguably the best overall prospect in the class. Abdul Carter steps into Mike Vrabel's defense as a potential game-changer off the edge, lining up across from Harold Landry III. While OL help or a trade-down would make sense on paper, passing on Carter here feels unlikely.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
Jacksonville needs serious help on the interior, and Graham fits the bill. He's powerful, technically sound, and plays with nonstop effort. Slotting him next to their existing pass rushers could give Jacksonville one of the most disruptive fronts in the AFC.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly both love to run the football—and Ashton Jeanty gives them the ultimate workhorse. He'd step in as a focal point for a run-first offense looking to control tempo and keep the ball out of AFC West playmakers' hands. In this setup, Jeanty could be a Top-8 fantasy running back right away.
7. New York Jets: Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
The Jets find themselves in a perfect spot, landing one of the draft's most pro-ready linemen. Membou is a steady, athletic right tackle with three years of experience in the SEC. He'd solidify a line that desperately needs help protecting Aaron Rodgers (or whoever ends up under center).
8. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
I debated between a playmaker like Tetairoa McMillan or building out the defense—and in this mock, defense wins out. Walker would be a plug-and-play edge rusher in Ejiro Evero's 3-4 scheme. He fits the mold of the type of versatile defenders the Panthers need as they rebuild.
9. New Orleans Saints: Will Campbell, OL, LSU
Campbell slips to nine not because of talent but due to team preferences. The Saints happily pounce. Whether at tackle or sliding inside to guard, Campbell brings All-Pro upside. New head coach Kellen Moore knows the value of elite trench play from his time in Dallas and Philly.
10. Chicago Bears: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Think of this like the Gibbs-to-Bijan dynamic from 2023. Jeanty might be the flashy name, but Hampton is just as complete. Ben Johnson's history with D'Andre Swift didn't pan out, so he resets the backfield with Hampton—a true three-down bruiser who brings physicality to this offense.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Barron is a perfect fit for a Robert Saleh-style zone coverage scheme. He may not be everyone's CB1, but for teams that know exactly what they're running on defense, he's an ideal plug-and-play option. Barron's not a universal fit — if you're running a heavy press-man system, he'll struggle. But in zone? He's not just the best corner — he's arguably the best zone defender in this entire class. The Niners land a Week 1 starter who fits their blueprint exactly.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
McMillan's ball skills are just ridiculous. With a massive catch radius and strong hands, he's basically a walking first down. He's a slant-killer in man coverage and thrives in the quick game. People sleep on his yards-after-catch ability, but he ranked fourth in the class with 55 first downs and racked up 430 YAC in 2024. He's fluid, explosive, and doesn't waste motion. Exactly the kind of target Dallas could use to diversify their passing attack.
13. Miami Dolphins: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
This might be one of the more exciting fantasy picks in the first round. With uncertainty around Tyreek Hill's future and Miami's offense sputtering late last season, Warren brings versatility, physicality, and creativity to the table. Mike McDaniel could move him all over the formation, plug him in at the goal line, or use him as a key blocker in the run game. Warren fills three needs in one — and makes this offense a lot more dangerous.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Tight end has been a glaring hole for Indy all offseason. Nothing was addressed in free agency, so this pick feels inevitable. Loveland's receiving chops are legit — smooth route-runner, strong hands, and a matchup nightmare all over the formation. He gives Anthony Richardson a safety blanket, a big slot, and a red-zone threat rolled into one. This is the exact type of weapon Richardson needs if the Colts want him to make a leap in Year 2.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
One of the most intriguing defensive prospects in this class. Campbell was a five-star EDGE who ended up starting at linebacker — but he still got EDGE reps at Bama and trained as one in the pre-draft process. He's a fast, explosive playmaker who led Alabama in tackles, TFLs, sacks, and forced fumbles in 2024. Whether teams see him as an edge defender or versatile linebacker, Campbell is a high-ceiling chess piece who's well worth a first-round investment.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Johnson has CB1 potential. He's sticky in coverage, fluid in his transitions, and makes plays on the ball. During Michigan's 2023 title run, he allowed just a 30.9 QB rating when targeted and never gave up a touchdown in coverage. The 2024 season was a bit rockier, and injuries didn't help, but the upside is undeniable. If he stays healthy, Johnson could quickly become the cornerstone of Arizona's secondary.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Williams looks like he was built in a lab — 6-5, long, explosive, and incredibly versatile. Like former Bulldog Travon Walker, Williams didn't rack up huge sack totals but did everything well — set the edge, rushed the passer, and disrupted plays. He fought through an early-season ankle sprain but showed flashes late, including a two-sack game against Texas. The Bengals would be getting a high-upside EDGE who can be part of their rotation from Day 1 with the potential to grow into a star.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel, IOL, North Dakota State
Zabel might not be a household name, but scouts and coaches around the league took notice during the Senior Bowl, where he dominated one-on-one drills and showcased the ability to line up all across the offensive front. Seattle's interior O-line could use an upgrade, and Zabel is the kind of lunch-pail, do-your-job prospect that would thrive in Klint Kubiak's run-first scheme. He'd immediately help pave the way for Ken Walker III and Zach Charbonnet, while giving Sam Darnold a cleaner pocket.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
The Buccaneers have to fix their pass rush. Todd Bowles' defense ranked near the bottom of the league in pressure rate, and quarterbacks had way too much time to sit back and pick them apart. Enter Mike Green — the FBS sack leader in 2024 and a perfect schematic fit as a 3-4 OLB in Bowles' system. He's a high-motor, bendy pass-rusher with the production to match.
20. Denver Broncos: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Sean Payton is all about speed, versatility, and upside — and Emmanwori checks all the boxes. He blew up the combine, but the real appeal is on tape. He can play deep, roll into the box, or cover tight ends in the slot. With Talanoa Hufanga already in the building, this duo could become one of the league's most dynamic and versatile safety tandems.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
Stopping the run is always a top priority in Pittsburgh, and Harmon is exactly the kind of big, disruptive body they love up front. The 6-4, 313-pounder is scheme-versatile, plays with power, and has the kind of upper-body strength to shed blocks and stuff gaps. Harmon even chipped in five sacks last season and models his game after Cam Heyward. He just looks like a Steeler.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
Jim Harbaugh sticks with what he knows, and Kenneth Grant is a Harbaugh guy through and through. A 331-pound wrecking ball, Grant may have been overshadowed by Mason Graham, but don't let that fool you — he's a freak athlete with brute strength and rare movement skills for his size. If Grant lands in L.A., he'd be a foundational piece in the middle of that defense.
23. Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
The Packers never stop swinging on traits at wide receiver, and Golden fits their mold. A speedster with legitimate 4.29 wheels, Golden can take the top off a defense. He also showed up in big moments for Texas down the stretch. This pick gives Jordan Love yet another dynamic weapon to develop with — and is classic Packers team-building: weapons before walls.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Kelvin Banks, IOL, Texas
Minnesota's interior offensive line has been a mess, and Banks could fix that on day one. He's got the timing, footwork, and natural leverage you want in a pass protector, but also plays with violence and attitude as a puller. Some teams see him as a tackle, others as a guard. The Vikings see him as a solution.
25. Houston Texans: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Too much value to pass up here. Egbuka has that slot/outside versatility that teams crave and brings a reliable skill set to a Texans offense that's looking to reload post-Stefon Diggs. Pairing C.J. Stroud with his college teammate is just too clean a fit to ignore, and with Tank Dell working his way back from injury, Egbuka could step into a big role early.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama
Booker's testing numbers didn't blow anyone away, but his power, toughness, and raw tools stand out. He's a tone-setter in the trenches with a throwback demeanor. The Rams need an immediate starter at guard, and Booker fits the bill — he's got the frame and nasty streak to be a longtime pro in Sean McVay's offense.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
Tell me this doesn't feel like a Ravens pick. Ezeiruaku was one of the most productive defenders in the country, and Baltimore can never have too many edge guys. With Kyle Van Noy aging and David Ojabo still a question mark, Ezeiruaku brings youth and juice to this pass rush. He'd push for double-digit sacks early in his career.
28. Detroit Lions: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
The production hasn't matched the traits just yet, but Stewart's ceiling is undeniable. At 6-5 with a 7-foot wingspan and a perfect 10 RAS score, Stewart is a moldable ball of clay. The Lions have the coaching staff to develop him, and the setup is there to let him play in rotation while he grows into a full-time role.
29. Washington Commanders: Luther Burden, WR, Missouri
Burden is electric with the ball in his hands and could be a perfect pairing with Jayden Daniels. The Missouri offense didn't do him many favors, but his tape shows elite movement skills and natural hands. His 2023 tape is phenomenal, particularly his game against LSU, where Daniels was on the opposing team. In Kliff Kingsbury's system, Burden would be unleashed as a motion-heavy, yards-after-catch nightmare — exactly the type of modern weapon you want to build around a young QB.
30. Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Buffalo's secondary was a liability last year, and Hairston brings immediate help. He's got 4.28 speed, great footwork, and plays bigger than his frame suggests. The Bills have missed on a few DBs lately, but Hairston is a twitchy, competitive cover corner who would push for starting reps right away.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
With the offensive line continuing to be an issue, Kansas City grabs a long-term option at left tackle. Simmons had early-round hype before injuries derailed his final college season. With Mahomes locked in long-term, this pick helps keep the franchise upright — even if Simmons needs a redshirt year to get right.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Howie Roseman does it again. The Eagles land a top-15 talent at the end of the first round without moving up. Starks is a versatile safety with range, smarts, and ball skills. He'd be a plug-and-play starter in Philly's revamped secondary — and yet another Georgia Bulldog added to this defense.
