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Gavin Patrick
BY GAVIN PATRICK
Sports Editor
The NFL draft is almost here, which means mock drafts are getting more attention than ever. Predictions are becoming more shared. Questions are being answered. But there’s still an intriguing amount of uncertainty as to where some top prospects may land.
Look no further than the quarterback position, where I have two trades shaking up the bottom of the first round and two teams landing their future signal caller.
I also project a big slide for two of the top, yet divisive, players at their position -- one a quarterback, the other a wide receiver. I guess you’ll have to read on to find out…
I’ve always wanted to dip my toe in these waters, and what better time to do it than now? These picks are based on what I believe will happen on draft night, not what I would do if I were a GM.
I don’t have the intel of a Mel Kiper or Peter Schrager. But I do have my fandom, which made me consume countless hours of draft coverage before I was satisfied with this exercise. Also, I have better things to do than worry about the hit rate of a mock draft. So, let’s have some fun.
Here are my predictions for the first round of the 2025 NFL draft.
1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Anyone who has followed the draft process closely would be stunned if Cam Ward isn’t the Titans’ selection at No. 1. Tennessee is desperate for quarterback help and spent free agency building around the position. Now is the time to add an exciting young quarterback and for Brian Callahan to get his next Joe Burrow.
2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
There is still uncertainty surrounding this pick. It was once believed that Abdul Carter was the Browns’ top choice, but recent reports have napped Hunter as the favorite. Either way, they can’t go wrong. Hunter would slide in as the number two wide receiver and cornerback and could easily emerge as a number one as the year progresses. Whether Cleveland decides he should major in offense or defense, that’s a problem for another day. They’ll just be happy to land the most talented two-way player the draft has ever seen.
3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
This is the pivot point in the draft. If the Giants aren’t in love with a quarterback (Shedeur Sanders) at this spot, then they take the best player available. The latter seems to be the most likely outcome. And why shouldn't it be? Adding Carter to the likes of Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodaux would give New York their most fearsome defensive line since their last Super Bowl team. The quarterback can wait.
4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
The Pats will be bummed to see Carter and Hunter off the board, but they still need more protection for Drake Maye. Campbell would fill the left tackle void immediately and possibly for the next decade. It’s also possible New England tries to trade out of this spot, but I don’t see a team that’d be willing to come up this high for a player that’s not Hunter or Carter.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
For a long time, there wasn’t a mock draft in sight that had Jacksonville taking any player other than Graham at No. 5 -- and for good reason. Now, there’s smoke that the Jags are leaning offense, but I’ll stick with my gut. Besides edge, Jacksonville needs help everywhere on defense. Graham had the second-highest run-stuff percentage among defensive tackles in the FBS last season (per ESPN) along with 26 pressures. His presence aligns beautifully between Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
It has to be either skill position or tackle for the Raiders here, and Jeanty is the best player left. It’s hard to determine if Jeanty is a generational running back or just a really, really good one because of the competition he played at Boise State. His absurd production and build certainly make a case. So would his fit in Chip Kelly’s run scheme. I’d run to the podium if I’m Las Vegas.
7. New York Jets: Armand Membou, OT/G, Missouri
Tyler Warren is tempting, but Aaron Glenn was hired to build this team the right way: from the inside out. The Jets need as much protection as they can get for Justin Fields, who’s taken 151 sacks in just 44 career starts (over three per game). With last year’s first-round pick Olu Fashaou opposite Membou, Gang Green could have their bookends up front for the next decade.
8. Carolina Panthers: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Edge seems to be the most popular choice for Carolina at this spot. But I think they'd be foolish not to support their young (maybe?) franchise quarterback Bryce Young with one of the best tight end prospects the NFL has seen in recent years. Now more than ever, a reliable tight end is key to a quarterback’s success. For Warren, his game goes beyond the point of the catch; he’s a tackle-breaking machine. ESPN analyst Mina Kimes called him a “human monster truck.” Does that sound reliable to you? The Panthers are used to having a stalwart at tight end with Greg Olsen all those years. It’s time for a new stalwart to help take Young to the next level.
9. New Orleans Saints: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Saints need to get younger and more dynamic on defense. And they have a hole at corner after losing two starters from a year ago. Once he’s fully recovered from the foot injury, Johnson would step in as the new CB1 in New Orleans, resuming the role Marshon Lattimore held for over seven years. Johnson is actually highly comparable to Lattimore in terms of size, ball skills and closer-to-average speed. He can be just as good, if not better, over time.
10. Chicago Bears: Jalon Walker, Edge/LB, Georgia
With the top two tackles off the board, the Bears may be inclined to go with the best player available. Walker isn’t a necessity for a front four with Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, Grady Jarrett and Austin Booker. But he has a chance to be the best of the bunch, and there’s no such thing as too many pass rushers. Walker fits right into the rotation at edge and brings versatility at inside linebacker if needed. The Bears picked Rome Odunze ninth overall last year as a luxury at wide receiver. Now, he’s the number two receiver. I see a similar path for Walker at edge.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
The 49ers have some major retooling to do on defense, so why not start with the FBS’s leading sack artist from a year ago? Green is a proven commodity at edge, racking up 17 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and 51 pressures last year at Marshall. If San Francisco still wants to win now, it’d be wise to target a polished pass rusher rather than a project.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
This isn’t the direction I would go if I’m Dallas, with the second-best receiver still on the board. But this is a typical kind of pick for Jerry Jones and company. Big D has targeted the trenches with each of their last four first-round picks, and Nolen makes a nice inside tandem alongside recently extended Osa Odighizuwa. Cowboy fans will be outraged if Jones passes on an offensive playmaker, but Dallas traditionally finds those pieces later in the draft.
13. Miami Dolphins: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
The Dolphins have been reluctant to address their o-line for years. But now, they have no choice. Terron Armstead’s retirement leaves a gaping hole at left tackle, and Banks’ grade is right about in line with the 13th pick. Nothing is more important than keeping quarterback Tua Tagovailoa upright, especially given his injury history. This should be an easy decision if Will Johnson is off the board (emphasis on “should”).
14. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Tight end is an obvious need for the Colts. They shouldn’t be too bummed if Warren is off the board when they pick because there isn’t a big drop off from him to Loveland. His size presents mismatches for linebackers and defensive backs, combined with smooth route running and a wide catch radius. He provides an easy bucket for whoever the quarterback is in Indy.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Atlanta infamously chose not address edge in the first round last year. So now that they have their quarterback, it’s time to make up for it. Williams brings much-needed upside to a unit that only fielded 31 sacks a year ago, the second lowest output in the league.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Barron feels like a logical fit for head coach Johnathan Gannon’s defense. He’s tough, can play the run, attacks the football and brings versatility as a nickel and outside corner. He’s a solid building block for an up-and-coming unit.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Grey Zabel, G/C, North Dakota State
The Bengals have gone all-in on offense this offseason. But before they address defense, there’s a prime opportunity to nab the best guard in the class in Zabel. It was a position of weakness last year in Cincinnati. And after dominating at the FCS level, Zabel has built himself up as a sure thing throughout the pre-draft process. The late teens seem to be the sweet spot for Zabel. He’d be a perfect fit protecting Joe Burrow.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Tetairoa McMillan is (somehow!) still on the board in this exercise, but the Seahawks need to add speed on the outside. Golden fits that billing better than any offensive player in the draft, with his 4.29-second 40-time to prove it. He would be an ideal complement to slot specialists Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp. Plus, with new coordinator Klink Kubiak sure to incorporate plenty of motion into the offense, Golden would fit seamlessly having thrived in a similar motion-heavy scheme at Texas.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
This is the ideal landing spot for Stewart. The Bucs have a pedigree for sporting elite defensive linemen. Stewart has the makings of one but couldn't quite put pen to paper in college, managing just 4.5 sacks over three seasons. His elite traits could very well have him picked 10 picks sooner than this or 10 picks later. Todd Bowles would help Stewart finish to the quarterback in his pressure-heavy attack.
20. Denver Broncos: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Running back is a position waiting to be filled in Denver. Whether or not they attack it in the first round remains a question, but Hampton isn’t a player teams should wait on. The Broncos have an excellent offensive line, and they’re a dynamic running back away from having one of the best ground games in the AFC. Hampton can be Alvin Kamara 2.0 for coach Sean Payton. He brings speed and power to the table, along with good hands and open-field quickness.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
It would be stunning to see Pittsburgh pass on two of the top three quarterbacks. But should Aaron Rodgers sign on or not -- which is more of an “if” than a “when” at this point -- I don’t believe drafting a young passer would be in their best interest. This is a win-now roster, and their picks should support that. Drafting Starks to play alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick could give the Steelers their best safety tandem since Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark.
Starks is a versatile chess piece who can play at all three levels, including in the slot, which was a weakness in coverage for Pittsburgh last year. They still need a QB for this season, but they shouldn’t draft one at this spot unless they love him. With Sanders, teams have had a hard time getting to that place, and it wouldn’t surprise me if the Steelers punt on his prospects after seeing how Kenny Pickett turned out, who they drafted one spot earlier, at pick 20, three years ago.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
This would be a best-case scenario for LA, as they desperately need an outside presence to complement Ladd McConkey in the slot. McMillan lacks top-end speed, which is why he could slide down the board. But his route running, ball skills and catch radius more than make up for it. His big frame (6-4, 219) also makes him a prototypical threat in the red zone. McMillan reminds me of a taller Michael Crabtree, who Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman are familiar working with in San Francisco. This would be a home run for the Chargers if other teams are foolish enough to pass him up.
23. Green Bay Packers: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Corner was a problem last year for the Pack, and with Jaire Alexander’s future uncertain, it’s time to potentially draft his replacement. Hairston led the SEC with five interceptions in 2023, and his 4.28-second 40-time was the fastest of any player at the combine. That speed shows up on tape, as he can run stride for stride with any receiver or catch up if they gain an initial step or two. The NFC North has a fair share of speedy receivers (Jameson Williams, Jordan Addison, DJ Moore), and Hairston gives the Packers a chance to match them in man-to-man coverage.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
The Vikings have done a tremendous job adding to their already imposing defense this offseason. They still could use help in the secondary, though, following some key departures. Emmanwori’s attack mentally and versatility would mix well with defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ philosophy. He could step in immediately for Camryn Bynum. Not for the touchdown dances… but for everything else.
25. Houston Texans: Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State
The Texans could be tempted to go wide receiver here, but Jackson would be a much-needed addition to the offensive line. The tackles are covered, for now, with Cam Robinson and Trent Brown, and adding Jackson's services as one of the draft’s best interior linemen would be much appreciated by their quarterback, C.J. Stroud.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Jihaad Campbell, LB. Alabama
The Rams could have the steal of the draft if Campbell falls in their lab. Despite concern for a torn labrum he had surgery on after the combine, Campbell is still by far the best inside linebacker in the draft. The Rams need an upgrade at the position. Their linebackers were exposed in big games last year and consistently gashed in the run game. They need an enforcer in the middle, and Campbell could be the answer. He also brings speed to contribute to blitzes, which blends nicely with the Rams’ young and hungry assemblance of pass rushers.
27. Baltimore Ravens: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
Pearce was a potential top-10 prospect coming into last season, but inconsistency in 2024 dropped his stock significantly. The Ravens have a knack for getting the most out of pass rushers (i.e. Jadeveon Clowney, Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh), and Pearce has the right tools in his arsenal to be a force at the next level. I wouldn’t be surprised if Baltimore has Pearce turning out double-digit sacks in a couple years or so.
28. Detroit Lions: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
The Lions are expected to be potent again on offense, which means their opponents will find themselves in a lot of obvious passing downs to try to catch up. Well, perhaps there was no one better in college football last year on passing downs than Ezeiruaku. His 65 pressures and 16.5 sacks finished first and second in the FBS last season. Detroit needs a ready-made product to put opposite Adian Hutchinson. Ezeiruaku is that and could finally take this pass rush to new heights.
29. Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
PROJECTED TRADE WITH WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
At last! The slide for Sanders stops here. Cleveland would jump for joy if they could come out of the first round with Hunter and Sanders, and it’s quite possible given that the Giants, Saints and Steelers haven’t shown much conviction for the Colorado quarterback. Sanders fits well in coach Kevin Stefanski’s system. He delivers an accurate ball with timing and touch. And, really, he shouldn’t have to wait this long for his name to be called.
It would be a historic fall for a player who was once thought to potentially land with the Browns at No. 2. But evaluators tend to overthink players this time of year who don’t have elite physical traits. Knowing Sanders’ family background, this would put a giant chip on his shoulder, and he’ll come out the gate ready to make his doubters look foolish.
30. Buffalo Bills: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
The 313-pound Harmon brings juice as a pass-rusher and powerful run defender to a Bills front four that could use more beef. He collected by far the most pressures (34) of any FBS defensive tackle last season. Those services could come in handy for the Bills in late-game situations, trying to seal a win against a top-flight AFC quarterback.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
K.C. missed a run-stuffing defensive tackle last year, and Grant may be the best in the class at doing just that. He won’t bring much initiative on passing downs, but his massive frame (331 pounds) will free up space for other rushers to get home.
32. New Orleans Saints: Jaxon Dart, QB, Ole Miss
PROJECTED TRADE WITH PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Some people once thought Dart could go much earlier in the first round, possibly even to the Saints at No. 9. But in this case, with Sanders falling down the board as well, the Saints can wait to grab Dart at a much more reasonable price. Having that fifth-year option is key for a young quarterback, which is why New Orleans would be inclined to trade up to 32 rather than somewhere in the second round. Hopefully, Dart could sit one year, learn the pace of an NFL offense, and be ready to go in 2026.
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