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The NFL postseason is upon us, but there are 18 teams who will not be participating, which means there are 18 franchises (and fan bases) already focused on the future.
This must mean one thing: It’s officially mock draft season!
Here are some key dates going forward before we get to the draft in Green Bay (April 24-26):
Jan. 15: Deadline for players with remaining eligibility to make their draft intentions official.
Jan. 24: Deadline for players with remaining eligibility who participated in the CFP title game to make their draft intentions official.
Jan. 30: East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas
Feb. 1: Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.
Feb. 9: Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans
Feb. 18-March 4: Franchise/transition player designation period
Feb. 24-March 3: NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis
Early March: Colleges can begin hosting pro days
March 12: New league year begins at 1 p.m. (i.e. free agency)
We should expect many twists and turns on our journey to Wisconsin, but it’s already clear April can’t come soon enough for fans of the Titans, Browns and Giants, among others.
I included 19 of these players in my way-too-early projections back in May, but a lot has changed in eight months, and we still have almost four months before these picks are made for real.
Frankly, the world could be a vastly different place in late April, but I’ll be here to guide you through it.
Part of my mock draft preamble explains it is an attempt at figuring out the best players available in this season’s draft class, and which teams they’d match up well with considering the draft order courtesy of NFL.com. The closer we get to draft day, the more I attempt to match what teams will actually do with their draft picks as opposed to what I believe they should do.
According to The Huddle Report, I was the third-most accurate NFL draft prognosticator in print last season. I’m tied for fifth overall (out of 172) over the past five years.
Considering the NFL doesn’t have an offseason, the draft has become the Super Bowl of the league’s second season, and a mock version of said draft is meant to educate, perhaps even entertain. At very least, it helps you pass the time.
Follow me on X (formerly known as Twitter) @UTEddieBrown so we can continue the conversation.
Here’s my first 2025 NFL Mock Draft:
First round
1. Tennessee (3-14) — Cam Ward, QB, Miami, Sr.
There have been 25 drafts held this century, and 18 times a quarterback has been the first pick. Only two other positions have earned the distinction of first overall pick since 2000 — edge rusher (five times) and offensive tackle (twice). This QB class pales in comparison to last year’s, but there are two signal-callers who could take advantage of the drop-off and end up as top-10 selections. The Titans haven’t had the No. 1 pick since 1978, when they were known as the Oilers and selected Texas’ Earl Campbell, which turned out pretty good. Since Ran Carthon was axed on Tuesday, a new general manager will have to determine whether Will Levis is capable of leading the franchise forward. My guess is that answer will be, “no.” Ward was lightly recruited out of high school and began his collegiate career with the FCS-level Incarnate Word Cardinals, where he became the SLC Offensive Player of the Year before transferring to Washington State. In the Pac-12, he passed for 6,968 yards and 48 touchdowns against only 16 interceptions in two seasons with the Cougars. In his one year with the Hurricanes, he helped return the program to national status and finished fourth in the Heisman voting. Ward features immense arm talent and more than enough mobility to extend plays. Ball protection will be a point of contention during the draft process due to his gunslinger mentality, but he’s improved every single season and I don’t see why that can’t continue at the next level. Top needs: QB, WR, T
2. Cleveland (3-14) — Mason Graham, DT, Michigan, Jr.
The Browns obviously need a quarterback, but there’s a good chance GM Andrew Berry addresses the position in free agency. Graham has been a disruptive force against the pass and run in his three seasons with the Wolverines. Pairing him with Myles Garrett would be nightmare fuel for opposing offensive coordinators and QBs. Top needs: QB, Edge, T
3. N.Y. Giants (3-14) — Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado, Jr.
It doesn’t really make sense to draft a QB this high in a subpar class with GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll returning after this year’s debacle, especially with the best player in the draft still available. Why not target Sam Darnold or Justin Fields in free agency? I believe Daboll’s system could fully unlock Fields. Hunter is likely to spend most of his NFL career at cornerback, but he’s such a dynamic weapon on offense, it would be malpractice if a team didn’t manufacture a number of touches each game for the Heisman winner. Top needs: QB, CB, WR
4. New England (4-13) — Will Campbell, T, LSU, Jr.
The Patriots cost themselves the No. 1 pick by beating a version of the Bills on Sunday, but the top of the draft should line up pretty well for them. The ascension of Drake Maye means they can target an elite defender or even upgrade Maye’s protection here. Campbell features prototypical size (6-foot-6, 325 pounds) and has started at left tackle for the Tigers since he was a true freshman in 2022. Some scouts believe his relative lack of length might push him inside. Regardless, he’d still be a top-tier guard prospect at the next level, and I think he’ll be just fine at tackle. Top needs: WR, T, DT
5. Jacksonville (4-13) — Will Johnson, CB, Michigan, Jr.
The Jaguars selected Jalen Ramsey in 2016 the last time they had the No. 5 overall pick. The Jags’ secondary was putrid this season. Johnson is a press corner with outstanding size (6-2, 202), ball skills and athleticism. The former five-star recruit would’ve been the first corner off the board last year had he been eligible (possibly in 2023 as well). Top needs: DB, IOL, WR
6. Las Vegas (4-13) — Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado, Sr.
Head coach Antonio Pierce lasted one full season with the Raiders in a full-time capacity. GM Tom Telesco’s stint ended on Thursday just shy of a year. Regardless of whomever is running the show, the top priority this offseason will remain the same: find a franchise quarterback. Until recently, Sanders was the betting favorite to go No. 1 in late April. Coach Prime’s progeny is a polished pocket passer. His pinpoint accuracy, fearlessness and production are the top selling points. The lack of elite arm strength, and his propensity for holding onto the ball for too long will have to be addressed during the draft process. Top needs: QB, WR, CB
7. N.Y. Jets (5-12) — Kelvin Banks Jr., T, Texas, Jr.
The Jets may or may not need a quarterback, but whether it’s Aaron Rodgers or a rookie under center, offensive tackle will be a priority with veterans Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses facing free agency. Like LSU’s Campbell, Banks also started at left tackle as a true freshman in 2022 and has excelled ever since. Top needs: QB, T, DT
8. Carolina (5-12) — Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn St., Jr.
There are not enough negative words in the dictionary to describe the Panthers defense this season. After spending his first two years at linebacker for the Nittany Lions, Carter moved to edge this season, where he utilized his special movement ability to rush the passer and dominate the line of scrimmage — he leads the FBS with 24 tackles for loss. The Micah Parsons comparisons will be unavoidable. Top needs: Edge, DT, DB
9. New Orleans (5-12) — Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona, Jr.
The Saints’ two best receivers, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, both missed significant time with injuries this season. I mean, who on the Saints’ offense didn’t miss significant time this year, but still. McMillan’s 17 contested catches were second among FBS wide receivers to only Rome Odunze in 2023. He averaged 109.9 receiving yards per game this season (fourth in the FBS). McMillan’s a big (6-5, 212), productive playmaker with excellent hands. I see him as a more athletic version of Drake London. Top needs: WR, Edge, DB
10. Chicago (5-12) — Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M, Jr.
The Bears’ top priority this offseason is to upgrade the interior of their offensive line, which may make GM Ryan Poles a potential trade partner for those looking to jump into the top-10 come April. Here, we add another piece to a defense that may be on the cusp of being one of the best in the league. Scourton led the Big Ten in sacks (10) and produced 15 tackles for a loss as a sophomore at Purdue. The 6-foot-4, 285 pounder took his inside-outside versatility and nasty spin move to the SEC in 2024, and recently accepted an invitation for the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl, where he could be one of the standouts. Top needs: IOL, Edge, WR
11. San Francisco (6-11) — Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia, Jr.
This offseason will go a long ways in determining whether the 49ers’ championship window remains open or if it will be slamming shut soon. GM John Lynch has never shied away from replenishing the pass rush. A former five-star recruit, Williams hasn’t put it all together yet, but it doesn’t require a lot of imagination to foresee him having success at the next level. He oozes the physical traits and talent defensive coordinators seek, and is already a plus-run defender. His biggest flaws, like gap discipline, can be coached up, and the Niners have the best defensive line coach (Kris Kocurek) in the NFL. Top needs: CB, DL, OL
12. Dallas (7-10) — Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise St., Jr.
The Cowboys will almost certainly target a running back (or two) in the draft, especially if Rico Dowdle leaves in free agency. Barry Sanders is the only player in FBS history with more than Jeanty’s 2,601 rushing yards in 2024. The Heisman runner-up is a high-volume playmaker with elite contact balance. This pick almost makes too much sense. Top needs: WR, RB, DL
13. Miami (8-9) — Malaki Starks, S, Georgia, Jr.
Dolphins safeties Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer are both facing free agency. Starks is a better prospect than former teammates Kamari Lassiter (No. 42 overall), Javon Bullard (No. 58) and Tykee Smith (No. 89), who were all drafted on Day 2 of the draft last year. Top needs: G, S, DT
14. Indianapolis (8-9) — Tyler Warren, TE, Penn St., Sr.
If Anthony Richardson is going to take the next step, adding a top-flight tight end to be his safety valve wouldn’t hurt. Especially one who is as explosive as Warren, features prototypical size (6-6, 260) and does everything well. He’s a nightmare matchup in the slot and capable of developing into a road grader in the run game at the next level. Top needs: TE, G, S
15. Atlanta (8-9) — James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee, Jr.
The Falcons exhibited one of the worst defensive performances I’ve ever seen against the Panthers in their final game of the season. Atlanta’s pass rush has been dormant for years now. It was good to see Arnold Ebiketie come on strong the last month or so, but Matthew Judon and Lorenzo Carter will both test the waters of free agency. The Vols’ Pearce produced 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss his sophomore season in Knoxville, primarily beating SEC tackles with his explosive athleticism. If he continues to develop his pass-rush arsenal and adds a bit more bulk to his 6-foot-5 frame, he’d be a steal here. Top needs: C, DB, DL
16. Arizona (8-9) — Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia, Jr.
The Cardinals couldn’t sustain a consistent pass rush in 2024, and while part of that was due to injury, it was also a talent issue. An off-ball linebacker turned rusher, Walker won the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker. He’s a dominant run defender and versatile enough to blitz the QB or even rush off the edge. Top needs: WR, DL, CB
17. Cincinnati (9-8) — Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri, Jr.
Joe Burrow had an MVP-caliber season, and almost dragged the Bengals into the postseason. GM Duke Tobin has a lot of work to do this offseason, but if both Tee Higgins and Mike Gesicki aren’t resigned, reloading Burrow’s weaponry will be high on the list of Tobin’s priorities. Burden’s an explosive athlete who is dynamic with the ball in his hands. His addition could help Cincy mask their intentions with Ja’Marr Chase in different formations, since his skillset suggests he’s capable of mirroring some of the things Chase does well. Top needs: WR, TE, T
18. Seattle (10-7) — Tyler Booker, G, Alabama, Jr.
The Seahawks best guard Laken Tomlinson is due to hit free agency, and there’s not much else on the roster to replace him. Booker is a big guard with the size (6-5, 325), strength and athleticism to dominate in the run game. He’ll need to refine his technique in pass protection, especially against high-end rushers, but there’s Pro Bowl-potential here. Top needs: G, LB, DL
19. Houston (10-7) — Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan, Jr.
The Texans are really strong on the edges, with Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. forming one of the best pass-rushing duos in the NFL, but the interior is weak. Grant is a grizzly bear (6-3, 339) who can plug up run lanes and also pressure the passer. In July 2022, at Big Ten Media Days, Jim Harbaugh described Grant and Mason Graham, freshmen at the time, as “a gift from the football gods.” It’s hard to argue with him. Top needs: S, DL, WR
20. Tampa Bay (10-7) — Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M, Jr.
Both Anthony Nelson and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka are headed towards free agency for the Buccaneers. Stewart is enormous (6-6, 290) for an edge, but he plays much lighter than his size suggests, and his motor doesn’t have an off switch. Top needs: G, LB, Edge
21. Pittsburgh (10-7) — Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio St., Sr.
George Pickens, Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson are the only receivers on the Steelers with a contract after this season, and Wilson’s rookie season was a wash. Egbuka is a smooth route-runner who has a knack for finding the soft spot against zone coverage, and could thrive across the middle while Pickens and Austin threaten defenses vertically. Top needs: QB, WR, CB
22. Denver (10-7) — Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama, Jr.
The Broncos have elite players along their defensive front and in the secondary, but they’ve been mediocre at the linebacker position for a while. Campbell is a former five-star recruit who played wide receiver and defensive end in high school, but has developed into one of the best linebackers in the nation after starting the last two seasons in Tuscaloosa. He’s big (6-3, 244), rangy and has a killer instinct in the open field. Top needs: LB, S, TE
23. L.A. Rams (10-7) — Josh Simmons, T, Ohio St., Sr.
The Rams have Rob Havenstein at right tackle and pending free agent Alaric Jackson at left tackle. Both have played really well this season when healthy. Simmons suffered a season-ending knee injury in October against Oregon, but should be ready for training camp. The San Diego State transfer was making a play to be this draft’s top tackle before getting hurt, not allowing a sack or pressure in the six games he played. Top needs: T, CB, LB
24. L.A. Chargers (11-6) — Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan, Jr.
Jim Harbaugh collects tight ends and prospects from his alma mater. Loveland’s size (6-5, 245) and elite athleticism makes him a matchup nightmare. He would have easily been the TE2 behind only Brock Bowers last year had he been eligible. Loveland is a willing and effective run blocker who can create soft edges for running backs and would pair nicely with Justin Herbert, giving the quarterback a reliable long seam threat. Top needs: C, DT, WR
25. Green Bay (11-6) — Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina, Sr.
Jaire Alexander is great when he’s on the field, but he’s missed 34 games the last four seasons for the Packers. Revel tore his ACL in September during practice, but his size (6-3, 193), athleticism, physicality and ball skills all add up to a first-round prospect. Top needs: CB, Edge, C
26. Washington (12-5) — Aireontae Ersery, T, Minnesota, Sr.
The Commanders have their franchise QB in Jayden Daniels, now they need to focus on protecting him. Ersery was a three-year starter at left tackle for the Gophers who features an impressive athletic profile in a prototypical frame (6-6, 330). Top needs: WR, T, Edge
27. Baltimore (12-5) — Josh Conerly Jr., T, Oregon, Jr.
Ronnie Stanley will almost certainly command a hefty sum in free agency. Conerly was the No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2022 recruiting class and allowed only one sack in his first season as a full-time starter, protecting Bo Nix’s blind side as a sophomore. He was chosen first-team All-Big Ten in the Ducks’ first season in the conference. The 6-foot-4, 315-pound Conerly allowed only five total pressures in protecting Heisman Trophy finalist Dillon Gabriel. Top needs: OL, WR, CB
28. Buffalo (13-4) — Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss, Sr.
Both Amari Cooper and Mack Hollins are free agents. Harris’ combination of size (6-3, 210), speed and physicality sets him apart in this draft class. The Rebels didn’t take advantage of his full skillset the way Josh Allen might. Despite missing four full games and portions of two others, Harris was still selected first-team All-SEC in 2024. Top needs: WR, LB, Edge
29. Philadelphia (14-3) — Mike Green, Edge, Marshall, So.
GM Howie Roseman will have tough decisions to make this offseason with Brandon Graham turning 37 in April, Josh Sweat facing free agency and Bryce Huff struggling to make an impact in his first year with the Eagles. Green was the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year while leading the nation with 17 sacks. His 23 tackles for loss was also tops until Penn State’s Abdul Carter collected two against Notre Dame in the CFP semifinal on Thursday. Top needs: LB, WR, Edge
30. Minnesota (14-3) — Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame, Jr.
The Vikings top three corners, Byron Murphy Jr., Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin are all free agents after the season. Morrison is a former four-star recruit with premium coverage instincts and elite ball skills. He suffered a season-ending injury in October, so his draft stock will be affected by medical clearances and how he recovers, but he could go much higher than this when all is said and done. Top needs: DB, RB, G
31. Kansas City (15-2) — Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss, Jr.
Chris Jones is the only defensive tackle of note who has a contract after this season for the Chiefs. Nolen was ranked as the No. 1 overall recruit by ESPN and USA Today in the 2022 recruiting class. The Texas A&M transfer began to live up to the hype in his sophomore season with the Aggies. He finished with 48 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 6½ sacks while also batting down three passes and recovering two fumbles in his only season with the Rebels. Top needs: WR, DT, OL
32. Detroit (15-2) — Landon Jackson, Edge, Arkansas, Sr.
Za’Darius Smith was a nice in-season addition by GM Brad Holmes, but you can never have enough pass rushers. Jackson is a former four-star recruit who originally landed in Baton Rouge with LSU before joining the Razorbacks after his freshman year. He was selected first-team All-SEC in 2023 and second-team All-SEC his senior season. Jackson’s size (6-7, 280), reach and elite power makes him a finisher against the run, and a vacuum for any QB who happens to drift anywhere near his vicinity. Top needs: G, Edge, CB
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