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Another six teams had their season ended during Wild Card Weekend, which means the top 24 picks are now locked in.
Also, Wednesday was the final day for prospects to declare for the draft.
Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. and Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers were the last notable names added to the pool, bringing the number of underclassmen to declare before the deadline to 70. Ohio State and Notre Dame players will have until Jan. 24 to declare their intentions.
As the postseason continues for the NFL’s best of the best, three-quarters of the league is already focusing on next season.
The top of the draft, as per usual, features three quarterback-needy teams, but unlike last year, there aren’t enough top-tier prospects to fill those needs.
Do the Titans, Browns and Giants use free agency or the trade market to address the most important position in the game, or do they reach for flawed options with elite prospects at other positions of need also available.
The answer to those questions will likely define the first day of the draft in Wisconsin come late April.
Here are some key dates going forward before we get to the draft in Green Bay (April 24-26):
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)
MOCK PREAMBLE
This 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 current draft order courtesy of NFL.com. The closer we get to draft day, the more I’ll 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 an updated version of my 2025 NFL Mock Draft:
FIRST ROUND
1. Tennessee (3-14) — Cam Ward, QB, Miami, Sr.
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. You have to be “all-in” to select a QB with the first overall pick, so whomever follows Ran Carthon as general manager will need to determine whether Ward or Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders is a worthy investment. It may be more prudent to trade down a few spots to target an elite defender. Either way, it’ll be telling what the Titans decide to do. Until we get further down the road, I’m giving them the QB I believe has a higher ceiling. 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) — Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn St., Jr.
The Browns obviously need a quarterback, but there’s a good chance GM Andrew Berry addresses the position in free agency. Finding Myles Garrett a running mate should also be high on Berry’s to-do list. 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: 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. Imagine a defense having to game-plan against both Hunter and Malik Nabers. Top needs: QB, CB, WR
4. New England (4-13) — Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona, Jr.
The Patriots cost themselves the No. 1 pick by beating a version of the Bills in Week 18, 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 supporting cast here. 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, T, DT
5. Jacksonville (4-13) — Mason Graham, DT, Michigan, Jr.
The Jags’ secondary was putrid this season, but addressing their cornerback need in free agency would allow them to go best player available here. Graham doesn’t check all of the athletic freak boxes GM Trent Balke normally seeks, but he would be the best player available under these circumstances. He has been a disruptive force against the pass and run in his three seasons with the Wolverines. 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 last week 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. Sanders is set to play in the East-West Shrine Bowl at the end of this month, quarterbacking the West squad. Titans assistant wide receivers coach Payton McCollum was selected to be a quarterbacks coach for the West. That’s something to monitor going forward. 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. Banks started at left tackle as a true freshman in 2022 for the Longhorns and has excelled ever since. He was just the sixth offensive lineman in Texas’ history to be selected as an unanimous All-American, while also winning the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy this season. Top needs: QB, T, DT
8. Carolina (5-12) — Will Johnson, CB, Michigan, Jr.
There are not enough negative words in the dictionary to describe the Panthers defense 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: Edge, DT, DB
9. New Orleans (5-12) — Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri, 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. Burden is an explosive athlete who is dynamic with the ball in his hands. Top needs: WR, Edge, DB
10. Chicago (5-12) — Will Campbell, T, LSU, Jr.
The Bears’ top priority this offseason has to be upgrading their offensive line, especially on the interior. 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: IOL, Edge, WR
11. San Francisco (6-11) — Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M, 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. 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. LSU’s Campbell would make a lot of sense here to if he were available. 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) — Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia, 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 soon. 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. Top needs: C, DB, DL
16. Arizona (8-9) — Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon, 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. Harmon made the most of his one year with the Ducks, making 45 tackles, including 10½ for a loss and five sacks while forcing two fumbles after transferring from Michigan State. Playing 30 pounds lighter than his time with the Spartans enabled him to lead all interior defensive lineman in total pressures with 55 — 12 more than the next-highest player. Top needs: WR, DL, CB
17. Cincinnati (9-8) — Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio St., Sr.
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. 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 Ja’Marr Chase threatens defenses vertically. Top needs: WR, TE, T
18. Seattle (10-7) — Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia, Jr.
The Seahawks could use upgrades all across the offensive line, especially on the interior, as well as some improvements at linebacker and more edge rushing depth. Walker is the type of chess piece head coach Mike Macdonald could develop into a star. An off-ball linebacker turned rusher, Walker won the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker this season. He’s a dominant run defender and versatile enough to blitz the QB or even rush off the edge. Top needs: G, LB, DL
19. 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. He’s another prospect who could leap up draft boards if he handles his business in Mobile, Ala. during Senior Bowl week. Top needs: G, LB, Edge
20. Denver (10-7) — Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan, Jr.
The Broncos have found their QB, now it’s time to surround Bo Nix with reliable playmakers he can continue to grow with. Only two teams had less production out of their tight end room than Denver this season. 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 as well. Top needs: LB, S, TE
21. Pittsburgh (10-7) — Matthew Golden, WR, Texas, Jr.
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. Most of us expected Isaiah Bond to be the Longhorns best receiver this year, but as the season progressed, it was Golden who emerged as Quinn Ewers top target, catching 58 passes for 987 yards and nine touchdowns. The Houston transfer has shades of Brandon Aiyuk in his game, a player GM Omar Khan attempted to trade for 2024. Top needs: QB, WR, CB
22. L.A. Chargers (11-6) — Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan, Jr.
Jim Harbaugh-coached football teams dominate upfront as a rule, on both sides of the ball, and the Chargers did exactly that early in his first season in Los Angeles. However, down the stretch, their biggest struggles came in the trenches, and it wouldn’t surprise me if GM Joe Hortiz attacks that problem with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind this offseason. 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, 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: C, DT, WR
23. 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. You don’t have to squint too hard to see some Richard Sherman in his game. Top needs: CB, Edge, C
24. 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 hip injury in October, so his draft stock will be affected by medical clearances and how he recovers. Morrison could go much higher than this when all is said and done if everything checks out or he could surprise us all and return to South Bend for his senior season. Top needs: DB, RB, G
25. Houston (10-7) — Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss, 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. 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. Nolen also doesn’t lack for confidence. In a recent interview with The Draft Network, he proudly proclaimed, “I’m the next Aaron Donald, man … I feel like I can do it all. Aaron Donald did it all at the highest level. I’m a younger, upcoming version of Aaron Donald.” Top needs: S, DL, WR
26. 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
27. 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 and features an impressive athletic profile in a prototypical frame (6-6, 330). Top needs: WR, T, Edge
28. Baltimore (12-5) — Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio St., Sr.
Ronnie Stanley will almost certainly command a hefty sum in free agency, but the Ravens might also have to replace starting guard Patrick Mekari. There’s an argument to be made Jackson has been the Buckeyes’ MVP this season. He’s been their starting left guard since his sophomore year, before replacing Simmons at left tackle after he was lost for the season. Jackson hadn’t played left tackle since high school, and struggled in his first start up against Penn State’s Carter, but he hasn’t allowed a sack since. Top needs: OL, WR, CB
29. Buffalo (13-4) — Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama, Jr.
The Bills most glaring weakness this season has been their run defense, primarily because of their linebackers. Some of this will get better if Matt Milano can stay healthy, but entering next season Milano will be on the wrong side of 30. 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: WR, LB, Edge
30. Philadelphia (14-3) — James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee, Jr.
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. 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: LB, WR, Edge
31. Kansas City (15-2) — Josh Conerly Jr., T, Oregon, Jr.
As Patrick Mahomes goes, so goes the Chiefs, and it doesn’t appear the champs have a long-term plan at left tackle. 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: WR, DT, OL
32. Detroit (15-2) — Jonah Savaiinaea, G, Arizona, Jr.
Kevin Zeitler and Graham Glasgow are both approaching their mid-30s, with Zeitler facing free agency and Glasgow starting to show his age. Savaiinaea is a physical mauler in the trenches. His resume boasts positional versatility (both tackle positions and right guard), but his brute force power and heavy anchor projects best on the interior at the next level. Top needs: G, Edge, CB
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