As the prospect-evaluation period winds down, it's time for me to take a second crack at projecting Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft (April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin). Trades obviously will be a major element of the real thing next month, but just like in my first mock, I'm keeping everyone in their current draft slots.
It appears the Titans continue to be open for business with the No. 1 overall pick. In this scenario, they stay at No. 1 and find their new face of the franchise.
Sanders fits head coach Kevin Stefanski's run-first, heavy play-action attack quite well.
I wouldn’t rule out a quarterback for the Giants here if Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders were available, even after the signings of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. With the top QBs already off the board in this mock, New York lands the prospect many believe is the best player in the draft.
The Patriots have addressed needs on defense and at receiver in free agency, but they shouldn’t stop at Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins when it comes to adding more weapons for Drake Maye. We know Hunter can impact the game on both sides of the ball, but New England can’t pass on a chance to truly strike fear into defenses for the first time in a while by utilizing the Heisman Trophy winner as a pass catcher.
Yes, the Jags have two starting-caliber offensive tackles (Walker Little and Anton Harrison), but this pick is about maximizing the opportunity for QB Trevor Lawrence to realize his potential. Membou is an immediate starter, even if he moves over to the left side from right tackle, where he played at Missouri.
This pick almost feels like chalk. The best running back in the draft lands on a team led by Pete "run it and let's play great defense" Carroll?! Perhaps the Raiders’ new head coach envisions a Marshawn Lynch type of impact when he watches Jeanty's tape.
The Jets have already signed quarterback Justin Fields. Now they welcome his new best friend on the field. Warren is a big-time playmaker.
The Panthers' defense has nowhere to go but up, and pairing Graham with on-the-mend DT Derrick Brown is a very good idea.
The Saints have plenty of holes to plug, but new head coach Kellen Moore should be eager to help QB Derek Carr stay protected.
Da Bears went strong in free agency. Now they add a bookend buddy for star pass rusher Montez Sweat.
The Niners are determined to pump up their pass rush, and Green is the choice to help them in that effort. Green's performance during Senior Bowl week showed his vast potential.
Pro Bowl wide receiver CeeDee Lamb gets a much-needed partner on the perimeter.
The Dolphins upgrade their CB room in a big way.
Getting Anthony Richardson to play to his full potential is the first priority in Indy. Loveland will give the young quarterback easy completions and big plays downfield, too.
In my first mock, I expressed that I was giving up on the Falcons addressing their eternal need for an edge rusher this early in a draft. OK, I caved. Atlanta stays in state to bolster the pass rush.
The Cardinals love playing power football. They need to keep fortifying their O-line to give RB James Conner a runway to the secondary.
The Bengals have done a fantastic job retaining their arsenal on offense. The defense needs plenty of help, though, and Grant should make a quick impact.
Head coach Mike Macdonald made his bones on defense. He will be thrilled to add Barron to his secondary next to Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon.
With Todd Bowles at the helm, the Bucs defense is predicated on creating pressure. Campbell can play off the ball, but expect him to be utilized extensively off the edge.
Head coach Sean Payton acquired his "Joker" in TE Evan Engram. Now he adds a hammer to his backfield.
It wasn’t long ago that the Steelers selected Kenny Pickett at No. 20 overall. Three years and one pick later in Round 1, they draft another QB that they believe will be their guy for the future, whether Aaron Rodgers eventually joins them or not.
Last year, Chargers GM Joe Hortiz did a masterful job putting together a roster that gravitated toward power. This year, he gives receiver Ladd McConkey a complementary pass catcher to increase the firepower for quarterback Justin Herbert.
Packers DC Jeff Hafley did a terrific job in his first season in Titletown. Now he gets help for three-time Pro Bowl DT Kenny Clark. However, if Green Bay wants to address the other side of the line first, North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel would be a great fit as a versatile piece for the interior.
I've loved the moves made this offseason by GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, especially how he's added to the O-line and D-line. Now he lands the eventual successor for six-time Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith.
The Texans are determined to remake their O-line, and Booker moving in at guard only helps quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Jackson was primarily a guard at Ohio State, but he kicked out to left tackle when Josh Simmons was sidelined by an injury last season. I see Jackson playing inside for the Rams, possibly allowing Steve Avila to move to center.
The Ravens always know exactly who they are, and Stewart perfectly fits their athletic profile.
The Lions worked hard to manufacture edge pressure after Aidan Hutchinson was lost for the season in 2024. Pearce was an athletic marvel at the NFL Scouting Combine and will be aimed directly at QBs from Day 1 in Detroit.
The WR room is undergoing quite the makeover in D.C. It started with the Deebo Samuel trade, and Egbuka will quickly show he’s someone QB Jayden Daniels can depend on.
Bills Mafia greets Mad Max! He brings plenty of charisma and a terrific skill set at cornerback that is needed in Western New York. I’d keep an eye on Boston College edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku here, too.
This pick almost feels too on the nose, but with the way Philadelphia attacked Kansas City’s O-line in the Super Bowl, scooping up Simmons in this scenario seems mandatory, even though the Ohio State/San Diego State product is coming off injury and the team already signed OT Jaylon Moore. Bottom line: K.C. must do everything it can to protect Patrick Mahomes. Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr. could also be in play for the Chiefs here.
The Eagles seem to consistently find highly rated talent later in the draft, and this pick is no different. GM Howie Roseman has a way of letting the board speak to him, and in this case, it screams that a big-time, playmaking safety is available for defensive guru Vic Fangio.
