Cam Ward
Jordan Katz 2025 NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Post FA
It may be April Fools, but this is no laughing matter folks! We are less than a month away from the NFL Draft!
A lot has changed since Mock Draft 2.0. The Titans appear to be locked into Cam Ward, the Giants may not be selecting a quarterback at three after signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, and the NFL Combine has led to the rise and fall of many prospects.
There also remain so many question marks at the top. Will the Browns actually pick a quarterback at two? Do the Patriots try and trade back if the Browns and Giants both pass on a quarterback? Will there be any teams looking to move into the top 10 for a premier talent? This draft is truly a mystery, and we do not have much time left before it is upon us!
So, where do we stand heading down the home stretch of Draft SZN? Let’s get into it!
ROUND ONE
1) Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB Miami- The Titans opted to pass on the available quarterbacks in free agency, which means they have likely been bluffing this entire time and are selecting Cam Ward first overall. While Ward has his detractors, his ability to read from a clean pocket and anticipate throwing windows makes him the runaway top quarterback of this group.
2) Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, EDGE Penn State- Carter is a lock to be the first non-quarterback selected next month. He has elite dip-and-bend ability off the edge, and he runs the arch to the quarterback incredibly well. Carter’s get-off is also tremendous, which is vital if you are a slightly undersized pass rusher. In a normal draft, Carter would be a top 10 pick anyway, but the lack of top-end talent in this one makes him a shoo-in to be selected highly.
Editor’s Note: I still don’t believe the Browns are taking a quarterback here, but I do think they will look into trading back into round one should a quarterback fall farther than expected.
3) New York Giants: Travis Hunter, WR/CB Colorado- After the acquisitions of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, the Giants will likely take “BPA,” here at three. A quarterback is still in play for them later in round one via trade (hint hint, wink wink, nudge nudge), but it won’t be at this spot.
Should this selection be Hunter, I expect the Giants to use him as a receiver. Hunter can take pressure off Malik Nabers, and he makes people miss with the ball in his hands.
4) New England Patriots: Jalon Walker, EDGE/LB Georgia- Mike Vrabel’s defense is going to get after the passer in 2025. The Pats have already added Harold Landry and Milton Williams to beef up the pass rush. A chess piece like Walker, who can play all over the defense, would be a great pick here. He gets home from multiple spots on the defensive front, which is something Vrabel would love to have in his defense.
5) Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, IDL Michigan- Jacksonville could go several different directions here. Their offensive line needs a lot of help, so that is definitely in play here. However, the middle of the Jaguars’ defense was a disaster last year. Mason Graham adds a pass-rushing punch from the interior, and his gap control is strong as well.
6) Las Vegas Raiders: Tetairoa McMillian, WR Arizona—Tet McMillian is an interesting evaluation in terms of his draft stock. He is not the “slam-dunk top receiver” many perceive him to be. In fact, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah does not have him as his top receiver right now. This could mean he falls further than people expect on draft day.
The thing he has going for him is the number of teams at the top that need playmakers. The Raiders, Jets, Panthers, and Saints could all use to add a pass catcher. If McMillian checks enough boxes in NFL circles, he will land in the top 10.
7) New York Jets: Armand Membou, OL Missouri- The Jets will have an interesting debate if Membou makes it to them at seven. Tyler Warren is a perfect fit and a massive need as well. Having said that, this team is going to run the ball and play defense next year, and you need a mauler at right tackle to do that.
Membou is that mauler. His tape screams elite run blocker, and his combine screams elite athleticism. Ultimately, the Jets will solidify their offensive line if Membou makes it here rather than selecting a top-tier tight end.
8) Carolina Panthers: Tyler Warren, TE Penn State- Warren is regarded as one of the best players in the draft. He’s an elite blocker, a matchup nightmare in the red zone, and he uses his body well in his routes. Having Warren in the middle of the field would be a massive aid to the development of Bryce Young, and it would bolster the Panthers’ receiving corps.
9) New Orleans Saints: Will Campbell, OL LSU- The Saints need… everything. Campbell’s a day one starter at tackle or guard in the NFL, making him the selection.
However, keep an eye on New Orleans attempting to move down and acquire assets in this draft. This team has a lot of holes and a lot of aging players. They need depth ASAP.
10) Chicago Bears: Ashton Jeanty, RB Boise State- A sneaky fit for Jeanty in this draft is the Bears at 10. Not only did Chicago use a top 30 visit on him, but D’Andre Swift ran for an appalling 3.8 yards per carry last season. The Bears must run the ball better in 2025 to alleviate pressure from Caleb Williams. This could be a surprising pick that goes down next month.
11) San Francisco 49ers: Will Johnson, CB Michigan- The 49ers are experiencing the cap issues surrounding the necessity of paying a franchise quarterback. This team has been forced to move a lot of talent over the last two years. One area they are lacking in is their defensive backfield.
Will Johnson is a perfect cover-three corner. He’s long, he has good technique out of his backpedal, and he trails with success.
12) Dallas Cowboys: Omarion Hampton, RB North Carolina- Two running backs in the top 12 would be bizarre, but it has happened recently with Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs in 2023. This draft has a few elite running back prospects, including Omarion Hampton. He showed home run speed at the combine, and he can make defenders miss in the open field. This is Hampton’s ceiling if Jeanty goes before the Cowboys at 12.
13) Miami Dolphins: Josh Simmons, OT Ohio State- Terron Armstead’s best football is behind him, making the Dolphins an ideal landing spot for Simmons. Simmons is a day one left tackle if he’s healthy. His footwork is the best of the tackles in pass protection, and he’s able to wall off defenders with accurate strikes.
However, because he’s recovering from a knee injury, he could benefit from sitting a year. That makes the 34-year-old Armstead a great mentor for Simmons.
14) Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE Michigan- I still think we get some chaos at the top and Loveland falls. However, the Colts need the tight end position so badly, they have to aggressively pursue Warren and Loveland in this draft.
In a normal year, Loveland would be the unequivocal top tight end. He’s a threat to win routes from multiple spots on the field, he’s a red zone mismatch, and Loveland can also block with the best of them.
15) Atlanta Falcons: Mike Green, EDGE Marshall- We are once again going to give Atlanta a pass rusher in Mock Draft 3.0! Mike Green was the big winner of Senior Bowl week, and while he did not test at the Combine, it shouldn’t affect his stock. He converts speed to power well on the edge, and his move-set is strong.
16) Arizona Cardinals: Shemar Stewart, EDGE Texas A&M- Stewart was another massive winner from the combine in Indianapolis, which only elevated his stock further. While his raw statistics were not outstanding at Texas A&M, many scouts love his pressure numbers and his ability to collapse the pocket. He would immediately bolster the Cardinals’ defensive front.
17) Cincinnati Bengals: Mykel Williams, EDGE Georgia- I’m still watching the Mykel Williams draft stock as we head down the home stretch of draft season. He put on a strong pro day at Georgia, and he’s probably the best athlete of the top edge rushers in this draft. If a team falls in love with his athleticism and thinks they can coach up the talent that underwhelmed in his final year at Georgia, I think Williams could sneak into the top 15.
18) *TRADE* New York Giants (from Seahawks): Shedeur Sanders, QB Colorado- Something very few are on is the idea of Shedeur Sanders’ sliding in this draft. Sanders’s interview struggles at the combine have led some to become concerned about his ability to lead at the next level. On top of that, the teams at the top chose to answer their quarterback questions with veterans.
Therefore, while Sanders is still a lock for the first round, his guaranteed top 10 selection is in question. If he slides outside the top 10, a lot of teams at the top of round two will try to trade back into round one to get a fifth-year option out of Sanders.
Keep an eye on the Giants, Browns, and Raiders in a scenario where Sanders does slide. All three would still want Sanders as their quarterback of the future, but maybe not at the expense of filling out the rest of the roster. In this mock, it’s the Giants that make the move.
The Trade: The New York Giants trade the #34, a 2026 2nd-round pick, and a 2027 2nd-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks for the 18th overall selection.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jihaad Campbell, LB Alabama- Campbell is an elite playmaker at the second level of the defense. He fills the right gaps against the run, and Campbell is also strong in coverage; he shows a good sense of reading the quarterback’s eyes in the middle. Todd Bowles can turn Campbell into an elite playmaker at the second level.
20) *TRADE* Philadelphia Eagles (from Broncos): Matthew Golden, WR Texas- With the rumors surrounding a trade of both AJ Brown and Dallas Goedert, expect the Eagles to pursue a pass catcher in this draft.
Some think Golden is the best receiver in this draft. He had a great combine, showing home-run speed with a 4.29 40 time. Golden also led the FBS in 20+ yard receptions, meaning the combine matches the tape. That’s when a player can rise up draft boards.
The Trade: The Eagles trade the #32 and #64 to the Denver Broncos for the #20 and #197.
21) Pittsburgh Steelers: Jaxson Dart, QB Ole Miss- Even if the Steelers land Aaron Rodgers, as many think will happen, they still could add a quarterback of the future in this draft. The Steelers have met with Dart, and there is a lot of buzz around them selecting Dart regardless of what happens.
Sitting Jaxson Dart gives him the best chance of success. He flashes some elite arm talent, and he can make some insane throws. However, the mental mistakes and issues reading the defense are also evident on tape. Allowing him to learn behind Aaron Rodgers is beneficial for all parties involved.
22) Los Angeles Chargers: Jahdae Barron, CB Texas- Many have Jahdae Barron in the 10-20 range, which is definitely in play for him. He’s a swiss army knife in the back end, winning reps at nickel and on the boundary. However, one of the positions that does have depth at the top in this draft is cornerback. Therefore, don’t be shocked if Barron goes lower than expected in a few weeks.
23) Green Bay Packers: Donovan, Ezeiruaku, EDGE Boston College- The Packers will likely address the trenches on both sides of the ball early in this draft. Ezeiruaku is a bit undersized, but he uses his length well, which will be attractive to a lot of General Managers.
24) Minnesota Vikings: Nick Emmanwori, S South Carolina- Emmanwori put up a ridiculous showing at the Combine last month, catapulting him into the conversation for top safety in this draft. Minnesota needs a hard-hitting safety that can cover in the back end and come up and play the run, which describes Emmanwori to a tee. Vikings fans, here is your eventual Harrison Smith replacement.
25) Houston Texans: Josh Conerly Jr., OT Oregon- The Texans’ offensive line is amidst an overhaul, making this their primary need in this draft. Conerly is an interesting prospect. His athleticism in pass protection jumps off the page, but his technique in the little fundamentals of offensive line play needs a lot of work. Having said that, any reader of my mocks knows that the NFL will overdraft high-quality athletes; it happens every year. A team will take a chance on Conerly’s potential early in this draft.
26) Los Angeles Rams: Grey Zabel, IOL North Dakota State- Zabel’s senior bowl week catapulted him safely into the top 40 of this draft. The Rams could be a team that moves up for a need in this draft, but if they stay put, getting Zabel to start along the interior would be ideal.
27) Baltimore Ravens: Derrick Harmon, IDL Oregon- With a few needs on the defensive side of the ball, Baltimore is an interesting team to watch in the back end of this draft. Harmon is a quality run-stopper with the ability to collapse the pocket as a pass rusher. This is a sneaky great fit in the back end of this draft.
28) Detroit Lions: Tyler Booker, IOL Alabama- Another great fit in the back end of this draft is Booker to the Detroit Lions. He’s a run game mauler; Booker plays with excellent leverage when he attacks the defender in the run game. Yes, the pass rush technique needs work, but the Lions’ offensive line is so good that they can hide him upfront while he improves in this area.
29) Washington Commanders: Malaki Starks, S Georgia- The floor for Malaki Starks in this draft feels like the Commanders at 29. They need a safety badly, and Starks is the best single high safety in the draft. He will be a turnover machine at the next level.
30) Buffalo Bills: Trey Amos, CB Ole Miss- A lot of the mock draft experts love Trey Amos in this draft. He showed elite athleticism at the combine, and he’s a fun watch on tape. Amos is competitive in man coverage, showing the willingness to be physical with receivers. He also uses his length very nicely. This is a perfect fit for the Bills’ defense.
31) Kansas City Chiefs: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT Texas- Banks has fallen down draft boards a bit after a subpar combine, but the tape is still one of the best in this draft as a tackle. Many of the offensive linemen in this draft are better suited to move inside. Banks is a true tackle, and that should keep him safely in round one.
32) *TRADE* Denver Broncos (from Eagles): TreyVeyon Henderson, RB Ohio State- Three running backs in the top 40 feels like a lock in this draft. It’s a weaker draft class, and the running backs are truly elite. Denver needs a true home-run threat in the backfield to unlock the rest of this offense, and Henderson is exactly that kind of runner. They move back, acquire assets, and select a difference maker.
The Trade: See pick #20.
Jordan Katz 2025 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Post Super Bowl
We are on to the second edition of Mock Draft SZN for 2025! There have been a lot of rumors circulating since Mock Draft 1.0, so this mock has a lot of changes. There have been a lot of risers and fallers since the Senior Bowl, and there will be even more after the NFL Combine in a few weeks. This draft season is going to be wild, so there’s a good chance this mock looks very different than my eventual final version in a few months.
Having said that, there are definitely some trends I feel I am ahead on (Jaxson Dart round one), and that’s why we play the game!
Let’s Mock!
ROUND ONE
1) Tennessee Titans: Abdul Carter, EDGE Penn State- Recently the Titans brass was quoted as saying they will not pass on a generational talent just to select a quarterback first overall. Whether that’s a bluff to up trade value or their actual plan remains to be seen; but if it is true, this selection is either Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter.
Many are leaning toward Carter because his upside as a pass rusher is generational. He has elite athleticism around the edge and multiple moves in his arsenal when rushing the passer.
2) *TRADE* New York Giants (from Browns): Shedeur Sanders, QB Colorado- Giants fans reading this, I can sense your displeasure with this prediction. However, I think it’s time to embrace reality. Brian Daboll has sung Sanders’s praise at every turn during this draft process so far. Sanders was also seen throwing with Malik Nabers on the streets of NYC. I think Sanders will do everything in his power to land in New York or Vegas, and right now, the Giants seem more interested in Sanders than the Raiders…
…unless Matthew Stafford winds up in New York.
The Trade: The New York Giants trade the #3, #34, and a 2026 3rd-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for the #2 overall selection.
3) *TRADE* Cleveland Browns (from Giants): Travis Hunter, WR/DB Colorado- The Browns are a logistical nightmare when it comes to predicting this draft. They might trade Myles Garrett and do a complete rebuild, they might select a QB and figure it out later, or they might try to reload and take the best player available to help them win.
With the issues surrounding their cap, I think it’s unwise to select a rookie QB and “throw him to the wolves,” with a lesser roster. That’s why Hunter is the selection, for now.
The Trade: See pick #2.
4) New England Patriots: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT Texas– Will Campbell is the top offensive lineman according to most, but many also see him as a guard at the next level, which could hurt his draft stock. Banks is viewed by many as a left tackle, which separates him from the majority of this class in terms of upside. If Banks tests well at the combine, he can be a top-five pick.
5) Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, IDL Michigan- This feels like the easiest pick of the first round. Jacksonville needs help along the interior of their defensive line, and Graham is one of the elite prospects in this draft.
6) Las Vegas Raiders: Cam Ward, QB Miami- The Raiders are the most likely team in this draft to select a quarterback in round one. Whether Ward or Sanders is the target remains to be seen, but expect Vegas to make a big play for a quarterback in this draft.
Editor’s note: Keep an eye on Vegas and Cam Ward moving forward. The rumors have cooled on them and Sanders, and if Vegas gets aggressive and trades up in the draft, I think it’s for Ward.
7) New York Jets: Will Johnson, CB Michigan- This pick stays the same from Mock Draft 1.0, and will continue to stay the same until the Jets offseason plays out in free agency. Having two shutdown corners is such a weapon for a team’s defense. Johnson across from Sauce Gardner makes up for the impending loss of DJ Reed.
8) Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, EDGE/LB Georgia- Carolina needs a chess piece on the defensive side of the ball to elevate their defense. Walker can be just that. He lines up everywhere, he makes plays at the second level of the defense, and he can get to the passer.
9) New Orleans Saints: Tetairoa McMillian, WR Arizona- Chris Olave’s injuries have decimated the Saints’ offense in recent years because their receiving core lacks depth. McMillian is the top receiver in the draft, and his “YAC,” ability will make him a very productive pro in today’s NFL.
10) Chicago Bears: Will Campbell, OL LSU- As long as you give the Bears an offensive lineman, you stand a chance in whatever mock draft you are doing. Chicago has to protect Caleb Williams better moving forward. Campbell is the best offensive lineman in the draft (by far, in my opinion), but his draft stock will be determined at the NFL combine because his measurables may put him at guard in the NFL.
11) San Francisco 49ers: Walter Nolan, IDL Ole Miss- If Will Johnson goes before the Niners select, look for them to pivot to interior defensive line. What was once a vaunted front four has come back down to earth after the departure of Arik Armstead. Nolan’s quick twitch nature and ability to get to the passer would be explosive alongside Nick Bosa.
12) Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Booker, IOL Alabama- The Cowboys need to continue to revamp their offensive line during this offseason. It’s not the “sexy pick,” so Jerry Jones likely won’t make it, but Booker is so obviously the selection because of his intensity at the point of attack. Plus, Jerry has to do something logical eventually, right?
13) Miami Dolphins: Kenneth Grant, IDL Michigan- The interior of the Dolphins defense was awful in 2024. Grant would change that on day one. He’s a space eater against the run, and he’s athletic enough to shed blocks and make plays.
14) Indianapolis Colts: Grey Zabel, OL North Dakota State- The interior of the Colts line is losing two starters this year, including starting center Ryan Kelly. Zabel had a phenomenal senior bowl week which has catapulted him into the round one conversation. He’s started in a number of spots along the offensive line, and looked very comfortable at center during the Senior Bowl week. If he tests well at the combine, he should be a lock in the middle of round one.
15) Atlanta Falcons: Mike Green, EDGE Marshall- The biggest senior bowl week winner was Mike Green, who dominated reps left and right throughout the week. On tape, he shows elite ability to dip and bend around the edge, but the ability to play with power at the point of attack during senior bowl week elevated him up draft boards.
Even though Atlanta hasn’t taken a first-round edge rusher since Vic Beasley, which was a massive whiff for both them and myself, one of these years they will address the pass rusher position.
16) Arizona Cardinals: Mykal Williams, EDGE Georgia- Speaking of teams that need an elite pass rusher, Arizona is in a perfect position to take one here in the middle of round one. While this is a weaker draft class on tape, there are some players with elite upside because of their immeasurable athleticism.
Mykal Williams is one of those players. His tape was up and down in 2024, but because of his ability to convert speed into power and get around the edge, he can be elite.
17) Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Warren, TE Penn State- Pass catcher is the top issue for the Bengals this offseason. Should they sign Tee Higgins, that resolves everything.
However, because of the Ja’Marr Chase contract, it makes more sense for them to go in a cheaper direction.
Warren solves two needs at once for the Bengals. He creates a pass-catching threat in the middle of the field, and he adds a threat in the red zone to take coverage away from Chase.
18) Seattle Seahawks: Armand Membou, IOL Missouri- Membou is another offensive tackle prospect in this draft who projects better at guard. He’s at his best when he gets his hands on defenders quickly and uses the power in his strikes and his base to wall off defenders. Seattle needs help along the interior, so the fit makes sense here as well.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka, WR Ohio State- The Bucs have some hard decisions to make this offseason, and one of those is the contract of Chris Godwin. Godwin’s injury history outweighs the talent he has on the field, which is one of the reasons the Bucs could go in a different direction.
Even after the emergence of Jalen McMillian, a quality route runner like Egbuka still makes sense for the Bucs at this selection.
20) Denver Broncos: Colston Loveland, TE Michigan- Denver needs to continue to add pass-catching weapons to help elevate Bo Nix moving forward. Courtland Sutton emerged as a borderline number-one wide receiver this year, but the Broncos still need a threat in the middle of the field.
Enter Loveland. He understands how to use his size at the top of the route to create separation. His skills in the middle of the field from the slot would be an excellent fit in Head Coach Sean Payton’s offense.
21) *TRADE* New York Jets (from Steelers): Jaxson Dart, QB Ole Miss- There is a lot of buzz at the moment around the Steelers picking Dart at this selection. In my opinion, that’s to spark a trade-down. The Steelers are still in win-now mode, making them a much better fit for a veteran quarterback than a rookie, particularly one who regularly appears on the Pat McAfee Show.
Meanwhile, the Jets, who are moving on from “he who shall not be named” (IYKYK), are still searching for their quarterback savior, making them a logical team to trade up for a quarterback.
Dart has fascinating traits. He makes off-platform throws look easy, he’s a threat with his legs, and he answered the questions about his arm strength during a quality senior bowl week. Dart should be the third quarterback off the board, and look for multiple teams to attempt to move up for him in a few months.
The Trade: The New York Jets trade the #42, a 2026 2nd round pick, and a 2027 3rd round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 21st overall selection and a 2027 4th round pick.
22) Los Angeles Chargers: Ashton Jeanty, RB Boise State- Running backs are abundant in this draft, and they will likely go higher than we are used to seeing. Jeanty had an all-world final campaign at Boise State, breaking records left and right. His feel for finding the lanes to run through and being patient as a runner makes him an elite prospect. Head Coach Jim Harbaugh loves to use the run to set up play-action pass, so having a difference-maker like Jeanty makes perfect sense for the team moving forward.
23) Green Bay Packers: Josh Simmons, OT Ohio State- Simmons is someone I’m keeping an eye on during the draft process. There are not many true left tackle prospects in this draft. Before his knee injury, Simmons was having a phenomenal season at THE Ohio State. His balance and poise when he’s in the vertical set is his best trait, and he has quality power in his strikes as well. Do not be shocked if he goes higher than expected in April.
24) Minnesota Vikings: Jahdae Barron, CB Texas- Even if the Vikings bring back Byron Murphy, they still need help in the secondary. Barron lined up in a number of spots at Texas, but in my opinion, his most impressive work was in the slot. He can blitz, and he can mirror receivers in the short-yardage windows. The fit here makes a ton of sense for the Vikings.
25) Houston Texans: Derrick Harmon, IDL Oregon- Harmon is a similar player to Barron in the sense that he’s solid in a lot of areas but doesn’t have one standout trait. His ability to play the run and control his gap is where he excels the most. Houston needs help along the interior, which will likely be this selection if they are unable to trade down.
26) Los Angeles Rams: Matthew Golden, WR Texas- The amount of question marks around the Rams offseason makes this an impossible selection to call at the moment. However, if we operate under the assumption that they move on from Cooper Kupp, they will need a number two target to go alongside Puka Nacua.
Golden is a darling of many in this draft because of his skills and knowledge as a route runner. He does not possess elite physical traits, but his skill set is perfect for Head Coach Sean McVay.
27) Baltimore Ravens: Shemar Stewart, EDGE/DL Texas A&M- Somehow, Baltimore winds up stealing talented players in the back end of round one every year. Stewart’s production wasn’t spectacular in terms of raw statistics, but he generated a ton of pressures during his final year at A&M. This is a perfect fit.
28) Detroit Lions: Donovan Jackson, IOL Ohio State- Kevin Zietler is likely to leave in free agency, which creates an opening on the Lions’ offensive line unit that they would love to fill with a rookie contract. Jackson’s ability to gain leverage on defenders would make him an excellent fit in the running scheme of Detroit.
29) Washington Commanders: Luther Burden III, WR Missouri- Playmakers are a necessity for the Commanders in the offseason on both sides of the ball. Burden is a “YAC,” monster that fits well opposite Terry McLaurin.
30) Buffalo Bills: Malaki Starks, S Georgia- Damar Hamlin is due for a payday, which likely happens elsewhere. Malaki Starks is a day-one starting safety that can do it all. His willingness to come up and tackle combined with the angles he takes to the football in the secondary should help him at the next level.
31) Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Conerly Jr., OT Oregon- The Chiefs lost the Super Bowl because they allowed too much pressure on Patrick Mahomes. It’s probably time to address that issue that somehow only haunted them once in three seasons.
32) Philadelphia Eagles: TreyVeon Henderson, RB Ohio State- The most controversial pick of round one comes in here at the final first-round selection. Giving the Eagles a running back after Saquon Barkley’s MVP-worthy season seems like lunacy, but let me make my pitch.
Elite organizations have backup plans in place before they need them. For example, the Eagles selected Cam Jurgens well before Jason Kelce was going to retire, and then groomed him for the position. This year Jurgens played at an exceptional level and helped stabilize the interior of the offensive line.
Saquon Barkley is 28 years old with a lot of mileage on his tires, so to speak. He also has two years left on his contract, and running backs rarely get a top-tier third contract even if they are exceptional. In an elite running back class, the idea of the Eagles taking Barkley’s eventual successor makes a ton of sense.
Jordan Katz’s 2025 NFL Mock Draft 1.0
“Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages. Tonight, Draftstock.net proudly presents to you, it’s eight-time, NFL Mock Draft, champion of the woooorld!” (IYKYK).
WE ARE BAAAAAAAAAAACK! Mock Draft SZN is officially upon us, so we get to start prognosticating how the 2025 NFL Draft will shape out! There is still a lot of uncertainty around the draft stock of many players, and the draft order is not officially finalized yet, but that doesn’t stop us from taking a look at how the draft could shake out in a few months. As a reminder, my mocks are what I think will happen in the draft, it does not reflect my opinions of players in the draft class. While I normally add trades wherever I see fit, since this is a very early look, I tried to not have any trades. However, I did put a trade into this mock centered around one very controversial prospect!
So without further adieu, let’s mock!
ROUND ONE
1) Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB Miami- The “QB1,” debate in this class should dominate the headlines of the NFL Draft season. Shedeur Sanders has his fans and his detractors, but the biggest wrinkle in where he gets drafted is if he will pull an Eli Manning and force his way to a certain situation.
If there is any hesitation in Sanders’s willingness to play for the Titans, and I think there will be, Cam Ward will be the selection.
Ward is my personal top quarterback in the draft because he anticipates NFL throwing windows and he understands how to put the ball in spots where his playmakers can make a play on the ball. If I were the Titans, I would pick Cam Ward regardless of what Sanders does.
2) *TRADE* Las Vegas Raiders (from Browns): Shedeur Sanders, QB Colorado- Many expect Cleveland to take a quarterback, but at this moment, I think a flier on a veteran and a trade down is more likely. Deshaun Watson still carries the worst contract in football, which means the Browns will struggle to add the necessary talent on offense to set up a rookie for success. Plus, if Shedeur Sanders does demand to go to certain places, the Browns will likely not be on that list.
One team that would be on Sanders’s list is the Raiders. Vegas has the second most cap space, and their minority owner, Tom Brady, has worked with Sanders during Sanders’s time in Colorado.
If Ward goes first, look for Vegas to make a play at landing the former Colorado star.
The Trade: The Las Vegas Raiders trade the #6, #69, and a 2026 1st round pick to the Cleveland Browns for the second overall selection
3) New York Giants: Jaxson Dart, QB Ole Miss- Here’s where this mock goes off the rails. The early predictions from many are that quarterbacks will go lower than expected because it’s a weak quarterback class, and that is true. However, it’s a weak draft class overall, which means the value is about the same as a normal draft season. If a third quarterback emerges during this draft process, they could easily go top five like Anthony Richardson did a few years ago.
Jaxson Dart had a massive bowl game against Duke where he flashed maybe the best potential of any quarterback in this draft class. Dart can make any throw on the field if given a clean pocket, and his ability to make off-platform throws is unique. Look for Dart to climb up draft boards during the draft process because of his upside if put in the right situation.
4) New England Patriots: Travis Hunter, WR/CB Colorado- Hunter projects as a corner at the next level because of his length and physicality in coverage. He breaks well out of the backpedal, he mirrors well, and he possesses terrific ball skills. On top of that, he’s guaranteed to take some snaps on offense throughout his NFL career and he can certainly make plays there as well.
5) Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Campbell, OL LSU- The Jaguars offensive line once again failed to keep its franchise quarterback healthy for an entire season, which makes that the number one priority this offseason. Campbell is one of two high-quality tackles in this draft class, but many project him to move inside because he has all-pro potential at guard. His footwork and IQ when facing opposing pass rushers should allow him to have a long career regardless of where he plays.
6) *TRADE* Cleveland Browns (from Raiders): Tetairoa McMillian, WR Arizona- In a scenario where Shedeur Sanders chooses to only play for specific teams, Cleveland has a perfect opportunity to trade back and acquire assets for a roster with very little cap space.
Jerry Jeudy had a strong season, but he’s still not a “WR1.” Tetairoa McMillian is a stud with the ball in his hands and a 50/50 monster. The threat of the go-ball allows him to effortlessly create space on comebacks and hitch routes. McMillian may be the only true top-tier wideout in this draft.
The Trade: See Pick #2.
7) New York Jets: Will Johnson, CB Michigan- DJ Reed is likely gone in free agency, which means the Jets will look for a number two corner this offseason opposite Sauce Gardner. Fortunately for them, they are in a perfect position to take an elite corner here. Will Johnson is one of the few players in this draft with Pro Bowl potential. His length, his technique in and out of his backpedal, and the anticipation he showed in a multitude of coverages make him a perfect fit on the other side of Gardner.
Editor’s Note: The Jets are losers and I hate them. Just had to get that off my chest after this past season. Okay, back to the mock.
8) Carolina Panthers: Mason Graham, IDL Michigan- The interior of the Panthers defense was a true nightmare in 2024. Graham is a hardworking 3-tech who understands how to gain leverage at the point of attack. Even this far away from the draft, I would be willing to bet that this is Mason Graham’s floor in terms of draft stock.
9) New Orleans Saints: Abdul Carter, EDGE Penn State- The one area of strength for this draft class as a whole is the defensive line talent. Carter broke out in his final year at Penn State. He has elite dip-and-bend ability off the edge. He also lines up in a multitude of spots along the defensive front to contribute in a lot of different ways. Carter reminds me a lot of the way Penn State used Micah Parsons, which is likely why he’s the first edge player off the board in a few months.
10) Chicago Bears: Kelvin Banks Jr, OT Texas- Chicago has to protect Caleb Williams better in 2025 to allow him the chance to be successful. Banks’s strength is his footwork on an island in pass protection. I could see Banks playing left or right tackle at the next level because his strength in pass protection is in the 45-degree set; meaning he tries to get his hands on edge rushers quickly to prevent them from running the arch, but still kicks out instead of jumping forward at them.
11) San Francisco 49ers: Mykel Williams, EDGE Georgia- Length and power is the name of the game for Mykel Williams. He’s an elite athlete, but his force at the point of attack is what makes him tough to stop. The 49ers excel at taking length and raw athleticism and creating a quality pass rusher, so this is a perfect fit.
12) Dallas Cowboys: Jalon Walker, EDGE/LB Georgia- Do not be shocked if, in a few months, Dallas looks to move up the draft board for Abdul Carter. Putting him opposite Micah Parsons would take a lot of pressure off of the rest of the defense. Should they stay put here, expect them to still go pass rusher for the same reason.
13) Arizona Cardinals: James Pearce, EDGE Tennessee- The run on edge rushers continues with James Pearce. Pearce is lightning-quick off the ball as an edge rusher and has top-tier athleticism. He has to become better at setting the edge in the run game to play on all three downs, but he can rush the passer from day one.
14) Indianapolis Colts: Malaki Starks, S Georgia- One of the sneaky best players in this draft is Georgia safety Malaki Starks. He has the ball skills in the deep part of the field to make impact plays at the next level. However, the mark of an elite safety prospect is their willingness to tackle and the angles they take to the ball. Starks is strong in both areas.
15) Atlanta Falcons: Nic Scourton, EDGE Texas A&M- Scourton has impressive size and length and has good power at the point of attack. He translates to someone who can bounce between a 3-tech and a 5-tech depending on the scheme, which gives him some flexibility that other edge players lack in this class. Atlanta needs a pass rusher to take their defense to the next level, so look for them to address that at some point this offseason.
16) Miami Dolphins: Kenneth Grant, IDL Michigan- The interior of the Dolphins defense was a disaster last season. Grant’s ability to eat blocks in the run game and collapse the pocket as a pass rusher makes him well worthy of a first-round pick if he tests well at the combine.
17) Cincinnati Bengals: Josh Simmons, OT Ohio State- Simmons could sneak into the top 10 in mocks before this draft season is finished. Simmons is one of the best at kicking out and beating edge rushers to the arch, and that athleticism could catapult him over others in this class.
18) Seattle Seahawks: Jalen Milroe, QB Alabama- Four quarterbacks in the first round sounds blasphemous at the moment, but here’s why it’s more probable than you think. The amount of QB-needy teams extends way beyond those at the top that need players to start. Seattle has a 35-year-old Geno Smith in the last year of his contract. While some of these quarterbacks may not be ready to start on day one, they all have NFL-caliber traits that can be coached up.
Jalen Milroe’s athleticism and arm talent will intrigue a lot of teams that are willing to sit a quarterback and start them in year two. In a weak draft class, that player could easily go in round one.
19) Houston Texans: Jonah Savaiinaea, OL Arizona- Most of the offensive linemen in this draft class translate better as a guard than a tackle, and Savaiinaea fits that mold. His size and length project much better as a guard, as does his technique. The power he has in his strikes will play better along the interior at the next level.
20) Denver Broncos: Colston Loveland, TE Michigan- Loveland is one of two elite tight-end prospects in this draft class. He’s a great separator against defenders when working the middle of the field, and in my opinion, both he and Tyler Warren are better playmakers at the next level than the majority of this receiver class. Denver could use a safety valve for Bo Nix in the middle of the field to help take pressure off of Courtland Sutton, making tight-end a very natural selection here at 20.
21) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Shavon Revel Jr., CB East Carolina- The Bucs will likely address their back seven on defense throughout this offseason. Revel was having a brilliant season before his injury at East Carolina. At 6’3, his length makes him a candidate to be an elite cover corner at the next level, provided he tests well athletically in a few months.
22) Pittsburgh Steelers: Trey Amos, CB Ole Miss- Pittsburgh is going to be a difficult team to predict throughout the draft process. Despite a playoff appearance, they have so many needs throughout their roster. One of those needs is a number two cornerback opposite Joey Porter Jr., so that’s what they do here in this mock.
23) Los Angeles Rams: Tyler Warren, TE Penn State- Pass catcher may not look like a need for the Rams, but Cooper Kupp will be 32 in June. With his injury history, it’s worth investing in a pass catcher somewhere in this draft.
Warren was used in a multitude of ways at Penn State. He’s tough to bring down with the ball in his hands and he makes 50/50 balls look 70/30. Warren would be a nice fit in the Rams’ dynamic offense.
24) Green Bay Packers: Shemar Stewart, DL Texas A&M- Stewart does not have elite production, but he has elite traits, and those players always go higher than expected come draft time. Green Bay often looks to address the trenches early in drafts, so even though they have other needs, they go front seven with this pick.
25) Los Angeles Chargers: Derrick Harmon, IDL Oregon- The Chargers could generate more pass rush along the interior to elevate their defense in 2025. This class features a few unique pass rushers along the interior, and one of them is Derrick Harmon. He has terrific lower body flexibility which should help him at the next level.
26) Washington Commanders: Emeka Egbuka, WR Ohio State- In order for this offense to evolve, getting a playmaker opposite Terry McLaurin is important. Egbuka really improved his route running in his final year at Ohio State. He has a very high floor, which in this draft is enough to land you a first-round selection.
27) Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Booker, IOL Alabama- Baltimore runs the ball better than any team in the NFL. Tyler Booker is one of the best run blockers in this draft. A fairly simple thought process here.
28) Minnesota Vikings: Walter Nolan, IDL Ole Miss- The interior of the Vikings was a weak spot on a much improved defense in 2024. Nolan is viewed by many as someone who could rise up draft boards because of his elite athleticism. Traits will matter more than tape in this draft process because the tape for many is not at an elite level. Nolan slides in at 28 in this mock, but he could be much higher come April.
29) Buffalo Bills: Jihaad Campbell, LB Alabama- Sean McDermott has had a lot of success over his NFL career with developing elite linebackers. Campbell’s ability to shoot the proper gaps in the run game, as well as his read-and-react ability in coverage, could make this the steal of the draft should it come to fruition in a few months.
30) Philadelphia Eagles: Isaiah Bond, WR Texas- I’m going out on a limb here at the back end of the first round. AJ Brown has had his issues during the 2024 season, and Devonta Smith has struggled to stay healthy. It would be wise for Philadelphia to invest in their depth at receiver sometime during this offseason.
31) Kansas City Chiefs: Aireontae Ersery, OL Minnesota- How the Chiefs won 15 games in today’s NFL with an offense that failed to score 30 points in a game is one of the biggest mysteries of 2024. Replacing Jawaan Taylor should be a layup move for the Chiefs this offseason because of how inconsistent Taylor has been.
32) Detroit Lions: Mike Green, DL Marshall- Detroit likely addresses their front seven depth at some point during this offseason because it could cost them a deep playoff run this season. Green’s tape was dominant in his final season at Marshall. If his athleticism testing matches up, he could rise up draft boards.
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