Jordan Katz 2025 NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Post FA

Posted on March 31, 2025 Updated on April 8, 2025

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.