The 2024 NFL Draft is in the books, and teams are already looking toward 2025. Here’s a look at our way-too-early first-round mock for the 2025 NFL Draft.
1. Carolina Panthers: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
The former top recruit at Colorado is a modern-day Charles Woodson, with the talent to play both cornerback and wideout at the next level. Corner is likely to be his primary position in the NFL, but the Panthers could use either position after trading away much of their last two drafts for Bryce Young in 2023.
2. Denver Broncos: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
While the Broncos spent the 12th overall pick in 2024 on Oregon quarterback Bo Nix, it wouldn’t be unprecedented for a team to go back to the quarterback well the following year. Sanders returned to college to play under his father, Deion Sanders, for one more season, but is a dynamic talent with elite ability as a passer and runner.
3. New England Patriots: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Pats focused on offense in the 2024 draft, and could turn back to defense next year. The team found a keeper in 2023 first-round corner Christian Gonzalez, but corner will be a need again soon. Johnson was an anchor at corner for the National Champs last season with four picks and 80 tackles.
4. Arizona Cardinals: James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee
Arizona started the process of rebuilding their defensive line in this year’s draft with first-round pick Darius Robinson, but that effort could continue. Pearce is a top prospect after recording 10 sacks last season.
5. New York Giants: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
The Giants bypassed the opportunity to replace Daniel Jones in the draft this year, but another poor season from the former first-round pick could leave them no choice. Ewers took a huge step forward last season as he continues to hold off Arch Manning in the Texas offense, completing 69% of his passes for nearly 3,500 yards in 12 games.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
The Raiders didn’t address the quarterback position in this year’s draft, but that’s likely to change next year if Gardner Minshew doesn’t impress. Beck is a prototypical NFL pocket passer with size and a strong arm, though he also completed more than 72% of his passes last year.
7. Minnesota Vikings: Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
The Vikings added Dallas Turner to their defense in the first round this year while also spending heavily in free agency. Still, they could stand to get younger, and Perkins is a nice fit as a do-everything linebacker after consecutive outstanding seasons at LSU.
8. Tennessee Titans: Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia
Tennessee has focused on revamping the offense recently, but the defense is just as needy. Williams could complement star Jeffery Simmons nicely, recording 4.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons for the Bulldogs.
9. Washington Commanders: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Washington has worked to revamp the offensive line for the second consecutive offseason, but it remains to be seen if they have their long-term left tackle. Banks has been an elite performer, though he could push to the interior at 6-foot-4.
10. New Orleans Saints: Luther Burden, WR, Missouri
Chris Olave has been everything the Saints could have hoped since they drafted him in 2022, but the team has struggled to find other weapons. Burden would answer the call after an enormous year, catching 86 passes for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns last year. He’s elite at run after the catch and a fine punt returner.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Finding a long-term replacement for superstar defensive lineman Cameron Heyward is becoming a more pressing need as the stalwart ages. Graham could be the answer, showing flashes last season with three sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss.
12. Seattle Seahawks: Cameron Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
Seattle brought in Sam Howell in the offseason, but their long-term quarterback probably isn’t on the roster currently. Ward has transferred from Washington State to Miami this year, showing dynamic ability and solid passing accuracy.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
The secondary was formerly a strength of the Bucs roster, but they’ve started to shed talent recently. Morrison has nine interceptions over the last two seasons and could be a plug-and-play cornerback.
14. Chicago Bears: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
The Bears were squarely focused on the offense this offseason and could turn back to defense next year. Cornerback is a possible need despite the team’s youth at the position, and Burke has been a strong three-year contributor for the Buckeyes.
15. Cleveland Browns: Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama
Cleveland’s offensive line has had plenty of cohesion recently but is also getting older. A massive guard listed at over 350 pounds, Booker would be a great fit for a team that loves to run the ball.
16. Indianapolis Colts: Patrick Payton, DE, Florida State
The Colts spent their first-round pick on pass-rusher Latu Laiatu this year, but could continue to improve their pass rush next season. Payton is coming off a great season with seven sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss, and could continue to strengthen his draft stock.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Emeka Egubka, WR, Ohio State
The Jags addressed the loss of Calvin Ridley by drafting Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round this year, but the need for receivers could remain next offseason if Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, and Gabe Davis decline. Egbuka took a step back last season, but had over 1,100 yards receiving in 2023.
18. Los Angeles Chargers: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Jim Harbaugh focused on the trenches in his first draft with the Chargers, and that could continue next year. Nolen has huge potential as an interior pass rusher after transferring from Texas A&M to Ole Miss.
19. Los Angeles Rams: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
The Rams must address the future beyond 36-year-old Matthew Stafford soon. Milroe is anything but a pocket passer, but he could allow Sean McVay to add flash to the Rams offense. The Bama quarterback had 23 passing touchdowns and 12 rushing touchdowns in 2023.
20. Atlanta Falcons: J.T. Tuimoloau, DE, Ohio State
The Falcons failed to add an edge rusher early in the 2023 draft, but could have another shot next year. Tuimoloau has 12 sacks in three seasons at Ohio State, and could make a leap with a bigger opportunity this season.
