The 2024-25 NFL season is now in the rearview and the NFL world turns its focus towards the NFL Combine. Here is a look at my pre-combine 2025 first-round NFL Mock Draft 3.0 and some related draft props at DraftKings Sportsbook.
You can view my 2025 NFL Mock Draft 2.0 here.
1. Tennessee Titans: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
Abdul Carter’s stock is rising, and he has the second-best odds of being taken #1 overall at DraftKings Sportsbook. The only NFL Draft prop bet I have placed is on Carter to be the first pick in the draft. He is the most talented player in the draft and with so much uncertainty around the quarterback class, Carter seems like an easy choice for the Titans. While Will Levis is not the long-term answer for Tennessee, they are paying him rookie contract money so they can continue to build a good roster and then attack the quarterback market next offseason.
2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The Browns are in a similar boat to the Titans, where there is uncertainty about what they have at quarterback. Jameis Winston is now a free agent, and DeShaun Watson’s status is totally up in the air because of his Achilles surgery. Their young options, DTR and Bailey Zappe, are not going to allow them to win a lot of games. There is a world where the Browns could draft a quarterback with the second pick, but it seems like the safer option for them to add a veteran on the market with so much uncertainty around their current QB room. That is why they could turn to the Heisman Trophy winner and add a player that could be a game-changer on both sides of the ball depending on how the Browns see him at the next level.
3. New York Giants: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
In this scenario, the Giants have acquired either Matt Stafford or Aaron Rodgers before the draft. New York desperately needs a quarterback and they will draft one here if they can’t acquire a veteran. However, all of the smoke would indicate that the Giants’ front office is much more interested in bringing a veteran who can help them win right away than one of the quarterbacks in this class. That allows the Giants to pick one of the most talented players in the draft. Graham lined up alongside Dexter Lawrence would give the Giants one of the best interior defensive lines in the NFL.
4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
The Patriots found their franchise quarterback of the future in Drake Maye in the 2024 NFL Draft. Their next job is to protect that asset and ensure that he can grow as a player. That is why they will take offensive tackle Will Campbell from LSU. Campbell is close to a sure thing and could be in New England for the next decade protecting Drake Maye.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
The Jaguars can’t seem to get it right over the past few years despite having the quarterback that they believe can win them a Super Bowl. They found a gem on offense in the first round of last year’s draft, Brian Thomas Jr. This year, they need to bolster the defensive side of the ball. Jalon Walker has the highest upside of any pass-rusher in this class. Walker has all of the traits and the body you would want from an EDGE and with good coaching, he could be among the league’s best pass rushers.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The first quarterback domino should fall here. Cam Ward is the near-consensus top quarterback in the draft but the Raiders are one team that seems extremely high on Shedeur Sanders. The glitz and glamour of Las Vegas would make the perfect home for Coach Prime’s son. Sanders would probably love to play his home games in a dome since he already struggles with arm strength and the Raiders would love a big name from a powerful football family to lead their franchise in their new-ish city.
7. New York Jets: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
There are a lot of scenarios where the Jets ride with Tyrod Taylor or acquire a veteran in the offseason to play quarterback next year. However, if it gets to #7 and Cam Ward is still on the board, they likely wouldn’t be able to pass up that opportunity. Ward has some negative traits, such as holding onto the ball too long and trying to play hero ball. However, most of his negative traits are coachable, whereas his physical traits are strong. With good coaching, Ward could be a plus-level NFL starting quarterback, something the Jets have not had in a very long time.
8. Carolina Panthers: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
The Panthers finally showed some signs of improvement towards the end of last season, particularly their quarterback Bryce Young. The Panthers have Young and some solid offensive pieces to work with heading into next season. However, their defense was one of the worst in the NFL last season. They need an elite pass-rusher to change the dynamic of their defense and Green is a hot name rocketing up draft boards. Playing at Marshall, he didn’t get the type of attention that some other players got but his production was off the charts, totaling 17 sacks last season.
9. New Orleans Saints: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Saints appear to be riding with Spencer Rattler as their quarterback of the future. That means they need to invest in Rattler and get him some help. There were times last season when the Saints’ entire offense was on the IR. They need to bring someone like Tet McMillan who could be an immediate impact player on offense. McMillan has a tremendous catch radius and the best hands of any receiver in this draft class. Alongside Chris Olave, they could be a dangerous duo to help Rattler progress.
10. Chicago Bears: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
The Bears’ first season with Caleb Williams did not go as planned and the offensive line played a big role in that. Williams was running for his life most of his rookie season and the Bears need to do something about it. They will address it with their 10th pick and go with an offensive tackle of the future, just like the Patriots are doing for their sophomore quarterback. Armand Membou is a great pick because he can play tackle or guard at the next level, giving the Bears a lot of flexibility to use him wherever they see fit.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The 49ers dealt with a lot of injuries on both sides of the ball during their disappointing 2024-25 season. One place they lacked depth was in the secondary, which used to be such a strength for Kyle Shanahan’s team. Will Johnson can step in and be an elite cover corner in Week 1 and is an obvious pick for the 49ers who have an embarrassment of riches on offense already.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Jerry Jones loves making headlines and selling jerseys. Drafting the phenomenon that Ashton Jeanty will do both of those things in Dallas. Jeanty is an incredible player and while the running back has been devalued, he could be a generational talent. It was a waste of a season for Dallas after Dak Prescott went down, but Jeanty could give the Cowboys the running game they need to balance out their offense to make a playoff push in 2025.
13. Miami Dolphins: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
The Dolphins have some holes on both sides of the ball that they could fill and cornerback is one of those positions. Jahdae Barron is a very high-IQ player and could be the shutdown corner that the Dolphins need to elevate their defense.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The Colts are somewhat in flux at quarterback and seem ready to bring someone in to compete with Anthony Richardson this offseason. In order for any quarterback to thrive, they need a reliable target, and they can find one in tight end Tyler Warren. Warren is a fantastic pass-catcher and a great athlete. Brock Bowers showed that a rookie tight end can be a complete game-changer last season and Warren is easily the top tight end in this class. He could be an instant impact player that could help settle the Colts’ offense, no matter the signal caller.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
The Falcons have an offense that could be among the league’s best with Michael Penix Jr., Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and more. However, they need to add some more pieces on defense. Mykel Williams could be that perfect pick for Atlanta. The Georgia boy would get to stay close to home and could be the game-changing pass-rusher that the Falcons need.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
The Cardinals need someone in the middle of their defensive line who can stuff the run and get after the quarterback. Kenneth Grant was a fantastic college player and has all of the traits to bring that play to the next level.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Four EDGE rushers have already come off the board in the top 16 picks and the Bengals want to pick one of their own. The Bengals had arguably the best offense in the NFL last season but missed the postseason because of their major defensive issues. They need help in the secondary as well, but everything starts in the trenches. If they add an elite pass-rusher, that can alleviate some of the issues elsewhere on defense. Pearce was once thought of as the best EDGE in this class behind Abdul Carter, but his stock has dropped recently. That could make him a great value pick in the middle of the first round.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
The Seahawks struggled to protect last year and they need to address the offensive line this offseason. Kelvin Banks Jr. has all of the physical traits necessary to perform in the NFL and he has the flexibility to play tackle or guard if necessary. That makes him even more valuable for a team that needs a lot of help on the line.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Vita Vea has been a force inside the Bucs’ defensive line for years but he isn’t going to play forever. Walter Nolen is a monster and could come in and learn a lot from one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL, play alongside Vea, then eventually be the heir to his throne.
20. Denver Broncos: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
The Broncos were a surprising postseason team with a rookie quarterback. They had the best defense in the NFL last season but need to continue to build around Bo Nix on offense if they want him to succeed. Colston Loveland was a fantastic college tight end and should translate to the next level. He could be a consistent target for Nix for years to come.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Steelers’ future at quarterback is uncertain but no matter who is under center for them next year, he needs someone to throw to. It looked like last year could have been a breakout season for George Pickens before attitude issues derailed his season. Pickens is very talented but because of his attitude, he can’t be relied upon as the wide receiver to carry an offense. Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka is a fantastic leader and could be a positive influence on Pickens. He is also very steady, has great hands, and can play out of the slot with Pickens out wide. That would be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Omarion Hampton, RB, UNC
The Chargers still need a couple more pieces to take their team to the next level. Jim Harbaugh is not the type of person that is worried about “positional value.” If he believes that a player will make his team better, he will push for him. The Chargers hit on Ladd McConkey in last year’s draft and need to give Justin Herbert more help on offense. Omarion Hampton is a game-changer at running back and the clear RB2 after Ashton Jeanty. Hampton can function as a pass-catcher in addition to his running prowess, making him a great fit in Los Angeles.
23. Green Bay Packers: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
The Packers need to bolster their offensive line to protect Jordan Love. Look no further than Tyler Booker out of Alabama. Booker is a big bodyguard who can pass protect well but will also get incredibly physical to run block for Josh Jacobs.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Grey Zabel, IOL, North Dakota State
The Vikings also need to address the offensive line and Grey Zabel is a name that is rocketing up draft boards across the league after his Senior Bowl performance. Minnesota is starting a new era next season with J.J. McCarthy at quarterback and they need to give him as much protection as possible.
25. Houston Texans: Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State
The run on interior offensive linemen continues as the Texans add Donovan Jackson from Ohio State. C.J. Stroud needs to be protected better and Stroud would love to have a Buckeye on his line. The Texans are solid at the tackle positions but need help on the interior offensive line and Jackson is an incredibly physical lineman who can provide that help.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
The Rams are still looking for their next Aaron Donald to dominate the middle of the offensive line. While that is a high bar to reach, Derrick Harmon could be an instant impact player at defensive tackle. Harmon is very athletic and has a good football IQ. Those traits should allow him to be a Week 1 starter in the NFL.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Nick Emmanwori, Safety, South Carolina
The Ravens’ secondary improved dramatically throughout the season as they moved pieces around to different positions and benched some players. However, they still need to bolster their secondary with several players set to leave in free agency and some uncertainty around the players that are still there. Nick Emmanwori has all of the physical traits you would want in a safety and has amazing ball skills. Emmanwori just needs to be in a good system with good coaching to thrive and the Ravens have just that.
28. Detroit Lions: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Shemar Stewart could be a top ten pick in some draft classes but because of the EDGE depth in this class, he could drop down the board a bit. That allows an already-loaded Lions team to get a high-level talent this deep into the first round. Aidan Hutchinson will be coming back from a major injury and having another elite EDGE to play across from him could make this Lions’ defense even scarier.
29. Washington Commanders: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
The Commanders had a dream season with rookie QB Jayden Daniels. Now they need to heavily invest in protecting who is now one of the most valuable players in football. Josh Simmons is a huge body but is also very athletic. He can run block and pass block at a high level, which is so important in this offense that has such a balanced run/pass attack.
30. Buffalo Bills: Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo
The Bills don’t have many holes on their roster but one place they could improve is on the defensive line. Darius Alexander had a great Senior Bowl and is moving towards a first-round grade in league circles. The Bills could look to add a big body to stuff the run and get after the quarterback.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Jonah Savaiinaea, OG, Arizona
The Chiefs’ biggest downfall in the Super Bowl was on the offensive line. They could not protect Patrick Mahomes and they need to solve that problem this offseason. Savaiinaea could be the perfect fit for them because while he is a natural guard, he also has the capability to play tackle. Last season, the Chiefs had a lot of offensive line issues and needed to move people around. Savaiinaea gives them that flexibility that they need on the line.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
The Eagles keep drafting defensive players and they keep hitting, so why stop now? Jihaad Campbell is a high upside player, which is what the Eagles have done so well targeting in recent drafts. Campbell still has a lot of untapped potential and could be used as a traditional linebacker or as an EDGE at the next level.
