
Bolstering the trenches should continue to be a top priority for GM Omar Khan
With the NFL combine in the books, it’s time for a fresh 2025 NFL mock draft. As always, projections can trade dramatically as free agency kicks off with the start of the legal tampering period on Monday, March 10 at noon, but for now, here’s a look at first-round projections for each team in Round 1 (including a big trade to kick off the draft).
1. TRADE! New York Giants: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
The New York Giants are going to do everything in their power to acquire a franchise quarterback, and that may include parting with a future first to do so. Ward will reignite a broken fanbase and at least give Big Blue a reason to renew their season tickets.
2. Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The word “generational” is probably overused in draft circles, but there should be a picture of Carter next to the dictionary definition. With Myles Garrett likely on his way out, the Browns replace him with their next superstar pass-rusher.
3. Tennessee Titans: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
If the Titans aren’t enamored with Cam Ward or Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders, this is a brilliant move. Trading the first pick ensures they will get either Carter or Hunter and add valuable assets to build a roster that needs much more than just a new quarterback.
4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
There are a few different directions New England could go here, including adding a wideout like Arizona’s Tet McMillan. My best guess is that they address the position in a big way in free agency, freeing them up to take Campbell, who should slide in seamlessly at left tackle for the next decade.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Graham is a bit undersized at 6’3 “, 296 lbs. His wingspan measured just 32 inches, ranking him in the 12th percentile of all defensive tackles since 1999. But his tape is too good to let those things get in the way. He’s the most disruptive pass-rusher in the class.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
This is a very Raiders pick, as Deion Sanders’s son, Shedeur, was made for the bright lights of Sin City. However, Sanders is much more than just primetime’s son. He’s by far the most accurate signal-caller in the class, completing over 70% of his passes last year. He’s performed at a high level behind a terrible offensive line the past few years. I’m in the minority – but I think he’ll have a better career than Ward.
7. New York Jets: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The Jets lose out on the opportunity to draft a young quarterback – but end up with one of the best skill players in the class. Warren will fill a huge void at tight end and could have a Brock Bowers-like impact in year one.
8. Carolina Panthers: Tet McMillan, WR, Arizona
McMillan is a tall and rangy wideout who averaged over 16 yards per catch over his three years at Arizona. Every defensive coordinator knew he was getting the ball – and he still found a way to be productive. Bryce Young played well at the end of last season – and McMillan will help him continue his growth.
9. New Orleans Saints: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Pearce Jr. is a polarizing prospect. Some are concerned about his character and lack of motor in game tape. Nobody is concerned with his athleticism. Pearce Jr. ran a 4.50 forty-yard dash at 6’5, 245 lbs. at the combine – and should still be drafted in the first 15 picks.
10. Chicago Bears: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The Bears are a sneaky landing spot for Jeanty, as new Head Coach Ben Johnson’s high draft selection and usage of running back Jahmyr Gibbs speaks volumes about how much he values the position.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Johnson had a strange year. He didn’t flash on tape but was widely considered the best corner in the class ahead of the season. I trust that the 49ers and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh can unlock the 2023 version of Johnson.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Golden is arguably the player who will benefit most from the combine. He ran a blazing 4.29 forty-yard dash and now has a chance to be the first receiver off the board. The Cowboys have been searching for a dynamic WR2 next to CeeDee Lamb, and Golden fits the bill.
13. Miami Dolphins: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Many will argue that Emmanwori actually took the biggest leap at the combine – almost quite literally:
South Carolina S Nick Emmanwori
HT: 6-3 1/8 (97th percentile)
WT: 220lbs (92nd percentile)
Vert: 43 (98th percentile)
Broad: 11-6 (98th percentile)
40-yard: 4.40 (94th percentile)Comp is Steve Rogers post-super soldier serumpic.twitter.com/SI8444ELcq
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) February 28, 2025
A dude that size shouldn’t be able to move like this. The Dolphins will need to add a safety with Jevon Holland expected to move on in free agency.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Indianapolis needs a bigger passing-game presence from their tight ends, and Loveland has drawn comparisons to the Chiefs’ Travis Kelce, due to his natural receiving ability. He can line up out wide or in the slot, and attack defenses all over the field.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
The Falcons have been trying to solve issues at EDGE for what feels like a decade. They haven’t finished in the top half of the league in sacks since 2017. A local star with a typical size and strength should help change that.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
Booker didn’t have the best combine performance, but he’s versatile enough to play both guard and center – and fills the Cardinal’s biggest need on the offensive line.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
As Steelers consumers most of us are well aware of the Bengals’ defensive struggles last season. They will also likely lose DT BJ Hill in free agency. Harmon has the quickness, power, and scheme versatility to be a building block in what will be a difficult game of Jenga for Cincinnati.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas
The Seahawks are at an impasse with left tackle Charles Cross, who in his fourth year with the team, could very well be his final campaign. Banks could play right tackle out of the shoot and then slide to the left side in 2026.
19. Denver Broncos: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
It’s no secret the Broncos will be looking to add additional weapons to their arsenal, and Burden III is one of the most explosive swiss-army knives in the class. His production dipped last season, but that was more of a Missouri problem than a Burden problem.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Malachi Starks, S, Georgia
Unfortunately for Todd Bowles, his Bucs have wasted some incredible efforts by his QB Baker Mayfield due to their inability to stop… anyone. Starks is one of my favorite players in the class. He’s smart, has great instincts, and can play center field as well as in the box. Starks should not and probably won’t fall this far in the draft. But if Emmanwori does pass him as reflected in this mock, someone like Tampa Bay could poach the steal of the draft.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
I’d fully endorse this choice for the black and gold if they don’t address the defensive line in a major way in free agency. Recently we’ve seen a change in the way defenses align. Much like Minkah Fitzpatrick did last season, we’re seeing more safety’s line up 20 yards off the ball to take away the deep pass and keep everything intermediate. The counter to that has been a revitalization from a position that seemed to be losing its luster. Remember what Ravens RB Derrick Henry did to the Steelers defense last season?
Grant is a throwback, in that he’s more of a run stuffer than a lean pass-rusher, which we’re seeing more of in today’s day and age. He’s more of a nose tackle than a 3-tech. With Cam Heyward and Keanu Benton sandwiching him, the d-line can quickly go from suspect to elite.
Kenneth Grant is a MENACE at the center of a defense.
He constantly draws double teams but has still managed 8 sacks, 50 pressures, and 39 run stops in the last two seasons.
He’s all of 6’3, 342lbs and is an INCREDIBLE athlete at that size. Could end up a top 10 pick. pic.twitter.com/ugjrmahM6Z
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 31, 2025
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Shermar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Stewart was another combine standout who most certainly won’t get out of the first round. He posted a 9.99 RAS (relative athletic score) which you can tell is just about perfect. His combination of size and speed is rare. Linebacker Khalil Mack is a free agent, so it’s time for the Chargers to get younger.
23. Green Bay Packers: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Barron played all over the field at Texas and would represent great value for the Packers toward the back end of the first round. I’m a bit concerned with his desire to tackle, but he’s sticky in coverage, and Green Bay is expected to lose CB Jaire Alexander in free agency.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
This might be a bit of a surprise, but Hampton will work his way into the first round – it’s just about finding the right fit. Running backs Aaron Jones and Came Akers are set to become free agents, leaving Minnesota’s backfield cupboard bare. Multiple insiders have suggested that teams have North Carolina’s Hampton above Ashton Jeanty on their draft boards.
Omarion Hampton scored a 9.93 out of 10.00 on his RAS Score.
He ranked 14 out of 1909 RB’s from 1987 to 2025 (Per: @MathBomb).
This was the #1 RAS Score amongst ALL 2025 RB’s.
Omarion Hampton also outmeasured Ashton Jeanty across the board, for what it’s worth.
1ST ROUND LOCK pic.twitter.com/mY9E0eQ9Ed
— Austin Abbott (@AustinAbbottFF) March 1, 2025
25. Houston Texans: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Egbuka is the perfect fit for another former Ohio State Buckeye in CJ Stroud. Unfortunately, the Texans receiver room took two big hits last season, with the loss of Tank Dell, who is expected to miss all of 2025, and a season-ending injury for Stefon Diggs, who will now be a free agent.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Campbell is one of my favorite players in the draft. He’s always near the ball, finishing with 112 tackles and 11.5 for loss last season as the leader of the Crimson Tide defense. His combine performance was spectacular. His 4.52 forty-yard dash ranked third among all linebackers. He’s a heat-seeking missile with loads of potential.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina
Marlon Humphrey will be back, but the Ravens’ weakness last season was opposite of him, as Brandon Stephens struggled mightily. Revel is a 6’3, 193 lbs. boundary corner who should lock down the position next to Humphrey and last year’s first-round pick Nate Wiggins.
28. Detroit Lions: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Morrison’s stock has slipped after suffering a torn labrum and missing six games for the Fighting Irish. But he has the chance to be an elite corner in the league — and did you see what Jayden Daniels did to this Lions secondary in the playoffs?
29. Washington Commanders: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
To answer your question – no, I haven’t seen Walker fall this far in a single mock draft. But there is a ton of talent in this class – and a few players will unexpectedly slide down the board. Walker is a tweener, playing both inside and outside linebacker for the Bulldogs. I think some teams will wonder where his best positional fit is, which could cause some hesitation.
30. Buffalo Bills: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
Von Miller will turn 36 this offseason and is likely to be a cap casualty. Green led all of college football with 17 sacks last season for the Thundering Herd.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Kansas City has yet to re-sign left tackle Donovan Smith. Membou locked up a spot in the first round with an incredible combine, running the fastest forty time for a lineman over 330 lbs. since 2003.
Armand Membou running a 4.91u at 6’4 332 is just… how is that physically possible pic.twitter.com/dNuW4zlyoC
— Barstool SEC (@SECBarstool) March 2, 2025
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
The rich continue to get richer in the trenches. The Super Bowl champions could lose DT Milton Williams in free agency but will find a way to replace him with yet another stud defender.
What stands out to you about the Steelers pick and more? Let us know in the comments section!