Post-NFL free agency mock drafts. That’s the good stuff.
Two weeks’ worth of signings, releases and the occasional trade have helped shape individual team needs. Now, the focus returns to the incoming talent.
There is always a gravitational pull toward quarterbacks. Interest in where the top passers land and how many go off the board in the first round are rolled into another edition of “lying season,” and this year is no exception.
With the focal point centered more on team needs and draft logic, here’s one way the 2025 first round — plus two bonus selections — may unfold. I’m not usually a trades-in-mock guy, but several teams have 10 or more picks and could use that to maximize their assets in this weaker transactional (including free agency) market.
1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Outside of trading the top choice for a massive haul of picks, the Titans are executing the weirdest fakeout this offseason if they don’t select a quarterback. Evaluators don’t rank Ward at last year’s Caleb Williams-Jayden Daniels-Drake Maye level. Still, the combination of impressive size, arm strength and mobility makes the two-time college transfer the favorite for QB1.
Most fascinating with Tennessee is whether another quarterback-needy team comes calling for a shot at developing Will Levis.
2. Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The decision likely comes down to the Browns’ panic level at quarterback versus maximizing the Myles Garrett investment with arguably the No. 1 overall prospect. Quarterbacks alter a franchise’s vibe more than any other position, and neither Kenny Pickett, Kirk Cousins nor Russell Wilson is a changemaker.
Despite his impressive accuracy, some teams see Sanders as a Day 2 selection. That’s easy to say when your team has an answer at the sport’s most important position. That doesn’t mean drafting him at No. 2 isn’t a reach.
3. New York Giants: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
Signing free agent Jameis Winston Friday indicates that New York doesn’t feel great about snagging Aaron Rodgers, but that changes nothing in the big picture. The Giants are drafting a quarterback, whether that means Ward or Sanders slips to three, they overpay to move up one or two spots or they trade down for Jaxson Dart and extra picks.
The Giants could also take a standout at No. 3 such as Hunter and trade for a second first-round pick, or they could hold the powder and take a second-round flier. There’s talent on the roster, but the lack of quarterback upside curtails any optimism.
4. New England Patriots: Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State
The Patriots face a comparable scenario to the Browns: Choose between the primary need — offensive tackle to help protect Maye — or the top player available. This choice becomes easier when the prospect considered No. 1 in the class who plays a core position is available at No. 4.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The Jaguars signed many decent free agents, but none have addressed the interior defensive line issues. The 6-foot-3, 320-pound Graham’s high-end wrestling background will help him grapple with guards and centers. Jacksonville’s dubious culture should benefit from Graham’s national championship pedigree.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Jeanty’s vision and elusiveness in a 5-9 package have evaluators talking about a home run talent. The Raiders need too much help elsewhere for a borderline luxury pick. If Pete Carroll’s voice is the loudest in the Vegas war room, running back is the call rather than a front-seven defender.
7. New York Jets: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Membou is one of the high risers in this pre-draft cycle, thanks to a bonkers NFL combine performance. He might not slip past the Patriots or Raiders. The 332-pound tackle with mobility and strength played extensively at right tackle in his final two seasons with the Tigers. That’s where he would line up with 2024 first-rounder Olu Fashanu manning quarterback Justin Fields’ blindside.
8. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia
The pass rush hasn’t resurfaced following the Brian Burns trade. The Panthers tied for 29th with 32 sacks in 2024. Walker was the Bulldogs’ defensive leader and is a future force, whether at off-ball linebacker or off the edge. There’s a case for assisting quarterback Bryce Young by taking the first primary pass catcher.
9. New Orleans Saints: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
One of these days, the Saints will absorb the pain that comes with dumping salaries to get their financial house in order. That’s not this season. Anyway, finding more weapons for Kellen Moore’s passing game is key. Warren offers a reliable target (Big Ten-leading 104 receptions) with yards-after-the-catch prowess. There are no qualms here if the Saints choose a cornerback or front-seven defensive upgrade instead.
10. Chicago Bears: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Signing free agent Dayo Odeyingbo should not preclude the Bears from pursuing an edge defender, whether they’re monitoring a Trey Hendrickson trade or dipping into this deep class. The potential wrinkle is whether new head coach Ben Johnson wants to replicate Jahmyr Gibbs’ running back electricity in Chicago.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Will Campbell, T/G, LSU
The 49ers released/traded numerous talented players or passed on re-signing free agents to clear salary-cap space with heavy losses on both lines. Campbell is considered the surest offensive lineman in the draft but with shorter-than-desired arm length. San Francisco might begin Campbell’s career at guard while developing the 2024 All-American into the eventual Trent Williams replacement at left tackle.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Former Cowboys head coach Jimmy Johnson held a two-word roster-building philosophy: speed kills. His old boss and current Dallas owner/general manager, Jerry Jones, should embrace that approach. Golden took the silver at the combine with the second-fastest 40-yard dash time (4.29). The Cowboys require a WR2 boost regardless.
13. Miami Dolphins: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
The secondary issues at cornerback and safety have become a primary worry for Miami. Safety Malaki Starks is the potential Jevon Holland replacement, but the Dolphins should lean toward taking Barron here, the All-American corner with 4.39 speed, to fill the void across from Jalen Ramsey. Beefing up Tua Tagovailoa’s bodyguards is the broad priority.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Whether Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones wins the starting quarterback job, the Colts are overdue to add more weapons on offense. The tight end corps is particularly unimpressive. The 6-6 Loveland puts a tall target on the field, one capable of running receiver routes.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M
The Falcons have been deficient in pass rushers for years. There are mixed reviews for the 6-5, 267-pound Stewart. He never recorded more than 1 1/2 sacks in any of his three seasons. The counter: The springy lineman led the Aggies with 39 pressures last season and then wowed at the combine with a 4.59 40-yard dash and 40-inch vertical jump.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Campbell would be the best player available at this spot. The explosive linebacker with a mature mindset should make a smooth transition as a pass rusher and in coverage. There’s some temptation here to go receiver for a high-octane pairing with Marvin Harrison Jr., or cornerback.
17. *Los Angeles Chargers (via Bengals): Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
(Projected trade: Chargers acquire No. 17 and a 2026 fourth-rounder from Bengals for Nos. 22, 125, 214 and a 2026 third-rounder)
Jim Harbaugh trading up for a different Michigan man (Loveland) would be the ideal use of the Chargers’ draft capital (10 selections). The pivot turns to cornerback — and jumping the Buccaneers at No. 19 — after losing Kristian Fulton in free agency, and Asante Samuel Jr. remains unsigned. Johnson’s impressive 6-2 size, playmaking and familiarity with the Chargers’ coaching staff make for a smooth transition.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel, G/C, North Dakota State
This might be the most need-versus-best-player-available battle in the first round. Boldly signing quarterback Sam Darnold raises the offense’s ceiling, but only if the Seahawks’ pass blocking improves. This might be Zabel’s draft peak. The powerful lineman can play everywhere. Seattle needs him at guard.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
The secondary lacks needed quality, especially at cornerback, but safety offers the best options with Barron and Will Johnson off the board. Emmanwori is an athletic freak — the 6-3 safety popped at the combine with a 4.38 40-yard time and 43-inch vertical jump — who returned two of his four interceptions last season for touchdowns.
20. Denver Broncos: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Is Sean Payton’s offense better served drafting a wide receiver or helping a weaponless running back room? At least new tight end Evan Engram gives second-year quarterback Bo Nix another target.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
There’s ample speculation about the Steelers drafting the third quarterback, presumably Dart. Waiting for Rodgers suggests heightened urgency. Therefore, Pittsburgh targets a possible Week 1 interior starting lineman on either side of the ball.
22. Cincinnati Bengals (via Chargers): Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Trading down for more picks — the Bengals have six — helps the front office add more rookie contract talent to offset the significant spending for Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and possibly Hendrickson. This selection must go for defense, whether the line or secondary. The safety position fell apart following Jessie Bates’ departure in 2023.
23. Green Bay Packers: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
The Packers historically do not select wide receivers in the first round, so we honor the trend. Harmon’s forceful interior presence and pass-rushing skills are needed as Green Bay waits for other recent first-round linemen to improve.
24. *New York Giants (via Vikings): Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
(Projected trade: Giants acquire No. 24 from Vikings for Nos. 34, 99, 219 and a 2026 third-rounder)
Is talk of Dart going top 10 sincere, overcooked analysis or a reminder of what desperate teams will do for the king of NFL positions? The three-year starter led the SEC in completion percentage (69.3) and passing yards (4,279) last season.
25. Houston Texans: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Tank Dell’s significant knee injury may keep the talented receiver sidelined for much or all of the 2025 season, and newly acquired Christian Kirk’s contract expires next offseason. The slide ends here for McMillan, a 6-5 contested-catch hero.
26. *Buffalo Bills (via Rams): Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
(Projected trade: Bills acquire No. 26 from Rams for Nos. 30 and 109)
The Bills (10 picks) get ahead of the Ravens and Lions in pursuit of edge-rusher help. Free-agent signing Joey Bosa is Greg Rousseau’s tag-team partner for 2025, while Green, last season’s FBS leader with 17 sacks, adjusts going from the Thundering Herd to the NFL. Green could be among the first 15 picks if teams are comfortable with his off-the-field controversies.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
The Ravens never feel forced into taking a particular position. Cornerback, interior offensive line and defensive front are possibilities here. What the extra-bendy Ezeiruaku lacks in bulk, he makes up with wildly impressive athleticism and 34-inch arm length. He ranked high nationally last season in sacks (16 1/2) and tackles for loss (21).
28. Detroit Lions: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
Whether an end or tackle, the Lions look for defensive line depth. The 6-5 Pearce’s athleticism (his 1.56 time in the 10-yard split led all defensive ends at the combine) and college production (17 1/2 sacks and 28 tackles for loss since 2023) are worthy of top-20 status. Football character questions seemingly have raised enough eyebrows to drop Pearce into potentially the late first-round range.
29. *Cleveland Browns (via Commanders): Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
(Projected trade: Browns acquire No. 29 from Commanders for Nos. 33 and 104)
The run on edge defenders immediately before their pick has the Commanders (five picks) trading down. The Browns (10 picks) must protect Sanders if they take him at No. 2. Trading up four spots for this future left tackle might be required since the Chiefs (31) and Eagles (32) could justify taking a flier on last season’s Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award winner.
30. Los Angeles Rams (via Bills): Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
The Rams won’t lack cornerback options by dropping four spots. Hairston, the 2023 SEC leader with five interceptions and two pick sixes, became one of the combine’s stars after running a blistering 4.28 40-yard time.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Everyone saw the Eagles’ pass rushers demolish Kansas City’s offensive line in the Super Bowl. Simmons had top-15 potential before a left knee injury cost him 10 games in 2024. The three-year starter for Ohio State would challenge Jaylon Moore on the left side, join the battle to replace left guard Joe Thuney or prep for the future while working as a needed swing tackle.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
You know the drill. The Eagles keep the defensive line stocked after losing Milton Williams in free agency. Trading up for Starks as the C.J. Gardner-Johnson replacement is another logical scenario.
Teams without Round 1 pick
33. *Washington Commanders (via Browns): Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
With the first pick of the second round, the NFC runners-up ponder Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson for a bonkers read-option pairing with Daniels. The practical choice is this physical, 6-2 corner fit for defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.’s pressing style. Edge defenders, Washington’s top need, will be available later in the second round.
34. *Minnesota Vikings (via Giants): Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
The Vikings (four picks before moving back) should be the team most aggressively looking for a trade-down. They miss out on Zabel yet still draft arguably the best interior offensive lineman. Booker, a two-year starter for the Crimson Tide, was frequently projected among the top 15 before a rough combine.
(Illustration: Kelsea Petersen / The Athletic; photos: Ric Tapia, Bryan Bennett, Kevin Langley / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
