Much of the dust has settled from NFL free agency and teams now have a clearer picture of what they need in the 2025 NFL Draft. Teams like the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets have addressed their quarterback situations with new acquisitions while the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers continue trying to figure out if their answer will come from Aaron Rodgers or elsewhere.
With needs clarified and the draft class further evaluated, our NFL beat writers and staff convened for their second first-round mock draft playing the roles of GM for every team in the league. Most of the draft order stayed the same but a couple of deals shook up the end of the round. The results certainly differ from our beat mock draft in February. Here’s how it all shook out.
1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
The transition is complete, from suggestions early in the offseason that the Titans were looking to bail out of this spot and pick up much-needed draft capital — or take Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter after signing a veteran QB starter — to the reality that Ward is the guy. The veteran market may have something to do with that. The lack of urgency of potential trade partners may have something to do with it. But the Titans clearly grew enamored with Ward as they got to know him during the process and listened to him talk through film that is both exciting and a bit too risky at times. This organization successfully drafted one franchise quarterback high in the draft: Steve McNair in 1995. Ward follows Vince Young, Jake Locker and Marcus Mariota in the list of attempts over 30 years since then. — Joe Rexrode
2. Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
The Browns still have many good players on their roster, but they lack any standout area of real strength. This pick changes that as pairing Carter with the newly extended Myles Garrett creates one of the league’s scariest pass-rush groups. With no quarterback worthy of being taken with the No. 2 pick and no real trade offer materializing here, the Browns decide to wait until the second round — or maybe later in the first via trade — to add a young passer. Instead, they choose to add a young standout to an aging roster and believe that the pass rush can become a game-changing force, now and for years to come. — Zac Jackson
3. New York Giants: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Unable to work out a trade with the Titans for the first pick, the Giants pivot to Plan … who can even keep track of how deep they are into their plan at quarterback this offseason? The Giants have Tommy DeVito as the only quarterback on the roster. That underscores the desperation of the situation, even though they’ll surely add a veteran starter before the draft. Still, general manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll need to sell a future at QB to ownership as they’re on the hot seat entering their fourth season. There are plenty of skeptics about Sanders’ potential to be the type of franchise-altering addition Jayden Daniels was last year for the Commanders. But this regime needs to take a swing at QB, so it takes a big one on Sanders. — Dan Duggan
4. New England Patriots: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
This is the dream scenario for the Patriots with two quarterbacks going in the first three picks. It was going to be a tough decision if Hunter and Carter were both gone, stuck picking between an offensive or defensive lineman. Instead, the Patriots land the most dynamic player in this draft for a team that lacks play-making talent. To start, Hunter would probably have to play wideout since New England has arguably the worst wide receiver depth chart in the league and is mostly set at cornerback with Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis. But maybe down the line, Hunter gets to play both offense and defense. Either way, he brings excitement to a team that needs it. — Chad Graff
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
You can never have enough quality offensive linemen. Just ask the Eagles. So even after adding Patrick Mekari, Robert Hainsey and Chuma Edoga in free agency, Jacksonville wisely puts another young pillar in front of franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Membou is short, by traditional thresholds, to play tackle, but he likely has the athleticism to play the position in the NFL, though he wouldn’t have to immediately. The Jaguars aren’t in desperate need with the recently re-signed Walker Little on the blindside and 2023 first-round pick Anton Harrison at right tackle. Maybe Membou competes for a job at guard before eventually transitioning out to tackle if that’s where the Jaguars ultimately deem he’d best fit. For now, though, injecting youth, talent and depth into the offensive line is a priority. The Jaguars do that here. — Jeff Howe
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Trading for quarterback Geno Smith allowed the Raiders to adopt a strict best-player-available approach here, and they couldn’t lose as they identified six Tier 1 studs. It came down to running back Ashton Jeanty or Graham, and the Raiders went with another disruptor up front, as they emulate the Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning approach. Graham has a great first step, leverage, violence and a persistent motor and can also hold his own against the run. It will be like having two Christian Wilkins side by side and the Raiders can draft a starting RB in the second or third round. — Vic Tafur
7. New York Jets: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The Jets desperately need an upgrade at tight end, especially now that they’re plugging Justin Fields in at quarterback and should be using a run-heavy scheme. They signed Stone Smartt in free agency but he’s more of a big slot than a two-way tight end. The Jets need someone to step in as both a safety valve for Fields and as a quality blocker, and Warren can help in both areas. He might not be a Brock Bowers-level tight end prospect, but he arguably would be the most impactful, ready-made option for the Jets at No. 7. — Zack Rosenblatt
8. Carolina Panthers: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
After considering offers from the Steelers for George Pickens and Minkah Fitzpatrick, the Panthers stay put and are the first team to draft a Georgia defender (in part because the Eagles aren’t picking until 32). Using a top-10 pick on a player with minimal production in college is a risk, no matter Williams’ physical gifts (which are many). But the Panthers are banking on big upside from one of the youngest players in the draft – one whose final season at Georgia was slowed by a high ankle sprain. Williams’ best games came against top competition: He had two sacks in a victory over then-No. 1 Texas, two more sacks in the SEC Championship triumph over Texas and three pressures in an opening-week win versus Clemson when he initially hurt his ankle. — Joseph Person
9. New Orleans Saints: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
New Orleans’ offensive line was in shambles for much of last season, even after adding left tackle Taliese Fuaga as the team’s first-round pick last year. The Saints could use either a tackle or a guard and I went with Membou in our previous mock draft. With Membou’s stock on the rise, Campbell still feels like an easy pick. Right tackle would appear to be the spot for Campbell in an attempt to replace 2022 first-round pick Trevor Penning. The Saints possess numerous holes throughout the roster for new coach Kellen Moore so the best player available at almost any position here would benefit this team. — Larry Holder
10. Chicago Bears: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Do the Bears need a running back? Probably not. Coach Ben Johnson has been very complimentary of veteran D’Andre Swift. But the Bears are in no position to pass on a blue chip player in their current state, regardless of their other roster needs and the value of other positions. Give me Jeanty over the third-best offensive lineman (who might be best at guard) and the pass rushers who require some projection because of their lackluster production in college or are undersized. In Jeanty, the Bears add an elite difference-making weapon for Johnson’s offense. The Lions did the same when running back Jahmyr Gibbs was drafted at No. 12 two years ago. Johnson will remember that. His offense in Detroit changed because of it. Jeanty could have the same impact with the Bears. So, give me the potential star in Jeanty. — Adam Jahns
11. San Francisco 49ers: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
The 49ers wanted to trade down in this scenario, but the two most likely reasons for doing so — Warren and Jeanty — were off the board and the phone lines were dead. So San Francisco goes with Harmon, a big, productive defender with versatility on the inside of the line. No college interior defensive lineman had more quarterback pressures than Harmon last season, per PFF. The 49ers also have had good luck over the years with Ducks defenders — Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner and Deommodore Lenoir. It’s worth noting that GM John Lynch was among five 49ers scouts on hand for Oregon’s pro day earlier this week and that he had dinner with Ducks head coach Dan Lanning. “He’s become a good friend and ally,” Lynch said Wednesday. — Matt Barrows
12. Dallas Cowboys: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
There are so many needs for the Cowboys to address so the first preference was to find a trade partner to shuffle down a few spots and grab another Day 2 pick. Unable to find a dance partner, and seeing Jeanty and Harmon go off the board in back-to-back picks just before getting on the clock, McMillan is a fairly easy pick. The Cowboys have not addressed the No. 2 wide receiver spot in free agency and the options have mostly dried up. They’ll need to find a playmaker in the draft to pair opposite CeeDee Lamb, and McMillan is the type of receiver who can make things very “Dak-friendly” for the Cowboys. Getting a quality running back is necessary for that, too, but they should be able to do that on Day 2. Will Johnson was considered because of the need at cornerback but an offensive-minded hire at head coach tilts things in the favor of an offensive weapon. — Saad Yousuf
13. Miami Dolphins: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
It’s hard to imagine a better scenario for Miami, which desperately needs an upgrade over Liam Eichenberg at guard. This might even be one of those run-the-card-up situations, as there was little need to consider anyone else. Booker will join free-agent addition James Daniels to give the Dolphins a more formidable interior offensive line alongside center Aaron Brewer. Booker was an All-American and team captain at Alabama, where he used his massive frame and physicality to help create huge running lanes for the Crimson Tide offense. He’s exactly the kind of player the Dolphins need. — Jim Ayello
14. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Indianapolis could’ve traded back to recoup more draft capital, but for a team that desperately needs to upgrade at tight end, Loveland is too good to pass up. The Athletic’s draft guru Dane Brugler compared Loveland to Brock Bowers when we spoke about Loveland and Warren at the combine. Obviously, Brugler cautioned that Loveland shouldn’t be expected to have the same immediate impact as Bowers, who had a historic rookie season in 2024, but Loveland has the size, speed and versatility to become a QB’s best friend. The question in Indianapolis, however, is who that QB will be: Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones? — James Boyd
15. Atlanta Falcons: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
The Falcons re-signed cornerback Mike Hughes in free agency, which at least stabilizes the starting positions there with the combination of Hughes and A.J. Terrell. The same can’t be said at safety, where returning starter Jessie Bates, DeMarcco Hellams and Benny Sapp III were the only players on the roster — and Hellams and Sapp didn’t play in 2024 — before the team reportedly agreed to terms with veteran Jordan Fuller.
Bringing Fuller aboard doesn’t change the idea of looking for a long-term partner next to Bates. Taking Emmanwori over Georgia’s Malaki Starks, who has been considered the top safety in this class for a while, will be controversial, especially for Atlanta because of its Bulldog neighbors. But his NFL Scouting Combine testing results (4.38 40-yard dash, 43-inch vertical jump) and frame (6-3, 220 pounds) give him the kind of ceiling that might make it worth the risk. — Josh Kendall
16. Arizona Cardinals: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
The Cardinals addressed their biggest defensive needs during free agency, signing outside linebacker Josh Sweat and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, so they have flexibility here. They need help on the offensive line, particularly at guard, but Walker is too good to pass up. Best player available. He’s everything the organization covets: The 2024 Butkus Award winner, Walker is versatile, athletic and productive. He’s the son of a football coach. And he was a team captain in college. Walker can play off-ball linebacker or on the edge. Most importantly, he gives coordinator Nick Rallis another solid piece to build around. — Doug Haller
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
Can you rush the passer? Then the Bengals are interested. Green can do exactly that and new defensive coordinator Al Golden will be looking for an immediate impact off the edge for a room that needs any semblance of juice beyond Trey Hendrickson. Some might be put off by a smaller frame, but it actually plays well in Cincinnati. The Bengals are full of big-body edges utilized under former coordinator Lou Anarumo, but Golden will be interested in a new tool in his bag. Green’s speed to bend the edge and tenacious play style will fit nicely. If looking for concern over off-field issues surrounding Green, the Bengals would be one team with a history of looking past college transgressions and betting on the future of a player they believe is now about the right things. Leading the FBS in sacks doesn’t hurt, either. — Paul Dehner Jr.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Seahawks don’t have an urgent need at cornerback since they’re returning all three starters from last season. Riq Woolen and Josh Jobe are on expiring contracts, though, so there’s a long-term outlook to consider. Beyond that, Johnson is simply a very good player at a premium position. Despite an injury-shortened junior season, the 6-1, 194-pound Johnson is the No. 6 player on The Athletic’s consensus big board and the second-ranked cornerback behind Travis Hunter. He’d raise Seattle’s ceiling defensively with his scheme versatility and ball skills. — Michael-Shawn Dugar
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
This makes so much sense that it can’t possibly happen, right? Because of his position — off-the-ball linebacker — Campbell would be a value pick at 19. His tape and workout suggest he should go higher. Campbell also would fill a need for the Bucs, who lost Devin White last year and will need a replacement for 35-year-old Lavonte David at some point soon. GM Jason Licht hardly ever misses, and Campbell looks like the kind of player Licht usually hits on. — Dan Pompei
20. Denver Broncos: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
The Broncos spent free agency making big investments at non-premium positions in safety Talanoa Hufanga, linebacker Dre Greenlaw and tight end Evan Engram. So they can use the draft to keep adding to a defensive front that has developed into the team’s biggest strength. Defensive ends Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers are entering the final year of their respective contracts, and though Denver may extend both, it’s important to keep “feeding those lines,” as general manager George Paton said at the combine. Stewart is a bit of a projection given his lack of raw production in college, but he’s Dane Brugler’s No. 9 overall prospect thanks to the unique traits inside of his 6-5, 281-pound frame. It could become great value for the Broncos, who can address their need for a running back in the second round. — Nick Kosmider
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Jaxson Dart or a defensive lineman? As the Steelers sit in QB purgatory, waiting for an answer from Aaron Rodgers, this is the question that’s been asked often in Pittsburgh. That sports-talk hypothetical becomes mock reality here as the Steelers stand pat at No. 21. GM Omar Khan spent first-round picks in each of the last two years on offensive tackles Broderick Jones (2023) and Troy Fautanu (2024), to go along with second-round center Zach Frazier (2024). Continuing the team’s philosophy of building through the trenches, the Steelers address their most glaring hole on the roster.
The 6-4, 296-pound Grant likely projects as the nose tackle in the Steelers’ 3-4 base defense, allowing Keeanu Benton to slide over to the 3-4 end position. However, because both players have some versatility, where they line up will be worked out in team development. The Steelers will try to find a veteran bridge QB in 2025, consider a QB in the mid-to-late rounds and then make an aggressive push for a first-round rookie QB in 2026. — Mike DeFabo
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
The Chargers can mirror the Detroit Lions as they remake their RB room. In 2023, the Lions signed David Montgomery in free agency and drafted Jahmyr Gibbs in the first round, forming one of the best running back tandems in the league in under two months. The Chargers signed former Steelers running back Najee Harris to a one-year deal last week. Hampton would round out a vastly improved top duo for the Chargers, who struggled to find consistency in the run game in offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s first season calling plays. The Chargers cut running back Gus Edwards before free agency. J.K. Dobbins, their leading rusher in 2024, remains a free agent. — Daniel Popper
23. Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
The Packers will be without their best deep threat in Christian Watson for at least the first half of the season because of a torn ACL suffered in Week 18. Their best chance to replicate his ability to take the top off defenses is by taking Golden, the speedster from Texas whose stature may not scream WR1 but whose skill set can give the Packers an explosive option their passing game desperately needs. Green Bay’s top four wide receivers are all entering their third or fourth seasons, so the pipeline needs replenishing in case more than one leaves in free agency. The drought is finally over, as the Packers take a wide receiver in the first round for the first time since 2002. — Matt Schneidman
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📺: #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork
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24. Philadelphia Eagles: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Trade: Vikings trade No. 24 to Eagles for No. 32, a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 third-round pick.
The Eagles explored multiple trade opportunities before the Vikings revealed themselves to be a reasonable bunch. That the Lions published negotiations on social media remains disappointing. What began as an exercise in market evaluation turned into a pretty fair bargain. The Eagles are likely to have three third-round picks in 2026 and had four 2025 fifth-rounders to sweeten any deal. Not bad for an eight-spot leap. Starks is a sensible choice after trading away C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Texans. The Eagles add a proven playmaker in Starks to a room in which Reed Blankenship is the only established starter. — Brooks Kubena
25. Houston Texans: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Having shipped All-Pro left tackle Larmey Tunsil to the Washington Commanders earlier this month, the Texans need long-term help on the offensive line and Simmons gives them size (6-5, 310), athleticism and versatility, having played left and right tackle during his time at Ohio State. He is coming off of a season shortened by a torn ACL but is expected to quickly work his way into a starting role. — Mike Jones
26. Buffalo Bills: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
Trade: Bills trade Nos. 30 and 109 to Rams for No. 26.
The Lions at No. 28 were likely taking a hard look at an edge rusher, so the Bills sent out one of their many Day 3 selections to the Rams to move ahead and secure Ezeiruaku, a defensive end who suits them perfectly. The Bills have usually coveted length, explosiveness and production at the position, and Ezeiruaku brings all of that with 34-inch-long arms, great testing scores in explosive metrics and 30 sacks in college — 16.5 of which came in 2024. Drafting him takes advantage of an excellent edge rusher class by getting a good value in the late first while pairing Ezeiruaku’s rookie contract with the entirety of Greg Rousseau’s contract extension through the 2029 season. Joey Bosa’s presence can help Ezeiruaku come along slowly in 2025 and then take over a starting role in 2026. — Joe Buscaglia
27. Baltimore Ravens: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr., Mississippi defensive tackle Walter Nolen and Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. were all tempting here, but the Ravens play in a division with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, DK Metcalf, George Pickens and Jerry Jeudy. Quality cornerback play is essential and Baltimore only has four corners on its roster. Barron, who had five interceptions last year, can immediately slide into the slot with Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins playing outside. Ravens decision-makers talk a lot at this time of year about relying on the tape and Barron’s is very good. — Jeff Zrebiec
28. Detroit Lions: Grey Zabel, G, North Dakota State
The Lions aren’t a needs-based draft team, but after the first wave of free agency, there’s a glaring hole at edge. Za’Darius Smith was released and the Lions have yet to address the position other than bringing back the injury-prone Marcus Davenport. The Lions could still add to the room before the draft, but without knowing what other moves will be made, Detroit proposed to the Rams to move up two spots for edge rusher Ezeiruaku — who also happened to be the best player available on our board. Detroit offered Nos. 28, 102 and a 2026 fourth-rounder in exchange for Nos. 26 and 127. The Rams wanted a 2026 fifth-rounder included in addition to the other picks offered, but before the Lions could respond, Los Angeles accepted an offer from the Bills to jump the Lions, who selected Ezeiruaku. Consider the Brad Holmes-Les Snead bromance (and the Colton Pouncy-Jourdan Rodrigue friendship) dead.
However, the Lions were fine standing pat because we figured the board would still work in our favor. We landed another player we love in Zabel — a versatile, high-end interior offensive lineman who could compete for a starting job immediately at guard and potentially be the long-term replacement for Frank Ragnow at center. There should be some quality edge rushers available on Day 2, and a trade-up into the second round could help guarantee our pick of the bunch. — Colton Pouncy
29. Washington Commanders: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
This is the position Washington needs most and the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year recorded 17.5 sacks and 27.5 tackles-for-loss over his final two seasons with the Vols. Washington GM Adam Peters values linemen with fast 10-yard splits and the sleek, 6-5 edge defender’s 1.56 led all defensive ends at the combine. The rub: Character concern rumors seemingly hurt Pearce’s draft stock and the 245-pounder needs more bulk to help bolster outside run lanes for the Commanders’ 30th-ranked rushing defense. Trade-down attempts to replenish draft pick inventory failed. DE Nic Scourton is likely better for team chemistry and all-around fit, cornerback is another need area, and RB TreVeyon Henderson would be a blast paired with Jayden Daniels. Washington instead goes for the upside that’s been lacking at the vital position since trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young at the 2023 trade deadline. — Ben Standig
30. Los Angeles Rams: Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
Trade: Bills trade Nos. 30 and 109 to Rams for No. 26.
The Lions and Bills both called the Rams inquiring about a possible trade. Detroit attempted to convince the Rams to send back one too many extra picks by using the powerful bond of friendship as a negotiation tactic, but Snead wasn’t biting and kept his beloved fourth-rounder this year, his fourth-rounder in 2026, plus got pick No. 109 in a sweet deal with Buffalo and only had to move back four spots. Thomas is a long corner with good range who gives the Rams the size they badly need in their secondary, to pair on the outside with veteran Darious Williams (even though veteran starter Ahkello Witherspoon is back under contract for another season). Cobie Durant could move into the slot full-time with the selection of Thomas, who adds youth and talent to the DB room to match much of the rest of the defense. — Jourdan Rodrigue
31. Kansas City Chiefs: JT Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State
Since general manager Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid have found quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ next left tackle in Jaylon Moore, this mock draft presented two options for the team: Add another pass rusher or acquire Elijah Arroyo, the Miami tight end who could learn from future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce, who could retire after the 2025 season. As enticing as Arroyo is, the most logical decision is Tuimoloau, who is the ideal defensive end for coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. The Chiefs need to bolster their pass rush, especially since six-year veteran Charles Omenihu is still a free agent. Similar to three-year player George Karlaftis, Tuimoloau can rush the quarterback with power, be a plus-defender when setting the edge against the run and be tenacious enough to make second-effort splash highlights. — Nate Taylor
32. Minnesota Vikings: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Trade: Vikings trade No. 24 to Eagles for No. 32, a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 third-round pick.
The Eagles and Bills called for the No. 24 pick. Rather than settling for a 2025 fourth-rounder from Buffalo, Minnesota opted to take the long-term view. Philadelphia was willing to trade its glut of picks (No. 32, a 2025 fifth-rounder and a 2026 third-rounder). If it were possible to trade back again in this mock draft, the Vikings would have considered that as well. For now, Banks, whom The Athletic’s Brugler ranked as the No. 22 player in his top 100 prospects big board, made sense. Banks could vie for the Vikings’ open left guard spot. He also has tackle potential, which might be necessary depending on the health of the position in the next couple of seasons. Both left tackle Christian Darrisaw and right tackle Brian O’Neill have navigated serious injuries in recent years. — Alec Lewis
(Top image of Cam Ward and Travis Hunter: Carmen Mandato and John E. Moore III / Getty Images)
