Where quarterback Shedeur Sanders and running back Ashton Jeanty ultimately get selected is one of the 2025 NFL Draft’s biggest storylines.
Sanders did make sense for the Giants at No. 3 overall to help clean up the QB mess left by the Daniel Jones debacle, but they can throw things off for the entire first round by going in a different positional direction for the best player available.
The Raiders have been even more attached of late to Jeanty at No. 6 to fill their major void for a dynamic feature back to replace what Josh Jacobs gave them as a first-rounder. What if Las Vegas would instead pick another offensive playmaker, whether by choice or because the Jaguars snag Jeanty one pick ahead of them?
It’s time to explore the ripple effects of both teams failing to pick an oft-mocked option, opening the door for other teams to land Sanders and Jeanty early.
MORE 2025 NFL DRAFT: SN’s 7-round mock | Top 250 big board | Expert mock draft roundup
NFL Mock Draft 2025
1. Tennessee Titans
- Cam Ward, QB, Miami (6-2, 219 pounds)
The Titans won’t be deviating from this pick, taking Ward off the board and making other QB-needy teams decide whether they want to commit to Sanders or a better player available for them.
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2. Cleveland Browns
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Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado (6-0, 188 pounds)
The Browns can’t go wrong with non-quarterback in this draft, as cornerback, wide receiver, pass rusher, and running back are all needs of different levels in their budget rebuilding. Cleveland not forcing Sanders here seems likely, and fortune can favor the organization with a dynamic dual threat from Boulder having a huge versatile impact.
3. New York Giants
- Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State (6-3, 250 pounds)
The Giants need a QB, and Sanders being on the board would create quite a dilemma for a team in the NFL’s biggest media market. As it stands, the Giants are now the favorites to land Carter should the first two picks play out with Hunter going right before them. New York has some pass-rush assets, but in going defense, Carter can lead them well as a needed dominant playmaker. Will the Giants ultimately regret passing on a QB? Maybe, but if they do, it’s tough to say how far Sanders might fall.
4. New England Patriots
- Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M (6-5, 267 pounds)
The Patriots were the worst pass-rushing team in the NFL last season and may still stick with an explosive sack artist if Carter is off the board. Stewart has that kind of all-around disruptive upside to be the thrilling next man at the position.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
- Armand Membou, OT, Missouri (6-4, 332 pounds)
The Jaguars can also consider running back, wide receiver, tight end, defensive tackle, and cornerback early, but addressing the offensive line makes sense with real questions about current Trevor Lawrence pass-protecting bookends Walker Little and Anton Harrison.
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6. Las Vegas Raiders
- Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona (6-4, 219 pounds)
The Raiders’ decision looks like it may come down to Jeanty vs. McMillan, who also make sense to fill their void for a true No. 1 outside wide receiver with big-play upside and red-zone pop to replace Davante Adams. He’s a strong complementary target for Geno Smith playing off 2024 first-rounder Brock Bowers and do-everything veteran Jakobi Meyers.
7. New York Jets
- Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado (6-1, 212 pounds)
The Jets’ current starting QB is a dynamic runner in Justin Fields, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to explore a strong-armed, accurate pocket passer. Sanders is a blend at the moment of Jared Goff and Kirk Cousins in that regard, the former being important because of the Lions’ influence coming from Aaron Glenn and Tanner Engstrand. If Sanders doesn’t go to the Giants or Jets, it’s possible he goes to the Saints two picks later.
8. Carolina Panthers
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Mason Graham, DT, Michigan (6-3, 296 pounds)
The Panthers will think about McMillan as a new top target for Bryce Young should the Raiders and other teams above pass, but otherwise, sticking with the best player available to help their defense is a solid plan, especially with Graham ready to rip NFL interior blockers.
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9. New Orleans Saints
- Will Johnson, CB, Michigan (6-2, 202 pounds)
The Saints would need to think about moving up to ensure getting Sanders if they think the Jets might make that move, but if they stay put without him available, getting this big cover corner who now has no injury issues would make sense after trading Marshon Lattimore last season.
10. Chicago Bears
- Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State (5-8, 211 pounds)
The Bears are getting more attached to taking a top running back in this class, and while this might seem like a luxury pick, Jeanty would be the missing piece for their running game for Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams after their big offensive line upgrades in free agency. Johnson has first-hand knowledge of how impactful a high-drafted running back can be from his time with the Lions (see Jahmyr Gibbs).
11. San Francisco 49ers
- Will Campbell, OT, LSU (6-6, 319 pounds)
The 49ers will be looking to get Trent Williams’ successor, as well as an immediate upgrade on the right side where they should want to kick Colton McKivitz to guard. Campbell is right there for them should the Patriots, Jaguars, and Bears pass.
12. Dallas Cowboys
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Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State (6-5, 256 pounds)
The Cowboys would shock many with this move, but they are in the market to give CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott more dynamic receiving support, so why not a top tight end instead of an outside wideout? Warren can be moved around well and schemed open by Brian Schottenheimer, opening the door for some more 12 personnel with Jake Ferguson.
13. Miami Dolphins
- Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas (6-5, 315 pounds)
The Dolphins need to make offensive tackle a higher priority with Terron Armstead retiring from left tackle, and either Banks or Campbell would be a good athletic fit for their system.
14. Indianapolis Colts
- Malaki Starks, S, Georgia (6-1, 197 pounds)
The Colts did sign Camryn Bynum from the Vikings in free agency, but they can put together a major upgrade in cleaning up plenty with more big plays in the secondary by pairing him with Starks, a flat-out well-rounded playmaker.
15. Atlanta Falcons
- Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama (6-3, 235 pounds)
The Falcons are still getting solid play from Kaden Elliss, but their other linebacker spot is a mess for new defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. Campbell would give him an ace in coverage and also help vs. the pass as a blitzer.
16. Arizona Cardinals
- Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan (6-3, 331 pounds)
The Cardinals need to go after their version of Jalen Carter for Jonathan Gannon, and Grant’s massive frame can wreak equal havoc inside engulfing blockers vs. the run and pass.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
- Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss (6-3, 296 pounds)
The Bengals have re-signed B.J. Hill, but they should love to have this natural run-stopper with pass-rush upside for new defensive coordinator Al Golden.
18. Seattle Seahawks
- Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas (5-11, 194 pounds)
The Seahawks need to think about a Kyle Hamilton-like moveable chess piece in the secondary for coach Mike Macdonald. Barron would be a great addition to play off Devon Witherspoon.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee (6-5, 245 pounds)
The Buccaneers need to revamp their front seven in every capacity for Todd Bowles, but pass rush is most critical. Going for Pearce’s explosive upside makes sense despite his off-field concerns.
20. Denver Broncos
- Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia (6-1, 243 pounds)
The Broncos need some versatile second-level help. Walker can be active flying around in coverage, as well as being moved around to boost the pass rush.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
- Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss (6-2, 225 pounds)
The Steelers need to think about their best quarterback target with no options beyond Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson right now. Dart can help them rewrite the first-round script from Kenny Pickett with his arm, accuracy, toughness, and athleticism.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
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Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State (6-1, 202 pounds)
The Chargers are leaning more toward giving Justin Herbert and Ladd McConkey more help. Jim Harbaugh is well aware of everything former rival Big Ten rival Egbuka can do as a technically-sound, reliable route-runner who can get open all over the field.
23. Green Bay Packers
- Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia (6-5, 260 pounds)
The Packers will be in the market for more power in the pass rush, and Williams offers some fine outside-inside versatility for Jeff Hafley’s defense.
24. Minnesota Vikings
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Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina (6-3, 220 pounds)
The Vikings lost Bynum and need a worthy replacement next to venerable re-signee Harrison Smith. Emmanwori gets around the field well against the run and also has flashed plenty of big plays in coverage.
25. Houston Texans
- Tyler Booker, G, Alabama (6-5, 321 pounds)
The Texans need to work on upgrading their interior blocking after recovering at left tackle with Cam Robinson replacing Laremy Tunsil. Booker’s nimble nature along with natural power is a good fit for their blocking.
26. Los Angeles Rams
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Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri (6-0, 206 pounds)
The Rams signed Davante Adams after the Jets released him to offset the loss of Cooper Kupp, but they need someone to pick up the slack in the slot. With his shiftiness and explosive after-the-catch ability, Burden fits the bill.
27. Baltimore Ravens
- Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M (6-2, 257 pounds)
The Ravens might be trying to move Odafe Oweh and should be looking to replenish their pass rush regardless. Scourton is a good fit for their scheme with his powerful burst.
28. Detroit Lions
- Grey Zabel, G, North Dakota State (6-6, 312 pounds)
The Lions have a hole at right guard, and Graham Glasgow is fading with age at left guard. Zabel has natural power, but his standout athleticism at the Senior Bowl has shot him into first-round contention.
29. Washington Commanders
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Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College (6-2, 248 pounds)
The Commanders need to keep upgrading their front-four pass rush for Dan Quinn. Ezeiruaku can at first be a strong situational replacement for Dante Fowler Jr.
30. Buffalo Bills
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Matthew Golden, WR, Texas (6-0, 195 pounds)
The Bills need to consider receiver early again this year, and the speedy Golden can provide a savvy vertical threat for Josh Allen. Golden also has the versatility to make big plays after the catch in the open field.
31. Kansas City Chiefs
- Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina (6-0, 221 pounds)
The Chiefs may not need this “luxury pick” in relation to defensive and offensive line help, but the combination of Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco can be cleaned up well with a workhorse who can make amends for the bad Clyde Edwards-Helaire pick five drafts ago.
32. Philadelphia Eagles
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Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan (6-5, 248 pounds)
The Eagles need to think about the near future at tight after Dallas Goedert, and stashing Loveland would be ideal as a key third target for Jalen Hurts between A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
