2025 NFL Mock Draft
By Hayden Shapiro
It’s 2025! The draft is getting closer and closer, so make sure to drop a follow to keep up with the latest draft buzz. You can also follow my X @ HaydenShap49 for more player comparisons, draft notes, and overall sports content. Here’s my updated 2025 Mock Draft. Enjoy!
1 TEN: Cam Ward, QB Miami (FLA)
Cam Ward is the definition of a high-upside prospect. His tools are remarkable, and his poise is on another level. He’s accurate more often than not and he can extend the play with ease. With that being said, Ward has some major flaws. His traits and flashiness are appealing, but with a first-year GM that’s yet to even be named, Ward is a risky pick, but he’s also a player with a sky-high ceiling.
2 CLE: Shadeur Sanders, QB Colorado
I’ve had Sanders as my QB1 for the entirety of this draft cycle. He is extremely accurate and makes good decisions. His limited mobility doesn’t affect his ability to extend plays, and he has a very underrated arm. Cleveland gets the safer of the signal-callers, but Sanders’ ceiling caps much quicker than Ward’s.
3 NYG: Travis Hunter, CB/WR Colorado
The Giants don’t land a QB, but they get the best player in the draft. Hunter plays with insanely impressive instincts. As a corner, he often runs the route with, yes, alongside the WR he’s guarding. As a wideout, he makes jaw-dropping plays and possesses some elite body-control. He is always dangerous with the ball in his hands and the Heisman winner is surely going to make New York football watch-able again. Hunter has been the best player at every level he’s played at; who says he can’t bring the Giants back to their glory days?
4 NE: Abdul Carter, EDGE Penn St
Rookie standout Drake Maye needs weapons, but the Pats are going to have a hard time ignoring Carter’s unbelievable potential. Carter transitioned to a full-time EDGE this season and never looked back. His speed and power combination is very intriguing and Carter holds a plethora of pass-rush moves in his back pocket. What I look for when scouting pass-rushers is how often they have a second move, a counter if you will, after their first attempt fails; Carter always has another try ready. He just doesn’t stop, it’s remarkable. His high motor is going to serve him well at the next level.
5 JAX: Mason Graham, DL Michigan
Having a great football mind on the defensive line is such an underrated trait and Graham has it. He uses leverage to his advantage, popping up from his pre-snap stance faster than anyone in the class. Graham’s run-stuffing ability is pro-ready, but his ability to rush the passer doesn’t go unnoticed. He’s been doing damage since he was a freshman, and I don’t see his game-wrecking playstyle taking a step back anytime soon.
6 LV: Ashton Jeanty, RB Boise St
Elusiveness, power, vision; Jeanty has it all. He is the best running back prospect I have ever scouted (I’m 19 years old) and, quite frankly, I think the Heisman runner-up should be considered for the Giants up at 3. Jeanty bounces off would-be tacklers with ease and plays on every down. He picks up the blitz, sees the field extremely well, and sneakily has that next gear every RB needs nowadays. He’ll take this Raiders offense to another level on his own even with a subpar supporting cast.
7 NYJ: Tetairoa McMillan, WR Arizona
T-Mac won’t dazzle you with speed or elusiveness, but he’s simply always open. He is a tier-one route runner and McMillan’s size makes him a red zone threat. He stands at 6’4 but can work out of the slot and outside. His after the catch prowess reminds me a lot of a slower Puka Nacua. He’ll add a new dimension for this Jets offense that has all the talent in the world but continues to be held back by bad quarterback play. Whoever is throwing footballs for the Jets next year is going to love McMillan as a safety net.
8 CAR: Jalon Walker, LB Georgia
Jalon Walker is a remarkable football player. He has no glaring weakness, but he does have some incredible traits and skills. First of all, he is the fastest accelerator out of all the pass-rushers in this class. He goes from zero to one hundred in a split second. He can line up on the LOS or standing because of his elite pursuit. He’s listed as a linebacker, but he’s more of a 3–4, versatile EDGE in the league. The Panthers had the worst defense in the history of the NFL this season; they gave up more than 530 points, that’s dead last of all time. Walker can come in as a flexible, toolsy, and strong pass-rusher to help revitalize this Carolina defense.
9 NO: Will Johnson, CB Michigan
Johnson is a safe prospect, high floor low ceiling guy. He is great in man and has great press moves, but his closing speed worries me. He just isn’t a fantastic athlete. He lacks agility and speed. With that being said, he has extremely long arms and has been very consistent as a Wolverine.
10 CHI: Nic Scourton, EDGE Texas A&M
Scourton wins with power and finesse; he’s truly a unicorn-type pass-rusher. He’s 6’4, 280 pounds of muscle. The Purdue transfer is so effective and makes an impact on every down. Oh, and he’ll also be 20 years old in April.
11 SF: James Pearce Jr., EDGE Tennessee
Pearce Jr. has an incredibly high ceiling. He’s shown flashes of stardom during his time as a Volunteer, but the production took a step back this season. He surprisingly wins the majority of his line battles with power and reach. His 242-pound frame is somewhat worrisome, but it doesn’t effect his strength and only adds to his absurd acceleration. An aging Leonard Floyd gets replaced by a twitchy, bendy, and insanely quick EDGE from Tennessee.
12 DAL: Luther Burden III, WR Mizzou
Burden III was used incorrectly during his final year at Missouri. The guy has insane speed and phenomenal skills with the ball in his hands. He can line up anywhere on offense and would give the Cowboys another YAC weapon alongside superstar CeeDee Lamb.
13 MIA: Walter Nolen, DL Ole Miss
Walter Nolen’s surging stock is warranted, but there are some things that worry me. Yes, he is as strong as on ox and rushes the passer, but lack of effort in SEC football isn’t to be ignored. He has all the tools to be a first-round selection, but how bad does he want to play football? Time will tell.
14 IND: Tyler Warren, TE Penn St
Tyler Warren just doesn't go down. He is a monster after the catch and also catches everything thrown his way. He can block as well as beat a safety down the seam. A true playmaker is Warren, and he lands in Indy here at 14. The Colts have built a nice roster, but the truth is that the Colts go as far as Richardson can take them. Why not give him a safety-net like Warren? This is a picture-perfect fit.
15 ATL: Mykel Williams, EDGE Georgia
Williams is a straight up athlete. The guy lines up everywhere and is a bowling ball coming off the edge. It’s like lining up against a power forward. His sky-high ceiling makes him an intriguing prospect, but he needs to work on setting the edge on runs. He is an A+ pass-rusher and this pick at 15 is A+ value as Atlanta continues to add defensive talent.
16 ARI: Will Campbell, OT LSU
Campbell has started every game at left tackle for the Tigers since he was a freshman. He is insanely consistent and would be a great addition to this Arizona line. He can kick into guard because of the power and agility he possesses, as well as stick at tackle and beat people with footwork. He reminds me of a smaller Joe Alt.
17 CIN: Malaki Starks, S Georgia
Starks fell in this mock and ended up in Cincy. An aging Vonn Bell and an underwhelming Dax Hill aren’t the answer up top for the Bengals. Starks adds a true ballhawk, center fielder type safety who can also tackle. A true defensive Swiss army knife.
18 SEA: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT Texas
This would be a dream scenario for Seattle. They get a top 2 tackle in the draft without trading up. Charles Cross has been great at Lumen Field for the Seahawks, but Abe Lucas has not. Banks Jr. can slot right in at RT for the Seahawks and make an impact right away.
19 HOU: Emeka Egbuka, WR Ohio St
Egbuka and Stroud were BFFs at Ohio St and if Diggs leaves or Tank Dell misses time, this is a very real possibility. Egbuka has been very consistent as a Buckeye. He brings a slot, outside, and special teams presence to Houston.
20 DEN: Colston Loveland, TE Michigan
Colston Loveland is an athletic TE who’s always a threat down the seam. His long strides lead to deceptive speed, and he’s got great hands. The only problem is that Loveland is not a good blocker, but if there’s a coach that can take him in and make him block, it’s Sean Payton
21 TB: Jihaad Campbell, LB Alabama
Campbell is not only a fantastic tackler, but he’s absolutely spectacular in pass coverage. According to PFF, he has the most coverage stops in all of CFB this year. Lavonte David is getting up there in age, so Campbell can learn from the best and start beside the best at the same time.
22 PIT: Jahdae Barron, CB Texas
Barron won the award for best defensive back in the country and for good reason. His break on the ball and closing speed are ridiculous, along with his press prowess. He is so good and handsy at the line of scrimmage but never gets flagged. A boundary corner duo of Joey Porter Jr. and Jahdae Barron would be a nightmare to gameplan for and play against.
23 LAR: Derrick Harmon, DL Oregon
The Michigan State transfer put on a highlight reel of tape during the second half of this season. Harmon has a great build; thick arms, a strong lower body, and really heavy hands. The Rams could solidify their D-Lines as a top one with this selection, as it would include Kobie Turner, Barden Fiske, and now Harmon if this pick comes to fruition.
24 GB: Shemar Stewart, DL Texas A&M
Stewart is so athletic for his size, he truly moves like a linebacker. At 6’6, 290 pounds, Stewart can rip through blockers and beat tackles on the outside. His strong arms and long legs make him hard to stop. Green Bay missed on Devontae Wyatt a few years back, but they’ve drafted really well besides that. Stewart can play along the interior and even line up outside if need be. Him and Rashan Gary are actually very similar players despite the 20 pound difference.
25 LAC: Kyle Kennard, EDGE South Carolina
This could be labeled a reach, but Kennard was absolutely spectacular. The only worry is that opposing teams were so focused on freshman sensation Dylan Stewart that it left Kennard 1-on-1. Besides that, I have a first-round grade on Kennard. He wins with power and speed, he’s got very long arms, and doesn’t stop moving.
26 WSH: Aireontae Ersery, OT Minnesota
Ersery has solidified himself as a first rounder after starting the year in the gutter, but why? Well, this guy plays with extremely fast feet. It’s something scouts often look for in OTs because of the speed they have to face nowadays. Ersery is built to succeed against quicker rushers, but can struggle against bigger/more powerful guys. Washington is more than committed to Jayden Daniels, so here they decide to protect him with a Golden Gopher.
27 BAL: Jonah Savaiinaea, OL Arizona
Savaiinaea plays every position well, but nothing jumps off the page. He’s a raw prospect that the Ravens can experiment with. They have two young guards, but Jonah looks to be more fine-tuned and well-rounded than the guards on the Ravens roster. Don’t get me wrong, Daniel Faalele has power, but he cannot move. Savaiinaea adds a nice touch of flexibility to this line.
28 MIN: Donovan Jackson, OL Ohio St
Jackson’s been forced to play all over the Buckeye line and he’s been lights out at every position. It showed off his versatility and certainly boosted his stock. Minnesota was bounced in the first run due to Sam Darnold not having any time to throw the ball, so this pick makes tons of sense.
29 BUF: Xavier Watts, S Notre Dame
This might be my favorite pick from this mock, but bias aside, Watts is one heck of a football player and he deserves to go on day one. He has a true sixth sense that tells him where the ball will be, he’s a willing tackler, and his presence up top has been felt by every opposing team, besides NIU, strongly. He makes his money’s worth in the red zone where he can utilize his sideline to sideline speed and downhill tackling ability. The Bills quietly had the best safety tandem of the 2020’s for a bit with Poyer and Hyde, here they reboot, selecting Xavier Watts from Notre Dame.
30 PHI: Princely Umanmielen, EDGE Ole Miss
This’ll be an EDGE, but which one? Umanmielen brings long arms and setting the edge to another level. He’s an old-fashioned run-stopping defender who is more than capable of applying some pressure. He took a huge step in his only year as a Rebel, playing beside Walter Nolen and Chris Paul Jr. Princely is a leader who knows what it’s like to play meaningful, SEC football. I like this fit a lot.
31 KC: Cam Williams, OT Texas
Williams is extremely raw, but this guy’s sheer power and size make him a day one pick. The Chiefs are still going with Jawaan Taylow at RT, not that that’s a bad thing, but Williams is built to play right tackle in a inside zone heavy scheme. The Chiefs run, not a lot, but when they do it goes behind someone. They have a fully-all-pro interior OLine, so adding Williams allows him to learn from the best in the league, but it also gives him a shot to start day one.
32 DET: JT Tuimoloau, EDGE Ohio St
Tuimoloau was the best player on the field in the CFP game against Oregon and it wasn’t close. He stops the run, forces pressure, and lays the boom. He needs to work on his pursuit and speed, but with the right room and coaches, which Detroit has, JT could be a force in the league.
