2025 NFL Mock Draft 3.0
By Hayden Shapiro
The NFL season has concluded and the Eagles are your super bowl champions. Now it’s offically draft season; my favorite time of the year. Post-senior bowl, we’ve seen some stocks soar, as well as some stocks dip. This means new faces in the top-32 and even the top-10! Here’s my mock draft 3.0; sit back, grab a drink, and enjoy.
1 TEN: Cam Ward, QB Miami
The Titans need help everywhere, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they waited on a QB, but in this mock I stick with them taking Ward at one. The former Hurricane has so much upside, and although the floor could be low, his ceiling is immeasurable. He throws from multiple arm slots and it doesn’t matter if his feet are set; the ball is going to get to his target.
2 CLE: Travis Hunter, CB/WR Colorado
The number one prospect on my board and reigning Heisman winner lands in Cleveland. Whether he’ll be going through the combine as a corner or wideout remains up in the air, but what is known is that Hunter is going to absolutely tear up the combine. As a corner, he has elite ball-tacking ability and some of the most fluid hips I have ever seen. He literally runs routes for the receiver he’s defending at times. Out wide on offense, his routes are crisp and he is the master of the head fake. He’s nearly impossible to bring down in open space, making him a threat underneath and on screens, while still maintaining his prowess as a deep threat. Travis Hunter is going to make an impact on both sides of the ball as a Brown, and for whoever is throwing him footballs in Cleveland next season.
3 NYG: Shadeur Sanders, QB Colorado
I know I keep mocking this pick and I know it might be boring, but all signs point to Sanders landing in the Big Apple. Sanders has an uncanny ability to read the field very quickly and is an ultra-accurate over-the-middle passer. He lacks the ideal arm strength as an NFL quarterback, but his poise and confidence is going to make him a solid day one quarterback option for the Giants. New York has weapons, and a half decent line, meaning Sanders has the team around him to succeed, but will Brian Daboll and GM Joe Shoen allow him to shine? Only time will tell.
4 NE: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT Texas
This might be a bit of a reach, but I am a firm believer in protecting young quarterback’s before giving them weapons. I expect New England to throw a lot of money at some wideouts in free agency, so why not give them a steady, strong offensive tackle in Banks Jr. He put on some very impressive tape against some of the country’s premiere pass-rushers including both Georgia Bulldogs (Williams and Walker) and has held his own against guys like Abdul Carter in the past. Drake Maye loves to roll out and that won’t happen without a superstar tackle; Banks Jr has all the tools to become a Andrew Thomas type tackle in this league.
5 JAX: Ashton Jeanty, RB Boise St
Look: Jacksonville technically doesn’t need a running back, but with the Liam Cohen signing it just makes too much sense. Cohen had a triple-headed monster in Tampa and adding a generational running back, yes I said that correctly, would take this offense to a new level. Travis Etienne can’t stay on the field and Tank Bigsby has shown flashes but hasn’t become an A1 back. Enter Jeanty, a highly coveted, multi-sport athlete who can outrun just about anybody. His center of gravity is so low that it allows him to bounce off would-be tacklers on what seems like ever run. He can take up to 30 carries a game given his insane motor and wild stamina, and he’s a great pass blocker. Jeanty deserves a top five nod and in this case, he’s headed to DUUVAL.
6 LV: Abdul Carter, EDGE Penn St
If Maxx Crosby remains in Vegas, this duo could become one of the best in the NFL. Abdul Carter is a top three player in this draft, but in a QB-needy league, he falls right into the Raiders’ lap. His twitchiness and bendiness make him a premiere edge-threat, a guy who will be involved on every play. It would also give opposing lines nightmares thinking about who they want to double-team. The former inside linebacker has extreme burst off the edge and a sixth sense for where the ball-carrier will go next; it’s remarkable.
7 NYJ: Mason Graham, DL Michigan
Surprisingly this Jets team was towards the bottom of the league in stopping the run; enter Mason Graham. Graham won’t be a double-digit sack guy, at least right away, but he doesn’t seem to have any flaws. I’ve watched him more than any other prospect in this class, and I legitimately cannot find a glaring weakness in his game. He clogs holes, takes on double teams, and uses leverage to his advantage. He’s got a strong base and really heavy hands, two things that scouts are going to drool over. It also makes this interior scarier than it already is on paper; Quinnen Williams and Mason Graham, yes please.
8 CAR: Shemar Stewart, EDGE Texas A&M
I’m buying all the Shemar Stewart hype, especially after his dominant senior bowl. The production lacked this year, it did, but what this guy can do at his size (6’6, 280) is remarkable. Stewart is a threat off the edge but is big enough to slip inside on certain plays and in specific formations. His burst is flat-out crazy at his size, and he’ll be a dominant run-stopping, edge-setting defensive lineman in this league with the right coaching and development. Carolina’s defense gave up the most points in NFL history this past season and selecting a versatile defender like Stewart can improve this unit, one that’s desperate for talent, right off the bat. I am really intrigued to see what he does at the combine and in interviews because I think a top 10 selection isn’t far-fetched for the former Aggie.
9 NO: Tyler Warren, TE Penn St
Warren is a dynamic pass-catcher who is rapidly rising on boards, and for good reason. Jhe roughly accounted for 80% of the Nittany Lions’ offense this past season, ultimately leading them to the college football playoff. He is dangerous down the seam and has glue for hands, but where Warren really shines is after the catch. He’s got evident shades of George Kittle in his game and with the Saints’ somewhat bizarre offensive scheme, Warren could work out of any position on the field. Whether the Saints stick with David Carr or transition to Spencer Rattler, Warren is going to be their best friend. He’s also a fantastic blocker in the run game, making him one of the most complete offensive players in this year’s class.
10 CHI: Mike Green, EDGE Marshall
Here’s a little surprise; a Marshall player at the backend of the top 10, but for good reason. Mike Green was phenomenal during his senior year as a member of the Thundering Herd, racking up 17 sacks and loads of TFLs. He also put on a show at the senior bowl. He’s not going to dazzle you with blazing speed, but his power, especially at his size, is an absolute game-changer. Green’s bull-rush is picture perfect and he’s an absolute pass-rush technician. Think a Laiatu Latu but stronger and with a much higher motor; the guy never stops working on the gridiron. Chicago could go many ways with this pick, but why not bolster their pass-rush and add to an already stout front-seven. He would slot it right away opposite Montez Sweat, ultimately making this Bears defense that much scarier to face-off against.
11 SF: Tetairoa McMillan, WR Arizona
A little bit of a fall for McMillan here in this mock doesn’t mean I don’t like him as much as I used to, it’s just that certain players are on the rise and before the combine rolls around, McMillan is going to stay put as a fringe top eight to ten option. Here he lands in San Francisco, a team who loves to utilize screens and play-action, two parts of McMillan’s game that shine on tape. His wide frame allows him to come down with contested catches and his crisp route running makes him a threat over the middle. I am a big Tetairoa McMillan fan, and I see a lot of Puka Nacua in his game. Deebo was just granted permission to seek a trade, opening up a spot for McMillan to make an impact right away for Brock Purdy and the 49ers.
12 DAL: Luther Burden III, WR Mizzou
Poor quarterback play this season in Columbia prompted a down-season for Burden, but his skill set is perfect for Dallas. They need weapons; weapons who can line up anywhere, and they need someone to take some slack off CeeDee Lamb. Burden is a deep threat with the ability to make plays underneath as well.
13 MIA: Will Johnson, CB Michigan
Will Johnson is a high-floor prospect. I might be alone on this, but he just doesn’t have any traits that absolutely jump off of the page. He’s going to be a steady option who’ll shut down number two options, but I don’t think he’s an absolute game changer. He is sticky in man and has great press technique, though.
14 IND: Shavon Revel Jr., CB East Carolina
Revel was high on my board early in the CFB season, but an ACL tear sidelined him for the remainder of the year. He is long and a very, very good tackler. He can play in the slot or on the boundary, immediately boosting the talent in this young Colts secondary.
15 ATL: Jalon Walker, LB Georgia
Walker is a hybrid, high-motor linebacker who always seems to be where the ball is. He has a nose for the pigskin and consistently shoots the right gap with electric speed and bulldozer power. Walker’s acceleration is very impressive, and I expect him to absolutely tear up the combine. If he runs in the 4.50’s, don’t be surprised. He would immediately bolster this ATL front-seven; from a blitzing standpoint but also stopping the run.
16 ARI: Jahdae Barron, CB Texas
What I like most about Barron is his willingness to tackle. He can play in the slot which just adds to his skillset, but that’s not all Barron does. He won the award for the best DB in the nation this past CFB season; and for good reason. He is extremely sticky in man and has impressive closing speed, allowing him to give some cushion in zone. Arizona can’t stick with Starling Thomas V on the boundary, so Barron is a great fit and can start right away.
17 CIN: Will Campbell, OT/G LSU
Will Campbell’s short arms are worrisome, but his consistency in college might allow him to test out at tackle in the league. Wherever he plays, guard or tackle, he’s going to make an impact for this Bengals line. A little bit of a fall here for the LSU standout, but he could be ready to go week one for Cincy. Joe Burrow needs protection desperately, and whether it’s on the interior or the perimeter, Campbell will provide that.
18 SEA: Malaki Starks, S Georgia
This is a little late for Starks, but that’s just how this mock worked out. The former 5-star recruit is a do-it-all safety who reads the quarterback’s eyes extremely well but also has some impressive tackling skills. He would be an immediate starter after the departures of Ryan Neal, Jamal Adams, and Quandre Diggs over the past couple of years.
19 TB: James Pearce Jr., EDGE Tennessee
Pearce is a twitched-up pass-rusher with some really impressive speed off of the edge. His bendiness allows him to slip past tackles on passing downs and his long arms keep blockers guessing. My only knock on the ex-Vol is that he is not big enough to set the edge on runs; it’s really a struggle some part of his game. With the right coaching and weight-training, Pearce could be one of the best value selections of the draft.
20 DEN: Jihaad Campbell, LB Alabama
Campbell can not only cover TEs, but he makes an impact against running backs and the occasional slot receiver. He had one of the top coverage grades in the country, per PFF, and his versatility allows whatever team drafts him to use him like a chess piece. He can rush the passer and stuff the run; he’s truly an all-around prospect. The reason he could fall this late is simply because his athleticism doesn’t jump off of the page. He won’t run a dazzling 40, but this guy is going to be a force in the league if placed in the right situation.
21 PIT: Quinshon Judkins, RB Ohio St
Judkins is a good pass-blocker and can take some of the load off Jaylen Warren; a guy who often plays later downs. This also allows Pittsburgh to let Najee Harris go, something I really think they should do.
22 LAC: Emeka Egbuka, WR Ohio St
As a strong-handed, great route-running slot receiver, Egbuka provides Justin Herbert with yet another reliable target over the middle, and on slot fades. The former Buckeye has a similar skillset to current Chargers WR1 Ladd McConkey, but with more strength and YAC ability. He is also a great punt returner.
23 GB: Mykel Williams, EDGE Georgia
A bowling ball off the edge, Williams has all the upside in the world. He looks like power forward but runs like a tight end. His sheer power will land him in the first round, but the rawness of his game is what worries me a bit. We’ve seen raw-er prospects go high, take Travon Walker for example, but it doesn’t always work out. Green Bay desperately needs pass-rush help and that’s what Williams brings, although he might not be ready to go right away.
24 MIN: Omarion Hampton, RB UNC
Great balance and a strong lower body is the name of Hampton’s game. He can be a lethal early-down back in this league, and with Aaron Jones set to become a free agent, Minnesota is in the RB market.
25 HOU: Donovan Jackson, IOL Ohio St
Jackson’s flexibility and ability to fill in at tackle in a pinch is boosting his stock. He is good on the interior, and I think Houston desperately needs help there, but I’m not sure about a first on Jackson. He does some things really well, but is positionless play really that important on the line? I personally do not think so.
26 LAR: Armand Membou, OT Mizzou
Membou is a strong tackle who will take some time to learn the NFL game but has a ton of upside. He looked good at the senior bowl and has a great lower body. Poor quarterback play made Missouri nearly unwatchable last season, so that’s one reason I’ve just recently got to look at Armand’s tape.
27 BAL: Josh Simmons, OT Ohio St
Injury concerns are there, but that is literally the only reason Simmons falls this far. He was arguably the best tackle in CFB this season before his injury and Baltimore desperately needs help on their line. Rosengarten looks good, but an aging Ronnie Stanley needs a replacement sooner rather than later.
28 DET: Jack Sawyer, EDGE Ohio St
From an energy/spark plug standpoint, Sawyer is one of the most exciting players in the class. He has a very high motor and makes big time plays when it matters most. My only worry is how good are Sawyer’s skills, actually? We know he’s strong, we know he’s got a high football IQ, but he doesn’t always have a counter move ready and he gets caught sleeping on roll-outs.
29 WSH: Walter Nolen, DL Ole Miss
If Walter Nolen goes 100% at the combine, he’s going to go earlier than this. The question is how bad does he want it? His talent is undeniable, but attitude issues and a lackluster burst make him a hard guy to scout. He gets up quick and has great hands, though.
30 BUF: Xavier Watts, S Notre Dame
Hustle, hustle, hustle. Watts was one of the best college football players in the nation this past year for the Fighting Irish, leading their defense to the CFP. He isn’t all that fast and doesn’t cover all that well, but he reads the play before the snap and just has a nose for the football. He’s best fit as a deep safety who can run downhill to make a tackle or lurk in zone. Buffalo needs to replace Damar Hamlin, and they do that here with Xavier Watts, a guy who I thought was the best safety in college football this season.
31 PHI: Nic Scourton, EDGE Texas A&M
It’s a wide range for Scourton. His patented spin move is impressive, but what else does he have up his sleeve? He isn’t as fast as the other guys and struggles against the run. He reminds me of a slower Laiatu Latu; a player with great hands and technique but lacking that uber-athletic trait.
32 KC: Grey Zabel, OT NDSU
I’m going to keep this short and sweet because I don’t want to be mean; Jawaan Taylor needs to be replaced. Grey Zabel had a phenomenal senior bowl, and he fits perfectly in Kansas City, slotting in at RT, where Taylor gave up four sacks in the superbowl.
