2025 NFL Mock Draft: Travis Hunter, Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders At No. 1 With Early First-Round Order Set?

1 day ago 4

14 teams begin their preparations for the playoffs, while the rest of the league will now shift their focus to the offseason and the 2025 NFL draft.

The top 18 spots in the first-round draft order are locked in, which could now clarify how the early picks could come off the board.

Here's an updated look at how the first round of this year's event could turn out, using the latest updated pick order following Week 18 results:

1. Tennessee Titans

Travis Hunter | WR/CB | Colorado

The Titans could take their quarterback of choice with the top pick. But they address this position in free agency and pick up the best player in the draft. Hunter can supply Tennessee with a lockdown corner while still playing wide receiver in certain packages.

2. Cleveland Browns

Cam Ward | QB | Miami

The Browns find their franchise quarterback. Ward will need to work on limiting turnover-worthy plays, but Cleveland should be intrigued by his potential as he has great command of the offense, arm talent, and athleticism.

3. New York Giants

Shedeur Sanders | QB | Colorado

Since Eli Manning, the Giants have been desperate for a reliable quarterback. They are now turning to Sanders, hoping he will bring New York success. Sanders' pocket management is something that he will need to work on, but he is poised, accurate, tough, and has a good feel for layering the football to his receivers.

4. New England Patriots

Abdul Carter | EDGE | Penn State

It's a new era in New England as they will look for a new head coach after firing Jerod Mayo. Regardless of who oversees the team, they need a blue-chip player who can contribute from Day 1. Carter is an athletic freak who lives in opposing backfields with his combination of physicality, burst and array of pass rush moves.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars

Mason Graham | DL | Michigan

The Jaguars finished the season ranked 32nd in defensive EPA per play. Pairing Graham with Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker along the defensive could shore up many of their problems. Graham would supply Jacksonville with the pass-rushing defensive tackle they've been missing for years.

6. Las Vegas Raiders

Tetairoa McMillan | WR | Arizona

With Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders off the board, the Raiders could fix their quarterback problem with Alabama's Jalen Milroe. Instead, they address another one of their glaring needs at wide receiver. McMillan is a big-bodied pass catcher who can make plays downfield, stylistically similar to Buccaneers' Mike Evans.

7. New York Jets

Will Campbell | OT | LSU

Picking here, the Jets are out of the running for one of the top quarterbacks so they choose to address the offensive line to make sure it's solidified for whoever is under center. Some suggest that Campbell may be better inside, but he has the talent to try to play tackle at the next level. New York needs to replace right tackle Morgan Moses, so they could start there with Campbell.

8. Carolina Panthers

Will Johnson | CB | Michigan

The Panthers miss out on Carter but still land another defender who should make a significant impact. Jaycee Horn only has one more year left on his contract and should sign an extension, but adding youth and talent to the secondary would go a long way. Johnson has never allowed more than 353 total yards in any college season, allowing only two touchdowns in coverage, per Pro Football Focus.

9. New Orleans Saints

Mykel Williams | EDGE | Georgia

The Saints struggled to get after the quarterback this season and with Cameron Jordan set to be 36 next season and Chase Young signed only for this season, they need more talent in edge defender room. Williams possesses rare length and athleticism and can bend the edge to get consistent pressure.

10. Chicago Bears

Kelvin Banks | OT | Texas

If the Bears want Caleb Williams to succeed, they need to keep him upright. Williams was the most sacked quarterback this season, with 68 sacks taken. Banks has the versatility to play outside or inside, and since right tackle Darnell Wright is the only lineman likely to be a starter in 2025 still, Banks can slide in wherever else along the line.

11. San Francisco 49ers

Josh Conerly Jr. | OT | Oregon

Right tackle Colton McKivitz's play this season was uninspiring, so the 49ers find his replacement with Conerly. He spent the last two seasons as Oregon's left tackle, so he could take over for Trent Williams at left tackle once he decides to hang up the cleats.

12. Dallas Cowboys

Ashton Jeanty | RB | Boise State

The Cowboys could take a wide receiver to complement CeeDee Lamb. But with Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle no longer under contract, the Cowboys' need for a high-volume back is much more pressing. Jeanty is an elite back with great contact balance, burst and acceleration to wear defenses down.

13. Miami Dolphins

Jalon Walker | EDGE | Georgia

The Dolphins land one of the most dynamic defenders in this year's class to pair with Chop Robinson. Walker is explosive off the edge with twitch, burst and closing speed to get after the quarterback.

14. Indianapolis Colts

Malaki Starks | S | Georgia

The Colts' secondary needs some retooling. With Travis Hunter and Will Johnson, Indianapolis takes the next best defensive back. Starks is a playmaker from multiple alignments and is impactful against both the run and the pass. His versatility, athleticism and ball skills would help the backend instantly.

15. Atlanta Falcons

Nic Scourton | EDGE | Texas A&M

The Falcons need more playmakers along the interior and on the edges of the defensive line. Scourton possesses a rare combination of size, length and strength and power to make an impact at rushing the passer and defending the run.

16. Arizona Cardinals

James Pearce Jr. | EDGE | Tennessee

The Cardinals need to continue to upgrade their defensive line, and adding Pearce is a great way to do so. Pearce didn't dominate as much as some would've liked this season, but it's hard to pass on his traits and upside. He is an athletic pass rusher with a quick first step to live in opposing backfields.

17. Cincinnati Bengals

Kenneth Grant | DL | Michigan

The Bengals would benefit from bolstering the interior part of the defensive line. While B.J. Hill was solid this season, he will be a free agent. Meanwhile, Kris Jenkins and Sheldon Richardson weren't as effective. Grant would provide an upgrade with his ability to control the point of attack and generate pressure consistently.

18. Seattle Seahawks

Josh Simmons | OT | Ohio State

The Seahawks need to address both lines, but many of their offense problems came up front. Simmons suffered a season-ending injury, but if he was still healthy, he'd likely be a top-10 draft pick. When he was healthy, Simmons looked like the best left tackle in the nation, showing the size, movement skills, and play strength.

19. Houston Texans

Emeka Egbuka | WR | Ohio State

Stefon Diggs is north of 30 and is coming off a season-ending injury, and it remains to be seen when Tank Dell will be fully healthy. Egbuka would give C.J. Stroud a weapon with crisp route-running skills and great hands that would be an upgrade alongside Nico Collins.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Luther Burden | WR | Missouri

The Buccaneers could address the defensive side of the ball, particularly edge defender. But they choose to get Baker Mayfield another weapon, with the likely departure of Chris Godwin, who will be a free agent. Burden can damage from the slot with his slick separation skills, elusiveness, and creativity when the ball is in his hands.

21. Denver Broncos

Tyler Warren | TE | Penn State

The Broncos must supply Bo Nix with playmakers for him to succeed for years to come. Warren is arguably the best tight end in this year's class. He is a sure-handed pass catcher who can make plays from multiple alignments and have plays designed to give him advantageous matchups.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers

Jahdae Barron | CB | Texas

The Steelers could draft a wide receiver, but history suggests that's unlikely. Instead, they make their secondary a lot better with the selection of Barron, who can play free safety, in the box, and as a slot cornerback, where he may be best suited, given Cameron Sutton's struggles. Barron's lockdown coverage skills and physicality as a run defender would be a welcomed addition.

23. Los Angeles Rams

Benjamin Morrison | CB | Notre Dame

The Rams could also elect to take an offensive tackle here. Instead, they shore up the secondary with an athletic and physical cover man who can play both outside and in the slot. Morrison suffered a season-ending injury, so seeing him slide to this spot would be a steal for Los Angeles.

24. Green Bay Packers

Shavon Revel | CB | East Carolina

Jaire Alexander has struggled with injuries for the past few seasons and aside from him, the Packers don't have much to offer at the position. Revel suffered an unfortunate season-ending knee injury but looked like a top-15 pick before it. He has the length, speed, and physicality to match up with bigger receivers at the next level.

25. Los Angeles Chargers

Colston Loveland | TE | Michigan

The Chargers haven't had a reliable pass-catching tight end Hunter Henry. They find that in Loveland, who reunites with head coach Jim Harbaugh. Loveland's size and athleticism make it difficult for teams to defend him, and he is willing to mix it up and block in the running game.

26. Washington Commanders

Aireontae Ersery | OT | Minnesota

The Commanders need to find their franchise left tackle to protect Jayden Daniels. Ersery needs to improve some things in his game, but he has the tools to be a good NFL starter for years to come.

27. Baltimore Ravens

Tyler Booker | OL | Alabama

The Ravens could upgrade the middle of their defensive line, but offensive line takes priority, where Booker provides versatility to play tackle or guard, likely suited best along the interior.

28. Philadelphia Eagles

Cameron Williams | OT | Texas

Lane Johnson isn't getting any younger, so it would be wise for the Eagles to have a succession plan. Williams is an athletic tackle with the length, power and quickness to succeed at the next level.

29. Buffalo Bills

Walter Nolen | DL | Ole Miss

The Bills' defensive front needs a makeover, and they start the process with the selection of Nolen. While he isn't a finished product and needs to work on the technical aspect of his game, Nolen has the tools to be a force with the physicality, strength, and movement skills.

30. Minnesota Vikings

Tyleik Williams | DL | Ohio State

The Vikings' offense has been the bright spot, while the defense could use some work heading into next season. Minnesota bolsters the trenches with Williams, who has an intriguing combination of size, strength, and athleticism.

31. Detroit Lions

Jonah Savaiinaea | OT | Arizona

The Lions have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, but the interior part of it will need to be addressed this offseason. Kevin Zeitler will be a free agent and he is 35 next season. Savaiinaea, who is expected to transition inside, could fill that potential void from Day 1. He is poised in pass protection and a mauler in the run game.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Deone Walker | DL | Kentucky

Walker is an unfinished product, but playing alongside one of the best in the game, Chris Jones, could help make him become a great player at the next level. Walker is prolific as a pass rusher but requires work as a run defender.

Read Entire Article