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2025 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Ashton Jeanty Lands in New Orleans, Titans Find Their QB

Photo courtesy of Field Level Media.

The 2024 NFL campaign is officially over; it’s time for the mock draft season. Today’s post marks our first official mock draft article for the 2025 series. Optics indicate that at least several teams need to add a young quarterback to their room, but this year’s draft does not provide a deep talent pool at the position, at least in the first round. If teams are searching for a running back or a defensive tackle, the 2025 draft class has an endless supply. Those positions will have value for at least the draft’s first three rounds. Here’s how we envision things playing out in the first edition of our 2025 NFL mock draft series.

1) Tennessee Titans – Cameron Ward, QB, Miami (FL)

At times, Will Levis showed flashes of potentially being the Titans quarterback of the future. The Titan’s front office added talent on both sides of the ball to support Levis, but in the end, it never materialized in success on the field. The Titans enter the draft searching for a franchise quarterback, and Cameron Ward provides the upside they need. With elite arm talent, mobility, and the ability to create off-script, Ward has the tools to be Tennessee’s next star under center.

2) Cleveland Browns – Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

With Myles Garrett’s rumors in full effect after he announced that he wanted to be traded, the Browns immediately found his replacement in Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter. His versatility, speed, and tenacity make him a dynamic edge defender who can revitalize Cleveland’s front seven.

3) New York Giants – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

When the Giants announced that they had benched Daniel Jones, it signified that they would be in the business of finding a new quarterback to lead their team. Unless the Giants surrender the third overall pick in the draft to acquire Matthew Stafford, we predict they will grab Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. The former Buffalo is a poised, highly intelligent quarterback with elite accuracy and pocket presence. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions makes him a natural fit for Brian Daboll’s offense.

4) New England Patriots – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

The Patriots need a true WR1, and Tetairoa McMillan fits the bill. At 6’5″, he offers an elite catch radius, strong hands, and the ability to win at all field levels, giving the Patriots’ young quarterback a go-to target.

5) Jacksonville Jaguars – Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado

Travis Hunter is a rare two-way talent, but he projects best as a lockdown cornerback in the NFL. His fluidity, ball skills, and competitiveness make him a future All-Pro, giving Jacksonville a defensive cornerstone. But will Coach Prime approve of the Jaguars selecting the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner?

6) Las Vegas Raiders – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

The Las Vegas Raiders are one of the several teams that need a quarterback in this year’s NFL Draft. With Sanders and Ward taken off the board, the Raiders address the trenches on the defensive side with the sixth selection. Mason Graham, a dominant force on the interior, is a high-motor defensive tackle with elite strength and explosiveness. The Raiders bolster their defensive line with a player who can control the trenches.

7) New York Jets – Will Campbell, OT, LSU

The New York Jets are rebooting again. Aaron Rodgers only lasted for two seasons, which did not yield a trip to the postseason. 2025 is most likely a year of establishing a winning culture ushered in by new head coach Aaron Glenn. I don’t foresee a splash move to add a big name at QB, such as Stafford, but instead, a stopgap at the position until the new regime can find the proper fit. With the seventh pick, the Jets reinforce their offensive line with the selection of Will Campbell. Campbell is an agile and powerful tackle with elite footwork. Protecting their quarterback is a top priority, and Campbell provides immediate stability.

Related: Top 30 Prospects from the SEC

8) Carolina Panthers – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

Bryce Young gets a much-needed security blanket in Tyler Warren. A complete tight end with size, athleticism, and route-running polish, Warren can become a key piece in Carolina’s offense.

9) New Orleans Saints – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Don’t expect the New Orleans Saints to resemble the 2024 Philadelphia Eagles in year one of the Kellen Moore era, but instead, pieces will be added to build towards that type of roster. The Saints find their future RB1 in Ashton Jeanty. A dynamic dual-threat back with elite vision, balance, and explosiveness, he perfectly complements New Orleans’ offensive scheme. In his final season at Boise State, Jeanty rushed for 2,601 yards, 29 touchdowns, and was the 2024 Doak Walker and Maxwell Award winner.

10) Chicago Bears – Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

The Bears selected a dominant pass rusher in Mykel Williams, a powerful and explosive defender who can win with speed or strength. He instantly upgrades the Bears’ defensive front.

11) San Francisco 49ers – James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee

The 49ers continue to prioritize their defensive line, selecting James Pearce Jr., a long and athletic edge rusher with an elite first step. His pass-rushing upside is immense.

12) Dallas Cowboys – Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

The Dallas Cowboys receiver group features CeeDee Lamb and no one else who can strike fear into an opposing defense. That must change heading into 2025. With the 12th overall pick, Dallas adds another dynamic playmaker for Dak Prescott in Luther Burden III. A polished route runner with exceptional run-after-catch ability, he gives the Cowboys’ offense an explosive weapon.

13) Miami Dolphins – Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama

Miami shores up its offensive line with Tyler Booker, a powerful and technically sound guard who excels in pass protection and run blocking. He brings much-needed stability to the interior.

14) Indianapolis Colts – Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

The Colts boost their secondary with Malaki Starks, a rangy, hard-hitting safety with elite instincts. His ability to cover ground and deliver big plays makes him a valuable addition.

15) Atlanta Falcons – Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

Atlanta desperately needs a pass rusher, and Nic Scourton provides an immediate impact. With explosive bursts and relentless energy, he has the potential to be a double-digit sack producer.

16) Arizona Cardinals – Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

Arizona adds another defensive playmaker, Mike Green, a highly productive edge rusher with a great blend of power and speed. He brings versatility to the Cardinals’ front seven.

17) Cincinnati Bengals – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

A premier cover corner, Will Johnson brings size, physicality, and elite ball skills to the Bengals’ secondary. His ability to match up with top receivers makes him a valuable asset.

18) Seattle Seahawks – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

Seattle strengthens its offensive line with Kelvin Banks Jr., a powerful tackle who excels in both run blocking and pass protection. He provides a long-term solution to the position.

19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia

A versatile linebacker with sideline-to-sideline speed, Jalon Walker brings toughness and leadership to Tampa Bay’s defense. He can thrive as both a blitzer and coverage linebacker.

Related: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 Offseason Preview

20) Denver Broncos – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Denver adds a dynamic receiver in Emeka Egbuka, a polished route runner with strong hands and deep-threat ability. He gives the Broncos’ offense an instant spark.

21) Pittsburgh Steelers – Cameron Williams, OT, Texas

The Steelers prioritize offensive line help with Cameron Williams, a dominant run blocker with a powerful frame. He can solidify their protection for years to come.

22) Los Angeles Chargers – Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

Justin Herbert gets another weapon in Matthew Golden, a smooth separator with reliable hands and elite route-running skills. He immediately elevates the Chargers’ passing attack.

23) Green Bay Packers – Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

Green Bay bolsters its defensive front with Walter Nolen, a disruptive interior lineman with rare athleticism for his size. He’s a game-wrecker in the making.

24) Minnesota Vikings – Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

The Vikings improve their defensive line with Kenneth Grant, a strong, explosive tackle who can clog running lanes and push the pocket in passing situations.

25) Houston Texans – Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State

Houston solidifies its offensive line with Donovan Jackson, a technically refined and powerful guard with an instant upgrade in pass protection and run blocking.

26) Los Angeles Rams – Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

The Rams find their future left tackle in Josh Simmons, a smooth pass protector with a high ceiling. His athleticism and length make him a perfect fit in Sean McVay’s system.

27) Baltimore Ravens – Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina

The Ravens add a playmaking corner in Shavon Revel, a long and physical defensive back who can shut down top receivers and create turnovers. With Marlon Humphrey becoming a free agent soon, the selection at 27 needs to address the team’s secondary.

28) Detroit Lions – Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M

Detroit pairs Aidan Hutchinson with another premier pass rusher in Shemar Stewart. His size, power, and speed make him an ideal fit for their aggressive defense.

29) Washington Commanders – Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss

In Jayden Daniels’s rookie season, he made the most out of an offense that featured only one viable option in the passing game: Terry McClaurin and veteran Zach Ertz. With $70 million in cap space in 2025, the Commanders will be expected to take the next step as a contender in the NFC. However, the building process must continue through the draft first. In the first round of the 2025 draft, the Commanders give Jayden Daniels another weapon in Tre Harris, a dynamic playmaker with elite speed and strong hands. He adds another dimension to their offense.

30) Buffalo Bills – Jahdae Barron, S, Texas

Buffalo reinforces its secondary with Jahdae Barron, a versatile safety who excels in coverage and run support. His instincts and athleticism make him a great fit.

31) Kansas City Chiefs – Jonah Savaiinaea, OT, Arizona

What was evident in the Chiefs’ blowout defeat to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX was their need to address the offensive line once again. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes was sacked six times in what will go down as one of the worst performances of his career. Addressing those areas in the draft won’t immediately fix everything, but it’s a start. The Chiefs strengthened their offensive line with Jonah Savaiinaea, a powerful and technically refined tackle who had been able to protect Patrick Mahomes for years.

32) Philadelphia Eagles – Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas

The Eagles were winners of this year’s Super Bowl; however, there’s a significant chance they will lose a few impact players off their vaunted defensive line. We predict they will address those losses on the night of the draft by returning to the SEC to find another disrupter. With the 32nd pick, Philadelphia adds to its pass-rushing rotation with Landon Jackson, a disruptive edge defender with elite length and explosiveness. He fits seamlessly into their defensive scheme.

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