First Stab At 2025

published on 2/10/2025


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Round 1

Picks 1-16
1. Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

While Ward is not as good of a prospect as Caleb Williams or Jayden Daniels were a year ago, he's still tantalizing with his dual threat potential. No offense to Will Levis, but there's no QB of the future on the roster, you're picking #1, and you have a shot at a potential franchise QB.

Other possibilities:
Trade down
Shedeur Sanders
Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter


2. Browns: Abdul Carter, OLB, Penn State

If the Browns trade Myles Garrett for a haul, which they absolutely should, then Carter is a logical pick to help to replace him. Perhaps they will soft-tank 2025 in an effort to come away with Arch Manning or another signal-caller in the 2026 Draft.

Other possibilities:
Hunter
Trade down
Sanders


3. Giants: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

In this scenario, the G-Men pass on Sanders, and if so, they go with the two-way talents of Hunter. Since Daboll/Schoen are on the hot seat, I'd assume that a free agent signing of some significance at QB would happen if Ward or Sanders wasn't taken.

Other possibilities:
Sanders
Trade down


4. Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

You can certainly argue for various players here, but the OL situation is dire. Drake Maye showed really well as a rookie despite that horrible situation, and I feel like a sensible choice upfront wins the day here.

Other possibilities:
Carter or Hunter (if both QB's are gone)
Tetairoa McMillan
Trade down


5. Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

It's difficult to project this pick because the Jaguars haven't even hired a GM. We know that Liam Coen is the new coach, of course. While McMillian could be tempting to pair with BTJ, spending another top pick on another WR is probably overkill. Instead, how about the top DT in a loaded class?

Other possibilities:
Carter or Hunter (if one falls)
McMillan
Will Johnson


6. Raiders: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

I'm going back to Sanders here, but obviously free agency could tell the tale. I just can't get over the notion that Tom Brady will love the things that Sanders does best.

Other possibilities:
McMillan
Johnson
Ashton Jeanty (earliest he could go)


7. Jets: Jalon Walker, OLB, Georgia

The Haason Reddick move was a disaster, and the Jets need to replenish their talent upfront.

Other possibilities:
Tyler Warren (earliest he could go)
Johnson
Trade Down (NYJ own DET's 3rd rounder but not its own)


8. Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette showed some flashes as rookies, but when Adam Thielen is still your best wideout, well, an alpha is needed for the future.

Other possibilities:
Johnson (if available)
Warren
DL/Edge


9. Saints: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

In the wake of the Marshon Lattimore trade, perhaps this is a match of value meeting need. Johnson's medicals will be key during the draft process.

Other possibilities:
OL
DL/Edge


10. Bears: Kelvin Banks, OT/G, Texas

Caleb Williams took about a billion sacks last season, and though many of those are on him because of his play style, really the only OL who is locked into a job for a while is RT Darnell Wright. LT Braxton Jones is in the final year of his deal, and the entire iOL is entering free agency.

Other possibilities:
OL (Simmons/Banks/Jackson)
Jeanty
DL (Stewart)


11. 49ers: Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M

The pass rush wasn't as stout a season ago as you would normally associate with the 49ers, and Stewart is the type of lengthy athlete that John Lynch has liked in the past among high DL picks. That said, his college production leaves a lot to be desired.

Other possibilities:
OL (Simmons/Banks/Johnson)
DL/DE (Mykel Williams?)
WR (Luther Burden/Emeka Egbuka)


12. Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Yeah, going to go with the chalk here, even though I think Rico Dowdle is actually perfectly capable. (Dowdle is also a FA, which is very much worth noting.)

Other possibilities:
OL (Simmons/Banks/Johnson)
CB (Johnson if he slips, Benjamin Morrison, Jahdae Benson)
DL


13. Dolphins: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Simmons is rehabbing a knee injury, but with LT Terron Armstead mulling retirement and with 3 iOL hitting free agency, Simmons might make sense.


14. Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

It was thought that the Colts represented Brock Bowers' floor last season, and he nearly did drop to them. This time, I could see them getting Warren just one year later.


15. Falcons: Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia

Perpetually in need of more edge rush talent, perhaps a 1st rounder will finally be used by Terry Fontenot on the position, although I suppose you can't rule out a Jaxson Dart pick here, either. (I kid, I kid.)


16. Cardinals: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Jonathan Gannon is very familiar with the way that Howie Roseman has built up his DL over time, and though it's early, Grant to the Chargers is probably too low for him. So I've bumped him up.


Picks 1-16