2025 NFL Mock Draft: Rd 1 w/ Trades (3.2.2025)

published on 3/2/2025


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Round 1

Picks 1-16
1. Titans: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

It's nice to think the Titans are trading down -- but who's trading up? The Giants are guaranteed a QB if either Tennessee OR Cleveland doesn't take one. The Jets don't have the draft capital. The Raiders... I don't see it, as Pete Carroll's never relied on Round 1 QBs. So the Titans stick and pick the "generational talent" of the draft.


2. Browns: Abdul Carter, OLB, Penn State

My thoughts on "QB vs BPA" for Cleveland change daily. Today, I'm thinking this: the Browns missed SO badly on Deshaun Watson that the next high-end QB they draft HAS to be a hit. I don't think they'll risk the #2 pick on this year's QB draft class. They snag the eventual replacement for Myles Garrett instead.


3. Giants: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

Matt Stafford is back with the Rams. Sam Darnold... do you want to see Act 2 of that play in MetLife? So it's back to a rookie QB solution - Cam Ward said some intriguing things at the Combine about "similar concepts" between Miami and the Giants. I like his ability to stretch the field with Nabers more than Sanders'.


4. Saints: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

TRADE! NO gets #4 & #145 picks, 2025 draft
NE gets #9 & #40 picks, 2025 draft
I still really like the Pats and Saints as trade partners, especially if Kellen Moore wants Sanders as much as reports indicate. NE gets an extra high 2nd rd pick, and NO gets their QB of the future ahead of LV and the Jets.


5. Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

I still really like this pick -- I might honestly like Mason Graham more than any prospect in this draft. Game wrecker, nasty run stuffer, scary first step to the QB. Jags fans who miss the glory days of John Henderson and Marcus Stroud will love this kid.


6. Bears: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

TRADE! CHI gets #6 pick, 2025 draft
LV gets #10 & #72 picks, 2025 draft; RB D'Andre Swift
I love this trade for both sides. If the Bears want the top OT in the draft, they have to jump to get him. They're already linked to trade Swift to the Raiders, who need serious RB help. So why not combine the 2 packages now that both top QBs are off the board? Probably my favorite draft trade I've constructed this year.


7. Jets: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

The way this board has fallen isn't ideal for the Jets, but there are still 2 great options: draft a massive WR, or create the best young CB combo in the NFL. Given that their head coach is Aaron Glenn, I'm going secondary -- Sauce Gardner and Will Johnson together? Yes, please. I'll sign up for that.


8. Panthers: Jalon Walker, OLB, Georgia

I've mocked Jalon Walker to Carolina so much they're practically common law married. He's the perfect blend of rush, box defense and coverage -- such a versatile LB will unlock a ton of defensive scheme options for the Panthers.


9. Patriots: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

(from NO in trade for #4 pick)
Drop back 5 spots and get a 6'5" WR1 for Drake Maye, while you pick up an extra top 40 pick? That feels a lot like the classic "Patriots doing Patriots draft things" mantra. They'll snag a quality O-lineman in the top 40.


10. Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

(from CHI in trade for #6 pick)
Wait, are the Raiders actually nailing a draft trade? They drop back 4 spots, and transform a dead-last rushing offense into a RB room with Ashton Jeanty and D'Andre Swift. I'd imagine Pete Carroll would be happy with this one.


11. 49ers: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

The 49ers sent Deebo Samuel to Washington, and need some CB depth -- but make no mistake, O-line is still the top need. Trent Williams is about to be 37, Aaron Banks is a free agent -- Armand Membou can start inside and grow into an OT that will step into Williams' shoes.


12. Cowboys: Kelvin Banks, OT/G, Texas

Missing out on Jeanty isn't as big of a deal for Dallas given the new need at OG with Zack Martin's retirement. Kelvin Banks has length concerns at tackle but is going to be an absolute stud at guard. The Longhorn becomes a Cowboy.


13. Dolphins: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Starks reportedly had a great meeting with Miami at the Combine. With both starting safeties set to hit free agency, the Dolphins need a reset at the position. Nick Emmanwori is a riser, but Starks has the better skill set in pure coverage ability.


14. Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

I've said it 1,000 times - if this pick happens, the Indy skill players will be Warren, Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman, Adonai Mitchell, Alec Pierce and Josh Downs. If Anthony Richardson can't win with that, then he can't win.


15. Falcons: James Pearce Jr., DE/OLB, Tennessee

Mykel Williams might be better all-around, but Pearce is a ferocious pass rusher — the Falcons' core need in this draft. (I won't be shocked if Atlanta takes two edge defenders with their top 2 draft picks in 2025.)


16. Cardinals: Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia

Mykel Williams slipped outside the top 20 in my last mock. He almost certainly won't on draft day. I like the fit between Williams and the Cardinals — they could use some twitched-up athleticism on their defense, especially trying to get off the field on 3rd downs.


Picks 1-16