Rod's 2025 NFL Mock Draft

published on 4/24/2025


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Round 1

Picks 17-32
17. Bengals: Mike Green, DE, Marshall

Cincinnati clearly needs a better edge rusher across from Trey Hendrickson. Mike Green's draft slot is a mystery due to character concerns, but one team will roll the dice on the big-time talent.


18. Seahawks: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Seattle lost a big presence at wide receiver when they traded D.K. Metcalf. Tetairoa McMillan can fill that void, providing Sam Darnold a go-to target on the outside with an imposing catch radius.


19. Buccaneers: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

Jahdae Barron is one of the smartest players in this draft, a playmaker with high football IQ and versatility to play outside, inside or at safety. Todd Bowles should be very interested in a player like that for his secondary.


20. Broncos: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

The consensus is that Sean Payton will pick an offensive player here, and this could also be a coveted spot for a trade. The long-term need to add a young defensive lineman on a rookie contract is flying under the radar, and Derrick Harmon is a great fit with his combination of size and ability to pressure the quarterback.


21. Steelers: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Pittsburgh is a playoff-caliber team without a starting quarterback. This would be a great spot for Shedeur Sanders, who has enough development to start as a rookie and learn on the job.


22. Chargers: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Jim Harbaugh once called Kenneth Grant "a gift from the football gods". It's time to put that quote to the test if the Los Angeles Chargers get the chance to make this selection.


23. Packers: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

Maxwell Hairston was the fastest player at this year's Combine and is considered one of the best man-to-man cornerbacks in this class. Green Bay might need a replacement for Jaire Alexander, who has become a trade candidate.


24. Vikings: Grey Zabel, OT, North Dakota State

Minnesota already has an impressive roster without many needs, but the offense could add some competition for one of the guard spots. Grey Zabel is a good fit for the scheme and has the skillset to play at every position on the offensive line.


25. Texans: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

Josh Conerly is a nimble left tackle who proved his skills by locking up Abdul Carter in their college showdown. Houston needs a long-term solution for the position after trading Laremy Tunsil to Washington.


26. Rams: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Emeka Egbuka is viewed as one of the cleanest players in this draft, with outstanding character and football IQ. His ability to operate in the slot and high effort as a blocker make him the perfect replacement for Cooper Kupp.


27. Ravens: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Baltimore currently has only four safeties on the roster, and an upgrade could be added to start next to Kyle Hamilton. Malaki Starks was a three-year starter at Georgia, and his flash plays as a ballhawk could make this franchise remember Ed Reed.


28. Lions: Donovan Ezeiruaka, OLB, Boston College

* Donovan EZEIRUAKU

Detroit does not have a productive edge rusher other than Aidan Hutchinson. This situation might be corrected by selecting a player like Donovan Ezeiruaku.


29. Commanders: Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M

Shemar Stewart is one of the puzzles in this draft, a defensive end with elite physical traits that only managed to produce 4.5 career sacks in college. The disruption with pressures and high effort can be seen on the field, providing a potential high-reward scenario for the team willing to bet on him.


30. Bills: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

Buffalo is going through a contract dispute with James Cook. Omarion Hampton is a workhorse, three-down running back that can not only improve the rotation at the position, but take over the lead role if needed.


31. Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Kansas City is a perennial championship team that would not be in position to take a player with Josh Simmons' caliber if not for the medical concerns. This pick could end up being one of the steals in the draft, as long as the team doctors give the green to go.


32. Eagles: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

Walter Nolen is one of the most talented defensive tackles in this class, but maturity concerns can cause him to fall to this spot. Philadelphia does not have a lot to lose, but much to gain if they are able to get the best out of a player with this level of talent.


Picks 17-32