2025 NFL mock draft: Projecting first round of 2025 NFL Draft with trades, including DK Metcalf

The 2025 NFL Draft is just around the corner with a class that offers some intriguing possibilities. It’s still early in the offseason with NFL free agency set to have a massive influence on what happens. On the eve of free agency beginning, our latest 2025 NFL mock draft will include a few blockbuster trades. From a deal for the No. 1 overall pick to a DK Metcalf trade, let’s dive into our latest 2025 NFL Draft mock.

1. New York Giants*: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

TRADE: New York Giants trade the 3rd, 34th and 104th overall picks and a 2026 3rd to the Tennessee Titans for the 1st and 142nd overall picks

The cost of moving up for the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft should be fairly reasonable, fortunately for the New York Giants. New York is in a bit of a desperate spot – with HC Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen on the hot seat – something the Tennessee Titans can take advantage of. Still, this is a reasonable price to pay for a potential franchise quarterback.

Cam Ward has some bad tendencies – frequency of playing out of structure and holding onto the ball too long – but the physical tools are outstanding. Ward is going to be extremely aggressive, a tier below the Jameis Winston’ level – but he makes up for it with unique playmaking ability. In Daboll’s offense with Malik Nabers as his No. 1 receiver, Ward has his best chance at hitting his ceiling.

2. Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

The chatter ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft is fairly consistent, the Cleveland Browns want to take a quarterback early. However, it also seems like the club is much higher on Cam Ward than it is Shedeur Sanders. With Ward gone, Cleveland takes edge rusher Abdul Carter.

Things are getting ugly between Myles Garrett and the Browns front office. Even if Garrett isn’t traded, leaving a massive void at edge rusher, he is planning to sit out regular-season games. So there’s a clear need for pass-rushing help. Carter’s foot injury isn’t considered a major problem and he absolutely boasts the athleticism and pass-rushing skills to become a perennial Pro Bowl defender.

3. Tennessee Titans*: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

TRADE: New York Giants trade the 3rd, 34th and 104th overall picks and a 2026 3rd to the Tennessee Titans for the 1st and 142nd overall picks

This would be the dream scenario in the 2025 NFL Draft for the Tennessee Titans. They snag additional draft picks, including the 34th overall pick, and still land the player they should draft first overall. Travis Hunter is a cornerback first and he’d likely reach his All-Pro potential under defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. Hunter can still be used in some offensive packages, but his biggest impact comes on defense. Plus, he is a big enough name to be a face of the franchise for Tennessee until the team finds its quarterback of the future.

4. New England Patriots: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

One of the biggest winners at the NFL Combine was Missouri Tigers offensive lineman Armand Membou. The athleticism and measurables he put on display now put him in a position to be the first lineman selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. Membou never played left tackle in college, but he might be better suited than Will Campbell to play that position at the next level. At the very least, New England could be landing an outstanding right tackle to protect Drake Maye.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan

There’s some consideration here for LSU Tigers offensive lineman Will Campbell, but Mason Graham is the better prospect. Having drawn NFL comparisons to Christian Wilkins, Graham’s ceiling is a Pro Bowl defensive tackle who excels at creating interior penetration. While he might not ever be a game-wrecker, like All-Pro tackle Chris Jones, Graham’s impact can be strengthened on a Jacksonville Jaguars defensive line that already has Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen.

6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

The Las Vegas Raiders always seemed to be eyeing a veteran quarterback and the Geno Smith trade solved their short-term problem. Now, Las Vegas can go BPA with its top pick. Ashton Jeanty – 5-foot-8 and 211 pounds – excels at staying upright through first contact, with vision that can help him turn potentially negative runs into productive plays. There’s All-Pro talent here in the right system and he’s exactly the kind of running back you can center your offense around. Plus, running the football will be even easier for him with a viable passer like Smith under center.

7. New York Jets: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

NFL mock draft 2025 — Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images

This will certainly be viewed as a reach by some. South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori – 6-foot-3 – lit up the NFL Scouting Combine with a historic 10.0 Relative Athletic Score. It’s pushed him into firm consideration for a top-15 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but we see a potential match with the New York Jets. Emmanwori would provide Aaron Glenn with a Kyle Hamilton-like presence at safety and Glenn’s defenses with the Detroit Lions excelled with the help of great safety play. Emmanwori needs a creative defensive coach to be used most effectively and Glenn is that coach.

8. Miami Dolphins*: Will Campbell, OL, LSU

TRADE: Miami Dolphins trade 13th and 48th overall picks to the Carolina Panthers for the 8th and 147th overall picks

The slide for Will Campbell ends with the Miami Dolphins making an aggressive move to snag him at the 8th overall pick via trade. Campbell doesn’t have the desired arm length for a left tackle, but there will be teams willing to give him a shot. With Terron Armstead unlikely to return, there’s a glaring void to fill. Even if Campbell can’t stick at left tackle, there’s a path for him to be like Ryan Ramczyk as an All-Pro right tackle. Even at left guard, Campbell can be an outstanding starter. No matter what, the Dolphins offensive line improves.

9. New Orleans Saints: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

While the New Orleans Saints have plenty of needs defensively, this pick is about helping Kellen Moore. There are long-term concerns with Chris Olave (concussions) and he’s really the only long-term offensive building block this Saints offense has. Tyler Warren, who has some similarities to Dallas Goedert, can be a core piece of the Saints’ passing game. He’s an underneath pass-catcher who Derek Carr can pepper with targets and his YAC ability will add some playmaking for New Orleans. Plus, this pick also helps create a strong foundation for the quarterback of the future.

10. Chicago Bears: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M

On stats alone – 12 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 37 games – Shemar Stewart isn’t worth a first-round pick. However, he’s arguably the top pass-rushing prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft class because of his absurd athleticism – 4.59 40-yard dash and 10’11” broad jump – at 6-foot-5. Stewart wouldn’t be asked to be the Chicago Bears’ top pass rusher (Montez Sweat), instead allowing him to be eased in. The upside is sky-high because this combination of athleticism, strength and size is so hard to find. This is a risk-reward pick, but Chicago can be more aggressive since it already upgraded the interior offensive line (Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson).

11. San Francisco 49ers: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

While the offensive line is a better need, it’s hard to fathom a scenario where the San Francisco 49ers pass on a top-10 prospect. Making his return to San Francisco, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh wants high-end cornerbacks and this team is losing Charvarius Ward to NFL free agency. Michigan cornerback Will Johnson would step into a situation where nickel Deommodore Lenoir and perimeter corner Renardo Green are already high-end starters. Johnson would round out this 49ers secondary, allowing the team to target an edge rusher (Joey Bosa) on the open market to round out this unit.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

NFL free agency and the trade market (DK Metcalf) offer two viable options for the Dallas Cowboys to find their 1B receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb. However, the costs for both options are likely to push Dallas toward the NFL Draft. Tetairoa McMillan probably won’t be a top-10 pick given his refusal to run a 40-yard dash, highlighting some concerns regarding his speed. However, he still has a lot of similarities to Drake London and his ball skills at 6-foot-4 would complement Lamb perfectly.

13. Carolina Panthers*: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

TRADE: Miami Dolphins trade 13th and 48th overall picks to the Carolina Panthers for the 8th and 147th overall picks

The number of defensive prospects available in the first half of the 2025 NFL Draft allows for the Carolina Panthers to move down. At the 13th overall pick, following a deal with Miami, Carolina rolls the dice on Mykel Williams. Standing at 6-foot-5, Williams’ combination of length, athleticism and motor give him significant upside as a pass rusher. While he develops, the Panthers defense would have a quality run-stopper to shore up the league’s worst run defense in 2024.

14. Indianapolis Colts: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

The depth at tight end in this draft class allows the Indianapolis Colts to focus on another position. Jahdae Barron has been one of the biggest risers in the pre-draft process and that ascent continued with a great showing at the NFL Combine. Barron is a versatile defensive back with instincts and an ability to defend the run that raises his floor. Lou Anarumo’s defense relies on quality play in the secondary, which is exactly what Barron can provide.

15. Seattle Seahawks*: Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia

TRADE: Seattle Seahawks trade 18th and 137th overall picks to the Atlanta Falcons for the 15th overall pick

Amid NFL trade rumors involving DK Metcalf, following the Geno Smith trade, the Seattle Seahawks could be even more willing to be aggressive in the 2025 NFL Draft. Jalon Walker would make for a fascinating fit in Mike Macdonald’s defense. Walker is an excellent blitzer, who might even have a future as an edge rusher at the next level. Just as importantly for Seattle, the 6-foot-1 linebacker is adept at dropping back in coverage and stopping the run. He’s an immediate three-down linebacker who Macdonald could use in a variety of ways, adding more complexity to the Seahawks’ defense.

16. Arizona Cardinals: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

The Arizona Cardinals are probably going to find pass-rushing help in both free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft. Mike Green – 23 tackles for loss and 17 sacks – is coming off a breakout season that catapults him into the first round. While he lacks elite athleticism and size, Green does offer a non-stop motor with a good first-step burst and an array of pass-rushing moves. There’s not an extremely high ceiling with Green, but he’s an immediate contributor who improves the Cardinals’ pass rush.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama

Pass rusher is certainly an option here with Trey Hendrickson on the trade block, but we’ll focus on the Cincinnati Bengals offensive line. Tyler Booker is an immediate Week 1 starter, providing ideal length for a guard with refined tools as a blocker. He’ll be a huge step towards improving Cincinnati’s rushing efficiency, while also shoring up the interior pocket for Joe Burrow.

18. Atlanta Falcons*: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College

TRADE: Seattle Seahawks trade 18th and 137th overall picks to the Atlanta Falcons for the 15th overall pick

The Atlanta Falcons move down a few spots in Round 1, picking up some much-needed draft capital, and still address a glaring need. Boston College edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku makes up for his smaller size with his length (34-inch arms) and an NFL-ready bag of pass-rush moves. He’s in the Yannick Ngakou mold as a very good pass rusher who could have a double-digit sack season or two.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense has holes at every level, so we’ll take the best player available. Jihaad Campbell offers outstanding athleticism and size for the position, which is elevated even more because of his instincts. It’s rare to find off-ball linebackers who can immediately become a three-down player in their rookie season, but Campbell’s range in coverage and his ability to fly toward the football and wrap up the ball-carrier positions him to excel early.

20. Denver Broncos: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

The Denver Broncos should certainly explore their options at running back in free agency, but right now, drafting Omarion Hampton is the more appealing option. Denver’s offensive line is built for immediate success and Hampton can play a Mark Ingram-like role in Sean Payton’s offense. He can be the featured back for Denver, excelling in short yardage situations and near the goal line.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

The Pittsburgh Steelers are probably going to hold off on a George Pickens contract extension, at least until the No. 1 receiver shows more on-field maturity. In the meantime, the Steelers starting quarterback in 2025 needs more dependable pass-catching options. Matthew Golden is already an excellent route-runner who can get open at every level of the field. He’s also a great athlete with the playmaking skills to be a No. 2 receiver as a rookie and potentially overtake Pickens down the line.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

The Los Angeles Chargers can find their No. 1 receiver elsewhere – Davante Adams or DK Metcalf – opening the door for Jim Harbaugh to reunite with tight end Colston Loveland. While the former Michigan Wolverines tight end doesn’t offer much as an in-line blocker, he’s a very good weapon in the short and intermediate areas. If all goes well, Los Angeles could be surrounding Herbert with an excellent trio of weapons featuring Adams/Metcalf, Loveland and Ladd McConkey.

23: Seattle Seahawks*: Kelvin Banks Jr, OL, Texas

TRADE: Green Bay Packers trade the 23rd overall pick to the Seattle Seahawks for DK Metcalf

Instead of drafting an offensive lineman or edge rusher, the Green Bay Packers flip the 23rd overall pick to the Seattle Seahawks for DK Metcalf. Green Bay lands the No. 1 receiver it has been missing and rewards him with a multi-year extension worth $31 million per season. Meanwhile, Seattle uses this first-round pick on Kelvin Banks Jr. While he played left tackle at Texas, his future is at guard where he can be a tremendous starter who excels on the left side next to Charles Cross.

24. Minnesota Vikings: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

The Minnesota Vikings had one of the best defenses in 2024, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement on this side of the ball. Michigan Wolverines defensive tackle Kenneth Grant has some similarities to former Vikings’ lineman Dalvin Tomlinson. In Minnesota, Grant can be an anchor in the center who eats up blocks and forces teams to run more to the outside. Long-term, his pass-rushing skills should improve and he could earn a Pro Bowl selection in his career if that happens.

25. Houston Texans: Grey Zabel, iOL, North Dakota State

After trading for Christian Kirk, the Houston Texans don’t have to take a wide receiver in the first round. So, they land the best center in the 2025 NFL Draft. Houston could also deploy Grey Zabel at guard, but what matters most is just upgrading the interior offensive line. Plus, Zabel has versatility having played four different spots along the offensive line at North Dakota State.

26. Los Angeles Rams: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

The slide in the 2025 NFL Draft comes to an end for Malaki Starks. He would be a versatile chess piece for the Los Angeles Rams, offering the ability to play deep or align in the slot. He is a do-it-all defensive back whose playmaking and positional flexibility would be amplified by a great pass rush. Fortunately, that’s just what this Rams defense has so it would be a great fit.

Related: Los Angeles Rams Rumors, News

27. Baltimore Ravens: James Pearce Jr, EDGE, Tennessee

If the Baltimore Ravens lose Ronnie Stanley in NFL free agency, then this first-round pick should be used on the offensive line. Projecting Stanley to stay in Baltimore, our focus shifts toward the Ravens defense. James Pearce Jr. didn’t quite meet expectations this past season, but his speed still makes him a dynamic pass-rushing threat. He would be a liability against the run, but Baltimore is already great in that area and this unit needs more heat-seeking missiles who can pin their ears back to chase down the quarterback.

28. Detroit Lions: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

The focus for the Detroit Lions should simply be on improving the defensive line by whatever means necessary. Derrick Harmon is the best lineman on the board at this point in our NFL mock draft 2025 and he could thrive in Detroit. With Alim McNeil coming off ACL surgery, Harmon also allows the Lions to ease their standout defensive tackle back into action. For the present, Harmon is a big-bodied interior pass-rushing threat who will generate pressure and potentially push a few quarterbacks into Aidan Hutchinson. This move could be just as effective as drafting an edge rusher.

29. Washington Commanders: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

The Deebo Samuel trade creates a little more flexibility for the Washington Commanders in the first round of the NFL Draft. That also includes taking a risk on Josh Simmons, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in October. If not for that injury, he might’ve been a top-12 pick. Once healthy, Simmons could step in right away at right tackle and give Washington two potential pillars on its offensive line to protect Jayden Daniels.

30. Las Vegas Raiders*: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

TRADE: Las Vegas Raiders trade 37th and 107th overall picks and a 2026 3rd to the Buffalo Bills for the 30th overall pick

There’s enough buzz around the league to suggest a majority of teams view Shedeur Sanders as a back-end Round 1 selection. That opens the door for a team like the Las Vegas Raiders to land him at a reasonable cost. In this 2025 NFL mock draft scenario, Sanders would eventually step into a Raiders offense that has Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers. It’s the ideal fit for Sanders, who has more limited physical tools, landing with a team where he can develop for a year or two then take over the starter.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Conerly Jr, OT, Oregon

The Joe Thuney trade came out of left field, but it did at least open the door to a team signing a veteran left tackle (Cam Robinson or Ronnie Stanley) in NFL free agency. Even if that happens, Jawaan Taylor has proven he can’t be trusted at right tackle. Josh Conerly Jr was a two-year start with Oregon and he certainly has the length and functional athleticism to stick there. For the time being, though, he can take the right tackle spot for Taylor and really help address Kansas City’s pass-protection issues for years to come.

32. Philadelphia Eagles: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

With Milton Williams leaving in NFL free agency, the Philadelphia Eagles could look to fill his spot at defensive tackle. Once a five-star recruit, Walter Nolen didn’t quite live up to his potential at college. However, this is still a 6-foot-4 defensive tackle who is a very good athlete for his size and showed flashes of playmaking ability on the interior. With all of the surrounding help on the Eagles defensive line, including Jalen Carter, this could be the perfect spot for Nolen to thrive in.