2025 NFL mock draft: Latest Round 1 projections after first wave of free agency

The early days of NFL free agency are over, and several teams have had to alter their draft outlook after addressing key needs. Some teams who appeared nearly certain to address specific positions can now consider other options, which means it’s time for another 2025 NFL mock draft.

Now that all 32 NFL fanbases are more interested in which players can help them in the 2025 NFL Draft, we project who each team will select with their first-round draft pick on April 24. Now with the first wave of free agency in the rearview mirror, our latest 2025 NFL mock draft examines what all 32 teams could do in the first round.

1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)

As we inch closer to the draft, Cam Ward is starting to feel more like a sure thing to land in Tennessee. Ward has MVP potential, much like we saw from Jayden Daniels last season. Ward has a big arm and the type of mobility that can change the game on any given snap. Tennessee can’t afford to pass up on that type of potential.

2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

The Browns need a new quarterback like there’s no tomorrow, but with Deshaun Watson still soaking up a large portion of Cleveland’s salary cap, they’re just not ready to compete. While Shedeur Sanders could be a franchise quarterback, there’s a lot of doubt in his ability to be an elite talent. There are no such questions with Travis Hunter, who feels like a surefire starter at either receiver or cornerback, but possibly both.

3. *Carolina Panthers (trade with New York Giants): Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

NCAA Football: Orange Bowl-Notre Dame at Penn State — Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Panthers trade No. 8, 74, 2026 2nd + 3rd round pick to Giants for 3

Now that they’re confident in Bryce Young developing into a starting-caliber quarterback, the Panthers can feel more comfortable making aggressive moves again. Here they land the best pass rusher in the draft class in Abdul Carter, someone who’s drawn comparisons to Micah Parsons.

4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OL, LSU

NFL: Combine — Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Patriots did well to upgrade their defense in free agency, but what about helping their young franchise quarterback? Will Campbell may not even be a long-term fit at left tackle, but if nothing else, he should be able to be a top-notch left guard.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan

The Jaguars land the best player who still fills a crucial need here at No. 5. Mason Graham has true game-wrecking potential from the trenches. He may even develop into a better player than Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, which would give the Jaguars an extremely tough defensive front.

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

After landing their franchise quarterback, the Raiders go all-in on leading a sharp turnaround under Pete Carroll by selecting the best pick available for the second year in a row. Ashton Jeanty could be one of the NFL’s best players, even as a rookie. That’s too enticing to pass up for the Raiders.

7. New York Jets: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

The Jets could select an offensive tackle in the first round for the second year in a row, yet providing Justin Fields with another potential star weapon is too enticing to pass up. Warren has the ability to be a 1,000-yard receiver and he even holds up well as a blocker too.

8. *New York Giants (trade with Carolina Panthers): Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Giants trade No. 3 to Panthers for 8, 74, 2026 2nd + 3rd round pick

Sensing that they may be able to slide down a few spots and still get their quarterback, the Giants are able to collect a few more assets here. While Shedeur Sanders doesn’t have the ideal arm strength to cut through the high winds at MetLife Stadium, he’s an excellent locker room leader who may be able to get the most out of his teammates.

9. New Orleans Saints: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

NCAA Football: Arizona State at Arizona — Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Chris Olave brings plenty of speed to New Orleans and now Tetairoa McMillan can give Derek Carr a 6-foot-5 red zone threat too. A sure-handed prospect who isn’t exactly fast, but Saints fans may eventually see him like a Marques Colston-type who can bully defenders on the way to big gains after the catch.

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

NCAA Football: New Mexico at Texas A&M — Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

After filling offensive line needs, it’s time to rebuild Chicago’s defense. While Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo present a solid tandem, Shemar Stewart has a higher ceiling as a freak athlete with double-digit sack potential.

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

Getting the best pure cornerback at No. 11? That feels like a steal for a 49ers team that just lost Charvarius Ward to free agency. Will Johnson is a physical athlete with a nose for the football with true CB1 potential, and he’d be a great fit in San Francisco.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

NCAA Football: Peach Bowl-Texas at Arizona State — Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Cowboys love speed and Matthew Golden is the fastest receiver in the draft class, clocking a 4.29-second 40 yard dash. He also happens to hail from Texas. If Golden becomes a star, he’d easily have one of the Cowboys’ best-selling jerseys.

13. Miami Dolphins: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

NCAA Football: Florida at Missouri — Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Terron Armstead has never played more than 15 games in a single season. He’ll also turn 34 before the season starts and has already had thoughts of retirement. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have been a mess in the trenches, yet Armand Membou could bring more consistency protecting Tua Tagovailoa’s blindside at the right tackle position before possibly eventually replacing Armstead on the left.

14. Indianapolis Colts: Kelvin Banks Jr, OL, Texas

After losing their starting center and right guard, the Colts have some work to do in the trenches, especially if they plan on Anthony Richardson and/or Daniel Jones having a successful season. Kelvin Banks may be able to play tackle, but many others say his shorter arms make him a better fit at guard, where he could be an All-Pro for the Colts.

15. Atlanta Falcons: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

NCAA Football: Georgia Tech at Georgia — Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Falcons land a homegrown Georgia native who locals will quickly fall in love with. After anchoring Georgia’s star-studded defense, Malaki Starks has established himself as the best safety in the draft class thanks to his elite football IQ and by consistently playing technically sound.

16. Arizona Cardinals: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

NCAA Football: Cotton Bowl-Ohio State at Texas — Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Lacking a true No. 1 cornerback, Jonathan Gannon would be thrilled with this selection. Jahdae Barron clocked a blazing fast 4.39 40 yard dash, which shows he should be able to stick with all of the league’s high-level athletes. He also has great instincts and won’t get bullied out of position by bigger receivers.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan

It looks like the Bengals may be able to bring Trey Hendrickson back, but they’ll still want to reinforce the defensive interior. Kenneth Grant is a mountain of a man who’s hard to move off his spot. He may not be a pass-rushing menace, but that’s what Hendrickson does best anyway.

18. Seattle Seahawks: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

The Seahawks need to improve in the offensive trenches, especially after adding Sam Darnold at QB. He’ll be playing in a new system with new targets, which means his processing speed could be a bit slowed to begin with. However, Josh Simmons presents high upside, he might even be the best left tackle in the class, but the Seahawks only need him to man the right side thanks to the emergence of Charles Cross.

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

NCAA Football: Alabama at Oklahoma — Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

Lavonte David is 35 years old, so sprinkling in a young prospect who can learn from the former All-Pro linebacker makes a lot of sense. Campbell could realistically play any linebacker spot, but he projects best in the middle because he’s a sure tackler with impressive lateral quickness.

20. Denver Broncos: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

NCAA Football: Vanderbilt at Missouri — Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The Broncos got Sean Payton his athletic tight end, now it’s time to get Bo Nix another receiver weapon who can win in all areas of the field. Burden is an ideal fit in Denver, as he’s capable of taking short passes for long gains on any given down.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Grey Zabel, OT, North Dakota State

The Steelers have several young offensive linemen trying to find their way, but few actual standouts. Grey Zabel boosts the floor of Pittsburgh’s line by adding a versatile option that can play any position on the line.

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

Jim Harbaugh gets another Michigan man, but Colston Loveland lands here because he fills a gigantic need in Los Angeles. Loveland gives Justin Herbert a 6-foot-6 target who has no trouble separating from defenders, despite being a tight end.

23. Green Bay Packers: James Pearce Jr, EDGE, Tennessee

A true freak athlete who clocked a 4.47 40-yard dash as a 6-foot-5, 245-pound edge rusher, James Pearce has superstar potential anywhere he lands. Pearce combines elite athleticism with a strong motor that gives opponents fits on any given down.

24. *Washington Commanders (trade with Minnesota Vikings): Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

NCAA Football: Marshall at Virginia Tech — Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Commanders trade No. 29, 128, 2026 3rd round pick to Vikings for 24

Seeing a potential star dropping in the first round spurs an aggressive move from the Commanders, who already feel they’re ready to compete for a Super Bowl with Jayden Daniels leading the way. Mike Green led the nation in sacks last season and the Commanders are betting on his skills translating to the pros too.

25. Houston Texans: Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon

NCAA Football: Rose Bowl-Ohio State at Oregon — Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

A competitive player who plays through the whistle, DeMeco Ryans will love having Derrick Harmon plugging gaps in the trenches. Surprisingly quick for a 6-foot-5, 310-pound lineman, one of Harmon’s best traits is his high IQ.

26. Los Angeles Rams: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia

NCAA Football: Sugar Bowl-Notre Dame at Georgia — Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

One of the best off-ball linebackers in the draft class, Jalon Walker has the ability to play multiple spots in the NFL. However, the Rams will have to find what he’s most effective at, because he’s typically been used as a box defender who doesn’t handle pass coverage with flying colors.

Related: Los Angeles Rams Rumors, News

27. Baltimore Ravens: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

A plus-plus run defender, Mykel Williams has a quick first step and tons of strength. He’s not a finished product as a pass rusher, but what rookie available with the 27th pick is a polished product? Williams has a non-stop motor that gives him the potential to be an All-Pro.

28. Detroit Lions: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College

NCAA Football: Boston College at Southern Methodist — Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Still seeking a high-caliber pass-rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions find their guy in Donovan Ezeiruaku. He’ll be beloved by his NFL defensive coordinator, thanks to having a strong nose for the football and being extremely bendy off the edge.

29. *Minnesota Vikings (trade with Washington Commanders): Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss

NCAA Football: Mississippi at Louisiana State — Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Vikings trade No. 24 to Commanders for 29, 128, 2026 3rd round pick

With the fewest selections in the 2025 NFL Draft (four), the Vikings are an obvious choice to trade down. They benefit here from still filling one of their long-term needs thanks to a deep defensive line class. While Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen were added in free agency, both are 30 or older. Walter Nolen may just be a rotational rusher as a rookie, but we’re confident he can make an impact playing for Brian Flores.

30. Buffalo Bills: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

NCAA Football: CFP National Championship-Ohio State at Notre Dame — Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Bills have done well to replace Stefon Diggs, but they still don’t really have a defined No. 1 receiver. Emeka Egbuka may never become a top threat either, but he gives the reigning NFL MVP another weapon who can win 1-on-1 battles.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

NCAA Football: Louisiana State at Texas A&M — Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

After witnessing the Eagles create pressure at will, now the Chiefs want to get on the level of the reigning Super Bowl winners too. Nic Scourton is a high ceiling athlete who already boasts a wide array of pass-rush moves, he just needs some more refinement.

32. Philadelphia Eagles: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama

After seeing Mekhi Becton leave for the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency, the Eagles work quickly to find a new potential starting right guard. Tyler Booker is regarded as the best pure guard prospect in the draft class and he could be an immediate plug and play solution.