2025 NFL Mock Draft: Bears jump for Jeanty, Falcons and Cowboys Grab WRs

By Roman BednarczykMarch 28, 2025
2025 NFL Mock Draft: Bears jump for Jeanty, Falcons and Cowboys Grab WRs

We're now only a few weeks away from the 2025 NFL Draft, and with the majority of major free agent moves already behind us, the picture for this year’s draft is starting to come into focus. Teams have been busy filling many of their roster holes, but with plenty of uncertainty still in play—it’s clear that April’s three-day event will be a game-changer for franchises looking to solidify their future.

 

 

With that in mind, let’s dive into the current landscape and take a closer look at how the first round could shake out. Here’s my updated 2025 NFL Mock Draft.

 

1. Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward (QB, Miami)

The Titans make the obvious pick here with Cam Ward, banking on the highest-upside quarterback in this draft. His ability to make plays outside the pocket makes him special and will aim to be Nashville’s next superstar.

2. Cleveland Browns

Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)

After two standout seasons at Colorado, Sanders' blend of leadership and poise in high-pressure situations makes him the consensus QB2 in this draft. His ability to read defenses and adjust his game under pressure makes him a day-one starter for Cleveland.

3. New York Giants

Travis Hunter (CB/WR, Colorado)

A dream scenario for the Giants would be landing Hunter, a versatile playmaker capable of excelling on both sides of the ball. With elite skills as both a cornerback and receiver, he would give the Giants a unique weapon, enhancing both the defensive and offensive sides of the ball.

4. New England Patriots

Abdul Carter (EDGE, Penn State)

New England strengthens its pass rush with Abdul Carter, who is potentially the best overall player in this draft. His relentless motor and ability to pressure the pocket make him a perfect fit for Mike Vrabel’s defensive system.

 

5. TRADE: Chicago Bears

Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State)

The Bears jump Las Vegas to select Ashton Jeanty. Ben Johnson needs his Sonic (and Knuckles) and Jeanty’s ability to be a difference-maker both in the running game and as a pass-catcher, provides the Bears offense with an exciting weapon.

6. Las Vegas Raiders

Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona)

The Raiders land Tetairoa McMillan, a big-play wide receiver who will give Geno Smith a deep threat to stretch the field. With Jakobi Meyers needing a running mate, McMillan could quickly become the second target this offense desperately needs, behind Brock Bowers.

7. New York Jets

Mason Graham (DL, Michigan)

The Jets snag the best defensive prospect on the board with Michigan’s Mason Graham. He’d be joining a Jets interior defensive line that already has Quinnen Williams, who could make Graham’s life a whole lot easier.

8. Carolina Panthers

Jalon Walker (LB, Georgia)

Carolina needs defense, and by adding Jalon Walker, they get an uber-athletic linebacker who can immediately make an impact. In need of a defensive playmaker who can cover both the run and pass, Walker offers the versatility to be a cornerstone for years to come.

9. New Orleans Saints

Will Campbell (OT, LSU)

The Saints prioritize the trenches and bring the LSU product home. Campbell would be given a chance to compete for one of the tackle spots and if he loses, New Orleans has a long-term starter at guard.

10. TRADE: Jacksonville Jaguars

Tyler Warren (TE, Penn State)

In a trade down with Chicago, Jacksonville still lands one of the top players in the draft, at a position of need, with Tyler Warren. With Trevor Lawrence needing more reliable weapons, Warren offers versatility and can immediately contribute as a key piece of Jacksonville's offense.

 

 

11. San Francisco 49ers

Armand Membou (OT, Missouri)

The 49ers’ offense, built around playmakers like Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk, gets a major boost with Armand Membou, a tackle who can secure the edge for Brock Purdy. With questions around their offensive line depth, Membou provides a much-needed upgrade in the trenches.

12. Dallas Cowboys

Matthew Golden (WR, Texas)

Golden stays in Texas and lands with the Cowboys, giving Dak Prescott a reliable target in the passing game. With CeeDee Lamb as the clear No. 1, Golden’s explosive potential and 4.40 speed add versatility to a talented but somewhat thin receiving corps.

13. Miami Dolphins

Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas)

Miami aims to replace Jevon Holland by drafting Jahdae Barron, a cornerback with the ball skills and athleticism to potentially move to safety. With the AFC East getting more competitive, Barron’s ability to shut down top receivers and roam in zone coverage will be key to the Dolphins' defense making that next step.

14. Indianapolis Colts

Jihaad Campbell (LB, Alabama)

GM Chris Ballard loves drafting highly athletic players, and linebacker Jihaad Campbell is just that. As Indianapolis continues to retool its offense, Campbell’s leadership and instincts will solidify the middle of their defense for years to come.

15. Atlanta Falcons

Luther Burden III (WR, Missouri)

Will Atlanta ever draft defense in the first round? Not this time. They add a top-tier wide receiver in Luther Burden III, who brings explosive speed and the ability to make big plays down the field. With their offense needing some fireworks to support Michael Penix Jr., Burden will provide a dynamic playmaker in the slot.

 

 

16. Arizona Cardinals

Grey Zabel (OT, North Dakota State)

Arizona beefs up its offensive line with Grey Zabel, a versatile tackle who can potentially move to guard or center. As the Cardinals look to compete in the NFC West, Zabel provides them with a foundation to improve their offensive line and protect Kyler Murray.

17. Cincinnati Bengals

Mike Green (EDGE, Marshall)

Cincinnati needs to hit on their defensive picks in this draft if they want any shot at competing. So, they add Mike Green, an explosive edge rusher with a strong athletic profile that can become a game wrecker, hopefully alongside Trey Hendrickson.

18. Seattle Seahawks

Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT, Texas)

Seattle continues to fortify its offensive line with Kelvin Banks Jr., a powerful and athletic tackle who will help keep Sam Darnold upright. As they look to take the next step with a rebuilt offense, Banks gives them the protection they need to be contenders in the NFC West.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Shemar Stewart (EDGE, Texas A&M)

The Buccaneers take the risk on Shemar Stewart, who tested as one of the most athletic edge rushers of all time at the combine. With Tampa Bay looking to get younger on defense, Stewart offers a long-term solution to their defensive needs and the ability to create havoc off the edge.

20. Denver Broncos

Omarion Hampton (RB, North Carolina)

Omarion Hampton fills the need at running back for the Broncos, who can help ease the burden on Bo Nix. With the NFL’s best defense and a Sean Payton led offensive scheme, his bruising running style and knack for gaining tough yards make him a strong fit for Denver.

 

 

21. Pittsburgh Steelers

Malaki Starks (S, Georgia)

Pittsburgh doesn’t go quarterback but adds a playmaking safety in Malaki Starks, who can help solidify the backend of their defense. With their defensive identity being a cornerstone of their success, Starks brings ball-hawking skills and high football IQ to complement their aggressive style.

22. Los Angeles Chargers

Kenneth Grant (DL, Michigan)

Jim Harbaugh gets his Michigan guy and grabs Kenneth Grant, a powerful interior defensive lineman who can disrupt the pocket and help stop the run. With their defense needing more consistency and depth, Grant brings an immediate presence to their front seven and adds to the Chargers’ defensive line rotation.

23. Green Bay Packers

Donovan Ezeiruaku (EDGE, Boston College)

An underrated connection in this draft is Packers DC Jeff Hafley and edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku, whom Hafley coached at Boston College from 2021 to 2023. Green Bay needs a secondary pass rusher alongside Rashan Gary, so they grab a dynamic playmaker who has familiarity with their defense.

24. Minnesota Vikings

Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)

Minnesota addresses its secondary with Will Johnson, a shutdown cornerback who has the size and skill to compete at the highest level. With the NFC North getting tougher, Johnson’s ability to lock down wide receivers will help solidify the Vikings’ defense.

 

 

25. Houston Texans

Josh Simmons (OT, Ohio State)

Houston bolsters its offensive line with Josh Simmons, a dynamic tackle capable of protecting the quarterback’s blindside. After trading away Laremy Tunsil, Simmons could be the replacement, giving them the foundation needed to improve their offensive line for years to come.

26. Los Angeles Rams

Trey Amos (CB, Ole Miss)

GM Les Snead is known for drafting players who transferred up from small schools and Amos did just that, going from Louisiana-Lafayette to Alabama, then to Ole Miss. With the Rams needing to strengthen their defense and add depth to their cornerback position, Amos provides them with a strong, ball-hawking presence.

27. Baltimore Ravens

James Pearce Jr. (EDGE, Tennessee)

Baltimore adds James Pearce Jr., an edge rusher with explosive speed and a relentless motor. With their defense in need of a youth infusion, Pearce provides an edge rusher who can impact the game from day one and help the Ravens stay competitive in the AFC North.

28. Detroit Lions

Mykel Williams (EDGE, Georgia)

Mykel Williams is a polished and powerful edge rusher who can help solidify Detroit’s defensive front. As the Lions continue to rise in the NFC, Williams’ ability to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt plays in the backfield will be a key asset to their defense, alongside a healthy Aidan Hutchinson.

29. Washington Commanders

Maxwell Hairston (CB, Kentucky)

Washington adds a young, speedy cornerback in Maxwell Hairston, whose ability to cover top receivers will strengthen their secondary. As the Commanders build on their solid defense, Hairston offers a promising option who can quickly develop into a reliable starter.

30. Buffalo Bills

Walter Nolen (DL, Ole Miss)

Buffalo grabs Walter Nolen, a disruptive force on the defensive line capable of collapsing the pocket and stopping the run. As they continue to chase a Kansas City, Nolen gives the Bills a powerful presence in the trenches to complement their high-powered offense.

 

 

31. Kansas City Chiefs

Josh Conerly Jr. (OT, Oregon)

Kansas City secures Josh Conerly Jr., a smooth, athletic tackle who can step in immediately and protect Patrick Mahomes. With the offensive line being a big priority for the Chiefs, Conerly provides them with much-needed stability to ensure Mahomes stays upright and can distribute to their playmakers.

32. Philadelphia Eagles

Tyler Booker (OG, Alabama)

The Eagles add Tyler Booker, a powerful guard who will slide in to replace Mekhi Becton and strengthen their already elite offensive line. With their run-heavy offense and a focus on the trenches, Booker is a perfect fit to help dominate at the line of scrimmage and continue their dominance in the NFC.