2025 NFL Mock Draft: B/R NFL Scouting Department’s Post-Super Bowl Picks

As the excitement of Super Bowl 59 fades into the rearview, the focus of NFL teams quickly shifts to the 2025 NFL Draft. Following the Philadelphia Eagles’ dominant victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59, many teams have solidified their draft strategies, aiming to strengthen their rosters for the next season and beyond. The Bleacher Report NFL Scouting Department has released its post-Super Bowl mock draft, projecting how the first round of the 2025 draft could shape up. The picks reflect teams addressing both immediate needs and long-term strategies, ensuring that the foundations of their future success are laid out with these crucial selections.

In this article, we take a deep dive into each of the first-round selections in the 2025 NFL Mock Draft, with a focus on the players’ attributes, their fit with respective teams, and how their skills could address current team deficiencies. From quarterbacks to edge rushers and everything in between, these picks will impact the trajectory of the NFL landscape for years to come.

1. Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward, Quarterback, Miami

The Tennessee Titans are at a critical crossroads in their franchise’s history. With veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill nearing the end of his career and Malik Willis still unproven, the team’s most pressing need is at the quarterback position. To remedy this, the Titans select Cam Ward, the highly-touted quarterback from Miami.

Ward brings a dynamic presence to the field with his strong arm and impressive mobility. He has shown the ability to lead his offense with poise under pressure and can make all the necessary throws, whether it’s threading the needle on an intermediate route or launching the deep ball. His leadership, ability to read defenses, and physical traits make him an ideal fit for Tennessee’s system, which emphasizes a balanced offense built around a power-running game and play-action.

Why it makes sense for the Titans: The Titans need to secure their future at quarterback. With Tannehill’s age and injury history, the team must transition to a new era under center, and Ward represents that future. His high ceiling as a franchise quarterback gives Tennessee hope for sustained success moving forward.

2. Cleveland Browns – Abdul Carter, Edge Rusher, Penn State

The Cleveland Browns have been building a competitive roster, but they’ve struggled to consistently put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. In a division filled with explosive offenses, notably the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens, the Browns need to enhance their pass rush to stay competitive.

To address this need, the Browns select Abdul Carter, an edge rusher from Penn State. Carter has the potential to be an elite disruptor on the defensive line. Standing at 6’4″ and possessing a blend of size, speed, and technique, Carter can wreak havoc off the edge. His ability to bend around the edge and close on quarterbacks makes him a nightmare for offensive linemen, and he’s also solid against the run. Carter’s versatility allows him to contribute in a variety of defensive schemes, whether it’s as a stand-up outside linebacker or as a hand-in-the-dirt pass rusher.

Why it makes sense for the Browns: Cleveland’s defense needs to be more aggressive, and Carter offers a perfect complement to Myles Garrett on the other side. Together, this duo could form one of the most fearsome pass-rushing tandems in the NFL, helping the Browns remain competitive in a high-powered division.

3. New York Giants – Shedeur Sanders, Quarterback, Colorado

The New York Giants are in a unique position following a relatively successful season in 2024, but they still lack the elite quarterback play needed to take their offense to the next level. While Daniel Jones has shown flashes, the Giants’ future at the quarterback position remains uncertain.

With this in mind, the Giants select Shedeur Sanders, the talented quarterback from Colorado, who has garnered significant attention for his playmaking ability, strong arm, and leadership. Sanders has shown the ability to elevate the talent around him, and his playstyle is exactly what the Giants need: someone who can make plays from the pocket, but also extend plays with his legs. His accuracy and decision-making have improved drastically, making him one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in recent years.

Why it makes sense for the Giants: If the Giants want to remain competitive in the NFC East and beyond, they need to secure a quarterback who can be a long-term solution. Sanders could offer a higher ceiling than Jones and bring a new energy to the offense. He also offers the potential to be a leader both on and off the field, which is vital for the Giants’ future success.

4. New England Patriots – Travis Hunter, Cornerback/Wide Receiver, Colorado

The New England Patriots find themselves in need of both defensive and offensive talent, with a well-documented need at wide receiver and cornerback. In Travis Hunter, the Patriots find a rare dual-threat player who can contribute on both sides of the ball.

Hunter is widely regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in college football, known for his ability to lock down receivers with ease. But what makes Hunter even more enticing is his ability to play wide receiver at a high level as well. His athleticism, speed, and hand-eye coordination allow him to make plays on both offense and defense, making him an incredibly valuable asset for Bill Belichick‘s squad. Whether it’s creating mismatches on offense or shutting down top-tier receivers on defense, Hunter’s versatility gives the Patriots a unique opportunity to address both sides of the ball with one pick.

Why it makes sense for the Patriots: Hunter is the kind of rare talent that can immediately help elevate both the Patriots’ defense and offense. His ability to contribute on both sides of the ball gives the team a unique advantage in a league that values versatility.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Travis Hunter, Cornerback/Wide Receiver, Colorado

The Jacksonville Jaguars are on the rise in the AFC, with Trevor Lawrence playing at an elite level. However, the team’s defense still has room for improvement, and they could benefit from an upgrade at both cornerback and wide receiver.

With the fifth overall pick, the Jaguars select Travis Hunter, the dual-threat cornerback and wide receiver from Colorado. Adding Hunter to Jacksonville’s roster provides them with a player who can immediately make an impact in the secondary, while also offering another dynamic playmaker to pair with Christian Kirk and Calvin Ridley on offense. Hunter’s ball-hawking ability and athleticism make him an excellent fit for the Jaguars’ system, giving them a versatile weapon they can use in a variety of situations.

Why it makes sense for the Jaguars: With the addition of Hunter, the Jaguars are able to address their secondary needs while also improving their offensive depth. As the team looks to build around Lawrence and make a run for the playoffs, Hunter’s playmaking ability will provide an immediate boost.

6. Chicago Bears – Quandarrius Robinson, Edge Rusher, Alabama

The Chicago Bears made significant strides in the 2024 season but still struggle on defense, particularly when it comes to getting pressure on the quarterback. With the addition of an elite edge rusher, the Bears could take their defense to the next level.

With the sixth overall pick, the Bears select Quandarrius Robinson, an edge rusher from Alabama. Robinson has all the tools to be a dominant force on the edge. His speed, strength, and pass-rushing instincts make him an immediate threat in the NFL. With his ability to bend around the edge and create disruption in the backfield, Robinson will give the Bears a much-needed presence on the defensive line.

Why it makes sense for the Bears: Chicago’s defense revolves around pressuring the quarterback, and Robinson offers the skills necessary to be an impact player right away. The Bears have been lacking an elite pass rusher for years, and Robinson has the potential to change that.

7. Arizona Cardinals – Jacob Bayer, Offensive Tackle, Arkansas State

The Arizona Cardinals are in the midst of a rebuild, and one of the most important areas they need to address is their offensive line. Protecting their quarterback, whether it’s Kyler Murray or someone else in the future, is crucial to their success.

With the seventh overall pick, the Cardinals select Jacob Bayer, an offensive tackle from Arkansas State. Bayer is an athletic and powerful offensive lineman who excels in both pass protection and run blocking. With his ability to dominate in the trenches, Bayer will help solidify Arizona’s offensive line, providing much-needed stability in the front five.

Why it makes sense for the Cardinals: The Cardinals’ offensive line has been a weakness for years, and Bayer’s selection will help ensure that their quarterbacks have the time and protection needed to thrive. This pick also ensures that their running backs have the space to create explosive plays.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the teams with the first few picks are in prime positions to address their needs and set their franchises up for long-term success. From quarterbacks like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders to versatile players like Travis Hunter, this draft class offers a wealth of talent that will undoubtedly impact the league for years to come. Teams such as the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and Jacksonville Jaguars all have a chance to make significant moves that will shape their rosters and playoff