2025 NFL Mock Draft Experts Weigh In on Top Picks After Senior Bowl
With the Senior Bowl now behind us, the countdown to the 2025 NFL Draft continues. A week filled with practices and the game in Mobile, Alabama, showcased some of the top prospects for this year’s draft class, providing evaluators with even more insights into the players’ abilities.
One thing is clear: defensive line talent, particularly edge rushers and interior defensive linemen, will dominate the 2025 draft class. While the 2025 offensive class lacks the star power we saw in 2024, there are still plenty of quality players expected to go in the first round. Notably, the wide receiver class is weaker than in previous years, and teams may opt to select a receiver early instead of waiting until later rounds.
Though there are still over two months until the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, speculation on the top picks is already heating up. Experts from ESPN, NFL.com, FTN Fantasy, and Pro Football Network have updated their predictions for the first round, and here’s a roundup of the latest mock draft projections.
2025 NFL Mock Draft Predictions:
Note: Picks No. 31 and 32 will be finalized after the Super Bowl.
1. Tennessee Titans
- ESPN: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
- NFL.com: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
- FTN Fantasy: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
- Pro Football Network: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Abdul Carter’s standout performance as a full-time edge rusher at Penn State in 2024 solidified his status as a top pick. His 12 sacks, 61 hurries, and best-in-the-FBS edge pressure percentage of 19.6% make him a dynamic player. Despite Tennessee’s needs at quarterback and right tackle, drafting the best player on the board in Carter could be the best option.
2. Cleveland Browns
- ESPN: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
- NFL.com: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
- FTN Fantasy: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
- Pro Football Network: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
Travis Hunter is one of the most versatile players in the draft, excelling as both a cornerback and wide receiver. The Browns could prioritize a generational talent like Hunter, even as they consider quarterback options.
3. New York Giants
- ESPN: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
- NFL.com: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
- FTN Fantasy: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
- Pro Football Network: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Cam Ward’s impressive arm strength and mobility could make him the perfect fit for the Giants, who are in desperate need of a quarterback to elevate their offense.
4. New England Patriots
- ESPN: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
- NFL.com: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
- FTN Fantasy: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
- Pro Football Network: Will Campbell, OL, LSU
Mason Graham, a dominant defensive lineman, could be a foundational piece for the Patriots’ defense. This pick would help strengthen New England’s defensive line, while they may address other needs in free agency.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
- ESPN: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
- NFL.com: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
- FTN Fantasy: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
- Pro Football Network: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
With a struggling defense that ranked last in forced turnovers in 2024, Jacksonville may choose Will Johnson, a standout cornerback, to help rebuild its defensive playmaking unit.
6. Las Vegas Raiders
- ESPN: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
- NFL.com: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
- FTN Fantasy: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
- Pro Football Network: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The Raiders could find their quarterback of the future in Shedeur Sanders, who possesses excellent arm strength and improvisational skills, making him a great fit for Las Vegas.
7. New York Jets
- ESPN: Will Campbell, OL, LSU
- NFL.com: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
- FTN Fantasy: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
- Pro Football Network: Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas
The Jets may opt for Will Campbell to bolster their offensive line, giving quarterback Zach Wilson better protection and helping the team build for the future.
8. Carolina Panthers
- ESPN: Jalon Walker, LB/Edge, Georgia
- NFL.com: Jalon Walker, LB/Edge, Georgia
- FTN Fantasy: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
- Pro Football Network: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Jalon Walker’s explosiveness and versatility could provide a much-needed boost to Carolina’s defense, helping them improve their pass rush and overall playmaking.
9. New Orleans Saints
- ESPN: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
- NFL.com: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
- FTN Fantasy: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
- Pro Football Network: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Saints could add a powerful weapon in the form of McMillan, a 6-foot-5 receiver with the ability to make big plays and win deep. This would provide help to their offense, which is lacking a consistent second receiving threat beyond Chris Olave.
As we move closer to the 2025 NFL Draft, these mock draft projections continue to evolve. It’s clear that this year’s draft class is stacked with defensive talent, and teams are already making plans to address their needs on both sides of the ball. Stay tuned as more updates and expert predictions emerge in the coming months.
