The NFL draft is fast approaching, with teams needing to fill out key positions. The 2025 NFL Draft will begin on April 24, and will finish on April 26. This is how I think the first 10 picks of the first round will go.
- Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward, QB, Miami
In this mock draft, with the first overall selection, the Titans will select quarterback Cam Ward out of the University of Miami. Ward is most people’s consensus No.1 pick, and for a good reason. The Titans have been trying for quite some time to find their franchise quarterback and given the importance of that position, Ward makes the most sense.
- Cleveland Browns – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
After giving a massive extension to Myles Garrett, the Browns may be under a lot of pressure to find their franchise quarterback. Sanders had an impressive collegiate career and will look once again to build a new culture in Cleveland.
- New York Giants – Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The Giants have signed quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson, possibly hinting that they don’t think Shedeur Sanders will be available when it’s their turn to pick. While Hunter will not solve all of New York’s problems, a two-way talent like him is almost impossible to pass up. The Heisman trophy winner has many debating whether he should stick to playing one position or the other. Only time will tell, but it should depend on which team drafts him based on their needs.
- New England Patriots – Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
The Patriots seem to be opting for the draft approach of taking the best player available, regardless of need. Taking Carter, who had 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss last season, would be the choice here for New England.
- Jacksonville Jaguars – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The Jaguars taking Graham would bolster their interior while already having Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker on the edges, both of whom were former top-seven picks in their own right. The Jaguars would be getting help for defending both the run and the pass by taking Graham.
- Las Vegas Raiders – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Newly hired Head Coach Pete Carroll is known for favoring a strong rushing attack and selecting Jeanty would no doubt bolster the Raiders’ offense. This would mark the second straight draft where the Raiders selected a dynamic offensive player in the first round. Brock Bowers was taken with pick 13 last draft and had an amazing rookie season for the Raiders. Bowers, Jeanty and the newly acquired quarterback Geno Smith could have the Raiders’ offense rolling in 2025.
- New York Jets – Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Membou can step in and make an impact at offensive tackle for the Jets as that is one of their pressing needs. Their offensive line has already seen one of their veterans, Morgan Moses, walk in free agency.
- Carolina Panthers – Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia
Now the Panthers are rumored to love Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, however, I don’t think that is a position they really need to address. They already have a promising group of defensive backs. Depending on whether their draft strategy will be to take the best player available or draft positional needs, if the Panthers don’t take Johnson, then they should be taking Walker. Walker’s unique blend of speed and athleticism would make the Panthers’ defense quite formidable. He finished with 61 total tackles and 6.5 sacks for Georgia last season.
- New Orleans Saints – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Different from their NFC South rival, the Saints find themselves really needing to draft Johnson after Paulson Adebo left for the Giants in free agency and Marshon Lattimore was traded during the regular season. Johnson is considered the second-best cornerback prospect behind Travis Hunter, however, some would argue he’s the best cornerback in this class. Johnson’s build and athleticism make for the prototypical modern NFL cornerback. There are injury concerns surrounding Johnson’s draft stock, but I would not let that deter me if I’m an NFL team needing cornerback help.
- Chicago Bears – Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Campbell is viewed as the top offensive lineman in the draft, but what is deterring teams is his length. But, I don’t think the Bears should let a prospect like Campbell slip past them. If anything, this is an ideal scenario for Chicago if he falls in the draft, as Campbell is arguably a top-5 talent. Getting him at 10 would be a steal. Their new head coach, Ben Johnson, values film over physical measurements and Campbell would be beneficial to protecting the Bears’ franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams.
