The 2025 NFL draft is still over nine months away, but I’m already studying top prospects, particularly potential franchise quarterbacks. With NFL training camps around the corner and the college football season following soon after, I’m making early projections for all 32 first-round picks.
Our draft order is based on ESPN’s Football Power Index simulations for the 2024 NFL season, predicting the Patriots at No. 1. However, whether New England keeps this pick or trades it to a QB-needy team remains uncertain. In fact, I’ve included two projected trades in this mock draft, one involving the No. 1 selection.
Much can change before the actual draft next April, as prospects’ stock will fluctuate and some may return to school. With a full season of games ahead, and my own tape review admittedly incomplete, these projections are preliminary based on current insights, team needs, and logical fits.
(Note: Underclassmen are marked with an asterisk.)
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**Projected trade: Giants move up to No. 1 overall**
New York Giants (via projected trade with NE)
– Carson Beck, QB, Georgia*
After a lackluster passing game last season and uncertainty surrounding Daniel Jones’ return from injury, the Giants target Beck, a poised pocket passer set for a breakout year.
**Projected trade: Raiders trade up for a QB**
Las Vegas Raiders (via projected trade with CAR)
– Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Seeking a long-term solution at QB, the Raiders secure Sanders, a dynamic talent with impressive accuracy and poise under pressure.
**3. Denver Broncos**
– Will Johnson, CB, Michigan*
A top cornerback prospect, Johnson brings size, speed, and playmaking ability to bolster Denver’s defense.
**4. Tennessee Titans**
– James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee*
Local standout Pearce adds pass-rushing prowess and versatility to the Titans’ defense.
**5. Washington Commanders**
– Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas*
Addressing a critical need at left tackle, Banks offers size and strength to protect the quarterback.
**6. New England Patriots (via projected trade with NYG)**
– Will Campbell, OT, LSU*
Boosting their offensive line, the Patriots secure Campbell, known for his impeccable pass protection.
**7. Minnesota Vikings**
– Mason Graham, DT, Michigan*
Graham enhances the Vikings’ defensive interior with explosive play and strong fundamentals.
**8. Carolina Panthers (via projected trade with LV)**
– Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri*
Even after trading down, the Panthers snag Burden, a dynamic playmaker who adds depth to their receiving corps.
**9. Arizona Cardinals**
– Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado*
Hunter’s dual-threat skills make him a versatile asset, potentially impacting both offense and defense.
**10. New Orleans Saints**
– Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas*
Looking for their future QB, the Saints turn to Ewers, known for his arm strength and accuracy.
**11. Seattle Seahawks**
– Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona*
Seattle adds McMillan’s size and playmaking ability to their receiving corps.
**12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers**
– Harold Perkins Jr., Edge, LSU*
Perkins’ pass-rushing abilities fill a crucial gap in the Buccaneers’ defense.
**13. Pittsburgh Steelers**
– Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame*
Morrison strengthens the Steelers’ secondary with his ball skills and shutdown capabilities.
**14. Indianapolis Colts**
– Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan*
Providing a weapon for Anthony Richardson, Loveland combines receiving skills with strong blocking.
**15. Jacksonville Jaguars**
– Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU*
Jones shores up Jacksonville’s offensive line with versatility and athleticism.
**16. Cleveland Browns**
– Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Cleveland adds Carter’s pass-rushing prowess opposite Myles Garrett.
**17. Chicago Bears**
– Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia*
Williams bolsters the Bears’ defensive front with his disruptive play.
**18. Los Angeles Chargers**
– Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon*
Adding depth to their receiving corps, Stewart brings speed and playmaking ability.
**19. Los Angeles Rams**
– Conner Weigman, QB, Texas A&M*
Preparing for the future, the Rams invest in Weigman’s potential as a future starter.
**20. New York Jets**
– Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame
Looking ahead, the Jets draft Leonard as a potential successor to Aaron Rodgers.
**21. Miami Dolphins**
– Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky*
Walker strengthens Miami’s defensive line with size and agility.
**22. Atlanta Falcons**
– JT Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State
Tuimoloau’s pass-rushing skills could provide a boost to Atlanta’s defense.
**23. Houston Texans**
– Jonah Savaiinaea, G, Arizona
Houston addresses its offensive line with Savaiinaea’s size and strength.
**24. Green Bay Packers**
– Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
Williams adds depth to Green Bay’s interior defensive line.
**25. Cincinnati Bengals**
– Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas*
Bond brings speed and big-play potential to Cincinnati’s receiving corps.
**26. Buffalo Bills**
– Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M*
Buffalo targets Scourton to bolster their pass rush alongside Greg Rousseau.
**27. Dallas Cowboys**
– Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State*
Dallas adds Judkins to complement Ezekiel Elliott in their backfield.
**28. Philadelphia Eagles**
– Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Starks adds versatility and playmaking ability to Philadelphia’s defense.
**29. Baltimore Ravens**
– Tyler Booker, G, Alabama*
Booker provides strength and stability to Baltimore’s interior offensive line.
**30. Detroit Lions**
– Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Egbuka offers Detroit a dynamic playmaker at wide receiver.
**31. Kansas City Chiefs**
– Anthony Belton, OT, NC State
Belton shores up Kansas City’s offensive line, protecting Patrick Mahomes.
**32. San Francisco 49ers**
– Ajani Cornelius, OT, Oregon*
Cornelius addresses San Francisco’s offensive line needs with his athleticism and potential.
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These projections are speculative and will likely evolve as the season progresses and more information becomes available about each prospect’s performance and team needs.
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