NFL NationApr 22, 2025, 03:59 PM ET
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- NFL Country is made up of 32 team-specific journalists who quilt the NFL year-round throughout ESPN.com, ESPN tv displays, ESPN Radio, ESPN+ and social media platforms. It was once established forward of the 2013 season.
After studying all of the complete mock drafts from our ESPN gurus, what is yet another with a twist? Our NFL Country journalists shared their experience by means of making first-round picks for his or her groups as we shut in at the opening select of the 2025 NFL draft on Thursday (8 p.m. ET on ESPN, ABC, ESPN App) in Inexperienced Bay, Wisconsin.
There was once no marvel at No. 1, because the Tennessee Titans took Miami quarterback Cam Ward, however the a laugh began after that.In spite of a ton of hypothesis, there have been best two quarterbacks taken, as offensive line was the focal point after the highest 3 selections.
You’ll be able to watch the entire mock draft right here, however with out additional ado, listed below are the selections:
ROUND 1
Turron Davenport’s select: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Sturdy attention is going to cross rusher Abdul Carter and do-it-all playmaker Travis Hunter right here, however quarterback is the highest precedence for the Titans. Tennessee fills its largest void by means of taking Ward, the consensus best passer within the draft elegance. Ward is a confirmed tradition changer who can be charged with main the Titans’ go back to respectability prior to they transfer into their new stadium in 2027.
Daniel Oyefusi’s select: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Quarterback stays the highest want for the Browns after including Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco this offseason. However the crew has mentioned it would possibly not drive a quarterback select, and deciding on this excessive lets in Cleveland to get arguably the finest participant within the draft in Hunter. Browns GM Andrew Berry has mentioned the crew would play Hunter essentially at large receiver, and he’s open to Hunter moonlighting on protection to proceed showcasing his two-way talents.
Jordan Raanan’s select: Abdul Carter, OLB, Penn State
The Giants do not appear to view Shedeur Sanders as a best 3 skill, even with their wishes at quarterback. Top-level executives across the league agree that Hunter and Carter are the simple best possibilities on this draft — of the blue chip or generational selection. “You do not cross on that form of participant,” basic supervisor Joe Schoen mentioned closing week. So the Giants do not cross on Carter, although edge rushers Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux are at the roster.
Mike Reiss’ select: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
New Patriots head trainer Mike Vrabel has highlighted two priorities in development a profitable crew — offering infrastructure to assist quarterback Drake Maye prevail with an effective passing sport and discovering a approach to have an effect on the opposing quarterback. Campbell tasks as a possible Day 1 starter at left take on, and at worst, a high-end choice at left guard (which could also be a necessity). Georgia cross rusher Jalon Walker could also be very talked-about by means of some best decision-makers with the crew.
Mike DiRocco’s select: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Sure, there are holes in different places alongside the offensive and defensive traces. Alternatively, the Jaguars cannot cross up probably the most few elite gamers within the draft. At his introductory information convention, head trainer Liam Coen requested: “How can we make Trevor Lawrence and this offense as dynamic and explosive as we will be?” Jeanty suits either one of the ones descriptions. Working again Travis Etienne Jr.’s manufacturing has dipped in consecutive seasons and receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was once the Jaguars’ lone playmaker. Now they’d have two.
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The highlights that make Ashton Jeanty a best NFL draft prospect
Take a look at highlights from Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty forward of the 2025 NFL draft.
Ryan McFadden’s select: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
With Jeanty off the board, the Raiders will center of attention on strengthening their offensive line. Membou has the possible to be a direct starter at proper take on, offering coverage for quarterback Geno Smith, who threw 13 interceptions and had a QBR of nineteen.6 when confused closing season in Seattle.
Wealthy Cimini’s select: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
TE Tyler Warren can be thought to be, however the Jets in reality wish to improve at proper take on after dropping Morgan Moses (Patriots). Banks was once a three-year starter at left take on, however the feeling is that he may make the transfer to the proper facet. The Jets will have their bookends for the following decade in Banks and Olu Fashanu, closing yr’s first-round select. That will assist new QB Justin Fields and the bottom assault.
David Newton’s select: Jalon Walker, OLB, Georgia
Michigan DT Mason Graham needed to be thought to be, however GM Dan Morgan believes a wholesome Derrick Brown in conjunction with unfastened agent strikes shored up the line of defense. The most important want at the worst protection within the NFL closing season is a tender, dynamic edge rusher taking into account that 32-year-old Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum are at the closing yr in their offers. Walker suits that description, plus he can play inside of if wanted.
Katherine Terrell’s select: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
There can be a large number of hypothesis about whether or not the Saints will take a quarterback at this place. That is a necessity with Derek Carr’s unsure standing, however the Saints have wishes at almost each place, giving them a large number of flexibility about what to do at this spot. With probably the most ideal defensive gamers within the draft nonetheless at the board right here, New Orleans will move the best-player-available course as an alternative of achieving for a quarterback, deciding on a participant who may assist form new coordinator Brandon Staley’s protection on an growing older roster.
Courtney Cronin’s select: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
A good finish as flexible as Warren might be for the Bears what Sam LaPorta was once for Ben Johnson’s Detroit offenses. The Penn State standout stuck 104 passes for 1,233 yards and had 12 general touchdowns as a senior. Including a flexible weapon to the passing sport and a participant who has demonstrated the willingness to dam within the working sport (Penn State had two 1,000-yard rushers on its run to the School Soccer Playoff) can be a significant addition and get advantages Caleb Williams’ expansion in Yr 2.
Nick Wagoner’s select: Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia
After 3 offensive tackles, Graham and Carter move within the best 10, the decision right here comes right down to Williams, Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart or Mississippi defensive take on Walter Nolen however the draft’s intensity at take on blended with the significance of an edge rusher pointers the scales to Williams. Williams’ loss of pass-rush manufacturing (14 sacks in 3 seasons) and a 2024 ankle damage convey questions however he must assist San Francisco’s woeful run protection immediately and get a lot of one-on-one pass-rush alternatives reverse Nick Bosa. Whilst San Francisco would like a business down, sticking at 11 and touchdown Williams would permit the crew to reinforce the inner of the line of defense within the center rounds.
Todd Archer’s select: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Cowboys want playmakers for Dak Prescott and McMillan fills that position. He would possibly no longer have the fascinating velocity, however he could make performs in site visitors and has a large catch radius. If the Cowboys need velocity then the select can be Texas large receiver Matthew Golden, who had the quickest 40-yard sprint on the mix (4.29 seconds). The Cowboys can nonetheless assist Prescott in the second one around with a working again.
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The highlights that make Tetairoa McMillan an intriguing NFL prospect
Take a look at highlights from Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan forward of the 2025 NFL draft.
Marcel Louis-Jacques’ select: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Miami’s cup runneth over with each Barron and Will Johnson nonetheless at the board. This is a perfect spot to business down, however Miami takes the rapid Barron on this workout. Johnson’s ceiling could also be excessive however his fresh string of accidents is tricky to disregard for a crew that wishes Day 1 manufacturing from this select. Barron received the Jim Thorpe Award as school soccer’s ideal defensive again closing season, has excellent dimension for the placement and will play each nickel and outdoor. He additionally ran a 4.39-second 40-yard sprint, which is able to endear him to a crew that values velocity.
Stephen Holder’s select: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
The Colts had been attached to Warren for months, however they would possibly not have that choice right here. Loveland is thought of as by means of many to be a greater blocker, and that is the reason vital for a crew that has been adamant it needs tight ends in a position to enjoying first, moment and 0.33 downs. No crew within the NFL had much less tight-end manufacturing than the Colts closing season, and that should exchange to ensure that QBs Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones to succeed in their ceilings.
Marc Raimondi’s select: Mike Inexperienced, DE, Marshall
The Falcons had been ravenous for a potent cross rush. Their protection has 169 sacks since 2019 — 30 fewer than another crew. The Falcons have been moment to closing in sacks (31) and power fee (28.1%) in 2024. Input Inexperienced, who had an FBS-leading 17 sacks closing season to move in conjunction with robust play towards the run. He could be probably the most pro-ready edge rusher within the elegance, and that is the reason precisely what the Falcons want.
Josh Weinfuss’ select: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
The Cardinals had been taking a look to reinforce the inner in their offensive line this offseason, and Booker can be the type of foundational participant they want to do exactly that. He’d have compatibility in really well with Arizona’s downhill run sport, paving the best way for perennial 1,000-yard rusher James Conner, and he has the dimensions to be efficient within the pass-pro schemes that Arizona makes use of.
What to grasp for the 2025 NFL draft
• Mocks: Miller | Reid | Yates | Schrager
• Ratings: Kiper | Miller | Reid | Yates
• Draft information | 13 sleepers | Staff plans
• Newest buzz | Staff wishes | QB Board
• Select order | Scouting evals | Extra
Ben Child’s select: Donovan Ezeiruaku, DE, Boston School
Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell or even a few protection choices have been within the combine right here. However with the Bengals missing long-term solutions at edge rusher, Ezeiruaku makes probably the most sense. He was once additionally a multiyear captain for the Eagles, was once the ACC’s Defensive Participant of the Yr and will combine in instantly as an edge rusher for brand spanking new defensive coordinator Al Golden, who, like Ezeiruaku, additionally hails from New Jersey.
Brady Henderson’s select: Gray Zabel, G, North Dakota State
In a great international, the Seahawks would business again and seize Zabel later within the first around, as No. 18 could also be a little bit excessive for a small-school prospect who can be switching positions on the subsequent point. However Zabel’s robust appearing on the Senior Bowl urged he can deal with the soar, and his on-field skill will give him a possibility to be the difference-maker that Seattle badly wishes within the inside of its offensive line.
Jenna Laine’s select: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Bucs’ lack of ability to stick wholesome at cornerback was once an Achilles’ heel in 2024, however they stayed installed unfastened company in a yr of record-setting DB offers. So that is the place they strike. Johnson did pass over his Michigan professional day with a hamstring damage and the second one part of closing season with turf toe. Nonetheless, he assessments all of the bins for a Todd Bowles nook in dimension, period, ball talents and tackling.
Jeff Legwold’s select: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
On this situation, gamers akin to Ole Pass over defensive take on Walter Nolen, Oregon defensive take on Derrick Harmon and South Carolina protection Nick Emmanwori would get lengthy seems. And whilst working again is a large want, the Broncos really feel like they are able to get a excellent one on Day 2. So, although they have got decided on 3 WRs within the earlier two drafts and are poised to signal Courtland Sutton to an extension, Burden is the select. His toughness, versatility and dynamic skill after the catch make him a easy, instant repair in an offense that wishes a bit of extra pop round QB Bo Nix.
Brooke Pryor’s select: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
On the time of the select, Aaron Rodgers nonetheless hasn’t decided. And despite the fact that they have not given him a time limit, the Steelers cannot wait at the four-time MVP eternally. With Sanders nonetheless at the board at No. 21, it might be silly to cross up a pro-ready quarterback as Rodgers continues to contemplate his long term. Now not best does Sanders possess the type of NFL pedigree Mike Tomlin covets, however he additionally has a large persona and robust management characteristics, which might be the important thing to giving the Steelers an offensive id to check its famend protection.
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1:42
Shedeur Sanders’ school mixtape displays his NFL possible
Take a look at highlights from Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders forward of the 2025 NFL draft.
Kris Rhim’s select: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Internal line of defense is in all probability the Chargers’ most important want. L.A. misplaced its two beginning defensive tackles from closing season, Poona Ford and Morgan Fox, in unfastened company. Ford was once one of the crucial a very powerful gamers within the Chargers’ protection, having probably the most ideal years of his occupation in 2024. Harmon would give a bodily run-stuffing inside presence to a bunch that, on paper, is among the crew’s largest weaknesses.
Rob Demovsky’s select: Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M
20 years of passing on a receiver within the first around makes it onerous to expect the Packers would in spite of everything finish that streak although Emeka Egbuka and Matthew Golden have been each obtainable. Their most well-liked cross rusher would’ve been Mykell Williams, however Stewart is most probably subsequent on their board.
Kevin Seifert’s select: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
The Vikings would business down from this spot just for a slam dunk go back, and none materialized in conversations right here. With Booker, Zabel and Harmon all off the desk, the selection here’s a protection whose dimension and playmaking talents would make him an intriguing addition to Brian Flores’ positionless protection. The Vikings have one protection place to fill this season after bidding farewell to Camryn Bynum, and 36-year-old Harrison Smith has been in year-to-year mode for some time. Similarities with 2022 first-round select Lewis Cine, a security who was once launched after two seasons, would possibly not deter this resolution.
DJ Bien-Aime’s select: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Texans want wideout assist after the lack of Stefon Diggs in unfastened company in conjunction with Tank Dell’s uncertainty (knee). Going into quarterback C.J. Stroud’s Yr 3, including his former teammate that had 2,868 receiving yards in his four-year occupation at Ohio State may result in a dynamic Texans receiving core. A trio of Nico Collins, Christian Kirk and Egbuka may lift Stroud in a pivotal yr to assist create a extra explosive Texans offense.
Sarah Barshop’s select: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Earlier than the Rams signed large receiver Davante Adams in unfastened company, they believed they needed to draft a receiver at No. 26 to fill out that room. However even with Adams, third-year receiver Puka Nacua and receiver Tutu Atwell, it is onerous to cross up the rapid Golden within the first around to offer quarterback Matthew Stafford any other weapon — and the Rams any other long-term choice on the place.
The place will Shemar Stewart, Tyler Warren, Cam Ward and Matthew Golden land within the draft? ESPN
Jamison Hensley’s select: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Starks can instantly get started at unfastened protection and assist a Baltimore cross protection that completed thirty first closing season and allowed 63 completions on throws of 15 or extra yards downfield, tied for the second one maximum within the NFL. The Ravens put a top class on versatility and will transfer Starks in all places the sector. He’s the one participant within the FBS to play a minimum of 1,500 snaps at protection and 500 snaps at slot cornerback during the last 3 seasons.
Eric Woodyard’s select: James Pearce Jr., OLB, Tennessee
The Lions take on a significant want by means of including an elite prospect at edge rusher. Pearce fashions his sport after Corridor of Famer Lawrence Taylor and was once a two-time first-team All-SEC variety who can assist generate power along Professional Bowler Aidan Hutchinson, who is ready to make his go back after closing yr’s season-ending damage towards the Cowboys. The previous Tennessee megastar is explosive with blazing velocity, and he completed with 19.5 sacks over his three-year school occupation.
John Keim’s select: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Washington would like to construct a robust offensive line and in finding an edge rusher and working again however can cope with the ones wishes later within the draft. With Hairston, the Commanders get any other younger nook who can play outdoor with ball talents (six interceptions in two years), short-area quickness and competitiveness. He supplies them with a participant who can assist in sub applications and turn into a starter in the future.
Alaina Getzenberg’s select: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Cornerback was once closely thought to be on this spot, however with Grant falling right down to No. 30, making an investment up entrance is the transfer. Grant turns into the primary 1-technique defensive take on drafted by means of the Expenses since 2018 (Harrison Phillips) and is a wanted funding within the line of defense for now and the long run. Buying and selling up or again is at all times at the desk for the Expenses, and having two second-round selections open up a lot of chances for taking a nook.
Adam Teicher’s select: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
The Chiefs, who began six other gamers at left take on during the last 4 seasons, had been pissed off with their lack of ability to discover a long-term resolution, however that frustration ends with the choice of Simmons. Simmons’ 2024 season ended upfront on account of a knee damage, however the Chiefs, having signed Jaylon Moore in unfastened company, would possibly not must rush Simmons into their lineup and will wait till he is waiting to play.
Tim McManus’ select: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Pass over
A large key to the Eagles’ luck is making an investment within the trenches. They have got decided on a lineman within the first around 9 instances since Howie Roseman took over as basic supervisor in 2010. They usually want to improve their defensive take on rotation after dropping Tremendous Bowl standout Milton Williams in unfastened company. Nolen would bolster a bunch headlined by means of Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis.
