Mike Randle’s 2025 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

It is time. The 2025 NFL Draft is a little over two months away, and it’s time to start analyzing team needs and potential landing spots for players. Gathering information and trying to predict the first round is one of my favorite exercises of the sports year. This season brings even more uncertainty, as there are only two quarterback prospects projected for the first round. Could a quarterback go at the first overall pick?

April 24, all of the rumors and predictions will become crystal clear as each NFL team will declare their intentions through actions, not words. After analyzing information from beat reporters, coach interviews, and reviewing a myriad of mock drafts, here is my first projection of Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft.

2025 NFL Mock Draft 1.0 — First Round

1. Tennessee Titans — Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

I completely believe Titans president of football operations statement about not passing on a generational talent with the first overall pick. I think Tennessee still believes in Will Levis.

2. Cleveland Browns — Cam Ward, QB, Miami

It’s time to move on from the Deshaun Watson experience, and Ward provides a strong arm and fresh start for Cleveland. 

3. New York Giants — Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

The Giants are desperate to reverse their struggles and gain positive momentum after the disappointing year with Daniel Jones. The dynamic Sanders infuses excitement upon arrival. 

4. New England Patriots — Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

Immensely talented two-way player becomes a chess piece for a rebuilding Patriots franchise. Joining Hunter with franchise quarterback Drake Maye improves New England immediately. 

5. Jacksonville Jaguars — Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

I’m in the minority, but wouldn’t an offensive-minded coach who preaches “lighting up the scoreboard” be interested in pairing Brian Thomas Jr. with the dynamic McMillan? It certainly would help embattled quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

6. Las Vegas Raiders — Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Las Vegas needs to improve everywhere, and solidifying the pass defense with an elite cover corner is a good place to start. 

7. New York Jets — Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Aaron Glenn saw how Detroit built their explosive offense around an elite offensive line. Campbell provides the same stability at Joe Alt from last year’s draft. 

8. Carolina Panthers — Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Carolina needs to win in the trenches after struggling to pressure the quarterback thanks to trading Brian Burns to the Giants. The Panthers were 32nd overall in DVOA, including 32nd against the run. 

9. New Orleans Saints — Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

It’s a long rebuild for new head coach Kellen Moore, the Saints start by adding the athletic Williams to their defensive front. 

10. Chicago Bears— Armand Membou, OL, Missouri

Ben Johnson’s offense is predicated on pass protection, so drafting the versatile 6-foot-3, 330-pound tackle from Missouri is a logical choice. 

11. San Francisco 49ers — Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Trent Williams turns 37 years old in July. San Francisco cannot pass on an offensive tackle here.

12. Dallas Cowboys — Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Picking a running back this early in the first round is a risky move, but Dallas needs to infuse life and explosiveness into this offense. 

13. Miami Dolphins — Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama

Offensive line is the most commonly mocked position to Miami at No. 13 overall. At 6-5, 325 pounds and only 20 years old, Booker is a first-round prospect. 

14. Indianapolis Colts — Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

I am still convinced that the Colts were targeting Brock Bowers in last year’s draft, before watching the Raiders grab the explosive Georgia product at No. 13 overall. They get the top tight end in the 2025 draft as a consolation prize. 

15. Atlanta Falcons — Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M

Atlanta had the second-lowest pressure rate of any NFL team per FTN StatsHub, only ahead of Carolina. 

16. Arizona Cardinals — Kenneth Grant, DI, Michigan

I co-sign with Jeff Ratcliffe on the Cardinals bolstering their defensive interior.

17. Cincinnati Bengals — Walter Nolan, DT, Mississippi

I believe the Bengals re-sign wide receiver Tee Higgins, which prioritizes defensive upgrades for 2025. 

18. Seattle Seahawks — Tyleik Williams, DI, Ohio State

Head coach Mike Macdonald starts to build his defense around one of the best disrupters in the drafts. 

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

The nation’s sack leader improves a Tampa Bay pass rush that declined last season. 

20. Denver Broncos — Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia

The pass rusher from Georgia fits a big need for a defense that led the NFL with 63 sacks. 

21. Pittsburgh Steelers — Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

How about pairing Ohio State’s all-time receptions leader with Aaron Rodgers?

22. Los Angeles Chargers — Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

I don’t see the Chargers going RB in Round 1, with J.K. Dobbins possibly returning and Kimani Vidal still developing. Golden can play all three wide receiver spots for Jim Harbaugh. 

23. Green Bay Packers — Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

Back-to-back Longhorns off the board with Barron filling the Packers biggest overall need. They can find a wide receiver later in the draft. 

24. Minnesota Vikings — Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Many feel Starks can lock down slot receivers, and his character reviews are solid across the board. Minnesota has more than enough on offense. 

25. Houston Texans — Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas

Banks is a top offensive lineman who can play tackle or guard. Texans need to give C.J. Stroud more time. 

26. Los Angeles Rams — Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State

The Rams hit big with defensive end Jared Verse in last year’s first round. They make the logical move and strengthen the offensive line with the 6-4, 320-pound Buckeye. 

27. Baltimore Ravens — Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

Everything Baltimore does on offense is predicated on a strong offensive line. 

28. Detroit Lions — Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

The Lions need to add talent with the loss of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Aidan Hutchinson’s injury derailed a possible Super Bowl season. Harmon provides reinforcement. 

29. Washington Commanders — James Pearce, EDGE, Tennessee

Edge rusher in the No. 1 need for Washington. Easier to find wide receivers later in the draft or via free agency. 

30. Buffalo Bills — Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State 

The Bills must continue to thrive against the pass if they want to find a way to overcome the Chiefs obstacle. 

31. Kansas City Chiefs — Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

Only reason he slides this far is injury. Has chance to make an immediate impact at outside CB. 

32. Philadelphia Eagles — JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State

The rich get richer with a strong pass rusher from Ohio State.