2025 NFL Mock Draft: Ryan Noonan's 1.0
It's Mock Draft Season, and I'm excited to submit V1 of my 2025 NFL Mock Draft. We're coming off the Combine and just before free agency, so it's a bit earlier than normal for me to put out my first mock draft, but I'm excited about this class. It's less sexy than last season's quarterback-heavy first round, but I like getting into the weeds on these defensive prospects, and this class is full of them.
Team needs can shift drastically based on how teams handle the first few weeks of the free agency window, but it's a fun exercise to see how things might shake out in the first round. We'll start diving deep into the draft, weekly on Move The Line, so be on the lookout for that in the weeks to come.
This is a mock draft of what I think will happen, not what I would do. Leading up to the NFL Draft, I comb through as much information as possible, focusing on a handful of reputable sources, while also understanding front-office draft tendencies and positional needs to try and figure out where players will land. I do this so our subscribers can have another successful year betting on the draft. This has been a very profitable venture for us over the past four seasons here at 4for4, and I'm hoping you come along and join us.
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2025 Draft NFL Draft Date & Time
Date: Thursday, April 24 (Round 1), Friday, April 25 ( Rounds 2 & 3) & Saturday, April 26 (Rounds 4-7)
Time: 8:00 PM EST (Round 1), 7:00 PM EST (Rounds 2 and 3), & 12:00 PM EST (Rounds 4-7)
Channels: NFL Network, ESPN & ABC, and FuboTV Livestream
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
2025 NFL Mock Draft
1. Tennessee Titans - Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn St.
Despite the report that Carter has a stress reaction in his right foot, I think he's still firmly in play here for the top spot. The 21-year-old early declare flashed immense upside in his first year working primarily as an edge rusher after starting his career as an off-ball linebacker, eerily similar to another former no. 11 at Penn St., Micah Parsons. The Harold Landry trade rumors certainly add steam to this selection.
Positional Needs: QB, WR, OT, EDGE, CB
2. Cleveland Browns - Cam Ward, QB, Miami
On the heels of the 2024 draft class, the 2025 quarterbacks aren't quite up to par, but it feels more and more like Cam Ward is the consensus top option, which puts him squarely in play for the top spot overall. Even if the Cleveland front office refused to deem Deshaun Watson a sunk cost moving forward, he's injured and unable to contribute in 2025. Ward is far from a perfect prospect, but there's a lot of upside to his style of play.
Positional Needs: QB, OT, CB, RB
3. New York Giants - Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Shedeur Sanders isn't THIS type of prospect in most scout and talent evaluators' eyes, but the Giants need to take a swing to address the most important position on the roster. The Matthew Stafford-to-the-Giants rumors were cooking last week, but with those discussions now dead, I think they will take the top available quarterback on their board at no. 3 overall.
Positional Needs: QB, OT, CB, S
4. New England Patriots - Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
Yes, the Patriots need multiple starters along the offensive line, but they have to take Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter if one of them falls into their lap at no. 4. New England lacks difference-makers on both sides of the ball, and Hunter is a rare talent who allows them to address two areas of need with one selection. The Patriots also have nearly 120 million dollars in effective cap space, which is by far the most in the league, so they can address the offensive line in free agency or later in the draft.
Positional Needs: WR, OT, G, RB
5. Jacksonville Jaguars - Tetairoa McMillian, WR, Arizona
Christian Kirk and Evan Engram are the two biggest cap hits on the 2025 books for the Jaguars, and with no guaranteed money remaining on either player's contract, both players are cut candidates this offseason. Brian Thomas Jr. was a home run pick for the organization last season, and this new regime would start out with a strong offensive core for the next few years by selecting the 6-foot-5 McMillian here.
Positional Needs: DL, CB, S, C, G
6. Las Vegas Raiders - Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The Raiders desperately need a quarterback, but they lack an identity, and Ashton Jeanty can change that. The head coach/offensive coordinator combo of Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly are both proponents of leaning on a heavy rushing attack, and Jeanty's rare ability to absorb contact and keep his balance is a skill that's certain to translate at the next level.
Positional Needs: QB, CB, WR, RB
7. New York Jets - Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
Paired alongside Quinnen Williams along the interior of the Jets defensive line is an ideal spot for Michigan's Mason Graham. While Graham will likely improve as a pocket-collapsing pass rusher, he's a hit-the-ground-running, run-stopping force with a quick first step and the leverage to shed blockers of all sizes.
Positional Needs: QB, CB, S, DL, LB
8. Carolina Panthers - Jalon Walker, EDGE/LB, Georgia
Jalon Walker is another hybrid edge rusher with off-ball linebacker experience, similar to Penn State's Abdul Carter. Walker has immense upside due to his athletic profile, so while his pressure stats are a bit underwhelming, it's easy to understand why teams in the top 10 will be excited about his future path to success as he transitions to a full-time edge rusher. NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah reported that coaches speak highly of Walker's leadership, keeping his draft position floor high.
Positional Needs: DL, CB, S, WR
9. New Orleans Saints - Will Campbell, OL, LSU
There's pressure on the Saints to hit with their early-round draft picks because of their perennial salary cap nightmare, and Will Campbell feels like a win here. Campbell was a three-year starter for LSU, limiting outside rushers to one of the lowest pressure rates in the country last season. The Saints have holes at tackle and guard, and Campbell, along with last year's first-round pick Taliese Fuaga, have both shown positional versatility if needed.
Positional Needs: DL, OL, WR, TE
10. Chicago Bears - Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
The Bears need to address the interior of their offensive line this offseason. Missouri's Armand Membou was a dominant force at right tackle, and most have little doubt that he can hold up on the outside as a pro. Chicago is a perfect landing spot for the 21-year-old early declare because he'll be needed in the interior, and he can be an above-average guard in the league from Day 1. Membou's long arms and quick feet make him a force as a run-blocker and future tackle in this league, giving the Bears versatility up front as the Ben Johnson era begins.
Positional Needs: C, G, EDGE, RB
11. San Francisco 49ers - Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron is the most versatile defensive back in this year's class. Barron can be a Swiss army knife type of weapon for any style of defense, with elite ball skills and the ability to play any style, from man on the perimeter to zone in the slot. He's a willing tackler in the run game and allows the 49ers to move on from Charvarius Ward, who'll be tough to resign with the pending Brock Purdy extension incoming.
Positional Needs: DL, G, OT, CB
12. Dallas Cowboys - Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
I don't have the final say for any of the 32 NFL franchises, but if I did, I'd take Kenneth Grant ahead of his University of Michigan teammate Mason Graham. Grant is an explosive athlete in a 6'3" 340-pound frame. He's Graham's equal against the run, but I believe he's a better threat to be a pass-rushing presence as he develops at the next level. The interior of Dallas's defensive line has been a weakness for many years, and Grant could be an anchor for years to come.
Positional Needs: QB, WR, EDGE, DT, OL
13. Miami Dolphins - Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
The Dolphins need to replace multiple starters along the interior of the offensive line, with underperforming starters Robert Jones and Isaiah Wynn likely departing in free agency. Miami's running game was a massive liability last season, and Booker is one of the best run-blocking linemen in this year's class.
Positional Needs: OT, G, DL, S
14. Indianapolis Colts - Tyler Warren, TE, Penn St.
It's been reported that Brock Bowers was on the Colts' radar last season before the Raiders selected him, so getting an answer to the revolving door at tight end is clearly a priority for Chris Ballard and company. It won't surprise me to see Michigan's Colston Loveland as the TE1 on a lot of the team's draft board, but Warren's the better blocker of the two, which fits Indianapolis's scheme a bit better with Anthony Richardson at quarterback.
Positional Needs: S, CB, TE, EDGE
15. Atlanta Falcons - James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
The Falcons have failed to have a league-average pass rush for nearly a decade at this point. Turns out that you have to throw resources at a position to improve it. They took a handful of Day 2 swings last season and traded for Matthew Judon, but they still had one of the lowest pressure rates in the league. Pearce Jr. is a polarizing prospect, but one I'd be willing to gamble on if I'm Atlanta.
Positional Needs: EDGE, WR, CB, LB
16. Arizona Cardinals - Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Williams is just 20 years old and played meaningful snaps for Georgia's 2022 National Championship team as an 18-year-old. He's a well-rounded prospect with projectable skills and a massive frame. He would be a welcome addition to the Cardinals' defense, which needs more talent at all three levels.
Positional Needs: DL, G, OT, EDGE
17. Cincinnati Bengals - Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Will Johnson has the size and length the league is looking for at the position, and his ball skills are elite. He's a better fit for a zone-heavy defense at this point, but he was rarely asked to play man coverage at Michigan. Mike Hilton is a free agent for the Bengals, and they tried to bench Cam Taylor-Britt, but injuries to Dax Hill and DJ Turner forced them to go back to him down the stretch. They need a CB1.
Positional Needs: DL, G, WR, CB
18. Seattle Seahawks - Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas
Banks Jr. was a three-year starter at tackle, but some teams will likely believe he's a better fit and has a higher pro ceiling at guard. Either way, that flexibility will work in his favor, but for the Seahawks, he'll be needed to kick inside to stop Seattle from hemorrhaging pressure up the middle.
Positional Needs: C, G, EDGE, LB
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
Mike Green was one of the winners at this year's Senior Bowl, showcasing his elite quickness and motor against top-level competition. Green gives Todd Bowles another young pass-rushing weapon on the edge, which Tampa Bay desperately needs.
Positional Needs: EDGE, CB, S, LB
20. Denver Broncos - Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Colston Loveland still managed to be productive last season despite Michigan's anemic passing offense, and he's a plug-and-play big slot on Day 1. Comping any prospect to future NFL Hall of Famers isn't fair, but for context, Loveland is more Travis Kelce than Rob Gronkowski. Sean Payton would maximize Loveland's skill set.
Positional Needs: TE, LB, S, RB
21. Pittsburgh Steelers - Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio St.
Ohio State's all-time leader in receptions has one of the highest floors in this year's draft class. His feel from the slot against zone coverage will get him on the field as a rookie, but he's big and fast enough to play on the perimeter, too. The Steelers desperately need someone with Egbuka's game, and he'd complement George Pickens well if Pickens remains on the roster in 2025.
Positional Needs: QB, CB, WR, S
22. Los Angeles Chargers - Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
Derrick Harmon's tape was enough to make him a first-round selection, but his Combine performance solidified it. He's shown an ability to play multiple roles up front, and I think the Chargers would be thrilled if he's available when they're on the clock. Poona Ford, Morgan Fox, and Teair Tart are all free agents, leaving massive holes up front for the Chargers defense.
Positional Needs: WR, DL, TE, RB
23. Green Bay Packers - Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Packers are one of the teams with clear athletic thresholds that must be reached, and Shemar Stewart checks all of the boxes. Stewart's 9.99 RAS (relative athletic score) is among the best all-time, and while the production doesn't match up, he has all the traits that organizations want from an edge rusher.
Positional Needs: EDGE, CB, WR, C
24. Minnesota Vikings - Josh Simmons, OL, Ohio St.
If not for an early-season knee injury, Josh Simmons would be coming off of the board much higher than this. His ceiling is as a left tackle, but he's played a lot of different positions along the offensive line, so starting his career at guard is a possibility. If the Vikings see him that way, he's a tremendous addition at this spot, where he could step in for Dalton Risner, who's likely to depart during free agency.
Positional Needs: DL, RB, CB, G
25. Houston Texans - Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Matthew Golden began his college career in Houston before transferring to the University of Texas, and I have him returning to Houston here as the Texans' first-round pick. Golden can play out wide and in the slot, and he'd likely be needed to play both roles with the Texans. Stefon Diggs is a free agent, and Tank Dell's late-season injury could cost him all of 2025, so adding to the wide receiver room is a priority this offseason. Golden was also a winner at the Shorts and T-shirt Olympics last weekend in Indy, solidifying his status as a Day 1 selection.
Positional Needs: WR, DL, C, G
26. Los Angeles Rams - Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
The Rams sound like an organization in transition. It appears the questions about Matthew Stafford's role moving forward are resolved, but they've informed Cooper Kupp that they'll be moving on this offseason, so they need more playmakers in this offense. There are more questions than answers behind Puka Nakua on Los Angeles's wide receiver depth chart, but Luther Burden III complements Nakua's skill set well. He's likely better suited to be a slot wide receiver at the next level, and some will make the case that he's the best wide receiver prospect in the entire class.
Positional Needs: T, CB, TE, LB
27. Baltimore Ravens Josh Conerly Jr., OL, Oregon
The left side of Baltimore's offensive line, Ronnie Stanley and Patrick Mekari, are free agents, so a roster without many holes might have some to fill along the offensive line. Conerly Jr. is a solid athlete and, at just 21 years old, has the frame to develop into a long-time starter.
Positional Needs: WR, OT, EDGE, CB
28. Detroit Lions - Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota St.
Grey Zabel was another prospect who benefited from an outstanding Senior Bowl week in Alabama. He's played all over the offensive line in his career and could be a plug-and-play right guard for the Lions, who'll likely lose Kevin Zeitler in free agency.
Positional Needs: C, EDGE, G, LB
29. Washington Commanders - Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
No prospects are 'sure things,' but I'd be very surprised if Jihaad Campbell weren't an impactful NFL player five years from now. He was an elite edge prospect coming out of high school but transitioned to off-ball linebacker at Alabama. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn loves to blitz his linebackers, with Bobby Wagner (free agent) and Frankie Luvu among the league leaders in pressures at the position last season. He has good eyes, elite closing speed, and elite athleticism to hold up in coverage.
Positional Needs: WR, OT, EDGE, CB
30. Buffalo Bills - Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Teams looking for a strong safety with more size and physicality will likely prefer South Carolina's Nick Emmanwori to Starks, but I like the fit of Starks here in Buffalo. Damar Hamlin and Taylor Rapp won the starting jobs last season after the Bills moved on from Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, and Cole Bishop was added in the second round and played well in limited snaps. Starks's coverage ability will make him appealing to any team looking for help in the secondary.
Positional Needs: WR, DL, CB, S
31. Kansas City Chiefs - Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
The Chiefs need to address their issues at offensive tackle this offseason, but that's tough to do from spot 31 with this draft class. If they aren't able to land a tackle in free agency, I think mocking a tackle here will be the play moving forward. For now, the interior of their defensive line gets some attention. Some have Walter Nolen much higher on their draft boards, so this is a great find for the Chiefs this late in the first round. The Chiefs have multiple rotational players along the defensive line entering free agency.
Positional Needs: OT, DL, LB
32. Philadelphia Eagles - Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio St.
The league's best roster has a few decisions to make this offseason. One of them is what to do with free agent guard Mekhi Becton. Both Becton and swing tackle Fred Johnson are free agents, and Ohio State's Donovan Jackson moved from guard to left tackle after Josh Simmons's knee injury, showcasing his ability to play multiple spots along the offensive line.
Positional Needs: G, EDGE, CB, LB
