2025 NFL Mock Draft: Scott Smith’s 2.0
2025 NFL Mock Draft: Scott Smith’s 2.0
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1. Tennessee Titans - Cameron Ward (QB, Miami)
Analysis: Cameron Ward has skyrocketed to the top of draft boards with his 2024 performance at Miami, where he threw for 4,123 yards, 36 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions, boasting a 67.8% completion rate. His dual-threat capability—adding 547 rushing yards—makes him a perfect fit for a Titans team desperate to move on from the Will Levis experiment. Tennessee’s offense cratered in 2024, ranking 27th in passing yards (180.4 per game) and 29th in points scored (17.2). Ward’s poise under pressure (only 18 sacks taken despite Miami’s middling line) and ability to extend plays align with Brian Callahan’s vision to modernize the attack. X posts have pegged Ward as a near-lock for No. 1, with Titans brass reportedly enamored by his tape against ACC defenses.
2. Cleveland Browns - Travis Hunter (CB, Colorado)
Analysis: Travis Hunter is a generational talent, excelling as both a cornerback and wide receiver at Colorado. In 2024, he snagged 11 interceptions (leading the nation) while allowing a stingy 42.1% completion rate against him, alongside 1,150 receiving yards offensively. The Browns, who surrendered 23 passing touchdowns and ranked 20th in pass defense (226.7 yards per game), see Hunter as their shutdown corner to pair with Denzel Ward. His 6’1”, 185-pound frame and elite ball skills address Cleveland’s need for a playmaker in a secondary exposed by AFC North QBs. Rumors suggest GM Andrew Berry is leaning toward Hunter over a QB, banking on his versatility to impact and stabilize a roster in flux.
3. New York Giants - Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)
Analysis: Shedeur Sanders brings polish and charisma, posting 3,926 yards, 35 touchdowns, and an 8.9 yards-per-attempt average in 2024. His 70.1% completion rate and ability to navigate collapsing pockets (only 22 sacks taken) scream franchise QB. The Giants, mired in quarterback purgatory with Daniel Jones’ 61.2% completion rate and 14 TDs in 2024, need a reset. The signings of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston could muddy this selection. Sanders’ quick release and improvisational flair fit Brian Daboll’s scheme, which thrived with Josh Allen’s mobility. Recent chatter links Sanders to New York, but other rumblings have Sanders dropping in the draft with New York possibly eyeing Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter.
4. New England Patriots - Abdul Carter (EDGE, Penn State)
Analysis: Abdul Carter terrorized Big Ten offenses with 12.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss in 2024, showcasing a 4.58-second 40-yard dash burst at 6’3”, 250 pounds. The Patriots, who managed a measly 31 sacks (29th in the NFL) and struggled to pressure QBs (6.8% sack rate), get a game-wrecker in Carter. His versatility to drop into coverage (3 pass breakups) complements Mike Vrabel’s hybrid fronts. With Matt Judon moving on, Carter’s motor and bend off the edge address a glaring need. Recent draft rumors and mock drafts increasingly slot him to New England.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars - Mason Graham (DL, Michigan)
Analysis: Mason Graham, a 6’3”, 320-pound anchor, recorded 7 sacks and 44 tackles in 2024, with a knack for clogging run lanes (opponents averaged 3.1 yards per carry against Michigan). The Jaguars’ porous run defense (4.8 yards per carry allowed, 28th in the NFL) and lack of interior push (only 8 sacks from DTs) make Graham a no-brainer. His quick first step and leverage fit the Jacksonville scheme, pairing with Josh Hines-Allen to collapse pockets. Jacksonville’s rumored interest in trench upgrades supports this pick.
6. Las Vegas Raiders - Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)
Analysis: Will Johnson’s six interceptions and 14 pass breakups in 2024 highlight his lockdown potential at 6’2”, 202 pounds. The Raiders’ secondary bled last season, allowing a 67.1% completion rate and 24 passing TDs. Johnson’s 4.44 speed and physicality at the catch point shut down top receivers, making him an instant CB1. The recent release of Jack Jones has this possible selection picking up steam in draft circles.
7. New York Jets - Armand Membou (OT, Missouri)
Analysis: Armand Membou, a 6’7”, 320-pound tackle, posted a 91.3 pass-block grade in 2024, allowing zero sacks in 12 starts. The Jets, who gave up 47 sacks (8.1% sack rate) and struggled to protect Aaron Rodgers, need a reliable bookend. Membou’s agility and length neutralize speed rushers. This pick ensures stability up front and gives Justin Fields much-needed protection as he gets a fresh start in New York.
8. Carolina Panthers - Jalon Walker (EDGE, Georgia)
Analysis: Jalon Walker’s 9.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in 2024 showcase his 6’2”, 245-pound frame’s explosiveness. The Panthers’ anemic pass rush (27 sacks, 31st in the NFL) needs a spark, and Walker’s relentless pursuit fits Ejiro Evero’s 3-4 front. His ability to set the edge against the run (3.9 yards per carry allowed by Georgia) bolsters a defense supporting Bryce Young’s growth.
9. New Orleans Saints - Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State)
Analysis: Ashton Jeanty ran wild in 2024, piling up 2,497 yards and 29 touchdowns at 6.2 yards per carry. The Saints, with Alvin Kamara’s 3.9 yards-per-carry average and looming contract decisions, pivot to Jeanty’s bruising yet elusive style. New Orleans’ run game ranked 23rd (108.2 yards per game), and his 4.4 speed adds a home-run threat. X rumors hint at Sanders possibly falling, making him a consideration should he make it down, but the Saints reportedly love Jeanty’s star potential.
10. Chicago Bears - Will Campbell (OT, LSU)
Analysis: Will Campbell, a 6’6”, 320-pound tackle, allowed zero sacks and earned an 89.7 pass-block grade in 2024. The Bears, who surrendered 50 sacks (8.7% sack rate), must protect Caleb Williams, who took a beating as a rookie. Campbell’s nasty demeanor and mobility in space would fit in Chicago and give the Bears a decade-long left tackle.
11. San Francisco 49ers - Kelvin Banks (OT, Texas)
Analysis: Kelvin Banks’ 88.7 pass-block grade and two sacks allowed in 2024 anchored the Texas line. The 49ers, with Trent Williams aging and 34 sacks allowed, secure a successor at 6’4”, 324 pounds. Banks’ fluid movement and power in the run game (Texas averaged 4.7 yards per carry) mesh with Kyle Shanahan’s scheme.
12. Dallas Cowboys - Matthew Golden (WR, Texas)
Analysis: Matthew Golden exploded for 1,102 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2024, averaging 16.2 yards per catch. The Cowboys, with CeeDee Lamb drawing double teams, need a deep threat after ranking 8th in passing (240.2 yards per game). Golden’s 4.38 speed stretches defenses, giving Dak Prescott a dynamic No. 2.
13. Miami Dolphins - Malachi Starks (S, Georgia)
Analysis: Malachi Starks’ 5 interceptions and 8 pass breakups in 2024 showcase his range at 6’1”, 205 pounds. The Dolphins, who allowed 22 passing TDs, pair him with Jalen Ramsey to lock down the back end. His 4.47 speed and tackling (68 stops) fit the Dolphins aggressive defense.
14. Indianapolis Colts - Tyler Warren (TE, Penn State)
Analysis: Tyler Warren, a 6’6”, 257-pound mismatch, hauled in 1,064 yards and 10 TDs in 2024. The Colts, with Anthony Richardson’s 59.5% completion rate, need a safety valve. Warren’s 4.62 speed and blocking (82.3 run-block grade) diversify Shane Steichen’s attack.
15. Atlanta Falcons - Mykel Williams (EDGE, Georgia)
Analysis: Mykel Williams’ 8 sacks and 13 tackles for loss in 2024 highlight his 6’5”, 265-pound frame’s disruption. The Falcons, with 29 sacks, add his length and power to Raheem Morris’ front, improving a pass rush that struggled in the NFC South.
16. Arizona Cardinals - Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas)
Analysis: Jahdae Barron’s 7 interceptions and 12 pass breakups in 2024 locked down receivers at 5’11”, 195 pounds. The Cardinals, with a 66.8% completion rate allowed, get a sticky cover man to pair with their young secondary, boosting the Cardinals defense.
17. Cincinnati Bengals - Walter Nolan (DL, Ole Miss)
Analysis: Walter Nolan’s 6.5 sacks and 41 tackles in 2024 clogged gaps at 6’4”, 305 pounds. The Bengals, who allowed 4.5 yards per rush, add his girth to protect Joe Burrow (37 sacks taken). Nolan’s quickness would be a much needed addition to the Bengals defensive front.
18. Seattle Seahawks - Grey Zabel (IOL, North Dakota State)
Analysis: Grey Zabel’s 85.2 run-block grade and versatility at 6’4”, 300 pounds bolstered NDSU’s line. The Seahawks, with a 3.8 yards-per-carry average, upgrade their interior for Ken Walker III, aligning with Mike Macdonald’s physical identity.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jihaad Campbell (LB, Alabama)
Analysis: Jihaad Campbell’s 104 tackles and 3 sacks in 2024 anchored Alabama at 6’3”, 240 pounds. The Bucs, replacing Lavonte David (age 35), get a sideline-to-sideline force to maintain Todd Bowles’ defensive prowess.
20. Denver Broncos - Omarion Hampton (RB, UNC)
Analysis: Omarion Hampton’s 1,923 yards and 22 TDs in 2024 powered UNC at 6.0 yards per carry. The Broncos, with a 3.7 yards-per-carry average, give Sean Payton a bell-cow back to balance an offense reliant on Bo Nix.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers - Kenneth Grant (DL, Michigan)
Analysis: Kenneth Grant’s 5 sacks and 38 tackles in 2024 fortified Michigan at 6’3”, 339 pounds. The Steelers, eyeing depth behind Cam Heyward, maintain their trench dominance with his size and quickness in Mike Tomlin’s 3-4.
22. Los Angeles Chargers - Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona)
Analysis: Tetairoa McMillan’s 1,393 yards and 14 TDs in 2024 stretched defenses at 6’5”, 210 pounds. The Chargers, rebuilding their WR corps post-Keenan Allen, give Justin Herbert a big-play threat in Jim Harbaugh’s scheme.
23. Green Bay Packers - Shemar Stewart (EDGE, Texas A&M)
Analysis: Shemar Stewart’s measurables are elite at 6’6”, 285 pounds. Unfortunately, his sack numbers have not come over the last three years. The Packers, with 34 sacks, pair his versatility with Rashan Gary to pressure NFC North passers.
24. Minnesota Vikings - Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina)
Analysis: Nick Emmanwori’s four picks and 77 tackles in 2024 showcased his range at 6’3”, 225 pounds. The Vikings, who allowed 21 passing TDs, pair him with Harrison Smith in Brian Flores’ secondary.
25. Houston Texans - Tyler Booker (IOL, Alabama)
Analysis: Tyler Booker’s 87.9 run-block grade and one sack allowed in 2024 paved lanes at 6’5”, 325 pounds. The Texans, with C.J. Stroud taking 37 sacks, upgrade their interior for Houston's offense.
26. Los Angeles Rams - Luther Burden (WR, Missouri)
Analysis: Luther Burden’s 1,212 yards and 11 TDs in 2024 dazzled at 5’11”, 208 pounds. The Rams, with Puka Nacua and the addition of Davante Adams, create a lethal trio for Matthew Stafford.
27. Baltimore Ravens - Mike Green (EDGE, Marshall)
Analysis: Mike Green’s 11 sacks and 16 tackles for loss in 2024 led Marshall at 6’4”, 245 pounds. The Ravens keep their pass rush fierce in John Harbaugh’s system.
28. Detroit Lions - James Pearce (EDGE, Tennessee)
Analysis: James Pearce’s 10 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in 2024 terrorized QBs at 6’5”, 242 pounds. The Lions, with 42 sacks, pair him with Aidan Hutchinson for a devastating duo in Dan Campbell’s front.
29. Washington Commanders - Josh Conerly Jr. (OT, Oregon)
Analysis: Josh Conerly Jr.’s 89.1 pass-block grade and one sack allowed in 2024 protected Oregon’s QB at 6’4”, 305 pounds. The Commanders, with Jayden Daniels taking 41 sacks, get a cornerstone tackle for Kliff Kingsbury’s attack.
30. Buffalo Bills - Maxwell Hairston (CB, Kentucky)
Analysis: Maxwell Hairston’s five picks and 10 pass breakups in 2024 locked down receivers at 6’1”, 190 pounds. The Bills, with a 65.2% completion rate allowed, add depth to the Bills secondary.
31. Kansas City Chiefs - Josh Simmons (OT, Ohio State)
Analysis: Josh Simmons allowed one sack in 2024, earning an 88.4 pass-block grade at 6’5”, 310 pounds. The Chiefs, with Patrick Mahomes taking 27 sacks, secure their blindside in Andy Reid’s pass-heavy scheme.
32. Philadelphia Eagles - Coltston Loveland (TE, Michigan)
Analysis: Coltston Loveland’s 912 yards and nine TDs in 2024 stretched defenses at 6’5”, 245 pounds. The Eagles, with Dallas Goedert on the trade block, give Jalen Hurts a dynamic weapon in Nick Sirianni's offense.
