Editor's note: This mock draft was updated after quarterback Russell Wilson signed with the Giants on Tuesday evening. Three picks changed: Nos. 3, 10 and 21.
General managers and top decision-makers around the league are starting to pivot their attention from free agency to the 2025 NFL draft, which is now less than one month away. Round 1 begins April 24.
Studying the draft class and figuring out how the board might fall was always a lot of fun while I was the general manager and executive vice president of the Jets (2006-12) and then executive vice president of football operations for the Dolphins (2015-18). So for a fifth straight year, I'm going to pretend I'm the GM of all 32 teams and make my own picks for the entire first round.
This isn't a traditional mock draft. Draft analysts project what they believe will happen in their mocks based on what they're hearing, just as my colleague Mel Kiper Jr. did last week. But I'm approaching this differently. I'm putting myself in the general manager chair for each team and making my own picks. So it's not necessarily what I'm expecting to happen but rather how I'd personally approach each Day 1 selection. What follows is based on my own evaluations, preferences, philosophies and rationale.
Here are my GM selections for the first 32 picks, and I get things started by subbing in for new Titans GM Mike Borgonzi at No. 1 overall. For more on these picks, check out my "SportsCenter" special from Tuesday.
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1. Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward, QB, Miami
While I'm not ready to completely write off Will Levis as an NFL starter, I think there's a clear separation in talent between him and Ward. This is an easy decision for Tennessee. And the team signing tackle Dan Moore Jr. and guard Kevin Zeitler -- moves that allow JC Latham to kick over to right tackle -- leads me to believe that it's heading in this direction.
Ward has a sturdy frame (especially in his lower body) at 219 pounds, and he displays outstanding pocket movement. I like how his eye level stays down the field as he moves around and avoids pressure. Last season, Ward led the country in TD passes (39) and passing plays of 20 or more yards (74).
2. Cleveland Browns
Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
Cleveland needs a quarterback, so I considered Colorado's Shedeur Sanders here. But it also needs cornerback and receiver help. Hunter is an extremely rare player, having played more than 1,100 career snaps at both of those positions.
The Browns really struggled on defense in 2024; their opponent QBR ranked 26th (59.2), yards allowed per play ranked 24th (5.6) and interception rate ranked last (0.8%). So while I have no doubt Hunter can excel at receiver in the pros, I would start him at corner, where his length and change-of-direction quickness should make him an elite man-to-man defender from day one. As an extra bonus, Cleveland could give him 15 to 20 plays per game at receiver, specifically in the red zone and on third down.
3. New York Giants
Updated pick: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
When I released this mock draft on Tuesday morning, I had Shedeur Sanders here. But the signing of Russell Wilson -- just a few days after the signing of Jameis Winston -- complicates things. I thought about still going with Sanders. After all, Wilson is 36 and on a one-year deal, and both passers are stopgap options. But this team just has too many other issues to use this pick on a third quarterback.
That's why I'm now taking Graham. He has excellent physical traits and plays with great technique. His wrestling background is very apparent when you watch him play; he has great balance and leverage, which helped him produce 3.5 sacks and 26 pressures last year in Ann Arbor. I like the idea of dropping him next to Dexter Lawrence II and letting him get after the quarterback from the inside. (I also considered Penn State's Abdul Carter, but edge rusher isn't as high on the "need" list.)
4. New England Patriots
Armand Membou, OT/G, Missouri
Last season, the Patriots were 31st in pass block win rate (50.9%), and their 52 sacks allowed tied for the fifth most. So that's my focus. Membou played in 36 games and started 30 at Missouri, and he allowed one sack last season. I believe he can shift from right tackle to left tackle, too. He moves really well and shows solid hand placement. He's also very explosive, posting the best broad jump (9-foot-7) and second-fastest 40-yard dash (4.91 seconds) of all offensive linemen at the combine.
The idea of new Pats coach Mike Vrabel taking a tackle reminds me of Jim Harbaugh selecting Joe Alt in his first draft with the Chargers, and I think bringing in Membou would be a similar tone-setting pick.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Even this high on the board, this would be tremendous value. Carter got pressure on 18.5% of his pass rushes last season, helping him register 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss. His ability to play both off the ball and off the edge will draw comparisons to Micah Parsons, and I think Carter might actually have more power in his game. Even with Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, Jacksonville struggled with its pass rush last season, finishing 28th in sacks (34). So I'd be running the card in if I were the Jaguars and Carter was still available when they got on the clock.
Ben Solak breaks down the intangibles that have former Penn State DE Abdul Carter at No. 2 in Mel Kiper's latest mock draft.
6. Las Vegas Raiders
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
After their recent acquisition of Geno Smith, the Raiders are unlikely to take a quarterback, especially with holes in the offense around Smith. The Raiders could use another receiver, some offensive line reinforcements and a dynamic running back. I'm going with the last option. Landing Jeanty would set the tempo for Las Vegas under Pete Carroll. Jeanty doesn't have the physicality of Marshawn Lynch (who starred under Carroll in Seattle), but he has the skills to be more impactful as an overall NFL player.
Jeanty had a remarkable 1,733 yards after contact (and 2,601 total) last season. The Raiders, meanwhile, had a league-low 1,357 rushing yards in 2024.
7. New York Jets
Will Campbell, OT/G, LSU
Campbell would be a perfect bookend opposite last year's first-round pick, Olu Fashanu. Even though he played left tackle at LSU, he can slide to the right side in New York. His shorter arms (32⅝ inches) wouldn't be as much of a concern there. Campbell allowed only two sacks over his final two seasons, and while arm length is important, his tape is too good and too consistent to pass on here. This would be a good move for the Jets, who signed quarterback Justin Fields and now have to make sure the right players are in place around him.
This is another team that I thought about for Shedeur Sanders. Fields might not be the long-term answer, and this would be great value on Sanders. But pass protection is really, really important.
8. Carolina Panthers
Jalon Walker, LB/Edge, Georgia
The Panthers went from sixth in yards allowed per play in 2023 (4.9) to last in 2024 (6.0). They also had 32 sacks, tied for 29th. On one hand, edge rusher Brian Burns was traded to the Giants and defensive tackle Derrick Brown played only one game (knee). On the other, Carolina didn't have many impact defenders overall.
I like the Walker fit. While slightly undersized at 6-foot-1, his 79⅞-inch wingspan is impressive. He also produces, with 6.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss last season. Walker is scheme agnostic and can play both off the ball and as a rusher.
9. New Orleans Saints
Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
The Saints were 27th in defensive efficiency last season, and the great Cameron Jordan is getting closer to the end of his career. With tight salary cap constraints, this team needs to think about the future. So despite some questions on offense, I want to boost the New Orleans pass rush. Williams dealt with an ankle injury early last season that caused him to miss a few games, but he has great traits. Four of his five sacks came against Texas' solid offensive line. He has a huge 6-5 frame, and he plays even bigger and stronger than that.
Mock trade: Steelers take advantage of sliding QB
Steelers get: No. 10 and a fifth-rounder (No. 148)
Bears get: No. 21, a third-rounder (No. 83), a fourth-rounder (No. 123) and next year's first-rounder
Only one quarterback has come off the board? If I'm running the Steelers, I'm making a call to the Bears and seeing if I can move up to the No. 10 spot. This is the AFC North, after all -- I need a quarterback for the long haul when I'm facing the likes of Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers (via mock trade with CHI)
Updated pick: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Yes, the Steelers still haven't signed a starting quarterback. Aaron Rodgers met with the team late last week, but signing him would address only the short term. He's 41 years old. And as of now, Rodgers is still unsigned -- we can't assume he will definitely come to Pittsburgh. Mason Rudolph is currently the QB1. So, I'm making the move to add Sanders. He is incredibly tough, can make all the throws, processes reads quickly in the pocket and delivers accurate balls. He lacks high-end mobility but still shows good pocket movement traits.
I'm calling it now: Sanders projects as a top-15, maybe even top-12 starting QB in the NFL. That would be huge for a Steelers franchise that was 20th in QBR last season (51.3).
11. San Francisco 49ers
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
A lot of holes here -- the offensive tackle, receiver and cornerback groups could all use a look. But the Niners allowed 25.6 points per game last season (29th), and they didn't really replace the lost talent on that side of the ball in free agency. That includes Charvarius Ward's spot at outside cornerback. Johnson could be a day one starter there. At 6-2 and 194 pounds, he has ideal size and physicality at the position. I see great instincts when I watch him play ball, too. I know he missed time in 2024 with his foot injury, but he has nine career interceptions and all the traits to be a frontline corner in the pros.
Landing Johnson would be a good start to the draft for San Francisco, which has 11 picks over three days.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Cowboys could go in a number of different directions, but Dak Prescott's best season came in 2021, when he had CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper running routes. Since then, Dallas hasn't really had a standout WR2 opposite Lamb. McMillan, though, reminds me of Keyshawn Johnson. He can play in the slot or outside at the X position. And while he is not a true burner, he plays fast. McMillan had 33 catches on balls thrown 20 or more yards downfield over his three seasons at Arizona, which shows his outstanding ability to track the deep ball.
Stephen A. Smith weighs in on the Cowboys passing on Cooper Kupp and says Jerry Jones is a notoriously cheap spender in free agency.
13. Miami Dolphins
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
While Terron Armstead played in 15 games last season (more than he had played in any season since 2019), his future is still up in the air as he mulls retirement. Miami drafted Patrick Paul in the second round last year, and there's some promise there. But the value of Simmons is great. He has outstanding footwork, punch and length. My only two questions: Is he healthy coming off his season-ending knee injury, and can he cut down on penalties after getting 26 over 32 career games?
14. Indianapolis Colts
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
This is a crucial year for the Colts. It's time to put some playmakers around Anthony Richardson (or Daniel Jones, who I assume will eventually get some starts). Warren has a rare skill set at tight end. He's 6-6 and extremely talented. He had a remarkable 104 catches last season, and I envision Indy coach Shane Steichen moving him all around the offense to create mismatches. The Colts had the second-fewest receiving yards from tight ends of any team last season (467), but Warren could push them toward the top of that list pretty quickly.
15. Atlanta Falcons
Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
There's no doubt Atlanta lacks edge rushing, but the loss of Grady Jarrett also opens up a hole in the middle of the defensive line. Grant would be immensely helpful right out of the gate against both the pass and run. He has the bulk that the Falcons desperately need on the interior (6-4, 331 pounds), and I love his range. He can track down the ball outside the tackle box, a rare ability for someone his size. Grant had three sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss last season.
16. Arizona Cardinals
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Despite adding Marvin Harrison Jr. in the top five last April, Arizona was 16th in passing yards per attempt (7.1) and tied for 20th in touchdown catches (21) last season. Adding another blue-chip receiver to go with Harrison and tight end Trey McBride would take this offense to the next level. Golden's incredible timed speed (4.29 seconds in the 40-yard dash) translates well to game play, and he is an excellent route runner with good hands. I think Golden has a chance to be a better pro than college player.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
Credit to Cincinnati for re-signing Tee Higgins and Mike Gesicki and extending Ja'Marr Chase to keep the offensive core intact. However, the Bengals also gave Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade despite his 35 sacks over the past two seasons, and Sam Hubbard retired. There's a potentially big hole there. While Pearce was more productive in 2023 than 2024 (10 sacks vs. 7.5 last season), he has elite pass-rushing traits. He plays with leverage and explosion, though he has to improve against the run.
18. Seattle Seahawks
Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
Over 1,924 career snaps in college, Booker allowed exactly one sack. I like his strong base in pass pro, and he plays with confidence and great technique. The Seahawks made changes at quarterback (Geno Smith to Sam Darnold) and offensive coordinator (Ryan Grubb to Klint Kubiak), and they now have to clean up the interior pass protection. They were 21st in pass block win rate last season (58.5%). Booker could be key to a turnaround.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
I thought about Michigan tight end Colston Loveland. I also scanned the offensive line and cornerback boards. But re-signing 35-year-old Lavonte David doesn't completely satisfy the linebacker need, and Campbell is a potential star. He fits what Todd Bowles looks for on defense -- tough, instinctive, productive and durable. Campbell is a classic three-down 'backer who can cover, blitz and tackle against the run. I love his size (6-3, 235 pounds), too. And Campbell had 112 tackles and five sacks last season. Sign me up.
The SEC Now crew takes a look back at the best performances from the Crimson Tide's Pro Day and discuss where Jalen Milroe and Tyler Booker stand in the NFL Draft.
20. Denver Broncos
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Javonte Williams signed in Dallas, and Denver didn't go out and add a replacement RB1 in free agency. It can do so at the draft, though. Hampton is a great fit for Sean Payton's offense after an outstanding 2024 season (1,660 yards and 38 receptions). He can make defenders miss in the hole and has home run speed once he's free and clear (4.46 in the 40). Hampton is a three-down starter from Week 1, and that's what the Broncos need.
21. Chicago Bears (via mock trade with PIT)
Updated pick: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
I traded out of No. 10 in this updated mock draft, but I'm pretty happy with the outcome. Chicago was 16th in sacks last season (40), but it was also 24th in pass rush win rate (36.5%) and hasn't yet found an elite pass-rush partner for Montez Sweat. Signing Dayo Odeyingbo helps, but Stewart's immense upside is really intriguing, especially at this point in Round 1. This is a classic "traits over production" pick. Stewart had 1.5 sacks last season, but his skill set is great. He's 6-5 and 267 pounds and runs a 4.59. He also jumped 40 inches in the vertical at the combine.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
This is an ideal scenario for coach Jim Harbaugh. He could be reunited with his former tight end from his Michigan days and also fill a hole in the offense. L.A. signed Tyler Conklin and has Will Dissly, but Loveland would jump them both on the depth chart to provide quarterback Justin Herbert with another top-tier option beyond Ladd McConkey. Loveland is a great route runner for a 6-6 player, and he'd be a plug-and-play day one starter for the Chargers. He had 56 catches for 582 yards in 2024. (Loveland's run blocking isn't great, but I could see it improving given his work ethic.)
23. Green Bay Packers
Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
The Packers added Nate Hobbs in free agency, but there is still uncertainty around Jaire Alexander, so they have a question mark at cornerback. Revel played only three games in 2024 before tearing his left ACL, but he had two interceptions in those games. He has great length, is physical in run support, has excellent change-of-direction traits in man coverage and shows great instincts in zone. It sounds like Revel should be ready to go by training camp, so I'm still taking him in Round 1.
24. Minnesota Vikings
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Getting Barron at this point in the first round would be outstanding value for Minnesota. He could excel in Brian Flores' defense after posting 20 pass breakups and eight interceptions over the past three seasons. Barron's versatility would be key for the Vikings, who signed Jeff Okudah and Isaiah Rodgers and re-signed Byron Murphy Jr. this month. He played as both a slot and outside corner last season, which means Minnesota could move him to fit what it needs.
25. Houston Texans
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
I was initially thinking receiver for Houston. The Texans did trade for Christian Kirk, but he's coming off a broken collarbone, Tank Dell is out with a knee injury and Stefon Diggs went to the Patriots. Getting Emeka Egbuka -- quarterback C.J. Stroud's former teammate at Ohio State -- would make sense.
But I just couldn't get past the fact that Stroud needs time to actually throw to his receivers, whoever they might end up being. He took 52 sacks last season (second most in the NFL) and then Houston unexpectedly traded away its best offensive lineman in Laremy Tunsil. Even though the team signed Cam Robinson, drafting Banks would be great for this unit. He allowed three sacks over 42 career starts.
26. Los Angeles Rams
Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Dart excelled in Lane Kiffin's scheme at Ole Miss, throwing 72 touchdown passes over his three years in Oxford. He has risen on draft boards in the past few months, too. He had a great week at the Senior Bowl and was, in my opinion, the best thrower at the combine. Dart has a sturdy lower frame and really good movement skills, and he has a lot of upside. Matthew Stafford's contract restructure will make him the Rams' starter for at least another season, but if I'm taking over the Rams' GM role today, I'm absolutely eyeing the future.
Mike Tannenbaum joins "SportsCenter" to break down where he thinks QB Jaxson Dart could go in the NFL draft following a strong performance at the scouting combine.
27. Baltimore Ravens
Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
Had the Ravens not re-signed Ronnie Stanley, I probably would have gone with an offensive tackle. But bringing Stanley back before free agency opened means I can go get an edge rusher for this defense. Baltimore was second in sacks last season (54), but I want to keep that strength a strength in the tough AFC North. Green is quick and sudden, and he had tremendous production last season (17 sacks, 52 pressures and 2 forced fumbles). He will need to get stronger, but his floor is high, and he has the traits to contribute right away.
28. Detroit Lions
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
This would be a classic Detroit pick: a productive player with versatility from a big school. The Lions do have Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph patrolling the third level at safety, so Starks could sink down over the slot for now; he occasionally played there at Georgia. And after all the injuries we saw in Detroit last season, giving the defense more options wouldn't be the worst move. Starks had six interceptions and 15 pass breakups over three college seasons.
29. Washington Commanders
Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Marshon Lattimore's best days might be behind him, Emmanuel Forbes Jr. didn't work out in Washington (cut last season) and Benjamin St-Juste signed with the Chargers. The Commanders did add Jonathan Jones and Noah Igbinoghene, but I'm still pursuing playmakers in the secondary. Hairston plays to his 4.28 timed speed and had six INTs and 13 pass breakups over the past two seasons. Give him time to develop, and the Commanders could have themselves a solid starter on the outside.
30. Buffalo Bills
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
In my eyes, Egbuka has more ability than any of the Bills' current receivers -- including recently extended Khalil Shakir, 2024 second-rounder Keon Coleman and new addition Joshua Palmer. He's a precise route runner and has outstanding hands. He actually reminds me of a young Amari Cooper -- who played with the Bills in the second half of last season -- and would immediately make an impact. He finished last season with 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns.
31. Kansas City Chiefs
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
After losing Justin Reid in free agency, Emmanwori is an easy pick for the Chiefs. He had an outstanding season for South Carolina, picking off four passes and making 91 tackles. Emmanwori can play close to the line of scrimmage or in the deep half, and he makes plays no matter where he is. He had a combine workout for the ages, too. He ran a 4.38 and jumped 43 inches in the vertical and 11-6 in the broad jump.
Offensive tackle is obviously also a problem, but the value is better with Emmanwori. Minnesota's Aireontae Ersery would be the next OT on my board.
32. Philadelphia Eagles
Grey Zabel, G, North Dakota State
Philly doesn't have many apparent short-term needs. So even though I'm standing in for GM Howie Roseman, I'm sticking with his draft tendencies and addressing the trenches. Zabel is tough and versatile, and he was outstanding at the Senior Bowl. He played both tackle spots and both guard spots at North Dakota State, but I see him playing guard in the pros. And I think Zabel could compete with Tyler Steen to replace Mekhi Becton, who is now with the Chargers.