2025 NFL Draft: Early First Round Mock Draft – Cody Zeeb

272 NFL games are in the books for the 2024 NFL season. For some teams, it’s time to turn their focus to the NFL playoffs. Others, it’s time to look forward to how to make sure their teams are in the playoffs in the future. For the fans of the 18 teams who didn’t make the playoffs (raises my hand as a Patriots fan), it’s time to start looking at what players could take our teams to the next level starting with the first round of the 2025 NFL Mock Draft. So let’s take a look at this early first-round mock draft.

It’s never too early to start keeping your eye on players who could end up on your favorite franchise. You could be wearing their jersey, naming your dog after them, and celebrating them for years to come. A lot of things will change between now and April 24th in Green Bay, Wisconsin when the first round of the NFL Draft takes place. Free Agency, resigning and cutting players, retirements, and trades. Grades on players will change, and the Combine, medical reports and interviews will make stock on a player soar, or suffer.

So, given the information we have today, and what team needs we can see as the season has just come to a close. Let’s dive in and see who your favorite team may consider drafting in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. I will not be making any trades. The back end of the draft order will change as the playoffs play out. Picks 19-32 will change based on how teams playoff runs fare. As of right now, every team holds their own first-round pick, and all 32 teams will have selections. Tennessee Titans, you are now on the clock.

2025 NFL Draft: Early First Round Mock Draft – Cody Zeeb

1	Titans	Shedeur Sanders	QB	Colorado
		The Titans have a big decision to make here, and I could see a team like the Raiders trading up for this pick and the Titans rolling the dice for another season with Will Levis. If they do go quarterback Cam Ward or Sanders is the biggest question atop the draft board in 2025. Sander is flashy, tough, and resilient. At Colorado, he racked up 4,134 passing yards, 37 TD passes, 10 interceptions, and four rushing TDs.
2	Browns	Cam Ward	QB	Miami
		This is another pick I could see being traded for someone who is quarterback-hungry. The Deshaun Watson saga continues to roll on for the Browns as he’s reportedly had a setback in his recovery. The Browns just started their 40th quarterback since 1999 in Week 18, more than any other franchise. They've proven they’ll keep throwing darts at the position. The 6’ 2” Miami star saw his draft stock soar over the season, and he could very well be the pick here, and 41st starting quarterback for the team.
3	Giants	Travis Hunter	WR/CB	Colorado
		Deion Sanders gets his two studs drafted inside of the top three here. Obviously, the Giants need a quarterback, but it’s hard to move someone this far up the board, and honestly, we may not see another quarterback in the first round. They could be a team that trades up, they may address the quarterback later, or through free agency. Travis Hunter is a star made for New York, and while his biggest impact is likely on defense, imagine him in packages opposite of Malik Nabers for the Giants’ new quarterback.
4	Patriots	Kelvin Bank Jr.	OT	Texas
		If Banks is still on the board here for the Patriots is a no-brainer. They should trip over themselves getting his card turned in. He’s not the “next best” guy on the board but the offensive line is the biggest need for this team. Drake Maye impressed behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league last year, and adding Banks would be a major upgrade here.
5	Jaguars	Will Johnson	CB	Michigan
		No team gave up more passing yards on defense in 2024 than the Jacksonville Jaguars. Only four teams gave up more passing touchdowns than the team. They need help securing their defensive backfield and Johnson would be a great addition to help Tyson Campbell lock things down.
6	Raiders	Mason Graham	DT	Michigan
		It’s back to back Wolverines here in the top 10. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Raiders trade up here though. Maybe as part of hiring Deion Sanders and taking his son with the first pick. If they sit tight here, Graham would be a great addition to their already strong defensive front, shoring up the middle of the defense.
7	Jets	Abdul Carter	ED	Penn State
		There’s an endless number of ways the Jets could go here. New coach, new GM, and it’s time for a new quarterback. It’s best to go for the top prospect on the board, and that’s Abdul Carter. A versatile off ball linebacker, he’ll wreak havoc in the pass rush game for the Jets.
8	Panthers	Mykel Williams	ED	Georgia
		The Panthers gave up the most points in the NFL since 1981 in 2024. It looks like Bryce Young has earned himself another year as the team's starter, and now they need to start to shore up this defense. Derrick Brown will return to anchor their line, and Williams can put pressure on the quarterback.
9	Saints	Tetairoa McMillian	WR	Arizona
		McMillian is a big 6’ 5” wide receiver from Arizona who can play outside and catch the contested ball, but also has the athletic ability to play in the slot. Assuming Derek Carr is back for another season at quarterback, McMillian will add a great compliment to Chris Olave and help fill a playmaker void left by Taysom Hill on the offense.
10	Bears	Will Campbell	OT	LSU
		Much like with the Patriots, it’s pretty simple for the Bears. You found your new franchise quarterback who showed plenty in their rookie season. But your offensive line just straight up stinks. Caleb Williams almost set the sack record, not a stat a quarterback ever wants to have. Bring in some new blood to block for these franchise guys. Campbell, who only gave up two sacks in the last two seasons is the perfect guy here.
11	49ers	Jalon Walker	LB	Georgia
		The 49ers need some help in the middle of their defense. Walker is a guy who can line up at outside backer, or slide up and play edge opposite of Nick Bosa. He’s versatile and the 49ers will find a lot of great ways to use the Bulldog.
12	Cowboys	Ashton Jeanty	RB	Boise State
		You have to put Jeanty here right? Last season everyone thought they’d find a way to get the back from Texas, Jonathan Brooks. Brooks ended up in Carolina and now you have one of the hottest running back names in recent college football history waiting to hear his name called at #12. Rico Dowdel had a good season, but Jeanty is a game changer. Jerry won’t be able to get this one in fast enough.
13	Dolphins	Malaki Starks	S	Georgia
		Jevon Holland could be on his way out of Miami in free agency and the Dolphins need some help on the back end. Starks is a sure tackler, who’s just as good in stopping the run game as he is the pass game. Even if Holland returns to the team, Starks could plug and play anywhere in the secondary.
14	Colts	Tyler Warren	TE	Penn State
		This is an endorsement on Anthony Richardson. Push all the chips in on this young quarterback. He’s shown some of the tools, just been inconsistent. He’s got Pittman, Downs and Taylor at running back. Let’s give him the top tight end in the draft. A big 6’ 6” 257 lbs target to throw the ball too that has great hands. Another tool for Richardson to prove he’s the guy, or not the guy.
15	Falcons	Shavon Revel Jr	CB	East Carolina
		The Falcons only have five picks (currently) in the 2025 NFL Draft, so they need to use them wisely. One of their biggest needs is in the defensive backfield and Revel Jr has a lot of promise. He tore his ACL in the Pirate third game of the season, so medical questions will need to be answered, but the Falcons have just shown us, if the right guy is on the board they aren’t afraid to take him and wait til he’s ready. I think that’ll be the case here with the best player available, and he’s at a position of need.
16	Cardinals	Walter Nolen	DT	Duke
		Arizona’s rushing defense has left a lot to be desired. Walter Nolen can help fix that issue for the Cardinals. He’s got all the traits you want in a DT, now he just needs to execute. If he hits the level he’s capable of, this is a big get for the Cardinals.
17	Bengals	Luther Burden III	WR	Missouri
		Tee Higgins is likely to move on from Cincinnati this offseason. It might not take the Bengals long to look to replace him by turning to Burden III here. Burden is smaller than Tee at just 5’ 11”, but his ability to make plays after the catch is his most attractive quality.
18	Seahawks	Josh Simmons	OT	Ohio State
		Seattle keeps trying to fix their offensive line though the draft, and it’s not gone well over the last few years. Laken Tomlinson is a free agent and Abraham Lucas hasn’t been able to stay healthy. Simmons is recovering from an injury, but proved to be a consistent player when he was on the field. He’ll be a great asset to give Geno more time in the pocket.
19	Texans	Jonah Savaiinaea	OT/G	Arizona
		CJ Stroud turned out to be an instant stud, taking the Texans to back to back playoff berths. However, his offensive line leaves a little to be desired still and that’s the top place the Texans should focus in the first round. Protect the future of the franchise, and the 6’ 5” Savaiinaea who can play both tackle and guard will surely help.
20	Buccaneers	James Pearce Jr	ED	Tennesee
		Tampa Bay doesn’t have a single edge rusher with more than three sacks in 2024. They’ll be looking to change that in 2025 with a guy in Pearce who shows a ton of speed off the edge. He’ll be able to be the disruptor the Buccaneers need.
21	Steelers	Trey Amos	CB	Ole Miss
		The Steelers hit in 2023 snagging Joey Porter Jr in the second round of the NFL Draft, and now it’s time to put someone opposite him. Amos has a knack for adjusting to the ball. He recorded 15 pass breakups, good for second best in all of FBS this season.
22	Broncos	Colston Loveland	TE	Michigan
		It’s another case of we found our potential franchise quarterback, now let’s surround him with playmakers to help him thrive. Bo Nix has certainly played the part this season leading the Broncos into the postseason. Courtland Sutton had a strong year, and the Broncos need a good tight end. Loveland is a strong receiver, but isn’t afraid to block and get dirty when he needs too.
23	Rams	Aireonte Ersery	OT	Minneota
		The Rams’ second pick isn’t until #85 in the third round, so they need to spend this first pick wisely. If one of the two tight ends is still on the board, this could definitely be a destination for one of them. With them both being gone here, they turn to the offense line. They are looking for their Tackles of the future to protect Matthew Stafford, and eventually their future quarterback. Ersery has 39 career starts under his belt and has both power and speed at the tackle position.
24	Chargers	Kenneth Grant	DT	Michigan
		Jim Harbaugh getting a Michigan guy? It’s a match made in heaven. Grant has slid down the board a little to fall in Harbaugh’s lap. The Chargers need help in the middle of their defensive line and Grant is just the guy for them. His awareness rating is through the roof and he’s great at batting down passes at the line. Harbaugh plus tough big man play is the perfect pairing here at 24.
25	Packers	Kyle Kennard	ED	South Carolina
		The Packers are one of the worst teams in the league getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks, doing so only 28.3% of the time. Kennard had a stellar season at South Carolina recording 11.5 sacks.
26	Commanders	Emeka Egubka	WR	Ohio State
		Same story, different pick. You’ve found the future of your franchise, now let’s put the pieces around him. Terry McLaurin and Jayden Daniels had a great season in the rookie's first year as quarterback. Let’s add one of the most pro-ready receivers to the mix in the 6’ 1” 205 lbs Egubka.
27	Ravens	Donavan Jackson	G	Penn State
		The Ravens love to run the ball. Especially with Derrick Henry in town these days. In order to keep that up, bolstering their offensive line is a great way to spend their first pick. The 6’ 4” 320 lbs would fit right in with the Ravens line.
28	Bills	Benjamin Morris	CB	Notre Dame
		The Bills have a lot of need for being as good of a team as they are. If Egubka is still on the board, I could see them adding him as a weapon for Josh Allen in the pass game. With Egubka off the board, the Bills address one of their most needed positions in defensive back.
29	Eagles	Emory Jones Jr	OT	LSU
		The Eagles have the luxury of being able to look ahead a little. They’ll eventually have to replace the aging Lane Johnson. Jones Jr can move all around the offensive line to help the Eagles as he learns behind Johnson. Similar to what they did with Cam Jergens.
30	Vikings	Derick Harmon	DT	Oregon
		The Vikings could really use some interior pass rush help. Harmon is a versatile player who can plug up the middle, and move around on the line to get pressure on the quarterback.
31	Chiefs	Armand Membou	OT/G	Missouri
		Membou stays home and helps bolster the Chiefs offensive line. When you are on a run like the Chiefs, and have a star like Patrick Mahomes, nothing is more important than protecting him. Membou could be the future left tackle the Chiefs need.
32	Lions	Jihaad Campbell	LB	Alabama
		Dan Campbell can’t pass up the best player left on the board at pick #32 here. Campbell is the full package. A complete all around linebacker that will fit into this Lions team like a glove.