The Sports Boyle NFL Mock Draft 2.0
Photo Credit: Tom Pennington/Getty Images
Welcome to the second of three Sports Boyle mock drafts ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.
With the draft a week from today, it’s time to look at where the best college prospects in the nation could be landing.
Mock draft 2.0 includes trades!
Round 1
Pick 1 - Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward (Quarterback/Miami)
The consensus first-overall pick, Cam Ward, gives the Tennessee Titans a franchise quarterback. In his second season as head coach, Brian Callahan will look to continue rebuilding his team with Ward under center. Ward has subtly acknowledged the links between him and the Titans. While streaming Fortnite earlier in the week, Ward was asked to name his top wide receivers and running backs in the league. Ward promptly responded by naming two Titans players at each position. It seems like the 2024 AAC Player of the Year knows where he is going.
Pick 2 - Cleveland Browns
Travis Hunter (Wide Receiver/Cornerback/Colorado)
Many scouts and draft analysts have Travis Hunter ranked as the top prospect in the draft. With a need at wide receiver, the Cleveland Browns take the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner at No. 2 overall. Hunter’s ability to play receiver and cornerback makes him a blue-chip prospect who will have an impact on both sides of the ball. The Browns have strong depth at corner, which would allow them to ease Hunter into playing both positions in the NFL. It is hard to pass on Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter here, pairing him with Myles Garrett, but all reliable reports and mock drafts have the Browns selecting Hunter.
Pick 3 - Chicago Bears (via trade with the New York Giants)
Trade details: Bears trade No. 10, No. 39, and No. 41 to the Giants in exchange for No. 3 and No. 105
Abdul Carter (Defensive End/Penn State)
We have a trade! The Bears make a big splash to come get Carter in the Top 3. The Bears need a disruptive pass rusher to pair with Montez Sweat after finishing middle of the pack in sacks this past season. While there are injury concerns with Carter’s shoulder and foot, he is a must-draft blue-chip prospect. After hiring the most sought-after coach on the market, Ben Johnson, the Bears made this move to show the league they are ready to compete. With Johnson being an offensive-minded coach, it will be hard for him not to pick Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, but with a deep class at that position, the Bears can find a suitable option at running back on Day 2 or 3.
Pick 4 - New England Patriots
Will Campbell (Offensive Tackle/LSU)
The Patriots would love for Hunter or Carter to fall into their lap, but for the second mock draft in a row, that doesn’t happen. Despite concerns about his arm length, Will Campbell’s versatility and success at LSU make him the top offensive lineman in this year’s draft. While selecting defensive tackle Mason Graham to pair with new signing Milton Williams is a fun thought, the most important thing for the Patriots is protecting second-year quarterback Drake Maye.
Pick 5 - Jacksonville Jaguars
Mason Graham (Defensive Tackle/Michigan)
It’s hard to find a mock draft these days where the Jaguars don’t select Graham, so I will continue the trend here. The Jaguars finished the season bottom ten in rushing yards allowed per game. Graham is a strong run defender and uses his quickness to consistently break up plays behind the line of scrimmage. New general manager James Gladstone will be ecstatic to add Graham to a defense with Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker.
Pick 6 - Las Vegas Raiders
Ashton Jeanty (Running Back/Boise State)
The Las Vegas Raiders finished 2024 averaging 79.8 rushing yards per game, the worst mark in the league by 12 yards. Selecting Jeanty here at pick six would go a long way in moving the Raiders from worst rushing offense to a top rushing offense in a matter of no time. The 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up is unanimously viewed as a generational talent. While running backs tend to never go this high in the draft, run-heavy head coach Pete Carroll knows how valuable a player of Jeanty’s caliber can be to building a winning formula.
Pick 7 - New York Jets
Armand Membou (Offensive Tackle/Missouri)
After selecting offensive tackle Olu Fashanu with the 11th-overall pick in last year’s draft, the Jets decided to double-dip at tackle in back-to-back drafts. Having your offensive line anchored by Fashanu and Armand Membou on opposite sides sounds like a strong foundation new head coach Aaron Glenn can build on. The Jets had the second-least amount of rushing yards per game last season, so adding a lineman who is strong in the run game could go a long way for a team that signed Justin Fields, a run-heavy quarterback, to be their starter.
Pick 8 - Carolina Panthers
Jalon Walker (Linebacker/Georgia)
Finding a game-changer on defense is a necessity for the Carolina Panthers, who statistically had the worst defense in the league last season. Jalon Walker showed his versatility in college, playing edge and off-ball linebacker, filling the stat sheet at both positions. Walker showed throughout college that he can be a three-down defender, something the Panthers could use at either of his preferred positions. Being drafted by the Panthers would be a homecoming for the Salisbury, North Carolina, native.
Pick 9 - Indianapolis Colts (via trade with the New Orleans Saints)
Trade details: Colts trade No. 14, No. 80, and a 2026 fifth-round pick to the Saints in exchange for No. 9 and No. 248.
Tyler Warren (Tight End/Penn State)
The Indianapolis Colts are in desperate need of a tight end. Having finished last year with the least amount of receptions by a tight end, there is a clear hole at that position. With pressure mounting on general manager Chris Ballard, he moves up five places to take the best tight end in the class, Tyler Warren from Penn State. The six-foot-six versatile offensive weapon is as well-rounded as you can get. With elite hands, Warren can be an outlet for third-year quarterback Anthony Richardson or free-agent signing Daniel Jones, whoever the Colts decide to start under center in 2025.
Pick 10 - New York Giants (via trade with the Chicago Bears)
Trade details: Giants receive No. 10, No. 39, and No. 41 from the Bears in exchange for No. 3 and No. 105.
Shedeur Sanders (Quarterback/Colorado)
After moving back from the third-overall pick to the tenth, general manager Joe Schoen addresses his team’s biggest need for the future. Shedeur Sanders is viewed as the second-best quarterback in the class, but selecting him third overall would have been a reach. Instead, Schoen moved back seven places and added to second-rounders to continue improving his team. Having signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in the offseason, Sanders could sit behind one or both of them and develop for a season. If Sanders impresses his coaches, we could see him starting sooner rather than later.
Pick 11 - San Francisco 49ers
Will Johnson (Cornerback/Michigan)
The San Francisco 49ers have needs at almost all defensive positions. With cornerback Will Johnson being the best player available, general manager John Lynch doesn’t bat an eye at his selection. This draft will be about resetting the 49ers’ defense, starting with the best corner in the draft and using their 10 remaining picks to fill other holes left by key contributors.
Pick 12 - Dallas Cowboys
Matthew Golden (Wide Receiver/Texas)
There is an argument for who is the best receiver in this year’s class. Is it Matthew Golden or Tetairoa McMillan? In this scenario, Golden is the better fit for a Cowboys offense looking for a starting-caliber receiver to pair with Pro Bowler CeeDee Lamb. The shifty wide receiver is a strong route runner with the ability to win all over the field. Golden’s difficult catches, electric speed, and big-game moments make him a perfect fit for the Cowboys.
Pick 13 - Miami Dolphins
Jahdae Barron (Cornerback/Texas)
Back-to-back Longhorns go off the board for the second straight mock draft, but this time, the Miami Dolphins took cornerback Jahdae Barron over offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.. Reports earlier this week about the Dolphins shopping three-time All-Pro corner were confirmed by Dolphins general manager Chris Grier in a press conference. The Dolphins are already thin in the secondary, and losing Ramsey would weaken the group even more. Whether Ramsey is moved or not, Barron’s ability to play multiple positions in the secondary and elite ball skills would drastically improve the Dolphins’ defense.
Pick 14 - New Orleans Saints
Trade details: Saints receive No. 14, No. 80, and a 2026 fifth-round pick in exchange for No. 9 and No. 248.
Jaxson Dart (Quarterback/Ole Miss)
A lot has been made of who the third-best quarterback in this year’s draft class is. It has become clear over the last month, thanks to numerous reports and a strong pro day, that Jaxson Dart is the answer. The Saints have a lot of glaring holes on their roster, so acquiring an extra third-round pick in this draft will help them continue to replenish their depth. With first-year head coach Kellen Moore being a former quarterback and current starter Derek Carr dealing with a shoulder injury, the Saints decided to start this new era with a new man under center. While he likely won’t be NFL-ready to start in his first season, Dart draws comparisons to Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts due to his size and speed.
Pick 15 - Atlanta Falcons
Mike Green (Defensive End/Marshall)
The Falcons totaled the second-fewest amount of sacks (31) in the NFL last season, so why not take the player who led the FBS in sacks (17) during the 2024 college football season? Green is a plug-and-play starter that should be ready to wreak havoc on the Falcons’ defensive line come Week 1. Because of his college stats and pro-ready traits, Green has been a fast riser up the draft board and could be the second defensive end taken behind Carter.
Pick 16 - Denver Broncos (via trade with the Arizona Cardinals)
Trade details: Broncos trade No. 20, No. 85, and No. 208 to the Cardinals in exchange for No. 16 and No. 225.
Tetairoa McMillan (Wide Receiver/Arizona)
There aren’t many significant areas of need for the Denver Broncos, but finding a playmaker or two for second-year quarterback Bo Nix should be the team’s top priority. With McMillan still on the board at 16, the Broncos make a move with the Cardinals to get Nix another weapon in the pass game. McMillan is a strong route runner with great hands and the ability to dominate contested catches. With the running back class being viewed as deeper than the receivers, the Broncos can find a starting-caliber back in Round 2.
Pick 17 - Cincinnati Bengals
Jihaad Campbell (Linebacker/Alabama)
The Bengals can go many different directions with this selection, with the smartest move being to address the defensive side of the ball. While the Bengals are always in need of offensive line help, their defense allowed 25.5 points per game and 348.3 yards per game, both the eighth-worst marks in the league last year. Jihaad Campbell, an All-American linebacker, recorded 112 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks in his final year with Alabama. His versatility as a linebacker and pass rusher would benefit the Bengals’ struggling defense.
Pick 18 - Seattle Seahawks
Grey Zabel (Guard/Center/North Dakota State)
The Seahawks have a major need along the interior of the offensive line. After handing out a three-year, $100.5 million contract to quarterback Sam Darnold, the goal will be to build a top offensive line in front of him. Zabel’s strong Senior Bowl performance and versatility as a guard or center have garnered him worthy attention as a rising first-round pick. Adding a receiver here is tempting for the Seahawks, who need to get Darnold another weapon, but Zabel is the best player available for what this team needs.
Pick 19 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Nick Emmanwori (Safety/South Carolina)
Building depth in the secondary will be important for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in this year’s draft after watching key contributors fall victim to injuries last season. Nick Emmanwori would complement former All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. perfectly. The South Carolina safety brings speed and strength, and some of the best physical traits in this year’s class. Emmanwori also has a knack for the big play, recording four interceptions and two pick-sixes last season.
Pick 20 - Arizona Cardinals (via trade with the Denver Broncos)
Trade details: Cardinals receive No. 20, No. 85, and No. 208 in exchange for No. 16 and No. 225.
Mykel Williams (Defensive End/Georgia)
After moving down in a trade with the Broncos, the Cardinals still pick up an extremely talented defensive edge in Mykel Williams. A prospect with a ton of upside is in the perfect place to develop as a pass rusher under head coach Jonathan Gannon. Williams can also learn from reigning Super Bowl champion edge rusher Josh Sweat, who signed with the Cardinals as a free agent this offseason. A one-two punch of Williams and Sweat would help improve a middle-of-the-pack defense.
Pick 21 - Pittsburgh Steelers
Omarion Hampton (Running Back/North Carolina)
After Najee Harris departed in free agency, the Steelers were left thin at the running back position. Even after adding Kenneth Gainwell as a free agent, the Steelers could still use a game changer in the backfield. Projected starter Jaylen Warren only had 511 rushing yards and one touchdown last season. Viewed as a three-down back, Omarion Hampton would immediately help elevate a Steelers offense that already acquired two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver D.K. Metcalf in a trade with the Seahawks. The question mark surrounding the Steelers’ quarterback situation still looms large, but there are no viable options here.
Pick 22 - Los Angeles Chargers
Colston Loveland (Tight End/Michigan)
In mock draft 1.0, I reunited Jim Harbaugh with Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant. In this installment, I have him reuniting with another one of his former Michigan players, tight end Colston Loveland. Harbaugh coached Loveland for three seasons, and they won the College Football Playoff National Championship together in 2024. Loveland gives quarterback Justin Herbert another offensive playmaker. Loveland can stretch the field, and his elite ball skills would add another threat to an offense that could use a pass-catching upgrade.
Pick 23 - Green Bay Packers
Shemar Stewart (Defensive End/Texas A&M)
With a need along the defensive line, there is a plethora of tackle and edge prospects the Packers could choose from at Pick 23. Texas A&M pass rusher Shemar Stewart is the most intriguing option with high upside if he develops. Stewart only had 4.5 sacks in three college seasons, but his speed and power, combined with his immense strength, show that he could grow into an elite edge rusher.
Pick 24 - Philadelphia Eagles (via trade with the Minnesota Vikings)
Trade details: Eagles trade No. 32, No. 134, and No. 164 to the Vikings in exchange for No. 24 and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
Malaki Starks (Safety/Georgia)
The Eagles trading up for a former Georgia defender is becoming a yearly tradition. With plenty of mid-to-late-round picks, general manager Howie Roseman can feel comfortable making this move with the Vikings. Roseman is on record saying he and his scouts don’t have 32 first-round graded players on their big board. So what does Roseman do? He trades up to get safety Malaki Starks, someone who had a Top-30 visit with the Eagles and likely is one of their first-round graded talents. Starks fills an immediate need after the Eagles shipped starting safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans due to cap limitations.
Pick 25 - Houston Texans
Kelvin Banks Jr. (Offensive Tackle/Texas)
The local Texas product stays in his home state. Offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., a native of Humble, Texas, started 42 games for the University of Texas. Banks will provide experience and size for a Texans offensive line that allowed the third-most sacks (54) last season. After trading starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders, the Texans need to find a plug-and-play tackle in this year’s draft. Protecting quarterback C.J. Stroud is paramount if the third-year starter is going to bounce back from his sophomore slump.
Pick 26 - Los Angeles Rams
Josh Conerly Jr. (Offensive Tackle/Oregon)
All but one starter on the Rams’ offensive line missed time with injuries last year, with 12 linemen playing 50 or more snaps. While the team’s offensive line finished in the Top 15 statistically, they have an injury history, are anchored at right tackle by an aging Rob Havenstein, and lost guard Jonah Jackson in free agency. Josh Conerly Jr. projects to be a quality starter in the NFL thanks to his physical ability and starting experience at Oregon. With quarterback Matthew Stafford going into his age-37 season and losing mobility, adding Conerly Jr. will help give Stafford extra protection.
Pick 27 - Baltimore Ravens
Maxwell Hairston (Cornerback/Kentucky)
The Ravens add the fastest player at the combine to their secondary, a unit needing an upgrade. Cornerback Maxwell Hairston’s performance in Indianapolis elevated him to a first-round projection. An intelligent player who has an eye for the ball, Hairston had six interceptions in his last two seasons at Kentucky. Pairing Hairston with last year’s first-round pick, cornerback Nate Wiggins, could form a formidable partnership for many years to come.
Pick 28 - Detroit Lions
Donovan Ezeiruaku (Defensive End/Boston College)
After suffering countless injuries along the defensive line, including losing star pass rusher Aiden Hutchinson for the season in Week 6, the Lions need to add depth and skill to what became a depleted group by playoff time last year. Defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku brings exactly what the Lions will be looking for. The former Boston College standout led the nation with 65 pressures last season and recorded the second-most sacks by a player in this year’s draft (16.5). Ezeriuaku is viewed as one of the best pure pass rushers in the class and could offer immediate help to the Lions.
Pick 29 - Washington Commanders
Walter Nolen (Defensive Tackle/Ole Miss)
After releasing veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen in March, the Commanders will look to find a positional replacement in this year’s draft. The replacement comes in the form of Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen. Known for being a disruptive interior rusher, Nolen has plenty of traits worthy of being taken higher than this pick. Nolen was an All-American last season and had 10.5 sacks over his last two years of college football.
Pick 30 - Buffalo Bills
Derrick Harmon (Defensive Tackle/Oregon)
The Buffalo Bills need to find a game-changing defensive player in this year’s draft. With needs in the secondary and along the defensive line, the Bills could go with a few different options in the first round. Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon used his size (6’4, 313 lbs) and unique athleticism to succeed at the college level, with many pro scouts thinking his game will translate well to the NFL. Making a trio out of Harmon, Ed Oliver, and DaQuan Jones would be a lot for opposing offensive lines to handle each game.
Pick 31 - Kansas City Chiefs
Josh Simmons (Offensive Tackle/Ohio State)
The Chiefs could use upgrades at a few positions, especially in the trenches, but offensive tackle Josh Simmons is the best player available for what the defending AFC Champions are looking for. Simmons missed most of last season with a knee injury but has a wealth of starting experience and a style that would fit well with the Chiefs’ offensive line.
Pick 32 - Minnesota Vikings (via trade with the Philadelphia Eagles)
Trade details: Vikings receive No. 32, No. 134, and No. 164 from the Eagles in exchange for No. 24 and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
Trey Amos (Cornerback/Ole Miss)
Coming into the draft, the Vikings had just five picks, so general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah did well to acquire a fourth and a fifth from the Eagles, as well as staying in the first round. With three of the team’s four top cornerbacks leaving in free agency, the Vikings will look to upgrade that unit, despite signing free agents Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah. Amos has been a recent riser on many draft boards and is now expected to be a late first or early second-round pick. Amos had three interceptions and 15 pass breakups for Ole Miss in 2024.
