The Sports Boyle NFL Mock Draft 3.0

Photo Credit: Times Herald-Record

Welcome to the final Sports Boyle mock drafts ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.

With the draft starting on Thursday, it’s time to look at where the best college prospects in the nation could be landing.

Mock draft 3.0 does not include trades!

Round 1

Pick 1 - Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward (Quarterback/Miami)

Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi announced in a pre-draft press conference this week that his team would be sticking and picking at No. 1 overall. While the new general manager gave no hints about who the Titans will select, the consensus pick is quarterback Cam Ward. The Titans need a franchise quarterback as they continue to build a foundation for second-year head coach Brian Callahan. Ward has all the traits to become an elite passer in the NFL.

Pick 2 - Cleveland Browns

Travis Hunter (Wide Receiver/Cornerback/Colorado)

Travis Hunter is viewed as the top prospect in this year’s draft. Hunter is a blue-chip, two-way talent who has elite skills on both sides of the ball. No matter who they start at quarterback this season, the Browns need a game-changer on offense. Hunter is the solution, and can also strengthen a well-oiled secondary in Cleveland. Hunter will bring star power and excitement to a team needing exactly that.

Pick 3 - New York Giants

Abdul Carter (Defensive End/Penn State)

I thought long and hard about mocking Shedeur Sanders here at No. 3. Unless the Giants’ front office feels differently, there are too many question marks surrounding Sanders to take him third overall. Abdul Carter is the best available player with Ward and Hunter off the board. Although the Giants don’t have the biggest need at defensive end, adding Carter to a defensive line with Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence II, and Kayvon Thibodeaux would give the Giants an advantage over most teams.

Pick 4 - New England Patriots

Will Campbell (Offensive Tackle/LSU)

If there is a team looking to make the jump for running back Ashton Jeanty, I could see the Patriots willing to move down in the draft if the price is right and they could still get their ideal prospect. The most sensible move for the Patriots is to protect second-year quarterback Drake Maye. Selecting Will Campbell would give the Patriots a Day 1 starter and someone who they can build their offensive line around for the future.

Pick 5 - Jacksonville Jaguars

Ashton Jeanty (Running Back/Boise State)

The Jaguars have caused a lot of commotion in mock drafts this week, with the expectation they may go against the grain with their pick at No. 5. The most popular pick here has been defensive tackle Mason Graham, but the well-deserved hype around Jeanty and potential fit with the Jaguars has been gaining steam. Head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone have made it clear they want to surround quarterback Trevor Lawrence with weapons. With the significant decline in production from running back Travis Etienne, a 2021 first-round pick, and the potential pairing with last year’s first-round pick, wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., taking Jeanty this early makes a lot of sense.

Pick 6 - Las Vegas Raiders

Mason Graham (Defensive Tackle/Michigan)

The Raiders have done extensive work on Mason Graham. The interior defensive lineman would be a great fit on a defense that features tackle Christian Wilkins and four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby. This is a deep defensive tackle class where Graham has been viewed as the best prospect at that position for a while. There are a few risers, like Derrick Harmon and Walter Nolen, but Graham’s Michigan ties with the organization, general manager John Spytek, and minority owner Tom Brady, both played college football at Michigan, make him the favorite to land in Las Vegas.

Pick 7 - New York Jets

Armand Membou (Offensive Tackle/Missouri)

Armand Membou is a fantastic athlete with great physical traits, just the type of offensive lineman the Jets are looking for. Yes, the Jets took offensive tackle Olu Fashanu at No. 11 last year, but double-dipping on offensive tackles makes sense considering the dynamics of the Jets’ offense. With a need at tackle, Membou and Fashanu could pair nicely as bookends for the offensive line, especially considering the Jets gave run-heavy quarterback Justin Fields a two-year, $40 million contract in free agency.

Pick 8 - Carolina Panthers

Jalon Walker (Linebacker/Georgia)

With a lack of depth at linebacker and a defense that struggled mightily last season, Jalon Walker is the perfect addition for the Panthers. Walker has positional versatility, he can play on the inside or on the edge. The 2024 Butkus Award winner (best linebacker in college football) was part of some of Georgia’s best defenses over the last few years, winning the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2022. The North Carolina native projects to be a Day 1 starter for his hometown team.

Pick 9 - New Orleans Saints

Mykel Williams (Defensive End/Georgia)

Saints Head Coach Kellen Moore saw the positive impact that former Georgia defensive standouts can have on an NFL team after winning the Super Bowl with the Eagles last season. Williams has a lot of talent that can help him develop into a premier pass rusher, and he is a proven winner at the college level. I wanted to get crazy here and pick Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, who compares well to Moore’s former quarterback, Jalen Hurts, and would fit the Saints’ offense well, but I will refrain from jumping the gun on an unpredictable quarterback class. Don’t be surprised if the Saints move down or trade back into the first round to take Dart or another quarterback.

Pick 10 - Chicago Bears

Tyler Warren (Tight End/Penn State)

This feels like a Ben Johnson pick. The new Bears head coach is likely advocating for more offensive weapons, similar to what he had in Detroit as the Lions’ offensive coordinator. Having used a lot of 12-personnel packages with the Lions, pairing starting tight end Cole Kmet with Tyler Warren would allow Johnson’s offensive system to thrive in Chicago. Warren is as versatile as they come and will give second-year quarterback Caleb Williams another target.

Pick 11 - San Francisco 49ers

Walter Nolen (Defensive Tackle/Ole Miss)

Defensive tackle Walter Nolen has been the quickest riser in mock drafts in the days leading up to Thursday’s draft. Per reports, Nolen has impressed many teams in the pre-draft process. The versatile lineman uses his size and strength to stop the run and rush the pass. Some scouting reports have Nolen as a future All-Pro if he develops correctly. The 49ers need to fill a lot of holes on defense after 10-plus key contributors left. As we’ve seen from Super Bowl-winning teams in recent years, building from the trenches is a recipe for success.

Pick 12 - Dallas Cowboys

Tetairoa McMillan (Wide Receiver/Arizona)

I’ve projected wide receiver Matthew Golden to the Cowboys in my two previous mock drafts because of his fit with No. 1 receiver CeeDee Lamb. However, Tetairoa McMillan has long been the top-rated wide receiver in this class, and his star power could persuade general manager Jerry Jones to select him 12th overall. The Cowboys are always unpredictable, so we could see a surprise pick or a trade. It is clear that the Cowboys need to add an offensive playmaker, whether that be a wide receiver or running back, to join Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott.

Pick 13 - Miami Dolphins

Jahdae Barron (Cornerback/Texas)

Things are messy in Miami. With the recent trade rumors surrounding star cornerback Jalen Ramsey and the legal issues surrounding wide receiver Tyreek Hill, the Dolphins need to hit on this pick if they wish to be competitive in the coming years. With the potential departure of Ramsey and an already thin position group, cornerback would be the wise choice. There are other holes on the team, like the offensive line, but if Ramsey leaves, the Dolphins will be in deep trouble. Jahdae Barron is a versatile corner who can come in on Day 1 and make a difference at a multitude of positions in the secondary.

Pick 14 - Indianapolis Colts

Colston Loveland (Tight End/Michigan)

The Colts are in desperate need of a tight end after getting the least amount of production from that position in the league last year. Tyler Warren would be the ideal pick, but if the Colts really like the Penn State tight end, they will likely have to trade up to get him. Michigan tight end Colston Loveland is the next best option, and many rank him not too far behind Warren. With elite hands and strong blocking skills, Loveland is the perfect fit for the Colts in this scenario. Whoever starts at quarterback for the Colts next year, Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones, will have a starting-caliber tight end to throw to.

Pick 15 - Atlanta Falcons

Mike Green (Defensive End/Marshall)

By now, we all know how much the Falcons struggled to get to the quarterback last season, with the second-fewest sacks (31) in the league. Nobody had more sacks in FBS (17) last season than Marshall defensive end Mike Green. The Falcons are looking for a plug-and-play starter who can produce right away. With only five picks in the draft and a deep class along the defensive line, this could be a clear trade spot for the Falcons to move back and acquire more assets.

Pick 16 - Arizona Cardinals

Will Johnson (Cornerback/Michigan)

Injury concerns are the main reason why Will Johnson is projected to go anywhere from the Top 10 to the late first round. Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon won’t let the once top-rated non-two-way cornerback slide past this pick. The defensive-minded coach was a cornerback during his playing days and was a defensive backs coach before joining the Eagles as their defensive coordinator in 2021. The experienced Johnson will bring a winning attitude to a cornerback unit needing an upgrade.

Pick 17 - Cincinnati Bengals

Jihaad Campbell (Linebacker/Alabama)

The Bengals ranked in the bottom half of the league in most defensive categories last season, the main reason they failed to make the playoffs. Even with the future of star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson in question, the Bengals have plenty of holes on defense. Campbell is a tackling machine, leading Alabama in tackles (117) last season, but he also led the team in sacks (5.5). Campbell’s ability to play middle linebacker, drop back in pass coverage, and rush the quarterback makes him an attractive do-it-all prospect for the Bengals.

Pick 18 - Seattle Seahawks

Grey Zabel (Guard/Center/North Dakota State)

If the Seahawks hadn’t added Cooper Kupp to their wide receiver room in free agency, I would have gone receiver with this pick, especially with Golden still available. However, the biggest need for this team is offensive line help. Grey Zabel, who played tackle in college, projects to be a versatile guard/center in the NFL. Zabel could fit anywhere along the line for the Seahawks and help protect big-money quarterback Sam Darnold.

Pick 19 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Nick Emmanwori (Safety/South Carolina)

The Buccaneers suffered season-defining injuries in the secondary last season, so building depth at corner and safety would be a smart decision in this year’s draft. Safety Nick Emmanwori is a tremendous athlete with elite ball skills and a knack for the big play. Emmanwori would work well with 2023 first-team All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr..

Pick 20 - Denver Broncos

Matthew Golden (Wide Receiver/Texas)

After surprising everyone and making the playoffs with rookie quarterback Bo Nix, the Broncos are in a spot to add another top-tier offensive talent. General manager George Patton filled a lot of holes on both sides of the ball during free agency, which will allow his team to take a skill position at No. 20. Golden’s speed and strong route-running ability would give Nix another weapon to help him build on an impressive rookie campaign. A case could be made for running back Omarion Hampton, but the Broncos can find a starting-caliber back on Day 2 because of how deep the running back class is.

Pick 21 - Pittsburgh Steelers

Shedeur Sanders (Quarterback/Colorado)

The long wait for Sanders ends when the Steelers pick the Colorado quarterback at No. 21 overall. Sanders could go as high as No. 3 or even fall out of the first round; nobody knows exactly. There are a lot of question marks around Sanders as a prospect, but he is a game manager and an accurate passer with the ability to run. The Steelers added two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver D.K. Metcalf via a trade with the Seahawks, but they don’t have a starting-caliber quarterback who can throw to their newest addition. If placed in the right system, Sanders will thrive as a starter.

Pick 22 - Los Angeles Chargers

Kenneth Grant (Defensive Tackle/Michigan)

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh coached Grant for two seasons at Michigan, and now they reunite in the NFL. Grant also worked with defensive coordinator Jesse Minter while in college, making a transition to the Chargers’ defensive system easy. A 331-pound force, Grant will be disruptive in the trenches and help a defense that lost starting linemen Poona Ford and Morgan Fox.

Pick 23 - Green Bay Packers

Donovan Ezeiruaku (Defensive End/Boston College)

There will be a lot of hype around this selection, with the draft taking place in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers need pass rush help, so why not pick the guy who had the second-most sacks in the class (16.5)? Donovan Ezeiruaku stood out for Boston College last season with his sack totals and 65 quarterback pressures that led the nation. Ezeiruaku could establish himself as a starter very early on in his rookie campaign.

Pick 24 - Minnesota Vikings

Tyler Booker (Guard/Alabama)

The Vikings have a strong offensive line, especially after adding center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries in free agency. However, the left guard position could use an upgrade, which is why I have the Vikings selecting Tyler Booker. At 6’5”, 321 pounds, Booker was a two-year starter at left guard for Alabama. Booker is strong in run and pass protection, something that will benefit first-year starting quarterback, and last year’s Vikings 10th-overall pick, J.J. McCarthy. This is another spot where we could see a trade. With the Vikings only having four selections in the draft, they could look to trade back in the first round or out of it entirely to acquire more draft capital.

Pick 25 - Houston Texans

Kelvin Banks Jr. (Offensive Tackle/Texas)

The Texans had one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL last season, which led to struggles for second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud. After trading starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Commanders, and moving on from guards Kenyon Green and Shaq Mason, the Texans need to continue rebuilding their offensive line in the draft after making a few additions in free agency. Banks, a Texas native who had 42 starts at the University of Texas, can be a plug-and-play starter for an offensive line needing a youth movement.

Pick 26 - Los Angeles Rams

Josh Simmons (Offensive Tackle/Ohio State)

The Rams had plenty of injuries along the offensive line last season, with all but one starter missing time. Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons has his own injury issues, missing most of last season with a torn patellar tendon. The Rams hope the injuries are behind Simmons because he has all the talent in the world to become an elite offensive tackle in the NFL. With the career of starting right tackle Rob Havenstein, 32, winding down, Simmons would be the perfect replacement for the 10-year vet, who could serve as a mentor for the young tackle.

Pick 27 - Baltimore Ravens

Malaki Starks (Safety/Georgia)

The former Georgia standout projects to be a Day 1 starter at free safety for the Ravens. Malaki Starks would drastically improve one of the weaker pass defenses in the league. Teams adore Starks because of his versatility. The 2022 National Champion played safety during his first two years at Georgia and transitioned to nickel cornerback last season, succeeding in both roles. Anyone who selects Starks is getting a proven winner and a great athlete.

Pick 28 - Detroit Lions

Shemar Stewart (Defensive End/Texas A&M)

The Lions get one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft. Defensive end Shemar Stewart only had 4.5 sacks in three college seasons, but if he develops well, using his rare speed and strength, Stewart could turn into an elite pass rusher. Finding depth and potential at the edge position is crucial for the Lions. After losing Pro Bowler Aidan Hutchinson to a season-ending injury in Week 6, and the plethora of injuries to defensive players that followed, the Lions were left thin along the defensive line come playoff time. As a developmental prospect, Stewart can learn from Hutchinson, one of the best pass rushers in the league when healthy.

Pick 29 - Washington Commanders

James Pearce Jr. (Defensive End/Tennessee)

The Commanders need to continue getting younger in the trenches, and that starts with defensive end James Pearce Jr.. With pass rusher being an immediate need for Washington, taking the former top edge prospect in the draft at No. 29 is a steal. Using his explosiveness and speed, Pearce Jr. was productive at the college level, racking up 19.5 sacks across three years. There is hope that Pearce can be even more productive in the NFL.

Pick 30 - Buffalo Bills

Derrick Harmon (Defensive Tackle/Oregon)

The Bills have a few key holes that they hope to fill in this year’s draft. By taking Derrick Harmon late in the first round, the Bills address their need for a game-wrecker on the defensive line. At 6’5”, 313 pounds, Harmon is an imposing force in the trenches. He uses his unique athletic traits for someone his size to disrupt the run and pass games. Harmon would be a perfect fit for a Bills defense that needs a young star on the defensive line.

Pick 31 - Kansas City Chiefs

Josh Conerly Jr. (Offensive Tackle/Oregon)

In Super Bowl 59, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was sacked six times, the most the two-time league MVP was sacked in a regular season or playoff game in his career. Reinforcing the offensive line with young, developmental talent should be a priority for the reigning AFC Champions. Josh Conerly Jr. was a two-year starter at left tackle for Oregon but could play guard in the NFL, offering the Chiefs a versatile lineman who can play multiple positions when needed.

Pick 32 - Philadelphia Eagles

Shavon Revel Jr. (Cornerback/East Carolina)

Remember Cooper DeJean’s draft process? Once projected to be a surefire first-round pick, DeJean fell to No. 40 in the second round after suffering a broken leg in November of his final college season. DeJean ended up finishing fourth in the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. Shavon Revel Jr. is following a similar path. Once thought to be a top-20 pick, Revel Jr. tore his ACL in September and missed most of the season, plummeting his draft stock. When Howie Roseman gambles on a prospect, he usually wins. One NFL scout told ESPN that Revel could be “this year’s Quinyon Mitchell.” With a need at cornerback after the departures of Darius Slay and Isaiah Rodgers, the Eagles need starting-caliber depth at that position, and if last year was a sign, Roseman isn’t afraid to draft a corner from non-Power 5 school.