The Sports Boyle NFL Mock Draft 1.0
Photo Credit: Miami Athletics
Welcome to the first of three Sports Boyle mock drafts ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.
With the draft less than three weeks away, it’s time to look at where the best college prospects in the nation could be landing.
Mock draft 1.0 does not include trades.
Round 1
Pick 1 - Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward (Quarterback/Miami)
Cam Ward has established himself as the top-ranked passer in this year’s draft. Following two years of questionable quarterback play from 2023 second-round pick Will Levis and a selection of mediocre backups, the Titans decide to go all in on Cam Ward being their next franchise quarterback. Ward, a 2024 Heisman Trophy finalist and ACC Player of the Year threw for 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. After numerous reports from the NFL Scouting Combine and the owners meeting, all signs point to Ward being selected first overall by the Titans.
Pick 2 - Cleveland Browns
Abdul Carter (Defensive End/Penn State)
The Browns are in perfect shape to shake up the draft. They could take a quarterback, they could take Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter, or they could look to trade the pick. With no trades in this mock draft, I have them going with the most logical pick in Abdul Carter out of Penn State. Carter is viewed as the best pass rusher in the draft in a deep class at his position. Pairing Carter with the newly re-signed Myles Garrett would create a two-headed monster on the edge for the Browns. While there have been reports that the Browns are seriously considering Hunter, passing up an opportunity to pair Carter and Garrett could be another mistake the Browns can’t afford to make.
Pick 3 - New York Giants
Travis Hunter (Wide Receiver/Cornerback/Colorado)
With Ward and Carter going first and second, a blue-chip prospect falls into the Giants’ lap. Given his positional versatility, Travis Hunter could form a one-two punch at receiver alongside last year’s first-round pick Malik Nabers, or join a young secondary in need of reinforcements. No matter what his designated position is, Hunter will likely see playing time on the offensive and defensive side of the ball in his rookie season. Quarterback could also be in play with Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart being the top targets, but after signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency, there is less of an immediate need under center.
Pick 4 - New England Patriots
Will Campbell (Offensive Tackle/LSU)
The Patriots will be hoping that two quarterbacks go in the top three, so they would be left with Carter or Hunter. With that not being the case in this mock, they go with the next best option in offensive tackle Will Campbell out of LSU. There have been reports that the Patriots could look to move this pick or select either offensive tackle Armand Membou or defensive tackle Mason Graham. Even with Membou’s rapid rise up the draft board, many still view the versatile Campbell as the best offensive lineman in the class, despite concerns about his arm length. The most important thing for the Patriots is protecting second-year quarterback Drake Maye.
Pick 5 - Jacksonville Jaguars
Mason Graham (Defensive Tackle/Michigan)
After struggling to stop the run last year and losing their most impactful defensive interior lineman, the Jaguars would be ecstatic to add Graham to their building. New general manager James Gladstone had success drafting defensive linemen in his final year as director of scouting strategy for the Los Angeles Rams. Helping select Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse and defensive end Braden Fiske in the first two rounds will make Gladstone confident in this selection. With Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, the addition of Graham could build a defensive foundation similar to the one that had the Jaguars one win away from a Super Bowl appearance in 2017.
Pick 6 - Las Vegas Raiders
Ashton Jeanty (Running Back/Boise State)
The league saw how impactful a star running back can be for a team after watching the stellar seasons of Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry. The Raiders have the chance to add a generational talent at pick six. Jeanty would add another dynamic offensive weapon to a Raiders offense that includes two-time Pro-Bowl quarterback Geno Smith, wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, and All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers. New head coach Pete Carroll has had success with a run-heavy offense, and after the Raiders struggled to create anything on the ground last year, the selection of Jeanty is a no-brainer.
Pick 7 - New York Jets
Armand Membou (Offensive Tackle/Missouri)
Armand Membou would be a plug-and-play offensive tackle for the Jets. After signing Justin Fields, a run-heavy quarterback, in free agency, the Jets need to do everything in their power to help Fields succeed on his third team in three years. Membou has been on the rise after a strong showing at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. The 21-year-old finished with the highest athleticism score (94) among offensive tackles, per NFL Next Gen Stats. The Jets could also use another pass catcher, so don’t rule out one of the top wide receivers or Penn State tight end Tyler Warren.
Pick 8 - Carolina Panthers
Jalon Walker (Linebacker/Georgia)
Linebacker is a priority for the Panthers due to their lack of depth at the position after releasing long-time Panther Shaq Thompson this offseason and losing Frankie Luvu to free agency last year. Because of his athletic traits, Jalon Walker could play edge rusher or outside linebacker for the Panthers. With a need at both positions, Walker would be a great pick no matter where they play him. Walker won the 2024 Butkus Award for being the nation’s best linebacker after posting career highs in sacks (6.5) and tackles (60). The Salisbury, North Carolina native would immediately improve what was one of the worst defenses in the league last season.
Pick 9 - New Orleans Saints
Tetairoa McMillan (Wide Receiver/Arizona)
We all saw the damage that new Saints head coach Kellen Moore did with a star-studded Eagles offense in his only season as the team’s offensive coordinator. There are a lot of directions the Saints could go with this pick. The trenches need to be improved, more dynamic offensive weapons are needed, and a quarterback could be the move, especially with Sanders still available. Statistically, Tetairoa McMillian was the second-best receiver at the NFL Scouting Combine and projects to be a productive starting receiver, especially when you play him with Saints top receiver Chris Olave. This pick would give Moore and probable starting quarterback Derek Carr another pass catcher.
Pick 10 - Chicago Bears
Tyler Warren (Tight End/Penn State)
New Bears head coach Ben Johnson is an offensive wizard, so why not add to his arsenal of offensive weapons in Chicago with the top-rated tight end in the draft? As the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, Johnson had success using a plethora of running backs and pass catchers. Strong in the run-and-pass games, Tyler Warren is the perfect fit for Johnson’s offense in Chicago. To go along with tight end Cole Kmet and receivers D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze, the addition of Warren would give second-year quarterback Caleb Williams another pass-catching option. With a need on the defensive line, the Bears can still make a splash at pick 10 with two second-round picks and a deep class at defensive tackle and defensive end.
Pick 11 - San Francisco 49ers
Mykel Williams (Defensive End/Georgia)
As the San Francisco 49ers continue to reshape their roster after an offseason filled with many departures, their options are open at pick 11. With the offensive and defensive lines seeming to be the most pressing need, the 49ers take a raw prospect with a high ceiling that can develop under defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and veteran edge rusher Nick Bosa. The age, 20, and athletic build of Mykel Williams allow the former Georgia Bulldog a lot of room to grow and develop into an elite pass rusher.
Pick 12 - Dallas Cowboys
Matthew Golden (Wide Receiver/Texas)
Matthew Golden is the ideal wide receiver for the Cowboys because of his production at all three levels of the field and his versatility at all receiver positions. The Cowboys have been longing for a high-caliber No. 2 wideout to pair with four-time Pro Bowl receiver CeeDee Lamb. Golden, known for being a big-game player, will give quarterback Dak Prescott another talented pass catcher as he returns from injury.
Pick 13 - Miami Dolphins
Kelvin Banks Jr. (Offensive Tackle/Texas)
Back-to-back Longhorns go off the board with the Miami Dolphins selecting offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. after the Cowboys took his college teammate the pick before. Following the recent retirement of tackle Terron Armstead, the Dolphins need offensive line help despite adding two linemen in free agency. The organization, and Armstead, have faith in the abilities of 2024 second-round pick Patrick Paul to fill to void at left tackle. However, Banks Jr., is too good to pass up, especially if they want to protect quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and prohibit another major injury.
Pick 14 - Indianapolis Colts
Colston Loveland (Tight End/Michigan)
With Warren off the board, the clear choice for the Indianapolis Colts is tight end Colston Loveland. The Colts had the fewest receptions by a tight end in the league last year, a clear positional weakness. The tall, lengthy pass catcher has strong hands and good route-running ability. Loveland led all tight ends in average yards per rout (2.69) last season. If the Colts are serious about developing third-year quarterback Anthony Richardson, giving him a safety blanket option like Loveland could go a long way for the former’s development.
Pick 15 - Atlanta Falcons
Donovan Ezeiruaku (Defensive End/Boston College)
After finishing last season with 31 sacks, the second-worst mark in the league, the Atlanta Falcons need to find a productive pass rusher in this draft. However, with just five picks, the likelihood is they go for need over the best player available in this spot. Defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku is a quick, intelligent pass rusher who could fit well into the Falcons’ defensive system. Ezeiruaku ranked second in the country with 16.5 sacks in 2024, tying a school record and earning him the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation’s best defensive end.
Pick 16 - Arizona Cardinals
Shemar Stewart (Defensive End/Texas A&M)
With a defensive-minded coach in Jonathan Gannon, adding a difference-maker on defense seems like a foregone conclusion. After making a big splash in free agency by signing former Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Josh Sweat, the Cardinals add Shemar Stewart as another pass rusher for their defensive unit. While he didn’t produce much in college, his physical traits and high potential call for the Cardinals to take a swing on him at pick 15 and develop him alongside Sweat.
Pick 17 - Cincinnati Bengals
Mike Green (Defensive End/Marshall)
Like Ezeiruaku and Stewart, Mike Green shot up many scouts’ draft boards. After struggling on defense last year and with the uncertainty surrounding franchise-caliber edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, the Cincinnati Bengals must add depth along the defensive line. Per NFL Next Gen Stats, Green had the highest athleticism score (88) among edge rushers and defensive ends at the NFL Scouting Combine. The 2024 Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year led the FBS in sacks (17) and tackles for loss (22.5).
Pick 18 - Seattle Seahawks
Luther Burden III (Wide Receiver/Missouri)
After trading No.1 receiver DK Metcalf and releasing longtime wideout Tyler Lockett, the Seahawks desperately need another pass catcher to pair with 2024 Pro Bowl wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Burden III is a well-rounded receiver who is versatile enough to play all three receiving positions within a team’s offense. The 21-year-old’s explosiveness and well-rounded game will give new starting quarterback Sam Darnold another high-end target.
Pick 19 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jahdae Barron (Cornerback/Texas)
After suffering a plethora of injuries in the secondary last season, building depth at cornerback and safety is a priority for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2025 NFL Draft. While many predict a perfect fit for the Buccaneers and Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell here at pick 19, Barron is the best player available for their needs. Barron is as versatile as they come with the ability to be a starting-caliber player at outside and inside cornerback and safety.
Pick 20 - Denver Broncos
Omarion Hampton (Running Back/North Carolina)
The size and speed of Omarion Hampton is exactly what the Broncos need in their offense. After making the playoffs with rookie quarterback Bo Nix, the Broncos’ goal should be to surround the second-year starter with more weapons. Any of the three offensive skill positions could be in play here, but with the top three receivers and top two tight ends off the board, Hampton is the pick. Without a proven back on the roster, Hampton could come in on Day 1 and make a difference.
Pick 21 - Pittsburgh Steelers
Shedeur Sanders (Quarterback/Colorado)
Many will expect Shedeur Sanders to go well before pick 21 but with no trades in this mock draft, he falls to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers currently have no starting-caliber quarterback on their roster after letting Fields and Wilson walk in free agency. Even if they sign Aaron Rodgers, which many think will happen at some point, they could still use a developmental quarterback to learn under the aging Rodgers. If Rodgers doesn’t sign, the Steelers may feel comfortable starting Sanders given his accuracy and game-management skills.
Pick 22 - Los Angeles Chargers
Kenneth Grant (Defensive Tackle/Michigan)
At pick 22, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh reunites with Kenneth Grant, a two-year defensive tackle under Harbaugh at Michigan. With Morgan Fox and Poona Ford leaving in free agency, the Chargers need depth on the defensive line. Grant is an imposing force that uses his size and speed to pressure the quarterback at a high rate. A strong run defender, Grant fits perfectly into the Chargers’ defensive scheme.
Pick 23 - Green Bay Packers
Will Johnson (Cornerback/Michigan)
Once viewed as the top cornerback in the class, Will Johnson has slid down many draft boards. Still, Johnson projects to be a starting-caliber cornerback in the NFL. While many Packers fans want them to take a wide receiver in Round 1, passing up on Johnson would be the wrong move for a secondary in need of upgrading. With the future of seven-year Packers corner Jaire Alexander up in the air, Johnson could be viewed within the organization as his eventual replacement.
Pick 24 - Minnesota Vikings
Nick Emmanwori (Safety/South Carolina)
With just five picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, there is s growing sense that the Vikings will look to trade back for more draft assets. If they don’t trade back, South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori could be the guy. Filling holes in the secondary is a glaring need for the Vikings even after re-signing Byron Murphy Jr. and signing free agent Isaiah Rodgers, both versatile cornerbacks. His elite athleticism and big-play ability outweigh his issues with technique and instinct. Emmanwori had one of the most impressive showings at the NFL Scouting Combine, ranking first among safeties with a 91 athleticism score and a total score of 85, per NFL Next Gen Stats.
Pick 25 - Houston Texans
Josh Simmons (Offensive Tackle/Ohio State)
After allowing the third-most sacks (54) in the league last year, the Houston Texans will continue to revamp their offensive line with the selection of Josh Simmons. The Texans moved on from tackle Laremy Tunsil and guards Kenyon Green and Shaq Mason. They signed guard Ed Ingram and tackle Cam Robinson to improve the protection for third-year quarterback C.J. Stroud. Projected to be a quality starter, Simmons shined for Ohio State last year before tearing his ACL in Week 6.
Pick 26 - Los Angeles Rams
Jihaad Campbell (Linebacker/Alabama)
Could the Rams draft Matthew Stafford’s successor with this pick? It is not likely, per head coach Sean McVay, who acknowledges that day will come sooner rather than later. Instead, the Rams add one of the best remaining defensive players on the board. After having success with the picks of Verse and Fiske in the first two rounds last year, general manager Les Snead will once again go defense. Jihaad Campbell is a versatile linebacker with All-Pro potential who can play on the outside or inside at the linebacker position.
Pick 27 - Baltimore Ravens
Malaki Starks (Safety/Georgia)
For the second consecutive year, the Baltimore Ravens will select a secondary player with their first-round pick after taking Nate Wiggins last year. While the defensive and offensive lines are positions that could use depth, Starks is the best player available. Starks was a star in the SEC with Georgia and will bring a strong football IQ and elite tackling abilities to the NFL.
Pick 28 - Detroit Lions
James Pearce Jr. (Defensive End/Tennessee)
After losing star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson to a season-ending injury in Week 6, the Detroit Lions never found a serviceable replacement for the Pro Bowler. The Lions had their fair share of injuries last year, with 16 players on injured reserve when they entered the playoffs. Finding a player to pair with Hutchinson is key, and with limited cap space, they will have to find their second starting-caliber edge rusher in the draft. James Pearce Jr. was a constant producer in college and always found a way to get to the quarterback.
Pick 29 - Washington Commanders
Walter Nolen (Defensive Tackle/Ole Miss)
When the year started, not many people would have predicted the Washington Commanders to be picking 29th after an appearance in the NFC Championship Game. Looking to build off of last year’s success, the Commanders will look for ways to add more depth and young, impactful starters. While the Commanders made a few additions along the defensive line in free agency, they could still afford to get younger and add more depth. Walter Nolen’s success stopping the run in college could help a defense that gave up the second-most rushing yards per game (143.4) last season.
Pick 30 - Buffalo Bills
Maxwell Hairston (Cornerback/Kentucky)
With a glaring need at cornerback, the Buffalo Bills take a swing at rising cornerback prospect Maxwell Hairston from Kentucky. Hairston is an explosive cornerback with some of the best speed and hands at his position in this year’s draft. Hairston had five interceptions and eight forced incompletions in 2023 but missed most of last season with a shoulder injury. With former starting cornerback Rasul Douglas all but gone in free agency, Hairston could pair with Christian Benford in the Bills’ secondary.
Pick 31 - Kansas City Chiefs
Josh Conerly Jr. (Offensive Tackle/Oregon)
Projected to be a quality starting-caliber tackle in the NFL, Josh Conerly Jr. is just who the Kansas City Chiefs need. The former Oregon Duck started all 28 games over his last two years in college and would be considered a plug-and-play tackle for the Chiefs. Kansas City made a few additions to its offensive line but no one with a ton of starting experience in the league.
Pick 32 - Philadelphia Eagles
Derrick Harmon (Defensive Tackle/Oregon)
After defensive tackle Milton Williams left in free agency, the Eagles could use more depth along the defensive interior. They already have established starters in Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis and backups Moro Ojomo and Thomas Booker IV, who the front office has high hopes for. The defensive interior could still use an upgrade over Ojomo and Booker IV with Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon being a favorable choice to replace the production left by Williams. An effective 3-technique defensive lineman, Harmon has good hands and an intelligent football IQ. His traits and abilities fit the Eagles’ defensive system well.
