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2025 NFL Mock Draft
Last Updated: January 18, 2025
Lou Pickney (2020-2024: tied for the third-highest score from The Huddle Report)
NFL Draft analyst since 2003
Note: the projected draft order is based on Tankathon as of this writing.
This update notably reflects only two quarterbacks being selected in round one. You'd imagine there will be more in reality given the massive demand for top QB prospects on rookie contracts, especially with the fifth-year team option that exists for first-round picks.
2025 NFL Mock Draft
I've heard anecdotal stories from Nashville friends about sticker shock from Titans season ticket holders balking at the high prices for seat licenses for the forthcoming new stadium. It's been noted to me that the timing with the team slumping has not been helpful for some of those people on the fence.
The NFL doesn't sell football. The NFL sells hope. And Titans fans could use some hope right about now.
The Browns are paying a heavy price now for taking a big risk on Deshaun Watson in a March 2022 trade with Houston. And Cleveland is stuck with Watson's massive contract for at least one more season, plus there are reports that Watson has faced a setback in his recovery from a torn Achilles.
It should be noted that QB-needy teams drafting in the top two spots seldom trade back.
The big question for wherever Hunter ends up is: how will he be utilized? It can't be stressed enough how unusual it is for one person to be both the top wide receiver and top cornerback prospect in the same draft.
There's also the issue of who the quarterback will be long-term for the Giants. They'll have a high second-rounder that could be packaged to move into a late first-round spot for a quarterback, the motivation there being that rookie contracts for players selected in round one include a fifth-year team-option.
Johnson is an elite talent at cornerback. Offensive tackle, wide receiver, and EDGE rusher are all also possibilities here for New England.
Graham is listed as the top defensive tackle on nearly every board I've seen. He's also quite good in video game form.
Widely regarded as the top pure wide receiver prospect (i.e. not counting Travis Hunter), McMillan would fill a big need for the Raiders. There's a major need at quarterback as well for Las Vegas, which can't be dismissed after the QB frenzy that defied expectations in the 2024 NFL Draft.
This is a stacked class at EDGE rusher, and in this scenario the Jets would have their choice of the entire group.
Pearce is an elite blitzer and is well-rounded against the run. He's also effective at dropping into pass coverage when needed.
The run on EDGE rushers continues here. Part of the appeal of Williams as a prospect is his ability to fit multiple schemes effectively.
Banks is the top offensive tackle on many draft boards at this point, though not all. Chicago could also look for defensive help here at either EDGE or defensive tackle.
This would be four EDGE rushers drafted in the span of five picks, but it's a loaded class at the position. Scourton played well in College Station in 2024 after transferring from Purdue.
Jeanty is viewed by most in the know as the top draft-eligible RB prospect. He's great at carrying the ball, but Jeanty wouldn't be a realistic projection in this range if he weren't also such an adept receiver.
Simmons appears to be on the rise in the perceived pecking order of this year's class of offensive linemen. Miami might also consider drafting a safety here.
The Colts could use some help in their secondary, both at corner and safety. Starks is exceptionally fast, particularly for his size, to the point he feels like a prototype for the ideal modern NFL safety.
Starks is a legit mid-first round prospect. Imagine someone the same speed as mid-2000s Bob Sanders but five inches taller.
Effective interior pass rushers are in perpetual demand in the NFL. Williams has an unusual mix of size/quickness, and his ability to flummox opposing passing attacks makes him an appealing prospect.
Nolen was the top-rated overall prospect by ESPN and USA Today out of high school, and he performed well for Ole Miss in 2024 after transferring from Texas A&M.
If Walker is drafted in the mid-first round range, it will be because of his superb pass-rushing skill.
Campbell is a great mix of size, athleticism, and technical prowess and is expected to be one of the first offensive linemen selected on night one.
Harris battled a groin injury during the 2024 season, but when healthy he was very impressive for the Rebels.
Denver could use a player like Warren, who has the size and athleticism to create serious matchup problems. Great hands, versatile, gritty.
Morrison has been on the shelf since mid-October with a hip injury that ended his 2024 season for the Fighting Irish. It's possible that Morrison will return to Notre Dame for 2025, but if he goes pro he's likely to be drafted on night one.
It almost feels a bit too on-the-nose to project Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh reuniting with Loveland, a star tight end on Michigan's 2023 national championship team. Yet that's what looks most likely in this mock.
Revel suffered a torn ACL early in the 2024 season, and it speaks volumes about his potential that the injury hasn't dissuaded prognosticators from projecting him as a round one selection.
Barron is more cornerback than safety, but there's a certain versatility to his skillset. He's great against the run and savvy in pass coverage, though opinions from evaluators seem to vary on Barron more than with other top defensive back prospects.
Booker can play multiple offensive line positions and would fill a need for Houston at guard.
This is a rather deep class at offensive tackle. The Rams might also consider drafting a cornerback or a tight end here.
Jayden Daniels is off to a promising start at quarterback for the Commanders, and it would be a prudent move for Washington to select a top receiver prospect if there's an opportunity at this spot.
While Ersery lacks the experience other comparable prospects in this draft will have, his potential is strong.
Harmon has gained national attention thanks to his outstanding play at defensive tackle for the Ducks, showing a knack for pressuring opposing QBs. Harmon has been a great run-stuffer as well, but that's not why he would be drafted on night one.
It's a stacked draft for EDGE rushers, yet Ivey has been able to move up on some boards as of late. Ivey has high-end pass-rushing skill and a great frame.
Turner can play multiple defensive line spots and has great skill at collapsing the opposing quarterback's pocket.
A versatile offensive line prospect known for performing well in pass protection, Savaiinaea would seem to be a good fit for the Chiefs if he's still on the board at this point.
MORE:
Lou's List of 2025 NFL Draft Prospects
NFL Team Pages (2024 selections listed with bios)
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