1. Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward, QB, Miami

We're still not 100 percent sure what the Titans will do. They could try to trade this pick to a QB-needy team such as the Giants. Tennessee could opt for one of the top two prospects in the class in Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter or Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter. Both players would fill holes on the roster. But it sure seems the stars are starting to align for Tennessee to draft its next franchise QB.

Will Levis is still under contract, but he ranked last in the NFL in QBR last season at 27.8. And the Titans' only QB-related move in free agency was replacing Mason Rudolph with Brandon Allen. Ward's ability to improvise under center, throw lasers to his receivers and pick up the occasional first down with his legs would be welcome in Nashville. He led the FBS in touchdown passes in 2024 with 39.

Editor's Picks

Kiper's new 2025 Big Board: Ranking the top 25 NFL draft prospects, plus position reports
2dMel Kiper Jr.

How free agency could affect the 2025 NFL draft: Six things we learned, plus intriguing teams
3dMatt Miller and Jordan Reid

Yates projects the NFL draft's top 10 picks: How free agency could change each team's direction
7dField Yates


2. Cleveland Browns
Abdul Carter, OLB, Penn State

This is close. Really close. Travis Hunter would be outstanding here, regardless of whether the Browns use him on offense or defense. But I ultimately settled on Carter because he gives Jim Schwartz the second top-tier edge rusher that he has coveted since becoming Cleveland's defensive coordinator in 2023. The Browns would suddenly have two great wide-9 pass rushers in Carter and Myles Garrett, who was extended earlier this month after initially requesting a trade. Carter uses his outstanding instincts and burst to get into the backfield and make plays. He had 12 sacks, 61 pressures and 23.5 tackles for loss last season.

Drafting a quarterback wouldn't be out of the question, either. But Cleveland did trade for Kenny Pickett, and it is still in the mix for Russell Wilson. Going with one of the two elite prospects in this class just makes more sense right now.



3. New York Giants
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Even if the Giants land Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson, they need to think about the future under center. Rodgers is 41. Wilson is 36. Neither would be the long-term fix. That's why I still think the Giants could draft Sanders at No. 3. And signing one of those veterans -- two guys who have won Super Bowls -- then double-dipping at the position with Sanders would only help the rookie learn and develop. There would be no pressure to start Sanders right away or be the guy in Week 1.

In Sanders, New York would get a super accurate passer (74.0% completion rate in 2024) who is tough as nails. Despite taking the most sacks in the FBS over the past two seasons (94), he also tied for second in touchdown passes during that time frame (64). Sanders could provide some QB stability to New York for the first time since Eli Manning was taking the snaps.



4. New England Patriots
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

The Patriots have been active in free agency, including signing Milton Williams, Harold Landry III, Carlton Davis III and Robert Spillane. But as you can see there, the big-name additions have come on defense. All that spending and still no WR1.

While Hunter could absolutely play cornerback in the NFL, I have him ranked as a receiver, where he can pick apart opponents with his ball skills, quickness and instincts. Despite playing both ways, he caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards and 15 scores last season. I just really like the fit in the Patriots' offense with quarterback Drake Maye.



5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

The Jaguars' top need hasn't changed through free agency. They have to add a pocket-pushing, havoc-wreaking defensive tackle in the middle of the line after Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton combined for two sacks there in 2024. Graham had only 3.5 sacks last season at Michigan, but he also tallied 26 pressures and 14 run stops. His technique is outstanding, and he has the power and leverage to pop back interior offensive linemen. Slotted between Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, he could dominate.

After Jacksonville cut Evan Engram, I considered Penn State tight end Tyler Warren. It's not out of the question, and quarterback Trevor Lawrence would love having Warren in the pass game, which also just lost Christian Kirk.



6. Las Vegas Raiders
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Coach Pete Carroll wasn't waiting until the draft to find his quarterback for 2025. After Las Vegas had the No. 13 pick last year and missed on all six of the first-round QBs, the team went out and traded for Geno Smith before free agency kicked off. Carroll obviously has history with Smith from their time together in Seattle and knows how to maximize him. But Carroll's teams also have leaned heavily on the run in the past, so I'm giving the Raiders the best player still on my board in Jeanty (No. 4).

Elusiveness. Speed. Physicality. Vision with the ball in his hands. Jeanty really has it all, rushing for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns last season. Plus, he has some pass-catching upside, with 66 catches over the past two campaigns. The Raiders were last in rushing last season, averaging 3.6 yards per carry and 79.8 per game. Jeanty would change everything there and create a solid offensive nucleus with Smith, Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers.

play
1:19
Why Ashton Jeanty to the Raiders 'makes sense'Mel Kiper Jr. breaks down where the top two running backs, Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton, could end up following the NFL draft.


7. New York Jets
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

I like the idea of giving new quarterback signing Justin Fields help, and it could come in the form of pass protection or a playmaker. Missouri's Armand Membou would fit nicely at right tackle opposite Olu Fashanu, and that's one potential path for the Jets if the board falls this way. But consider how the Jets could use Warren.

At Penn State, Warren lined up in just about every imaginable formation, and he produced from all of them. He's special with the ball in his hands, accumulating 700 of his 1,233 yards last season after the catch. He would be a reliable safety valve over the middle, a seam stretcher and a red zone target for Fields.



8. Carolina Panthers
Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia

Carolina's biggest weakness last season was the defense. It allowed 6.0 yards per play and surrendered 31.4 points per game. Those league-worst numbers were clearly on Panthers general manager Dan Morgan's mind during free agency, when the team inked Tre'von Moehrig, Tershawn Wharton, Pat Jones II and Christian Rozeboom. But Morgan shouldn't stop there.

Drafting Walker would give Carolina a versatile defender who can play off-ball linebacker (where I have him ranked) or on the edge. He had 62 tackles and 6.5 sacks in 2024, and his sideline-to-sideline speed and first-step burst are really awesome traits.



9. New Orleans Saints
Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

OK, here's the surprise pick. And I know the Saints just restructured Derek Carr's contract to tie him to the team for at least one more season. But what happens after that season? New coach Kellen Moore might want a young quarterback to work with and develop over the course of 2025 before turning the offense over to him in 2026. I'm hearing more and more first-round buzz on Dart, and New Orleans seems like a good fit. He wouldn't be forced to play right away and could learn behind Carr. This team still has a lot of roster-building decisions to make, but getting the QB of the future now does make some sense.

Dart was very accurate in Lane Kiffin's run-pass option offense at Ole Miss, and he can cause headaches for opposing defensive coordinators with his ability to tuck and run. Dart threw for 4,279 yards and rushed for 655 more last season.

play
1:15
Tannenbaum: Jaxson Dart will go in the first roundMike Tannenbaum joins "SportsCenter" to break down where he thinks QB Jaxson Dart could go in the NFL draft following a strong performance at the scouting combine.


10. Chicago Bears
Mykel Williams, OLB, Georgia

I've gone offensive line for the Bears in both of my previous mock drafts, but that box was checked in free agency. Chicago traded for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson then signed center Drew Dalman. And while the Bears also added Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett on the defensive front, they could still use someone like Williams coming off the edge. They ranked in the middle of the pack last season in sacks (40) but were 24th in pass rush win rate (36.5%).

Williams is a toolsy prospect who can beat blockers with his speed or power. He missed time with an ankle injury early last season but still picked up five sacks. Given a little more time to develop, he could be a really solid NFL edge rusher.



11. San Francisco 49ers
Armand Membou, OT/G, Missouri

In case you missed it, the 49ers suddenly have a lot of needs. A snippet of the key losses over the past week: Charvarius Ward, Leonard Floyd, Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, Javon Hargrave and Deebo Samuel Sr. That's a bunch of talent walking out the door, and the Niners could really address any of those spots.

But San Francisco also is working to extend quarterback Brock Purdy, and building up the offensive line in front of him has to be a priority. Aaron Banks and Jaylon Moore signed elsewhere, and Trent Williams -- who has two years left on his deal -- will be 37 this coming season. Membou is my top-ranked tackle in the class, and I see him sliding in on the right side, where he started 30 games in college. He also could play guard at a high level early in his career, however, then transition to left tackle down the road.



12. Dallas Cowboys
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

No change on my Cowboys pick projection from my last mock draft. Hampton actually firmed up his first-round case at the combine, running a 4.46-second 40-yard dash and leaping 10 feet, 10 inches in the broad jump. He is a home run hitter who could spark something in this Dallas running game, which has been dormant for the past two campaigns. The Cowboys averaged 4.0 yards per carry over that time, tied for fourth worst in the league.

So, even after signing Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders to low-risk deals, I still think the Cowboys could draft Hampton. He is the kind of difference-maker they need at the position. He rushed for 3,164 yards and 30 touchdowns over the past two seasons.

What to know for the 2025 NFL draft

• Mocks: Kiper | Miller | Reid | Yates
• Rankings: Kiper | Miller | Reid | Yates
• QB Board | Pos. ranks | Combine recap
• Pick order | Scouting evals | More



13. Miami Dolphins
Will Campbell, OT/G, LSU

Left tackle Terron Armstead will be 34 if he returns for the 2025 season, but that's a big if. He is mulling retirement, and the Dolphins are operating as if he won't be back. So, considering the concussion and injury history of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Miami should be focused on finding Armstead's heir apparent. Plus, this team ranked 28th in pass block win rate last season (55.7%), so it needs upgrading anyway.

Yes, Campbell's arm length comes into question. He measured 32⅝ inches at the combine, which isn't ideal for an NFL offensive tackle. But plenty of tackles start their careers at guard, and Campbell's great footwork points to a successful career despite the length limitations.



14. Indianapolis Colts
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

I liked the Colts' signings of Charvarius Ward and Camryn Bynum, so I'm less worried about the secondary than I was a few weeks ago. But I'm still very concerned about Indy's pass-catching options. This is a make-or-break season for quarterback Anthony Richardson -- especially now that Daniel Jones is in the fold as competition -- and the wide receiver and tight end rooms are light.

The Colts could take a wideout such as Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan, Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka or Texas' Matthew Golden. But Loveland is ranked higher on my board than all three and could immediately become Indy's No. 1 tight end. I see him hauling in some Richardson deep balls down the seam.



15. Atlanta Falcons
Mike Green, OLB, Marshall

I changed this pick at the last minute. The idea of Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell in the middle of the defense intrigued me, but the Falcons' need for edge rushers is too big to ignore. So, I gave them Green, who led the nation in sacks last season (17). He can win with speed or power through various pass-rush moves. The Falcons ranked 31st in sacks a season ago (31) and finished in the bottom seven in pass rush win rate for the fourth straight campaign (34.1%).

The Michael Penix Jr. pick got a lot of scrutiny last April, and Atlanta could surprise again. But could the team really bypass its pass rush again? I say no, and I think Green would pair nicely with new signee Leonard Floyd to start the turnaround.



16. Arizona Cardinals
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

This is a value pick. I have Johnson ranked 10th on my board, and he might have been even higher had a toe injury not ended his season early. He has nine career interceptions and always seems to be around the football. Garrett Williams was impressive in the slot last season, but the Cards could stand to add on the outside, where they are starting Sean Murphy-Bunting and Starling Thomas V.

Opponents completed 68.6% of their passes against Arizona in 2024 (fourth worst for any defense), and the Cardinals were one of nine teams with fewer than 10 interceptions (nine).

What to know for NFL free agency

• Tracking every move | Sorting QB deals
• Grading moves (ESPN+) | All 32 classes
• Overreactions (ESPN+) | Big questions
• Best, worst (ESPN+) | Awards (ESPN+)
• Ranking best remaining (ESPN+) | More



17. Cincinnati Bengals
Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M

Stewart is one of my "LTP" guys in the class; he looks the part. His physical traits, as we saw at the combine, will get the interest of teams seeking pass rushers. He leaped 40 inches in the vertical jump then ran a 4.59-second 40. But will the traits translate into production in the pros? His 4.5 sacks over three college seasons are unexpected from a player of his talent. If he puts it all together, though, Stewart has the upside to become a double-digit sack guy.

Double-digit sacks sound pretty good in Cincinnati right now. The Bengals have been active in keeping their own this month, inking wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to big deals and re-signing defensive tackle B.J. Hill. But they haven't yet extended Trey Hendrickson, and losing him -- he requested a trade -- would be devastating for one of the league's most underwhelming defenses. Hendrickson had 17.5 of the team's 36 sacks last season. Stewart could help give the Bengals another pass-rush contributor or help fill the void if Hendrickson does end up elsewhere.



18. Seattle Seahawks
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. was an option here; he could kick inside to guard for Seattle. I also wouldn't discount the Seahawks finding a DK Metcalf replacement at wideout. But Emmanwori reminds me of Kyle Hamilton, whom Seattle coach Mike Macdonald worked with previously as the Ravens' defensive coordinator in 2022 and 2023. We witnessed Emmanwori's speed (4.38 in the 40) and explosiveness (43 inches in the vertical jump) at the combine, and we saw his ball hawking traits (four picks) last season. Emmanwori would help bolster an already strong secondary in Seattle.



19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

Campbell is buzzy right now and rising the board, so he might not be available at No. 19. But if he is there, he'd be a good fit for Tampa Bay. Lavonte David is back, but he is 35 years old. Anthony Walker Jr. was brought in too, but the linebacker room will need more reinforcements. And Campbell would be able to impact multiple phases of this defense with his speed, instincts and versatility. He had 112 tackles, 5 sacks and 4 pass breakups last season.

One other position to watch: cornerback. Tampa Bay's defense had just seven picks last season, and starter Zyon McCollum is signed for only one more year. Texas' Jahdae Barron, who is No. 23 on my Big Board, could fit.



20. Denver Broncos
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

If one of the top two running backs -- Ashton Jeanty or Omarion Hampton -- is on the board, Denver might try to jump-start the run game. The team's 4.1 yards per carry ranked in the bottom half of the league last season, and Javonte Williams (who signed with Dallas) hasn't yet been replaced. But the board fell the way it did in this scenario, and I don't have another RB going on Day 1.

Instead, the Broncos can focus on another hole in the offense around quarterback Bo Nix at wide receiver. McMillan would give Nix a sure-handed jump ball artist who uses his great body control and physicality to make tough catches. He broke 1,300 receiving yards in each of the past two seasons. Pairing him with Courtland Sutton and new tight end Evan Engram would give opponents some game-planning nightmares.



21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

The Steelers could go in a handful of directions. I'm going to assume they sign Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson, which will take care of the quarterback position. Running back is a potential play if Ashton Jeanty or Omarion Hampton is available, given Najee Harris went to the Chargers. Cornerback also could be the move, as new signing Darius Slay Jr. is 34 and on a one-year deal. However, I'm addressing the defensive line in my projection.

Cameron Heyward had eight sacks last season, but he will turn 36 this summer. There could be a hole alongside Keeanu Benton sooner rather than later. Harmon has the versatility to move all over the D-line, but his best spot is inside, where he can use his speed and power to be disruptive. He had 35 pressures and 10 tackles for loss last season.




22. Los Angeles Chargers
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

The Chargers could complete their WR room rebuild by taking Golden. They brought back Mike Williams this month, but Ladd McConkey still needs a real game breaker opposite him in this offense. Golden emerged as the go-to option in Texas' offense last season (987 receiving yards and nine TDs) then turned heads with his 4.29-second run in the 40 at the combine. His big-play chops and stellar route running would pair well with McConkey's reliable chain-moving traits.

Los Angeles pivoted more toward the passing game in the second half of last season, and giving quarterback Justin Herbert another target would open up the aerial attack even more in 2025.



23. Green Bay Packers
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Egbuka's game is really refined. He is a great route runner. He has good hands. He reads the defense well. And while Green Bay doesn't have much history of drafting wide receivers on Day 1 (Javon Walker was the last one in 2002), this seems like a good year to break the streak. Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs all have injury concerns, and I'm not sure any of them are true WR1s when healthy. Egbuka had 1,011 receiving yards last season, and he could make an immediate impact on this offense.

I'm also watching the Jaire Alexander situation. If he gets traded or cut, Green Bay could look at the cornerback class.


24. Minnesota Vikings
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

Minnesota made some big splashes in free agency as it tries to take the NFC North from the Lions. Among them were deals to re-sign Byron Murphy Jr. and bring in Isaiah Rodgers, but I'm not sure the Vikings should -- or will -- be done adding to the cornerback room.

Barron, meanwhile, picked off five passes last season, showing his ball skills. He ran a 4.39 at the combine, showing his speed. And he played more than 600 snaps at both slot corner and outside corner over the past two seasons, showing his versatility. I really like this fit.


25. Houston Texans
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Even after giving up 54 sacks in 2024 (tied for third most), Houston traded away its best offensive lineman in left tackle Laremy Tunsil. That's why this pick is easy for me. Simmons has smooth movement traits, and he allowed one sack over 19 starts since shifting to left tackle before the 2023 season.

The only reason I don't have him coming off the board earlier is his knee injury. He went down in October and missed the rest of the season, and he hasn't yet worked out. But once he's healthy, he could step into that LT void and try to turn around the pass protection in Houston.

26. Los Angeles Rams
Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State

The Rams went heavy on Florida State defenders last April, drafting Jared Verse and Braden Fiske in the first two rounds. They both had great rookie seasons. Why change the approach now? Let's give L.A. another Seminole, this time in the secondary.

Thomas is big, quick and long. And while he doesn't have eye-popping INT numbers (two over three seasons), he makes plays on the ball. He broke up 19 passes at FSU. Thomas would boost the Rams' pass defense, which allowed 29 passing TDs and 7.6 yards per attempt last season (both tied for fifth worst).



27. Baltimore Ravens
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

I've mentioned the big-play woes for Baltimore's defense in the past, and the team didn't really do anything to fix them in free agency. It allowed 58 plays for 20 or more yards this past season, third most in the NFL, and Baltimore hasn't added a defensive back. But Starks has the skill set to thrive alongside Kyle Hamilton from the back end. Starks closes well to break up passes and stop the run, and he can be used over the slot, if necessary.

I actually have Starks ranked slightly ahead of Nick Emmanwori as the top safety in the class, even though the Ravens get Starks nine picks after Emmanwori was selected in this scenario.



28. Detroit Lions
James Pearce Jr., OLB, Tennessee

Pearce could be the answer opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Besides figuring out how to stay healthy, the second edge rush spot was the Lions' biggest question last season. They traded for Za'Darius Smith at midseason, and he ended up contributing with four sacks over eight games. But to get past their playoff hump, having a steadier presence rushing the passer on the other side of Hutchinson is key. Pearce had just 7.5 sacks in 2024, but his 19% pressure rate was second in the FBS. He keeps offensive tackles guessing with his burst and strength.



29. Washington Commanders
Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

Hairston also was my projected pick for the Commanders before the combine. It makes sense. Washington is in win-now mode, and cornerback remains a question mark even after the team traded for Marshon Lattimore at the deadline last year.

The Commanders signed Jonathan Jones and Noah Igbinoghene to replace Benjamin St-Juste, but Hairston could still work his way into a starter role on the outside. He can create takeaways (six INTs over the past two seasons). And he ran a 4.28 at the combine, the fastest 40-yard dash across all positions this year. Figuring out the outside corner spots would allow Mike Sainristil to settle back into the slot, where he's at his best.



30. Buffalo Bills
Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Buffalo should be eyeing the cornerbacks in this class, assuming it doesn't bring back free agent Rasul Douglas, who is still unsigned. But with Jahdae Barron, Azareye'h Thomas and Maxwell Hairston coming off the board in the previous six picks of this mock draft, the Bills probably would have to pivot. Perhaps they look at Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III to give quarterback Josh Allen another run-after-catch ace. But I'm going with Grant.

This 6-foot-4, 331-pound run stopper fits well in the middle of Buffalo's defensive line with Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones. Grant can push the pocket from inside too. He had three sacks and 17 pressures in 2024.



31. Kansas City Chiefs
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

This could easily be Oregon's Josh Conerly Jr., who is right behind Banks on my offensive tackle rankings and a potential first-rounder. Honestly, either player would be a good pick. The Chiefs' pass protection issues were on full display during the Super Bowl, and signing Jaylon Moore -- a backup in San Francisco before getting a two-year deal with the Chiefs -- is no guarantee to solve anything. Wanya Morris, Kingsley Suamataia and D.J. Humphries weren't the answers, and Joe Thuney -- who was a stopgap fix in moving outside from guard -- is now in Chicago.

Banks has the traits to help fortify Patrick Mahomes' protection. Perhaps Banks wins the left tackle job over Moore. Maybe he replaces Jawaan Taylor on the right side. And maybe he even kicks inside to Thuney's vacated guard spot. Regardless of where he plays, Banks' experience (42 college starts), quickness and power would be welcomed in Kansas City.



32. Philadelphia Eagles
Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

This would be the third time in four years that the Eagles draft a defensive tackle, and GM Howie Roseman has historically favored the trenches on Day 1 of the draft. We just talked about the Chiefs' offensive line issues, and it was the Eagles' defensive line that gave it fits at the Super Bowl. Milton Williams had two sacks in that game. Williams also is now in New England on a big free agent deal, so Roseman could go back to the trenches again to find a replacement.

Nolen is very disruptive thanks to explosive traits and strong hands. He had 6.5 sacks and 15 run stops last season. And while he didn't go to Georgia, Nolen at least keeps the Eagles' direct line to SEC defensive tackles alive.