NFL Nation Mock Draft: A Deep Dive into the First-Round Picks
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the excitement is palpable. The draft is set to kick off on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and fans are eagerly anticipating which young talents will be joining their favorite teams. Our NFL Nation reporters, who cover the league year-round, have put together their own mock draft, offering insights and predictions for the first round. Let’s dive into the selections and see what surprises and strategies are in store for the teams.
Starting with the Tennessee Titans, there was no shocker at the top. They selected Miami quarterback Cam Ward, a move that was widely expected. Ward is seen as a culture changer and is tasked with leading the Titans back to respectability before their move to a new stadium in 2027. The real intrigue began after this pick, as the focus shifted to the offensive line following the top three selections.
Here’s a look at the first-round picks:
- Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
- Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
- New York Giants: Abdul Carter, OLB, Penn State
- New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
- Las Vegas Raiders: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
- New York Jets: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
- Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, OLB, Georgia
- New Orleans Saints: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
- Chicago Bears: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
- San Francisco 49ers: Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia
- Dallas Cowboys: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
- Miami Dolphins: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
- Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
- Atlanta Falcons: Mike Green, DE, Marshall
- Arizona Cardinals: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
- Cincinnati Bengals: Donovan Ezeiruaku, DE, Boston College
- Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel, G, North Dakota State
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
- Denver Broncos: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
- Los Angeles Chargers: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
- Green Bay Packers: Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M
- Minnesota Vikings: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
- Houston Texans: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
- Los Angeles Rams: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
- Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
- Detroit Lions: James Pearce Jr., OLB, Tennessee
- Washington Commanders: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
- Buffalo Bills: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
- Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
- Philadelphia Eagles: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Each team has its own strategy and needs, which are reflected in these picks. For instance, the Cleveland Browns opted for Travis Hunter, a versatile player who can excel as both a wide receiver and a cornerback. Despite their need for a quarterback, the Browns chose not to force a pick in that position, instead selecting a player they believe to be the best available.
The New York Giants also made a strategic decision by selecting Abdul Carter, an outside linebacker from Penn State. Although they have needs at quarterback, the Giants couldn’t pass up on a player of Carter’s caliber, who is considered a blue-chip prospect.
Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars focused on adding explosiveness to their offense by selecting Ashton Jeanty, a running back from Boise State. With head coach Liam Coen emphasizing the need for a dynamic offense, Jeanty fits the bill perfectly.
As we move further down the list, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a bold move by selecting Shedeur Sanders, a quarterback from Colorado. With Aaron Rodgers’ future uncertain, the Steelers decided to secure a pro-ready quarterback who can potentially lead their offense in the future.
Overall, this mock draft provides a fascinating glimpse into the strategies and priorities of each team as they prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft. With a mix of expected picks and surprising decisions, the first round promises to be an exciting start to the draft.
Originally Written by: NFL Nation
