2025 Mock Draft Rev 28
April 22, 2025 3:00 AM EST
(April 22) The 2025 Trade Value Chart is available with updated selection order and recent trades.
Next commented Mock Draft (2026 Rev 1) will be June 1.
| 1 |
Tennessee
|
Cameron Ward
Miami (FL)
QB
Reach/Value:
-2
|
Height:
6'3"
Weight:
220
|
|
We've heard the scouting reports to the effect that Cam Ward would only be the 4th (or 5th or 6th) best QB in the 2024 class. This actually isn't bad company - 2024 QB-6 was Bo Nix, who is decidedly a keeper for the Denver Broncos.
Ward succeeded wherever he played. He went from a lightly recruited HS QB to the FCS's Incarnate Word program. He immediately took over the starter's role as a freshman - tossing 24 TDs versus 4 picks. Ward blew it up his sophomore year with 47 TD passes (but 10 picks) for 4648 yards and a 65.1% completion rate. Ward then transferred to Washington State, where he threw 48 TDs versus 16 picks in two seasons. That wasn't quite good enough for the NFL, so he level up again, moving to Miami for his final season. With all of the Hurricane's excellent targets (Restrepo, Brown, Arroyo), Ward was named consensus All-America with 39 TDs and just 7 interceptions.
Now he's leveling up again to The Show, he's long been cemented in as the Titan's choice as the #1 pick.
Will Ward be thrown into the fire straight away on Week 1? Or will he be eased into the lineup late in the season, as was Drake Make in 2024? Or, like Patrick Mahomes and Jordan Love, will Ward sit for his entire rookie season?
I personally would hope for the Drake Maye treament for Ward. He's currently just not set up for success. The Titans' depth chart shows journeyman (but once great) Calvin Ridley, and 2022 RD1 pick Treylon Burks as the starting WRs. Ridley achieved a 1000 yard season in 2024, but appears on the downside of his career. Burks seems to be a bust. In three seasons, Burks has accrued just 53 catches for 699 yards and one lone TD. The Titans need more weapons on offense, and in fact we've added WR jayden Higgins in Round 2, with more help later on in our mock draft.
POLL!...
Ward succeeded wherever he played. He went from a lightly recruited HS QB to the FCS's Incarnate Word program. He immediately took over the starter's role as a freshman - tossing 24 TDs versus 4 picks. Ward blew it up his sophomore year with 47 TD passes (but 10 picks) for 4648 yards and a 65.1% completion rate. Ward then transferred to Washington State, where he threw 48 TDs versus 16 picks in two seasons. That wasn't quite good enough for the NFL, so he level up again, moving to Miami for his final season. With all of the Hurricane's excellent targets (Restrepo, Brown, Arroyo), Ward was named consensus All-America with 39 TDs and just 7 interceptions.
Now he's leveling up again to The Show, he's long been cemented in as the Titan's choice as the #1 pick.
Will Ward be thrown into the fire straight away on Week 1? Or will he be eased into the lineup late in the season, as was Drake Make in 2024? Or, like Patrick Mahomes and Jordan Love, will Ward sit for his entire rookie season?
I personally would hope for the Drake Maye treament for Ward. He's currently just not set up for success. The Titans' depth chart shows journeyman (but once great) Calvin Ridley, and 2022 RD1 pick Treylon Burks as the starting WRs. Ridley achieved a 1000 yard season in 2024, but appears on the downside of his career. Burks seems to be a bust. In three seasons, Burks has accrued just 53 catches for 699 yards and one lone TD. The Titans need more weapons on offense, and in fact we've added WR jayden Higgins in Round 2, with more help later on in our mock draft.
POLL!...
| 2 |
Cleveland
|
Travis Hunter
Colorado
CB
Reach/Value:
1
|
Height:
6'1"
Weight:
185
|
|
For some time, the intrigue on this pick has fizzled with Cleveland locking in on the two-way Heisman winner from Colorado. Perhaps the biggest intrigue is how they will deploy Hunter in 2025, as well as the long-term plans for his primary position. This offense is desperate for playmakers, and he can fill that role immediately.
While the need for a cornerback is not all that pressing at the moment, it's still something Hunter can offer in sub-packages from Day One. Considering how difficult it is to get your hands on a top-notch cover man, I certainly would think the Browns would try to find time to develop him on that side of the ball with the idea of that being his long-term home.
Still, it could go either way. He's that kind of athlete and with Hunter insisting on wanting to play on both sides of the ball, Cleveland better have a plan to accommodate those wishes when they turn in his card. After that, the next question will be whether or not someone (possibly a quarterback) slides low enough on draft night to warrant Andrew Berry moving up from pick #33 back into the first round.
~Austin Smith, DraftTek Senior Analyst
While the need for a cornerback is not all that pressing at the moment, it's still something Hunter can offer in sub-packages from Day One. Considering how difficult it is to get your hands on a top-notch cover man, I certainly would think the Browns would try to find time to develop him on that side of the ball with the idea of that being his long-term home.
Still, it could go either way. He's that kind of athlete and with Hunter insisting on wanting to play on both sides of the ball, Cleveland better have a plan to accommodate those wishes when they turn in his card. After that, the next question will be whether or not someone (possibly a quarterback) slides low enough on draft night to warrant Andrew Berry moving up from pick #33 back into the first round.
~Austin Smith, DraftTek Senior Analyst
| 3 |
NY Giants
|
Abdul Carter
Penn State
EDGE
Reach/Value:
1
|
Height:
6'2"
Weight:
249
|
|
Just when you think it's safe to book Abdul Carter as the Giants' pick at #3, the spectre of Shedeur Sanders rises again. Giants' brass took one last trip to Boulder on Aprii 17th for a private visit with Sanders - just one week before the Draft! While pundits do their best to assuage Giants' fans concerns (that the team will draft Sanders against their wishes), the timing of the visit raises eyebrows.
Fans are excited about Carter joining a defensive unit that already contains Dexter Lawrence, and star EDGE rushers Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. No such excitement exists for a Sanders-led offense.
We think cooler heads will prevail and Carter will be the pick...
As for a Day 2 QB, some Giants' podcasters and Youtubers have pointed out that QBs selected on Day 2 have an extremely low hit rate in terms of developing into starters. 15.6% to be precise. They pound the table against the selection of a QB at #34 (Dart, Shough, Milroe), noting that the Giants have studied all three.
POLL! Assuming the Giants select EDGE Abdul Carter in RD1...
Fans are excited about Carter joining a defensive unit that already contains Dexter Lawrence, and star EDGE rushers Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. No such excitement exists for a Sanders-led offense.
We think cooler heads will prevail and Carter will be the pick...
Abdul Carter blitzing from the LB position and easily wins his matchup against the center with his speed, flexibility and bend. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/0j5UoN6FjO
— WBG84 (@WBG84) April 19, 2025
As for a Day 2 QB, some Giants' podcasters and Youtubers have pointed out that QBs selected on Day 2 have an extremely low hit rate in terms of developing into starters. 15.6% to be precise. They pound the table against the selection of a QB at #34 (Dart, Shough, Milroe), noting that the Giants have studied all three.
POLL! Assuming the Giants select EDGE Abdul Carter in RD1...
| 4 |
New England
|
Will Campbell
LSU
OT
Reach/Value:
-4
|
Height:
6'6"
Weight:
325
|
|
Sometimes a fit comes along that is just too logical to overthink. The New England Patriots have a severe talent deficit in their offensive line, as reflected in league-worst blocking and overall offense last year. They are bringing in Mike Vrabel, a meat-and-potatoes head coach who is all about strong O Line and run game play. And they have a high pick that should give them their choice of aircraft carriers to build around. Young franchise QB Drake Maye is key to a successful Vrabel run, so it makes a ton of sense to protect him and build a running game with a talented young tackle. Of course, this all depends on Abdul Carter not sliding to 4.
See the full list of the Patriots' selections at the Patriots Team Draft Page
Dawg: Top prospect LSU tackle Will Campbell squatting over 600lbs with EASE ??
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 16, 2025
Campbell will be UNSTOPPABLE in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/0pi5f2k0Db
See the full list of the Patriots' selections at the Patriots Team Draft Page
| 5 |
Jacksonville
|
Mason Graham
Michigan
DL3T
Reach/Value:
1
|
Height:
6'4"
Weight:
296
|
|
Mason Graham has been the vogue pick among the "Draft Elite" for some months now. And why not? Graham makes sense for a Jags' defense that struggled against the run in 2024. A 25th ranked 132.6 ypg on the ground last season. In a way it's a lazy pick for mockers who need to put out their weekly mock draft.
For those willing to do a little more homework, the choice of Graham is far from final:
POLL! What do you think the Jags will do on Thursday Night?
For those willing to do a little more homework, the choice of Graham is far from final:
- The short armed Graham is not considered a "blue-chip" prospect. In this deep defensive tackle class, prospects who are just a shade behind Graham could potentially be had in RD2.
- The Jags have a plethora of picks. Two in Round 3, two in Round 4, and a total of 10. The Jags could draft an offensive player at #5, then trade back into Round 1 for a Walter Nolen or Derrick Harmon. Teams that are short of picks (PIT, MIN) will listen to offers.
- New OC Grant Udenski was brought in as a last, best chance to resurrect Trevor Lawrence' once promising career. He will have lots of say in dictating selections to surround Lawrence with. He'll be pounding the table for offensve line talent, and offensive weaponry.
POLL! What do you think the Jags will do on Thursday Night?
| 6 |
Las Vegas
|
Armand Membou
Missouri
OT
Reach/Value:
-1
|
Height:
6'4"
Weight:
332
|
|
Looking at the post-free agency peak roster, the combination of "biggest need" and "biggest draft positional drop off" is wide receiver. Whether you think Jakobi Meyers is a WR1 or not (I don't), he and Tre Tucker are the only credible receivers on this roster, and, outside of Tetairoa McMillan, there is no real star at the position this year. In this home stretch, we have largely mocked the Arizona standout here. It made the most sense, and we waited for minor buzz to amplify. The opposite has happened - there is zero traction for McMillan, who may lack that comPete mentality, to the Raiders.
For this mock, I am grateful that I do not have to consider Mason Graham as a possibility. The Michigan DT is #4 on our Big Board, #3 on ESPN, # 4 on PFF, and #4 on The Athletic. There's a strong consensus on him, but it's one I personally disagree with. Graham and Shedeur Sanders and the two guys that, if on the Board when the Raiders pick, I'm really hoping they pass on.
Nevertheless, absent Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter falling, the viable options at #6 appear to be Will Campbell (taken here and in many mocks at #4), Graham (gone here at #5), Jalon Walker, Ashton Jeanty, and Armand Membou (with the latter 3 available here). My gut says that Jeanty, the most widely mocked player to the Raiders, is #3 of those available. With Walker, the Raiders get an elite and versatile defender who creates a lethal edge presence when factored with Koonce (only on a one year deal) and Crosby. That's attractive but maybe a luxury.
The super athletic and still-21-years-old Membou, however, is an unquestioned immediate starter on your OL, somewhere and wherever. If Kolton Miller is gone, Membou is your left tackle. If not, you decide the right combination of the Mizzou product and last year's 3rd round selection, DJ Glaze, on the right side. For John Spytek's "build through the trenches" mentality, it's hard not to get fired up over the prospect of a Miller - Parham - Powers-Johnson - Glaze - Membou OL that could become one of the league's best in short order. Then, on Day 2, go get them that RB to go block for!
For this mock, I am grateful that I do not have to consider Mason Graham as a possibility. The Michigan DT is #4 on our Big Board, #3 on ESPN, # 4 on PFF, and #4 on The Athletic. There's a strong consensus on him, but it's one I personally disagree with. Graham and Shedeur Sanders and the two guys that, if on the Board when the Raiders pick, I'm really hoping they pass on.
Nevertheless, absent Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter falling, the viable options at #6 appear to be Will Campbell (taken here and in many mocks at #4), Graham (gone here at #5), Jalon Walker, Ashton Jeanty, and Armand Membou (with the latter 3 available here). My gut says that Jeanty, the most widely mocked player to the Raiders, is #3 of those available. With Walker, the Raiders get an elite and versatile defender who creates a lethal edge presence when factored with Koonce (only on a one year deal) and Crosby. That's attractive but maybe a luxury.
The super athletic and still-21-years-old Membou, however, is an unquestioned immediate starter on your OL, somewhere and wherever. If Kolton Miller is gone, Membou is your left tackle. If not, you decide the right combination of the Mizzou product and last year's 3rd round selection, DJ Glaze, on the right side. For John Spytek's "build through the trenches" mentality, it's hard not to get fired up over the prospect of a Miller - Parham - Powers-Johnson - Glaze - Membou OL that could become one of the league's best in short order. Then, on Day 2, go get them that RB to go block for!
This should be a play the backside linebacker (17) gets to. He can't get to the running back because the right tackle takes the defensive end on a free shuttle five yards down the field.
— Kyle Posey (@KP_Show) April 17, 2025
This is what you're getting with Armand Membou. pic.twitter.com/koDla2xtJv
| 7 |
NY Jets
|
Tyler Warren
Penn State
TE
Reach/Value:
1
|
Height:
6'6"
Weight:
257
|
|
It's at this time of the year when our mock draft process breaks down, particularly ones that require comments. We made the pick of Tyler Warren to the Jets on Saturday, and our Round 1 was finalized Sunday evening. Then two days for our team analysts to prepare comments. In the past couple days, we've heard all the rumors:
Give new Jets' GM Darren Mougey credit, he's harnessed the power of the formidable New York sports media to completely befuddle the opposition. If Mougey can bring this expertise to gameday, the team could become a threat in the AFC East.
Still, is there a player that can help the 2025 Jets more than Tyler Warren. Yes pick #7 is considered high for a tight end, but teams watch what Brock Bowers has accomplished as a rookie with the Raiders (and their QB mashup), and you can't help but thinking how Warren will become Justin Fields' best friend.
POLL! When all is said and done...
- Jahdae Barron linked to the Jets
- Ashton Jeanty linked to the Jets
- The Jags are speculated to pick an offensive player at #5, likely pushing Mason Graham onto the Jets' radar. The team has extensively kicked the tires on Graham
- It won't take much search to discover that the Jets are also sniffing around riser Jalon Walker
Give new Jets' GM Darren Mougey credit, he's harnessed the power of the formidable New York sports media to completely befuddle the opposition. If Mougey can bring this expertise to gameday, the team could become a threat in the AFC East.
Still, is there a player that can help the 2025 Jets more than Tyler Warren. Yes pick #7 is considered high for a tight end, but teams watch what Brock Bowers has accomplished as a rookie with the Raiders (and their QB mashup), and you can't help but thinking how Warren will become Justin Fields' best friend.
POLL! When all is said and done...
| 8 |
Carolina
|
Jalon Walker
Georgia
OLB
Reach/Value:
-5
|
Height:
6'5"
Weight:
245
|
|
The Carolina Panthers need to rebuild the defense, and everyone knows it!
The question is who? As speculation runs rampant surrounding the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, it's clear the Panthers are keeping themselves open to any and all possibilities. Some believe the Panthers are a prime candidate to trade back as a few teams are potentially after Shadeur Sanders, including the division rival New Orleans Saints who pick one selection later at #9. It would be VERY satisfying to deny them their choice of QB.
Todd McShay thinks Mykel Williams will be the selection for Carolina at #8. There are rumors now that both Jacksonville and New England could pass on Michigan DT Mason Graham. He would be a very interesting selection for the Panthers. However, one of the worst kept secrets in the draft is how much GM Dan Morgan and HC Dave Canales love Jalon Walker. To the point where I personally believe all the talks of a trade back is just to generate interest. If Walker is still on the board, Carolina sprints to the podium to draft him at #8 overall!
Don't forget to check out the C3 Panthers Podcast Tuesday nights at 9 PM and 30 minutes after every game to hear us discuss all the latest in Panther Nation!
- Cody Lachney, Panthers Analyst
The question is who? As speculation runs rampant surrounding the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, it's clear the Panthers are keeping themselves open to any and all possibilities. Some believe the Panthers are a prime candidate to trade back as a few teams are potentially after Shadeur Sanders, including the division rival New Orleans Saints who pick one selection later at #9. It would be VERY satisfying to deny them their choice of QB.
Todd McShay thinks Mykel Williams will be the selection for Carolina at #8. There are rumors now that both Jacksonville and New England could pass on Michigan DT Mason Graham. He would be a very interesting selection for the Panthers. However, one of the worst kept secrets in the draft is how much GM Dan Morgan and HC Dave Canales love Jalon Walker. To the point where I personally believe all the talks of a trade back is just to generate interest. If Walker is still on the board, Carolina sprints to the podium to draft him at #8 overall!
2 minutes of Georgia LB Jalon Walker absolutely getting after it on All-22:
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) April 4, 2025
• A well-rounded defensive leader with elite intangibles & unwavering effort. A true jack-of-all-trades for your team [More Below]
Hope You Enjoy... https://t.co/M4udmb1Vlb pic.twitter.com/HmETz0awTJ
Don't forget to check out the C3 Panthers Podcast Tuesday nights at 9 PM and 30 minutes after every game to hear us discuss all the latest in Panther Nation!
- Cody Lachney, Panthers Analyst
| 9 |
New Orleans
|
Shedeur Sanders
Colorado
QB
Reach/Value:
0
|
Height:
6'2"
Weight:
215
|
|
News broke last week that QB Derek Carr has a shoulder injury that could cost him the 2025 season. Yet, per Times-Picayune columnist Jeff Duncan, the injury to the Saints starter will not impact the team's draft plan. "...Just from what I'm hearing, he's (Shedeur Sanders) not going to be under consideration. Now I don't know if that means no quarterbacks at 9, but I think at least in particular him."
During the latest episode of the Saints Insider podcast, Duncan added "If you don't have a guy graded in the first round before the Carr news, it doesn't change it. You're not going to take the guy out of desperation."
At this point, with no starting QB on the roster of note, drafting a QB seems imminent. If not Sanders, then who? 54 years ago, the Saints selected an Ole Miss QB in RD1, the legendary Archie Manning. Could the team surprise the league with a selection of Jaxson Dart?
Then there's this...
~DatBudMan, Saints Analyst
During the latest episode of the Saints Insider podcast, Duncan added "If you don't have a guy graded in the first round before the Carr news, it doesn't change it. You're not going to take the guy out of desperation."
At this point, with no starting QB on the roster of note, drafting a QB seems imminent. If not Sanders, then who? 54 years ago, the Saints selected an Ole Miss QB in RD1, the legendary Archie Manning. Could the team surprise the league with a selection of Jaxson Dart?
Then there's this...
~DatBudMan, Saints Analyst
| 10 |
Chicago
|
Ashton Jeanty
Boise State
RB
Reach/Value:
5
|
Height:
5'8"
Weight:
211
|
|
In Detroit, last year, Ben Johnson utilized a two-headed backfield, including former Bear David Montgomery, to rush for 2488 yards on 534 carries. Detroit ran the ball 49.2% of the time; that was good for 31 rushes per game. The Bears only ran the ball 43.2% of the time; 25 rushes per game. Johnson will want Chicago's offense to run more in 2025 and they must improve on the 4 yards per carry, and 1734 yards, that 2024 produced.
Chicago, of course, already has one good running back on the roster, but D'Andre Swift only managed 3.8 yards per carry in 2024. Swift has a $9.33m cap hit in 2025 but, even if the Bears do draft a RB in RD1, there's no chance of him being cut as the dead money is too high. Coach Johnson will want to use Swift as a complementary back in the same way he used Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit. Roschon Johnson can still have a role in the offense as a short-yardage/goal-line back.
The Bears have hosted a handful of RBs on top-30 visits in the past few weeks. Kaleb Johnson and Omarion Hampton are intriguing prospects. Kaleb Johnson should be available in RD2, but Hampton is likely to be drafted in RD1. Pick 10, however, might be too high for Hampton. Another visitor, Ashton Jeanty, is the most obvious selection if he does make it to the Bears' pick. The Boise State star ran for 2601 yards in 2024 at 7 yards per carry, he also scored 29 rushing TDs. A backfield of Jeanty and Swift would be ideal for Ben Johnson and take some pressure of Caleb Williams.
- David Payne, DraftTek Senior Analyst
Chicago, of course, already has one good running back on the roster, but D'Andre Swift only managed 3.8 yards per carry in 2024. Swift has a $9.33m cap hit in 2025 but, even if the Bears do draft a RB in RD1, there's no chance of him being cut as the dead money is too high. Coach Johnson will want to use Swift as a complementary back in the same way he used Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit. Roschon Johnson can still have a role in the offense as a short-yardage/goal-line back.
The Bears have hosted a handful of RBs on top-30 visits in the past few weeks. Kaleb Johnson and Omarion Hampton are intriguing prospects. Kaleb Johnson should be available in RD2, but Hampton is likely to be drafted in RD1. Pick 10, however, might be too high for Hampton. Another visitor, Ashton Jeanty, is the most obvious selection if he does make it to the Bears' pick. The Boise State star ran for 2601 yards in 2024 at 7 yards per carry, he also scored 29 rushing TDs. A backfield of Jeanty and Swift would be ideal for Ben Johnson and take some pressure of Caleb Williams.
- David Payne, DraftTek Senior Analyst
| 11 |
San Francisco
|
Walter Nolen
Ole Miss
DL3T
Reach/Value:
-5
|
Height:
6'3"
Weight:
293
|
|
49ers GM John Lynch isn't afraid to make some call or take some calls on draft night, so there's chance San Francisco slides out of the pick at 11 in a move up to secure a top talent or a move back to narrow their options and add draft capital. With the draft shaking out as it does here, the choice at 11 likely comes down to Texas OT Kelvin Banks or their highest rated defensive player. That choice could hinge on whether the Niners see Banks as a possible successor to Trent Williams and franchise tackle or a versatile offensive lineman who could help at multiple spots, but ultimately his best fit is at LG.
If the decision maker lean towards the latter, as some scout do, attention turns to the defensive side of the ball. History tells us that Lynch/Shanahan place a huge emphasis on DT, especially ones described as explosive, twitchy athletes who can also hold up against the run. We saw this in 2017 when Solomon Thomas became the first pick of the Lynch Shanahan era, and again in 2020 when they took Javon Kinlaw with the pick obtained from trading DeForest Buckner. Now, they are entering the 2025 draft paper thin at DT, and while the past two picks may not have played out exactly as hoped there's reason to believe the third time will be the charm.
Walter Nolen is the name that keeps buzzing around the 49ers, but never seems to stick. There have been various reports of 'maturity issues,' but the 49ers had the chance to watch Nolen in practice at Senior Bowl, spoke to him at the combine and even brought him in for a "30 visit," so whatever issues may have been present have likely been addressed. On the field, Nolen's talent is undeniable, he uses his first step quickness and strong hands to burst through offensive lines, applying pressure to QBs and shutting down run plays before they even get started. Nolen is a high motor player that can embody DC Robert Saleh's all gas no brakes mentality for this new look interior defensive line.
If the decision maker lean towards the latter, as some scout do, attention turns to the defensive side of the ball. History tells us that Lynch/Shanahan place a huge emphasis on DT, especially ones described as explosive, twitchy athletes who can also hold up against the run. We saw this in 2017 when Solomon Thomas became the first pick of the Lynch Shanahan era, and again in 2020 when they took Javon Kinlaw with the pick obtained from trading DeForest Buckner. Now, they are entering the 2025 draft paper thin at DT, and while the past two picks may not have played out exactly as hoped there's reason to believe the third time will be the charm.
Walter Nolen is the name that keeps buzzing around the 49ers, but never seems to stick. There have been various reports of 'maturity issues,' but the 49ers had the chance to watch Nolen in practice at Senior Bowl, spoke to him at the combine and even brought him in for a "30 visit," so whatever issues may have been present have likely been addressed. On the field, Nolen's talent is undeniable, he uses his first step quickness and strong hands to burst through offensive lines, applying pressure to QBs and shutting down run plays before they even get started. Nolen is a high motor player that can embody DC Robert Saleh's all gas no brakes mentality for this new look interior defensive line.
| 12 |
Dallas
|
Matthew Golden
Texas
WR
Reach/Value:
1
|
Height:
6'0"
Weight:
190
|
|
Leave it to Jerry Jones to create buzz leading up to draft night. In recent weeks, it seems as if the consensus has revolved around Dallas drafting a receiver with this pick, with Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan and Matthew Golden being the favorites.
Still, with Jones' comments on the Cowboys currently working on substantial trades, fans of America's Team are now left trying to connect the dots on what that actually means, be it a trade up or down, or the addition of a veteran like Courtland Sutton possibly. There is no way of deciphering those comments (an AI tool maybe?), and I'm sticking to the Cowboys bringing in a pass-catcher.
McMillan is my top receiver on the board in this scenario and a Dak-friendly target. Emeka Egbuka is my favorite fit for this offense as a versatile player who will bring value both on and off the field. However, this offense needs more big-play threats and Golden offers that. He runs his routes with good tempo and gets in and out of his breaks smoothly. While we don't often see his 4.29 speed on tape, that's due to the fact that he was new to the Texas offense, as he made more of an impact as the season went on.
Ultimately, it stinks to be picking this high and sifting through players that have big question marks but that is this class in a nutshell. There are very few home run picks this year, and teams are going to have to trust their evaluations and their ability to implement and develop these players into their scheme. If the Cowboys can do that with Golden, this passing game can take a big step forward.
~Austin Smith, DraftTek Senior Analyst
Still, with Jones' comments on the Cowboys currently working on substantial trades, fans of America's Team are now left trying to connect the dots on what that actually means, be it a trade up or down, or the addition of a veteran like Courtland Sutton possibly. There is no way of deciphering those comments (an AI tool maybe?), and I'm sticking to the Cowboys bringing in a pass-catcher.
McMillan is my top receiver on the board in this scenario and a Dak-friendly target. Emeka Egbuka is my favorite fit for this offense as a versatile player who will bring value both on and off the field. However, this offense needs more big-play threats and Golden offers that. He runs his routes with good tempo and gets in and out of his breaks smoothly. While we don't often see his 4.29 speed on tape, that's due to the fact that he was new to the Texas offense, as he made more of an impact as the season went on.
Ultimately, it stinks to be picking this high and sifting through players that have big question marks but that is this class in a nutshell. There are very few home run picks this year, and teams are going to have to trust their evaluations and their ability to implement and develop these players into their scheme. If the Cowboys can do that with Golden, this passing game can take a big step forward.
~Austin Smith, DraftTek Senior Analyst
| 13 |
Miami
|
Will Johnson
Michigan
CB
Reach/Value:
-9
|
Height:
6'2"
Weight:
194
|
|
I'm all for Miami trading away both Jalen Ramsey and Tyreek Hill, even if that does leave more holes on the roster than can be filled in the Draft. Hill's off-field antics shouldn't be tolerated by the franchise and the Dolphins should take whatever they can get for him and his dwindling talents. Ramsey, who will be 31 during the season, is also well past his best. The problem is that trading either Hill or Ramsey, before June 1st, comes with huge cap implications. Both players received contract extensions last year; another sign of Chris Grier's mismanagement of the cap and the roster. However, I'd rather see the team rebuild with trustworthy young players than cling on to overpaid vets.
With Ramsey's inevitable departure, Miami must take a corner in either RD1 or RD2. We'll somehow have to find two new starters before the season starts and I could even see Kendall Fuller being re-signed if the team feel he can stay healthy for a full season. Storm Duck, Ethan Bonner, and former RD2 pick, Cam Smith, can't be relied on to start on the outside. Kader Kohou is back, but he'll man the slot. Artie Burns was a free-agent signing, but he wasn't brought in to be a starter; his experience will be invaluable, however.
There are two CB prospects that Miami should target at pick 13; Will Johnson from Michigan and Jahdae Barron from Texas. Barron is smaller, but is a better athlete. There are some concerns that Barron might not be able to survive on the outside, but he played 5 times as many snaps on the outside than he did in the slot for the Longhorns in 2024. However, Johnson, despite long-speed concerns, is the better fit for the Dolphins. The former Wolverine would have been a top-5 prospect if he hadn't missed most of the 2024 season with a toe injury.
- David Payne, Dolphins Analyst
With Ramsey's inevitable departure, Miami must take a corner in either RD1 or RD2. We'll somehow have to find two new starters before the season starts and I could even see Kendall Fuller being re-signed if the team feel he can stay healthy for a full season. Storm Duck, Ethan Bonner, and former RD2 pick, Cam Smith, can't be relied on to start on the outside. Kader Kohou is back, but he'll man the slot. Artie Burns was a free-agent signing, but he wasn't brought in to be a starter; his experience will be invaluable, however.
There are two CB prospects that Miami should target at pick 13; Will Johnson from Michigan and Jahdae Barron from Texas. Barron is smaller, but is a better athlete. There are some concerns that Barron might not be able to survive on the outside, but he played 5 times as many snaps on the outside than he did in the slot for the Longhorns in 2024. However, Johnson, despite long-speed concerns, is the better fit for the Dolphins. The former Wolverine would have been a top-5 prospect if he hadn't missed most of the 2024 season with a toe injury.
I have a hard time believing Will Johnson runs a 4.58 40...
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) April 14, 2025
Unless you wanna also argue Ryan Wingo runs a 4.6 ?? pic.twitter.com/1MOXMtsDLl
- David Payne, Dolphins Analyst
| 14 |
Indianapolis
|
Colston Loveland
Michigan
TE
Reach/Value:
-15
|
Height:
6'5"
Weight:
245
|
|
In a year where the Draft is lacking top-end talent, having a pick at #14 is not ideal. The Colts will be hoping that there are multiple QBs selected early so that some of the better prospects fall. Indy has plenty of roster spots to fill, so a stick and pick, best player available plan could work well. However, a poor start to the season would heat up the warm seats that Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard currently sit on, so this is a pick that they need to get right.
The Colts need defensive linemen and defensive backs. This draft class is packed with talented edge rushers and defensive tackles, but Indy can wait until the later rounds to find value at those positions. The team must add a corner, and Jahdae Barron would make sense but, again, there's value at that position further down, especially in RD2. In the last mock, I had the Colts selecting Nick Emmanwori, and he'd certainly be considered strongly in this scenario, but this team needs to select the player who will have the most immediate impact. For me, the biggest impact will come on offense.
The tight ends on the Colts' roster would struggle to be the #2 TE on most other teams. Mo Alie-Cox recently re-signed, but he only had 12 receptions in 2024. Cox, and Andrew Ogletree, are good blockers, but they're not going to dominate as pass catchers. Indy would love Tyler Warren to fall, but Colston Loveland is just as good. Loveland had a 90.6 PFF receiving grade in 2024. Ok, he's not the greatest blocker in the world, but Anthony Richardson would benefit from having another big, reliable receiving target in 2025.
POLL!...
The Colts need defensive linemen and defensive backs. This draft class is packed with talented edge rushers and defensive tackles, but Indy can wait until the later rounds to find value at those positions. The team must add a corner, and Jahdae Barron would make sense but, again, there's value at that position further down, especially in RD2. In the last mock, I had the Colts selecting Nick Emmanwori, and he'd certainly be considered strongly in this scenario, but this team needs to select the player who will have the most immediate impact. For me, the biggest impact will come on offense.
The tight ends on the Colts' roster would struggle to be the #2 TE on most other teams. Mo Alie-Cox recently re-signed, but he only had 12 receptions in 2024. Cox, and Andrew Ogletree, are good blockers, but they're not going to dominate as pass catchers. Indy would love Tyler Warren to fall, but Colston Loveland is just as good. Loveland had a 90.6 PFF receiving grade in 2024. Ok, he's not the greatest blocker in the world, but Anthony Richardson would benefit from having another big, reliable receiving target in 2025.
POLL!...
| 15 |
Atlanta
|
Mike Green
Marshall
EDGE
Reach/Value:
-2
|
Height:
6'3"
Weight:
251
|
|
The Falcons shocked the world last year when they used their 8th overall pick to select Washington QB Michael Penix, Jr. It was the first bombshell to drop on night one that sent shockwaves and left many - NFL and Falcons faithful - scratching their heads. It was hard to justify using a top 10 pick in a position that spent significant free agent dollars towards a month before and had more imperative, pressing needs on defense.
The hope in 2025 is, that there's no overthinking this time. This year is loaded with defensive line talent and would be the wise (and right) decision to invest as much as possible in those resources. The Falcons have only five picks pre-Draft, but that could change as the Draft commences. Atlanta traded its third round pick before camp last season to New England for edge rusher Matthew Judon in an attempt to fix their mistake with a band-aid solution. That left even more salt on the wound, as Judon underwhelmed, finishing with 5.5 sacks and is now a free agent.
The Falcons had the second fewest sacks in the NFL, making EDGE a priority in this Draft. Now, the Falcons have some young pieces to work with defensively that they can build around. Their defensive line is still raw, but they have young developing edge rushers in Zach Harrison and Bralen Trice who may take greater steps this year. Ruke Orhorhoro will get his shot to be an every-down 3T disruptor, succeeding his predecessor Grady Jarrett.
Adding Mike Green to the mix brings the one key element that Atlanta's defense has been lacking for so long - instant impact off the edge. Green was a mega-producer for Marshall in 2024, leading the nation in sacks with 17. The Falcons need an explosive threat that offenses will have to account for on a week to week basis. If Green can show flashes of that in year one, it will change the entire look of the Falcons defense in 2025.
The hope in 2025 is, that there's no overthinking this time. This year is loaded with defensive line talent and would be the wise (and right) decision to invest as much as possible in those resources. The Falcons have only five picks pre-Draft, but that could change as the Draft commences. Atlanta traded its third round pick before camp last season to New England for edge rusher Matthew Judon in an attempt to fix their mistake with a band-aid solution. That left even more salt on the wound, as Judon underwhelmed, finishing with 5.5 sacks and is now a free agent.
The Falcons had the second fewest sacks in the NFL, making EDGE a priority in this Draft. Now, the Falcons have some young pieces to work with defensively that they can build around. Their defensive line is still raw, but they have young developing edge rushers in Zach Harrison and Bralen Trice who may take greater steps this year. Ruke Orhorhoro will get his shot to be an every-down 3T disruptor, succeeding his predecessor Grady Jarrett.
Adding Mike Green to the mix brings the one key element that Atlanta's defense has been lacking for so long - instant impact off the edge. Green was a mega-producer for Marshall in 2024, leading the nation in sacks with 17. The Falcons need an explosive threat that offenses will have to account for on a week to week basis. If Green can show flashes of that in year one, it will change the entire look of the Falcons defense in 2025.
Every single Mike Green sack from 2025...
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) April 22, 2025
Most in the NCAA (17) https://t.co/vbXHux1ICE pic.twitter.com/PXaJ2szuaE
| 16 |
Arizona
|
Mykel Williams
Georgia
EDGE
Reach/Value:
6
|
Height:
6'5"
Weight:
260
|
|
The Arizona Cardinals need help in the trenches. The team ranked 21st in total defense this past season, giving up 342.5 yards per game. Two years ago, Arizona was 30th in the league with 33 sacks. Iprovements were made and the Cards moved up to 13th with 41 sacks this past year. The team signed Josh Sweat in free agency to help bolster their edge position. However, you can never have enough players getting pressure on the QB.
The Cardinals catch a break in this mock draft getting a nice value in Georgia's Mykel Williams. Standing at 6'5" and weighing 260 pounds, Williams possesses the prototypical size and athleticism desired in an NFL edge defender. His impressive arm length and wingspan contribute to his effectiveness in disrupting offensive plays. While his college production was modest, partly due to Georgia's rotational system and a mid-season ankle injury, Williams showcased elite run-stopping abilities and has significant potential for growth as a pass rusher.
Williams is also versatile, meaning he can play in various defensive alignments. He has strong leadership and a high motor to go along with his physical gifts. His skill set should allow him to be plugged in immediately in the Cardinals' rotation and be a future center piece in the defense. Josh Sweat's contract gets expensive after two seasons. If Williams develops, he could be a nice replacement for Sweat two years from now. Williams' raw talent and physical attributes offer a high ceiling, making him a worthwhile investment for the Cardinals.
This being said, late rumors are placing Mykel into the top-10 on Thursday Night! Stay tuned.
Jonah Anderson, Senior Drafttek Analyst
The Cardinals catch a break in this mock draft getting a nice value in Georgia's Mykel Williams. Standing at 6'5" and weighing 260 pounds, Williams possesses the prototypical size and athleticism desired in an NFL edge defender. His impressive arm length and wingspan contribute to his effectiveness in disrupting offensive plays. While his college production was modest, partly due to Georgia's rotational system and a mid-season ankle injury, Williams showcased elite run-stopping abilities and has significant potential for growth as a pass rusher.
Williams is also versatile, meaning he can play in various defensive alignments. He has strong leadership and a high motor to go along with his physical gifts. His skill set should allow him to be plugged in immediately in the Cardinals' rotation and be a future center piece in the defense. Josh Sweat's contract gets expensive after two seasons. If Williams develops, he could be a nice replacement for Sweat two years from now. Williams' raw talent and physical attributes offer a high ceiling, making him a worthwhile investment for the Cardinals.
This being said, late rumors are placing Mykel into the top-10 on Thursday Night! Stay tuned.
Mykel Williams isn't talked a lot in draft chatter as a top-10 pick, but make no mistake: NFL D-line coaches love him. "Guys I know at Georgia told me he's gonna be better than Travon Walker, and I think Walker is a baller." https://t.co/sEIPkFRLch pic.twitter.com/ie9t1yedHT
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) April 22, 2025
Jonah Anderson, Senior Drafttek Analyst
