The Titans, Raiders and Giants land rookie quarterbacks in our expert’s projections.
There are still plenty of unknowns at this point in the NFL calendar, including multiple teams with head coach, general manager and coordinator openings yet to be filled. Between those soon-to-be hires and the impending roster upheaval that’ll happen in free agency, team needs will fluctuate over the next three months.
What do we know at this point? We know the draft order for the first 24 picks. We know almost all of the underclassmen who have officially joined this draft class (players in the College Football Playoff championship have until Jan. 24 to declare). And we know that quarterback questions will drive draft debates over the next three months.
This year’s quarterback class isn’t remotely close to last year’s — I don’t know any evaluator who would dispute that. But “quarterback desperation” is a real thing, and with very few options in free agency or the trade market, several teams will feel forced to reach or possibly even trade up into the top 10.
As always, this mock is based on team needs and information gathered from conversations with sources in the NFL and college football, not my personal rankings or what I believe each GM should do. There also are not any projected trades in this two-round exercise.
(Note: Regular-season finish determined the order for picks 25-32 and 57-64, but those positions are contingent on NFL playoff results.)
GO DEEPER
College football transfer portal QB rankings: Carson Beck jumps to No. 1 in top 30
1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
The incoming general manager in Tennessee will inherit a great opportunity — either invest in a quarterback at No. 1 or trade the pick to a quarterback-needy team. Any other outcome would be surprising.
If the Titans opt not to take a QB, the ideal scenario would be to trade back two spots with the Giants. The Titans wouldn’t receive close to what the Bears scored in compensation from the Panthers for the No. 1 pick two years ago, but they would gain additional draft capital and still be in position to take Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter at No. 3.
However, in this mock, the Titans decide Ward is an upgrade over their current quarterback situation. His loose play style won’t be for everyone, but his ability to create explosive plays and the gradual improvements he has shown each year are promising aspects of his profile. Some scouts have compared Ward’s upside to that of Steve McNair, which would be music to the ears of fans in Nashville.
2. Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
It’s likely that Deshaun Watson has played his final snap for the Cleveland Browns, so a quarterback certainly will be on the table here. But I don’t expect Cleveland to force the pick if the right fit isn’t there. Carter playing opposite Myles Garrett would be a scary thought for opposing offenses.
3. New York Giants: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
If the Giants are unable to move up for Ward, would they like Shedeur Sanders enough to draft him at No. 3? In this scenario, they don’t and instead opt for arguably the best player in the draft. Hunter would give New York an upgrade at corner — and he’d be a fun weapon for Brian Daboll to mix into the offense for the Giants’ TBD quarterback.
4. New England Patriots: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
How we view the Patriots’ needs at the moment compared to three months from now could vary wildly, based on the cap space this organization has to address key positions in free agency. With his tracking skills and fluid catch radius, McMillan has a skill set similar to that of Tee Higgins (who shouldn’t see a minute of free agency, if the Bengals are smart).
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Personally, I think this is too early for Johnson — but that will be the case for several prospects in this year’s first round. I do really like Johnson’s eyes, feet and coverage IQ to match and make plays on the ball. He has a starter-caliber skill set and would upgrade one of the Jaguars’ outside corner spots as a rookie.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
There are a ton of mixed opinions in the league about Sanders, and it will be interesting to see how (or if) that changes throughout the draft process once coaches get involved. But with Mark Davis and Tom Brady heavily influencing this pick, I’m not sure the Raiders could pass on Sanders — although, hopefully the new head coach and general manager will have a say in that decision.
GO DEEPER
Deion Sanders says coaching his 2 sons would be only reason to consider NFL
7. New York Jets: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The Jets are another team that feels in limbo because of question marks at quarterback. But the roster has plenty of other needs, as well, including on the defensive line. Graham isn’t super long, but he’ll have a high floor in the NFL because he knows how to deconstruct blocks and be a factor against the run or pass.
8. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia
Walker played an off-ball linebacker role in Athens and spent most of his time dropping in coverage or defending the run. But with his length, power and explosive movements, he is at his best rushing the passer. A native of North Carolina, Walker has the talent and mentality that fit what the Panthers are trying to build.
9. New Orleans Saints: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Safety might feel like a luxury option for a Saints team that needs help at quarterback, pass catcher and on the defensive line. But Starks can play across the secondary and be a playmaker in different ways. With his athleticism, football IQ and makeup, he will be an easy sell in NFL war rooms.
10. Chicago Bears: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Simmons was trending towards being OT1 in this draft class until he suffered a knee injury in mid-October, which required season-ending surgery. His draft stock will be in limbo until the combine, when teams receive medical feedback from their doctors. But if he’s healthy, Simmons is a natural left tackle with a high ceiling.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Armand Membou, OT/G, Missouri
Based on the players expected to be available in this range, there is a decent chance the 49ers use this pick to address the trenches, either on the offensive or defensive line. Membou is incredibly underrated, but he plays with exceptional control, athleticism and finish. He would give San Francisco an ascending player with guard-tackle versatility.
GO DEEPER
NFL All-Rookie Team: Which 2024 draft picks had the most impressive debut seasons?
12. Dallas Cowboys: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
The Cowboys have to find more answers in the passing game, outside of CeeDee Lamb. Burden is an explosive threat at all three levels but does his best work with the ball in his hands, becoming a running back after the catch.
13. Miami Dolphins: Will Campbell, OT/G, LSU
Campbell earned the starting left tackle job in Baton Rouge shortly after he arrived as an 18-year-old freshman, then allowed only two sacks in his 38 career starts. Some scouts see him at tackle, while others believe he is a guard. But with potential shuffling to come on Miami’s offensive line this offseason, Campbell could help in multiple spots.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
This pairing is going to be popular throughout the process — and it is easy to see why. Warren will have the testing numbers that general manager Chris Ballard covets, and he is NFL-ready and quarterback-friendly, exactly the combo the Colts should be targeting to help Anthony Richardson develop.
Let’s be real: This regime must draft players who will help win games immediately.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M
It will be fascinating to see how early Stewart goes on draft night. His production this season (5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks in 12 games ) was underwhelming, but NFL teams don’t draft stats — they draft traits. And Stewart has exceptional length and athletic tools for a player who’s 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
The Cardinals will continue to build up in the trenches this draft. No interior lineman in the FBS created more pressures than Harmon did this season. He has the strength, quickness and play violence to win in different ways, and from different alignments.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Last year, the Bengals drafted a toolsy offensive lineman from Georgia in the first round (Amarius Mims). They flip to the other side of the ball and do it again in this mock. Williams looked like a future top-10 pick as a freshman, but he didn’t quite reach dominant status over his three seasons in Athens. The talent, however, is there for him to grow into a game-wrecker off the edge.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT/G, Texas
There are plenty of differing opinions around the league on Banks. Some see him as a tackle; others as a guard. Some think he could sneak into the top 15; others see more of a late first-rounder. The Seahawks’ issues on the offensive line extend beyond their personnel, but Banks has “quality starter” written all over him and would help stabilize things.
GO DEEPER
Projecting final 8 NFL playoff teams’ odds to win Super Bowl, with divisional matchup analysis
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
The main reason the Buccaneers fell short in their playoff loss to the Commanders was that their defense couldn’t get off the field. Like most prospects, Pearce isn’t a finished product, but he brings juice to be disruptive as a pass rusher. He finished top three in the SEC in pressures each of the last two seasons.
20. Denver Broncos: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Should Jeanty fall this far? Of course not. But if Dallas decides to pass, there aren’t many obvious landing spots for him in the top 18. From the Boise State Broncos to the Denver Broncos, Jeanty would add another level to Sean Payton’s offense and continue to help Bo Nix ascend as one of the league’s bright young quarterbacks.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Steelers have had mixed results betting on talented-yet-undisciplined receivers in the early rounds. It’s time to invest in a pass catcher such as Egbuka, who might not have a sky-high ceiling but already plays with a pro-level skill set and would be a dependable target for the next decade.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Like Warren to Indianapolis, this is another potential pairing that should be popular in mock drafts. A big, fast and reliable pass catcher, Loveland would help fix several of the Chargers’ offensive woes. And, obviously, no other head coach will be more familiar with how to use his skill set than Jim Harbaugh.
23. Green Bay Packers: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
The Packers’ defensive line was disappointing this season, and the front office must balance the possibility of players already on the roster getting better against adding premium talent. If general manager Brian Gutekunst looks for an upgrade in the first round, Williams — and his disruptive nature — would make sense.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
Anyone who watched the Vikings’ playoff collapse to the Rams knows Minnesota needs to address its offensive line in a major way this offseason. But assuming those upgrades come in free agency, the Vikings could look for help at running back here.
Jeanty deservedly will command all of the Round 1 running back talk, but Johnson is worthy of landing in the top 32, as well. The Iowa back would be a great fit for Minnesota’s outside-zone scheme, and his impact would help open the passing game.
GO DEEPER
The Big Ten is enjoying the view from the top. Will it be here awhile?
25. Houston Texans: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
Even with one of the best passing connections in the league, the Texans want an offense that can shift to bully ball on the ground throughout the course of a game. And that has more to do with the offensive line than the running back. With his power and finishing demeanor, Booker should check a lot of boxes.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
It’s hard to say how many more years Matthew Stafford will play, But investing in the offensive line, helping to keep him healthy and maximizing his final years with the organization would be a logical plan. After becoming a starter in 2023, Conerly took a big jump as a junior — he didn’t allow a pressure in 10 of Oregon’s final 12 games.
27. Washington Commanders: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
Dan Quinn has done a great job getting functional pass-rush production out of Cowboys castoffs, such as Dante Fowler and Dorance Armstrong. But it would make sense for this front office to invest in young, promising players on the edges. Green could be part of a rotation before taking over the full-time starting role.
28. Baltimore Ravens: Donovan Jackson, OT/G, Ohio State
Jackson has been the unsung MVP of Ohio State’s run to the national championship game. After starting at left guard as a sophomore, junior and for the first five games of 2024, Jackson kicked out to left tackle — a position he hadn’t played since high school — and helped save the Buckeyes’ season after they’d suffered a key injury up front. Jackson struggled in his first start at his new position against Carter, but he’s gone the last seven games without allowing a sack.
29. Buffalo Bills: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
Revel suffered a torn ACL in September, so his upgraded medical information at the combine will be key to his draft stock. But if fully healthy, he would be a lock as a top-15 pick. The Bills are getting a discount on him at No. 29 in this mock.
30. Philadelphia Eagles: JT Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State
With Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham possibly moving on, the Eagles will be looking for reinforcements on the edges this offseason. Tuimoloau (6-4, 270) is a smart, alert player who plays the run well and also can get after the quarterback. In three College Football Playoff games this year, he has combined for 17 total pressures.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
At 6-3, 340, Grant is a rangy big man who can take up space or make plays up and down the line of scrimmage. Adding his talent to the mix would help free up Chris Jones and strengthen the Chiefs’ defensive line.
32. Detroit Lions: Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M
There should be a few options for the Lions to add key depth at edge rusher late in Round 1. Scourton has mostly Day 2 draft grades around the league, but he projects as a starter because of his ability to wear down blockers with a motor that doesn’t quit — something Dan Campbell (a former Aggie himself) would appreciate.
Round 2
33. Cleveland Browns: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
34. New York Giants: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
GO DEEPER
Who are the 2025 NFL Draft’s most intriguing underclassman prospects?
35. Tennessee Titans: Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State
36. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jonah Savaiinaea, G, Arizona
37. Las Vegas Raiders: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
38. New England Patriots: Cameron Williams, OT, Texas
39. Chicago (from CAR): Wyatt Milum, G/C, West Virginia
40. New Orleans Saints: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
41. Chicago Bears: Landon Jackson, Edge, Arkansas
42. New York Jets: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
43. San Francisco 49ers: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
44. Dallas Cowboys: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
45. Indianapolis Colts: Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
46. Atlanta Falcons: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
GO DEEPER
Texas’ Arch Manning era is here at last. But what will he have around him?
47. Arizona Cardinals: Princely Umanmielen, Edge, Ole Miss
48. Miami Dolphins: Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green
49. Cincinnati Bengals: Marcus Mbow, OT/G, Purdue
50. Seattle Seahawks: Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
51. Denver Broncos: Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
52. Pittsburgh Steelers: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
54. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Burch, Edge, Oregon
55. Los Angeles Chargers: Josaiah Stewart, Edge, Michigan
56. Buffalo Bills (from MIN): Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
57. Carolina (from LAR): Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
58. Houston Texans: Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
59. Baltimore Ravens: Jihaad Campbell, LB/Edge, Alabama
60. Washington Commanders: Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford
61. Buffalo Bills: Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
62. Philadelphia Eagles: Grey Zabel, G/C, North Dakota State
63. Kansas City Chiefs: Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
64. Detroit Lions: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
GO DEEPER
Nantz’s 500th game, Brady ‘improved,’ plus more wild card media takeaways
(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; Photos of Abdul Carter, Travis Hunter and Cam Ward: Roger Wimmer / ISI Photos / Getty Images; Dustin Bradford, David Rosenblum / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
