A massive part of the 2025 NFL Draft process is now complete. The entire football world congregated in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine, getting a great look at this year’s top prospects. Many walked out of Lucas Oil Stadium with their stock on the rise, potentially working into the first round.
To celebrate, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein has produced his latest mock draft. While Zierlein does have a few risers, there are a couple of big-time players who take major slides — Will Johnson and Shedeur Sanders.
Multiple trades are included throughout the mock as well. Let’s check out all 32 first-round pick projections from Zierlein.
The biggest news surrounding Carter coming out of the Combine is an injury. Even so, he is considered the favorite to go No. 1 overall to Tennessee, hoping to get a generational type pass rusher.
Zierlein: “Let’s just give Tennessee the best player at a high-impact position. The Titans obviously could consider a quarterback here, but my guess is they won’t have one graded highly enough to select at No. 1 overall.”
Cleveland is going to be linked with a quarterback at No. 2 overall but Zierlein has them going with Hunter. Cornerback was the position group Hunter worked out with in Indianapolis but playing wide receiver is still very much on the table.
Zierlein: “Hunter can come in and start at receiver or cornerback right away. He’d have a big impact at either position for the Browns.”
Finally, a quarterback is taken by the Giants with the third pick. Ward would head up to the Big Apple with big expectations, hoping to bring a higher level of play to the position.
Zierlein: “He’s a serious-minded quarterback with a big arm and the ability to grow into a dangerous pitch-and-catch combo with Malik Nabers.”
Membou is somebody who certainly helped his draft stock after performing well at the combine. Good enough for Zierlein to place him inside the top five and become the long-time protector of Drake Maye.
Zierlein: “Let’s put a new face into the fourth pick of the draft, giving New England the best offensive lineman on my board.”
Wide receiver is usually a position flying off the board in recent years but 2025 is set to be different. The Jaguars does snag one with the fifth pick for Zierlein, bringing a West Coast product to Jacksonville.
Zierlein: “The Jaguars are all in on Trevor Lawrence, adding another weapon on the perimeter to create their own version of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.”
Another spot where quarterbacks have been heavily linked, mainly Sanders. This mock has Las Vegas going in a different direction by selecting one of the more versatile and exciting prospects in this year’s cycle.
Zierlein: “With Tom Brady in the mix, look for the Raiders to start targeting prospects known for leadership and a love of ball — guys like Walker.”
Many believe Campbell will be the first offensive tackle off the board but if the Jets can get him here, they will likely be thrilled. Campbell was a staple at left tackle during his time in Baton Rouge and hopes to continue in the NFL.
Zierlein: “Give the Jets credit: They keep trying to build the fronts. But that undertaking has produced mixed results. They swing again, and I think this one is a hit. Campbell’s a player who can add toughness and football character to this lineup at right tackle.”
This time last season, Williams would have been a popular name when discussing who would eventually go No. 1. Carolina would be getting somebody with an immense amount of traits, something the defensive side of the roster desperately needs.
Zierlein: “The Panthers need pass-rush help in the worst way. In this simulation, they turn to an ascending prospect with a high floor, but the physically gifted Williams will need some time to maximize his intriguing skill set.”
Stewart would be the fourth EDGE taken inside the top 10, getting picked by New Orleans. Zierlein does point out how the Saints need somebody to replace a franchise legend in the near future.
Zierlein: “The Saints could try to trade out if the board falls like this, but in this scenario, they make the risk/reward pick in Stewart. Hopefully, he can take the torch from Cam Jordan, who’s turning 36 this summer.”
There is almost no doubt as to which position Chicago needs to take at No. 10. Protecting Caleb Williams is top priority this offseason and an offensive tackle is badly needed. In this scenario, the Bears grab somebody from Big Ten country.
Zierlein: “For the second time in three drafts, Ryan Poles takes an offensive tackle with the No. 10 overall pick.”
11. San Francisco 49ers – Michigan DT Mason Graham
12. Dallas Cowboys – Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty
13. Miami Dolphins – South Carolina S Nick Emmanwori
14. Indianapolis Colts – Alabama G Tyler Booker
15. Atlanta Falcons – Marshall EDGE Mike Green
16. Houston Texans (via ARI) – Texas OT Kelvin Banks
17. Cincinnati Bengals – Penn State TE Tyler Warren
18. Seattle Seahawks – Texas WR Matthew Golden
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Tennessee EDGE James Pearce Jr.
20. Denver Broncos – Michigan TE Colston Loveland
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Michigan CB Will Johnson
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Michigan DT Kenneth Grant
23. Green Bay Packers – Texas CB Jahdae Barron
24. Baltimore Ravens (via MIN) – Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr.
25. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU) – Missouri WR Luther Burden III
26. Los Angeles Rams – Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell
27. Minnesota Vikings (via BAL) – Kentucky CB Maxwell Harriston
28. Detroit Lions – Florida State CB Azareye’h Thomas
29. Cleveland Browns (via WAS) – Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders
30. Buffalo Bills – Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen
31. Kansas City Chiefs – Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton
32. Chicago Bears (via PHI) – North Dakota State G Grey Zabel
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The NFL Scouting Combine has reached its conclusion from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapo