We’re roughly three months from the 2025 NFL draft. The college football season is officially over — congrats to the national champion Ohio State Buckeyes — and we’re down to four teams in the NFL playoffs. That means three things:

1. We have a full final season of tape for top prospects, so evaluations are becoming clearer.

2. The draft order for the first 28 picks is locked in, with the Tennessee Titans sitting at No. 1.

3. It’s a perfect time for my debut mock draft for the 2025 class.

This class isn’t loaded with quarterback talent, like we saw in 2024. But I still have a few passers going early in Round 1, and there is plenty of talent at other positions. Remember, there is a lot of time before the draft begins April 24, and the board will continue to change with predraft events. This is merely an exercise to show what I’m thinking three months out, factoring in my Big Board rankings and what I’m hearing from execs, scouts and coaches in the league. I’m not projecting any trades right now; it’s just too early to gauge which teams could move up. And I used ESPN’s Football Power Index to project the draft order for the final four picks.

Let’s get into my early projections, starting with the Titans. For more on the 32 pick predictions, check out the “SportsCenter Special” airing at 5 p.m. ET Wednesday.

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JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

Cam Ward, QB, Miami

I was a fan of Will Levis when the Titans took him early on Day 2 in 2023, and there’s still a chance he puts it all together. But he hasn’t played nearly well enough to keep the job in Tennessee. The Titans had the NFL’s second-worst QBR (37.3) and interception total (21) this season as they bounced between Levis and Mason Rudolph.

I’m sure new general manager Mike Borgonzi will listen to trade offers here, but his real decision should come down to Ward vs. Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. I actually have Sanders ranked one spot ahead of Ward on my Big Board (No. 4 overall). Ward has the early top-pick buzz around the league, though, so that’s where I’m leaning for now. He extends plays with his creativity, mobility and strong arm. Ward led the nation with 39 touchdown passes this season, and he’d help put the Titans back on track.

Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

Know how I just said the Titans had the league’s second-worst QBR and INT total? Well, the Browns were the worst in both categories. Deshaun Watson also re-tore his right Achilles and Jameis Winston is a free agent, so taking Sanders isn’t out of the question. But I think Cleveland is more likely to address another hole here and find QB reinforcements in free agency and/or later in the draft. (Trading back for more picks with another QB-needy team could be part of the equation, too.)

Plus, Hunter is just that good. I see elite quickness and ball skills on both sides of the ball, traits that helped him to 15 touchdown catches and four interceptions this season. The Browns would likely use him primarily at receiver and then sprinkle him in at cornerback in specific situations.

Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

This is the best-case scenario for the Giants. Their Week 17 win over the Colts slid them to No. 3 overall, and now finding a new QB1 in the first round isn’t guaranteed. But Daniel Jones is gone, and Drew Lock is a free agent, so the Giants have to do something to clean up one of the worst passing games in the league. New York will be weighing all options, and it might ultimately be forced to trade up into the top two to get its guy. But here, Sanders falls into the Giants’ lap without any extra moves.

Sanders is super accurate, completing 74% of his throws this season. He could step in right away and lift the entire offense, including standout 2024 first-rounder Malik Nabers. Time is running out for GM Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll; they have to get this right.

Abdul Carter, OLB, Penn State

Carter is instinctive and fast, and he seems to always be around the ball. He converted from off-ball linebacker to the edge this season and dominated to the tune of 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss. For a New England team that struggled to get pressure, Carter would be a massive addition. New coach Mike Vrabel could move him around and use his disruptive traits to improve the Patriots’ league-low sack count (28).

New England also has glaring holes at receiver and on the offensive line. If Hunter is still on the board, he fits. Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan makes some sense, too. And there’s a shot the Pats get an offer to trade back, which would put them in a better spot to take one of the top offensive tackles. But Carter — my No. 2 prospect — could take this defense to another level.

Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

The Jaguars are probably thinking defense here — it’s just a matter of where on defense. Michigan corner Will Johnson could be the answer opposite Tyson Campbell. Georgia safety Malaki Starks could replace Andre Cisco if Jacksonville doesn’t re-sign Cisco and is open to trading back. But defensive tackle is the biggest need, and Graham is one heck of a football player. He wins with his technique, using leverage to beat interior offensive linemen. Graham could slide between Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen and wreak havoc from the inside.

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

In 2024, the Raiders had the No. 13 pick … and somehow missed out on all of the top six quarterbacks. They are picking higher this year, but the supply is more limited. There’s a really good chance they strike out at QB yet again. Minority owner Tom Brady is apparently involved in the process to fix the quarterback situation, and I could see Las Vegas trading up for either Sanders or Ward. But finding the answer at No. 6 might not be in the cards.

So, here’s the solution: add a passer through free agency (and maybe take a shot at one of the Day 2 QBs) and pair him with a playmaker with this pick. Tight end Brock Bowers had an amazing rookie season (1,194 yards), but the wide receiver room is light after the Raiders dealt Davante Adams to the Jets. McMillan has the body control to make tough, contested catches and finished 2024 with 1,319 receiving yards and eight TDs.

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McMillan sets Arizona record with 304 receiving yards, 4 TDs in win

Tetairoa McMillan sets an Arizona record with 304 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

Mykel Williams, OLB, Georgia

This is another team with quarterback questions, but regardless of Aaron Rodgers‘ future, the Jets might focus instead on the other side of the ball in Round 1. I’m getting the sense that Williams will get drafted higher than most expect — he’s No. 12 on my board — and he could give New York more presence off the edge. He needs coaching (Aaron Glenn would be great for his development if the Jets hire him) and has room to grow with his pass-rush technique. But I see the potential for 10-12 sacks per season here.

Williams reminds me of another former Georgia edge rusher who didn’t have the college stats but absolutely had the talent: Travon Walker. So while five sacks — Williams did miss time with an ankle injury — might make you pause, know that he looks the part and has the traits to be a force in the NFL.

Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia

Carolina gave up 6.0 yards per play and 31.4 points per game this season, both last in the NFL. Regardless of what you think of quarterback Bryce Young‘s long-term potential, it’s tough to win games with a defense that allows that many points.

Walker is versatile, and he can line up as a traditional off-ball linebacker or edge rusher. His game is all about speed-to-power, and no matter where you put him, he can get into the backfield to blow up plays. He had 6.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss this season, and he’d be a fit in coordinator Ejiro Evero’s unit.

Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Johnson — who reads the QB incredibly well and has the quickness to finish plays with takeaways — could be the Marshon Lattimore replacement in New Orleans. Johnson had nine interceptions over his career at Michigan. The Saints seemingly always find their way out of their salary cap issues, but they are projected to be $70.6 million over the cap in 2025, per Roster Management System. They have to find Day 1 starters in the draft, and Johnson would fill a big hole. New Orleans allowed 7.3 yards per pass attempt this season, ranking 23rd in the league.

Will Campbell, OT/G, LSU

The Bears have had three top-10 picks since Ryan Poles became the GM in 2022, and they’ve used them all on offense. But anyone who watched Chicago play this season knows Caleb Williams needs better protection; the rookie QB took 68 sacks. The entire offensive line class is still on the board here, and it’s close between Campbell and Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. at the top.

I lean Campbell because he was better this season and has more size at 6-foot-6, 323 pounds, even though Banks is ranked higher on my board (No. 10 vs. No. 11). Campbell gave up just two sacks over 524 pass-block snaps this season. There are some length concerns, and he might kick inside to guard, but Chicago needs help all over that line.

Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

Banks has a ton of experience, having started 42 games over his college career — and he allowed only three sacks over that time. I’m curious to see his combine measurements — height might be a question mark if he’s 6-foot-3 or shorter — but he has the movement traits and strength to seal off the edge in pass protection.

The 49ers still have Trent Williams locking down the left side for two more seasons, but he will be 37 years old at the start of next season. It’s time to start planning for the future. Plus, Banks could help on the right side for now, where the Niners have missed Mike McGlinchey (signed with Denver two years ago).

Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

Yes, it’s a mock draft without Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty going to Dallas! I think it’s possible the Cowboys take Jeanty, and there’s no arguing that they need a boost to the run game. But I imagine they’d first try to fix that hole in free agency. And regardless, this team has to find playmakers all over, period.

Putting Burden’s valuable after-the-catch ability opposite CeeDee Lamb would open things up for Dak Prescott. Dallas has been looking for a reliable one-two receiver punch in the offense for a while; it hasn’t had two WRs over 700 receiving yards since 2021, when Amari Cooper was still in town. Burden has the explosive traits to change that.

Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

No college defense has ever had three players go this early in the same year, per ESPN Research, but Starks could join the early run on Bulldogs. He closes well and makes plays on the ball. With 67 tackles this season, he works well in space. And he’s versatile, lining up as a traditional safety and over the slot. Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer — the Dolphins’ starting safeties — are both free agents this offseason, so Miami could certainly address the back end here. An offensive or defensive line upgrade could also be the move, though.

Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

If the Colts want to maximize quarterback Anthony Richardson, they should be adding to his supporting cast this offseason. Warren catches everything, hauling in 104 of his 135 targets this season for 1,233 yards and eight scores. Penn State used him all over the place — slot, out wide, in-line, in the backfield — and he produced no matter the alignment. He could slide right into the Colts’ lineup, with Kylen Granson and Mo Alie-Cox both set for free agency.

I also considered going cornerback or safety here — Indy needs both. If Starks is still available, I like that fit. Maybe South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori works his way into the conversation, too. But Warren could be awesome in this offense, and the value is much better.

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Tyler Warren climbs the ladder for a Penn State TD

Tyler Warren defies gravity with a high-flying catch for a Penn State touchdown.

Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M

Expect to hear this name a lot more as we get into predraft events. Stewart still has some development ahead, but his athletic traits at 6-foot-6, 290 pounds could push him up the board this spring. Atlanta was 31st in sacks (31) and 27th in pass rush win rate (34.1%) this season, and it hasn’t done nearly enough to clean up that weakness. The Matthew Judon trade in August was a step in the right direction, but he added just 5.5 sacks this season and is a free agent.

Stewart didn’t rack up sacks in college — 1.5 in 2024 — but he has the potential to break out in a big way in the pros.

Tyler Booker, G, Alabama

I’d love for Arizona to land a pass rusher here after it finished 26th in pressure rate (28.6%), but the board isn’t cooperating. It’d be a reach to Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr., Marshall’s Mike Green or Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton. General manager Monti Ossenfort is known to trade around in the first round, so maybe he gets an offer for the No. 16 pick — someone interested in Ashton Jeanty? — and is able to move back, get an edge rusher and add more picks. But if the Cardinals stay home and things play out like this, I’m eyeing another position.

Arizona might not return guards Will Hernandez or Evan Brown (both free agents), and it has to keep the interior offensive line strong for its run game. Booker might be the best pure guard in the class. He’s strong at the point of attack, and no one gets past him. And he’s rugged in the run game, getting to the second level to clear lanes.

Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

How contract situations play out for Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase could pivot the calculus, but it’d be nearly impossible for Cincinnati to ignore the defense. Without a doubt, that unit kept the Bengals from the playoffs this season, allowing 25.5 points per game (25th). So I’m matching them with a prospect who does a little bit of everything on that side of the ball. Campbell had 112 tackles, 5 sacks, 12 run stops and an interception this season. He’s instinctive and explosive.

Armand Membou, OT/G, Missouri

Membou can play tackle or guard, but Seattle will be fixating on the interior. Maybe Membou could replace free agent Laken Tomlinson at left guard, while providing insurance for oft-injured right tackle Abraham Lucas? He’s very good in pass protection and shows some pop at the point of attack. And he’s experienced, with more than 2,000 career snaps.

Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

Emmanwori has closed the gap to Starks in the safety rankings, and I considered him five spots earlier for the Colts. Emmanwori is going to be a red-hot prospect throughout the predraft process. He has a big frame at 6-foot-3, 227 pounds, but he moves like a smaller defensive back. He picked off four passes this season (2 pick-sixes), and he could fit in nicely for the Buccaneers’ defense. Emmanwori next to Antoine Winfield Jr. could do some damage to opposing passing attacks.

Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

I’ve made it clear how I feel about taking a running back in the first round, but I’m not the one making the picks. And make no mistake, Jeanty is going to go in the first round. He’s a top-10 prospect with incredible elusiveness. Jeanty piled up 2,601 rushing yards and 29 rushing scores this season.

The Broncos, meanwhile, couldn’t establish the run to help out rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Their running backs were in the bottom 10 in rushing yards (1,423), rushing TDs (8) and yards per carry (4.1) in 2024. Lead back Javonte Williams‘ contract is expiring, and although Denver drafted Audric Estime in the fifth round last April, it could make a Day 1 splash at the position this year. And an added bonus: Jeanty is a great pass catcher out of the backfield, which would give Nix another outlet.

Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

The last time the Steelers took a receiver in Round 1 was 2006, when they drafted Santonio Holmes at No. 25. But unless things drastically change in free agency, Pittsburgh has to break that streak. There aren’t enough reliable pass catchers in this offense. The Steelers don’t have a surefire WR2 behind George Pickens, and the offense isn’t going to improve until they do something there, no matter the QB.

Egbuka caught six passes for 64 yards in Monday’s national championship win, putting him over 1,000 yards on the season (1,011). It was also the second time in the past three years that Egbuka caught double-digit touchdowns (10). He’s a great route runner with speed and would eat up targets in the Steelers’ offense.

Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

How about a seam-stretching tight end for quarterback Justin Herbert? Loveland is a tough matchup for defenses — he’s 6-foot-5, 245 pounds, and he has some speed. He had 56 catches, 582 yards and 5 TDs this season despite middling play from Michigan’s quarterback room. He played for Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, too, so there’s a built-in connection.

L.A. has to also look at the receiver group. Four WRs are off the board already, which is why I opted for Loveland. It’s just too big of a reach to Utah State’s Jalen Royals, TCU’s Savion Williams or Texas’ Isaiah Bond. But if one of those guys rises over the next few months, that might be the priority.

Mike Green, OLB, Marshall

Who knows who was the last first-round pick out of Marshall? You have to go back to 2003, when quarterback Byron Leftwich went No. 7. Leftwich is one of three Marshall first-rounders of the common draft era (since 1967), joining Chad Pennington (2000) and Randy Moss (1998). So it says something that Green could join that group.

Green ranked in the top 10 nationally in sacks (17, first), tackles for loss (22, second) and pressure rate (15.5%, ninth). He wins with speed-to-power, and he displays good bend and strong hands. Despite tying for eighth in sacks (45), the Packers were 22nd in pressure rate (29.8%) and 26th in pass rush win rate (34.8%). This feels like a good fit.

Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

Minnesota has big-time cornerback questions. All three starters — Stephon Gilmore, Shaquill Griffin and slot guy Byron Murphy Jr. — are free agents, along with backup Fabian Moreau. So, even though the Vikings led the NFL in interceptions by quite a bit (24, five more than second best), they might have to restock their CB room in the draft. Morrison missed all but six games in 2024 with a hip injury, but he’s a top-tier cover man. He has sound technique, and he has the ball skills to keep Minnesota’s INT total high. Morrison had nine picks and 21 pass breakups over his career.

Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Here’s another player who missed most of the 2024 season. Simmons was out after six games with a left knee injury. Had he stayed healthy, I think we’d be talking about him as a OT1 candidate in this class. He’s consistent in pass protection and drives back defenders in the run game.

Houston’s pass protection was anything but consistent this season, allowing 54 sacks (tied for third most). Quarterback C.J. Stroud was constantly on the run. The Texans have left tackle Laremy Tunsil under contract for two more seasons, but Simmons could fit in at right tackle or even a guard spot for now before potentially taking over on the left side down the road.

Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

This is the primary spot where I considered including a third quarterback. All signs point to Matthew Stafford returning to the Rams next season and still playing at a high level. But he’s also going to be 37 when training camp starts. Retirement isn’t out of the question, and even if he does come back, Los Angeles would be smart to start making future plans. One of the league’s best draft-and-develop teams could choose to do that with one of the QB3 options: Syracuse’s Kyle McCord — who is rising after declaring for the draft — Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe would all be in the mix.

But … I’m not ready to put a third passer into Round 1, so I’m instead trying to help the Rams keep Stafford protected. Conerly has fantastic movement traits and maintains a clean pocket for his quarterback. He gave up just two sacks over three seasons in Eugene. He started two of those seasons and has been a consistent blindside wall.

Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

Teams will be watching Revel’s medicals as he recovers from a torn ACL that ended his 2024 season in September. He has tremendous size (6-foot-3) and leans on his strong instincts to make plays. Revel — who would be the first East Carolina first-rounder since Chris Johnson in 2008 — had two interceptions in three games this season, including a pick-six.

Now picture Revel in the Baltimore secondary with Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins and Kyle Hamilton. He could fill free agent Brandon Stephens‘ void and help limit the big plays that burned the Ravens this season; they allowed 58 completions for 20 or more yards, third most in the league.

James Pearce Jr., OLB, Tennessee

Even with Aidan Hutchinson (leg) back in the picture next season, Detroit can’t let this Super Bowl window slip away because the pass rush doesn’t have enough juice. The Lions’ 37 sacks tied for 23rd in the NFL this season. They were also 25th in pass rush win rate at 35.4%. Injuries wore down the defense, but there weren’t enough playmakers there to begin with, even after the midseason trade for Za’Darius Smith.

Pearce still needs to build out his 6-foot-5 frame, but his speed could make a difference in Detroit. He mixes up pass-rush moves and gets home to the QB, with 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons.

Note: We used ESPN’s Football Power Index to project the draft order for Nos. 29-32. Those slots will be occupied by the four teams still alive in the playoffs.

Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M

The Commanders are picking this late (and possibly later) largely because they got immediate star power from their 2024 first-round pick: quarterback Jayden Daniels. Can they take another step forward by acing their 2025 first-round selection? Scourton plays with power. And while he can get to the quarterback as a pass rusher (5 sacks), I really like this fit because of his run defense. Washington was chewed up for 4.8 yards allowed per rush this season, 28th in the league. But Scourton has the strength to set an edge against the run, and he finished the season with 14 tackles for loss and 11 run stops.

Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

Drafting another wide receiver should be considered, and the defensive line could use reinforcements. But the cornerback spot jumps out. Buffalo allowed opponent QBs to complete 68.5% of their passes, 28th in the league, and Rasul Douglas is on an expiring deal. Hairston is a pro-ready prospect. His awareness, burst to the ball and route-recognition skills are top-notch. Hairston was a little banged-up this season, as a shoulder injury limited him to seven games and one interception. But he had five picks the previous year, showing his ball skills.

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Maxwell Hairston comes up with the pick-six for Kentucky

Maxwell Hairston picks off a pass and takes it the other way for a Kentucky touchdown.

Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

No, Chris Jones isn’t going anywhere. But he could use more help alongside him on the interior in Kansas City. Nolen has strong hands and can pressure the QB from inside with his quickness. He had 12.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in 2024. Nolen would give defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo yet another difference-maker to heat up the pocket.

Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

GM Howie Roseman favors the trenches in Round 1, so don’t be surprised if he finds another impact defensive tackle with the Eagles’ first pick. Yes, it would be the third time in four years that he used a Day 1 selection at the position (Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis), and according to ESPN Research, we’ve seen a team do that only three times in the common draft era. But hey, if the Eagles are picking at No. 32, it means they won the Super Bowl and the strategy is working. Plus, Milton Williams is a free agent. Grant’s instincts and ability to bat balls at the line of scrimmage would be welcomed in Philadelphia.

Here’s a wild card to watch, though. The Eagles need edge rushers, too, and Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku could rise draft boards this spring. He had 16.5 sacks this season.