We have reached the point of the 2024 NFL regular season when most fans fall into one of two camps: hoping for a Super Bowl, or hoping for a high draft pick and top prospect. With only four weeks left before the playoffs (and the college football regular season now behind us), we’re starting to look more and more to the 2025 NFL draft. So it’s a perfect time to dive into another mock draft, predicting first-round landing spots for the best players in next year’s class.

The draft order here is based on the current standings after Week 14 — where all 32 teams would slot if the season ended right now. No first-round picks have been traded yet, and I’m not projecting any moves today, either.

As we say before every mock draft, it’s important to remember things will change a good deal before the draft gets rolling on April 24. We still have bowl season, the College Football Playoff, pre-draft events, pro days and countless shifts in rankings and team needs ahead. But for now, here is where things stand and how I’d project Round 1. (Note: Underclassmen are noted with an asterisk.)

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Position rankings

Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

The Giants’ multiyear quest to find a quarterback — recall they tried to trade up in last April’s draft — should come to an end in 2025. They benched and subsequently cut Daniel Jones last month, ending his six-season era in New York. Sanders has put together an incredible final college season, leading the FBS in completion percentage (74.2%) and ranking top-three in touchdown passes (35) and passing yards (3,926). He is at his best delivering from the pocket, as he throws with natural touch and is extremely poised. Sanders has met big moment after big moment at Colorado, and that unflappability bodes well for his NFL future.

Cam Ward, QB, Miami

The Raiders also must find a true quarterback of the future this offseason, as Las Vegas missed out on all six of the top QBs in the 2024 class. Gardner Minshew (broken collarbone) and Aidan O’Connell (knee) have underwhelmed, and neither is healthy right now. It’s time for a big change. Ward, meanwhile, is an improvisational signal-caller with a hose of an arm and the capacity to throw from many different arm angles. He leads the FBS with 36 touchdown passes and is second with 4,123 passing yards.

Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado*

The most electric player in the class and top-ranked prospect on my board, Hunter offers difference-making ability on both sides of the ball. He has rare acceleration and high-end playmaking traits as a receiver, but I also see lockdown cover skills — including elite ball skills and instincts — as a cornerback. Consider that he not only is sixth in receiving yards (1,152) and second in TD catches (14) on offense, but he also has four interceptions and 10 pass breakups on defense.

The Patriots have a significant need at left tackle, so targeting someone such as Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. is at least a conversation. But once factoring in holes at both receiver and the cornerback spot opposite of Christian Gonzalez, Hunter is too good to pass up.

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Travis Hunter makes strong Heisman case with 3 TDs, INT

Colorado’s Travis Hunter puts up a Heisman-worthy performance against Oklahoma State with three touchdowns and an interception.

Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

Edge rusher will be a priority for Carolina this offseason, as only Atlanta is worse in pass rush win rate (28.1%). And this draft class is deep there. Carter transitioned to a full-time edge role this season after previously playing primarily as a standup inside linebacker. We’ve seen his emergence, as he has 10 sacks and 20 tackles for loss this season. He has more juice and a faster get-off than any other pass rusher in this class, proving the ability to consistently make plays behind the line of scrimmage.

Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas*

The Browns have several needs to address on offense, including potentially the QB position, but they simply must add reinforcements to the offensive line. The Browns have given up the second-most sacks in the NFL this season (53). Additionally, left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. has played only 13 games over the past two seasons and is a free agent in 2025. Banks is my top-ranked offensive tackle, and he has excellent footwork, quickness, movement skills and anchoring ability against power rushers off the edge. He gave up pressure on just 0.3% of dropbacks this season, the best among all FBS offensive tackles.

Mason Graham, DT, Michigan*

The Jets’ draft-day direction will be an interesting storyline to follow. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers‘ future is uncertain, but enough young core players are in place that a new GM and coach might not view this as a rebuild, but instead a team that can make strides in a hurry. Defensive tackle figures to be an issue, and Graham is a hand-in-glove fit for any defense given his versatility and explosive skill set. He is powerful, dynamic getting off the ball, instinctive and relentless. Graham and Quinnen Williams would form quite a duo.

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona*

There have been some recent signs of improvement from Will Levis, though I don’t believe a quarterback investment here can be totally discounted for Tennessee. But there just isn’t a third quarterback after Sanders and Ward that I believe merits consideration this high. Plus, the Titans have to find another wide receiver to complement Calvin Ridley — the only pass catcher over 400 yards this season — in this offense.

McMillan is a smooth big-bodied wideout with exceptional route-running skills and a huge catch radius. His ability to run the entire route tree at 6-foot-5 and 212 pounds makes him a very distinctive talent, and he has totaled 84 catches for 1,319 yards and eight TDs this season.

Will Johnson, CB, Michigan*

A recent extension for Walker Little makes using a premium pick on an offensive tackle seem less likely for Jacksonville, despite the weakness there. That’s especially true when you look at the defensive issues; the Jaguars give up a league-high 6.0 yards per play.

Part of the problem is the cornerback spot opposite Tyson Campbell, where Johnson would fit will. He combines outstanding size with lockdown man coverage skills and a nose for the ball. He returned three of his nine career interceptions for touchdowns. Johnson has sat out a significant portion of this season because of a toe injury, but when healthy, he is a dominant force.

Will Campbell, OT, LSU*

No team has surrendered more sacks this season than the Bears (56), who saw Caleb Williams get dropped seven times Sunday against the 49ers. Campbell is an incredibly balanced player with terrific footwork — I’d argue better than any other offensive lineman in the class — and has 37 career starts worth of experience. He was a day one starter at left tackle for LSU, and while Campbell is still 20 years old, he brings plenty of polish to the position.

Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia*

The SEC championship game was a great chance to see why Williams is such a tantalizing prospect. He notched two sacks in an overtime win against Texas, giving him five on the season. Williams is as impressive physically as any player in the class, as he has rare length and fluidity for the edge position. His ability to bend the edge and generate pressure projects to a potential Pro Bowl-level pass rusher in the NFL, particularly when he is asked to pin his ears back and rush more than he has for a deep Georgia front.

The Saints need the help, ranking 28th in pass rush win rate (35.0%). Cameron Jordan will be 36 next season, and Chase Young is signed for only this season.

James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee*

Pick an area on defense and it could make sense here. Other than Trey Hendrickson‘s dominant season, this team has disappointed on that side of the ball, posting the second-worst defensive efficiency in the NFL ahead of only the Panthers. The pass rush has been especially poor, as Hendrickson’s 12.5 sacks account for more than half of Cincinnati’s total of 24 (tied for second worst).

Pearce has an exceptional first step and the kind of acceleration off the edge that travels to the NFL. He leads the FBS in pressure rate at an incredible 19.8% this season and has piled up 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons.

Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State*

Do the Cowboys have several key issues, including at more premium positions? They unequivocally do. But Jeanty is a remarkable prospect, and this Dallas offense has been largely bereft of playmakers besides CeeDee Lamb. Plus, the Cowboys are 28th in rushing (91.2 yards per game), and Rico Dowdle — who has emerged as the team’s clear-cut No. 1 back — is a free agent this offseason.

Jeanty blends breakaway speed and lateral agility to make defenders miss in the hole and then shows the supreme contact balance to absorb hits to keep on trucking. Though Jeanty’s near-historic rushing totals this season (2,497 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns) have earned deserved attention, I think his receiving ability is underrated, too. He had 569 receiving yards in 2023.

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Mel Kiper Jr.: Ashton Jeanty to the Cowboys makes a ton of sense

Mel Kiper Jr. details why the Cowboys should draft Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty.

Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Regardless of whether Miami can retain free agent Jevon Holland, it must address the safety position this offseason. The lack of speed and playmaking from the Dolphins’ safety group has been a significant issue, and the starting duo of Holland and Jordan Poyer has combined for zero interceptions and only three pass breakups this season. Starks is the best safety in the class by a wide margin and among the most versatile players available regardless of position. He has legitimate range and ball skills to handle center-field duties, but he also has the man-to-man coverage traits to hover over the slot. Starks is a special prospect.

Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon*

There are a couple of factors that make Harmon an ideal addition to Indianapolis’ defense. First, the Colts’ run defense has struggled this season, giving up 4.6 yards per rush. Only Carolina has given up more rushing yardage (147.0 per game), and that sort of gashing cannot go unaddressed. Harmon is a long, disruptive, powerful and high-effort player who would provide a spark there, as well as with the pass rush from the inside.

Second, the Colts need a long-term replacement for DeForest Buckner (31 years old next season and under contract through 2026). Harmon transferred from Michigan State before this season and has been a force for the Ducks (five sacks, 10 run stops).

Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss*

With the possibility of a massive extension for Brock Purdy this offseason, the 49ers could have some evolving team needs. They have so many big deals on the books and can only keep so many players. That being said, San Francisco should beef up the interior of the defensive line and get younger there no matter what. Nolen is a disruptor with excellent interior pass-rushing traits, tallying 6.5 sacks this season. He has very good strength, an explosive first step and powerful hands to disengage from blockers and chase down the quarterback.

Jalon Walker, LB/Edge, Georgia*

The Cardinals have made significant progress this season, but can we get them some juice off the edge? No Cardinals defender has more than 4.5 sacks this season, and their top sacker in 2023 was Dennis Gardeck at six. Walker is an intriguing prospect because though he is tied for the Georgia team lead in sacks this season (6.5), he has also played more snaps as a standup inside linebacker than at edge rusher. Given the value of edge players in today’s NFL, Walker could easily become a full-time player in that role — but the versatility is also a fantastic part of his game.

Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M*

The Falcons’ need for an edge rusher is no mystery — their 19 sacks rank last in the league this season. The return of 2024 third-rounder Bralen Trice (who sustained a torn ACL in the preseason) will help, but they must invest in this position. Enter Stewart, whom I view as one of the most fascinating prospects in the class. Stewart has just 4.5 career sacks but boasts power, agility, fluidity and length coming off the edge. Several scouts have pointed him out as a player who could skyrocket during the pre-draft process as a combine standout.

Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Simmons was playing terrific football before sustaining a season-ending knee injury in late October. He has great footwork and quickness, making him an elite pass-protecting offensive tackle. Though Simmons has played left tackle for Ohio State, he did play the right side early in his college career while at San Diego State, and that versatility only boosts his stock.

The Rams are looking for long-term investments at both left and right tackle; Alaric Jackson and Joe Noteboom are on expiring deals, and Rob Havenstein is signed through only 2025. Simmons will reportedly be ready for the start of training camp next summer, but he might not be called upon to start right out of the gates in L.A. — an ideal arrangement off injury.

Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M*

Though the Buccaneers have been able to scheme up pressure in Todd Bowles’ blitz-friendly system, they don’t have an edge rusher who can create disruption on his own. In fact, they don’t have an edge rusher with more than three sacks. Scourton has five sacks this season after leading the Big Ten with 10 at Purdue last season. His power, leverage and diverse set of pass-rush moves are evident on tape — traits that keep an offensive tackle guessing for 60 minutes.

Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri*

It has been a joy to watch the Jayden Daniels–Terry McLaurin duo thrive this season, but this offense needs more playmakers at receiver. I like the Burden fit; he’s powerful and explosive, thriving with the ball in his hands as one of the best run-after-catch players in the class. Burden has had a modest 2024 season (676 receiving yards, six TDs) after a dominant 2023 campaign, but much of the downward shift can be attributed to a pedestrian Mizzou offense around him. Pairing McLaurin and Burden would be fun in D.C.

Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan*

Coach Sean Payton has often referred to wanting a “Joker” player in his offense — a running back or tight end “with exceptional ball skills.” There is no one more qualified for that role in this draft class than Loveland. He showed his receiving traits this season despite Michigan’s major offensive woes, catching 56 passes for 582 yards and five scores. Denver has relied on a collection of tight ends this season, but none have more than 13 catches or more than 158 receiving yards. Loveland could be key for quarterback Bo Nix taking the next step.

Jonah Savaiinaea, OT/G, Arizona

As the Texans work to fix their porous interior offensive line, Savaiinaea — an offensive tackle who could slide inside in the pros — would provide some immediate relief. This is a value relative to my personal rankings (No. 15 overall), and Savaiinaea brings a ton of versatility to the table. He split time this season between right and left tackle but previously played guard for the Wildcats. Savaiinaea has light feet and a huge frame, packing as much power as any lineman in the class.

Tyler Booker, G, Alabama*

The Seahawks have had to shuffle the interior of the offensive line this season, and I expect them to address guard and center in the offseason. (There isn’t a surefire first-round center.) Booker is a tone-setter with excellent size and power. He holds up well in pass protection, surrendering two pressures and zero sacks all season. Those pass-blocking traits would help Seattle, which has given up 40 sacks (ninth most) and has Laken Tomlinson potentially hitting free agency.

Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

The Chargers’ identity under Jim Harbaugh seems ideal for Warren. He’s tough, physical, fast and explosive, and he does damage as a run blocker on top of his receiving production. I could make a case that Warren is among college football’s best players with the ball in his hands, with 615 of his 1,062 yards coming after the catch this season. The Chargers have leaned on Will Dissly as their top tight end, but Warren would offer more big-play upside.

Mike Green, Edge, Marshall*

Sure, the Ravens are once again near the top of the NFL in sacks (41, third), but they can always use more youth in the pass-rushing group. Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh are signed only through next season. Green broke out this season with an FBS-leading 17 sacks (up from 4.5 the previous season) and 51 pressures. He didn’t play a schedule full of NFL-level offensive tackles in Conference USA, but he sure looked the part of a first-round pick against Ohio State early in the season, displaying power and explosiveness.

Kyle Kennard, Edge, South Carolina

The South Carolina defensive line is among the best position groups in the FBS this season, with Kennard bursting onto the scene in his first season with the program. He is tied for fifth in the nation with 11.5 sacks, and his length and acceleration made him a challenge to block this season. (Kennard drew six penalties on opposing dropbacks, tied for the most in the country.)

Green Bay is middle-of-the-pack in sacks (33) but ranks 28th in pressure rate (28.3%). Kennard can improve that situation.

Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky*

When studying Hairston’s 2023 film over the summer, his instincts and feel for the game stood out to me. He has a subtle way of knowing the perfect time to attack and create turnover opportunities. That has continued in 2024, accumulating a pick-six (his sixth career interception), two forced fumbles, five pass breakups and a sack over seven games. Pittsburgh must continue to add at cornerback with Donte Jackson scheduled for free agency, and Hairston would help the Steelers stay among the top turnover-creating defenses in the NFL.

Cameron Williams, OT, Texas*

The Eagles’ approach to the draft feels like a team facing a second-and-1 situation — they are usually playing ahead of the sticks, creating optionality to think for now or the future. This one is about the future. Right tackle Lane Johnson is still a top player in the NFL. He’s also turning 35 years old before next season and might play only two or three more years. Williams, meanwhile, moves very well for his size, though he needs to be more consistent. He would have time to develop here, and few teams have a better OL development program than Philadelphia.

Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

The Bills are in a distinctive spot at wide receiver — the lack of difference-makers at the position hasn’t necessarily held them back offensively, but it does feel as if they should address it with Amari Cooper set to hit free agency. And Josh Allen would love Egbuka running routes for him. He is such a tough and reliable player, making so many clutch catches for Ohio State during his productive career in Columbus. This season, he has 60 catches for 743 yards and nine TDs. He’s an all-effort receiver who also earns his keep in the running game.

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Emeka Egbuka hauls in 2nd TD to stamp Ohio State’s 28-point lead

Emeka Egbuka secures his second touchdown of the game putting Ohio State far ahead.

Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

A torn ACL cut Revel’s final season short in September. If not for that, we’d be talking about him much closer to the top 10. Revel has terrific size, speed, acceleration and ball skills, as he snagged two interceptions in three games this season. It’s unclear whether Brian Flores will still be the Vikings’ defensive coordinator next season (or if he will land a head coach job elsewhere), but it’s worth nothing that Minnesota dials up pressure and relies on its corners a lot. And with Stephon Gilmore, Byron Murphy Jr. and Shaquill Griffin set to be free agents in March, the Vikings need cover guys like Revel.

Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

At 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, Ersery has excellent size, length and footwork. He has been Minnesota’s left tackle for the past three seasons, giving up only four sacks over 39 career starts. It’s too soon to write off 2024 second-rounder Kingsley Suamataia, but when you are in the midst of an epic run like Kansas City, you must act urgently to address key needs.

Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State

The Lions seek out tough and selfless players. Jackson fits that bill. He is one of the better guards in college football, but he kicked to left tackle to replace Simmons for Ohio State this season, playing more than 50% of his snaps out of position. The willingness to play a new position speaks volumes for his draft stock, and he would help Detroit as it eyes the future on the interior offensive line. The Lions’ starting guards are currently 32 (Graham Glasgow) and 34 (Kevin Zeitler) years old.