NFL Mock Draft 2025: Patriots Select Travis Hunter First Overall; Jalen Milroe Rises as Top QB Ahead of Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders

The 2025 NFL Draft: Early Projections and Team Needs

As the 2024 NFL season approaches its midpoint and college football reaches its unofficial halfway point, the buzz surrounding the 2025 NFL Draft is beginning to intensify. With several teams already eyeing their future prospects, the draft order is starting to take shape. This year’s draft class is shaping up to be filled with marquee impact players, both on offense and defense, making it an exciting time for fans and franchises alike.

The Rising Stars

While names like Arch Manning, Ryan Williams, and Jeremiah Smith are already generating buzz for future drafts, the 2024 class is not without its own standout talents. As teams assess their needs and the potential for rebuilding, the focus will shift to identifying the next generation of stars who can make an immediate impact.

Projecting the First Round

With the draft set to kick off on April 24, 2025, at the iconic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, here’s a look at how the first round might unfold based on the current standings and team needs.

1. New England Patriots (1-4)
   Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado (6-1, 185 pounds)
   The Patriots are in need of dynamic playmakers, and Hunter’s versatility as both a cornerback and wide receiver makes him an ideal fit for Bill Belichick’s system.

2. Cincinnati Bengals (1-4)
   Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona (6-5, 210 pounds)
   With Tee Higgins potentially leaving in free agency, McMillan’s size and ability to make contested catches could provide a valuable asset for Joe Burrow.

3. Cleveland Browns (1-4)
   Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama (6-2, 225 pounds)
   After a rocky experience with Deshaun Watson, the Browns may look to Milroe, whose dual-threat capabilities could revitalize their offense.

4. Los Angeles Rams (1-4)
   Will Johnson, CB, Michigan (6-2, 202 pounds)
   The Rams have struggled in the secondary, and Johnson’s potential as a shutdown corner could help solidify their defense.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4)
   Mason Graham, DT, Michigan (6-3, 318 pounds)
   To complement their edge rushers, the Jaguars need a strong presence in the middle, and Graham fits the bill as a disruptive force.

6. Carolina Panthers (1-4)
   Cam Ward, QB, Miami (6-2, 223 pounds)
   With Bryce Young not meeting expectations, the Panthers may look to Ward, who has shown significant improvement and possesses a strong arm.

7. Tennessee Titans (1-3)
   Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado (6-2, 215 pounds)
   The Titans are in search of a franchise quarterback, and Sanders’ physical talent and passing ability make him a compelling option.

8. Miami Dolphins (2-3)
   Malaki Starks, S, Georgia (6-1, 205 pounds)
   Starks’ range and playmaking ability would bolster a Dolphins secondary that needs depth and talent.

9. New York Jets (2-3)
   Will Campbell, OT, LSU (6-6, 323 pounds)
   Campbell could provide the Jets with a long-term solution at left tackle, protecting their quarterback of the future.

10. Arizona Cardinals (2-3)
    Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan (6-3, 339 pounds)
    Grant’s ability to disrupt both the run and pass makes him a valuable addition to a Cardinals defense in need of reinforcements.

11. Las Vegas Raiders (2-3)
    Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State (5-9, 215 pounds)
    Jeanty’s explosiveness could revitalize the Raiders’ running game, providing a dynamic option in the backfield.

12. New Orleans Saints (2-3)
    Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri (5-11, 208 pounds)
    Burden’s speed and ability to make plays after the catch would complement the Saints’ receiving corps nicely.

13. Indianapolis Colts (2-3)
    Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame (6-0, 190 pounds)
    Morrison’s technical skills and playmaking ability would help improve the Colts’ secondary.

14. San Francisco 49ers (2-3)
    Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M (6-4, 285 pounds)
    Scourton’s pass-rushing prowess could provide the 49ers with a much-needed boost opposite Nick Bosa.

15. New York Giants (2-3)
    Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas (6-4, 324 pounds)
    Banks could solidify the Giants’ offensive line, providing protection for their quarterback.

16. Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)
    Cameron Williams, OT, Texas (6-5, 235 pounds)
    With Lane Johnson aging, Williams could be the future anchor of the Eagles’ offensive line.

17. Chicago Bears (3-2)
    Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia (6-5, 265 pounds)
    Williams’ versatility and strength would enhance the Bears’ pass rush.

18. Green Bay Packers (3-2)
    Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State (6-3, 250 pounds)
    Carter’s natural pass-rushing skills would complement Rashan Gary on the Packers’ defense.

19. Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)
    Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan (6-5, 245 pounds)
    Loveland could become a key target for Justin Herbert in the Chargers’ offense.

20. Dallas Cowboys (3-2)
    Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State (6-5, 260 pounds)
    Sawyer’s versatility as a pass rusher would provide additional support for Micah Parsons.

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)
    Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas (5-11, 190 pounds)
    Bond’s speed and vertical threat could add another dimension to the Buccaneers’ offense.

22. Denver Broncos (3-2)
    Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State (6-1, 205 pounds)
    Egbuka’s route-running and big-play ability would fill a significant void for the Broncos.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)
    Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota (6-6, 330 pounds)
    Ersery’s athleticism and size would help bolster the Steelers’ offensive line.

24. Detroit Lions (3-1)
    James Pearce, EDGE, Tennessee (6-5, 243 pounds)
    Pearce’s explosive athleticism would provide the Lions with additional pass-rushing options.

25. Seattle Seahawks (3-2)
    Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky (6-6, 345 pounds)
    Walker’s unique athleticism for his size would help shore up the Seahawks’ defensive line.

26. Buffalo Bills (3-2)
    Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati (6-1, 320 pounds)
    Corleone’s strength and quickness would enhance the Bills’ run defense.

27. Atlanta Falcons (3-2)
    Harold Perkins Jr., EDGE, LSU (6-1, 235 pounds)
    Perkins’ versatility and pass-rushing skills would add depth to the Falcons’ defense.

28. Baltimore Ravens (3-2)
    Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College (6-2, 247 pounds)
    Ezeiruaku’s ability to rush the passer would complement the Ravens’ defensive scheme.

29. Washington Commanders (4-1)
    Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina (6-3, 193 pounds)
    Despite his injury, Revel’s potential as a cover corner makes him a worthwhile first-round investment.

30. Houston Texans (4-1)
    Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State (6-2, 205 pounds)
    Winston’s range and playmaking ability would strengthen the Texans’ secondary.

31. Minnesota Vikings (5-0)
    Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State (6-1, 190 pounds)
    Burke’s polished skills would help solidify the Vikings’ cornerback position.

32. Kansas City Chiefs (5-0)
    Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU (6-3, 315 pounds)
    Jones’ pass protection skills would address the Chiefs’ right tackle issues, ensuring better protection for Patrick Mahomes.

As the season progresses, team needs will continue to evolve, and the draft order will shift. However, one thing is certain: the 2025 NFL Draft promises to be an exciting event filled with potential and opportunity for franchises looking to build for the future.