The 2024 NFL season is underway, and we're a quarter of the way through. Considering that, I figured it was time to write my first official mock draft. With both the college season and the NFL season hitting their stride, we've seen players start to break out and become first-round talents, while others have started to fall a little bit. I'm interested to see how everything plays out, but first let's get to the rules.
Since we're only a few weeks in, I decided to make projections for the rest of the season and base this mock draft on those. The order is based on those projections, not the current standings. This probably will not age very well, but just take it for what it is. Hopefully you enjoy the read and (potentially) agree with some of my picks. Now, let's get started.
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Edition 1
#1. New York Giants - Jalen Milroe | QB | Alabama
It's been six seasons, and it's pretty clear that Daniel Jones just is not the guy. He's shown flashes throughout his career, but you want more from a guy you took with the 6th overall pick. I'm not quite ready to give up on Brian Daboll without giving him a real QB, so that's who the Giants select here. This class doesn't have a consensus QB1, but, if I had to bet, I'd say it would be Alabama's Jalen Milroe. Milroe is an athletic quarterback who has elite arm strength and scrambling characteristics. He's not quite the level of a Lamar Jackson or Kyler Murray when it comes to speed, but he can make a good play on the run when he needs to. There's a lot of potential with Milroe, and pairing him with an elite receiver like Malik Nabers could be very intriguing for the G-Men if they decide to go this route.
#2. Jacksonville Jaguars - Travis Hunter | CB/WR | Colorado
Travis Hunter is the best player in this class, I'm just going to put that out there. I'm not entirely sure what position he's going to play at the next level, which is why I listed both cornerback and wide receiver, but he will be a star for whichever team selects him. He has elite top-end speed, which is a good thing to have at both positions. For the Jaguars, I'd probably roll with him at cornerback. Their secondary has been atrocious this year, which has resulted in an 0-4 start and one of the worst-looking Jaguars teams since the Urban Meyer era. Adding an elite talent like Hunter would be an excellent boost to the secondary in a similar way to Jalen Ramsey back in 2016. Sacksonville 2025? We'll see.
#3. New England Patriots - Will Campbell | OT | LSU
The Patriots aren't playing Drake Maye yet, which is probably a good thing if they don't want to do to him what the Texans did to David Carr. Their offensive line is abysmal, with needs at tackle and guard. New England needs to do whatever they can to address this, so I have them taking the best offensive lineman in the draft in LSU's Will Campbell. Campbell is a very efficient left tackle who has been a starter in the Bayou for a while now, with his balance and quickness allowing him to become one of the best tackles in the college game. He has the mental ability to become an immediate starter for the Patriots, which will be great for Maye when he becomes the starter next year. The only complaint about Campbell is his arm length, but he more than makes up for that in his actual play.
#4. Miami Dolphins - Cameron Ward | QB | Miami (FL)
I feel bad for Tua Tagovailoa. The dude seems like a genuine guy, and he's absolutely talented, but his concussion this year just shows that he probably needs to hang it up. It's not worth risking the mental issues CTE could lead to down the road. With that in mind, I have Miami taking a quarterback here, and it's a guy who plays in the same stadium as the Dolphins in Washington State transfer Cameron Ward. Ward has excellent arm talent and shows an ability to extend plays outside of the pocket. He has been a key reason as to why the Hurricanes are currently undefeated. I think his arm could be put to good use in an offense with speedy guys like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and his scrambling ability could make Miami's offense that much more dynamic.
#5. Carolina Panthers - Carson Beck | QB | Georgia
It's crazy to imagine Carolina taking a quarterback only two years after trading away their future to select Bryce Young, but that's probably the reality we're going to be living in. Young just hasn't lived up to expectations, and the much improved play of long-time backup Andy Dalton has mostly cemented that. Carolina needs a pocket passer with the ability to make accurate throws and operate within the structure of the offense, and that's what Beck is. He came very close to leading Georgia to a 28-point comeback against Alabama, and while he's had struggles this year, shows flashes of the ability to be a first-round level quarterback. I want to see some improvement, but there's a lot of potential with Beck.
#6. Los Angeles Rams - Will Johnson | CB | Michigan
Will Johnson falling to #6 feels very unlikely, but with QB-needy teams ahead of the Rams, it happens here. The Rams have been very disappointing this season, mostly due to injuries to star players like Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, and I expect a rough rest of the year. The Rams do need a lot of help at corner, as their secondary has been rough this year to say the least. Johnson is one of the best corner prospects of the past few years, and for good reason. The dude was a key part of why Michigan was able to win a national championship in 2023, and has consistently been the team's best player. His size and length combined with his quickness and agility make him a dangerous threat to any opposing quarterback. In a division that features some elite wide receivers, Johnson would be a good player to have.
#7. Tennessee Titans - Quinn Ewers | QB | Texas
Will Levis is not a starting-caliber NFL quarterback. I had a feeling that would be the case back in 2023, and I have been proven correct by his meme-worthy play in 2024. If Tennessee wants to be able to compete for an AFC South title, they need a new starter, plain and simple. Drafting a guy like Quinn Ewers could potentially make things a lot better for the Titans. Ewers has proven himself to be a very capable starting quarterback, leading Texas to a Big 12 title and playoff berth in 2023 and showing poise and confidence along the way. He does have some injury concerns, but his raw talent is there and would be interesting to see in Brian Callahan's offense.
#8. Arizona Cardinals - Mason Graham | DT | Michigan
Yet another player who probably should go much higher than this in real life. Mason Graham is another main reason why Michigan was able to win a national championship in 2023, with his elite strength and motor making him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. This would be crucial for a team like Arizona, who needs a lot more talent on the defensive line. Pairing him with Darius Robinson could be helpful in producing a talented front seven, and given Jonathan Gannon's defensive prowess, could produce an elite NFL player in the process. He has versatility along the defense line and the pursuit quickness to really make an impact right away for the Cardinals.
#9. Cleveland Browns - Marcus Mbow | OT | Purdue
And here we have the only good thing about Purdue football in 2024. Seriously, the Boilermakers are just terrible this season, but Marcus Mbow has stood out as somebody who could take an absolute jump this draft season. With how bad Cleveland's offensive line has been this season, they need somebody who could step in and be an impact starter. I have a feeling Mbow could be that guy. He has impressive footwork and uses his hands very well, which is crucial for an offensive tackle at the NFL level. He's very athletic for a tackle and shows the versatility that many coaches love. He would be a slam dunk pick for Cleveland in this position.
#10. Denver Broncos - Tetairoa McMillan | WR | Arizona
Grabbing an elite wide receiver to pair with a second-year quarterback has been a recipe for success in the past, as we saw with Joe Burrow/Ja'Marr Chase and Tua Tagovailoa/Jaylen Waddle. Perhaps pairing Bo Nix with Tetairoa McMillan could lead to the same result? McMillan's contested catch ability is some of the best I've seen in a prospect over the past few years. He has the ability to completely take over games, as shown by his 304-yard, 4-TD performance against New Mexico earlier this year. Denver needs to get Nix a competent #1 receiver, and McMillan can be that. He is an excellent jump ball receiver who also has talent as a route-runner, which makes him a very intriguing prospect for the next level. I'd absolutely love his fit in Denver, and think he has the potential to go even higher than this.
#11. Las Vegas Raiders - Shedeur Sanders | QB | Colorado
When the time comes for the 2025 NFL Draft, I doubt there will actually be five 1st-round quarterbacks, but that's just the way it was drawn up here. Shedeur is the last quarterback I think goes round one, and he's a very iffy prospect for a few reasons. There are some concerns about his character, specifically his calling out of his offensive line and cockiness on multiple occasions. However, he has the talent and ability to be a high draft pick, which is why the Raiders take a chance on him here. It's become abundantly clear that Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew are not the answer in Sin City, so drafting a guy like Shedeur could be the answer. He'd especially fit right in with the flashiness Las Vegas has. Shedeur has good arm talent and accuracy while also showing the ability to improvise. If coached up properly, he could be a good starter at the NFL level.
#12. Indianapolis Colts - Benjamin Morrison | CB | Notre Dame
The last of the elite corners in this draft class, Benjamin Morrison is someone who's had an incredibly strong career for the Fighting Irish. Here, he stays in the state of Indiana, being drafted by the Colts, who desperately need help in the secondary. The Colts have some young guys in Jaylon Jones and Julius Brents, but the latter is coming off a major injury. They definitely could use some more young talent in that department. Morrison is a very skilled cornerback, with excellent length and quickness. He's quickly become a leader for Notre Dame's secondary, which has shown to be one of the best in the country. A guy like Morrison could help the Colts out a lot in defending against some of the receivers in the AFC South.
#13. Chicago Bears - James Pearce Jr. | EDGE | Tennessee
I feel like the Bears could use a long-term answer across from Montez Sweat on the defensive line. Pearce was a guy projected as a top pick early this offseason, and he still has the potential to be that. He has the explosiveness and speed of an elite defender while also his versatility creates problems for opposing offensive lines. Chicago could use more help creating pressure, especially against the elite quarterbacks of their division. There are some concerns that Pearce is undersized, which cause him to fall here, but he's still a capable player and a high-end talent. Chicago's defense needs somebody to help out on that front, and Pearce could absolutely be that guy.
#14. New Orleans Saints - Kelvin Banks | OT | Texas
I know the Saints just drafted Taliese Fuaga in this exact spot last year, but with Trevor Penning's poor play and Ryan Ramczyk's unlikely return, I feel like the Saints have to get another guy on the offensive line. Banks is an athletic pass protector who would serve as a good tackle in New Orleans' offense, surely serving as an upgrade to Penning. He has good size and athleticism for the position, which should translate to the next level. There are some concerns with his technique, but a good offensive line coach will be able to help iron those out. Helping protect Derek Carr would go a long way in helping the Saints reach their potential.
#15. Los Angeles Chargers - Ashton Jeanty | RB | Boise State
I may have been wrong about Travis Hunter earlier. Ashton Jeanty is making a solid case as the best player in the class, considering he's on pace to beat Barry Sanders' record-breaking Heisman campaign in yards and touchdowns. Jeanty is the most electric back in the draft and, despite how strong this class is at the position, is heads above everybody else. As much as I love J.K. Dobbins, his injury history and one-year contract status means Los Angeles will likely be looking for a new featured back. Jeanty could be that guy in Jim Harbaugh's run-heavy offense, and his elite traits of anticipation and shiftiness could be deadly. Love this fit for the Chargers.
#16. Philadelphia Eagles - Abdul Carter | EDGE | Penn State
Signing Bryce Huff and trading Haason Reddick has not worked out for the Eagles so far, and they will probably address this in the draft. Carter seems like the type of edge rusher that Philadelphia likes, with his elite speed and quickness making him a dangerous threat to all Big Ten quarterbacks. Carter is an athletic freak, with 4.48 speed and excellent agility, which is something that gives him plenty of upside as an NFL-level edge rusher. I feel like he'd be a perfect fit alongside Nolan Smith on the defensive line. With Brandon Graham likely retiring soon, Carter would be an excellent piece to put in as a replacement.
#17. Green Bay Packers - Luther Burden III | WR | Missouri
I don't think the Packers are necessarily desperate for a wide receiver, but I could absolutely see them taking one if a guy like Luther Burden fell to them. Burden has been a machine for the Tigers, becoming their best wide receiver since the days of Dorial Green-Beckham. He's a playmaker who can get yards after the catch in a physical manner. It'd be intriguing to see what he could do in an offense like Green Bay's, as he'd be paired with an excellent quarterback to create a potentially deadly combination. That receiving core would easily be one of the best in the league, with Burden and Jayden Reed headlining. I don't know if Green Bay will target a wide receiver earlier, but Burden is someone I'd love to see in that offense.
#18. Seattle Seahawks - Malaki Starks | S | Georgia
The Seahawks are a team that I never have any clue what to do with draft-wise, and that's especially true this year. Some say they need offensive line help, but Abraham Lucas' eventual return should return the OL to quality status. I've seen some say they need edge rush or defensive line help, but they have a pretty deep depth chart as far as that goes. Instead, I opt to give them a safety in Georgia's Malaki Starks, who would be a good fit next to Julian Love. I know Rayshawn Jenkins has played well this year, but he'll be a free agent after the 2025 season and it'd be good to have more help in the secondary. Starks is an impressive athlete who's been one of the best safeties in college football for the Bulldogs, and would fit well in Mike MacDonald's defense.
#19. Cincinnati Bengals - Deone Walker | DT | Kentucky
Cincinnati's run defense has been abysmal this season. How about they draft a guy who not only excels at run defense but also has upside as a pass-rusher, too? Deone is a giant at 6'6", 345 pounds who could fill the nose tackle role left behind by D.J. Reader's departure. He has great power and quickness that allow him to make games a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. With how bad Cincinnati has been at stopping the run, Walker would fill an immediate need, which is something the team absolutely needs to look at this draft. I see him developing into a leader on the defense almost instantly.
#20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Emeka Egbuka | WR | Ohio State
Justin Fields seems like he could be a potential long-term solution in Pittsburgh. Giving him some solid help would be a great way to make it easier for the former Ohio State quarterback to succeed. Egbuka is an excellent receiver who has good route-running skills and great hands, which allow him to make a clutch catch in situations that require it. Think back to the 2023 Notre Dame game where Egbuka caught a pass on the 1-yard line to help set up a game-winning touchdown run to Chip Trayanum. He also has elite speed, which makes him especially dangerous. He has always been a #2 guy in the Buckeyes' offense (first behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and now behind Jeremiah Smith), but that isn't a bad thing. He would fill that role in Pittsburgh behind George Pickens, and I feel like he'd do well.
#21. Washington Commanders - Aireontae Ersery | OT | Minnesota
Washington has finally found their franchise guy in #2 overall pick Jayden Daniels. Now, they need to get him some protection. Ersery has been a quality starting tackle for the Golden Gophers as of late, and would fill in as a starting tackle in Washington. He has played both left and right tackle in his career, but I envision him being a right tackle in the NFL due to his size. He's a great run blocker with good length and hand placement, making his prospects as a professional player very real. He's been a consistent starter and shows the ability to sustain blocks at a high level. Protecting Jayden Daniels is going to be key in making Washington a contender over the next decade, and Ersery could be the next step.
#22. New York Jets - Mykel Williams | EDGE | Georgia
I find it highly unlikely that Haason Reddick ever plays a snap for the New York Jets, which is a shame considering how talented he is. With that and Jermaine Johnson's season-ending injury, drafting an edge rusher in the 1st for the 3rd time in 4 years seems like it could be on the table. Mykel Williams is an excellent athlete who could fit well into the Jets' pass-rush rotation alongside breakout star Will McDonald IV and the (hopefully) healthy Johnson in 2025. He's an explosive, technical pass-rusher who also does well in run defense. His versatility will make him an interesting fit in Robert Saleh's defense assuming he is still the coach next season.
#23. Dallas Cowboys - Quinshon Judkins | RB | Ohio State
Dallas currently has a RB core of Rico Dowdle, the shell of Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn. I don't think that's good enough to be a consistent playoff contender. While I don't know if they target a running back early in 2025, I think they should. Quinshon Judkins has been consistently one of the top runners in college football, first at Ole Miss and now at The Ohio State University. He's a very physical runner who can dominate a game on the ground. Considering what happened the last time the Cowboys drafted a great Ohio State running back in the 1st round, I definitely think they should look at Judkins in round one. This would help create a much more dynamic offense in Arlington.
#24. San Francisco 49ers - Emery Jones Jr. | OT | LSU
San Francisco's offensive line, outside of Trent Williams, has been an issue for a long while. Brock Purdy isn't going to lead them anywhere if they don't give him time in the pocket, so drafting a lineman should be first priority. Emery Jones has been part of the best tackle duo in college football alongside teammate Will Campbell, and would be an excellent fit at right tackle for the 49ers. His strength is elite, and his run blocking skills have been some of the best in college football. He does need to work on his footwork, but he has high potential and could be a good starter in the NFL.
#25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Nic Scourton | EDGE | Texas A&M
With Joe Tryon-Shoyinka probably leaving in free agency this offseason, the Buccaneers need to sure up their defensive front. Scourton is one of the best run-defending linemen in the draft, which is crucial in a division with Bijan Robinson, Alvin Kamara, and Chuba Hubbard. The former Purdue transfer has a high motor with excellent athleticism to go along with it. He has the ability to use power efficiently and is versatile from a pass-rushing standpoint. I feel like Tampa Bay's defense would be an excellent fit for Scourton, who probably goes higher than this in real life.
#26. Atlanta Falcons - Isaiah Bond | WR | Texas
Atlanta's offense put on a show against Tampa Bay, but I still feel like they could use more help at the receiver position alongside Drake London and Darnell Mooney. Getting a high-speed deep threat like Isaiah Bond could make the Kirk Cousins-led Falcons all the more dangerous. Bond, originally a member of the Alabama Crimson Tide before transferring to Texas in 2024, is an excellent route runner and YAC guy who makes a big play when needed. Look to the 2023 Iron Bowl, where Bond made an excellent catch on 4th and 31 to steal the game from the Auburn Tigers. He's very explosive, which would add a new dimension to the Falcons offense.
#27. Buffalo Bills - Davison Igbinosun | CB | Ohio State
Buffalo needs more help in the secondary alongside Christian Benford. Ohio State's Davison Igbinosun has quietly been one of the best corners in college football the past few years, and has the potential to rise up draft boards come April. He's an elite athlete with prototypical length and has the skills to play in basically any scheme. He's also one of the best tacklers on the team, which is a strong quality for any corner. I personally think he'll go higher than teammate Denzel Burke when the time comes, and Buffalo would be an excellent fit.
#28. Baltimore Ravens - Jonah Savaiinaea | OG | Arizona
I don't foresee Daniel Faalele being the long-term answer at right guard. Jonah Savaiinaea, while currently playing at tackle, displays the potential to move to guard at the NFL level. He's played guard before, and that's where I'd imagine him in Baltimore. He's a great pass protector who has excellent awareness and a good frame. The Hawaii native has been a consistent starter since his freshman year and been recognized for his impact on the Wildcats. I could imagine a team taking him as a tackle, but for Baltimore specifically, I imagine him slotting in at right guard in between Tyler Linderbaum and Roger Rosengarten. We're just forming the offensive line with the longest names here now, aren't we?
#29. Minnesota Vikings - Kenneth Grant | DT | Michigan
Minnesota needs more help next to Harrison Phillips on the interior defensive line. Kenneth Grant is a physical specimen who should work well at 3-tech for the team. He has impressive speed for a defensive tackle and seems to fit well into any NFL defensive scheme. A good defensive coordinator like Brian Flores would work wonders for a high-upside guy like Grant. His combination of strength and speed gives him the potential to be dangerous at the next level, but he needs to work on his technique in order to truly excel. This would still be a very fun pick for the Vikings.
#30. Kansas City Chiefs - Colston Loveland | TE | Michigan
Look away, Swifties. Travis Kelce is getting older and isn't putting up the same level of production that he used to, so it may be time for Kansas City to look for a successor. Colston Loveland has been one of the best tight ends in the college game for a couple years, and completely tore up teams on his way to helping Michigan win a natty. He's an excellent receiving tight end who also is a fine blocker. Learning behind Kelce for a year or so before becoming the starter would be an excellent way for Loveland to succeed in the Kansas City system. He's got good YAC ability and should be a good weapon at the next level. He would absolutely succeed in Andy Reid's offense.
#31. Detroit Lions - J.T. Tuimoloau | EDGE | Ohio State
Detroit needs to add some more pass-rushing help next to Aidan Hutchinson. Tuimoloau is a toolsy edge rusher who has the potential to dominate games, but he needs to develop more consistency. He has the strength and power you want to see out of an edge rusher, and his length is one of his assets. I feel like playing with an elite guy like Hutchinson could help J.T. reach his potential, but there's a lot of room for him to grow. He is a strong run defender, which is something Detroit also needs on the edge. Tuimoloau is more of a project than most of the edge rushers in this class, but if he develops, he could be a stud.
#32. Houston Texans - Tyleik Williams | DT | Ohio State
Houston needs to draft somebody to replace the recently departed Sheldon Rankins on the defensive line, and Tyleik Williams could be that guy. He is a powerful defender works best as a run defender. He still has a long way to go as a pass rusher, but his run defense is good enough that he should be given some time to develop in the pass rush game. His big frame allows him to take up space and make it difficult for an offense to move through the guards. He would be a perfect fit in Houston and help make an already good defense even better.
I hope you enjoyed reading this mock draft. Please leave any thoughts in the comments below and have a wonderful rest of your day!
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