The pick is in. A phrase that carries more weight than other four-word amalgamations such as “Will you marry me?” or “Do I look fat?” not just during NFL mock draft season, but during every second of every diehard fan’s life.

Knocking a pick out of the park can send reverberations across an entire fanbase and set up a franchise for a decade-plus. Hello, Jayden Daniels, we ARE talking about you.

The much more catastrophic alternative of missing on a pick might lead to years of sorrow, head coaching and general manager firings, and worst of all, becoming the butt of jokes across the national landscape. So yes to the entire Chicago Bears organization, we are not-so-discreetly referring to drafting Mitchell Trubisky eight picks ahead of Patrick Mahomes.

No pressure Caleb.

With the NFL combine done and the NFL Draft a month and a half away, the football world is firmly in mock NFL Draft season. Here’s a look at what we believe the best and brightest prospects in college football will call their first professional home in our first post-combine NFL mock draft.

2025 NFL mock draft

1. Tennessee Titans (3-14)

Abdul Carter (EDGE, Penn State)

Carter (+190 market-leading first pick odds) was a terror in his first season moving from linebacker to edge rusher, registering 13 sacks and a nation-leading 23.5 tackles for loss. Pro Football Focus also graded him as the second-best EDGE defender in the country and best among Power Four conferences. Tennessee needs a quarterback, but they are on record saying they want a generational prospect, and Carter is just that.

2. Cleveland Browns (3-14)

Cam Ward (QB, Miami)

Ward appears to have ascended into a class of his own among QB prospects, leaving Shedeur Sanders firmly in his wake. He racked up 4,313 yards (first), 39 touchdowns (second), seven INTs, and an 88.7 QBR (second) in his only season at Miami and specialized in explosive playmaking, particularly while extending plays in or outside of the pocket. The Browns are on the hook for Deshaun Watson’s mega-deal and need strong, cheap QB production. 

3. New York Giants (3-14)

Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado)

The Giants were 27th in yards allowed per pass attempt and were virtually non-existent in the passing game without rookie star Malik Nabers. Hunter could slide in both as the top corner and a slot receiver coming off a year in which he racked up 96 receptions, 1,258 yards, 15 touchdowns, 11 pass break-ups, four interceptions, and a forced fumble. He could make an instant impact on both sides, or he could be even better than his film suggests if he moves to one side full-time.

Travis Hunter just said that playing WR & CB is harder than Shohei Ohtani pitching & hitting.

Conclusion: Travis Hunter is delusional.

pic.twitter.com/qy7j5Rh88S

— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) February 28, 2025

4. New England Patriots (4-13)

Will Campbell (OT, LSU)

There’s mediocrity, and then there’s the atrociousness that was the Pats’ offensive line. They ranked 31st in pass- and 32nd in run-block win rate, neither of which is conducive to the long-term success of a talented but overwhelmed rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Campbell had a strong combine and allowed just two sacks in his final two seasons at LSU, which is why he’s the top tackle off the board in our NFL mock draft.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-13)

Mason Graham (DT, Michigan)

Graham was nothing short of the most disruptive interior player in college football, and he’s a no-brainer at the fifth spot. The Jags generated pressure on the outside of their line but could not lock down the interior, ranking 24th in rushing yards allowed per game and dead last in pass-rush win rate. Graham was PFF’s highest-graded run defender and had a 13.8 percent pass-rush win rate, which was above the star of the NFL combine, Shemar Stewart (12.4 percent). 

6. Las Vegas Raiders (4-13)

Jalon Walker (LB, Georgia)

Walker took 311 snaps in the box, 249 on the defensive line, and 61 in the slot at Georgia last year. He has a terrifying combination of speed and coverage recognition topped off by a terrific motor, not to mention he won’t turn 22 until next February. Pete Carroll is a defensive guy and could do with the most versatile defensive player in the draft to rejuvenate a defense that was 25th in points allowed per game (25.5) and that missed the second-most tackles (134).

7. New York Jets (5-12)

Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)

There’s a chance Sanders slides down the board, but we love the opportunity of sitting him for a year behind a positive influence and veteran like Tyrod Taylor. Sanders came off as the best player in college football when he was in rhythm, but he struggled to make winning plays if he was knocked off his spot early. He also didn’t demonstrate elite arm talent, maneuverability, or recognition of when a play was dead, but he diagnosed coverage extremely well and was usually clutch late in the fourth quarter. 

8. Carolina Panthers (5-12)

Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas)

Barron won the Thorpe Award for best defensive back in college football after he allowed .52 yards per coverage snap and an opposing passer rating of 34.2 and came up with five interceptions. He blazed through the combine with a 4.39 40-yard dash and 35-inch vertical jump and would be an excellent option across from Jaycee Horn, who is entering the final year of his deal. 

9. New Orleans Saints (5-12)

Tyler Warren (TE, Penn State)

New coach Kellen Moore is an offensive guy, which is why getting him the most versatile playmaker in the draft just feels right. But while he is malleable, Warren was also outrageously productive with 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and 12 total touchdowns for a Penn State team that only threw the ball on 42.6 percent of its plays. The Saints’ defense could use fresh blood, but Warren will make moving the ball significantly easier and will change life on third downs (see: Brock Bowers).

10. Chicago Bears (5-12)

Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State)

The Bears’ offensive line was not as much of an issue as it was made out to be and ranked eighth in run- and 15th in pass-blocking win rate. Ben Johnson did not jive with D’Andre Swift in Detroit, and Jeanty just ran for a jaw-dropping 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns on 7.0 yards per carry. His home-run ability fits Johnson, his talent will level the playing field in a loaded NFC North, and his production will take pressure off an often-flustered Caleb Williams, which is why we’ve got him at 10 in our mock NFL draft.

11. San Francisco 49ers (6-11)

Josh Simmons (OT, Ohio State)

Why not draft the heir apparent to Trent Williams before a potential out for the 36-year-old arrives next summer? Simmons was the best tackle in college football before he suffered a torn patellar tendon but is believed to be ahead of schedule in his return to the field. He allowed one sack and only 11 hurries in 19 games over his final two years at Ohio State and could slide in at right tackle or learn for a year behind Williams. 

12. Dallas Cowboys (7-10)

Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona)

Dallas doesn’t have any playmakers that aren’t named CeeDee Lamb, and the 6-foot-5 McMillan is attractive both as a red-zone threat and a consistent downfield option. His enormous catch radius helped him post a 60 percent contested catch rate and an elite 2.87 yards per route run. He had back-to-back years with at least 84 receptions, 1,316 yards and eight touchdowns, and he’d be a cheap option to support Dak Prescott and his mega-contract.

Tetairoa McMillan was invited to the NFL’s televised draft event yesterday.

An indicator that he’s going off the board very early. They are inviting just 8 this year. pic.twitter.com/eKRdDePfy4

— ZeeBee (@BellinoZee) March 3, 2025

13. Miami Dolphins (8-9)

Malaki Starks (S, Georgia)

Starks took snaps at nickel corner because of injuries but is best as a center-fielder free safety. He’s an excellent tackler in the run game but is best when tracking the ball down the field, which helped him secure six interceptions in three seasons at Georgia. He’ll look even better when he doesn’t have to cover for his teammates, which shouldn’t be as much of a concern with Jalen Ramsey locking down the top receiver.

14. Indianapolis Colts (8-9)

Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)

Shoulder and toe injuries put Johnson’s status as the best corner in the draft into question, though he said he is just fine and ready to roll. At 6-foot-2, 202 pounds, he only allowed 25.5 yards per game and came up with nine interceptions in 32 career games. Indianapolis is young and thin at corner and ranked 28th in yards allowed per pass attempt (7.2).

15. Atlanta Falcons (8-9)

James Pearce Jr. (EDGE, Tennessee)

The first full-time edge rusher off the board in our NFL mock draft is Tennessee’s Pearce Jr., who showcased his closing speed and led all defensive ends at the NFL combine with a 4.47 40-yard dash. His 23 percent pass-rush win rate edged ahead of Abdul Carter (22.6 percent), and his production (21 sacks in the last two seasons) matched his talent. The Falcons registered the second-fewest sacks and eighth-lowest pressure rate last season and need a player to help them get off the field on third down.

James Pearce Jr. just ran a 4.47..

That’s the fastest 40 Time of the 2025 NFL Combine so far.

Yeah he just made himself some big money today. pic.twitter.com/UCU4zo04KC

— Austin Abbott (@AustinAbbottFF) February 27, 2025

16. Arizona Cardinals (8-9)

Mykel Williams (EDGE, Georgia)

Williams, who won’t be 21 until June, had seasons of 4.5, 4.5, and five sacks at Georgia. He battled through injuries last year but has impressive physical traits, including a 6-foot-5 frame with 34-and-three-eighths-inch arms. He’s a terrific run defender, and what he lacks in consistent block-beating moves should come with age and more time on the field. 

17. Cincinnati Bengals (9-8) 

Walter Nolen (DT, Ole Miss)

Nolen had six sacks and 13 tackles for loss from the interior for an Ole Miss squad that ranked fourth in yards allowed per play (4.4)—pretty impressive stuff! He also had the second-best run defense grade of all interior linemen at PFF and produced 25 hurries—even better! The Bengals’ defense has holes everywhere and needs someone who can consistently win snaps to help them get back to the postseason following an MVP-level season from Joe Burrow. 

18. Seattle Seahawks (10-7)

Armand Membou (OT, Missouri)

Membou had a terrific NFL combine, causing him to vault in our mock NFL Draft rankings. He was first in the broad jump (9’7), second in the 40 (4.91), and fourth in the vertical leap (34”) and looked extremely fluid in his drills. The former Missouri man also did not allow a sack in 411 pass-block reps last year and could play guard or tackle as the Seahawks ponder the future of free agent Laken Tomlinson.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)

Jihaad Campbell (LB, Alabama)

Campbell is similar to Lavonte David in that his blazing speed (4.52 in the 40) gives him sideline-to-sideline tackling range. He led all linebackers in coverage stops (30) and only had a missed tackle rate of 5.9 percent, which was among the best in the nation and largely came against SEC talent. His year-over-year improvement was astonishing, and it’s reasonable to believe he could continue to develop as a blitzer after he recorded five sacks last season.

20. Denver Broncos (10-7)

Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan)

Denver couldn’t run the ball last year, and Bo Nix needs a security blanket. Loveland didn’t get to fully showcase his talents because of Michigan’s lack of quarterback talent and run-first style, but he has an incredibly safe pair of hands, is commanding over the middle of the field, and showed wiggle on his routes down the field. The Broncos’ leading tight end receiver, Adam Trautman, only had 13 receptions for 188 yards last year.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)

Emeka Egbuka (WR, Ohio State)

Egbuka caught more yards than any player in Ohio State’s illustrious history and was great as the number-one and number-two target. He caught 81 passes for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns last year and is incredibly savvy and selfless, including as a run-blocker. His intelligence, locker room presence, and productivity are exactly what the doctor ordered for a Pittsburgh team that has been looking for playmakers that don’t turn the locker room into a warzone.

22. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)

Kenneth Grant (DT, Michigan)

Reuniting Jim Harbaugh with one of the best “big boys” in college football and his former player makes too much sense. Grant and Mason Graham were both asked to play a ton of snaps last year, but Grant still posted impressive marks of a 9.4 percent pass-rush win rate and 7.9 percent run-stop rate. The Chargers allowed the fewest points per game during the regular season but could lose Khalil Mack and, next year, Joey Bosa.

23. Green Bay Packers (11-6)

Mike Green (EDGE, Marshall)

Green, not Carter, led college football in sacks (17) and PFF’s EDGE rankings last year. He registered hurries on nearly 10 percent of his pass-rush reps and stood out like a sore thumb in the best way possible at the Senior Bowl. The Packers had a solid year getting after the quarterback last year but could do with adding top-end talent to the outside to ease the burden on their secondary.

Mike Green is simply unreal lmao

He’s explosive, powerful, productive and has a deep toolbox as a pass rusher. Hard to think he doesn’t go Round 1, even as a Group of 5 guy pic.twitter.com/7s72DlRJ9k

— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) January 29, 2025

24. Minnesota Vikings (14-3)

Omarion Hampton (RB, North Carolina)

Hampton wowed at the NFL combine with a 4.46 40, 38-inch vertical, and 10’10 broad jump at six feet and 221 pounds. He ran for 3,160 yards and 30 touchdowns in his final two seasons and was fourth in runs of 15+ yards last year. Kevin O’Connell does a terrific job of making life easy for his quarterback, and adding a powerful yet speedy back into an offense with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison would be a nightmare for opposing coordinators.

25. Houston Texans (10-7)

Matthew Golden (WR, Texas)

Injuries derailed the Stefon Diggs experiment, and it’s unclear what Tank Dell will be when he returns from a gruesome knee injury. Nico Collins is outstanding but needs support in a pass-happy offense, and Golden, who had a 61.1 percent contested catch rate, 987 yards, and nine TDs last year, would be a great option. He just dropped a sizzling 4.29 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, which helped him creep into the first round of our mock NFL Draft. 

Matthew Golden OFFICIALLY ran a 4.29..

He had the FASTEST 40 Time amongst ALL WR’s in the 2025 Class

➖Height: 5’11
➖Weight: 191 lbs

Golden had a notable High Ankle Sprain in January, he MAY run faster at his Pro Day

➖10 Yard Split: 1.53 (9.05)
➖20 Yard Split: 2.54 (9.38) pic.twitter.com/TwR3Nw3hai

— Austin Abbott (@AustinAbbottFF) March 1, 2025

26. Los Angeles Rams (10-7)

Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT, Texas)

Banks had the potential to be the top tackle in the draft entering the year but did not quite live up to his billing. That only shows how high the bar was set, as he allowed just one sack and seven hurries in 538 pass-block reps. 37-year-old Matthew Stafford needs time in the pocket to thrive due to his limited mobility, and Banks comes with tons of experience despite not even being 21 years old. 

27. Baltimore Ravens (12-5)

Shemar Stewart (EDGE, Texas A&M)

Not a single EDGE player in the history of the NFL Combine tested better than Shemar Stewart, an athletic freak with best-in-the-world physical talents. The issue is that he recorded 1.5 sacks in three straight seasons and needs to be developed by a team that is patient and confident in its ability to bring players along. That fits the ethos of the Ravens, who would benefit from improving their pass-rush, but who will be a contender regardless. Note: Stewart still led A&M in pressures and was PFF’s sixth-best EDGE run defender.

28. Detroit Lions (15-2)

Grey Zabel (OT/IOL, North Dakota State)

Zabel didn’t do much testing at the combine, but he did tie Tristan Wirfs for the third-best vertical leap an offensive lineman has ever produced (36.5 inches). He took snaps at every position on the line in college and played the all-important left tackle spot full-time in his final year, allowing one sack and only four hurries in 453 protection reps. Kevin Zietler and Dan Skipper are free agents, and Zabel’s versatility and productivity would help Detroit maintain a top-three offensive line in football regardless of health or roster turnover (within reason).

29. Washington Commanders (12-5)

Donovan Ezeiruaku (EDGE, Boston College)

Teams might need to buy a vowel to draft Ezeiruaku, but they’ll get a guy who had 16.5 sacks (second) and 21 tackles for loss (T-third). His consistency is in question since he only had two sacks a year ago, but Washington needs someone with the potential to completely take over games on the front line. They were totally outmatched in the trenches by teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles and couldn’t generate much pressure without bringing extra blitzers, which resulted in them getting repeatedly crushed by deep balls. 

30. Buffalo Bills (13-4)

Luther Burden III (WR, Missouri)

Burden was once thought to be a potential top-10 pick, which offers tremendous value to a Bills team that still hasn’t found its true number-one wideout. He had a down year across the board last year following a sensational sophomore campaign, but he can be extremely impactful with the ball in his hands. Burden tied for first among all wide receivers in missed tackles forced (30) and was still in the top 25 percent for yards per route run despite playing with a talent disadvantage at quarterback.

31. Kansas City Chiefs (15-2)

Josh Connerly Jr. (OT, Oregon)

The Super Bowl showed that the Chiefs need to bulk up in the trenches, and Connerly Jr. is an enticing option. His 6-foot-4, 315-pound frame fits the typical mold, and he only gave up two sacks over the last three seasons. Drafting Connerly Jr. would allow Joe Thuney to kick back to his natural position at guard and give Mahomes protection for the long haul.

32. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)

Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina)

Philly could go a variety of directions here, but there’s something tantalizing about adding a freak athlete to Vic Fangio’s “fly around and make plays” defense. At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, Emmanwori shocked with a 4.38 40, 43-inch vertical leap, 11-foot-6 broad jump, and 20 reps of the 225-pound bench press. He’s the best run defender at safety and had four interceptions with no touchdowns allowed in coverage last season, making him the perfect final pick in our NFL mock draft.

South Carolina DB Nick Emmanwori jumped a 43 inch vertical🤯🤯

(🎥: @FootballEJ)

pic.twitter.com/3EdfrgIMVK

— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 28, 2025