As we come down the final stretch of the prospect-evaluation period, each team is lining up its boards, thinking through every possible scenario and dreaming of how things could turn in its favor during the 2025 NFL Draft.
In this exercise, I make those dreams come true by distributing this year's top prospects among all 32 teams, giving each organization ideal picks with its current first two draft slots.
I kept some semblance of realism in this process, however, assigning each player only once and making reasonable projections of where prospects might be selected. In some instances, I mention when teams might have to trade up from their current slot to acquire their favorite prospects.
Buffalo, Chicago and Seattle have three picks in the top two rounds, but only two picks are included for each team. Running back Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State), edge rusher Nic Scourton (Texas A&M) and defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (Ohio State) are among those prospects who could potentially land with those franchises (or others, after additional picks are traded) during the second round.
AFC TEAMS
Round 1: No. 27 overall: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Round 2: No. 59 overall: Anthony Belton, OL, North Carolina State
In 2022, some had concerns about Kyle Hamilton 's long speed, and the safety fell -- until Baltimore snapped him up with the 14th overall pick. This year, Starks' average athleticism scores and lack of fit in some teams' schemes could make him available to the Ravens, who should get the most from his playmaking skills. Belton is a long, strong blocker who lacks elite lateral quickness, so he might be destined for a move inside at the next level, similar to the transition made by Baltimore's starting right guard, 2022 fourth-round pick Daniel Faalele. Even if Belton can't beat out Andrew Vorhees for the left guard spot as a rookie, his experience at left tackle will come in handy if veteran Ronnie Stanley suffers another injury.
Round 1: No. 30 overall: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Round 2: No. 56 overall: Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
The Bills traded down in last year’s first round, allowing the Chiefs to grab speedy receiver Xavier Worthy. This year, Buffalo could make its own move for a Texas receiver; Golden's speed and ability to win contested catches downfield would make up for the loss of Mack Hollins in free agency. Buffalo has two second-round picks, the first from Houston as part of last year's Stefon Diggs trade. The last cornerback drafted by the Bills in the first two rounds, Kaiir Elam (23rd overall in 2022), was traded to the Cowboys this offseason. Porter's size (6-foot-2 7/8, 195 pounds, 33 1/8-inch arm) and 4.3-second 40-yard dash time fit what Buffalo desires outside.
Round 1: No. 17 overall: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
Round 2: No. 49 overall: Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State
Cincinnati could extend Trey Hendrickson's contract now that deals are done for receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but the retirement of Sam Hubbard still leaves a hole in the team's defensive end depth chart. Stewart's bulk and athleticism fit the Bengals’ prototype. The team is still looking for upgrades along the offensive line to join 2024 first-round tackle Amarius Mims. Jackson steps in at left guard immediately to help protect Joe Burrow and bury defenders in the run game.
Round 1: No. 2 overall: Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado
Round 2: No. 33 overall: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
The Browns could take Shedeur Sanders No. 2 overall, but to me, their ideal scenario is to address the QB position by snagging potential starters Tyler Shough (Louisville) or Kyle McCord (Syracuse) early in Round 3 (they currently own the 67th overall pick), or by trading up into Round 2 for one, if necessary. Cleveland does not appear to be a quarterback away from competing in the AFC, but the Browns can secure a true star by selecting Hunter, an elite offensive and defensive playmaker. Conerly would be an outstanding Friday night pickup, considering Jedrick Wills has not re-signed and Jack Conklin has only played 34 games over the past four seasons.
Round 1: No. 20 overall: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Round 2: No. 51 overall: Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas
The Broncos should trade up for Penn State's Tyler Warren if he falls into the middle third of the first round, but I have Warren going higher in this exercise -- and Loveland's no mere consolation prize. His quick feet and reliable hands will be well-utilized by second-year pro Bo Nix, even with veteran TE Evan Engram in the mix. Denver also has a clear need at running back following the departure of Javonte Williams, and Blue's sub-4.3 40 at his pro day preceded a visit with the Broncos.
Round 1: No. 25 overall: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Round 2: No. 58 overall: Charles Grant, OL, William & Mary
Head coach DeMeco Ryans will likely appreciate how much pressure Harmon puts on interior offensive linemen with his size, length and quickness off the snap. Cam Robinson is presumably in line to take over for the traded Laremy Tunsil, but Robinson was brought in on a one-year deal, and the veteran has had issues staying healthy. Grant's an ascending talent with 34 3/4-inch arms and a fiery attitude who could play outside or inside in the NFL.
Round 1: No. 14 overall: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Round 2: No. 45 overall: Jordan Burch, Edge, Oregon
Campbell's ability to defend the run, move in coverage and rush the passer bolsters the team's linebacker corps after the departure of E.J. Speed. Burch's 6-4, 279-pound frame makes up for the loss of Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency, as well; these selections would give Indy two players who could help make the Colts defense the “all-time unit” leading tackler Zaire Franklin desires. Look for the team to get value in the third or fourth round at two dire positions of need: tight end and interior offensive line.
Round 1: No. 5 overall: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Round 2: No. 36 overall: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
The Jaguars did not add to the defensive line in free agency, so they take the top remaining defender in the draft at No. 5 overall. Graham played multiple spots for Michigan due to his combination of low pad level, quick feet and pure resolve. He'll pair with 2024 second-round pick Maason Smith to bolster the team's front. Even after signing nickel corner Jourdan Lewis, the Jags must find another outside corner in the first three rounds. At 5-11 and 183 pounds, Hairston does not possess great size, but his speed and tenacity make him a top-40 prospect.
Round 1: No. 31 overall: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Round 2: No. 63 overall: Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State
The Chiefs' inability to stop Philadelphia's front four in the Super Bowl will likely force them to draft another tackle despite signing Jaylon Moore (who started 12 games in four years in San Francisco while playing behind Trent Williams) to a sizable two-year contract. Ersery's 6-6, 331-pound frame is exactly what Andy Reid likes in his outside blockers. Re-signing Mike Pennel and bringing in Jerry Tillery on a one-year deal help add depth to the team's defensive interior, but Farmer's active feet could earn him a starting nod next to Chris Jones sooner than later.
Round 1: No. 6 overall: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Round 2: No. 37 overall: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
It's simple: New Raiders head coach Pete Carroll loves to the run the ball, and Jeanty's the best back in the draft. He's a dual-threat talent who can carry the rock 20 times per game and catch four or five passes out of the backfield, taking advantage of his power through contact and appreciable open-field speed. Burden's drop in production and lack of participation in the short-area agility drills during the pre-draft process might keep him out of the first round; if so, he could be a Day 2 steal in the Deebo Samuel mold.
Round 1: No. 22 overall: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
Round 2: No. 55 overall: Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
I would project a running back to the Chargers -- but in this format, the top prospects do not line up with either of the Bolts' two picks, heading to other teams earlier in Rounds 1 and 2. So youth is served on the edge of the Chargers' defense with Ezeiruaku, who could replace the departed Joey Bosa and eventually start across from Tuli Tuipulotu when veterans Khalil Mack and Bud Dupree move on. Taylor would be a much-needed pickup at tight end on Day 2. The son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor will be the plus pass-catcher Justin Herbert has missed at the position since Hunter Henry left.
Round 1: No. 13 overall: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Round 2: No. 48 overall: Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
Doubling up on the secondary in the first two rounds worked out like gangbusters last year for the Eagles, who leaned on rookies Quinyon Mitchell (No. 22 overall) and Cooper DeJean (No. 40 overall) while making their way to a Super Bowl title. Selecting the speedy, instinctual Barron (to pair with Jalen Ramsey outside) and the ballhawking Watts (to replace Jevon Holland) shores up the back end for years to come.
Round 1: No. 4 overall: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Round 2: No. 38 overall: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
New head coach Mike Vrabel is renovating the Patriots' front four, having signed Milton Williams, K'Lavon Chaisson, Harold Landry and Robert Spillane. With Travis Hunter coming off the board before New England goes on the clock here, Vrabel continues that effort, adding Carter, an explosive pass rusher and excellent open-field defender whom Vrabel can build around. Simmons' knee injury could drop him out of the first round, but if the Patriots are OK with his medicals, they could jump at the opportunity to add his sturdy, dependable versatility to their previously moribund offensive line.
Round 1: No. 7 overall: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Round 2: No. 42 overall: Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
The Jets brass is saying all the right things about free-agent signee Justin Fields as the team's starting QB, but we’ve heard teams express similar confidence about veteran acquisitions before, only to then draft a rookie who ends up taking over (as Fields should know well). So we should not be surprised if New York selects a quarterback with a top-10 choice. Dart projects as someone who can win in the NFL; he's a leader who has the athleticism to test defenses on the edge and can throw the ball effectively. Collins is exactly the type of quick-footed run-stopper who could take over for departed free agent Javon Kinlaw and the released Leki Fotu next to Quinnen Williams.
Round 1: No. 21 overall: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Round 3: No. 83 overall: Kyle McCord, QB, Syracuse
Hampton can be a one-man source of offensive identity for the Steelers, who have not finished in the top 10 in passing or rushing yards in a season since 2018; with his strength between the tackles, his receiving ability and his open-field speed, he profiles as a bell-cow back. Pittsburgh traded its second-round pick (No. 52) to Seattle for receiver DK Metcalf, but the team still needs a young quarterback. Keeping Syracuse's McCord in the Rust Belt makes sense; he is a potential starter with the arm arrogance to throw into tight windows and the mobility to make throws on the run and pick up first downs with his feet.
Round 1: No. 1 overall: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Round 2: No. 35 overall: JT Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State
New general manager Mike Borgonzi and second-year head coach Brian Callahan were not in the building when the Titans moved up for quarterback Will Levis in the second round of the 2023 draft. Ward's maturity, whip-like delivery and strong accuracy from the pocket and playmaking ability could endear him to the team's current administration and make him the first overall pick. The Titans have a few mid-level edge rushers but need a difference-maker. In my opinion, public pre-draft discourse is not giving Tuimoloau nearly enough credit for his powerful presence as a pass rusher and run defender, as well as his effectiveness playing in space.
NFC TEAMS
Round 1: No. 16 overall: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Round 2: No. 47 overall: Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
The Cardinals should add to their offensive line to give Kyler Murray a better chance of finding last year's first selection, Marvin Harrison Jr., deep downfield. They've shown an interest in versatile linemen before, picking Paris Johnson Jr. sixth overall in 2023, and Banks -- with his experience at left tackle and potential as a powerful guard -- fits the bill. Noel could slide into the slot immediately, using his quickness and surprising strength to separate from defenders.
Round 1: No. 15 overall: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Round 2: No. 46 overall: Jared Wilson, OC, Georgia
The Falcons have not always addressed their biggest needs early in recent drafts, instead focusing on the players they liked the most. Yes, veteran cornerback Mike Hughes is already in the fold, having re-signed on a modest contract, but Johnson's size and skill set would make it a lot tougher for offenses to avoid A.J. Terrell. If he is there in the middle of the first round, Johnson would be a bargain find, like Christian Gonzalez in 2023, when the Patriots scooped him up at No. 17 overall. The Falcons lost erstwhile starter Drew Dalman in free agency, so it seems inevitable that they will keep the athletic but sturdy Wilson in-state to man the pivot.
Round 1: No. 8 overall: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Round 2: No. 57 overall: Kevin Winston Jr. S, Penn State
The Panthers might have bigger needs on their roster than at tight end, but they are unlikely to find a more impactful player on offense than Warren. His presence as a safety valve and red-zone threat would aid Bryce Young's progression as a third-year starter. In this scenario, they take Winston -- a rangy, secure tackler -- to play beside free-agent pick-up Tre'von Moehrig. By taking two prospects from the same school with their first two picks, they follow the lead of the Rams (who actually traded Carolina this year's 57th overall pick as part of the process of pairing Jared Verse and Braden Fiske of Florida State) and Jaguars (who took Brian Thomas Jr. and Maason Smith out of LSU) last year.
Round 1: No. 10 overall: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Round 2: No. 39 overall: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Membou's ferocious style of blocking will endear him to former offensive lineman (and current Bears GM) Ryan Poles. Whether Membou steps in at left tackle or Darnell Wright (who started at left tackle at Tennessee in 2021) shifts sides, the team must protect Caleb Williams more effectively than it did in 2024. Grant's bulk is needed in the middle of the defense in run situations; his presence would allow Gervon Dexter and veteran addition Grady Jarrett to be fresh enough to attack the backfield on passing downs.
Round 1: No. 12 overall: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Round 2: No. 44 overall: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
The Cowboys have not had two wide receivers log 800-plus receiving yards in the same season since CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper in 2021 -- so it would not be a surprise if they locked up McMillan with their first pick to pair with Lamb. McMillan's size and agility would make him a downfield threat as well as a reliable target over the middle for quarterback Dak Prescott. Dallas would surely love for Ashton Jeanty to fall to 12, but that's unlikely. Finding Henderson available at 44 would be good value, as he'll offer more wiggle and explosiveness than free-agent signees Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams.
Round 1: No. 28 overall: Jonah Savaiinaea, OG, Arizona
Round 2: No. 60 overall: Oluwafemi Oladejo, Edge, UCLA
Matching Savaiinaea with the Lions was one of the easiest calls to make when writing this article. His girth on the line belies the mobility with which he can get to the second level, and the team needs to replace lost starter Kevin Zeitler to maintain the success of the best unit on the roster. Oladejo fits the Lions well not only because they could use his strength and length to complement Aidan Hutchinson as he returns from a leg injury that ended his season in October, but because of his competitive nature and energy.
Round 1: No. 23 overall: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Round 2: No. 54 overall: Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina
Green Bay picked Georgia defenders in the first or second round in three of the past four drafts: cornerback Eric Stokes (Round 1, No. 29) in 2021, linebacker Quay Walker (Round 1, No. 22) and tackle Devonte Wyatt (Round 1, No. 28) in 2022 and safety Javon Bullard (Round 2, No. 58) in 2024. Williams should be next in line because of his 34-inch arms and athleticism, even though the Packers will likely need to move up for him in Round 1. Revel's size (6-foot-1 7/8, 194 pounds; 32 5/8-inch arms) fit the team's historical ideal for the position, and he'd be a good value in the middle of the second round, despite missing most of his senior year with an ACL tear injury.
Round 1: No. 26 overall: Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
Round 3: No. 90 overall: Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma
Davante Adams signed with the Rams as a free agent and Tutu Atwell returned on a one-year deal, but adding Bond to a receiver room that already featured Puka Nacua takes the offense to another level. He could become a deep ball-after the catch threat, like former Texas receiver Xavier Worthy was for the Chiefs as a rookie last season. Los Angeles traded its 2025 second-round choice to Carolina last year to move up for Braden Fiske, so as things stand now, the team's next pick won't come until deep into Round 3 -- but the Rams would surely love to find an instinctual and tough leader in the linebacker corps like Stutsman there.
Round 1: No. 24 overall: Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
Round 3: No. 97 overall: Wyatt Milum, OG, West Virginia
Minnesota brought back Byron Murphy and signed ex-Eagle Isaiah Rodgers but could still use a corner with size on the outside. The 6-1 1/2, 197-pound Thomas has size to spare and will lock up larger targets when allowed to use his physicality downfield. The Vikings traded their 2025 second- and third-round selections in separate deals last spring, then were awarded a third-round compensatory selection -- which they use here to fill a hole at left guard by selecting Milum, who could successfully shift inside from left tackle thanks to his active feet and willingness to finish.
Round 1: No. 9 overall: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
Round 2: No. 40 overall: Grey Zabel, OG, North Dakota State
New Saints coordinator Brandon Staley wants to shift away from the team's long-time 4-3 base defense to a more multiple approach. Walker fits that change to a T; he is able to play in the middle of the defense or challenge tackles with his speed and strong hands. Zabel might go in the first round because of his versatility and athleticism, but if he's around early Friday evening, however, the Saints (who possess two picks in the second and third rounds) should trade up, as they did for Kool-Aid McKinstry last year.
Round 1: No. 3 overall: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Round 2: No. 34 overall: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
Sanders seems destined to play under the bright lights of the big city. The Giants signed veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston to relatively inexpensive short-term contracts, but the team still needs a future leader. Sanders commands the offense from the pocket and is effective on the run while carrying the same kind of self-confidence his father is well known for. If Booker's lack of pure athleticism causes him to drop out of the first round, the Giants would snap him up to fill their need for a tough-minded interior blocker with experience at left and right guard.
Round 1: No. 32 overall: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Round 2: No. 64 overall: Jaylin Lane, WR, Virginia Tech
The reigning Super Bowl champions don't have a lot of weaknesses and are typically aggressive when moving up for players to fit their roster, so I see them grabbing the explosive Nolen, whom they might have to trade up for, to fill Milton Williams' former 3- and/or 5-technique spot on the defensive line. Lane's speed and quickness make him a great fit to share slot duties with DeVonta Smith; despite his smallish frame (5-9 3/4, 191), Lane does not shy away from contact after the catch.
Round 1: No. 11 overall: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Round 2: No. 43 overall: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
Here, I project Campbell to slip inside to left guard as a rookie, using his powerful (if narrow) base and foot quickness to take over for departed free agent Aaron Banks. He could potentially then transition to left or right tackle when Trent Williams or Colton McKivitz moves on. San Francisco extended nickel back Deommodore Lenoir but lost Charvarius Ward (Colts) in free agency, so bringing in someone with Amos' size/speed combination and willingness to battle receivers through the catch make sense.
Round 1: No. 18 overall: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Round 2: No. 50 overall: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
Egbuka is not limited to the slot, though he played there at Ohio State to complement elite stars Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jeremiah Smith. His crisp routes, strong hands and toughness would help him replace Tyler Lockett as a reliable target at all levels of the field. Sam Darnold signed a middle-of-the-road starter deal that does not include any guaranteed money after 2026, per Over the Cap. Ewers is an ideal Seahawks pick, given his physical traits. I could also see them moving up for him, given the number of other teams that also figure to be in search of Day 2 quarterbacks. Could he even be this era's Russell Wilson to Darnold's Matt Flynn?
Round 1: No. 19 overall: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Round 2: No. 53 overall: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
Emmanwori is a big safety who can play in the box to complement Antoine Winfield Jr. -- the versatility of both defensive backs would make life easier for Bucs coaches and more difficult for opposing offenses. Thanks to a lack of bulk and an inconsistent 2024 performance, Pearce might be available on Day 2. And he could grow into a starter as he matures playing behind veteran free-agent signee Haason Reddick.
Round 1: No. 29 overall: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
Round 2: No. 61 overall: Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
The Commanders have signed veterans to play on the edge but lack a true speed demon. Green's flexibility and quickness would give opposing offensive tackles fits, and he's also willing to throw in a bull rush if given the chance. And while Washington has upgraded its receiver corps with the addition of Deebo Samuel, quarterback Jayden Daniels still needs a big-bodied big-play threat like Harris to pair with Terry McLaurin and round out the offense.
