With the start of the NFL Scouting Combine just around the corner, here's my second projection of the year for Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft. I always look forward to seeing official testing numbers from the crop of prospects at the combine. We will have some risers and fallers coming out of Indianapolis, like we do every year, and then the start of free agency will further shake things up. As I've said before, I'm not against projecting trades in my final mock, but I won't start entertaining those scenarios until we get closer to the start of Round 1 on April 24.
Programming note: Tune in for live coverage of the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine beginning Feb. 27 on NFL Network and NFL+.
The Titans have their share of holes to fill and decide to take the best player available in this year’s class. They choose to find their QB of the future in next year’s draft.
The Browns could look to Travis Hunter here, but they need to usher in a new era at quarterback.
The Giants do their best to make up for letting Saquon Barkley walk in free agency last year by adding a dynamic two-way player in Hunter.
There are higher-rated players available here on my board, but the Pats need to upgrade their offensive line in a big way.
This seems like a perfect marriage between need, talent and fit. Graham is one of the most consistent players in the class.
I wouldn’t be shocked if the Raiders decided to wait until Day 2 of the draft to address the QB position, but I do see Sanders as a good fit in Chip Kelly’s offense.
The Jets ranked second to last in rushing offense last season, and they desperately need another target in the passing game. Warren helps them improve in both of those areas.
The Panthers have needs all over the defensive side of the ball and could be an obvious trade-down candidate if someone wants to make a move up the board. If they stay put, Walker would be a versatile playmaker for them. He offers enormous upside as a pass rusher.
The Saints ranked third to last in yards allowed last season, so they have to improve on that side of the ball. New head coach Kellen Moore saw the impact a dominant pass rush can have on a squad during his time with the Eagles. New Orleans selects Green, a very polished and productive rusher.
The Bears need to devote their offseason to upgrading the group playing in front of Caleb Williams. Banks has the skill set to play tackle or guard.
Johnson is a scheme fit, and his size will play well in a division featuring wide receivers built like power forwards.
Nolen is a very twitchy disrupter and could replace Osa Odighizuwa if he departs in free agency.
Booker was a rock in the middle of the Alabama offensive line and he would provide a much-needed upgrade in Miami.
Membou has the tools to play right tackle, and he would be a plug-and-play starter at right guard for the Colts.
One of these years, I’m going to be right, and the Falcons will take a pass rusher in the first round.
Grant would immediately assist against the run, and he has enormous upside as a pass rusher. The hope is he eventually develops into an impact defender in the mold of Dexter Lawrence.
I’m sure the Bengals would consider a defensive tackle here, but Barron is too good to pass up. Also, there will still be talented DTs available when Cincinnati is on the clock in Round 2.
Zabel has five-position flexibility on the offensive line and could start at one of the interior spots from Day 1. He was dominant at the Reese’s Senior Bowl.
McMillan could go earlier in Round 1, but Tampa Bay would be a perfect landing spot. Chris Godwin is due to become a free agent, and Mike Evans can’t play forever, can he?
The Broncos fill a huge need by selecting a tight end with great length, quickness and big-play ability. Sean Payton gets his “joker” on offense.
The Steelers spent the past two drafts beefing up their offensive line. Now they land a top-five player in the class to run behind it.
The Chargers desperately need to give Justin Herbert more offensive firepower. Hampton would hit a lot of home runs in this offensive system.
Simmons is coming off a knee injury, but he’s as gifted as any offensive lineman in the class. He also has the tools to play multiple spots on the O-line, something Green Bay has always valued.
The Vikings have had an up-close look at what a dynamic runner can do for an offense that also features a loaded passing attack (SEE: Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit). Minnesota finds its own RB weapon in Henderson, with Aaron Jones headed for free agency.
C.J. Stroud gets to reunite with his college teammate. Egbuka’s professionalism and dependability would be a perfect fit in Houston.
The Rams continue to add dynamic players to their young defensive line. Alexander put on a show at the Senior Bowl, and he’s starting to generate some first-round buzz in league circles.
Stewart just feels like a Raven to me. He’s big, explosive and disruptive. The production will come.
Jackson would be a perfect replacement for Kevin Zeitler if the veteran departs in free agency.
Campbell is one of my favorite players in the class. I believe you’ll see some teams work him out as an edge rusher this spring. When he’s allowed to rush, he flashes elite potential.
The Bills have needs on defense, but this is strictly a value play. Golden would be a perfect fit with Josh Allen.
The Chiefs must address the left tackle spot in free agency or the draft. In this scenario, they find a match in Conerly.
The Eagles add another versatile piece to the secondary in Starks, who joins the “Georgia North” all-stars in Philadelphia.
