With the start of the 2025 NFL Draft less than three weeks away (April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin), we have seen the offseason quarterback carousel spin. Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston signed with the Giants, the Raiders traded for Geno Smith, Sam Darnold joined the Seahawks and Justin Fields landed with the Jets. It looks like Aaron Rodgers might eventually join the Steelers.
Despite those moves, I believe all five teams mentioned above will draft a passer this year. Whether it's age or how their contract is structured (or a combination of both), it's not clear that any of those players are long-term solutions at quarterback.
Recent history has shown it's not unusual for a team to sign a big-name free-agent QB and draft a QB in the same year. The Seahawks drafted Wilson in the third round in 2012 despite signing Matt Flynn just a month earlier. The Bears traded up in 2017 to select Mitchell Trubisky second overall after signing Mike Glennon. Just last year, Darnold inked a one-year deal for $10 million before Minnesota traded up for J.J. McCarthy and Kirk Cousins locked in a four-year, $180 million deal from the Falcons before they picked Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall.
So, don't be surprised if teams double up again this year on veteran and rookie talent at the game's most important position. Now, on to the mock!
Ward said at his pro day that he was "solidifying" his draft status, but this connection has been obvious for some time. The Titans need a new quarterback, and Ward possesses the leadership, arm strength and off-platform playmaking ability to be an excellent starter.
As good as Ward will be for the Titans, Hunter is truly the top talent in this draft class. He's a unicorn, capable of starring on both sides of the ball because of his intelligence, quickness, elite ball skills and toughness. The Browns would do well to secure his services, then select a quarterback on Day 2.
The Giants appear determined to field a deep quarterback room after enduring mediocre play at the position over the past few seasons. Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston are nice additions who should ensure a strong veteran presence that could help Sanders settle in as the team's future QB1.
Mike Vrabel already added pieces to the defensive front in free agency, but he can't pass up one of the elite talents in the class.
Jacksonville has not made any personnel moves to improve its front four this offseason after giving up 25.6 points per game in 2024. Graham will provide a spark on the line as both a troublesome run defender and an active pass rusher.
Given his love of the run game, I would assume Pete Carroll can't possibly ignore Jeanty's elite combination of vision, contact balance and burst at this spot.
I don't doubt the Jets believe in Justin Fields, but I also think that won't necessarily preclude them from drafting a QB. Competition between Fields and Dart will help the team figure out if either player can become Gang Green's long-term answer.
Bryce Young made strides as the Panthers' starting quarterback last season, and Warren is the best addition the team can make at this slot to help keep the QB on track. The 6-foot-5 1/2, 256-pound tight end can best linebackers and safeties on short and intermediate routes with his size but is also agile enough to test them downfield.
Walker's skills are an ideal match for new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley's scheme. Walker can rush off the edge or play off the ball in coverage and to stop the run.
Membou's tenacity as a run blocker and pass protector will warm GM Ryan Poles' heart as a former offensive lineman. Membou should be able to compete with Braxton Jones for the left tackle spot as a rookie.
The 49ers add Campbell's strength and pass protection skills at left guard, with the chance he eventually takes over one of the tackle spots if Trent Williams or Colton McKivitz are injured or move on.
The Cowboys opt for a big receiver to complement CeeDee Lamb, waiting until Round 2 to get their new star running back. McMillan wins with size and foot quickness in short areas, making him a nice target over the middle and in the red zone.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH MIAMI DOLPHINS
Banks could immediately compete at left guard or right tackle, where Jonah Williams missed all but six games last year due to injury and is entering a contract year. The Cardinals would not have to pay a steep price (swapping a third-rounder for a fourth-rounder) to move up for a high-ceiling lineman with versatility.
Zaire Franklin operates in the middle of the Colts defense, which means Campbell can use his athleticism to make plays as a pass rusher, in coverage and when tracking down run plays to the outside.
Johnson and A.J. Terrell would be an excellent outside duo for a team that ranked 31st in the league with 34 passing touchdowns allowed last season.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH ARIZONA CARDINALS
Playing Baron opposite Jalen Ramsey at outside corner would be the most likely option for the Dolphins, but he has the experience and versatility to slide inside to the slot if needed.
Even if the Bengals work things out with Trey Hendrickson, they should be looking to add a strong edge rusher to replace the retired Sam Hubbard. Stewart's upside is great.
Egbuka joins his former Ohio State teammate, Jaxon Smith-Njibga, and though he played primarily in the slot in college, Egbuka will be a playmaker on the perimeter if given the chance. In Round 2, I project the Seahawks to send 2025 and 2026 third-round picks to the Titans for the 35th (Round 2) and 141st (Round 5) picks this year. They use Pick No. 35 to grab quarterback Quinn Ewers, who would compete with Sam Darnold to be the long-term answer at the position.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Williams' 40 time at his pro day (high 4.7s) might place him within the Packers' reach. They should have great interest because of his length and potential as a strong pass rusher and run defender on the edge. Green Bay lands a key player for the price of swapping a third-rounder for a fifth-round pick.
It might be a tough call for the Broncos to choose between Loveland and running back Omarion Hampton if both are available. I'll go with the agile, sure-handed Loveland to team up with Evan Engram, who turns 31 in September and is coming off shoulder surgery, as a nice tight end duo with whom quarterback Bo Nix can continue to grow.
The Steelers added Kenneth Gainwell at running back this offseason, but Hampton is a tone-setter. No matter who the Steelers' starting quarterback is come Week 1, the team will want to run the ball effectively. Hampton's powerful style and ability to make things happen in the open field will be a great addition.
Khalil Mack is returning for a 12th season, but the Chargers need a polished, bendy edge rusher like Ezeiruaku to pair with Tuli Tuipulotu long-term.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH GREEN BAY PACKERS
The 6-foot-3 Emmanwori pairs with Antoine Winfield Jr. in the Buccaneers secondary, working in the box or deep to give quarterbacks multiple potential looks on each snap.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH MINNESOTA VIKINGS
The Chiefs signed tackle Jaylon Moore in free agency, but they must add another big body outside to ensure Patrick Mahomes is sufficiently protected. Ersery's 6-6, 331-pound frame fits the team's prototype at left tackle. They send third- and fourth-round picks to the Vikings, receiving this selection and a sixth-rounder in return.
Harmon combines explosiveness off the snap with a powerful frame to stop the run, a nice fit in DeMeco Ryans' defensive scheme.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH LOS ANGELES RAMS
Acquiring Nolen would be the best way for the Eagles to make up for the loss of Milton Williams. The young tackle can play outside and inside, depending on the called front and any weaknesses in the opposing offensive line. Philadelphia sends its third-round choice to the Rams to make this pick.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH BALTIMORE RAVENS
Buffalo could really use a downfield playmaker in this draft, so either Golden or Texas teammate Isaiah Bond should be on its radar. The Bills swap a fourth-round selection for a sixth-round pick to move up three spots.
It's tough for me to project anyone else to the Lions. Savaiinaea's combination of toughness and mobility make him a great fit to replace Kevin Zeitler at right guard, where Savaiinaea played at Arizona as a freshman and sophomore.
While Green chose not to run the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine and his pro day, the quickness he displayed during his career at Marshall should be exactly what head coach Dan Quinn is looking to add.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH BUFFALO BILLS
History repeats itself. The Ravens select Starks despite his mediocre pre-draft athleticism tests, just like they did with Kyle Hamilton three years ago.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
While Thomas' lackluster 40-yard dash (4.6 range) at Florida State's pro day might scare off some teams, the Vikings could really use his size on the outside to complement returning starter Byron Murphy Jr. and newly acquired Isaiah Rodgers.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Matthew Stafford can never have too many targets. Bond splits time in the slot with Tutu Atwell while Davante Adams bedevils secondaries outside.
