The 2024 college football season is roughly at midseason, and we're now through six weeks of the NFL campaign. So, let's look ahead to the 2025 NFL draft and make some early first-round predictions with a full updated mock draft of the opening 32 picks.
A lot will change before April 24, when the draft rolls into Green Bay, Wisconsin. For one, we still have plenty of football ahead of us. Some players will return to school; some will surprisingly declare early. Predraft events will shake up boards. And the NFL offseason will alter every team's actual needs. So, take this mock draft for exactly what it is: an early projection.
Our draft order is based on the current standings and is reflective of how all 32 teams would slot if the season ended today. And since no first-round picks have been traded yet, every team is set to enter the draft with its own Day 1 selection. But we like trades in mock drafts, so I crafted three of my own here, including one in the top five.
Here are my projections for all 32 first-round picks in 2025, starting with an interesting fit for an underperforming AFC team. (Note: Underclassmen are noted with an asterisk.)
See more from ESPN+:
QB Hot Board | Position rankings
What's next for Travis Hunter?
Jump to a projected trade:
JAX-LV | ARI-MIA | SEA-IND
1. Cleveland Browns (1-5)
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The Browns have plenty of questions surrounding Deshaun Watson and the quarterback position. Watson is last in the NFL in QBR (21.7) and yards per attempt (5.1) this season, and if things get even worse, the Browns could ultimately decide to reset at that spot. Now, there would of course be significant financial ramifications, since Watson is still owed $92 million guaranteed beyond this year. If Cleveland decides to cut him in the spring, it would take on $172.7 million in dead money. So, if it comes to that, the Browns would likely want a talented quarterback on a rookie deal to replace him.
Sanders -- currently my QB1 for the class -- is a poised pocket passer whose game centers around his fantastic ball placement and good decision-making. His 72.6% completion rate ranks sixth in the nation. Sanders would be an ideal fit for Kevin Stefanski's scheme, as he can operate from multiple platforms and has the pocket vision to immediately make an impact at the next level.
Team needs: QB, OT, WR
2. New England Patriots (1-5)
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado*
Offensive line is certainly the biggest need for the Patriots' roster, but there isn't an offensive tackle or interior lineman in this class who is worthy of the No. 2 pick. Trading back with a QB-needy team should be an option for New England, which would allow it to build at multiple spots around Drake Maye. But the Patriots lack true top-tier stars, and Hunter is the No. 1 overall player on my board. He has the ability to play either receiver or cornerback at the next level, and I keep going back and forth on which makes the most sense. (I'm leaning cornerback.) He has great length, speed and hands -- traits that show up on both sides of the ball.
If things play out like this, it would be the third time in the common draft era (since 1967) that college teammates are the first two players off the board, per ESPN Research (and the first time since 2000, when Penn State had Courtney Brown and LaVar Arrington go 1-2).
Team needs: OT, WR, Edge
3. Carolina Panthers (1-5)
Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
This roster is devoid of high-end talent, which means taking the best player available is a likely option. Bryce Young hasn't worked out, with the 2023 top pick getting benched in his second season, so we can't rule out a quarterback here. But at this point, I see building up other spots as the smarter move.
The Panthers are lacking impact players at edge rusher; they are getting pressure just 20% of the time (last in the NFL) and have a 31.7% pass rush win rate (28th). Carter would immediately be the team's best young player there. After a slow start, the converted off-ball linebacker is steadily adjusting to his edge role, racking up four sacks and 18 pressures over six games.
Team needs: Edge, QB, WR
Projected trade: Raiders jump up for a QB
In April, the Raiders watched six quarterbacks come off the board before they were on the clock at No. 13. They might not want to risk waiting it out again in 2025, and I could see them sending a second- and fifth-rounder to Jacksonville to move up three spots from No. 7 overall here. (Las Vegas just landed a conditional third-rounder from the Davante Adams trade that could be used to move up for a QB, too.)
4. Las Vegas Raiders (via projected trade with 1-5 JAX)
Cam Ward, QB, Miami
It's not a secret that the Raiders are in desperate need of a quarterback. After seesawing between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell, they would get stability with Ward. He is the quarterback whom I've been the most impressed with through six weeks, rising from the fourth- or fifth-round range to top-five consideration while throwing 20 TD passes for the undefeated Hurricanes. He's an electrifying playmaker who can make throws from different platforms and drive the ball to the target. He has to limit his questionable decisions during games, but his calm demeanor no matter the moment is outstanding. With this, Ward would become the first Miami player to go in the top five since Sean Taylor (fifth in 2004).
Team needs: QB, OT, WR
5. Tennessee Titans (1-4)
James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee*
Here's another team that could address quarterback, as the jury is still out on Will Levis. Let's put a pin in that for now; it's only October. Instead, I'm looking at the defense, where the Titans need pass rushers. They are one of seven teams with fewer than 10 sacks (nine). Pearce is a scheme-versatile defender who can play standing up at outside linebacker or with his hand down in the dirt at defensive end. And while he has managed just two sacks, his pressure rate (17.6%) ranks fourth in the nation. Scouts will be watching Pearce closely the rest of the way, starting this Saturday against Alabama.
Team needs: Edge, OT, QB
6. Los Angeles Rams (1-4)
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan*
Even after signing veterans in the secondary this offseason in Darious Williams and Tre'Davious White, the Rams' struggles in pass defense have continued. They are allowing 9.0 yards per attempt, by far the worst number in the NFL. But Johnson fits as a high-impact playmaker and turnover machine; he has nine INTs over three seasons. At 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds, he's a bigger corner who plays with physicality. And he's the clear top cover man in this class.
Team needs: CB, LB, TE
7. Jacksonville Jaguars (via projected trade with 2-4 LV)
Will Campbell, OT/G, LSU*
The top-rated offensive lineman on my board, Campbell is a polished pass protector and physical run blocker who has played strictly left tackle during his career. He has surrendered one sack so far this season over 256 pass-blocking snaps. Many scouts are still a bit hesitant about this OT class and aren't sure we will see one go in the top 10. Some even say Campbell could move inside to guard at the next level. But pass protection is just too hard for the Jaguars -- who have allowed 17 sacks, tied for sixth most in the league -- to ignore.
Team needs: OT, C/G, CB
8. Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)
Mason Graham, DT, Michigan*
Graham could help Cincinnati as both a stout run defender in the middle and a disruptive interior pass rusher. He is my No. 2 prospect, and there's a shot he could be drafted even higher than this spot. And with B.J. Hill in the last year of his deal, Graham could team up with Sheldon Rankins and rookie Kris Jenkins Jr. (his Michigan teammate in 2023) on the Bengals' interior. He has 14 pressures when lined up inside, tied for the third most in the country.
Team needs: C/G, DL, CB
9. New York Jets (2-4)
Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M*
When I first sketched out this mock draft, I had Arizona receiver Tetairoa McMillan slotted here. But Tuesday's Davante Adams trade made me pivot.
Beyond Quinnen Williams and Will McDonald IV, there is a jarring lack of depth along the defensive front. The season-ending Achilles injury to Jermaine Johnson only made it worse. So, Scourton makes a lot of sense in New York. He will still be 20 years old at draft time, and he's a well-built power rusher who wreaks havoc as both a run defender and a pass rusher. The Purdue transfer has 3.5 sacks over his past two games, his 20 pressures are tied for eighth in the country, and he has the versatility to play both inside and outside. Scourton is NFL-ready.
Team needs: DT, Edge, TE
10. New York Giants (2-4)
Carson Beck, QB, Georgia*
The Daniel Jones era hasn't gone as the Giants had hoped when they signed him to a four-year, $160 million extension in 2023. They do have a potential out after this season, though, since he won't have any more guaranteed money. So, I'm expecting the Giants to start over at signal-caller. Beck is a polished pocket passer who throws on time and with precision (67.9% completion rate). He could thrive in Brian Daboll's scheme.
Team needs: QB, CB, WR
Projected trade: Dolphins get aggressive
The 2-3 Dolphins have had a tough start to the season, and they have quite a few holes to plug in the offseason. If the board falls this way, don't be surprised if they attempt to trade up to improve their pass protection. To move up from No. 13, Miami would likely have to move a third- or fourth-rounder to Arizona, which loves a draft-day trade.
11. Miami Dolphins (via projected trade with 2-4 ARI)
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT/G, Texas*
Tua Tagovailoa's time frame to return is still unclear as he recovers from the third diagnosed concussion of his NFL career, but Miami is going to have to fix the weak offensive line to better protect its quarterback. Left tackle Terron Armstead will be 34 years old next season, and Banks could be his replacement. Banks has been one of the most consistent blockers in the country. He's yet to surrender a single pressure or sack this season (194 pass-blocking snaps), but he's also a powerful run blocker and is among the best in this class at generating movement at the point of attack. While the Dolphins might want him at left tackle, Banks can play anywhere.
Team needs: OL, DL, S
12. New Orleans Saints (2-4)
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona*
The Saints could go defense here, as more youth is needed on the front. But they also covet receiver help, and the highest-ranked prospect at the position (again, I have Travis Hunter at CB) is McMillan. He is a big-body target who would be an instant complementary option alongside Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. McMillan currently ranks third in the FBS in yards per game (123.7), and he can go up and get it, with terrific skill on 50-50 balls. He also has the flexibility to play in the slot or on the outside.
Team needs: DL, OL, WR
Tetairoa McMillan sets an Arizona record with 304 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
13. Arizona Cardinals (via projected trade with 2-3 MIA)
Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia*
Williams began the season as my top-ranked prospect, but he missed some time with a Grade 2 left ankle sprain. He's back on the field, but he is still sackless over four games this season. Scouts are hoping that he can return to form during the second half of the season, starting with a big matchup against Texas. He has fantastic length, burst and closing speed, and the upside is real. Considering the Cardinals are last in pass rush win rate (27.6%), this fit makes sense.
Team needs: Edge, DT, CB
Projected trade: Colts looking for secondary help
OK, here's my third and final projected trade of the mock, with the Colts sliding up six spots. And here's my best guess of what such a move might look like: Seattle trades No. 14 and a seventh-rounder to Indianapolis for No. 20, a third-rounder and a sixth-rounder.
14. Indianapolis Colts (via projected trade with 3-3 SEA)
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
This prospect-to-team pairing is perfect. Starks is far and away the best safety in next year's class, and the Colts might lose Julian Blackmon to free agency after this season. The No. 6 prospect on my board, Starks is instinctive on the back end and a dependable tackler in run support. Sure, safeties have become somewhat devalued, but Starks is an outlier who is worthy of a top-15 pick. He has six career interceptions and is on track for his third straight season with more than 55 tackles.
Team needs: CB, S, TE
15. Dallas Cowboys (3-3)
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State*
Jeanty is off to a historic start to the season, with the second-most rushing yards (1,248) and touchdowns (17) through six games in the past 20 FBS seasons. He has 841 yards after contact, first in the FBS and 255 more than the next-best rusher. The stats speak from themselves, and Jeanty would be an instant boost for the Cowboys as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield. Dallas is last in the NFL in rushing yards per game (77.2) and yards per carry (3.5), and tied for last in rushing TDs (two).
Team needs: RB, DT, WR
16. Denver Broncos (3-3)
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri*
The Broncos' offense has struggled to generate explosive plays with Bo Nix still developing in Year 1. Their 56 plays gaining 10 or more yards rank 28th in the NFL. More playmakers around Nix would help, especially with Courtland Sutton signed only through 2025. Burden is versatile and competitive after the catch, potentially making him a reliable go-to option in Sean Payton's offense. His 15 forced missed tackles rank sixth among FBS wide receivers.
Team needs: WR, TE, OL
Luther Burden III runs for 61-yard rushing touchdown
17. Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)
Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia*
Brandon Graham has already said that 2024 will be his final season, Josh Sweat is in the last year of his contract, and Nolan Smith Jr. is still developing. So, defensive end is a clear need in Philadelphia, especially since the team typically leans on a reliable rotation. Walker is a hybrid player; at 6-foot-2 and 245 pounds, he's too small to play on the edge on base downs. But he has explosive traits that lead to consistent disruption, and he has plenty of experience as a stack linebacker.
Team needs: Edge, DT, LB
18. Chicago Bears (4-2)
Jonah Savaiinaea, OT/G, Arizona
Savaiinaea -- who reminds me of Jordan Morgan, a 2024 first-rounder from Arizona -- is a physical blocker with experience at multiple spots up front. He plays with a strong base and quick-enough feet in pass protection, and is developing into a dependable right tackle. But I have Savaiinaea projected as a guard with tackle flexibility at the next level. He'd give the Bears a plug-and-play option along the interior and help build a wall in front of Caleb Williams.
Team needs: C/G, Edge, DT
19. San Francisco 49ers (3-3)
Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M*
Stewart's name pops up often in conversations with scouts. He is a pressure-over-production player -- he hasn't racked up sacks (4.5 over three seasons), but the traits are there for long-term potential. An NFL team that values pass rushers who can get quick pressure might take a long look at Stewart on Day 1, and he'd fit nicely with San Francisco. And at 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, he moves around the Aggies' defense. That versatility could be useful in the pros.
Team needs: CB, DL, OL
20. Seattle Seahawks (via projected trade with 3-3 IND)
Cameron Williams, OT, Texas*
Williams has been a bit of a riser in this offensive line group. The sample size isn't very big -- he has started seven career games, all at right tackle -- but his size at 6-foot-5, 335 pounds and overall upside have caught the attention of NFL evaluators. Williams has given up one pressure over 244 career pass-blocking reps.
Abraham Lucas has struggled to stay healthy, and Stone Forsythe ranks 63rd of 66 qualified tackles in pass block win rate (79.4%). Adding Williams to play opposite Charles Cross would give the Seahawks two young bookend tackles to build around. Williams' draft stock is eerily similar to what we saw from Amarius Mims, whose rise was fueled by potential over experience, and he ended up the 18th pick.
Team needs: LB, OT, C/G
21. Los Angeles Chargers (3-2)
Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky*
The Chargers simply aren't getting enough production from their interior. Otito Ogbonnia has been inconsistent, and Poona Ford and Teair Tart are on one-year deals. Walker can help. And don't let his 6-foot-6, 345-pound frame trick you into assuming he's simply a two-gap run stuffer. No, Walker is light-footed and can wreak havoc at the first level as a pass rusher. He still needs to reduce his pad level and become more consistent as a run defender, but he's much better than what's currently on the Los Angeles roster.
Team needs: DL, TE, WR
22. Washington Commanders (4-2)
Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame*
This is one of the NFL's worst secondaries. Washington is giving up 8.1 yards per attempt (tied for second highest). Throughout his coaching career, Dan Quinn has prioritized length in his cornerbacks, and someone like Morrison could fit and lift the whole unit. He excels in man coverage but has the eyes to stand out in zone. He also has nine career interceptions. Pro teams will keep an eye on the medicals, though; Morrison was recently ruled out for the season with a hip injury, which could cause his stock to drop.
Team needs: CB, WR, Edge
23. Buffalo Bills (4-2)
Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan*
Grant is an urgent and explosive playmaker who just keeps getting better in his first season as a full-time starter. And while Ed Oliver is a star and DeWayne Carter (2024 third-round pick) looks like an early hit, continuing to add along the interior would be wise in Buffalo. The Bills are allowing 5.3 yards per run this season, ranking at the bottom of the league.
Team needs: DT, Edge, LB
24. Green Bay Packers (4-2)
Tacario Davis, CB, Arizona*
Jaire Alexander has battled some injuries, and Eric Stokes is in the final year of his rookie deal. That makes cornerback a question mark in Green Bay beyond this season. The best one still available on the board is Davis, who also happens to be one of the longest corners in this class. He has fluid movement traits and solid ball skills, as he has 19 pass breakups over the past two seasons.
Team needs: CB, DL, C/G
25. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas*
Let's start by acknowledging that both of Pittsburgh's quarterbacks are set to be free agents after this season, and if the Steelers find themselves in a spot where they can upgrade from Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, they might do so in Round 1. But that's a long way off, and I don't have any other Day 1 locks in the QB class.
No matter who is under center, Pittsburgh has to find more playmaking beyond George Pickens. The speedy and dynamic Bond has flashed this season after transferring from Alabama. He's not only capable of winning downfield, but he can also turn underneath plays into big gains. He forces defenses to respect his vertical speed and has four scores this season.
Team needs: WR, DL, CB
26. Atlanta Falcons (4-2)
Landon Jackson, Edge, Arkansas
The Falcons retooled their defense in the offseason -- including a trade for Matthew Judon -- but still lack depth on the edge. And they haven't turned those additions into sack production; Atlanta ranks last in sack rate (2.3%). The 6-foot-7, 280-pound Jackson has 2.5 sacks so far this season and can play a variety of spots thanks to his ability to rush off the edge or kick inside.
Team needs: Edge, CB, LB
27. Baltimore Ravens (4-2)
Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Baltimore loves massive offensive linemen who overwhelm defenders at the point of attack. Ersery is just that, even though his game is still raw. He plays with a physical attitude as a run blocker, and his length makes it difficult for blockers to beat him cleanly around the edge. Ronnie Stanley and Patrick Mekari are both in the final years of their contracts, and the Ravens could establish Ersery as the future at left tackle, pairing him with impressive rookie right tackle Roger Rosengarten for the foreseeable future.
Team needs: OL, WR, Edge
28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2)
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan*
Yes, Loveland's numbers are down this season (29 catches for 261 yards and two scores) with some inconsistent quarterback play in Ann Arbor. And yes, he has dealt with injuries this year. But Loveland is still viewed as the top player at the position in the 2025 class, and he'd be a favorite of Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay. Loveland is a smooth route runner with good hands. I could see him bringing an added dimension to the Bucs' offense as a flexed-out tight end.
Team needs: Edge, CB, TE
29. Detroit Lions (4-1)
Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State
Toughness, high effort levels and instincts are the three key traits that seem to show up in every prospect that Lions GM Brad Holmes brings to Detroit, which means he will love Sawyer's game. Sawyer plays with strength, can set a firm edge against the run and causes plenty of disruption as a pass rusher. His 21.6% pressure rate is second highest in the FBS, and he has 3.5 tackles for loss. Sawyer doesn't win with flash, but he's equally as dependable in every aspect of the defensive end position. His pro-ready skill set would be welcomed opposite Aidan Hutchinson, who is currently out with a fractured tibia and fibula.
Team needs: Edge, C/G, WR
30. Houston Texans (5-1)
Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss*
A true wrecking ball up the middle is one of the few missing ingredients for an elite football team in Houston. After two underwhelming seasons at Texas A&M, Nolen is having a breakout year in his first season at Ole Miss. He already has 2.5 sacks, 5 tackles for loss and 8 run stops. With aggressive hands and a sudden first step, he's consistently able to defeat single blocks at the first level.
Team needs: DT, S, OL
31. Kansas City Chiefs (5-0)
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Returning for his senior season has proved to be the right decision for Egbuka. His 526 receiving yards and six touchdown catches have already surpassed his 2023 totals (515 and four, respectively). He's a nuanced and savvy route runner who does most of his work in the short-to-intermediate areas. And as a sure-handed target, he'd be perfect in Andy Reid's offense as an underneath complement to Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce.
Team needs: DL, WR, CB
Emeka Egbuka catches his third touchdown of the game, dancing on Iowa's defense.
32. Minnesota Vikings (5-0)
Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon*
The Michigan State transfer has quickly become arguably Oregon's best defensive player. With a quick first step, Harmon has been able to consistently penetrate the first level, picking up three sacks this season. His strong hands help him stack and shed blocks in the middle as a run defender, but he must do a better job of finishing plays. The Vikings' defense has been excellent this season, but it probably still needs long-term depth at defensive tackle. Harmon's explosion would work well in Brian Flores' attacking unit.
Team needs: DT, CB, C/G