Christian Williams’ NFL Mock Draft 4.0

With the final order for non-playoff teams determined, Christian Williams takes a look at the first 64 picks of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The NFL season has concluded, and the battle for the top draft pick took a winding, somewhat surprising road. The Giants and Patriots sat in pole positions over the final month, only to squander opportunities to dictate the draft. The Titans emerged as the winner, though in a class full of uncertainty at the quarterback and offensive tackle positions, this is one of the least desirable No. 1 picks in recent memory. Still, the Titans have copious needs —including quarterback—and enter the 2025 offseason on the clock. Free agency and the trade market could change my view of this mock draft entirely, with a hearty selection of veteran quarterbacks who should start somewhere in 2025.

For now, this is how I see the first two rounds playing out.

1. Tennessee Titans | Cam Ward, Quarterback, Miami (FL)

Position Rank: 1 | Big Board Rank: 23

The Titans reportedly love Ward, though teams will be all over the place on this quarterback class. With his elite off-platform ability, unmeasurable swagger, and propensity to make big throws in critical moments, head coach Brian Callahan falling in love with the senior is a reasonable outcome. The Titans are more than a quarterback away, but getting this year’s top signal-caller is a step in the right direction, even if it is a slight reach.

2. Cleveland Browns | Abdul Carter, Edge Rusher, Penn State

Position Rank: 1 | Big Board Rank: 4

Many expect the Browns to take a quarterback here, but I’m not convinced. With Deshaun Watson remaining on the roster for at least the next two seasons (and despite his Achilles injury setback that may keep him out of 2025 entirely), and Myles Garrett’s candor about his desire to avoid a rebuild, the Browns will likely move money around and add a veteran. After trading Za’Darius Smith in 2024, the need for a reliable edge rusher alongside Garrett is glaring, and Carter is the best option on that front. His development after transitioning to EDGE from linebacker has been rapid, and he looks like a perennial double-digit sack player.

3. New York Giants | Travis Hunter, Athlete, Colorado

Position Rank: 1 | Big Board Rank: 1

With Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen remaining in place, the leash must be short. Winning will be a priority, and a rookie quarterback doesn’t fit that timeline. Insert Travis Hunter, the best player in this class, Heisman winner, and arguably the best two-way player in the last 40 years. Hunter’s NFL home will be at cornerback, but his ability to give meaningful snaps on offense makes this a no-brainer selection for a Giants team on the brink of success. Now, if they can get the quarterback right…

4. New England Patriots | Tetairoa McMillan, Wide Receiver, Arizona

Position Rank: 1 | Big Board Rank: 7

After sacrificing the No. 1 overall pick for a win against the Bills’ backups, New England’s new draft spot lines up with their needs more efficiently. While offensive tackle is a desperate need, the Patriots have a ton of money to spend, and there are some intriguing options available (e.g., Cam Robinson, Ronnie Stanley, Tyron Smith). In that case, selecting the best wide receiver in the class makes sense. McMillan is a perfect fit with Drake Maye’s play style, and his ability to make contested catches, win everywhere on the field, and be a target hog is something the Patriots’ offense lacks.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars | Mason Graham, Defensive Tackle, Michigan

Position Rank: 2 | Big Board Rank: 5

Trent Baalke holding onto his job, despite years of being one of the worst general managers in the NFL, really makes me second-guess this outstanding pick, but we ride. The Jaguars have plenty of problems, but their interior defensive line talent is barren. Graham would immediately come in alongside Travon Walker, Arik Armstead, and Josh Hines-Allen and provide one of the best defensive fronts in the AFC.

6. Las Vegas Raiders | Ashton Jeanty, Running Back, Boise State

Position Rank: 1 | Big Board Rank: 3

Jahmyr Gibbs’s performance in the NFC-North-deciding matchup against the Vikings should quiet down the “no running backs in the first round” folks, but it won’t. If you watched the team, Las Vegas quietly (or loudly) has a massive need at the running back position. Sincere McCormick offered some positive snaps, and adding another Group of 5 back in Jeanty would elevate the offense entirely. Jeanty’s talent suggests he’s in the Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs tier of prospects, and hearing his name called before the top ten selections are complete won’t be shocking. In this scenario, the Raiders acquire a free-agent quarterback and capitalize on the talent that suggests a turnaround may be more rapid than many project.

7. New York Jets | Kelvin Banks Jr., Offensive Tackle, Texas

Position Rank: 2 | Big Board Rank: 13

The Jets probably need a quarterback, and they probably shouldn’t double-dip in back-to-back years at the same position, but trench picks are critical for new general managers. Without clarity on who will make that pick, this one is challenging. Still, Banks is an elite pass blocker who steadily improved throughout 2024. Health and ability to move to the right side will be the main question, as Olu Fashanu has played well enough to be the team’s starting left tackle for the future.

8. Carolina Panthers | Will Johnson, Cornerback, Michigan

Position Rank: 2 | Big Board Rank: 6

The Panthers missing out on Mason Graham, Abdul Carter, and Travis Hunter is probably slightly disappointing, but the growth of Bryce Young and the team's fight over the second half is encouraging for the team’s general direction. Mike Jackson is the only cornerback on the roster who played more than 50% of the snaps and recorded a Pro Football Focus coverage grade of 60.0 or better, so adding Johnson could elevate this team further. Johnson is a remarkable coverage corner with great instincts and potentially the best man-coverage skills in the class.

9. New Orleans Saints | Jalon Walker, Edge Rusher, Georgia

Position Rank: 6 | Big Board Rank: 24

The Saints are a mess, so adding talent is the only priority here. Adding talent with elite athletic upside is even more critical, and Walker satisfies those needs. Chase Young had a good year, but he and Payton Turner hit free agency this spring. Cameron Jordan turns 36 a few days after the 2025 NFL Draft. Carl Granderson was productive, but the team needs more edge rushers. Walker isn’t a finished product, but the bend and athleticism, despite his smaller stature, offer an upside that many in this class don’t possess.

10. Seattle Seahawks | Shedeur Sanders, Quarterback, Colorado

Position Rank: 2 | Big Board Rank: 61

Trade details: Seattle sends No. 18, No. 82, and a 2026 second-round pick to Chicago for pick No. 10 and No. 233.

The Seahawks fired offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, and Geno Smith threw 15 interceptions — many in the red zone — in 2024. He turns 35 during the 2025 NFL season, and the team must start exploring a succession plan because it probably isn’t Sam Howell. Considering the reasonably affordable trade-up option with Chicago, Sanders is in their range. With a new offensive coordinator on the way in and a crucial time in Mike Macdonald’s long-term outlook in Seattle, the Seahawks get a fairly safe signal-caller with excellent ball placement and a lot of snaps. Seahawks fans should just hope he doesn’t take sacks like Sam Howell (or like he has throughout his collegiate career).

11. San Francisco 49ers | Tyler Warren, Tight End, Penn State

Position Rank: 1 | Big Board Rank: 9

Regarding succession plans, finding another George Kittle now, especially when there’s legitimate doubt surrounding the 49ers’ future title window, feels significant. They do that here with Warren, the Mackey Award winner who emerged as Drew Allar’s only legitimate weapon at Penn State. Warren isn’t the most refined blocker in the world. Still, his desire to become a nasty, versatile tight end is apparent, and he’d give the 49ers a threatening heavy-set option until Kittle eventually retires.

12. Dallas Cowboys | Walter Nolen, Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss

Position Rank: 1 | Big Board Rank: 2

The Cowboys could easily take a wide receiver here, and no one will bat an eye, but with a talent like Nolen here, it’s tough to see Jerry Jones letting him slip by. Nolen’s stats compare favorably with Mason Graham’s, and his athletic potential is on par with the top-five pick. Consistency will be questioned, but Nolen’s ability to game-wreck should make him valuable to NFL teams. The Cowboys have to return to the defensive tackle well to find some pass-rush productivity after reaching on Mazi Smith a couple of years ago.

13. Miami Dolphins | Will Campbell, Offensive Line, LSU

Position Rank: 3 | Big Board Rank: 30

The Dolphins need to improve their offensive line. Whether that’s via a traditional interior player or a tackle who can succeed inside if he fails out there, they should be looking to take one here (as I write this, Tyreek Hill is Antonio Brown-ing, so my philosophy here could quickly change this offseason). Campbell is a tackle, in my approximation, but can easily slide into either guard spot and be an effective player. Keeping Tua upright is essential; getting push in the run game may be more critical. Campbell does that.

14. Denver Broncos | Colston Loveland, Tight End, Michigan

Position Rank: 2 | Big Board Rank: 39

Trade details: Denver sends pick No. 21, No. 85, and a 2027 third-round pick to Indianapolis for No. 14 and No. 151.

After watching Tyler Warren leave the board earlier than expected, the Broncos get aggressive to improve their tight end room and give Bo Nix another reliable pass-catching weapon. The tight end position is critical in most Sean Payton offenses, and the lack of impact players in that room provides the team with a glaring need. Loveland may have the best hands in the tight end class — a fantastic, deep one, nonetheless — and would give Nix a chain-moving impact player.

15. Atlanta Falcons | Shemar Stewart, Edge Rusher, Texas A&M

Position Rank: 14 | Big Board Rank: 69

Lorenzo Carter and Matt Judon are free agents. Arnold Ebiketie and Judon tied for the team lead in sacks at just six. The Falcons have been set up for a first-round edge rusher for what feels like half a decade. Insert Stewart, a toolsy, powerful player who is a traits-based pick with a massive ceiling. Terry Fontenot hasn’t made a defensive selection in the first round since becoming the general manager in Atlanta. Still, his time with New Orleans may suggest he prefers ceiling plays instead of safe picks. Stewart fits that mold.

16. Arizona Cardinals | Tyleik Williams, Defensive Tackle, Ohio State

Position Rank: 3 | Big Board Rank: 14

The Cardinals spent a decent amount of money on the defensive line last offseason, but they didn’t have a single good player at the position in 2024. Rumors of a lack of desire circulated for Williams earlier this year, but something clicked after the Michigan game. Williams is a game-wrecking, every-down defensive tackle that can generate pressure and run stuff at an elite rate. He’d improve the 13th-worst run defense in football immensely.

17. Cincinnati Bengals | James Pearce Jr., Edge Rusher, Tennessee

Position Rank: 5 | Big Board Rank: 20

The Bengals must improve their defense, especially after firing Lou Anarumo. Outside of Trey Hendrickson, the team lacks edge rusher talent. Sam Hubbard took multiple steps backward, Joseph Ossai has flashed but lacks consistency, and Myles Murphy isn’t developing properly. Like the Cowboys, the Bengals return to the well for pass-rush productivity, this time in the form of a pass-rush specialist. Pearce can disappear in the run game, and he might not be an every-down edge rusher yet, but his bend around the edge and athleticism give him a massive ceiling.

18. Chicago Bears | Josh Simmons, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

Position Rank: 1 | Big Board Rank: 12

If Chicago doesn’t take an offensive lineman, every Bears fan in the world may lose their minds. Before his season-ending knee injury, Simmons performed like the best tackle in the class with elite pass protection, light feet, outstanding balance, and some improvement as a run blocker. Keeping Caleb Williams upright is the only important piece this offseason, so adding Simmons and moving Braxton Jones to swing tackle duties would improve the line moving forward.

19. Houston Texans | Emeka Egbuka, Wide Receiver, Ohio State

Position Rank: 2 | Big Board Rank: 17

With Tank Dell’s second consecutive season-ending injury (that will prevent him from suiting up in 2025) and Stefon Diggs’s impending free agency, the Texans suddenly have a wide receiver problem. The last time Egbuka played with C.J. Stroud, the two connected immaculately and regularly. Bringing a familiar face in to help Stroud, not dissimilar to what the Bengals did with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, leading to a massive leap in quality performances, feels like a no-brainer if Egbuka is available.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Jihaad Campbell, Linebacker, Alabama

Position Rank: 1 | Big Board Rank: 8

The Buccaneers are heading to the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season but have some glaring holes. In the linebacker room, there’s nothing behind Lavonte David, a Bucs legend who turns 35 in a couple of weeks and an impending free agent. Adding Campbell, a linebacker with elite range, coverage skills, processing, and athleticism, feels rich — linebackers don’t go in the first round much anymore. Still, the need is significant, and if the Bucs want to continue making the playoffs, adding to the room is essential.

21. Indianapolis Colts | Jahdae Barron, Cornerback, Texas

Position Rank: 5 | Big Board Rank: 37

The Colts have plenty of needs, and trading back makes the most sense. With Campbell — the player I think they’ll desire the most — off the board, they turn to an excellent cover corner who turned in one of the most impressive seasons in this corner group. Whether he lands on the outside or in the slot (some even project him to safety) in the long term doesn’t matter. He immediately improves the Colts’ secondary group that overachieved at times in 2024 but lacks a true No. 1 cornerback.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers | Luther Burden III, Wide Receiver, Missouri

Position Rank: 3 | Big Board Rank: 28

The Steelers have a talent problem in their wide receiver room, and Burden’s down season and corresponding “slide” here allows them to fix that. Burden is an elite ball carrier and can do more after the catch than any current Steelers player. Giving Russell Wilson players the ability to create on their own is essential if that’s the route they’re going.

23. Buffalo Bills | Derrick Harmon, Defensive Tackle, Oregon

Position Rank: 6 | Big Board Rank: 35

Trade details: Buffalo sends No. 29 and No. 62 to Los Angeles for No. 23 and No. 87.

The Bills have needs along the defensive line and in the cornerback room, but it’s not hard to envision Brandon Beane falling in love with Harmon, a nasty pass-rushing defensive tackle with great size, length, and athleticism. DaQuan Jones has been fine and Ed Oliver is still an above-average player, but adding some juice to the defensive line could push Buffalo over the top (if they don’t reach the top this year).

24. Green Bay Packers | Shavon Revel Jr., Cornerback, East Carolina

Position Rank: 3 | Big Board Rank: 19

The Packers only draft defense in the first round, and corner and defensive tackle are key needs. Jaire Alexander hasn’t been able to stay healthy, Eric Stokes is a free agent, and Corey Ballentine may follow him out the door. While Revel likely won’t test athletically for teams this offseason, the athleticism is apparent on film, and he should still be a first-round pick. His length and nose for the ball will be attractive to defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, and the Packers need to add to the defense.

25. Los Angeles Chargers | Kenneth Grant, Defensive Tackle, Michigan

Position Rank: 4 | Big Board Rank: 26

Grant still being available at No. 25 might be Jim Harbaugh’s dream. The Chargers have gotten career-best play from Poona Ford and Teair Tart, but the latter will hit free agency this offseason, and Morgan Fox will follow. Adding Grant to a defensive line that features Joey Bosa and Tuli Tuipulotu (Khalil Mack is also a free agent), as well as Ford, would bring the nastiness that Harbaugh covets.

26. Washington Commanders | Mike Green, Edge Rusher, Marshall

Position Rank: 3 | Big Board Rank: 18

Green may be the most underrated player in this class at this point, as he’s as bendy as anyone — including the top-ten picks. He has legitimate film against Ohio State, a slew of pass-rush moves, and is better against the run than many expect. Washington has a ton of money to spend, and I anticipate they’ll fill offensive holes with free agency and trades (ahem… Tyreek Hill), freeing them to hit one of their biggest needs here.

27. Baltimore Ravens | Josh Conerly Jr., Offensive Tackle, Oregon

Position Rank: 4 | Big Board Rank: 42

Conerly is one of the most under-discussed tackles in this class despite possessing elite athleticism and fantastic film, particularly as a pass blocker, in 2024. The Ravens may lose Ronnie Stanley this offseason, and while they’ve gotten positive play from some plug-in tackles, they still need to upgrade the position. Conerly gives them a high-ceiling, low-floor play. But it’s Baltimore. He’ll hit the ceiling.

28. Philadelphia Eagles | Jaylin Noel, Wide Receiver, Iowa State

Position Rank: 6 | Big Board Rank: 62

Hear me out. This wide receiver class lacks talent. The Eagles lack a true No. 3, and they’ve assembled a team that lacks glaring needs. Tackle should be a priority, and they could use an edge rusher. If they can’t retain Zack Baun, they need a linebacker. Still, they won’t take one in the first round. Insert Jaylin Noel, the less-discussed Iowa State wideout who quietly approached 1,200 yards in 2024. Noel is explosive and shifty, two traits that tend to translate well. He should test well, and the Senior Bowl will allow him to show why teams should consider him here.

29. Los Angeles Rams | Grey Zabel, Offensive Line, North Dakota State

Position Rank: 1 | Big Board Rank: 10

The Rams are in a solid spot to add at various positions, but tackle is a significant need. Joe Noteboom and Alaric Jackson are free agents, and Rob Havenstein isn’t good enough. Insert Zabel, a versatile tackle/guard/center with nastiness and athleticism. He may not have the longest arms, but he anchors well. Zabel should rise throughout the pre-draft process.

30. Minnesota Vikings | TreVeyon Henderson, Running Back, Ohio State

Position Rank: 3 | Big Board Rank: 38

The Vikings have a massive need at running back if they choose to move on from Aaron Jones and Cam Akers this offseason, and Henderson has been remarkable over the back half of the season. He’s a three-down back with elite pass-blocking ability, hands, and athleticism. He’s been an efficient runner every year he’s healthy. The Vikings would add Henderson to an already talented group of skill players to help guide J.J. McCarthy into his first year as the starting quarterback.

31. Detroit Lions | Jack Sawyer, Edge Rusher, Ohio State

Position Rank: 8 | Big Board Rank: 33

Very few player-to-team fits are this clear this early, but Sawyer playing for anyone other than Dan Campbell would be a travesty. He’s a nasty, physical, punch-you-in-the-mouth (sometimes literally) edge rusher who has emerged as a legitimate pass-rushing threat to complement his already excellent run defense. He is probably best as an EDGE2, and that’s precisely what he’d be after joining Aidan Hutchinson and the Lions.

32. Kansas City Chiefs | Mykel Williams, Edge Rusher, Georgia

Position Rank: 5 | Big Board Rank: 25

Williams is another traits-based selection because the production wasn’t there throughout 2024. Still, he’s one of the longest edge rushers in the class, has an above-average bend for his size, and is just scratching the surface of his potential. The Chiefs need to keep adding players who can sack the quarterback, and Williams gives them a high-upside play here.

Second Round