With the 2025 NFL Draft just days away, the Daily News predicts how the first round will play out on Thursday night.
The News’ NFL team of Antwan Staley and Pat Leonard present a collaborative mock draft with the pair alternating picks.
1. Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Staley: Since his Pro Day at Miami last month, this seemed inevitable. The Titans haven’t had a franchise quarterback for decades and Ward is the best available. Tennessee flirted with possibly trading the pick, but now they finally get a QB who can compete with C.J. Stroud in the AFC South.
Leonard: Really going out on a limb there, Staley! Kidding. This is the pick. Teams like the Giants tried to move up for Ward, but Tennessee is locked in.
2. Browns: Abdul Carter, edge, Penn State
PL: The Browns, like the Giants, need a young franchise quarterback but aren’t going to force one. They go with an elite prospect at a premium position to pair him with Myles Garrett and terrorize QBs.
AS: Best player available in the draft. Carter switched from off-ball linebacker to EDGE in 2024 and was dominant off the line of scrimmage. The Browns may have issues offensively, but having Garrett and Carter chasing quarterbacks around the field isn’t necessarily a bad thing in a division with Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson.
3. GIANTS: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
AS: Hunter is a versatile player who can be a shutdown cornerback in the league. But he also has the rare stamina to be an excellent receiver on the offensive side of the ball. His combination of athleticism, length and football IQ makes this an easy pick for the Giants at No.3.
PL: The thought of not taking a QB here was unthinkable when the 2024 season ended. But Joe Schoen seems determined not to force one, including Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, in this spot. Hunter is the logical pick, although I think LSU OT Will Campbell or Michigan DL Mason Graham could make bigger Year 1 impacts.
4. Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
PL: Mike Vrabel goes the Jim Harbaugh Chargers route from last year’s draft with Joe Alt. Vrabel doesn’t overthink it and picks the top offensive tackle with leadership traits and plugs him into his offensive front for the next decade. Whether Campbell ends up at tackle or guard, he’ll contribute immediately and for a long time.
AS: Patriots have been active this offseason. They spent the most free agent money, but their offensive line remains a concern. With Carter and Hunter both off the board, it makes sense for New England to fortify its offensive line, which allowed 52 sacks last season (fifth most in the NFL). Campbell is the best offensive lineman in the draft and will be a cornerstone player for the Patriots for the next decade, protecting Drake Maye.
5. Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
AS: Now we have reached the point of the draft where uncertainty begins. However, signs suggest Jacksonville will select Graham, who was recently spotted working out in a Jaguars shirt. Graham is a three-technique player who can also line up as a four or five-tech player. His versatility to play all D-line positions like he did at Michigan will be a bonus for a team in need of a star on that side of the ball.
PL: My skepticism of young Jaguars GM James Gladstone will decrease slightly if he’s smart enough to take Graham here. Something tells me Gladstone will do something unorthodox. He has the chance to prove me wrong.
6. Raiders: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
PL: Minority owner Tom Brady knows better than to take a running back here. I think.
AS: The more I talk to people, the more I believe this is a possibility for the Raiders. Left tackle Kolton Miller is seeking a new contract, and he will turn 30 in October. Considering this regime did not draft Miller, it would make sense to trade Miller and get younger in the trenches with Membou, who has the potential to be an All-Pro type of player.
Penn State tight end Tyler Warren
7. JETS: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
PL: The Colts are a team to watch in a trade-up attempt for a weapon like Warren, maybe up to No. 6 with the Raiders. Indy eyed a big move up last year for Georgia TE Brock Bowers, who landed in Vegas. Warren is an absolute monster who could help new Jets coach Aaron Glenn and QB Justin Fields find their footing.
AS: A year ago, the Jets passed on Brock Bowers. This would make many fans of the Green and White very happy. Warren, a former QB and high school basketball player, is an athletic tight end who would complement Garrett Wilson and the Jets’ passing game very well. Warren is an early candidate to win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
8. Panthers: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
AS: There’s been a lot of chatter about where Walker should play at the NFL level. At Georgia, Walker was a versatile player who excelled as both a pass rusher and an off-ball linebacker. With the Panthers, it would make sense to put him on the edge. However, Panthers GM Dan Morgan said Walker would be an outside linebacker if the team selected him. Walker is also a native of Salisbury, N.C., which should excite Carolina fans.
PL: Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty would be the wild-card pick here despite the Panthers drafting Jonathan Brooks in Round 2 last year, signing Rico Dowdle in free agency and extending Chuba Hubbard in the fall. Franchise QB Bryce Young needs to continue growing. Brooks is hurt again and out for 2025. And Saquon Barkley has brought running the ball all the way back in the NFL. Not saying Carolina will do it. Just saying, I can see Morgan — and unorthodox owner David Tepper — being tempted.
9. Saints: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
PL: Watch the L.A. Rams in a trade-up for Dart. This pick could also be Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders. Regardless, new head coach and offensive play caller Kellen Moore needs a QB. Derek Carr is not it, and Spencer Rattler is not a sure thing.
AS: Considering the uncertainty at QB with Carr, this makes sense for the Saints. Dart is not a polished prospect. However, he has a rocket for an arm and the athleticism teams want for the position in 2025. Needs to improve on his anticipatory throws and off-schedule playmaking, but Dart could improve immensely with Kellen Moore’s coaching.
10. Bears: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
AS: With Ben Johnson now the coach of the Bears, they are going to emphasize the ground game. So why not draft the best running back in Jeanty, who would take a lot of pressure off Caleb Williams? Jeanty is an elite runner who is a three-down back with good hands. This is a home run pick for Chicago.
PL: I’d rather the Bears take someone in the trenches from a team-building standpoint. But Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson spent big on the O-line in free agency. And it’s easy to see Johnson viewing Jeanty as his Chicago version of Jahmyr Gibbs.
11. 49ers: Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
PL: This pick should be an offensive or defensive lineman. The powerful and versatile Harmon gives Robert Saleh a much-needed lift in pass rush and upside in his second stint as 49ers DC.
AS: The first big surprise of the draft. However, Harmon is a player who can be an impact starter on any defensive line. He has excellent strength and is an amazing run-stuffer. He also grew as a pass rusher during his final season at Oregon. This is undoubtedly a move Saleh will love as a defensive coordinator.
12. Cowboys: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
AS: The Cowboys probably would likely like to draft Jeanty, but Hampton isn’t chopped liver. At 6-0, 220 pounds, Hampton is a talented back who can be effective as a running and a pass catcher out of the backfield. He is more of a North-South runner who works better in zone schemes. Adding a running back like Hampton will certainly make Dak Prescott’s and Brian Schottenheimer’s jobs easier with his versatility.
PL: I could hear the cries coming out of Dallas’ building when you gave Jeanty to the Bears, Antwan. Agreed: the Cowboys are taking an offensive weapon here. Maybe Hampton, maybe a receiver like Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan.
13. Dolphins: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
PL: The list of Dolphins needs is long. Their need at corner got greater with their recent revelation that they intend to move on from Jalen Ramsey. Barron’s versatility and questions about Will Johnson’s ability in man coverage make Barron my pick here. The offensive line also would be a smart move in this spot.
AS: The Dolphins are a bit of a mess with the Ramsey and the Tyreek Hill situations. Miami GM Chris Grier loves his cornerbacks, so this is not a surprise. Barron was the best defensive back last season after winning the Thorpe Award. The Dolphins need Barron to be an impact player early in a must-win season for Grier and coach Mike McDaniel.
14. Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
AS: Warren has gotten a lot of attention during this draft cycle. However, Loveland can also make a case for being TE1. At 6-5, 245 pounds, Loveland has excellent pass-catching ability, but didn’t receive many targets due to Michigan’s run-first offense. But he should be a reliable target for either Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones under center.
PL: The Colts’ defense was an embarrassment late last season, but they were hunting a tight end in last year’s first round and Loveland would make sense here.
15. Falcons: Mike Green, edge, Marshall
PL: Falcons GM Terry Fontenot drafted four defensive linemen last season but still desperately needs a pass rush and edge rushers. This pick could be Georgia’s Mykel Williams, but Green led all of college football with 17 sacks last season. And Atlanta needs production.
AS: The Falcons finished next to last in sacks last season. So upgrading their pass rush is a must. Green is an explosive pass rusher who demonstrates violence every time he collides with a blocker. There are some reported past character issues, but Green could be one of the best players from the 2025 class.
16. Cardinals: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
AS: Johnson was once thought to be a top 10 lock. However, after he declined to run the 40-yard dash during his workouts, the Cardinals may have landed a possible steal at No. 16. Johnson is as good as his tape indicates. The combination of size and length, along with being a willing tackler, Johnson has a high ceiling.
PL: Don’t look now, but if the Cardinals keep adding players like this, Jonathan Gannon may actually have himself a good team.
17. Bengals: Mykel Williams, edge, Georgia
PL: New Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden loves to create pressure with his blitz packages, but he also thrived at Notre Dame because he had studs up front. Cincinnati has spent this offseason catering to Joe Burrow’s needs on offense. They can also help him by adding a playmaker on defense.
AS: At 6-5, 265 pounds, Williams has a good frame and is excellent in stopping the run. Williams has some work to do in terms of his technique as a pass rusher. However, the Bengals need inexpensive, young defensive help, and Williams could be the answer.
18. Seahawks: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
AS: Seattle could use interior offensive line help and Zabel is the best option here. Yes, he played on the FCS level, but Zabel has the size, technique and skills to be a long-term starter. Plus, he has the versatility to play at guard or center.
PL: I believe Seattle will take a QB in this draft, but it doesn’t appear that will happen in the first round. You’re right, Antwan, the offensive line is in rough shape. Any swing on solidifying the interior makes sense, although going to the FCS level in Round 1 is gutsy.
19. Buccaneers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
PL: Mike Evans is 31 years old. Chris Godwin has struggled to stay healthy. And Jalen McMillan is young and still learning. The Bucs need pass rush help. But in this scenario, selecting the 6-4, 213-pound McMillan as the first receiver off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft is a steal for Baker Mayfield’s offense.
AS: There have been several questions about McMillian’s speed going back to the combine. But the film doesn’t lie and it says McMillan is one of the better receivers available. He’s a possession receiver who can get the ball at its highest point. Will eventually become the WR1 in the Buccaneers’ offense.
20. Broncos: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
AS: I’m not big on player comparisons, but Burden has a lot of Jets WR Garrett Wilson in his game. At 6-0, 206 pounds, Burden isn’t the biggest receiver, but he has an extensive route tree, which helps him separate from defenders. He suffered from uneven QB play at Missouri, but Burden could eventually be Bo Nix’s favorite weapon in Denver.
PL: Love the pick. Denver’s defense is menacing. So Sean Payton now gets to add a new toy for his offense. Look out, AFC West.
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe
21. Steelers: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
PL: Shedeur Sanders continues to plummet down our mock draft board. Milroe needs developing, but he is a high-character leader with an elite trait — his running ability and speed — who can continue to hone his passing skills under Arthur Smith.
AS: The Steelers met with Milroe for dinner last month. Now, he will eventually have the keys to an offense with considerable potential. Milroe is like Lamar Jackson lite. However, his passing isn’t nearly as polished as Jackson’s was when he came out of Louisville in 2018. With good coaching, Milroe could develop into a top-line starting QB.
22. Chargers: Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
AS: Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh is reunited with one of his former Michigan players. Los Angeles could use defensive help after giving up 429 yards and 32 points in their playoff loss to the Texans. Grant is a nose tackle who can eat up space as an excellent run stopper. Needs to improve as a pass rusher, but Grant’s size and strength make him a two-down player as a rookie.
PL: I debated giving Grant to some of the teams seeking D-line help even earlier than this. This is a smart fit and would be another example of Harbaugh being ahead of so many NFL decision-makers by simply prioritizing both lines.
23. Packers: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
PL: Green Bay could use a corner here, as well, but the 6-5, 315-pound, three-year Longhorns starter Banks will help solidify Jordan Love’s front for years to come in Matt LaFleur’s offense.
AS: Banks was a three-year starter at left tackle for a Texas offense that uses a combination of a pro-style offense that also uses a lot of motion and RPOs. Some believe Banks could be a guard at the next level. However, with Rasheed Walker in the final year of his contract, Banks is the Packers’ tackle of the future.
24. Vikings: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
AS: Minnesota addressed both sides of the ball this offseason. Now, it’s time to address the secondary. Starks is a safety with a high IQ who has excellent ball skills and is a sound tackler. Minnesota adds a new player to its defensive unit.
PL: Starks was also a player I considered for the Bengals, whose defense needs playmakers on the back end. Minnesota DC Brian Flores will be smiling ear to ear after this Vikings pick, though.
25. Texans: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
PL: GM Nick Caserio is in the middle of completely retooling C.J. Stroud’s underperforming offensive line, including his trade of left tackle Laremy Tunsil to Washington. I could see Caserio trading up for Banks if he has to, but the first-team All-Big 10 Ducks standout Conerly suffices here as an aggressive, big-bodied tackle who moves well and still presents some upside.
AS: The Texans need to find a way to protect Stroud and Conerly is a big body tackle who has solid footwork to get to a spot and keep pass rushers at bay. Can improve his technique when it comes to blocking pass rushers, but the Texans need a replacement for Tunsil and he is the best available.
26. Rams: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
AS: Rams get a gem in Hairston, who ran a 4.28 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in February. He is long and plays bigger than his 5-11, 183-pound frame. Although he blitzed some at Kentucky, Hairston lacks physicality when it comes to tackling ball carriers. But he could become an above-average starter in the league.
PL: The Rams are my sleeper QB team in the first round. Then again, if Dart is their guy and he’s off the board at this spot, maybe they won’t go QB. They’re a realistic contender, so you can’t argue with helping that cause, either.
27. Ravens: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
PL: This consensus All-American, first-team All-SEC standout probably will go earlier when the real 2025 NFL Draft kicks off because he still has not reached his ceiling. He has been projected as high as the 49ers at No. 11 overall. Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell would be a great pick here, too, but he’s rehabbing from surgery for a torn labrum in his shoulder. It’s unclear where that will land him.
AS: Nolen has All-Pro potential and the flexibility to play as a three-technique and a four-technique in the NFL. He struggles with stopping the run at times as he can be slow off blocks. However, Nolen is a physical defensive tackle who is stronger at the point of attack. Those attributes will serve him well at the next level.
28. Lions: Donovan Ezeiruaku, edge, Boston College
AS: At 6-2, 250 pounds, Ezeiruaku isn’t the biggest edge rusher, but he has a crafty variety of pass rushing moves. Ezeiruaku is also very technical, but his lack of size and strength is an issue on running downs. Ezeiruaku is a situational pass rusher who can eventually become an every-down starter.
PL: Aidan Hutchinson’s injury absence completely shifted the Lions’ fate last season and highlighted the need for more pass rush help. The Lions need more talent and depth up front for what they hope will be a deeper playoff run.
29. Commanders: James Pearce Jr., edge, Tennessee
PL: I’d like Dan Quinn to find Bobby Wagner’s heir at linebacker. Maybe Quinn would take a chance on Alabama’s Campbell to get healthy and contribute in his rookie season coming off surgery. If not, the pass rush needs reinforcements, too. Pearce produced 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss last season.
AS: Pearce is an impressive athlete who has incredible speed as a pass rusher. One of the real knocks on Pearce is his lack of size, standing at 6-5 and weighing 242 pounds. He will need to add a lot of strength and power at the next level. However, Pearce’s skills and talent are worth taking a chance on at No. 29.
30. Bills: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
AS: Williams has all the traits scouts love when looking for defensive tackles. His athleticism, size and strength are all obvious when watching Williams on film. However, his play at Ohio State was inconsistent, and he was often a culprit of poor technique. But these are the type of players Bills coach Sean McDermott loves to work with.
PL: The Bills’ first pick of three straight drafts from 2019-2021 were all spent on pass rushers. Since, they haven’t used a pick higher than No. 95 overall on the D-line. It’s time to replenish and continue upgrading that group.
31. Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
PL: Simmons could end up being the top offensive tackle in this class, but a non-contact knee injury knocked him out for the bulk of his final college season. Nothing matters more than protecting Patrick Mahomes in K.C. If the medical checks out for Andy Reid, this is worth the swing.
AS: Simmons is a three-year starter who began his career as the San Diego State right tackle before transferring to Ohio State and becoming the team’s left tackle. At 6-5, 317 pounds, Simmons was the Buckeyes’ best blocker. However, he only played six games, which dropped him down. But of course, the Chiefs again find a way to get a top talent late in the first round.
32. TRADE: Browns (from Eagles): Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
PL: Alright, so we know Eagles GM Howie Roseman loves to wheel and deal. And although it’s certainly possible Sanders falls into Round 2, this is often the territory that teams charge up to snag their player and the fifth-year option. The Browns, knowing the Giants are lurking at No. 34, protect their turf and move up one spot from No. 33 to select the son of Deion Sanders. Antwan, are we crazier for dropping Shedeur this far down the board or for trading up into Round 1 to get him?!?
AS: Talk about a fall from grace for Sanders. He is Mel Kiper’s top QB, but he falls to the end of Round 1. For me, Sanders’ NFL comparison is Derek Carr. He is slender at 6-1, 198 pounds, but he is willing to stand in the pocket and deliver passes down the field. NFL scouts have various opinions about Sanders. He needs to improve his anticipation and Sanders isn’t the most mobile QB. However, in the Browns’ offense, his quick passing skills and accuracy are a valuable asset.
