The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine is over. And with the results in Indianapolis, there are sure to be some risers (and fallers) on draft boards around the league.
This is reflected in my second mock of the 2025 NFL Draft’s first round, as I try things out — including some shakeups at the top — to see where the dominoes might fall. My first few mock drafts always have some aggressive swings — which we often see in the actual draft — and then I respond as I believe the teams might.
Now, NFL franchises will address various needs in free agency — which officially kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on March 12 — and that will obviously impact how things play out at April’s draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin. But in the calm before the FA frenzy, here is my latest simulation of Round 1.
Let’s just give Tennessee the best player at a high-impact position. The Titans obviously could consider a quarterback here, but my guess is they won’t have one graded highly enough to select at No. 1 overall.
Hunter can come in and start at receiver or cornerback right away. He’d have a big impact at either position for the Browns.
He’s a serious-minded quarterback with a big arm and the ability to grow into a dangerous pitch-and-catch combo with Malik Nabers.
LSU product Will Campbell is tough, but so is Membou — and the Missouri tackle has less technique to clean up. Let’s put a new face into the fourth pick of the draft, giving New England the best offensive lineman on my board.
With Tom Brady in the mix, look for the Raiders to start targeting prospects known for leadership and a love of ball — guys like Walker.
Give the Jets credit: They keep trying to build the fronts. But that undertaking has produced mixed results. They swing again, and I think this one is a hit. Campbell’s a player who can add toughness and football character to this lineup at right tackle.
The Panthers need pass-rush help in the worst way. In this simulation, they turn to an ascending prospect with a high floor, but the physically gifted Williams will need some time to maximize his intriguing skill set.
The Saints could try to trade out if the board falls like this, but in this scenario, they make the risk/reward pick in Stewart. Hopefully, he can take the torch from Cam Jordan, who’s turning 36 this summer.
For the second time in three drafts, Ryan Poles takes an offensive tackle with the No. 10 overall pick (SEE: Darnell Wright in 2023).
Graham doesn’t offer the eye-popping traits that some prospects possess, but he’s very safe and fits what the 49ers are looking for.
Jeanty is one of the best players in this draft. While this is a deep RB class, I’m guessing Jerry Jones will take a swing at special here over good later on.
The Dolphins simply don’t have many safeties under contract. Emmanwori provides elite traits and outstanding potential if the motor runs hot.
The Falcons desperately need pass rush. Green absolutely dominated his competition en route to a huge 2024 campaign (FBS-high 17 sacks). He’s an explosive, ready-made rusher with start-now talent.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH ARIZONA CARDINALS
The Texans are officially in “win now” mode, as they trade up to grab a player who can improve protection at guard in Year 1 before eventually bouncing out to take over a tackle spot.
The AFC is an arms race, and the Bengals are lucky enough to snare a do-everything tight end who adds another layer of danger to their offense.
With Tyler Lockett as a potential cap casualty and rumors swirling that DK Metcalf could be traded, Golden becomes an easier fit here.
EDITOR’S UPDATE: DK Metcalf has requested a trade and the Seahawks have agreed to explore a potential deal, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on March 5. Less than an hour before the news of Metcalf’s request, the Seahawks officially released Tyler Lockett.
Pearce is a slippery pass rusher with an explosive get-off — that might be hard for the Bucs to pass up, considering their need for edge juice.
Building around Bo Nix is likely to continue to be a priority. An athletic pass catcher with good size could be high on the Broncos’ wish list.
The slide ends for Johnson. If he runs a strong 40-yard dash at Michigan’s pro day, that will boost his stock. For now, he ends up taking his impressive ball talent to Pittsburgh.
Jim Harbaugh’s quite familiar with this jumbo DT out of Michigan, and the Chargers need help up the middle. It’s a perfect match.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH MINNESOTA VIKINGS
The Ravens make a small move up the board — leapfrogging the Rams — to grab their long-term replacement for Ronnie Stanley at left tackle.
The Rams are light at linebacker. Campbell offers a terrific blend of chase-down speed and third-down talent (in coverage and as a rusher).
Detroit could go in a few directions here, but improving the back end with a long, physical, press-man cornerback might be the top priority.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
Sanders’ slide is over, as the Browns flip their No. 33 overall pick and an additional selection to the Commanders in order to take a swing at a QB of the future.
Nolen’s maturity has come into question in conversations I’ve had with some team sources, but his talent is undeniable.
Scourton has good size and toughness, plus the ability to make plays on all three downs as a dual-phase edge.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
It could be tempting to grab a receiver like Emeka Egbuka, but Ryan Poles is determined to fix his offensive line, so a trade up for a sturdy C/OG like Zabel would make sense. Caleb Williams certainly would benefit from two first-round O-linemen.
EDITOR’S UPDATE: The Bears are trading for veteran guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported on March 5.
