Daniel Racz's 2025 NFL Mock Draft

The NFL Draft is less than 72 hours away...let's dive into how Round 1 might play out!

Tennessee Titans – 1st Pick

Contenders: Cam Ward

Ward has publicly stated that Tyjae Spears, Tony Pollard & Treylon Burks are top five players at their respective positions. This is a done deal.

Pick: Cam Ward

Confidence level: Written (and underlined) in Sharpie

Cleveland Browns – 2nd Pick

Contenders: Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter

GM Andrew Berry has compared Travis Hunter, a multi-positional Heisman winner, to Shohei Ohtani. Abdul Carter is a strong enough prospect that this pick isn't a Ward-level lock, but I'm at least eighty-five percent confident here.

Pick: Travis Hunter

Confidence Level: Written in Sharpie

New York Giants – 3rd Pick

Contenders: Abdul Carter, Travis Hunter

Some in the Giants building seem to be pushing for a quarterback, but I really can't imagine that coming at the expense of Abdul Carter. Look for the Giants (and Browns) to be targeting their quarterbacks with their second draft picks, via trade-up back into Round 1 or early in Round 2.

Pick: Abdul Carter (as the player the Browns pass on)

Confidence level: Written in Sharpie

New England Patriots – 4th Pick

Contenders: Will Campbell, Abdul Carter, Jalon Walker, Ashton Jeanty

The Patriots have long been linked to the LSU tackle, and recent sources have locked in my confidence. This is the last pick in the draft I won't second-guess.

Pick: Will Campbell

Confidence level: A skilled left-handed scribe using a quill pen

Jacksonville Jaguars – 5th Pick

Contenders: Jalon Walker, Ashton Jeanty, Mason Graham, Kelvin Banks Jr., Will Campbell, Armand Membou, but NOT Tet McMillan

Alright, here's where the draft gets fun. The Mason Graham chalk has seemingly disappeared (for what it's worth, I've heard Graham has had a bad draft process). Ultimately, I think the pick comes down to Graham, Walker, and Jeanty.

James Gladstone, the Jags' general manager, has emphasized their desire to add high-character players, leading me to lean on Walker or Jeanty. But this is a new regime, with no track record and no attachment to prior investments (e.g. Walker Little may not be viewed as a starting tackle; Travis Etienne Jr. may not be seen as their RB1). The new brass has done a great job keeping their plans close to the vest, hence my extended list.

Walker's character praise has been effusive, and his pass-rushing ability gives him a big positional value boost relative to Jeanty... but Jeanty is regarded as a much stronger prospect. The Jaguars also have multiple questions along the offensive line.

This pick could go anywhere.

The best player, when separating positional value, is Jeanty. I'm stumped.

Does Occam's Razor tell me to mock the highest-graded player (Jeanty), the previous chalk (Graham), or lean with my spidey-senses and take Jalon Walker?

Pick: Jalon Walker

Confidence level: Writing Fruse on a True/False Pop Quiz

Las Vegas Raiders – 6th Pick

Contenders: Armand Membou, Jalon Walker, Ashton Jeanty, Mason Graham, Kelvin Banks Jr., Will Campbell

I don't think the Raiders are in on Ashton Jeanty, but others in the space that I trust remain under the impression that there is at least some interest in the Boise State RB. With this crop of offensive tackles still on the board, I lean that the Raiders take their OT2. My read is the Raiders are a Membou team, but it very well could be Kelvin Banks. I think the Raiders would also be interested in Walker if available. I do not think the Raiders would take Mason Graham.

Pick: Armand Membou

Confidence level: Trying to get partial credit on a multiple-choice question.

New York Jets – 7th Pick

Contenders: Tyler Warren, Kelvin Banks Jr.

Time for a confident one. The Jets will take one of Tyler Warren or Kelvin Banks Jr.

Currently, I would be willing to bet Banks at No. 7 at +550 and Warren at No. 7 at +300 if those numbers are still available (the article will change if I feel otherwise). Do the Jets feel more comfortable grabbing Warren and then a tackle later in the draft to take over on the right side, or would they rather a more high-value position pick here (Banks) and grab a tight end in the mid-rounds? I initially had Tyler Warren here...but I think I'm going with Banks, for now.

Pick: Kelvin Banks Jr.

Confidence level: Flipping a coin.

Carolina Panthers – 8th Pick

Contenders: Jalon Walker, Mason Graham, Shemar Stewart, Mykel Williams, Tyler Warren, Tet McMillan

Panthers have been linked to Walker (and Mykel Williams) throughout the process, but in this reality, they could be the team to scoop Graham. Not sure anything else is really in consideration. The Mason Graham slide has to end somewhere.

Pick: Mason Graham

Confidence level: Moderate

New Orleans Saints – 9th Pick

Contenders: Tyler Warren, Kelvin Banks Jr., Armand Membou, Mykel Williams, Mason Graham, Will Johnson, Jaxson Dart, Maybe a reach

I want to get crazy because I trust Ricky saying the Saints are going off-the-wall, but as of now, and with Tyler Warren available, I think the Saints still take the polished tight-end prospect.

Pick: Tyler Warren

Confidence level: Low

Chicago Bears – 10th Pick

Contenders: Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren, Kelvin Banks Jr., Armand Membou, Mykel Williams, Mason Graham

I believe the Bears prefer Ashton Jeanty to Tyler Warren, and it wouldn't shock me in this iteration for the Bears and Saints to swap spots (last year the Bears tried to move up from 9 --> 8 to take Odunze; in 2022 the Eagles moved from 10 --> 9 to take Jalen Carter).

Pick: Ashton Jeanty

Confidence level: Reasonably confident, probably over-confident

San Francisco 49ers – 11th Pick

Contenders: Will Johnson, Kelvin Banks Jr., Armand Membou, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart

CB Will Johnson's lack of testing and possible medical issues, coupled with the three top tackles all off the board, have me quite confident that the 49ers would take a defensive lineman here. But, Stewart and Williams might be in play. Peter Schrager expects Williams to go early. He gets his wish here.

Pick: Mykel Williams

Confidence level: Written in pencil, faintly

Dallas Cowboys - 12th Pick

Contenders: Matthew Golden, Tet McMillan, Armand Membou, Grey Zabel

Unless some trustworthy news comes in saying the Cowboys are focusing on non-WRs, I lean toward them taking a pass-catcher. From what I hear, they have Golden ahead of Tet. I'm 65/35 between the two for this pick.

Pick: Matthew Golden

Confidence level: Answering an answer in class just loud enough to claim credit if you're right, but quietly enough to lessen the embarrassment if you're wrong

Miami Dolphins – 13th Pick

Contenders: Kelvin Banks Jr., Armand Membou, Mykel Williams, Will Johnson, Jahdae Barron

Plainly, the Dolphins roster sucks. They got no food, they got no jobs, their pets’ heads are falling off. Needs along the offensive line, defensive line, and secondary abound. I would guess a defensive lineman (Harmon, Williams, Stewart) is more likely than a defensive back, but it's tough for me to pinpoint which pass-rusher would be the Dolphins' preference. The Jalen Ramsey trade looms large, too. Who knows.

Pick: Jahdae Barron

Confidence level: So you're saying there's a chance

Indianapolis Colts – 14th Pick

Contenders: Colston Loveland, Tyler Warren, Grey Zabel, Shemar Stewart, Kelvin Banks Jr., Tyler Booker

I think the Colts take an offensive lineman here (Zabel, most likely) if they are not comfortable with the available tight ends. I know of multiple teams that have severely docked Loveland for his shoulder injury. Reportedly, he may not be ready until August. I'm not ruling out the tail outcome where Loveland falls into the 20s (read, the Chargers). If Tyler Warren happened to fall to 14, I would be gobsmacked if the Colts passed on him. If Warren is gone, Jakob Sanderson is quite confident that the Colts will target Loveland, so if they don't, I want him chastised, ridiculed, and made a fool of.

Pick: Col(t)ston Loveland

Confidence level: Not as high as most

Atlanta Falcons – 15th Pick

Contenders: Mike Green, trade back, Shemar Stewart, trade up, Mykel Williams

Mike Green's character issues have been well-documented, but the Falcons (and Bengals) seem willing to take him. I would be surprised if the Falcons didn't add a pass-rusher early in the draft.

Pick: Mike Green

Confidence level: Moderate

Arizona Cardinals – 16th Pick

Contenders: Anyone under the sun

I am completely unsure here, and rather than make up a narrative, I'm just saying I needed a spot to put Tet McMillan that didn't mess up the rest of the mock.

I don't think McMillan's a Jaguar. I think the Chargers and Packers have other priority targets. I don't know about the Cardinals. They get Tet here, but I doubt they actually make this pick.

Pick: Tet McMillan?

Confidence level: Unfathomably low

Cincinnati Bengals – 17th Pick

Contenders: Shemar Stewart, Derrick Harmon, Walter Nolen, Mike Green

I'm looking for a high-caliber athlete from a big program for the Bengals, ideally. Stewart (RAS of 10.00, Texas A&M) fits. The Bengals need to address their defensive line. Any available pass-rusher fits here.

Pick: Shemar Stewart

Confidence level: High at the position level, low at the player level.

Seattle Seahawks – 18th Pick

Contenders: Grey Zabel, Tet McMillan, Colston Loveland

Zabel to Seattle is one of the chalkiest picks on the board, but I'm not sure there's a worthwhile deviation. The uber-athletic guard fills a dire position of need.

Pick: Grey Zabel

Confidence level: Too high for my own good

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 19th Pick

Contenders: Jihaad Campbell, Donozan Ezeiruaku, Jahdae Barron, Will Johnson

Campbell might miss some of the 2025 season, but I find it hard to pencil in a better fit for Tampa Bay. The combination of Campbell's athleticism, pass-rush aptitude, and Tampa's lack of contracted linebackers through 2026 has me in on the fit.

Pick: Jihaad Campbell

Confidence level: Written in pencil

Denver Broncos – 20th Pick

Contenders: Omarion Hampton, Tet McMillan, TreVeyon Henderson, Colston Loveland

GM George Paton mentioned the depth of the running back class, so attacking a higher-value position (McMillan) remains in the cards. Still, I can't shake the feeling that running backs go early and often in this generally weak draft class.

Pick: Omarion Hampton

Confidence level: Written in pencil

Pittsburgh Steelers – 21st Pick

Contenders: Derrick Harmon, Matthew Golden

Reports are that the Steelers would take a quarterback if their other top targets are off the board. That does not sound like a team that wants to take a quarterback. Derrick Harmon, come on down.

Pick: Derrick Harmon

Confidence level: Written in pencil, willing to erase

Los Angeles Chargers – 22nd Pick

Contenders: Kenneth Grant, Colston Loveland, Tet McMillan

I believe the Chargers take a Michigan player, or Tet. With Loveland off the board and a need along the defensive line, Grant gets the call.

Pick: Kenneth Grant

Confidence level: Moderate

Green Bay Packers – 23rd Pick

Contenders: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Tet McMillan, Maxwell Hairston

Ezeiruaku played at Boston College under... current Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Their beats think defensive line is likely.

Pick: Donovan Ezeiruaku

Confidence level: Moderate, if he makes it

Minnesota Vikings – 24th Pick

Contenders: Will Johnson, Jahdae Barron, Malaki Starks, Nick Emmanwori

I think the Vikings trade out of the spot. I have no clue what they would do if they kept it, but Starks makes sense on paper. Trusting smarter folks (the 4for4 team and Nick Guarisco).

Pick: Malaki Starks

Confidence level: Low

NOTE: If there's a trade-up back into the first round, I sense Minnesota would be the likeliest out. If the Browns or Giants (I lean Browns at the moment) covet Sanders, this makes a lot of sense as their spot to take him. Minnesota only has four picks this draft after the Jordan Mason trade, and their needs could be addressed at 31 (if KC moved up for an offensive lineman) or early in the second round. My trade-up fits would be KC – Josh Simmons, NO – Jaxson Dart, CLE – Shedeur Sanders, NYG – Shedeur Sanders, or Jalen Milroe.

Houston Texans – 25th Pick

Contenders: Tyler Booker, Emeka Egbuka, Grey Zabel, Donovan Jackson

The Texans do not need an offensive lineman as much as the market indicates. While I think it's more likely they go OL than not, no one player is more likely to land in Houston than Egbuka, in my opinion. Shower narrative.

Pick: Emeka Egbuka

Confidence level: Moderate

Los Angeles Rams – 26th Pick

Contenders: Maxwell Hairston, Jahdae Barron, Colston Loveland, TreVeyon Henderson

Jourdan Rodrigue has corner as the team's biggest need. I'm trusting that. I want it on record that I think running back is in play (first pick +7000 is in consideration, though I haven't bet it yet).

Pick: Maxwell Hairston

Confidence level: Throwing darts at a board

Baltimore Ravens – 27th Pick

Contenders: Tyler Booker, Malaki Starks, Shemar Stewart, Donovan Ezeiruaka

Right as I went to send this in for publication, I received word that Tyler Booker is highly unlikely to make it to 27. If they can't land Booker or Starks, I think it's a defensive lineman. Tune in to the LegUp show to see how high Booker may go!

Pick: Tyler Booker

Confidence level: Very Very Low At This Current Moment

Detroit Lions – 28th Pick

Contenders: James Pearce Jr., Nic Scourton, Shemar Stewart, Derrick Harmon, Donovan Ezeiruaku

For mocking purposes, I'm not considering non-pass-rushers here. The Lions' glaring need has me narrowed in on the EDGE/IDL group, and I think James Pearce ultimately doesn't pass their character checks, though I've been told that the team has had length conversations, as they like his film. So, enter the next-best EDGE.

Pick: Nic Scourton

Confidence level: High at the position level, low at the player level.

Washington Commanders – 29th Pick

Contenders: TreVeyon Henderson, Omarion Hampton, Nic Scourton, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Shemar Stewart

The Commanders need pass rushers. Their EDGE unit lacks at least one starter, but Dorance could easily slide to #3 if competition were brought to Washington. But, with the tier of edge rushers off the board (I'm taking an uneducated guess and saying Pearce will be off due to character issues, given the team prioritized team captains last year), I look at the best chess piece on the offensive board. Henderson can add some lightning to the Commanders' rushing attack and serves as a weapon in the passing game. I think there are fans in the building.

Pick: TreVeyon Henderson

Confidence level: Sneaky not that low

Buffalo Bills – 30th Pick

Contenders: Maxwell Hairston, Will Johnson, Nick Emmanwori, Trey Amos, Malaki Starks

I'm pretty set on a defensive back landing in Buffalo. Johnson seems destined for a round one home, but I struggle to pinpoint the spot. In this iteration, he falls to Buffalo.

Pick: Will Johnson

Confidence level: Directionally accurate, but probably made a wrong turn somewhere a few miles ahead

Kansas City Chiefs – 31st Pick

Contenders: Josh Simmons, Josh Conerly Jr.

The Chiefs have been rumored to want to move up (likely in front of the Texans and Ravens) if they have a specific offensive lineman they worry might go. The cliff (after Simmons, I would say) seems deep this year, as the next crop of linemen (Conerly, Donovan Jackson, Aireontae Ersery, Jared Wilson, etc) seems a tier below. Simmons has a patella issue and some teams have flagged his character, but the Chiefs would be my bet for a round one landing spot.

Pick: Josh Simmons

Confidence level: Not joshing around

Philadelphia Eagles – 32nd Pick

Contenders: Walter Nolen, James Pearce Jr., Nic Scourton, Donozan Ezeiruaku, Shemar Stewart, Derrick Harmon

I see the Eagles going with a trench player, and I think defense is far more likely than offense. Nolen seems penciled in most mocks, but I think character issues may have him slip a bit. With the Eagles losing Milton Williams in free agency, adding a new interior pass-rusher seems like a rational pick to close out the first round.

Pick: Walter Nolen

Confidence level: Throwing a dart at a board

Honorable Mentions:

1. Nick Emmanwori
2. The New York Knickerbockers
3. Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, Jalen Milroe (I think at least one and possibly both go in the first, but tough to bet on the team-player fit when it likely entails a trade). I heavily buy the link between Dart and the Saints.
4. James Pearce Jr.
5. Trey Amos
6. Josh Conerly Jr.
7. Sinners (the movie, see it!)
8. The red delicious apple I had at lunch

Note: Thank you for reading the mock! A final updated list of my 32-pick prediction should be added to this before Wednesday night, as in the next ~24 hours, some things will change.

Updated 1-32

1. Titans - Cam Ward
2. Browns - Travis Hunter
3. Giants - Abdul Carter
4. Patriots - Will Campbell
5. Jaguars - Jalon Walker (probably at #10?)
6. Raiders - Armand Membou
7. Jets - Tyler Warren
8. Panthers - Mason Graham
9. Saints - Kelvin Banks Jr.
10. Bears - Ashton Jeanty (via a move up?)
11. 49ers - Mykel Williams
12. Cowboys - Matthew Golden
13. Dolphins - Walter Nolen
14. Colts - Colston Loveland
15. Falcons - Mike Green
16. Cardinals - Will Johnson
17. Bengals - Shemar Stewart
18. Seahawks - Grey Zabel
19. Buccaneers - Donovan Ezeiruaku
20. Broncos - TreVeyon Henderson
21. Steelers - Derrick Harmon
22. Chargers - Kenneth Grant
23. Packers - Tet McMillan
24. Vikings* - Malaki Starks
25. Texans - Emeka Egbuka
26. Rams - Jahdae Barron
27. Ravens - Tyler Booker
28. Lions - Nic Scourton
29. Commanders* - Omarion Hampton (idk idk)
30. Bills - Maxwell Hairston
31. Chiefs - Josh Simmons
32. Eagles - James Pearce Jr.

Considered: Jihaad Campbell, Shedeur Sanders (Giants or Browns at 24 or 29), Jaxson Dart (Saints move up), Josh Conerly Jr., an early IOL run, Nick Emmanwori, Trey Amos, a Bears - Jaguars pick swap so the Bears take Jeanty at 5 and the Jaguars take Walker at 10.

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