2025 NFL Draft: Bold Predictions and Potential Trades for the First Round

Welcome to the 2025 NFL Draft — and for the first time in history, all 32 NFL teams still have their original first-round picks. No trades at the top yet, which means for the first time in the 32-team era, every franchise could make a selection in the opening round. However, in this first-ever draft in Green Bay, it’s highly likely that teams will be working the phones, especially if top-tier quarterbacks like Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart are still waiting to hear their names called.

While Sanders won’t be attending the draft, and Dart has gained considerable interest of late, Alabama's Jalen Milroe will be present, hoping his stay in the green room isn’t too long. In this mock draft, we explore potential trades and landing spots for these quarterbacks and some of the top talents available. Let’s take a look at how the first round could play out.

1. Tennessee | QB Cam Ward (Miami)

The Titans are ready to rest their future on the shoulders of Miami’s Cam Ward, who has proven himself across three college programs. Tennessee may need a fresh face to guide the team in a new direction.

2. Cleveland | WR/CB Travis Hunter (Colorado)

Hunter is a versatile star that Cleveland can’t pass up, even though the Browns are still in search of a quarterback. Expect Hunter to provide an immediate boost to the team’s offense and defense.

3. New York Giants | Edge Abdul Carter (Penn State)

In this scenario, the Giants grab one of the most dominant pass rushers available before trading back into the first round to secure a quarterback later.

4. New England | T Will Campbell (Louisiana State)

To protect their investment in quarterback Drake Maye, the Patriots opt for the top tackle in Will Campbell, who can provide solid protection on the offensive line.

5. Jacksonville | RB Ashton Jeanty (Boise State)

Jeanty brings back memories of Maurice Jones-Drew, a fan favorite in Jacksonville. He could become the next star in the backfield for the Jaguars.

6. Las Vegas | Edge Jalon Walker (Georgia)

With a strong defensive-minded approach, the Raiders bolster their pass rush with Jalon Walker, who has the potential to be a game-changer on the edge.

7. New York Jets | TE Tyler Warren (Penn State)

The Jets look to strengthen their offensive weapons by selecting tight end Tyler Warren, giving their offense a big-time target — now they just need a quarterback to get him the ball.

8. Carolina | DT Mason Graham (Michigan)

The Panthers are in desperate need of help along their defensive line. Mason Graham could immediately contribute to bolstering their defensive front.

9. New Orleans | Edge Mykel Williams (Georgia)

The Saints’ defense could use some extra firepower. Williams will bring the pressure needed to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and help boost their defense.

10. Chicago | G Armand Membou (Missouri)

While not the most exciting pick, Membou’s addition to the offensive line provides the Bears with a solid protector for whoever is under center.

11. San Francisco | DT Walter Nolen (Mississippi)

The 49ers need to reinforce their defensive line, and Nolen could be the perfect fit to help them return to Super Bowl contention.

12. Dallas | CB Will Johnson (Michigan)

The Cowboys could use another lockdown corner, and Will Johnson brings the size, speed, and physicality to make an immediate impact on their defense.

13. Miami | S Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina)

The Dolphins need to improve their secondary, and Nick Emmanwori is a dynamic safety who can help anchor Miami’s defense.

14. Indianapolis | G Kelvin Banks (Texas)

Kelvin Banks offers versatility and could provide a major upgrade to the Colts’ offensive line, which will be crucial in protecting their quarterback for years to come.

15. Atlanta | Edge Mike Green (Marshall)

The Falcons will continue to strengthen both lines, selecting Mike Green to provide a solid edge presence and pressure opposing quarterbacks.

16. Arizona | DT Kenneth Grant (Michigan)

With numerous changes to their defense, the Cardinals will continue to build their front seven by selecting Grant, who will help shore up their run defense.

17. Cincinnati | CB Maxwell Hairston (Kentucky)

Hairston’s speed and agility have caught the eye of many scouts, and the Bengals will look to add him to their secondary to complement their elite defensive front.

18. Seattle | G Grey Zabel (North Dakota State)

Zabel might be a small-school gem, but his potential to help the Seahawks improve their interior offensive line is too good to pass up.

19. Tampa Bay | S Malaki Starks (Georgia)

The Buccaneers are in need of defensive playmakers, and Starks is a physical safety who can make an immediate impact in their secondary.

20. Denver | RB Omarion Hampton (North Carolina)

Sean Payton needs to find a reliable backfield option, and Hampton has the tools to thrive under Payton’s coaching, especially after struggling with running backs in the previous seasons.

21. Pittsburgh | DT Derrick Harmon (Oregon)

The Steelers need to continue rebuilding their defensive line, and Harmon is a strong, reliable presence that can fit into their defense seamlessly.

22. Chargers | TE Colston Loveland (Michigan)

Justin Herbert would be thrilled to add Colston Loveland to his arsenal. The tight end could quickly become a go-to target for the young quarterback.

23. Green Bay | CB Jahdae Barron (Texas)

The Packers need a cornerback to improve their secondary, and Barron’s talent and coverage skills make him a strong candidate to join Green Bay’s defense.

24. Minnesota | G Tyler Booker (Alabama)

The Vikings continue to address their offensive line needs by selecting Tyler Booker, who brings stability and strength to their front five.

25. Houston | WR Matthew Golden (Texas)

Adding a dynamic weapon like Golden will provide C.J. Stroud with more tools to work with in the Texans’ passing game.

26. Rams | T Josh Simmons (Ohio State)

Protecting Matthew Stafford is the Rams' top priority, and Simmons can help shore up their offensive line in the near term.

27. Baltimore | Edge Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M)

The Ravens are looking for pass rushers to add depth, and Stewart’s ability to disrupt quarterbacks will be key for Baltimore’s defense.

28. Detroit | Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College)

Ezeiruaku might not be the biggest player, but his speed and ability to break through blockers will make him a dangerous pass rusher in Detroit.

29. Washington | LB Jihaad Campbell (Alabama)

Washington adds a linebacker who excels at reading plays and will solidify the Commanders' defense for years to come.

30. New York Giants (Proposed Trade by Buffalo) | QB Shedeur Sanders (Colorado)

Shedeur Sanders might not last this long, but the Giants could look to trade up to secure a future franchise quarterback in the first round.

31. Kansas City | WR Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona)

The Chiefs would be thrilled to add McMillan, a talented receiver who would provide Patrick Mahomes with yet another dynamic weapon on offense.

32. Cleveland (Proposed Trade by Philadelphia) | QB Jaxson Dart (Mississippi)

Jaxson Dart’s strong arm and mobility make him a perfect fit for teams in need of a quarterback, and Cleveland could be the one to grab him in a trade.

What’s Next? While these picks are only speculation, expect a lot of movement and trades in this exciting first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Some of these names could easily be switched up, but the excitement around this year’s draft is undeniable. Keep an eye on the phones — teams are going to be calling.

Stay tuned for more updates on the 2025 NFL Draft as we get closer to the big event!