3-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Abdul Carter, Jalon Walker Lead Defensive Revolution

    With the College Football Playoff underway and all-star games approaching, here's a 3-Round NFL Mock Draft to get you ready for draft season.

    As we count down the days until draft season is fully upon us and the order shakes out, we’ll be able to get a better feel for what teams may do come April. Until then, here is my first 3-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft, with selections for all 101 Day 1 and 2 picks.

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    1) Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

    New England Patriots

    For New England Patriot fans, you can’t help but enjoy the trajectory of this young team. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye has shown that he is the future of the franchise, so now it’s time to buff up the rest of the roster.

    With Travis Hunter, the question has always been, “Will he play both sides?” While I believe the answer is yes, it seems as if cornerback would be his preferred option if he were to choose.

    With that being said, Patriots fans rejoice at the simple fact that, at the very least, Hunter and Christian Gonzalez could easily be the best young secondary duo in the entire league. Not to mention a potential brand-new weapon for Drake Maye to get excited about.

    However, keep an eye on this pick. If New England does end up with the first overall, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them looking at potential trade partners.

    2) Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

    Tennessee Titans

    In a class with these quarterbacks as the best option, this pick seems like it could easily be a trade-down opportunity for the Tennessee Titans.

    However, it also appears as if the Will Levis experiment has come to an end in Tennessee. With the second overall pick, the Titans pull the trigger on their next shot at a future signal-caller as we get back to back Buffaloes off the board.

    Shedeur Sanders’ poise and experience should allow him to hit the ground running, as Tennessee would like. Let’s just hope they plan to load up their future quarterback with some weapons (or protection) through the rest of the draft.

    3) Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)

    Cleveland Browns

    The Cleveland Browns, once again, are in desperate need of a new quarterback. After the disastrous experiment with Deshaun Watson, there needs to be a change in Cleveland. Adding the Heisman Trophy finalist should give the Browns some juice that is much needed in that building.

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    Cam Ward has looked excellent under pressure with his time in college football and will deliver some poise to this Browns offense. He has a high ceiling, and his experience should allow him to have an immediate effect on Day 1.

    4) Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

    New York Giants

    Everyone can tell that the New York Giants are in need of a playmaking quarterback to get the ball rolling. Unfortunately for them, due to a win in week 17, they just miss out on the top two, and aren’t in love with their options after that, especially not at the fourth overall pick.

    If they do stick and pick, a polished and playmaking corner like Will Johnson could set the Giants up with a young and solid secondary—one that is needed with some high-flying playmakers in the division.

    5) Mason Graham, DL, Michigan

    Jacksonville Jaguars

    We’ve already seen two Buffaloes go back-to-back in this draft, so why not two Wolverines? Mason Graham very well could be the best defensive player in this draft, and he’ll join a young and tough defensive front in Jacksonville.

    Graham has been the heart of the Michigan defense for the past two years, and pairing him with Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker is a scary sight.

    6) Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

    Carolina Panthers

    Abdul Carter is currently my favorite defensive player in the class, and for Carolina, it would be a steal to get a guy like him with the sixth overall pick.

    It’s hard not to see the similarities between Carter and former Penn State edge rusher Micah Parsons. Aside from wearing the number 11, both Nittany Lions transferred from LB to EDGE and had tremendous seasons at Penn State.

    Carter is a physical freak with a plethora of tools to cause disruption. With his elite burst and incredible bend off the edge, he would be my early pick for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

    7) Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia

    New York Jets

    The New York Jets hit on one of the most dynamic defenders in this 2025 NFL Mock Draft. Jalon Walker has been an explosive playmaker this season for the Georgia Bulldogs with the impressive burst to get after the quarterback – a trait that is ultra useful in a division with some talented passers.

    Walker has elite upside that is too great for the Jets to pass up on.

    8) Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

    Las Vegas Raiders

    This is the same scenario that the Giants face. The Las Vegas Raiders need a young quarterback, but at the eighth overall pick of this 2025 NFL Mock Draft, the choices seem far too rich. Instead, they will suit up their future quarterback with one of, if not the best, wideouts in the class.

    Tetairoa McMillan has shined in Arizona’s offense, and pairing him up with Brock Bowers gives the Raiders one of the most inviting options for whoever is under center next season.

    9) Will Campbell, OT, LSU

    Chicago Bears

    The Chicago Bears are in dire need of protection for young quarterback Caleb Williams, so it’s no secret what they’ll aim for here. Fortunately for them, the best tackle available falls to them with the ninth overall selection of this 2025 NFL Mock Draft.

    The priority remains keeping Caleb Williams as happy and healthy as possible. The Bears should do just that.

    10) Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

    New Orleans Saints

    Drafting Oregon State Beavers standout Taliese Fuaga last year was a step in the right direction. I think the New Orleans Saints will elect to boost that offensive front, as they’re in a position where it seems like the best available is the way to go.

    Kelvin Banks Jr. has been the best offensive tackle in the nation for the Texas Longhorns and will give some much-needed support to whoever is under center for the Saints in 2025.

    11) Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

    San Francisco 49ers

    On paper, the San Francisco 49ers roster still looks extremely impressive, if not for injuries. With Nick Bosa seemingly on the decline of his most effective years, the defensive line needs a young star to spice things up.

    The length and explosiveness of Mykel Williams do just that. While the Georgia pass rusher hasn’t fully hit his top potential, his ceiling is far too high to overlook. The 49ers roll the dice on his upside, hoping to strike gold once again.

    12) Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

    Indianapolis Colts

    Helping out a young quarterback in the draft doesn’t necessarily always mean giving him a new weapon or protection. In this case, it means building up a strong defense to relieve some pressure from Anthony Richardson.

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    The Indianapolis Colts elect to snag the versatile safety from Georgia in Malaki Starks. The Bulldogs defensive back has been a versatile weapon that seemingly covers the entire stretch of the field at all times.

    13) Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

    Dallas Cowboys

    This tends to be one of the more natural picks when projecting the 2025 NFL Draft. Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty has already made it clear he is intrigued by playing for the Dallas Cowboys, so all Jerry Jones needs to do is pull the trigger.

    Nothing needs to be said about the talent level and explosiveness Jeanty provides. If Jerry Jones does pass on the Bose State Broncos running back, expect to hear Cowboy fans calling for his job.

    Not to mention, the Cowboys recently released RB Ezekiel Elliott, leaving some space available in the running back room.

    14) James Pearce Jr, EDGE, Tennessee

    Arizona Cardinals

    While James Pearce Jr. didn’t have the year any of us were expecting, he’s still an edge rusher with extremely high upside. Fortunately for the Arizona Cardinals, they get Pearce at a discounted price in this 2025 NFL Mock Draft, thanks to his subpar season with the Volunteers.

    While Pearce is underdeveloped as a pass-rushing prospect, with the right coaching staff and landing spot, if Peace can reach his ceiling, the 13 teams above Arizona could be kicking themselves for passing on him.

    15) Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

    Miami Dolphins

    One thing has become abundantly clear for the Miami Dolphins this season: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is by far the most valuable player on that offense. For Miami to have any chance at fighting the Buffalo Bills for the division title anytime soon, they’ll need to protect Tua.

    While Josh Simmons left the 2024 season early with a season-ending knee injury, he is trending towards being fully healthy for his NFL career. Before being injured, Simmons was having a prolific year with the Ohio State Buckeyes, not allowing a sack all season.

    16) Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

    Cincinnati Bengals

    If it weren’t for rhe Cincinnati Bengals’ horrific defensive showcase this season, they may have been one of the AFC’s top seeds. Instead, they head in to the last week of the season living on a prayer.

    The Bengals need more than one dominant player on their defensive line. Adding Texas A&M Aggies standout Nic Scourton will give quarterbacks a real headache when they see him lined up alongside Trey Hendrickson.

    17) Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

    Atlanta Falcons

    Jihaad Campbell is flying up draft boards, and for good reason. His size and explosive nature make him a versatile weapon for the Falcons defense. With an Atlanta Falcons pass rush that ranks towards the bottom of the league, Campbell will improve those numbers, as he is very capable of getting after the quarterback.

    This may seem early for the Alabama linebacker, but his awareness and athletic ability make him a first-rounder in my eyes.

    18) Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

    Seattle Seahawks

    Aireontae Ersery has been a guy that has shot up draft boards this season, and may continue to do so. He’s already accepted an invite to the Senior Bowl, and pending a good showing there, he may not even be available for the Seattle Seahawks here come April.

    Fortunately for Seattle, in this 2025 NFL Mock Draft, he is available. The Seahawks need to address needs across their offensive line to give time for Geno Smith to play within the pocket. Ersery is a giant, and considering how big he is, you’d be even more surprised to see how well he moves across the field.

    19) Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama

    Houston Texas

    The Houston Texans need help at all three interior offensive line positions. Tyler Booker can address those needs immediately. The two-year Alabama starter has seen his fair share of strong competition in the SEC and should translate well to the NFL level.

    He moves well for his size and should be an instant upgrade for the Texans offense as they continue to bolster a young, building roster.

    20) Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

    Denver Broncos

    It seems as if the Denver Broncos have finally found their franchise quarterback. As Bo Nix gets better each week, Denver opts to give him a new versatile weapon in Tyler Warren.

    Warren could arguably be the most versatile player in the draft and one of the most fun prospects to utilize from an offensive standpoint. Warren can do almost anything, from lining up at quarterback to taking snaps in a designed wildcat formation run play.

    Nix and Sean Payton would have a lot of fun with Warren, and he would be especially helpful in a division that has seen other tight end success with the likes of Travis Kelce and Brock Bowers.

    21) Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

    Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    Luther Burden III is a quick athletic freak who can stretch the field and get involved in a variety of ways. He’s exceptionally dangerous after the catch and in the screen game and could impact the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense from Day 1.

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    Chris Godwin and Mike Evans won’t last forever, even though it seems that way. Burden gives Tampa another new playmaker, pairing him up with young standouts such as Bucky Irving and Jalen McMillan.

    22) Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

    Los Angeles Chargers

    Colston Loveland hasn’t had near the year we were expecting him to. Does that mean it was completely his fault? It’s hard to put a lot of blame on him when you watch Michigan’s atrocious quarterback roller coaster.

    So what better place to land than with someone who knows exactly what you’re fully capable of? Head coach Jim Harbaugh reunites with one of his Wolverines. Loveland has the talent to be one of the best tight ends in the league in this situation, joining an offense to give Justin Herbert even more weapons.

    23) Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

    Los Angeles Rams

    Unfortunately, Benjamin Morrison was sidelined for the season with a hip injury back in October. Before the injury, we saw how talented he really is.

    He’s an undeniable talent at the cornerback position with elite-level quickness and pursuit of the ball. His quick change of direction allows him to play both slot and outside corner, and he can make an immediate impact on this Rams defense.

    24) Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina

    Green Bay Packers

    The run on cornerbacks in this 2025 NFL Mock Draft starts here. Jaire Alexander is on the decline due to injuries, and Eric Stokes is unlikely to return to the Green Bay Packers in 2025. While Shavon Revel was unable to finish this season after going out with a season-ending ACL injury, he remains one of the best cornerbacks in this year’s class.

    Revel’s rare length and size could make him an elite-level cornerback with amazing potential.

    25) Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

    Pittsburgh Steelers

    Many people have the Pittsburgh Steelers taking a wideout with their first pick. While it makes sense when you look at their roster, you have to consider that the Steelers haven’t drafted a wide receiver in the first round since 2006. They love to hit the second-day bargain shopping, and they do it very well.

    Jahdae Barron gives a high-level running mate to Joey Porter, giving the Steelers one of the best young secondaries in the league. When you play against guys like Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson twice a year, these are the guys that will win you those games.

    26) Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss

    Washington Commanders

    Dan Quinn is a defensive-minded head coach, so that’s what he chooses to address first in this 2025 NFL Mock Draft. After the 2023 first-round failure of Emmanuel Forbes, the Commanders take another shot at a Day 1 cornerback.

    Amos has been a huge pre-draft riser and has a chance to jump even higher on boards with a successful showing at the Senior Bowl. Amos has all the tools in his arsenal to be a complete corner at the next level.

    27) Cameron Williams, OT, Texas

    Baltimore Ravens

    At Cameron Williams’ size, it’s hard to push him out of the first round. The Baltimore Ravens would love to keep Lamar Jackson as happy and healthy as possible, and loading up the trenches continues to be a priority for them.

    While he lacks full-time starting experience, his size and length allow him to be a high-potential developmental player that the Ravens will be able to take advantage of.

    28) Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

    Philadelphia Eagles

    Mike Green has been an ultra-productive pass rusher this season at Marshall, notching an impressive 17 sacks with the Thundering Herd.

    The Philadelphia Eagles elect to take the best edge available, and Green is the best left, in my opinion. He is still a bit raw as a prospect, but his quick twitch and variety of ways to win off the edge give Philly another tool on defense.

    29) Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

    Buffalo Bills

    The Bills could take a couple of different approaches here. A cornerback and a new front defender are very much in play, but with the options available, adding a new elite weapon for Josh Allen is too good to pass up.

    Emeka Egbuka is a natural route runner with smooth and fluid movement in space and could thrive in an offense with quarterback Allen. Egbuka is exceptional after the catch and tracks the ball extremely well downfield. Buffalo can hit on more glaring needs later in the draft, but the thought of this QB-WR pairing is just too exciting to pass up.

    30) Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan

    Detroit Lions

    There’s just something about keeping those Michigan guys in-state. Dan Campbell is a defensive-minded head coach who loves big, bruising run-stoppers. Plugging Kenneth Grant inside next to Aidan Hutchinson gives the Lions talent across the line and another young piece to a defense that continues to grow.

    31) Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

    Minnesota Vikings

    Aaron Jones is entering a contract year with the Minnesota Vikings, and it’s unclear whether or not he will return in 2025.

    Omarion Hampton is a lot closer to chasing the RB1 title than most people think. The North Carolina Tar Heel is a three-down NFL back with exceptional contact balance and a rare blend of speed and power. With Hampton joining the Vikings, they may have the scariest young offense in the league, pending a Sam Darnold return.

    32) Wyatt Milum, OT, West Virginia

    Kansas City Chiefs

    The Kansas City Chiefs have a glaring need at tackle, and Wyatt Milum is the best available for the job. Kingsley Suamataia hasn’t met expectations yet, so the Chiefs take another stab at a tackle with extensive starting experience.

    Milum can play either side of the line, and as a four-year starter, he’s proven he has all the tools to be elite at the next level and immediately boost this Kansas City line.

    2025 NFL Mock Draft Round 2

    33) Jonah Savaiinaea, OT, Arizona

    New England Patriots

    34) Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M

    Tennessee Titans

    35) Donovan Jackson, OT, Ohio State

    Cleveland Browns

    36) Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

    New York Giants

    37) Grey Zabel, OT, North Dakota State

    Jacksonville Jaguars

    38) Walter Nolen, DL, Mississippi

    Chicago Bears

    39) Tyleik Williams, DL, Ohio State

    New York Jets

    40) Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

    Las Vegas Raiders

    41) Marcus Mbow, OT, Purdue

    Chicago Bears

    42) TJ Sanders, DL, South Carolina

    New Orleans Saints

    43) Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

    San Francisco 49ers

    44) Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green

    Indianapolis Colts

    45) Omarr Norman-Lott, DL, Tennessee

    Dallas Cowboys

    46) Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU

    Arizona Cardinals

    47) Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

    Miami Dolphins

    48) Deone Walker, DL, Kentucky

    Cincinnati Bengals

    49) Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon

    Atlanta Falcons

    50) Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson

    Seattle Seahawks

    51) Alfred Collins, DT, Texas

    Houston Texans

    52) Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame

    Denver Broncos

    53) Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas

    Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    54) LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama

    Los Angeles Chargers

    55) Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford

    Carolina Panthers

    56) Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss

    Green Bay Packers

    57) Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas

    Pittsburgh Steelers

    58) Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State

    Washington Commanders

    59) JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State

    Baltimore Ravens

    60) Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama

    Philadelphia Eagles

    61) Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State

    Buffalo Bills

    62) Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State

    Detroit Lions

    63) Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina

    Buffalo Bills

    64) Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa

    Kansas City Chiefs

    2025 NFL Mock Draft Round 3

    65) Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, Louisville

    New England Patriots

    66) Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College

    Kansas City Chiefs

    67) Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami

    Cleveland Browns

    68) Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary

    New York Giants

    69) Zy Alexander, CB, LSU

    Jacksonville Jaguars

    70) Chris Paul Jr., LB, Ole Miss

    Carolina Panthers

    71) Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

    Las Vegas Raiders

    72) Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College

    Las Vegas Raiders

    73) Shemar Turner, DL, Texas A&M

    Chicago Bears

    74) Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia

    New Orleans Saints

    75) Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville

    San Fransisco 49ers

    76) Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State

    Indianapolis Colts

    77) Savion Williams, WR, TCU

    Dallas Cowboys

    78) Aeneas Peebles, DL, Virginia Tech

    Arizona Cardinals

    79) Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss

    Washington Commanders

    80) Kyren Lacy, WR, LSU

    Cincinnati Bengals

    81) Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State

    New England Patriots

    82) Armand Membou, IOL, Missouri

    Seattle Seahawks

    83) Jabbar Muhammad, CB, Oregon

    Houston Texans

    84) Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon

    Denver Broncos

    85) Dorian Strong, CB, Virginia Tech

    Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    86) Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas

    Los Angeles Chargers

    87) Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

    Los Angeles Rams

    88) Jared Ivey, EDGE, Mississippi

    Green Bay Packers

    89) Anthony Belton, OT, North Carolina State

    Pittsburgh Steelers

    90) Lathan Ransom, S, Ohio State

    New Orleans Saints

    91) Mello Dotson, CB, Kansas

    Baltimore Ravens

    92) Ajani Cornelius, OT, Oregon

    Philadelphia Eagles

    93) Sebastian Castro, S, Iowa

    Cleveland Browns

    94) Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State

    New York Jets

    95) Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon

    Jacksonville Jaguars

    96) Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State

    Kansas City Chiefs

    97) Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama

    Minnesota Vikings

    98) Daylen Everett, CB, Georgia

    Miami Dolphins

    99) DeMonte Capehart, DL, Clemson

    Miami Dolphins

    100) Jeffrey Bassa, LB, Oregon

    Los Angeles Rams

    101) Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU

    San Francisco 49ers

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