The real 2025 NFL Draft is still months away, so attempting to predict the actual selections is futile. So let’s have some fun. In this mock draft, every collegiate player is up for grabs, with eligibility rules thrown out the window.
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1) Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
Tennessee Titans
Jeremiah Smith is one of the best overall WR prospects we’ve ever seen and would easily be the WR1 in the 2025 and 2026 NFL Draft classes (he isn’t eligible until 2027).
Due to his frame (6’3″ and 215 pounds), physical style, and ability to threaten defenses vertically, Smith has already been compared to future NFL Hall of Famer Julio Jones.
MORE: 2025 NFL Draft Underclassmen Tracker
The scary part? Jones’ best season with the Alabama Crimson Tide was his last (78-1,133-7 line) — Smith has a chance to dwarf those numbers in his first year on the collegiate stage (currently at 70-1,224-14 entering the CFP semifinals).
Smith can win before the catch with his elite start/stop ability, decisive route running, and deceptive speed. He can win at the catch point with his body control, strong hands, and leaping prowess. And he can win after the catch with lateral agility, contact balance, and rapid acceleration. What’s not to like?
2) Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
Cleveland Browns
If there is one QB in the 2025 class I’m hanging my hat on as a general manager, it’s Cam Ward.
A Heisman finalist, he was the most electrifying QB in college football. With unmatched creativity and low-effort velocity generation, he’s a playmaker in the purest sense. Add in Ward’s impressive athleticism, dense frame that can shrug off weaker sack attempts, and unwavering confidence, and you’ve got the makings of a future face of the franchise, which is exactly what the Browns need coming off the Deshaun Watson era.
3) Arch Manning, QB, Texas
New York Giants
The Texas Longhorns head into the CFP semifinals with senior quarterback Quinn Ewers mere months away from the 2025 NFL Draft. Ewers’ season has been marked by inconsistency, including a shaky performance in the SEC Championship Game against the Georgia Bulldogs, where he tossed two costly interceptions.
However, Texas’ future looks bright, with Arch Manning waiting in the wings. Manning impressed in limited action this season, throwing for 939 yards and nine touchdowns while showcasing his dual-threat ability with four rushing scores.
As he steps into the starting role next year, Manning will instantly join the Heisman conversation and elevate the Longhorns’ offensive ceiling to new heights — why not do the same for his uncle’s longtime franchise?
4) Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
New England Patriots
The Patriots are resetting at head coach after just one year, but at least they have QB1 in place with Drake Maye. Now, it’s time to beef up the roster around him.
It’s difficult not to compare Abdul Carter to former Penn State great Micah Parsons since they took a similar career path (LB to full-time EDGE) and wear No. 11. But Carter is what the late Kobe Bryant called a “different animal and the same beast.”
He generated 23.5 TFLs and 12 sacks in 2024 — his first playing on the defensive line full-time. *Insert exploding head emoji*
5) Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado
Jacksonville Jaguars
The biggest question on draft analysts’ and fans’ minds is, “Will Travis Hunter play both ways in the NFL?” In short, yes. But the two-way star is assuredly going to start on one side of the ball *cough* CB *cough* and moonlight on the other.
While Hunter’s fluid mobility, ball skills, and elite athleticism are more rare at corner, he has the skill set to see 10-20 snaps on offense. The Jaguars need help on both sides of the ball and will gladly facilitate reps for their top pick.
6) Dylan Raiola, QB, Nebraska
Las Vegas Raiders
With a new HC and GM coming to town, the Raiders are going to take a QB in the 2025 NFL Draft. With all players eligible, why not take the one with arguably the highest upside?
At 6’3″ and 230 pounds, Dylan Raiola already has NFL size. Yes, his debut campaign was filled with ups and downs, but he completed 67.1% of his passes for a Nebraska freshman-record 2,819 yards.
No, Raiola is not “the next Mahomes.” But after spending time with his tape, you’ll understand why the comp is thrown around — and it’s not just because of the similar aesthetic.
He has elite touch on deep balls, can layer passes over defenders with ease, has every arm angle in his arsenal, is an effortless thrower with easy velocity generation, and possesses jaw-dropping vision outside of the pocket and on the move a la Mahomes.
7) Will Campbell, OT, LSU
New York Jets
It doesn’t matter who starts under center for the New York Jets next season — they need to protect them.
Will Campbell has started at left tackle since his true freshman season in 2022 and has never looked back. The 6’6″ and 325-pound OT is a mauler in the ground game and allowed just four sacks across 1,500+ pass-blocking snaps in his career.
He’s balanced, has strong hands, and is explosive off the ball with the range to pull in the run game and mirror twitchier edge rushers. Don’t let the “shorter than you’d like” arm-length discussions distract from his OT1 film.
8) Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Carolina Panthers
Mason Graham is arguably the top prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft overall, making him a steal at No. 8. The Panthers simply need to take the “best player available” approach, as the roster is littered with holes, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Graham’s presence on the interior offers the rest of the front seven some room for error and easier paths to production.
9) Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama
New Orleans Saints
Much was made of Alabama Crimson Tide WR Ryan Williams being 17 years old this season, but don’t let that fact overshadow what he did as a true freshman.
He racked up 48 catches for 865 yards and eight TDs despite playing in an offense that struggled with consistency through the air.
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His breakout performance came against Georgia in September, when he torched the Bulldogs for 177 yards and a TD on six receptions, including one of the best high-reel catches of the season.
Williams’ rare combination of elite ball-tracking skills and long speed makes him an elite talent. With a full offseason in Kalen DeBoer’s system, Williams’ Heisman buzz for 2025 is already building
10) James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Chicago Bears
Did James Pearce Jr. dominate as much as he did last season for the Tennessee Volunteers? No, but it’s not like he completely fell off, either. I mean, he still racked up 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, so why is no one talking about him anymore?
The 6’5″ and 240+ pound EDGE has all the tools to produce from Day 1, and the Bears will need him to as they prepare for a Caleb Williams breakout in 2025.
11) Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
San Francisco 49ers
Injuries cut Will Johnson’s 2024 season short, but he’s still the CB2 in the draft. In fact, he could’ve started in the NFL last year and been one of the best in the league. Corner is arguably the biggest hole on the 49ers’ roster, and they’ll need a new stalwart on the outside with a new DC coming to town.
12) Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Dallas Cowboys
At this point, the Dallas Cowboys only have one choice with their first-round pick: Boise State Broncos RB Ashton Jeanty. Any other selection would cause a revolt from the fanbase and the college football world. The Heisman finalist and 2,000-yard rusher has already told Jerry Jones, “You know what to do,” and I believe Jones does.
13) Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins were already thin at receiver, but it appears Tyreek Hill could be on his way out as well. In order for the offense to succeed, QB Tua Tagovailoa needs weapons that can create separation on their own. Enter Tetairoa McMillan.
The Arizona WR is a 6’5″, 210+ skywalker able to win before the catch, at the catch point, and after the catch.
14) Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Indianapolis Colts
The Anthony Richardson project seems to have flamed out in Indy, and the decision-makers should move on quickly. Due to the influx of later-cycle signal-callers, the Colts eye Shedeur Sanders on the board and pull the trigger.
Sanders fits into the mold of a Geno Smith, Teddy Bridgewater, or C.J. Stroud. In a class full of high-variance passers, the Colorado QB is a breath of fresh air. His throwing motion and footwork are repeatable and fundamentally sound. He may not have the highest ceiling, but he does come equipped with one of the highest floors in the class — a welcomed change to what Richardson brought to the table.
15) Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina
Atlanta Falcons
A.J. Terrell needs help on the outside, and the Falcons finally give it to him in the form of East Carolina CB Shavon Revel. Although he is coming off a torn ACL, Revel has the size, length, and aggressive mentality to thrive in Atlanta’s zone-heavy scheme.
Revel has room to grow technique-wise, but that should only be seen as a positive because of how good he already is.
16) Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Arizona Cardinals
Mykel Williams might be the most physically gifted defensive lineman in the class. Despite inconsistent efficiency in college, Williams’ athleticism is off the charts, making him a first-round talent with the potential to be one of the first defenders taken in April. However, he’ll need some time to hone his craft, which the Cardinals can provide.
17) Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Cincinnati Bengals
Whether or not Tee Higgins enters free agency, the Cincinnati Bengals still have a need at WR. Jermaine Burton has struggled off the field, and Andrei Iosivas likely caps out as a fourth option in the league.
With Chase winning downfield and Higgins outmuscling CBs on the boundary, Luther Burden III can thrive in the slot where his post-catch explosiveness makes him a threat to take any touch to the house.
18) Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
Seattle Seahawks
Jalon Walker is a versatile front-seven disruptor who can supercharge an NFL pass rush and inject speed into the linebacking corps. Listed as an off-ball LB, Walker’s ability to line up anywhere and wreak havoc makes him a chess piece NFL teams will love to deploy.
Don’t take my word for it; watch the tape! Walker has heavy hands at the point of attack, owns sideline-to-sideline range, and explodes off the ball. It will take a creative defensive coordinator to maximize his potential, and Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald should be up to the task.
19) Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina
Houston Texans
At 6’6″ and 248 pounds, Dylan Stewart doesn’t look like a true freshman, and he doesn’t play like one, either. He explodes off the ball and into contact, quickly creating push up front. And even though his pass-rush toolbox has room to grow, he racked up 6.5 sacks on his raw athleticism alone. Yeah, his NFL ceiling is through the roof.
20) Malaki Starks, DB, Georgia
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Since 2022, Malaki Starks has registered six INTs and 17 PBUs, highlighting his playmaking ability in coverage. But he’s also one of the best tacklers in the nation and revels in crashing the box and forcing negative plays for the offense.
MORE: When Is the Deadline for Underclassmen To Enter the 2025 NFL Draft?
Versatility is king on defense, and that just so happens to be Starks’ middle name.
21) Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Denver Broncos
Kelvin Banks Jr. set foot in Austin, Texas, and immediately shined at left tackle, particularly in pass protection. The former five-star recruit has lived up to his billing and then some, and with a commanding pre-draft process, he could be a top-10 NFL Draft prospect.
Banks is a rare tackle, standing 6’4″, 324 pounds, with nearly 35″ arms. His dense frame, leverage, and reach can disrupt opponents’ pass-rush plans with ease and should translate to the NFL level.
22) Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Pittsburgh Steelers
Caleb Downs stepped off the plane and immediately earned Alabama’s starting safety spot as a true freshman. He became the first Alabama freshman to lead the team in tackles (107) and also recorded two INTs, three PBUs, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
The do-it-all safety has been a boon for the Buckeyes’ defense, churning downhill in run support and using his physical gifts as a standout in coverage. A large reason for the unit’s resurgence following the Oregon loss was deploying Downs in a more versatile roll closer to the line of scrimmage — that’s how impactful he can be.
23) Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
Los Angeles Rams
The Matthew Stafford is nearing its end, and the Rams must look to the future. Jalen Milroe has a first-round skill set but isn’t a first-round talent … yet. He has all the tools — both as a rusher and thrower — but must refine the mental aspects of his game, and Sean McVay can help him do just that.
24) Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Green Bay Packers
The offense has been all the rage in Austin, Texas — for good and bad — but the defense has played lights out all year. A standout in the Longhorns’ secondary, Jahdae Barron has excelled from any alignment, covering out wide, in the slot, and even in the box.
The 5’11”, 200-pound senior has logged 61 tackles, six PBUs, and five INTs without allowing a TD in 2024, maximizing his physical yet athletic frame.
25) Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Los Angeles Chargers
At 6’4″ and 209 pounds, Denzel Boston will be one of the bigger WRs when he comes out. The 2024 season was his first as a starter, and he didn’t disappoint, posting a 63-834-9 receiving line. Not only does he have the contested-catch ability and length you’d expect from his size, but Boston also brings sure hands and impressive ball tracking.
26) Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Washington Commanders
Zach Ertz actually played well as a 34-year-old TE, but the Commanders need a new option for Jayden Daniels, particularly one that can stretch the field vertically.
TEs don’t come much more dynamic than Penn State’s Tyler Warren, who has taken snaps in the wildcat, inline, in the slot, and out wide. Some hip stiffness slightly limits his route tree, but his long arms increase his catch radius, and his physical nature leads to impressive run and pass-blocking reps.
27) Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Baltimore Ravens
Jermod McCoy flashed his lockdown skill set as a true freshman with Oregon State last year, but even Tennessee’s coaching staff couldn’t predict how good he’d be in Year 1 in Knoxville. McCoy led the Vols with nine passes defended (four INTs, five PBUs) while showcasing the ball skills and physicality of a lockdown man corner.
28) Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
Philadelphia Eagles
Anthony Hill Jr. played in 14 games in 2023, starting six, and was named CFN’s 2023 Freshman Linebacker of the Year.
With 107 total tackles, 16 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, one INT, and four force fumbles, the Longhorns LB was all over the field once again this season. He’s always had the versatility, athleticism, and nose for the ball to flash — now he has the football IQ to execute consistently.
29) Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
Buffalo Bills
When future 2025 NFL Draft pick and CB1 Benjamin Morrison went down with an injury, many were concerned about Notre Dame’s secondary. Fret not because 6’2″, 190-pound Leonard Moore has played lights out since stepping up.
Not only has he broken up 10 passes, intercepted two more, and forced two fumbles, highlighting his playmaking gene, but Moore has allowed just two catches over 20 yards all year.
30) Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas
Minnesota Vikings
Colin Simmons is another modern EDGE with the size (6’3″, 245), length, and frame to win as a pass rusher and run defender. He leads the Texas Longhorns with nine sacks, recording at least one in seven games, is second on the team with 14 tackles for loss, and has forced three fumbles.
His elite bend, flexibility, and speed/power blend make him a nightmare off the edge. Just wait until he joins an NFL-caliber weight and conditioning program after working with Texas co-DC Pete Kwiatkowski for three years.
31) Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
Detroit Lions
With Aidan Hutchinson winning with finesse on one side of the line, the Lions could use a dominant power profile on the other — Nic Scourton fits the bill. He joined the Texas A&M Aggies by way of Purdue and proved his skill set could conquer SEC competition.
With his inside-out versatility, raw power, and wicked spin move, there’s no reason to question his ability to thrive in the NFL as well.
32) K.J. Bolden, DB, Georgia
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs just need bodies in the secondary, but why not go for one of the best? While K.J. Bolden only started a couple of games for Georgia, he played starter snaps, largely at free safety, allowing Starks to roam.
Bolden has already received rave reviews from the Dawgs’ staff and displayed a heat-seeking ability in the open field.
“K.J. has great instincts,” head coach Kirby Smart said. “He’s gotten more confident as a player. …He played a lot of snaps for a freshman. He continues to grow and get better. I like his humility.”
Other Future NFL Draft Prospects To Know
- T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
- Jordan Seaton, OT, Colorado
- Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
- Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
- Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
- Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
- Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
- Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
- Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
- Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
- Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
- Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
- Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami-FL
- Makai Lemon, WR, USC
- Nico Iamaleava, QB, Tennessee
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