2025 NFL Mock Draft: Travis Hunter, Will Johnson Headline Defensive Top-Heavy Round 1

    This 2025 NFL Mock Draft sees Travis Hunter and Will Johnson go 1, 2, respectively, before a handful of quarterbacks are taken in the top 10 picks.

    It’s November, and the 2025 NFL Draft is taking shape. Though we’re in the heart of College Football Playoff Prediction time as the first edition of the College Football Playoff Rankings is set to debut on Tuesday, the 2025 NFL Mock Draft cycle is also picking up.

    Here’s how we’d grab the top college players if we were general managing each of the 32 NFL teams next April.

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    As a note, before we get after it, you can make your own mock draft using the free College Football Network Mock Draft Simulator.

    1) Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

    New England Patriots

    There is a roadmap to Travis Hunter playing on both sides of the ball in the NFL, as he has done with the Colorado Buffaloes. It just so happens that the Patriots are picking first here and Hunter fills both a need at receiver and at cornerback for them.

    2) Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

    Jacksonville Jaguars

    The top pure cornerback in the class is Will Johnson and Jacksonville can sit back knowing that either Hunter or Johnson would be available at No. 2 for them here. Johnson has instincts that match the top corners in the pros today, and has the ball skills to match.

    3) Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

    New Orleans Saints

    It’s likely that Abdul Carter finds more success coming off the edge in the NFL than he ever has at Penn State. He’ll be utilized in a much larger role and in a role consistent with his elite traits, of which he has many. Expect him to be a legitimate candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

    4) Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

    Carolina Panthers

    No, the Bryce Young era doesn’t appear to be over as of right now, but let’s face it, Shedeur Sanders and his abilities at the helm of the Panthers would be an upgrade. No QB has done better with less than Sanders over the past three seasons and he has the pedigree, arm talent, and ability to elevate those around him like few others do in recent memory.

    MORE: Take the College Football Network Mock Draft Simulator for a spin!

    5) Cameron Ward, QB, Miami (FL)

    Cleveland Browns

    No quarterback has elevated his game like Cameron Ward has in 2024 and he’s put his name in consideration for the Heisman Trophy as well as the top QB off the board. His long bugaboo throughout his entire career has been ball security, and he’s got that figured it, or so it appears in the NFL. That coincides with an undefeated record and multiple Heisman-level plays from Ward this season in Miami.

    6) Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

    Las Vegas Raiders

    The Las Vegas Raiders needs far more than one player in this upcoming offseason, but banking on physical traits and arm talent is a surefire way to at least get some fans to buy in while also potentially winning some games. Jalen Milroe has unreal arm talent and the creation capacity that matches his elite arm. Putting it all together would be key, but he has the ability to start and win games as early as his rookie season.

    7) Carson Beck, QB, Georgia

    New York Giants

    There’s an effortless fluidity to Carson Beck’s arm talent, the Georgia Bulldogs just really haven’t seen to figure out how to utilize it in 2024 with Mike Bobo. But when Beck is on, his release, accuracy, and timing are some of the best in the class. Though he struggles under pressure, in a quick offense with talented receivers like the Giants, he could thrive.

    MORE: 2025 NFL Draft QB Rankings

    8) Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

    Miami Dolphins

    Arguably the best overall athlete in the class, Malaki Starks heads south to Miami to take on the roll of a true free safety for the Dolphins. Starks makes highlight reel plays look like the norm and can cover an entire half of the field by himself. Combine that with his ability to come downhill in space, and you got yourself a fan favorite and potential All-Pro in the NFL.

    9) Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

    Tennessee Titans

    Think of Luther Burden as a more elusive Anquan Boldin and you’ll understand why he’s pegged here as the top pure wide receiver off the board. The Tennesee Titans grab Burden in our 2025 NFL Mock Draft and make the easy decision to place him as their WR of the future with his versatility, YAC, strong hands, and growing route tree.

    10) Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

    New York Jets

    The New York Jets have to figure out the quarterback position, but with the top signal-callers already off the board, it’s time to revamp an aging and delibated offensive line. Kelvin Banks Jr. heads to the Big Apple to protect insert QB here with his stalwart pass protection abilities and his dominance on the ground.

    11) Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

    Dallas Cowboys

    It could be said that the Dallas Cowboys could go QB shopping in the 2025 NFL Draft, but not here. Instead, they grab the best ‘big receiver’ in the class in Tetairoa McMillan. Since we’re comping receivers in this mock, let’s say McMillan is a straight-line Mike Evans with the catch-point prowess of Randy Moss. That’ll get some fans in the seats in Big D.

    12) Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

    Indianapolis Colts

    A lockdown cornerback who can take away an entire third of the field himself, Benjamin Morrison could start right away with the Colts. He’s a dynamic athlete and has the athleticism to stick with any receiver and out-leap any pass catcher to the football.

    MORE: Simulate the College Football Season with CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor

    13) Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

    Cincinnati Bengals

    Emeka Egbuka has been lost on his own receiving corps thanks to the underclassmen, but make no mistake about it, Egbuka is as talented as they come. He’s a dynamic route runner from any alignment, though he pencils into the slot as he heads down I-75 to unite with Joe Burrow and the Bengals.

    14) Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

    Seattle Seahawks

    A massive man with what feels like untapped potential, Nic Scourton heads to Seattle to rapidly change the Seahawks’ defensive front. He comes fully equipped with positional versatility and a growing bag of dominant pass-rushing moves. Scourton is a massive man who likely won’t be here at pick No. 14 if he tests as well as he should in the pre-draft process.

    15) Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina

    Los Angeles Rams

    All indications are that Shavon Revel will be a full go by as early as the Combine, let alone for the regular season. When healthy, Revel locks down with a full arsenal of athleticism, ball skills, fluidity, and speed at his disposal. How he was looked over and not scooped up by a big program during his college career is the biggest question mark.

    16) Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

    Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    A massive man with bad intentions and positional versatility to line up inside or out, Mykel Williams will have Bucs fans thinking it’s the old days with his selection. Williams can play heads up on a center or shade off tackles, rushing the passer of stuffing run plays all the same from any alignment.

    MORE: 2025 NFL Draft WR Rankings

    17) Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU

    San Francisco 49ers

    Emery Jones Jr. heads to the 49ers as they revamp their offensive line with yet another big man who can move in the ground game and dominate in the passing game. Jones is a stalwart in pass protection and comes equipped with the ability to play right tackle right away before ultimately shifting into a Pro Bowl caliber left tackle after Trent Williams hangs ’em up.

    18) Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

    Chicago Bears

    Defensive tackles are never going to be an attractive pick to fanbases, but once the Chicago fans get a glimpse of Mason Graham, they may change their tune. The big man in the middle for Michigan has arguably the best get-off in the class and has some of the best strength-to-speed ratio we’ve seen in some time.

    19) Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas

    Denver Broncos

    A dominant route runner with sure hands, Isaiah Bond hasn’t quite caught the eye of the national scouts at this time, but the Denver Broncos make the right move to give Bo Nix every weapon they can find to succeed. That includes Bond’s ability to quickly win at the line of scrimmage; exactly what a young QB needs.

    20) Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State

    Arizona Cardinals

    Tyleik Williams is an absolutely massive man with massive potential for the Cardinals here. He can play a bevy of positions in the middle and has bull-rush capabilities that stand up next to his speedier pass-rush moves when he pins his ears back. he’s been no stranger to double teams his entire career at Ohio State, and could flourish on a defensive front that won’t allow him to be double-teamed out in the desert.

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    21) James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee

    Los Angeles Chargers

    Banking on potential, the Los Angeles Chargers grab James Pearce Jr. despite the fact that the big man has hardly started games in his college career. Yet, Pearce may be one of the most dominant athletes to come from this class if he’s featured immediately into a starting role like he should be. He’s got a ridiculous set of pass-rush moves off the edge and can make an easy impact in run defense or even in space.

    22) Tacario Davis, CB, Arizona

    Atlanta Falcons

    Tacario Davis doesn’t get enough credit for his ability to lock down and stick with any receiver archetype in his coverage. He’s massive for a man with his speed and quickness as well. Davis has the potential to become the new prototype for big, lockdown cornerbacks in the NFL.

    23) Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

    Green Bay Packers

    Another defensive tackle from Michigan in the first round, Kenneth Grant makes the trek to Green Bay after racking up some highlight-reel plays in both run and pass defense during his Wolverines career. Grant can eat up multiple gaps with his ability to get off the ball quickly and wade through blocks, showing of his talent against the run and with his pass-rushing skills all the while.

    24) Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama

    Baltimore Ravens

    Baltimore makes the move to secure their interior line with the selection of Tyler Booker. He’s a big man with terrific fundamentals and the ability to kick around on the inside if necessary. Booker is strong at the point of attack and can move very well in and out of his stance.

    25) Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky

    Houston Texans

    Defensive tackles hardly come as big and as physically imposing as Deone Walker. With his size and speed, it’s amazing how fast Walker can get up field in both aspects of defense, routinely dominating smaller linemen with his strength or surprising bigger linemen with his speed.

    26) Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss

    Philadelphia Eagles

    Bending off the edge in an NFC East backfield near you, Princely Umanmielen has hit a new groove with Ole Miss in 2024. Transferring in from Florida, Umanmielen has shown that he can immediately hit the ground running, flourish in new surroundings, and is the same, talented edge rusher in all facets that we thought he was.

    27) Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State

    Pittsburgh Steelers

    A veteran of the sport at this point in his career, Denzel Burke is a perfect fit for the Pittsburgh defense. He’ll smack running backs in run defense, be physical in coverage, and has great fundamentals. Though he may lack some of the top-tier athleticism in this class, Burke has lockdown NFL CB written all over him.

    28) Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

    Minnesota Vikings

    A running back from Boise State heading to Minnesota. Sound familiar? Well, Ashton Jeanty is nothing like Alexander Mattison; he’s a massive upgrade. In fact, Jeanty is so talented, he’s an upgrade for about 90% of NFL backfields as early as his rookie season. You name it, Jeanty’s got it in terms of requisite skills for a next-level back to possess.

    MORE: 2025 NFL Draft RB Rankings

    29) Harold Perkins, LB, LSU

    Washington Commanders

    Harold Perkins is a veteran of the sport himself at this point as it feels like we’ve talked about him being a potential first-round pick for three seasons now. Though he suffered a torn ACL earlier in the year, he’ll likely be ready for Year 1 as a rookie, and the Commanders grab him to play off the edge, and torment opposing quarterbacks for years to come.

    30) Will Campbell, OT, LSU

    Buffalo Bills

    Another LSU tackle off the board, the Bills grab Will Campbell to protect Josh Allen with his dynamic pass-rushing skill set, terrific run blocking, and his dominant frame. Campbell is a great mover in space, but shines in pass protection.

    31) Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

    Detroit Lions

    Jalon Walker heads to Detroit to balance the attack of Aidan Hutchinson and the rest of the Lions’ defensive front. Walker is dynamic in space, but really thrives when he pins his ears back and gets after the passer. His versatility may even make him more attractive as a draft pick as the pre-draft process unfolds.

    32) Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

    Kansas City Chiefs

    Kansas City grabs the heir apparent to Travis Kelce with their selection of Colston Loveland. Sure, they play the same position, but Loveland is fully equipped with near-receiver-like ball skills and incredible after-the-catch abilities. As he hones in on his blocking, Loveland can become a valuable member to the Chiefs’ passing attack from an inline position or even as far out as an X receiver.

    College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.

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