2025 Mock Draft: Guesswork aplenty
HOFootball's mock master previews next April's showcase
Though we at HOFootball get amped up for the start of a new NFL season as much as anyone, rating players is our bread and butter, and the next NFL draft is always front of mind. That is the case no matter what month the calendar shows.
Here, our resident draft guru Jeremy Bissett presents his first mock of next spring's selection process, scheduled for Lambeau Field on April 24. With an NFL season and a winter still to get through, cheeseheads may not be thinking ahead to the next installment of every NFL fan's favorite offseason event.
But we are. So, let the discussion and debate begin.
Carolina Panthers (3-14): James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee
Height: 6041 Weight: 242
The Panthers are likely to be selecting at the top of the draft order once again next season. After focusing heavily on offense in recent years, the Panthers turn their attention to reinforcing their defense. Pearce, widely regarded as the consensus No. 1 player in college football this season, would be a deserving pick for this high spot.
New York Giants (3-14): Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
Height: 6035 Weight: 220
Season spoiler alert: After missing the playoffs last year, the Georgia Bulldogs make a stunning comeback and reclaim their spot at the top of the NCAA. Carson Beck builds on his Heisman Trophy-winning season and emerges as a top candidate for the quarterback position in the Big Apple. The next big question is which high-profile offensive guru will be hired to replace Brian Daboll as head coach.
Denver Broncos (4-13): Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Height: 6056 Weight: 320
By drafting Bo Nix this past spring, The Broncos may have secured both their quarterback of the future and Sean Payton's tenure as head coach. However, to protect their investment in Nix, they will need to focus on building a strong offensive line.
Minnesota Vikings (4-13): Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado
Height: 6010 Weight: 185
It seems the Vikings' season is off to a rough start even before the games have properly begun. While Justin Jefferson secured a new contract, his promising young teammate Jordan Addison is struggling with legal and injury issues. Additionally, Sam Darnold has been thrust into the starting quarterback role following J.J. McCarthy's season-ending knee injury, sustained in the preseason.
New England Patriots (4-13): Harold Perkins Jr., OLB, LSU
Height: 6005 Weight: 220
The first season following the end of the Bill Belichick era brings results similar to his final year with the Patriots. Rookie No. 1 pick Drake Maye emerges as a promising NFL quarterback, showing he's ready to lead. The team also discovers two dynamic rookie receivers, Ja’lynn Polk and Javon Baker, who will be key to the offensive overhaul in Foxborough. However, it becomes apparent early on that trading linebacker Matthew Judon proves too significant a loss, even for defensive-minded head coach Jaro Mayo.
Tennessee Titans (4-13): Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Height: 5112 Weight: 208
Brian Callahan helps second-year QB Will Levis tap further into his potential as top-flight starting signal-caller. However, a declining DeAndre Hopkins makes it clear the team needs a new deep-threat to complement WR Calvin Ridley.
Washington Commanders (4-13): Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Height: 6021 Weight: 202
The Commanders' offense is set to highlight its big-play potential throughout the season. However, their secondary may struggle to match the size and speed of the receivers in their division, potentially allowing just as many big plays to opposing offenses.
Chicago Bears (5-12): Kelvin Banks Jr., OG, Texas
Height: 6036 Weight: 324
Da Bears have finally found a franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams. The investments in the skill position players around him will pay dividends as they stayed competitive in close games all season long. They will be picking in the top 10 again next year and will look to protect their prize investment.
Las Vegas Raiders (6-11): Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Height: 6012 Weight: 215
At the close of the season, the Raiders will have positioned themselves to be able to select the “Son of Prime Time.” Former Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew will remain in town but only as a sidewalk street impersonator of Uncle Rico. The Shedeur Sanders residency in Vegas will rival that of the longest-running performers in the city’s history.
Pittsburgh Steelers (5-12): Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Height: 6041 Weight: 210
The Steelers find themselves with a losing record for the first time in the Mike Tomlin era. However, Justin Fields redeems himself enough to get an encore performance to remain the team’s quarterback by receiving a modest extension (prediction three-year $95 million). After missing out on the Brandon Aiyuk sweepstakes, they select a big-play receiver to line up opposite George Pickens.
Atlanta Falcons (7-10): Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia
Height: 6042 Weight: 265
The Falcons are set to benefit from strong performances by Kirk Cousins, which should boost the entire offense, especially Kyle Pitts. However, opting for Michael Penix Jr. over a high-profile defender could prove costly. While the trade for Matt Judon will boost the linebacker group in 2024, the Falcons still need to fortify their defensive front. That is where Williams comes in.
Cleveland Browns (7-10): Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M
Height: 6036 Weight: 280
A series of narrow losses derail the Browns’ playoff chances. Do not point the finger at Deshaun Watson—the maligned QB had a statistically solid season. No, what will hurt the Browns is their defense, which takes a step back in 2024, despite the return of DPOY Myles Garrett. The rest of the DL show signs of wear, signaling the need for youth along the front four.
New York Jets (7-10): Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
Height: 6021 Weight: 205
Aaron Rodgers concludes his career in the same fashion as his Green Bay predecessor, Brett Favre. A desperate Vikings package the unfortunate Sam Darnold with future mid-round draft picks and send the former No. 3 overall pick back to the Jets in exchange for A-Rod. The Jets now prepare for the future with this selection.
New Orleans Saints (7-10): Abdul Carter, OLB, Penn State
Height: 6021 Weight: 250
The Saints passed on an edge rusher in the 2024 draft and that missed opportunity will haunt them as opposing quarterbacks pick them apart all season. Carter is the next in a line of touted Nittany Lion edge rushers to come out in recent seasons and will be thrust immediately into the starting edge rusher role.
Seattle Seahawks (7-10): Conner Weigman, QB Texas A&M
Height: 603 Weight: 220
The Seahawks need to identify a future quarterback to escape the mediocrity associated with Geno Smith's stopgap performances. With a young and talented offensive core, they require a dynamic, youthful play-caller who can capitalize on this potential. This decision hinges on how well Weigman recovers from his shortened sophomore season and whether he opts to declare for the draft.
Indianapolis Colts (8-9): Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
Height: 6002 Weight: 193
Anthony Richardson finds his groove as an NFL signal-caller, but the Colts miss the playoffs thanks, in part, to the back end their defense getting shredded all season. After missing out on a true shutdown cornerback in the 2024 draft, the team makes amends by taking the draft’s third-best corner.
Los Angeles Chargers (9-8): Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Height: 6045 Weight: 245
This record might be a bit optimistic, but the grind-it-out style of football that Mr. Khaki Pants brings could potentially add a few more wins than anticipated this season. After shoring up the offensive line, Harbaugh is likely to revisit his roots at the University of Michigan to strengthen the tight end position.
Green Bay Packers (9-8): Jack Sawyer, DE, Ohio State
Height: 6041 Weight: 260
The Packers overemphasized the secondary and neglected their defensive line. They can not do the same thing two years in a row. With his motor, IQ, and hand usage, Sawyer might draw comparisons to the Bosa brothers, ex-Buckeye standouts, though he needs to add to his pass-rush repertoire to reach their level in the pros.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9): Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Height: 6002 Weight: 190
The Bucs largely overlooked their pass defense issues this offseason, aside from extending Antoine Winfield Jr.'s contract. A secondary that in 2024 ranks near the bottom of the league against the pass will be in urgent need of a young corner to pair with Jamel Dean.
Miami Dolphins (9-8): Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi
Height: 6036 Weight: 290
With multiple d-linemen up for free agency after the 2024 season, the Dolphins will need to address this spot. Nolen combines the explosiveness and raw power to disrupt running plays and collapse the pocket but needs to develop the technique to be a consistent force on the inside.
Arizona Cardinals (10-7): Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Height: 6006 Weight: 205
The Cardinals got a cornerstone wide receiver to build around when they selected Marvin Harrison Jr. Why not go to the well again and pair him with a second dynamic wide ex-Buckeye? Egbuka rebounds from an underwhelming 2023 season to put himself in the first round. If he improves his route-running, this strong, physical wideout could develop into a premier possession receiver.
Los Angeles Rams (10-7): Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU
Height: 6045 Weight: 322
The Rams OL played much better in 2023 than expected but struggled in 2024 to keep Matthew Stafford upright. Presumably, the veteran QB will give it another go in 2025, so L.A. must prioritize his protection. The massive Jones possesses the fluidity and power to be an elite left tackle, though he might need a couple of years to handle the speed of NFL edge defenders.
Jacksonville Jaguars (10-7): Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
Height: 6051 Weight: 348
Jacksonville needs to beef up the interior of its defensive line as opposing offenses in 2024 run the ball more effectively against the Jags D than in recent seasons. The movement of Walker from Kentucky to Florida will cause the continent to tilt; his tremendous bulk, power and agility will help clog running lanes, and, at 6-6, he has the length to develop into pocket-collapsing demon.
Buffalo Bills (10-7): Malaki Starks, FS, Georgia
Height: 6006 Weight: 205
By late season 2024, safety Micah Hyde is still debating whether to rejoin the Bills or retire. By next spring Buffalo can wait no longer and nab his replacement. Starks is a terrifically athletic safety whose selection seems geared to counter the speed of division rival Miami. His experience starring on a top-level college defense has him ready to make an immediate impact on the back end of the Buffalo D.
Dallas Cowboys (10-7): Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Height: 5076 Weight: 210
You’ve heard this one before, right? Dallas gets bounced from the playoffs amid complaints that its offense is too one-dimensional? The compact Jeanty has the vision and power to be an effective inside runner, despite his short stature. And in case Dak and Mike McCarthy—who has managed to survive another disappointing finish—still feel the need to throw the ball all over the lot, Jeanty could be the best receiving back in the 2025 draft.
Houston Texans (12-5): Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Height: 6025 Weight: 318
Houston takes another step forward in 2024 behind C.J. Stroud, but an inconsistent defense keeps the team from getting deeper into the playoffs. Head coach DeMeco Ryans made his bones as a linebacker and DC and likely takes such failures personally. Graham heads into the draft as one of college football’s most decorated linemen in 2024. His toughness, relentlessness and championship pedigree will make him a favorite in the locker room and among the Texans faithful.
Philadelphia Eagles (12-5): JT Tuimoloau, DE, Ohio State
Height: 6042 Weight: 269
Still looking to offset the departure of Hasaan Reddick, Philadelphia dips into the Big 10 for one of the conference’s most tenacious pass rushers. Tuimoloau is a hand-in-the-dirt DE who uses his power to stack the run as well as collapse the pocket. Unlikely to meet Reddick’s production as a pass-rusher, Tuimoloau should still be a quality all-around NFL end for the next several years.
Baltimore Ravens (12-5): Barrett Carter, ILB, Clemson
Height: 6002 Weight: 230
The Ravens have a tremendous history of finding defenders who fit their scheme and playmaking culture on defense. The selection of Carter is no different. A fast, athletic LB, Carter showcases the versatility that the team covets, and with All-Pro Roquan Smith extended until 2027, Baltimore will have the middle of its defense set for the forseeable future.
San Francisco 49ers (12-5): Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Height: 6051 Weight: 325
With all-world left tackle Trent Williams nearing the end, the 49ers look to protect Brock Purdy’s blind side with this selection. Some consider Ersery a project, but the size and length he brings are the raw materials needed to make a capable pass blocker. Where he should be able to help right away is in run blocking, where, as you might expect from a big Gopher, he uses his size and power to burrow through defenders.
Kansas City Chiefs (14-3): Tyleik Williams, DT Ohio State
Height: 6021 Weight: 327
The Chiefs could have spent this pick on a wideout to maximize Mahomes’ championship window, or selected a tight end to groom as Travis Kelce’s replacement. They instead go defense—in part recognizing how far Steve Spagnuolo, Chris Jones, et al. helped take this team in recent seasons. Williams offers a nice package of strength and mobility, but it is unclear whether he will wreak enough havoc to force an offense’s attention away from Jones.
Detroit Lions (12-5): Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Height: 6032 Weight: 339
The Lions come up a bit short in landing the Motor City’s first Super Bowl, but this in-state pick will distract Detroit fans a bit during what will be a long offseason. Grant, who joins fellow Wolverine DT Mason Graham as a first-rounder, boasts the size and force to command double-teams, leaving that buzzsaw on the end, Aidan Hutchinson, to get more single-blocker opportunities.
Cincinnati Bengals (12-5): Jonah Savaiinaea, OG Arizona
Height: 6042 Weight: 330
Even winning the Super Bowl fails to shed worries about the long-term health of quarterback Joe Burrow. Savaiinaea is a stalwart interior presence and the key component of a Wilcats offensive line that anchored one of the nation’s best offenses in 2023 and 2024. Cincinnati may slot him in right next to Trent Brown, but even if he does not start right away, Savaiinaea will provide depth to a Bengals’ line in need of it.