2025 NFL Mock Draft 4.0: First-Spherical Predictions for Each Crew

Because the NFL calendar flips to Week 15, a number of groups have already clinched playoff spots, whereas others have began planning holidays.

The school soccer common season is over, as is convention championship weekend and the bowl season is in full swing.

So, what higher time for a mock draft? Listed below are Sports activities Illustrated’s newest projections.

Be aware: The NFL draft order is predicated on present information.

Largest wants: QB, OT, WR

The choose: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

It’s solely becoming that Sanders, for his Rolex-driven flash and gamble-centric improvisation expertise, winds up in Las Vegas. The Raiders don’t seem to have a long-term quarterback answer on their roster, and Sanders will get the nod at No. 1 over Miami’s Cam Ward. Amongst quarterbacks with not less than 100 makes an attempt, Sanders’s 74.2% completion fee was one of the best within the nation this previous season. He completed second within the FBS with 35 passing touchdowns and third with 3,926 passing yards.

Largest wants: QB, OT, CB

The choose: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

The Giants are final within the NFL in scoring at 14.9 factors per recreation. Led by Ward, Miami led faculty soccer with 44.2 factors per recreation. If solely it had been that straightforward, proper? There may be, nevertheless, purpose for the Hurricanes’ offensive mastery, and it begins with Ward, whose moxie, arm expertise and accuracy helped him throw a nation-leading 36 landing passes. He’s a artful thrower with manipulative eyes and has made substantial strides as a decision-maker. Ward nonetheless has room to mature on the sector, however the Giants must swing for the fences, and Ward’s upside warrants this choose.

Largest wants: OT, WR, Edge

The choose: Travis Hunter, WR/DB, Colorado

The Patriots must encompass rookie quarterback Drake Maye with higher items. New England is final within the league in passing offense, averaging solely 170 yards per recreation, and wishes assistance on its offensive line and with its skill-position expertise. How particular is Hunter? He’s high six within the nation in receptions (92), receiving yards (1,152) and receiving touchdowns (14), and no person’s sure whether or not he’s higher suited to play receiver or cornerback on the subsequent stage. He intercepted 4 passes this fall, two of which got here in his last three video games. Irrespective of the place the Patriots put him, he’ll be a star.

Largest wants: WR, Edge, CB

The choose: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan

As soon as a quarterback spot, Bryce Younger has proven sufficient to earn one other 12 months beneath middle. If Carolina needs to win with Younger subsequent season, it ought to concentrate on addressing a protection ranked twenty ninth within the NFL in sacks (25) and is permitting an NFL-worst 170 dashing yards per recreation, over 20 yards greater than the subsequent closest workforce. Enter Graham, who’s recorded 3.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss and 34 pressures this season. He additionally has the second-best run protection grade (92.4) amongst defenders with not less than 100 snaps, in line with Pro Football Focus.

Largest wants: OT, OG, DB

The choose: Will Campbell, OL, LSU

Defending quarterback Trevor Lawrence needs to be a high precedence for Jacksonville, and Campbell is a ready-made blocker. He began at left deal with every of his three years at LSU, however he lacks premium size and will should kick inside to protect on the subsequent stage. Regardless, he’s a technically sound, smooth-moving lineman who allowed just one sack in his previous two seasons, in line with Pro Football Focus. In 2024, he gave up 4 hits and 9 hurries on 557 pass-blocking snaps.

Largest wants: WR, OT, Edge

The choose: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

The Titans even have quarterback questions, as Will Levis has battled inconsistency and a few frustratingly low valleys, but it surely’s attainable, if not possible, that he will get one other 12 months. In such a actuality, Tennessee wants to offer him a greater supporting forged. McMillan is a quarterback-friendly goal at 6’5″, 212 kilos, and he caught 84 passes for 1,319 yards—third most in Division I—and eight touchdowns this season.

Largest wants: QB, OT, DL

The choose: Abdul Carter, LB/Edge, Penn State

The Jets are anticipated to pursue a quarterback at this spot, however can they actually cross on Carter right here? He’s the most recent game-wrecking linebacker from Penn State, and his instincts, versatility and athleticism mix properly together with his 6’3″, 252-pound body. A 3-time All-Massive Ten choice, Carter logged 19.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 53 pressures and a 21.5% pass-rush win fee this season. He’d give the already strong Jets protection a dynamic playmaker.

Largest wants: QB, OT, DL

The choose: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

The Browns can go a number of completely different instructions, however their floor recreation is subpar and so they have a major query round the way forward for their quarterback place. Milroe, if he hits, solves each. That’s an enormous if. He rode the rollercoaster of highs and lows this season at Alabama, however scored 35 complete touchdowns—20 dashing and 15 passing—whereas connecting on 65.9% of his passes for two,652 yards. He accounted for 3,371 yards from scrimmage.

Largest wants: OL, OT, DL

The choose: Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas

The Bears have misplaced seven consecutive video games, largely due to a clumsy offense and offensive line. Banks, a left deal with at Texas, has the dimensions and ability set to play both deal with or guard. He’s athletic and powerful, which permits him to deal with each velocity and energy rushers. A second-team All-American in 2023, Banks has been stellar in ’24, permitting just one sack, one hit and 4 hurries.

Largest wants: OL, WR, DL

The choose: Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M

Maybe nonetheless not as extremely touted as he needs to be, the fast-rising Stewart carries a 6’6″, 290-pound body however performs a lot lighter. He’s athletic, laterally fast, a fluid mover and performs with large tenacity. Along with his bodily instruments, Stewart can play each inside and out of doors. On the floor, his numbers—1.5 sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss—depart rather a lot to be desired, however he’s registered 25 hurries and 30 complete pressures, in line with Pro Football Focus. New Orleans wants assist in the trenches, and Stewart’s versatility could be a welcome addition.

Largest wants: CB, WR, DL

The choose: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia

Cincinnati is second-to-last within the NFL with 24 sacks, considered one of many points on a protection losing an MVP-type season from Joe Burrow. Williams, whereas nonetheless in want of extra consistency, has one of many highest ceilings of any defender within the class. At 6’5″, 265 kilos, he’s explosive, athletic and highly effective. Whoever drafts Williams will likely be banking on him turning his manufacturing in opposition to Texas—4 sacks and 4 tackles for loss in two matchups—into the established order.

Largest wants: RB, DT, WR 

The choose: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

It would take a seismic shift to maneuver off this match. The Cowboys have one of many NFL’s worst dashing assaults—they’ve ranked among the many backside of the barrel in dashing yards per recreation all season—and Jeanty is among the many greatest collegiate working backs of the previous decade. The nation’s main rusher by 837 yards, Jeanty has rushed 344 instances for two,497 yards. He’s averaging 7.3 yards per carry and is tied for the nationwide lead with 29 scores on the bottom.

Largest wants: OL, DT, WR

The choose: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

With 24 sacks, the Dolphins are within the backside three league-wide. Grant, who stands a bodily 6’3″, 339 kilos, entered this season with solely 5 begins, however his explosiveness and instincts make him one of many draft’s premier defensive linemen. And he’s delivered on expectations. Capped by a five-hurry efficiency in opposition to Ohio State, Grant has registered three sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss and 27 complete pressures this season. At his dimension, he’s additionally a difference-maker controlling the road of scrimmage on dashing downs.

Largest wants: CB, S, TE

The choose: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Earlier this season, Johnson was a secure wager to be a top-10 choose. After battling a lower-body damage that price him the second half of the season, it’s definitely attainable he slips to the mid-teens. However when wholesome, Johnson’s twitch, instincts and ball expertise—he had two pick-sixes this season—make him a real No. 1 nook. The Colts are permitting opponents to finish 70.4% of their passes, the second-highest mark within the league, so Johnson could be an enormous assist instantly.

Largest wants: Edge, CB, S

The choose: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee

The Falcons had 10 sacks of their first 11 video games, however they’ve recorded 9 sacks in two video games since getting back from their bye week. And, nonetheless, they’re final within the NFL in sacks with 19. Pearce is probably not a three-down participant, however he’s a top quality cross rusher. At 6’5″, 243 kilos, he’s third in Division I with 40 hurries and ninth with 52 pressures throughout 9 video games, in line with Pro Football Focus. He has a 23% pass-rush win fee, fourth-best amongst these with not less than 100 pass-rushing snaps.

Largest wants: Edge, DL, CB

The choose: Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon

The Cardinals have ridden the highs and lows of their cross rush, however the previous three weeks have confirmed close to deadly to their postseason hopes. Arizona’s collective development dashing the passer was an encouraging improvement, however the Cardinals nonetheless need assistance. Harmon, a switch from Michigan State, has starred in his lone season with the Geese. He can play inside and out of doors on the defensive entrance and is fourth within the nation with 39 hurries, in line with Pro Football Focus.

Largest wants: CB, OT, OG

The choose: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

San Francisco’s down season may be attributed to a wide range of regressions, particularly its offensive line. Ersery, a three-year starter at left deal with, is a strong run blocker and athletic cross protector. He had a robust 2024 marketing campaign, permitting just one sack, one quarterback hit and 13 pressures. He additionally has transient expertise at proper deal with if the 49ers choose to switch Colton McKivitz after 2025.

Largest wants: LB, OT, CB

The choose: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia

There’s a reliable likelihood Walker gained’t final this lengthy. At 6’2″, 245 kilos, Walker brings sideline-to-sideline velocity and might play each on and off the road of scrimmage. He’s recorded 57 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, headlined by a three-sack, seven-pressure efficiency in Georgia’s first assembly in opposition to Texas. Los Angeles has a gifted younger core of defenders, and Walker’s versatility provides one other robust layer to the second stage.

Largest wants: CB, Edge, iOL

The choose: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

The Buccaneers have gained three consecutive video games to take over first place within the NFC South, however their secondary stays suspect. Tampa Bay permits 253.4 passing yards per recreation, third-worst within the NFL, and opposing quarterbacks are finishing 67% of their passes, the ninth-worst mark. Revel tore his ACL after three video games this season however already had a pair of interceptions. He’s large, lanky, athletic and has robust ball expertise, comprising a ability set that ought to enchantment to Bucs coach Todd Bowles.

Largest wants: OT, CB, WR

The choose: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

Because the Commanders construct round star rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, elevating the skill-position expertise round him makes lots of sense. Burden is an explosive big-play risk who’s a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his fingers. At 5’11”, 208 kilos, Burden had 61 catches for 676 yards and 6 touchdowns whereas including 9 rushes for 115 yards and two scores. He’s able to making game-changing performs as a rookie, which needs to be music to Daniels’s ears.

Largest wants: WR, RB, TE 

The choose: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Maybe it’s too easy, however the Chargers have a evident want at tight finish and Loveland was a private favourite of Jim Harbaugh throughout their time collectively at Michigan. The 6’5″, 245-pound Loveland pairs dimension with velocity, and is able to stretching defenses vertically. Loveland was the first goal on an underwhelming Michigan passing offense however nonetheless completed the 12 months with 56 receptions for 582 yards and 5 touchdowns in 10 video games.

Largest wants: RB, TE, CB

The choose: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

There’s an actual argument for Warren to be the primary tight finish off the board, however Denver gained’t complain if he’s nonetheless round. Warren blends old-school dimension at 6’6″, 261 kilos, with new-age traits. He’s athletic and extremely versatile—he performed wherever from in-line tight finish to broad receiver whereas taking a number of snaps within the backfield as properly at Penn State. He’s a dependable safety blanket able to making performs after the catch, and he produced at a excessive stage in 2024, catching 88 passes for 1,062 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Largest wants: OT, Edge, OL

The choose: Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama

The Seahawks have a long-term query at proper deal with, the place Abraham Lucas has battled accidents and inconsistent play, however additionally they need assistance on the inside. Booker, a everlasting workforce captain at Alabama, can remedy both if wanted. He began one recreation at left deal with for the Crimson Tide this season however performed each different recreation at left guard. He didn’t permit a sack, and he gave up simply two quarterback hits and 9 pressures. He’s a greater cross protector than run blocker, however his physicality suggests he’ll develop a extra well-rounded ability set.

Largest wants: OG, WR, DB

The choose: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Baltimore has the NFL’s worst cross protection, permitting 264.9 passing yards per recreation. Kyle Hamilton is likely one of the league’s greatest safeties, however the Ravens need assistance on the again finish. Starks can do a variety of jobs because the final line of protection, together with rolling into the field and enjoying nickel nook. An extended-jump champion in highschool and a former five-star recruit, Starks brings athleticism, instincts and playmaking pedigree to a Ravens secondary in want of assist.

Largest wants: DL, CB, OL

The choose: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

Houston’s protection is statistically robust, however Nolen would elevate its inside line of defense. Nolen, who’s 6’3″ and 305 kilos, is explosive and disruptive—he notched 4 sacks, eight tackles for loss and 24 hurries this season. A switch from Texas A&M, Nolen is robust in opposition to the run, too. He posted the fifth-best run protection grade (91.9) amongst defenders with not less than 100 snaps, in line with Pro Football Focus, and he’s tied for second within the FBS with 31 run stops.

Largest wants: CB, LB, Edge

The choose: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

The Packers have acquired subpar play from beginning cornerback Eric Stokes, whose contract expires after this season. Needing assist in the secondary, Inexperienced Bay turns to Morrison, a robust cowl nook with high quality ball expertise and method. He had six interceptions as a freshman in 2022 and three as a sophomore in ’23. Earlier than struggling a season-ending hip damage in his sixth recreation this 12 months, he’d allowed solely 12 receptions for 125 yards and no touchdowns on 27 targets.

Largest wants: WR, DL, DB

The choose: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Pittsburgh’s passing offense is constructed round receiver George Pickens, tight finish Pat Freiermuth and working again Najee Harris. Aside from Pickens, no different wideout has greater than 23 receptions. No matter who’s enjoying quarterback for the Steelers subsequent fall, Pittsburgh wants so as to add extra weapons to its receiver room. Egbuka, who had 1,151 yards as a sophomore in 2022 and has began the previous three years at Ohio State, caught 60 passes for 743 yards and 9 touchdowns this season.

Largest wants: CB, DT, OL

The choose: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has achieved a terrific job in Minnesota, and his unit ranks among the many NFL’s greatest in an enormous assortment of classes—apart from cross protection, because the Vikings have allowed the fourth-most passing yards per recreation at 250.6. The 6’1″, 186-pound Hairston is lengthy, athletic and, in 2023, completed fifth within the nation with 5 interceptions. He missed 5 video games this 12 months as a result of a shoulder damage and recorded one interception, 4 cross breakups and a pair of pressured fumbles. His aggressive, ball-oriented play model suits Minnesota’s mould.

Largest wants: DL, WR, Edge

The choose: Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M

The Payments are within the backside half of the league in each sacks and run protection. Buffalo’s line of defense play could in the end dictate how far it goes this postseason. Whereas strong, the Payments’ entrance would profit from the 6’4″, 285-pound Scourton, who had 5 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 34 complete pressures this season. He’s robust on the level of assault, a top quality run defender and Scourton led the Massive Ten with 10 sacks in 2023 at Purdue.

Largest wants: OT, DL, TE

The choose: J.T. Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State

The Eagles have gained 9 consecutive video games largely as a result of one of many NFL’s greatest defenses. Nonetheless, Philadelphia might use one other piece off the sting, and Tuimoloau has been a first-team All-Massive Ten participant every of the previous three years. Tuimoloau, a 6’5″, 269-pounder, units a bodily edge and needs to be an early-downs influence participant to start out his NFL profession. He starred for the Buckeyes this season with 11.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, 9 quarterback hits and 30 pressures.

Largest wants: CB, OT, DT

The choose: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

A method or one other, the Chiefs proceed successful regardless of suspect performances from their offensive line and an innate potential to complete shut video games. Kansas Metropolis has given up 35 sacks this season, tied for twelfth most within the NFL, and has battled points at offensive deal with all through the season. Conerly, a 6’4″, 315-pound left deal with from Oregon, steadily rose up draft boards this fall, permitting just one sack, one quarterback hit and 5 pressures on Dillon Gabriel.

Largest wants: Edge, WR, CB

The choose: Landon Jackson, Edge, Arkansas

The Lions are winners of 11 consecutive video games, and dropping star cross rusher Aidan Hutchinson to a season-ending leg damage hasn’t derailed Detroit’s instant success. Nevertheless, the Lions want one other piece reverse Hutchinson, and the 6’7″, 280-pound Jackson makes loads of sense. His body, physicality and constant manufacturing over the previous three seasons at Arkansas have him firmly within the first-round combine. He totaled 9.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 38 pressures and eight quarterback hits this 12 months.