2025 NFL mock draft: A new No. 1 rises to the top

With the first month of the NFL season complete, it’s time for a mock draft check-in.

Everything is still in flux this early in the fall, with all teams still clinging onto some degree of hope and the draft order far from being determined. But as the standings start to take shape, fans and franchises will soon have to face the emerging reality of their seasons. And for some, that will prompt an early look toward the draft landscape.

With that said, here’s USA TODAY Sports’ latest 2025 NFL mock draft projection, with the first-round order determined by record and strength-of-schedule tiebreaker via Tankathon.com:

1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

Is he a wide receiver or a cornerback? If you’re the Jaguars, does it really matter? Hunter has established himself as college football’s most dynamic player, a rare two-way threat who can flip a game on its head whenever he’s able to get his hands on the ball. As a receiver (perhaps the more sensible spot for him given how lucrative the contracts are for the position’s top earners), he could be an integral piece in the effort to turn around Trevor Lawrence’s career amid a troublesome regression. As a cornerback, he could have a transformative effect on the Jaguars’ disappointing defense thanks to his big-play prowess and man coverage ability. While the No. 1 pick has been the territory of quarterbacks and pass rushers for the last decade, don’t rule out the possibility for Hunter to reach the summit given his singular talents and the composition of this class.

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2. Miami Dolphins – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Lots of uncertainty for the Dolphins, who seem to be hurtling toward a lost season unless Tua Tagovailoa somehow makes an expedited return from his third documented concussion. With so much up in the air, Miami should focus on extracting maximum value here rather than catering to need. The 6-2, 200-pound Johnson has been clean and composed since first setting foot on the field as a freshman for the Wolverines, and his All-American sophomore campaign highlighted that he might be the most complete cornerback prospect in some time. This would be a historic selection, as it would vault Johnson past Jeff Okudah and Shawn Springs as the highest-picked cornerback in the common draft era. But the payoff of fielding a potential shutdown cornerback opposite Jalen Ramsey might be worth the cost for the Dolphins.

3. New England Patriots – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Jerod Mayo clearly doesn’t feel comfortable throwing Drake Maye into the fray with the Patriots’ current offensive setup. That has to change at some point, however, meaning Eliot Wolf will need to truly ratchet up his stated mission to ‘weaponize the offense.’ The 6-5, 212-pound McMillan would provide Maye with a trusted target who can overpower defensive backs on jump balls and jumpstart the dormant downfield passing attack.

4. Cincinnati Bengals – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

For as much consternation as there has been regarding Ja’Marr Chase’s contract standoff and Tee Higgins’ expected exit after this season, one of the most pressing issues in Cincinnati has been a woefully underperforming defense, which ranks tied for 27th with 26 points allowed per game. As far as defensive difference-makers go, there might be no bigger disruptive force in this class than Graham. Comfortable blowing up run plays in the backfield and closing in on the quarterback, Graham could wreak havoc in Lou Anarumo’s scheme and re-team with his former Michigan linemate Kris Jenkins Jr., who was Cincinnati’s second-round pick this year.

5. Cleveland Browns – Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Deshaun Watson has taken 19 sacks through four games, putting him on track to break David Carr’s single-season record of 76. One blocker alone won’t fix that issue – let alone the wider problems with this offense – but it’s readily evident that the post-Bill Callahan protection plan is untenable. Though he likely will be challenged by rangier pass rushers, Campbell is savvy and consistent with a knack for staying under control. That might be just what Cleveland needs at left tackle, as Jedrick Wills Jr. has started just nine games since the start of the 2023 season and is set to be a free agent after this year.

6. Tennessee Titans – Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

With no surefire top-five pick at quarterback – and perhaps few buyers coming off last year’s record run of signal-callers at the top of the first round – this year’s draft outlook at the position appears volatile. But it stands to reason that Tennessee would take a long look at its options amid Will Levis’ inability to dial back his turnover-happy ways, with the second-year passer responsible for a league-worst nine (six interceptions, three fumbles lost) giveaways in just 13 quarters of work this year. Ewers is still learning how to calibrate his own aggressive tendencies, but he has continued to ascend early this season before being sidelined by an abdominal strain. With superlative arm strength and a playmaking streak, Ewers would allow Brian Callahan to maintain the passing attack’s potential for explosiveness while providing more of an adaptable figure behind center.

7. Carolina Panthers – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Though turning to Andy Dalton has generated the sorely needed spark for this franchise, wandering around in quarterback purgatory is no way to recover from the pain of the regrettable Bryce Young pick. If Carolina does set its sights on another young passer, Sanders’ track record rising above subpar conditions might make him a fine fit for a franchise still finding its way with its offensive support system. But given Deion Sanders’ stated threat to keep his son away from teams not to the family’s liking, might Carolina’s dreadful run in recent years prove to be a sticking point?

8. Los Angeles Rams – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

Hard to make head or tails of the Rams given how shorthanded they’ve been to start the season. Still, this offensive line doesn’t seem anything close to settled, even once it returns to full strength. From his intelligence to his footwork, Banks boasts all the trappings of a high-end pass protector.

9. Arizona Cardinals – James Pearce, DE, Tennessee

In Year 2 of leading the Arizona Cardinals after his Philadelphia Eagles tallied a franchise-record 70 sacks in 2022, Jonathan Gannon still doesn’t have a bona fide pass-rushing threat. With his instant burst off the ball and supreme pliability, Pearce would finally give the defense someone with double-digit sack upside.

10. New York Giants – Carson Beck, QB, Georgia

This pairing led our initial 2025 mock draft in April. While Beck’s performance in a four-turnover outing against Alabama shouldn’t be blown out of proportion, showing improved composure in the face of pressure will be a key consideration in where his draft stock settles. Still, quarterbacks who measure in at 6-4, 220 pounds and otherwise check off boxes for arm strength and accuracy tend to get the benefit of the doubt from front offices. The Giants need to think about how to get the most from Malik Nabers, and importing Beck might set up a strong long-term connection.

11. Indianapolis Colts – Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

General manager Chris Ballard has been waiting on a breakthrough from his young cornerbacks, but there’s no indication of one on the horizon, especially with 2023 second-round pick JuJu Brents out for the year with a knee injury. Morrison’s size (6-0, 190 pounds) and speed don’t fit the bill for what Ballard has typically pursued at the position, but his composed approach and ball production (nine turnovers in the previous two seasons) should prove plenty alluring.

12. Los Angeles Chargers – Abdul Carter, DE/OLB, Penn State

The Bolts opted against a full changing of the guard in its high-priced pass rush this past offseason, but an eventual overhaul is inevitable. Khalil Mack, who will turn 34 in February, is on the final year of his contract, while Joey Bosa is set to have a $36.5 million cap hit in 2025. A smart solution would be turning to Carter, who is fueling lofty comparisons to former Penn State great Micah Parsons thanks to his rare tools to chase down opposing quarterbacks.

13. New Orleans Saints – Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia

With Carl Granderson producing quietly stellar results and admirable depth at their disposable, the Saints might not look like a team in the market for a top edge rusher. But Chase Young is set to be a free agent again after this season, and eight-time Pro Bowl selection Cameron Jordan’s career appears to be winding down as the 35-year-old moves into a backup role. If New Orleans can look past Williams’ relative lack of experience and production to his considerable overall athleticism, the team could secure a defensive end with immense potential.

14. Dallas Cowboys – Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

Last year’s top scoring offense can’t recapture its explosive form, with CeeDee Lamb the only skill-position player able to provide any fireworks. One player alone won’t solve those woes, but Burden is about as good as it gets for a possible fix via the draft. The 5-10, 211-pounder has drawn Deebo Samuel comparisons due to his strength and elusiveness as a run-after-catch threat, but he can also tax defenses vertically.

15. Chicago Bears – Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky

Gervon Dexter Sr. has shown encouraging flashes of his ability for the Bears this season, notching three sacks in four games. Still, if Walker is available, Matt Eberflus and Ryan Poles might have trouble resisting the 6-6, 345-pounder, whose combination of sheer force and pursuit ability could change the complexion of this defensive front.

16. Green Bay Packers – Jonah Savaiinaea, OT/G, Arizona

Seem like a familiar move? One year after looking to add versatility and stability to their offensive front by taking Jordan Morgan with their top pick, the Packers could return to the Wildcats’ front. With experience at both right guard and right tackle, the sturdy Savaiinaea would further assist Green Bay’s efforts to make the most of an impressive collection of young offensive talent.

17. San Francisco 49ers – Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

With the benefit of arguably the league’s most complete roster, the 49ers can take some chances that others might not. Even if San Francisco has more pressing areas of concern than safety, Starks has a strong case to be considered one of this class’ top 10 players thanks to his do-everything athletic toolkit.

18. Baltimore Ravens – Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU

Unstable line play has been the biggest hindrance to Baltimore’s early offensive output, with the attack coming on strong the last two weeks after an 0-2 start. While his addition likely would necessitate some reshuffling along a front that could be parting ways with longtime left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who is on the final year of his deal, Jones could be an overpowering force capable of opening up even more promising opportunities for Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry in the run game.

19. Philadelphia Eagles – Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M

What looked to be a deep array of edge rushers now looks rather questionable, as Philadelphia has managed to tally just six sacks through four games. The 6-4, 285-pound Scourton has picked up where he left off before transferring from Purdue, recording three sacks in four games and continuing to deploy a devastating spin move.

20. New York Jets – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Assuming Aaron Rodgers stays true to his stated plan to keep playing beyond this year, Gang Green should remain in win-now mode for its star signal-caller. Any effort to further enhance Rodgers’ supporting cast might point the Jets to Loveland, who can be a major weapon for New York down the seam.

21. Las Vegas Raiders – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

For however much the Silver and Black would benefit from bringing aboard a top-tier quarterback prospect, the team lands outside of striking distance for this year’s best passers. But there’s still a way to liven up the backfield. Jeanty’s amazing 10.3 yards per carry and 13 touchdowns so far this year reflect his incredible ability to ward off would-be tacklers with his strength, contact balance and elusiveness. With the Raiders’ 31st-ranked ground game unable to get anything going, Jeanty could help the offense establish a new identity.

22. Denver Broncos – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Bo Nix is clawing his way through his first year as a starter, but substantial changes will be in order next offseason to ensure the rookie signal-caller’s growth isn’t stunted any further. As Egbuka enjoys a bounceback season after dealing with an ankle injury in 2023, the 6-1, 205-pound target is establishing himself as exactly the kind of polished and smooth option who could make things considerably easier for Nix and the rest of the Broncos’ offense.

23. Atlanta Falcons – Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State

Matthew Judon represented a sizable swing by Atlanta to upgrade its inert pass rush, but additional help is still necessary in the front seven. Williams’ primary value rests with stopping the run and pushing the pocket, but he can still be a force multiplier for the Falcons’ defense, which has only made mid-level moves to look to a future beyond Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata, who are both 31.

24. Detroit Lions – JT Tuimoloau, DE, Ohio State

Putting a Buckeye opposite a Wolverine – and in Michigan, no less – is typically a recipe for chaos. In this case, it could produce the same result for opposing teams. Tuimoloau’s instinctive play as a pass rusher and stoutness against the run would make him a fine complementary piece opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

25. Washington Commanders – Princely Umanmielen, DE, Mississippi

While Dan Quinn and Adam Peters’ rebuild appears far ahead of schedule thanks to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels’ historic start, a stripped-down edge rush threatens to limit the Commanders until a premium investment is made. Umanmielen throws offensive tackles off with his rapid first step and quick-twitch movements, which position him as the high-upside option this unit lacks along its front.

26. Buffalo Bills – Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State

Forced into unfavorable conditions amid injuries and cap casualties, Buffalo’s defense has performed admirably so far this season – at least prior to last week’s trampling by the Ravens. Bringing on a well-rounded outside cornerback in Burke, however, would better position the secondary to clash with the likes of the Chiefs and Texans, who figure to remain the Bills’ toughest competition in the AFC for years to come.

27. Seattle Seahawks – Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU

At just 6-1 and 225 pounds and recovering from a torn ACL suffered this month, Perkins might prove to be a polarizing evaluation for NFL teams. His playmaking streak, however, might be best put to use by Mike Macdonald, whose vexing scheme could deploy the versatile defender all over the field and put him in position to amplify the unit’s disruption.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers – Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

Like Perkins, Revel is coming off a torn ACL that could weigh down his draft stock. But Steelers GM Omar Khan has rolled the dice on other draft prospects with injury concerns, and the 6-3, 193-pound cornerback’s smothering approach would no doubt endear him to Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh faithful.

29. Houston Texans – Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

The Danielle Hunter-Will Anderson Jr. edge pairing might be the most fearsome defensive tandem in the league. But there’s still something missing in between them. While he’s still learning to deploy a more polished approach in his first year as a full-time starter, Grant is a load for any blockers to keep in front of them – especially given that he’s far more nimble than one would expect from a 6-3, 340-pounder.

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jalon Walker, OLB, Georgia

Though his statistical output (15 tackles, 1 ½ sacks) isn’t gaudy, Walker’s aptitude for creating pressure is apparent to anyone who has watched him this season. The 6-2, 245-pounder might need to be utilized creatively at the next level for that skill to carry over, but that should be no trouble for Todd Bowles.

31. Minnesota Vikings – Tacario Davis, CB, Arizona

Brian Flores has stymied all challengers this season with his shapeshifting, blitz-heavy scheme. Imagine the possibilities that he could unlock with a 6-4, 190-pound magnet to the ball who can help stabilize the back end of the defense.

32. Kansas City Chiefs – Tyler Booker, G, Alabama

There’s only so much money that a legitimate contender can spend on its interior offensive line, and the Chiefs already decided to make Creed Humphrey the NFL’s highest-paid center this offseason. That decision could be a harbinger for the eventual exit of Trey Smith, who seems destined to fetch a more lucrative offer elsewhere in free agency, and possibly Joe Thuney, who has one year left in his contract after this season. Booker could step in and take over Smith’s mantle as the line’s mauler.

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