The draft is a little over a fortnight away, and the draft rumor mill has been working overtime! So it’s time for another NFL Mock Draft. I’ve ranked in the Top 12 for NFL draft accuracy on Fantasypros in three of the last four years so I hope these articles will give you an idea of what to expect and help you get to know some of the big fantasy rookies you’ll be drafting this year. If you have any questions, comment below plus I answer all questions on Instagram @thefantasyfirstdown and Twitter @FantasyFirstDwn. You can find the full mock draft at ffdfantasyfootball.com and my full rundown of the whole first round on my Youtube channel.
- Cam Ward (QB) to Tennessee Titans
This pick is shifting towards inevitable. The Titans have made no attempts to improve their quarterback room and can’t go forward with Will Levis. After a lot of trade talk during the combine, the industry as a whole seems settled on the idea that the Cam Ward to Tennessee will be the first pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. Ward is a solid all-round talent with more upside than the rest of this year’s talent. He’ll need to improve his reads and holds the ball too long. But the upside is there and long-term, he’s likely a good pick.
- Abdul Carter (EDGE) to Cleveland Browns
The Browns clearly have a plan at quarterback, but at this stage I’m not sure what it is. It surely can’t be Kenny Pickett, the only healthy quarterback on their roster. And it’s questionable whether Deshaun Watson will be a viable option even by 2026. There’s been plenty of buzz around Kirk Cousins and that remains a possibility, but we can’t discount the possibility of a Shadeur Sanders pick. Travis Hunter seems unlikely given they apparently view him as a WR, though there has been an influx of buzz around him in the last day or two, suggesting he’s suddenly a favorite to go to Cleveland. The bookies agree, but I don’t. This is too early for a wide receiver, even if he has great two-way talent. That leaves us with Abdul Carter and what a pass rush they’ll have if they pair him with Myles Garrett.
- Shadeur Sanders (QB) to New York Giants
This is an interesting pick. The bookies have Travis Hunter as the heavy favorite, but I can’t find a trustworthy draft expert who has Hunter going this early. And I’m inclined to agree. Yes, the Giants signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, but nobody who watched either in 2024 can believe they’re a long-term (or even a good short-term) solution. Shadeur Sanders is very much a love-hate prospect, but to me he’s a solid, rather safe pick. He’s a smart pocket passer who can operate a functional offense. He’ll never be a true stud, but he’s a starting NFL quarterback.
- Travis Hunter (CB/WR) to New England Patriots
Eliot Wolf has claimed his Patriots will take the best player available. If Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter are options, that will be an easy decision to make. But what if they’re gone? Is there an obvious BPA? The consensus suggests it would be Will Campbell or, after his epic combine, Armand Membou. Luckily, assuming Shadeur Sanders goes top three here, NE won’t need to make that decision. Travis Hunter is an extraordinary two-way talent who perfectly fits the Patriots’ love of versatile players. The Pats view him as a CB and I’m inclined to agree.
- Mason Graham (DT) to Jacksonville Jaguars
Mason Graham is firming as the bookies’ favorite for this pick. And that makes sense as the Jaguars badly need a defensive tackle. But I do have some concerns. Some have concerns about Graham’s body shape and there’s an argument he’s not even the best DT at Michigan. The Jaguars apparently don’t even believe DT is a premium position. But Will Johnson is a cooling prospect and there are no other elite cornerbacks. And we shouldn’t discount O-line. Will Campbell, Armand Membou and Kelvin Banks would all be a solid pick here.
- Ashton Jeanty (RB) to Las Vegas Raiders
The trade for Geno Smith seemingly precludes the Raiders from an early quarterback pick, but the Falcons proved that definitely isn’t the case. Shadeur Sanders is off the board though, and that means giving Smith some more weapons needs to be a priority. Tetairoa McMillan has been my pick here at times but I’m starting to lean towards Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty is an explosive, every-down weapon who can give the Vegas offense a focal point. The other clear alternative to me is cornerback Will Johnson. Though many consider this too early.
- Armand Membou (OT) to New York Jets
The buzz around Armand Membou has been building after his impressive combine. Reports suggest the Patriots and Jets are likely landing spots, and it does seem like this is close to his floor. I don’t personally think that’s sensible, I like Campbell and Banks as safer picks, but you can’t argue with Membou’s upside. He’s also a more definitive tackle who can slot in opposite Olu Fashanu. It’s also not out of the question the Jets reach for Tyler Warren. Their love of him is well established, they’ve lost Tyler Conklin, and they wanted Brock Bowers last year.
- Jalon Walker (EDGE) to Carolina Panthers
The Panthers need help throughout their whole defense. Whether it’s a tackle opposite Derrick Brown, an edge rusher to replace Brian Burns or a cornerback to play opposite Jaycee Horn and his huge contract, anybody here would be an improvement. Heck even a wide receiver in Tetairoa McMillan isn’t out of the question. Based on their minimal investment in edge rushers though, I’m leaning Jalon Walker. It’s a toss up between he and Mykel Williams while Shemar Stewart is an outside chance. Walker has been rising all draft process and should go Top 10.
- Will Johnson (CB) to New Orleans Saints
While the Saints have many holes, I think defense is a logical place to start based on the positions of strength at the top-end of this draft. There’s no consensus on the top pure cornerback but to me it’s Will Johnson. But afoot injury late last year could put teams off. Meanwhile Jahdae Barron had a great combine and is rising up draft boards. But he’s shorter and may be better suited to the slot. Also don’t discount the possibility of a shock Tyler Warren or Tetairoa McMillan pick. You’ll hear a lot of QB speculation but unless Shadeur Sanders falls, it’s a no from me dog.
- Will Campbell (OT) to Chicago Bears
The Bears have invested heavily in protecting Caleb Williams and rightly so. Arguably they’re a year late but better late than never. But while they have plenty of other moderate needs which could lead to a BPA pick of Tyler Warren or Ashton Jeanty, I have to believe they will target more offensive line help. Will Campbell sits slightly above Kelvin Banks for me, while Armand Membou could fall and Josh Connerly is a trade back option. Campbell has been copping grief for his short arms, but his play has been consistently excellent and worst case, he moves to guard.
- Kenneth Grant (DT) to San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers will almost certainly attack the trenches, and I previously mocked them Kelvin Banks here. I still think O-line is a real possibility as their blocking has sucked. They could equally take Jalon Walker as a speedy edge rusher they’re reportedly targeting. But I still believe that Kenneth Grant belongs in or around the top ten. He’s a strong gap filler with rushing upside. His athletic profile is top tier and his skill deficits can definitely be taught out. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he goes ahead of Mason Graham as the first defensive lineman off the board.
- Tetairoa McMillan (WR) to Dallas Cowboys
I’ve been regularly slotting the Cowboys’ Ashton Jeanty here and I still think that’s a great fit. The issue is that he’s looking increasingly unlikely to fall that far. There have been rumblings of RB Omarion Hampton going in the first round but this feels too early for him. I could see a defensive tackle if one fell, but both Wolverines are gone. That leaves arguably Dallas’s biggest weakness. They have nothing at wide receiver outside CeeDee Lamb and will come away from the draft with at least one receiver. Tetairoa McMillan would be a fantastic option as that one.
- Kelvin Banks (OL) to Miami Dolphins
With Armand Membou rising into the Top 10 conversation, Kelvin Banks is dropping a little… right into the lap of the Miami Dolphins. Banks is a very safe pick, though he may need to spend some time at guard. Tua Tagovailoa needs strong protection to keep him from concussions and his propensity for bad decisions. As a bonus, Banks would stimulate their struggling running game. But there are other options. If one of the Michigan DTs falls, this would be a great landing spot. And then there’s safety, as they need someone to replace Jevon Holland that isn’t mediocre.
- Tyler Warren (TE) to Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have very different needs to most of the teams picking around them. And as this draft has fallen, all of their top options are available. The Colts are known to love Tyler Warren. He’s popular with a number of teams and could easily be gone by now. Though some teams favor Colston Loveland who could also be an option. Meanwhile, the Colts badly need a safety and Nick Emmanwori is elite. Plus Indy reportedly loves Tyler Booker, who would give them the league’s best guard tandem. Where this pick ultimately goes is unclear at this stage though.
- Mykel Williams (EDGE) to Atlanta Falcons
I’ve been mocking the Falcons an edge rusher for a number of years, and they reportedly would have gone in that direction if they hadn’t fallen for Michael Penix last year. As a resulted, they finished the season with the second fewest sacks, less than half of the league leading Broncos. While they could go in other directions here if the perfect player falls, I think this pick is pretty much locked. As a result, I’m backing a Jalon Walker pick here, if he falls this far. Otherwise Shemar Stewart, Mike Green and James Pearce are all possibilities if Atlanta goes this way.
- Jahdae Barron (CB) to Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have issues in the trenches, but they should ultimately be picking for value. Jahdae Barron is viewed by many as a potential Top 10 pick, with some suggesting he will be the first non-Hunter cornerback off the board! While the Cardinals are likely to heavily consider DL or OL, or indeed a trade down, based on who is available here, this is feeling like the most likely selection. Barron is on the small side and may be limited to the slot, but Arizona need help across the secondary so he’ll definitely be helpful in some way.
- Nick Emmanwori (S) to Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have a lot of high-end talent, but they’ve also had a heap of busts out of high draft picks. This has led to a roster with an alarming number of holes while a lot of money is committed to stars like Joe Burrow. I assumed that would mean the Bengals would let go of Tee Higgins, and that’s not the case. The Bengals therefore will likely revert to an interior lineman (offensive or defensive) or, in this case, the best player available. That’s Nick Emmanwori, an elite safety prospect. Safeties rarely go this early, but they rarely have his size/skill combination.
- Matthew Golden (WR) to Seattle Seahawks
Seattle has gone from an envious trio of pass catchers to an enormous hole at wide receiver, with DK Metcalf moving to the Steelers. This makes wide receiver a very logical pick. Matthew Golden is considered a clear top two receiver pick (along with Tetairoa McMillan) even though many experts don’t agree. His elite deep speed will be a nice complement to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. A great alternative would be Tyler Booker, with the Seahawks needing significant improvement to their interior linemen to support new QB Sam Darnold.
- Jihaad Campbell (LB) to Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It’s unusual to see a linebacker drafted in the Top 20, but that didn’t stop the Buccaneers from selecting Devin White 5th overall in the 2019 draft. Six years later, I expect them to go back to the well, as White is now with the Raiders (via the Eagles and Texans) and Lavonte David is barrelling towards retirement. Jihaad Campbell is THE stud inside linebacker in this class. Tall, long and agile, Campbell is still coming to grips with playing off the ball, but his upside is extreme and at worst, he can easily transition to a pass rusher if worst comes to worst.
- Omarion Hampton (RB) to Denver Broncos
There is a persistent feeling among experts that the Broncos will draft a wide receiver, but I believe Sean Payton is satisfied with Marvin Mims, Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin behind Courtland Sutton. If anything, a tight end upgrade looks more likely as Evan Engram is no spring chicken. But more than anything else, they need a starting running back. Ashton Jeanty would be the dream, but Omarion Hampton is a rising prospect after a great combine. He’s no first round guarantee, but he’s a big back that would perfectly complement the shifty Jaleel McLaughlin.
- Walter Nolen (DT) to Pittsburgh Steelers
After Mike Tomlin brought in DK Metcalf, extending his unhealthy obsession with difficult receivers, I’ve shifted this pick off wide receiver for the first time. The Steelers badly need some help along the interior of the D-line, and while they could easily wait until Day 2, Walter Nolen is the kind of player teams can fall in love with. He’s an upside pick with major character concerns and patchy tape. But when did a prickly personality ever scare off Pittsburgh? I could also imagine a running back going here too, though neither of the top two fell. Finally, there’s also buzz that Shadeur Sanders could fall to here or that the Steelers might alternatively reach for Jaxson Dart. I think both quarterbacks are unlikely.
- Colston Loveland (TE) to Los Angeles Chargers
I’ve been giving the Chargers defensive help in every mock but I’m changing my tune for this one. I’m not convinced that Jim Harbaugh feel the need to have elite pass catchers in general, as that doesn’t really match his run and gun style, but there’s plenty of rumors LA is looking into tight ends. So I’m giving them one. Tyler Warren is long gone but some teams favor Colston Loveland as their top tight end this year. A three down option, Loveland is surely the man to finally break off the unhealthy obsession teams seem to have with Will Dissly.
- Maxwell Hairston (CB) to Green Bay Packers
There’s plenty of options here for the Packers but I think they’re most likely to target their defense. I expect they’ll take defensive linemen on the interior and edge sometime during the first two days, but the value is greatest at cornerback here. Maxwell Hairston blew up the combine with some explosive testing, thrusting his name into the first round conversation. He’s still a little raw and light though, and the Packers may favor Azareye’h Thomas despite his poor pro day, upside pick Benjamin Morrison or Trey Amos after his great pro day.
- Tyler Booker (G) to Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings’ needs conveniently match what’s likely available late in the first round. It will ultimately depend what falls to them on the night. While cornerback is the most likely, defensive tackle can’t be discounted despite their work in free agency. But Tyler Booker is an elite guard prospect and this is too late for him to fall. While the Vikings brought in Will Fries, Booker would complete an outstanding offensive line which would give redshirt rookie JJ McCarthy the kind of protection that would set him, and the Vikings, up for immediate success.
- Derrick Harmon (DT) to Houston Texans
The Texans have few glaring needs, making them easier to project. They have entirely reworked their offensive line but could still use some help, and there are some late-first round options. A Tank Dell replacement is also an option despite the arrival of Christian Kirk. But I’m still leaning defensive line here. In the past I’ve had Jordan Burch going to Houston but I’m shifting to his Oregon teammate who has risen in the last few weeks, despite the great combine both had. Harmon is a developing pass rusher who can help the Vikings improve their run defense.
- Emeka Egbuka (WR) to Los Angeles Rams
I’m finding it very hard to predict what the Rams will do. And the experts agree, with cornerbacks, receivers, linemen and linebackers all appearing in sharp mocks I monitor. But I feel like the Rams can’t rely on Davante Adams long-term and need to give Matthew Stafford as much support as possible. Emeka Egbuka is the popular pick to be the third wide receiver off the board. A great route runner with solid deep speed, he belongs in this range. Though it wouldn’t shock me if the Rams (or another team) selected Luther Burden ahead of Egbuka.
- Shemar Stewart (EDGE) to Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are incredibly adept at finding value in the draft, regularly picking whichever player falls. That makes them very hard to predict. In this mock, I feel like the most value is in Shemar Stewart falling. Stewart is a very risky pick as he has very little production, but his testing is off the charts. Teams seem concerned as to whether he has the bend to get to quarterbacks, despite his explosiveness. If a cornerback falls, that will be the pick here, and if there’s no value picks then I suspect we’ll see an offensive lineman go here to help Lamar.
- Donovan Ezeiruaku (EDGE) to Detroit Lions
The Lions draft on personality and fit, making them a difficult team to project. I’ve previously mocked them Jack Sawyer, who is a perfect stylistic fit, but I’m coming around to Donovan Ezeiruaku. His teammates describe him as a “little coach”. Hard-working, resilient and a true leader. He’s a real Dan Campbell kind of man. Plus, he’s got a great opportunity to perform with Aidan Hutchinson opposite him. I could also see the Lions going for some interior line help on either side or they may even go back to the cornerback well one more time.
- James Pearce Jr (EDGE) to Washington Commanders
The Commanders’ greatest need remains their edge rush. For years, their interior has sandpapered over this weakness but this season they surely must improve. There’s a heap of defensive linemen available in this draft and I’m unsure if they really love any enough to use this pick, when they could grab a solid talent in the second round. But with Deebo Samuel’s arrival negating the need for a wide receiver, I’m backing them to take a risk on James Pearce. Pearce is an explosive pass rusher who blitzed the combine but has major character concerns.
- Alfred Collins (DT) to Buffalo Bills
I’ve been mocking the Bills Alfred Collins for some time now and I see no reason to change that here. They badly need help stopping the run and Collins is a big, bad run stuffer. He’s one of many 1st/2nd round bubble players, with a heap of defensive linemen possible fits here. Collins makes the most sense for the Bills, but Jordan Burch can’t be discounted. Also don’t be shocked if Buffalo attacks their secondary with someone like Malaki Starks, who is my other favorite option here. If a top cornerback were somehow available, I’d also consider that.
- Josh Simmons (OL) to Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs always seem to have needs in the draft, then they just keep making the Super Bowl. This year, they surely need to protect Patrick Mahomes better, while also sparking the run game. I’ve been mocking them a range of offensive linemen, but this time Josh Simmons has fallen so I have to slot him in here. Given he’s likely to go earlier, I’d also consider Gray Zabel and Josh Conerly as viable picks. While going in another direction is unlikely (and the bookies agree), we could see a defensive lineman or a wide receiver go here too. But KC, please finally get a proper OL.
- Mike Green (EDGE) to Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles can afford to take a risk on an upside pick, making Mike Green fitting (and not just because of his name). Green is fast and explosive off the edge, but he has major character concerns including a suspension at UV and allegations of misconduct. That’s unlikely to scare Philly off though, and he could be the perfect replacement for Josh Sweat. Alternative options include a guard, Jihaad Campbell, a wide receiver or a cornerback if the last one falls. Also note that I haven’t been able to fit in safety Malaki Starks, though he is likely to find a home on Night 1 this month.
