NFL Mock Draft 2025: Patriots Select Travis Hunter First Overall; Jalen Milroe Tops QB Rankings Ahead of Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders

The 2025 NFL Draft: Early Projections and Team Needs

As we approach the midpoint of the 2024 NFL season, the excitement surrounding the 2025 NFL Draft is beginning to bubble to the surface. With college football in full swing and teams assessing their rosters, the focus is shifting toward identifying future stars. While names like Arch Manning, Ryan Williams, and Jeremiah Smith are already generating buzz for future drafts, the upcoming class is shaping up to be filled with marquee impact players on both offense and defense.

The Draft Landscape

With the draft scheduled for April 24, 2025, at the iconic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, the anticipation is palpable. As of Week 5, the draft order is taking shape, with several teams already eyeing potential franchise-altering prospects. This article will delve into the projected first-round picks for all 32 teams, highlighting their current needs and the players who could fill those gaps.

Top Picks and Team Needs

1. New England Patriots (1-4)
   Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado (6-1, 185 pounds)
   The Patriots are in search of dynamic playmakers, and Hunter’s versatility makes him an ideal fit. With a solid cornerback lineup but a need for explosive receivers, Hunter could contribute on both sides of the ball.

2. Cincinnati Bengals (1-4)
   Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona (6-5, 210 pounds)
   With Tee Higgins potentially leaving in free agency, McMillan’s size and catching ability could provide a perfect replacement, especially in the red zone.

3. Cleveland Browns (1-4)
   Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama (6-2, 225 pounds)
   The Browns may be looking to move on from the Deshaun Watson era. Milroe’s dual-threat capability and strong arm make him an enticing option for a team in need of a fresh start at quarterback.

4. Los Angeles Rams (1-4)
   Will Johnson, CB, Michigan (6-2, 202 pounds)
   The Rams’ secondary has struggled, and Johnson’s size and skill set could help restore their defensive prowess.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4)
   Mason Graham, DT, Michigan (6-3, 318 pounds)
   To bolster their defensive line, the Jaguars need a strong interior presence, and Graham fits the bill as a disruptive force against both the run and pass.

6. Carolina Panthers (1-4)
   Cam Ward, QB, Miami (6-2, 223 pounds)
   After Bryce Young’s underwhelming performance, the Panthers might look to Ward, who has shown significant improvement and possesses a strong arm.

7. Tennessee Titans (1-3)
   Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado (6-2, 215 pounds)
   With questions surrounding Will Levis, Sanders’ talent and potential could make him a top choice for a Titans team in need of a franchise quarterback.

8. Miami Dolphins (2-3)
   Malaki Starks, S, Georgia (6-1, 205 pounds)
   Starks could solidify the Dolphins’ secondary, providing a long-term solution alongside Jevon Holland.

9. New York Jets (2-3)
   Will Campbell, OT, LSU (6-6, 323 pounds)
   The Jets need to protect their quarterback, and Campbell’s athleticism and size make him an ideal candidate to shore up the offensive line.

10. Arizona Cardinals (2-3)
    Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan (6-3, 339 pounds)
    Grant’s ability to disrupt plays in the backfield could help address the Cardinals’ defensive weaknesses.

11. Las Vegas Raiders (2-3)
    Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State (5-9, 215 pounds)
    Jeanty’s explosiveness could rejuvenate the Raiders’ running game, making him a valuable asset.

12. New Orleans Saints (2-3)
    Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri (5-11, 208 pounds)
    Burden could provide the Saints with a reliable target to complement Chris Olave and add depth to their receiving corps.

13. Indianapolis Colts (2-3)
    Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame (6-0, 190 pounds)
    Morrison’s technical skills and playmaking ability would bolster the Colts’ secondary.

14. San Francisco 49ers (2-3)
    Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M (6-4, 285 pounds)
    Scourton could provide the 49ers with a much-needed pass-rushing threat opposite Nick Bosa.

15. New York Giants (2-3)
    Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas (6-4, 324 pounds)
    Banks could help solidify the Giants’ offensive line, providing protection for their quarterback.

16. Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)
    Cameron Williams, OT, Texas (6-5, 235 pounds)
    Williams could be a long-term solution at right tackle, helping to maintain the Eagles’ strong offensive line.

17. Chicago Bears (3-2)
    Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia (6-5, 265 pounds)
    Williams would enhance the Bears’ pass rush, providing versatility and strength.

18. Green Bay Packers (3-2)
    Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State (6-3, 250 pounds)
    Carter could be a valuable addition to the Packers’ defense, bringing pass-rushing skills and run-stopping ability.

19. Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)
    Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan (6-5, 245 pounds)
    Loveland’s athleticism could make him a key target for Justin Herbert in the Chargers’ offense.

20. Dallas Cowboys (3-2)
    Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State (6-5, 260 pounds)
    Sawyer’s versatility and pass-rushing ability would complement Micah Parsons on the Cowboys’ defense.

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)
    Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas (5-11, 190 pounds)
    Bond could add depth and speed to the Buccaneers’ receiving corps as they look to the future.

22. Denver Broncos (3-2)
    Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State (6-1, 205 pounds)
    Egbuka’s route-running and hands could fill the Broncos’ need for a true No. 1 receiver.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)
    Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota (6-6, 330 pounds)
    Ersery’s athleticism and size could help improve the Steelers’ offensive line.

24. Detroit Lions (3-1)
    James Pearce, EDGE, Tennessee (6-5, 243 pounds)
    Pearce’s explosive playmaking ability could provide the Lions with additional pass-rushing support.

25. Seattle Seahawks (3-2)
    Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky (6-6, 345 pounds)
    Walker’s unique athleticism for his size could help the Seahawks’ defensive front.

26. Buffalo Bills (3-2)
    Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati (6-1, 320 pounds)
    Corleone’s strength and quickness could bolster the Bills’ run defense.

27. Atlanta Falcons (3-2)
    Harold Perkins Jr., EDGE, LSU (6-1, 235 pounds)
    Perkins’ versatility and pass-rushing skills could enhance the Falcons’ defense.

28. Baltimore Ravens (3-2)
    Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College (6-2, 247 pounds)
    Ezeiruaku’s ability to pressure the quarterback would fit well in the Ravens’ defensive scheme.

29. Washington Commanders (4-1)
    Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina (6-3, 193 pounds)
    Despite his injury, Revel’s potential makes him a worthwhile first-round pick for a team needing secondary help.

30. Houston Texans (4-1)
    Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State (6-2, 205 pounds)
    Winston’s range and playmaking ability could improve the Texans’ secondary.

31. Minnesota Vikings (5-0)
    Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State (6-1, 190 pounds)
    Burke’s polished skills would provide the Vikings with much-needed depth in their secondary.

32. Kansas City Chiefs (5-0)
    Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU (6-3, 315 pounds)
    Jones could help stabilize the Chiefs’ offensive line, particularly at right tackle, ensuring protection for Patrick Mahomes.

The Road Ahead

As the 2024 NFL season progresses, teams will continue to evaluate their needs and potential draft prospects. The excitement surrounding the 2025 NFL Draft is just beginning, and fans can expect plenty of movement and intrigue as franchises look to secure their future stars. With a wealth of talent emerging from college football, the upcoming draft promises to be a pivotal moment for many teams in the league.