2025 Draft thread

So, I made the mistake of checking out the latest CBS mock. #4 was up and Abdul Carter still available. We trade #4 to Chicago for....

#10, #41, 2025 3rd


How pissed are you on a scale of 1 and beat the shit out of your wife?
 
With that in mind, here’s my latest three-round mock draft:

1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami​

To be clear, I would not do this. Same time, there’s too much smoke to ignore that first-year GM Mike Borgonzi’s priority is a quarterback, and if you’re going to take one this high, it’s absolutely Ward. I do not think he’d have gone higher than Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye last season, but it’s possible — given the QB desperation league wide — he’d have been a top-10 pick in 2024.



2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado​

The best football player in this draft class and one of the most unique talents we’ve seen in years, Hunter will make an impact wherever he goes — and wherever he lines up — immediately next year. If he sticks at CB he’ll arguably have the best ball skills of any DB in the NFL. He’s that good. This could also be Shedeur Sanders, though I’m decidedly less sure about him than I am Ward.

3. New York Giants: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan​

The Giants have spent the entire offseason trying to find veteran quarterbacks in the face of this rookie class, so this, too, could be a Sanders landing spot. But I have zero questions about Graham’s ability to help the Giants immediately.

4. New England Patriots: Abdul Carter, edge, Penn State​

Carter’s foot situation certainly complicates matters, though I wouldn’t rule him out as a top-three selection here. If he’s healthy, Carter has a chance to be the best pro in this class. Foot injuries are very scary, however.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Campbell, OT, LSU​

Campbell’s arms are a bit short — if he wasn’t so good with his hands and feet, that might be an issue. But Campbell, one of the hardest workers in this draft class, is a terrific athlete. Like when the Chargers drafted Rashawn Slater, nobody should overthink this.

6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State​

Jeanty is the NFL Draft’s best running back prospect since at least Bijan Robinson/Jahmyr Gibbs. He might be the best we’ve seen since Saquon Barkley. Regardless of where he fits in that tier, though, he absolutely should be a top-10 pick.

7. New York Jets: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
At the very least, the Jets have a bridge QB in Justin Fields. It’s also possible Fields turns a corner and becomes the team’s long-term starter. Either way, New York’s new regime is not in position to roll the dice on a QB.

Aaron Glenn should remember when Detroit passed on QB talent in 2021 to draft Penei Sewell. Start your rebuild there.

8. Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona​

The tape tells the story with McMillan — and part of that story is that his less-than-stellar 40 time isn’t that big a deal. McMillan was a man among children at times in college and has the ability to help Bryce Young and this young Panthers offense immediately.

9. New Orleans Saints: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State​

The 2025 draft class features another great tight end group, and Warren — a true three-down player with the potential to be a dominant run blocker — is leader of the pack. The tight end position has evolved so much in the last 10 years, and Warren has the talent worthy of a top-10 pick.


10. Chicago Bears: Shemar Stewart, edge, Texas A&M​

The No. 2 edge in this class is a tough call, especially if we’re lumping Jihaad Campbell and/or Jalon Walker in with that group. A case certainly could be made for Georgia’s Mykel Williams here. But Stewart (6-5, 267) is actually bigger than Williams, and nearly as long (34 1/8 arms). He’s the most athletic edge in this class not named Abdul Carter.

11. San Francisco 49ers: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama​

It’s hard to compare people to Micah Parsons. Campbell isn’t as fast as the Cowboys’ dynamic superstar, but he’s not that far off — and he’s probably at least as explosive. As was the case with Parsons when he came out of college, Campbell hasn’t scratched the surface with regard to all the things he can do on a football field.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan​

It’s not nothing that Johnson has avoided athletic testing at all costs this offseason. It’s also not nothing he more or less sat the 2024 season out after getting dinged up early. But the tape doesn’t lie — Johnson’s confidence is off-the-charts good, as is his football IQ. He definitely could tumble, but he’s a worthy top-15 prospect.

13. Miami Dolphins: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina​

The most complete athlete in this draft, Emmanwori has versatility that knows nearly no limit — he’s 6-foot-3, 220 pounds with a 4.38-second 40 time, 43-inch vertical and 11 foot, 6 inch broad jump. He’s still learning how to be consistent, but Emmanwori has the potential to be a defensive coordinator’s best friend.

14. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan​

There are days when I think Loveland might be right there with Warren as a legit top-10 prospect. An outstanding receiver who terrorized linebackers and has the ability to beat safeties (and some corners), Loveland is also a better blocker than people realize and one of the most dependable talents on the board. He’d be a perfect fit in Indianapolis.

15. Atlanta Falcons: Mykel Williams, edge, Georgia​

Williams’ scouting profile almost could be used to explain most of this class: He’s a terrific athlete (at 6-5, 260) and has limitless potential as a do-it-all edge with interior rush potential, but he’s also really never put everything together. Though it could take a minute for him to develop, he has true star potential at an incredibly valuable position.

16. Arizona Cardinals: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon​

It wouldn’t be a shock if Harmon winds up going higher than this. At 6-4, 313, he’s bigger than Graham and probably comes with more versatility — he’s already proven he can walk outside and handle himself as a big edge.




17. Cincinnati Bengals: Mike Green, edge, Marshall​

Like Carter, Campbell and Walker, Green is a phenomenal athlete who gives off Parsons-like vibes in terms of versatility. There also are serious off-field questions here teams will have to investigate before making a decision.

18. Seattle Seahawks: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama​

Booker’s not a perfect prospect. Scouts wanted to see more consistency from him as a junior, but they also understand that Booker’s been one of the SEC’s most physically impressive offensive linemen since the first game of his true freshman season. It feels like Seattle has been looking for a prospect like this for at least five years.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jalon Walker, edge, Georgia​

This might be the floor for Walker, whose testing may have caused him to slip behind Campbell and Green on some boards. Still, he’s a legit playmaker anywhere he lines up — a hell-on-wheels front-seven defender who’d be perfect for Todd Bowles.

20. Denver Broncos: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State​

One of my favorite players in this class, Egbuka is this year’s version of Amon-Ra St. Brown — a fearless competitor who was a difference-maker from Day 1 inside one of the country’s best programs. As far as I’m concerned, he’d qualify as the “Joker” weapon Sean Payton wants.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado​

Even if Pittsburgh signs Aaron Rodgers, and even if Rodgers has some gas left in the tank we simply haven’t seen over the past three years, the Steelers have to devise a long-term plan for the most important position on the field. I cannot get there on Sanders as a top-10 pick, and I don’t think he’s ready to help fix a truly bad team. He’ll be a much better fit if he lands somewhere that can give him a supporting cast.




22. Los Angeles Chargers: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina​

Jim Harbaugh’s backfield needs thunder and lightning. And Hampton, a 221-pound hammer with speed and wiggle, can be both at the same time. Not only did he rush for more than 3,000 combined yards the last two years, but also he had more than 60 catches.

23. Green Bay Packers: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas​

A tough, smart, dependable competitor, Barron reminds me of a bigger version of Washington’s Mike Sainristil. He can play anywhere in the defensive backfield, and you’re going to get everything he has on every snap. He’d be perfect for the physical and talented NFC North.

24. Minnesota Vikings: Grey Zabel, G/C, North Dakota State​

Zabel was a true five-tool offensive lineman in college. He’s not long enough to be an every-day tackle in the NFL, but his ability to make things happen inside is undeniable. Zabel is a powerful, explosive, flexible athlete with elite football IQ.

25. Houston Texans: Joshua Simmons, OT, Ohio State​

After suffering a knee injury early during the 2024 season, Simmons expects to be ready for the start of his rookie year. If he hadn’t suffered that injury, it’s fair to wonder if Simmons might have been OT1 in 2025. And the Texans have to find people who can keep C.J. Stroud off the ground.

26. Los Angeles Rams: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon​

Consistency is lacking, but Conerly is a young prospect with elite athletic traits and equally exciting flashes. His potential fit inside an offense that needs run blockers capable of being dangerous on the move and in space could be terrific.

27. Baltimore Ravens: Donovan Ezeiruaku, edge, Boston College​

It’s possible Ezeiruaku is long gone by the late 20s, as the depth of his pass-rush arsenal and his attention to detail are arguably better than any other rusher in this class. He’s also one of the most agile (sub-7-second three-cone at the combine).


28. Detroit Lions: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas​

The Lions’ biggest need is edge, and it also wouldn’t shock me should Brad Holmes try to get younger at receiver — Jameson Williams’ long-term future on the roster is anything but certain. But Detroit also has uncertainty at guard. Banks, a college tackle, should translate well to a guard spot in the NFL and could potentially be a long-term answer opposite Sewell.

29. Washington Commanders: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas​

Of all the draft-eligible offensive talent at Texas last season, Golden might’ve made the biggest leap. He displayed true difference-making speed and has an ability to win in any area of the field. He flashed WR1 ability, to go along with his 4.29 speed.

30. Buffalo Bills: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan​

Grant’s talent (at 6-4, 331) is undeniable, but almost nothing about his game is consistent. He also did not test anywhere near where scouts anticipated he would. Still, he’s an explosive, powerful presence with high-end potential as a nose and/or a big 3-tech. There’s enough raw ability here to bet on.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Donovan Jackson, G/OT, Ohio State​

A balanced, explosive athlete with very good length, Jackson spent most of his Ohio State career at guard before moving out to tackle in the wake of Simmons’ injury — a critical move during Ohio State’s title run. Jackson can be inconsistent with his hands but has the look of a possible long-term starter at guard or tackle.

32. Philadelphia Eagles: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia​

One of the smartest football players in this draft, Starks feels a lot like this year’s version of Brian Branch. He’s probably not fast enough to hold up as an outside corner, but he can play either safety spot or be a capable NFL nickel. He and Cooper DeJean together would be a lot of fun.


Round 2​

33. Cleveland Browns: Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville​

This, to me, makes much more sense for the Browns than reaching for a QB at No. 2. It’s possible Cleveland will have to trade back into the bottom of the first round for either Shough or Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart, but this would give the Browns a young quarterback and a premium talent at the top of the second.

34. New York Giants: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss​

Personally, I prefer Shough to Dart but it’s very close. Dart’s biggest challenge will be proving he wasn’t simply a product of a very college-y offense the way ex-Ole Miss QB Matt Corral was. However, Dart’s a better prospect in just about every area. To me: Shough and Dart are closer to Sanders on the board than Sanders is to Ward.





35. Tennessee Titans: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri​

36. Jacksonville Jaguars: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss​

37. Las Vegas Raiders: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA​




38. New England Patriots: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota​

39. Chicago Bears (from CAR): Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa​

40. New Orleans Saints: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina​

41. Chicago Bears: Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo​

42. New York Jets: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama​

If there’s a QB other than Ward or Sanders who might surprise people with how high he’s picked, it’s Milroe. Every physical trait he owns is worth betting on, though the gamble here is considerable given how inconsistent he was as a passer during every season at Alabama.

43. San Francisco 49ers: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State​

44. Dallas Cowboys: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State​

45. Indianapolis Colts: Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina​




46. Atlanta Falcons: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame​

47. Arizona Cardinals: James Pearce Jr., edge, Tennessee​

48. Miami Dolphins: Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M​

49. Cincinnati Bengals: Tate Ratledge, G/C, Georgia​

50. Seattle Seahawks: Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State​

51. Denver Broncos: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State​

52. Seattle Seahawks (from PIT): Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky​

53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nic Scourton, edge, Texas A&M​

54. Green Bay Packers: Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State​

55. Los Angeles Chargers: Mason Taylor, TE, LSU​

I’m not ruling out the possibility of someone at the bottom of the first taking a swing at Taylor, the athletic, sure-handed son Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor (and nephew of Zach Thomas). Few coaches in the NFL have better eyes for TE talent than Jim Harbaugh.


56. Buffalo Bills (from MIN): Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State​

57. Carolina Panthers (from LAR): Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State​

58. Houston Texans: T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina​

59. Baltimore Ravens: Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee​

60. Detroit Lions: JT Tuimoloau, edge, Ohio State​

61. Washington Commanders: Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State​

62. Buffalo Bills: Jack Bech, WR, TCU​

63. Kansas City Chiefs: Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee​

64. Philadelphia Eagles: Jordan Burch, edge, Oregon​


Round 3​

65. New York Giants: Landon Jackson, edge, Arkansas​

66. Kansas City Chiefs (from TEN): Jack Sawyer, edge, Ohio State​

67. Cleveland Browns: Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College​

68. Las Vegas Raiders: Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss​

69. New England Patriots: Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville​




70. Jacksonville Jaguars: Oluwafemi Oladejo, edge, UCLA​

71. New Orleans Saints: Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State​

72. Chicago Bears: Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma​

73. New York Jets: Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State​

74. Carolina Panthers: Kyle Kennard, edge, South Carolina​

75. San Francisco 49ers: Cameron Williams, OT, Texas​

76. Dallas Cowboys: Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State​

One of the more underrated players in this class, Williams is a small receiver, and his hands could be more consistent — but he’s one of the best YAC players in the class and an outstanding route runner with the ball skills to win in any area on the field. Very exciting player.


77. New England Patriots (from ATL): Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford​

78. Arizona Cardinals: Anthony Belton, OT, NC State​

79. Houston Texans (from MIA): Jared Wilson, C, Georgia​

80. Indianapolis Colts: Marcus Mbow, G/OT, Purdue​

81. Cincinnati Bengals: Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame​

82. Seattle Seahawks: Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami​

83. Pittsburgh Steelers: Alfred Collins, DT, Texas​

84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas​

85. Denver Broncos: Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon​

86. Los Angeles Chargers: Jonah Savaiinaea, G/OT, Arizona​

87. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland​

88. Jacksonville Jaguars (from MIN): Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss​

89. Houston Texans: Tai Felton, WR, Maryland​

90. Los Angeles Rams: Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green​

91. Baltimore Ravens: Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State​

92. Seattle Seahawks (from DET): Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary​

93. New Orleans Saints (from WAS): Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas​

94. Cleveland Browns (from BUF): Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas​




95. Kansas City Chiefs: Vernon Broughton, DT, Texas​

96. Philadelphia Eagles: Miles Frazier, G, LSU​

97. Minnesota Vikings*: Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky​

98. Miami Dolphins*: Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU​

99. New York Giants*: Jackson Slater, G/OT, Sacramento State​

100. San Francisco 49ers*: Princely Umanmielen, edge, Ole Miss​

101. Los Angeles Rams*: Savion Williams, WR, TCU​

102. Detroit Lions*: Josaiah Stewart, edge, Michigan​

The Lions double-dipped at CB last season, and don’t be surprised if they do the same this year while searching for pass-rush help opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Bringing an Ohio State (Tuimoloau) or Michigan (Stewart) player to Detroit always makes for a good time. These two would complement each other well.

(* = compensatory pick)
 
The New England Patriots have the fourth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft when Round 1 begins April 24 in Green Bay. The Patriots own nine total picks in the seven-round draft.​

Patriots’ draft picks

Round 1: 4th overall
Round 2: 38th overall
Round 3: 69th overall
Round 3: 77th overall (via ATL)
Round 4: 106th overall
Round 5: 144th overall
Round 5: 171st overall (via DAL)
Round 7: 220th overall
Round 7: 238th overall (via LAC)


Full draft order


Every pick in the seven-round NFL Draft.​

NFL Draft details


• Round 1: April 24, 8 p.m. ET​

• Rounds 2-3: April 25, 7 p.m. ET

• Rounds 4-7: April 26, noon ET
All rounds will be televised on ESPN/ABC and NFL Network and in Spanish on ESPN Deportes.​

About the Patriots


• General manager: N/A, though Eliot Wolf is the team’s executive vice president of player personnel​

• Head coach: Mike Vrabel (first season with team)

• Last year’s record: 4-13
The Patriots’ stretch of poor draft classes has fully caught up to them. They’ve won four games in back-to-back seasons and will enter 2025 with a third coach in three seasons, unfathomable turnover for a franchise that embodied stability for so long.​
But Bill Belichick left the roster in rough shape and Jerod Mayo didn’t do anything to improve it during his stint. So enter Mike Vrabel, a Patriots Hall of Famer from his playing days, to take on the difficult task of returning the franchise to its winning ways — or at least getting it to a respectable place.​

Scouting the decision-makers


Eliot Wolf still has the title that would indicate he’s the final decision-maker. But after his whiff of a draft class last year (Drake Maye notwithstanding), it’s no secret that Vrabel will have final say. Their goal is consensus in the draft, but Vrabel didn’t take on this bleak roster without the understanding that he’d also get to shop for the groceries he’ll cook with.​

Patriots’ key free-agent signings


• DL Milton Williams: Four-year, $104 million deal​

• WR Stefon Diggs: Three-year, $69 million deal

• CB Carlton Davis: Three-year, $60 million deal

• Edge Harold Landry: Three-year, $43.5 million deal

• LB Robert Spillane: Three-year, $37 million deal

Patriots’ key positions of need


Left tackle: No secret or surprise here. The Patriots added Morgan Moses as a stopgap at right tackle and Garrett Bradbury to play center. But they’ve done nothing to address the most important spot on the offensive line despite having the worst front five in the NFL last season. They’ll look now at the draft to find the long-term answer to who will protect Maye’s blind side.​
Wide receiver: The addition of Stefon Diggs is a massive boost. There’s no denying that. But at the same time, Diggs is 31 and coming off an ACL tear. And even if he does bounce back well, the rest of the wide receiver depth chart has been such a mess that the Patriots ranked 32nd in the league last season in production at the position. So even with Diggs in the fold, the Patriots should consider a wide receiver in Rounds 1-3.​

Edge rusher: There are so many directions we could go here for the third-biggest position of need, but edge rusher is vital. The Patriots traded Matthew Judon and Joshua Uche a year ago, and though they’re hopeful about what they can get from Keion White (and free-agent additions Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson), they still need more help getting to the passer. They ranked 32nd in the league in sacks last season.​

Patriots’ draft analysis








The Athletic’s latest mock drafts



Nick has the Pats sticking at No. 4 and getting edge rusher Abdul Carter.


Based on his conversations with college coaches, Bruce has Travis Hunter falling to the Pats.


Ben Standig predicts Carter will fall to New England.


Two QBs go in the top three, and the Pats land Heisman winner Travis Hunter at No. 4.


New England addresses needs on the offensive line and at wide receiver in Rounds 1 and 2.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top