Monday, April 21st 2025, 12:00 pm
Updated with new info and projections...No trades listed.
Somebody will jump back into the first round for a QB. It might be New York as they seem to love Dart.
The NFL Draft is one of my favorite sporting events of the entire year. I am addicted to mock draft's during the spring and usually spent time daily on a mock draft generator. Some call it a sickness but I have always loved the draft process. Here is my best guess on how the first round will look on Thursday night, just for fun.
1. Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Bio: Cam Ward transferred to Miami for the 2024 season, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities with impressive passing and rushing statistics.
Why: The Titans are seeking a dynamic quarterback to lead their offense, and Ward's athleticism and arm strength make him a promising choice to revitalize their quarterback position.
2. Cleveland Browns – Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Bio: Travis Hunter made history in 2024 by winning the Heisman Trophy as a two-way player, excelling at both wide receiver and cornerback.
Why: The Browns are intrigued by Hunter's versatility and playmaking abilities, envisioning him as a unique asset who can contribute on both sides of the ball.
3. New York Giants – Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State
Bio: Abdul Carter is a fast, physical linebacker from Penn State known for his explosive pass-rushing ability and sideline-to-sideline range. One of the most dominant players in college football this past season.
Why: With questions surrounding their current quarterback situation, the Giants signed Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson. Doesn't seem like it's a QB here. Carter is one of the best players in the draft. You take him at 3 even if his position is not a need.
4. New England Patriots – Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Bio: Will Campbell is a physically imposing offensive tackle known for his athleticism and ability to protect the quarterback's blind side.
Why: The Patriots aim to strengthen their offensive line, and Campbell's skill set aligns with their need to provide better protection and run-blocking. Don't be surprised if Armand Membou goes here as well.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Bio: Ashton Jeanty had a record-breaking season in 2024, rushing for 2,601 yards and earning accolades including the Doak Walker Award.
Why: The Jags are seeking a dynamic playmaker in the backfield and everywhere. Jeanty's explosive running style and versatility make him an ideal fit.
6. Las Vegas Raiders – Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas
Bio: Banks is a polished left tackle who has started since his freshman year and dominated SEC edge rushers.
Why: Protecting QB remains a priority, and Banks provides elite blind-side protection, plus you better get a OT early
7. New York Jets –Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Bio: Tyler Warren has been a reliable target at Penn State, known for his catching ability and blocking skills.
Why: With a new QB in Justin Fields...the Jets go with the young weapon over protection.
8. Carolina Panthers – Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
Bio: Jalon Walker is recognized for his athleticism and leadership on Georgia's defense, contributing significantly to their success.
Why: The Panthers aim to enhance their defensive unit, and Walker's ability to read offenses and make impactful plays aligns with their goals.
9. New Orleans Saints – Mykel William, EDGE, Georgia
Bio: Barron is a smart, fluid corner who thrives in zone coverage and offers strong tackling ability.
Why: Saints get an elite guy for new defensive system. Only 20 and still learning but a freak athlete
10. Chicago Bears – Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Bio: Hampton has excellent hands, power, and speed. He’s a productive weapon.
Why: Keep an eye on Chicago moving up to 5 for Jeanty. If they can't get it done this would be logical.
11. San Francisco 49ers – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Bio: Mason Graham emerged as a dominant force on Michigan's defensive line, disrupting opposing offenses with his strength and technique.
Why: The Jaguars are looking to bolster their interior defense, and Graham's presence could significantly improve their run defense and pass rush
12. Dallas Cowboys – Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
Bio: Membou is a versatile lineman with experience at both guard and tackle, standing out with his technique and strength.
Why: Dallas wants a receiver but in this case with Membou falling...would give them flexibility and power, plus fills a need they have had for a while with a lackluster line.
13. Miami Dolphins – Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Bio: A big, rangy safety who flies downhill and thrives in run support and robber zones.
Why: An absolute DUDE. Great scheme fit in a big need at safety for the Dolphins
14. Indianapolis Colts – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Bio: Loveland has excellent hands, route-running, and size. He’s been a security blanket and red zone threat.
Why: With uncertainties overall the Colts go with a safe pick and provide a big target.
15. Atlanta Falcons – Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
Bio: A breakout pass-rusher, Green uses speed and leverage to disrupt QBs, with a high motor and growing technique.
Why: Atlanta continues to invest in their pass rush, and Green’s upside fits their long-term defensive rebuild.
16. Arizona Cardinals – Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Bio: A former five-star recruit, Stewart is a powerful edge presence with elite physical tools.
Why: The Cards add a high-upside edge to pair with their recent investments in the trenches.
17. Cincinnati Bengals – Mykel William, EDGE, Georgia
Bio: Barron is a smart, fluid corner who thrives in zone coverage and offers strong tackling ability.
Why: Cincy sees Stewart off the board and goes the Georgia route. Only 20 and still learning but a freak athlete
18. Seattle Seahawks – Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
Bio: A small-school riser, Zabel has strong hands and is a mauler in the run game with tackle/guard flexibility.
Why: Seattle needs stronger interior line play to protect the QB and get their ground game going.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Bio: Fast, instinctive, and athletic, Campbell is a modern sideline-to-sideline linebacker with upside.
Why: Tampa is preparing for the future with Lavonte David aging. Campbell brings speed and versatility.
20. Denver Broncos –Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Bio: Egbuka is a savvy route-runner with reliable hands and YAC ability. He’s played inside and out.
Why: Denver adds to their WR room as Sean Payton has a no 1 option for Nix. Teams love the kid
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Bio: Shedeur Sanders' leadership and performance have caught the attention of multiple teams, showcasing his readiness for the NFL stage.
Why: The Steelers wait for their guy at 21. Could also be a spot for Dart. Sanders could fall even a few spots lower in this draft
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
Bio: Big nose tackle that doesn't just take up space. Guy is fluid and can move.
Why: The Chargers need to replace Poona Ford and get better in the interior. Oh yeah he also played under Harbaugh at Michigan. The fit makes too much sense.
23. Green Bay Packers – Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Bio: Golden thrived in Texas offense. One of the fastest players in draft, 10 yard split was ridiculous
Why: Inside or outside...Golden is a great compliment the staff. Green Bay doesn't take WR often here, but temptation is too much.
24. Minnesota Vikings – Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Bio: Ball-hawking corner who led the SEC in interceptions and displays elite anticipation.
Why: The Vikings add a cornerback that will be a significant upgrade.
25. Houston Texans – Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State
Bio: Jackson is a big guard that dominated, with ability to play tackle spot.
Why: Protecting C.J. Stroud remains a priority, and Jackson provides protection.
26. Los Angeles Rams – Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
Bio: Athletic and technically sound, Conerly is one of the best pass-protecting tackles in the draft.
Why: L.A. needs to rebuild their offensive line to extend Stafford’s window (or protect their next QB).
27. Baltimore Ravens – Josh Simmons, OL, Ohio State
Bio: Talented to go higher but knee injury could cause him to go this late in the first. Extremely athletic
Why: Ravens need depth and Simmons would go a long way.
28. Detroit Lions – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Bio: A physical, smart, and technically sound corner, Johnson has been a lockdown defender in Michigan’s elite defense.
Why: Lions could use another corner and one of the better one falls due to injury. Has all the tools
29. Washington Commanders –Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Bio: Barron is a smart, fluid corner who thrives in zone coverage and offers strong tackling ability.
Why: Washington needs playmakers in the secondary, and Hairston fits Dan Quinn’s defensive vision
30. Buffalo Bills – Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Bio: Starks is an instinctive, rangy safety who can cover ground and make plays in the box.
Why: The Bills bolster their secondary with an elite athlete who fits modern hybrid-safety roles which is a need.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – Aireontae Ersery, OL, Minnesota
Bio: Big-bodied tackle who’s been quietly dominant in the Big Ten with smooth footwork and punch.
Why: The Chiefs are always hunting for OL depth and long-term security for Mahomes.
32. Philadelphia Eagles – Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
Bio: Former five-star recruit with freakish strength and burst; still putting it all together.
Why: The Eagles love to build through the trenches. Nolen can rotate early and eventually be a dominant starter.
See Also: NFL Draft 2025: Oklahoma players to watch this weekend
Jeremie Poplin has been a trusted and familiar voice in Tulsa sports media for nearly 25 years. Jeremie serves as a sports producer and digital sports liaison for News On 6 while entering his 12th season as the radio sideline reporter and analyst for Tulsa football on Golden Hurricane Sports Properties.
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