The NFL offseason is in full swing. We’re still less than a couple months away from the 2025 NFL draft, but we’re in the thick of draft season where there are no shortage of storylines fresh off the NFL Scouting Combine.
With free agency set to begin next week, we’re unveiling our first NFL Wires mock draft, where the Denver Broncos trade up to land a top playmaker, Shedeur Sanders falls in the Top 10 and the Dallas Cowboys trade back into the first round.
Free agency should shed some light on the direction that some teams could go in the first round after potential moves to address positions of need. But until then, our NFL Wire editors made their selections for the first round of the draft ahead of free agency.
1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
In this scenario, the Titans opt to stand pat at No. 1 overall and ultimately decide on Miami quarterback Cam Ward over Penn State’s Abdul Carter and Colorado’s Travis Hunter. Ward is the best quarterback in what’s an otherwise lackluster class and would likely start out of the gate. Tennessee may also add a veteran this offseason but given their near-total overhaul, there’s no reason to waffle when it comes to putting Ward under center. – Dan Benton, Titans Wire
2. Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
With Ward coming off the board at No. 1, the best option for the Browns is Abdul Carter. It is especially important given the trade situation with Myles Garrett. Either way, Carter will make an immediate impact on the defense with Garrett or without him should the team cave to his trade demands. – Patrick Conn, Browns Wire
3. New York Giants: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Cam Ward is already off the board and Shedeur Sanders just isn’t it. Travis Hunter is a dynamic talent who can help the Giants on both sides of the ball and while they reportedly view him as a cornerback, there’s no reason to believe he wouldn’t see a few snaps at wide receiver as well. He would step in on Day 1 as the team’s top cornerback, shifting Deonte Banks to CB2. It would represent a significant upgrade to a position that was greatly lacking in 2024. – Dan Benton, Giants Wire
Using the No. 4 overall pick on an offensive lineman isn’t the most exciting projection, especially when it’s a player facing questions regarding his physical limitations at the NFL level. With that said, Will Campbell was a dominant player in the trenches throughout his collegiate career. He’s relentless, clever and downright nasty to deal with for opposing defenses.
Obviously, the pick here would have been Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter, if one of those two players fell. Perhaps even Mason Graham would have been a consideration. But I’m going with Campbell’s heart and what he’s already shown on film to provide some much-needed protection for quarterback Drake Maye’s blindside. – Jordy McElroy, Patriots Wire
The offensive and defensive lines are going to be a priority for GM James Gladstone this offseason. Mason Graham was a productive pass rusher and one of the best interior run defenders in 2024, according to PFF’s metrics. A strong presence inside not only leads to production from that player, but with the space he occupies and the attention he draws, a strong interior defender can create opportunities for others to take advantage of as well. The best way to wreck any offensive play is with a quick push up the middle. – Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Raiders biggest need on offense is obviously quarterback. But I see them getting a potential starter in free agency or via trade and passing on Shedeur Sanders. Instead they fill their need for an X receiver. They haven’t had one since they traded away Davante Adams last season and Tet McMillan fits the bill perfectly. He will help raise the play of their next QB. Which, in this scenario, would either be a veteran addition or a QB they select later in this draft. – Levi Damien, Raiders Wire
7. New York Jets: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
A quarterback is at the top of the Jets’ needs this offseason. There is plenty to still unfold this offseason but if the board falls this way, New York would be hard-pressed to pass on Sanders if they have a need under center. Sanders had impressive numbers in 2024, completing 74 percent of his passes for 4,134 yards. He’ll have to cutdown on the giveaway and learn some pocket presence… but it’s hard to argue with the logic ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. laid out when mocking Sanders to the Jets. As Deion’s son, he’ll be able to handle the bright lights of the Big Apple. – Nick Wojton, Jets Wire
If the Panthers’ 2024 defense really was the worst of all-time, then they certainly earned the moniker. Not only did Carolina allow the most points ever in a single season, but they also relinquished a league-high 179.8 rushing yards per game (almost 40 more yards than the next closest team) while mustering up a league-low 16.2-percent pressure rate. Whether he’s seen as an off-ball linebacker or a pass rusher (or both) in the pros, Walker can bring some much-needed direction to an awfully weak unit. – Anthony Rizzuti, Panthers Wire
Cornerback was a strength for the Saints a year ago, but they’ve since traded Marshon Lattimore and may be priced out of Paulson Adebo in free agency. If Johnson had been healthy in his final year at Michigan he’d be a lock for the first five picks, so this is great value. There just aren’t many players who can move like he does in coverage at his size. Johnson’s turf toe injury isn’t a long-term problem even if it kept him from running the 40-yard dash at the combine. He intercepted nine passes in three years and would be an outstanding pickup for Brandon Staley’s defense. Johnson also turns 22 in a few weeks and has a lot of great football ahead of him. He’s a high ceiling, high floor prospect. – John Sigler, Saints Wire
10. Chicago Bears: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
To be fair, I made this selection before the Bears traded for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, but I still don’t regret the pick. After all, the priority this offseason is improving the offensive line, and the latest additions wouldn’t prohibit GM Ryan Poles from continuing to do just that. Armand Membou elevated his draft stock with an impressive NFL Scouting Combine performance, and he could be a long-term solution for Chicago. While some believe he can be a good fit at guard, Membou would be a solid bookend at left tackle for an already-improved Bears offensive line. – Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire
11. San Francisco 49ers: Ty Warren, TE, Penn State
There’s a positional value argument to make against Warren as the No. 11 overall pick, particularly when there are such glaring needs along the offensive and defensive lines. A trade back could be on the table if the board falls this way, but we decided to snag an exciting TE prospect who can add a new wrinkle to an evolving 49ers offense and eventually replace 31-year-old George Kittle. Warren did a little bit of everything while lining up all over the field for the Nittany Lions in his senior season. On top of being a high-level blocker, Warren posted 1,233 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 104 receptions last season. He also contributed 218 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 26 carries. Warren has a chance to be a superstar in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. We couldn’t pass on that opportunity. – Kyle Madson, Niners Wire
12. Denver Broncos (from DAL): Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
- Broncos receive: Nos. 12 (1st), 76 (3rd)
- Cowboys receive: Nos. 20 (1st), 51 (2nd), 85 (3rd)
Denver’s offense took a big step forward last fall in Sean Payton’s second year on the job, but the team desperately needs to add more weapons around young quarterback Bo Nix. Pending free agent running back Javonte Williams hasn’t averaged better than 3.7 yards per carry since his 2022 knee injury and the Broncos need to add more juice at the position. Jeanty will instantly provide a big spark to Denver’s offense as Nix and Co. look to take another leap in 2025. – Jon Heath, Broncos Wire
13. Miami Dolphins: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Sliding down the draft order a bit would’ve been ideal, but unfortunately for the Dolphins, there weren’t any bites. And although the opportunity to take an offensive lineman was tempting (especially with Kelvin Banks and Tyler Booker both on the board), Miami seems to be positioning itself to go defense early in the draft. There’s no hole on the roster more glaring than the safety position where both Jevón Holland and Jordan Poyer are set to depart as free agents, leaving only 2024 sixth-round pick Patrick McMorris on the back end. Starks may not have the have the outrageous athleticism of Nick Emmanwori, but the All-American does everything well and should plug in as an immediate starter in Anthony Weaver’s defense. – Adam Stites, Dolphins Wire
14. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
The Colts need a pass-catching presence at the tight end position, and Loveland can very much provide that element. Beyond filling his own stat sheet, Loveland’s presence as a pass-catching threat can add a new dimension to Shane Steichen’s offense, allowing him to move Loveland around the formation and having him attack different levels of the field in a variety of ways. A really good pass-catching tight end can be a matchup problem, and the trickle-down effect of that is it can lead to advantageous matchups for other pass catchers within the offense as well. – Paul Bretl, Colts Wire
15. Atlanta Falcons: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
In 2024, the Falcons defense ranked 31st in the NFL with 31 total sacks. Since the team is set to lose Matthew Judon and Lorenzo Carter in free agency, Atlanta desperately needs to add a pass rusher this offseason. Green racked up 17 sacks and 32 QB hurries at Marshall last season. Despite playing against a lower level of competition, Green held his own at the Senior Bowl and likely solidified his status as a first-round pick in the 2025 draft. – Matt Urben, Falcons Wire
16. Arizona Cardinals: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
The Cardinals’ new offensive line coach is former Ohio State offensive line coach Justin Frye. With former Buckeye Paris Johnson already anchoring left tackle, they add a bookend to protect Kyler Murray. While they already have a starting right tackle in Jonah Williams, Williams only played in six games and is recovering from a knee injury. If he is healthy, either he or Simmons could slide inside to guard. The potential to build out the offensive line and connection to Frye outweigh getting a pass rusher like Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart or someone of the like. – Jess Root, Cards Wire
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
The Bengals spent two big draft picks on the interior last year, attempting to replace DJ Reader by a platoon look. Kris Jenkins Jr. and McKinnley Jackson showed serious promise, but it’s not enough – especially with BJ Hill headed for free agency and Sheldon Rankins already cut after one season. Cincinnati needs more versatility up front for new coordinator Al Golden and dramatically more pass-rush upside now that they’ve given Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade, too. Nolen is a great value and, clearly, a big need. – Chris Roling, Bengals Wire
Seahawks general manager John Schneider has taken a lot of flak for saying last year he believes guards get “overdrafted and overpaid.” Given how atrocious Seattle’s interior o-line was last year, I have a feeling he may be changing his tune. The Seahawks need a massive upgrade at guard, and Booker could be it. Booker said at the combine “the thing I love most about football is taking the love away from other people” and that’s the kind of mentality I would love to see in Seattle. – Kole Musgrove, Seahawks Wire
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
The Bucs desperately need a consistent presence at the edge position. They have drafted so many players in recent years, and while Jason Licht has been able to hit homeruns at so many positions on the roster, edge continues to be an issue. So while the idea of drafting another may seem like a “here we go again” type of situation, James Pearce Jr. could be different. He is a great athlete with a 9.35 RAS testing score and he has physical traits to back up those testing numbers to make me believe he can be the answer for the Bucs. – Andrew Harbaugh, Bucs Wire
20. Dallas Cowboys (from DEN): Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
- Broncos receive: Nos. 12 (1st), 76 (3rd)
- Cowboys receive: Nos. 20 (1st), 51 (2nd), 85 (3rd)
There are many draftniks who believe that while Ashton Jeanty received all the hype as a collegian, it’s Hampton who is going to be the bigger star of the two in the pros. New HC Brian Schottenheimer created a staff that is focused on returning the run game to excellence and Hampton is the key in the ignition. Tremendous physicality, hands out the backfield, and most importantly he explodes through the line of scrimmage at full speed as a great zone runner. – KD Drummond, Cowboys Wire
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
A tenuous quarterback situation is going to limit the Steelers opportunities to sign any of the top free-agent wide receivers on the market or via trade. This means the Steelers must focus on getting one of only a few true No. 1 receivers in the first round of the NFL draft. Matthew Golden stepped up in 2024 when Isaiah Bond was injured and took over the lead role in the passing game despite a revolving door at quarterback. – Curt Popejoy, Steelers Wire
The Chargers could get an offensive weapon here. But instead, they beef up the interior part of the defensive line. Poona Ford and Teair Tart are free agents. Jim Harbaugh coached Grant at Michigan. Grant has the size, strength and athleticism to come in and be an impactful run defender from Day 1, with the potential to become a productive pass rusher. – Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire
23. Dallas Cowboys (from GB): Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
- Cowboys receive: 23 (1)
- Packers receive: 44 (2), 51 (2)
Now the Cowboys are cooking with grease. Using the extra ammo from trading back, Dallas moves back into the first round to get five years of control from the draft’s best edge rusher. Williams played the entire 2024 season with an ankle injury, and still required strategic double-teams from the SEC’s best offensive lines. He’s a disrupter who can set the edge, a perfect compliment to Micah Parsons and Osa Odighizuwa, and giving Dallas an elite rotation of edge rushers to harass the NFC East’s dual-threat offenses. – KD Drummond, Cowboys Wire
24. Minnesota Vikings: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
The Minnesota Vikings have had consistent offensive line play in recent years, but the interior offensive line is starting to show cracks in the foundation. Blake Brandel looked reliable for most of the season at the guard spot, but both he and Garrett Bradbury at center have shown to be starting to lose more reps than usual. Grey Zabel looked great at the Senior Bowl after moving inside to guard and center after playing tackle at North Dakota State. I like the idea of him being a plug-and-play answer at guard for the team but also being a long-term play at center for them, depending on how things unfold with Bradbury. – Andrew Harbaugh, Vikings Wire
25. Houston Texans: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Given Nick Caserio’s love of trades and the fact that Houston only has six draft picks, a trade-back seems ideal. Unfortunately, no one wanted to meet the asking price, so the Texans stood pat and selected C.J. Stroud’s favorite No. 2 target. Egbuka is a swift route-runner with exceptional hands and high-level speed. He’s a constant chain mover and a willing blocker, two essential traits needed for new offensive coordinator Nick Caley’s system. Egubka’s arrival should take pressure off Nico Collins on the outside while giving Stroud a name he’s comfortable with from the get-go. Caley should have fun crafting up play designs to turn No. 2 into one of the best secondary targets by the end of his rookie season. – Cole Thompson, Texans Wire
26. Los Angeles Rams: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
While I would’ve loved to grab Golden or Egbuka, both got taken just before the Rams went on the clock. Burden is quite the consolation prize, though. Even if some experts are dropping him in their mock drafts, Burden fits what the Rams should be looking for: a wideout who can make plays after the catch and complement Puka Nacua. Burden is electric with the ball in his hands, consistently making defenders miss in the open field. While Nacua does that, too, the Rams don’t have another playmaker who can do the same. Burden would be a fun player for Sean McVay to use, getting him involved in different ways. Jahdae Barron was also in consideration here but with the Rams needing to get more explosive on offense, Burden was the pick. – Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire
27. Baltimore Ravens: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
A physical edge rusher who plays like a Raven, Stewart would bring athleticism and physicality to a position that’ll see Kyle Van Noy one year older and David Ojabo likely as the odd man out. Stewart arrived at Texas A&M as one of the top recruits in the 2022 class, and he appeared in 37 games for the Aggies over the last three seasons, amassing 65 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, four passes defensed, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in those appearances. At the NFL scouting combine, Stewart weighed 267 pounds and posted an unofficial Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 10.00, besting for A&M star Myles Garrett. – Glenn Erby, Ravens Wire
28. Detroit Lions: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
There were a few very appealing choices here (Jihaad Campbell, Jahdae Barron, Donovan Jackson) but Harmon gets the nod for being exactly what the Lions’ defense sorely needs: someone who can consistently impact the quarterback. Harmon did that very well at Oregon, and he reinforced his high athletic ceiling with an impressive combine, notably in the hoop drill. He and a healthy Alim McNeill together would be a nightmare for offenses already dealing with Aidan Hutchinson on the outside. – Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire
29. Washington Commanders: Jihaad Campbell, EDGE, Alabama
The Commanders would be thrilled to land Campbell this late in the first round. Campbell is a linebacker but projects as more of an edge rusher in the NFL. He’s a phenomenal athlete and hasn’t come close to fulfilling his potential. Head coach Dan Quinn has enjoyed plenty of success with players like Campbell, most notably Micah Parsons with the Cowboys. While no one is comparing Campbell to Parsons, there are some similarities. – Bryan Manning, Commanders Wire
30. Buffalo Bills: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
With Barron falling to the Bills, he’s a very intriguing option. South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori would be an easier cut-and-paste selection for Buffalo’s needs in the defensive backfield. However, Barron could be a ‘Micah Hyde’ type of fit. At Texas he played plenty of the big nickel position but has the versatility to potentially move around the Bills defense… safety included. – Nick Wojton, Bills Wire
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Nick Emmanwori, DB, South Carolina
Emmanwori was one of the most impressive players at the NFL combine, and Kansas City may need a new safety if Justin Reid decides to test the water in free agency. It is unclear how the Chiefs will address their need for a new left tackle, and while it may seem logical for Kansas City to spend this pick on a lineman, Emmanwori’s upside is too good to pass on with the No. 31 selection. If the Chiefs don’t trade out of their first-round pick, expect general manager Brett Veach to look for a high-risk, high-reward player like Emmanwori. – John Dillon, Chiefs Wire
Eagles GM Howie Roseman loves to pair former teammates together and he does it again with back to back first round picks from the Toledo Rockets. Philadelphia builds through the trenches and the 6 foot 5, 300 pound Alexander can be a valuable chess piece in Vic Fangio’s scheme right away. A former teammate of Eagles star cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, Alexander is a prospect to watch. In his five seasons at Toledo, Alexander played in 58 career games. During his collegiate career, he recorded 127 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, nine sacks, 13 passes defended, and one fumble recovery. Alexander had his best collegiate season in 2024, with career highs in tackles and tackles for loss. He also recorded one interception, earning third-team All-MAC honors in 2023 and first-team honors in 2024. – Glenn Erby, Eagles Wire
