ESPN released its new 2025 NFL Mock Draft with predictions for all 32 first round picks next spring, including some trades!
Since it’s the summer and we’re waiting for football to come back, why not examine a friendly exercise? College football and the NFL will be back soon enough, but we have to see what next year’s draft could look like.
Below is ESPN’s early 2025 NFL Mock Draft, via Matt Miller.
We have a trade! Miller projected the Giants to trade with the New England Patriots for the No. 1 overall pick in order to get a franchise quarterback.
The Patriots just drafted Drake Maye and the Daniel Jones-New York experiment is over. Beck could win a national title and Heisman Trophy this coming season.
Another one! It’s not DJ Khaled, it’s just the Raiders grabbing their future franchise quarterback in Sanders in a trade with the Carolina Panthers.
If Sanders was properly protected last year, his numbers (and win rate) would’ve likely been much better. But he was still highly productive and definitely has NFL tools as a pocket passer. This is definitely a flashy pick in the upcoming draft.
Here’s where the Broncos could really improve on defense, getting the top defensive back in the draft. Just imagine Johnson lining up on the opposite side of Patrick Surtain II.
That sounds really awesome doesn’t it? Now, Miller pointed out the Broncos could draft an offensive lineman if Garrett Bolles ends up not returning to Denver after 2024. But we shall see.
Pearce Jr. doesn’t go anywhere far in this mock draft as the Tennessee star will go to Nashville and play for the Titans. He’s arguably the best EDGE rusher in college football and could be a big time disruptor this year.
Pearce Jr. racked up 9.5 sacks last season so expect him to hit double digits this fall. He’s also got insane quickness that’ll translate immediately in the NFL.
So here’s where the Commanders need to beef up the protection around Jayden Daniels. Of course, Daniels hasn’t taken a snap yet.
But, it’s not a bad thing to look into the future and make sure you have an insurance policy. Banks fits the mold as a franchise tackle and is arguably the best one in this draft class.
6. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT – LSU
The Patriots, like the Commanders, will need to draft a franchise tackle to protect their rookie quarterback. Rookie as in, this year of course.
Maye could have the tools but he needs to be shielded from opposing defenses. Campbell is the next best option at tackle if Banks is off the board here in the top 10.
The future of the Vikings is now, sort of. The team drafted JJ McCarthy and Dallas Turner in the first round of the 2024 draft, so why not add to an emerging defense?
Graham is an absolute force in the middle of the defensive line and should be a game wrecker for the Wolverines again. He’s more than worthy of a top 10 pick going into next year.
The Panthers desperately need some offensive explosion and if they want to keep Bryce Young on the right path, they need this. Burden is the best wide receiver coming back in college this year.
This draft pick is a slam dunk, no brainer. It’s an immediate weapon for Young and Carolina for 2025. That’s how good he his. Burden did have 86 catches for 1,212 yards last season.
You didn’t think Hunter was going to get out of the top 10 of the draft did you? The fact that he can play both ways should be appealing, even at the pros.
It just remains to be seen if he ends up choosing one position, which one will it be? Either way, Hunter is the total package when it comes to a football weapon and the Cardinals won’t let him get away.
10. New Orleans Saints: Quinn Ewers, QB – Texas
The final quarterback taken in the top 10 is Ewers, who should be in the Heisman running for Texas. He’s steadily improved and as long as he’s healthy, he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the country.
Now, there’ll be more Arch Manning conversation this year, but Ewers should be fine. He’s a borderline top 10 pick in the draft and could go a little higher if he wins the Heisman Trophy.
2025 NFL Mock Draft picks No. 11-32
11. Seattle Seahawks: Tetairoa McMillan, WR – Arizona
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Harold Perkins, LB – LSU
13. Pittsburgh Steelers: Benjamin Morrison, CB – Notre Dame
14. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE – Michigan
15. Jacksonville Jaguars: Emery Jones, OT – LSU
16. Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, EDGE – Penn State
17: Chicago Bears: Mykel Williams, EDGE – Georgia
18. Los Angeles Chargers: Evan Stewart, WR – Oregon
19. Los Angeles Rams: Conner Weigman, QB – Texas A&M
20. New York Jets: Riley Leonard, QB – Notre Dame
21. Miami Dolphins: Deone Walker, DT – Kentucky
22. Atlanta Falcons: JT Tuimoloau, EDGE – Ohio State
23. Houston Texans: Jonah Savaiinaea, G – Arizona
24. Green Bay Packers: Tyleik Williams, DT – Ohio State
25. Cincinnati Bengals: Isaiah Bond, WR – Texas
26. Buffalo Bills: Nic Scourton, EDGE – Texas A&M
27. Dallas Cowboys: Quinshon Judkins, RB – Ohio State
28. Philadelphia Eagles: Malaki Starks, S – Georgia
29. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Booker, G – Alabama
30. Detroit Lions: Emeka Egbuka, WR – Ohio State
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Anthony Belton, OT – NC State
32. San Francisco 49ers: Ajani Cornelius, OT – Oregon
Of course, it is way too early to project this draft, but it’s been done anyway. It’s at least a rough look at the needs of all 32 teams as of now. But as always, it’s subject to change.