NFL beat writer mock draft 2025: Giants, Raiders secure their futures at QB

The 2024 NFL Draft is just over two months away, so theres still a lot of time for draft boards to change.

Inevitably, the information gathered at next weeks NFL Scouting Combine will lead to plenty of shuffling.

Who tested off the charts? Whose medicals raised red flags? Whose interviews impressed evaluators? Well learn a lot next week in Indianapolis, but before that happens, were going to have a little fun with our first beat writer mock draft of the offseason.

Advertisement Our NFL reporters gathered virtually, with each of them representing the team they cover.

Writers were permitted to trade picks, and while many tried to execute moves up and down the board, only one deal materialized in our first mock draft but it was a significant one.

1.

Tennessee Titans: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado Having failed to trade down and acquire draft capital this franchise desperately needs, the Titans resist doing what most quarterback-needy teams with the No.

1 pick do take a quarterback who isnt worthy of the No.

1 pick.

This came down to Hunter and Penn State edge Abdul Carter, who may become a great pass rusher.

But Hunter is the best football player in the draft.

And, like college coach Deion Sanders, he will be one the best cornerbacks this league has ever seen.

Throw in some dynamic cameos at wide receiver, and he will be more than worth this pick.

Joe Rexrode 2.

Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State Given the teams cap situation and the uncertainty involved with both the veteran QB market and the top of the draft class, the Browns picked the wrong time for a quarterback search.

Giving up the farm for the wrong quarterback will do that, so here they are.

Theres no need to label Carter as a safe pick when hes a high-upside player at a premium position, but hes clearly the most sensible pick for the Browns especially given Myles Garretts trade demand and the financial decisions facing the Browns regardless of whether they embrace or resist a roster rebuild.

Zac Jackson 3.

New York Giants: Cam Ward , QB, Miami Maybe hes not the best player on the board, but hes the best one at a position the Giants desperately need to address.

In this scenario, the Giants get to choose between Ward and Shedeur Sanders and go with our draft guru Dane Bruglers No.

15-ranked player.

Ideally, the Giants will have already added a capable veteran starter in free agency, which will allow the 22-year-old Ward to sit for a while and learn what it takes to play in the NFL.

He possesses a fascinating skill set, including a big arm and exciting playmaking ability.

In other words, theres plenty of talent there for coach Brian Daboll and company to mold.

Charlotte Carroll Advertisement 4.

Las Vegas Raiders: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado Trade: Patriots trade No.

4 to Raiders for Nos.

6 and 68.

Its one of the worst-kept secrets in the NFL that the Raiders need a QB, and they were aggressive in their effort to land their signal caller of the future in the draft.

They have an extra third-round pick as a result of the Davante Adams trade, so they didnt hesitate to ship one out to land their guy: Sanders.

Sanders has a strong relationship (and had an NIL deal in college) with minority owner Tom Brady, has already met owner Mark Davis and should be comfortable in offensive coordinator Chip Kellys system, which blends NFL and college concepts.

He doesnt have dynamic physical traits, but hes mobile, accurate, has a good arm and displayed important intangibles such as leadership, poise and the ability to navigate adversity during his time at Jackson State and Colorado.

In drafting him, Las Vegas hopes to end the revolving door it has had at QB since releasing Derek Carr in 2023.

Tashan Reed and Vic Tafur 5.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan The Jaguars need help in the trenches on both sides of the football, so LSU tackle Will Campbell would have made some sense even as an imperfect fit with the recently re-signed Walker Little and 2023 first-round pick Anton Harrison playing left and right tackle, respectively.

But Graham can be an interior game-wrecker, and the Jaguars defense desperately needs one of those.

Grahams push from the inside will benefit Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker off the edge, and he should help bolster a run defense that surrendered the eighth-most yards in the NFL last season and finished 24th in success rate defending the run.

Jeff Howe 6.

New England Patriots (from Raiders*): Will Campbell, OL, LSU Sure, this isnt the kind of one-sided trade it sometimes takes to move into the top-5 and take a quarterback.

But we were stuck trying to pick between Mason Graham and Will Campbell at No.

4, so when the Raiders offered a fair deal (according to draft charts), it was a no-brainer to move back, add another third-round pick and take whichever of Graham or Campbell fell.

The goal for the Patriots is to build through the trenches, and Campbell (like Graham wouldve done) fills an immediate need.

Chad Graff Advertisement 7.

New York Jets: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona Davante Adams and Allen Lazard are likely to follow Aaron Rodgers out the door, leaving the cupboard bare around Garrett Wilson.

McMillan would be a fun complement to Wilson.

Stylistically, hes a much different player, a big-bodied (6-foot-5, 210 pounds) wideout adept at winning 50/50 battles, using his basketball/volleyball background to his advantage Brugler wrote that he makes Gumby-like body adjustments.

Zack Rosenblatt 8.

Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia Ideally, Michigan DL Mason Graham falls to the Panthers, who could plug him alongside Derrick Brown and AShawn Robinson in their 3-4 front.

But for a defense that needs help at all three levels, Walker would come in handy at two of them.

He was an off-ball linebacker at Georgia, but scouts believe he can make an impact as an edge rusher and in coverage.

Versatile playmakers like that thrive in Ejiro Everos scheme, but the Panthers didnt have one last season after Frankie Luvu departed for Washington in free agency.

With his combination of athleticism and physicality, Walker could continue to rise on draft boards.

Joseph Person 9.

New Orleans Saints: Armand Membou, OL, Missouri New Orleans offensive line was in shambles for much of last season, even after adding left tackle Taliese Fuaga as the teams first-round pick during the 2024 draft.

The Saints could use either a tackle or a guard, so Membou seems like hed fit the billing regardless of where they might use him.

Right tackle would appear to be a better spot in an attempt to replace 2022 first-round pick Trevor Penning.

The Saints have holes throughout the roster, so taking the best player available at almost any position here would benefit new coach Kellen Moores team.

Membou ranks No.

8 on Bruglers 2025 big board, and the Saints just so happen to need offensive line help.

Larry Holder Advertisement 10.

Chicago Bears: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall With the top two tackles off the board, the Bears use a first-round pick on defense for the first time since 2018.

They should be able to address some of the holes on the offensive line in free agency, and they can use one or both of their second-rounders to keep fortifying the group in front of QB Caleb Williams, but the pass rush is also a major need.

Green was dominant at the Senior Bowl.

He plays violently, a trait GM Ryan Poles and new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen should like.

Recent Bears draft picks on the defensive line have had outstanding athletic traits, but not necessarily the stats to match.

Now its time to take someone who has the production that reflects the tape.

Green, who led the country with 17 sacks, would be a very good complement opposite Montez Sweat.

Kevin Fishbain 11.

San Francisco 49ers: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State Yes, there are bigger needs along San Franciscos offensive and defensive lines, but Kyle Shanahan would have a hard time turning down a chess piece like Warren.

With one versatile weapon, Deebo Samuel, likely on his way out and another, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, approaching his 33rd birthday, Shanahan could be craving someone he can line up all over the field.

That Warren is big and physical enough to play inline also could save George Kittle some of those snaps and prolong his career.

For years, the 49ers have been eying an Aaron Hernandez-Rob Gronkowski-like personnel group.

A Kittle-Warren duo? That would drive defensive coordinators mad.

Matt Barrows 12.

Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State There are plenty of holes that need to be filled, but running back tops the list.

The Cowboys could land a good one in the second or third round, but Jeanty gives them the best back in the draft and a player capable of making a significant impact on an offense that needs playmakers.

New head coach Brian Schottenheimer is expected to put more of an emphasis on the run game.

Adding Jeanty could bring the type of impact Ezekiel Elliott had in 2016.

Establish a quality run game and all of a sudden Dak Prescott sees more favorable opportunities in the passing game.

To catch the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, the Cowboys need to operate more aggressively in March.

I have doubts about that happening.

Theyre unlikely to make a big move to get a standout back like Philadelphia did with Saquon Barkley.

Drafting Jeanty is the next best option.

Jon Machota GO DEEPER Which 2025 NFL Draft prospects could determine how Round 1 plays out? 13.

Miami Dolphins: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan If this happens on draft night, Dolphins fans might start shouting angrily at their TVs, upset their team passed on an offensive lineman.

I get it.

I strongly considered taking Alabama guard Tyler Booker here, but I couldnt pass on the elite upside of Johnson especially at a major position of need for Miami.

Jalen Ramsey will be 31 next season, and his future could be at safety anyway.

The Dolphins just cut Kendall Fuller, while Kader Kohou is set to hit free agency.

Johnson is a big, physical cornerback with great ball skills who could step right in and play opposite Ramsey before transitioning into Miamis CB1 of the future.

Jim Ayello Advertisement 14.

Indianapolis Colts: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia GM Chris Ballard likely groaned as another top tight end was picked just before the Colts were on the clock for the second straight year.

However, Starks isnt a bad consolation prize.

Indianapolis needs to upgrade at safety, and Starks is widely considered the best one in this years draft class.

His athleticism, high IQ and versatility will be crucial in new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumos system, which has typically heaped a lot of responsibility on its safeties.

James Boyd 15.

Atlanta Falcons: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia Williams checks two boxes for the Falcons.

First, and most importantly, he brings pass-rush potential to a team perpetually bad at generating pressure.

Atlanta finished 31st in sacks (31) last season and probably isnt going to bring back its No.

2 player in that department (Matt Judon, 5.5 sacks).

Williams tallied 14.5 sacks in three years at Georgia, but has the potential for more at the professional level.

And he has length, a trait head coach Raheem Morris and new defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich covet and believe converts to pass-rush success.

The second box Williams would check is quieting the The Falcons always stink because they never draft a Georgia player! crowd.

Atlanta has never drafted a Bulldog in the first two rounds, which is particularly frustrating to fans of both teams considering the Eagles just won the Super Bowl with half of Georgias defense .

Josh Kendall 16.

Arizona Cardinals: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee Since GM Monti Ossenfort arrived in 2023, the Cardinals have built a solid foundation and improved from four wins to eight.

Its time to make a move.

Before making this pick, we had discussions with Cleveland for elite pass rusher Myles Garrett, but could not work out a deal.

Thats OK.

The explosive Pearce produced 17.5 sacks and 28 TFLs over his last two SEC seasons and fills Arizonas biggest need.

Perhaps the most exciting thing about Pearce is his upside.

Doug Haller Advertisement 17.

Cincinnati Bengals: Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi The Bengals have been searching for a disruptive interior pass rusher of the future for years.

They took Kris Jenkins Jr.

in the second round last year and nose tackle McKinnley Jackson in the third.

With the lone proven and reliable veteran defensive tackle B.J.

Hill a free agent, its imperative to add to the position, and Nolen gives new Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden an instant starter.

Nolen is a prototypical three-technique disrupter who tore up the SEC last year and is noted for his relentless play style.

Paul Dehner Jr.

18.

Seattle Seahawks: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama The Seahawks need to upgrade the interior of their offensive line.

Drafting Booker would be a significant step toward achieving that goal.

He is arguably the best true guard in the class and should immediately compete for a starting job.

Seattle hasnt selected a guard in the first round since general manager John Schneider took over in 2010, but considering the teams struggles up front over the last decade, a pivot from that philosophy might be warranted.

Michael-Shawn Dugar 19.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama Lavonte David and K.J.

Britt may be headed to free agency, so its a good thing Campbell is such a perfect fit for Todd Bowles aggressive defensive system.

The 6-3, 245-pounder played off-ball linebacker for the Crimson Tide, but hes athletic enough to play on the edge, too.

Campbell only registered 5.5 sacks in three seasons at Alabama, but his athletic profile is undeniable.

He was a five-star prospect and the No.

1 edge rusher in his high school recruiting class.

Josh Kendall 20.

Denver Broncos: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan The Broncos would sprint to hand in the card for Loveland, who will give coach Sean Payton the mismatch-creating weapon at tight end he hasnt had since arriving in Denver.

QB Bo Nix threw 29 touchdown passes as a rookie second-most all-time by a first-year quarterback and did so without a consistent tight end target.

Loveland did not put up the same numbers as fellow Big Ten tight end Tyler Warren, but hes a fluid route runner and is difficult to bring down in the open field.

He will immediately inject a new dynamic into a Broncos offense that took a big leap in 2024.

Nick Kosmider Advertisement 21.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State GM Omar Khan spent first-round picks on offensive tackles in his first two years in the pilots chair and will be tempted to continue addressing the trenches this year, especially with Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon still available.

However, after years of watching the NFLs highest-paid defense flame out in the first round of the playoffs, he knows its time to add playmakers to the other side of the ball.

Pittsburgh paid the price for never backfilling Diontae Johnsons WR2 spot last offseason.

Mercurial WR George Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie deal, but his tenure in Pittsburgh could end sooner than that, with a possible hold-in or even a trade on the horizon.

For that reason, the Steelers need to substantially address their receiver room on Day 1.

They can tap into a deep defensive tackle class beginning in the second round.

Mike DeFabo 22.

L.A.

Chargers: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan This is not an ideal board for the Chargers.

Both tight ends, Warren and Loveland, went in the first 20 picks.

Booker is gone.

Jeanty is gone.

Five edge rushers were selected in the first 16 picks.

Running back was a consideration with North Carolinas Omarion Hampton and Iowas Kaleb Johnson available.

Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart was a consideration, as well.

But when in doubt with Jim Harbaugh, look to the trenches.

The Chargers have three defensive linemen headed for free agency between Poona Ford, Morgan Fox and Teair Tart.

They played more than 1,500 defensive snaps combined last season.

Grant is a massive run-stuffer who will bolster the defensive interior.

And, of course, he played for Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter for two seasons at Michigan.

Daniel Popper 23.

Green Bay Packers: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M Packers GM Brian Gutekunst described his pass rush after the season as inconsistent.

He thinks the team has the right players in the defensive line room DL coach Jason Rebrovich was fired but does he believe that? The likes of Rashan Gary, Kenny Clark and Lukas Van Ness underperformed from a pass-rush standpoint, so perhaps they need a jolt in the form of another first-round pass rusher.

This one has to be an instant impact player, though.

No more multi-year projects who get buried on the depth chart like Gary and Van Ness.

Gutekunst said its time for the Packers to start competing for championships now.

Stewart is the No.

9 player on Dane Bruglers Top 100, so the Packers get good value here in a player who led the Aggies with 39 pressures in 2024.

Taking Texas A&Ms best defender worked out for the Packers last year with linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, so they go back to that well.

Matt Schneidman Advertisement 24.

Minnesota Vikings: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon Multiple attempted trades back into the end of the first round failed, so the Vikings scoop up the best interior defender remaining.

Minnesota has not used a first-round pick on an interior defensive lineman since 2013 (Sharrif Floyd).

Its time that changes.

Vikings brass wants to use this offseason to transition from more of a finesse team to one with more formidable fronts.

Harmon helps achieve that goal in that he is a 6-5, 310-pounder interior defender who ranked second among 175 qualified defenders in pass-rush win rate, according to Pro Football Focus.

Supply defensive coordinator Brian Flores with another versatile front option, and the Vikings could continue to elevate a defense that carried the team during stretches of 2024s 14-win season.

Alec Lewis GO DEEPER NFL 50 under 40: Young coaches ascending, along with other league difference-makers 25.

Houston Texans: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri The 5-11, 205-pound Burden makes an impact both as a pass-catcher, excelling at making plays in space and racking up yards after the catch, and as a punt returner.

Hes drawn comparisons to NFL receivers Garrett Wilson and Jerry Jeudy.

His explosiveness after the catch would provide a needed boost for C.J.

Stroud and the Texans offense, who dont have many sure-things in the receiver room after Nico Collins.

Stefon Diggs is set to become a free agent, while Tank Dell is coming off of another serious injury.

Mike Jones 26.

L.A.

Rams: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon With starter Alaric Jackson nearing free agency as one of the top young tackles on the market this season, its hard to picture the Rams getting into a financial or leverage battle even without much of a plan in place behind Jackson.

Conerly would match the multi-year investment made into the Rams offensive line, which features third-year left guard Steve Avila, second-year center Beaux Limmer and right guard Kevin Dotson entering the second year of a three-year extension.

Shoring up the left and right tackle spots are of the utmost priority for L.A., and Conerly would fit a plug-and-play role for a team that, should Jackson depart, needs a Day-1 starter at left tackle.

Jourdan Rodrigue Advertisement 27.

Baltimore Ravens: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State Obviously, the Ravens must be comfortable with Simmons medicals.

Theyll get a better idea of his health at next weeks Scouting Combine.

Before his 2024 season-ending knee injury, Simmons was arguably the top offensive tackle in this draft class.

Simmons, who is 6-5 and 310 pounds, is scheme versatile and has all the attributes of a book-end NFL offensive tackle.

He also has experience playing both the left and right sides.

With starting left tackle Ronnie Stanley and left guard Patrick Mekari heading toward free agency, the Ravens need to come out of this draft with a plug-and-play starter.

As long as hes healthy, Simmons fits the profile.

Jeff Zrebiec 28.

Detroit Lions: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College For years, the Lions have not been able to provide Aidan Hutchinson with a true running mate.

Josh Paschal has been more of a quality rotational piece than a starter.

Marcus Davenport played two games for Detroit last year.

And while ZaDarius Smith could be brought back in 2025, hes closer to the end of his career than the beginning.

This is where Ezeiruaku can step in.

He was highly productive in his final year at Boston College with 16.5 sacks.

He has long arms and should be able to hold his own in the run game.

Most importantly, he can win a one-on-one quickly.

The Lions should be looking to collect pass rushers, especially after their depth was tested last season.

Heres a young one who can help.

Colton Pouncy GO DEEPER The biggest NFL offseason needs for all 32 teams: A lot of defense, OL and a few QBs 29.

Washington Commanders: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas The board works out nicely for Washington considering its needs at offensive tackle, edge rusher (Texas A&Ms Nic Scourton) and wide receiver (Texas Matthew Golden) are available.

Since the DE class is considered deep, the Commanders start the draft by helping QB Jayden Daniels, beefing up his offensive line.

Both of last seasons tackle starters are on the roster, but its unclear if the front office sees 2024 third-rounder Brandon Coleman as the long-term left tackle.

Meanwhile, right tackle Andrew Wylie is a potential salary-cap cut.

Backups Cornelius Lucas and Trent Scott are free agents, so theres a depth aspect regardless.

The 6-4, 325-pound Banks started three seasons for the Longhorns.

He wont turn 21 until March and has long-term potential at left tackle.

One of the three tackles could open the season at right guard, while Sam Cosmi rehabs from ACL surgery.

Ben Standig Advertisement 30.

Buffalo Bills: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas In case youre wondering ...

yes, there were brief discussions with the Browns about Myles Garrett for this mock.

While there was no deal this time, the Bills are a clear match in terms of team needs, winning environment and motivation.

As for this selection, while the Bills have defensive needs, they also lacked receivers who could separate in the intermediate and deep areas of the field.

They also didnt have a true starter at Z-receiver in 2024.

Drafting Golden gives them all those things they were missing, with a tremendous bargain at No.

30.

This was the best need-meets-value option on the board, with two second-round picks on the way to address the defense and take advantage of the defensive line depth in this class.

Joe Buscaglia 31.

Kansas City Chiefs: Donovan Jackson, LT, Ohio State Even without trading up or forcing the pick, the Chiefs address their biggest roster need.

Jackson has exceptional strength and appears to have the fluid footwork necessary to protect Patrick Mahomes blind side.

After switching to left tackle late last season, he produced an impeccable playoff run that helped Ohio State win the national championship.

Jacksons punch against edge rushers was noticeable, a trait the Chiefs need to help elevate their passing attack.

Nate Taylor 32.

Philadelphia Eagles: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State With a fair amount of defensive tackle talent available in the second round, the Eagles considered trading out of the first round.

But in this one-round mock, they were somewhat unsurprised to find the phone lines dead.

Oh well.

The first stop of this offseason cycle is free agency, and theres a good chance Milton Williams, who tallied two sacks in Super Bowl LIX, will draw a higher market price than the Eagles are willing to pay.

So, GM Howie Roseman returns to restocking the trenches after a one-year reprieve.

Tyleik Williams (6-2, 322 pounds) is a bit beefier than Milton Williams (6-3, 290), but Tyleik is an excellent run defender with inside-outside versatility.

Its not bad for the Eagles to have options here while weighing whether to pick up Jordan Davis fifth-year option after the 2025 season concludes.

Brooks Kubena (Photos of Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward: Dustin Bradford and Carmen Mandato / Getty Images).

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