2025 NFL mock draft: Saints make big move for QB, Patriots trade back into 1st round

The 2025 NFL draft is less than three weeks away, and teams are conducting pre-draft visits with prospects as they look to finalize their draft boards ahead of the draft, which runs April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.Our NFL Wire editors are back with another first-round mock draft, where there's some shake-up in the first round, including the New Orleans Saints making a big move to trade up for a franchise quarterback and Ashton Jeanty nearly falling outside the Top 10 and three Michigan Wolverines going in the first 15 picks.With the draft fast approaching, here are our latest first-round projections:1.

Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, MiamiIts a boring choice because its the most obvious (and mocked) choice, but short of trading down, theres no way the Titans pass on Cam Ward with the No.

1 overall pick.

Their approach to free agency makes it clear to outside observers that theyll target a quarterback early in the draft, and Ward is the best of the 2025 class.

Hell compete with Will Levis and a lackluster quarterback room for the starting job and likely be under center in Week 1.

Dan Benton/Bryan Manning Titans Wire2.

Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, ColoradoThe Browns had the worst offense in the NFL last year.

And sure, the quarterback play was a massive contribution to that, but so is the offensive talent.

The Browns could go Shedeur Sanders here and address the quarterback position right away, they play the value game here.

Still addressing the offensive side of the ball with a player they view as a wide receiver first, they take Sanders teammate instead.

Travis Hunter immediately gives the Browns offense (and whoever is playing quarterback) an explosive threat to raise the ceiling of the offense.

They dont get cute here, they take the blue chip player.

Cory Kinnan, Browns Wire3.

New York Giants: Abdul Carter, DE, Penn StateMost analysts still believe the Giants will target Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders with the No.

3 overall pick, but general manager Joe Schoen not only left the door open to going in a different direction, but laid the foundation for doing exactly that.

After signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, the Giants feel better about their quarterback room even without the presence of a rookie.

And given the weakness of the class, passing on Sanders in favor of Abdul Carter, arguably the best player in the draft, is an easy choice.

A trade down is certainly a possibility but passing on either Carter or Hunter, had he been available, would be a tough pill to swallow.

Dan Benton, Giants Wire4.

New England Patriots: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, ArizonaThe Patriots have more than enough draft picks to trade back up and address offensive tackle later in the first round.

Signing Stefon Diggs is a great first step in adding real firepower to the offense.

However, staying aggressive and taking the No.

1 projected wide receiver on the draft board, Tetairoa McMillan, would completely transform the offense.

McMillan is the dominant outside receiving target the Patriots have needed for years.

Jordy McElroy, Patriots Wire5.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, MichiganIdeally, I was looking to trade down from the fifth spot, preferably into the 9-11 range to land another top 100 selection.

However, nothing materialized, so I went with the obvious pick and one that makes plenty of sense.

Graham has shown the ability to get after the quarterback but was also one of PFFs top interior run defenders last season.

Grahams presence would provide an immediate boost to the Jaguars defensive line rotation.

When a defense has a disruptive player inside generating steady push, taking on blocks, and eating up space, the other 10 defenders on the field all benefit.

Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire6.

New Orleans Saints: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado (TRADE)Trade details:Saints receive: No.

6 (1st), No 213 (6th)Raiders receive: No.

9 (1st), No.

71 (3rd), No.

184 (6th)The Saints have done a ton of homework on this draft class, but Sanders upcoming Colorado pro day looms large.

Hes one of the few quarterbacks they havent already contacted after visiting pro days for Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart, Will Howard, and Quinn Ewers, among others.

Hell step into a good opportunity to develop under several former NFL quarterbacks while Derek Carr works to rebuild his stock ahead of what feels like an inevitable split with the Saints in 2026.

He has the right blend of arm talent, leadership skills, and athletic ability to succeed at the pro level.

And his name will make him the most exciting draft pick the Saints have made since Reggie Bush.

Kellen Moores career as a head coach will ultimately go as far as Sanders can take it.

Trading a third-round pick (we have two of them) and swapping sixth rounders is worth the price to move ahead of the New York Jets for what could be a franchise quarterback.

John Sigler, Saints Wire7.

New York Jets: Will Campbell, OL, LSUOffensive tackle is a top need for the Jets heading into this years draft despite the team selecting Olu Fashanu with their first selection at last years draft.

However, veterans Morgan Moses and Tyron Smith left New York this offseason which leaves a hole at right tackle.

Campbell is considered the top tackle prospect in 2025 and him falling to the Jets would be an easy pick.

Fashanu would likely kick over to right tackle as he has experience there and Campbell has only played on the left side during his LSU career.

Nick Wojton, Jets Wire8.

Carolina Panthers: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn StateHead coach Dave Canales seems to believe that last year's first-round pick, Xavier Legette, is capable of becoming Carolina's No.

1 wideout.

And even if that's ultimately the case, they still don't have a real No.

1 tight end.

Enter Warrenwhose athleticism, sticky hands and dynamic after-the-catch ability should appeal to a team that hasn't produced many explosive plays.

He, from Week 1, has the goods to finally legitimize the Panthers' tight end positionwhich hasn't seen at least a 400-yard receiver since the 2019 campaign.

So while there is plenty of chatter about this pick being devoted to their defense, with Georgia's Jalon Walker and Mykel Williams as the current frontrunners, Warren could bring this offense (and quarterback Bryce Young) to a whole new level.

Anthony Rizzuti, Panthers Wire9.

Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State (from CAR)Flat out taking Ashton Jeanty at sixth overall didnt seem like great value.

But finding a trade partner, picking up an additional high third round pick and THEN getting Jeanty? Thatll work.

Id even entertain another trade back if the Raiders could find a willing participant.

But getting a star running back like Jeanty here is a good value from a BPA standpoint.

He instantly becomes the workhorse, hard-to-bring-down back Pete Carroll covets in his offense.

Levi Damien, Raiders Wire10.

Chicago Bears: Armand Membou, OT, MissouriAfter some big moves in free agency, the Bears have flexibility when it comes to the 10th overall pick.

Even though Chicago already addressed the offensive line in a big way, that wont stop them from continuing to shore up the wall in front of Caleb Williams.

And while Ashton Jeanty and Tyler Warren could be options at 10, theyre off the board at this point, so finding a new left tackle in Armand Membou is the easy choice.

Braxton Jones is coming off a fractured ankle that required surgery, and Ben Johnson said hes expected to be limited at the start of training camp.

Membou would not only bring competition at left tackle but also have an opportunity to unseat Jones as a rookie.

Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire11.

San Francisco 49ers: Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, GeorgiaWalker may not be an exact scheme fit for the 49ers because he projects more as a 3-4 outside linebacker than a 4-3 defensive end.

However, he has the athleticism and playmaking chops to be an off-ball LB in the 49ers base defense.

Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh can use him as a do-everything chess piece on a front seven that just needs disruptive players.

Walkers violent play style and versatility could make him one of most disruptive in this years class.

Kyle Madson, Niners Wire12.

Dallas Cowboys: Jahdae Barron, CB, TexasBarron gives the Cowboys ultimate flexibility in the secondary.

Dallas is concerned that Trevon Diggs is not going to be ready for Week 1, and theyve lost the consummate slot defender in Jourdan Lewis during free agency.

Barron can play either the boundary or nickel role, and has done so to a high level.

DaRon Bland has done both at the pro level.

This means Barron can fit in wherever needed, including at safety while the team transitions to a split model instead of single-high.

If Diggs bounces back after two injury years, they can still pay Bland as Barron will be on a rookie deal until Diggs contract ends.

KD Drummond, Cowboys Wire13.

Miami Dolphins: Kenneth Grant, DT, MichiganIts awfully early for Grant to come off the board, but the Dolphins havent given themselves much room for patience.

Following the departure of Calais Campbell, Miami has just two capable defensive linemen on the roster: Zach Sieler and Benito Jones.

Not only does the team need to address the line early, the Dolphins have to find a rookie capable of taking significant snaps and likely starting right away.

If Miami doesnt trade up or down from No.

13 overall, Michigans massive 331-pound tackle stands out as their best option.

Adam Stites, Dolphins Wire14.

Indianapolis Colts: Jihaad Campbell, LB, AlabamaThe Colts need to find a new starter alongside Zaire Franklin.

Perhaps Jaylon Carlies can fill that role, but that shouldnt be assumed either.

In a draft class where there isnt a ton of depth at linebacker, I decided to prioritize it early on.

Campbell can do it all, and that ability is vital in Lou Anarumos defense, where versatility at the second and third levels is at a premium.

He can blitz, defend against the run, and eat up a lot of space in coverage.

This is very quickly a brand new Colts defense with Campbell, Cam Bynum, and Charvarius Ward at the linebacker and secondary positions.

Paul Bretl, Colts Wire15.

Atlanta Falcons: Will Johnson, CB, MichiganWhile the Falcons have other needs on defense, particularly along the front seven, general manager Terry Fontenot has a best-player-available philosophy and Michigan cornerback Will Johnson was the best prospect on the board.

Atlanta re-signed veteran Mike Hughes to a three-year contract, but Johnson has more upside.

The lengthy Wolverines defensive back could form a formidable one-two punch with former first-round pick A.J.

Terrell in the secondary.

Since this years crop of edge rushers is one of the deepest in recent memory, the Falcons could target their preferred edge in the Round 2.

Matt Urben, Falcons Wire16.

Arizona Cardinals: Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, TexasThe defensive line room seems full now after the addition of Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell.

The outside linebacker room also seems mostly set, so they could get a pass rusher here, but I keep thinking that its going to end up being an offensive lineman.

Ohio States Josh Simmons makes sense here, but his knee injury is enough of a concern despite his connection to offensive line coach Justin Frye, who was the O-line coach at Ohio State.

So the pick is Banks.

With uncertainty about Jonah Williams knee, it is possible Banks could start at right tackle as a rookie.

If Williams is good to go, Banks might get to play right guard for a season.

Jess Root, Cards Wire17.

Cincinnati Bengals: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota StateThe Bengals dont agree with outsiders that guard is a problem, clearly, signing only Lucas Patrick in free agency.

Hell get a chance to start while competing with the likes of Cordell Volson (benched last year) and Cody Ford (a swing backup).

Historically, the Bengals despise grabbing a guard in Round 1, but they can make an exception for Zabel, who can play all three inside spots.

Putting him next to Amarius Mims could create a bright future for the problematic area in front of Joe Burrow.

Chris Roling, Bengals Wire18.

Seattle Seahawks: Tyler Booker, OL, AlabamaIm going back to the well on this one.

I mocked Tyler Booker to Seattle in our first draft, and I am sticking with him as well.

As tempting as it would be to add another dynamic receiver like Matthew Golden to the offense, the Seahawks need to focus on building from the ball outwards.

The guard position has been neglected for far too long in the Emerald City, and its high time Seattle finally addresses this glaring need.

Drafting the top guard prospect in this draft would go a long way to doing so.

Kole Musgrove, Seahawks Wire19.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Green, EDGE, MarshallIf Mike Green is available for the Bucs at 19, then Jason Licht needs to sprint that card to the commissioner.

The Bucs have a need for a young, physical presence on the edge and there is no one better in the draft, after Abdul Carter, than Mike Green.

While there are reports of his stock being all over the place, the upside here is beyond worth it.

A defensive front of Green, Calijah Kancey, Vita Vea, and Haason Reddick would be a dream scenario for Todd Bowles and his staff.

Andrew Harbaugh, Bucs Wire20.

Denver Broncos: Colston Loveland, TE, MichiganThe Broncos just landed Evan Engram during NFL free agency, and hell provide a huge boost to the offense, but Engram will turn 31 this fall and he signed a two-year deal.

If Loveland falls to Denver at pick No.

20, he would make sense as a long-term tight end who would still be under contract three years after Engrams current deal expires.

Loveland would immediately get snaps in two-tight end formations while also spelling Engram in certain scenarios.

The Broncos would draft Loveland because of his talent preventing the Chargers from landing him would be an added bonus.

Jon Heath, Broncos Wire21.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Malaki Starks, S, GeorgiaMalaki Starks wasnt on our radar going into this mock draft but you dont let a Top 10 player in the entire draft slip past at pick No.

21.

Starks is a pure deep safety with tremendous ball skills, high football acumen and natural gifts similar to a cornerback.

The Steelers have Minkah Fitzpatrick but Starks is simply too valuable to pass up here.

He could end up being the team's fourth cornerback in sub packages or pair up with Fitzpatrick on obvious passing downs and let Fitzpatrick roam and make those splash plays.

Curt Popejoy, Steelers Wire22.

Los Angeles Chargers: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston CollegeAfter signing Tyler Conklin, the Chargers won't be forced to take a tight end early on.

Still, if Colston Loveland is on the board, it wouldn't be surprising if they took him.

But instead, Los Angeles addresses the edge defender room.

Khalil Mack was re-signed to a one-year deal, but they must start thinking about the future and finding a complement to Tuli Tuipulotu.

Ezeiruaku would add a speed element that the position group does not have.

Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire23.

Green Bay Packers: Mykel Williams, EDGE, GeorgiaWith Luther Burden, Matthew Golden and Emeka Egbuka all on the board, there was real temptation to use a first-round pick on a wide receiver for Jordan Love and Matt LaFleur.

But how often does a potential game-changing edge rusher last until the second half of the first round? Williams battled through an ankle injury last year, but he has all the physical tools to be a dominant defensive end in the NFL.

The Packers didnt use free agency to address the defensive front, so using a first-rounder on an edge rusher or defensive tackle feels likely.

Williams checks all the boxes in terms of being a young, high upside prospect at a premium position.

Zach Kruse, Packers Wire24.

New England Patriots: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon (TRADE)Trade details:Vikings receive: No.

38 (2nd) and No.

77 (3rd)Patriots receive: No.

24 (1)This is a two-player plan for the Patriots in the first round.

They got the dynamic receiving weapon with the No.

4 pick, and now, they make good use of their draft assets to trade back up for one of the top left tackles on the board.

Oregon's Josh Conerly Jr.

is a Day 1 starter with elite pass protection abilities.

There's so much upside with Conerly that it made it easier to pass on Will Campbell and Armand Membou in exchange for a top-tier receiver in this mock draft.

Jordy McElroy, Patriots Wire25.

Houston Texans: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio StateWhile Texas Matthew Golden is still available, whats the point of having an MVP-caliber quarterback in C.J.

Stroud if hes running for life on 75% of snaps? Adding Cam Robinson is like placing a band-aid on a wound that needs stitches.

Enter Simmons, whom scouts believe is the top offensive tackle in the class when healthy.

He has the frame, footwork and flexibility to thrive on either side of the offensive line.

Over his last two seasons with the Buckeyes, he allowed one sack and 11 QB hurries in 19 games.

Scouts also rave about his mechanics and a downfield run blocker because of his technique.

In good conscience, the Texans cant leave Day 1 without a lineman after allowing 54 sacks last season.

Cole Thompson, Texans Wire26.

Los Angeles Rams: Matthew Golden, WR, TexasEmeka Egbuka was tempting here as a slot receiver who could replace Cooper Kupp, but I opted to add more speed to the Rams offense with Golden, who ran a 4.29 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine.

Golden creates separation with his agility and speed, while also displaying the ability to run decent routes.

His athleticism allows him to make some spectacular leaping catches, playing above the rim in jump ball scenarios.

Thats something the Rams have lacked in recent years, though Davante Adams certainly has the ability to come down with 50-50 balls, as does Puka Nacua to an extent.

Golden would be a good long-term option at wide receiver, pairing him with Nacua for years to come.

Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire27.

Baltimore Ravens: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&MA physical edge rusher who plays like a Raven, Stewart would bring athleticism and physicality to a position thatll 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 former A&M star Myles Garrett.

Glenn Erby, Ravens Wire28.

Detroit Lions: Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio StateIt was tough to look past DT Derrick Harmon and S Nick Emmanwori here, but the relative depth at those positions in the subsequent rounds helped push the versatile and talented Jackson as the choice.

Jackson was already the best guard prospect in the class before moving out to left tackle and playing almost flawlessly during the Buckeyes national championship run; he allowed zero sacks and just seven QB hurries in eight games despite lacking any experience playing tackle.

His best NFL fit is at left guard, which happens to be Detroits biggest weak point on offense entering the draft.

Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire29.

Washington Commanders: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio StateWith some of the top edge rushers on the board gone, Washington grabs one of the drafts top wide receivers in Emeka Egbuka, who has drawn comparisons to Terry McLaurin.

Egbuka is a safe prospect with a high floor, who could come in and contribute immediately in three-WR sets with McLaurin and Deebo Samuel.

The Commanders arent forced to draft for need in the first round, so they grab the best available prospect here, which is Egbuka.

Bryan Manning, Commanders Wire30.

Buffalo Bills: Luther Burden III, WR, MissouriIf Keon Coleman works out for the Bills, Buffalo could have a dynamic duo on their hands with him and Burden.

Coleman has the height and big-body receiver mold.

Burden could complement him as the deep, vertical threat.

Toss in tight end Dalton Kincaid, quarterback Josh Allen could be set for years with his playmakers.

Burdens best season came in 2023 when he hauled in 86 catches for 1,212 yards with nine touchdowns.

Nick Wojton, Bills Wire31.

Kansas City Chiefs: Walter Nolen, DL, Ole MissNolen is one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in this draft class, and would give the Chiefs a ton of flexibility with their front four in the years ahead.

Paired with sack-master Chris Jones, Nolens pass-rushing prowess could help revolutionize Kansas Citys interior and allow the Chiefs to generate more pressure with fewer blitzers.

John Dillon, Chiefs Wire32.

Philadelphia Eagles: Darius Alexander, DT, ToledoEagles GM Howie Roseman loves to pair former teammates together, and he does it again with back-to-back first-round picks from the Mid-American Conference.

Philadelphia builds through the trenches, and the 6-foot-5, 300-pound Alexander can immediately be a valuable chess piece in Vic Fangio's scheme.

A college 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 WireThis article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: 2025 NFL mock draft: Saints make big move for QB.

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