2025 NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys Replace Dak Prescott, Shedeur Sanders Time for Giants

The NFL preseason is officially in the books, and Week 0 of college football gave us a fun appetizer for this weekend's first full slate of action as we kick off another long-awaited football season.

Now that the real on-field action is getting underway, it's time to take an early look ahead to the 2025 NFL draft, where there are far more questions than answers regarding how the top of the board is expected to shape up, especially at quarterback.

The 2025 class lacks the top-end talent and overall depth of the quarterback group we just saw back in April, but will that keep a team like the Dallas Cowboys from ushering in a new era by replacing Dak Prescott with a first-round selection, or the New York Giants from spending a top-five pick on a boom-or-bust passer?

Here's an early look at how the first round of next year's draft could turn out, using the latest Super Bowl odds to determine the pick order:

1. New England Patriots

Will Campbell | OT | LSU

In every draft since 1996, the No. 1 overall pick has either been someone who can rush the quarterback, someone who can protect the quarterback, or...a quarterback. Even if one of this year's top passers proves worthy of this slot, the Pats already have their franchise quarterback of the future in Drake Maye. What they need is an elite left tackle to protect him, and Campbell has the talent and upside to be next year's top pick.

2. Denver Broncos

Will Johnson | CB | Michigan

Sean Payton won't be thrilled if the Broncos are picking this high next year, but he won't mind the opportunity to pair Pat Surtain II with another shutdown corner. Johnson might be the best player in college football this season, and could be the rare corner prospect who could warrant consideration for the No. 1 overall selection.

3. Carolina Panthers

Travis Hunter | WR/CB | Colorado

The Panthers need as much talent as possible on both sides of the ball, so why not spend this pick on a player who can make a two-way impact? It's hard to imagine Hunter being a full-time starter on both offense and defense at the next level, but whichever position he chooses to prioritize, he's got elite playmaking instincts when the ball comes his way.

4. Tennessee Titans

Carson Beck | QB | Georgia

If the Titans end up picking in the top five next year, it won't be surprising if management gives up on the Will Levis era and looks for another potential franchise quarterback. This year's QB class is still more question than answer, but Beck has shown flashes of potential that could make him the first one off the board, and worthy of a top-five pick.

5. New York Giants

Shedeur Sanders | QB | Colorado

After missing out on the three blue-chip QB prospects in the 2024 class, the Giants decided to punt on the rest of the group and ride with Daniel Jones for at least one more year. Sanders' 2023 film was a roller-coaster, but if he's able to improve his decision-making and consistency, he's got the physical talent and intangibles to make a big jump this season, which could launch him into the top-five conversation.

6. Washington Commanders

James Pearce Jr. | EDGE | Tennessee

This would be a tough call for the Commanders between and offensive tackle and an edge rusher, but there's more talent on the board at the latter position in this scenario. If Pearce lives up to his potential this season, he could push for consideration for the No. 1 overall pick, making him a potential steal for a team that traded away both Montez Sweat and Chase Young last year.

7. Las Vegas Raiders

Jalen Milroe | QB | Alabama

Another team desperate for a true franchise quarterback, the Raiders will be hoping that multiple passers emerge this season as top-10 prospects in this class. Milroe has a chance to be one of them, after making huge strides in his development last year. After what Kalen DeBoer did with Michael Penix Jr. at Washington, his arrival in Tuscaloosa could be a big win for Milroe's growth as a passer.

8. New Orleans Saints

Luther Burden III | WR | Missouri

The Saints could go in any number of directions here, which should always lead a team to the best available player. In this scenario, that's Burden, a big-play machine who can take the top off the defense over the top, or create huge problems for would-be tacklers after the catch. Pairing him with Chris Olave would be a huge win for whoever ends up throwing passes for New Orleans next season and beyond.

9. Minnesota Vikings

Mason Graham | DL | Michigan

This year's class of interior defensive line prospects is loaded with top talent, and Graham is the biggest prize heading into the season. The Vikings could use this kind of disruptive, dominant presence in the trenches, and his ability to blow up run plays in the backfield and push the pocket from the inside as a pass rusher could easily make Graham a top-10 pick.

10. Arizona Cardinals

Abdul Carter | EDGE | Penn State

The Cardinals don't have a true edge-rushing presence who can strike fear into the hearts of opposing offensive tackles, and finding one should be high on their priority list next offseason. Carter is making the move from off-ball linebacker to the edge this season, and after watching fellow Nittany Lion Micah Parsons make that transition successfully at the next level, it won't be surprising to see Carter do the same with his level of athleticism and explosiveness.

11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tetairoa McMillan | WR | Arizona

I wouldn't count out a corner here, but if McMillan is still on the board, it might be too much for the Bucs to pass up. Mike Evans will be 32 years old next year and on the final year of the two-year deal he just signed this offseason to stay in Tampa Bay, and Chris Godwin's contract is up after this year. McMillan has the size and physical traits to be an Evans clone, so him landing here would be fitting.

12. Seattle Seahawks

Malaki Starks | S | Georgia

If any team knows the value of an impact player at safety, it's the Seahawks, who had Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor patrolling the back end in the "Legion of Boom" glory days. Starks is an elite prospect with the range and playmaking skills to be a problem in coverage, and the physicality to come down and make big plays in run support.

13. Indianapolis Colts

Benjamin Morrison | CB | Notre Dame

The jury is still out on Indy's young corners, but a true shutdown presence doesn't emerge this season, the Colts will have to go back into the draft looking to find that player. They might not have to look far, as Morrison has all the traits to be an instant-impact starter at the next level, with ideal size and technique that makes his film some of the most fun to watch in this class.

14. Pittsburgh Steelers

Deone Walker | DL | Kentucky

If there's no quarterback worth taking here, the Steelers would be wise to invest in their defensive line after doing the same thing in the offensive trenches in this year's draft. Walker is a dominant presence at the point of attack, with impressive movement skills for his massive frame, which would help Pittsburgh's struggling run defense and improve their ability to get pressure on the passer from the inside.

15. Jacksonville Jaguars

Kelvin Banks | OT | Texas

Now that the Jags have given Trevor Lawrence his massive contract extension, they'd better make sure he's protected for the long haul. They need a long-term solution at left tackle beyond Cam Robinson, and next year's class should give them plenty of solid options in this range of the first round. Banks is talented enough to push for a top-10 draft slot, which could make him a bargain here.

16. Los Angeles Chargers

Mykel Williams | EDGE | Georgia

Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack are both aging and expensive, so it wouldn't be surprising if the Chargers initiated a youth movement at outside linebacker next offseason. If they do, landing a high-upside prospect like Williams would be an ideal scenario, as he brings an impressive combination of size, length, athleticism and physicality to the table.

17. Cleveland Browns

Kenneth Grant | DL | Michigan

Myles Garrett is obviously one of the most dominant edge rushers in the NFL, but the Browns don't have anyone who comes close to making that kind of impact along the interior of the defensive front. Next year's deep class of inside defenders could change that, and a well-rounded prospect like Grant could be the ideal fit as a plug-and-play starter who could make an immediate impact.

18. Chicago Bears

Jonah Savaiinaea | OL | Arizona

The Bears finally have their franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams, and they've surrounded him with plenty of weapons. Next offseason, the focus should be on getting the offensive line on the same level as the skill positions, and the biggest need will be inside at guard, where a dominant presence like Savaiinaea could be a prime target.

19. Los Angeles Rams

Tacario Davis | CB | Arizona

The wild card here is the quarterback situation, as the Rams could look for Matthew Stafford's successor here. But with plenty of other needs elsewhere, it would wise to avoid reaching on a signal-caller while passing up better talent at other premium positions like corner, where a fast-rising prospect like Davis would be an immediate upgrade on the outside.

20. Atlanta Falcons

Nic Scourton | EDGE | Texas A&M

Trading for Matthew Judon was a huge boost for a Falcons defense that desperately needed an impact player coming off the edge, but he'll be 33 next season, so they need a long-term solution there. A transfer from Purdue, Scourton bagged 10 sacks for the Boilermakers last year, and has tons of upside heading into his first season against SEC competition.

21. Miami Dolphins

Colston Loveland | TE | Michigan

Miami's offense is already loaded with playmakers just about everywhere, but one position where they could still use an upgrade is tight end, where they don't have a consistent big-play presence. Loveland is easily the top prospect in the 2025 tight end class, with a well-rounded skill set to help on every down, and the athleticism to challenge defenses as a pass-catcher.

22. New York Jets

Conner Weigman | QB | Texas A&M

Aaron Rodgers is an annual rental at this point in his career, and he's coming off a season-ending injury at 40 years old this year. The Jets would be wise to invest in the future at the game's most important position, and while it's hard to hit on franchise quarterbacks in the latter part of the first round, Weigman is an intriguing prospect with the arm talent and upside to be worth considering.

23. Dallas Cowboys

Quinn Ewers | QB | Texas

It sure looks like the Cowboys aren't committed to Dak Prescott as their franchise quarterback past this year, which means they'd better have a plan to replace him next offseason. Jerry Jones could look to Austin for Ewers, who still has plenty of question marks in terms of durability and consistency, but a big arm and plenty of upside if he can smooth out the rough edges in his game.

24. Green Bay Packers

Denzel Burke | CB | Ohio State

The Packers love spending first-round picks on defense, and they're not afraid to keep loading up on talent at corner. Burke has NFL starter traits, and has been tested in practice against elite talent. With Jaire Alexander struggling with injuries, spending this pick on his eventual replacement could be the ideal scenario for Green Bay to keep their secondary playing at a high level.

25. Buffalo Bills

Shavon Revel Jr. | CB | East Carolina

Taron Johnson is one of the NFL's best slot corners, but the Bills need serious help on the outside, especially after losing Tre'Davious White. One of the fastest rising names in next year's draft class, Revel has a massive frame and the combination of length, athleticism and physicality that could launch him into the first-round conversation if he plays up to his potential this season.

26. Houston Texans

Tyler Booker | OL | Alabama

One of the hottest teams in the league coming off last year's impressive finish, the young and aspiring Texans still have a couple of key holes to address, and a long-term replacement for veteran Shaq Mason at right guard is among them. Booker has experience at tackle, but he's likely a better fit inside at the next level, where his huge frame and punishing style of play would be put to good use.

27. Cincinnati Bengals

JT Tuimoloau | EDGE | Ohio State

It's hard to go wrong investing in the defensive front, and the Bengals have proven they're willing to do that with their first-round picks before that spot becomes an immediate need. Tuimoloau is an polished, experienced prospect with a well-rounded skill set that could have made him an early pick in this year's draft, but he'll be even more pro-ready after another year in Columbus.

28. Philadelphia Eagles

Harold Perkins Jr. | LB | LSU

The Eagles don't have a ton of glaring needs on the surface, so they might be able to make a luxury pick here. It's hard to know what to do with Perkins, who has the skill set of an edge rusher trapped in the body of a safety. He's an impressive athlete who knows how to make plays when he gets near the ball, and the Eagles could get him in the building and find the best place to plug him into their defense.

29. Detroit Lions

Landon Jackson | EDGE | Arkansas

Aidan Hutchinson has quickly become one of the most complete and dominant edge defenders in the NFL, but the Lions need a bookend on the other side who can make opposing offenses pay for sliding protections to that side every down. Jackson is a huge, versatile defender who can play on the edge on early downs and slide inside to create mismatches on interior blockers.

30. Baltimore Ravens

Emeka Egbuka | WR | Ohio State

Baltimore has always been great about letting the board come to them and scooping up value, regardless of position. You can never go wrong giving your star quarterback another weapon, and Egbuka would be a fantastic combination of overall value and adding yet another proven pass-catcher alongside Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews to keep the offense balanced.

31. San Francisco 49ers

Aireontae Ersery | OT | Minnesota

Regardless of what happens this year with Trent Williams, the 49ers obviously need a long-term solution at left tackle. One of the hottest names in the class heading into the 2024 season, Ersery already has 26 starts at left tackle under his belt, and he's been tested against some of the top edge rushers in the country playing in the Big Ten.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Walter Nolen | DL | Mississippi

What do you get for the team that has everything? Well, as much talent as possible, regardless of position. The Chiefs just gave Chris Jones a well-deserved raise, but that shouldn't keep them from investing a premium pick in the interior of their defensive front. A transfer from Texas A&M, Nolen has sky-high potential that could have him off the board much earlier.

Related: Spencer Rattler Already Proving He's the Saints' Most Talented QB

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