With the start of the 2024 NFL season approaching, it’s never too early to look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft.
With that in mind, let’s project all 32 first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.
(Draft order based on over/under win totals via Vegas Insider )
1. New England Patriots – James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
The Patriots enter the season projected to have the NFL’s worst record, which would make the draft interesting since they’re just one year removed from using the No. 3 overall pick on Drake Maye. If New England doesn’t trade down — a big if — it would make sense to take the best player available, with pass-rusher James Pearce Jr. possessing the potential to be the new cornerstone of the Patriots defense.
2. Carolina Panthers – Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
If the Panthers have the No. 2 overall pick, it’s a safe bet that Bryce Young’s second season wasn’t much better than his first. Here they get a do-over with the top quarterback in next year’s draft, which currently projects to be Georgia’s Carson Beck.
3. Denver Broncos – Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The Broncos’ roster lacks top-end talent, but Denver could very well have its quarterback of the future in Bo Nix. Taking a local product in Travis Hunter, the Broncos could either give him a new top target or pair the former 5-star prospect with Patrick Surtain II to create one of the best young cornerback duos in the NFL.
4. New York Giants – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
If the Giants’ are picking this high, one can assume Daniel Jones’ time in the Big Apple is over. Shedeur Sanders has both the star power and talent to shine in New York.
5. Tennessee Titans – Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
Like the Panthers and the Giants, the Titans picking this high would indicate they need a new quarterback. Texas’ Quinn Ewers has top-end talent, and it’s not hard to imagine his mullet catching on in Nashville.
6. Washington Commanders – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Commanders already have their quarterback of the future in Jayden Daniels. Now it’s time to get him some more weapons, with Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan already standing out as the best pure receiver in next year’s class.
7. Minnesota Vikings – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The Vikings have multiple holes on the defensive side of the ball, but none more glaring than at defensive tackle. Michigan’s Mason Graham could step right in as an immediate difference-maker.
8. Las Vegas Raiders – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Raiders have an obvious need at quarterback, but getting the fourth-best available is less than ideal. Instead, Las Vegas boosts its lackluster secondary by adding a lockdown cornerback in Michigan’s Will Johnson.
9. Arizona Cardinals – Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
The Cardinals currently lay claim to one of the worst cornerback rooms in the NFL, which can’t sit well with head coach Jonathan Gannon. A top-level prospect, Benjamin Morrison could immediately change the outlook of Arizona’s secondary.
10. New Orleans Saints – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Even after using their last two first-round picks on offensive tackles, the Saints’ offensive line remains a work in progress. Here they look to right those wrongs with the best left tackle in this year’s draft, Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr.
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M
Shaquil Barrett retired and former first-round pick Joe Tryon-Shoyinka has yet to live up to the hype. Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton could provide a much-needed boost to Tampa Bay’s pass rush.
12. Seattle Seahawks – Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Safeties don’t typically go this high, but Malaki Starks is a special talent. Plus, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald found plenty of success with a similarly versatile safety in Kyle Hamilton during his time in Baltimore.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers – Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
The Steelers currently lay claim to tone of the worst wide receiver rooms in the NFL. A versatile playmaker, Luther Burden III could quickly change that.
14. Indianapolis Colts – Mykell Williams, Edge, Georgia
Even after using recent first-round picks on Kwity Paye and Laiatu Latu, the Colts’ collection of pass-rushers leaves something to be desired. Georgia’s Mykell Williams appears poised for a breakout season and is the type of raw talent Indianapolis has seemingly been drawn to in recent years.
15. Jacksonville Jaguars – Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Simply put, the Jaguars need to keep Trevor Lawrence upright. With Cam Robinson entering the final year of his contract, it makes sense to take a swing on a high-end offensive tackle like LSU’s Will Campbell.
16. Cleveland Browns – Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
Amari Cooper is entering the final year of his contract, potentially leaving the Browns thin at wide receiver in 2025. Perhaps the best deep threat in next year’s class, Isaiah Bond would add a new dynamic to Cleveland’s offense.
17. Los Angeles Chargers – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Chargers’ wide receiver room leaves plenty to be desired. Jim Harbaugh got a first-hand look at Emeka Egbuka’s ability — and versatility — during his time as the head coach at Michigan.
18. Los Angeles Rams – Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
Darious Williams has an out in his contract after the 2024 season and Tre’Davious White is on a one-year prove-it deal. Having returned to Ohio State for his senior season, Denzel Burke could establish himself as one of the top cornerbacks in a loaded class for the position.
19. Chicago Bears – Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU
Everything regarding the Bears’ future should be viewed through the prism of “what’s best for Caleb Williams?” In that case, it makes plenty of sense to add a top-level right tackle in LSU’s Emery Jones Jr.
20. Miami Dolphins – Deone Walker, DL, Kentucky
The Dolphins have a strong rotation of pass-rushers but could stand to get stronger upfront. Having tallied 7.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for a loss in 2023, Deone Walker could add another playmaker to Miami’s defense.
21. Dallas Cowboys – Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Between DeMarcus Lawrence entering the final season of his contract and Micah Parsons’ uncertain future, pass-rush is an obvious need for the Cowboys. Regardless of how either situation shakes out, Abdul Carter has the versatility to fit in Dallas’ defense.
22. Green Bay Packers – Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State
The Packers have done a great job of getting Jordan Love playmakers. Now it’s time to get him more protection in the form of Donovan Jackson, the best guard in next year’s class.
23. Houston Texans – Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona
Much like the Bears and Packers, every move the Texans make moving forward is connected to their quarterback. In this case, they grab a versatile offensive lineman in Jonah Savaiinaea, who can play tackle or guard.
24. Buffalo Bills – Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami (Fla.)
After losing Stefon Diggs, the Bills need to get Josh Allen more weapons. It may just be one week, but Miami’s Xavier Restrepo is already showing signs of being one of the breakout players in next year’s class.
25. Atlanta Falcons – Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State
Even after acquiring Matthew Judon, the Falcons could stand to improve their pass-rush. A former 5-star prospect, Jack Sawyer had a strong finish to the 2023 season and could very well outperform this draft position by the end of his senior season.
26. New York Jets – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Assuming Aaron Rodgers is back in 2025, the Jets will surely do their best to surround him with weapons. Here they get the best tight end in next year’s class in Michigan’s Colston Loveland.
27. Cincinnati Bengals – Tacario Davis, CB, Arizona
The Bengals’ current cornerback duo of Cam Britt-Taylor and Dax Hill is one of the worst in the league. Arizona’s Tacario Davis would provide an immediate upgrade and allow Hill to play a more versatile role in Cincinnati’s defense.
28. Detroit Lions – Patrick Payton, Edge, Florida State
Despite having Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions ranked just 23rd in sacks in 2023. Florida State’s Patrick Payton is the type of prospect who would flourish opposite the former No. 2 overall pick.
29. Baltimore Ravens – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Lamar Jackson is clearly at his best when paired with a top-level running back. Regardless of what Baltimore gets from Derrick Henry, it’s impossible to not be intrigued by the idea of a Jackson-Ashton Jeanty backfield.
30. Philadelphia Eagles – Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Jason Kelce hung up his boots and Lane Johnson might not be far behind. Minnesota’s Aireontae Ersery possesses plenty of potential and could ultimately become a new cornerstone of Philadelphia’s offensive line.
31. San Francisco 49ers – J.T. Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State
The 49ers’ salary cap crunch has led to some difficult decisions on the defensive side of the ball. A former 5-star prospect, J.T. Tuimoloau could thrive opposite his fellow former Buckeye in Nick Bosa.
32. Kansas City Chiefs – Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
The Chiefs’ roster doesn’t have many holes, but right tackle is one of them. With a strong 2024 season, Clemson’s Blake Miller could establish himself as a potential first-round pick.
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