Coach McCray's 2025 NFL Mock Draft 1.0 - Full First Round Predictions

 

   Photo Courtesy of Todd Rosenberg/NFL

By Nate McCray

With the 2025 NFL Draft just a few weeks away, I decided to put together my mock draft which projects an exciting infusion of talent, with a strong emphasis on quarterbacks, edge rushers, and offensive playmakers. Headlined by elite QB prospects leading the charge at the top of the board, several teams in need of a franchise signal-caller are poised to make bold moves early. This draft class also features a deep pool of wide receivers and cornerbacks, offering teams plenty of options to upgrade at premium positions. 

Meanwhile, offensive linemen and pass rushers continue to solidify their value as cornerstones in team-building strategies. With a blend of explosive athletes, polished technicians, and high-upside prospects, my 2025 mock draft paints a picture of a league constantly evolving—and ready to reload with the next generation of stars.  Here's my projection of the first-round selections based on current team needs and prospect evaluations. 

1.  Tennessee Titans – Cameron Ward, QB, Miami: The Titans will aim to secure their future at quarterback with Ward's strong arm and mobility. 

2.  Cleveland Browns – Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State: They desperately need a quarterback, but Pairing Carter with Myles Garrett could create a formidable pass rush in Cleveland. 

3.  New York Giants – Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado: Hunter's versatility addresses multiple needs for the Giants, pairing him with Malik Nabers which brings a 1-2 deep threat punch.

4.  New England Patriots – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan: Graham will strengthen the Patriots' interior defensive line. 

5.  Jacksonville Jaguars – Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M: Stewart’s explosive get-off and natural power will serve well in Jacksonville. 

6.  Las Vegas Raiders – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State: Jeanty adds explosiveness to the Raiders' backfield. 

7.  New York Jets – Will Campbell, OT, LSU: Campbell provides additional protection for Jets' quarterback, Justin Fields. 

8.  Carolina Panthers – Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia: Walker's pass-rushing skills will bolster Carolina's defense. 

9.  New Orleans Saints – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado: The Saints will look to Sanders to revitalize their offense with his accuracy and poise. 

10. Chicago Bears – Armand Membou, OT, Missouri: Membou will offer added pass protection for quarterback Caleb Willams. 

11. San Francisco 49ers – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas: Banks will enhance the 49ers' offensive line. 

12. Dallas Cowboys – Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina: Hampton will add a reliable option in the Cowboys' running game. 

13. Miami Dolphins – Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama: Booker will fortify the interior line of the Dolphins' offensive line.

14. Indianapolis Colts – James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee: Pearce Jr. will profile as an immediate impactful defensive starter with the Colts. 

15. Atlanta Falcons – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan: Johnson will complement the Falcons defensive secondary. 

16. Arizona Cardinals – Mykel Williams., EDGE, Georgia: Williams is one of the more fascinating players who can pin his ears back and attack up field. 

17. Cincinnati Bengals – Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall: Green has an explosive first step and sophisticated rush repertoire. 

18. Seattle Seahawks – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona: A tall receiver that offers a reliable target for the Seahawks' offense. 

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas: Barron is a human-highlight tape with his play – he is a route disrupter. 

20. Denver Broncos – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State: Egbuka provides a playmaker for the Broncos' offense. 

21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss: The Steelers will invest in Dart's potential to lead their offense into the future, which could potentially end the Aaron Rodgers signing talks. 

22. Los Angeles Chargers – Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State: Sawyer will add a dynamic element to the Chargers' defense as an every-down player. 

23. Green Bay Packers – Shavon Revel Jr, CB, East Carolina: Fascinating defensive back that brings production, character, good size and speed. 

24. Minnesota Vikings – Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan: Grant could be someone who dominates one-on-one blocks with his tools. 

25. Houston Texans – Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State: Simmons is a tone setter that moves well. 

26. Los Angeles Rams – Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame: Morrison enhances the Rams' secondary with his coverage skills and versatility.

27. Baltimore Ravens – Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon: Conerly is a tone setter that moves well and brings grit and power. 

28. Detroit Lions – Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M: Scourton will be an immediate contributor to the Lions' defensive front. 

29. Washington Commanders – Matthew Golden, WR, Texas: Golden offers immediate deep threat, versatility and a reliable target for the Commanders' offense. 

30. Buffalo Bills – Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri: Burden is a play maker that has good hands and route-running acumen. 

31. Kansas City Chiefs – Grey Zabel, OT, North Dakota State: Zabel will provide protection for quarterback Patrick Mahomes with his athleticism and pass-blocking skills. 

32. Philadelphia Eagles – Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College: Ezeiruaku will strengthen the Eagles' pass rush with his speed and agility off the edge.