2025 NFL mock draft: Travis Hunter tops two-round projections after the Super Bowl
Published in Football
The Philadelphia Eagles emphatically ended the 2024 NFL season by dominating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.
The focus of the pro football world now shifts toward Titletown, U.S.A., where the 2025 NFL draft will take place at the end of April.
In a tale as old as time itself, quarterback-needy teams once again outnumber reasonable first-round options, which means multiple picks in the top-five could be on the trading block, beginning with the Tennessee Titans in the top spot.
Draft boards are starting to solidify with the scouting combine two weeks away.
We have the next two-plus months to dissect the possibilities, and every other aspect of the draft.
The NFL offseason is a myth. Draft season has officially begun.
Here are some key dates going forward before we get to the draft in Green Bay (April 24-26):
— Feb. 18-March 4: Franchise/transition player designation period
— Feb. 24-March 3: NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis
— Early March: Colleges can begin hosting pro days
— March 12: New league year begins at 1 p.m. (i.e. free agency)
MOCK PREAMBLE
This is an attempt at figuring out the best players available in this season’s draft class, and which teams they’d match up well with considering the current draft order courtesy of NFL.com. The closer we get to draft day, the more I’ll attempt to match what teams will actually do with their draft picks as opposed to what I believe they should do.
According to The Huddle Report, I was the third-most accurate NFL draft prognosticator in print last season. I’m tied for fifth overall (out of 172) over the past five years.
Considering the NFL doesn’t have an offseason, the draft has become the Super Bowl of the league’s second season, and a mock version of said draft is meant to educate, perhaps even entertain. At very least, it helps you pass the time.
Follow me on X (formerly known as Twitter) @UTEddieBrown so we can continue the conversation.
Here’s an updated version of my 2025 NFL Mock Draft, now through two rounds:
FIRST ROUND
1. Tennessee (3-14) — Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado, Jr.
If this were last year, then the only intrigue at the top of this draft would be which quarterback the Titans liked the best, because it’s clear Will Levis hasn’t done enough for new general manager Mike Borgonzi to entrust him with the future of the franchise. However, this QB class pales in comparison to last year’s, and you have to be “all-in” to select a QB with the first overall pick. Borgonzi will need to determine whether Miami’s Cam Ward or Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders is more trustworthy than Levis or a free agent he could potentially sign next month. Otherwise, this pick will be available to the highest bidder. Tennessee President of Football Operations Chad Brinker made headlines last month when he emphasized that while the team needs a QB, it won’t “pass on a generational talent.” More than anyone in this draft, Hunter meets the criteria for being considered a “generational talent.” Depending on the team, he is likely to spend most of his NFL career at cornerback, but he’s such a dynamic weapon on offense, it would be malpractice if a team didn’t manufacture a number of touches each game for the Heisman winner. As of now, I believe it’s 50% the Titans trade this pick, 30% they stay put and draft Hunter or Abdul Carter, and 20% they select a QB here. Top needs: QB, WR, T
2. Cleveland (3-14) — Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State, Jr.
The Browns obviously need a quarterback, but GM Andrew Berry also might need to find a replacement for 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett after his recent trade request. After spending his first two years at linebacker for the Nittany Lions, Carter moved to edge this season, where he utilized his special movement ability to rush the passer and dominate the line of scrimmage — he led the FBS with 24 tackles for loss. The Micah Parsons comparisons will be unavoidable. Top needs: QB, Edge, T
3. N.Y. Giants (3-14) — Cam Ward, QB, Miami, Sr.
GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll are both returning after this year’s debacle. They could just as easily target Sam Darnold or Justin Fields in free agency — I believe Daboll’s system could fully unlock Fields — but I believe this is Ward’s floor in this draft. He was lightly recruited out of high school and began his collegiate career with the FCS-level Incarnate Word Cardinals, where he became the SLC Offensive Player of the Year before transferring to Washington State. In the Pac-12, he passed for 6,968 yards and 48 touchdowns against only 16 interceptions in two seasons with the Cougars. In his one year with the Hurricanes, he helped return the program to national status and finished fourth in the Heisman voting. Ward features immense arm talent and more than enough mobility to extend plays. Ball protection will be a point of contention during the draft process due to his gunslinger mentality, but he’s improved every single season and I don’t see why that can’t continue at the next level. Top needs: QB, CB, WR
4. New England (4-13) — Will Campbell, T, LSU, Jr.
The Patriots cost themselves the No. 1 pick by beating a lesser version of the Bills in Week 18, but the top of the draft could line up pretty well for them if two quarterbacks go in the first three picks. The ascension of Drake Maye means they can target an elite defender or even upgrade Maye’s supporting cast here. Campbell features prototypical size (6-foot-6, 325 pounds) and started at left tackle for the Tigers since he was a true freshman in 2022. Some scouts believe his relative lack of length might push him inside. Regardless, he’d still be a top-tier guard prospect at the next level, and I think he’ll be just fine at tackle. Top needs: WR, T, DT
5. Jacksonville (4-13) — Will Johnson, CB, Michigan, Jr.
The Jags’ secondary was putrid this season. Johnson is a press corner with outstanding size (6-2, 202), ball skills and athleticism. The former five-star recruit would’ve been the first corner off the board last year had he been eligible (possibly in 2023 as well). Top needs: DB, IOL, WR
6. Las Vegas (4-13) — Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado, Sr.
With GM John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll now in place, the top priority this offseason remains the same: find a franchise quarterback. Coach Prime’s progeny is a polished pocket passer. His pinpoint accuracy, fearlessness and production are the top selling points. The lack of elite arm strength, and his propensity for holding onto the ball for too long will have to be addressed during the draft process. Top needs: QB, WR, CB
7. N.Y. Jets (5-12) — Mason Graham, DT, Michigan, Jr.
The Jets are expected to trade or release Aaron Rodgers, who has one season left on his contract, so finding a new QB will be paramount for new GM Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn. Barring packaging this pick to move up or either Ward or Sanders slipping past the Raiders at No. 6, this pick won’t be used on a QB. Graham doesn’t check all of the athletic freak boxes some general managers seek, but he would be the best player available under these circumstances. The two-time All-American was a disruptive force against the pass and run in his three seasons with the Wolverines, and would bolster a front seven that already includes Quinnen Williams, Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald. Top needs: QB, T, DT
8. Carolina (5-12) — Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia, Jr.
There are not enough negative words in the dictionary to describe the Panthers defense last season. They surrendered 534 points, the most in a single season in NFL history. Walker is the type of chess piece and playmaker Carolina desperately needs on that side of the ball. An off-ball linebacker turned rusher, he won the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker last season. He’s a dominant run defender and versatile enough to blitz the QB or even rush off the edge. Top needs: Edge, DT, DB
9. New Orleans (5-12) — Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona, Jr.
The Saints’ two best receivers, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, both missed significant time with injuries last season. I mean, who on New Orleans didn’t miss significant time last year, but I digress. McMillan could compliment both Olave and Shaheed once they’re healthy. His 17 contested catches were second among FBS wide receivers to only Rome Odunze in 2023. He averaged 109.9 receiving yards per game his junior year (fourth in the FBS). McMillan’s a big (6-5, 212), productive playmaker with excellent hands. I see him as a more athletic version of Drake London, and it wouldn’t surprise me if new head coach Kellen Moore would like to get back to his pass-happy ways after his one season in Philadelphia. Top needs: WR, Edge, DB
10. Chicago (5-12) — Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State, Jr.
New head coach and offensive innovator Ben Johnson had plenty of success utilizing both running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery as a coordinator in Detroit. Johnson could use D’Andre Swift and Jeanty in a similar fashion now that he’s taken his talents to the Windy City. Barry Sanders is the only player in FBS history with more than Jeanty’s 2,601 rushing yards in 2024. The Heisman runner-up is a high-volume playmaker with elite contact balance. Top needs: IOL, Edge, WR
11. San Francisco (6-11) — Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State, Sr.
The 49ers definitely need to replenish the offensive and defensive lines this offseason, but this is too high to draft based solely on need. Especially since there’s going to be one less playmaker on the roster with Deebo Samuel likely being dealt before the draft. Warren features prototypical size (6-6, 260) and does everything well. He’s a nightmare matchup in the slot and capable of developing into a road grader in the run game at the next level, something I’m certain George Kittle could help him with. Top needs: CB, DL, OL
12. Dallas (7-10) — Tyler Booker, G, Alabama, Jr.
The Cowboys will almost certainly target a running back (or two) in the draft, especially if Rico Dowdle leaves in free agency, but the Joneses are also facing the prospect of fielding an offensive line without future Hall of Famer Zack Martin for the first time in years, and Jeanty is off the board a little earlier than they had hoped. Booker is a big guard with the size (6-5, 325), strength and athleticism to dominate in the run game. He’ll need to refine his technique in pass protection, especially against high-end rushers, but there’s Pro Bowl-potential here. Top needs: WR, RB, DL
13. Miami (8-9) — Kelvin Banks Jr., T, Texas, Jr.
The Dolphins have several impending free agents on the interior of their offensive line, including Isaiah Wynn, Robert Jones and Liam Eichenberg. The offense regressed to unwatchable with Tua Tagovailoa sidelined by another concussion last season. Banks started at left tackle as a true freshman in 2022 for the Longhorns and has excelled ever since. He was just the sixth offensive lineman in Texas’ history to be selected as an unanimous All-American, while also winning the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy last season. Arm length concerns may necessitate a move to the interior, but Banks’ athleticism plays anywhere. Top needs: G, S, DT
14. Indianapolis (8-9) — Malaki Starks, S, Georgia, Jr.
Starks’ skill set would fit nicely in the aggressive schemes of new Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo. He’s a better prospect than former teammates Kamari Lassiter (No. 42 overall), Javon Bullard (No. 58) and Tykee Smith (No. 89), who were all drafted on Day 2 last year. Top needs: TE, G, S
15. Atlanta (8-9) — Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M, Jr.
The Falcons exhibited one of the worst defensive performances I’ve ever seen against the Panthers in their final game of the season. Atlanta’s pass rush has been dormant for years now. It was good to see Arnold Ebiketie come on strong the last month or so, but Matthew Judon and Lorenzo Carter will both test the waters of free agency soon. Stewart is enormous (6-5, 290) for an edge, but he plays much lighter than his size suggests, and his motor doesn’t have an off switch. The on-field production left a lot to be desired last year, but the former five-star recruit handled his business during Senior Bowl week, with some NFL execs calling him the best player in Mobile. Top needs: C, DB, DL
16. Arizona (8-9) — Mike Green, Edge, Marshall, So.
The Cardinals couldn’t sustain a consistent pass rush in 2024, and while part of that was due to injury, it was also a talent issue. GM Monti Ossenfort must has to continue drafting pass rushers until he gets it right. Green was the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year while leading the nation with 17 sacks. His 21 tackles for loss was also tops until Penn State’s Carter and Ohio State’s J.T. Tuimoloau surpassed him during the College Football Playoff. Top needs: WR, DL, CB
17. Cincinnati (9-8) — Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan, Jr.
Joe Burrow had an MVP-caliber season, and almost dragged the Bengals into the postseason. GM Duke Tobin has a lot of work to do this offseason, but if both Tee Higgins and Mike Gesicki aren’t resigned, reloading Burrow’s weaponry will be high on the list of Tobin’s priorities. Loveland’s size (6-5, 245) and elite athleticism makes him a matchup nightmare. He’s capable of running the entire route tree, while threatening all three levels, and would have easily been the TE2 behind Brock Bowers last year had he been eligible. Loveland’s also a willing and effective run blocker who can create soft edges for running backs. Top needs: WR, TE, T
18. Seattle (10-7) — Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan, Jr.
The Seahawks could use upgrades all across the offensive line, especially on the interior, but Jarran Reed and Johnathan Hankins are both facing free agency. Grant is a grizzly bear (6-3, 342) who can plug up run lanes and also pressure the passer. If he tests the way he’s capable of in Indy at the combine, he could go higher. Top needs: G, LB, DL
19. Tampa Bay (10-7) — Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia, Jr.
Both Anthony Nelson and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka are headed towards free agency for the Buccaneers. A former five-star recruit, Williams hasn’t put it all together yet, but it doesn’t require a lot of imagination to foresee him having success at the next level. He oozes the physical traits and talent defensive coordinators seek, and is already a plus-run defender. His biggest flaws, like gap discipline, can be coached up. Top needs: G, LB, Edge
20. Denver (10-7) — Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri, Jr.
The Broncos have found their QB, now it’s time to surround Bo Nix with reliable playmakers he can continue to grow with. Burden is an explosive athlete who is dynamic with the ball in his hands. The former five-star recruit saw a dip in production after a revelatory sophomore season, but I’m attributing that mostly to uneven quarterback play. Top needs: LB, S, TE
21. Pittsburgh (10-7) — Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State, Sr.
George Pickens, Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson are the only receivers on the Steelers with a contract, and Wilson’s rookie season was a wash. Egbuka is a smooth route-runner who has a knack for finding the soft spot against zone coverage, and could thrive across the middle while Pickens threatens defenses vertically. Top needs: QB, WR, CB
22. L.A. Chargers (11-6) — James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee, Jr.
Khalil Mack isn’t retiring, but he is a free agent, and Joey Bosa’s $36.5 million cap hit next season is untenable. The Vols’ Pearce produced 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss his sophomore season in Knoxville, primarily beating SEC tackles with his explosive athleticism. He followed that up with 7 1/2 sacks and 13 tackles for loss, while being selected as a semifinalist for the Bednarik, Lombardi and Walter Camp Player of the Year awards. If he continues to develop his pass-rush arsenal and adds a bit more bulk to his 6-foot-5 frame, he’d be a steal here. Top needs: C, DT, WR
23. Green Bay (11-6) — Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas, Sr.
Jaire Alexander is great when he’s on the field, but he’s missed 34 games the last four seasons for the Packers. Barron lacks ideal straight-line speed at corner, but he’s a quick processor who can anticipate what receivers are going to do, and he plays bigger than his size (5-11, 200) suggests. Top needs: CB, Edge, C
24. Minnesota (14-3) — Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss, Jr.
It’s been over a decade since the Vikings had a defensive tackle who can rush the passer at a high level. Nolen was ranked as the No. 1 overall recruit by ESPN and USA Today in the 2022 recruiting class. The Texas A&M transfer began to live up to the hype in his sophomore season with the Aggies. He finished with 48 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 6½ sacks while also batting down three passes and recovering two fumbles in his only season with the Rebels. Nolen also doesn’t lack for confidence. In a recent interview with The Draft Network, he proudly proclaimed, “I’m the next Aaron Donald, man … I feel like I can do it all. Aaron Donald did it all at the highest level. I’m a younger, upcoming version of Aaron Donald.” Top needs: DB, RB, G
25. Houston (10-7) — Armand Membou, T, Missouri, Jr.
C.J. Stroud was sacked eight times in the playoff loss to the Chiefs, and was under duress for most of last season. Membou started 30 games at right tackle for the Tigers, but he doesn’t meet the height standard for NFL starting tackles (he’s 6-3). Regardless, he’s a technically sound pass-protector with elite body control, prototypical athleticism and agility. Top needs: S, OL, WR
26. L.A. Rams (10-7) — Josh Simmons, T, Ohio State, Sr.
The Rams have Rob Havenstein at right tackle and pending free agent Alaric Jackson at left tackle. Both played really well last season when healthy. Simmons suffered a season-ending knee injury in October against Oregon, but should be ready for training camp. The San Diego State transfer was making a play to be this draft’s top tackle before getting hurt, not allowing a sack or pressure in the six games he played. Top needs: T, CB, LB
27. Baltimore (12-5) — Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina, Jr.
I’m paraphrasing the “The Social Network” here, but having one Kyle Hamilton is fine, but you know what is cool? Two Kyle Hamiltons. Emmanwori is a hybrid safety-linebacker whose size (6-3, 227), range and physicality make him a perfect fit for Zach Orr’s defense. Top needs: OL, WR, CB
28. Detroit (15-2) — Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon, Jr.
Outside of linebacker, the Lions’ defensive line faced the most attrition due to injury last season, and could be depleted even further by free agency with Levi Onwuzurike, Marcus Davenport and John Cominsky all seeking new deals. Harmon made the most of his one year with the Ducks, making 45 tackles, including 10 1/2 for a loss and five sacks while forcing two fumbles after transferring from Michigan State. Playing 30 pounds lighter than his time with the Spartans enabled the Detroit native to lead all interior defensive lineman in total pressures with 55. Top needs: G, Edge, CB
29. Washington (12-5) — Josh Conerly Jr., T, Oregon, Jr.
The Commanders have their franchise QB in Jayden Daniels, now they need to focus on protecting him. Conerly was the No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2022 recruiting class and allowed only one sack in his first season as a full-time starter, protecting Bo Nix’s blind side as a sophomore. He was chosen first-team All-Big Ten in the Ducks’ first season in the conference, holding his own against Penn State’s Carter in the Big Ten Championship. The 6-foot-4, 315-pound Conerly allowed only five total pressures in protecting Heisman Trophy finalist Dillon Gabriel. Top needs: WR, T, Edge
30. Buffalo (13-4) — Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State, Sr.
The Bills most glaring weakness last season was their run defense. At 6-3, nearly 330 pounds, Williams is a disruptive force against the run, soaking up blockers, while trapping any runner in his vicinity like a black hole. Top needs: WR, LB, Edge
31. Kansas City (15-2) — Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State, Sr.
As Patrick Mahomes goes, so goes the Chiefs, as we just witnessed in their Super Bowl shellacking. I count at least two spots on the offensive line that needs upgrading, and that could become three if Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith leaves in free agency. There’s an argument to be made Jackson was the Buckeyes’ MVP last season. He was their starting left guard since his sophomore year, before replacing Simmons at left tackle after he was lost for the season. Jackson hadn’t played left tackle since high school, and struggled in his first start up against Penn State’s Carter. He settled down and was dominant during Ohio State’s championship run. Top needs: WR, DT, OL
32. Philadelphia (14-3) — Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama, Jr.
GM Howie Roseman will have tough decisions to make this offseason after securing the Eagles second Super Bowl title. Brandon Graham turns 37 in April, Josh Sweat is facing free agency and Bryce Huff struggled to make an impact in his first year with the team. First-team All-Pro linebacker Zach Baun will also be seeking a significant raise so something has to give. These are champagne problems, I suppose. Campbell is a former five-star recruit who played wide receiver and defensive end in high school, about 20 miles south of Philadelphia, but developed into one of the best linebackers in the nation after starting the last two seasons in Tuscaloosa. He’s big (6-3, 244), rangy and has a killer instinct in the open field. Top needs: LB, WR, Edge
SECOND ROUND
33. Cleveland — Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina, Jr.
34. N.Y. Giants — Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame, Jr.
35. Tennessee — Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina, Sr.
36. Jacksonville — Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M, Jr.
37. Las Vegas — TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State, Sr.
38. New England — Matthew Golden, WR, Texas, Jr.
39. Chicago from Carolina — Aireontae Ersery, T, Minnesota, Sr.
40. New Orleans — Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama, Jr.
41. Chicago — Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State, Sr.
42. N.Y. Jets — Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss, Sr.
43. San Francisco — Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State, Sr.
44. Dallas — Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa, Jr.
45. Indianapolis — Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami, Jr.
46. Atlanta — Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss, Sr.
47. Arizona — Jack Bech, WR, TCU, Sr.
48. Miami — Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame, Sr.
49. Cincinnati — Jonah Savaiinaea, G, Arizona, Jr.
50. Seattle — Landon Jackson, Edge, Arkansas, Sr.
51. Denver — Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green, Jr.
52. Pittsburgh — Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State, Jr.
53. Tampa Bay — Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA, Jr.
54. Green Bay — Princely Umanmielen, Edge, Ole Miss, Sr.
55. L.A. Chargers — Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State, Sr.
Quentin Johnston had his moments last season, but the Chargers still need a legit threat on the outside to pair with Ladd McConkey in the slot. Higgins’ size (6-4, 215), soft and reliable hands mixed with nuanced route-running capabilities sets him apart in this draft class. His YAC ability is impressive given his build. Higgins ended up being one of the standouts during Senior Bowl week after an uneven first day of practice. Top needs: C, DT, WR
56. Buffalo from Minnesota — Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss, Sr.
57. Carolina from L.A. Rams — Alfred Collins, DT, Texas, Sr.
58. Houston — Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State, Sr.
59. Baltimore — Cameron Williams, T, Texas, Jr.
60. Detroit — Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia, Sr.
61. Washington — Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky, Jr.
62. Buffalo — J.T. Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State, Sr.
63. Kansas City — Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M, Sr.
64. Philadelphia — Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College, Sr.
©2025 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Comments