2025 NFL Mock Draft With Analysis – Preseason Edition

2025 NFL Mock Draft With Analysis – Preseason Edition

August 10, 2024

13–19 minutes

Preseason is about to kick off for all teams. The College Football season is right around the corner. Now is a good time for my first extended 2025 NFL Mock Draft.

Draft order based on Madden NFL 25 ratings for all 32 starting quarterbacks. This is a video game website, so makes sense, right?

Note: Playoff seeding rules apply.

Pick	Team	Player	Stats	Commentary
1	New York Giants	QB Quinn Ewers, Texas – 6’2, 205 lbs	272-394, 22 TD, 6 INT	The Daniel Jones extension was stupid before it was even signed, and it looks even worse now. He is not a starting quarterback, and the Giants are set to watch Andrew Thomas, Kayvon Thibodeaux and others waste another prime year. There is no Caleb Williams-level quarterback prospect in this class. I could see any one of Quinn Ewers, Shedeur Sanders, Jalen Milroe, Drew Allar or Carson Beck become QB1, or an unknown participant. Right now I am going with Ewers, who is a former #1 overall recruit who has the skills and makeup to become a franchise quarterback.
2	Minnesota Vikings	EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia – 6’5, 265 lbs	16 tackles, 4.5 sacks	The Vikings signed Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard as free agents, but neither will make up for the loss of Danielle Hunter. You could make a serious case that Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams is the most talented player in college football. He has 9 sacks through his first two seasons, playing more of a situational role for a ridiculously deep Georgia team, and could explode as a junior. He has positional versatility and scary ability as a pass rusher.
3	Denver Broncos	CB Will Johnson, Michigan – 6’2, 202 lbs	27 tackles, 4 INT	If Garret Bolles cannot agree to a new contract after this season, then Will Campbell moves to the top of the list for the Broncos here. Right now, however, pairing Will Johnson, who I rank above even Sauce Gardner as a prospect, would be a fantastic running mate to Patrick Surtain II in the Denver secondary. Will Johnson is built like a safety, but has the speed to keep up with any wideout.
4	Tennessee Titans	OT Will Campbell, LSU – 6’6, 320 lbs	N/A	This would be the third straight year that the Titans have used a high first round draft choice on an offensive lineman. Tennessee fans may not like that, but Will Campbell is a top notch prospect. He is strong, a supreme technician, and is my top 2025 NFL Draft prospect at this point of the process, regardless of position. Put him at left tackle, slide JC Latham to the right, and you have the makings of an excellent offensive line.
5	Las Vegas Raiders	QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado – 6’2, 215 lbs	298-430, 3230 yards, 27 TD, 3 INT	It is back to the drawing board once again for the Raiders, who are one of the few teams in the NFL without a current or future starter on its roster. Shedeur Sanders is not a Caleb Williams, but I think he could make it as a solid NFL starter. He reminds me of current Geno Smith. He should complete passes at a high rate, throw the deep ball and even is a threat to run on occasion. He also has the personality and confidence to succeed.
6	Carolina Panthers	EDGE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee – 6’5, 242 lbs	27 tackles, 9.5 sacks	The Panthers made a lot of moves during free agency in attempt to give Bryce Young a chance to succeed in 2024. The defense, however, was neglected. Hired gun Jadeveon Clowney was brought in to provide pass rush, but a long term replacement for Brian Burns is needed. A Charlotte native, James Pearce Jr. had 9.5 sacks as a sophomore and seems to be just scratching the surface of his immense potential as a pass rusher.
7	New England Patriots	OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas – 6’4, 324 lbs	N/A	Drafting Drake Maye is a nice start, but the Patriots simply do not have the talent on offense to compete in today’s high powered football landscape. Fortifying the offensive line should be priority number one. Kelvin Banks Jr. is not quite Will Campbell, but he would be the top offensive line prospect many other years. He is very athletic, a great pass blocker and has experience in a pro style offense.
8	Washington Commanders	DE Jack Sawyer, Ohio State – 6’5, 260 lbs	48 tackles, 6.5 sacks	Washington broke up its all-first round defensive line in 2023, moving both Chase Young and Montez Sweat. There is no long term pass rusher on the roster, making this an obvious move. I am a big believer in Jack Sawyer, and think he could have an Aidan Hutchinson-like rise during the draft process. He paid his dues at Ohio State, but broke out in a big way as a junior, showcasing a nice all around game as a pass rusher and run defender. Not the most explosive athlete, but he works hard and should be a long time starter in the NFL.
9	Indianapolis Colts	CB Travis Hunter, Colorado – 6’1, 185 lbs	31 tackles, 3 INT	The Colts have one of the more balanced rosters in the NFL, but secondary help is needed. Travis Hunter is college football’s Shohei Ohtani. He plays basically every snap of every game, showcasing his unfair athletic ability as a receiver and a play-making cornerback. He would be more valuable on defense in the NFL, but do not rule out some trick plays on offense. He would be an exciting player no matter where Indianapolis employs him.
10	Cleveland Browns	DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss – 6’4, 290 lbs	37 tackles, 4 sacks	Thanks to the disastrous Deshaun Watson trade, Cleveland will be drafting in the first round for the first time since 2021. Somehow the roster is solid, but they have been looking for someone other than Myles Garrett to generate back field pressure for years. Walter Nolen was a former number one overall recruit, a part of the legendary, but ultimately disappointing, Texas A&M 2022 recruiting class. He is coming off of a very solid sophomore season, showing the ability to hold up against the run as well as generate a pass rush, and should have a very good junior season playing on an Ole Miss defensive line loaded with draft talent.
11	New Orleans Saints	QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama – 6’2, 220 lbs	187-284, 2834 yards, 23 TD, 6 INT	The salary cap mess created during the late Sean Peyton era has wrecked the Saints ability to either commit to a run or a rebuild. This is a team that is a mess financially and roster wise. Adding a quarterback on a rookie contract could be the first step towards cleaning things up. Jalen Milroe went from an early season benching to a legitimate first round talent in 2023. He has solid pocket awareness, and can tuck the ball and run, with the strength to withstand hits.
12	Pittsburgh Steelers	WR Luther Burden III, Missouri – 5’11, 208 lbs	86 rec, 1212 yards, 9 TD	The Steelers have not taken a wide receiver in the first round since Santonio Holmes in 2006. The staff always seems to develop solid receivers out of second and third round picks. The talented Luther Burden III, who could easily be a top ten pick if the chips fall a certain way, may be too much of a steal to pass up here. He is strong, shifty, a great route runner and has absolutely lived up to his high school five star billing.
13	Chicago Bears	DT Deone Walker, Kentucky – 6’6, 348 lbs	55 tackles, 7.5 sacks	Thanks to an absolute heist of a draft day trade with the Panthers and an agressive off-season, Bears fans are excited. This is a roster brimming with talent and ability. I would say the defensive line is still a work in progress, however. Deone Walker is an unblockable 350 pound machine for the Kentucky Wildcats. You would think a player of his size is a tree stump-like nose tackle, but he actually plays defensive end in a 3-4, showcasing his athletic ability. He is a rare defensive tackle talent.
14	Jacksonville Jaguars	OT Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon – 6’4, 305 lbs	N/A	Jacksonville decided to pony up on a Trevor Lawrence extension, even though Lawrence has yet to show the generational talent that made him one of the top quarterback prospects this century. The team should continue to surround him with the pieces to succeed, including investing in the offensive line. Cam Robinson is a good left tackle, but will be a free agent after the season. Josh Conerly Jr. is an athletic, elite pass blocker who could be a Pro Bowl tackle or an All-Pro guard.
15	Arizona Cardinals	DT Mason Graham, Michigan – 6’3, 318 lbs	35 tackles, 3 sacks	Even Cardinals fans could struggle to name any players on the defensive line. This team needs players who can run defend and occasionally get after the quarterback. Enter Mason Graham. The Wolverines have three or four solid 2025 draft prospects on the defensive line, but none that can do what Graham can. He is extremely strong, but agile enough to play any position along a 3-4 defensive front.
16	Seattle Seahawks	QB Carson Beck, Georgia – 6’4, 220 lbs	302-417, 3941 yards, 24 TD, 6 INT	Even with a new head coach, Seattle will continue to ride with Geno Smith, but eventually a replacement needs to be developed. Carson Beck is the fourth quarterback to go off the board here, but he could easily be QB1. The race is just getting started. He stepped in for Stetson Bennett at Georgia, and the transition was seamless. He completed 72% of his passes and can make all of the throws. Playoff hopefulls will also like the fact that he will have five years of college experience once this season concludes.
17	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	EDGE Patrick Payton, Florida State – 6’5, 258 lbs	43 tackles, 7 sacks	Joe Tryon-Shoyinka has been okay as a situational pass rusher for Tampa Bay, with 13 sacks through his first three seasons. The Buccaneers may want to aim higher though, and Patrick Payton has the ability to be a solid pass rusher with the strength to hold up against the run as well. The Florida native has 12 sacks during his first two seasons in Tallahassee.
18	New York Jets	WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona – 6’5, 210 lbs	90 rec, 1402 yards, 10 TD	Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall are some of the better young offensive skills players in the NFL, but there is little talent behind them on the Jets offense. Tetairoa McMillan is a steal here. He uses every bit of his 6’5 frame to catch everything thrown his way, and has been completely unguardable at the college level, racking up over 2,100 yards during his first two seasons.
19	Houston Texans	DT Bear Alexander, USC – 6’3, 313 lbs	47 tackles, 1.5 sacks	Houston is doing what a team with a fantastic young quarterback on a rookie contract in a bad division should do; load up on free agents and go for it while you can. Additions at receiver, defensive end and running back have added talent to this roster, but they still need youth pretty much everywhere. Bear Alexander is a former top recruit who has not quite developed as a pass rusher, but is strong and a solid run defender. He is athletic enough to push for double digit sacks during his prime, and would be a big upgrade over Mario Edwards Jr.
20	Green Bay Packers	OT Emery Jones Jr., LSU – 6’6, 322 lbs	N/A	The Packers have an enviable mix of young offensive talent and solid defenders. Although Green Bay has historically drafted defense almost exclusively in the first round, they went with an offensive lineman in 2023 and should continue that trend in 2024. Emery Jones Jr. plays opposite my top ranked prospect, but is a legit first round talent in his own. He could step in at right tackle immediately for the Packers.
21	Detroit Lions	OLB Harold Perkins Jr., LSU – 6’1, 220 lbs	74 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 1 INT	Harold Perkins Jr. is unquestionably one of the most productive defenders in college football, but his NFL role is tough to place. He is a solid pass rusher, but only checks in at 220 pounds. He can also chase down the ball carrier and he holds his own as a pass defender. Off the ball linebackers do not often go in the first round, but if he can show scouts he can rush the passer and beat offensive lineman 100 pounds heavier than him, he could be a mid-first round pick or higher. The Lions still need impact defenders, no matter the position.
22	Los Angeles Rams	CB Denzel Burke, Ohio State – 6’1, 193 lbs	24 tackles, 1 INT	For a team that, up until the 2024 draft, had not had a first round pick since the year Donald Trump first became president, the Rams roster is surprisingly solid. Of course, impact talent is needed at most positions, including the secondary. Denzel Burke was a fringe 2023 first round talent that will return to Ohio State for his senior season, hoping to up his playmaking ability. He is a solid tackler and techinician, and could be a long term starter.
23	Los Angeles Chargers	TE Colston Loveland, Michigan – 6’5, 245 lbs	45 rec, 649 yards, 5 TD	Jim Harbaugh is completely remaking the Chargers passing game in his image. Ladd McConkey is a nice start, and adding a true weapon at tight end would be a great addition. With Colston Loveland, Mason Taylor and Oscar Delp, the 2025 tight end class could be quite special. Harbaugh would be familiar with Loveland, of course, as the Michigan Wolverine excels in the intermediate passing game and is a willing blocker as well.
24	Miami Dolphins	OG Tyler Booker, Alabama – 6’5, 352 lbs	N/A	The Dolphins have done a decent job piecing together a functioning offensive line, but with the team deciding to go with Tua Tagvailoa long term, they need to keep him healthy. Austin Jackson is the only player on the roster who would be a starter two or three years from now. Fortunately this is usually the spot in the draft where plug and play options become available. Tyler Booker is an absolute MAC Truck as a run blocker, and would hold down one of the guard spots immediately.
25	Atlanta Falcons	WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State – 6’1, 205 lbs	41 rec, 515 yards, 4 TD	The Falcons drafting offensive players in the first round has become a meme at this point, but the receiver position still needs help. Drake London has never had a 1,000 yard season, and there is little depth behind him. A strong receiver and willing blocker, the last time Emeka Egbuka had competent quarterback play he rattled off a 74/1151/10 line as a true sophomore. He should be ready to step in to an NFL offense and produce right away.
26	San Francisco 49ers	OT Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota – 6’6, 325 lbs	N/A	The 49ers are clearly the crop of the NFC, but they always seem to have some kind of contract beef with their best players. This time it is future first ballot Hall of Famer Trent Williams. I can see why San Francisco is hesitant to give a 36 year old a big extension. Drafting his replacement could be on the cards. Minnesota does not often produce first round draft picks, but Aireontae Ersery has a ton of experience, can hold his own as a pass blocker and could step in and start right away.
27	Buffalo Bills	SS Xavier Nwankpa, Iowa – 6’2, 215 lbs	42 tackles, 1 INT	The Bills moved on from their long time safety duo in 2024, and will go with journeyman Taylor Rapp at strong safety. Xavier Nwankpa is an easy upgrade. He has the strength of a linebacker with the tackling to match, but can intercept some passes as well.
28	Cincinnati Bengals	TE Oscar Delp, Georgia – 6’5, 245 lbs	24 rec, 284 yards, 3 TD	The Bengals have no long term option at tight end, and could end up losing Tee Higgins after the season. This team needs someone to take some pressure off of Ja’Marr Chase. Even playing behind one of the best tight end prospects of the past 20 years at Georgia, Oscar Delp still managed to haul in 24 passes. With a full year as an unquestioned starter, the former top 50 recruit could be in line for a huge season.
29	Philadelphia Eagles	SS Malaki Starks, Georgia – 6’1, 205 lbs	52 tackles, 3 INT	The Eagles probably have the deepest roster in the NFL, but could further look to bolster an old secondary, even after spending two top draft picks on cornerbacks. Malaki Starks is one of many Georgia blue chip prospects who has put together a fantastic career thus far, with 5 career interceptions. He is a true play maker who could be the rare safety to be a top 15 pick.
30	Baltimore Ravens	RB Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State – 5’11, 210 lbs	271 carries, 1158 yards, 15 TD	It is going to be fun watching Derrick Henry in Baltimore’s offense, but he is nearing the end of his career. What better way to keep the running game humming than drafting the best three down back in this class? Quinshon Judkins showed the ability to run between the tackles, and even catch some passes for Ole Miss, and will move to running back factory Ohio State for his junior season.
31	Dallas Cowboys	RB TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State – 5’10, 212 lbs	156 carries, 926 yards, 11 TD	The Cowboys are a hard team to figure out. They have a talented roster, with a few big holes, but did virtually nothing during the off season, other than bring back the rotting husk of a former great running back. Ezekiel Elliott is unlikely to help, and this team needs a long term replacement. Back to back Buckeye running backs at the end of the first round? TreVeyon Henderson is a former five star recruit who has had to share the back field with a ton of other top recruits during his four year career, but has a career yards per carry average of almost 6.
32	Kansas City Chiefs	CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky – 6’1, 181 lbs	66 tackles, 5 INT	The Chiefs are a full blown dynasty, which means they are going to pick at the very end of the first round every single year. It is tough to keep enough young talent in the pipeline, so Kansas City could just go best non-quarterback here. Maxwell Hairston was a big play machine as a sophomore for Kentucky, with 5 interceptions. He could make a nice future starter opposite Trent McDuffie.