2025 NFL Mock Draft – Week 18 – Sports Gaming Rosters

2025 NFL Mock Draft – Week 18

December 31, 2024

12–18 minutes

Here we are, the final week of the season! There is a small chance that nine teams could all finish with 4 wins, which would throw the draft order into complete chaos. Cannot wait to see what happens!

Draft order courtesy of http://www.tankathon.com.

Pick	Team	Player	2024 Stats	Commentary
1	New England Patriots	WR/CB Travis Hunter, Colorado – 6’1, 185 lbs	92 rec, 1152 yards, 14 TD	With one week left, the dust still has yet to settle, but New England suddenly finds itself at the top of the draft order. The Patriots have a ton of holes, so this would be huge for the team. They almost assuredly would trade down to a quarterback hungry team and pick up additional draft picks. Travis Hunter is probably the safest bet to be the first non-quarterback drafted. He will almost assuredly not be an every down two way player in the NFL, but could be an above average cornerback or dynamic slot receiver in the pros. Just as important, he would be someone the Patriots fan base could really rally behind and someone the team could market. He has a superstar game and dynamic personality.
2	Tennessee Titans	QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado – 6’2, 215 lbs	353-477, 4134 yards, 37 TD, 10 INT	Tennessee may not want to admit it, but Will Levis is not, nor ever was, a starting caliber quarterback. The Titans have drafted quite a few first round quarterbacks the past twenty years or so. None have really worked out, but they have to keep trying. Tennessee may be one of the leading candidates to sign Sam Darnold during free agency, but if not, they will be in position to draft a quarterback. Shedeur Sanders is my top ranked quarterback in this class. He may not have superstar potential, but I appreciate his grit, experience and decision making. He should be a solid leader and super charged “game manager”, for the lack of a better word.
3	Cleveland Browns	QB Cam Ward, Miami – 6’2, 223 lbs	305-454, 4313 yards, 39 TD, 7 INT	The Browns are one of many teams in need of a quarterback,. They will also likely try to sign a Sam Darnold or Kirk Cousins, but as long as the future quarterback is not on the roster, I will look that way in my mock drafts. Cam Ward sitting out the second half of a close bowl game is not a good look, but he finished off a legendary career by breaking some long standing college football records. He is experienced and should be ready to come right in and start. Cleveland will hope an experienced five year quarterback can do for them what Jayden Daniels has done for Washington.
4	New York Giants	CB Will Johnson, Michigan – 6’2, 202 lbs	14 tackles, 2 INT	The Giants are all in on a rookie quarterback for next year, but a meaningless Week 17 win pushed them all the way down to four, with two other quarterback needy teams ahead of them. If things stay the way they are, New York will have to trade up to land one. That is a likely scenario, but I do not predict trades in my mock. So, they go another direction here. A nagging injury caused Will Johnson’s junior season to be somewhat of a wash, but he remains one of the most talented cornerback prospects to come along in years. He has ideal CB1 size and was a big time play maker during his Michigan career, picking off nine passes.
5	Jacksonville Jaguars	DT Mason Graham, Michigan – 6’3, 320 lbs	46 tackles, 3.5 sacks	The Jaguars have talent, but this is just a team that does not know how to win football games. The defense, in particular, has been worrisome. Travis Hunter or Will Johnson would fill a huge need at cornerback, but both are off the board here. Mason Graham is one of the better defensive tackle prospects to come along in years. He is a pretty safe bet to churn out a ten year career as a starter. He is a legitimate run blocker and has enough pass rush moves to stay on the field for all three downs.
6	Carolina Panthers	OLB Abdul Carter, Penn State – 6’3, 259 lbs	63 tackles, 11 sacks	Bryce Young still has a long way to go, but his development since regaining his starting job has been encouraging. It would be tempting to draft a receiver here, but Carolina’s pass rush is absolutely abysmal. After trading Brian Burns, there are no true franchise talents to build around. Abdul Carter took over the Micah Parsons role and ran with it in 2024, registering 11 sacks and 63 tackles. He is tailor made for Carolina’s 3-4 defense.
7	New York Jets	OT Will Campbell, LSU – 6’6, 320 lbs	N/A	The Jets drafted Olu Fashanu in the first round of the 2024 draft, but will need another starting offensive tackle, with both Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses upcoming free agents. I still like Will Campbell a bit over Kelvin Banks Jr., even though both took players took a small step back from dominating sophomore seasons. Campbell would be an ideal right tackle, or a dominant guard if he has to move inside.
8	Las Vegas Raiders	WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona – 6’5, 212 lbs	84 rec, 1319 yards, 8 TD	The Raiders two game winning streak has almost assuredly cost the franchise a chance at a first round quarterback. This is a roster with a hundred other needs, so taking the best player available would be the way to go. Tetairoa McMillan was matchup proof as a junior, catching everything thrown his way. He is big, strong, a solid route runner and has Mike Evans-like ability. The Raiders still have a long way to go, but whatever quarterback they bring aboard will appreciate having McMillan and Brock Bowers as receiving targets.
9	Chicago Bears	OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas – 6’4, 320 lbs	N/A	After a 4-2 start, things have completely fallen apart in Chicago. Caleb Williams has done the best he could, considering the circumstances. The Bears absolutely have to fix an offensive line that continues to let their young quarterback down. Kelvin Banks Jr., may very well be the top offensive tackle in this class. He is agile and has quite a bit of experience blocking for NFL caliber quarterbacks.
10	New Orleans Saints	DE Mykel Williams, Georgia – 6’5, 265 lbs	20 tackles, 5 sacks	Age and a long term trip to salary cap hell has decimated this franchise. New Orleans simply needs to draft the best player available here in hopes of replenishing some talent. Chase Young is an upcoming free agent and Cameron Jordan is nearing the end of a Hall of Fame worthy career. Mykel Williams would be an excellent replacement. He is big, strong, extremely talented and is coming off of a two sack performance against Texas, showing the world what he is capable of. He should ace the pre-draft process and cement himself as a top ten pick.
11	San Francisco 49ers	DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss – 6’3, 305 lbs	48 tackles, 6.5 sacks	The 49ers came into the season with Super Bowl aspirations, but injuries have exposed an alarming lack of youth and depth on this roster, essentially ruining their season. San Francisco needs to replenish some talent, especially along both the offensive and defensive lines. Walter Nolen was the top overall recruit in the nation a few seasons ago. He flashed that potential while at Texas A&M, but really put things together at Ole Miss this past season. He has double digit sack potential from the defensive tackle position.
12	Indianapolis Colts	CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame – 6’0, 190 lbs	20 tackles	The Colts defense is getting old in a hurry, and there are a lot of upcoming free agents to account for. Benjamin Morrison would be a top ten pick if an injury did not wipe out his junior season at Notre Dame. If he can show his injury issues are not a long term thing, I still expect him to push for that position. He is talented, athletic and a real playmaker. He had nine interceptions during his first two seasons in college.
13	Dallas Cowboys	RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State – 5’9, 215 lbs	344 carries, 2497 yards, 29 TD	Ashton Jeanty to Dallas is the most popular mock draft pick out there, and it is easy to see why. Dallas is at its best with a dominating running game, and Jeanty has had one of the very best running back seasons in NCAA history. I do worry about the amount of carries Boise State has put on his legs, but he should be a tremendous back during the length of his rookie contract.
14	Arizona Cardinals	OLB James Pearce Jr., Tennessee – 6’5, 243 lbs	38 tackles, 7.5 sacks	Arizona has a playoff worthy offense, but the defense is still a work in progress. James Pearce Jr. needs to bulk up if he wants to play a three down linebacker, but he will be a first round pick because of his quickness and ability to get after the quarterback. The Cardinals do not have any players on the roster with his ability to disrupt the apposing passing game.
15	Miami Dolphins	DE Nic Scourton, Texas A&M – 6’4, 285 lbs	37 tackles, 5 sacks	Despite investing heavily on pass rushers, Miami only has 31 sacks on the season. Bradley Chubb has not played all year and Jaelan Phillips cannot stay healthy. Nic Scourton would be a good fit with Miami’s 3-4 defense. He is big enough to line up at end and hold his own against the run, while providing pass rushing ability as well.
16	Cincinnati Bengals	DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan – 6’3, 339 lbs	38 tackles, 7.5 sacks	Led by Joe Burrow and his amazing group of receivers, the Bengals are making a furious late season playoff push. The defense has been a major let down all season, and Cincinnati should devote most of its draft picks to that side of the ball. Mason Graham may be the best Michigan defensive lineman, but Kenneth Grant is a first round pick in his own right. He has nose tackle size, but the agility to get after the quarterback on occasion as well.
17	Atlanta Falcons	OLB Jalon Walker, Georgia – 6’2, 245 lbs	58 tackles, 6.5 sacks	Like most teams, the Falcons are in need of additional pass rushing help. Jalon Walker is one of the most well rounded defenders in this class. He could play outside linebacker in any defensive alignment. He gets after the quarterback like a 3-4 edge rusher, but can run and cover ground like a traditional linebacker.
18	Seattle Seahawks	OT Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota – 6’6, 330 lbs	N/A	Charles Cross is a keeper at left tackle, but it would be correct to say that Seattle could use an upgrade at each of the other four positions along its offensive line. Aireontae Ersery does not have the name recognition of some of the other offensive linemen in this class, but continues to rise up the board as a safe, ready to contribute option. Seattle could use him at right tackle or inside at guard.
19	Houston Texans	WR Luther Burden III, Missouri – 5’11, 208 lbs	61 rec, 676 yards, 6 TD	The Houston passing offense has taken a very disappointing step back in 2024.. Tank Dell is a dynamic talent, but has suffered his second serious injury in two years. Couple that with Stefon Diggs upcoming free agency, and a receiver to pair with Nico Collins is needed. Luther Burden III could not build on a very impressive sophomore season, but I am still a believer in his talent. He is a smart route runner and has the ability to gain those tough yards after catch.
20	Denver Broncos	TE Colston Loveland, Michigan – 6’5, 245 lbs	82 rec, 1095 yards, 6 TD	Things are quickly looking up in Denver. The defense has been very solid, and Bo Mix looks like he could be a long term option at quarterback. The Broncos should look to give Nix as many pass receivers as possible. The Michigan passing game was a disaster in 2024, but Loveland was been slump-proof. He is an athletic target hog who was the entire Wolverine offense at times.
21	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	CB Jahdae Barron, Texas – 5’11, 200 lbs	50 tackles, 5 INT	Somehow, the Buccaneers find themselves in the playoff picture despite a laundry list of injuries. Even when healthy, the secondary is probably the biggest need on the roster. Jahdae Barron has worked his way from a deep bench player to legitimate first round pick. He has five interceptions as a senior.
22	Los Angeles Chargers	OLB Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss – 6’4, 255 lbs	34 tackles, 10.5 sacks	The ageless Khalil Mack is an upcoming free agent and Joey Bosa has battled injury woes for years. You can never have enough pass rushers. That is what Princely Umanmielen excels at. His three school college career culminated with a fantastic senior season, where he racked up 10.5 sacks, giving him 36 for his career.
23	Los Angeles Rams	CB Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina – 6’3, 193 lbs	8 tackles, 2 INT	Despite going seven years without a first round pick, the Rams have drafted well enough to plug quite a few holes on their roster. The secondary could use a couple of upgrades. Shavon Revel Jr. was off to an all world start as a junior before suffering a season ending injury. He has only played a little over a full season as a starter, but showed serious play making ability, and has great size for the position. A gamble to be sure, but he could pay off in a big way.
24	Green Bay Packers	DE JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State – 6’5, 269 lbs	46 tackles, 8 sacks	The Packers may have the deepest roster in the NFL. It is tough to find obvious needs. This is a front office that often drafts defenders who can eventually take over as a starter in a year or two. Lukas Van Ness has struggled a bit to justify his draft spot, and competition may be a good thing. JT Tuimoloau was a former five star recruit, and has upped his sack production every season of his four year career. He is coming off perhaps his best game as a pro, with eight tackles and two sacks against Tennessee in the first round of the College Football Playoffs.
25	Pittsburgh Steelers	WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State – 6’1, 205 lbs	65 rec, 824 yards, 9 TD	George Pickens is a Pro Bowl talent at receiver, but the rest of the group leaves much to be desired. Emeka Egbuka looked like a future superstar in 2022, with CJ Stroud throwing passes his way. He since settled in to a nice complementary role, racking up the tough yards and finding the end zone with regularity.
26	Washington Commanders	SS Malaki Starks, Georgia – 6’1, 205 lbs	73 tackles, 1 INT	Safety is not the biggest need for the Commanders, but Malaki Starks is a rare talent and may be too talented to pass up here. He is a tackling machine and a play maker when the ball is in the air. He has 6 career interceptions.
27	Baltimore Ravens	OG Tyler Booker, Alabama – 6’5, 325 lbs	N/A	Baltimore will always a team that needs to draft very well, since it does not often use free agency to plug holes. The interior of the offensive line has simply been okay, which may not be good enough if they want to squeeze another year or two out of the ageless Derrick Henry. Tyler Booker may be a guard only prospect, but he is ready made to step right and and start for a playoff team in need of that extra beef up front.
28	Philadelphia Eagles	OT Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona – 6’5, 330 lbs	N/A	Philadelphia may have the deepest roster in the NFL, so they can afford to draft for depth here. Jonah Savaiinaea played tackle for Arizona, but is a ready made interior offensive lineman. He is big and blocks with a mean streak. Mekhi Becton filled in admirably at guard this year, but Savaiinaea could be a future starter at guard.
29	Buffalo Bills	DE Jack Sawyer, Ohio State – 6’5, 260 lbs	46 tackles, 4.5 sacks	We could see up to one third of the first round composed of defensive lineman. Teams like to employ a deep rotation of pass rushers, the Bills no exception. Like teammate JT Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer never quite developed into a supreme pass rusher, but he has the ability to play all three downs as a complete defensive end.
30	Minnesota Vikings	RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina – 6’0, 220 lbs	281 carries, 1660 yards, 15 TD	Aaron Jones has had a solid year for Minnesota, but he is 30 years old and nearing the end. Omarion Hampton is a true three down back. He is a tough runner with enough quickness, and is a solid pass catcher out of the back field, with over 70 receptions during his three year career.
31	Detroit Lions	DT Deone Walker, Kentucky – 6’6, 245 lbs	37 tackles, 1.5 sacks	Yet another defensive lineman going in this mock. Deone Walker looked like a potential superstar after a 7.5 sack sophomore season. Like the rest of the Kentucky team, he struggled a bit in 2024, but the talent is still there. He has rare ability for a 345 pounder, and is also a strong run defender, as expected from a man his size.
31	Kansas City Chiefs	OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State – 6’5, 310 lbs	N/A	The Kansas City offensive line is a major work in progress, and could lose stud Trey Smith in free agency. Josh Simmons started his career at San Diego State, and spend the last two years developing into a starter for Ohio State. The Chiefs are looking for a long term option at left tackle, and Simmons has the experience to hold his own.