The 2025 NFL Draft is several months away, but teams will have another opportunity to address roster issues over the next week. With several teams already fading from the playoff race, trade talks could be particularly active across the league leading up to the deadline (Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 4 p.m. ET).
There may not be any deals that impact the first-round draft order, but plenty will redistribute assets and inevitably lead to other moves down the road. For instance, Cleveland and Las Vegas acquired third-round picks in exchange for Amari Cooper and Davante Adams, respectively. Two weeks ago, I predicted that Adams would become a Jet, DeAndre Hopkins would be a Chief and Cooper would be on the move.
Before predicting how the first round of next April's draft plays out, let's play matchmaker with some of the remaining rumored trade candidates.
Panthers trade WR Adam Thielen to the Steelers
Carolina already moved on from Diontae Johnson this week. It would not be a surprise if Jadeveon Clowney or Thielen were next on the chopping block. This season is lost for the Panthers and acquiring draft capital that can help them in the future should be the objective. Pittsburgh is lacking in pass game options, so Thielen would be a synergistic relationship.
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Saints trade EDGE Chase Young to the Lions
Detroit needs reinforcements to rush the passer considering all capable of doing so are now on the injured reserve. Za'Darius Smith of the Browns is probably Dan Campbell's preference, but Young's contract is a bit easier to move and acquire. The Lions are trying to hold it all together as they charge toward the playoffs.
The draft order below was determined by current win-loss records, with ties broken by strength of schedule.
Without further ado, let's kick this off!
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NFL Mock Draft
Round 1
Round 1 - Pick 1
Cam Ward
QB
Miami (FL)
• Sr
• 6'2"
/ 223 lbs
It is not a quarterback-heavy draft like last year, but there are plenty of desperate teams waiting to take their swing at the piñata. Cam Ward has a higher ceiling than Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, but his decision-making needs to improve.
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Round 1 - Pick 2
Colorado
• Sr
• 6'2"
/ 215 lbs
Carolina is not the only team that drafted a quarterback in 2023 now looking to make a change. In fact, C.J. Stroud in Houston is the only one holding strong. Shedeur Sanders replaces Will Levis in Nashville as the hopeful savior of the franchise.
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Round 1 - Pick 3
Travis Hunter
ATH
Colorado
• Jr
• 6'1"
/ 185 lbs
There have been flashes of high-quality play from rookie quarterback Drake Maye, which is all that more impressive considering the lack of support he has in that offense. They desperately need to upgrade the offensive line, but it may be a stretch to take one over Travis Hunter Jr., who has shown to be proficient on each side of the ball.
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Round 1 - Pick 4
Mason Graham
DL
Michigan
• Jr
• 6'3"
/ 320 lbs
Coaching and quarterback must be resolved in the Big Apple, but neither feels like the appropriate route at No. 4 overall. Instead, the Jets take a high-floor defensive tackle to form one of the best inside duos in the NFL with Quinnen Williams.
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Round 1 - Pick 5
Will Johnson
CB
Michigan
• Jr
• 6'2"
/ 202 lbs
Will Johnson Jr. is being devalued in mock drafts and prospect rankings right now. He has not played his best football, but he has been dealing with an injury for most of the season. The team that takes a chance on Johnson may get the highest return down the road.
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Round 1 - Pick 6
Arizona
• Jr
• 6'5"
/ 212 lbs
The injuries at wide receiver are bringing the lack of depth into perspective. Rashid Shaheed is a free agent after the 2025 season. Chris Olave, Tetairoa McMillan and Shaheed is a good group for next year and then McMillan gives them flexibility beyond.
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Round 1 - Pick 7
Texas
• Jr
• 6'5"
/ 335 lbs
The Texas right tackle slides into the starting lineup. Las Vegas, like most other teams, need a change at quarterback, but that player stands little chance without an upgraded offensive line and collection of skill talent.
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Round 1 - Pick 8
Texas
• Jr
• 6'4"
/ 320 lbs
Dawand Jones played right tackle last season when Jack Conklin was injured. Now, he is playing left tackle with Jedrick Wills Jr. hampered. There is a scenario where Jones shows enough at left tackle to earn an extended look next season with Conklin remaining at right tackle. As it stands, Kelvin Banks Jr. may be the best option.
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Round 1 - Pick 9
LSU
• Jr
• 6'2"
/ 200 lbs
I have my concerns about the level of decision-making that essentially every college quarterback has shown this season. However, Garrett Nussmeier has shown more in terms of his ability to read out a defense and make proper decisions than others in his class. He is not an obvious future star, but most importantly to Giants fans, he isn't Daniel Jones.
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Round 1 - Pick 10
LSU
• Jr
• 6'6"
/ 323 lbs
How many more seasons does Terron Armstead have in him? Whether it is this year or next, the Dolphins will have to consider its options at left tackle. Will Campbell can be that player and hopefully Tua Tagovailoa is his quarterback for many years.
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Round 1 - Pick 11
Mykel Williams
EDGE
Georgia
• Jr
• 6'5"
/ 265 lbs
Cincinnati should be in a position to draft a potentially impactful pass rusher in this range. Trey Hendrickson wants a new contract and former first-round pick Myles Murphy has not been everything that they wanted, so contingencies must be made.
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Round 1 - Pick 12
Georgia
• Jr
• 6'1"
/ 205 lbs
There is always going to be the lingering concern of whether or not Matthew Stafford is going to retire. Sean McVay wants to use his draft capital on the offense, but circumstances do not always allow that as witnessed in the 2024 NFL Draft. Safety is not the biggest need on the roster, but the franchise could benefit from a youthful infusion.
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Round 1 - Pick 13
Boise State
• Jr
• 5'9"
/ 215 lbs
The Heisman Trophy candidate has hardly been slowed down this season. He is equally impactful in the pass game as he is in the run game. Dak Prescott has been empowered as the future of the franchise so it only makes sense for them to lock in the player who will be sharing the backfield with him for the next five years.
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Round 1 - Pick 14
Notre Dame
• Jr
• 6'0"
/ 190 lbs
The majority of Indianapolis' secondary has been identified and drafted on Day 3 of the NFL Draft. It is time for them to go out and get their guy in the first round rather than hoping there is a potential trade option in the offseason considering they are never big spenders in free agency.
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Round 1 - Pick 15
Missouri
• Jr
• 5'11"
/ 205 lbs
Chris Godwin is a free agent after the season. Jalen McMillan may be a good value for the franchise, but they would benefit from a third receiver regardless. Luther Burden III is a powerful slot receiver who is dangerous with the ball in his hands.
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Round 1 - Pick 16
Michigan
• Jr
• 6'5"
/ 245 lbs
Mike Macdonald is familiar with Colston Loveland dating back to his time in Ann Arbor. Tyler Lockett is almost certainly playing out his final season in the Pacific Northwest, so there are other methods in which Seattle can account for that lost production.
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Round 1 - Pick 17
Abdul Carter
EDGE
Penn State
• Jr
• 6'3"
/ 252 lbs
San Francisco had been able to plug and play anyone opposite Nick Bosa for years, but that has not been the case in recent years. The 49ers finally sink significant draft capital into the role with the selection of Abdul Carter.
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Round 1 - Pick 18
James Pearce Jr.
EDGE
Tennessee
• Jr
• 6'5"
/ 243 lbs
Rookie edge rusher Austin Booker has had some good moments for Chicago. If he continues to develop, then the Bears have a trio of talented pass rushers, but if not, then James Pearce Jr. and Montez Sweat should be a formidable duo.
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Round 1 - Pick 19
Deone Walker
DL
Kentucky
• Jr
• 6'6"
/ 345 lbs
Deone Walker is a uniquely built interior defender. He is still a work in progress, but the upside at a tough-to-fill position makes him a desired prospect. The offense may finally be clicking on all cylinders, so if the defense can close the gap, watch out for the 2025 Arizona Cardinals.
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Round 1 - Pick 20
Georgia
• Jr
• 6'1"
/ 190 lbs
The selection of Daylen Everette may be rendered unnecessary as rookies Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still continue to step up. Everette has been fantastic as he has taken on a larger role in his own right this season.
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Round 1 - Pick 21
Nic Scourton
EDGE
Texas A&M
• Jr
• 6'4"
/ 285 lbs
The Purdue transfer is a prospect built through power. Matt Judon is a free agent at season's end, so Atlanta will once again be in the market for a pass rusher.
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Round 1 - Pick 22
Walter Nolen
DL
Ole Miss
• Jr
• 6'3"
/ 305 lbs
Sean Payton, similar to Philadelphia, believes in addressing the offensive and defense lines. Walter Nolen is a really talented player who can be the future of Denver's interior defensive line.
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Round 1 - Pick 23
Tyler Booker
IOL
Alabama
• Jr
• 6'5"
/ 325 lbs
Baltimore has always had an infatuation with Alabama players and that has continued in the years since former general manager Ozzie Newsome departed. Will that remain the case now that Nick Saban has vacated his post? Only time will tell, but the Ravens have a need at guard and Tyler Booker is one of the best available.
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Round 1 - Pick 24
Arizona
• Jr
• 6'5"
/ 336 lbs
Philadelphia's interior offensive line has been a shell of its former self. Left tackle Jordan Mailata has been dealing with injuries and center Jason Kelce retired. Jonah Savaiinaea has played right tackle but may have a bright future as a guard.
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Round 1 - Pick 25
Michigan
• Jr
• 6'3"
/ 339 lbs
Minnesota has outplayed its talent, but certain areas of the roster should be addressed this offseason. Kenneth Grant is a stout run stuffer who can bring some accountability to the first line of defense.
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Round 1 - Pick 26
East Carolina
• Sr
• 6'3"
/ 193 lbs
A torn ACL may have dampened the prospects of Shavon Revel Jr., but this is a year lacking in high-end talent. The player taken No. 20 overall may be ranked much lower on other team's boards. Buffalo likes length in the secondary and they find that in Revel.
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Round 1 - Pick 27
Isaiah Bond
WR
Texas
• Jr
• 5'11"
/ 180 lbs
Pittsburgh need to make a move to address the wide receiver room, and could do it before the trade deadline. The Steelers are going to need more than George Pickens and that leads to the selection of Isaiah Bond, who has some work to do on his craft.
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Round 1 - Pick 28
Ohio State
• Sr
• 6'3"
/ 327 lbs
Green Bay has always been formidable at the point of attack. To ensure that continues, the team selects Tyleik Williams. T.J. Slaton is slated to hit free agency at season's end.
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Round 1 - Pick 29
Minnesota
• Sr
• 6'6"
/ 330 lbs
Some teams may view Aireontae Ersery as a tackle and others may see him as a guard. Washington could use help at both positions. With left tackle Brandon Coleman and now Ersey, the Commanders may be building something for the future.
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Round 1 - Pick 30
Jack Sawyer
EDGE
Ohio State
• Sr
• 6'5"
/ 260 lbs
Jerry Hughes and Derek Barnett are both slated to become free agents after the season. Danielle Hunter is closer to the end of his career than he is the beginning. Jack Sawyer provides depth immediately.
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Round 1 - Pick 31
JT Tuimoloau
EDGE
Ohio State
• Sr
• 6'5"
/ 269 lbs
Detroit could use J.T. Tuimoloau right now. Their starting and backup pass rushers are on the injured reserve. The Lions have a complete team but a consistent pass rush aside from Aidan Hutchinson has eluded them.
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Round 1 - Pick 32
Arizona
• Jr
• 6'4"
/ 190 lbs
Kansas City continues to invest in the secondary in the wake of the L'Jarius Sneed trade. Tacario Davis is a long body who gives them flexibility to move Chamarri Conner and Trent McDuffie around.
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