2025 NFL mock draft: Projecting trades for Chase Young, Adam Thielen; 2023 quarterback class gets replaced

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.

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!

For more draft coverage, you can hear in-depth analysis twice a week on "With the First Pick" -- our year-round NFL Draft podcast with NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson and former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. You can find "With the First Pick" wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, etc.

NFL Mock Draft

Round 1

Round 1 - Pick 1 Cam Ward QB Miami (FL) • Sr • 6'2" / 223 lbs Projected Team Carolina PROSPECT RNK 6th POSITION RNK 1st PAYDS 2746 RUYDS 186 INTS 5 TDS 27 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.

Round 1 - Pick 2 Shedeur Sanders QB Colorado • Sr • 6'2" / 215 lbs Projected Team Tennessee PROSPECT RNK 9th POSITION RNK 2nd PAYDS 2591 RUYDS -18 INTS 6 TDS 24 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.

Round 1 - Pick 3 Travis Hunter ATH Colorado • Jr • 6'1" / 185 lbs Projected Team New England PROSPECT RNK 1st POSITION RNK 1st REC 60 REYDS 757 YDS/REC 12.6 TDS 8 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.

Round 1 - Pick 4 Mason Graham DL Michigan • Jr • 6'3" / 320 lbs Projected Team N.Y. Jets PROSPECT RNK 3rd POSITION RNK 1st 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.

Round 1 - Pick 5 Will Johnson CB Michigan • Jr • 6'2" / 202 lbs Projected Team Jacksonville PROSPECT RNK 2nd POSITION RNK 1st 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.

Round 1 - Pick 6 Tetairoa McMillan WR Arizona • Jr • 6'5" / 212 lbs Projected Team New Orleans PROSPECT RNK 4th POSITION RNK 1st REC 57 REYDS 982 YDS/REC 17.2 TDS 5 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.

Round 1 - Pick 7 Cameron Williams OT Texas • Jr • 6'5" / 335 lbs Projected Team Las Vegas PROSPECT RNK 56th POSITION RNK 7th 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.

Round 1 - Pick 8 Kelvin Banks Jr. OT Texas • Jr • 6'4" / 320 lbs Projected Team Cleveland PROSPECT RNK 10th POSITION RNK 2nd 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.

Round 1 - Pick 9 Garrett Nussmeier QB LSU • Jr • 6'2" / 200 lbs Projected Team N.Y. Giants PROSPECT RNK 33rd POSITION RNK 6th PAYDS 2627 RUYDS 12 INTS 9 TDS 23 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.

Round 1 - Pick 10 Will Campbell OT LSU • Jr • 6'6" / 323 lbs Projected Team Miami PROSPECT RNK 5th POSITION RNK 1st 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.

Round 1 - Pick 11 Mykel Williams EDGE Georgia • Jr • 6'5" / 265 lbs Projected Team Cincinnati PROSPECT RNK 7th POSITION RNK 1st 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.

Round 1 - Pick 12 Malaki Starks S Georgia • Jr • 6'1" / 205 lbs Projected Team L.A. Rams PROSPECT RNK 12th POSITION RNK 1st 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.

Round 1 - Pick 13 Ashton Jeanty RB Boise State • Jr • 5'9" / 215 lbs Projected Team Dallas PROSPECT RNK 14th POSITION RNK 1st RUYDS 1376 YDS/ATT 8.7 REYDS 50 TDS 19 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.

Round 1 - Pick 14 Benjamin Morrison CB Notre Dame • Jr • 6'0" / 190 lbs Projected Team Indianapolis PROSPECT RNK 15th POSITION RNK 2nd 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.

Round 1 - Pick 15 Luther Burden III WR Missouri • Jr • 5'11" / 205 lbs Projected Team Tampa Bay PROSPECT RNK 11th POSITION RNK 2nd REC 40 REYDS 450 YDS/REC 11.3 TDS 6 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.

Round 1 - Pick 16 Colston Loveland TE Michigan • Jr • 6'5" / 245 lbs Projected Team Seattle PROSPECT RNK 21st POSITION RNK 1st REC 42 REYDS 411 YDS/REC 9.8 TDS 4 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.

Round 1 - Pick 17 Abdul Carter EDGE Penn State • Jr • 6'3" / 252 lbs Projected Team San Francisco PROSPECT RNK 19th POSITION RNK 4th 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.

Round 1 - Pick 18 James Pearce Jr. EDGE Tennessee • Jr • 6'5" / 243 lbs Projected Team Chicago PROSPECT RNK 13th POSITION RNK 2nd 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.

Round 1 - Pick 19 Deone Walker DL Kentucky • Jr • 6'6" / 345 lbs Projected Team Arizona PROSPECT RNK 8th POSITION RNK 2nd 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.

Round 1 - Pick 20 Daylen Everette DB Georgia • Jr • 6'1" / 190 lbs Projected Team L.A. Chargers PROSPECT RNK POSITION RNK 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.

Round 1 - Pick 21 Nic Scourton EDGE Texas A&M • Jr • 6'4" / 285 lbs Projected Team Atlanta PROSPECT RNK 16th POSITION RNK 3rd 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.

Round 1 - Pick 22 Walter Nolen DL Ole Miss • Jr • 6'3" / 305 lbs Projected Team Denver PROSPECT RNK 39th POSITION RNK 6th 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.

Round 1 - Pick 23 Tyler Booker IOL Alabama • Jr • 6'5" / 325 lbs Projected Team Baltimore PROSPECT RNK 32nd POSITION RNK 1st 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.

Round 1 - Pick 24 Jonah Savaiinaea OT Arizona • Jr • 6'5" / 336 lbs Projected Team Philadelphia PROSPECT RNK 23rd POSITION RNK 3rd 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.

Round 1 - Pick 25 Kenneth Grant DL Michigan • Jr • 6'3" / 339 lbs Projected Team Minnesota PROSPECT RNK 29th POSITION RNK 4th 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.

Round 1 - Pick 26 Shavon Revel Jr. CB East Carolina • Sr • 6'3" / 193 lbs Projected Team Buffalo PROSPECT RNK 28th POSITION RNK 4th 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.

Round 1 - Pick 27 Isaiah Bond WR Texas • Jr • 5'11" / 180 lbs Projected Team Pittsburgh PROSPECT RNK 41st POSITION RNK 5th REC 23 REYDS 380 YDS/REC 16.5 TDS 5 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.

Round 1 - Pick 28 Tyleik Williams DL Ohio State • Sr • 6'3" / 327 lbs Projected Team Green Bay PROSPECT RNK 25th POSITION RNK 3rd 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.

Round 1 - Pick 29 Aireontae Ersery OT Minnesota • Sr • 6'6" / 330 lbs Projected Team Washington PROSPECT RNK 49th POSITION RNK 5th 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.

Round 1 - Pick 30 Jack Sawyer EDGE Ohio State • Sr • 6'5" / 260 lbs Projected Team Houston PROSPECT RNK 27th POSITION RNK 5th 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.

Round 1 - Pick 31 JT Tuimoloau EDGE Ohio State • Sr • 6'5" / 269 lbs Projected Team Detroit PROSPECT RNK 38th POSITION RNK 8th 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.

Round 1 - Pick 32 Tacario Davis CB Arizona • Jr • 6'4" / 190 lbs Projected Team Kansas City PROSPECT RNK 48th POSITION RNK 5th 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.