2025 NFL Mock Draft: OL/DL Heavy First Round

2025 NFL Mock Draft: OL/DL Heavy First Round

With the 2024 NFL Draft behind us, it’s time to take an early look at how next April could shake out in this early 2025 NFL Mock Draft. In this mock draft, we see just three quarterbacks taken in the first round, with Quinn Ewers going first overall to the Carolina Panthers. 

2025 NFL Mock Draft – First Round

In this 2025 NFL Mock Draft, we had 7 offensive linemen come off the board in the top 32 picks. With so much talent in this 2025 draft class, it’s never too early to get to know the top prospects, as well as some potential late-round values. Especially, if you’re in dynasty fantasy football leagues. Now let’s get into the first round of this NFL Mock Draft.

1. Carolina Panthers: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

My pick to win the Heisman for 2024 is Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers. He throws with great touch, accuracy, and timing. Over the last two seasons, Alabama hasn’t had an answer for him, displaying his ability to step up in big games. Additionally, the Texas offense lost a few key weapons to the draft. However, they have since reloaded, and I wouldn’t be surprised if their offense is even better in 2024. The Panthers struggling again would mean they should look to move off of Bryce Young and address the quarterback position.  

2. New York Giants: Cameron Ward, QB, Miami (FL)

The Giants didn’t draft a quarterback this year, so they must do so next April. Ward has a level of creativity I haven’t seen since Patrick Mahomes II was coming out of Texas Tech. He took massive strides this past season and will work with a fantastic receiving corps and running back at Miami. His arm talent is first-round caliber, and he is in a situation that could allow him to rise up draft boards throughout the fall.

3. Washington Commanders: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Washington had a great draft but still has glaring needs across the offensive line. Adding Campbell would give them a surefire franchise left tackle who protected Jayden Daniels for his Heisman-winning season. A multi-year starter, Campbell looked like a first-round pick from his freshman year. He has phenomenal core strength, foot quickness, and movement skills. Expect him to run well at the combine and establish himself as a blue-chip prospect.

4. New England Patriots: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

New England has a lot of pieces along the offensive line, but no one to man the left tackle spot. Simmons, a San Diego State transfer, played his first season at left tackle in college at Ohio State last season. He made the seamless transition to the Big Ten and looked like a future star by the end of the year. Simmons’ natural knee bend, length, and displacement he generates in the run game are hard to find. He should take another step next season and would be a home run pick for the Patriots.

5. Tennessee Titans: James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee

Wide receiver could be an option for the Titans, but if what they did this year in the draft indicates their philosophy, they’ll look to address the trenches. Several pass rushers aim to be the top one drafted, but Pearce Jr. would pair well with Harold Landry and Arden Key. Pearce Jr., T’Vondre Sweat, Jeffrey Simmons, and Landry would be a good four up front to go along with a great secondary. 

6. Denver Broncos: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Bo Nix is the future in Denver, but their receiving room needs a shakeup. Jerry Jeudy was traded, Cortland Sutton could be traded soon, and Tim Patrick hasn’t been able to stay healthy. Outside of that, they have a lot of speed, but that’s about it. McMillan is the best receiver in the draft and is a necessary piece to help Nix’s development.

7. Arizona Cardinals: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama

The Cardinals have brought Paris Johnson Jr., Jonah Williams, and Isaiah Adams to man three offensive line spots, but they’ll have a significant need at right guard after this season. General Manager Monti Ossenfort wants to establish a quality offensive line, and Booker would be the missing piece. His power is rare; he is a brick wall in pass protection. Booker is exactly what teams look for in a high-end starting guard, and he has Pro Bowl upside.

8. Las Vegas Raiders: Carson Beck, QB, Georgia

There was a chance Michael Penix Jr. would have been the Raiders’ pick at 13 had he not been selected eighth. Las Vegas has only quality backups and spot starters at the position right now. Beck doesn’t have the upside teams may covet, but he will be a dependable starter, similar to JJ McCarthy’s view. That might be worth the investment this high with the Raiders’ playmakers on offense.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State

With the top four pass rushers off the board, the Buccaneers elected to take Graham Barton at 26 in the 2024 draft. They don’t have a true number one rusher, which Carter can be. He is switching positions from linebacker to a true edge role, but he has already shown enough as a pass rusher to warrant being a top-ten pick.

10. Indianapolis Colts: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Last season, Johnson wasn’t really tested, building on an impressive freshman season. He looks to be the top cornerback in the draft, and on the level of guys like Sauce Gardner and Pat Surtain Jr., I don’t know if Shane Steichen would be willing to go defense two years in a row, but Johnson might be too hard to pass up on. 

11. Seattle Seahawks: Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia

There might not have been a better performance from an edge rusher than what Williams did against Florida State in their bowl game. He was unstoppable and had several wow plays that make me think 11th could end up being too low for him. Williams will compete to be the first non-quarterback off the board. 

12. New Orleans Saints: Jalon Walker, DE/LB, Georgia

My favorite defender in the class, Walker, played as an edge rusher and linebacker for Georgia last season. He recorded five sacks as a part-time player, displaying elite bend and athleticism. He beat JC Latham, was unblockable against Florida, and had many wow moments against Missouri. His foot speed and instincts will also translate well as a linebacker. 

Ultimately, this might be a Micah Parsons situation, where Walker is just too good not to play on the edge. The Saints have been trying to find their next star pass rusher, and once Cam Jordan retires, Walker could fill that role. 

13. Minnesota Vikings: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

The Michigan defense is loaded, and Graham was a huge reason they won the National Championship. Minnesota must address defensive tackle early in the draft to improve their defense. It is a must, and Graham could form a very athletic duo with this year’s first-round pick, Dallas Turner.

14. Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

Right now, Travis Hunter has a good problem. Should he be a wide receiver or cornerback at the next level? He’s a first-round pick at either spot, but the Jaguars need cornerback help. Tyson Campbell will be a free agency after the season, and the room is pretty bleak outside of him. If Hunter wants to play wide receiver, he’d compliment Brian Thomas Jr. nicely.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tacario Davis, CB, Arizona

The Steelers failed to bring in enough cornerback help, so it will be a major need for the 2025 NFL Draft. Davis is incredibly fluid for his size, engulfing smaller wideouts. He’s fast, long, and everything teams want in a true outside cornerback. Davis and Joey Porter Jr. would give the Steelers a big tandem for years.

16. Atlanta Falcons: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

The Falcons have drafted offense in the first round the last four years, but they still need a bonafide number one option. Burden III could man the slot, with Drake London on the outside. He’s the missing piece for their offense, and they are looking to make a run at the Super Bowl.

17. Los Angeles Rams: Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State

Thomas, the most underrated defender in the nation right now, will be a slam-dunk first-rounder by the end of the season. He’s excellent in man coverage, showing off loose hips, long speed, and the ability to stay in phase. Thomas completely shut down the wideouts he faced, and he has All-American potential. The Rams could become the FSU of the West Coast if they add Thomas to a defense with Jared Verse and Braden Fiske.

18. Miami Dolphins: Armand Membou, OL, Missouri

Every year, there is one top offensive lineman with five-position versatility, and that’s Membou this year. His ability to work up to the second level, mirror defenders, and clamp strength are all fantastic. Membou is consistent in pass protection and the run game. The Dolphins get their offensive linemen on the move, and he’d be a perfect scheme fit there. Wherever Membou plays at the next level, he’ll be a high-end starter.

19. Cleveland Browns: Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M

The Browns like to go with younger players in the first few rounds, and even though it isn’t a glaring need, Scourton would be a good pick at 16. He has excellent spin moves and bull rush and was very productive last season. Z’Darius Smith is 31, and the Browns should try and find their succession plan next year.

20. Chicago Bears: Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky

Had Rome Odunze been off the board, it looked like the Bears were taking Byron Murphy II. Walker is much bigger than Murphy II but very quick for his size. He is a mountain of a man who can get after the quarterback in many ways. His play style of winning with quickness more than power is unorthodox. However, the upside is through the roof with Walker. A pass rusher to pair with Montez Sweat could be an option here, too.

21. Los Angeles Chargers: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

After taking a few Michigan prospects this year, I don’t think Jim Harbaugh will slow down anytime soon. The Chargers have a solid defense, but it feels like they’ve been missing a quality defensive tackle for a long time. Grant will be a perfect fit in Jesse Minters’ defense.

22. Dallas Cowboys: Dani Dennis-Sutton, DE, Penn State

The Cowboys love to address the trenches in the first round, and with Dennis-Sutton on the board, they are taking the best player available. Dennis-Sutton has freaky athleticism and a nonstop motor. He possesses more upside than Chop Robinson and is the perfect size for a defensive end. Penn State produces pass rushers, and Dennis-Sutton is next in line.

23. Green Bay Packers: Emery Jones Jr., OL, LSU

The comparison for Jones is Tyler Smith, who has developed into a top-five guard in the NFL. Jones Jr.’s play strength is elite, and he is a road grader in the run game. If the Packers leave Jordan Morgan at left tackle, they could put Jones at right guard. The Packers have very few needs, but the addition of Jones Jr. could put their offensive line over the top. 

24. Philadelphia Eagles: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

Philadelphia is always looking to draft offensive linemen, and Conerly Jr. is too good to pass up here. His foot quickness is as good as anyone’s in the class, and he displays excellent hand technique and placement. Conerly Jr. could vault himself into the top ten with a strong season.

25. New York Jets: Malaki Starks, DS, Georgia

Starks, the top safety in the draft, might not be Kyle Hamilton, but he is outstanding. The Jets don’t have any needs besides safety right now, which is why Starks could be the missing piece. His ball skills have stood out dating back to his freshman season. Wide receiver could be an option, but Starks makes sense for a win-now team. 

26. Houston Texans: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

With Kamari Lassiter playing the slot, the Texans still have a hole at outside cornerback. Jeff Okudah hasn’t developed, and Morrison is a pro-ready prospect. Morrison’s film doesn’t have many negative plays, and he plays the ball well. Morrison made things difficult on Marvin Harrison Jr. in their matchup.  

27. Cincinnati Bengals: Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon

The first tight end off the board, Ferguson, could be that rare difference-maker at tight end at the next level. His ability to create separation at the top of the route and his potential as a red-zone threat is really enticing. Ferguson is also a good blocker, which will help him contribute from day one. The Bengals have been missing a number one tight end, and Ferguson could be that player for them.

28. Buffalo Bills: Ajani Cornelius, OT, Oregon

Current right tackle Spencer Brown will be a free agent after this season, which could leave an opening at the position. Cornelius didn’t skip a beat transferring up from Rhode Island, giving up zero sacks last season. He was consistent, playing with a mean streak in the run game. I thought he improved every week, and Cornelius will only improve in his second season as a starter at the FBS level. He is a plug-and-play starter. 

29. Detroit Lions: Chris Brazzell, WR, Tennessee

Detroit doesn’t have many needs, but with Jameson Williams yet to pan out, they could look to address wide receiver early next April. Brazzell can fly, continually taking the top off the defense last season at Tulane. His stop/start was excellent for a bigger wideout, and he got in and out of his breaks well. Brazzell will develop into a very good route runner who can also be an impact deep threat.

30. Baltimore Ravens: Jonah Savaiinaea, OG, Arizona

Arizona left tackle Jordan Morgan was just the 25th pick, and their right tackle, Savaiinaea, is also a top-tier offensive line prospect. His best position might be at guard, where his ability to handle power will be maximized. As a true freshman, Savaiinaea was one of the best guards in the nation and held up well at tackle last season. He’d be the best guard on the Ravens from day one.

31. San Francisco 49ers: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

A perfect fit for the 49ers scheme, Miller has been the best offensive lineman on Clemson the past two seasons. He is very athletic and should be near the top of the 40-yard dash times for offensive tackles at the combine. His consistency in pass protection and movement skills were impressive on film. San Francisco has Colton McKivitz as a stop-gap at right tackle, but Miller could take that spot as a rookie. This would be an A+ pick for a team in win-now mode.

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Eventually, the Chiefs will need to find Travis Kelce’s replacement. Loveland was the focal point of Michigan’s passing attack last season as only a true sophomore. He has the size and hands to be a day one impact player. Kansas City may have to move up to get him, but if he is there at 32, this is a run to the podium pick.


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