With the start of the 2024 NFL season approaching, it’s never too early to look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft.
With that in mind, let’s project all 32 first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.
(Draft order based on over/under win totals via Vegas Insider)
1. New England Patriots – James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
The Patriots enter the season projected to have the NFL’s worst record, which would make the draft interesting since they’re just one year removed from using the No. 3 overall pick on Drake Maye. If New England doesn’t trade down — a big if — it would make sense to take the best player available, with pass-rusher James Pearce Jr. possessing the potential to be the new cornerstone of the Patriots defense.
James Pearce Jr. goes speed to power & drives his blocker into the QB en route to a sack. Keep it simple, keep it violent! #PassRush #NFLDraft #RockyTop
📸 volscoops/IG pic.twitter.com/qeU4CuVwPF
— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) May 26, 2024
2. Carolina Panthers – Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
If the Panthers have the No. 2 overall pick, it’s a safe bet that Bryce Young’s second season wasn’t much better than his first. Here they get a do-over with the top quarterback in next year’s draft, which currently projects to be Georgia’s Carson Beck.
Year 5 in the system. Carson Beck’s processor is a smooth CPU pic.twitter.com/LEaI98mYT0
— Brooks Austin (@BrooksAustinBA) September 2, 2024
3. Denver Broncos – Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The Broncos’ roster lacks top-end talent, but Denver could very well have its quarterback of the future in Bo Nix. Taking a local product in Travis Hunter, the Broncos could either give him a new top target or pair the former 5-star prospect with Patrick Surtain II to create one of the best young cornerback duos in the NFL.
Travis Hunter is RIDICULOUS pic.twitter.com/pkJArTctor
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) August 30, 2024
4. New York Giants – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
If the Giants’ are picking this high, one can assume Daniel Jones’ time in the Big Apple is over. Shedeur Sanders has both the star power and talent to shine in New York.
shedeur sanders is what they look like. pic.twitter.com/d3wIhDnOaj https://t.co/Acqw6dfvD7
— Kyron Samuels (@kyronsamuels) August 30, 2024
5. Tennessee Titans – Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
Like the Panthers and the Giants, the Titans picking this high would indicate they need a new quarterback. Texas’ Quinn Ewers has top-end talent, and it’s not hard to imagine his mullet catching on in Nashville.
Just one game, but was impressed with Quinn Ewers’ footwork, release, and command of the offense. Still more to see, but he’s been on a consistent upward trajectory
— Steve Palazzolo (@StevePalazzolo_) September 4, 2024
6. Washington Commanders – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Commanders already have their quarterback of the future in Jayden Daniels. Now it’s time to get him some more weapons, with Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan already standing out as the best pure receiver in next year’s class.
#Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan is best known for his catch radius and catch point skills.
But he is a legit YAC weapon too. That’s 6-5, 210 moving like he’s 5-10, 180. Easy to stamp him with a high grade. pic.twitter.com/HhsrJ3eU1M
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) July 10, 2024
7. Minnesota Vikings – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The Vikings have multiple holes on the defensive side of the ball, but none more glaring than at defensive tackle. Michigan’s Mason Graham could step right in as an immediate difference-maker.
Mason Graham sheds two blockers to make a play!
pic.twitter.com/ZJ6J3aB8a0— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) September 1, 2024
8. Las Vegas Raiders – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Raiders have an obvious need at quarterback, but getting the fourth-best available is less than ideal. Instead, Las Vegas boosts its lackluster secondary by adding a lockdown cornerback in Michigan’s Will Johnson.
WILL JOHNSON PICK SIX🔒
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 1, 2024
9. Arizona Cardinals – Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
The Cardinals currently lay claim to one of the worst cornerback rooms in the NFL, which can’t sit well with head coach Jonathan Gannon. A top-level prospect, Benjamin Morrison could immediately change the outlook of Arizona’s secondary.
Benjamin Morrison! 🔒🔒🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/Or6F1Hyp2E
— WeAreDBnation (@WeAreDBNation1) May 25, 2024
10. New Orleans Saints – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Even after using their last two first-round picks on offensive tackles, the Saints’ offensive line remains a work in progress. Here they look to right those wrongs with the best left tackle in this year’s draft, Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr.
Kelvin Banks😮 pic.twitter.com/orRIILooRs
— Max Olson (@max_olson) December 2, 2023
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M
Shaquil Barrett retired and former first-round pick Joe Tryon-Shoyinka has yet to live up to the hype. Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton could provide a much-needed boost to Tampa Bay’s pass rush.
From a draft perspective Nic Scourton was extremely impressive last night. He moves like a DE that weighs 40 pounds less than him. The 2025 DL class, specifically the edges, has a chance to be absolutely loaded. Not just depth, but w/legit game wreckers
— MeRk (@Merk256) September 1, 2024
12. Seattle Seahawks – Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Safeties don’t typically go this high, but Malaki Starks is a special talent. Plus, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald found plenty of success with a similarly versatile safety in Kyle Hamilton during his time in Baltimore.
Malaki Starks: Blue-chip safety prospect
A little bit of everything on this INT. Good discipline and micro-motion in off-man. Fluid hips, instant acceleration. And then the extraordinary tracking adjustment on the vertical plane.
He’s different.
— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) August 31, 2024
13. Pittsburgh Steelers – Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
The Steelers currently lay claim to tone of the worst wide receiver rooms in the NFL. A versatile playmaker, Luther Burden III could quickly change that.
Luther Burden touchdown. Get used to it. pic.twitter.com/wmC3hDGPDF
— EDDIE HIGH (@EddieHigh) August 30, 2024
14. Indianapolis Colts – Mykell Williams, Edge, Georgia
Even after using recent first-round picks on Kwity Paye and Laiatu Latu, the Colts’ collection of pass-rushers leaves something to be desired. Georgia’s Mykell Williams appears poised for a breakout season and is the type of raw talent Indianapolis has seemingly been drawn to in recent years.
HaVe yOu sEeN mYkeLl wIlLiAmS tHis yEaR?¿
Yes. pic.twitter.com/Fe2xskBCer
— Chañce (@ChanceDawg19) October 16, 2023
15. Jacksonville Jaguars – Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Simply put, the Jaguars need to keep Trevor Lawrence upright. With Cam Robinson entering the final year of his contract, it makes sense to take a swing on a high-end offensive tackle like LSU’s Will Campbell.
Quick anchor, drive and finish in pass pro away from the ball by Will Campbell. His recovery balance, body control and finishing skills are excellent. pic.twitter.com/mAvwTENYpy
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) September 2, 2024
16. Cleveland Browns – Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
Amari Cooper is entering the final year of his contract, potentially leaving the Browns thin at wide receiver in 2025. Perhaps the best deep threat in next year’s class, Isaiah Bond would add a new dynamic to Cleveland’s offense.
Texas WR Isaiah Bond (#7): Not just a speed guy. pic.twitter.com/crpAKcGHci
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) September 4, 2024
17. Los Angeles Chargers – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Chargers’ wide receiver room leaves plenty to be desired. Jim Harbaugh got a first-hand look at Emeka Egbuka’s ability — and versatility — during his time as the head coach at Michigan.
Pass Rusher in the 1st
And pray Emeka Egbuka falls to the 2nd— IAmWestsideFetti 💙🖤🤟🏾 (@4MR_Fetti) August 28, 2024
18. Los Angeles Rams – Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
Darious Williams has an out in his contract after the 2024 season and Tre’Davious White is on a one-year prove-it deal. Having returned to Ohio State for his senior season, Denzel Burke could establish himself as one of the top cornerbacks in a loaded class for the position.
Denzel Burke snatches it away for an INT pic.twitter.com/Yh4iAejEZM
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) August 31, 2024
19. Chicago Bears – Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU
Everything regarding the Bears’ future should be viewed through the prism of “what’s best for Caleb Williams?” In that case, it makes plenty of sense to add a top-level right tackle in LSU’s Emery Jones Jr.
Emery Jones Jr. vs. Dallas Turner’s cross chop pic.twitter.com/mU88QK6Zy8
— Cory (@fakecorykinnan) May 3, 2024
20. Miami Dolphins – Deone Walker, DL, Kentucky
The Dolphins have a strong rotation of pass-rushers but could stand to get stronger upfront. Having tallied 7.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for a loss in 2023, Deone Walker could add another playmaker to Miami’s defense.
I still can’t get over how quick Deone Walker moves for his size. Nightmare fuel for opponents pic.twitter.com/ddekO2S79j
— Joe Broback (@joebroback) July 1, 2024
21. Dallas Cowboys – Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Between DeMarcus Lawrence entering the final season of his contract and Micah Parsons’ uncertain future, pass-rush is an obvious need for the Cowboys. Regardless of how either situation shakes out, Abdul Carter has the versatility to fit in Dallas’ defense.
Abdul Carter looks similar to another former Penn St. LB who wore #11…IJS. Pressure creates turnovers!
I am looking forward to him lining up as a full-time edge this season! pic.twitter.com/lYNdjAd51y
— Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) August 22, 2024
22. Green Bay Packers – Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State
The Packers have done a great job of getting Jordan Love playmakers. Now it’s time to get him more protection in the form of Donovan Jackson, the best guard in next year’s class.
Ohio State IOL Donovan Jackson
An urgent and balanced athlete that can operate inside or outside of the box. Very explosive interior blocker. pic.twitter.com/ty1epv6MjV
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) August 1, 2023
23. Houston Texans – Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona
Much like the Bears and Packers, every move the Texans make moving forward is connected to their quarterback. In this case, they grab a versatile offensive lineman in Jonah Savaiinaea, who can play tackle or guard.
Arizona OL Jonah Savaiinaea impressed me during my summer scouting and his first game in 2024 only made me like him even more. What stands out is how smooth and under control he plays at 6’5 336 lbs
My OT1 agenda has begun pic.twitter.com/qW5rISTLjp
— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) September 4, 2024
24. Buffalo Bills – Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami (Fla.)
After losing Stefon Diggs, the Bills need to get Josh Allen more weapons. It may just be one week, but Miami’s Xavier Restrepo is already showing signs of being one of the breakout players in next year’s class.
Xavier Restrepo is filthy
— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 31, 2024
25. Atlanta Falcons – Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State
Even after acquiring Matthew Judon, the Falcons could stand to improve their pass-rush. A former 5-star prospect, Jack Sawyer had a strong finish to the 2023 season and could very well outperform this draft position by the end of his senior season.
This poor Akron QB is going to see Jack Sawyer in his nightmares. pic.twitter.com/mwE8bIq5zh
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 3, 2024
26. New York Jets – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Assuming Aaron Rodgers is back in 2025, the Jets will surely do their best to surround him with weapons. Here they get the best tight end in next year’s class in Michigan’s Colston Loveland.
Colston Loveland has looked unbelievable tonight. His lateral agility has been on display with his route running. Clearly TE1 in the 2025 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/dKhGvA3B2e
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) September 1, 2024
27. Cincinnati Bengals – Tacario Davis, CB, Arizona
The Bengals’ current cornerback duo of Cam Britt-Taylor and Dax Hill is one of the worst in the league. Arizona’s Tacario Davis would provide an immediate upgrade and allow Hill to play a more versatile role in Cincinnati’s defense.
Tacario Davis is 6-3 moving like this pic.twitter.com/yia6RGeq8x
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) July 29, 2024
28. Detroit Lions – Patrick Payton, Edge, Florida State
Despite having Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions ranked just 23rd in sacks in 2023. Florida State’s Patrick Payton is the type of prospect who would flourish opposite the former No. 2 overall pick.
PATRICK PAYTON pic.twitter.com/BUWPhCPTCN
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) December 30, 2023
29. Baltimore Ravens – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Lamar Jackson is clearly at his best when paired with a top-level running back. Regardless of what Baltimore gets from Derrick Henry, it’s impossible to not be intrigued by the idea of a Jackson-Ashton Jeanty backfield.
Ashton Jeanty:
19 carries
249 yards
6 (!!!) touchdownsThere’s 13 minutes left in the game
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) August 31, 2024
30. Philadelphia Eagles – Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Jason Kelce hung up his boots and Lane Johnson might not be far behind. Minnesota’s Aireontae Ersery possesses plenty of potential and could ultimately become a new cornerstone of Philadelphia’s offensive line.
Hellllo Aireontae Ersery (LT)
— Damski 🫶🏽 (@Damski32) May 6, 2024
31. San Francisco 49ers – J.T. Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State
The 49ers’ salary cap crunch has led to some difficult decisions on the defensive side of the ball. A former 5-star prospect, J.T. Tuimoloau could thrive opposite his fellow former Buckeye in Nick Bosa.
J.T. Tuimoloau sack!#Buckeyes | #RatedProspects
— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) August 31, 2024
32. Kansas City Chiefs – Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
The Chiefs’ roster doesn’t have many holes, but right tackle is one of them. With a strong 2024 season, Clemson’s Blake Miller could establish himself as a potential first-round pick.
I thought #Clemson RT Blake Miller held his own again a diverse and athletic group of Georgia edge rushers, including Mykel Williams.
Balance and punch timing needs to continue to improve, but his tools are evident, especially in pass pro. pic.twitter.com/unPRTFQ0RY
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) September 1, 2024