NFL Draft Season Heats Up: Expert Mock Draft Projections
Introduction
With the NFL combine just around the corner, the anticipation for the 2025 NFL draft is reaching fever pitch. As hundreds of draft prospects prepare to showcase their skills in Indianapolis, expert projections are providing a glimpse into how the first round could unfold.
Methodology
To compile a comprehensive view of expert predictions, we analyzed mock drafts from reputable sources such as the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, The Athletic, Pro Football Focus, The 33rd Team, and CBS Sports.
Round 1 Mock Draft Projections
1. Indianapolis Colts: Caden Curry, QB (Texas)
Curry has impressed experts with his elite arm strength and impressive accuracy. He is projected to be the top quarterback taken in the draft and a cornerstone for the Colts’ rebuilding effort.
2. Houston Texans: Jalen Milroe, QB (Alabama)
Milroe has drawn comparisons to Cam Newton with his exceptional athleticism and running ability. His raw talent has convinced many scouts that he has the potential to develop into a franchise-changing quarterback.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Shemar Stewart, DL (Texas)
Stewart is a disruptive force on the defensive line with his explosive burst and relentless motor. He is expected to make an immediate impact for the Cardinals’ struggling defense.
4. Carolina Panthers: Harold Perkins, LB (LSU)
Perkins has a rare combination of speed, size, and instincts, earning him comparisons to Darius Leonard. He is projected to be a key piece in the Panthers’ revamped defense.
5. Tennessee Titans: Kelvin Banks, OT (Texas)
Banks is a massive and athletic offensive tackle with a strong frame and impressive footwork. He is seen as a potential Pro Bowler who can protect the Titans’ young quarterback, Malik Willis.
6. Denver Broncos: Christian Gonzalez, CB (Colorado)
Gonzalez possesses exceptional ball skills and a knack for making game-changing plays. His presence would provide the Broncos’ defense with a much-needed boost.
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Nolan Smith, LB (Georgia)
Smith is a versatile and dynamic linebacker with a rare blend of speed, strength, and athleticism. He is projected to be a dominant force for the Raiders’ defense.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Will Levis, QB (Kentucky)
Levis is a pro-ready quarterback with a strong arm and good mobility. He has the experience and leadership qualities to guide the Falcons’ rebuilding process.
9. New Orleans Saints: Makai Starks, CB (Georgia)
Starks is a lockdown corner with excellent instincts and cover skills. He is expected to form a formidable partnership with Marshon Lattimore in the Saints’ secondary.
10. Cleveland Browns: Justin Hunter, OT (North Carolina)
Hunter is a physical and athletic offensive tackle with a mean streak. He has the potential to be a road-grading blocker for the Browns’ run-heavy offense.
11. Seattle Seahawks: Jaydn Ott, RB (Cal)
Ott is a dynamic running back with exceptional speed and agility. He would provide the Seahawks’ offense with a home-run threat out of the backfield.
12. Chicago Bears: Cade Klubnik, QB (Clemson)
Klubnik is a highly-touted quarterback prospect with a strong arm and good athleticism. He is expected to compete for the starting job in Chicago immediately.
13. New York Jets: Nick Singleton, RB (Penn State)
Singleton is a physical and productive running back with a low center of gravity. He has the potential to be a workhorse for the Jets’ offense.
14. Los Angeles Rams: Emery Jones, DL (LSU)
Jones is a disruptive and athletic defensive tackle with a knack for creating pressure. He would be a great addition to the Rams’ already-stout defense.
15. Jacksonville Jaguars: Tyler Booker, EDGE (Alabama)
Booker is a versatile and explosive edge rusher with a high motor. He would provide the Jaguars’ defense with much-needed pass-rushing ability.
16. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Conerly, OT (Oregon)
Conerly is a massive and athletic offensive tackle with a solid frame and good technique. He has the potential to be a franchise left tackle for the Chiefs.
17. San Francisco 49ers: Dani Dennis-Sutton, OT (Penn State)
Dennis-Sutton is a physical and athletic offensive tackle with a strong anchor. He would be a valuable addition to the 49ers’ strong offensive line.
18. Detroit Lions: Marvin Jones Jr, DL (Georgia)
Jones is a quick and explosive defensive lineman with a strong burst. He would provide the Lions’ defense with a much-needed pass-rushing presence.
19. Philadelphia Eagles: Sonny Styles, DL (Ohio State)
Styles is a versatile and athletic defensive tackle with impressive strength and quickness. He would be a good fit for the Eagles’ multiple-front defense.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Aidan Shaw, OT (LSU)
Shaw is a massive and powerful offensive tackle with a strong frame and good footwork. He has the potential to be a dominant blocker in the NFL.
21. New England Patriots: Adam Randall, WR (Clemson)
Randall is a quick and elusive wide receiver with a knack for making big plays. He would be a valuable target for the Patriots’ offense.
22. New York Giants: Domani Jackson, CB (Southern Cal)
Jackson is a physical and athletic cornerback with good ball skills and cover skills. He would be a good addition to the Giants’ rebuilding defense.
23. Los Angeles Chargers: Henry To’oTo’o, LB (Tennessee)
To’oTo’o is a versatile and athletic linebacker with good speed and instincts. He would bring stability to the Chargers’ defense.
24. Miami Dolphins: Trevor Etienne, RB (Florida)
Etienne is a quick and explosive running back with a strong running style. He would provide the Dolphins’ offense with a dynamic playmaker.
25. Baltimore Ravens: Deone Walker, DL (Kentucky)
Walker is a physical and athletic defensive tackle with a strong frame and good technique. He would be a good fit for the Ravens’ aggressive defense.
26. Buffalo Bills: Dasan McCullough, EDGE (Indiana)
McCullough is a versatile and athletic edge rusher with a high motor. He would bring speed and disruption to the Bills’ defense.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Barion Brown, WR (Kentucky)
Brown is a physical and athletic wide receiver with good size and speed. He would provide the Cowboys’ offense with a big target.
28. Cincinnati Bengals: Troy Bowles, CB (Georgia)
Bowles is a quick and athletic cornerback with good ball skills and cover skills. He would be a good addition to the Bengals’ young defense.
29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Matt McGloin, QB (Penn State)
McGloin is a pro-ready quarterback with good accuracy and mobility. He would provide the Buccaneers with a reliable option under center.
30. Minnesota Vikings: Titus Leo, DL (Wagner)
Leo is a versatile and athletic defensive tackle with good size and quickness. He would bring depth and athleticism to the Vikings’ defense.
31. Green Bay Packers: Will Campbell, OT (Maryland)
Campbell is a massive and athletic offensive tackle with a strong frame and good footwork. He has the potential to be a long-term starter in Green Bay.
Conclusion
These expert mock draft projections provide a glimpse into how the first round of the 2025 NFL draft could unfold. While things may change dramatically after the NFL combine, these projections serve as a valuable starting point for fans and analysts alike. The upcoming draft season promises to be filled with excitement and intrigue as teams look to add talented players to their rosters.
