The 2025 NFL Draft is 11 months away but it's only natural to get acquainted with the next crop of NFL rookies as early as possible. Throughout this mock draft, you will get a glimpse and a description of 32 of some of the best prospects entering the 2024 NCAA Football season.
The order of teams in the Mock Draft is based off of my own NFL Standings Prediction which can be found here: https://www.fansonlysportz.com/post/nfl-offseason-part-1-predicting-team-records--playoffs
A couple things of note before introducing you to the class of 2025; this class is much stronger defensively than it's predecessor. Where we saw a record 6 QBs taken in the first 12 picks, at this time it seems likely a maximum of four QBs will be First Round picks and more likely 2. Offensive and defensive linemen are a strength this year along with a deep CB class.
(Author's Note: Team record's next to Drafting Teams are coordinated with my prediction for the 2025 NFL season.)
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1. Carson Beck QB UGA
New York Giants (3-14)
The New York Giants have been surrounded in Quarterback doubt for several years now and after a predicted 4-13 finish to the 2024 season, they finally make a change.
Carson Beck is one of two QBs in line for the best of this group but to me, he has the best prototype for the NFL. Beck has tremendous accuracy, the ability to move on to several progressions, a great size for the position at 6'4" 220 lbs, and has experience against great defenses in the SEC. His pocket mobility isn't perfect but it's good enough just like his down-the-field mobility as well.
Beck would step into a Giants' offense that needs some retuning but has a good O-Line and a star in the making WR in Malik Nabers to start with. Beck would be more of a pocket passer that the Giants haven't seen since the likes of Eli Manning and should bring some stability to this offense.
Pro Comp: Kirk Cousins
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2. James Pearce Jr. Edge Tennessee
Denver Broncos (3-14)
James Pearce Jr. is the #1 prospect in the class and comes from a long list of edge rusher prospects to hold this distinction. He is a freak athlete who used finesse and speed rushing more frequently and dominantly to rack up 10 sacks and 14.5 TFLs in his sophomore season. Standing at 6'5" and 240 lbs, Pearce Jr. has the build and athleticism to transform a defense the same way, Will Anderson, Aidan Hutchinson and Micah Parsons have over the last four years. He also has a knack to force turnovers with 2 FFs and 1 INT in his sophomore season.
Pearce Jr. doesn't quite have the hand placement and run defense still has some work to do along with building more muscle to become stronger and develop more power moves.
If the Broncos are picking this early in the draft that means the Sean Payton rebuild has failed and his job may be on the line. After the Bo Nix pick this year, it's unlikely the Broncos go after another QB but not out of the question. Taking Pearce Jr. who could be their next Von Miller-like edge rusher would be the smartest move and assure them of a Pro Bowl-level player for the next rebuild.
Pro Comp:
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3. Will Campbell OT LSU
New England Patriots (4-13)
Another year with the Patriots picking at #3 and after taking their QB of the future, now they take some insurance for him. Remember when I said the offensive line group in this class was a strength, well Will Campbell is the standout of that strength. A starter at LSU LT as a true freshman, Campbell has been one of the best pass-blocking tackles in both of his first two years in college. Ranked as the #2 Tackle in all of the NCAA last year, Campbell also improved his run blocking tremendously last year making him a complete and NFL-ready LT who still has another year at LSU to get better.
At 6'6" and 325 lbs, Campbell has great size and experience while also being only 20 years old. His pass-blocking is elite and while his run-blocking has improved, he still can improve in that area. After most of the star-studded LSU offense was drafted this year, Campbell will have to show he can adapt to a new offense around him which will be imperative to his draft stock as a Top-3 prospect.
Pro Comp: Walter Jones
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4. Mason Graham DT LSU
Arizona Cardinals (4-13)
Mason Graham is as versatile a defensive tackle as we've seen come out of the draft in a long time. At 6'3" and 318 lbs, Graham is a Nose Tackle on paper but can play the 3-tech or 5-tech easily and effectively. His run stuffing talent is the best in the draft and his crazy agility for his size makes his pass rushing much higher than average as well. Graham comes from a Michigan defensive front-seven that shut down everyone in their path with five players being drafted in this year's draft. Graham projects to be a better prospect than any of them with a legitimate ceiling of one of the best D-Linemen in the NFL one day.
Mason Graham's physicals are worth repeating in a greater context. This is a man who will turn 21 at the beginning of the season. He is 6'3" and almost 320 pounds, with the brute strength and tackling ability of a nose tackle, and the speed and agility of a defensive end 40 pounds lighter.
Derrick Brown was drafted #7 by the Panthers in the 2020 draft but no DT has been taken in the Top-5 of the NFL draft since 2019, meaning Mason Graham may be the best DT coming out of college in over half a decade.
Pro Comp: Derrick Brown
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5. Mykel Williams Edge Georgia
Minnesota Vikings (5-12)
Mykel Williams is one of the most underrated players in college football according to multiple collegiate prospect ranking websites. According to PFF, Williams is the 65th prospect in the class and 41st according to NFL Draft Buzz. The reason for this is his lack of ability to rush the outside of the pocket. His bend and posture have been the problem with this which can be easily corrected, especially with his "unwavering work ethic and need to get better every day." -Kirby Smart
Williams may have trouble bending on the outside but his ability to inside rush the passer from his position is well-refined and impressive for someone only 260 lbs. Gathering 9 sacks in his first to years with weak technique is a testament to his raw ability and an extremely high motor.
This selection could be similar to the Travon Walker pick by the Jaguars two years ago, a high-ceiling project of a pick. Walker was abysmal as a rookie but racked up 10 sacks in his second season and looks to be hitting his stride and happens to have the exact same build and be from the same school as Williams.
Pro Comp:
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6. Shedeur Sanders QB Colorado
Carolina Panthers (5-12)
The Panthers are taking a Quarterback here with the 6th pick which is a surprise seeing as Bryce Young was their #1 selection just two years ago. However, if the team does go 5-12 as predicted, they will have endured yet another disappointing season from Young and with Shedeur Sanders sitting here, it will be hard for them to pass on another QB.
Sanders has been one of the most attention-drawing players in the country last season, quarterbacking for Colorado, for one of the most attention-drawing teams in the country led by his father, NFL Hall-of-Famer Deion Sanders. Even under heavy scrutiny, Sanders was able to have a remarkable season of 3,230 passing yards along with 31 TDs and only 3 INTs while leading underdog wins over TCU and Nebraska.
Sanders doesn't come without his weaknesses he'll need to work on however, mainly his mechanics as a mobile passer. He needs to work on throwing the ball with consistent zip and not become lazy in his motions. He also has totaled 19 fumbles in his career, most coming from outside of the pocket in a careless nature. That being said the undeniable potential is there for Sanders, and if he cleans up some of his sloppier traits, we could see him fighting for the QB1 and #1 selection very easily come next April.
Pro Comp:
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7. Kelvin Banks Jr. OT Texas
Tennessee Titans (6-11)
After the prestigious summary I gave for Will Campbell earlier, Kelvin Banks Jr. from Texas should be noticed as the "1B" in this class for Offensive Tackles. Where Campbell is nearly a finished product as an NFL-ready LT, Banks still has much room to grow as more likely an NFL-RT.
Banks' run-blocking is top of his class but his pass blocking needs improvement. More specifically, his impatience as a pass blocker will put him in positions where edge rushers with good hand technique are able to move past him. The lone weakness in his game could be cleared up this season as a true-Junior and rise his draft stock even more. While he may not be a slam dunk-LT, he will be a starter in the league for years to come as a run-mauling Tackle.
The Titans drafted J.C. Latham this year who projects to be a LT in the next few years and adding Banks Jr. will solidify this O Line as a young and impressive crew for whatever QB will be behind them come the 2025 season.
Pro Comp:
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8. Travis Hunter CB Colorado
Washington Commanders (6-11)
Hunter is perhaps the best athlete in this entire class and was the #1 prospect of his high school class three years ago. A player that is as dynamic on offense with the ball in his hands as he his at corner, Hunter could be a weapon un-before seen in the NFL. At cornerback, his instincts are not elite but his athleticism and ball hawking ability more than make up for it.
When he makes the leap to full-time corner, Hunter should develop better skills and instincts as a man corner which could easily push him to a Top-3 prospect, but even as he stands now, Hunter's ability be a ball-hawking zone cover cornerback with the potential for multiple takeaways every season and possibility for TDs and return yards every time. Not only that but with the added benefit as a playmaker on offense at times too.
Washington has a problem with their secondary. After leaning into their offense and front-seven this offseason, cornerbacks need to be a focus and Hunter could add some much-needed talent to their group.
Pro Comp:
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9. Luther Burden III WR Missouri
Los Angeles Chargers (6-11)
This draft class's best skill position player is Luther Burden III from Missouri and an unbelievable fit for him would be to the Los Angeles Chargers. Burden has the quickness and slot-ability to become a bonafide Wide Receiver 1 in the NFL. With room to improve, Burden has a great standpoint physically being one of the fastest and twitchiest players in the draft with a strong and slender frame. To compare him to Tyreek Hill would be an extreme example but physically, the comparison is spot on as an uber-fast sub-six foot receiver.
I predicted the Chargers would have a rebuilding year under Harbaugh's first season especially with very little receiving threats to help Justin Herbert. After going 6-11 the Chargers will look to add receivers and defensive help next offseason and along with Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey, Luther Burden III will be the ultimate compliment as a burner once he develops his separation and downfield-skills.
Pro Comp:
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10. Jalen Milroe QB Alabama
Las Vegas Raiders (6-11)
The Las Vegas Raiders have decided to go forward this season with Gardner Minshew as their starting QB and went 6-11, so a Quarterback needs to be the pick. Drafting Jalen Milroe at 10 may be a bit of a reach but Milroe has all the intangibles to succeed at the next level. As far as a fit in Las Vegas, Milroe's ability to pass the ball deep while improvising in the pocket can emulate everything the team wanted from Jimmy Garoppolo when they first signed him from San Francisco.
Milroe definitely has some kinks to work out. His passing ability is not quite there to be an NFL starter right now, but neither was his NFL comparison Jalen Hurts' out of college. His ability to improvise and scramble will definitely help eleviate some of that burden right away as Milroe stands almost as large as Hurts already at 6'2" and 220 lbs, but is much more agile and a little faster. His scrambling ability is closer to Deshaun Watson's coming out of college. In Las Vegas where they have several receiving pieces like Davante Adams, Brock Bowers, Jakobi Meyers and Michael Mayer, Milroe could turn this offense into a playoff contender quickly.
Pro Comp: Jalen Hurts
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11. Deone Walker DT Kentucky
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-10)
At 6'6" and 348 lbs., Deone Walker will be a PROBLEM in the NFL. Taking him at 11 is a steal and a half for the Steelers would seem to be a marriage made in heaven for Walker. This nose tackle has the ability to rush the passer like few 340 pounds-plus people have before him. No slouch in the run game either, Walker's ability to stay patient in running lanes and making second efforts up the field would be great traits for someone 40 pounds less than him, and a generational trait for him specifically.
Walker is a Top-5 talent in this draft but with a smaller emphasis on defensive tackles lately, it wouldn't be so surprising to see him go this late. One concern is also one of his biggest selling points, his weight. A man the size of Walker can easily slip into "overweight" as we've seen in the past, or if he's dedicated enough and follow's the teams regiment he can be a nose tackle the likes the NFL has never seen. One of the reasons I say Pittsburgh is the best place for him is because of the defensive line prowess around him plus the excellency of their coaching staff and personnel.
Pro Comp: Dexter Lawrence
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12. Colston Loveland TE Michigan
New Orleans Saints (7-10)
For the past 5 years there seems to be one or two tight ends who separate themselves from the rest of their position group into first-round territory and Colston Loveland will follow that trend next April. Loveland is a receiving threat that may not have the prowess of Brock Bowers, but is a little more well-rounded than his predecessor. Being drafted to the Saints should prove to be a good complimentary move for the team. Olave is there 100+ reception threat, Shaheed is their deep threat and Kamara should get 60+ check downs a year, meaning Loveland will fit right in to their 5 yard-middle of the field threat perfectly.
Loveland is 6'4" and 240 lbs. with great hands and quickness. Able to run into the heart of the defense and sit with patience or able to run drag routes and separate from linebackers with ease, Loveland's greatest skill is his ability to cause mismatches. His size and ability to bruise defenders will make him scary to DBs and his quickness will allow him to outrun linebackers off the line. Loveland will have a million ways to create havoc for opposing defenses.
Pro Comp: Evan Engram
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13. Will Johnson CB Michigan
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
Another fall for an immediate impact defensive player, Will Johnson is a Top-10 talent who falls in to the waiting lap of Tampa Bay who desperately need CB help. At 6'2" and 200 lbs., Johnson has great size for an outside corner with intangible that immediately will make him a difference maker. Here rare some things Johnson does better than any other CB in his class; Great and fearless tackler, Reads QB's eyes even when in coverage, twitchy instincts to make a play for the ball or swat receiver's hands and a relentless drive that means no plays off. Seriously, this guy will give out 0 easy plays throughout the course of a game.
Johnson may very well not get out of the Top-10, but if he does Tampa Bay will have this card to the podium 1 second after they get on the clock. Johnson's mental traits are ahead of his physical traits which is SAYING SOMETHING, and was and is a leader on the National Champion Michigan Wolverines defense which ranked 2nd in the nation in opposing pass yards allowed. If it wasn't for Travis Hunter's unparallelled potential, Johnson would be CB1 without question, and if he has another impressive season he still may be.
Pro Comp: Patrick Surtain II
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14. Abdul Carter LB Penn State
Chicago Bears (8-9)
Going at 14 is one of the freakiest athletes in the entire draft, Abdul Carter. One of the best edge rush prospects going into last year's season, Carter failed to live up to expectations after an insane freshman season two years ago. His ability and athleticism can't be questioned and truth be told, if this season is anything like his freshman year Carter has the ability to be Top-10 easily.
The Bears have a couple pieces on their defensive line already but Carter could become their best threat in a division where getting to the QB quickly is a must. Carter also has the ability to drop back and play legitimate linebacker at 6'3" and 250 lbs. This draft stock is almost sure to change, whether he disappoints and gets drafted closer to the end of round 1, or if he explodes and makes a run for Top-5. Either way, Carter's potential cannot be questioned and should get him a first round grade no matter what.
Pro Comp:
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15. Benjamin Morrison CB Notre Dame
Jacksonville Jaguars (8-9)
Morrison rounds out the Top-3 corners in this class but is NO consolation prize for the Jaguars who desperately need CB help. Each corner has their specialties in this class and for Morrison it is press-to-man coverage. Standing 6' and 185 pounds, you'd think he was 6'3" and 205 pounds the way he punishes receivers and allows no separation from the line. Morrison is also a hype-based player; when he's performing well and gets hot, there's no stopping him. Just ask Marvin Harrison Jr. who got 32 yards on 3 catches this season when be covered by Morrison.
This is the best case scenario for the Jaguars and Doug Pederson's scheme of physical corners. Morrison will immediately become CB1 and shadow every top-receiver in the league and have an impact close to what we saw from AJ Terrell in his rookie season in 2020.
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16. Jack Sawyer Edge Ohio State
Green Bay Packers (9-8)
Jack Sawyer flew under the radar last season but was one of the most efficient defensive linemen in the country last season. Sawyer does so much more than just rush the passer as a defensive end including containing QBs and runners inside the pocket supremely well and even dropping back to the second level at times. Sawyer's rushing stats don't jump off the page but that's because of OSU's scheme for him, not a lack of rushing ability.
Sawyer's power, patience and vision are his best qualities and should be accentuated while he continues to develop his rushing ability. He can rush the passer but he will need to learn more rushing moves other than bull rush and swiping hands and Green Bay is a great destination for it. Rashon Gary is a prime example being not only his pro player comparison but also a teammate in this scenario who maxed out at 6 sacks in a season at college but has gone over 9 sacks twice in the NFL. Sawyer has a floor as a definitive defensive game changer with the ability to become a generational, dare I say Danielle Hunter-talent.
Pro Comp: Rashon Gary
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17. Harold Perkins Edge LSU
Buffalo Bills (9-8)
Your new-generation do-it-all backer is Harold Perkins to a "T". He is fast, he has vision, he can get downfield and he can sack the QB all at an above-average level. At 6'1" 220 he will be an off-ball linebacker in the NFL and will cause matchup nightmares in mixed packages for the defensive coordinator lucky enough to get him. Perkins had 7 forced fumbles, 7 pass deflections, 13 pass deflections and 13 sacks in his two years at LSU and is looking to add to those numbers with a curtain call season with the Tigers.
The big knock on Perkins is his size at 6'1" and 220 pounds. Now with another year in college and after a year or two in the pros, that can easily add 15-20 pounds and make him a prototypical size without losing his speed. Perkins sophomore "slump" of a season was evident, but it was also mainly caused by the overall atrociousness of the LSU defense last season. Perkins has the ability to line up as a DE, OLB, MLB or SAF at the NFL level and that versatility if drafted to the Bills defense would be explosive and a huge get for the Bills after a rebuilding year.
Pro Comp: Hassan Reddick
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18. Tacario Davis CB Arizona
Cleveland Browns (10-7)
At 6'4" 185 lbs. Tacario Davis is the unicorn of this year's excellent CB class. The ultimate press corner, Davis uses his size and physicality greatly. Slender for being 6'4", Davis is a quick and fluid mover when following receivers and physical at the point of contact. Davis Will likely struggle in zone coverage for the next year or two but can easily add that to his repertoire alongside his above average man-cover ability.
A team like the Browns who have struggled to find Denzel Ward a great corner-pair for a few years would love to add Davis to their group. With Davis and Ward outisde, that would leave other playmakers like Newsome II and Emerson to free roam or work in the nickel where they belong.
Drafting Davis is definitely a projection pick, as without an improvement in zone coverage Davis will never be a great "island" corner, but the physical traits and size are something that can't be taught which leave a sky high potential for him.
Pro Comp: Tariq Woolen
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19. Earnest Greene III OT Georgia
Seattle Seahawks (9-8)
This pick will be determined by Seattle's tackle play, mainly from Abraham Lucas. If he figures it out and gets more consistency at the RT spot, I can see new HC Mike MacDonald going for D-Line or Safety, but if not Earnest Greene III out of Georgia would be a great way to solidify their OTs for years to come.
Greene may get lost in the cluster of offensive line talent this year, but he is a prototypical RT at the NFL level with great size and strength and a drive to block up to the second level. He will need some work on his footwork especially in pass protection but with another year in college before he turns pro, that should happen within time.
Pro Comp: Taylor Moton
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20. Denzel Burke CB Ohio State
Indianapolis Colts (10-7)
Burke is one of the players in this draft with very low bust potential. While his ceiling isn't very high either, Burke has shown that he will be a very good corner in the NFL with 35+ college games under his belt before his upcoming Senior season. Burke has been a staple in the Ohio State defense for three years and would have been a Day 2 pick if he left school last year. Like many other OSU standouts, Burke decided to run it back in hopes of bringing a Natty to OSU and will likely become even more refined in his techniques as an outside corner.
Burke has a few things to iron out thia year, mainly his ability to man cover for more than 4 seconds when he lacks the agility and/or attention to keep with receivers faster than him. He also needs to become a better tackler, allowing to many broken tackles and outside runs to get past him.
The thing is, Burke has everything you look for, and everything the Colts will need at outside corner, a position that they have lacked for several years. Burke will be able to slide right into this position and within a year or two should be a starter in this defense.
Pro Comp: Asante Samuel Jr.
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21. Emery Jones OT LSU
Los Angeles Rams (11-6)
This pick may be one that I draft too high, but I really like the fit of Emery Jones to the Rams. Jones may get some backlash and even fall in this draft due to a likely transition to Guard in the NFL, but his ability strength and physicality could easily put him in First-Round consideration.
Jones lacks the arm-length of a starting NFL tackle and doesn't have the elite footwork necessary to stuff elite speed rushers in the NFL. However, almost every other box has been checked from Jones especially when projecting him to the interior. An absolute mauler in zone blocking and able to mitigate any straight-forward rush attempt, Jones will be a skilled Guard in the NFL if he's okay making the transition. Plus who knows, maybe after another season at LSU opposite Will Campbell, Jones can make the changes necessary to stay at the position once drafted.
Pro Comp: Peter Skoronski
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22. Tyleik Williams DT Ohio State
Houston Texans (11-6)
Yet another OSU standout from last season that has decided to chase a National title, Tyleik Williams was one of the best interior rushers last season and although he is a part of a MUCH deeper positional group this year, still makes the Top-3. Williams is 6'3.5" and 290 pounds of muscle and agility. He will never be able to be a 1-tech in the NFL, but as a 4-3 DT or 3-4 DE, Williams will be a constant mismatch on the interior.
A better run stuffer than most his size, Williams true potential comes from his freakish athleticism. At his size to have the strength of a bonafide DT with the speed of an edge makes him a great candidate to get snaps at 4 different positions within the Front-7 of an NFL defense.
Being drafted to the Texans could see him lined up inside of Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. creating one of the best pass rushing-defensive lines in quite some time.
Pro Comp: Javon Hargrave
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23. Tetairoa McMillan WR Arizona
Dallas Cowboys (11-6)
Tetairoa McMillan is one of the biggest fallers in this draft and it has nothing to do with him as a player or his person. McMillan falling to the Cowboys would be eerily similar to when Ceedee Lamb fell to them at 17 in 2020. McMilllan even has a similar stature at 6'5" 210 pounds but with a completely different style. McMillan is a big body, jump ball and great hands wide receiver. McMilan isn't perfect though, as is normal for someone his size he doesn't have great agility meaning his separtion is an issue but he also doesn't have great speed meaning he will have to rely solely on his size for deep ball catches.
The Cowboys will definitely overlook McMillan's athletic shortcomings to pair him with Ceedee Lamb and instantly have one of the best young receiver core in the league. Being a Top-15 talent sitting at 23, I don't see him getting past this spot but I could see him going much higher if he improves his separation off the line.
Pro Comp: Keenan Allen
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24. Jabbar Muhammad CB Washington
Kansas City Chiefs (11-6)
The biggest loss of the defending champions offseason was L'Jarius Sneed and one year later they find their replacement. Muhammad is a small corner which means he has his limitations at 5'10" and 185 pounds, but his upside is very good in both man and zone coverage.
The one thing Muhammad NEEDS to improve is his tackling. As a below average tackler, Muhammad will be somewhat of a liability in the slot apart from his great coverage skills, whereas on the corner, tackling isn't as much of a necessity but with his small stature it will be difficult to cover larger outside receivers.
As soon as Muhammad improves his tackling, he will instantly be a starting slot corner in the league and fit cleanly into the Chiefs system.
Pro Comp:
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25. J.T. Tuimoloau Edge Ohio State
Atlanta Falcons (11-6)
Yet another Buckeye who stayed in school a year, J.T. Tuimoloau is a savage edge rusher in this draft who even has potential to be around the Top-10 if he goes off in the combine next February/March. His ability to power rush tackles while faking finesse moves is not only an example of freak athleticism but a high football IQ.
The Falcons seemingly dropped the ball this previous draft after having a clear need at edge rusher and taking 3 players with obvious ceilings. Taking Tuimoloau will give them a starting caliber edge rusher and container who is capable of getting 5+ sacks his rookie year.
Pro Comp: Marcus Davenport
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26. Kenneth Grant DT Michigan
Miami Dolphins (11-6)
The second DT from Michigan on this list, Kenneth Grant has a great projection as a run-defending NFL Nose Tackle but still needs a lot of work. After a breakout sophomore season while being overshadowed by both Kris Jenkins and Mason Graham, Grant steps into the starting role while having another season under his belt if he decides to stay another year.
Grant has obvious projections as a 1-tech nose tackle being 6'4" and 339 pounds, but what he needs to show is a pass rush bag and the ability to play a full game and maintain his stamina. If Grant can show even one of these he should be a First-Round pick, whereas if he can show both he could sneak into a middle round or lottery selection.
Truthfully, he has the potential to be an insane player in the NFL and if he doesn't have a great season, he'll likely go back to school to possibly get a Top-10 pick next year.
Pro Comp: Derrick Brown
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27. Quinn Ewers QB Texas
New York Jets (12-5)
Ewers projection into next year's draft will be entirely dependant on his success this season. Ewers is 6'2" and 195 lbs with a great arm and is quarterbacking a Top-10 Texas team and should have ample opportunities to push his name into First-Round discussions. What Ewers needs to improve on his his consistency. There were games where Ewers looked sharp and concise with reading progressions and defenses, and then there would be games where he would look lost in the pocket. With another year behind the center to tool his mechanics he should get better at it.
I have him mocked to the Jets as Aaron Rodgers retirement plan which would not only give him a great mentor at the position, but likely a year or two to study the nfl game and practice against a great NFL defense to develop his skills even more.
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28. Emeka Egbuka WR Ohio State
Detroit Lions (12-5)
The fifth and final Ohio State Buckeye on this list, Emeka Egbuka is another highly-skilled WR that has dropped down the board due to other excellent prospects (and he won't be the last.) Egbuka is another player with an incredibly high ceiling especially when you consider the talent at WR Ohio State has produced over the past 5 years. Egbuka excels at every position he lines up at and especially in short to medium routes where he creates mismatches everywhere he goes.
Adding a player like Egbuka to a stacked Lions roster could send them over the hump and to a championship sooner than later. Egbuka would become a slot receiver and be used immediately alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Pro Comp: Chris Olave
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29. Tory Horton WR Colorado State
Cincinnati Bengals (12-5)
Lastly for WRs, Tory Horton who is likely the WR1 on more than one list heading into the season and for good reason. Tory Horton, similarly to Emeka Egbuka is good everywhere. At 6'2" and 190 pounds, he has height length and speed necessary to be an X receiver in the NFL. Unfortunately he does have his downside, mainly his inability to cause great separation for someone his size. He also had several drops this year from body catches that he will need to clean up before he becomes the next Quentin Johnston.
The Bengals will be assuredly looking for another receiver after Tee Higgins probable departure after this season. While Horton isn't as large as Higgins, his play style is very similar and Horton can benefit from Joe Burrow's and Ja'marr Chase's tutelage. Another possible pick here is Isaiah Bond from Texas who is the speedster from this draft but I believe the Bengals will appreciate Horton's size and diversity better.
Pro Comp: Nico Collins
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30. Jonah Savaiinaea OT Arizona
San Francisco 49ers (14-3)
Spoiler Alert: The last three picks in this draft are all on the offensive line. Startin with Jonah Savaiinaea out of Arizona to the 49ers, this pick makes so much sense to me. The 49ers only hole in their offense is RT and Jonah Savaiinaea is the best availble in this mock draft. The only problem with Savaiinaea is his lack of explosiveness. Standing at 6'5" and 335 pounds, he is already an NFL-ready run blocker but may never truly become an All-Pro. Savaiinaea's run blocking is elite but can struggle against great edge rushers and will likely never be a great pass blocker due to his lack of agility.
This may be a crazy statement, but the 49ers could honestly use some mediocrity here rather than swing for a home run. Not to say that Savaiinaea will be mediocre, but on a roster full of All-Pros that will eventually leave due to budget concerns and depleting payrolls, Savaiinaea will be a consistent starter on this offense without (probably) ever being a Top-10 player at his position. Not to mention make enormous holes for McCaffrey for the next few years in the process.
Pro Comp: Jawann Taylor
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31. Tyler Booker OG Alabama
Baltimore Ravens (13-4)
Getting into the final two of the first round, here I have the mocked-AFC Champion Baltimore Ravens taking Tyler Booker to bolster their interior Offensive Line. Booker will be starting for his third season at Alabama this season and has been a model of consistency there. Also standing at 6'5" and 335 pounds, Booker is a terrific run blocker who's only weakness is sometimes losing spacing during zone blocking schemes.
From his time with Nick Saban to a potential matching with Joe D'Alessandris should be more than enough to retool his blocking schemes and even add to his already stellar mechanics at OG. Baltimore would be getting yet another steal in this draft as Trevor Booker looks very similar to Peter Skoronski in the NFL, Booker just will not have that potential Tackle upside therefore has fallen all the way down to 31 much to Baltimore's delight.
Pro Comp: Peter Skoronski
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32. Josh Conerly Jr. OT Oregon
Philadelphia Eagles (13-4)
Finally at pick 32, the mocked Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles select Josh Conerly Jr. out of Oregon to replace the mocked-retiring Lane Johnson. Conerly Jr. has been the anchor for this offensive line from Bo Nix to Dillon Gabriel and could be a serious Pass blocking LT in the NFL.
One problem, he needs to build muscle. Terrific technique was one of the reasons Bo Nix was only sacked 10 times in two years at Oregon. Conerly Jr. is a fantastic athlete with great positional awareness and ability, but at 6'5" and only 305 pounds, will need to bulk up if he wants to be a long-term starter in the NFL.
Pro Comp: Kolton Miller
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After last year's draft class, it's refreshing to see a (potential) first round with 16 on the offense and 16 on the defense. With only 9 offensive skill position draftees this year compared to 14 last year and 4 QBs in the entire first round compared to 6 in the first 12 picks last year.
The class as a whole is outstanding with 20-25 First Round talents already opposed to only 10-15 at this point for last year's class. The defensive and offensive line will be the focal point this year just as QBs and WRs were last year which means less "sexy" picks, but arguably means better selections in the long run.
Teams that don't have a lot of draft capital in the first two-rounds will likely trade back in during the draft due to the sheer amount of talent that will be being drafted.
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Make sure to stay tuned as we continue coverage all season long about the 2025 NFL Draft.
-Z.D.
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