It’s Mock Draft time!
It is late March, the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay is a couple weeks away, which can mean only one thing – Mock Draft!
All the writers at HuddleUK have been making their selections over the course of the last few weeks, with one notable slide among the first few picks.
Let us know your thoughts over on social media @JoinTheHuddleUK. Are you happy with your team’s selection? Who would you have taken instead?
Without further ado, here is the HuddleUK First Round Mock Draft.
Tennessee Titans – Pick #1 – Abdul Carter – EDGE – Penn State
Even with the unfortunate news of this foot injury, Abdul Carter is still a force to be reckoned with. Carter finished sixth in Penn State history in sacks – with 23 – and was eighth in tackles for loss – 39.5. He appeared in 42 games for the Big Ten school, recording 172 combined tackles, five forced fumbles and 13 passes defensed. Cam Ward might be great if he spends a couple of years under a top tier quarterback but I am not a fan of his attitude and do not think it fits with the values of Tennessee. The Titans already have an inconsistent QB1, they do not need to replace him with another one. [Aimee Tovell]
Cleveland Browns – Pick #2 – Travis Hunter – WR/CB – Colorado
In an ideal world a quarterback would be taken first overall, and the Browns would have Abdul Carter fall into their lap. But in this scenario, the Browns opt for the two-way superstar Travis Hunter. It is probably more likely that in reality the Browns go quarterback here, but as the self appointed General Manager in this hypothetical scenario, I would draft arguably the best athlete in the draft and instead target a quarterback on day two – preferably Jalen Milroe.[Oliver George]
New York Giants – Pick #3 – Shedeur Sanders – QB – Colorado
Not only is Shedeur Sanders an incredibly accurate passer who has faced adversity behind a turbulent offensive line, he also brings a level of swag to the Big Apple that has been lacking in Giants Blue for a long while. If Sanders hits, and I believe he will, he can be to the Giants what Jalen Brunson has been to the Knicks. The Giants need to win now, and for me Sanders is more pro-ready than Cam Ward. I could see him winning enough games as a starter in his rookie year to prolong Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll’s job security. [Jack Harrison-Neale]
New England Patriots – Pick #4 – Will Campbell – OT – LSU
Will Campbell an elite athlete that had a stellar workout at the combine with an RAS of 9.88. Arm length be damned, he’s a great OT prospect, or an elite guard. [Jonny Dudley]
Jacksonville Jaguars – Pick #5 – Mason Graham – DT – Michigan
Las Vegas Raiders – Pick #6 – Armand Membou – IOL – Missouri
I believe the best way to help your offense is to build an O-line. New quarterbacak Geno Smith will appreciate this selection and the Las Vegas Raiders add another young piece to last year’s selections Jackson Powers Johnson and DJ Glaze. Membou can fill multiple spots, it is not flashy but his athletic testing has peaked my interest. It is a deep running back class and we could get a brilliant one like Quinshon Judkins on day two. [Mark Steel – @stickapininit]
New York Jets – Pick #7 – Cam Ward – QB – Miami
If the top quarterback prospect falls this far in the draft then the New York Jets front office should have no hesitation in selecting the Miami prospect. With Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor in the building already, Ward can sit for at least a year and learn the ropes. This is a dream scenario for Gang Green. [Dan Till]
Carolina Panthers – Pick #8 – Jalon Walker – EDGE – Georgia
A North Carolina native, Jalon Walker is the perfect player for Carolina to pick at eight. With so many holes to fill on defense, Walker is a versatile player than can cover both inside and outside linebacker. That outside linebacker role is arguably the biggest need after trading away Brian Burns last year and having zero effect in the pass rush. [Keg Wilson]
New Orleans Saints – Pick #9 – Tetairoa McMillan – WR – Arizona
New Orleans have needs in every position group this year. They cannot really go wrong! The Saints have been missing a big-bodied receiver who is able to attack the middle of the field since Michael Thomas departed. While Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are clearly talented and offer speed and a deep threat, there is a desperate need for a solid contested-catch target so Derek Carr can get the ball out quickly. [Steve Hyde]
Chicago Bears – Pick #10 – Ashton Jeanty – RB – Boise State
The Bears loaded up on Offensive and Defensive linemen in free agency, giving them the luxury of picking the best player available in the draft. Boise State product Ashtpn Jeanty can juke, accelerate and break tackles at will, while also acting as a release valve for Caleb Williams by shifting opposing coaches’ focus away from the pass game. The player who finished second in the Heisman vote has the raw potential to be a generational talent. [James Cooper]
San Francisco 49ers – Pick #11 – Kelvin Banks – OT – Texas
Although there are tempting players elsewhere, the San Francisco 49ers know that their most pressing needs are in the trenches. While the defensive line is in more desperate need, none of the remaining prospects on that side of the ball seem as polished as Kelvin Banks, or they have significant character concerns. The 49ers therefore begin a Trent Williams succession plan while immediately bolstering the unit tasked with protecting Brock Purdy in 2025. [Matt McDonald]
Dallas Cowboys – Pick #12 – Jahdae Barron – CB – Texas
In this scenario, players that fit the Dallas Cowboys’ most pressing need have come off the board and taking a player to fill one of those needs would be a reach, s instead the Cowboys select the best player available in Texas CB Jahdae Barron. Barron is extremely versatile and has played corner, nickel and safety in his time at Texas, this will come in handy for the Cowboys with the likelihood that Trevon Diggs misses time to start the season. [Paul Redman]
Miami Dolphins – Pick #13 – Will Johnson – CB – Michigan
Given that the Dolphins should have a strong pass rush, having another elite cornerback should see the Dolphins defense improve significantly. He has the physical tools to help in run support and is a sure tackler. Being there at pick 13, it is a no brainer to select him. [Lee Dobbins]
Indianapolis Colts – Pick #14 – Tyler Warren – TE – Penn State
Tyler Warren as a first round pick could transform the tight end room for Indianapolis. The entire Colts tight end group combined for 467 yards in the 2024 season, Warren will hopefully be an instant upgrade and day one starter. In a year where Indy have to establish who will be the quarterback for the future, getting another weapon will help no end. [Ed Peacock]
Atlanta Falcons – Pick #15 – Shemar Stewart – EDGE – Texas A&M
Shemar Stewart has the physical attributes to be a superstar – a raw talent but if he fulfils his potential then the sky is truly the limit. The Atlanta Falcons are desperate for defensive additions and Stewart would secure the future for the position. [Harry Moore]
Arizona Cardinals – Pick #16 – Matthew Golden – WR – Texas
Matthew Golden had 58 catches for 987 yards and nine touchdowns last year and would be a great wide receiver to support Marvin Harrison Jr. and give Kyler Murray another option. Arizona have added plenty defensive options in free agency and they need another receiver still, unless they add another wide receiver before the draft then they should look at taking Golden. [Reece Smith]
Cincinnati Bengals – Pick #17 – Mike Green – EDGE – Marshall
Even if the Bengals re-sign Trey Hendrickson, they still badly need more pass rush help. Who better to help from day one than the explosive edge rusher from Marshall, Mike Green, who logged 17 sacks in 2024. [Sean Tyler]
Seattle Seahawks – Pick #18 – Nick Emmanwori – S – South Carolina
While a left guard or wide receiver are bigger needs, Nick Emmanwori is too exciting a prospect to pass on here. The athletic freak provides another weapon for Mike Macdonald to use in what is quickly becoming a loaded secondary in Seattle. [Peter Quinn]
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Pick #19 – Mykel Williams – EDGE – Georgia
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ problem last season was defense. Looking back I do not think it was at the safety or corner position, the issues were at the defensive line. As an edge rusher, Mykel Williams will improve a position the Bucs really struggled at last season. According to some he is a top 10 prospect, so he is an easy selection being available here at pick 19. [Oliver Santos]
Denver Broncos – Pick #20 – Colston Loveland – TE – Michigan
I think the chance to pick up a legit athletic right end here is a no brainer. Despite adding Evan Engram, the Broncos decide to add his heir and give him time to learn behind him. Colston Loveland is an athletic, security blanket for second year quarterback Bo Nix, and should be a mismatch for linebackers with his 6’6″ frame. Look for the Broncos to add a running back in the second round, such as TreVeyon Henderson. [Mark Tonge]
Pittsburgh Steelers – Pick #21 – Kenneth Grant – DT – Michigan
Kenneth Grant being a true nose tackle is not a fancy pick by any stretch of the imagination but it is very necessary to clog up the running lanes and eat up blocks. This will also allow Cam Heyward and Keanu Benton to move away from the nose tackle position and to defensive end, meaning that the defence will get better at multiple positions with this pick. [John Cruickshank]
Los Angeles Chargers – Pick #22 – Omarion Hampton – RB – North Carolina
Having watched two Michigan players go in the two previous picks, no reunion with Jim Harbaugh will be on the cards. As a result, the Bolts look to Omarion Hampton to bolster the running back room. Paired with free agency signing Najee Harris, the Los Angeles Chargers would have a one-two punch that should elevate a run game which ranked 25th in the NFL in yards per carry in 2025. [Philip Marsh]
Green Bay Packers – Pick #23 – Derrick Harmon – DT – Oregon
The Green Bay Packers pass rush – especially the four man pass rush defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley tends to favour – needs serious help. Derrick Harmon is a versatile, athletic freak with a high ceiling that could make an impact early while also being a long term replacement for Kenny Clark. He is criminally underrated. [Nathan Norris]
Minnesota Vikings – Pick #24 – Malaki Starks – S – Georgia
The Minnesota Vikings are quite fortunate, the moves in free agency have meant the franchise do not have any glaring needs a few directions could be taken. That being said, the pick is Malaki Starks. He has the size and versatility to be another weapon for Brian Flores. Harrison Smith cannot play forever and Starks is the long term replacement. [James Paterson]
Houston Texans – Pick #25 – Tyler Booker – IOL – Alabama
The Houston Texans severely need help at the interior line positions and Tyler Booker allowed just two sacks in three years – he is a great example of a plug and play player. He has great size at 6’5″ and 321lbs and with Pro Football Focus listing him as the best interior college lineman he could be an absolute steal. He would be a much welcomed addition for keeping C.J. Stroud upright next year. [Graham Henderson]
Los Angeles Rams – Pick #26 – Jihaad Campbell – LB – Alabama
Baltimore Ravens – Pick #27 – Grey Zabel – IOL – North Dakota State
The Baltimore Ravens could go in a number of directions here, but keeping Lamar Jackson upright has to be the priority. Grey Zabel can step in and fill Patrick Mekari’s shoes well. He can play across the line and cover injuries as a swing tackle, as well as start day one at left guard. He has quick feet to protect in the pass game while being physical, driving defenders to the whistle in the run game. [Adam Barton]
Detroit Lions – Pick #28 – James Pearce Jr. – EDGE – Tennessee
Washington Commanders – Pick #29 – Josh Conerly Jr. – OT – Oregon
Josh Conerly Jr’s draft stock has risen late, and he is now projected as a late first round or early second round pick. The Commanders have been to meet with him, he looks like a good talent, he has got good footwork and he would fit with the offense. Picking him would help us to win the game in the trenches, and protect the priceless asset that is Jayden Daniels. [Chris Peck]
Buffalo Bills – Pick #30 – Maxwell Hairston – CB – Kentucky
After three underwhelming seasons from 2022 first round pick Kaiir Elam, the Bills jettisoned him and now find a glaring hole at cornerback. Maxwell Hairston is an undersized speedy corner with a nose for playing the ball. Having watched Xavier Worthy torch Elam in the AFC Championship game, they take a corner capable of dealing with his straight line speed. [Jake Avetoomyan]
Kansas City Chiefs – Pick #31 – Josh Simmons – OT – Ohio State
Philadelphia Eagles – Pick #32 – Xavier Watts – S – Notre Dame
With 13 interceptions and fantastic coverage, Xavier Watts would add some much needed depth to a scarce looking safety position for the Philadelphia Eagles. Still only 23, Watts displays a strong work ethic and physical presence that will instantly make him a Philadelphia fan favourite – although speed could prove to be a problem as he adjusts to the league. [Nathan Doyle]
