2025 NFL mock draft: Post-free agency projections
The first week of free agency is bound to shake up the way in which teams approach the 2025 NFL Draft. Roster needs have been filled, and others created, with a host of impact players finding new homes.
Our latest first-round projections adjust for the recent developments and attempt to piece it all together.
Cam Ward, QB, Miami
The Titans may have tipped their hand in free agency, as they showed zero interest in veteran starting quarterbacks. While it's never a bad idea to improve the offensive line, signing Dan Moore Jr. and Kevin Zeitler quietly rounds out a solid front five for a rookie signal-caller. Ward might be set up for success in Tennessee.
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
There's been lots of talk about Sanders sliding down the board in the first round. Maybe there's something to it. But how else are the Browns going to get a potential quarterback of the future? It'd be tough to fault them for taking a swing. Myles Garrett cryptically hinting after his extension that he's happy with the plan at QB might suggest he's aware of a big move.
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The Giants would probably love to come away from the first round with a quarterback, but there's not much they can do if Ward and Sanders are both off the board by the time they're on the clock. A generational talent with All-Pro potential on either side of the ball is a pretty good fallback option.
Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
An early run on quarterbacks gifts the Patriots an explosive edge rusher who has a case as the best overall player in the draft. It may not be a pressing need after the Harold Landry III signing, but it would be difficult for New England to pass up this kind of prospect at such a valuable position.
Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
Jacksonville was busy in free agency, addressing the receiving corps, offensive line, and defensive backfield. None of those moves should prevent the Jaguars from doubling up, but they do appear to clear the way to look elsewhere. Adding Graham alongside Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker could make for a dangerous pass-rush.
Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
A surprise trade for Geno Smith takes care of the Raiders' most important need, but there's still work to be done with the rest of this roster. Walker has superstar potential as a linebacker-edge hybrid.
Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
A strong offensive line would go a long way toward setting Justin Fields up for success in New York. Membou could be the final piece for such a group, teaming up with 2024 first-rounder Olu Fashanu to give the Jets an impressive pair of bookend tackles.
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Not convinced that a linebacker is worth a top-10 pick? Just take a look at how the position was paid this offseason. Teams are seeing the value again, and Campbell is a do-it-all talent who can also provide some pass-rush value off the edge.
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Saints remain in win-now mode no matter what their cap situation tells them. There are shortcomings elsewhere, but adding Johnson and Justin Reid in the same offseason at least gives New Orleans a playoff-caliber secondary.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The Bears successfully overhauling the offensive line with three major additions on the interior was one of the big stories of free agency. The impressive work in addressing the team's top need opens the door for Jeanty, a rare running back talent who can spearhead the kind of dominant run game Ben Johnson had in Detroit.
Will Campbell, OL, LSU
San Francisco could go anywhere with this pick after a mass exodus of talent in free agency. Offensive line should be the priority, though. Campbell has the athleticism to be a star at either guard or tackle in Kyle Shanahan's system.
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
The Cowboys added Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders to the backfield in free agency. They may be recognizable names, but this can't be the extent of the backfield plan. Hampton is a potential three-down star who can help Dallas finally get the run game back on track.
Kelvin Banks, OL, Texas
James Daniels was a key addition at right guard, but the offensive line should remain a focus for the Dolphins. Banks could start at either left guard or left tackle with Terron Armstead considering retirement.
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
The Colts finally got aggressive in free agency, adding Charvarius Ward and Cam Bynum to make some much-needed upgrades to the secondary. While they can use even more talent on defense, a tight end like Loveland could help the offense take a step forward.
Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Leonard Floyd could be a meaningful addition to the edge-rush group, but a veteran on a one-year deal shouldn't stop the Falcons from solidifying the future of the position in the first round. Stewart is an exceptional athlete with a limitless ceiling.
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Golden being the first receiver off the board might be a surprise to some, but it probably shouldn't be after his 4.29 40-yard dash at the combine. The Cardinals adding that kind of speed opposite Marvin Harrison Jr. might put the offense in a position to take off.
Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
The Bengals reached big-money extensions with both Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. We can only assume that means Trey Hendrickson will be the odd man out. Green fills that need on the edge with explosive pass-rush traits.
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Offensive line is a possibility here, but the Seahawks still appear to be evaluating some options to upgrade that group in free agency. A big-play tight end could also go a long way toward maximizing the investment made in Sam Darnold. Warren's in-line ability makes him a fit for a Seahawks offense that figures to lean on plenty of heavy sets.
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
The Bucs kept the offense in tact by re-signing Chris Godwin, and the need for an edge-rusher was satisfied with the addition of Haason Reddick. The focus should now shift to the secondary. Barron can be a star in the slot, on the boundary, or even at safety.
Luther Burden, WR, Missouri
Sean Payton found his "joker" in veteran tight end Evan Engram. Burden gives him another versatile piece who can create favorable matchups. The Missouri star could be a yards-after-catch machine in the Broncos' offense.
Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
Quarterback questions aside, the Steelers can't be the Steelers if the run defense is going to struggle as much as it did last year. Grant's presence on the interior could immediately shore up that unit.
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The production suggests McMillan should come off the board much earlier than this. But unless a Pro Day workout answers lingering questions about his long speed, it's unclear where he'll fall. This might be a dream scenario for the Chargers, as the big-bodied Arizona star could be the perfect complement to Ladd McConkey.
Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
A receiver would be fun here, but we've been saying that for years. The Packers haven't taken a wideout in the first round since 2002. The pass-rush need is every bit as pressing, and Williams could be a steal at this spot.
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
The Vikings improved as much as any other team in free agency, making a pair of splash additions on both the offensive and defensive fronts. Starks could take the defense to another level, adding playmaking ability either at safety or as a nickel corner.
Josh Simmons, OL, Ohio State
The Texans entered the offseason in desperate need of reinforcements on the offensive line, and they've only gotten worse after trading away Laremy Tunsil. Simmons may prove to be the best tackle in this draft if last year's torn patellar tendon isn't an issue going forward.
Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina
The Rams' defense has to get better in the secondary. Revel is coming off a torn ACL, but a rare combination of size and athleticism makes him an easy first-round talent.
Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama
The Ravens could stand to improve the interior offensive line. Booker seems like a good bet to be the latest player that teams come to regret overthinking based on underwhelming athletic testing.
Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
Doesn't this just feel like a Lions pick? An impressive athlete who plays with a motor that never throttles down, Jackson could be the perfect long-term running mate for Aidan Hutchinson.
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Deebo Samuel trade adds some much-needed playmaking ability on schemed-up touches, but the Commanders still need another outside receiver opposite Terry McLaurin. Rounding out this group with Egbuka would make the Washington offense a nightmare to defend.
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
It's tough to imagine the Bills making another big move at receiver after adding Josh Palmer on a three-year, $36-million deal. Emmanwori is a freak athlete who fills a major need in the secondary.
Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
The Chiefs won't have to force an offensive line pick after signing Jaylon Moore to step in at left tackle. Solidifying the defensive tackle spot next to Chris Jones is now the more pressing need, and Harmon can do so with a true three-down skill set.
James Pearce, EDGE, Tennessee
Pearce could be long gone by this point, but questions about his game as a run defender create a wide range of draft-day outcomes. The Eagles, who lost Josh Sweat in free agency, should be content to bet on the pass-rush upside off the edge.