The 2024 NFL Draft saw a record-high 14 straight offensive player selections to start Day One and ended the night with 23 of the 32 selections being on the offensive side of the ball. In this Mock Draft, we see the NFL correct itself and lean more toward the defense, which is the true strength of the 2025 class. Exactly how many defenders will we see get drafted on April 24th? This mock draft will attempt to answer that question.
A quick disclaimer – we won’t be incorporating trades in this exercise. When we get closer to Draft Day, trades might start flying, but we’re sticking with the original 32 First Round Picks. Now, let’s get into it.
1. Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward, QB, Miami
I know we said that defense will be the focus of this mock draft, but we have to acknowledge the way the Titans have been moving this offseason. Everything points to the team adding a quarterback early, and with Head Coach Brian Callahan getting along well with Cam Ward during his Pro Day, it seems more and more likely that Ward will be repping the Titans light blues in Nashville this season.
2. Cleveland Browns – Travis Hunter, WR, Colorado
While there has been a lot of talk about the Browns also being a target for an early quarterback in Round 1, the value that the next group of quarterbacks is projected to provide doesn’t necessarily match the value of the Number 2 pick. With that in mind, the Cleveland Browns select Travis Hunter to be their new WR1. The Browns may look to add a quarterback early in the draft at some point, but adding the draft’s best overall player is hard to pass up.
3. New York Giants – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Luckily for Sanders, he doesn’t have to wait long to hear his name called. Even though the Giants have added not one, but two veteran quarterback options during the free agency period, both Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston should not deter a team from selecting the quarterback they believe can be the franchise. Wilson and Winston give Sanders the chance to acclimate to the NFL at a better pace, setting the Giants up well for the future.
Try The Two-Point Conversion’s Mock Draft Simulator!
4. New England Patriots – Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
While we’re sure the Patriots would love to add a starting tackle or premium pass catcher, Abdul Carter is too tantalizing a talent to pass on. Carter lands in a spot that not only needs help at edge rusher but a spot where he can continue to improve his game and add to a defense that shelled out big for quality starters in Milton Williams and Carlton Davis this offseason.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Will Campbell, OT, LSU
The trenches should be the focus for the Jaguars early in this draft class. While a talent like Mason Graham is hard to pass on, the Jaguars add a player who can be their stalwart left tackle (or guard, depending on how you view arm lengths) and continue to try to fortify the offense for Trevor Lawrence. I’m sure new Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen will see the value in having a strong offensive line when trying to get the most out of the quarterback.
6. Las Vegas Raiders – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Running backs do matter, this past season we’ve seen just how high star running backs can lift a team’s floor and ceiling if they land in the right spot. Jeanty is an uber-talented player who can be the tone-setter new Head Coach Pete Carroll wants for his offense and can be the player to bring back the vintage tenacious attitude of the past Raiders’ greats.
7. New York Jets – Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
The Jets have several different directions they could go in at this selection, including a trade down for teams interested in a blue-chip player. Here, however, the Jets continue to fortify their offensive line with Membou, who can step in and start on the right side. Between Membou and last year’s First Round Pick selection Olu Fashanu, the Jets can bookend their offensive line to protect Justin Fields, and/or the franchise’s quarterback of the future.
8. Carolina Panthers – Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
After boasting the worst scoring defense in NFL history, the Panthers have already made several changes on the defensive side of the ball, including spending big money on their defensive front. This shouldn’t preclude them from selecting someone of Mason Graham’s talent, who consistently brought game-wrecking plays to the Michigan defense the last two seasons. Adding Graham to a front that now boasts Pro-Bowler Derrick Brown and new additions Bobby Brown III and Tershawn Wharton gives the Panthers serious rotations along the defensive line, something they haven’t been able to deploy in years.
9. New Orleans Saints – Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
The Saints have one of the bleakest outlooks in the NFL – largely in part due to the failure to adequately address both sides of the line of scrimmage. Here, the Saints land an immediate injection of athleticism and explosive play ability in Jalon Walker. While there are concerns about his size translating to the NFL, the Saints have tried to add bigger players that lack high-end explosive ability along the defensive front, and have failed at each point. Walker can be the heir apparent to Cam Jordan, who is approaching the twilight of his career.
10. Chicago Bears – Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Running back may seem like a luxury this high in the draft, but if anyone knows the value of adding a high-end playmaker out of the backfield, it’s new Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson, who was a part of the team that selected Jahmyr Gibbs at 12th overall. While the Bears would love to add Jeanty, he doesn’t make it to them here, so Hampton is their consolation prize. After adequately addressing the interior of the offensive line, the Bears add a playmaker to help take some of the responsibilities off second-year quarterback Caleb Williams’ shoulders.
11. San Francisco 49ers – Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
The 49ers have been one of the best teams in the NFC during the Kyle Shanahan era, largely due to how imposing and athletic the defense was. Gone are many of the defensive enforcers that we’ve become accustomed to seeing. To remedy this, the 49ers add Mykel Williams, an athletic edge rusher who has a high floor as a run defender. He should be able to take some of the heat off of Nick Bosa, giving the Niners a strong rushing tandem that can get the defense back into shape.
12. Dallas Cowboys – Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
At the NFL Owner’s Meeting this week, the Cowboy’s decision-makers made sure to explain that they want to build the team from the outside in, particularly at receiver. It’s no secret that the Cowboys need weapons, and with the Jones’ affinity for selecting names from big-time programs, Matthew Golden stays in the Lone Star State to complement Ceedee Lamb in the passing game. Golden’s ability to stretch the field and make big-time plays should free up new Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer to use Lamb in many different ways as a mismatch creator.
13. Miami Dolphins – Kelvin Banks Jr, OT, Texas
If the Dolphins want to be able to contend in the AFC East, keeping Tua Tagovailoa healthy and upright has to be priority number one. Since being a true freshman, Banks has started and performed extremely well at the left tackle position. If Terron Armstead continues to miss time or even decides to retire, Banks could step in and start from Day 1. If Armstead sticks around, Banks could kick inside to play guard for the time being. Either way, adding Kelvin Banks is a huge step in the right direction of improving the offensive line.
14. Indianapolis Colts – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
After a disappointing first two seasons of his career, the Colts have signed Daniel Jones to compete with Anthony Richardson to be the starter for the 2025 season. Whoever wins the quarterback battle could certainly use help in the passing game, and Tyler Warren’s ability to be pretty much everywhere is something the team can’t pass on. With both quarterbacks being mobile, Warren’s elite blocking ability could be an even bigger addition than what he brings as a receiver. Between Warren, the receiving corps, and Jonathan Taylor, the Colts’ starting quarterback will have a chance to get this team some wins this season.
15. Atlanta Falcons – Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Falcons defensive line play over the past two seasons has been abysmal, to say the least. With both Georgia Bulldog edge rushers gone at this point, the Falcons turn to the extremely athletic Stewart, who has the tools to be a strong run defender and eventual matchup nightmare of a pass rusher. Stewart will certainly need a bit of development, but if the Falcons can use Stewart in a way that isn’t detrimental to him (like Texas A&M did), Stewart will be worth the pick and more.
16. Arizona Cardinals – Will Johnson, DB, Michigan
The Cardinals defense simply wasn’t up to par last season, and the team’s decision makers know it. In free agency, the Cardinals have made moves to address the defensive front, so to start the draft, they help address the back end with Will Johnson. Johnson has the prototypical size and ball skills NFL teams love. Head Coach Jonathan Gannon should know the value of lockdown corners, and here he’s lucky enough to get the best pure corner (with Travis Hunter as a receiver) in this class.
17. Cincinnati Bengals – Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
With contract extensions for WRs Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins and a reported extension in the works for star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, times may be changing for the Bengals. Even if the team can retain Hendrickson, they still need lots of help on the defensive front. With Sam Hubbard’s retirement, the Bengals grab an explosive edge rusher prospect in Green to help provide immediate production in getting after the quarterback.
18. Seattle Seahawks – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Seahawks have released longtime receiver Tyler Lockett and traded receiver DK Metcalf to Pittsburgh, signaling a change of the guard early this offseason. To help replace some of that production, the team adds McMillan who can star alongside Jaxon Smith-Njigba as a difficult receiver duo to guard. McMillan and JSN perfectly complement each other’s playstyles and should be able to give Sam Darnold and the future franchise quarterback stable targets for years to come.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jihaad Campbell – LB, Alabama
For the last 13 seasons, Lavonte David has admirably held down the off-ball linebacker position for the Buccaneers defense and maintained a high level of play for the most part. As he returns to the team for one more season (as of now), the Buccaneers can look to add someone to learn from David, and eventually replace him, in Jihaad Campbell. Campbell’s ability to move sideline-to-sideline at a blistering pace, as well as offer the occasional pass rush, should help the defense immediately and in the future once he takes the baton from David.
20. Denver Broncos – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Broncos have made smart moves in order to be competitive in the race for the AFC West this season. Adding another receiver that already compliments the players on the roster is another step in that direction. Egbuka may have the highest floor among this class’ receivers, as he can slot in basically anywhere. Egbuka’s experience playing alongside superstars at Ohio State, and making his own plays as well, should give second year quarterback Bo Nix some easy targets early and often this season.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jahdae Barron – DB, Texas
Joey Porter Jr. has made a case for being an effective corner at the NFL level early in his career. The rest of the corners the Steelers have tried to deploy can’t necessarily say the same. While quarterback is still a question mark for the Steelers, none in this class can provide the requisite value of the 21st overall pick. With that in mind, Pittsburgh adds a versatile defensive back who should be able to solidify the secondary for a Steelers defense that has long been the reason the team wins games.
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
The Chargers walked into the offseason coming off of a playoff berth, an 11-6 record, and over 100 million dollars in cap space. Since then, they have done little to add premium talent to a defense that played admirably but needs difference-makers. With the loss of Poona Ford, the Chargers select Harmon to bring a physical presence to the middle of their defensive line. As a space-eater in the run game or as a violent disruptor rushing the passer, Harmon should be able to provide a start for a defensive front that needs some retooling.
23. Green Bay Packers – James Pearce Jr, EDGE, Tennessee
Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst loves taking defenders in Round 1, particularly toolsy players who need a little bit of molding to become stars. The selection of Lukas Van Ness from 2023 hasn’t necessarily panned out, so the Packers add to the edge rusher room here with Pearce, a fast and twitchy rusher who may need some refinement, but can be a difference-maker with his length and speed if everything pays off.
24. Minnesota Vikings – Malaki Starks, DB, Georgia
If you wanted to know the number of draft selections the Vikings have at this point, you could count them on your hand (4). The Vikings are probably the most likely team to trade down to get more darts to throw, but in this exercise, they select Starks, an extremely rangy backend defender who can cover and be an eraser in the run game. Similarly to the Jihaad Campbell selection, Vikings’ great Harrison Smith has returned for his 14th season with the team. Starks could play alongside Smith this season while becoming his eventual replacement in the years to follow.
25. Houston Texans – Tyler Booker, iOL, Alabama
After a blistering start to his career, quarterback CJ Stroud had a sizeable regression last year, in part due to the performance of his offensive line. Naturally, the Texans have begun purging and replacing many of the starters, but there are still many question marks. Booker was a stalwart guard during his time at Alabama and should be able to step in and start from Day 1, holding down one of the guard spots and bringing stability to one of the spots on an offensive line that needs to improve in a big way.
26. Los Angeles Rams – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
It’s no secret that the Rams have tried to add a playmaking tight end in recent drafts, even reportedly being interested in trading up for one. In this exercise, the Rams are rewarded with one of the best pass catchers in this class with Loveland. With the exchange of Cooper Kupp for Davante Adams, and the addition of Loveland, the Rams could have one of the more potent passing games in the league and an infrastructure in place for the eventual replacement of Super Bowl winner Matthew Stafford at quarterback.
27. Baltimore Ravens – Donovan Ezeiruaku – EDGE, Boston College
With the re-signing of Ronnie Stanley, the Ravens can likely focus on their defensive front early in the draft. Early selections Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo have not provided the return the Ravens were looking for at their selections, forcing the Ravens to continue to rely on 30+ year-old edge rusher signings in early August. That ends here with the addition of Ezeiruaku, a bendy edge rusher who knows how to get the quarterback on the ground. With 16.5 sacks last season, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year should bring a level of production the Ravens need from that position.
28. Detroit Lions – Shavon Revel Jr, DB, East Carolina
The Lions took one step forward in helping their defense with the selection of DB Terrion Arnold in the first round last year but also took a step back in losing starter Carlton Davis to New England in free agency. Revel is a strong and fast cover corner who can combine with Arnold and safety Brian Branch to help lock down the back end, giving Aidan Hutchinson and the defensive line more time to rush the passer.
29. Washington Commanders – Nick Emmanwori, DB, South Carolina
Washington was one of the biggest surprises of the 2024 season, rocketing to the NFC Championship game on the back of Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels. Since then, the team has lost key players on the defense, and if they want to get back to those heights, they need to find replacements. Emmanwori is an extremely athletic safety who can be an enforcer in the run game, dropping close to the line of scrimmage and being a strong tackler. Emmanwori could play the role of Jeremy Chinn, who left in free agency while refining his game into more of an all-around defender.
30. Buffalo Bills – Trey Amos, DB, Mississippi
One of the key reasons the Bills slipped up at the chance to make the big game last season was the play of the secondary – they simply weren’t ready for some of the looks Kansas City threw at them in the AFC Championship. To help address this, Bills General Manager Brandon Beane continues to look for the big, athletic players in Round 1 and adds corner Trey Amos to the secondary. Amos is tall, has the length NFL teams look for, and is fast enough to stay with NFL-level speed. While he may not be as refined as other corners in this class, Amos has the tools necessary to continue to grow and improve into an eventual lockdown corner.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – Walter Nolen, DL, Mississippi
For the first time in a long time, the Chiefs have more than one or two needs going into the draft. With the loss of Tershawn Wharton to Carolina in free agency, and Chris Jones on the wrong side of 30, the Chiefs go best player available and select Nolen. The star of a loaded Ole Miss defense, Nolen should be able to inject some juice into a defensive front that has tried but failed in recent years to add high-level explosive potential. Nolen can be a key player in keeping the trenches strong for a team that always finds itself in the Super Bowl window.
32. Philadelphia Eagles – Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Mississippi
The defensive revolution is in full swing and concludes with the Super Bowl Champs replenishing some of the pieces they lost to free agency. Umanmielen has been playing college football for five seasons, improving each year and reaching 10.5 sacks at Ole Miss this season. The strength of the Eagles team continues to stay strong; Umanmielen can operate as a designated pass rusher early in his career while being taught by the best and ultimately refining his game to be a more complete player.
