Anthony RizzutiPanthers Wire
The 2025 NFL draft, which has been built up by many as the most unpredictable selection process in recent memory, is now upon us. But let's try to make this thing a little more predictable, shall we?
With just a few hours remaining until the clock officially starts ticking, we give you our final first-round mock draft of the year . . .
1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami (Fla.)
They may not be taking the "generational talent" first-year general manager Mike Borgonzi alluded to earlier this offseason, but the Titans do get their quarterback. And that, above all, is ultimately the most important piece you can find.
2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The "generational talent," instead, goes to Cleveland. Hunter can help elevate the Browns' woeful offense right off the rip, no matter who's primed to line up under center.
3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
General manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll may have the two hottest seats in the NFL, so they better start winning now. Instead of reaching on a rookie quarterback, the Giants can secure the best player at the second-most important position in football. (And hopefully for them, they can keep this Penn State product from eventually leaving town.)
4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OL, LSU
Is Campbell a tackle or a guard? Well, it may not be too difficult of a problem for the Patriots—who can use a steady presence at either spot to protect young Drake Maye.
5. Chicago Bears (via JAX): Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Trade: Chicago sends No. 10 and No. 39 to Jacksonville for No. 8 and No. 107
With very few blue-chip talents in this class and an extra second-round pick in tow, the Bears make the jump for the best running back prospect in quite some time. Jeanty, when placed with new head coach Ben Johnson, may be the piece that kicks the Chicago offense into a different level.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
As the late Al Davis once stated, "The other team's quarterback must go down, and he must go down hard." Part owner Tom Brady and general manager John Spytek, both Michigan men, team Graham up with Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins in hopes of taking down the AFC West's lineup of talented quarterbacks.
7. New York Jets: Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
Membou, who can start immediately at right tackle, is kind of like the last infinity stone for the Jets and their offensive line. He slots in alongside fellow first-round picks Olu Fashanu (2024) and Alijah Vera-Tucker (2021) as well as former second-rounder Joe Tippmann (2023).
8. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, EDGE/LB, Georgia
A few reports from Wednesday noted that the Panthers would be willing to take a discounted deal to trade off this pick. That may indicate that there's no move to be made, so we go with the chalk and take the overwhelming favorite and most sensical fit in Walker.
9. New Orleans Saints: Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas
The Saints continue to build on their offensive trench and grab a late riser in Banks, who can line up at tackle or guard. It's not sexy, but neither is the current state of that position group.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars (via CHI): Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Pairing 2024 rookie sensation Brian Thomas Jr. with the All-American McMillan would probably make quarterback Trevor Lawrence a very happy man . . . and a very improved quarterback.
Picks No. 11-18
11. San Francisco 49ers: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
12. Denver Broncos (via DAL): Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
13. Miami Dolphins: Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
14. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
15. Atlanta Falcons: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
16. Arizona Cardinals: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
18. Houston Texans (via SEA): Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
Picks No. 19-32
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
20. Dallas Cowboys (via DEN): Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
23. Green Bay Packers: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
24. Cleveland Browns (via MIN): Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
25. Seattle Seahawks (via HOU): Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
26. Los Angeles Rams: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
27. Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
28. Detroit Lions: Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama
29. New Orleans Saints (via WSH): Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
30. Buffalo Bills: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OL, Ohio State
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
