2025 NFL mock draft: Yates' Round 1 predictions, Kiper's intel

The 2025 NFL draft is here. Field Yates and Mel Kiper Jr. are on the ground in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and making calls to sources around the league to figure out what will actually happen once teams are on the clock Thursday night (8 ET, ESPN/ABC/ESPN App).

Sorting through all of the smokescreens late in the process can be difficult. Which teams want quarterbacks, and where could they get them? Are any franchises eager to make trades up (or down) the board? And when could we see the surprise picks that always shake everything up? We asked our experts to predict all the action as we close in on the first pick:

  • Yates projected all 32 first-round picks in his final mock draft. After months of studying the top prospects, he wove together what he's hearing, big team needs and how the board stacks up. He even included one big trade.
  • Kiper broke down his latest intel, predictions and nuggets to know after talking to execs, coaches and scouts from around the NFL. He touched on a bunch of Day 1 selections but also shared buzz on sleepers and possible trade candidates.

Let's get to it. Here are Yates' final projections for Round 1, along with Kiper's best predictions and notes.

See more from :
Yates' top 200 | Kiper's top 150
Recent mock drafts

1. Tennessee Titans

Yates' pick prediction: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

The Titans' entire offseason has been structured around making Ward the first pick of the draft, as the team spent big along the offensive line with Dan Moore Jr. and Kevin Zeitler to protect its future signal-caller. Ward is a dynamic, innovative thrower, and he can be the answer under center in Tennessee.

2. Cleveland Browns

Yates' pick prediction: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

Cleveland GM Andrew Berry said the Browns view Hunter primarily as a wide receiver at the next level, but he also acknowledged that they would use him on both sides of the ball if they take him at No. 2. He can help them in both places -- especially the passing offense, which averaged a league-low 5.9 yards per attempt last season. It's hard to find a weakness in Hunter's game.

3. New York Giants

Yates' pick prediction: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

While the Giants have done extensive homework on the top quarterbacks in this class -- including Colorado's Shedeur Sanders -- I believe they will ultimately opt for the best player available. Carter joins Hunter in a two-player top tier and has a rare first step off the edge that helped him to 12 sacks last season. He has a chance to be a consistent double-digit sack getter at the NFL level.

4. New England Patriots

Yates' pick prediction: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

With a pair of notable needs at offensive tackle and receiver, the Patriots have work to do in supporting quarterback Drake Maye in his second season. Campbell checks one box. He has outstanding footwork, yielding just two sacks over the past two seasons. And despite his modest 32⅝-inch arm length, Campbell is a starting NFL left tackle. Coaches who have played against Mike Vrabel-led teams in the past told me Campbell embodies attributes that the Pats' new coach values in his players: toughness, dependability and physicality.

Kiper's notes: Everything I've heard tells me the top four picks are pretty set. It's really Jacksonville at No. 5 where things could get interesting.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars

Yates' pick prediction: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

New Jaguars GM James Gladstone has used the phrase "intangibly rich" during the predraft process. Jeanty fits that description as a top-five prospect with rare contact balance, power and explosion. I would personally attack the defensive side of the ball if I were in Jacksonville's shoes, but new coach Liam Coen might want to get quarterback Trevor Lawrence more playmakers. Many around the league believe the Jags are headed in this direction.

Kiper's notes: It sure sounds as if Jacksonville is going offense. I commonly projected Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham there over the past few months, but the latest intel is saying Coen and the Jaguars are targeting Jeanty or perhaps Arizona receiver Tetairoa McMillan. I've heard McMillan compared to Mike Evans, who played for Coen in Tampa Bay.

6. Las Vegas Raiders

Yates' pick prediction: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

Banks has been one of my favorite prospects throughout the process and has a lot of the traits you'd want from a high pick. He is experienced (42 career starts), has very good footwork and power, is only 21 years old, and plays a premium position. Current Raiders starting left tackle Kolton Miller is entering the final year of his contract, and teams can never have enough quality offensive linemen. I've also heard Jeanty's name here, but he's off the board at No. 5 in this mock draft.

7. New York Jets

Yates' pick prediction: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

This would represent an excellent value for the Jets, as Graham is No. 3 overall on my board. But he would also check a need for the team along its defensive front. I could see New York putting Graham -- a disruptive interior pass rusher -- next to Quinnen Williams. Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou would also be a logical target for the Jets.

Kiper's notes: I still think Penn State tight end Tyler Warren could be in play here. He would open up the Jets' offense for quarterback Justin Fields.

8. Carolina Panthers

Yates' pick prediction: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

I know defense is an issue in Carolina; the Panthers allowed an NFL-worst 31.4 points per game last season. But the offensive line could become a big problem very soon, and I think the Panthers could look that way. Taylor Moton and Ikem Ekwonu are entering the final years of their contracts (assuming Carolina does not pick up Ekwonu's fifth-year option), and Carolina has to improve Bryce Young's protection. Membou is a tone-setter who makes an impact in the run game and surrendered just one sack during the 2024 season.

9. New Orleans Saints

Yates' pick prediction: Jalon Walker, Edge/LB, Georgia

The Saints could go in a lot of directions, though I get the sense in talking to people around the league that quarterback likely isn't one of them. The team must get younger and more explosive up front on defense as it moves into a new scheme under coordinator Brandon Staley. Walker is a hybrid player who played more snaps as a stand-up linebacker than edge rusher at Georgia, but he flashed excellent acceleration and juice when rushing the passer. I wouldn't rule out an offensive tackle for the Saints here, either. Oregon's Josh Conerly Jr. is a name to monitor if the board falls in this way.

Kiper's notes: I'd watch offensive line. Banks could be a fit if he's still available, especially because he can play some guard if needed. I moved Banks up to No. 13 on my final Big Board.

10. Chicago Bears

Yates' pick prediction: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

After the Bears acquired three starting offensive linemen in free agency, their draft board opened up. They could go back to the OL well and keep adding. They could draft a pass rusher. Or they could take the best player available. This pick would fall into the final category, as Warren is my seventh-ranked prospect. People I've spoken to around the NFL are already imagining the creative offensive wrinkles new coach Ben Johnson could think up for Warren, who is terrific with the football in his hands.

Kiper's notes: This is a fun pick. If Warren is there, I'm betting Chicago will jump at the opportunity to draft him. But don't discount Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams or even Graham if he's still available. I've also heard the Bears would like to trade down if the right player isn't there for them at No. 10.

11. San Francisco 49ers

Yates' pick prediction: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia

Williams battled through an ankle injury in 2024 but still had dominant moments that proved his high upside. He has excellent length and play strength, and while he played a lot inside the tackle's shoulder last season, he would be able to rush the passer off the edge more in San Francisco. The 49ers must address both lines throughout this draft, and they have 11 picks to do so.

Kiper's notes: I'm not positive he'll reach the 49ers, but Graham would also be a great get for them as they attempt to replace Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins.

12. Dallas Cowboys

Yates' pick prediction: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

The Cowboys are short on offensive playmakers alongside CeeDee Lamb, making McMillan a seamless fit. He has excellent size, runs efficient routes and has a big catch radius. And he's the only FBS player with more than 1,300 receiving yards in each of the past two seasons. Dak Prescott would look his way often in the red zone.

13. Miami Dolphins

Yates' pick prediction: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Even before the news that Jalen Ramsey's days in Miami are likely over, I saw cornerback as a big need for the Dolphins. Storm Duck, Cam Smith and Ethan Bonner are the other starter options on the roster right now. Johnson was limited to six games in 2024 by a foot injury, but his size, ball skills and instincts are so good that he deserves to be a top-15 pick. Miami played zone coverage two-thirds of the time last season, which would offset any questions around Johnson's speed.

Kiper's notes: Miami definitely needs a cornerback, but I wouldn't be surprised if it favors Texas' Jahdae Barron over Johnson. Barron had five picks and moved all over the Texas defense last season.

14. Indianapolis Colts

Yates' pick prediction: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

One of the most mind-blowing stats that has come up in my draft prep: The Colts have not had a tight end reach 500 receiving yards since Eric Ebron did so in 2018. That streak would end in a hurry if they take Loveland, though. He is not far behind Warren in my rankings (No. 11), as he's a smooth route runner with good hands. As Indianapolis sorts through its long-term quarterback situation, having more dependable middle-of-the-field playmakers would go a long way in getting the passing game on track.

Kiper's notes: Everyone is connecting the Colts to the tight ends. As such, I've heard that a few teams might even be trying to trade ahead of Indianapolis to get Loveland, though it's unclear which ones.

15. Atlanta Falcons

Yates' pick prediction: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall

The Falcons had 31 sacks last season, second fewest in the NFL. They brought in Leonard Floyd in free agency, but there is still a lot of work to do on the pass rush. Green led all FBS players with 17 sacks last season and has the scheme versatility to play with a hand in the dirt as a 4-3 defensive end or standing up as an outside linebacker in a 3-4. Scouts from other teams took notice of Atlanta's significant contingent on hand at Green's pro day workout.

Kiper's notes: Atlanta is a tough one. Green makes sense. But Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant is gaining some late steam, and I've been told he could come off the board in the middle of the first round. Grant is explosive and instinctive, and he could slide into Grady Jarrett's vacated spot on the interior.

16. Arizona Cardinals

Yates' pick prediction: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Simmons' wide draft range is simply because he's recovering from a torn patellar tendon. But fully healthy, he has massive upside at left tackle, with great footwork in pass protection. Arizona could form an all-Ohio State tackle duo with Simmons and Paris Johnson Jr. And perhaps no NFL team is more familiar with Simmons' game than the Cardinals, because their new offensive line coach Justin Frye served as Ohio State's run game coordinator/offensive line coach for the past two seasons.

17. Cincinnati Bengals

Yates' pick prediction: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

It's hard to find an area on defense that isn't an issue for Cincinnati, especially with uncertainty still surrounding Trey Hendrickson's future. With or without Hendrickson, the Bengals are desperate for more pass-rush help. Nolen could help from the interior, given his combination of power and an explosive first step.

Kiper's notes: There are going to be some really good defensive players available in this range. I'd also watch South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori, Will Johnson and Kenneth Grant for the Bengals.

18. Seattle Seahawks

Yates' pick prediction: Grey Zabel, G, North Dakota State

The Seahawks are adjusting their offensive system this season under new coordinator Klint Kubiak, and they could use reinforcements on the interior offensive line. Zabel has the standout footwork to thrive in Kubiak's zone scheme at guard. He starred at North Dakota State at multiple positions and then shined at the Senior Bowl against top competition, affirming his standing as a first-round prospect.

Kiper's notes: Here's another spot to watch for Simmons. He's a left tackle -- which is currently occupied by Charles Cross -- but could slide inside to guard if needed in the short term.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Yates' pick prediction: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

Tampa Bay has made it clear that cornerback is a priority this offseason. Barron has elite instincts and is versatile. The Bucs tied for 26th in picks last season with seven, so Barron's ball skills would be welcomed.

20. Denver Broncos

Yates' pick prediction: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

The Broncos have assembled a talented roster, but they should continue to invest around quarterback Bo Nix. Golden would add some field-flipping speed to this offense. While he plays a decidedly different style than Courtland Sutton, this pick would also help Denver's receiver room for the long term; Sutton is entering the final year of his contract.

Kiper's notes: Denver does need a receiver. But I'm still hearing the Broncos want a running back, and North Carolina's Omarion Hampton has been connected to them.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers

Yates' pick prediction: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

We can't ignore the possibility of a quarterback, as the Steelers continue to wait on Aaron Rodgers -- especially with Sanders still on the board. But the sense I've gotten in recent days is that Pittsburgh could go another direction. Running back is a glaring hole, and we know offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has an affinity for power backs who can handle a big workload. Hampton is a day one starter.

22. Los Angeles Chargers

Yates' pick prediction: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama

Few teams have a clearer identity than the Chargers, who believe strongly in being able to dominate in the trenches. Booker would help further cement that along the offensive line thanks to his power. The Chargers are a classic fit for Booker, who would likely leapfrog Zion Johnson into the starting lineup and pair with Mekhi Becton to form the league's largest guard duo.

Kiper's notes: Booker is definitely a hot name right now, as teams have gone back to his great tape. There are a few teams in the 20s that could use him on their offensive lines, including the Texans and Ravens. I've also been told to watch Kenneth Grant at this pick. He shares a Michigan connection with Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh, and, as I mentioned, Grant is getting some mid-Round 1 love right now. He might not even reach Los Angeles' pick.

23. Green Bay Packers

Yates' pick prediction: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M

You'll hear the traits vs. production debate in any draft room, but many evaluators across the league believe Stewart's immense upside and great physical skills make up for his meager college production (4.5 sacks in three seasons). Green Bay hasn't been afraid of betting on edge rushers with plus traits in prior drafts.

24. Minnesota Vikings

Yates' pick prediction: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

Minnesota's safety room is starting to change; Camryn Bynum is now in Indianapolis, and Harrison Smith is 36 years old. Emmanwori has exceptional physical traits and ball skills, dominating at the combine after a four-INT season.

25. Houston Texans

Yates' pick prediction: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

The Texans have reconstructed their offensive line, including replacing Laremy Tunsil with Cam Robinson at left tackle. But they must be mindful of the long-term future of an essential spot. Conerly is a balanced and controlled pass protector, and he could help keep C.J. Stroud upright.

Kiper's notes: Things worked out here with Conerly to Houston, but there is some talk around the league that the Texans want to trade up for an offensive lineman, depending on how the board falls.

26. Los Angeles Rams

Yates' pick prediction: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA

Schwesinger's range, versatility and processing skills will appeal to Los Angeles, which has a thin linebackers room at the moment. His 115 tackles ranked 14th in the country last season.

Kiper's notes: Schwesinger has been getting some late-Round 1 buzz recently, and he's a good pick at this stage. Alabama's Jihaad Campbell would also get some looks at the end of Day 1, despite the shoulder concerns. He could ultimately end up being a really good second-round pick for some team.

27. Baltimore Ravens

Yates' pick prediction: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

The Ravens have a strong track record of letting the board come to them, which would be the case with Starks. He has range, versatility and ball skills, and he would pair very well with Kyle Hamilton in trying to button up a Ravens pass defense that was far too vulnerable to explosive plays for much of last season.

28. Detroit Lions

Yates' pick prediction: Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State

I'm a big fan of Jackson's game, and he won me over with how seamlessly he shifted from guard to left tackle when Ohio State needed him there last season. He's tough, physical and reliable, and he fits the Lions' team culture. Jackson could take the starting right guard spot as a rookie.

Projected Commanders-Browns trade

Yates' trade projection: We're almost through Round 1, and Ward is still the only quarterback off the board. With a few QB-needy teams waiting at the top of Round 2, the Browns could pounce on the opportunity to move up to secure their guy. I have Cleveland trading Nos. 33 and 104 (a fourth-rounder) to Washington for No. 29. The Commanders have just five picks, so they could be looking to trade down.

Kiper's notes: The Commanders are in a good spot, having turned their roster around quickly. Moving down for another pick and still landing a good prospect at the top of the second round would be good business. My top three needs for them are edge rusher, cornerback and running back.

A few prospects who could fit the Commanders, whether they stay at No. 29 or end up atop Round 2: Boston College edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku, Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston, Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson, Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos and Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr.

29. Cleveland Browns (via mock trade with WSH)

Yates' pick prediction: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Sanders -- my No. 16 overall player -- would reunite with Hunter. Predicting landing spots for quarterbacks beyond Ward has proved difficult this year, but if Sanders gets past Pittsburgh at No. 21, Cleveland could get good value here. He's accurate and throws with touch, and he'd improve the Browns' QB outlook. They currently have Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, with Deshaun Watson out because of a torn Achilles.

30. Buffalo Bills

Yates' pick prediction: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

Buffalo is searching for another cornerback opposite Christian Benford, and Hairston is sticky in coverage with 4.28 speed and good ball skills. Buffalo is a zone-heavy team, which fits Hairston's skill set and what he saw in college.

31. Kansas City Chiefs

Yates' pick prediction: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Kansas City lost Tershawn Wharton in free agency, and Grant would beef up a thinning DT room -- even though they are two very different kinds of players. Grant is disruptive against the run and could slide in next to Chris Jones. Other players who could generate interest here include Pearce and Oregon's Derrick Harmon.

Kiper's notes: I think he's much more likely to go early on Day 2, but I wouldn't be completely surprised if LSU tight end Mason Taylor went to the Chiefs at No. 31. They'll be looking for Travis Kelce's future replacement.

32. Philadelphia Eagles

Yates' pick prediction: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College

After 16.5 sacks in 2024, Ezeiruaku burst onto the first-round radar. He is long and instinctive, and he uses his physical tools and savviness to keep tackles on their heels. The Eagles are looking to replenish their edge depth after Josh Sweat left for Arizona in free agency.

Kiper's buzzy names to watch outside Round 1

Here are a few names that kept coming up in Kiper's calls this week -- good football players who could go anywhere from Round 2 to Round 5. They are listed in order of Kiper's top 150 Big Board rankings.