Tom Rock's final 2025 NFL mock draft - Newsday


Tom Rock's 2025 NFL mock draft predicts the first-round selections for all 32 teams, highlighting key needs and potential surprises.
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1. TENNESSEE: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

The Titans have the top pick and need a top quarterback. Book it.

2. CLEVELAND: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

One pick that can help on both sides of the ball? The Browns will take that.

3. GIANTS: Abdul Carter, LB, Penn State

This team’s championships all have been built on sacking opposing quarterbacks. Having Carter coming from various directions, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux flying around the edge, and Dexter Lawrence in the middle will leave division opponents Jayden Daniels, Jalen Hurts and Dak Prescott squirming.

Shedeur Sanders. Credit: AP/Jack Dempsey

4. NEW ORLEANS (via New England): Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Trade! The Saints move up from ninth before the Browns and Giants can jump back in to the first round and take a position they need… even if it’s not exactly the player they want.

5.  JACKSONVILLE: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

After seeing what Saquon Barkley did for the Eagles the value for special running backs has skyrocketed.

6. LAS VEGAS: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Most figured the top lineman in the draft would go to the Patriots at 4 but when they traded back the tackle fell to the Raiders.

7. JETS: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

The first pick of the Darren Mougey Era is a an exceptionally disruptive grinder. Defensive tackle is considered by many to be the best position in this draft and Graham tops that long list. Putting him up front should help revive Quinnen Williams’ production and improve last year’s slumping run defense.

The Jets have the No. 7 pick in Thursday night's NFL Draft. Newsday's NFL columnist Tom Rock takes a look at what needs they might fill. Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas

8. CAROLINA: Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia

The Panthers get the help they need on their defensive front. Don’t be surprised if they come back and take a DT on Day Two.

9. NEW ENGLAND (via New Orleans): Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

The Patriots get a versatile player who can start at either tackle spot or even guard if needed.

10. CHICAGO: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

The most gimmicky play-caller in the league, Ben Johnson, gets his hands on the most gimmicky player in the draft.

11. SAN FRANCISCO: Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi

Nick Bosa needs someone to take the blocking attention off him to return to Defensive Player of the Year form. Nolen is the guy for the job.

12. DALLAS: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

The Cowboys get a speedy field-stretcher so CeeDee Lamb can keep doing his work out of the slot.

13. MIAMI: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

If the Dolphins are going to part ways with Jalen Ramsey they’ll need someone to be their new CB1.

14. INDIANAPOLIS: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Someone to help with the blocking and catch those seam passes thrown by either Daniel Jones or Anthony Richardson.

15. ATLANTA: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall

The Falcons need someone who can get to the quarterback.

16. ARIZONA: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia

So do the Cardinals.

17. CINCINNATI: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

The Bengals may score 50 points a game but what good is it if they give up 51?

18. SEATTLE: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

His run blocking is better than his pass protection so he may start off as a guard.

19. TAMPA BAY: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

The Bucs get a successor to Lavonte David as the leader of the defense.

20. DENVER: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

The Broncos will have a more balanced offense with a home run hitter at running back.

Jaxson Dart. Credit: AP/Michael Conroy

21. PITTSBURGH: Jaxson Dart, QB, Mississippi

Maybe Aaron Rodgers shows up one day, maybe he doesn’t. Either way the Steelers need a QB they can develop.

22. L.A. CHARGERS: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

A big-bodied receiver who can become a big target for Justin Herbert.

23. GREEN BAY: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Jordan Love will love this pick.

24. MINNESOTA: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

Versatility is the most valuable skill in the Vikings’ defense and Barron brings that.

25. HOUSTON: Grey Zabel, G, North Dakota State

Plugs the big hole in the middle of the offensive line that ruined C.J. Stroud’s second NFL season.

26. L.A. RAMS: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

Matthew Stafford isn’t going to be scooting around in the pocket like when he was younger so he needs protectors.

27. BALTIMORE: James Pearce, Edge, Tennessee

Speed and power make Pearce a QB-seeking missile.

28. DETROIT: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

His ability to play deep or in the box gives the Lions options.

Jalen Milroe. Credit: AP/Vasha Hunt

29. CLEVELAND (via Washington): Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

The Browns jump back in the first round to take a swing at the most dynamic quarterback in this draft class; the Commanders are only too happy to accommodate them to keep the Giants from taking him early in Round Two.

30. BUFFALO: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

The Bills beef up their defensive front with this pick.

31. KANSAS CITY: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

If the most recent Super Bowl taught Kansas City anything it’s that they have to protect Patrick Mahomes.

32. PHILADELPHIA: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College

The Eagles won’t have to trade up to land a replacement for free agent Josh Sweat, who could very well have been MVP of the Super Bowl.

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