Zak Drapeau's Final 2025 Mock Draft

1. Cameron Ward QB

Tennessee Titans

Big Board Rank: 16

The Titans seem destined to make this pick and make Cam Ward their Franchise guy so who am I to take anyone else here.

Ward's arm strength and experience are as good as anyone's in the draft but is he truly #1 pick worthy? As a Canes fan I love Ward going No. 1... if I was a Titans fan I wouldn't be so inspired though...

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2. Travis Hunter CB/WR

Cleveland Browns

Big Board Rank: 1

Again, everything is pointing to Travis Hunter being the pick so I won't argue. Hunter will be WR1 in Cleveland and will be a rotational CB in an already good DB room.

Using him primarily as a Wide Receiver at first, Hunter will bring athleticism and IQ the Browns haven't had at the position in long time. Cleveland will likely move on from Greg Newsome and have Hunter as CB2 by next season.

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3. Abdul Carter OLB

New York Giants

Big Board Rank: 2

Abdul Carter is as explosive and versatile as any top Edge Rusher in any draft class and will immediately give the Giants the best pass rush trio in the league.

A soft injury before the Combine won't stop him from going this high and may give the Giants flexibility to trade Kayvon Thibodeaux down the line.

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4. Armand Membou OT

New England Patriots

Big Board Rank: 12

The Patriots should definuitely trade down and take either Membou or Campbell towards the end of the Top-10. If they stay at 4 though Membou is the pick.

I'm still very high on Campbell and even have him 4 spots higher on my Big Board, but the Patriots need a Tackle and don't really need a Guard and Membou has the best chance at being a long-term Tackle in the league.

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5. Tetairoa McMillan WR

Jacksonville Jaguars

Big Board Rank: 7

The Jaguars could go many ways for this pick but I think Liam Coen will look to optimize Trevor Lawrence quickly and adding a big time receiver like Tet McMillan would be the best way to do so.

Coen will also be used to playcalling for a receiver like him because of his years in Tampa with Mike Evans. McMillan will never be a slot option with his agility defecits but he will be a reliable "X" receiver while Brian Thomas Jr. runs deep threats all day.

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6. Ashton Jeanty RB

Las Vegas Raiders

Big Board Rank: 3

Jeanty seems destined to be a Raider in Pete Caroll's offense. As the apparent next Marshawn Lynch, Jeanty's balance, vision, speed and strength make him an all-purpose downhill runner the likes we haven't seen since Saquon Barkley in 2017.

Jeanty had the best season of a college RB since Barry Sanders and will be an immediate Top-10 RB in the league next year and has TRUE Top-3 RB potential for years to come.

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7. Will Johnson CB

New York Jets

Big Board Rank: 5

Johnson has taken a bad wrap in the last few weeks but his talent and experience should keep him in the Top-10. The Jets have needed a good CB2 to pair with Sauce Gardner and alongside Will Johnson, the Jets could have the best CB pair in the league.

Johnson is the best man corner in this class and even if he has small arms and won't be a great press corner, his talent as a pure NFL-ready CB can't be ignored and if he does go outside of the Top-10 he'll be a steal.

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8. Jalon Walker LB

Carolina Panthers

Big Board Rank: 17

Walker is lower on my board than most but his potential as an NFL pass rusher is very legit. His size and speed are NFL prototype already and his leadership on and off the field is admirable.

The Panthers need A LOT of help on defense and Walker would add to the sacks total along with putting an Alpha on that defense that it desperately needs.

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9. Will Campbell LB

New Orleans Saints

Big Board Rank: 8

The Saints will be heading into a serious rebuild under new Head Coach Kellen Moore and the best thing to start a rebuild is building in the trenches. It also happens that Will Campbell is the best player on the board as well.

Campbell has potential as a mauling NFL RT but will project best as a Guard. If the Saints can keep Trevor Penning on the edge, Campbell will complete a strong interior O-line for the Saints.

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10. Mason Graham DT

Chicago Bears

Big Board Rank: 4

Mason Graham at 10 would be a huge steal for the Bears who need to move on from Gervon Dexter. A All-Around 4-3 D-tackle with run stopping and pass rush proficiency, Graham is a victim of his position and a true Top-5 talent in the class.

Graham would fit beautifully alongside new signing Grady Jarrett and would transform this D-line and Front-& completely over night.

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11. Jihaad Campbell LB

San Francisco 49ers

Big Board Rank: 10

Campbell will be a perfect 3-4 OLB in the NFL but will also be such a great fit on the 49ers who need a Dre Greenlaw replacement. Capable of doing all 3 roles as a Linebacker, Campbell can also fill in at DE on the 9ers.

Campbell will be best as a SAM LB who can cover TEs or rush the passer in a multiple front and Robert Salah returning to the 49ers could turn Campbell into one of the best OLBs in the league in a very short time.

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12. Kelvin Banks Jr. OT

Dallas Cowboys

Big Board Rank: 15

Another team that can go one of several ways, but if Jeanty isn't available they should go back to their roots and draft in the trenches. Kelvin Banks is a legitimate Tackle that could be the Cowboys Left Tackle across from Tyler Guyton for years to come.

Banks is a mauler and one of the strongest men in this entire class. The Cowboys have always built around their offensive line and after Zack Martin's retirement will need to start somewhere.

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13. Jahdae Barron CB

Miami Dolphins

Big Board Rank: 9

The Dolphins have two glaring holes they need to address in this draft: O-Line and Secondary. With no top-level DBs left, Jahdae Barron is the easy choice. A super intelligent Nickel corner with the instincts and speed to play the boundary when needed.

A captain on and off the field in Texas, Barron is an extreme ball hawk and feared tackler all packed into a 190-pound frame. An instant starter at the Nickel in Miami and a future Captain.

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14. Tyler Warren TE

Indianapolis Colts

Big Board Rank: 6

A big time difference maker at the Tight End position, Warren is as dangerous with the ball in his hands as he is as a blocker; an EXTREME rarity in this class. Warren would be a critical safety net for Colts' Quarterbacks as well as a welcome run blocker in the Colts scheme.

Warren almost seems to good to be true of a prospect. Most Tight Ends give up run after catch ability to be a good blocker or vice versa, but Warren has made no such trade-offs. As a Colts fan I would prefer to see a defensive pick here but I can't glance over just how good he'd be for them.

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15. Mykel Williams DE

Atlanta Falcons

Big Board Rank: 25

Staying in Georgia, Mykel Williams isn't a polished pass rusher just yet but strill may be the best in Atlanta as soon as he's drafted.

A physical freak at 6'5" and 280 pounds, Williams has incredible length and aggressiveness at the position. An excellent edge setter against the run already, Williams lack of pass rush is the only setback in his game. If he learns some pass rush moves in the league he has legitimate potential to be the best player in this class.

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16. Josh Simmons OT

Arizona Cardinals

Big Board Rank: 21

The Cardinals are an odd team to draft for because they have no real weak spots in their roster. Solid B's or B-'s across the board, the RT spot is one of the weakest and Josh Simmons would either plug in right away or could even play LT and have ex-Ohio State teammate Paris Johnson move to his natural RT spot.

Simmons may still need some time to fully recover from a knee injury last season but is one of the most natural Left Tackles in this class and would sure make Kyler Murray's life easier.

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17. Shemar Stewart DE

Cincinnati Bengals

Big Board Rank: 20

In a class of spectacular athlete, Stewart is in the Top-3 of most athletic. Able to play the edge on a 3-4 or 4-3, Stewart is a good run stopper and a good enough athlete to be a top pass rusher in a few years.

The Bengals prioritized offense this offseason and have ran into a boig problem on defense and especially in their pass rush. With Sam Hubbard retiring and Trey Hendrickson possibly sitting out this season, Shemar Stewart might be their best D-End right away.

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18. Malaki Starks SAF

Seattle Seahawks

Big Board Rank: 11

This pick came as somewhat of a shock to even me, but hear me out. With Julian Love and Coby Bryant's contracts both being on their last year and Mike Macdonald having success with Kyle Hamilton in Baltimore, Malaki Starks could be the future of this defense.

Going back to their legion of boom roots, Starks would be their SAF1 by next year and may even take the role in his rookie campaign. Able to play Nickel, Frfee or Strong Safety, Starks would legitimately be a Top-10 Safety in the league in no time.

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19. Mike Green OLB

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Big Board Rank: 18

A possible drop because of off the field issues aside, on the field Mike Green can flat out ball. A vicious and finesse rusher at the same time, Green led the FBS in sacks last season and is likely to put up 8+ sacks in the league right away.

Tampa has a hole on their edge that Green would be perfect for. Other young players like Chris Braswell and Yaya Diaby haven't taken advantage of the opportunity and Tampa should keep drafting players like Green until someone does.

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20. Omarion Hampton RB

Denver Broncos

Big Board Rank: 26

A dangerous and versatile runner, Hampton would be RB1 EASILY in Denver and could give Bo Nix a sorely needed safety net. Hampton was one of the best receiving backs in the FBS last year and will instantly do so in Denver as their premier three-down RB.

The Broncos over-achieved last season but have an even better roster this year and are poised to make another run for the playoffs. Adding Hampton could be the piece that turns them from hopefuls into contenders.

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21. Shedeur Sanders QB

Pittsburgh Steelers

Big Board Rank: 22

Finally Shedeur comes off the board! In the best logical spot for him to start his career nonetheless, no team will allow Shedeur to start right away while giving him good passing options and a good )-line like the Steelers will.

Perhaps the drop is a blessing in disguise for Sanders who still needs work on a lot of mechanics to be truly successful in the league. I can't think of a coaching staff to be around for Sanders in particular than Mike Tomlin and Arthur Smith.

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22. Colston Loveland TE

Los Angeles Chargers

Big Board Rank: 22

The pick that has been mocked so many times because of how much sense it makes. Herbert needs receivers... Loveland is the best slot receiver in this draft, TE or WR included... Harbaugh's Michigan connection... it's all too perfect.

Loveland will be the perfect compliment to Ladd McConkey, Loveland will be a safety net and chain-mover at the same time. With some blocking capabilities as well, Loveland will combine with McConkey to make LA the closest thing to what the Patriots did from 2016-2020.

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23. Walter Nolen DT

Green Bay Packers

Big Board Rank: 13

So hear me out... this is my wild card pick of this first round mock. Not because Nolen isn't good enough to go here but because I haven't seen anyone else do this including myself.

We saw the Packers do this when Rashan Gary dropped to them at 12 and Nolen is made from the same cloth. Both D-lineman were former #1 high school recuits, both are skilled pass rushers and the Packers need a D-Tackle desperately now that Devonte Wyatt is destined to be released. I LOVE this fit.

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24. Maxwell Hairston CB

Minnesota Vikings

Big Board Rank: 31

The Vikings have their pick here between Hairston, Amos and Emmanwori but I landed on Hairston for a few reasons. The Vikings will need a Safety when Harrison Smith retires but they need a boundary CB NOW.

Hairston tested supremely well at the Senior Bowl and Combine, running a class-best 4.3-40. His man cover skills and hand usage should make him a long-term starter in Minnesota.

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25. Tyler Booker OG

Houston Texans

Big Board Rank: 23

The Texans should take the best lineman on the board regardless of position and figure the rest out later. Thankfully, the best true Guard in the class is available and Tyler Booker is just what they need.

A hulking run mauler, Booker will be the Alpha on this O-line and help Joe Mixon have another Pro Bowl season. Don't overthink this one Houston, Booker will be this unit's Captain for a very long time.

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26. Jaxson Dart QB

Los Angels Rams

Big Board Rank: 57

Every year there seems to be an unexpected QB selection and I think the Rams are the best chance for it this year. In the same making as Jordan Love, Dart is a great backup to sit and learn from Matthew Stafford.

Stafford only has 3 years MAX left in the NFL and probably less than that if he gets injured again. A guy like Dart or Milroe won't be available at their pick in the second round so they should get there guy now and have him ready to go whenever he's needed.

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27. Kenneth Grant DT

Baltimore Ravens

Big Board Rank: 32

The Ravens seemingly get a guy who has fallen every single season and Kenneth Grant may not fit that mold entirely but he will still make an immediate impact on this team.

In the best casex scenario for the athletic Nose Tackle, Grant will be filling a long-needed gap for Baltimore. Being coached by John Harbaugh and Zach Orr should get his full potential as a pass rusher to come true as well.

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28. Donovan Ezeiruaku OLB

Detroit Lions

Big Board Rank: 35

The Lions pass on the "character-concerned" James Pearce to take Donovan Ezeiruaku who is a safer pass rusher with good athleticism. Ezeiruaku isn't the typical 270-pound power rusher on the Lions but will be just as effective.

The Lions were already short on pass rushers before Aidan Hutchinson got injured and now they are so needy Ezey will start right away. Quick to adapt to his surroundings, he may even stay a starter when Hutchinson comes back.

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29. James Pearce Jr. OLB

Washington Commanders

Big Board Rank: 19

The Commanders are also Edge-desperate but they won't pass on Pearce's talent. A question similar to Aaron Rodgers' "ego" problem surrounds Pearce Jr. out of Tennessee, (and look how that turned out for Rodgers).

Pearce Jr. is a 3-4 OLB prototype with overwhelming speed and finesse moves but will be a "X" rusher in Washington and will have to adjust to the 4-3 scheme. His talent is too good to let get out of the First Round.

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30. Matthew Golden WR

Buffalo Bills

Big Board Rank: 28

Somehow Matt Golden has fallen to 30 and the Bills will run to the podium to ensure he doesn't fall any more. A perfect middle man between Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir, Golden will be the final piece in Buffalo's WR rebuild.

Golden was a sure-handed, versatile speedster at Texas and will bring a receiving threat at all 3 levels to Buffalo. If this comes true, Golden has a legitimate chance at OROY and many more awards throughout his career.

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31. Donovan Jackson OG

Kansas City Chiefs

Big Board Rank: 39

The Chiefs' embarrassment in the Super Bowl should surely have them take an O-lineman here and between Josh Conerly and Donovan Jackson, I think Jackson is better.

A versatile lineman best suited for Guard, Jackson will give the Chiefs flexibility to play him at Guard or Tackle. With the many young Tackles and new signing at Tackle on the team, maybe a Guard is the right way to go.

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32. Derrick Harmon DT

Philadelphia Eagles

Big Board Rank: 29

Finally, the Eagles make the most unsurprising pick ever. Derrick Harmon isn't a clone copy of Milton Williams but will pick up where he left off pretty seamlessly.

A closer style to Jalen Carter, Harmon wins with power and leverage but is as clean of a pass rusher as Williams ever was. He will need some help with run stuffing and keeping his pad level down but if there was ever a team and D-line teammates to help him with that....

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