2025 NFL Mock Draft: Miller’s Early First-Round Predictions

2025 NFL Mock Draft: Miller’s Early First-Round Predictions

The 2025 NFL draft is still more than nine months away, but I’m already digging into tape on the top prospects in the class, including a handful of potential franchise quarterbacks. With NFL training camps on the horizon and the start of the 2024 college football season not far behind, I’m doing an early projection of all 32 first-round picks for next year’s draft.

Our draft order for this exercise comes from ESPN’s Football Power Index, which uses thousands of simulations to predict the 2024 NFL season. In turn, that gives us a 1-32 order, starting with the Patriots at No. 1. But would New England hang onto the top pick or trade it away to a QB-needy team? Spoiler: I projected two trades in this mock draft, including a deal involving the No. 1 selection.

Of course, a lot will change before teams are actually on the clock next April. Prospects will rise and fall on draft boards, and some of these players will ultimately return to school for another year. We have an entire season of game tape ahead of us—and I admittedly haven’t watched a ton on everyone just yet. So what follows is just an early look at what could happen based on what I’ve seen, what I’m hearing, what each team might need, and what could make sense. Let’s jump in.

Note: Underclassmen are noted with an asterisk.

Projected Trade: Giants Come Up to No. 1 Overall

We might not have a generational talent like Caleb Williams in this class, but there are some really good quarterbacks. And given that the Patriots just used a 2024 top-three pick on Drake Maye, I’d bet they would be listening on trade offers if they were to have the top pick next year. I like the idea of the Giants moving up, and the trade package could look similar to what Carolina sent to Chicago in 2023 when the Panthers slid up to No. 1 from No. 9. I have the Giants dealing their No. 6 pick, a 2025 second-rounder, a 2026 first-rounder, and a 2027 second-rounder to get this done.

1. New York Giants (via projected trade with NE)Carson Beck, QB, Georgia*The Giants threw 15 touchdown passes last season (fifth fewest in the league), and Daniel Jones is coming off a season-ending ACL injury, but the team is running it back this year. Veteran Drew Lock was added as a backup, but there still isn’t a long-term answer under center on this roster. So the front office might get aggressive in finding one. Beck—my QB1 in the class at the moment—is a steady pocket passer with a big arm and great processing speed. He is primed for a breakout season after throwing 24 touchdown passes and completing 72.4% of his throws in his first season as a starter in 2023.

Projected Trade: Raiders Jump Up the Board for a QB

Despite picking at No. 13 this past April, Las Vegas missed out on the 2024 class’s top six quarterbacks. The Raiders might not want to chance it again in 2025, and I could see a scenario where they’d give the No. 8 pick, a 2026 first-rounder, and a 2027 second-rounder to Carolina for the chance to get one of the top two signal-callers available. This, of course, would be assuming that Carolina would be willing to trade back and stick with Bryce Young.

2. Las Vegas Raiders (via projected trade with CAR)Shedeur Sanders, QB, ColoradoThe Raiders went 8-9 last season, and the late-season 5-4 surge under coach Antonio Pierce didn’t have much to do with the quarterback play. The team had 20 passing touchdowns to 18 interceptions, as rookie Aidan O’Connell replaced Jimmy Garoppolo for 11 games. O’Connell may prove his status in Year 2, but the early read on Las Vegas is that it needs a quarterback. Sanders is a legitimate Heisman contender if Colorado can string together some wins. His accuracy, toughness, and poise would make him a rookie starter for the Raiders and give the offense some much-needed swagger. He threw 27 touchdown passes to three interceptions for the Buffaloes last year.
3. Denver BroncosWill Johnson, CB, Michigan*The Broncos could look at offensive tackle with Garett Bolles’ contract set to expire after the 2024 season, but this is a team in “best player available” territory. Johnson’s tape from his first two seasons at Michigan is some of the best cornerback tape I’ve seen. The 6-foot-2 playmaker’s closest comparison as a college prospect is Pat Surtain II, whom he’d be lined up opposite in this scenario in Denver. Johnson has seven career interceptions, is an active tackler, and has the size and speed to erase receivers.
4. Tennessee TitansJames Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee*This is a prove-it season for quarterback Will Levis as a second-year starter, but the early returns were good enough that we can forget about quarterbacks at the top of the draft for now. Instead, the Titans could land my preseason No. 1 overall player—and an in-state prospect. At 6-foot-5 and 242 pounds, Pearce has special quickness around the edge, picking up 9.5 sacks last season. He also flashed his all-around game with a 52-yard pick-six last season. Pearce would be an instant boost opposite Harold Landry III.
5. Washington CommandersKelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas*If the draft were tomorrow, we’d be talking about left tackle and edge rusher as massive needs for the Commanders. That could change between now and April, but general manager Adam Peters could definitely address the blind side of the line; Washington has to protect quarterback Jayden Daniels after allowing 65 sacks last season (tied for second most). Banks is a prototypical left tackle with a powerful 324-pound frame, and the junior has allowed just two sacks over his two full seasons starting for the Longhorns.
6. New England Patriots (via projected trade with NYG)Will Campbell, OT, LSU*The Patriots ranked last in the NFL in pass block win rate last season (43.4%), and even after signing Chukwuma Okorafor and bringing back Mike Onwenu this offseason, addressing the offensive line next offseason is a must. Campbell is part of college football’s best tackle duo alongside LSU teammate Emery Jones Jr. He’s a two-year starter who didn’t allow a single sack and only 15 total pressures last season. He could be long-term protection for Drake Maye in this offense.
7. Minnesota VikingsMason Graham, DT, Michigan*The Vikings made big additions in the 2024 first round, adding quarterback J.J. McCarthy and defensive end Dallas Turner. But the interior of the defensive line should get a big look next year, and Graham is a legitimate contender for the class’s top overall prospect. His stats won’t blow you away, thanks to Michigan’s defensive line rotation and assignments—he had three sacks in 2023—but Graham’s explosion and power jump off the tape.
8. Carolina Panthers (via projected trade with LV)Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri*In this scenario, the Panthers are able to move back and still land a playmaker, continuing to focus on building an offensive support system around Bryce Young after investing in guards Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt this offseason. Burden is the most explosive player in college football—he averaged 14.1 yards per catch and had 1,212 yards on 86 receptions last season—and brings a Deebo Samuel-like ability to make defenders miss post-catch. And he does it with legitimate 4.3 speed. Pairing Burden with Diontae Johnson and 2024 second-rounder Xavier Legette would give Young the type of wideouts he needs to excel.
9. Arizona CardinalsTravis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado*Arizona is building a solid foundation, and the front office could realistically turn to a “best player available” approach next April. Hunter is a two-way star who logged 984 snaps last season, including 412 on offense and 572 on defense, and proved himself as a playmaker and elite cover man. His 57 receptions and five touchdowns over nine games made him an early Heisman candidate, and he added three interceptions and seven pass breakups on defense. There will be a debate about which side of the ball makes more sense for Hunter in the pros, but he is a throwback do-it-all football player the Cardinals could deploy in a number of roles.
10. New Orleans SaintsQuinn Ewers, QB, Texas*The 2024 season will be crucial for the future of starting quarterback Derek Carr in New Orleans and perhaps provide a window into what the team has in rookie fifth-rounder Spencer Rattler. At this time, it doesn’t appear that either quarterback is the future here. Ewers has talent worthy of a first-overall pick heading into his third season as a starter at Texas. At 21 years old, he has to cut down on poor decisions during games, but his accuracy, mobility, and arm strength are that of a future NFL starter. Ewers threw for 3,479 yards and 22 touchdown passes last season.
11. Seattle SeahawksTetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona*Seattle has one of the NFL’s best receiving corps, but it’s also a unit poised for a breakup. Tyler Lockett—who is entering his age-32 season—has two years remaining on his contract and could be a cap casualty after the 2024 season. That would leave D.K. Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba as Geno Smith’s top two receivers. McMillan’s 6-foot-5 frame and athleticism are going to be coveted next April after he hauled in 11 touchdowns and 85 catches last season. He’s an instant contributor in the red zone, and he could be Lockett’s replacement as a No. 2 receiver.
12. Chicago BearsAmarius Mims, OT, Georgia*The Bears’ front office has been focused on supporting quarterback Justin Fields and bolstering the defense. But there’s more work to do on the offensive line. Chicago allowed the fourth-most sacks in the league last season (58), and right tackle Kaleb McGary is entering his contract year. Mims, a 6-foot-7 junior, has elite quickness and power for the position. He could be an immediate starter on the right side and eventually move to left tackle when Braxton Jones’ contract is up after the 2025 season.
13. Green Bay PackersLeonard Taylor, DT, Miami*The Packers are in full-on rebuild mode, and adding talent in the trenches should be a priority. Taylor has flashed first-round talent with his quickness, athleticism, and ability to get after the quarterback. He had 8.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss last season, and he could be a disruptive force on Green Bay’s defensive line for years to come.
14. Cleveland BrownsXavier Worthy, WR, Texas*The Browns could use more firepower on offense, and Worthy is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the draft. He has elite speed and quickness, and he has shown the ability to make big plays down the field. Worthy had 78 catches for 1,347 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, and he could be a game-changer for Cleveland’s offense.
15. Los Angeles ChargersDallas Turner, Edge, Alabama*The Chargers have one of the best pass-rushing duos in the league with Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, but they could use more depth and a potential future replacement for Mack. Turner is an explosive edge rusher with a quick first step and a high motor. He had 10 sacks and 18 tackles for loss last season, and he could be a valuable addition to Los Angeles’ defense.
16. Tampa Bay BuccaneersEmery Jones Jr., OT, LSU*The Buccaneers need to address their offensive line, and Jones is one of the best tackles in the draft. He has a massive frame at 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, and he has shown the ability to dominate in the run game and hold up in pass protection. Jones could be an immediate starter at right tackle for Tampa Bay.
17. Pittsburgh SteelersEvan Stewart, WR, Texas A&M*The Steelers could use more playmakers on offense, and Stewart is a dynamic receiver with elite speed and quickness. He had 67 catches for 1,021 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, and he could be a valuable addition to Pittsburgh’s receiving corps.
18. Detroit LionsBralen Trice, Edge, Washington*The Lions have a solid defensive line, but they could use more pass-rushing help. Trice is an explosive edge rusher with a quick first step and a high motor. He had 12 sacks and 21 tackles for loss last season, and he could be a valuable addition to Detroit’s defense.
19. Buffalo BillsJeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson*The Bills need to address their linebacker corps, and Trotter is one of the best in the draft. He has great instincts and athleticism, and he has shown the ability to make plays all over the field. Trotter had 102 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks last season, and he could be a valuable addition to Buffalo’s defense.
20. Atlanta FalconsJa’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas*The Falcons could use more playmakers on offense, and Sanders is a dynamic tight end with great size and athleticism. He had 58 catches for 732 yards and 9 touchdowns last season, and he could be a valuable addition to Atlanta’s offense.
21. Houston TexansJavon Bullard, S, Georgia*The Texans need to address their secondary, and Bullard is one of the best safeties in the draft. He has great instincts and range, and he has shown the ability to make plays on the ball. Bullard had 73 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 10 pass breakups last season, and he could be a valuable addition to Houston’s defense.
22. Indianapolis ColtsBrock Bowers, TE, Georgia*The Colts could use more playmakers on offense, and Bowers is one of the best tight ends in the draft. He has great size and athleticism, and he has shown the ability to make plays down the field. Bowers had 63 catches for 942 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, and he could be a valuable addition to Indianapolis’ offense.
23. Miami DolphinsKorey Foreman, Edge, USC*The Dolphins have a solid defensive line, but they could use more pass-rushing help. Foreman is an explosive edge rusher with a quick first step and a high motor. He had 9 sacks and 16 tackles for loss last season, and he could be a valuable addition to Miami’s defense.
24. Dallas CowboysKool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama*The Cowboys need to address their secondary, and McKinstry is one of the best cornerbacks in the draft. He has great size and speed, and he has shown the ability to make plays on the ball. McKinstry had 47 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 12 pass breakups last season, and he could be a valuable addition to Dallas’ defense.
25. New York JetsDonovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State*The Jets need to address their offensive line, and Jackson is one of the best guards in the draft. He has great size and strength, and he has shown the ability to dominate in the run game and hold up in pass protection. Jackson could be an immediate starter at guard for New York.
26. Cincinnati BengalsBraelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin*The Bengals could use more playmakers on offense, and Allen is one of the best running backs in the draft. He has great size and speed, and he has shown the ability to break tackles and make big plays. Allen had 1,427 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns last season, and he could be a valuable addition to Cincinnati’s offense.
27. Baltimore RavensDallas Turner, Edge, Alabama*The Ravens have a solid defensive line, but they could use more pass-rushing help. Turner is an explosive edge rusher with a quick first step and a high motor. He had 10 sacks and 18 tackles for loss last season, and he could be a valuable addition to Baltimore’s defense.
28. Kansas City ChiefsRuke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson*The Chiefs need to address their defensive line, and Orhorhoro is one of the best defensive tackles in the draft. He has great size and strength, and he has shown the ability to get after the quarterback. Orhorhoro had 6.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss last season, and he could be a valuable addition to Kansas City’s defense.
29. Philadelphia EaglesCooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State*The Eagles need to address their offensive line, and Beebe is one of the best guards in the draft. He has great size and strength, and he has shown the ability to dominate in the run game and hold up in pass protection. Beebe could be an immediate starter at guard for Philadelphia.
30. San Francisco 49ersBarrett Carter, LB, Clemson*The 49ers have a solid linebacker corps, but they could use more depth and a potential future replacement for Fred Warner. Carter is an explosive linebacker with great instincts and athleticism. He had 95 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks last season, and he could be a valuable addition to San Francisco’s defense.
31. Los Angeles RamsKelee Ringo, CB, Georgia*The Rams need to address their secondary, and Ringo is one of the best cornerbacks in the draft. He has great size and speed, and he has shown the ability to make plays on the ball. Ringo had 40 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 8 pass breakups last season, and he could be a valuable addition to Los Angeles’ defense.
32. Jacksonville JaguarsJ.T. Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State*The Jaguars have a solid defensive line, but they could use more pass-rushing help. Tuimoloau is an explosive edge rusher with a quick first step and a high motor. He had 11 sacks and 20 tackles for loss last season, and he could be a valuable addition to Jacksonville’s defense.