2025 NFL mock draft: Giants trade up to No. 1 while Steelers also take QB; Raiders and Cowboys add playmakers

The reports are that the Titans like Cam Ward, but they’ll probably like what the desperate Giants will offer them more. After whiffing in free agency, New York trades up to draft its franchise quarterback.

The Browns traded for Kenny Pickett and seem interested in Kirk Cousins (if he’s made available), so they take perhaps the best prospect in this entire class in Abdul Carter.

The Titans are more than a quarterback away, so they move back two spots, collect extra draft capital and take a player who can help them on both sides of the ball.

The Patriots have spent big in free agency, but most of that money has gone toward the defensive side of the ball. They badly need a playmaker for Drake Maye, and Tetairoa McMillan can be that player.

I’m sure new head coach Liam Coen wouldn’t mind getting some added protection for Trevor Lawrence, but Mason Graham is too good of a player to pass up here. His arm length isn’t that of a typical top-10 defensive tackle, but his tenacity, strength, technique and consistency more than make up for it.

The Raiders have their new quarterback in Geno Smith, and now they have perhaps the most dynamic offensive player in the class in Ashton Jeanty.

Garrett Wilson is a stud, but the Jets need more in terms of pass-catchers. Tyler Warren gives Justin Fields a do-it-all weapon who will make Fields’ job a lot easier.

Jalon Walker is a linebacker/edge rusher hybrid with the length and athleticism to be a tone-setter on the Panthers defense.

Will Johnson was one of the best NFL Draft prospects entering the 2024 season before being limited to six games this past fall due to a toe injury. But make no mistake: Johnson is still an elite NFL Draft prospect, and the Saints need to get cheaper and younger on defense.

The Bears traded for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, and now they add perhaps the best offensive tackle in the class. You can never have too much protection for your franchise quarterback.

The 49ers lost three contributors along the defensive line during free agency, so they need to replenish the cupboard. Mike Green gives them an edge rusher who will produce from Day 1.

CeeDee Lamb is great, but he can’t do it all for the Cowboys passing game. Matthew Golden gives Dallas a speedy, technical wideout who will get open for Dak Prescott.

The Dolphins bet on the upside with Shemar Stewart, who tested like Myles Garrett at the NFL combine but only managed 4.5 career sacks over three seasons in college.

The Colts get a steal here with Will Campbell. His 77 3/8-inch wingspan is extremely short for NFL offensive tackles, but he’s shown the ability to dominate defenders in the SEC week in and week out. Whether he stays at tackle or moves to guard, he’ll be a mainstay along the Colts offensive line.

The Falcons signed Leonard Floyd to a 1-year, $10 million deal in free agency, but they need a younger, more explosive presence on the edge. Mykel Williams is capable of being that player.

Whether Kelvin Banks Jr. plays guard or tackle, the Cardinals will be happy to have him protecting Kyler Murray and blocking for James Conner.

Having addressed the interior defensive line in free agency — and assuming they find a way to keep Trey Hendrickson — the Bengals can take one of the best players available in big-play safety Malaki Starks.

Tyler Booker didn’t have the best NFL combine, but he has all the traits (explosiveness, aggressiveness and leadership) to thrive under Mike Macdonald in Seattle.

Perfect landing spot for Jihaad Campbell. Not only will he be able to learn how to be an NFL linebacker from consummate pro Lavonte David, but Todd Bowles can also maximize Campbell’s pass-rushing chops on passing downs.

Bo Nix has shown he can play quarterback in the NFL. He just needs more consistency from his receiving corps, which Emeka Egbuka will provide. He was always overshadowed at Ohio State by otherworldly talents, but he’s a savvy route runner who just knows how to get open.

The Steelers are still holding out hope for Aaron Rodgers, but regardless of whether he signs or not, they need a young quarterback to complement him. Shedeur Sanders doesn’t have the ceiling of Cam Ward, but he’s as tough as they come and makes the right decisions — two traits that could lead to success with Pittsburgh.

Colston Loveland reunites with former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and lands with a talented passer in Justin Herbert who will be thrilled to have a dynamic tight end.

Whether it’s stopping the run or getting after opposing quarterbacks, Derrick Harmon will be a disruptor on the defensive interior for the Packers.

The Vikings had a lot of money to spend and spent it well, allowing them to subscribe to a best-player-available approach come draft day. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores could use the ultra-explosive Nick Emmanwori as a chess piece to take his unit to the next level.

It would be shocking if the Texans did take an offensive lineman here. And while Josh Simmons is coming off knee surgery, he could end up being the best tackle in the class.

The Rams land Jahdae Barron, who won the Jim Thorpe Award as the best defensive back in college football last season. He’s not an elite athlete, but he does everything really well.

The Ravens have a solid pass-rushing group for 2025, but Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo are all entering the final years of their contract. Donovan Ezeiruaku has the production (second in FBS with 16.5 sacks last season) and athleticism (fastest three-cone time among edge rushers) to ensure Baltimore has a solid cast of quarterback-hounders for this season and beyond.

It was a major bummer that a hamstring strain kept Kenneth Grant from working out at the NFL combine, but he’s still a massive, super athletic interior defensive lineman with a ton of room to grow.

The Commanders did a great job filling their biggest needs via trades and in free agency, and now they address another one with their first draft pick. Over the past two seasons, James Pearce Jr. racked up 28 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

With Rasul Douglas still a free agent, the Bills need a No. 2 cornerback. While Maxwell Hairston has a slight frame, he has the speed (combine-leading 4.28-second 40-yard dash time) and ball skills to make an immediate impact in Buffalo’s secondary.

Tershawn Wharton is gone and Chris Jones isn’t getting any younger, so the Chiefs must address the interior of their defensive line. Walter Nolen probably should have been taken earlier than this, as he’s an undersized but extremely disruptive interior defender with plenty of room to grow.

General Manager Howie Roseman loves adding to the trenches, and Grey Zabel has played a bunch of different offensive line positions in his career (mostly left tackle at North Dakota State before moving inside during his breakout Senior Bowl performance). He can serve as the replacement for Mekhi Becton, who is now a free agent.