It’s common knowledge that the College Football Playoff national championship often highlights top prospects for the NFL draft.

However, this Monday’s clash between Ohio State and Notre Dame is particularly exciting due to the impressive talent on display from the Buckeyes. Prospects like wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, defensive ends JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, and offensive guard Donovan Jackson could very well be first-round candidates this April. Additionally, there are standout underclassmen such as safety Caleb Downs and freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. While these players will aim for team success, the game will undoubtedly spotlight many of them as they set their sights on the professional level.

In anticipation of Monday night’s matchup, here’s the newest edition of our NFL mock draft, with the last four picks yet to be decided as we approach the conference championship games:

2025 NFL Mock Draft

1. Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward, QB, Miami (Fla.)

After spending 16 years with the Chiefs, Mike Borgonzi has taken on the role of general manager for the Titans, succeeding Ran Carthon. Now, it’s up to him and chief decision-maker Chad Brinker to formulate a quarterback strategy. Comparisons of Ward to Patrick Mahomes might intensify during the pre-draft process, particularly with Borgonzi’s connections. While comparing players is often unfair, it’s understandable why a team that’s in a rebuilding phase would be attracted to a dynamic and skilled quarterback known for his ability to make throws on the move.

2. Cleveland Browns – Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

With Deshaun Watson’s second Achilles surgery casting doubt on his availability for 2025, the urgency for Cleveland to find a new quarterback increases. Instead of putting a rookie in a tough spot, it may be wiser for the Browns to bring in Kirk Cousins after the Falcons release him. Additionally, they should consider trading this pick to teams looking to invest in a quarterback, as an appealing offer might come their way. However, standing firm and selecting Hunter, the draft’s most exciting player, would also be a wise choice.

3. New York Giants – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Currently, he ranks second in the Sanders family power rankings, creating offseason buzz. With Deion yet to interview formally for the coaching position with the Dallas Cowboys and no clear path for Shedeur there, let’s redirect our focus. Giants co-owner John Mara has designated finding a quarterback as the franchise’s “number one issue” as they retain coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen. Whether driven by short-term needs or long-term planning, the Giants would be smart to consider Sanders, who could step in as a starting quarterback right away, even if they sign a transitional QB in free agency.

4. New England Patriots – Abdul Carter, DE/OLB, Penn State

Mike Vrabel has emphasized the offensive line as a critical focus for the Patriots in what is likely a pivotal offseason. However, ensuring they make the best use of their early draft picks is crucial, and there isn’t an offensive lineman worthy of bypassing Carter. Vrabel would surely value a disruptive force like the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and most of the offensive issues should be addressed through free agency.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

With Trent Baalke still at the helm, the Jaguars will continue to prioritize size, length, and athleticism in their evaluations. Johnson, standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 202 pounds, meets all Baalke’s criteria for physical attributes, in addition to being an intelligent cover corner, enabling Jacksonville to diversify their strategies after owner Shad Khan expressed concerns about the team’s predictability.

6. Las Vegas Raiders – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

The Raiders can’t afford another offseason of uncertainty at the quarterback position. Although trading up might be wise, if they need to explore other options behind center, adding McMillan can support the incoming quarterback. With his impressive catch radius and ability to gain yards after the catch, the 6-foot-5, 212-pound receiver can connect effectively with Brock Bowers, boosting their offensive capabilities.

7. New York Jets – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Two weeks post-regular season and the Jets remain without a clear direction. As they progress through extensive GM and coaching searches, it’s clear rebuilding will require time. Starting this process by acquiring Graham, a potent game-changing player, seems like a productive initial step.

8. Carolina Panthers – Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia

Ejiro Evero’s defense saw a temporary improvement in their pass rush, recording 13 sacks over three games, but managed only 19 sacks in the remaining 14 games. While Walker, at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 245 pounds, may need creative deployment at the next level, he ranks as one of the draft’s most disruptive threats and excels in coverage.

9. New Orleans Saints – Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

While a complete rebuild doesn’t seem in the cards for the Saints, there’s a clear necessity to secure more foundational players. Investing significantly in a safety might not appear high on their offseason agenda, but Starks can significantly enhance a defense with his instinctive play, versatility, and game-changing ability.

10. Chicago Bears – Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Regardless of who becomes the next head coach for the Bears, they will surely focus on making Caleb Williams’ second year more comfortable. Campbell’s steadiness could be pivotal for Williams as well as for stabilizing an offensive line that has struggled.

11. San Francisco 49ers – Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M

This pick may seem high for a player who, despite being a five-star recruit, did not gather much attention during his college career and recorded only 4.5 sacks in 37 games. However, the potential that lies within the 6-foot-6, 285-pound Stewart is considerable. Niners defensive line coach Kris Kocurek has successfully developed impactful pass-rushers before, and Stewart could become his new project in a unit that has seen its talent dwindle beyond Nick Bosa.

12. Dallas Cowboys – Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

To enhance Dallas’ offense with more playmakers, the draft will be a key point of focus. Will Jerry Jones find it hard to resist selecting top-tier talent?
Are we considering Ashton Jeanty, a local talent and running back, for this position? While Burden could be a more fitting choice in this range, his dynamic skills in open space could offer an immediate boost if utilized effectively.

13. Miami Dolphins – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

Miami’s general manager, Chris Grier, defended the offensive line’s recent efforts but acknowledged the need for investment and rejuvenation in this area. Whether playing as a tackle or guard, Banks would provide the Dolphins with flexibility and enhance the overall strength of this unit by addressing one of its critical weaknesses.

14. Indianapolis Colts – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

With Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard getting a second chance from Jim Irsay, both seem committed to developing their inconsistent quarterback, Anthony Richardson. A viable option to support his transition could be Warren, a significant threat in the intermediate game who also excels after the catch.

15. Atlanta Falcons – Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia

As Jeff Ulbrich plans to implement a 4-3 scheme and with Matthew Judon expected to hit free agency, the Falcons might be looking to revamp their lackluster pass rush. Following in the footsteps of fellow former Georgia player Travon Walker, Williams is an edge rusher with potential who hasn’t yet tapped into his full capabilities but would attract interest from an Atlanta roster that lacks his high-level upside.

16. Arizona Cardinals – Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

Two years after selecting offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. as his first draft choice, Monti Ossenfort might again prioritize strengthening the Cardinals’ offensive line. Conerly is a rising talent who could transition to right tackle, providing Kyler Murray with two agile protectors.

17. Cincinnati Bengals – James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee

Sometimes, the choices for mock drafts can be straightforward. Cincinnati should actively pursue top-tier defensive talents, and Pearce is an explosive pass rusher that would complement NFL sack leader Trey Hendrickson well.

18. Seattle Seahawks – Armand Membou, OT/G, Missouri

After parting ways with offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb following a single season, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald clarified his desire to shift toward a more aggressive rushing strategy. The powerful Membou could be instrumental in executing this plan, either by playing right tackle or moving inside to tackle Seattle’s biggest weakness.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

Zyon McCollum had a standout year and may be in line for an extension as he approaches the final year of his contract. However, if the Buccaneers are hesitant to invest heavily, they might consider Revel, a competitive and physical 6-3 cornerback who is still recovering from a torn ACL sustained in September.

20. Denver Broncos – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Should the Heisman Trophy runner-up make it past the Cowboys at pick No. 12, how far could he potentially drop? The Broncos are clearly looking for a running back, with Sean Payton indicating a determination to “enhance that position group.” Even though Payton mentioned he isn’t used to having a primary ball carrier, Jeanty could be the type of talent that calls for a strategic shift, as he would bring a much-needed explosive dimension to Denver’s running attack, which hasn’t seen a 100-yard rushing game from an individual in two years and last featured a 1,000-yard rusher in 2019.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Mike Tomlin hasn’t committed to the team’s quarterback direction moving forward, aside from indicating they need to evaluate all possibilities. For a franchise not known for rapid changes, the straightforward solution for a quarterback change might be simply re-signing Justin Fields to take over as the starter while parting ways with Russell Wilson. Should the Steelers choose this route rather than pursuing a new passer in the draft, Egbuka would fit well alongside George Pickens, serving as the refined No. 2 receiver that this offense lacks.

22. Los Angeles Chargers – Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

The Chargers’ playoff defeat to the Texans had several frustrating aspects for Jim Harbaugh, notably allowing 168 rushing yards on 34 carries. Reacquainting with his former Wolverine player, Grant could provide the fresh front that Harbaugh is seeking, as the 339-pounder is capable of stuffing rushing plays and occasionally disrupting in the backfield.

23. Green Bay Packers – Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi

The Packers’ confidence in 2022 first-round draft pick Devonte Wyatt will be tested by their decision to exercise his fifth-year option, which carries a price tag exceeding $13 million. Regardless, Green Bay’s lackluster pass rush requires enhancement, and Nolen provides exciting upside worth harnessing.

24. Minnesota Vikings – Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

With significant changes looming for the secondary, as the top four cornerbacks and starting safeties Cam Bynum and Harrison Smith are all entering the final year of their contracts, Minnesota turns its attention towards Harmon. He is adept at both containing the run and penetrating through blockers to hinder passing plays.

25. Houston Texans – Tyler Booker, G, Alabama

The Texans’ notable struggles on the interior might be better resolved through free agency rather than the draft. However, with limited salary cap flexibility during a bustling guard market, punishing Booker can help establish a new attitude for a front that demands reconfiguration.

26. Los Angeles Rams – Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Simmons is recovering from a knee injury he sustained in October and will miss Monday night’s game against Notre Dame. However, anyone who observed the 6-5, 310-pound tackle could see he possesses the qualities of a top-tier pass protector. He could serve as a coveted addition at left tackle, especially with Alaric Jackson poised for free agency.

27. Baltimore Ravens – Mike Green, DE/OLB, Marshall

Though the offensive line is a pressing concern, if left tackle Ronnie Stanley stays with the team—or is replaced by a competent veteran—the Ravens can focus on resurrecting a pass rush that often struggled. Green, who led the Football Bowl Subdivision with 17 sacks, might be just scratching the surface of his potential as he continues to strengthen his physique.

28. Detroit Lions – Landon Jackson, DE, Arkansas

Aaron Glenn’s relentless blitzing strategy could only mask the Lions’ defensive vulnerabilities for so long, as evidenced when Jayden Daniels effectively dismantled the injury-plagued squad. Reinforcing the defensive edge is essential, and the massive 6-7, 280-pound Jackson could impress Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes with his reach and disruptive ability.

29. Washington Commanders – JT Tuimoloau, DE, Ohio State

A pass rush that operates collectively has been critical to the Commanders’ rapid progress. However, with Dante Fowler Jr. and Clelin Ferrell on short-term contracts, this group could benefit from additional talent. While Tuimoloau may not be the flashiest option, he consistently applies pressure by pushing blockers, helping to strengthen a defense that ranks low against the run.

30. Buffalo Bills – Jack Sawyer, DE, Ohio State

Could the star of Ohio State’s College Football Playoff run make his way into the first round? While his average physical traits may push him to Day 2, Sawyer remains appealing to numerous teams in this draft spot, especially the Bills, who would profit from the energy he could provide opposite Greg Rousseau.

31. Philadelphia Eagles – Nic Scourton, DE/OLB, Texas A&M

No encouragement is needed for Howie Roseman to enhance his pass rush, particularly with Josh Sweat and Milton Williams likely to seek lucrative contracts elsewhere in free agency, along with uncertainties surrounding Brandon Graham’s future. Scourton brings an aggressive and determined style that could make him a useful addition to the rotation early on as he develops further.

32. Kansas City Chiefs – Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State

With Joe Thuney moving to left tackle to manage the immediate concern of protecting Patrick Mahomes’ blindside and Trey Smith expected to move into free agency, there will be uncertainties within Kansas City’s offensive line following the season. Jackson is a strong and commanding presence on the inside who could step in for Smith, and he has also showcased surprising skills at left tackle when asked to fill that role.