2025 NFL Mock Draft: Compiling the Most Recent Forecasts One Month Prior to the Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft is just a month away, and the excitement is building for what promises to be another thrilling event. As teams solidify their draft boards, decisions are being made that will shape the future of franchises for years to come. With a strong class of prospects, the 2025 draft is poised to feature high-profile players at every position, including quarterbacks, wide receivers, edge rushers, and offensive linemen. As the final evaluations of prospects and team needs take shape, here’s a comprehensive look at a mock draft that pulls from the most recent forecasts and insights.

1. Arizona Cardinals – Caleb Williams (QB, USC)

There has been no surprise in the first pick of the 2025 NFL Draft: Caleb Williams, quarterback from USC. Williams is widely considered the best quarterback prospect since Trevor Lawrence in 2021, combining elite athleticism, strong mechanics, and a natural ability to make every throw. After a stellar career at USC, Williams has emerged as the consensus No. 1 pick. Despite the Cardinals’ potential desire to rebuild with a new regime, they cannot pass on the chance to add a franchise quarterback in Williams, especially with Kyler Murray’s future uncertain.

Player Breakdown:

• Strengths: Strong arm, mobility, poise under pressure, playmaking ability.
• Weaknesses: Must continue to develop his consistency in anticipation and timing.

2. Chicago Bears (via Carolina Panthers) – Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State)

The Chicago Bears have a golden opportunity to surround Justin Fields with an elite playmaker. After trading away the first overall pick to the Carolina Panthers, the Bears sit with the second selection, which they should use on Marvin Harrison Jr. from Ohio State. Harrison is widely regarded as the most complete wide receiver prospect in years, blending size, speed, route-running precision, and an innate ability to win contested catches. Fields needs weapons to take the next step, and Harrison could be that dynamic force.

Player Breakdown:

• Strengths: Incredible route-running, contested catches, strong hands, high football IQ.
• Weaknesses: Needs to develop further against physical press coverage.

3. Indianapolis Colts – Drake Maye (QB, North Carolina)

With a need at quarterback and a high selection, the Colts are likely to take one of the top quarterbacks available. Drake Maye from North Carolina has risen as one of the top QB prospects in the class. A blend of size, accuracy, and football intelligence, Maye has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats due to his impressive mechanics and poise. After several years of inconsistent play at quarterback, Indianapolis needs a franchise signal-caller, and Maye fits the bill perfectly.

Player Breakdown:

• Strengths: Strong arm, accuracy, good pocket presence, and leadership.
• Weaknesses: Needs to clean up decision-making under pressure.

4. Los Angeles Rams – Olumide Ogunbiyi (Edge, Alabama)

The Rams are in the midst of a rebuild, and they’ll likely look to add one of the top edge rushers to their defense. Olumide Ogunbiyi from Alabama has been a standout this season, consistently getting after the quarterback and wreaking havoc on opposing offenses. His speed, power, and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield make him a prime candidate for a high draft selection. Adding Ogunbiyi would immediately improve the Rams’ pass rush and give them a potential cornerstone player for their defense.

Player Breakdown:

• Strengths: Explosive off the edge, versatile, strong tackler.
• Weaknesses: Needs to refine hand technique and avoid getting overpowered by strong tackles.

5. Washington Commanders – J.J. McCarthy (QB, Michigan)

The Washington Commanders are desperate for stability at quarterback, and J.J. McCarthy from Michigan could be their solution. McCarthy has impressed scouts with his physical tools, athleticism, and leadership qualities. A dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with both his arm and his legs, McCarthy would be a great fit for a Commanders team in need of a long-term solution at the position.

Player Breakdown:

• Strengths: Mobility, arm strength, poise, and leadership.
• Weaknesses: Needs to refine his mechanics and footwork in the pocket.

6. Detroit Lions – Brock Bowers (TE, Georgia)

After a solid season, the Detroit Lions are looking to continue building around Jared Goff. One of the most dynamic players in the draft, Brock Bowers from Georgia, is a tight end with elite receiving skills and the ability to stretch the field. Bowers is an incredible mismatch nightmare for defenses, and his presence would significantly elevate the Lions’ offense. Detroit could use a playmaker who can dominate the middle of the field and open up passing lanes for Goff.

Player Breakdown:

• Strengths: Elite route runner, athleticism, high football IQ, and blocking ability.
• Weaknesses: Needs to continue refining his blocking in the run game.

7. New York Jets – Joe Alt (OT, Notre Dame)

The New York Jets’ top priority is to protect their quarterback, whether it’s Aaron Rodgers or a future prospect. Joe Alt, an offensive tackle from Notre Dame, is one of the best at his position in the 2025 draft class. Alt is a big, strong tackle with an incredible blend of size and agility. He excels in both pass protection and run blocking, making him a prime candidate to help shore up the Jets’ offensive line.

Player Breakdown:

• Strengths: Elite pass protector, powerful in the run game, high football IQ.
• Weaknesses: Needs to improve his hand placement and leverage against speed rushers.

8. Atlanta Falcons – Jared Verse (Edge, Florida State)

The Atlanta Falcons have struggled to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback in recent years. Jared Verse from Florida State provides an immediate boost to their pass rush. A dynamic and explosive edge rusher, Verse has been dominant in college and could provide the Falcons with a much-needed pass-rushing threat. His ability to disrupt the pocket will allow the Falcons’ defense to be more aggressive and impactful.

Player Breakdown:

• Strengths: Explosive off the line, relentless motor, versatile.
• Weaknesses: Needs to continue developing counter moves against experienced tackles.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Kalen King (CB, Penn State)

The Buccaneers’ defense could use a lockdown corner, and Kalen King from Penn State fits that role perfectly. King has been a top performer in college, excelling in man coverage while also displaying excellent ball skills and intelligence. With the departure of key defensive players and a need for a lockdown corner, the Buccaneers could be looking to add King to their secondary.

Player Breakdown:

• Strengths: Excellent ball skills, great coverage ability, elite agility.
• Weaknesses: Needs to improve tackling consistency in run support.

10. Tennessee Titans – Maason Smith (DT, LSU)

The Tennessee Titans have had issues on their defensive line, and Maason Smith from LSU could be the solution. Smith is an elite defensive tackle with a combination of size, power, and agility that makes him a nightmare for offensive linemen. A dominant force in the middle, Smith will help the Titans’ defense by clogging up running lanes and generating pressure up the middle on passing downs.

Player Breakdown:

• Strengths: Elite strength, versatility, disruptor in both the run and pass game.
• Weaknesses: Needs to refine his pass-rushing techniques and be more consistent with hand placement.

11. Green Bay Packers – Trey Benson (RB, Florida State)

The Green Bay Packers could look to address their running back room, and Trey Benson from Florida State is a top candidate. Benson is a big, powerful back with excellent vision and the ability to break off long runs. He also brings value as a receiving option out of the backfield. With Aaron Jones potentially on the decline, Benson could be the future of Green Bay’s running game.

Player Breakdown:

• Strengths: Vision, power, balance, pass-catching ability.
• Weaknesses: Needs to improve his blocking in pass protection.

12. New England Patriots – Zion Tupuola-Fetui (OLB, Washington)

The Patriots will look to add a versatile edge rusher to their defense, and Zion Tupuola-Fetui from Washington fits the bill. Tupuola-Fetui is a well-rounded outside linebacker with the ability to rush the passer and play the run. His blend of power and speed will make him a valuable addition to New England’s defense.

Player Breakdown:

• Strengths: Power, speed, flexibility, good run defender.
• Weaknesses: Needs to refine his pass-rushing technique and counter moves.

13. Minnesota Vikings – Christian Gray (CB, Notre Dame)

The Vikings need to improve their secondary, and Christian Gray from Notre Dame is one of the top cornerbacks in the draft. A physical, fast, and instinctual player, Gray excels in both man and zone coverage. He would be an ideal complement to the Vikings’ defense and could immediately step in as a starter.

Player Breakdown:

• Strengths: Physicality, ball skills, fast and agile.
• Weaknesses: Needs to refine his footwork and consistency in coverage.

14. Houston Texans – Jalen Carter (DT, Georgia)

After drafting their quarterback of the future, the Houston Texans should focus on strengthening their defense, and Jalen Carter from Georgia is a perfect fit. A dominant force in the middle, Carter is a disruptive defensive tackle capable of taking over games. His ability to push the pocket and shut down the run will provide the Texans with a centerpiece for their defensive line.

Player Breakdown:

• Strengths: Strength, quickness, pass-rushing ability, versatility.
• Weaknesses: Needs to work on his conditioning and pad level.

15. New York Giants – Brock Bowers (TE, Georgia)

With their offense looking to continue evolving, the New York Giants could look to add another weapon for Daniel Jones. Brock Bowers, one of the most dynamic tight ends in years, could give the Giants a potent threat over the middle. His athleticism and ability to stretch the field will open up opportunities for both the passing and running games.

Player Breakdown:

• Strengths: Route-running, receiving ability, athleticism, run-blocking.
• Weaknesses: Needs to improve his overall blocking technique.

This first round of the 2025 NFL Mock Draft is just a glimpse of what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable event. Teams across the league are positioning themselves to take advantage of the wealth of talent available. Whether looking for a franchise quarterback, a game-changing defensive presence, or a dynamic playmaker, the upcoming draft will set the tone for the next era in the NFL.