2025 NFL mock draft: Giants trade up for No. 1, Shedeur Sanders slides

Post-Combine NFL Mock Draft: Trades and Picks to Watch

The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory, especially after a combine that saw several players either boost or hurt their stock. Unlike previous years, this draft class is particularly deep on Days 2 and 3, which has made teams cautious about trading up in the first round. However, there are a few exceptions where teams might be willing to make moves to secure top talent.

The Race for Cam Ward and the Trade Possibilities

The quarterback position is always a hot topic, and this year is no different. Cam Ward from Miami is widely regarded as the top quarterback prospect, and teams like the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants are in prime positions to make a move for him. The Browns hold the 2nd pick, while the Giants are just behind at 3rd. The Tennessee Titans, currently sitting at the top spot, might be open to trading out of the 1st overall pick, but they want to stay within the top three to target either Penn State’s Abdul Carter or Colorado’s Travis Hunter. This triangle of teams and players could set the tone for the first round.

A Deep Dive into the First Round

1. New York Giants ( Trade with Tennessee ) – Cam Ward, QB, Miami
   The Giants are in desperate need of a franchise quarterback, and Cam Ward fits the bill perfectly. Trading up to the 1st overall pick could be the move that revitalizes their offense.

2. Cleveland Browns – Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
   If the Browns can’t secure a trade for Ward, Abdul Carter is a solid consolation prize. His ability to rush the passer is exactly what Cleveland needs to bolster their defense.

3. Tennessee Titans ( Trade with New York Giants ) – Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
   If the Titans trade down, Travis Hunter could be their man. His versatility on both offense and defense makes him a valuable asset.

4. New England Patriots – Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
   Armand Membou has been rising up the draft boards with his impressive combine performance. The Patriots need to strengthen their offensive line, and Membou could be the answer.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Will Campbell, OT/G, LSU
   The Jaguars might look to replace Brandon Scherff with Will Campbell, who offers flexibility as both a tackle and guard. His tape and talent make him a favorite among teams.

6. Las Vegas Raiders – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
   The Raiders are hunting for playmakers, and Ashton Jeanty’s explosive skills could be just what they need to inject life into their offense.

The Middle of the First Round: Filling the Gaps

1. New York Jets – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
   Mason Graham’s tape speaks for itself, and his rugged play style aligns perfectly with what the Jets are building on defense.

2. Carolina Panthers – Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
   Shemar Stewart’s combine performance was eye-catching, and despite his lack of sack numbers, his impact on the field is undeniable.

3. New Orleans Saints – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
   The Saints need offensive weapons, and Tyler Warren’s well-rounded skill set could be the key to unlocking their offense.

4. Chicago Bears – Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
   Tyler Booker’s performance at the combine was flawless, and he could quickly become a leader in the Bears’ locker room.

Late First Round: High Potential and Risks

1. San Francisco 49ers – Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
   Mykel Williams’s potential as both a run defender and pass rusher makes him a great fit for the 49ers’ defensive needs.

2. Dallas Cowboys – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
   The Cowboys need a reliable receiver alongside CeeDee Lamb, and McMillan’s catch radius and ball skills make him an attractive option.

3. Miami Dolphins – Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
   Nick Emmanwori’s freakish athleticism makes him a “certified freak” in this draft class, and the Dolphins could capitalize on his skills.

4. Indianapolis Colts – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
   The Colts have been linked to tight ends, and Colston Loveland’s pass-catching abilities could make him an immediate contributor.

5. Atlanta Falcons – Jalon Walker, Edge/LB, Georgia
   Despite the Falcons’ historical avoidance of Bulldogs in the early rounds, Jalon Walker’s athleticism and versatility could change their minds.

The End of the First Round: sleeper Picks and Surprises

1. Arizona Cardinals – Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
   Donovan Ezeiruaku’s agility and production could see him sneak into the top 20, making him a valuable asset for the Cardinals.

2. Cincinnati Bengals – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
   Will Johnson’s fluidity and footwork make him a starter from day one, even if his 40-yard dash time is a question mark.

3. Seattle Seahawks – Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
   Jihaad Campbell’s explosive speed and tackling ability could make him a playmaker in the Seahawks’ front seven.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
   Mike Green’s pass-rushing skills and run defense capabilities could make him a disruptive force, provided the Bucs are comfortable with his off-field issues.

5. Denver Broncos – Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
   Omarion Hampton’s combination of size and explosiveness makes him an exciting addition to the Broncos’ offense.

The Final Picks: High Risk, High Reward

1. Pittsburgh Steelers – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
   Shedeur Sanders’s draft stock is volatile, but the Steelers’ need for a quarterback could make him a tempting pick.

2. Los Angeles Chargers – Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
   Matthew Golden’s speed and playmaking ability could bolster the Chargers’ offense, especially in the competitive AFC West.

3. Green Bay Packers – Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
   Derrick Harmon’s athleticism and pass-rushing skills make him a great fit for the Packers’ defensive line.

4. Minnesota Vikings – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT/G, Texas
   Kelvin Banks Jr.’s versatility could fill a significant need for the Vikings as they look to strengthen their line.

5. Houston Texans – Grey Zabel, G/C, North Dakota State
   Grey Zabel’s senior bowl and combine performances have solidified him as one of the top interior linemen in the draft.

6. Los Angeles Rams – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
   With Cooper Kupp’s potential departure, Emeka Egbuka’s pro-ready mindset could be the answer for the Rams.

7. Baltimore Ravens – Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
   Jahdae Barron’s combine performance might convince the Ravens to go cornerback again in the first round.

8. Detroit Lions – Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
   Kenneth Grant’s size and unique traits make him a gamble worth taking for the Lions.

9. Washington Commanders – Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
   Josh Simmons’s talent is undeniable, and if the Commanders can look past his injury history, he could be a steal.

10. Buffalo Bills – Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
    Maxwell Hairston’s rare speed and coverage skills make him an intriguing pick for the Bills.

The Final Four: Strengthening for the Future

1. Kansas City Chiefs – Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
   The Chiefs need to shore up their offensive line, and Josh Conerly Jr.’s quickness and balance make him an excellent choice.

2. Philadelphia Eagles – Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
   Walter Nolen’s potential as a trench player fits perfectly with the Eagles’ draft strategy.

This mock draft highlights the depth and talent available in the 2025 NFL Draft, with teams balancing immediate needs and long-term potential. Trades will likely shape the early picks, but the overall depth could lead to some surprising selections as the night unfolds.