2025 NFL mock draft: Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward at number one with an early first-round order set?

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Week 18 is when the playoff season begins for a lot of NFL teams. Others, meanwhile, see it as the unofficial beginning of draft season.

The event, which is still more than three months away, takes shape when the top of the first-round order is finalized.

Many fans are already speculating about whether their team will be able to sign a top player like Travis Hunter of Colorado, even though events like the Senior Bowl, scouting combine, and pro days, as well as free agency, will surely offer insightful information.

As usual, quarterbacks will be the main topic of discussion prior to the draft, with Cam Ward of Miami, Shedeur Sanders of Colorado, and maybe Jalen Milroe of Alabama appearing to be the top picks.

Here is USA TODAY Sports’ most current 2025 NFL mock draft, which has a large portion of the early first-round order set (Tankathon filled in the rest):

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

With Will Levis, Tennessee might finally get what it wanted: an explosive thrower who can attack at every level of the field.

There will surely be an adjustment period for a signal-caller who likes to push the boundaries of what he can get away with because the Titans’ shaky offensive line is unlikely to offer the sort of protection that the 6-foot-2, 223-pound player is accustomed to.

But after two years of significant transfers by Ran Carthon, Ward can help the team eventually take off if he can settle in.

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

Given that Deshaun Watson’s future is uncertain for at least another year, Cleveland must decide whether to make a bold move at quarterback. This might be the draft’s deciding pick.

It would be hard to go wrong with the Heisman Trophy winner, who is generally considered the greatest player in this class, but this team isn’t really prepared to support a rookie quarterback.

Given that most of the early feedback suggests teams could prefer the two-way standout at cornerback, concerns over Hunter’s future at the next level are only going to increase in the months to come. Whatever job the Browns decide to assign Hunter to, he would surely have an impact.

3. New York Giants Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Big Blue still has the opportunity to choose a quarterback who can guide the franchise into a new era, even though their Week 17 explosion cost them the No. 1 pick.

In terms of handling pressure, it is more important to consider whether Sanders can respond more quickly as a passer than whether he can withstand the attention of the New York media.

However, the Giants should be excited about the idea of having a skilled and accurate signal-caller who can help rookie sensation Malik Nabers advance.

4. New England Patriots Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Despite winning the championship game, New England might have lost a lot of leverage. The Patriots’ chances of obtaining a premier offensive lineman or receiver while increasing their draft capital are now limited because they are currently behind a number of quarterback-hungry teams.

As it stands, their most urgent problem may be resolved by acquiring Campbell, a unanimous All-American who could offer the steadying influence this faltering front needs.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

In addition to missing several games this season, Johnson’s ailments cost him his well-earned attention.

The 6-2, 202-pound player has shown that he can handle nearly any matchup or coverage assignment because he is equally at ease making plays with the ball and blanketing receivers.

To a Jaguars squad that has routinely lost significant gains in the air, he would be an instant value.

6. Las Vegas Raiders Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

The Silver and Black seem to be good candidates for trade-ups because they’ve been long overdue to invest a high price in a youthful passer.

If no agreement is made, the Raiders can acquire McMillan, who would form a scary pass-catching combo with record-breaking rookie tight end Brock Bowers, to set the stage for whoever takes over behind center.

7. New York Jets Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Gang Green’s future is currently uncertain due to the lack of a general manager or coach and the possibility that Aaron Rodgers is leaving. Adding another inside force to join Quinnen Williams might help start the reconstruction off strong, regardless of the franchise’s eventual course.

8. Carolina Panthers: Abdul Carter, DE/OLB, Penn State.

The acquisition of Brian Burns had a big effect on a defense that, up until Week 17, had the lowest pass rush victory rate in the NFL. On his way to winning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Carter recorded 11 sacks, demonstrating his ability to consistently disrupt offensive game plans.

9. New Orleans Saints: Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia

Williams is not as good of a pass rusher as he is an athlete. However, the Saints can be patient in bringing along a 6-5, 265-pound edge rusher with physical tools that few in this class possess, especially since New Orleans is rebuilding and probably needs a long-term replacement for Carl Granderson.

10. Chicago Bears: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State.

Is it wise for a team as struggling as the Bears to spend a top-10 pick on a running back? Maybe not.

But after a terrible first season as the 2024 No. 1 selection, it’s clear that Chicago needs to make significant changes to properly support Caleb Williams. Jeanty is a special ball carrier who can reset an offense. He led Boise State to the College Football Playoff with 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns while rushing.

11. San Francisco 49ers: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

It will be disappointing if you expect someone to replace Trent Williams, an 11-time Pro Bowl pick, at left tackle.

Nevertheless, the speedy blocker might help Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey get back on track after a challenging season, regardless of whether San Francisco anticipates Banks eventually taking over at left tackle, switching to the right side, or even bumping inside.

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

Last season’s top-scoring offense doesn’t seem to be as formidable as it once was, and Dak Prescott’s season-ending hamstring surgery isn’t the only reason for the decline.

Although Missouri’s offense hasn’t used Burden’s explosive skill set much this season, he is still a big-play threat who can easily get yards after the catch.

13. Miami Dolphins: Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi

Given their large investment in elite talent, it was unexpected to see the Dolphins finish as one of four teams without a player picked to this year’s Pro Bowl, despite a string of injuries and setbacks.

Another wager on explosiveness for a defense that might miss out on surpassing incoming free agent Calais Campbell would be to add Nolen, a former No. 1 overall recruit who has displayed glimpses of his enormous potential this season.

14. Indianapolis Colts: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

A lousy Colts team should be searching for difference-makers in every way they can, even if a safety seems like a stretch for a team as dysfunctional as Indianapolis.

With his playmaking range and awareness, Starks can help set the tone for the defense after outstanding cornerback Kenny Moore II questioned the team’s effort and identity in November.

15. Atlanta Falcons: James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee

Late in the season, Atlanta’s pass rush got better, but the club shouldn’t get comfortable. Pearce offers a tempting combination of skills that the Falcons lack elsewhere on their roster, including a rapid burst off the line of scrimmage and the length to confound offensive linemen.

16. Arizona Cardinals: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia

Without access to a top-tier pass rusher, Jonathan Gannon used a variety of pressure strategies to make up for Arizona’s lack of defensive talent.

A guy who has been likened to the coach’s previous protégé Haason Reddick would surely act as a spark plug for a team that did not have a single player surpass five sacks this season, so Walker and Gannon would make a great combination.

17. Cincinnati Bengals Shavon Revel Jr., Cornerback, East Carolina

After disintegrating this season, the Bengals defense is lacking numerous key players outside of NFL sack king Trey Henderson.

Revel could get the Bengals’ attention as a suffocating coverage presence designed for AFC North tussles, provided he continues to heal from a torn anterior cruciate ligament sustained in September.

18. Seattle Seahawks: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

Ryan Grubb’s offense suffered in Year 1 as a result of a lackluster running attack and protection concerns. When Abraham Lucas was out, Conerly, an ascending blocker, could shift to right tackle and stabilize a position that looked weak.

19. Houston Texans Derrick Harmon (DT, Oregon)

Defensive tackle should be higher on the Texans’ wish list after being stomped by Derrick Henry on Christmas. After a career season after transferring from Michigan State, Harmon proved to be the kind of interior disruptor Houston needs between Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Shemar Stewart (DL, Texas A&M)

The idea of acquiring a 6-6, 290-pound defensive lineman who upsets blockers with his length and ferocity must have excited Todd Bowles.

Stewart still needs to work on harnessing his hyperaggressive playing style, but he should be able to make an early impact against the run as he learns.

21. Denver Broncos: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State.

Do you think Sean Payton would have some fun with a hard-charging, do-it-all tight end? Warren’s ability to pull away from defenders in coverage and with the ball in his hands would make things much easier for Bo Nix, and he has made a compelling case for himself to be the first tight end chosen.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers Jalen Milroe, quarterback, Alabama

Mike Tomlin, who instructed Russell Wilson to focus on the football and keep to the schedule before to Pittsburgh ending the regular season on a four-game losing streak, might seem like a strange fit for Milroe.

However, his ability to create big plays as a runner and passer is undeniable, and when he showcases his exceptional athleticism during the pre-draft process, his stock may increase.

There will be a significant reward if the Steelers can be patient with his development and start him behind Wilson or another seasoned veteran.

23. Los Angeles Rams: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Alaric Jackson’s impending free agency may force the Rams to reevaluate their left tackle alternatives. Although Simmons is still recuperating from a knee injury that ended his season in October, the 6-5, 310-pound player otherwise fits the bill for a premium blindside protector.

24. Green Bay Packers: Landon Jackson, DE, Arkansas.

It might be too soon to pass on Lukas Van Ness, but considering the edge rush’s lack of depth and output, the Packers can’t count on a significant improvement from the former first-round choice.

Blockers are overwhelmed by Jackson’s 6-7, 280-pound size, but he will need to come up with fresh tactics to succeed at the next level.

25. Los Angeles Chargers Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan)

Jim Harbaugh should not have to work too hard to understand Loveland s capabilities. In Harbaugh s final season with the Wolverines in 2023, Loveland used his speed and fluidity to catch 45 passes for 649 yards in a run-heavy offense.

Giving Justin Herbert a legitimate threat down the stretch appears to be a winning strategy.

26. Washington Commanders: Nic Scourton (DE/OLB, Texas A&M)

Dan Quinn has made it clear that he wants heavy hitters in Washington, regardless of their form. In his pass rushes, Scourton has demonstrated his ability to close in on the quarterback and lock in against an opposing offensive tackle.

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

It is simplistic to believe that the Ravens can improve their occasionally flagging pass rusher by bringing in the Football Subdivision Leader in sacks (17).

However, the 6-4, 248-pounder is explosive and agile enough to get past blockers at the next level, and he could address one of the unit s few obvious flaws.

28. Minnesota Vikings Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Depending on how the offseason goes, Minnesota s defense may have a greater immediate need at cornerback.

But Grant can create opportunities for others with the attention he commands up front, and he could realize his full potential under Brian Flores leadership assuming the defensive coordinator does not land a head coaching job this cycle.30. Philadelphia Eagles: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama.

29. Buffalo Bills JT Tuimoloau, DE, Ohio State

Aside from Von Miller s occasional contributions, Buffalo hasn t progressed much. Tuimoloau may be too rigid to ever post high sack totals, but he can generate consistent pressure through his forcefulness while also holding up well against the run.

30. Philadelphia Eagles: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama.

Yes, given Howie Roseman s approach to linebacker investment, this would be an unusual move.

But, with Zack Baun appearing to be a strong candidate to cash in elsewhere following a breakout season that earned him a Pro Bowl nod, the Eagles should consider reloading with Campbell, whose versatility should shine once he learns to play with a little more discipline.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

Counting on D.J. Humphries and Joe Thuney to solve the left tackle crisis may get the two-time defending champions through the season, but it s not a sustainable long-term strategy. Ersery, a Kansas City native, needs some work in pass protection but could be a valuable addition as a blindside protector for Patrick Mahomes.

32. Detroit Lions: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama.

Kevin Zeitler has been outstanding at right guard, but he will turn 35 in March and become a free agent after this season. Booker would fit in well with the rest of the Lions offensive line because he is a punishing presence in the run game.

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