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The 2025 NFL Combine has dramatically altered the first-round landscape, with standout performances reshaping draft boards across the league. Elite athletic testing, record-breaking measurables, and eye-popping explosiveness have propelled certain prospects into top-10 consideration while leaving others fighting to maintain their draft stock.
Shemar Stewart (EDGE, Texas A&M) stole the show with a 4.59-second 40-yard dash, 40-inch vertical, and a staggering 10’11” broad jump, cementing himself as a premier edge rusher in this class. James Pearce Jr. (EDGE, Tennessee) followed with an even more electrifying 4.47-second 40-yard dash and an elite 1.56-second 10-yard split, making him an undeniable first-round lock.
The biggest riser of the Combine? Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina), who turned heads with a blazing 4.38-second 40, an NGS-measured top speed of 23.53 mph, and a 43-inch vertical, earning him one of the highest athleticism scores in the class. Meanwhile, Maxwell Hairston (CB, Kentucky) displayed elite speed, running a 4.28-second 40 and reaching 24.25 mph, surging into late first-round discussions.
Defensive Talent Dominates the First Round
With multiple teams prioritizing pass rushers and lockdown defenders, the top-10 landscape is trending toward a defense-heavy draft. The Tennessee Titans make a bold statement at No. 1 overall, selecting Abdul Carter (EDGE, Penn State) as the new centerpiece of their defense. At No. 2, the Cleveland Browns double down on defensive dominance with Mason Graham (IDL, Michigan), a polished interior force who could pair with Myles Garrett. One of the biggest surprises comes at No. 3, as the New York Giants pass on a quarterback and land Travis Hunter (CB/WR, Colorado)—one of the most unique two-way playmakers in draft history.
Quarterback Market Still Uncertain
Despite multiple teams in need of a franchise signal-caller, no quarterbacks are selected in the top two picks, signaling that free agency or trades could shape the market. The Las Vegas Raiders make their move at No. 6, selecting Shedeur Sanders (Colorado), while the New York Jets take a high-upside gamble on Cam Ward (Miami) at No. 7.
A Historic Running Back Class?
The 2025 NFL Draft RB class is shaping up as one of the deepest in years, blending elite top-end talent with impressive depth. At the NFL Combine, Omarion Hampton (4.47 at 221 lbs) and TreVeyon Henderson (4.39 at 212 lbs) showcased their explosiveness, while Quinshon Judkins (4.48 at 221 lbs, 11’0” broad jump) reinforced his power and athleticism. With Ashton Jeanty (Boise State) leading the way as the most complete three-down back, Hampton’s bruising power and Henderson’s game-breaking speed, this group could produce three first-round RBs for the first time since 2018.
According to Combine IQ, this class also posted historic explosiveness, with eight RBs recording a 38+ inch vertical, tying 2020 for the most in a single Combine since 2003. Virginia Tech’s Bhayshul Tuten (40.5” vert, 10’10” broad at 206 lbs) became just the sixth RB in over two decades to clear both marks at 205+ pounds, earning a max-99 athleticism score before even running the 40-yard dash.
Draft Landscape Could Shift Before April
With free agency on the horizon, the quarterback carousel could dictate major movement before the draft. Veterans like Kirk Cousins, Sam Darnold, Russell Wilson, and Justin Fields remain potential movers, while the New England Patriots hold a wildcard trade asset in backup QB Joe Milton, setting the stage for possible draft-day chaos.
2025 NFL Mock Draft 4.0
With Combine results shaking up team evaluations, here’s Mock Draft 4.0—where rising stars and shifting priorities reshape the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
1. Tennessee Titans – Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
Primary Need: Quarterback
The Titans need a franchise quarterback, but without a surefire elite option, they pivot to the best player available in Abdul Carter. Carter’s ability to rush the passer, drop into coverage, and play sideline-to-sideline gives Tennessee an instant impact defender. With Will Levis struggling, the Titans may revisit QB next year, but for now, they land a game-changing presence for their defense.
2. Cleveland Browns – Mason Graham, IDL, Michigan
Primary Need: Edge Rusher
The Browns could look at quarterback, but with uncertainty surrounding Myles Garrett’s future, they prioritize an elite disruptor in Mason Graham. Graham’s blend of quickness, strength, and technical refinement makes him a dominant force on the interior. Whether Garrett stays or not, Cleveland needs to fortify its defensive line, and Graham is an NFL-ready impact player.
3. New York Giants – Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado
Primary Need: Quarterback
The Daniel Jones era is over, but instead of forcing a quarterback selection, the Giants take the most dynamic defensive player in Travis Hunter. Hunter’s elite coverage skills and ball-tracking ability give New York a true CB1 to pair with their young secondary. While QB remains a priority, the Giants opt for a generational talent they can’t pass up.
4. New England Patriots – Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Primary Need: Offensive Line
New England’s offensive line was a disaster in 2024, and without a clear QB answer, they invest in Will Campbell to rebuild the trenches. Campbell brings high-level pass protection and positional flexibility, making him a perfect foundational piece for the Patriots' next signal-caller. If New England finds their franchise QB later, he’ll have the protection he needs.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Primary Need: Cornerback
With key defensive backs heading toward free agency, the Jaguars must upgrade their secondary, and Will Johnson gives them a future shutdown corner. Johnson’s combination of size, speed, and instincts makes him an instant starter in Jacksonville’s defense. This pick strengthens a unit that struggled in coverage, ensuring long-term stability in the secondary.
6. Las Vegas Raiders – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Primary Need: Quarterback
The Raiders need a long-term answer at quarterback, and Shedeur Sanders is a natural fit for Chip Kelly’s offense. Sanders is a polished pocket passer with elite accuracy, anticipation, and poise under pressure. While Las Vegas could wait until Day 2 for a QB, Sanders' ability to operate in a timing-based system makes him the right pick to lead this franchise into the future.
7. New York Jets – Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Primary Need: Quarterback
The Jets must find a long-term solution at quarterback, and Cam Ward brings the arm talent and athleticism to elevate their offense. Ward thrives in aggressive vertical passing attacks, pairing well with New York’s weapons. While he needs refinement in decision-making and mechanics, his ability to extend plays and push the ball downfield makes him a high-upside option.
8. Carolina Panthers – Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
Primary Need: Edge Rusher
Carolina's defense was one of the worst in the league, and they desperately need an impact pass rusher. Jalon Walker is a versatile front-seven weapon who can rush the passer, set the edge, and attack downhill. His ability to disrupt plays in multiple ways makes him an ideal fit for a rebuilding Panthers defense looking for playmakers.
9. New Orleans Saints – Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
Primary Need: Edge Rusher
With Cameron Jordan aging and Payton Turner failing to develop, the Saints need fresh pass-rush talent. Mike Green is an explosive edge rusher with elite bend and hand usage, making him a dangerous disruptor. His relentless motor and refined technique allow him to win in one-on-one matchups, giving New Orleans a much-needed infusion of defensive talent.
10. Chicago Bears – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Primary Need: Offensive Line
The Bears need to give Caleb Williams more support, and Ashton Jeanty is a three-down weapon who provides both rushing and receiving value. Jeanty’s vision, power, and versatility make him a perfect complement to Chicago’s offense. While many expected an offensive lineman here, Jeanty’s ability to create offense on his own makes him too valuable to pass up.
11. San Francisco 49ers – Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Primary Need: Cornerback
With Charvarius Ward and Isaac Yiadom set to hit free agency, the 49ers address their secondary by selecting Jahdae Barron. Barron is a high-IQ defensive back who thrives in zone coverage, making him an ideal fit for San Francisco’s defensive scheme. His quickness, ball skills, and versatility allow him to play outside, in the slot, or even safety, giving the 49ers flexibility as they look to reinforce their secondary.
12. Dallas Cowboys – Kenneth Grant, IDL, Michigan
Primary Need: Running Back
Dallas must upgrade their run game, but instead of reaching for a running back here, they bolster their defensive front with Kenneth Grant. Grant is a powerful, athletic defensive tackle who can clog running lanes and collapse the pocket. With Osa Odighizuwa potentially departing in free agency, Grant fills a major need and brings much-needed physicality to the Cowboys' interior defense.
13. Miami Dolphins – Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Primary Need: Safety
With Jevon Holland set to hit free agency, the Dolphins reinforce their secondary with Malaki Starks, a versatile, high-upside safety who brings elite range, ball skills, and physicality to the back end of Miami’s defense. Starks thrives in single-high, split-zone, and man coverage matchups, making him an ideal fit in a defensive scheme that requires instincts, closing speed, and playmaking ability.
14. Indianapolis Colts – Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama
Primary Need: Interior Offensive Line
The Colts must improve their offensive line to support Anthony Richardson’s development, and Tyler Booker is an ideal solution. Booker’s elite size, power, and anchor ability make him a high-end run blocker, and he thrives in gap-heavy schemes. His physicality and technical refinement ensure he can start at guard from Day 1, providing much-needed protection and stability for Indianapolis’ offense.
15. Atlanta Falcons – Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Primary Need: Edge Rusher
The Falcons finally invest in their pass rush, landing Shemar Stewart, an elite physical specimen with explosive traits. Stewart’s blend of power, length, and athleticism makes him a versatile piece in Atlanta’s front seven. Though his pass-rush arsenal is still developing, his raw talent and NFL frame give him Pro Bowl potential as a 4-3 DE or 3-4 hybrid EDGE.
16. Arizona Cardinals – Walter Nolen, IDL, Ole Miss
Primary Need: Edge Rusher
With multiple defensive linemen hitting free agency, the Cardinals secure a disruptive interior force in Walter Nolen. His powerful hands, quick burst, and versatility allow him to play anywhere along the defensive front. His ability to control gaps and generate interior pressure makes him an ideal fit in Arizona’s rebuilding defense.
17. Cincinnati Bengals – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Primary Need: Wide Receiver
With Tee Higgins’ future uncertain, the Bengals add a dynamic WR in Tetairoa McMillan. At 6’5” with elite body control, McMillan excels in contested-catch situations and red-zone opportunities. His route-running and smooth acceleration make him a perfect fit in Cincinnati’s vertical passing attack, giving Joe Burrow another top-tier weapon alongside Ja’Marr Chase.
18. Seattle Seahawks – Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Primary Need: Offensive Guard
Seattle needs to fix its offensive line, and Armand Membou provides an athletic, physical presence with position versatility. Membou can start at right tackle or slide inside, making him a valuable piece in Seattle’s protection scheme. His quick feet, balance, and strength make him an ideal fit in a zone-heavy offense, where he can develop into a long-term cornerstone.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Primary Need: Wide Receiver
Tampa Bay needs more pass-catching weapons with Chris Godwin’s future uncertain and Mike Evans aging. Colston Loveland is a versatile, athletic tight end with elite separation ability, strong hands, and a massive catch radius. His ability to line up inline or in the slot makes him a matchup nightmare, providing Tampa with a big-bodied, high-upside playmaker.
20. Denver Broncos – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Primary Need: Tight End
Sean Payton wants a true mismatch weapon at tight end, and Tyler Warren is the answer. A strong blocker and fluid route-runner, Warren excels in red-zone situations and contested catches. His versatility in different alignments makes him a perfect fit for Denver’s offense, giving Bo Nix a reliable security blanket over the middle.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Primary Need: Quarterback
With Russell Wilson or Justin Fields likely returning, Pittsburgh opts to build their run game, selecting Omarion Hampton. A power-based, north-south runner, Hampton is built to wear down defenses, breaking tackles and excelling in short-yardage situations. While he lacks elite breakaway speed, his ability to grind out tough yards and contribute on all three downs makes him a perfect fit behind Pittsburgh’s rebuilt offensive line.
22. Los Angeles Chargers – TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
Primary Need: Edge Rusher
The Chargers need an explosive, every-down playmaker, and TreVeyon Henderson fits perfectly. Henderson’s elite speed, vision, and ability to manipulate defenders in space make him a home-run hitter every time he touches the ball. While his durability and pass protection need refinement, his skill set is tailor-made for an outside-zone or spread-based offense, giving Justin Herbert a true game-breaker in the backfield.
23. Green Bay Packers – Shavon Revel, CB, ECU
Primary Need: Cornerback
With Eric Stokes set to hit free agency and Jaire Alexander battling injuries, the Packers reinforce their secondary with Shavon Revel Jr. A long, physical press-man corner, Revel excels at disrupting routes and contesting passes. While his ACL tear in 2024 is a concern, his ability to match up against bigger receivers and win at the line of scrimmage makes him a strong fit in Green Bay’s defensive scheme.
24. Minnesota Vikings – Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Primary Need: Cornerback
With multiple cornerbacks hitting free agency, the Vikings secure a future lockdown CB in Benjamin Morrison. A natural press-man defender, Morrison’s fluidity, technique, and quick reaction skills allow him to shadow receivers and make plays on the ball. His ability to disrupt routes and thrive in man-heavy schemes makes him an ideal fit for Minnesota’s defense as they rebuild their secondary.
25. Houston Texans – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Primary Need: Wide Receiver
With Tank Dell recovering from injury and veteran WRs possibly departing, the Texans add another weapon for C.J. Stroud, reuniting him with Emeka Egbuka. A polished slot receiver with elite route-running and hands, Egbuka thrives in timing-based offenses, creating separation and making plays after the catch. His chemistry with Stroud makes him a seamless addition to an already potent Texans passing attack.
26. Los Angeles Rams – Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas
Primary Need: Offensive Tackle
With Alaric Jackson and Joe Noteboom hitting free agency, the Rams invest in their offensive line by selecting Kelvin Banks Jr., a high-level pass protector with smooth athleticism and refined hand technique. His ability to mirror rushers and anchor in pass protection makes him an immediate impact starter at left tackle, giving Matthew Stafford (or his successor) long-term stability up front.
27. Baltimore Ravens – Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
Primary Need: Offensive Tackle
With Ronnie Stanley and Patrick Mekari, both set to hit free agency, Baltimore lands their future left tackle in Josh Conerly Jr. A fluid mover with elite footwork, Conerly thrives in zone-based run schemes and has the athletic upside to become a high-end pass protector. Though he needs to add play strength and refine his anchor, his potential as a Day 1 starter with Pro Bowl upside makes him a perfect fit for the Ravens' offensive identity.
28. Detroit Lions – Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Primary Need: Edge Rusher
With Za’Darius Smith aging and Marcus Davenport set to hit free agency, Detroit replenishes its pass rush with Mykel Williams, a versatile defensive lineman who can line up across the front. His blend of power, speed, and technique makes him a perfect fit opposite Aidan Hutchinson, giving the Lions a dominant defensive edge duo for years to come.
29. Washington Commanders – James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Primary Need: Edge Rusher
With Dante Fowler Jr. and Clelin Ferrell set to hit free agency, the Commanders inject elite pass-rushing explosiveness into their defense with James Pearce Jr.. Pearce is a twitchy, high-upside edge rusher with a blazing 4.47-second 40-yard dash and an elite 1.56-second 10-yard split, making him one of the most explosive first-step rushers in this class. Pearce wins with speed-to-power conversion, length, and natural pass-rush instincts, allowing him to generate consistent pressure.
30. Buffalo Bills – Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Primary Need: Defensive Tackle
With Stefon Diggs’ future uncertain and Gabe Davis in free agency, the Bills add a dynamic receiver in Matthew Golden. A crisp route-runner with explosive burst, Golden thrives as a deep threat and intermediate separator, giving Josh Allen a versatile playmaker who can win at all three levels. While he’s not the biggest receiver, his quickness, ball-tracking, and YAC ability make him a dangerous weapon in Buffalo’s spread attack.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Primary Need: Safety
The Chiefs remain a powerhouse, but with Justin Reid expected to hit free agency, Kansas City must address its secondary to maintain defensive dominance. Nick Emmanwori is a rare blend of size (6'3", 220 lbs), speed (4.38 40-yard dash), and explosiveness (43-inch vertical, 11’6” broad jump), making him a true difference-maker at the safety position. Emmanwori’s versatility, ball-tracking ability, and physicality in run support make him an ideal fit for Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.
32. Philadelphia Eagles – Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Primary Need: Edge Rusher
The Eagles can’t pass up a high-upside offensive weapon, selecting Luther Burden III, a dynamic slot receiver with elite playmaking ability. With A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith commanding attention outside, Burden can dominate underneath, thrive in YAC opportunities, and provide a vertical threat. His explosiveness and versatility make him a perfect fit in an offense designed to stretch the field and create mismatches.