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Who Will the Tennessee Titans Select at No. 1 Overall?
The biggest question heading into the 2025 NFL Draft is what the Tennessee Titans will do with the number one overall pick. Will they select a quarterback, trade down, or opt for a defensive cornerstone like Abdul Carter or Mason Graham, as I projected in my first two mock drafts? The Titans hold all the leverage at the top, and their decision will have a ripple effect on the rest of the first round.
Are the Cleveland Browns Targeting Shedeur Sanders?
Another major shift from Mock Draft 2.0 is the growing buzz around the Cleveland Browns and their potential interest in Shedeur Sanders. Early reports indicated that Deion Sanders had a shortlist of teams he didn’t approve of for Shedeur, Cleveland was assumed to be on that list, though not confirmed. However, If Shedeur isn’t receiving the first-round attention he expected, his presumed stance on draft destination could change.
It’s also worth considering that teams at the top of the draft may be posturing, leveraging their top-five picks to create trade opportunities. The Titans could be doing this, and perhaps the Browns are making a similar move. What’s clear is that both Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward are likely top-10 picks, but I’m not entirely convinced that they will be selected first and second overall.
With teams like the Raiders and Jets in need of a franchise quarterback, and no guarantee that Tennessee or Cleveland will land a solid free-agent QB, the situation remains unpredictable.
Could Two (or Even Three) Running Backs Go in Round 1?
One of the biggest trends I highlighted in Mock Draft 2.0 was the potential for two running backs to be drafted in the first round. It’s clear that Ashton Jeanty is RB1, but the debate for RB2 is more interesting. Right now, I have TreVeyon Henderson as my RB2, followed closely by Omarion Hampton and Kaleb Johnson, pending my final 2024 season grades. I strongly believe Henderson—who likely would have been RB1 in last year’s class had he declared—has played his way into first-round consideration.
But here’s the real shock factor—there is a growing possibility that three running backs will be selected in the first round. That hasn’t happened since 2018, when Saquon Barkley (2nd overall, Giants), Rashaad Penny (27th overall, Seahawks), and Sony Michel (31st overall, Patriots) were all first-round selections.
Why Three First-Round RBs Makes Sense
Last night, I received a tweet notification from Daniel Jeremiah, who mentioned in his second mock draft that he had three RBs going in the first round. I responded, noting that the trend of Jeanty and Henderson as first-rounders was already expected, but a third RB entering the mix adds an intriguing wrinkle.
Here’s why it makes sense: this wide receiver class lacks elite, top-end talent. Tetairoa McMillan is the top WR, and with Travis Hunter listed as a CB at the Combine, the value of WRs at the top of the draft has diminished. There are more WR2-type prospects in this class, while at least four legitimate RB1 three-down backs are expected to be drafted within the top 40 picks.
Which Teams Could Draft a Running Back in Round 1?
Now, which teams need an RB the most and could realistically take one in the first round? Off the top of my head, the Dallas Cowboys have been frequently linked to Ashton Jeanty in mock drafts. Other teams that could draft a running back in Round 1 include the Broncos, Chargers, Vikings, Steelers, and Chiefs, but there are two surprise teams in this mock draft that take an RB.
Final Thoughts: The Biggest Draft Trends to Watch
These are the major trends shaping up ahead of Mock Draft 3.0 and the 2025 NFL Draft. Expect QB drama at the top, increasing buzz around Shedeur Sanders, and the real possibility of multiple running backs going in the first round.
2025 NFL Mock Draft 3.0
1). Tennessee Titans – Abdul Carter | EDGE | Penn State
Primary Team Needs: (QB, OT, ED, CB)
The Titans shake up the draft by selecting Abdul Carter first overall, prioritizing a defensive cornerstone over a quarterback. Carter brings elite burst, power, and versatility to Tennessee’s front seven, forming a dangerous pass-rushing trio with Harold Landry and Jeffrey Simmons.
2). Cleveland Browns – Shedeur Sanders |QB| Colorado
Primary Team Needs: (QB, RB, T, CB)
His dad reportedly said “no way” regarding the Browns, but when your son is getting second-round grades, you can’t take that risk. Sanders is a highly accurate QB with a proven track record as a productive starter. Pairing Shedeur Sanders with Malik Nabers could give the Giants the foundation for an explosive passing attack.
3). New York Giants – Cam Ward | QB | Miami
Primary Team Needs: (QB, T, DB)
The Giants have already moved on from Daniel Jones and need a new quarterback to lead their offense. Cam Ward’s arm talent, mobility, and ability to create off-script plays make him a high-upside prospect for Brian Daboll’s system, giving New York a dynamic QB to develop.
4). New England Patriots – Travis Hunter | CB | Colorado
Primary Team Needs: (RB, WR, G, T)
The Patriots land a rare two-way talent in Travis Hunter, giving them a lockdown corner with elite ball skills. Hunter’s versatility and playmaking ability make him a game-changer for New England’s defense, instantly upgrading their secondary.
5). Jacksonville Jaguars – Mason Graham | IDL | Michigan
Primary Team Needs: (C, G, DI, CB)
I’ve mocked Mason Graham at 1st and 2nd overall—this is the lowest I’m willing to go. The Jaguars would be adding an interior defensive cornerstone with elite pass-rush and run-stopping ability. Graham remains the top-graded player on our board in this draft class.
6). Las Vegas Raiders – Ashton Jeanty | RB | Boise State
Primary Team Needs: (QB, RB, WR, CB)
The Raiders shock the world—or is it really a shock? Jeanty holds a top-5 grade in our process, and if the Raiders want to elevate whoever is under center in 2025, he’d be an instant-impact player in this offense alongside Brock Bowers.
7). New York Jets – Will Johnson | CB | Michigan
Primary Team Needs: (QB, DI, DB)
Will Johnson is one of four players in this draft class with an elite-grade, and he plays a premium position. I’ve mocked him in the top five in both Mock Draft 1.0 and 2.0, but with the potential of Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders going in the top five, he could fall. This would be a great landing spot, pairing him with a former DB as his head coach in Aaron Glenn.
8). Carolina Panthers – Mike Green | Edge | Marshall
Primary Team Needs: (DL, DB)
Mike Green was a dominant force in the backfield at Marshall, creating havoc in games. However, there were concerns regarding the competition level and his playing weight. He addressed these issues at the Senior Bowl, proving his worth. The Panthers are in need of a versatile pass rusher, and Mike Green possesses one of the most extensive pass-rushing skill sets in the class, along with the speed and power to complement it.
9). New Orleans Saints – Shemar Stewart | Edge | Texas A&M
Primary Team Needs: (WR, TE, DL)
With Cameron Jordan nearing the end of his career, the Saints invest in Shemar Stewart, a versatile run-stopping pass rusher. Stewart strengthens a defensive front in need of young playmakers.
10). Chicago Bears – Will Campbell | OT | LSU
Primary Team Needs: (RB, C, G, ED)
Despite concerns about his length, Will Campbell is the top offensive lineman in the 2025 draft class. Even if he plays on the inside, the Bears must prioritize protecting Caleb Williams and supporting their run game.
11). San Francisco 49ers – Armand Membou | OT | Missouri
Primary Team Needs: (G, T, DL)
Armand Membou combines exceptional strength and technique, with significant experience in the SEC. As Trent Williams approaches retirement and Colton McKivitz is set to become a free agent after 2025, Membou could act as a backup in 2025 if McKivitz steps in for Williams, and might then become a starting replacement in 2026.
12). Dallas Cowboys – Mykel Williams | Edge | Georgia
Primary Team Needs: (G, T, DI, S)
The consensus for the Cowboys here is that Ashton Jeanty will fall to them, but not in this mock draft. Instead, with Jeanty off the table, the Cowboys land a high-ceiling edge rusher in Mykel Williams. Williams can flip inside or outside as needed, bolstering both the Cowboys' run defense and pass rush.
13). Miami Dolphins – Tyler Booker | IOL | Alabama
Primary Team Needs: (G, T, DI, S)
With the 13th selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins make a smart decision by choosing Tyler Booker from Alabama. He is a technically proficient IOL. Strengthening their line play is essential for the Dolphins.
14). Indianapolis Colts – Colston Loveland | TE | Michigan
Primary Team Needs: (TE, ED, DB)
The Colts give Anthony Richardson a much-needed weapon at tight end with Colston Loveland. A big-bodied pass catcher with strong hands and blocking ability.
15). Atlanta Falcons – Kenneth Grant | IDL | Michigan
Primary Team Needs: (WR, ED, LB, CB)
The Falcons' defense shows promise under Raheem Morris, but talent needs improvement across the board. Offensively, the team is secure with skilled players, a solid line, and young QB Michael Penix Jr. Kenneth Grant adds strength and pass-rush potential to a unit with aging veterans Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata, whose contracts expire after 2025.
16). Arizona Cardinals – Walter Nolen | IDL | Ole Miss
Primary Team Needs: (G, T, DL)
Arizona reinforces its defensive front with Walter Nolen, a disruptive force on the interior. His blend of power, athleticism, and block-shedding ability makes him an immediate impact player.
17). Cincinnati Bengals – Tetairoa McMillan | WR| Arizona
Primary Team Needs: (WR, G, DL)
The Bengals selected Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the 17th pick, highlighting his ideal fit for their scheme and roster. McMillan, whose playing style resembles Mike Evans and Tee Higgins. There is uncertainty about retaining Tee Higgins, especially with Ja’Marr Chase up for a contract extension.
18). Seattle Seahawks – Jalon Walker | LB | Georgia
Primary Team Needs: (C, G, ED, LB)
Seattle adds versatility to its linebacker corps with Jalon Walker, an athletic and instinctive defender who can play inside or rush off the edge. His range and physicality fit Seattle’s defensive identity.
19). Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Benjamin Morrison | CB | Notre Dame
Primary Team Needs: (ED, LB, DB)
Benjamin Morrison was absent for the majority of the 2024 college football season due to a hip injury, causing him to fade from many people's minds. However, he is a lockdown outside corner with excellent instincts and ball skills, the kind Todd Bowles can trust to handle one-on-one coverage.
20). Denver Broncos – Tyler Warren | TE | Penn State
Primary Team Needs: (WR, TE, LB, S)
Bo Nix's unexpected rookie season was all the more remarkable given the limited offensive options beyond Courtland Sutton. Tyler Warren will immediately pose a receiving threat and enhance the tight-end group in a way that wasn't feasibly last season.
21). Pittsburgh Steelers – Jahdae Barron | CB | Texas
Primary Team Needs: (QB, WR, DB)
One of the key attributes of the Texas star is his versatility. Unlike a tweener who might be too small for safety or too slow for cornerback, he is genuinely capable of handling any role. This is extremely beneficial for the Steelers' secondary, which could use assistance in the slot, on the outside, and opposite safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, depending on DeShon Elliott's playing position.
22). Los Angeles Chargers – James Pearce Jr | Edge | Tennessee
Primary Team Needs: (RB, WR, TE, ED)
Considering Khalil Mack’s uncertain future at 34. With his career winding down, they’re looking to inject youth and dynamic playmaking into their defensive front to strengthen the unit for the future.
23). Green Bay Packers – Shavon Revel | CB | East Carolina
Primary Team Needs: (WR, C, ED, CB)
The Packers need to strengthen their secondary, and with the lengthy Shavon Revel available, they are gaining significant value at the corner position and potentially securing a key player in their secondary in a division rich with wide receiver talent; Revel is the ideal selection.
24). Minnesota Vikings – Malaki Starks | S | Georgia
Primary Team Needs: (RB, G, DI, CB)
Minnesota lands a versatile defensive chess piece in Malaki Starks, a rangy safety with elite athleticism and ball skills. His ability to play deep, in the box, or as a slot defender fills a major need in the Vikings' secondary.
25). Houston Texans – Kelvin Banks Jr. | OT | Texas
Primary Team Needs: (WR, C, G, DI)
The Texans solidify their offensive line with Kelvin Banks Jr., one of the top tackles in this class. Protecting C.J. Stroud is the priority, and Banks provides a long-term answer at tackle.
26). Los Angeles Rams – Josh Simmons | OT | Ohio State
Primary Team Needs: (TE, T, LB, CB)
The Rams strengthen their offensive line by acquiring Ohio State OT Josh Simmons. Although Simmons was injured in 2024, he is anticipated to fully recover. He was projected to be a top-15 pick in this class, but if he drops to the Rams' position, they might not hesitate to select him.
27). Baltimore Ravens – Luther Burden III | WR | Missouri
Primary Team Needs: (WR, T, ED, CB)
If Luther Burden is available, it would be impossible to pass on the idea of him in the Ravens offense alongside Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, creating one of the most dynamic WR cores in the NFL.
28). Detroit Lions – Grey Zabel | OT | NDSU
Primary Team Needs: (C, G, ED, LB)
In this mock draft, the Lions would have multiple top-tier options to choose from, but Zabel would fulfill several needs on their offense. Zabel is a versatile player capable of playing guard, center, or tackle.
29). Washington Commanders – TreVeyon Henderson | RB | Ohio State
Primary Team Needs: (WR, T, ED, CB)
The Commanders add a versatile three-down back to open up the offense even more, pairing TreVeyon Henderson with Jayden Daniels. Henderson is a rising prospect who could make a lot of sense here. With playstyle comparisons to Jahmyr Gibbs, this is definitely something to keep an eye on.
30). Buffalo Bills – Matthew Golden | WR | Texas
Primary Team Needs: (WR, DI, LB, CB)
The Bills have several needs, but none more critical than their defensive line. I debated between Nic Scourton and Derrick Harmon, but with quality interior DL options available on Day 2, addressing WR is a priority. They need a field stretcher and a separator—Matthew Golden is the perfect fit.
31). Kansas City Chiefs – Josh Conerly Jr. | OT | Oregon
Primary Team Needs: (T, DL, LB)
The Chiefs address their offensive line needs by selecting Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr. Conerly brings athleticism and versatility, providing crucial protection for Patrick Mahomes. Under Andy Reid’s coaching, he has the potential to develop into a premier NFL tackle.
31). Philadelphia Eagles – Omarion Hampton | RB | North Carolina
Primary Team Needs: (WR, G, ED, CB)
The Philadelphia Eagles, under Howie Roseman, are no strangers to making a splash and selecting players either outside the consensus order or those who fall to them in the draft. In this scenario, with few clear landing spots for a second RB in Round 1 among teams with greater needs, the Eagles find an opportunity to elevate their run-first offense while also preserving Saquon Barkley. Enter North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton.