NFL Mock Draft 2025: Draft Dominant Defenders (Mock Drafts)
Mock Drafts

NFL Mock Draft 2025: Draft Dominant Defenders

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The College Football schedule is starting to shift to big games, rivalry matches, and opportunities for NFL draft-eligible players to break out on the big stage. Meanwhile, the NFL season is halfway through, and for many fan bases, their attention has shifted from who their favorite team could play in the playoffs to who their favorite team should draft in April. While the draft order will still have some shake-ups here and there, the top of the draft picture is starting to form. Considering scheme fit, player evaluation, and conversations within league circles, here is an early look at how things could shape out in this 2025 NFL Mock Draft.

Please note that the draft order is set using the real-time order at the time of publishing (during Sunday Night Football). Click on each player's name to read their full scouting report.

2025 NFL Mock Draft


1. New England Patriots

Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

Drake Maye is the quarterback for the future in New England. While the offensive line needs to be addressed, they can do that through free agency and the later rounds. Travis Hunter is too good to pass up and will be an asset wherever he decides to play.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars

Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

Addressing the offensive line is a significant need for the Jaguars. They haven't been able to run the ball consistently or project their franchise quarterback. Aireontae Ersery is one of the best tackles in college football with the physical tools and talent to live on an island.

3. New Orleans Saints

Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

Bulking up the trenches for the Saints is still needed, and while Talise Fuaga seems like a hit at the left tackle, they need another tackle. Kelvin Banks Jr. gives them an answer for the right tackle spot and solidifies their tackle duo for the future.

4. Carolina Panthers

Cam Ward, QB, Miami

The Panthers seem to be on track to reset at the quarterback position. Although the gunslinger mentality is still there, Cam Ward's arm talent, off-script ability, and growth as a decision-maker will make it challenging for Dave Canales and Co. to pass up.

5. Cleveland Browns

Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

It’s time. The Browns are paying Deshaun Watson whether or not they draft a new quarterback. Shedeur Sanders can come in, if he wants to play in Cleveland, and elevate the quarterback play the fans have seen over the last few seasons. He’s confident, accurate, athletic, and a tough playmaker that the team will want to play for.

6. Las Vegas Raiders

Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

With Malcolm Koonce and K’Lavon Chaisson free agents in 2025 and Tyree Wilson not having the impact they wanted, Abdul Carter would round out one of the best defensive lines in the NFL. After switching to EDGE this season, he’s starting to figure it out, and pairing that type of athlete with Maxx Crosby is dangerous.

7. New York Giants

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Malik Nabers is excellent and has been everything and more for the Giants, but they need more weapons to take the heat off of him. Tetairoa McMillan’s skill set pairs perfectly with Nabers and Wan'Dale Robinson and gives whatever quarterback is throwing them the football a real arsenal of playmakers

8. Miami Dolphins

Mason Graham, IDL, Michigan

After continuing to double down on speed for offense and defense, it’s time to help out the interior of the Dolphins' defense with one of the best prospects in the class. Mason Graham will help against the run and rush the passer with top-tier upside.

9. Tennessee Titans

Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

Arden Key is a functional starter but doesn’t give the Titans the upside a player like Nic Scourton, who’s 20 years old, does. Bringing him in gives the Titans a legitimate threat at pass rush outside with huge potential and one of the scariest defensive lines in the NFL. He’s been coming on under the bright lights for Texas A&M, precisely what you want star pass rushers to do.

10. New York Jets

Malaki Starks, SAF, Georgia

The injuries to the Jets' safeties are one thing, but they are also upcoming free agents. The Jets have great pieces on defense, and while Aaron Rodgers looks to get better and come back at another Super Bowl run, they need cheaper, youthful talent on the defense. Malaki Starks gives them a highly versatile safety to help out.

11. Dallas Cowboys

Kyren Lacy, WR, LSU

Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb are one of the best duos in football, but they need some help. Kyren Lacy offers positional flexibility at WR, the size to play the X position, and knows how to support elite receivers from his time alongside Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. at LSU. Give your quarterback some help!

12. Cincinnati Bengals

Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia

Rumors are swirling that the Bengals could trade star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson before the trade deadline and the Bengals already need pass-rush help. Jalon Walker had a coming-out party against Texas and is showcasing his unique athletic gifts for all to see. He’s an impact player and one the Bengals need.

13. Seattle Seahawks

Marcus Mbow, OT, Purdue

Watching the offensive line in Seattle is a tough task, and if they want to bring in a young quarterback at any point, addressing the offensive line is top of the list. Marcus Mbow is one of the best tackles most don't know about and he could complete Seattle’s bookends with some of the best hand usage out there.

14. Indianapolis Colts

Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Will Johnson has been battling injuries for Michigan this season, but he's still the best cornerback in the class that the Colts need in that cornerback room. Johnson is a true lockdown corner in this class and can elevate the talent in that room immediately.


15. Los Angeles Rams

Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

The young defensive pieces for the Rams and Chris Shula are starting to round out and show more than just signs of life; they are playing great football. But they need some talent at corner and nabbing Benjamin Morrison, a physical technician at corner, will drastically improve that room.

16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

YaYa Diaby was a good find for the Buccaneers' defense, but with Joe Tryon-Shoyinka a free agent in 2025 and Todd Bowles’ defensive lean, getting a rookie with huge upside as a replacement would be a great consolation. Already a great run defender, Mykel Williams is ascending as a pass rusher and could step in across from Diaby as a starter.

17. San Francisco 49ers

Walter Nolen, IDL, Ole Miss

Javon Hargrave is a great, but aging player for the 49ers and will be coming off an injury in 2025. Without any real playmakers alongside him at the defensive tackle position, Walter Nolan would be a great addition to their defense and help solve some talent and depth concerns they currently have at the position.

18. Chicago Bears

Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Caleb Williams is making fantastic strides in his rookie season behind a mediocre at best offensive line. They just lost Braxton Jones and Teven Jenkins to injuries and will still need immediate help going forward. Will Campbell gives them a versatile offensive lineman who can compete for guard and tackle spots.

19. Denver Broncos

Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Javonte Williams is a free agent in 2025 and Sean Payton needs to find his Alvin Kamara. Look no further than Ashton Jeanty. He’s the best back in the country and can carry the load for the Broncos, much like he has for Boise State all season. He’s got the vision, elite contact balance, pass-catching ability, and has improved his pass protection this season. Payton will love him.

20. Arizona Cardinals

Kenneth Grant, IDL, Michigan

One of the worst defenses in the NFL resides in Arizona and they need to build through the trenches. Darius Robinson is a start and he'll continue to develop as he gets more playing time coming back from injury. Kenneth Grant would add an athletic tackle who can cover multiple gaps and has a high upside as a pass rusher. Build through the trenches.

21. Los Angeles Chargers

Donovan Jackson, IOL, Ohio State

Jim Harbaugh wants to build through the trenches, and the interior of their offensive line has been a weak point this season. In my eyes, Donovan Jackson is one of the best players in college football, and he would be a great addition to Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, giving Harbaugh an offensive line he can use to dominate his opponents. 

22. Atlanta Falcons

Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss

Finding a pass rusher has been a difficult task in Atlanta. Investing four straight first-round picks into the offense leaves the defensive pieces to chance. Not this season. Princely Umanmielen has a quick first step, fast hands, and the physical tools to become a legit NFL pass rusher. He would step in as the No. 1 EDGE in Atlanta.

23. Green Bay Packers

Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State

Jeff Hafley has done a fantastic job with this defense in Green Bay, but they still need reliable corners to help the pass rush and let Hafley get even funkier. Azareye'h Thomas is a big, long, press-man-style corner with unique movement skills for his size. Bet on the traits and develop him in this evolving defense.

24. Baltimore Ravens

Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona

Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are a match made in heaven for an offense, but the offensive line could use some help getting them both going. Jonah Savaiinaea offers positional flexibility, length, and the athletic ability for their offense with Ronnie Stanley a free agent and the interior needing help.

25. Houston Texans

Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama

The second-year slump for the Texans has hit full tilt due to some injuries and poor offensive line play. They need help on the interior and Tyler Booker can answer that call. A former tackle, he’s a big, physical guard that will help in the run game, which Bobby Slowik will enjoy and solidifies a pass protector for C.J. Stroud.

26. Minnesota Vikings

Tyleik Williams, IDL, Ohio State

Tyleik Williams is continuing to take steps as a pass rusher for Ohio State and will enter the league as an elite run defender. Pairing him with Harrison Phillips and a rotation at DT fills out the Vikings' defensive line well.

27. Philadelphia Eagles

Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

The Eagles love to build through the trenches, but they also love having a reliable, top-level tight end to expand their offense. Dallas Goedert has been that for them, but the injuries are starting to crop up, he turns 30 next season, and has one year remaining on his contract. Colston Loveland can step in and give them a 12-personnel asset as a rookie and take over when Goedert’s contract is up. Good value for the best tight end in the draft.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers

Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

It’s hard to see the future at quarterback for the Steelers, but Russell Wilson is making a case for himself through two games. They don’t have a reliable receiver option other than George Pickens, who has his misgivings. Emeka Egbuka can play anywhere in an offense and win multiple ways. He's a player Pittsburgh’s offense needs.

29. Washington Commanders

Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

Luther Burden III is a gifted yards-after-catch player who plays a physical brand of football post-catch. He can align in a ton of different ways and give the Washington offense a quick answer for Jayden Daniels, which isn't apparent right now. They've done a great job creating answers, but pairing Burden with Terry McLaurin is helping out the face of your franchise.


30. Buffalo Bills

Kevin Winston Jr., SAF, Penn State

It’s no secret that Bills head coach Sean McDermott loves his defense. Until this season, he had one of the best safety duos in the NFL. Kevin Winston Jr. brings a high football IQ, alignment versatility, sideline-to-sideline play-making ability, and a physical, sure-tackling presence to the defense. A duo of Taylor Rapp and Winston Jr. would unlock that defense.

31. Detroit Lions

James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee

Getting Aidan Hutchinson some help on the other side of the defensive line is paramount for the Lions. Marcus Davenport is a free agent, and Hutchinson will be coming off a broken leg. James Pearce Jr. is a gifted athlete at the EDGE position who has flashed his potential but not fully embraced it. The Lions have developed players well to this point and Pearce Jr. would be in good hands.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Tacario Davis, CB, Arizona

Trent McDuffie is one of the best corners in the NFL, but injuries and unfulfilled potential have taken some of the air out of the depth of the cornerback room in Kansas City. Tacario Davis is a big, long, and physical corner who is unafraid of tackling and profiles well in a scheme that plays with safety help and more of a press-man style. He’d fit right into that room in Kansas City.


What did you think of the latest version of Dan Harms' 2025 NFL Mock Draft? Let us know what you think on Twitter and Instagram. Stay tuned next week for the next edition of TDN’s 2025 NFL Mock Draft series.



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