Grading 2025 NFL Mock Draft from B/R Live Creators

T-minus one week and counting.

Actually, at this point we’re actually less than a week away from the first night of the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay. From Roger Goodell stepping to the podium and Lambeau Field and being booed by, well, everyone. From all the rumors and speculation of the past few months giving way to seeing who the NFL’s 32 general managers make the newest members of the league’s teams.

Until that evening arrives, the rumors and speculation are in overdrive. So are the mock drafts, which are flying in at dizzying speed. And if they old saying that two heads are better than one, than here at Bleacher Report we have taken things next level.

On Thursday afternoon, 32 content creators got together (with each repping a different NFL team) gathered to take a run at how Round 1 might play out. There were even trades and everything.

Of course, the only thing better than such an exercise is looking back at said exercise. To examining which “general managers” nailed their turn at the podium. Who may have been best-served going another direction. And who came in somewhere in-between.

Let’s get after it.

The Tennessee Titans are on the clock—with arguably the one pick just about everyone agrees on at this point.

1.01: Tennessee Titans

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The Pick: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

This pick has seemingly been fated for weeks. And there was no curveball to kick things off here.

After a miserable, turnover-plagued season from Will Levis, there was no doubt that the Tennessee Titans need an upgrade at quarterback. And while Cam Ward hasn’t generated the kind of excitement that Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels did a year ago, he’s universally regarded as the top prospect under center in this class.

The 6’2”, 219-pounder completed over 67 percent of his passes with the Hurricanes last year, threw 39 touchdown passes against just seven picks and is maybe the most dangerous scrambler in the class.

ESPN's Field Yates ranked Ward as the best quarterback this year--but only the sixth-best prospect overall.

"Ward has a laser for an arm and the ability to throw from a litany of angles," Yates said. "He is a crafty innovator as a playmaker, a trait that shows up when opponents bring pressure. Ward must clean up his decision-making and work to get into his base more as a thrower, but his overall poise and fearlessness in key moments is unmistakable."

Ward might not be the best player available. But he’s the top signal-caller—and the Titans need one in the worst way.

Grade: B+

1.02: Cleveland Browns

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The Pick: Travis Hunter, ATH, Colorado

Every time the Browns make a first-round pick, fans in Northern Ohio hold their breath.

The collective exhale if the Browns take Colorado’s Travis Hunter may knock a few trees over.

Earlier in the pre-draft process, the Browns said they viewed Hunter primarily as a wide receiver. But perhaps because of recent comments from Hunter that he would retire rather than give up playing both ways, Berry’s position appears to have softened.

"It's a little bit like Ohtani, where when he's playing one side, he's an outstanding player," Berry told reporters. "If he's a pitcher, he's a hitter, he's an outstanding player. You obviously get a unicorn if you use him both ways."

The Browns need help at wideout more than corner at present, but with Greg Newsome and Martin Emerson both slated to hit free agency in 2026, Hunter could get his wish of being a true two-way player sooner rather than later.

Grade: A

1.03: New York Giants

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The Pick: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

So far, so good.

Yes, the New York Giants lack a long-term plan at quarterback despite signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. One of the few areas where the Giants ostensibly don’t have a need is on the edge, where they have already invested a high pick in Kayvon Thibodeaux and big bucks in Brian Burns.

But Carter and Hunter are a tier unto themselves in terms of overall talent. In his first full season as an edge-rusher in 2024, Carter was next to unstoppable—12 sacks and 24 tackles for loss.

It’s going to be interesting to see if Giants general manager Joe Schoen can resist drafting for need in an effort to save his job.

But from a best player available standpoint, Carter should be the pick at No. 3 overall.

Grade: A

1.04: New England Patriots

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The Pick: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

This is where the draft gets real.

The New England Patriots no doubt hoped that either Carter or Hunter would somehow fall to them. But that’s not a likely scenario—leaving New England with a number of potential scenarios.

Quite a few mock drafts of late have slotted Campbell to the Pats, including Ryan Wilson’s at CBS Sports.

"Campbell has been incredibly consistent throughout his LSU career,” he said. He's gotten questions about his 33-inch arm length but just as he told reporters at the combine, I'd also encourage skeptics to go watch the tape."

The Patriots have one of the lowest-ranked offensive lines in the NFL despite the addition of veteran tackle Morgan Moses.

Hard to argue with the Patriots taking quite possibly the best prospect up front in this class.

Grade: A-

1.05: Jacksonville Jaguars

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The Pick: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

So far, this draft has had more chalk than a box of Hagoromo. There hasn’t been a pick yet that has been remotely surprising.

As we near the 2025 draft, Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham has become the favorite to go fifth overall, and that’s where Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department predicts the 6’3” 318-pounder will begin his professional career.

"The B/R Scouting Dept. has mocked Graham to the Jaguars several times, making the pick almost chalk at this point," Matt Holder said. "Even so, he'd be an instant upgrade over what Jacksonville currently has at defensive tackle and immediately forms a strong young defensive line alongside Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker."

Graham is a game-wrecker against the run and disruptive at collapsing the pocket, and the Jaguars have a major need in the middle of the defensive line.

Thumbs up.

Grade: A-

1.06: Las Vegas Raiders

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The Pick: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

This is the first selection in this mock that’s a surprise given what the Raiders have already committed to new quarterback Geno Smith. As such I reached out to B/R NFL Analyst Maurice Moton, who made the selection, to get his take on why Las Vegas should add another quarterback.

“The Raiders have suffered through a stretch of backup quarterbacks after moving on from Derek Carr in the 2023 offseason,” he said. This offseason, the Raiders acquired Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks, and signed him to short-term extension. He only has two guaranteed years on his current deal. Shedeur Sanders doesn’t make the Raiders better in 2025, but he’s the piece to the big-picture puzzle for the long term. With Smith and Sanders, the Raiders will be competitive in a tough AFC West division for not just the next two years but next 10-15 years.”

The Raiders are admittedly more than just a quarterback away from contending, and Sanders may have the highest floor of any quarterback in this class.

But assuming the Raiders have any real confidence in Smith, some help along the offensive line, on defense or even a trade down would have made more sense here.

Of course, folks said much the same about the Falcons last year after they signed Kirk Cousins and drafted Michael Penix Jr.

Look at how that turned out.

Grade: D

1.07: New York Jets

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The Pick: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

There are a number of potential directions the Jets could go with the seventh overall pick. New York needs help along the offensive front. The secondary could use some work. And the team needs to bolster the pass-catchers available for new quarterback Justin Fields.

In this mock draft, the Jets took door No. 3, adding Penn State tight end Tyler Warren—a choice that aligns with the mock from Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com.

“Warren is one of my favorite players in this draft,” he said. “He will be popular with his quarterback and running backs as a difference-making in-line tight end.”

Warren was a force for the Nittany Lions in 2024, catching over 100 passes, topping 1,200 receiving yards and scoring 12 total touchdowns.

There were some other players who also would have been solid choices here, but it’s hard to be too critical of Gang Green adding a versatile tight end in Warren.

Grade: B

1.08: Denver Broncos (from Carolina)

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TRADE

Carolina Panthers Get: 2025 Pick No. 20, 2025 Pick No. 51, 2025 Pick No. 85, 2026 Round 3 Pick

Denver Broncos Get: 2025 Pick No. 8, 2025 Pick No. 111

The Pick: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

This trade is a bold move up the board by the Broncos—and a deal that frankly doesn't look great for either team involved.

That assessment has nothing to do with Jeanty. There’s no question that he’s a phenomenal prospect at running back after racking up a staggering 2,601 yards last year at Boise State. But Jeanty also touched the ball a whopping 397 times last year—he enters the league with considerable wear on his tires.

Yes, running back is a need for Denver. But it’s a deep class at the position—players like Ohio State’s Treveyon Henderson and Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson may well have been available to Denver on Day 2. It also isn’t the Broncos only need, and the team just gutted their picks on April 25.

Jeanty’s a great young runner. But he’s not the final piece in a Super Bowl puzzle for Denver.

Grade: D

1.09: New Orleans Saints

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The Pick: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Since news broke that quarterback Derek Carr’s status for the 2025 season is in doubt due to a shoulder injury, Shedeur Sanders has become a hot name in mock drafts for the New Orleans Saints. But with the Las Vegas Raiders snagging Sanders, it’s back to the drawing board for the Saints.

In the end, the team went with the player many consider the best true wide receiver prospect in this class in Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan, a big-bodied boundary receiver Daniel Flick of SI wrote would pair well with Chris Olave.

“The Saints lack a complementary receiver to the nuanced Chris Olave, and the physical McMillan presents a quality option,” he said. “The 6' 4", 219-pound McMillan eclipsed 1,300 receiving yards each of the past two years, and he has tremendous ball skills.”

At this point, the Saints appear to be barreling toward a rebuild—one that could include Olave’s departure in 2027 (provided his 2026 option is picked up)

Grabbing a compliment to (and possible successor for) him here isn’t a bad idea.

Grade: B

1.10: Chicago Bears

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The Pick: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

Last year, no team in the NFL allowed more sacks than the Chicago Bears. Chicago addressed the interior of the offensive line in free agency, and in this draft the team uses its first pick to select Missouri’s Armand Membou, who is B/R’s top-ranked tackle prospect in 2025.

“Membou is a young prospect who is a loose, explosive mover with a dense, powerful build, good length, and a rugged demeanor that allows him to match up on an island in pass protection and deliver body blows as a finisher,” Brandon Thorn wrote. “There are rough edges with his aiming points and hands that lead to penetration and falling off of blocks that will need to get cleaned up. Still, his physical tools, pass protection skills and demeanor signal a year one starter with the runway to become an impact player at tackle or guard.”

Membou is arguably the best player available at this point—and one who fills a major need for the Bears.

If things play out like this in Green Bay, Ryan Poles may pull a hammy turning in the card with Membou’s name on it.

Grade: A

1.11: San Francisco 49ers

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The Pick: Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss

The San Francisco 49ers have had a rocky offseason. With quarterback Brock Purdy about to receive a massive extension, the Niners have made some difficult personnel decisions, including trading wide receiver Deebo Samuel.

Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave was another free agent defection, and in this mock San Francisco obtains his replacement in the 6’4”, 296-pound Nolen.

Per Sayre Bedinger of Predominantly Orange, Nolen wasn’t especially consistent in college. But last year at least, he was as explosive as any defensive tackle in the class.

“Nolen's game took a huge step forward at Ole Miss this past season and the former five-star prospect finally started to live up to his billing as an elite prospect,” Bedinger said. “There is no other defensive tackle in this year's incoming class with as many flashes of dominance and brilliance as Walter Nolen, even Mason Graham out of Michigan.”

There’s some risk involved with drafting an inconsistent player just outside the top-10. But Nolen is B/R’s 14th-ranked prospect overall, so this doesn’t appear to be a significant reach.

Grade: B-

1.12: Dallas Cowboys

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The Pick: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

The Dallas Cowboys have one of the best wideouts in the game in CeeDee Lamb. But outside Lamb, there's not much on the depth chart at the position, which has made wide receiver a popular pick for Jerruh’s Boys in mock drafts.

In this draft, that wideout is Texas burner Matthew Golden, who peeled off a sub 4.3-second 40 at the combine. Rhett Lewis of NFL.com is in agreement that Golden would be an excellent fit staying in the Lone Star State.

"The Cowboys need a Robin to CeeDee Lamb's Batman, and while Golden takes a back seat to no one in this receiver class, it's quite enticing to imagine the Texas product riding shotgun in Dallas,” he said. “The pick also further supports the franchise's massive investment in Dak Prescott."

The Cowboys have needs in other areas, whether it’s an edge-rusher opposite Micah Parsons or help along the offensive line. But it’s hard to poke too many holes in this pick.

Grade: A-

1.13: Miami Dolphins

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The Pick: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

With the Miami Dolphins and veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey reportedly headed toward a parting of the ways, a position that was already a need for the team has now become a glaring one. Before the Ramsey news even broke, SI’s Dante Collinelli singled out Michigan corner Will Johnson as a potential target for the ‘Fins at No. 13.

This has become a popular pairing among national analysts because the Dolphins haven’t signed any cornerbacks who can compete for a starting spot. Johnson’s talent is good enough to be a top-five pick, but he was hampered by injuries this past season. He has great ball skills, size and instincts to be an effective coverage player in any scheme against all types of receivers. He’d fill the Dolphins’ short-term need at cornerback and be a long-term centerpiece for the secondary.”

Johnson’s injury-marred 2024 is a legitimate concern. But a healthy Johnson is the complete package at his position, and the 6’2”, 194-pounder is a top-five prospect overall on Bleacher Report’s NFL Draft Big Board.

A solid pick.

Grade: A-

1.14: Indianapolis Colts

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The Pick: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Last year, the tight ends for the Indianapolis Colts combined for 467 receiving yards. There were 25 tight ends in the NFL who had more yardage than that by themselves in 2024.

That makes tight ends one of Indy’s biggest needs this offseason, and Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA Today suggested that the team take a long look at Michigan’s Colston Loveland at No. 14.

“Loveland might not be seen by some as on the same level as (Tyler) Warren,” he said, “but he's hardly a consolation prize for an Indianapolis offense desperate for a tight end capable of making some kind of imprint on the passing game. More of a field-expander than safety valve, the 6-6, 248-pound seam threat would raise both the floor and ceiling for either Daniel Jones or Anthony Richardson.”

He'll get no real argument here—especially given that there’s precipitous dropoff at tight end once Loveland is off the board.

Grade: A-

1.15: Atlanta Falcons

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The Pick: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

This just in—the Atlanta Falcons sucked at rushing the passer last year. As a matter of fact, last year’s 31 sacks were the second time in three years the Falcons finished the year 31st in the NFL in sacks.

Atlanta added veteran Leonard Floyd in free agency, but the team needs more pop on the edge. Per Ryan Fowler of the Draft Network, 2024 FBS sack leader Mike Green of Marshall could be just the prospect to provide it.

“As a pass rusher,” he said, “Green is electric. He fires off the snap, can win to either shoulder, and has an element of power to his game that is nice to see as a primary speed rusher. While many young pass-rushers look to win solely as an athlete around the hoop, Green has shown the ability to convert speed-to-power and vary his looks on passing downs. His explosiveness and bend will force tackles on their heels quickly, but his ability to get stronger as the years go on will go a long way toward Green evolving into a true three-down contributor.”

The only reason this pick isn’t graded higher? A pair of sexual assault allegations against Green—one in high school and another at Virginia. Green has proclaimed his innocence in both instances, but those off-field troubles take some of the shine off selecting Green inside the top-15.

Grade: B

1.16: Detroit Lions (from Arizona Cardinals)

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TRADE

Arizona Cardinals Get: 2025 Pick No. 16, 2025 Pick No. 152, 2026 Round 5 Pick

Detroit Lions Get: 2025 Pick No. 28, 2025 Pick No. 60, 2026 Round 3 Pick

The Pick: Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

OK, something needs to be said here. With all due respect to the drafters here and the Pick Value Trade Chart that folks use for these hypothetical deals, this is the second time in the front half of Round 1 that a team traded up 10-plus spots without giving up an additional first-rounder.

The odds of that happening are slim to none—unless a general manager wants to get fired.

With that said, if Brad Holmes could get Monti Ossenfort to accept this “offer,” it would be a coup for the Lions—because Georgia’s Jalon Walker would be a great fit in the Lions defense.

Part edge-rusher and part off-ball linebacker, there’s more than a little Micah Parsons to the 6’1”, 243-pound Walker’s game. He could play a number of roles in Kelvin Sheppard’s defense.

And playing opposite star Aidan Hutchinson, Walker could do some serious damage.

Grade: B

1.17: Cincinnati Bengals

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The Pick: Jihaad Campbell, LB Alabama

The Cincinnati Bengals are trying to wash off the stink of a miserable 2024 season, and as they do the offseason edict has been clear—improve a defense that was atrocious much of last year.

In this draft the Bengals elected to do so with the selection of Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, a versatile 6’3”, 235-pounder who B/R’s Scouting Department ranked second among linebackers in the 2025 class.

“He's a young linebacker—will be just 21 years old when drafted—who has plenty of potential due to his combination of age, size, and athletic ability.” Matt Holder wrote. “Campbell moves very well to be effective in coverage, especially when playing zone. He shows good eye discipline to locate threats coming into his area and can read the quarterback's eyes to tighten throwing windows. He also has the change of direction and acceleration to break and close on routes to make tackles for short gains or get PBUs.”

Campbell’s a fine player. But the fit here is questionable. The Bengals have two starters at linebacker in Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt, and Campbell isn’t big enough (yet) to be a full-time replacement for Sam Hubbard on the edge.

For a team looking to contend now, better options in the short-term were available. Linebacker is the only spot on the Bengals defense that doesn't need an immediate upgrade.

Grade: C

1.18: Seattle Seahawks

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The Pick: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

The pass rush has long been an issue in the Pacific Northwest. Boye Mafe has flashed at times but has been inconsistent. The team signed Demarcus Lawrence in free agency, but the 32-year-old hasn’t been a difference-maker for some time.

That led the Seahawks here to take Georgia’s Mykel Williams, a 6’5”, 265-pounder who Kyle Crabbs of The 33rd Team believes has all the tools to be the impact edge-rusher the Seahawks have sought for some time.

“Bulldogs edge defender Mykel Williams projects as an impact player at the NFL level,” he said. “He’s been a valued piece of Georgia defense's defensive rotation for the past three years, illustrating elite physical ability. There’s a surreal blend of length, power, and fluidity at his disposal. Williams is well versed in attacking gaps from all kinds of angles and release points thanks to the vast roles Georgia has asked him to fill, and he flashes the ability to in both the run and pass game.”

An argument can be made that an offensive lineman should have been the choice here, but that’s something of a nitpick.

Williams is a fine selection.

Grade: B+

1.19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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The Pick: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have owned the NFC South in recent years, but postseason success has been a bit harder to come by—in no small part because of a defense that was 29th in the NFL against the pass in 2024.

That leaky pass defense has led to more than a few defensive backs being mocked to the Bucs—including Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron by Josh Liskiewitz of Pro Football Focus.

“The word “versatile” gets thrown around too much with defensive back prospects,” he said, “but Barron is exactly that. As a natural zone defender with excellent instincts and anticipation, he is a starting-caliber pro at safety, wide cornerback or nickel defender — sometimes as all three in the same game — for Cover 3- or quarters-heavy schemes.”

We’ve reached a point where teams have a number of comparable options to choose from—there isn’t a talent who stands out well above the others as a must-grab. That makes schematic fit and positional need that much more important for prospective suitors.

And Barron checks both of those boxes.

Grade: A-

1.20: Carolina Panthers (from Denver Broncos)

The Pick: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College

Frankly, the Carolina Panthers already started here in the hole. Trading back is one thing. Trading out of the top-10 to the back of the top-20 without getting another first-rounder is another. In fact, Carolina didn’t get an extra pick inside the top-50.

Ungood.

To be fair, the Panthers still landed help on the edge in the form of Donovan Ezeiruaku of Boston College, who was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and the Ted Hendricks Award winner as college football’s top defensive end. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compared the 6’2”, 248-pounder to Yannick Ngakoue.

“He’s quick off the snap,” he said, “using bend and agility to win at the top of the rush or make stops in the backfield. His hands exploit small advantages to turn them into big ones and he has a variety of ways to challenge protection, though he’s still learning to craft his plans. Ezeiruaku’s play demeanor, skill and athletic talent are the underpinnings of a productive starter with three-down value.”

But Ezeiruaku is an undersized pass-rusher, and per B/R’s Scouting Department there are more edge-rushers with higher grades available at this point than you can count on one hand.

It’s a shaky start to a critical draft for the Panthers.

Grade: D

1.21: Pittsburgh Steelers

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The Pick: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

The Steelers have been waiting seemingly for eons for Aaron Rodgers to consult the Jedi Council or whatever and decide whether he’ll play in Pittsburgh this season. But even if Rodgers does play, he is a short-term fix to a long-term problem.

Here, the Steelers look to Pittsburgh’s Jalen Milroe as that long-term fix.

There has been increasing smoke connecting Milroe to the Steelers, and after watching tape of Milroe Sunday Night Football analyst Cris Collinsworth told reporters that would be a wise course of action for Pittsburgh.

“The more I was watching Milroe, he can throw it,” Collinsworth said. “He can throw it well enough. He’s Jalen Hurts throwing the ball. But God, this guy when he takes off and runs is like wow. The more I thought about it, it doesn’t even bother me if Aaron Rodgers comes in and plays a year, and you have Milroe sort of sitting there and learning from him. At the end of the year, you have Milroe. And I think (coach Mike) Tomlin has probably seen enough.”

Of the top-four quarterback prospects this year, Milroe may have the lowest floor—he has admittedly been inconsistent as a passer at times. But it can also be argued that his electrifying athleticism gives him the highest ceiling of the lot.

Grade: A-

1.22: Los Angeles Chargers

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The Pick: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

There are a few things we know about Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh. We know he likes old-school power football. We know he builds through the trenches. And we know that he likes to run the ball.

We also know his Michigan teams were big fat cheaters, but that’s a story for another day.

North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton was wildly productive the past two years, tallying over 1,500 rushing yards and averaging 5.9 yards per carry both years. But while addressing the media, Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz allowed that running back is one of the deepest position groups in the Class of 2025.

"D-line and running back, and I'd say tight end, corner. There's a lot of corners up there on the board we like. Those are probably the four that stand out," Hortiz said. "And that's not to say that other positions aren't deep. But they're the ones that, if you just pull up ESPN, everyone will talk about.”

The Chargers already added a back in Najee Harris who has gained 1,000 rushing yards in each and every professional season. Hampton may be a great back in the pros.

But the Bolts could have hit another area (either line) and still added pop in the backfield on Day 2.

Grade: C+

1.23 Houston Texans (from Green Bay Packers)

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TRADE

Houston Texans Get: 2025 Pick No. 23, 2025 Pick No. 89

Green Bay Packers Get: 2025 Pick No. 25, 2025 Pick No. 79, 2025 Pick No. 166

The Pick: Kelvin Banks Jr., OG, Texas

Hey! A realistic-looking trade! Bravo!

It has been a weird offseason for the Houston Texans. Despite winning the AFC South last year and possessing a quarterback in C.J. Stroud who isn’t especially, um, mobile, the Texans took a chainsaw to the offensive line, making numerous moves headlined by dealing Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil.

The 6’5”, 315-pound Banks spent his collegiate career as a left tackle, but much like Will Campbell, concerns about arm length have led many to project him as a guard in the NFL. Wherever he plays, Bernd Buchmasser of Pats Pulpit believes that Banks has the skills to be a starter early in his professional career.

“Banks Jr. is in a similar situation as fellow first-round prospect Will Campbell,” he said. “He spent his entire college career as a left tackle, but his relative lack of length means that a move to guard might help him reach his full potential as a blocker. Regardless of whether he ends up at left guard or stays at tackle, he projects as a Day 1 starter.”

The Texans badly need to bolster the O-Line, and Banks should help do that.

Grade: B+

1.24: Cleveland Browns (from Minnesota Vikings)

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TRADE

Cleveland Browns Get: 2025 Pick No. 24

Minnesota Vikings Get: 2025 Pick No. 33, 2025 Pick No. 67, 2025 Pick No. 179

The Pick: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

This trade isn’t wholly unrealistic. It just makes no sense from the Vikings perspective. Minnesota badly needs to upgrade the defensive backfield if they want to build on last year’s success, and two of B/R’s top-five cornerbacks are still available.

Make the pick and move on.

But for the Browns? If Cleveland comes out of Round 1 with the draft’s best player and a potential solution to the team’s quarterback woes?

Winner winner chicken dinner.

Now, Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss is no sure thing at the NFL level—frankly, none of the quarterback prospects are. But while pointing out surprise picks, PFF’s Dalton Wasserman suggested that Dart could go as highly as No. 2 overall.

“Dart’s draft stock might be the toughest to pin down in this class,” he said. “If the Browns view him as their guy, they could opt to wait until the top of the second round to make their move. But if they’re truly sold — especially on the back of his FBS-best 91.9 passing grade in 2024 — they might not be able to resist pulling the trigger at No. 2 overall.”

That scenario is exceedingly unlikely. But Cleveland trading back into the back end of Round 1 to get a quarterback isn’t.

Not a bit.

Grade: A

1.25: Green Bay Packers (from Houston Texans)

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The Pick: Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan

This is a best-case scenario for the Pack—with Cleveland taking Dart, Green Bay’s trade back two spots costs them nothing. The board is just as open to them as it was at No. 23.

Michigan’s Kenneth Grant is a mountain of a man—6’4” and 331-pounds. But as he told reporters, if teams think he’s just a hole-filling bulldozer they are sadly mistaken.

“I’m a three-down player for sure,” he said at the combine. “I can rush the passer with my strength and a little bit of finesse in there. Most guys think I’m just a run stopper, but I’m super athletic and can rush the passer. I think I’m more athletic than some of these guys. “Pretty good athletes in this class. I’m intelligent, I know a lot of football.”

Defensive tackle isn’t necessarily Green Bay’s biggest need. But Kenny Clark will turn 30 this year, and Devonte Wyatt hasn’t lived up to his first-round draft pedigree over his first three seasons.

That makes Grant a decent choice here.

Grade: B

1.26: Los Angeles Rams

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The Pick: Luther Burden III, Missouri

It’s still difficult to get used to the idea of Rams general manager Les Snead actually using his first-round pick. And as a matter of fact, his doppleganger in this exercise said he tried to deal the pick.

But Snead hit it out of the park last year in Round 1 with edge-rusher Jared Verse, and Missouri wideout Luther Burden has the potential to make the same kind of immediate contribution.

NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks highlighted the 6’0”, 206-pounder as a player who is being slept on by the draft community this year.

“Few players have better catch-and-run tools than this Missouri product,” he said. “A former five-star recruit, Burden dazzles with the ball in his hands, exhibiting outstanding speed, burst and body control while eluding defenders on the perimeter. As a dynamic receiver/runner/returner with a stout frame and good speed (4.41-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine), he reminds me of Deebo Samuel with the ball in his hands. Though he is a more polished route runner and playmaker than Deebo was at this stage of his career, Burden has failed to generate the pre-draft buzz that usually surrounds do-it-all weapons with big-play potential. While the football world is seemingly sleeping on his talents, Burden should be an instant-impact playmaker wherever he lands.”

Davante Adams, Puka Nacua and Burden wouldn’t be a bad trio of receivers at all.

Grade: A-

1.27: Baltimore Ravens

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The Pick: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

The Baltimore Ravens head into the 2025 NFL Draft without many glaring needs—save one. Last year, only the Jacksonville Jaguars were leakier against the pass than Baltimore.

South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori entered the pre-draft process second on most boards at safety behind Georgia’s Malaki Starks. But as Brooks wrote, after blowing the roof off this year’s combine Emmanwori has worked himself into the consideration to be the first safety selected.

"The star of this year's combine,” Brooks said, “is more than just a 'workout warrior.' Emmanwori is a big-play specialist who showcases his decathlete-like skills in pads," Brooks said. "Whether nailing a big-bodied running back in the hole or picking off an overthrown pass and taking it back to the house, the South Carolina standout perfectly illustrates how elite athleticism translates into dominant production. The 6-3 1/8, 220-pounder with 4.38 speed and explosive leaping ability (43-inch vertical leap and 11-foot-6 broad jump) is the rangy playmaker defensive coordinators prefer in the middle of the field.”

Starks remains Bleacher Report’s top-ranked safety. But frankly, an argument can be made that Emmanwori’s physicality would make him an even better fit opposite star Kyle Hamilton.

Grade: B+

1.28: Arizona Cardinals (from Detroit Lions)

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The Pick: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

This is another pick that starts out in a hole—moving back 12 spots in Round 1 for a late second and a 2026 third (that will also probably be late in the round) is underselling and then some for a Redbirds team that has holes on both sides of the ball.

But what’s done is done. Now, the Cardinals have to make the best of the situation they’re in.

Selecting Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon doesn’t necessarily do that.

It’s not that Harmon isn’t a good player—Matt Sidney of Arrowhead Addict comped the 6’5”, 310-pounder to Johnathan Hankins.

The best comp for Harmon is Johnathan Hankins—a big, long interior defender with surprising explosiveness and a knack for disrupting the run game,” he said. “Harmon, like Hankins, thrives with strong hands, disciplined technique, and the ability to hold down the interior without being flashy.”

But Arizona has far bigger needs, whether it’s cornerback, wide receiver or more pass-rush help. Harmon isn’t likely to change Arizona’s 2025 trajectory much.

And another down year in the desert could cost Jonathan Gannon and Monti Ossenfort their jobs.

Grade: D

1.29: Washington Commanders

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The Pick: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M

This is one of the more intriguing picks of this draft—largely because Texas A&M edge-rusher Shemar Stewart is one of the most intriguing prospects.

The 6’5”, 281-pounder certainly looks the part of a force off the edge. All the tools are there. Size. Quickness. Power. Per Tommy Yarrish of the Dallas Cowboys website, Stewart logged 42 pressures in 2024 and had the quickest average time to pressure (2.43 seconds) of any player in the country.

But production never met potential with Stewart in College Station—he had just 4.5 sacks total in three seasons. While speaking to the media at the combine, Stewart said that lack of production was simply a matter of being a good teammate.

"I wasn't a sack-chasing warrior,” he said. I just wanted to become the best player for my team. And sometimes that stats don't show that."

There’s no question that the Commanders can use help on the edge—Dorrance Armstrong is the team’s best edge-rusher on paper right now.

But right now is the problem. That’s when the Commanders need that help.

And there’s no guarantee Stewart can flip the switch and provide it.

Grade: B-

1.30: Buffalo Bills

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The Pick: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State

The Buffalo Bills enter this year’s draft with one goal and one goal only—get over the hump, past the Kansas City Chiefs and into the Super Bowl.

The Bills have a talented roster, but not one without holes. And while some of those needs are on offense, the majority of mock drafts have leaned toward the team addressing the defense with the 30th overall pick.

For Nate Tice and Charles McDonald of Yahoo Sports, that pick is Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams—a 334-pound lane-clogger who excels in run support.

“DaQuan Jones is 33 years old this season and the Bills have always preferred having a defensive line rotation under head coach Sean McDermott,” they said. “Williams’ strength and ability to eat blocks (while also being an easy mover) is a perfect fit in the short and long term next to the gap-shooting Ed Oliver. He might not ever get more than a couple of sacks each season, but all the other things Williams brings to the table will unlock so much on this Bills defense (including keeping Buffalo's undersized linebackers clean) that has plenty of speed and pass rushing threats.”

You can split hairs and argue a few other players here, but Williams should provide an immediate boost to the interior of the Bills defense.

Grade: B

1.31: Kansas City Chiefs

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The Pick: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

If you watched Super Bowl LIX, you know that the Kansas City Chiefs have to do something about an offensive line that was manhandled by the Eagles. The tackle position is particularly glaring weakness, and with all due respect to free-agent signee Jaylon Moore, it’s far from certain that he’s the answer protecting Patrick Mahomes’ blind side.

Had Simmons’ 2024 season not been cut short by a knee injury, the 6’5”, 317-pounder would have been long gone by now. He’s Bleacher Report’s No. 2 tackle prospect despite recovering from a torn patellar tendon.

While speaking to reporters, Kansas City general manager Brett Veach said that if the Chiefs can find a high-end tackle in the draft, they are going to do so.

“Obviously, any chance you have to draft a guy that you can project to be a starting left tackle, you do that — and they’re really hard to come by. You typically don’t find left tackles in free agency.”

Moore gives Kansas City some leeway with Simmons' recovery, and if he returns to form, he’d be one of Round 1’s biggest steals.

But the injury brings a measure of risk with it that can’t be discounted.

Grade: B

1.32: Philadelphia Eagles

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The Pick: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Teams picking at the back of Round 1 may have to wait for their chance at the podium. But many have a built-in advantage of sorts. They often don’t have glaring needs, which allows them to dance the BPA ballet.

It would hardly be a surprise to see Philadelphia take an edge-rusher here—Howie Roseman hoards the position like Browns fans hoard misery. But there’s a top-five prospect on Bleacher Report’s top-150 who is somehow still available, and that’s awfully hard to pass up.

That player is Georgia safety Malaki Starks, who B/R’s own Cory Giddings wrote has, “the potential to develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber safety.”

“His combination of athleticism, ball skills, and physicality make him a versatile safety capable of excelling in both coverage and run support,” he said. “While he may need to refine his technique against faster receivers, Starks' overall skill set and football IQ give him a high ceiling as a defensive playmaker. With the ability to contribute from day one, Starks is poised to become a key player in any NFL secondary.”

The Eagles actually have something of a need at safety—one Starks would fill and then some.

He’s a gift with the final pick of Round 1.

Grade: A