First Look 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Non-Playoff Teams

How’s it going Shelfies!!!

With the NFL regular season and Fantasy Football playoffs coming to a close, a lot of us our down in the dumps with the way out seasons went. Hopefully you were better than most and were able to win a couple leagues, but if not, this article is for you! (And even if you won… if you’re in a dynasty format you’re probably already looking forward to 2025).

So without further ado, here is the first of many mock drafts out of our TSF team this offseason, a way way way too early look ahead at what to expect come April. This mock won’t include any pick trading and will only feature the non-playoff NFL teams for now, until the order for teams still in contention is solidified as they are eliminated. Check back here after each round of the playoffs to see who else is coming off the board in the first round!

1.01: Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward, QB, Miami

The Titans don’t seem to be committed to staying in the Will Levis business beyond this year. They didn’t spend huge draft capital to acquire him, have benched him repeatedly for Mason Rudolph, and overall just don’t seem to believe he is the future of their team at QB. Being our first early mock, we’re doing this one without any trade backs, and I think if the Titans do end up picking at 1.01 they will try to acquire a QB they think can lead their franchise back to the playoffs, and that is Cam Ward. While this isn’t a particularly strong QB draft, Ward is likely the most pro-ready prospect, capable of using his athleticism to get himself out of trouble while still operating on time. He’s guilty of hero play every now and again, which may cause some concern for Titans fans after seeing Will Levis get himself into some trouble trying to do the same, but the caliber of these two quarterbacks isn’t quite equal. One more fun fact on this pick, this will be the first time in NFL History that the first overall picks in back to back drafts will have the same initials. I don’t know if that’s actually true, but seems pretty unique, right?

1.02: Cleveland Browns – Travis Hunter, WR, Colorado

A lot of people are projecting the Browns to go QB here, and while it may be what they need most, I can’t see them shelling out a top pick just to sit Deshaun Watson and his huge, immovable contract on the bench. Rather, I think they try to surround Watson with weapons (even more so than they already have) and continue to hope he can recapture some of the magic of his earlier career. The Browns needs a lot of help at a variety of positions, and would likely be best served by trading back here, but in a mock draft without trades, if they were to pick at 1.02, I think they’d be happy to land a guy like Travis Hunter, who is still adamant about playing both sides of the ball in the NFL. If you could line him up with Jerry Jeudy, who showed you this year that with the right QB play he can still be a WR1, you’d have quite the force to reckon with. Additionally, if Hunter is truly going to give you some snaps on the defensive side of the ball, pairing him with perennial all-pro Denzel Ward and up-and-coming Martin Emerson isn’t a bad approach at all. I like the fit here, and as NFL fans, we might actually get to see Hunter with a shot at truly playing both ways.

1.03: New York Giants – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

For all the knocks on Sanders, whether it’s the smaller conference he played in, the lack of wins he was able to post with one of the best WRs in the country, or the nonchalant approach he seems to have to football, the one thing you can’t take away from him is his ability to handle the spotlight. As far as personality goes, he’s probably the best equipped to handle the brutal NY media. From a football perspective, he did post solid PFF numbers (never less than an 83.0) each year in college, but the jury is out if he will be able to do this at the next level. He found himself caught at times by college defenses when his subpar mobility wouldn’t give him the juice he needed to escape, and this will only be more exposed at the NFL game speed. The hope would be that the Giants use the rest of the draft and free agency to build up their OL and allow him some time to be a more true pocket passer, but only time will tell if this is the case. I’m sure he and Nabers would be happy to link up, but Nabers may quickly find his lack of arm strength to be problematic, given Nabers’ proficiency at down field routes and grabbing contested balls. If this is the case, it will be interesting to see these two coexist. Nonetheless, the Giants needs a more viable long term solution at QB than Drew Lock can offer, so this pick seems to make a lot of sense.

1.04: New England Patriots – Will Campbell, OT, LSU

After fumbling away the 1.01 pick with an inexplicable Week 18 win, the Patriots have already made sweeping changes, sacking Jerod Mayo and Alex Van Pelt, ushering in a new era of coaches in Foxboro. This team is in desperate need at a number of positions, and free agency might dictate what their true draft needs are more than a lot of other teams, but with the top 3 talents in this draft off the board here, it gets a lot tougher for New England. If they do pick at 1.04, I think they have to shift their focus to the OL, and Will Campbell is the best OL in this draft. While some rumors have surfaced that NFL teams may prefer him to play inside, he was a stud for LSU for 3 years at the Tackle position, and the Patriots should at least try him there first. If it doesn’t work out, well guess what, we need interior OL as well, and he can slide right on in. He has prototypical size for an NFL OT at 6’6″, but the 324lbs he’s currently sporting is a bit short, so if he can get his pro-weight up to about 350lbs and maintain his agility, he should have every chance to succeed. Additionally, this locks up one of the league’s most important positions for years to come, and hopefully protects Drake Maye’s blindside as he continues to flourish into a top tier NFL QB.

1.05: Jacksonville Jaguars – Mason Graham, DT/DL, Michigan

The Doug Pederson firing came as a bit of a shock to me, felt like he sort of got a raw deal in JAX given the injuries sustained by his top QB, but nonetheless this Jaguar team found it hard to get out of first gear all season long. I think they have the talent on the offensive side of the ball, so it becomes a question of how to shore up this defense moving forward. For that, I’d be looking at two Michigan men, a DT and a CB. While Will Johnson is a very intriguing CB prospect and one the Jags could surely use, I think they instead do what the Jags have done in the past consistently, and focus first on the DL. Mason Graham is an elite interior DL/DT and can clog up holes in the run game as well as get after the passer. He’s been compared to Christian Wilkins and Quinnen Williams, two absolute game changers on the defensive side of the ball. Pairing him with Josh Hines-Allen and former first overall pick Travon Walker would make for a mighty combo up front.

1.06: Las Vegas Raiders – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

The Raiders are in a tough spot. They definitely need more than just one piece to be a contender. But a guy like Will Johnson can help you on both sides of the ball. Not like Travis Hunter by possibly actually PLAYING on both sides, but by helping to take away another team’s top WR and getting your own defense off the field and the offense back out there, something the Raiders struggled mightily to do this year. Solidifying the back end of the defense could be the first step on the way back to success for this team. Especially at this point in the draft, when the top QBs are off the board, it makes a lot of sense that the organization would go after a shutdown corner like Johnson. They spent money in FA last year to bring in Christian Wilkins and retain Maxx Crosby, so they likely want to find some help on the back end to match what they are building up front. There are more exciting offensive prospects on the board no doubt, but for practicality and what I think the Raiders might actually do if drafting here, I think Will Johnson is the answer.

1.07: New York Jets – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

With the top QBs already off the board, Davante Adams likely not returning to NYJ in 2025, Garrett Wilson already asking to be moved to another destination, and Aaron Rodgers openly considering retirement, the Jets need to do something to attempt to have a competent offense in 2025. Their OL started to seem like it was gelling towards the end of the year, they have 2 rock solid RBs on the roster already, and maybe they can find their next QB in Free Agency… so let’s assume they’re heavily eyeballing the WR of the future in New York, and that’s Tet McMillan. At 6’5″ and 212lbs, you’d think speed would be a concern, but with how often he lines up in the slot, you know it isn’t. He’s got the ability to run all the routes, has the speed to separate on deep shots, can use his size to haul in 50/50 balls, and hasn’t shied away from contact in his collegiate career. One scout recently called him “Drake London, but a better athlete”. If that’s the case, the Jets should be thrilled if they land him.

1.08: Carolina Panthers – Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State 

The Panthers could go a number of ways here, and with the team still in need of a good amount of help, a lot of different approaches make sense. However, I think they need to add some pressure off the edge, as they were one of the least effective teams at rushing the passer in 2024, and when they did, a lot of those pressures came from Jadaveon Clowney, who, while still effective, likely isn’t considered a long term solution off the edge in Carolina. Insert Abdul Carter, a player drawing comps to Micah Parsons, in both stature, ability, and alma mater. He’s still a bit raw, but a year learning under a guy like Clowney could do him a world of good. Look for him to be an impact player in year one if he lands in Carolina.

1.09: New Orleans Saints – Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

Just missing out on Abdul Carter will be immediately eased as the Saints see Mykel Williams still on the board. Wait until you see what this kid is going to do at the combine. At 6’5″ 265lbs and a projected 4.65 (or faster) 40 time… Williams will look to continue the tradition of impact players coming out of Georgia and dominating at the NFL level. The Saints are also well known for building their pass rush first and building out from there, so this pick falls right in line with what we’re used to seeing out of them.

1.10: Chicago Bears – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

If you watched one minute of sports talk this year, you heard someone mention the Bears and their ineffective OL failing to protect Caleb Williams. Which is abundantly obvious to all the Bears fans and their front office, as they canned Matt Eberflus midseason. The next coach will be pleading with Bears GM Ryan Poles to get their franchise QB some protection so we can all begin to fairly evaluate the young QB. Until he doesn’t spend the whole game running for his life, it’s going to be near impossible to say if his struggles are on him or the rest of the line. Kelvin Banks is a guy who can immediately provide protection at the NFL level. He is a a little small for Tackle at 6’4″ 320lbs, but he’ll have some time to bulk up before preseason, and what he lacks in size, he more than makes up for with technique and agility. He is noticeably strong for his size, plays with excellent balance, and has the footwork of a seasoned vet. I think if he can develop his run blocking ability to match his pass protection skill he could end up being the best OL to come out of this draft. Some even have him first off their boards, ahead of Will Campbell, but I think Campbell goes first given his more pro-ready/well-rounded status right now. That being said, the Bears will be thrilled if Banks falls to them here.

1.11: San Francisco 49ers – Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

The Niners are a bit of an anomaly here. A team with a ton of talent, who suffered a ton of injuries, and find themselves with an unusually high pick in the draft. As such, they’re sort of spoiled for choice and could go a number of directions here. A lot of what they do will be dictated by who they can retain going into 2025, and the status of some of their stars health as we hit the new season, as well as if they bring back Brock Purdy or not. But all this notwithstanding… I think they do what they do best, and draft absolute studs off the edge. We’ve seen them bring guys in year after year who continue to be deployed in packages where they find success, and this is likely another move in that long tradition. Nic Scourton out of Texas A&M will be thanking his lucky stars he gets to go to San Fran, where Nick Bosa will draw the majority of the opposing OL’s attention, and maybe he can finally get a one on one matchup, unlike most of his time at A&M and Purdue before that. He has a full bag of tricks, highlighted by a spin move that will remind you of a prime Dwight Freeney, but also the ability to bullrush opposing tackles when needed. A truly impressive prospect who will be right at home in the Niners scheme. Assuming the Niners bounce back to form in 2025, this will be another case of the rich getting richer.

1.12: Dallas Cowboys – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

This might be a reach, and this might just be me wanting to see it happen and willing it into existence, however, it makes a ton of sense! Ashton Jeanty going this high would put him on par with Jahmyr Gibbs when he was drafted at 12th overall by the Lions, and after the season Jeanty just posted, I think that’s fair. And while Gibbs may have come out of the more prestigious SEC, it’s tough to knock Jeanty’s season, as so few have ever done anything like it, regardless of competition. If there is one guy who won’t let any of the outside noise get to him and who will always do what he wants with HIS team… it’s Jerry Jones. I think this lines up with what Jerry wants to do, what the Cowboys need, and what the fans want to see… so let’s make it happen!

1.13: Miami Dolphins – Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

I could definitely see the Dolphins going WR here because of the recent Tyreek Hill news that he wants out of Miami, but let’s assume they can find a way to reconcile and Reek stays in town. If that’s the case, I think it is of the utmost importance that the Dolphins protect Tua and prevent him from taking unnecessary hits. While Terron Armstead is an elite LT, he has struggled to stay healthy over the years and is also 33 years old. Meanwhile, whether it’s Austin Jackson or Jackson Carman at RT, both have been a bit lackluster, with extremely disappointing PFF grades for both guys (I’m talking scores sub-60 and sub-40, respectively). Josh Simmons, despite some injuries, is arguably the best OT in this draft and could play on either end of the line if asked. He would immediately offer a long term solution at tackle, and would simultaneously aid in keeping your franchise QB healthy and in games, something that can’t and should not be overlooked.

1.14: Indianapolis Colts – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

While ARich has certainly struggled, I don’t think the Colts are ready to pull the ripcord on the experiment quite yet. I think instead, they look into getting him some help a little closer to the line of scrimmage, instead of making him chuck it downfield to Pittman/Pierce/Downs on such a regular basis. A guy like Tyler Warren, cut from the cloth of the new era TEs, would be a match made in heaven for Colts fans. 6’6″ 260lbs and 666 yards after catch in 2024, while en route to setting records in receptions (117) and yards (1555) for FBS TEs is exactly what ARich could use to his benefit next season. I like this pick for so many reasons, now we have to see if the Colts agree .

1.15: Atlanta Falcons – Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

Walker is an intriguing prospect, but I love the way he would fit in Atlanta. I was shouting for the Falcons to take an edge rusher last year, and thought they would have taken Jared Verse (the potential DROY in 2024), but you can’t knock them too hard with how solid Penix looked after taking over for Cousins. That being said, this year they NEED to go get a guy who can get some pressure on opposing QBs, because they are sorely lacking in that area. Walker is a little undersized for a traditional edge, but with his high motor and insane athleticism, he has always found a way to get it done. He is also a skilled off-ball linebacker, and a team like the Falcons could find a variety of ways to deploy him within their defensive scheme. He is almost just as talented in coverage as he is as a rusher, so his versatility is surely a big positive and a reason teams will be be fighting over him come draft time.

1.16: Arizona Cardinals – Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

The Cardinals defense is weak, no two ways about it. They need to start limiting points scored against them so Kyler and the offense don’t find themselves in a track meet every single week. He’s 6’3″ 244lbs and allegedly runs a 4.52 40yd dash. Add in the fact that he won’t turn 21 years old until February 2025, and you’ve got a real unicorn on your hands. Arizona needs helps at the DL and LB levels, and Campbell can contribute at both effectively. He can play offball in coverage, he can play on the line, and he can tackle like a son of a gun. He is drawing comparisons to Roquan Smith already, which while quite bold, it’s hard to say he’s not entirely deserving of the comparison when you watch him play.

1.17: Cincinnati Bengals – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

The Bengals have one of the more undecided futures of the teams on this list. The return or departure of Tee Higgins is probably the most concerning piece of offseason news, and will likely be the deciding factor in how the Bengals approach this draft. The Jermaine Burton experiment hasn’t gone as planned, and they may be looking for the next man up to operate opposite Ja’Marr Chase. If they are looking at WRs here, I would have to bet Emeka Egbuka is the guy they’d want. Not only is he a stud in his own right, he is accustomed to playing with other elite WRs throughout his time at Ohio State, so he will likely find it easier than most to coexist with a supreme talent like Chase. At 6’1″ 205lbs, he is prototypical NFL WR size, and though he may not be the fastest guy in the league, he makes up for it with hard running and a desire to create contact and break tackles. He reminds me of an Amon-Ra St. Brown type, or if you want a more vintage comp, a Hines Ward or Steve Smith. Yeah… I’m giving him that much praise before he even sees an NFL snap. If he can land in Cincy with Joe Burrow, he should be money from day one, seamlessly filling the void left by Tee Higgins.

1.18: Seattle Seahawks – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

This is one of the harder picks for me in the draft, but I think Noah Fant may have finally worn out his welcome and the Seahawks may be ready for a change at the TE position. I’d argue the Seahawks are good at WR, set at RB, happy with Geno at QB, their OL was creating some big holes for both RBs all season, and their CBs and DL are solid. So the question becomes is it a TE, a LB, or a Safety. A guy like Malachi Starks at the Safety position is definitely a great value at 18… but I think the Seahawks are actually happy with their safeties, although Starks could be a real game changer. There aren’t any more LBs I would want at this point, so I find myself leaning towards the TE position, and Colston Loveland is a stud. 6’5″ 237lbs and as quick as they come, Loveland should translate his game to the NFL level pretty well. He’s a real “vertical threat” type of TE, and can actually run a lot of routes, but where he needs improvement is as a blocker, though he started to show improvement this year at Michigan. If he can continue to grow this part of his game, he could end up being an elite NFL TE, but he will need to improve here if he wants to be on the field enough to make this level of an impact. All that being said, he would be a great addition to the Seattle offense, as Noah Fant hasn’t been fantastic by any means, and Lockett has seen better days and could even be considering retirement. If that’s the case, Geno Smith would surely welcome another talented pass catcher.

1.19: Playoff Teams Begin Here, Check Back After Week 1 of NFL Playoffs!!!

That’ll do it for yet another exciting mock draft, but if you want to keep reading below, you’ll find a table explaining the current team needs that helped to inform some of the picks in the above mock. As we move through the NFL Offseason and eventually through to Free Agency, these needs will be updated and the picks for each team may change. So check back often to stay up to date with all the latest!