2025 NFL Mock Draft Round 3.0: Assessing Team Needs After Free Agency Additions

Offseason moves came in hot with free agency, meaning big changes to mock drafts with more clarity around true positional needs for each team. While we’re still patiently waiting for Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson to make their final choices, we’ve got enough information for a clear picture of where the quarterbacks should fall and how those moves affect our top prospects. 

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2025 NFL Draft Date, Location, and Where To Watch

• Date: April 24-26, 2025
• Location: Green Bay, WI
• Where To Watch: NFL Network, ESPN

2025 NFL Draft First Pick Odds

Click here for the latest 2025 NFL Draft Odds

2025 NFL Mock Draft Round 1 Picks

Pick 1: Cam Ward – Miami, QB – New York Giants via Trade

I had the Giants trading for this pick in the 2.0 draft and after the initial free agency wave, it’s even more imperative that the Giants guarantee they walk away with a quarterback. With Myles Garrett’s extension and Cleveland taking a minimal approach to quarterback in free agency, the Giants simply can’t afford to hope Ward or Shadeur Sanders is available at Pick 3. The Giants are reportedly wanting on Aaron Rodgers’ decision, but Rodgers isn’t the saving grace for this franchise. 

Pick 2: Shedeur Sanders – Colorado, QB – Cleveland Browns

Myles Garrett was adamant he wanted out of Cleveland, but over $120 million guaranteed will change things real quick. While Garrett and Abdul Carter would be a fearsome duo, the Browns appear bound for a quarterback. With Watson’s future in limbo, Sanders is a very appealing pick. 

Pick 3: Abdul Carter – Penn State, EDGE – Tennessee Titans via Trade

Tennessee’s big investment in free agency was at offensive line, and while that investment could be for an incoming rookie quarterback, the Titans don’t have to take a swing at quarterback now. They can draft a truly game-changing anchor in Carter and stack talent for their inevitable 2026 rookie quarterback.

Pick 4: Travis Hunter – Colorado, CB – New England Patriots

The Patriots were very aggressive in free agency, primarily investing in defense. New head coach Mike Vrabel has a clear vision and leading with defense while adding a WR1 for Drake Maye would be the perfect scenario. If one team is destined to use Hunter as a true two-way player, it’s the Patriots. 

Pick 5: Tetairoa McMillan – Arizona, WR – Jacksonville Jaguars

My previous mock drafts predicted the Jags would move on from Christian Kirk. As expected, they traded Kirk to the Texans and released Evan Engram. If two quarterbacks go early, Hunter or McMillan will be available, and it’s tough to imagine Liam Coen passing up either receiver. Brian Thomas and McMillan would be an incredible pair. 

Pick 6: Ashton Jeanty – Boise State, RB – Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders shocked the football world when they traded from Geno Smith, shifting Vegas from quarterback-focused to a wide variety of options. With the top two receiving options gone, expect the Raiders to push receiver back to round two and grab a truly elite talent in Jeanty.

Pick 7: Mason Graham – Michigan, DI – New York Jets 

I previously had the Jets mocked to take an offensive lineman here, but with Justin Fields set to lead the way, perhaps they will rely on his mobility to make up for potential issues on the line and keep their focus on restoring their defense. Reinforcement on the interior will get the Jets back on track.

Pick 8: James Pearce Jr. – Tennessee, EDGE – Carolina Panthers  

Pearce Jr. will likely remain one of the most controversial picks of the first round. He shined at the Combine with a 4.47-second 40-yard dash, but his vertical and measurements were wildly underwhelming and rumors are character issues continue to plague him. However, he’ll attract one bold team needing a big swing to change the trajectory of the franchise, and the Panthers are the perfect team.

Pick 9: Jahdae Barron – Texas, CB – New Orleans Saints

Tight end was a popular mock for the Saints, but the Saints re-signed Juwan Johnson to a multi-year deal. No changes here because we’ve been on the Saints replacing Marshon Lattimore. It’s simply a matter of who scouts view as the top corner of the class. Barron increased his draft stock after a big Combine, and his ceiling makes him a potential marquee pick.

Pick 10: Will Campbell – LSU, T – Chicago Bears 

Despite trading for Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, I still believe investing in the offensive line is the best route for the Bears. As we saw with the Jets last year, investments in older veteran linemen can go awry. Thuney is 32, and the Bears still need to secure the line long-term. Campbell is a steal at the 10th pick.

Will the Bears compete in the NFC North under new leadership? Compare the best NFC North odds at each sportsbook

Pick 11: Will Johnson – Michigan, CB – San Francisco 49ers 

At this point, the 49ers need a little bit of everything and will likely take best available here. I had Johnson mocked to the 49ers in the 2.0 version because Charvarius Ward’s exit was a given. Johnston stands pat as the strongest pick here.  

Pick 12: Matthew Golden – Texas, WR – Dallas Cowboys 

The Cowboys are at the mercy of the Raiders in this draft. The Cowboys signed Javonte Williams, but the nominal contract of $3 million indicates they’ll add another back. With Geno Smith in Vegas, the odds favor Jeanty to the Raiders, and the Cowboys shouldn’t reach for Omarion Hampton. They have a clear need at receiver. While I do have Luther Burden ranked higher, Golden is a better fit to play opposite CeeDee Lamb.

Pick 13: Malaki Starks - George, S – Miami Dolphins 

The Dolphins' main free agency investment was at guard, so this pick likely stays on the defensive side. The top of this safety class is strong, but Starks remains at the top, and the Dolphins have a clear need at safety.  

Pick 14: Tyler Warren – Penn State, TE – Indianapolis Colts 

The Colts made big additions on defense in free agency with Cam Bynum (queue the celebration dances) and Charvarius Ward. They also added Daniel Jones for quarterback competition. This is an excellent spot for the Colts to grab Warren and finally have a true TE1.

Pick 15: Mike Green – Marshall, EDGE – Atlanta Falcons 

The Falcons have been relatively quiet in free agency. Edge remains the clear best option here and Green is a strong fit for Atlanta. The offense is stacked and on the right track with Michael Penix. The defense needs refinforcement.

Pick 16: Armand Membou – Missouri, T – Arizona Cardinals 

The Cardinals took a big swing on defense, adding Josh Sweat, and strengthening the offensive line with Membou can help push the offense forward. Additional protection for Kyler Murray can provide more time in the pocket to find Marvin Harrison Jr. 

Pick 17: Mykel Williams – Georgia, EDGE – Cincinnati Bengals 

Tight end was a popular mock here, but my 2.0 mock had the Bengals focusing on defense and that remains the pick. The Bengals re-signed Gesicki and as they continue to hold on contracts for Tee Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase and Trey Hendrickson, the market price continues to rise. The general consensus is that Hendrickson is the odd man out and drafting Williams is an absolute must.

Pick 18: Emeka Egbuka - Ohio State, WR – Seattle Seahawks 

With Tyler Lockett out and DK Metcalf in Pittsburgh, a pass catcher for Seattle makes the most sense here. I like the Seahawks to go “full Ohio State” with their receiving corps and draft Egbuka for new quarterback Sam Darnold. 

Pick 19: Jihaad Campbell – Alabama, LB – Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

As predicted, Godwin remains in Tampa and this pick is a lock for defense. Adding a player of Campbell’s caliber is a strong move with a clear need at linebacker. 

Pick 20: Luther Burden III – Missouri, WR  – Denver Broncos

Receiver remains the ideal pick here. Tight end has been a popular mock here. However, the Broncos signed Evan Engram. They’ve also made significant investments in defense, and an additional receiver opposite Courtland Sutton would cap off an excellent offseason for the Broncos. If Burden is available, this is the ideal pick. 

Will Can Bo Nix and the Broncos challenge the Chiefs with a new pass catcher? Check out the look ahead odds in the AFC West

Pick 21: Kelvin Banks Jr. – Texas, T – Pittsburgh Steelers 

I originally mocked receiver here, but the Steelers acquired DK Metcalf and reinforcing the offensive line is a strong move. We’re still waiting to see who will actually start for Pittsburgh, but it seems to be down to Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers. A strong line for an older quarterback is a must. 

Pick 22: Colston Loveland – Michigan, TE – Los Angeles Chargers 

The Chargers are still in a prime position to draft a tight end. A signs are pointing to an additional pass catcher, and Loveland is the perfect dynamic option that can fill a much-needed hole for Justin Herbert.

Pick 23: Kenneth Grant – Michigan, DT – Green Bay Packers

As a Packers’ fan, knowing they wanted Metcalf does add a mild glimmer of hope that they take a first-round receiver. However, if the draft shakes out as I predict, the value isn’t there at this point. The Packers will likely focus on defense here, either on the line or with a corner. Grant is a perfect fit to help the Packers’ run defense.

Pick 24: Josh Conerly Jr. – Oregon, T – Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota made big moves in free agency at guard, center and defensive line, and managed to retain key players. However, they lost Cam Bynum. While safety could be the move here, I think they can afford to wait until Day 2 and focus on grabbing a top tackle in Conerly, particularly with JJ McCarthy likely the starting quarterback and the poor overall performance in the playoffs. 

Pick 25: Josh Simmons – Ohio State, T – Houston Texans 

Investing in the offensive line has been the move for Houston in each version of my mock, and free agency made it obvious who the ideal pick is. The Texans gutted their line and clearly want a fresh start. If Injury weren’t an issue, Simmons could’ve been the top tackle in this class. The Texans need a big addition here, and Simmons is a strong long-term investment.  

Pick 26: Trey Amos – Mississippi, CB – Los Angeles Rams 

The Rams signed Davante Adams, retained Alaric Jackson and traded Jonah Jackson, so a guard could be a solid choice here. However, the Rams’ defense is truly on the verge of being one of the best in the league and adding Amos in the secondary with an elite pass rush would be the perfect move for the Rams. 

Pick 27: Tyler Booker – Alabama, G – Baltimore Ravens 

The Ravens retained Ronnie Stanley but could use a strong addition at guard. Booker is top of the class, and this is an excellent value pick to reinforce the Ravens’ line for years to come.

Pick 28: Grey Zabel – North Dakota State, T – Detroit Lions 

The Lions’ primary investment was at corner with DJ Reed. Zabel was the mock here in prior drafts and remains the best option. The stability of the line for Jared Goff and the run game is the key to the Lions’ success. Zabel is a high-upside pick that could end up paying huge dividends.

Pick 29: Jalon Walker – Georgia, LB – Washington Commanders 

The Commanders made big moves in free agency and through trades, adding Deebo Samuel, Laremy Tunsil and Javon Kinlaw. Washington’s top draft investment should be on defense. Walker is a potential game-changing talent, and Dan Quinn is the perfect coach to develop him.

Pick 30: Walter Nolen – Mississippi, DL – Buffalo Bills 

This pick remains the same as the 2.0 mock. Buffalo extended Khalil Shakir and added Joey Bosa. Their defense was very inconsistent against the run in 2025, and Nolen would be a significant upgrade.

Can a DL addition help carry the Bills to the Super Bowl? Check out the latest Super Bowl 60 odds 

Pick 31: Nick Emmanwori – South Carolina, S – Kansas City Chiefs 

No changes here from the 2.0 mock. Justin Reid is officially out, and Emmanwori would be the perfect fit. With the loss of Joe Thuney, the Chiefs could lean towards offensive line if the right player is available here. However, the pass defense was the clear flaw in the Chiefs’ overall performance last season. 

Pick 32: Shemar Stewart – Texas A&M, EDGE – Philadelphia Eagles

Edge was the pick in my previous mocks and that position is even more critical with the loss of Josh Sweat and uncertainty around Brandon Graham. The only change here is who will be available. Position need changes in this version pushed Stewart back. This would be a huge value steal - the Eagles’ signature draft move.