2025 NFL Draft: An Updated Look at Potential Picks
The NFL season is now seven weeks old, and some teams are already looking ahead to next season. Regardless of whether a team thinks they’re in the playoff race or trending toward a top-10 pick, NFL scouts have been on the road for three months.
As college football enters Week 9, several teams have already secured bowl eligibility. The 2025 NFL draft class is taking shape with emerging risers and fallers, as well as more defined position groups.
Though the draft, set for April 24–26 in Green Bay, Wis., is still six months away, here’s an updated look at the opening round based on our initial mock on Sept. 25.
Note: The draft order is based on current records.
1. New England Patriots (1–6)
Biggest needs: OT, WR, Edge
The pick: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The Patriots find themselves in a favorable position with a talented young quarterback in Drake Maye, selected third overall in the 2024 draft. Holding the top choice for 2025 allows New England to target elite talent like Hunter, who has 51 catches for 604 yards and six touchdowns.
2. Carolina Panthers (1–6)
Biggest needs: QB, WR, Edge
The pick: Cameron Ward, QB, Miami
Having benched 2023 No. 1 pick Bryce Young after just two games, the Panthers’ 28th-ranked passing offense may need a new long-term solution. Ward leads college football with 2,538 passing yards and 24 touchdowns.
3. Cleveland Browns (1–6)
Biggest needs: QB, OT, WR
The pick: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
With Deshaun Watson’s Achilles injury ending an unfortunate Browns season, the team may be looking to draft a quarterback. Sanders has shined this season, throwing for 2,268 yards and 19 touchdowns.
4. Tennessee Titans (1–5)
Biggest needs: QB, OT, WR
The pick: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Questions loom around Titans QB Will Levis, who struggles with 139.8 passing yards per game. McMillan, coming off a breakout season with 90 catches for 1,402 yards and 10 touchdowns, provides size and skill.
5. New York Jets (2–5)
Biggest needs: Edge, DL, CB
The pick: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Johnson is the top corner in the draft class, showcasing excellent ball skills with two pick-sixes this year. Pairing him with Sauce Gardner would establish a formidable cornerback tandem for the Jets.
6. New Orleans Saints (2–5)
Biggest needs: DL, WR, TE
The pick: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
New Orleans has seen a drop in defensive prowess, ranking among the lowest in run defense. Graham provides a potential solution, showcasing strong stats with 3.5 sacks and five tackles for loss this season.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars (2–5)
Biggest needs: OT, OG, DB
The pick: OT Kelvin Banks Jr., LSU
After a solid showing against the Patriots, the Jags bolster their line with Banks, an elite pass protector with a stellar track record at left tackle.
8. Las Vegas Raiders (2–5)
Biggest needs: QB, OT, WR
The pick: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
Milroe’s potential as a mobile quarterback with a strong arm could revitalize the Raiders’ offense, given his notable achievements thus far in college.
9. New York Giants (2–5)
Biggest needs: QB, OT, CB
The pick: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
With questions surrounding Daniel Jones’s future, Ewers’ skills and previous five-game performance leave him a strong candidate for No. 9 overall.
10. Miami Dolphins (2–4)
Biggest needs: OL, DT, CB
The pick: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Campbell’s ability to protect Tua Tagovailoa will be crucial as Miami looks to fortify its struggling offensive line.