Lance Zierlein 2025 NFL mock draft 1.0: Giants land Travis Hunter; Bengals add WR for Joe Burrow
In my first 2025 NFL mock draft, I’m using team needs and relying a bit more heavily than usual on my prospect grades/evaluations to determine who lands where in Round 1. But as we get closer to the start of this draft — which will take place on April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin — my mocks will have less to do with how I see these players and more to do with what I think the teams want to do with each pick.
NOTES:
- The order for pick Nos. 31 and 32 will be determined by the outcome of Super Bowl LIX.
- Tune in for live coverage of the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine beginning Feb. 27 on NFL Network and NFL+.
I don’t see a “generational talent” in this draft and I doubt the Titans do. I think they will try to trade out of this spot, but if they stay put, Ward is the most talented QB in the class.
Clearly, the Browns need help on offense, but they don’t pass up a chance to bolster the defense with a Pro Bowl-caliber talent off the edge — especially if the team ends up honoring Myles Garrett’s trade request.
Two-way talent in the Big Apple! I like it! The Giants had the second-fewest interceptions in the league in 2024 (five). The ballhawking Hunter can help New York do a better job of taking the ball away — and score some touchdowns as a part-time receiver.
I’m not sure Campbell would be my pick here, but New England is in desperate need of help at offensive tackle. Campbell has plenty of nasty in his on-field demeanor, something Mike Vrabel will love.
The Jaguars could address the defensive line here, but they have a major need at cornerback opposite Tyson Campbell. The Jags must get better on the back end if they are going to beat C.J. Stroud and the division-rival Texans.
Sanders’ accuracy and confidence feel like a tempting combination for Tom Brady’s new squad.
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The analytics community won’t like this pick, but so be it. The Jets have a stagnant attack, and Breece Hall has not reached 1,000 yards rushing in any of his three seasons. Jeanty provides instant adrenaline to the offense and creates buzz in Aaron Glenn’s first season as head coach.
Bryce Young‘s turnaround has given life to the Panthers, but he still needs more help. Warren can become the perfect safety blanket for the third-year quarterback.
Eight-time Pro Bowler Cam Jordan has enjoyed a terrific run in New Orleans, but he’ll turn 36 years old this offseason and his sack production has plummeted in the last two years. Williams has tremendous traits/upside and fills a big need.
Banks’ 2024 tape was a little up-and-down, but he is battle-tested against NFL-caliber talent. He can play left tackle or move inside to guard. The Bears need all things O-line.
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The 49ers pride themselves on maintaining a high-caliber defensive front, and cracks along the interior can be spackled with the addition of Michigan’s high-energy DT.
Mason Graham gets most of the buzz as the consensus top defensive tackle in this year’s draft, but I like Nolen’s disruptive ability on all three downs more.
Walker can play off-ball linebacker on run downs and then blitz or come off the edge as a rusher in passing situations. His toughness and versatility would fill big needs in Miami.
Membou is on the short side for a tackle, but he has long arms and good tape. He’s a good technician and has a chance to start immediately at right guard for the Colts.
Green beat the brakes off his competition en route to a monster 2024, and the Falcons need pass-rush help. He’s an explosive rusher with the talent to start on Day 1.
While fans might not get too excited about taking a guard in Round 1, Booker is big, tough and highly regarded in the Alabama program for his top-flight leadership and accountability.
This pairing might be the most perfect scheme/roster fit in the entire mock. McMillan plays similarly to Drake London and Tee Higgins.
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The Seahawks need interior offensive line help, but they could trade back to get it. If they stay here, Burden can take over for Tyler Lockett if the team parts ways with him this offseason.
Scourton doesn’t seem to be getting much buzz these days, but he’s a three-down edge defender who rushes the passer with a good plan and has the skill to get home.
Building around Bo Nix should be the priority in Denver. Adding an athletic pass catcher with good size like Loveland could be high on the Broncos’ list of priorities.
Golden can line up inside or outside. He took a big step forward as a playmaker in 2024 and would give the Steelers a drama-free option at wideout.
The Chargers could go in a variety of directions here, but the trenches will likely get Jim Harbaugh’s attention. Grant is a big, athletic player who was recruited to Michigan by Harbaugh.
Stewart is a wild card in this draft because his size and athleticism are truly elite, but the production is disappointing (4.5 sacks in three seasons). Still, the ceiling is very high and he would be hard to pass up for the Packers.
With the Vikings currently holding just three picks in the 2025 draft — a first-rounder and two fifth-rounders — they need to hit in Round 1. With terrific instincts and ball production, Barron could step in quickly if necessary.