“2025 NFL Draft Preview: First-Round Predictions Unveiled!”
With the 2025 NFL draft looming just weeks away, the projections for the opening round are evolving amidst the shifting landscape of free agency. Notable players like Aaron Rodgers and Amari Cooper remain unsigned, adding an element of uncertainty to the upcoming draft. As the countdown to the draft continues, experts from various outlets have released their latest mock drafts following the conclusion of pro days across the nation. Here’s a roundup of expert predictions from USA TODAY, CBS Sports, NFL.com, and ESPN:
1. Tennessee Titans
USA TODAY: Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
CBS Sports: Cam Ward
NFL.com: Cam Ward
ESPN: Cam Ward
2. Cleveland Browns
USA TODAY: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
CBS Sports: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
NFL.com: Abdul Carter
ESPN: Abdul Carter
3. New York Giants (Trade with New Orleans Saints)
USA TODAY: Giants trade No. 3 pick to New Orleans Saints. Saints select Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
CBS Sports: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
NFL.com: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
ESPN: Shedeur Sanders
And so on for the top picks in the first round according to various experts. The upcoming draft promises to be a dynamic and exciting event with potential surprises yet to come as teams prepare to make their selections.
BS Sports: Colston Loveland from Michigan is noted as a top player at his position in the NFL draft. NFL.com lists Loveland as a standout player from Michigan. ESPN also recognizes Loveland’s talent.
15. Atlanta Falcons
USA TODAY predicts Mykel Williams from Georgia as the top choice for the Atlanta Falcons, while CBS Sports mentions Shemar Stewart from Texas A&M. In a surprising move, NFL.com reports that the Falcons have traded their No. 15 pick to the Cleveland Browns, who then select Shedeur Sanders from Colorado as their quarterback. ESPN suggests Jihaad Campbell from Alabama as a potential pick for the Falcons.
16. Arizona Cardinals
USA TODAY projects Walter Nolen, a defensive tackle from Mississippi, as the likely choice for the Arizona Cardinals. CBS Sports mentions Mike Green from Marshall as another option. NFL.com lists Jahdae Barron from Texas as a potential pick, while ESPN also includes Mike Green from Marshall.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
USA TODAY suggests Kenneth Grant from Michigan for the Cincinnati Bengals, while CBS Sports lists Mykel Williams from Georgia. NFL.com mentions Mike Green from Marshall, and ESPN includes Nick Emmanwori from South Carolina as potential picks.
18. Seattle Seahawks
USA TODAY predicts Grey Zabel from North Dakota State as the top choice for the Seattle Seahawks. CBS Sports lists Kelvin Banks Jr. from Texas, NFL.com mentions Tyler Booker from Alabama, and ESPN includes Matthew Golden from Texas.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
USA TODAY projects Donovan Jackson from Ohio State as the likely choice for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while CBS Sports mentions Jihaad Campbell from Alabama. NFL.com lists Jihaad Campbell as well, and ESPN includes Malaki Starks from Georgia.
20. Denver Broncos
USA TODAY suggests Emeka Egbuka from Ohio State as the top choice for the Denver Broncos, while CBS Sports lists Kenneth Grant from Michigan. NFL.com mentions Tetairoa McMillan from Arizona, and ESPN includes Luther Burden III from Missouri. The 2025 NFL Draft notes that Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders do not have traditional agents and questions if it matters.
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The Washington Football Team traded up to the 24th pick and chose Malaki Starks. The Minnesota Vikings picked Maxwell Hairston, a cornerback from Kentucky. According to ESPN, Donovan Ezeiruaku, an edge rusher from Boston College, was selected. This information was first featured in USA TODAY’s article on the 2025 NFL mock draft roundup, providing the most recent expert predictions for the first round.
