As we move into the fall season, some teams are focusing on making deeper runs into the season and others are prepping for mock draft season. After doing some research, I’ve decided to put together a mini mock draft for the 2025 draft, covering just the top 10. Order is based on Tankathons Mock Draft Order prior to the games on 10-07, so without further ado, beginning at pick 1.01:
#1 – Patriots select Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado.
Looking at the patriot roster, the biggest needs are Offensive Tackle, Wide Receiver and Cornerback. The drawback is this class doesn’t have an offensive tackle worth pick 1.01 in my eyes. The closest would be Will Campbell, the stellar Left Tackle from LSU, but I don’t see him as a top 5 guy, let alone pick one.
With that being said, the patriots would look to get a guy who could fill two needs in one in Hunter. While I like him better at Cornerback than Wide Receiver at the next level, he absolutely has the ability to play both and play them well at the next level. I think his ceiling is much higher at cornerback, but you couldn’t be faulted to have him play either or.
My comparison: Champ Bailey, CB, Denver Broncos.
#2 – Bengals select Mason Graham, DT, Michigan.
If Cincinnati remains in the top 3 at seasons end, I’d likely write this pick in sharpie marker.
This Bengals team has a serious need on the defensive side of the ball, and while I’d look long and hard at edge rusher for the Bengals, sliding Mason Graham next to the current group of edge rushers in Cincy would be a literal nightmare for AFC North offensive lineman.
My Comparison: A more athletic version of Sharrif Floyd, DT, Minnesota Vikings
#3 – Jaguars select Will Johnson, CB, Michigan.
Going back to back Wolverines may sound crazy, but with the way the board fell, this is the perfect spot.
The Jaguars have a glaring need in the back end of their secondary, and they can patch that need very quickly. I have Will Johnson rated as my CB1A on my big board (tied with Travis Hunter and Ben Morrison) but I think Will has the best frame and length, combined with some of the best man coverage and press coverage skills in this class. Jacksonville fans will be ecstatic with this selection here at 1.03.
My comparison: Joey Porter JR, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers
#4 – Rams select Will Campbell, OT, LSU.
I know I just talked about Will Campbell in this article earlier not being worthy of the 1st overall pick, or even a top 5 guy, so this is a bit of a reach here. But the needs for the rams in my eyes are at cornerback (which we’ve seen a bit of a run in my mock on) and offensive tackle.
Will Campbell is my OT1 in this class and only one of two Offensive Linemen who have earned a first round grade from me (the other being Tate Ratledge, the Guard from the University of Georgia). His size profile (6 foot 6, 325 lbs.) mixed with his amazing strength in the run blocking scheme at LSU will definitely open holes for the Rams RB room next year.
There are still some questions about his pass protection skills, as he plays too high and his kick slide is concerning, but the Rams select the best tackle, regardless of value.
My comparison: Paris Johnson JR, OT, Arizona Cardinals
#5 – Browns select Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona.
I’m sure a lot of my fellow Browns fans will be clamoring for a quarterback here, especially if the board falls this way, but there are a few reasons as to why it won’t be a quarterback:
- Deshaun Watson’s cap hit to be released
- The much larger need at offensive tackle and wide receiver will set any rookie Qb up for failure
With that being said, the Browns would look at either Offensive Tackle (major reach at this point) or Wide Receiver (much better value) at this selection. Tetairoa McMillan and Luther Burden are my top 2 receivers on my big board, and both are easily top 8 selections.
With hands that are like Roomba vacuums, sucking every pass thrown his way, a frame that allows him to tower over defenses (6-5, 211 pounds), and proven production in the big games, McMillan is a great fit for the Dawg Pound, regardless of who the quarterback may be.
My Comparison: Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
#6 – Panthers select Cam Ward, QB, Miami.
In this mock draft, the Panthers see the board fall their way and are able to take the best Quarterback of this class. Cam Ward’s arm talent (strength, touch, arm angle, release) and his knack for coming up big when the lights are on bright will endear him to the fans in Carolina. If the panthers can add some additional weapons around Ward, they could be a legitimate worst to first candidate next season.
My Comparison: Daunte Culpepper, QB, Minnesota Vikings
#7 – Titans select Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado.
It’s a quarterback frenzy, with back to back selections! Shedeur Sanders has been able to excel at Colorado with lackluster offensive line play, due to his amazing arm talent coupled with his quick post-snap processing. The one item I’d love to see him clean up moving forward would be his footwork in and out of the pocket, especially when he’s under duress.
He also occasionally holds the ball too long, looking to make a play when he needs to throw it away and live to fight another day. But the Titans get their QB of the future in Sanders.
My Comparison: A more accurate version of Geno Smith, QB, Seattle Seahawks
#8 – Dolphins select Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky.
Ultimately if the Dolphins are selecting this high, and Tua has concerns about returning to the field from a medical standpoint, then this selection would change to a quarterback. For this mock exercise, let’s assume Tua does return to the gridiron at full health.
The next biggest need for this Dolphins team would be at the defensive tackle position, replacing Christian Wilkins production from last season. Deone Walker has massive size and length at 6 foot 6, 348 pounds, and has an overwhelming power in his profile as well, making him an exceptionally standout athlete to play the defensive tackle position.
While he’s still developing consistency with his hand to hand combat and getting disengaged from offensive lineman blocking, he is an excellent selection to slide right into the middle of this defense in South Beach.
My comparison: A stronger version of Derrick Brown, DT, Carolina Panthers
#9 – Jets select Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Jets fans may not be happy about this one, but in this scenario, Saleh and Hackett would be in the unemployment line, and Rodgers likely walks away from the game due to his age profile.
The Jets select the gunslinger from LSU, who has an absolute cannon strapped to his shoulder, and has the ability to throw the ball into some very tight windows.
The big concern is that Nussmeier is still working on taking something off of his throws, and not being a fastball pitcher in the pocket on an every down basis. If he can learn the nuances of the game, then this will be an amazing selection for the Jets here.
My comparison: A taller version of Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
#10 – Raiders select Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama.
Closing out the top 10 here is the Las Vegas Raiders, and the raiders likely move on from AP as head coach if they are picking this high. A new head coach will likely not stick with AOC and Minshew at quarterback, so Milroe is the selection.
Milroe has been flying up draft boards, mine included, since his superhuman performance versus Georgia. His strong arm and elite athleticism profile were both on display early and often in that game, and you witnessed a quarterback who could make cornerbacks fear him through the air, and linebackers fear him running the ball as well.
I’d love to see him clean up his mechanics, especially as it relates to his footwork and his upper and lower body marrying each other through his release, as you see way too many passes that are all thrown from his arm and not his total body. If he cleans up these mechanics, Raider Nation is looking at a star at their quarterback spot.
My comparison: Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers
Ultimately, a lot can change between now and next April, but if the draft were tomorrow, this would be how I’d see the top 10 shaking out for these NFL squads.
If you’d like to see more of my takes on the NFL Draft, follow me on “X” at @SparkScouting! Catch you in the next article!
