The NFL Draft is an inexact science — which is a polite way of calling it an educated guessing game. Between mock drafts, smokescreens, television analyst debates and social media speculation, the sheer volume of information (and misinformation) makes it excruciatingly difficult to project how things will actually unfold.

Over the years, the draft has evolved from a player selection process into a full-blown cultural phenomenon, filled with storylines, drama and unpredictability. It has captivated audiences and dominated headlines. In fact, the only thing crazier than considering all the possibilities is trying to predict how they will play out.

This year’s draft is particularly unique: all 32 teams are slated to pick in the first round with their original selections. Since the league expanded to 32 teams in 2002, there hasn’t been a draft where every franchise used its original first-round pick. But that historical oddity doesn’t make the 2025 draft any easier to forecast.

There are several reasons why this year’s draft is among the most difficult to project in recent memory. First, the overall talent pool lacks the high-end depth of previous years — especially at quarterback. There’s a general sense that there’s not much separating players picked in the teens from those selected late in the first round. With so many similar grades, this year’s draft truly feels like beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Another key factor? How teams weigh the “character” of certain top prospects. Players like Mike Green, Walter Nolen and James Pearce Jr. may possess first-round talent, but character concerns could cause them to slide down — or off — draft boards.

Despite the uncertainty, I’m once again offering insights and opinions with my 2025 final mock draft. Now in its 25th year as a Times News tradition, this mock has consistently been ranked among the most accurate in the industry by The Huddle Report. Last year’s mock was one for the record books, with 29 players correctly projected in the first round and 15 slotted to the exact team that selected them.

So without further ado — before the first trade blows it all up — here’s how I see Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft playing out:

1. Tennessee Titans –

Cam Ward (QB, Miami)

The Titans have kept things quiet, but their actions speak volumes. They didn’t explore a quarterback in free agency and haven’t entertained trading the pick. Once they canceled workouts with Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, the writing was on the wall. There’s no drama with the top overall pick this year — Cam Ward will be the next franchise quarterback for a team that desperately needs one.

2. Cleveland Browns –

Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado)

Cleveland is once again in the market for a franchise quarterback. Since rejoining the league in 1999, the Browns have started a league-high 40 different quarterbacks. But they won’t take one here. Instead, they’ll choose one of the draft’s two most transformational players: Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter. Hunter provides rare two-way ability and could be used at both wide receiver and cornerback. He immediately upgrades two positions and gives the Browns a dynamic playmaker on both sides of the ball.

3. New York Giants –

Abdul Carter (Edge, Penn State)

Four years ago, the Giants passed on Micah Parsons — and they’ve felt the effects ever since. They won’t make the same mistake twice. While quarterback is a long-term need, it’s unlikely New York will use this pick on one. If Cleveland selects Travis Hunter, the Giants will scoop up Carter, pairing him with Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux to form a fearsome pass-rushing trio.

4. New England Patriots –

Will Campbell (OT, LSU)

The Patriots invested heavily in defensive upgrades during free agency, landing Milton Williams, Carlton Davis and Harold Landry. But the offensive line — particularly left tackle — remains a glaring weakness. Will Campbell, despite concerns about his arm length, brings toughness and reliability to a line that needs to protect young quarterback Drake Maye. Solidifying the line must be a top priority in New England’s rebuild.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars –

Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State)

In many ways, the draft begins here. Jacksonville’s decision will shape the top 10. Defensive tackle Mason Graham is a possibility — he was spotted wearing a Jaguars T-shirt a week before the draft — but new head coach Liam Coen’s offensive background suggests he may push for Jeanty, a home-run hitter in the backfield. With Travis Etienne regressing and entering the final year of his contract, Jeanty offers both long-term value and immediate explosiveness.

6. Las Vegas Raiders –

Armand Membou (OT, Missouri)

The Raiders are committed to improving their run game, and while Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty has been linked here, building up front may be the more logical move. Membou is a plug-and-play option at right tackle and helps solidify a line that has multiple starters entering contract years. If Jeanty is off the board, Membou is the likely choice. Also worth noting: new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has ties to two Ohio State running backs expected to be available on Day 2.

7. New York Jets –

Tyler Warren (TE, Penn State)

With a new head coach and quarterback, the Jets are entering a reset phase. Outside of Garrett Wilson, the offense lacks reliable pass catchers, especially at tight end after Tyler Conklin’s departure to the Chargers. Warren is a versatile, physical weapon who can serve as both a blocker and receiver. The Jets passed on Brock Bowers last year; they won’t make the same mistake again. If not Warren, candidates include Mason Graham or an offensive tackle like Membou or Kelvin Banks.

8. Carolina Panthers –

Jalon Walker (Edge, Georgia)

Carolina has made it clear it plans to address defense early — especially its pass rush, which ranked 29th in sacks last season. Walker is a natural fit. A Georgia product with strong character and local ties to Salisbury, N.C., he checks every box for a franchise in need of edge presence after losing Brian Burns. GM Dan Morgan values leadership and toughness, and Walker brings both.

9. New Orleans Saints –

Mykel Williams (Edge, Georgia)

This is a hard team to project. The Saints are in cap trouble and need help across the board — especially at quarterback, with Derek Carr’s status uncertain due to injury. But new head coach Kellen Moore has a background with teams that emphasize building through the trenches. Williams offers top-end edge talent, and if he’s on the board, he’ll be tough to pass up. Offensive lineman Kelvin Banks is also a possibility.

10. Chicago Bears –

Mason Graham (DT, Michigan)

The Bears are high on Ashton Jeanty, but unless they trade up, he likely won’t be available here. With two second-round picks, they could still maneuver. For now, the pick is Graham — a top-five talent who slides slightly due to positional value. Chicago addressed its offensive line in free agency, making defensive line a logical next step. Graham brings toughness and production, aligning with new head coach Ben Johnson’s focus on the trenches.

11. San Francisco 49ers –

Kelvin Banks (OT/G, Texas)

The 49ers have more needs than usual, especially on both lines. With Trent Williams nearing retirement and several offensive linemen lost in free agency, Banks offers both versatility and immediate upside. He’s rising on draft boards and could sneak into the top 10, but if he’s available here, San Francisco should pounce. Mykel Williams was strongly considered, as the defensive line also needs to be rebuilt.

12. Dallas Cowboys –

Matthew Golden (WR, Texas)

The Cowboys want to get faster and more explosive on offense. With CeeDee Lamb shouldering most of the load, Dallas needs another dynamic playmaker. Golden fits the bill with 4.29 speed and big-play ability. The team brought in both Golden and Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan for “Top 30” visits, but Golden’s explosiveness — a term head coach Brian Schottenheimer used repeatedly — makes him the more likely pick. His path from Houston to Texas to Dallas feels almost poetic.

13. Miami Dolphins –

Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas)

The Dolphins have needs across the trenches and in the secondary. If Kelvin Banks falls, he would be a fit in their zone-blocking scheme. If not, the focus likely shifts to cornerbacks or safeties. Barron’s recent rise and versatility give him the edge over Will Johnson, whose stock has taken a hit. With Jalen Ramsey’s future uncertain, Miami gets younger and faster in the secondary with this pick.

14. Indianapolis Colts –

Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan)

Indianapolis wanted Tyler Warren, but he’s likely off the board by this point. After targeting Brock Bowers last year — before he was taken by the Raiders — the Colts still haven’t solved their tight end issue. No team had less production at the position last season. Loveland provides upside as a receiver and competence as a blocker. Edge rusher or offensive line help are also possible, but tight end feels like the most glaring need.

15. Atlanta Falcons –

Mike Green (Edge, Marshall)

Atlanta has struggled to generate pressure for years. The Falcons ranked near the bottom in sacks and pressure rate again last season. Georgia’s Mykel Williams would be the preferred choice, but if he’s gone, Green becomes the likely fallback. He comes with some off-the-field concerns, but his 17 sacks last season led all of college football. Other edge options include Shemar Stewart and James Pearce Jr.

16. Arizona Cardinals –

Walter Nolen (DT, Mississippi)

Arizona could go in several directions with this pick, but if the right defensive lineman is available, that might be the way they lean. Nolen is a high-upside player with elite traits, even if consistency and maturity remain concerns. The Cardinals signed veteran Calais Campbell as a short-term solution, but a long-term anchor like Nolen could help stabilize the interior. Guard Tyler Booker is another name to watch here.

17. Cincinnati Bengals –

Shemar Stewart (Edge, Texas A&M)

The Bengals can score — but stopping opponents has been a different story. The defense needs help at all levels, especially with Trey Hendrickson’s future uncertain. Stewart’s college production was modest, but his upside and elite athleticism (a perfect 10.0 Relative Athletic Score at the Combine) make him a high-ceiling prospect. He fits the mold of recent Bengals picks: long, athletic defenders with room to grow.

18. Seattle Seahawks –

Grey Zabel (OL, North Dakota State)

Seattle is always difficult to project, but offensive line help feels like the priority. The Seahawks are transitioning to a new offensive identity and need linemen who fit a zone-blocking scheme. Zabel checks every box — he’s smart, athletic and versatile enough to play any position on the line. He may not be a household name, but don’t be surprised if he’s a Day 1 starter.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers –

Jihaad Campbell (LB, Alabama)

With Lavonte David nearing the end of his career, the Bucs will be looking for a long-term replacement. Campbell brings athleticism, instincts and toughness — and fits what GM Jason Licht looks for in terms of college production. Secondary help is also a consideration here, but Campbell has been a consistent projection to Tampa Bay for months and still makes perfect sense.

20. Denver Broncos –

Omarion Hampton (RB, North Carolina)

Ashton Jeanty would be the dream pick, but if he’s gone, Hampton is a strong fallback. Denver has lacked a consistent rushing attack, and Sean Payton hasn’t had a 100-yard rusher during his time with the Broncos. Hampton has the power and burst to change that immediately. Despite speculation about a wide receiver or tight end here, running back remains the team’s biggest need.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers –

Derrick Harmon (DT, Oregon)

Quarterback will be a hot topic in Pittsburgh until the Aaron Rodgers saga resolves, but the Steelers may take a more measured approach this time. They reached for a quarterback at No. 20 three years ago — and paid the price. With Cam Heyward aging and the interior defensive line needing reinforcements, Harmon is a logical choice. He’s a strong scheme fit, though some durability concerns remain. Michigan’s Kenneth Grant could also be in play.

22. Los Angeles Chargers –

Kenneth Grant (DT, Michigan)

The Chargers have major holes along the defensive line and need to find immediate contributors. They lost Joey Bosa, and never adequately replaced Poona Ford. Grant, a 331-pound anchor, fits head coach Jim Harbaugh’s trench-focused philosophy — and brings rare athleticism for his size. If a pass catcher like Colston Loveland or Emeka Egbuka falls, those are possibilities too, but the defensive line takes priority here.

23. Green Bay Packers –

Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona)

It’s been more than 20 years since Green Bay drafted a wide receiver in the first round, but that streak may end here. The Packers have talent at the position but lack a reliable No. 1 option. McMillan has size, strong hands, and the traits that fit Green Bay’s historical preferences at the position. GM Brian Gutekunst even attended McMillan’s pro day — a sign this pairing is very much on the radar.

24. Minnesota Vikings –

Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina)

The Vikings only hold four total picks in this draft, so trading down is a real possibility. But if they stay put, safety could be the move — especially with Brian Flores at the helm of the defense. Emmanwori is a freak athlete who posted a perfect 10.0 Relative Athletic Score and fits Flores’ aggressive, versatile system. A cornerback like Maxwell Hairston, or a trade-back for more draft capital could also make sense.

25. Houston Texans –

Emeka Egbuka (WR, Ohio State)

The Texans are building around C.J. Stroud, and reuniting him with his college teammate is a smart way to do it. Egbuka is polished, reliable and offers strong production from the slot, which will open up the field for Nico Collins. Offensive line is another area of need, with Tyler Booker and Josh Conerly both potential options. But Egbuka’s chemistry with Stroud gives him the edge.

26. *TRADE* New York Giants (from Los Angeles Rams) – Jaxson Dart (QB, Mississippi)

There’s always a team that trades back into the first round for a quarterback — and the Giants could be that team. With the second pick in the second round and two third-rounders, New York has the ammunition to move up. Head coach Brian Daboll reportedly likes Dart’s toughness, arm strength and leadership. If the Rams stay put, expect them to target a cornerback like Jahdae Barron or Maxwell Hairston.

27. Baltimore Ravens –

Malaki Starks (S, Georgia)

The Ravens always seem to let the board fall to them — and they may be rewarded again. Starks is a versatile safety who can move around the field and help shore up a pass defense that finished 31st last season. Other names on the radar include Nick Emmanwori, Tyler Booker and edge rushers like Shemar Stewart or James Pearce. But Starks’ fit and pedigree may be too good to pass up.

28. Detroit Lions –

Tyler Booker (G, Alabama)

The Lions are in a championship window and can afford to be selective. Guard and defensive line are the two primary needs, and Booker checks all the boxes. He’s powerful, experienced, and fits the culture Detroit is building. Dan Campbell values character, so prospects with red flags are off the board here. Edge rushers like Donovan Ezeiruaku or JT Tuimoloau could be fallback options if Booker is gone.

29. Washington Commanders –

Donovan Ezeiruaku (Edge, Boston College)

Washington has built a solid roster but could still use help at edge, corner, and wide receiver. Ezeiruaku had a “Top 30” visit with the team and is viewed as a strong scheme fit. While Deebo Samuel was signed to complement Terry McLaurin, both are in contract years. If Emeka Egbuka were still available, he’d be a strong consideration. Cornerbacks Maxwell Hairston and Will Johnson are also in the mix.

30. Buffalo Bills –

Maxwell Hairston (CB, Kentucky)

Even after signing Tre’Davious White as a short-term fix, the Bills still have a major hole at cornerback. Hairston ran a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the Combine and brings elite speed to a defense that needs help defending vertical threats. If safeties Malaki Starks or Nick Emmanwori fall, they’d be options here. Other cornerbacks under consideration: Will Johnson, Trey Amos and Shavon Revel.

31. Kansas City Chiefs –

Josh Simmons (OT, Ohio State)

The Chiefs lost the Super Bowl in large part because they couldn’t protect Patrick Mahomes. With Joe Thuney gone and the offensive line in flux, Simmons could step in as the next left tackle. He’s a physical, athletic lineman who fits Andy Reid’s system. If Simmons is gone, fallback options include Josh Conerly, Donovan Jackson and Grey Zabel — though Zabel likely won’t be available this late.

32. Philadelphia Eagles –

James Pearce Jr. (Edge, Tennessee)

The Eagles have a Super Bowl-caliber roster, giving them the flexibility to take a risk on a high-talent player with some red flags. Pearce fits that mold and fills a big need with Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat and Milton Williams all gone. Walter Nolen is also a strong consideration, as is tight end Mason Taylor if Dallas Goedert is traded. But Pearce’s explosiveness and upside give him the edge.