2025 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1 – Picks 17-32

The Bengals have a horrible defense that needs help at every level. This includes the secondary, which has sorely missed Jessie Bates since he departed for Atlanta.

Nick Emmanwori has very rare cover skills for a safety who is built like a linebacker. He also possesses terrific instincts.

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Pick change; previously Malaki Starks, S

The Seahawks have traded D.K. Metcalf – check here for the NFL Trade Grades page – and cut Tyler Lockett, so they have nothing at receiver outside of Jaxon Smith-Njigba and an aging Cooper Kupp. This might mean that they’ll draft Tyler Warren to give Sam Darnold a great threat over the midfield.

Tyler Warren is a big tight end who has shown impressive receiving ability.

The Buccaneers had major trouble covering the middle of the field this past season, and it’ll only get worse with Lavonte David aging out of the NFL soon.

Jihaad Campbell has impressive athleticism for a larger linebacker.

Bo Nix needs another weapon. This could come in the form of a tight end, as Sean Payton may want to obtain his next Jimmy Graham. Denver signed Evan Engram, but the former Jaguar is 31, and we’ve seen teams double up on tight ends before (i.e. the Bills drafting Dalton Kincaid right after giving Dawson Knox a ton of money.) Receiver is a huge need as well, given that there isn’t much at the position outside of Courtland Sutton and perhaps Marvin Mims.

Matthew Golden has a solid combination of size and speed. He’s an explosive athlete and an aggressive receiver.

Pick change; previously Tetaiora McMillan, WR

Shedeur Sanders recently said that if a team wants to get him, they’ll have to move in front of the Steelers. Perhaps this was an attempt from him to drum up some interest from teams, but it could be that his visit to Pittsburgh went very well. Besides, the Steelers don’t have anything at quarterback, and they may be tired of waiting on Aaron Rodgers.

Sanders has a high football IQ and great leadership skills. He doesn’t have a stellar arm, but it’s good enough for him to be a first-round pick.

Pick change; previously Derrick Harmon, DT

The Chargers have met with lots of tight ends during the pre-draft process, as they clearly understand that they have a big hole at the position. Justin Herbert needs another weapon.

Colston Loveland made clutch catches during Michigan’s championship run. He projects as a decent blocker as well.

The Packers didn’t have a very good pass rush last year, so they’ll be looking to strengthen their defensive line this offseason.

Landon Jackson has high upside and can play end in the 4-3 and five-tech in the 3-4.

Harrison Smith has been a great player for a long time, but he doesn’t have many more seasons remaining in the NFL, so the Vikings may want to draft his successor.

A quarterback in high school, Malaki Starks is a star in the making, according to Charlie Campbell’s sources.

Pick change; previously Derrick Harmon, DT

The Texans have a horrific offensive line that really needs to be addressed, especially in the wake of the Laremy Tunsil trade. Go here for my NFL Trade Grades. Cam Robinson and Trent Brown were signed, but Robinson is just a short-term solution, while Brown is very injury-prone. I believe they were added as insurance just in case Houston can’t get someone like this prospect.

Josh Conerly is a quick and athletic pass protector.

Los Angeles’ defense showed major signs of improvement over the course of the 2025 season, but there’s still an issue at cornerback that must be addressed.

Trey Amos is a tall cornerback with plus speed and athleticism.

Pick change; previously Matthew Golden, WR

The Ravens couldn’t stop the pass at all last year. Part of the reason for that is their sub-par pass rush. That needs to be revamped.

James Pearce put a ton of pressure on the quarterback in ’23. He has a ton of potential, but he needs to fill out his frame.

The Lions need another edge rusher for the long term, especially after what happened with Aidan Hutchinson last night.

J.T. Tuimoloau has flashed some great pass-rushing potential, but must be more consistent.

The Redskins need to improve their defense, and specifically, their pass rush. They’ve brought in plenty of edge rushers for visits during the pre-draft process.

Donovan Ezeiruaku is a terrific edge rusher, but has some size limitations.

Pick change; previously Luther Burden, WR

Rasul Douglas is a free agent. Even if he’s re-signed, the Bills will need a new cornerback for the future.

Maxwell Hairston has plus size and has performed on a high level thus far in school.

The Chiefs kept rotating left tackles, but nothing worked. They were punished for it in the Super Bowl. The Chiefs signed Jaylon Moore, but in another move, they traded Joe Thuney, who was instrumental in getting Kansas City to the Super Bowl. He must be replaced.

Grey Zabel is a versatile tackle-guard prospect for the NFL.

You can never go wrong mocking a lineman to the Eagles, who like to build for the future. This is the perfect pick for Philadelphia. Howie Roseman will be able to get a future successor for Lane Johnson with a very talented prospect who needs to sit for a year or two because of a serious injuy.

Josh Simmons is an athletic left tackle with plus strength, but is coming off a torn patellar tendon.

Pick change; previously Walter Nolen, DE/DT