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

The Bengals have a horrible defense, but they’ll also need a receiver if Tee Higgins leaves via free agency. If they re-sign Higgins, they’ll be favored to address their woeful defensive line.

Walter Nolen was a highly recruited player who has shown a ton of upside.

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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.

Tetaiora McMillan has mismatch size for the NFL. He’s a freak athlete who will make tons of big plays in the pros.

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.)

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

Cameron Heyward doesn’t have much time remaining, so the Steelers may look to bolster their defensive line.

Derrick Harmon was a productive pass rusher this past season.

The Chargers lost Joey Bosa, and Khalil Mack doesn’t have much time remaining until he ages out of the NFL.

Jalon Walker has great speed and athleticism on the edge.

Pick change; previously Benjamin Morrison, CB

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

Jordan Burch has immense potential as an athletic player with a big frame, but hasn’t been consistent.

Harrison Smith doesn’t have much time remaining. The Vikings could use another safety.

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

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.

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

Cooper Kupp is gone. Davante Adams was signed as a replacement, but he’s 32 and was added for just two seasons.

Luther Burden is a shifty receiver who can be used as a ball-carrier.

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.

Jack Sawyer was extremely productive to conclude his college football career.

Another weapon for Jayden Daniels. The Redskins re-signed Zach Ertz, but he likely has just one or two years remaining in the NFL.

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

Pick change; previously Alfred Collins, DT

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. Here’s a permanent solution. The Chiefs signed Jaylon Moore, but I don’t know if that would preclude them from drafting a tackle if they like one enough.

Josh Conerly is a quick and athletic pass protector.

You can never go wrong mocking a lineman to the Eagles, who like to build for the future. Lane Johnson turns 35 soon, so Philadelphia may want to find his eventual replacement.

Emery Jones is a talented tackle with a basketball background. He has impressive athleticism to play left tackle in the NFL.