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.

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

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Pick change; previously Walter Nolen, DE/DT

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.

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

The Steelers signed Darius Slay, but he’s obviously just a short-term solution at cornerback. Pittsburgh needs a top-end corner for the long haul.

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

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.

Pick change; previously Shemar Stewart, DE/DT

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.

The Vikings signed Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, but I don’t think this will preclude them from addressing their weakness at defensive tackle. Hargrave and Allen are just short-term answers.

Derrick Harmon was a productive pass rusher this past season.

Pick change; previously Malaki Starks, S

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.

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

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

Pick change; previously Luther Burden, 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.

Another weapon for Jayden Daniels. The Redskins traded for Deebo Samuel, but given his age and injury history, it would be foolish not to add another receiver.

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

Pick change; previously Colston Loveland, TE

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. Philadelphia lost Milton Williams this offseason, so some defensive tackle depth is needed.

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

Pick change; previously Emery Jones, OT