2025 NFL Mock Draft: How many QBs in Rounds 1-2? Could Abdul Carter be Titans’ top pick?

We’re still three months away from the 2025 NFL Draft, but with the early round order set for all but the Super Bowl participants and practices underway for all-star events such as the Shrine Bowl and Senior Bowl, it’s evaluation season.

Plenty of questions remain. Will a third quarterback join likely top-10 picks Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward in Round 1? Would Tennessee trade out of the top spot if a QB-desperate team makes an aggressive offer? Or, if the Titans stay put, would they take a quarterback or lean toward Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter?

The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner (making the odd picks) and Scott Dochterman (evens) alternated selections, and there were no projected trades in this two-round mock draft.

(Note: The Super Bowl results will determine the official order for picks 31-32 and 63-64; the order reflected here uses regular-season positioning.)

1. Tennessee Titans: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

The ideal option for the Titans would be to trade this pick. I can understand why many would argue for a quarterback here, but I’m not completely sold on either Ward or Sanders being the answer to a team’s prayers — at least not right away.

Carter is the closest thing we’ve seen to Micah Parsons since … Micah Parsons. He’s a true game-changer who has improved almost every time he’s taken the field, had dominant stretches in the College Football Playoff and isn’t close to his ceiling yet.

Your @bigten Defensive Player of the Week, Abdul Carter 🦁#B1GFootball x @PennStateFball pic.twitter.com/BNFBu402q3

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 30, 2024

2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

After the financial and emotional anchor ownership put on management with the lengthy Deshaun Watson contract, the Browns need a jolt. Normally, a quarterback would make sense, but perhaps not with the Watson situation still unsettled.

In this case, the Browns would have two of the NFL’s best athletes: Hunter and defensive end Myles Garrett. So, which position will Hunter play in the NFL? It doesn’t matter. The Heisman Trophy winner will see some action on both sides of the ball before reaching his All-Pro potential at one of them.

3. New York Giants: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

I’m still torn between Ward and Sanders for QB1, and there are days it feels like Sanders is more ready right now to lead a successful offense. But, long-term, Ward — who improved every day of his lengthy college career — could have the higher ceiling.

4. New England Patriots: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

I’d like to write “Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State” here but, incredibly, we’re still two years away from Smith hearing his name called. So, the choice for New England comes down to a playmaker for Drake Maye or a defender. There’s no real wrong answer — but if you have a young quarterback, it’s best to provide him a receiver with whom he can grow.

No Patriots receiver caught more than three touchdown passes last season and only one averaged more than 11 yards per catch. McMillan has Mike Evans-like skills, which would be helpful for Josh McDaniels’ remodeled offense under new coach Mike Vrabel.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

The Jaguars could go a number of directions here — and they might have to choose a different one, as Campbell could be off the board before we get to this spot. But if OT1 is still available, Jacksonville has to pounce, because protecting Trevor Lawrence should be priority No. 1. Campbell, a three-year starting left tackle, could be a culture-changer who is athletic enough to play guard, if needed.

6. Las Vegas Raiders: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Is there a more perfect arrangement than Sanders heading to the Raiders? A polarizing prospect who’s had to deal with plenty of scrutiny (including for his early season criticism of his own offensive line), Sanders was a driving force in Colorado turning from the worst power-conference program into Big 12 regular-season co-champion.

Sanders has the arm and swagger to lead right away. How he handles pressure situations will determine whether he succeeds or fails, and how the Raiders’ front office — including Tom Brady — evaluates him.

7. New York Jets: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Not sure we can rule out a top-five spot for Graham. He’s clearly the top interior tackle in this class and the type of versatile difference-maker inside (at age 21) every team covets. He can play in any scheme, inside or out, and he will absolutely help a team’s culture.

The Jets could use all of that.

Graham with the SACK

The @UMichFootball defense is on a roll in the first half 🔒 pic.twitter.com/IYSRiADV8X

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 28, 2024

8. Carolina Panthers: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee

Pearce flashed All-American-level ability during his tenure with the Vols, but he still has to gain consistency to reach his potential. He’s a quick-twitch edge rusher with the ability to get to the quarterback and could drop into coverage, if necessary.

But the Panthers allowed 6.0 yards per play (worst in the NFL) and need someone who can impact the passing game. If Pearce hits the high end of his development, he could become an impact defender in the Danielle Hunter mold.

9. New Orleans Saints: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia

Production has not matched talent to this point, but Williams has top-five traits — not unlike former Georgia (and current Jacksonville) standout Travon Walker, who was the No. 1 pick in 2022. Williams is a projection as much as anything right now, but if he tests off the charts, he might not make it this far.

10. Chicago Bears: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

Chicago spent the No. 1 pick last year on quarterback Caleb Williams … then promptly gave up 68 sacks this season. For Williams to make strides under new coach and offensive guru Ben Johnson, the Bears need to improve up front.

Banks (6-foot-4, 320 pounds) won the Outland Trophy as the nation’s top interior lineman and has positional flexibility. The Bears need a plug-and-play offensive lineman in the worst way, and Banks will start somewhere on day one.

11. San Francisco 49ers: Joshua Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Like Banks, Simmons is a super-athletic prospect who probably could wear a few different hats if a team asks him to. He suffered a season-ending knee injury midway through the season, and it took Ohio State a while to figure out how to play without him. He would be a perfect fit for everything Kyle Shanahan does.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

The Heisman Trophy runner-up, Jeanty resembles a young Ezekiel Elliott coming out of Ohio State, only with a little more wiggle. Jeanty (5-9, 215) led the country in rushing yards (2,601), rushing touchdowns (29) and all-purpose yards per game (185.8), and he exploded for 25 runs of 20-plus yards. He also converted 106 of his attempts into first downs. He’s the type of player Dallas needed last year, so the Cowboys would be happy to add him now.

13. Miami Dolphins: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Miami should be open to trading back for anyone who has even a passing interest here. An offensive lineman also could be an option (perhaps Missouri’s Armand Membou?).

But Starks would be a phenomenal consolation prize. He is one of the 10 best players in this draft, regardless of position, and can wear any hat in the secondary. His game — and versatility — is not unlike that of Lions standout Brian Branch.

14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

After completing just 56.3 percent of their passes this season with 20 touchdowns and 19 interceptions, the Colts need something to elevate their passing game.

A tight end is a great friend to a young quarterback such as Anthony Richardson, and there’s none better this year than Warren (6-6, 261). This fall, he caught 104 passes for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns. He also was a short-yardage quarterback (218 rushing yards and four more scores plus a passing touchdown). In an overtime win at USC, Warren had 17 receptions for 224 yards.

15. Atlanta Falcons: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

It’s hard to place Johnson right now, for a few reasons. Not many teams in the top 10 need a cornerback, and despite the fact Johnson is likely the best pure corner in this class (by a solid margin), he did miss most of this season with multiple injuries. All that said, this spot feels like it’s close to his draft floor.

16. Arizona Cardinals: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

As the Cardinals remake their defense and attempt to become more physical up front, Harmon (6-5, 310) would fill a void instantly on the interior. A year after transferring from Michigan State, he provided pressure and power for Oregon’s line with 45 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, 10 quarterback hurries, a pair of forced fumbles and four pass breakups.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

You’d love to be able to give Joe Burrow more help elsewhere, but Cincinnati has made some interesting personnel decisions and could be in the market for a receiver again.

Burden is another player in this class who has top-10 talent but might have a wide range in Round 1 — in his case, not just because of his smallish frame but also because his 2023 season was much better than his 2024.

LUTHER BURDEN III ON 4TH AND 5 😱😳@MizzouFootball TAKES THE LEAD WITH 1:10 TO GO! pic.twitter.com/HzGC9P23Qt

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) November 17, 2024

18. Seattle Seahawks: Donovan Jackson, G/T, Ohio State

Perhaps no player elevated his stock throughout the College Football Playoff more than Jackson, who kicked to left tackle out of necessity and proved he could do that job just as capably as play guard. Jackson (6-4, 320) allowed zero sacks and just two pressures over his final eight games at left tackle.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jalon Walker, Edge/LB, Georgia

In case you’re starting to sense a theme, Walker also could have a pretty wide draft range. But he’s a first-round playmaker. A lighter version of Carter who probably can do more than Penn State’s superstar from a coverage standpoint, Walker would fill multiple needs in Tampa Bay.

20. Denver Broncos: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

The most polished route runner in the draft, Egbuka fits any and all offenses. He was a possession-type receiver in setting Ohio State’s career receptions record (205), but he’s skilled beyond that description — plus, he blocks. It’s not farfetched to envision Egbuka becoming a valued player for more than a decade, perhaps like former NFL receiver Anquan Boldin.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

This might be a little high for Golden, but he’s another player who really took advantage of the extended College Football Playoff this year. He was the true star receiver for the Longhorns this season after spending two years at Houston.

Had he not gone off the board a pick earlier, Egbuka would have been an ideal selection for the Steelers.

4th and 13… pic.twitter.com/Wb9PNc857j

— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) January 3, 2025

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

A perfect spot for Jim Harbaugh to scoop up one of his former Wolverines. Loveland somehow caught 56 passes for 582 yards and five touchdowns this season, despite playing in the worst passing offense in power-conference football. A solid blocker, too, he would start immediately for the Chargers and give Justin Herbert a quality third-down threat.

23. Green Bay Packers: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall

Green was a 215-pound linebacker/tight end when he left high school. Now a verified 6-3, 251 as of Senior Bowl weigh-in, he still moves like a 215-pounder off the edge — and an explosive one, at that. The FBS sacks leader in 2024 with 17, Green is still a bit untested, but his traits are ridiculous and his workouts will draw crowds. Green and Rashan Gary could be electric together.

24. Minnesota Vikings: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

As the Vikings prepare for the post-Harrison Smith world, they need another third-level playmaker. Emmanwori was that and more for the Gamecocks — he had two pick sixes this season (and a third called back because of roughing the passer). Emmanwori can hit and cover, plus he’s a high-energy player. You’re getting the full package.

25. Houston Texas: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama

Booker would fill a huge need along the offensive interior, easily Houston’s biggest issue right now in front of C.J. Stroud. Booker started all three years at Alabama and is an absolute mauler. He’s not always technically perfect, but he has first-round power and can be a difference-maker inside.

26. Los Angeles Rams: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

The Rams could be looking at two new starting offensive tackles, and Membou (6-3, 315) has positional flexibility. He started for two seasons at right tackle but has the build for a potential move to guard, either in the short term or permanently. Either way, after measuring in with 34-inch arms at the Senior Bowl, he should have a shot at playing tackle fairly early in his NFL career.

27. Baltimore Ravens: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M

Stewart is yet another guy with a potentially wild range of draft outcomes. All of the edges with Round 1 buzz — Pearce, Williams, Green, JT Tuimoloau and Stewart — will hold pretty different spots on the board depending on the team. Testing and workouts will do a lot to sort it all out.

Either way, in Stewart, Baltimore would be getting a super long and versatile edge who fits its style.

28. Detroit Lions: JT Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State

Tuimoloau (6-5, 270) was a machine during Ohio State’s championship run. In four College Football Playoff games, he had a combined 6.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss, nearly doubling his season totals (six sacks, 11 TFLs during the regular season).

With oft-injured Marcus Davenport likely hitting free agency and Za’Darius Smith possibly in need of a reworked contract, the Lions could rotate Tuimoloau for a year opposite Aidan Hutchinson, then have him step in as a long-term starter.

I don’t think JT Tuimoloau gets enough credit for how impactful he was (stats and tape) during OSU’s National Title run.

Four playoff gms: 20 pressures, 10 TFL, 6.5 sacks, 1 FF, A+ vs. the run. pic.twitter.com/2zDCXf0X3Z

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 21, 2025

29. Washington Commanders: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

The Commanders’ dream season has shown us all how valuable Jayden Daniels is. And though Conerly is hardly a finished product, his ability to move and be a factor in the run game might be a perfect match here. He’s also athletic enough to play inside if Washington wants him to.

30. Buffalo Bills: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

Barron has positional flexibility in the secondary, because of his coverage skills and hitting prowess — he could play corner, nickel or safety. He earned the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back and tied for the SEC lead with five interceptions. Anywhere he plays, Barron would elevate the Buffalo secondary.

31. Philadelphia Eagles: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

The country didn’t get to see Revel much, as a September knee injury cost him his season. But a year after drafting Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, finding another rangy and athletic chess piece would be a steal for the Eagles and a great investment — a combination Philly always does well.

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

The Big Ten’s offensive lineman of the year, Ersery would land with his hometown Chiefs and immediately find a home along the offensive line. He was a late bloomer who blossomed with the Gophers and could become a Year 1 candidate at right tackle.

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Round 2

33. Cleveland Browns: Cameron Williams, OT, Texas

34. New York Giants: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

35. Tennessee: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

The Titans can roll the dice on a talented QB they’re not sure about at No. 1 … or they can do the exact same thing at No. 35. With Carter available early, this might be the preferred path.

36. Jacksonville Jaguars: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

37. Las Vegas Raiders: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa

38. New England Patriots: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College

39. Chicago Bears (from CAR): Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

40. New Orleans Saints: Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green

41. Chicago Bears: Wyatt Milum, iOL/OT, West Virginia

42. New York Jets: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

The Jets have a giant question mark at quarterback, and this is the right spot to take a shot. Dart led college football’s most electrifying offense and has the type of arm that can guide any aerial attack.

43. San Francisco 49ers: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State

44. Dallas Cowboys: Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona

45. Indianapolis Colts: Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State

46. Atlanta Falcons: Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M

47. Arizona Cardinals: Landon Jackson, Edge, Arkansas

48. Miami Dolphins: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

49. Cincinnati Bengals: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

50. Seattle Seahawks: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

The Seahawks need to look to the future after a season that saw 34-year-old Geno Smith throw 15 interceptions and 21 touchdowns. Ewers is accurate and tough. Whether he’s NFL starting material remains to be seen, but he’s definitely worth taking a flier on 50 picks into the draft.

51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Arareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State

52. Denver Broncos: Cody Simon, LB, Ohio State

53. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville

We probably have too many quarterbacks in Round 2, but this is a weird class and it’s hard to say when the inevitable QB run will happen. It’s possible Shough goes higher than the QB6 spot he’s claimed here.

#Louisville QB Tyler Shough might be the most interesting non-1st round QB prospect in this class.

Will be a 26-yr old rookie, but he has a pro skill-set. Prototypical size (6045v, 225v), passing twitch and drive velocity. Late on this read, but that’s a 30-yd frozen rope. pic.twitter.com/YmqEvJZCdx

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) December 19, 2024

54. Los Angeles Chargers: Princely Umanmielen, Edge, Ole Miss

55. Green Bay Packers: Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford

56. Buffalo Bills (from MIN): Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame

57. Houston Texans: Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State

58. Carolina Panthers (from LAR): Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss

59. Baltimore Ravens: Marcus Mbow, OT/G, Purdue

60. Detroit Lions: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State

61. Washington Commanders: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

62. Buffalo Bills: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA

63. Philadelphia Eagles: Savion Williams, WR, TCU

64. Kansas City Chiefs: Sebastian Castro, DB, Iowa

(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; Photos of Abdul Carter and Tetairoa McMillan: Scott Taetsch, Ric Tapia / Getty Images)