The Titans filled their biggest need at quarterback with the No. 1 pick, but which team was next to take a QB?
After reading all the comprehensive mock drafts from our ESPN gurus, what’s one more with a twist? Our NFL Nation reporters shared their expertise by making first-round selections for their teams as we close in on the opening pick of the 2025 NFL draft on Thursday (8 p.m. ET on ESPN, ABC, ESPN App) in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
There was no surprise at No. 1, as the Tennessee Titans took Miami quarterback Cam Ward, but the fun started after that. Despite a ton of speculation, there were only two quarterbacks taken, as offensive line became the focus after the top three picks.
You can watch the full mock draft here, but without further ado, here are the picks:
Turron Davenport’s pick: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Strong consideration goes to pass rusher Abdul Carter and do-it-all playmaker Travis Hunter here, but quarterback is the top priority for the Titans. Tennessee fills its biggest void by taking Ward, the consensus top passer in the draft class. Ward is a proven culture changer who will be charged with leading the Titans‘ return to respectability before they move into their new stadium in 2027.
Daniel Oyefusi’s pick: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Quarterback remains the top need for the Browns after adding Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco this offseason. But the team has said it won’t force a quarterback pick, and selecting this high allows Cleveland to get arguably the best player in the draft in Hunter. Browns GM Andrew Berry has said the team would play Hunter primarily at wide receiver, and he is open to Hunter moonlighting on defense to continue showcasing his two-way skills.
Jordan Raanan’s pick: Abdul Carter, OLB, Penn State
The Giants don’t seem to view Shedeur Sanders as a top 3 talent, even with their needs at quarterback. High-level executives around the league agree that Hunter and Carter are the clear-cut top prospects in this draft — of the blue chip or generational variety. „You don’t pass on that type of player“, general manager Joe Schoen said last week. So the Giants don’t pass on Carter, even if edge rushers Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux are on the roster.
Mike Reiss‘ pick: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
New Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has highlighted two priorities in building a winning team — providing infrastructure to help quarterback Drake Maye succeed with an efficient passing game and finding a way to affect the opposing quarterback. Campbell projects as a potential Day 1 starter at left tackle, and at worst, a high-end option at left guard (which is also a need). Georgia pass rusher Jalon Walker is also highly regarded by some top decision-makers with the team.
Mike DiRocco’s pick: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Yes, there are holes elsewhere along the offensive and defensive lines. However, the Jaguars can’t pass up one of the few elite players in the draft. At his introductory news conference, head coach Liam Coen asked: „How do we make Trevor Lawrence and this offense as dynamic and explosive as we can be?“ Jeanty fits both of those descriptions. Running back Travis Etienne Jr.’s production has dipped in consecutive seasons and receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was the Jaguars‘ lone playmaker. Now they would have two.
Check out highlights from Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty ahead of the 2025 NFL draft.
Ryan McFadden’s pick: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
With Jeanty off the board, the Raiders will focus on strengthening their offensive line. Membou has the potential to be an immediate starter at right tackle, providing protection for quarterback Geno Smith, who threw 13 interceptions and had a QBR of 19.6 when pressured last season in Seattle.
Rich Cimini’s pick: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
TE Tyler Warren will be considered, but the Jets really want to upgrade at right tackle after losing Morgan Moses (Patriots). Banks was a three-year starter at left tackle, but the feeling is that he could make the switch to the right side. The Jets could have their bookends for the next decade in Banks and Olu Fashanu, last year’s first-round pick. That would help new QB Justin Fields and the ground attack.
David Newton’s pick: Jalon Walker, OLB, Georgia
Michigan DT Mason Graham had to be considered, but GM Dan Morgan believes a healthy Derrick Brown along with free agent moves shored up the defensive line. The biggest need on the worst defense in the NFL last season is a young, dynamic edge rusher considering that 32-year-old Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum are on the last year of their deals. Walker fits that description, plus he can play inside if needed.
Katherine Terrell’s pick: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
There will be a lot of speculation about whether the Saints will take a quarterback at this position. That’s a need with Derek Carr’s uncertain status, but the Saints have needs at practically every position, giving them a lot of flexibility about what to do at this spot. With one of the best defensive players in the draft still on the board here, New Orleans will go the best-player-available route instead of reaching for a quarterback, selecting a player who could help shape new coordinator Brandon Staley’s defense on an aging roster.
Courtney Cronin’s pick: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
A tight end as versatile as Warren could be for the Bears what Sam LaPorta was for Ben Johnson’s Detroit offenses. The Penn State standout caught 104 passes for 1,233 yards and had 12 total touchdowns as a senior. Adding a versatile weapon to the passing game and a player who has demonstrated the willingness to block in the running game (Penn State had two 1,000-yard rushers on its run to the College Football Playoff) would be a major addition and benefit Caleb Williams‘ growth in Year 2.
