(WFRV) – The 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay is less than a week away, and mock drafts have been circulating for months with fans trying to guess who their team will select in the first round.
Local 5’s Digital Center has put together its own mock draft, giving readers our view on how we think Thursday night will unfold.
The mock draft is made without trades and based on where each team is currently picking, meaning it will most likely be irrelevant once a sleeper team trades up into the early first round.
Here’s a look at how Thursday could play out, barring any surprise shakeups:
1. Tennessee Titans: QB Cam Ward, Miami
The odds-on favorite to be the first overall pick when the draft rolls around on April 24 right here in Green Bay, the Titans have no clear answer at quarterback and appear to be content with taking Ward first overall. If it were up to me, I’d take a hard look at Abdul Carter or trading down. Next year’s class could include more clear-cut blue-chip QB prospects like Arch Manning. – Devin Willems, Digital Content Director
2. Cleveland Browns: EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State
Abdul Carter being picked by the Browns at No. 2 overall is the definition of taking the best player available, as he may be the best overall player in this draft class. Both owner Jimmy Haslam and coach Kevin Stefanski have said this offseason that the team needs to find “really good football players” to help recover from 2024’s disastrous 3-14 season. Carter meets that description and then some, as his super athleticism and first-step explosiveness has turned him into one of college football’s best pass rushers.
After starting out as an off-ball linebacker, coaches at Penn State switched Carter to the edge position, where we saw his stat sheet explode from 49 total tackles and just 4.5 sacks in 2023 to 68 total tackles and 12 sacks in 2024. That was enough to earn him unanimous All-American honors and the title of Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
The best part for the Browns is Carter put up those numbers while not even scratching the surface of how dominant of a pass rusher he could be. Getting a player of his skill and potential paired up on the opposite side of former Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett creates one of the league’s best pass-rushing duos — and a good pass rush makes the rest of the defense better.
As far as the quarterback need goes, passing on a Shedeur Sanders still leaves the Browns in line to have their pick in the second round (or late first via trading back in) of a talented group of quarterbacks that includes Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss, Tyler Shough from Louisville, Jalen Milroe from Alabama and national champion Will Howard from Ohio State. – Nick Witwer, Digital Content Producer.
3. New York Giants: CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
This feels like a no-brainer. Of course, the Giants need a quarterback beyond any words can describe; however, this is a literal once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any team. When you’re in the NFL Draft, you have to think of the best player available over the best fit in some cases, which is how it is this time. The Heisman-winning Hunter is a unicorn; he’s the football version of MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani.
The numbers speak for themselves, with 96 catches and 15 touchdowns leading the Big 12 in receiving to go with four interceptions and 11 passes defended on the defensive side of the ball. He was elite at both positions, and it might be worth asking if the guy was made in a lab with numbers like that.
Whether he plays one or both positions, he’s a monster on the field and will eat in the NFL, especially with a solid veteran stopgap like Russell Wilson. – Adam Rosen, Digital Content Producer
4. New England Patriots: OT Will Campbell, LSU
With Drake Maye showing glimpses of the Patriots’ future behind center in his rookie season, New England and new head coach Mike Vrabel should look to solidify protection for Maye after an abysmal O-line performance in 2024.
Who better to provide that much-needed protection than offensive tackle Will Campbell out of LSU, who is arguably the top pass blocker in the class. Campbell is experienced, versatile and durable, and can make an immediate impact in the Patriots’ trenches. – Ben Newhouse, Digital Content Producer
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: DL Mason Graham, Michigan
California native Mason Graham brings the tools to be a strong contributor on any NFL defensive line, and if he falls to Jacksonville, he could be a perfect fit for the Jaguars.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing just under 300 pounds, Graham ranks as the top defensive tackle in this year’s draft class, according to Next Gen Stats. A first-team AP All-American and winner of the Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation’s top interior lineman, he recorded 45 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and a pass breakup in 2024.
Graham’s lack of length makes it harder to generate quick wins as a pass rusher, but he compensates with a high motor and quick feet. His coordinated hands and footwork enable him to counter effectively, and his persistent effort and closing burst help him finish plays.
He may not dominate at the next level, but his blend of strength, balance, and quickness should allow him to make an early impact and develop into a reliable starter in an aggressive, upfield defensive scheme. – Indiana Schilz, Digital Content Producer
6. Las Vegas Raiders: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
While it may seem unconventional for a team with as many holes as the Raiders to draft a running back, Ashton Jeanty is a different kind of player. The Heisman runner-up brings a rare blend of explosiveness and toughness to Las Vegas, joining a young group of playmakers that includes Brock Bowers.
Jeanty embodies a “put-the-team-on-my-back” mentality, which could take pressure off Geno Smith as he transitions into a return to the Pete Carroll-style offense. Jeanty can break off big runs at any moment, rarely loses yardage, and sheds tackles with ease — all despite his smaller frame. – Sam Ellyson, Executive Producer
7. New York Jets: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
I’m calling this the Brock Bowers effect. Even with middling quarterback play, which the Jets may have in 2025, Bowers was a difference-maker for the Raiders. With Davante Adams gone, the Jets add another weapon to a still-talented offense. – Devin Willems
8. Carolina Panthers: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
The Carolina Panthers have a lot of issues to fix both offensively and defensively. While the defense was ranked the worst in points and yards allowed — even giving up the most points in a single season in NFL history — the 2025 draft is deep at defensive tackle and edge rusher, meaning the Panthers can wait to address that side of the ball.
Offensively last year, Carolina was third-to-last in total passing offense, but 2023 first-round quarterback Bryce Young has started to show some promise. The Panthers need to take advantage of Young’s newfound confidence and provide him with additional weapons. Carolina has one of the league’s worst current wide receiver corps, led by 34-year-old Adam Thielen.
Enter Tetairoa McMillan. The 6-foot-5 University of Arizona product quickly made his impact on the NCAA when he led all first-year players in receiving yards in 2022 as a true freshman. He followed that up with two seasons of 1,300-plus receiving yards and 18 total touchdowns, shattering school records in the process.
While not the fastest guy on the field, McMillan is a massive target with strong hands who can make the tough catches and be both Young’s go-to option as well as his safety blanket depending on what the in-game situation calls for. – Nick Witwer
9. New Orleans Saints: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Sanders got a lot of flak for his personality, but those concerns are over the top. Sanders was a very accurate passer at both Jackson State and Colorado; he’s decently mobile, and he can dice up from the pocket with his accuracy. Of course, he had some help from his father’s presence and Travis Hunter, but he was a key piece of a Colorado team that became a national story after years of being an afterthought.
The Saints haven’t had a franchise quarterback since Drew Brees retired, and they haven’t had a homegrown one (Brees was not drafted by New Orleans) since probably Archie Manning? Sanders has a great chance to become that, especially since he can learn from Derek Carr, who is by no means an elite passer, but he’s quality enough to teach the young buck. Plus, Carr may miss significant time with an injury.
Whether or not Derek Carr misses the season, this is a perfect fit for the QB that I believe will shine the brightest from this draft class. – Adam Rosen
10. Chicago Bears: EDGE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
The Bears have been active in the offseason, making multiple additions to boost their lines on both sides of the ball, but they aren’t complacent with those positions just yet.
At 10, the talent on the edge is just too good to pass up, and Shemar Stewart’s size and athleticism should intrigue Chicago to bolster the side opposite Montez Sweat.
Stewart has huge upside potential that should help stop opponents’ rushing attack while developing into more of a prominent pass rusher as the years progress. – Ben Newhouse
11. San Francisco 49ers: OT Armand Membou, Missouri
There’s plenty to love about Armand Membou, but it’s his body control and poise in pass sets that could separate him from the rest of the offensive linemen in this draft class.
In 2024, Membou earned Second-Team All-SEC honors after starting 12 games at right tackle. While he may fall below traditional size standards for an NFL starting tackle, his technique, athleticism, and agility make him a strong fit in San Francisco’s offensive front — especially with a dynamic back like Christian McCaffrey in the backfield. And believe it or not, Membou is still growing.
San Francisco faces a tough decision between Membou and Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr., but in the end, I believe the 49ers will lean toward the offensive tackle who ranked No. 1 in Next Gen Stats’ athleticism score. – Indiana Schilz
12. Dallas Cowboys: OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
The Cowboys have long been known for their dominant offensive line, but following the retirement of Zach Martin, they’ll need to identify a new cornerstone in the trenches. Enter Brandon Banks — a versatile lineman who can plug in at either tackle or guard from Day 1.
While some may point to his height and arm length as drawbacks at tackle, his run-blocking ability and effectiveness when pulling could help unlock a new dimension in the Cowboys’ offense. – Sam Ellyson
13. Miami Dolphins: CB Will Johnson, Michigan
With the recent news of the Dolphins trying to trade Jalen Ramsey, Will Johnson feels like a good replacement if a trade happens. Maybe there is a Ramsey trade on draft day, but Johnson gives them a talented piece in the secondary on a significantly cheaper deal compared to Ramsey. – Devin Willems
14. Indianapolis Colts: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
While the offensive line may be the biggest need for Indianapolis — as the team is looking for a starting right guard and both tackles have one year left on their contracts — with Penn State’s Tyler Warren already off the board, the Colts cannot afford to wait on the tight end position.
Last season, the Colts had one of the league’s worst tight end groups, with the top two from the unit — Kylen Granson and Mo Alie-Cox — combining for just 26 receptions, 329 yards and one touchdown. To make matters worse, neither of those players are on the roster heading into 2025, with Granson signing a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles and Alie-Cox remaining a free agent.
Colston Loveland, a former basketball player, is a slam-dunk selection. He was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in his first season at Michigan before becoming a first-team All-Big Ten selection as a sophomore and crushing the school’s single-season tight end reception record as a junior — despite playing in a run-heavy offense.
While his blocking still needs some attention, Loveland’s skill set allows him to be a vertical threat down the field — something the Colts desperately need out of the position group. – Nick Witwer
15. Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Mike Green, Marshall
The Falcons have been among the worst teams in football over the last five years when it comes to getting to the quarterback. In fact, since 2020, they’ve recorded the fewest sacks in the NFL by a wide margin — just 141. The next closest team? The Jaguars, with 159.
The Falcons have some solid pieces on offense, but the defense could use its next John Abraham — the last truly great Falcons pass rusher, aside from one standout season by Vic Beasley in 2016.
Mike Green led all 134 FBS schools in total sacks last season with 17, which would have ranked second in the NFL behind only Trey Hendrickson’s 17.5. Braden Fiske of the Los Angeles Rams led all rookies last year with 8.5 sacks, and it’s fair to expect Green to at least match that number — something the Falcons desperately need. – Adam Rosen
16. Arizona Cardinals: EDGE Jalon Walker, Georgia
Based on the way this mock is shaping up, if Jalon Walker is still available at 16, he is just too dominant to pass up. The Cardinals have plenty of needs, but midway through Round 1, the talent on the defensive side of the ball is plentiful, and Walker is a weapon. Even though the Cardinals signed Josh Sweat in free agency, Walker can help set the tone on the edge opposite Sweat with his length and athleticism. – Ben Newhouse
17. Cinncinati Bengals: EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia
Mykel Williams carved out an impressive college career at Georgia, earning Second-Team All-SEC honors in both his sophomore and junior seasons. In 2024, he tied for the team lead with two forced fumbles while appearing in 12 games with six starts. His stat line included 21 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, and one pass breakup.
An upside prospect with plenty of traits, Williams simply needs more snaps and time to fill out his frame. He’s an explosive athlete who uses his exceptional length to keep tackles and tight ends at the end of his punch.
Though he tends to play a bit too upright and still needs to build more strength to consistently shed blocks, he brings toughness to the trenches and rarely gets pushed around.
Listed at 6-foot-5, the Georgia native has the tools to become a solid starter within his first few years in the NFL. – Indiana Schilz
18. Seattle Seahawks: IOL Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
This man brings everything to the table for the Seahawks. The team needs serious help with its interior offensive line, and Zabel is a guy who can come in and play all five spots on the line.
While he may not have had a lot of eyes on him at the FCS level, he was getting a lot of attention at the Senior Bowl, playing both center and guard. He’s patient in pass protection and will be a better zone run blocker. – Sam Ellyson
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: S Malaki Starks, Georgia
I wouldn’t be surprised if Tampa Bay addressed any part of their defense in the first round, but I went with a talented safety to pair with Antoine Winfield Jr. Starks was the consensus best safety heading into the season but has slipped a bit as Nick Emmanwori had a great year followed by an incredible combine performance. – Devin Willems
20. Denver Broncos: WR Luther Burden III, Missouri
Similar to the Panthers, the Denver Broncos have a young quarterback who showed a lot of promise in 2024 but have a wide receiver corps that’s less than desirable. For the Broncos, there isn’t much on the offensive side of the ball outside of 29-year-old Courtland Sutton.
Mizzou’s Luther Burden III is an elite talent who is not just a receiving threat but can also run the ball and make plays as a returner. After two elite seasons in which Burden put up solid numbers, there was a bit of a regression in 2024 — but that can be blamed on the inconsistencies of the Missouri offense as a whole. Burden is great at creating separation from defenders and can make good things happen anytime the ball finds its way into his hands.
This is a pick the Broncos can base their offense around for years to come and can help second-year quarterback Bo Nix continue to find his groove as the team looks for a second consecutive playoff appearance. – Nick Witwer
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: DL Kenneth Grant, Michigan
The Steelers must add help for team legend Cameron Heyward, and there’s no better way to do it than by adding a massive presence like Kenneth Grant. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 331 pounds, he’s a mammoth — and a heck of an athlete for his size. He can stuff the run and has the tools to develop into a strong pass rusher. He’s also Michigan’s all-time leader in pass breakups by a defensive lineman.
Grant was a third-team All-American last season and a two-time All-Big Ten selection, helping the Wolverines capture the 2023-24 national championship with a stout defense.
He produced at a high level for several years in one of the nation’s toughest conferences and would be a monster addition for a franchise historically known for dominant defensive linemen. – Adam Rosen
22. Los Angeles Chargers: WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
The Chargers should be looking for some offensive firepower here in the first round, and the Ohio State standout Emeka Egbuka should provide them (and Justin Herbert) just that.
The Buckeyes’ career receptions leader (second in receiving yards) touts a rare combination of elite speed and route running and can stretch the field in numerous ways.
Egbuka is electric after the catch and runs with toughness; however, his development will rely on working against larger and more physical defensive backs. – Ben Newhouse
23. Green Bay Packers
Maxwell Hairston
Donovan Ezeiruaku
Matthew Golden
Jahdae Barron
Jayden Higgins
CB Maxwell Hariston, Kentucky – The hometown team could go multiple different ways in the draft this year. Josh Jacobs said the team needs a clear-cut No. 1 wide receiver; perhaps they get one here. Instead, I went with a cornerback who may end up replacing Jaire Alexander.
EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College –
If there ever was a first-round pick that screamed Green Bay Packers, this is the one. The Packers tend to reach and pick guys earlier than they “should,” but when you constantly draft from the back end of the round, if Green Bay wants a guy projected to go Day 2, they almost have to pick him in the first or risk him not making it back to them.
Donovan Ezeiruaku is a guy who, while currently projected to go Day 2, has the numbers and talent to suggest he should really be getting drafted anywhere in the first round from about the 15th pick on. Ezeiruaku might be the best pure pass rusher in this year’s draft, as he led all of college football in pressures last season with 65 and finished second in total sacks by just half a sack with 16.5.
The Packers did address some needs this offseason but did not address the wide receiver or edge/pass rusher positions. With it being Titletown’s turn to host the 2025 NFL Draft, the home crowd Cheeseheads would go absolutely crazy for a first-round wide receiver (last happened in 2002). However, with all the top pass catchers off the board, edge seems to be the way to go here. Plus, Ezeiruaku did spend some time under Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley while at Boston College, giving that little bit of a tie to Green Bay — if they needed any other reason to select him in the first, but not necessarily at pick 23… – Nick Witwer
WR Matthew Golden, Texas – The Packers need a cornerback — especially if they trade Jaire Alexander, as many expect — so this pick could easily address the secondary. But for too long, Green Bay has ignored a glaring need: wide receiver.
Christian Watson is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season after tearing his ACL in Week 18. The Packers lack a true No. 1 target on the outside.
Could Golden fill that role? Maybe. But this is the moment to take a flashy, game-changing playmaker and finally give the Lambeau Field faithful something to roar about on Night 1 of a long-awaited hometown NFL Draft. Green Bay can’t afford to keep kicking this need down the road. – Adam Rosen
CB Jahdae Barron, Texas – What’s happening with Jaire Alexander and the Green Bay Packers? That remains to be seen, but it might be time for a new sheriff to take over in the secondary. Jahdae Barron, a First-Team AP All-American, First-Team All-SEC selection, and Jim Thorpe Award winner, could be the one to take the reins from Alexander and elevate Green Bay’s secondary to the next level.
Barron smothers receivers by playing underneath and has footwork that’s drawn praise from scouts across the league. The Texas native will have to adjust to the colder climate in Titletown, but once he embraces Green Bay, the city will embrace him right back. – Indiana Schilz
CB Jahdae Barron, Texas – Even in a universe where Jaire Alexander starts every game for the Green and Gold in 2025, the Packers still need help in the secondary.
If Jahdae Barron falls in Green Bay’s lap, one of the best coverage corners in the draft can immediately provide that assistance. The Jim Thorpe Award winner played all over the field for Texas, hauling in five interceptions and 11 pass breakups while tallying 67 tackles in his senior season.
Despite his size, Barron is extremely physical in both the passing and rushing game and could be a staple in the Packers’ defense for years to come. – Ben Newhouse
WR Jayden Higgins, Iowa State – The Packers taking a wide receiver in the first round? Yeah, right. But the Packers really should think about it this year. Green Bay will be missing Christian Watson for much of the season, if he plays at all. Romeo Doubs has a lot of injury concerns.
The team needs someone who can play outside receiver alongside Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks, who are growing with Jordan Love. Higgins’ size makes him an excellent ying to Reed’s yang, bringing versatility to the receiving corps in Green Bay. – Sam Ellyson
24. Minnesota Vikings: CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
Green Bay may be content with their selection of cornerback Jahdae Barron, but Minnesota is looking to spark a competitive rivalry by keeping cornerback Maxwell Hairston within the NFC North.
Hairston, who missed five games in 2024 due to a shoulder injury, returned to form during the seven games he started, showing dominance for the Wildcats. Over that stretch, Hairston registered 19 tackles, a sack, an interception returned for a touchdown, four pass breakups, and two forced fumbles—proving he has the tools to be a top-tier cornerback.
NFL Draft experts have noted that Hairston excels in both zone and man coverage, with a particular knack for ball-hawking. In addition to his pick-six in 2024, he’s tallied three in his three years at Kentucky, showcasing his ability to turn turnovers into big plays.
With his athleticism and on-ball skills, Hairston has the potential to become an NFL starter, but he must prove he can handle the physical demands and intensity of the professional game. – Indiana Schilz
25. Houston Texans: IOL Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
Houston needs some offensive line help. C.J. Stroud was running for his life last year, and that was with Laremy Tunsil before the Texans sent him to Washington. Jackson is not the flashiest player, but he is consistent with a high floor as a guard. – Sam Ellyson
26. Los Angeles Rams: OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
The Rams gave Matthew Stafford a new contract, and Josh Simmons will give the team a stud on the offensive line to keep him upright. – Devin Willems
27. Baltimore Ravens: S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori is an absolute freak of nature, and the Baltimore Ravens would be elated to see him drop this far on draft day. Emmanwori stands at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, which makes him nearly 2 inches taller and 20 pounds heavier than most of the other safeties in this draft class. At his size, he had a very impressive performance at the 2025 scouting combine, where he finished second among his position in the 40-yard dash (4.38) and first out of all draft prospects in both the vertical (43 inches) and broad jump (11 feet, 6 inches). He covers well and can play both press and slot coverage. He also is not afraid to get physical and will make big hits and blow up potential screenplays. While Baltimore already has its “Weapon X” on offense, Emmanwori could be its “Weapon X” on defense. – Nick Witwer
28. Detroit Lions: EDGE James Pearce Jr, Tennessee
The Lions already have talent across the board, but they’d love to bolster their defensive line with another standout pass rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson, who is set to return next season after missing much of 2024 with an injury. James Pearce Jr. could be that guy.
Pearce was a force for a strong Tennessee team, earning first-team All-SEC honors after racking up 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He’s also an athletic marvel — at 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, he posted a 40-yard dash time comparable to that of an average cornerback or wide receiver. That’s eye-popping.
In a division stacked with talented quarterbacks, Pearce would be a perfect fit in Detroit. – Adam Rosen
29. Washington Commanders: Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
In the offseason, the Commanders’ 2024 sack leader, Dante Fowler Jr., signed with the Dallas Cowboys, and Washington will be in desperate need to fill the hole Fowler leaves on the edge.
Insert Nic Scourton from Texas A&M, who has a knack for game-changing plays, and Commanders head coach Dan Quinn and GM Adam Peters have their replacement.
Scourton’s sophomore campaign with Purdue was spectacular, leading the Big Ten with 10 sacks before he transferred to the Aggies, where he continued to improve against SEC competition.
Scourton earned first-team All-SEC honors while starting all 12 games, tallying five sacks. – Ben Newhouse
30. Buffalo Bills: CB Trey Amos, Ole Miss
It might not be a perfect comparison, but if you can make the leap from the Sun Belt to the SEC and still find ways to impact the game, chances are you’ll be able to adjust quickly to the NFL. That’s exactly what Buffalo is hoping for with the selection of cornerback Trey Amos from Ole Miss.
Amos started his college career at Louisiana-Lafayette, where he put up impressive stats over three seasons. After transferring to Alabama, Amos didn’t start but still made his presence felt, contributing 12 tackles and five pass breakups over 14 games, starting just one.
His career truly took off in his fifth year when he moved to Ole Miss, earning First-Team All-SEC honors. He led the team with 13 pass breakups, tied for the team lead with three interceptions, and became a full-time starter.
While Amos could’ve started at Alabama, he transferred to Ole Miss in part to play for Pete Golding, who had recruited him to Alabama before moving to Ole Miss for the 2023 season. Golding clearly helped unlock a higher level of play in Amos.
NFL Draft experts praise Amos for using his physicality and length to tilt 50/50 plays in his favor. He’s versatile, excelling in multiple coverage schemes, though he’s most consistent in zone. Amos will need to improve his run support and become more disciplined in space, but he has the potential to be a solid starting outside corner in the NFL. – Indiana Schilz
31. Kansas City Chiefs: DL Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
I went with the best player available for the Super Bowl runner-ups. Nolen packs so much power in his upper body and can play anywhere on the defensive line. He still has room to grow as a player, and pairing with Chris Jones can really help him develop. It’s sure to cause some fun back-and-forth on Egg Bowl weekend. – Sam Ellyson
32. Philadelphia Eagles: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
One of the deepest teams in the league adds another talented player to its defense. Key players from the team’s defense were poached during free agency, so I went with the best available. – Devin Willems
