Multiple surprise QB trades shake up first round in 32-team 2025 mock draft

The 2025 NFL Draft is finally here, and chaos is fully expected. With rumors swirling, smokescreens rising, and front offices scrambling to finalize their boards, the stage is set for a first round packed with twists, turns, and, if our mock is any indication, plenty of quarterback drama.

This is our first and only full 32-team first-round mock draft of the year, and it comes loaded with surprises. From unexpected trades to shocking selections, no team is safe from the shake-up. That includes the New York Jets, who remain one of the biggest wild cards in the entire draft. Let’s dive in.

Final 32-team first-round 2025 mock draft

1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

You can write this one in pen. Cam Ward is the crown jewel of a weak quarterback class, but his upside is high enough to warrant the No. 1 overall selection in this year's draft.

Ward should be viewed as a likely Week 1 starter for Tennessee, as Will Levis becomes a potential trade candidate. The only other quarterbacks on the Titans' roster are Brandon Allen and everyone's favorite former Jets QB, Tim Boyle. Yes, he's still hanging around.

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

Travis Hunter is the most talented player in this draft class. With potential needs at both cornerback and especially wide receiver, the Browns could address both with a single pick by selecting Hunter.

Cleveland could consider Abdul Carter at this spot (and will likely be fielding trade-down offers), but with the Myles Garrett situation sorted out, Hunter should be the pick here.

3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

The Giants might prefer Travis Hunter at this spot, but with him and Cam Ward off the board, they go with the next-best consensus player in Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter.

New York’s edge rush room would be crowded after this pick, with Carter joining Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. But Carter is a true blue-chip talent and likely too good to pass up — a move that could immediately make Thibodeaux a potential trade candidate.

4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

The Patriots need a left tackle. Many believe Will Campbell is the best left tackle prospect in this class. This one feels rather obvious.

Some teams will have Campbell listed as a guard given his lack of length, but the Patriots don't seem to have that concern. New England lands a new blindside protector for Drake Maye.

5. Chicago Bears [via JAX]: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

The Bears' love affair with Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is one of the worst-kept secrets of this draft. Some believe the Jaguars could take Jeanty at this spot, but I don't completely buy those rumors.

The Bears move up five spots — notably in front of the Raiders and Jets — to select arguably the best player at any position in this draft. If Chicago is unable to land Jeanty, keep a very close eye on Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson at No. 10. The connections run deep there.

6. Las Vegas Raiders: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

D.J. Glaze was quietly impressive for the Raiders last season, but the new regime doesn't seem sold on him at right tackle. Missouri's Armand Membou is a plug-and-play starter at the position with an even higher ceiling.

The Ashton Jeanty buzz may be real, but he's off the board in this scenario. Keep an eye on Kelvin Banks Jr. and Jalon Walker as other potential targets.

7. New York Jets: Jalon Walker, EDGE/LB, Georgia

Despite the widespread draft buzz, the Jets pass on Tyler Warren and draft a player with arguably the highest defensive upside in this class in Georgia hybrid linebacker/edge rusher Jalon Walker.

Walker would be a projection pick for the Jets, and new head coach Aaron Glenn would have to be confident in his plan for the 21-year-old linebacker at the next level, but the All-Pro potential is there.

Maybe the Jets go Warren here — I'm not sold on the buzz. Kelvin Banks Jr. and Jahdae Barron are also in play at this spot, as is Armand Membou, if he’s still on the board.

8. Carolina Panthers: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

Walter Nolen's stock has skyrocketed in the lead-up to the draft, and while it may be a surprise to some, he has a real chance to be the first defensive tackle off the board — yes, ahead of Mason Graham.

The Panthers seem likely to target a front-seven player at this spot (if they don't trade down), and with Jalon Walker off the board, Nolen is a player to keep a close eye on. The hype is real.

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

The Saints feel like one of the most mysterious teams in the top 10 of this year's draft. They could go quarterback here, but I think the more likely outcome is a defensive player. Georgia's Mykel Williams is firmly on their radar.

Cameron Jordan is in the twilight of his career, and the Saints need new building blocks on defense. Williams is a toolsy edge rusher who looks the part of a long-term NFL starter.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars [via CHI]: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

The Jaguars move down to No. 10 overall and land the player I originally had them taking at No. 5, Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. Banks' stock has risen in recent days, to the point where he feels like a likely top-10 pick.

Banks has a high pass-block upside and should immediately slot in as Jacksonville's new starting left tackle.

11. San Francisco 49ers: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Mason Graham's slight draft-day slide ends with the 49ers landing one of the best players in this draft. For whatever reason, Graham's stock has fallen a bit in recent days, and it wouldn't be a shock to see him fall outside the top 10.

Still, I doubt the 49ers would be complaining, especially given how thin they are at defensive tackle. This would be a dream scenario for San Francisco.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

The first wide receiver off the board isn't Tetairoa McMillan, it's Texas speedster Matthew Golden. Jerry Jones loves speed at the wide receiver position, and Golden's 4.29 40-yard dash gives him a chance to be the first receiver taken in the draft.

Golden is also a local product out of Houston and the University of Texas, giving Jones and the Cowboys another reason to keep him in-state.

13. Miami Dolphins: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

The Dolphins seem likely to trade Jalen Ramsey at some point this weekend, making cornerback a potential draft target. Versatile Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron is the exact type of player Miami needs in their defense.

Barron brings inside-outside flexibility, high football IQ, and the physicality to contribute immediately — all traits that would help stabilize a defense in transition.

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

Tyler Warren has been a popular pick for the Jets in mock drafts, but if he makes it past No. 7, keep a close eye on the Colts as his next likely landing spot. It's been a long time since the Colts have had a dynamic tight end like Warren in their offense.

He's still a work in progress as an overall football player, but his physical upside and production speak for themselves. This would be a dream selection for many Colts fans.

15. Atlanta Falcons: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M

The Falcons seem likely to target a front-seven player, with Georgia’s Jalon Walker probably being the hometown apple of their eye. But with Walker long gone, they take a chance on high-upside developmental project Shemar Stewart.

Atlanta could also target Mike Green at this spot, but the off-field issues are a concern. Stewart's lack of college production is a red flag, but his ceiling should allow him to hear his name called on Day 1.

16. Arizona Cardinals: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Will Johnson is arguably the top cornerback in this class, but like many others, his draft stock will hinge on medical evaluations. He was limited to just six games this past season and has dealt with multiple significant injuries in recent years.

The Cardinals have a need at cornerback, but will Johnson pass their medical tests? If he does, he feels like a strong candidate at this spot. If not, who knows how far he could fall?

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

Some teams will be scared away by Mike Green's off-field concerns, but I don't get the sense the Bengals are one of those teams. Given the uncertain future of Trey Hendrickson, it makes sense to add another edge rusher with serious pass-rush juice.

If the Bengals pass on Green, there’s a real chance he could fall out of the first round entirely. The off-field concerns will be a dealbreaker for certain teams.

18. Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel, C/OG, North Dakota State

The Seahawks seem likely to target an offensive lineman in the first round, and given how thin they are on the interior, North Dakota State's Grey Zabel seems like the obvious pick.

Zabel played some tackle in college but projects best as a guard or center at the next level. Seattle needs reinforcements at both spots and manages to land the best "center" prospect in this draft.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

Lavonte David can't play forever, right? The Buccaneers brought David back again this offseason, but the team has to start preparing for the future at the linebacker position. That's why many believe the team will target Alabama's Jihaad Campbell.

Campbell brings rare speed and athleticism for the position, with the versatility to cover backs and tight ends while also flying downhill against the run — an ideal modern linebacker to eventually take the reins from David in the middle of Tampa Bay's defense.

20. Denver Broncos: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

The Broncos did nothing at the running back position in free agency, making them an obvious spot for North Carolina's Omarion Hampton. Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson is another player who could be in consideration at this spot if Denver doesn't opt to trade down or target a defensive lineman.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Nick Emmanwori, SAF, South Carolina

The Steelers are the inflection point in the quarterback market in this draft. Keep an eye on teams like the Giants, Browns, and Saints potentially looking to trade up from the second round in front of Pittsburgh to ensure they land their guy.

In this scenario, the Steelers continue to wait on Aaron Rodgers and the quarterback market, instead adding an athletic freak of a safety in Nick Emmanwori. Emmanwori's stock skyrocketed after the NFL Combine, and he has a real chance to be the first safety off the board.

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

This one almost makes too much sense. The Chargers signed former Jets standout Tyler Conklin in free agency but are still searching for a long-term tight end solution. Colston Loveland's Michigan ties make him the perfect Jim Harbaugh target.

Loveland's medicals are a genuine concern with some teams, but he has the talent to rival Tyler Warren for TE1 in this class. This would be an excellent value add at a major position of need for Los Angeles.

23. Green Bay Packers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

The Tetairoa McMillan slide ends with the Packers actually drafting a first-round wide receiver. Green Bay has a deep and talented young wide receiver corps, but they don't roster a true alpha X receiver like McMillan. It may not be the biggest position of need, but how do you pass on the value at this spot?

24. New Orleans Saints [via MIN]: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

The Saints trade up back into the first round to select a quarterback who many believe they're eyeing in Jaxson Dart. Derek Carr's shoulder injury changed the complexion of New Orleans' draft strategy and gives Dart a legitimate chance to start Week 1.

The Vikings only have four picks in this year's draft, making them a prime trade-down candidate for teams looking to move up in the back half of the first round.

25. Houston Texans: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

The Texans reunite C.J. Stroud with one of his college wide receivers, Emeka Egbuka, who joins a Houston wide receiver room that could look pretty different in 2024. Stefon Diggs is gone, and Tank Dell's future is uncertain following his serious leg injury.

Egbuka is a high-floor slot receiver prospect who is an easy projection into any NFL offense. The Texans could also go offensive line at this spot, and if they do, keep an eye on fellow Ohio State product Donovan Jackson.

26. Los Angeles Rams: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

The Rams are viewed as one of the teams most motivated to trade up this year, but in this scenario, they stay put and land one of the draft's fastest-rising defensive prospects in Maxwell Hairston.

Hairston ran a blazing 4.29 40-yard dash and should help bolster a Rams secondary that still needs some work.

27. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama

Tyler Booker just feels like a Ravens pick. The hulking Alabama offensive guard may struggle with his lateral agility, but he's pound-for-pound the strongest offensive lineman in this year's class. The Ravens can use some offensive line help, particularly at guard.

28. Detroit Lions: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

This is a best-player-available selection. The Lions don't have an immediate need at defensive tackle, but with only Alim McNeill and Mekhi Wingo under contract at the position beyond 2025, Kenneth Grant is very much a pick for the future.

The Michigan product wouldn’t have to travel far to join his new team.

29. New York Giants [via WAS]: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Shedeur Sanders is finally off the board, and he goes to a team that was widely rumored to be targeting him at pick No. 3. The Giants manage to move up a few selections and land their preferred quarterback at the end of the first round.

Sanders joins a crowded quarterback room that already features veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, but the Giants wanted to take multiple swings on the position this offseason. New York would be thrilled to land him at this spot, and their division rivals, the Commanders, could help them make it happen.

30. Buffalo Bills: Malaki Starks, SAF, Georgia

The Bills could target a defensive lineman at this spot, but Derrick Harmon's medicals have caused his stock to plummet. Instead, they go with a player who, not long ago, was viewed as the consensus best safety in this class, Malaki Starks.

Starks feels like one of the most overthought prospects in this class. He's an instant starter alongside Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin, bringing range, instincts, and versatility to a Buffalo secondary in need of long-term stability.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Josh Simmons would have a strong case to be the top offensive lineman in this year's class if it weren't for injury concerns. A serious knee injury limited him to just six games in 2024, and some teams have concerns about his NFL future.

The Chiefs signed veteran left tackle Jaylon Moore in free agency, but that shouldn't preclude them from drafting a talent like Simmons if he falls to this spot. If Kansas City is okay with his health situation, this would be a home run pick (see: Trey Smith).

32. Philadelphia Eagles: Mason Taylor, TE, LSU

Perhaps this is a little high for Mason Taylor, but there are a ton of teams that love the son of NFL legend Jason Taylor. The Eagles are managing a tricky situation with Dallas Goedert, and Taylor gives them a plug-and-play replacement in the event Goedert is traded.

Best Players Remaining:

DT Derrick Harmon (Oregon), EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College), OT Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon), RB TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State), Luther Burden III (Missouri), DT Darius Alexander (Toledo), EDGE James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee), QB Tyler Shough (Louisville), DT Tyleik Williams (Ohio State), OG Donovan Jackson (Ohio State), QB Jalen Milroe (Alabama), EDGE Nic Scourton (Texas A&M), EDGE Landon Jackson (Arkansas), RB Kaleb Johnson (Iowa), CB Trey Amos (Ole Miss), CB Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina), WR Jayden Higgins (Iowa State)