HCO Media 2025 NFL Mock Draft (1 of 2)
By: Jeffrey Norris // January 7, 2025
PC: denversportzedits
Welcome to the first of two 2025 NFL Mock Drafts that HCO Media will publish. A few important things to note before you continue: this first mock draft will have no predicted trades. The reasoning for this is that the real draft is simply too far away to have reliable intel to predict accurately. Already these picks could change from week to week, and most picks are based on team need, player performance/potential, and other public comments made by players, and very few have reliable NFL insider info as of now. While HCO does use real NFL insider source info to make our picks, any media outlet telling you that they know much of anything with 100% certainty this far out from the draft, is likely not an accurate claim. With that being said, we recognize that we are not all-knowing, and that there is much that can change between when this was typed, and when you are reading this. We at HCO try our best to bring you the most accurate and up to date info as possible nevertheless.
One additional point. We predict with the talent at DL this year, there will be a run on DL in the first round, allowing some players like WR Emeka Egbuka to slide. Will this happen? To early to tell, it’s just our current prediction. Disagree with the picks? Someone we missed? Let us know in the comments on X @hcomedia .
1.) Tennessee Titans
Pick: Travis Hunter WR/CB, Colorado
Why not Cam Ward? Tennessee HC Brian Callahan would likely feel more comfortable proving himself with an experienced veteran QB, rather than reach for one in an already weak QB class. Couple this with the fact that Tennessee just fired their GM of only two years, it’s obvious that the less is short in Nashville, and drafting a less than sure thing QB is much more risky than Travis Hunter. NFL sources indicate that Sam Darnold will be a top target for Tennessee, and they have significantly more cap space than the Vikings do, combined with the fact that Minnesota has JJ McCarthy waiting in the wings. I could see Tennessee taking a QB like Jaxon Dart, Quinn Ewers, or Jaden Milroe on day 2, a move with significantly less risk than a day 1 selection.Travis Hunter, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner plays at an elite level on both sides of the ball and will be a day one starter for Tennessee, a team that needs help on both sides of the ball.
2.) Cleveland Browns
Pick: Cam Ward QB, Miami
The all-time D1 leader of passing TDs is the first QB off the board. Cam Ward has forged his path from a zero-star recruit from West Columbia high school (Houston area) to likely the first QB off the board. The Browns could make do with another year of Jameis Winston/Deshaun Watson or sign Kirk Cousins and take an Offensive Tackle, however it seems hard to pass up the opportunity to take a competitor like Ward. Unlike Tennessee, Cleveland would likely be willing to roll the dice on a rookie signal-caller due to less cap space and consistent QB play being their biggest need. Tennessee has needs everywhere, and the gap between Ward, Sanders, and other day 2 QB’s is not drastic enough for them to pass up on Hunter. This benefits Cleveland who could go with WR Tetairoa McMillan, but choose to go with Ward here.
3.) New York Giants
Pick: Shedeur Sanders QB, Colorado
A household name after an electric college career at both Jackson State and Colorado, the Giants still get their guy despite winning a meaningless game to rule out the 1st pick. He was spotted wearing NYG cleats at the Valero Alamo Bowl after much speculation of him wanting to only play for the Las Vegas Raiders. Although it is entirely possible a team like Las Vegas trades up with Tennessee or Cleveland to get him. Deion has recently stated that he would not try and block a team from selecting his son, regardless, it has been made clear that the Giants are the preferred team, for now at least. While there is not 100% certainty as of now on the top 3 picks, I expect Tennessee to pass on Sanders and Ward for Travis Hunter as that is a safer pick. Again, this is also a weak first round QB class and I suspect many teams will find a decent candidate in rounds 2 and 3. As for Cleveland, I have Ward rated higher based on size, arm strength, and quicker reads. Sanders is no consolation prize however, and will have his shot to prove he belongs in the league in New York.
4.) New England Patriots
Pick: Will Johnson CB, Michigan
I really think there is a great chance that New England trades this pick. However, with this being way too far out from the draft to have real insight into potential trades, and the Patriots not even employing a Head Coach at the moment, they take the best player on the board. The Patriots fired first year HC and former player Jarrod Mayo, and league sources report that they are targeting another former player in Mike Vrabel who spent this season as a consultant for the Browns. HC situation aside, I went with Johnson over an OL like Banks or Campbell because while they could improve their OL or WR room, I think that there is more room for that later in the draft. Vrabel is a defensive guy, and it’s hard to imagine that he would pass up on the chance to have not one but TWO elite DB’s in Johnson and Christian Gonzales. When healthy, he is an elite CB and a day 1 contributor to any NFL team. Johnson falls just slightly due to an injury that has kept him out the majority of the year. He is expected to make a full recovery however, and will be a fine addition to any defense fortunate enough to snag him.
5.) Jacksonville Jaguars
Pick: Abdul Carter DL, Penn State
I have Jacksonville going with a great solution to bolster a pass rush that ranked in the lower half of the league. This pick allows former No. 1 overall pick Trevon Walker to be doubled significantly less, ideally resulting in the Jaguars defense starting the return to its former elite status. Carter has been one of the most effective pocket disruptors in CFB this past season.
6.) Las Vegas Raiders
Pick: Tetairoa McMillan
Theoretically the Raiders could trade up for Ward or Sanders, but they instead go with one of the best players available here. A great WR who broke out in 2023, McMillan will make DBs pay for half heartedly trying to tackle him. A slight dip in stats this year can be attributed to a new head coach, and moving to a new conference. McMillan is a powerful runner with good hands and a sound route tree. There are some concerns with his film from his last few games in the lack of overall separation he got, but his large frame and lethal mid range route running is enough to get open against a No.2 or 3 DB in the league consistently.
7.) New York Jets
Pick: Kelvin Banks Jr. OL, Texas
The Jets MIGHT be a QB away from making the playoffs next year. Aaron Rodgers will likely be gone to another team or on another darkness retreat (who knows), but one this we do know is that the Jets will have a new QB. Unfortunately for them, there won’t be any worth taking in the first round at their pick, so instead they go with Kelvin Banks Jr., an elite Offensive Lineman to replace FA Morgan Moses, meaning that the Jets probably try Banks at left tackle.
8.) Carolina Panthers
Pick: Will Campbell OL, LSU
The Carolina Panthers have their guy at QB. HC Dave Canales, the “QB whisperer” has finally managed to get Bryce Young’s growth development trending in a positive direction. After reviving the careers of journeyman QB’s like Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield, it looks like Young will be staying put for awhile. To continue to put their QB in good situations and improve overall as a team, Carolina takes a tough, All-SEC OL with a real blue collar mindset in Will Campbell. Campbell has played 2,548 snaps in his college career and allowed just 2 sacks. He is a player who isn’t afraid to get down in the trenches and do the hard work that doesn’t get much recognition. This pick will allow them to build their OL and allow Bryce Young and his WRs more time allowing routes to progress and getting open downfield.
9.) New Orleans Saints
Pick: Mykel Williams DL, Georgia
Wiliams fits the Saints historical profile of bigger power rushers (think Bryan Bresee, Payton Turner, Marcus Davenport). This natural fit makes him the obvious choice, although either of the Texas A&M DL (Nic Scourton/Shemar Stewart) could go here because of their size as well. Williams gets the edge however due to his quick first step and speed combined with his size.
10.) Chicago Bears
Pick: Mason Graham DL, Michigan
One of the safest picks of the draft. Graham will probably not be an elite caliber player, but will do his job and is a riser in a weak Round 1. He will fit in nicely in Chicago next to Montez Sweat in a run defense that ranks 20th in the league. The Bears have their choice of OL or DL with this pick, however the talent and sure bet in Graham is the best choice here at 10.
11.) San Francisco 49ers
Pick: Malaki Starks S, Georgia
Best player available is taken once again, as Kyle Shannahan’s squad looks to retool after an injury riddled year, and they add the best safety in the draft in the process.
12.) Dallas Cowboys
Pick: Ashton Jeanty RB, Boise State
Although Rico Dowdle has been good, he is a free agent. Plus this pick has Jerry Jones written all over it, similarly to the Micah Parsons “come and get me” pitch years ago. Jeanty has made it clear he would love a reunion (he played at Frisco Lone Star HS), and there is no doubt he would bolster a struggling offense and give Ceedee Lamb a much needed second star. Dallas could absolutely take either WR Burden III or WR Egbuka, but I see it hard to pass up one of the best RB prospects in recent memory, especially with some of the higher profile WR free agents/potential trade targets this off season might bring.
13.) Miami Dolphins
Pick: Walter Nolan DL, Ole Miss
Walter Nolan, the former No. 2 recruit out of high school heads down south to the sunshine state to anchor down a DL next to Christian Wilkins.
14.) Indianapolis Colts
Pick: Josh Simmons OL, Ohio State
If Josh Simmons can return to his form before his injury, picking him at 13 could be the steal of the draft. A top 5 talent before a knee injury shortened his season, the former San Diego St. OL ranks in the top percentile of his position in most categories.
15.) Atlanta Falcons
Pick: Jalon Walker LB/EDGE, Georgia
Atlanta picks a local kid, as Walker can slot in as either an EDGE or as a linebacker. He’s highly skilled in his ability to pressure the QB, but also has the size needed to be a quality NFL off-ball LB.
16.) Arizona Cardinals
Pick: Nic Scourton DL, Texas A&M
Scourton goes to the desert with this pick as he bolsters a pash rush that could use some help. HC Johnathan Gannon continues to build his defense and chooses the former Big 10 defensive player of the year to do so. Scourton has a large frame, and has brought down QBs in the Big 10 and the SEC with a swift first step off the line.
17.) CINCINNATI Bengals
Pick: James Pearce Jr. DL, Tennessee
If Cincinnati had a top 15 defense, Joe Burrow might be in the MVP conversation. They get some help here in the form of James Pearce Jr. who gets to trade in one shade of orange for another. Many casual fans have greatly over dramatized his “decline”. The same concerns about run defense and strength still remain, but those things can be taught and improved with an NFL nutritionist team and a different defensive system. What is for certain is that his high motor, and competitiveness won’t be going anywhere, as evidenced by his pressure rate which was the highest out of all players last season with at least 200 pass-snaps.
18.) Seattle Seahawks
Pick: Princely Umanmielen DL, Ole Miss
Another one of Lane Kiffen’s DL go in the first round, and both were signed out of the transfer portal. Seattle will hope that eye for talent pays off in the former star Florida DL. Umanmielen played TXHSFB for Manor HS outside of Austin.
19.) Houston Texans
Pick: Shemar Stewart DL, Texas A&M
The other Aggie DL with a large frame stays in Texas. HC Demeco Ryans has a lot to get ironed out on the offensive side of the ball, but makes sure his defense can compete at all three levels with this interior DL pick.
20.) Tampa Bay BUCCANEERS
Pick: Jahdae Barron CB, Texas
Barron could end up being the best CB in this class. The TXHSFB product (Pflugerville Connally) stayed local for college and went with the Longhorns. Now he’s anchoring a defense with National Championship hopes. This season he switched from safety to cornerback and the results have been greater than what anyone could have hoped for. The versatile 5’11 DB is a secure tackler, has a very high football IQ, and excels in the run game. He has exceptional ball skills, and can hold his own when defending bigger receivers. Tampa Bay will be very fortunate should he fall into their lap at 20.
21.) Denver Broncos
Pick: Kenneth Grant DL, Michigan
This pick has a lot to do with potential. Grant, who is already an imposing interior defender will have to continue to make strides with his pass rushing to live up to this pick. He has all the tools to do so however, and I believe DC Vance Joseph, and DL coaches Jamar Cain and Jim Leonhard hold the keys to do so.
22.) Pittsburgh Steelers
Pick: Luther Burden III WR, Missouri
One of the most dynamic WR in this draft class, Luther Burden stayed home and went to Mizzou over other schools like Alabama, Texas, or Georgia, and helped the team to wins over ranked teams such as Kansas State, Tennessee, and Ohio State during his time there. He is a danger with the football in open space, and is one of the top WR in yards after contact. He’ll line up across from George Pickins in Pittsburgh to give whoever their QB is next year more open throws.
23.) Los Angeles Rams
Pick: Benjamin Morrison CB, Notre Dame
The Rams are able to select a top 10 talent at 23 because of injury. They surely would have liked to add a DL, but because of the run on DL earlier and the opportunity to add a lockdown CB, they go with Morrison here.
24.) Green Bay Packers
Pick: Tate Ratlidge OL, Georgia
What? You thought I’d chose a WR to help out Jordan Love? Come on, this is Green Bay we’re talking about. While Love might not get a new target in the first round, he DOES get some fresh blood on an aging and often injured OL.
25.) Los Angeles Chargers
Pick: Wyatt Milum OL, West Virginia
Millum grades out as the No. 3 or 4 OL in most systems, but falls down a few boards not due to lack of skill, but due to the run on DL that is predicted in this round of the draft.
26.) Washington Commanders
Pick: Tyler Warren TE, Penn State
In a time where players are becoming increasingly versatile, Tyler Warren might be one of the most versatile prospects I’ve ever seen. Listed as a TE, his ability to space out wide, work the slot, and even take a direct snap will allow OC Kliff Kingsbury to create mismatches galore and matchup nightmares on smaller CBs and slower LBs.
27.) Baltimore Ravens
Pick: Emeka Egbuka WR, Ohio State
A good route runner who exploits soft spots of zone coverage, Egbuka will be a phenomenal addition to help Lamar and Co. finally get past Buffalo and Kansas City. He could very well be taken as early as 12, but the run on DL allows him to slide to Baltimore in a dream scenario.
28.) Philadelphia Eagles
Pick: Jack Sawyer DL, Ohio State
A DL who also played QB in high school is not something you see everyday, but Jack Sawyer will fit right in in Philly. He’s a great athlete who can bend the corner and get upfield. He has a gritty, blue-collar mentality that allows him to be effective in the trenches, and Philly fans should be thrilled with this pick. With the run on DL, Philly sees its chance to get a guy they like to replenish the DL, even if it means filling other needs like OL in later rounds.
29.) Buffalo Bills
Pick: Mike Green DL, Marshall
Don’t be fooled by the smaller school, Mike Green is an Edge Rusher who consistently wins battles at the line with elite twitch, hand usage, and bend. His special teams usage has allowed him to develop his anticipation and quick decision making.
30.) Minnesota Vikings
Pick: Harrold Fannin Jr. TE, Bowling Green
Many other large media outlets overlook Harold Fannin Jr. purely because he plays at a smaller school in Bowling Green. The record holder for TE receiving yards in a season, TE receptions in a season, and numerous other records. Records aside, Fannin is an elite downfield receiving threat and will be an immediate contributor and form the most dangerous receiving core in the league between him, Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and TJ Hockinson.
31.) Detroit Lions
Pick: Jihaad Campbell LB/EDGE, Alabama
HC Dan Campbell’s defense gets an upgrade on the opposite side of Aidan Hutcheson when he returns from injury. Jihaad Campbell has the skills to be an edge rusher and an off-ball linebacker. His versatility will be ingualble to Detroit.
32.) Kansas City Chiefs
Pick: Omarion Hampton RB, North Carolina
Kansas City gets a dynamic downfield runner who thrives on a balance of power and speed. Hampton’s ability to amass yards after contact should be an even greater spectacle behind OL Creed Humphrey and Co.