Apr 18, 2025, 06:45 AM ET
Let’s be clear: This is not a mock draft. These aren’t projections or predictions for the 2025 NFL draft. Instead, we’re looking at which prospects might make sense at each first-round slot based on two very different strategies: picking to fill a huge team need and picking based on “best player available.”
In a perfect world, NFL teams try to integrate both approaches — fixing a weakness without reaching is how teams win on draft night. But it’s not always that easy when each franchise is on the clock, as decision-makers must weigh a lot of different things. Sometimes there’s a value pick that’s impossible to resist, and sometimes there’s a roster weakness too big to ignore. So for the third year in a row, we asked our NFL draft analysts to explore both sides of the table for all 32 first-round picks:
- Matt Miller named a prospect who would best fill every team’s biggest (or in some cases, second-biggest) position need.
- Jordan Reid pointed to the prospect who would give each team maximum value and satisfy a “best player available” approach, while also factoring in positional value.
Repeat picks weren’t allowed, so each selection was based on the current board for each analyst. Essentially, we tried to lay out a couple of options for every front office regarding its Day 1 pick.
Jump to a team:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
See final rankings 
1. Tennessee Titans
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
The Titans didn’t participate in the QB market during free agency and enter the draft with Will Levis and a collection of career backups. Tennessee was 31st in QBR last season at 37.3. Ward is the top passer in the class and fills the team’s top need.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Carter and Colorado receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter are the top two players in this class, but one could argue that Carter plays a more premium position. He would be a big-time presence off the edge for Tennessee with his bend and closing speed.
2. Cleveland Browns
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Even after adding Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco, the Browns need a franchise QB with Deshaun Watson likely lost for the season and his future in Cleveland in serious doubt. Let’s take Sanders, the second-best QB on my board.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
Let’s not complicate things, so we’ll go with the other elite prospect in the class after we had Carter to Tennessee. The Browns’ offense would get an instant jolt, and Hunter could add more depth to an already potent Browns cornerback room.
3. New York Giants
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston are fine for 2025, but the Giants’ biggest long-term need is still quarterback. Dart is the third-best QB on my board, even if No. 3 would be high based on value.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Outside of Carter and Hunter, this class is wide open. Ward seems very likely to be gone by No. 3, but the Giants would appreciate our value-based board letting him slip to them. He has great poise, accuracy and physical tools.
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4. New England Patriots
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Protecting quarterback Drake Maye is clearly the biggest need on the roster, with Vederian Lowe currently slated to start at left tackle. Lowe ranked 50th out of 66 qualifying tackles in pass block win rate last season.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
The Patriots’ need and value match here. I have Missouri’s Armand Membou (No. 5) ranked higher than Campbell (No. 7), but Campbell is a left tackle and would boost protection on Maye’s blind side. He has the hand strength to overwhelm pass rushers.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
The Jaguars had the fifth-fewest sacks in the NFL last season (34) despite having edge rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. Carter can help them while occasionally playing off-ball linebacker. He had 12 sacks in 2024.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Interior defensive line is now considered to be a premium position, and Graham is my highest-graded player at that spot (and No. 3 overall). With his excellent strength, he’d slot perfectly in the middle of an already disruptive Jacksonville defensive front.
6. Las Vegas Raiders
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Travis Hunter, WR, Colorado
The top wide receiver in Las Vegas is Jakobi Meyers, and he’s surrounded by players with limited NFL experience or production. Hunter could be a true WR1 for new QB Geno Smith. I love his agility and sure hands.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
No matter where you might stand in the “how high should running backs be drafted” debate, Jeanty is a top-five player in this class. The Raiders desperately need big-play threats, and Jeanty can improve on Las Vegas’ 3.6 yards per carry last season in a big way.
7. New York Jets
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Last year’s first-rounder, Olu Fashanu, is locking down left tackle, but the Jets desperately need a right tackle. Membou is the best one in the class — and might even be the best lineman overall.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Yeah, Membou is my highest-rated offensive lineman and would be a much younger replacement for Morgan Moses, who left in free agency. Membou plays with a physical demeanor.
8. Carolina Panthers
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Jalon Walker, Edge/LB, Georgia
The Panthers logged only 32 sacks last season, tied for third fewest in the league. They lack a blue-chip prospect on the edge after trading away Brian Burns following the 2023 season. And that defense struggled in general last season, allowing 6.0 yards per play (worst in the league).
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
McMillan is the top receiver on my board since I have Hunter listed primarily as a cornerback. He would give quarterback Bryce Young a security blanket as a 6-foot-4 target with an expansive catch radius and alignment versatility.
9. New Orleans Saints
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville
Even before the injury news surrounding Derek Carr‘s shoulder, quarterback was a long-term need in New Orleans. The injury accelerated the timeline, which is why I’m taking Shough here.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Jalon Walker, Edge/LB, Georgia
Drafting young players at premium positions should be the emphasis for the Saints. Though undersized at 6-foot-1, 243 pounds, Walker is an aggressive pass rusher who has the versatility to play at multiple spots.
10. Chicago Bears
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The Bears don’t have many huge needs thanks to their aggressive spending this offseason, but they could use a boost at running back. Jeanty could team with D’Andre Swift and give new coach Ben Johnson a two-headed backfield similar to what he had in Detroit.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
I’ll also go with another playmaker for Johnson’s offense, and Warren brings the best value out of the remaining options. He would be dangerous in 12 personnel sets with veteran tight end Cole Kmet.
• Rankings: Kiper | Miller | Reid | Yates
• Buzz | Team needs | Comps | QB Board
• Pick order | Scouting evals | More
11. San Francisco 49ers
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The 49ers have many needs, including offensive tackle and defensive line. But a front-line cornerback to replace Charvarius Ward, who departed for the Colts, should be atop their list.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
The 49ers would get the most value out of this pick by finding a running mate opposite Nick Bosa. At 20 years old, Williams still must develop as a pass rusher, but he’s No. 13 on my board because of his traits and physical attributes.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
The lack of a WR2 opposite CeeDee Lamb has held Dallas’ offense back. Golden fills that need better than the rest of the available players would for the Cowboys’ other holes (running back and defense).
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
We have another match, as Golden is an ideal WR2. His suddenness and catch radius make him a fit in Brian Schottenheimer’s offense.
13. Miami Dolphins
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Miami faces a shuffle along the offensive line after the retirement of Terron Armstead. Banks could develop into an elite guard or play left tackle if 2024 second-round pick Patrick Paul doesn’t pan out.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Barron’s versatility would allow him to move all over the Dolphins’ secondary. He is capable of playing on the outside or as a nickel. He picked off five passes last season.
14. Indianapolis Colts
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Only the Rams had fewer receiving yards from tight ends last season, making the position the No. 1 priority for general manager Chris Ballard. I ranked Loveland ahead of Tyler Warren as the top tight end in this class.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Loveland is a picture-perfect fit in Shane Steichen’s offense and is No. 16 in my rankings. His serviceable blocking and adaptability as a pass catcher would help him become an early contributor.
15. Atlanta Falcons
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
After fielding one of the worst pass rushes in the NFL last season (31 sacks), the Falcons are poised to draft defense early and often. They desperately need a double-digit sack artist, and Green had an FBS-high 17 sacks in 2024.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Campbell is the No. 11 player on my board and would be an immediate starter. Not only is he the top off-ball linebacker, but he also has the ability to rush the passer off the edge.
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16. Arizona Cardinals
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The Cardinals could go cornerback, but their interior defensive line group is full of gap stuffers but lacks pass rushers. Graham would be an immediate fix to that problem.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
Sure, Arizona signed Josh Sweat in free agency, but combining him with Green could turn the Cardinals’ pass rush into a strength. Green is capable of generating pressure and double-digit sacks.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Defensive end is a possibility (especially with the Trey Hendrickson situation), but Cincinnati’s cornerback group is in worse shape. The verdict is still out on the ability (and health) of Dax Hill and DJ Turner II, so Barron would provide another young option.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Harmon is a high-energy pass rusher up the middle. His abilities as a three-down defensive tackle would be an asset in Cincinnati.
18. Seattle Seahawks
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
The Seahawks must give new quarterback Sam Darnold inside protection and a clean pocket. Booker is a mauler at guard with the power to dominate in the run game and pass protection.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Ohio State’s Josh Simmons is higher in my tackle rankings, but I think Banks has the best physical traits of the 2025 tackles and has more versatility. He would likely play right tackle but could also play guard if Seattle doesn’t want to move Abraham Lucas inside.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Lavonte David is 35 years old and there’s no clear successor on the roster. Campbell is a three-down wrecking ball with pass-rush ability that makes him an added threat on third downs.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
A long and instinctive zone corner, Johnson has remained on the board for too long. My No. 9 overall player is capable of generating turnovers in bunches and has the awareness and ball skills to fit right into the Bucs’ secondary.
20. Denver Broncos
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
The Denver backfield consists of Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime after Javonte Williams departed for Dallas. Sean Payton would get his versatile back with Hampton’s power rushing and smooth hands as a receiver.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Need and value are in agreement here. Hampton, the No. 2 running back on my board, is a tough and rugged runner with pass-catching upside that meshes with Payton’s offense.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
Pittsburgh has two quarterbacks right now — Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson. Milroe is raw, but he brings rare running ability to the position and can rip a beautiful deep ball.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The Steelers finally get their young quarterback and receive tremendous value, too. Sanders just cracks the top 20 on my board as a poised and accurate passer who’s a true distributor.
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22. Los Angeles Chargers
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Signing Najee Harris checked running back off the team’s early needs, leaving tight end as the clear-cut top priority. The Chargers signed Tyler Conklin, but Warren would fill a hole and provide good value as a top-10 player on my board.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
More pass-game help for quarterback Justin Herbert never hurts, and Egbuka is the best wide receiver remaining on my board. He’s a steady and detailed route runner with excellent hands.
23. Green Bay Packers
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley needs long, physical cornerbacks who can win at the line of scrimmage, and the 6-foot-1 Amos excels there. He has lockdown man-coverage traits.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
Need and value collide again! Amos is scheme-versatile with the instincts and fluidity to thrive in man or zone. Matt mentioned his size, which allows him to make plays when the ball is in the air. He had 15 pass breakups last season.
24. Minnesota Vikings
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
After adding Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave on the defensive line, the Vikings should turn their attention to outside cornerback. They need one or two options alongside Byron Murphy Jr. as upgrades from NaJee Thompson and Isaiah Rodgers.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Nolen could be an immediate game changer in the middle of the Vikings’ defense. He has the explosive power to get into the backfield with ease, which makes him great value at this spot. I have him ranked No. 12 overall.
25. Houston Texans
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Houston tore down its offensive line this offseason and began to rebuild it, but it’s still lacking a long-term answer at left tackle. Cam Robinson was a good stop-gap signing, but Simmons could be a bookend for years to come.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Grey Zabel, C/G, North Dakota State
Zabel is the value pick because he can play everywhere. He’s the No. 25 player on my board despite playing in the FCS and would provide a steady presence. His play strength and anchor project best along the interior.
26. Los Angeles Rams
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Darious Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon are crafty veterans, but the Rams need to identify and develop a CB1 who can anchor the defense. Morrison could be that despite injury concerns (he played only six games in 2024 because of a hip injury).
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Our need- and value-based boards agree on the position but not the player. Hairston is No. 38 overall for me, while Morrison is No. 49. Hairston’s fluidity and change-of-direction skills are among the best of any defensive back in this class. And he’s very fast.
27. Baltimore Ravens
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
DeAndre Hopkins brings a big name to Baltimore’s receiving corps, but he turns 33 in June. Combine that with Zay Flowers‘ knee injury, and receiver stays atop the Ravens’ draft needs. McMillan finished the 2024 season with 1,319 receiving yards.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Starks’ center-field ability and ball skills make him the No. 17 player on my board. The Ravens have never been hesitant to take the best player available even if there isn’t an immediate need at the position (though there is in this case).
28. Detroit Lions
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
Aidan Hutchinson‘s return will help the defense, but the Lions lack a premier pass rusher opposite him. They must add a viable running mate who is more consistent and available than Marcus Davenport. Stewart might not yet have the sack totals (4.5 in his career), but he has great traits.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
Booker is arguably the best interior blocker in this class. He would add an immediate physical presence to a team that takes pride in having a versatile rushing attack.
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29. Washington Commanders
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
Trading for left tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. took care of two big needs, but Washington is still missing a true game changer at running back. Henderson has elite hands to catch passes from Jayden Daniels, and his big-play ability is something this unit lacks.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
Stewart, ranked No. 28 on my board, is one of the most polarizing prospects in this class because he had only 1.5 sacks last season despite having athletic traits that popped at the combine. Washington could be willing to take a risk here because of his immense potential.
30. Buffalo Bills
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
Cornerback is a top need for Buffalo given Rasul Douglas‘ struggles last season (he’s still unsigned), the trade of former first-rounder Kaiir Elam and Christian Benford‘s concussion history. Revel tore his ACL last September, but he could be a solid long-term solution.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
If it wasn’t for the ACL injury, Revel probably would have been a top-25 prospect. That gives him tremendous value for the Bills at this spot. He’s a big press-man corner with two INTs in three games last season.
31. Kansas City Chiefs
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
After signing left tackle Jaylon Moore, the Chiefs’ biggest need shifts to the defensive line. They need a true impact pass rusher opposite George Karlaftis, which Williams could develop into despite five or fewer sacks in each of his collegiate seasons.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Pairing Grant with Chris Jones would give the Chiefs a truly disruptive interior defensive line. Grant can be an immediate game changer in the middle with his size and movement ability, and he has upside as a pass rusher. Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons might also be the best player available, considering he’s No. 15 on my board. But remember that he’s coming off a knee injury, which I’m baking into the overall value.
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32. Philadelphia Eagles
Miller’s pick that fills a big need: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
The Eagles’ secondary was good enough to win a Super Bowl, but it could use a playmaker at safety. Emmanwori has the over-the-top range and speed to take away outside rushers, which fits well in Philly.
Reid’s pick that gets best value: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
We’re in agreement to end the first round. Emmanwori is ranked No. 33 on my board, and scouts are excited about his jack-of-all-trades skill set. He had six interceptions over the past two seasons.
