The way-too-early NFL 2025 first-round mock draft

The former top recruit at Colorado is a modern-day Charles Woodson, with the talent to play both cornerback and wideout at the next level. Corner is likely to be his primary position in the NFL, but the Panthers could use either position after trading away much of their last two drafts for Bryce Young in 2023.

While the Broncos spent the 12th overall pick in 2024 on Oregon quarterback Bo Nix, it wouldn't be unprecedented for a team to go back to the quarterback well the following year. Sanders returned to college to play under his father, Deion Sanders, for one more season, but is a dynamic talent with elite ability as a passer and runner.

The Pats focused on offense in the 2024 draft, and could turn back to defense next year. The team found a keeper in 2023 first-round corner Christian Gonzalez, but corner will be a need again soon. Johnson was an anchor at corner for the National Champs last season with four picks and 80 tackles.

Arizona started the process of rebuilding their defensive line in this year's draft with first-round pick Darius Robinson, but that effort could continue. Pearce is a top prospect after recording 10 sacks last season.

The Giants bypassed the opportunity to replace Daniel Jones in the draft this year, but another poor season from the former first-round pick could leave them no choice. Ewers took a huge step forward last season as he continues to hold off Arch Manning in the Texas offense, completing 69% of his passes for nearly 3,500 yards in 12 games.

The Raiders didn't address the quarterback position in this year's draft, but that's likely to change next year if Gardner Minshew doesn't impress. Beck is a prototypical NFL pocket passer with size and a strong arm, though he also completed more than 72% of his passes last year.

The Vikings added Dallas Turner to their defense in the first round this year while also spending heavily in free agency. Still, they could stand to get younger, and Perkins is a nice fit as a do-everything linebacker after consecutive outstanding seasons at LSU.

Tennessee has focused on revamping the offense recently, but the defense is just as needy. Williams could complement star Jeffery Simmons nicely, recording 4.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons for the Bulldogs.

Washington has worked to revamp the offensive line for the second consecutive offseason, but it remains to be seen if they have their long-term left tackle. Banks has been an elite performer, though he could push to the interior at 6-foot-4.

Chris Olave has been everything the Saints could have hoped since they drafted him in 2022, but the team has struggled to find other weapons. Burden would answer the call after an enormous year, catching 86 passes for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns last year. He's elite at run after the catch and a fine punt returner.

Finding a long-term replacement for superstar defensive lineman Cameron Heyward is becoming a more pressing need as the stalwart ages. Graham could be the answer, showing flashes last season with three sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss.

Seattle brought in Sam Howell in the offseason, but their long-term quarterback probably isn't on the roster currently. Ward has transferred from Washington State to Miami this year, showing dynamic ability and solid passing accuracy.

The secondary was formerly a strength of the Bucs roster, but they've started to shed talent recently. Morrison has nine interceptions over the last two seasons and could be a plug-and-play cornerback.

The Bears were squarely focused on the offense this offseason and could turn back to defense next year. Cornerback is a possible need despite the team's youth at the position, and Burke has been a strong three-year contributor for the Buckeyes.

Cleveland's offensive line has had plenty of cohesion recently but is also getting older. A massive guard listed at over 350 pounds, Booker would be a great fit for a team that loves to run the ball.

The Colts spent their first-round pick on pass-rusher Latu Laiatu this year, but could continue to improve their pass rush next season. Payton is coming off a great season with seven sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss, and could continue to strengthen his draft stock.

The Jags addressed the loss of Calvin Ridley by drafting Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round this year, but the need for receivers could remain next offseason if Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, and Gabe Davis decline. Egbuka took a step back last season, but had over 1,100 yards receiving in 2023.

Jim Harbaugh focused on the trenches in his first draft with the Chargers, and that could continue next year. Nolen has huge potential as an interior pass rusher after transferring from Texas A&M to Ole Miss.

The Rams must address the future beyond 36-year-old Matthew Stafford soon. Milroe is anything but a pocket passer, but he could allow Sean McVay to add flash to the Rams offense. The Bama quarterback had 23 passing touchdowns and 12 rushing touchdowns in 2023.

The Falcons failed to add an edge rusher early in the 2023 draft, but could have another shot next year. Tuimoloau has 12 sacks in three seasons at Ohio State, and could make a leap with a bigger opportunity this season.

The Packers addressed the offensive line this year with first-round pick Jordan Morgan, and that focus could continue next year. Campbell is a fine tackle prospect, protecting the left side at LSU.

Houston has focused on surrounding C.J. Stroud with talent on the offense, and could stand to get younger in the front seven next year. Carter has been a top performer in back-to-back years at Clemson.

Now in his 30s, the Dolphins have to be concerned about Tyreek Hill's inevitable speed decline. McMillan has been an incredible deep threat for the Wildcats over two seasons, with over 2,100 yards receiving and 16.3 yards per catch.

The Jets are all-in on 2024, and could have multiple needs in next year's draft. An edge rusher is among them, and Carter is capable with 11 sacks over the last two seasons.

A transfer from Texas A&M, Stewart could be primed for a big year as he steps into a starting role in the high-flying Oregon offense. He scored four touchdowns in eight games for the Aggies last season and has elite athleticism.

Formerly the strength of the Cowboys roster, the offensive line took a major hit during the offseason. The team selected Tyler Guyton to likely take over at left tackle in 2024, and Jones could man the right side.

The possible loss of Tee Higgins could create a need for a receiver in Cincinnati as they try to maneuver the salary cap after paying Joe Burrow. Loveland is coming off a strong year in Ann Arbor with 45 catches for 649 yards, and could take another step forward this season.

Beefing up the defensive line was part of Detroit's priorities during the offseason by adding Marcus Davenport and DJ Reader. Umanmielen shows huge potential to add more impact, recording seven sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss last year.

The Eagles have seen major turnover in their front seven over the last year, and haven't been shy about addressing that area early in recent drafts. Jackson recorded 6.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss last season, and has all the physical tools to be an excellent edge rusher.

Baltimore added Derrick Henry in the offseason, but he might not be more than a one-year stopgap, given his age. Judkins has been incredibly productive in two seasons at Ole Miss with over 3,000 yards from scrimmage and 34 touchdowns and joins Ohio State in 2024.

Starks has shown a great nose for the ball in two seasons at Georgia, with five picks. He could make quite the safety tandem alongside Talanoa Hufanga.

The Chiefs will need to pay interior linemen Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith soon, so finding a replacement could be on the agenda next offseason. Gray enters 2024 as one of the country's top guard prospects.