Live NFL mock draft picks from the USA TODAY Network for the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft

[ASFN Admin]

It's NFL Draft time, and that means speculation about which top college football players will advance to the next level is abundant. And we're here to add more predictions — but with a twist.

NFL writers from around the USA TODAY Network united Wednesday to participate in a broad-scale live mock draft for the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The rules were simple: Each writer got three minutes to make their pick, and it was onto the next, mimicking the style of the actual draft.

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For The Win had Christian D'Andrea, Robert Zeglinski and Cory Woodroof join writers from USA TODAY, The Tennessean, the Detroit Free Press, The Arizona Republic and more to make this live mock draft happen.

So here's a look at how the USA TODAY Network-wide live mock draft went for the first 32 picks of the 2025 NFL Draft.

1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, Miami QB​

We can look at this one of two ways: Either the Titans fell in love with Cam Ward in February and telegraphed this decision, or they deliberately ignored the quarterback market in March and left themselves no choice but to find a starter in April. Either way, Ward — the top QB in the class and the NCAA Division I all-time leader in touchdown passes — is the pick. Bring on the Steve McNair comparisons. — Nick Suss, The Tennessean

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

Best talent in the draft. Two-way ability sets him apart from any of the QBs. — Chris Easterling, Akron Beacon Journal

3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter, Penn State DL/OLB​

Carter plays with aggression, and he's really good with his hands. This was his first year playing defensive end and on the edge, so there's no telling how good he can be with more experience at the position. His combination of athletic traits, explosiveness and potential upside is off the charts. — Art Stapleton, NorthJersey.com

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

The Patriots will almost certainly take an offensive lineman if both Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter on the board. Will it be Campbell or Armand Membou? Concerns exist about Campbell's arm length, but the LSU product has three years of starting experience at left tackle. Membou played mostly on the right side at Missouri, so that could convince Mike Vrabel and co. to roll with Campbell as an upgrade over Vederian Lowe. — Jacob Camenker, USA TODAY Network

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, Michigan DT​

The Jaguars are in position to take the best available player here, and there can be debate on whether or not that's Graham or Boise State's Ashton Jeanty. Still, they go the safer route here, addressing a premium position to solidify a defensive line that's missing one piece. — Demetrius Harvey, The Florida Times Union

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6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, Boise State RB​

General manager John Spytek said his son would leave the family if he picked someone other than Jeanty. The Boise State running back brings relevance to a franchise that's seemingly lost its way. Part-owner Tom Brady doesn't snag positional value but wins with touchdowns and fantasy football like Spytek's son wants. At the end of the day, that's what football is all about. Worry about the other needs later. — Nick Brinkerhoff, USA TODAY Network

7. New York Jets: Armand Membou, Missouri OT​

In this draft, the Jets opt for more offensive line reinforcements over the potential star quarterback in Shedeur Sanders. Membou is beefy, athletic and gives the Jets bookend offensive tackles for the foreseeable future. — Joe Rivera, USA TODAY Network

8. Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona WR​

Conventional thinking states the Panthers should go defense here. But this is a make-or-break season for third-year quarterback Bryce Young. GM Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales should do everything in their power to make sure he can take the next step forward. Last offseason, they addressed the offensive line in free agency. Nonetheless, Young still lacks weapons. Xavier Legette didn’t show as much promise as he should have during his rookie season, and Adam Thielen isn’t getting any younger. McMillan is one of the most polarizing prospects in the draft, but to me, he’s WR1. Give Young a 6-foot-4 target who has big-play ability and was one of the most productive players in college football over the last two seasons. His expertise in winning at the point of attack — thanks to his volleyball experience — will be a welcome attribute for Young and the Panthers. — Chris Bumbaca, USA TODAY Sports

9. New Orleans Saints: Shedeur Sanders, Colorado QB​

The Saints would love for Sanders to drop to them at No. 9. Saints coach Kellen Moore inherited Derek Carr. They aren’t in a committed long-term relationship. Sanders, a prototypical drop-back passer, is the type of quarterback the Saints and Moore can build around. — Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY Sports

10. Chicago Bears: Tyler Warren, Penn State TE​

The Bears are in a position to draft the best available after their offseason moves. With Will Campbell, Ashton Jeanty and Armand Membou all off the board, Tyler Warren could very well be the guy. Ben Johnson had high praise for Warren, where it sounds like he’s already scheming up all the different ways to utilize him on offense. Even new Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen made it clear how much of a headache it would be to go against a player like Warren. — Alyssa Barbieri, BearsWire

11. San Francisco 49ers: Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas OT​

The 49ers' tackle future is murky as Trent Williams hits his age-37 season and Colton McKivitz hits free agency in 2026. Banks has the wingspan to become a starter at tackle long-term and work in at guard as a rookie if need be. — Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY Network

12. Dallas Cowboys: Colston Loveland, Michigan TE​

At 6-foot-6, Loveland lines up all over the formation and is consistently a mismatch as a receiver. Dallas ranked first or second in points per game for four consecutive seasons heading into 2024. The Cowboys ranked 18th with Prescott healthy under center in eight games. Dak posted a career-worst passer rating (86) and QBR (45.6) in those eight games. The addition of a top-tier talent and viable pass-catcher is what the offense needs to return to form. Brandin Cooks signed with the Saints in free agency, leaving special teams maven KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Tolbert to battle for the No. 2 wide receiver spot opposite CeeDee Lamb. It's a copycat league, and the success of Sam LaPorta and Brock Bowers in the last two seasons gives the franchise the confidence to make this pick. Jake Ferguson is an unrestricted free agent after 2025, and Dallas will need to spend money elsewhere (Micah Parsons). — Tom Viera, USA TODAY Network

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13. Miami Dolphins: Will Johnson, Michigan CB​

The Dolphins need a cornerback to replace Jalen Ramsey, who they plan to trade. Miami is thrilled to have a choice here between Johnson and Jahdae Barron of Texas. Miami will look to guard or defensive tackle in Rounds 2 and 3. But corner is their top need. And Miami hopes Johnson can have an Xavien Howard-type career. — Joe Schad, The Palm Beach Post

14. Indianapolis Colts: Jihaad Campbell, Alabama LB​

The Colts would love to solve their tight end needs here but get sniped on Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland. In the absence of a trade up or, what GM Chris Ballard really loves in a trade back, they take the top linebacker available for their one glaring need left on defense. — Nate Atkins, The Indianapolis Star

15. Atlanta Falcons: Jalon Walker, Georgia OLB​

The Falcons would be thrilled to land a player of Walker’s caliber at No. 15 in this year’s draft. He is the exact kind of high-energy, high-ceiling pass-rusher the franchise has craved for years now. While he’d need time to reach his potential, he would immediately give Atlanta the kind of player it loves at outside linebacker. Plus, he’s a Georgia player, which never hurts to win over the Falcons fan base with a draft pick. This is a best-case scenario for Atlanta. — Cory Woodroof, For The Win

16. Arizona Cardinals: Mykel Williams, Georgia EDGE​

Despite a busy offseason revamping their defensive front seven, the Cardinals keep adding talent and another pass-rusher with an intriguing prospect such as Williams. – Bob McManaman, The Arizona Republic

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17. Cincinnati Bengals: Derrick Harmon, Oregon DT​

If Jihaad Campbell or Mykel Williams were still available, this would have been a hard decision. The Bengals need an interior defensive lineman who can wreak havoc and Harmon does just that. One of Cincinnati's biggest issues defensively was not getting enough pressure on opponents on the outside or through the interior. Harmon immediately upgrades the Bengals' defensive line and gives them a long-term solution at a position they need to nail to get back into the playoffs after two years of missing the postseason. — Kelsey Conway, The Cincinnati Enquirer

18. Seattle Seahawks: Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina S​

With four picks on Day 2, John Schneider can address the glaring hole at offensive guard later and instead try to maximize value with his top selection. A supreme athlete with extensive playmaking range in coverage, Emmanwori can help Mike Macdonald unlock all kinds of new looks with his defense. — Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY Sports

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Matthew Golden, Texas WR​

Yeah, sure, the Bucs could easily go DB here. But they need to draft a star receiver for the future. Mike Evans is a Hall of Famer who is still highly effective but he’s getting older, and the team needs to keep giving quarterback Baker Mayfield weapons. — Mike Freeman, USA TODAY Sports

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

Sean Payton needs a new bell cow tail back for Denver, and they don’t get much better than Hampton. He’s a classic between-the-tackles runner who should be the perfect balm for Bo Nix’s developing offense and an upstart Broncos team that simply needs more field-tilting weapons on all fronts. — Robert Zeglinski, For The Win

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Malakai Starks, Georgia S​

Will the Steelers' lingering desperation for a quarterback force them to reach for Jaxson Dart or Jalen Milroe or Tyler Shough here? Pittsburgh has typically been stoic when it comes to the draft, filling holes with valued prospects in the first round before taking risks later on. Starks, a 2023 All-American, isn't a perfect fit with Minkah Fitzpatrick but is versatile enough to play just about anywhere in Mike Tomlin's defense, adding another layer of protection for a team whose offense has done little since the waning days of Ben Roethlisberger. — Christian D'Andrea, For The Win

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Walter Nolen, Ole Miss DT​

Chargers could draft a pass-catcher here but opt to go for arguably the best player available. Nolen’s athleticism and explosiveness make him an intriguing three-technique defensive tackle. The Chargers need to upgrade the interior of the defensive line after losing both Poona Ford and Morgan Fox in free agency. — Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY Sports

23. Green Bay Packers: Kenneth Grant, Michigan DT​

The Packers have no shortage of needs and would seriously consider Texas CB Jahdae Barron, Texas A&M DE Shemar Stewart and Boston College DE Donovan Ezeiruaku, among others. But they need a big man for the middle of their defensive line, and big men with Grant's talent are hard to find. — Pete Dougherty, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

24. Minnesota Vikings: Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky CB​

Hairston is a fast cornerback who has good man and zone coverage skills. His 4.28 40-yard dash time was the fastest at the 2025 NFL combine. Minnesota had the NFL’s 28th ranked pass defense last season and are devoid of a No. 1 cornerback. — Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY Sports

25. Houston Texans: Grey Zabel, North Dakota State OL​

The Texans took a chainsaw to their offensive line during the offseason and are still rebuilding it. Zabel played tackle in college but profiles as a top-tier interior lineman at the professional level. Houston can select him and figure out whether his best long-term fit will be at guard or center while investing in a developmental option behind Cam Robinson later in the draft. — Jacob Camenker, USA TODAY Network

26. Los Angeles Rams: Jahdae Barron, Texas CB​

This would likely be a dream scenario for the Rams, who fill arguably their biggest need with one of the best cornerbacks in the class. Barron can be a Day 1 starter outside, or they can play him in the slot, deploying him similarly to how they used Jalen Ramsey during his prime in L.A. Barron’s versatility will appeal to Sean McVay and defensive coordinator Chris Shula, as will his physicality and instincts. He’s a perfect target for Los Angeles, even with playmakers such as Emeka Egbuka and Luther Burden III still on the board. — Cam DaSilva, RamsWire

27. Baltimore Ravens: Mike Green, Marshall EDGE​

Green was the most productive edge rusher by sacks in college football in 2024. Instead of taking a traits-based player, the Ravens go another route and get a player who should contribute off the edge immediately with his burst and violence. — Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY Network

28. Detroit Lions: Josh Simmons, Ohio State OL​

I considered a pair of pass-rushers at this pick, Boston College's Donovan Ezeiruaku and Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart. But Lions GM Brad Holmes is a best-available type guy, and Simmons checks that box, assuming he's healthy. Simmons won't play right away, and the Lions have a bigger need at edge, but they can fill that on Day 2. — Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press

29. Washington Commanders: Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M EDGE​

Cornerback was a consideration for the Commanders, but with so many edge rushers still on the board, it was impossible to pass up. The Commanders just lost their sack leader, Dante Fowler Jr., to the Cowboys in free agency and need to be able to generate more pressure to remain among Super Bowl contenders in 2025. Stewart's stats won't impress the box-score watchers, but he's super traits-y (6-foot-5, 267 pounds) and an excellent athlete (40-inch vertical, 4.59-second 40-yard dash at the combine). With some extra development under head coach Dan Quinn, Stewart will be able to put up more than the 4.5 sacks he had in his collegiate career. — Jack McKessy, USA TODAY Network

30. Buffalo Bills: Tyleik Williams, Ohio State DT​

Lackluster defense is what has prevented the Bills from overtaking the Chiefs and getting to the Super Bowl. They have glaring needs at DT and CB, and Williams solves one of those as a big-bodied, 329-pound, run-stuffing man in the middle of the line, who is one of the best run defenders in this DT class. — Sal Maiorana, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

31. Kansas City Chiefs: James Pearce, Tennessee EDGE​

The mission is simple: Make the defense more explosive. Allow Patrick Mahomes the freedom of not always having to save the day. — Mike Freeman, USA TODAY Sports

32. Philadelphia Eagles: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College EDGE​

Howie Roseman was no doubt pulling out his hair waiting for this pick to finally arrive. And as much as Roseman would have loved to trade up, he'll be very happy getting an edge rusher with 16.5 sacks last season. Ezeiruaku, who goes from the B.C. Eagles to the Philadelphia Eagles, can fit in nicely in the edge rusher rotation. — Martin Frank, Delaware Online

This article originally appeared on For The Win: NFL mock draft 2025: Live draft picks, predictions for the first round of the NFL Draft

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