EAST LANSING – With free agency more-or-less done with and the 2025 NFL Draft less than a month out, it’s time for the penultimate mock draft. It’s time for 4.0.
While the players in this free agency class weren’t the strongest, it was still another crazy week. Teams got better, and others got worse. Big names moved teams, and big contracts were handed out.
Alongside the free agency period, the pre-draft rumors are swirling. Many of those rumors played a role in this mock draft.
With three trades, risers and fallers, value picks, reaches, and everything else in between, 4.0. is the craziest mock draft yet. Let’s get started!
1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, Miami (FL), QB, Senior
As time goes on and the draft looms closer, I’m more and more confident that Ward is going number one. This pick makes all the sense in the world for Tennessee. Their current quarterback situation is…not great. That’s me putting it lightly. Drafting Ward gives the Titans their franchise QB that they so sorely need.
2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, Colorado, CB/WR, Junior
While I’m confident about the first pick, this second pick and beyond is where the fun begins. With their pick, Cleveland can go look at a multitude of different options. In 4.0., I lean toward the reigning Heisman winner. Yes, Cleveland needs a QB, but I also don’t foresee this team being much better next year. They very well might be back in the same position they are this year. Why not be patient with QB and draft one of the most unique prospects in recent draft history?
3. TRADE | Carolina Panthers: Abdul Carter, Penn State, ED, Junior
Our first trade! The Panthers leap up eight spots with the Giants and snag Carter from Penn State. For Carter, and I’m not putting this lightly, he might be the best edge prospect I can remember evaluating. With bend, burst, and adequate pass rush moves, Carter has everything. For the Panthers, they desperately need an elite pass rusher on their team. Even though they have to trade up for him, Carter is worth it.
4. New England Patriots: Ashton Jeanty, Boise State. RB, Junior
New head coach Mike Vrabel loves his running backs. In Tennessee, he had RB Derrick Henry, and we all know how good he is. Now, on his second head coaching stop, why not get your next elite RB in Jeanty? He’ll take some of the pressure off of QB Drake Maye and, vice versa, get running opportunities because of Maye’s rocket arm.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, Michigan, DI, Junior
I love this fit for both parties involved. This is the third straight time I’ve mocked this pick to happen, and for good reason. The Jags desperately need help in their interior defensive line, and Graham is head-and-shoulders above every other interior d-lineman in this draft class. I love his strength, motor, and consistency. While the offensive weapons on the board entice the Jags, they still grab Graham.
6. TRADE | San Francisco 49ers: Armand Membou, Missouri, T, Junior
Another one! This time, the 49ers decide to trade up five spots to grab one of the biggest risers in this pre-draft process, Membou from Missouri. The future of this team is murky, especially their tackle position. T Trent Williams is not getting any younger, and they don’t have another legitimate option after that. Membou is one of the most sound offensive lineman prospects in a while, and that 2024 tape is stellar. He’ll be a plug-and-play tackle for the Niners.
7. New York Jets: Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona, WR, Junior
This is another connection that I’ve previously made. With a new QB town in Justin Fields, getting him another weapon would be ideal. The Jets already have the shifty route runner in Garrett Wilson, so adding a big-body threat like McMillan will pair nicely.
8. TRADE | New York Giants: Sheduer Sanders, Colorado, QB,
After trading back with Carolina, the Giants snag Sanders. This is a home run move for the Giants. They’re still able to get the guy they might’ve taken at pick three while accumulating more draft capital. Sanders will join a QB room with QBs Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston to create maybe one of the best and craziest QB rooms in NFL history.
9. TRADE | Seattle Seahawks: Will Campbell, LSU, T, Junior
More, more, more trades! This time, it’s Seattle moving up to grab Campbell from LSU. So much has changed this offseason for the Seahawks. They have a new QB and all new receivers. What hasn’t changed much is their offensive line, which is still one of their biggest cons. They need a tackle and/or guard, which is perfect because a draft analyst can’t decide whether or not Campbell is a guard or a tackle.
10. Chicago Bears: Malaki Starks, Georgia, S, Junior
While the Seahawks’ offensive line hasn’t improved over the offseason, the Bears’ line has. They’ve traded for and signed multiple linemen in the past month, which makes this selection much murkier. One of the best players that no one talks about much is Starks from Georgia. His incredible instincts and playmaking ability make him a top ten prospect in my book. With an aging safety is Kevin Byard, I think this pick makes a lot of sense.
11. TRADE | Las Vegas Raiders: Jahdae Barron, Texas, CB, Senior
Even though the Raiders traded back, they’re still able to select Barron from Texas. There’s one word to describe Barron, and that’s versatile. I know that word can get overused, but it’s apt when using it to describe Barron. He can line up as boundary corner, slot corner, or safety and be productive in all three spots. New head coach Pete Carroll will love this addition to his team.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Jalon Walker, Georgia, LB, Junior
The Cowboys are an interesting team to select for. They can go down multiple routes with this pick. Running back and wide receiver are on the table, but apart from the departure of ED Demarcus Lawrence, I think they look to replace him. While he’s not a perfect prospect, maybe even a slight reach, the NFL is high on Walker’s potential. Line him up the opposite side to ED Micah Parsons, and I think he has a good chance of reaching that potential.
13. Miami Dolphins: Will Johnson, Michigan, CB, Junior
Where is Johnson going to land? That’s what many analysts are saying when trying to determine where Johnson can go. Months ago, he was seen as a top five pick. Now, he’s bordering on a top 20 pick. Lucky for Johnson, Miami needs to upgrade its CB room. With an aging Jalen Ramsey and no other great CB option, the Dolphins select Johnson to because the leader of that room for years to come.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, Penn State, TE, Senior
This pick is hitting the nail right on the head. It’s been so overdone to the point where I don’t need to explain it. Other analysts have done that enough already. But in case you’re not as locked into this stuff as I am, Warren to Indy makes a world of sense. After two disappointing years in the league, QB Anthony Richardson needs a new, reliable weapon in the middle of the field. Warren is just that.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Mike Green, Marshall, ED, Junior (RS)
The Falcons have needed an edge ever since last year’s draft. They didn’t grab one then, but they will now. Green from Marshall was one of the most productive pass rushers in all of college football last year. Even playing for Marshall, he dominated offensive linemen across the country. Along with that, he’s shown his explosive skillset in the pre-draft process. Atlanta will love Green.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas, T, Junior
I’m very confident that Arizona will be targeting o-line with this pick, but which one will they go for? In 4.0., they grab Banks from Texas. Yes, Banks has slipped down the draft board a bit, but he’s still a plug-and-play prospect. The Cardinals would move him inside to guard and Banks can bolster the interior of their offensive line for years to come.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Mykel Williams, Georgia, ED, Junior
Move edges! This edge class is incredibly deep, and we still have a few more edges that will go in 4.0. For the Bengals, it looks like they’ll hold onto ED Trey Hendrickson for the 2025-26 season. Regardless, grabbing another edge to complement Hendrickson and/or replace him if he decides to leave would be smart. Williams is an ultra-athlete, great size, and fits the type of edge the Bengals are looking for.
18. TRADE | New Orleans Saints: Luther Burden III, Missouri, WR, Junior
Saints are ecstatic that, even after trading back, they’re still able to grab one of the most explosive receiving threats in this draft class. While his 2024 year wasn’t as good as 2023, Burden’s athletic profile and size will work well in the NFL. Add Olave and Shaheed, and the Saints have a great WR core for QB Derek Carr to work with.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jihaad Campbell, Alabama, LB, Junior
Campbell is one of “my guys” in this class. While he plays a position that has less value than others, he’s a top ten type of talent. He flies up and down the field and is the prototypical size for an NFL LB. In Tampa, LB Lavonte David isn’t getting any younger and they don’t have many other great linebacking options after him. Campbell will immediately be the main LB for the Bucs and will command that defense for years to come.
20. Denver Broncos: Omarion Hampton, North Carolina, RB, Junior
What an offseason this Broncos team has had. After a successful 2024-25 season, they’ve made key additions to their team over the past month. When evaluating their offense, they don’t have a major weakness, but another RB wouldn’t hurt. If Jeanty wasn’t in this class, Hampton would be, by far, the best back in this class. His size, balance, and vision make him a big threat from the backfield.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss, QB, Senior
Ok, here we go. You may or may not know, but I have an undying infinity to this team. I love them, but I don’t love this pick. If I was in the driver’s seat in Pittsburgh, I wouldn’t make this pick. Why am I making it, then? Well, I can’t deny the momentum that this connection has been getting. The Steelers are capital D desperate for a QB, so if they can’t get QB Aaron Rodgers, they’re going to have to reach for a QB. For Dart, I do like many of his traits. He has an NFL arm, underrated athleticism, and good production in college. Yes, this is a reach, but in the world of the NFL where QB is king, Pittsburgh has to grab a QB with this pick.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Matthew Golden, Texas, WR, Junior
There’s one word to describe Golden as a player, and that’s electrifying. He has lighting 4.29 speed, and the way that he can use his stop-and-start ability to create space is incredible. After grabbing WR Ladd McConkey in last year’s draft, combining him with Golden creates an awesome 1-2 punch for QB Justin Herbert and co.
23. Green Bay Packers: Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M, ED, Junior
When I watch Stewart’s tape, I can’t help but compare him to ED Rashan Gary. They both have incredible size but don’t sacrifice athleticism. When he’s healthy, Gary dominates opposing offensive linemen, and I can see Stewart doing the same thing for Stewart. What offensive line wants to deal with both of those pass rushers in Green Bay?
24. Minnesota Vikings: Derrick Harmon, Oregon, DI, Junior (RS)
While he doesn’t get much talk or press, Harmon is an awesome NFL draft prospect. The former Michigan State Spartan dominated on his new team last year. I like Harmon’s length and strength, and they’ll both translate to the NFL level. DC Brian Flores will love him in his defense and can develop into a game wrecker.
25. Houston Texans: Josh Simmons, Ohio State, T, Junior (RS)
After trading away T Laremy Tunsil and a poor offensive line performance in 2024-25, the Texans desperately need to target one in this draft. Lucky for them, Simmons from Ohio State is still on the board. Simmons got hurt halfway through last season, which is a shame. I wouldn’t have been surprised if he’s a top ten pick if he never gets hurt. Simmons will plug right into where Tunsil used to line up for Houston.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Colston Loveland, Michigan, TE, Junior
TE isn’t the biggest need for the Rams, but I love this fit. After retaining QB Matthew Stafford and replacing WR Cooper Kupp for Davante Adams, LA is ready to make another run at a Super Bowl this year. Add Loveland to the fold, and that offense will be one of the most formidable ones in the NFC and all of the NFL.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Grey Zabel, North Dakota State, T, Senior
There are three certains in life: death, taxes, and the Ravens getting value in the draft. Adding Zabel to their roster is just another example of the Ravens destroying the draft. The Ravens need a guard, and Zabel profiles as a guard at the next level. After a great pre-draft process, don’t be surprised if Zabel goes earlier than this.
28. Detroit Lions: Donovan Jackson, Ohio State, T, Senior
A third offensive lineman in the last four picks comes off the board when the Lions select Jackson from Ohio State. Jackson is another one of these tackles who profiles more as a guard in the NFL. He’s incredibly polished and will come in and be able to start on day one for Detroit.
29. Washington Commanders: Nic Scourton, Texas A&M, ED, Junior
What an offseason for the Commanders. They are in win-now mode, and adding Scourton to their defensive line is just another step in that direction. Both Texas A&M edges have great size and athleticism. Scourton might be a smidge smaller than Stewart, but he’s still 285 lbs. The Commanders like their big edge threat, and Scourton will fit right in.
30. Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky, CB, Junior (RS)
Hairston was put on the map after running a blistering 4.28 at the combine, but speed isn’t the only thing he brings to the table. He’s a feisty competitor and has good size for the position. For Buffalo, they need another corner to complement CB Christian Benford. Hairston will fit right in as CB2 on the Bills.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Kenneth Grant, Michigan, DI, Junior
Grant has surprisingly fallen to pick 31 in 4.0., so the Chiefs pounce and grab him with this pick. They need o-line badly, but the value of grabbing the Michigan product with this pick is too much to pass up. Put Grant across from DI Chris Jones, and the Chiefs have a dangerous duo in the middle.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: James Pearce Jr., Tennessee, ED, Junior
There’s such a wide range in this draft where Pearce could go. I could see him being a top ten pick, but I can also see him dropping out of the first round entirely. He nearly gets out of the first round, but the reigning champs grab him with the last pick. Pearce is an explosive athlete with a wicked first step, exactly what the Eagles look for in their pass rushers.
