2025 NFL mock draft: Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter at No. 1 in pre-combine two-round mock?
The NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis this week is a pivotal time for the pre-draft process. Teams across the league have narrowed down their draft boards and will be meeting with prospects for interviews that could help determine who they take in with their first-round pick.
Acing those interviews, combine drills and passing medical evaluations will be key for hundreds of prospects. In a class lacking lots of top-tier talent, a good showing in all three phases of the combine could make a difference of a round come April's NFL draft.
This draft class boasts one of the best running back groups in years along with deep classes at edge rusher, interior defensive line, interior offensive line and tight end. That knowledge could play into how teams make their decisions in the first two rounds of the NFL draft.
Ahead of this week's showcase at the combine, here are our latest predictions for the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL draft.
2025 NFL mock draft: Pre-combine two-rounds
No trades are included in this mock draft.
Round 1
1. Tennessee Titans: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Tennessee needs top-tier players and Carter is one of the two best players in the draft. He plays a more impactful position than Travis Hunter so he gets the nod at No. 1 here. Tennessee avoids reaching for a quarterback in what could be a multi-year rebuild and opts instead for a veteran stopgap. Carter has the elite traits to be a defensive playmaker rushing the passer.
2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
Hunter goes No. 2 here. Yes, Cleveland has questions at multiple positions including quarterback but needs a whole-scale rebuild of an aging and depleted roster. The Browns could have a dozen picks in the 2025 NFL draft and start by taking the consensus best player in the class. Hunter has the tools to be a shutdown cornerback sooner than later with the playmaking to be the top wide receiver in the draft as well.
3. New York Giants: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
The Giants need an answer at quarterback in 2025 and go with the higher-upside option in Ward here. The Miami quarterback has one of the strongest arms in the class and the mobility to be a thrilling playmaker in the NFL. However, coach Brian Daboll will have to work with Ward on reducing mistakes to be a long-term answer for the franchise.
4. New England Patriots: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Patriots are armed with the most cap space in the league in 2025 but there aren't many attractive free-agent options at wide receiver this offseason beyond Tee Higgins, who the Bengals may franchise tag once again. In McMillan, the Patriots get a player in the mold of Higgins or Drake London who boasts a big frame with fluid athleticism and plus route running. New England desperately needs an upgrade in the pass-catching corps and gets that at No. 4.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Jacksonville finally has a general manager in longtime Rams front office member Jeff Gladstone. He starts the new era in Jacksonville by opting to invest in the secondary to help the league's worst pass defense from 2024. Johnson's 2023 tape was impressive and he should test well at the combine with the prototypical size for a boundary corner in the NFL.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Pete Carroll's Seattle teams were built on ferocious defenses and ball-control offenses. It's very tempting to go with quarterback Shedeur Sanders here but free agency may be a better option given the Raiders have nearly $100 million in cap space. Jeanty's the top talent in a very deep running back class and could thrive in a run-first offense under offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.
7. New York Jets: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
New York benefits from the Raiders passing on Sanders to grab a potential quarterback of the future. Much of the Jets' new coaching staff comes from Detroit, where the Lions took a high-floor quarterback in Jared Goff and developed him into one of the most efficient passers in the NFL. Sanders can provide a foundation for the Jets to build on post-Aaron Rodgers.
8. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, LB/Edge, Georgia
Walker spent 2024 rushing the passer more after spending the prior two seasons in an off-ball linebacker role for the Bulldogs. He's an impressive athlete and could have an impact at multiple levels for a defense searching for playmakers.
9. New Orleans Saints: Will Campbell, OL, LSU
New Saints coach Kellen Moore comes from Philadelphia and Dallas before then, two teams with top talent on the offensive line. Combine measurements could determine if Campbell plays at tackle or guard in the NFL but has Pro Bowl potential on his rookie contract. Whoever plays quarterback for the Saints will feel a bit safer with Campbell in protection.
10. Chicago Bears: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The Bears could easily go offensive line here but Graham is too good a talent to pass on. Defensive tackle Andrew Billings' injury last year had an outsized effect on the Bears' success on defense. Graham provides a great floor as a run defender and should bring long-term stability to the position for the Bears going forward.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
San Francisco needs help in the trenches and has historically liked longer athletes along the edge. Stewart is a freaky athlete at 6-foot-5 and 281 lbs., a similar build to longtime 49er Arik Armstead (6-7, 290). He lacked sack production in college but may have an easier go of it in the NFL opposite Nick Bosa and playing under renown defensive line coach Kris Kocurek.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Dallas is likely losing longtime edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence in free agency and needs an option opposite Micah Parsons to get after the passer. Williams had flashes of brilliance in 2024 despite playing through injury. His high ceiling could have an immediate impact under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.
13. Miami Dolphins: Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
Priority No. 1 for the Dolphins has to be protecting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa considering the drop off when he's injured. Membou has fantastic athleticism for his size (6-foot-3, 332 lbs.) and could realistically fit in at guard or tackle at the NFL level. Either spot will be welcome for the Dolphins as they look to improve the offensive line.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
This may be a reach for the East Carolina cornerback but Revel Jr. has the elite athleticism and size that Colts general manager Chris Ballard typically covets. The Colts need help in the secondary after primarily relying on late-round picks and free agents from other teams. Revel Jr.'s length, athleticism and attitude should make him a first-round talent.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
Green is flying up draft boards thanks to his showing at the Senior Bowl and ridiculous production from college. The Falcons desperately need help at edge rusher after finishing near the bottom of the league in sacks and pressure rate for years.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolan, DT, Ole Miss
The Cardinals spent draft capital on offense last year. This time, they prioritize defense. Nolen has some character and consistency concerns but the Cardinals defense needs an upgrade in the middle. He can hopefully grow into a game-changer based on his flashes of dominance.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M
The Bengals defense needs help in a big way and they address that with a solid starter opposite Trey Hendrickson. Scourton isn't as explosive as Texas A&M teammate Stewart but was far more productive with the frame (6-foot-4, 280 lbs.) to fit in at the NFL level.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Campbell is going to test off the charts at the combine as one of the better linebacker prospects in recent years. Head coach Mike Macdonald's defense in Baltimore took off after trading for Roquan Smith. Campbell isn't a like-for-like comparison to Smith but could unlock the rest of the defense as Seattle continues building up that unit.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Longtime Buccaneers slot receiver Chris Godwin is hitting free agency after an injury-marred 2024 season. Burden is an explosive yards-after-catch athlete who brings a unique skill set to the Buccaneers' pass-catching corps.
20. Denver Broncos: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Denver needs help at tight end and select college football's best tight end from the 2024 season. Warren can line up all over the formation and is also a solid blocker in the run game. Coach Sean Payton finds his tight end of the future in Round 1 here.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Steelers need more playmakers on offense, plain and simple. Egbuka translates best in the slot at the NFL level with outstanding route running at this point of his career. He compares well to fellow Buckeye Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He will take some attention off George Pickens and provide a reliable target for whoever ends up playing quarterback for the Steelers next season.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
The Jim Harbaugh-Michigan connection proves too strong to ignore. The Chargers need more playmakers on offense and Loveland is an outstanding receiving tight end prospect in this class. Quarterback Justin Herbert won't have to force-feed Ladd McConkey targets nearly as much with Loveland in the offense.
23. Green Bay Packers: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Green Bay has some question marks at cornerback in 2025 and beyond. Morrison offers ideal outside corner size and impressive athleticism at the position to shore up the secondary going forward after the Packers' investments at safety last offseason. There are some medical concerns, though, which may cause Morrison to fall down draft boards.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
The Vikings have a league-low four picks in the 2025 NFL draft so picking a safety may be a stretch. But Starks is one of the best players in the class regardless of position and three of the Vikings' five starters in the secondary are hitting free agency. His athleticism, football IQ and commitment to defending the run should endear him to defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
25. Houston Texans: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Golden has the skill set to fit in most offenses as a very good No. 2 wideout and should provide the Texans with some help at the position. Houston will be without Tank Dell as he heals from a significant knee injury and Stefon Diggs is also a free agent after injury.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Barron likely won't test as well as some of the other cornerbacks in the class at the combine but played all over the formation in Austin with production at multiple spots. Los Angeles was one of the first teams to notably favor player tracking over numbers from the combine. Barron's versatility, football IQ and attitude against the run will make him a valuable piece in the Rams' young, improving defense.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
If Simmons' medicals check out at the combine, he could easily be a top-20 pick. He was the top offensive tackle prospect in 2024 before a season-ending injury. The Ravens have two starters on the offensive line hitting free agency, including tackle Ronnie Stanley. Simmons could be a long-term answer at tackle to protect franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson.
28. Detroit Lions: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
On talent alone, Pearce Jr. should be a top-20 pick. Off-field concerns are dropping him down some boards and the Lions could make the most of it. After a year of decimating injuries, the Lions would do well to bolster the edge positions. Pearce was a very productive player at Tennessee and could offer a different wrinkle to Detroit's pass-rushing corps.
29. Washington Commanders: Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
The Commanders need to upgrade the pass catchers around franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels. Bond will be one of the fastest players at the combine and can offer a way to maximize Daniels' deep passing acumen. Offensive line and cornerback were also in consideration here but the Commanders have plenty of cap space and can also address those positions later in the draft.
30. Buffalo Bills: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Buffalo needs more athleticism on defense and Emmanwori will likely test as one of the freakiest athletes at the combine this year. His size at 6-foot-3 and 227 lbs. is linebacker-like and he could be a versatile part of the Bills' defense in the coming years.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State
Jackson spent most of his time in Columbus at guard before teammate Josh Simmons' injury in 2024. He filled in at left tackle and held up very well considering his history at guard. He has the size and length (nearly 36-inch long arms) to reasonably play either guard or tackle at the NFL level. He can potentially fill in for free agent departure Trey Smith at guard or shore up one of the tackle spots.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas
Somehow, Banks has fallen to the bottom of the first round and Philadelphia is not complaining. The Eagles have a deep roster but face some questions at guard with Mekhi Becton hitting free agency. Banks could take over there immediately if the team's not confident in Tyler Steen or work as a potential long-term plan at right tackle to eventually take over for Lane Johnson.
Round 2
33. Cleveland Browns: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Graham may get more attention among the Wolverine's defensive front but Grant is an impressive athlete for the position. The Browns begin to build out the defensive line in a potential post-Myles Garrett world with Grant here.
34. New York Giants: Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
The Giants need more from the secondary in a division featuring the likes of Jayden Daniels, Dak Prescott and the Eagles' offense. Thomas has the size to hold up in man coverage and the athleticism to develop into a good zone cornerback as well.
35. Tennessee Titans: Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
Tennessee needs more from its pass-catchers and goes with the big-bodied Harris here. His size and route running at this point will make him a solid ball winner at the NFL level. He was in a relatively simple offense at Ole Miss, so he'll need time to get up to speed.
36. Jacksonville Jaguars: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
The top pure-guard in the class, Booker is considered one of the safest picks. The Jaguars could use more help up front, and coach Liam Coen saw first-hand how an addition to the interior could help an offense after Tampa Bay took Graham Barton in the 2024 NFL draft.
37. Las Vegas Raiders: Tacario Davis, CB, Arizona
Carroll put a premium on long, tall cornerbacks during his time in Seattle. Davis fits that bill at 6-foot-4 and 190 lbs. with impressive movement abilities for that size and a physical mentality against the run.
38. New England Patriots: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Coach Mike Vrabel's defenses in Tennessee were known for their physicality in the trenches. Harmon has flashed first-round potential at times for the Ducks and could set the tone for the Patriots up front into the future.
39. Chicago Bears (via Carolina): Josh Conerly Jr., OL, Oregon
Chicago makes it two Ducks in a row by picking Conerly Jr. here. The Bears' starting interior offensive linemen are all free agents and Conerly Jr. projects well at guard due to his size (305 lbs. at 6-foot-4).
40. New Orleans Saints: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
After grabbing the top offensive lineman prospect in the class, the Saints shore up the defense with one of the most pro-ready edge players. Ezeiruaku isn't in the usual mold of edge rushers the team has drafted in prior years but offers instant impact with his arsenal of pass-rush moves.
41. Chicago Bears: Grey Zabel, IOL, North Dakota State
New Bears coach Ben Johnson came from Detroit and the Lions' offense ran through its standout offensive line. Chicago re-shapes the interior in the second round with Conerly and now Zabel, who tried out center at the Senior Bowl and could take over there at the NFL level.
42. New York Jets: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Ersery is one of the best athletes at the position in the class and the Jets get a potential tackle of the future to put in front of Sanders. He'll need to improve his technique at the NFL level but could be a long-term answer at the position.
43. San Francisco 49ers: Cameron Williams, OT, Texas
The 49ers continue to invest in the trenches with the raw but talented Williams. The Longhorns' tackle has the size and athleticism to have arguably the highest ceiling at the position in the class but needs time to develop. Luckily, he can do so behind one of the best to do it in the last decade, Trent Williams.
44. Dallas Cowboys: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
Dallas gets its running back in Round 2 with the speedy Henderson. The Ohio State running back split time in 2024 but was still quite effective and finished his college career with zero fumbles.
45. Indianapolis Colts: Wyatt Milum, OL, West Virginia
Right guard Will Fries is hitting free agency after an injury-marred 2024 season. Milum projects well at guard and can be a plug-and-play starter if Fries does not return.
46. Atlanta Falcons: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
Atlanta continues to bolster the defense with Williams, an explosive athlete on the interior who needs to be more consistent at the NFL level. His upside as a pass rusher is obvious despite a lack of college production.
47. Arizona Cardinals: J.T. Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State
Tuimoloau offers a little bit of everything at the edge positions with championship pedigree from this fall with the Buckeyes. He has an ideal frame for the NFL and could work well alongside Nolen with a high floor for production.
48. Miami Dolphins: Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
Miami lost Christian Wilkins in free agency last year and both Benito Jones and Calais Campbell are free agents this time around. The Dolphins don't have the cap space to spend this offseason. Collins is an explosive, big athlete in the middle who could be a long-term solution at the position.
49. Cincinnati Bengals: Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
New Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden comes to Cincinnati from Notre Dame. Watts is a year-one starter who Golden is already familiar with and can maximize to help shore up the secondary after addressing edge rusher in Round 1.
50. Seattle Seahawks: Jonah Savaiinaea, IOL, Arizona
The Seahawks opted against offensive line in the first round but don't in Round 2. Savaiinaea has lots of experience at tackle but projects best at guard in the NFL. That's a welcome sight for a Seattle offensive line that struggled in 2024.
51. Denver Broncos: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Denver brings in another Tar Heel running back in Hampton but he's a much better prospect than Javonte Williams. Hampton affects the game as a runner and a receiver and can maximize the very good Broncos' offensive line.
52. Pittsburgh Steelers: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
The Steelers need help opposite Joey Porter Jr. at cornerback and Hairston fits the ball with a mix of length, ball skills and a competitive attitude that will help in run defense.
53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kyle Kennard, Edge, South Carolina
Kennard has twitchy athleticism and the length to set the edge against the run in addition to rushing the passer. He'll help bolster the Buccaneers' pass rush with the competitiveness to make a difference in year one.
54. Green Bay Packers: Marcus Mbow, IOL, Purdue
Mbow should test well at the combine and offers the Packers another option along the offensive line. He can line up almost anywhere, thanks to his mix of size, athleticism and footwork.
55. Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Burch, DL, Oregon
Burch will be an outstanding tester at the combine this week as a long, athletic and productive lineman who can line up inside or at edge. He pairs that with solid production from college. The Chargers need more from their pass rush and Burch could be a building block for the future.
56. Buffalo Bills (via Minnesota): Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
Buffalo continues to bolster the secondary with the athletic Amos at cornerback. He has the length and movement skills to provide help against the Bills' likely playoff foes.
57. Carolina Panthers (via Los Angeles Rams): Princely Umanmielen, Edge, Ole Miss
Carolina again shores up the defensive line with Umanmielen, who has an impressive first step as a pass rusher. He's a designated pass rusher only at this point but could grow into a better run defender with time.
58. Houston Texans: T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina
Houston has a pair of edges in Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. Their top secondary picks last season played very well. This time, they take an aggressive, long, explosive defensive tackle prospect who could grow into a contributor alongside talented edges.
59. Baltimore Ravens: Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
Baltimore's pass defense struggled for most of the season and could use another cornerback with Brandon Stephens hitting free agency. Porter will test very well at the combine but he's one of the older prospects at the position, which could cause teams to undervalue him. Baltimore capitalizes on that once again.
60. Detroit Lions: Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
Walker is a unique prospect. Players of his size (6-foot-7, 345 lbs.) just shouldn't be able to move that quickly. With Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill back from injury next season, Walker wouldn't need to be an immediate impact starter and will have the opportunity to grow into a difference-maker on the inside.
61. Washington Commanders: Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami
Washington gets another pass-catcher to build around Jayden Daniels in Round 2 with the impressively athletic Arroyo. Loveland and Warren will get the nods as first-round tight ends but Arroyo's arguably the next-best in a talented tight end class. He can consistently separate at 6-foot-5 and 251 lbs.
62. Buffalo Bills: Landon Jackson, Edge, Arkansas
Jackson is a challenging prospect to get a read on. He's very long and uses his hands, power and motor to get pressures and sacks instead of athleticism. He could easily make it into Round 1 but slips to the end of Round 2 and the Bills get another pass-rushing piece to fit into their defense.
63. Kansas City Chiefs: Mason Taylor, TE, Miami
Taylor's less athletic than Arroyo but has more reliable hands and is a better route runner. He can make catches in traffic and could offer the Chiefs a potential piece to take over for franchise icon Travis Kelce in time.
64. Philadelphia Eagles: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
Zack Baun is hitting free agency after an All-Pro season and the Eagles could use more reinforcements at the position. Schwesinger is slight at 6-foot-2 and 225 lbs. but that's less of a concern behind the Eagles' front. He's a tackling machine with the instincts to work his way through the box.