4th Annual Hops and Thoughts 2025 NFL Mock Draft

1. Tennessee Titans – QB – Cam Ward – Miami

This may prove to be the one pick that I get right in the entire mock draft. The Will Levis situation has not panned out and the Titans need a QB. Cam Ward is a smart QB who has won at Washington State and Miami, completing 66.7% and 67.2% of passes in his last two seasons. He has a pretty strong arm with a quick release and enough athleticism to escape the pocket and make some noise. There have been a few comparisons to Patrick Mahomes for Ward — but that is more likely than not, a big stretch.

2. Cleveland Browns – WR/CB – Travis Hunter – Colorado

The Heisman Trophy Winner and maybe the most prolific college football player in our generation gets drafted #2 overall and is stuck in Cleveland. Hunter is a specimen who played offense and defense for Colorado and Neon Deion Sanders, playing 1,552 snaps in 2024. He has expressed his desire to continue playing both ways in the NFL, but is more likely to play heavily on one side of the ball and in specific situations on the other side of the ball. Cleveland needs help at WR and CB and Travis Hunter may be the best player available at both positions in this draft — plus he will sell jerseys and tickets.

3. New York Giants – EDGE – Abdul Carter – Penn State 

I almost pulled the trigger on a trade here. The Panthers had the worst pressure rate in the NFL last year and Abdul Carter could change that. The Saints NEED a QB in the worst way and may try to move up for Shedeur Sanders. In the end — I think the New York Giants take arguably the best player in the draft. Abdul Carter is built in the mold of Micah Parsons and has played edge/OLB as well as off-ball linebacker. He is a raw and super-talented player on the edge with 23.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks in his first year playing the edge. Add prototypical size and athleticism and Abdul Carter could be a franchise cornerstone for years to come.

4. New England Patriots – OT – Will Campbell – LSU 

Drake Maye showed flashes of brilliance last year behind the worst O-line in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus. I think the Patriots look to build an offense around Maye in this draft and it starts in the trenches. The team added Morgan Moses in the offseason, but the offensive line still needs help. I think this is too early for a WR like Tetairoa McMillan and I’m not sure they pull the trigger on Ashton Jeanty this early. Will Campbell is an athletic LT who was a starter as a freshman, started 38 straight games, and didn’t allow a sack in his last 30 games. He is a plug-and-play LT for the New England Patriots.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars – DT – Mason Graham – Michigan

It is difficult to pinpoint what position the Jaguars need most. They have needs on the D-line, the O-line, at WR, at TE, and a RB like Ashton Jeanty may be in the mix. In the end, I think the Jaguars stick with the chalk pick and take Mason Graham, the Michigan DT. The Jacksonville DL is in shambles and Graham is a top five player in this draft with great size and athleticism that makes him an every-down DT. They could go with Ashton Jeanty here, but I think they stick to the trenches and look for a RB later in the draft, hoping Travis Etienne returns to his 2023 form where he had 1,484 total yards and 12 total TDs.

6. Las Vegas Raiders – RB – Ashton Jeanty – Boise State

I think this is a dream-come-true scenario for the Las Vegas Raiders. Ashton Jeanty is the best RB draft prospect in a hot minute with a running style that is reminiscent of Ladainian Tomlinson (one of my favorite players to watch as a kid) — and I love Ashton Jeanty’s approach to the draft. The Raiders have a very solid offensive line and yet ranked dead last in rushing yards last year with 1,357 rushing yards and averaged 3.6 yards per carry. Something doesn’t compute here and Jeanty may be the one to turn that rushing attack around.

7. New York Jets – OT – Armand Membou – Missouri

Missouri loves company (see what I did there) — and Armand Membou from Missouri will have plenty of company if he gets drafted by the New York Jets. The Jets are not good and if they want to avoid Justin Fields running for his life this season, they may want to upgrade the offensive line. Membou was a RT at Missouri and can slot in that position for the Jets or compete with Olu Fashanu for the LT spot — but either way, the offensive line is in a better spot with Armand Membou, and Breece Hall will be licking his chops.

8. Carolina Panthers – EDGE – Jalon Walker – Georgia

The Carolina Panthers ranked dead last in pressure rate as a defense in 2024 with a 25.5% pressure rate according to Next Gen Stats. That is the bad news. The good news — they have their pick of the rest of this pretty damn good edge class in this position. Jalon Walker was the leader of the Georgia defense last year and will be a great fit in Carolina’s 3-4 defense. Walker logged 10.5 tackles for loss last year and 6.5 sacks with explosive athleticism off the edge — even if he may lack prototypical size. Walker can be a hybrid chess piece on defense for the Panthers, rushing from inside and outside. I do wonder if Walker’s lack of size will make the Panthers go with a different edge player, though.

9. New Orleans Saints – QB – Shedeur Sanders – Colorado

Narcissism and nepotism aside — Shedeur Sanders is a very good QB prospect. Playing behind a garbage O-line at Colorado, he was often under pressure and still managed to complete 74% of passes last year for 4,134 yards, 37 TDs, and 10 INTs. Sanders has a solid arm, good mechanics, anticipates throws well, and makes smart decisions even when under pressure. With Derek Carr injured and expected to miss the season, QB is more of a need for the Saints than before and Sanders can step in and play right away. There is a chance the Saints trade up to get Sanders and minimize the risk of Pittsburgh doing the same ahead of them.

10. Chicago Bears – EDGE – Shemar Stewart – Texas A&M 

The Chicago Bears need help in the trenches on both sides of the ball — but need to improve the pass rush. Shemar Stewart is a certified freak, seven days a week at 6-foot, 5-inches tall and 270 pounds with 4.59 speed, a 40-inch vertical, and an almost 11-foot broad jump. Stewart was a versatile rusher for Texas A&M, rushing inside and outside and leading the team with 39 pressures in 2024. Stewart will pair well with Montez Sweat in the Bears pass rush.

11. San Francisco 49ers – DT – Derrick Harmon – Oregon

The San Francisco 49ers had a bit of a fire sale this offseason and have a lot of needs for a team that consistently made deep playoff runs in the recent past. D-line, edge, and o-line may be at the top of the list with CB and LB not far down the proverbial shopping list. San Fran could draft a number of impact players here with their pick of the remaining CBs, a solid list of pass rushers, and LB Jihaad Campbell available. I think Derrick Harmon is a beast and both fits a need and may be the best player available. Harmon is a plus defender against the run or the pass, leading college football with 55 pressures in 2024, logging 5 sacks, an impressive 10.5 tackles for loss, and 45 total tackles.

12. Dallas Cowboys – WR – Tetairoa McMillan – Arizona

Dak Prescott gets a shiny new toy and CeeDee Lamb gets a running mate in this mock draft. Tetairoa McMillan is a physical specimen and one of my favorite players in the draft — so there is a -37% chance the Packers draft him. McMillan is a physical specimen at 6-foot, 4-inches and has a 78-inch wingspan that he uses to catch everything in his zipcode. A tall and long WR that has great hands and runs good routes, McMillan will be a great addition to the Cowboys that will make me physically ill when I see it happen.

13. Miami Dolphins – OT – Josh Simmons – Ohio State

The departure of Terron Armstead and the propensity of Tua Tagovailoa to get his brains scrambled means that the O-line needs to be a major priority in South Beach. This may be a bit of a reach, but Josh Simmons is a 2-year starter for Ohio State that excels against the run and pass — but did end last year with a knee injury. With experience on the left and right side, Simmons would be an immediate upgrade on the O-line.

14. Indianapolis Colts – TE – Tyler Warren – Penn State

This feels like a chalk pick for the Colts. I think if Tyler Warren is available here, the Colts sprint to the podium to make the pick. Tight end is a position of need and Tyler Warren is a great prospect at the position that can help in the run or pass game, catches everything, and is a YAC monster. Warren may be one of the top 10 best players in this draft and I think there is potential he could end up with the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, or Chicago Bears.

15. Atlanta Falcons – EDGE – Mike Green – Marshall

The Atlanta Falcons are another team, alongside the Panthers and 49ers, that seem destined to draft a pass rusher early — but who is it going to be in a pretty solid edge class? I went with Mike Green here. The FBS leader in sacks with 17 in 2024 (in the Sun Belt Conference) and in tackles by a D-linemen with 84, Mike Green is a truly explosive athlete that sets the edge hard and is violent with his pass rush. There are character concerns with multiple sexual assault allegations that would scare me if I were the Falcons, but I am sure the team has done their homework and his talent may outweigh the character concerns.

16. Arizona Cardinals – WR – Mathew Golden – Texas 

I think the Arizona Cardinals add a weapon for Kyler Murray with this pick. Pass rushers like Mykel Williams are in play here, but with the addition of Josh Sweat, I think they go a different direction. Mathew Golden is an explosive downfield threat that ran a 4.29 40-yard dash at the combine and had success inside and outside at Texas. Mathew Golden may be the perfect complement to Marvin Harrison Jr. in this offense and will take the top off of defenses.

17. Cincinnati Bengals – EDGE – Mykel Williams – Georgia 

The other half of the Georgia pass rush promises to be an asset for the Cincinnati Bengals. Whether Trey Hendrickson is traded, re-signs with the Bengals, or leaves in free agency next year, the Cincinnati Bengals need to upgrade the pass rush and Mykel Williams is a stud. A versatile pass rusher for the Bulldogs, Williams logged 5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss in 2024. With the length and athleticism of a prototypical pass rusher, Williams is a great pick here for Cincinnati.

18. Seattle Seahawks – OG – Tyler Booker – Alabama

The Seattle Seahawks could go WR — but I think that interior O-line is a bigger need to give Sam Darnold a clean pocket, and with the additions of Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, I don’t think WR is as big of a need. Tyler Booker may be the best IOL in the draft class and is a road grader that will provide plenty of running room for Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – LB – Jihaad Campbell – Alabama

The Tampa Bay offense is ready to rock and roll — but the defense could use an injection of youth and production. Jihaad Campbell is the best off-ball LB in the draft class and led Alabama’s defense with 117 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and a pair of forced fumbles. Campbell will slot in next to Lavonte David and stands ready to take his place when he moves on. A versatile LB that is great against the run or pass, Campbell will check all the boxes.

20. Denver Broncos – RB – Omarion Hampton – North Carolina

The Denver Broncos have the top-ranked O-line in the NFL according to the Pro Football Network — yet they finished middle of the pack in rushing yards. A stronger running game in Sean Payton’s offense will benefit Bo Nix and help him take his game to the next level. Omarion Hampton is a top-tier RB in this draft that is a great blend of power and speed and will contribute in the pass game. Hampton finished 2024 with 1,660 rush yards and 15 TDs with an added 373 yards receiving and a pair of TD receptions.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers – QB – Jaxson Dart – Ole Miss

The Steelers have been looking for a good starting QB since Big Ben was flashing his junk to co-eds in the club and this may be a massive reach for Jaxson Dart here at #21 — but with a QB room that is led by (checks notes) Mason Rudolph, it is a necessity. Jaxson Dart excelled at Ole Miss under Lane Kiffin and provides a good blend of athleticism on the ground and arm talent. Dart led the FBS in yards per attempt at 10.8 and completions of 10 yards or more, proving he can sling it downfield, which is a trait that DK Metcalf will appreciate.

22. Los Angeles Chargers – TE – Colston Loveland – Michigan

The Chargers need to upgrade the passing attack, whether it be at WR or TE. Ladd McConkey can only do so much. Colston Loveland may be one of the best pure pass catchers in this draft class and one that Coach Harbaugh is familiar with. Loveland is a 3-year starter at Michigan that totaled 56 receptions, 582 yards, and 5 TDs last season. A combination of size and speed, Loveland is a red zone threat and can beat teams down the seam.

24. Minnesota Vikings – CB – Will Johnson – Michigan

It seems strange to have the first CB of the draft class come off the board at #24. With positional needs and deep classes at other positions, players like Will Johnson who may be a top 15 player in this class could fall to the back half of the round. Johnson may be the best cover corner in the class with pretty OK athleticism and an exceptional football IQ. Tall and long in coverage, Johnson had 9 interceptions and 19 passes defended in his three years as a starter at Michigan. His long speed may be a concern for teams that forces him down the draft order.

25. Houston Texans – OT – Kelvin Banks – Texas

The loss of Laremy Tunsil leaves a massive hole on the O-line for the Houston Texans and Kelvin Banks is a great option to step up and fill it. A top-tier OL option for much of the draft process, Kelvin Banks was a three-year starter at LT for Texas and performed well in pass protection against SEC talent. The question about Banks is his length and even if he moves to guard at the next level, it is a position of need for the Texans.

26. Los Angeles Rams – CB – Jahdae Brown – Texas

The Los Angeles Rams could use some help at CB and as this mock draft goes, a very good one falls into their lap. Jahdae Brown is a versatile defensive back that has seen playing time outside, in the slot, and at safety for the Texas Longhorns. Baron led the SEC in interceptions with 5 and in passes defended with 16. He is a solid athlete, running a 4.39 at the combine and makes plays with his high IQ.

27. TRADE – Buffalo Bills – S – Malaki Starks – Georgia

Buffalo has extra picks in this draft and could move up to get the players they need to make another Super Bowl run. Safety is a need for Buffalo and with a pair of great options falling to this point in the draft and other teams with needs at Safety, the Bills move up to take Malaki Starks. A versatile backend defender, Starks has played all over the formation in Kirby Smart’s man-zone defense and logged snaps in deep halfs, in the slot, and in the box.

28. Detroit Lions – Grey Zabel – OL – North Dakota State

Detroit could use an edge rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson, but the next best option in my opinion is James Pearce Jr. out of Tennessee. With questions about effort and work ethic, Pearce just doesn’t seem like the right fit for Motor City Dan Campbell. I think the Lions elect to beef up the O-line and replace the recently-departed Kevin Zeitler. Grey Zabel dominated at the Senior Bowl against top-tier competition, has the ability to play anywhere on the OL, and has Pro Bowl potential at Guard or Center.

29. Washington Commanders – EDGE – James Pearce Jr. – Tennessee

Dante Fowler Jr. is gone after putting up 10.5 sacks last season and the Washington Commanders may replace one Junior with another in James Pearce Jr. The Tennessee Vols defender is an incredible athlete that led college football in pressures over the past two years with 107 and boasts a 23% pass rush win rate. This addition will be an instant upgrade to the Washington Commanders pass rush.

30. TRADE – Baltimore Ravens – S – Nick Emmanwori – South Carolina

A certified freak athlete, Nick Emmanwori to the Baltimore Ravens just feels right to me. Listed at 6-foot, 3-inches and 220 pounds, Emmanwori ran a 4.38 at the combine with a 43-inch vertical and an 11-foot, 6-inch broad jump. A versatile defender with experience in the slot and in the box, Emmanwori to the Ravens would make maybe the best safety duo in the league next to Kyle Hamilton.

31. TRADE – Cleveland Browns – QB – Tyler Shough – Louisville

I don’t know if it will be the Browns, but I have a feeling someone trades back into the first round for a QB. The Cleveland Browns find a willing partner in the Kansas City Chiefs and get an extra year of control to develop Tyler Shough and see what they have without giving up much in the way of draft capital. Tyler Shough is a super senior with a live arm that can make any throw on the field and completed 62% of his passes in 2024 for 3,145 yards and 23 TDs.

33. TRADE – Kansas City Chiefs – DT – Kenneth Grant – Michigan
34. New York Giants – OT – Josh Conerly Jr. – Oregon
35. Tennessee Titans – EDGE – Nic Scourton – Texas A&M
36. Jacksonville Jaguars – WR – Emeka Egbuka – Ohio State
37. Las Vegas Raider – CB – Maxwell Hairston – Kentucky
38. New England Patriots – WR – Luther Burden III – Missouri
39. Chicago Bears – RB – TreVeyon Henderson – Ohio State
40. New Orleans Saints – OT – Aireontae Ersery – Minnesota
41. Chicago Bears – OL – Marcus Mbow – Purdue
42. New York Jets – TE – Mason Taylor – LSU
43. San Francisco 49ers – CB – Trey Amos – Ole Miss
44. Dallas Cowboys – EDGE – Landon Jackson – Arkansas
45. Indianapolis Colts – OG – Donovan Jackson – Ohio State
46. Atlanta Falcons – DT – Tyleik Williams – Ohio State
47. Arizona Cardinals – CB – Benjamin Morrison – Notre Dame
48. Miami Dolphins – S – Xavier Watts – Notre Dame

49. Cincinnati Bengals – LB – Carson Schwesinger – UCLA
50. Seattle Seahawks – CB – Shavon Revel – East Carolina
51. Denver Broncos – WR – Jaylin Noel – Iowa State
52. TRADE – Las Vegas Raiders – QB – Jalen Milroe – Alabama
53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – CB – Azareye’h Thomas – Florida State
54. Green Bay Packers – WR – Jayden Higgins – Iowa State
55. Los Angeles Chargers – EDGE – J.T. Tuimoloau – Ohio State
56. Buffalo Bills – DT – Shemar Turner – Texas A&M
57. Carolina Panthers – WR – Jack Bech – TCU
58. Houston Texans – OG – Jonah Savaiinaea – Arizona
59. Baltimore Ravens – OG – Tate Ratledge – Georgia
60. Detroit Lions – EDGE – Jordan Burch – Oregon
61. Washington Commanders – WR – Jalen Royals – Utah State
62. Buffalo Bills – EDGE – Jack Sawyer – Ohio State
63. Kansas City Chiefs – OG – Wyatt Milum – West Virginia
64. Philadelphia Eagles – EDGE – Oluwafemi Oladejo – UCLA

Beer and Bourbon of the Day

Bourbon: Eagle Rare 10 Year, Bardstown Wheated, Castle & Key Batch Strength Wheated, and Baker’s 7 Year. And Guinness.
Distillery: Multiple
Proof: Yep it has that.
Purchased At: Multiple Locations – Gardina’s in Oshkosh and Wagner Market in Oshkosh

The 4,800+ words of this mock draft were regurgitated from my lizard brain to my fingers across multiple nights and as a result, more than a few pours of bourbon and a few beers were consumed in the process. I have fallen in love with the Bardstown Wheated and Castle & Key Batch Strength. They are two of my favorite bottles I have had, compete with some more expensive bottles, and are only about $50. Highly recommend.