Gaffney's 2025 NFL Mock Draft 3.0

This time next week, it'll be NFL Draft day at long last. 250 plus players will get the oppurtunity to live out their dreams and make the NFL in the shadow of Lambeau Field, and the peices of the puzzle are starting to come together as next Thursday draws ever closer. Let's not waste any time, here's how I could see rounds 1-3 going.

Notes:

- All Trade values are via the Rich Hill Model and will be displayed in parentheses.

- Trade Lockout after Pick 51.

- Marshall EDGE Mike Green and Kentucky CB Maxwell Hairston are off our board.

2025 NFL (Mock) Draft Round 1

Pick 1) Tennessee Titans

Projected Top Team Needs: Quarterback, Wide Receiver, EDGE

The Pick: Cam Ward, QB (The U)

If this wasn't the blatantly obvious choice around a month ago, it surely became so once the Titans canceled a planned private workout with Shedeur Sanders after his pro day. Short of anything drastic, Tennessee would be within their rights to give Cam Ward his actual jersey, not just the standard blank No. 1 uniform, on draft night with his new league number, a la Andrew Luck in 2012. If Brian Callahan can get him to make better decisions consistently, he has a shot to be a pretty good player.

For Cam Ward's Scouting Report, click here.

Pick 2) Cleveland Browns

Projected Top Team Needs: Quarterback, Left Tackle, EDGE

The Pick: Travis Hunter, WR/CB (Colorado)

Adam Schefter has stated the Browns are taking any of about 100 people here within the last several weeks, but should they not go quarterback, that could set off a chain reaction that screws over several top 10 teams. Tremendous content, but not fun if you want someone specific in these war rooms.

That said, the scenario that Todd McShay proposed last week, where the Browns could trade from the 30s up to 15th with Atlanta to get Shedeur, isn't exactly a sure thing currently, with the Giants, Raiders, and Saints being potential landing spots. If it's one or the other here, I would go Hunter, and more importantly, I think they will as well. By the way, Andrew Berry was talking back at the combine that they'd be drafting Hunter with the intention of playing him primarily on offense. Of just about any team here, I think Cleveland is best situated to esentially run out the year and end up right back here next year, getting their pick of QBs in a better class.

For Travis Hunter's Wide Receiver Scouting Report, click here. For Travis Hunter's Cornerback Scouting Report, click here.

Pick 3) New York Giants

Projected Top Team Needs: Quarterback, Right Tackle, Cornerback

The Pick: Abdul Carter, EDGE (Penn State)

I won't be stunned if this pick ends up being Armand Membou to replace Evan Neal. Still, the Giants just had their last of several meetings with Carter last week. While I don't know who would do this, I'd imagine there's at least one team out there who'd be willing to trade for Kayvon Thibodeaux so the Giants could slot the Penn State product in his place and theoretically get some extra ammo to trade back into the first for Shedeur if they want to. I would imagine any hypothetical trade package for the ex-first-rounder would start with a second or third-rounder plus an additional day-three pick or two.

Pick 4) New England Patriots

Projected Top Team Needs: Left Tackle, Left Guard, Wide Receiver

The Pick: Will Campbell, OT (LSU)

The Stefon Diggs signing certainly helps out a bit on the Patriots' pass-catching struggles for the short term. While I'd argue Travis Hunter would be the pick here if available, Left Tackle is now their top need by default, and by all accounts, it's sounded like they've liked Will Campbell for a while; arm-length numbers be dammed. One last note: as a Patriot fan, I would not rule out them taking Jalon Walker here based on the tea leaves locally.

For Will Campbell's Scouting Report, click here.

Pick 5) Jacksonville Jaguars

Projected Top Team Needs: Tight End, Interior DL, Wide Receiver

The Pick: Mason Graham, IDL (Michigan)

The recently deleted workout video where Mason Graham was in a Jaguars shirt certainly won't curtail hype toward this happening. This pick could also be viewed as the Jaguars preparing to move on from Davon Hamilton, who can get cut next offseason for a 8.5 million dollar cap save as a post-June designation. Regardless, this would significantly improve one of the worst interior groups from 2024.

TRADE

 Dolphins Receive: Pick 6 (446)

Raiders Receive: Picks 13, 48, and a 2026 Second-Round Pick (513)

Pick 6) Miami Dolphins (via Las Vegas Raiders)

Projected Top Team Needs: Left Tackle, Interior DL, Right Tackle

The Pick: Armand Membou, OT (Mizzou)

The Terron Armstead retirement couldn't have come at a worse time for the Dolphins, and they should feel compelled to at least upgrade one of their tackle spots via trade (slightly overpay if anything) in this case, getting Tua a new blindside blocker in Armand Membou. At 13, the odds of them having any of the top three tackles to choose from are razor-thin, so drastic times call for drastic measures. This would also be a nice rug pull to do to the Jets, if for nothing else.

Pick 7) New York Jets

Projected Top Team Needs: Right Tackle, Tight End, Cornerback

The Pick: Tyler Warren, TE (Penn State)

Losing out on what would've been your Morgan Mosses replacement, the Jets here pivot to remedy the fact they passed on Brock Bowers last season, getting this draft's top tight end in Tyler Warren. Colston Loveland is the better all-around pass catcher, but Jets fans should be excited about the versatility and physicality Warren brings to the table, and he's not a bad target by any means.

I also want to mention something Brett Kollmann mentioned recently that should be kept in mind: Both of the Jets' starting guards are on expiring contracts and are almost certainly not priority extension candidates, with Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson not too far off from getting their second contracts. This is just some food for thought later in the draft.

Pick 8) Carolina Panthers

Projected Top Team Needs: EDGE, Box Safety, Wide Receiver

The Pick: Mykel Williams, EDGE (Georgia)

I love the prospect of the Panthers jumping up with New York, or at all really, to get Abdul Carter, but if that's out of the question, Mykel Williams would be the next best option. He might need a year or two to dial in his full pass rush potential, but he's a notably better run defender than a guy like James Pearce, for instance, and is a high character/locker room leader type of player I'd like to see Carolina add to a hopefully ascending unit.

For Mykel Williams' Scouting Report, click here.

Pick 9) New Orleans Saints

Projected Top Team Needs: Quarterback, Wide Receiver, EDGE

The Pick: Ashton Jeanty, RB (Bosie State)

I love seeing Mickey Loomis getting finessed by the Derek Carr team after a brutal contract restructure, personally. Still, nevertheless, I can easily envision the Saints wanting to make their identity running the ball 55 times a game, given it's Kellen Moore's ship. Him getting a Bosie State legend in Ashton Jeanty to fufill that would be a bonus. It's not a "need" since they have Kamara and Kendre Miller, but it's not like Kamara is a young guy anymore, and the 1A 1B tandem has worked in New Orleans in the past. Something tells me that they would probably go Shedeur here, but I will go with my gut on this one.

For Ashton Jeanty's Scouting Report, click here.

Pick 10) Chicago Bears

Projected Top Team Needs: Left Tackle, Safety, Cornerback

The Pick: Kelvin Banks, OT (Texas)

Same pick here for the Bears as in our 2.0 draft. You probably won't find many people with this opinion, but this is my top tackle in this draft. Has some room to grow, especially mechanically, but the upside if you can bring him along is huge. Really good athlete for the position with tons of high leverage reps and overal experience.

For Kelvin Banks Jr's Scouting Report, click here.

Pick 11) San Francisco 49ers

Projected Top Team Needs: Interior DL, EDGE, Offensive Tackle

The Pick: Jalon Walker, EDGE/LB (Georgia)

Will Johnson slipping to this point would make things interesting for the 49ers, who, of course, just lost Charvarius Ward to the open market, but they can go in a ton of directions here. I did see the folks over at PFF do a mock trade-up to three for San Fran to get Abdul Carter, but if that's out of the question, why not a guy like Jalon Walker? A guy like Bob Saleh would probably love to have a guy like Walker in general, but especially as a counterpart to Fred Warner, who he could drop down to the line of scrimmage whenever he wants.

According to PFF, Walker played a majority of his snaps off the line in 2024 (372 in the box or slot and 249 on the line) but registered more pass rush snaps than coverage snaps (195 to 178). Lots of ways to get him on the field and he has some pass rush pop despite being a smaller guy.

Pick 12) Dallas Cowboys

Projected Top Team Needs: Absolutely

The Pick: Tet McMillan, WR (Arizona)

Unfortunately for these Cowboys picks, I have to get into the mind of a Jerry Jones, a fate worse than death, you could say. Logic would dictate they'd go with one of the best defenders on the board, speciffically an edge rusher or cornerback, but if/when they don't, they definitely could use another pass catcher, and I envision the league not being on the Matthew Golden > Tet McMillan train that some draft pundits are; Dallas included. Especially as someone lower on the Arizona product as is, the recent reports about his football makeup being called into question don't ease me any. Still, what he could add to Dallas on day one is a big-body target who can play outside or in, naturally freeing up a guy like CeeDee Lamb.

For Tet McMillan's Scouting Report, click here.

Pick 13) Las Vegas Raiders (via Miami Dolphins)

Projected Top Team Needs: Cornerback, Wide Receiver, Linebacker

The Pick: Will Johnson, CB (Michigan)

Dropping seven spots to take a guy you would've taken at six anyways is what we call "good business." Some concerns about Will Johnson's long speed have come into question with the draft looming, but given the alarming lack of talent the Raiders have at cornerback after the Jack Jones release, I think you can live with a guy who still has passable NFL speed whose better than anyone you currently have by a notable margin.

Pick 14) Indianapolis Colts

Projected Top Team Needs: Right Guard, Tight End, Safety

The Pick: Colston Loveland, TE (Michigan)

Ideally, this pick would've been Tyler Warren, but they get the next best thing here in Colston Loveland, who's an elite receiving tight-end prospect who has the separation ability and speed that Tyler Warren doesn't have. The blocking isn't "elite" but is certainly passable, and in an offense that's filled with some sneaky good receiver talent, I think the Michigan product could become a standout guy.

Pick 15) Atlanta Falcons

Projected Top Team Needs: EDGE, Center, Interior DL

The Pick: Shemar Stewart, IDL/EDGE (Texas A&M)

The Falcons may trade out of this pick in reality, but there doesn't appear to be anyone worth trading up for just yet. Mike Green is someone who's been linked to them a ton, but to be frank, I don't know how you could remotely justify taking him without feeling comfortable with his past at this point. Meaning their best course of action would be Shemar Stewart, who they could move around as they see fit, and get him to become more of a finisher than he was last year at A&M.

Pick 16) Arizona Cardinals

Projected Top Team Needs: Interior DL, Interior OL, Boundary Cornerback

The Pick: Kenneth Grant, IDL (Michigan)

Ditto from 2.0 to 3.0 for these Cardinals. Grant would make the Cardinals a better run-defending team on day one, but he's still scratching the surface of what he can do as a pass rusher. While we're here, congrats to Patrick Peterson on a phenomenal career and officially retiring as a Cardinal. One of the best defensive prospects the league has seen in the last 20 years easily.

For Kenneth Grant's Scouting Report, click here.

Pick 17) Cincinnati Bengals

Projected Top Team Needs: Cornerback, Slot Defender, EDGE

The Pick: Jahdae Barron, CB (Texas)

How about another repeat selection for the house? A team like the Bengals should be jumping all over the opportunity to add a guy like Barron, who could be a day-one starter as a boundary or slot corner for a defense with a new DC in Al Golden.

Pick 18) Seattle Seahawks

Projected Top Team Needs: Interior OL, Boundary Receiver, Linebacker

The Pick: Grey Zabel, IOL (North Dakota State)

In the event that the Seahawks don't want to go with a wideout like Matt Golden, the only other valid pick they can make here would be an interior lineman. Tyler Booker is the best of the bunch, but I don't think he has the athletic profile the Seahawks would want if Klint Kubiak is sticking with more of a zone run scheme. NDSU's Grey Zabel would also give Seattle the luxury of lining up just about anywhere up front, which is always a bonus if anything were to go awry elsewhere.

Pick 19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Projected Top Team Needs: Linebacker, Cornerback, Interior OL

The Pick: Jihaad Campbell, LB (Alabama)

There are no changes for the Buccaneers as well. Even with the news of his Labrum surgery, this is the kind of linebacker that every team in the league would commit felonies to get: fast, instinctive, tough, and better yet, violent. This is the perfect long-term successor for Lavonte David.

Pick 20) Denver Broncos

Projected Top Team Needs: Running Back, Center, Wide Receiver

The Pick: Omarion Hampton, RB (North Carolina)

This is starting to become as trendy a pick as it gets, but I can understand. Hampton is built like a tank at 5'11" (think along the lines of Joseph Addai from the Colts in the 2000s) and is a tough guy to bring down. Not to mention, he has some upside as a pass catcher. He's not the most agile back in the world, but there's a reason why people are as high on the Tar Heel as they are.

Pick 21) Pittsburgh Steelers

Projected Top Team Needs: Quarterback, Running Back, Interior DL

The Pick: Shedeur Sanders, QB (Colorado)

Realistically, this is about the range where Shedeur wouldn't be an overt reach, and the Steelers have passed the point of incompetence if they're willing to put their plans on hold for Aaron Rodgers. Is the ceiling for Sanders high? Not as much as you'd probably hope depending on who you talk to, but the bottom line is he's tough as nails, situationally good, and has a pretty good mechanical base for a kid just coming into the league.

Pick 22) Los Angeles Chargers

Projected Top Team Needs: Tight End, EDGE, Interior DL

The Pick: Matthew Golden, WR (Texas)

Losing out on both of the top tight ends in this scenario, a nice pivot should he slip would be the Chargers bypassing a Joey Bosa replacement early and adding Matt Golden to a WR room that already has Ladd McConkey. This is a receiver who has to be better against press man, but he's a tier-one separator and a very good route runner. He's a good guy to have with Mike Williams not exactly being a sure thing, at the very least.

TRADE

Bills Receive: Picks 23 and 124 (267)

Packers Receive: Picks 30, 62, and a 2026 Third-Round Pick (301)

Pick 23) Buffalo Bills (via Green Bay Packers)

Projected Top Team Needs: Cornerback, Interior DL, Left Guard

The Pick: Shavon Revel, CB (East Carolina)

This would be a bit risky on the Bills' part, but better safe than sorry with a few teams who could go corner in the Vikings, Rams, and Ravens coming up. By the sounds of it, the Bills have done homework on Shavon Revel, and there should be zero hesitation in making this kind of leap if they feel good about his ACL recovery. You could do much worse than he and Christian Benford for the next several years.

Pick 24) Minnesota Vikings

Projected Top Team Needs: Cornerback, Safety, Left Guard

The Pick: Malaki Starks, SAF (Georgia)

Ideally, the Vikings would be a prime trade-down candidate with their lack of capital this year, but I can't see this team passing on a talent like Malaki Starks, who fills a clear need for them. This is a top-five player in this class for me, but he's only on the board still due to positional value and the likelihood that some teams that could use him may look elsewhere. Starks would be an elite chess piece for Brian Flores; I wouldn't overthink this.

For Malaki Starks' Scouting Report, click here.

Pick 25) Houston Texans

Projected Top Team Needs: Interior OL, Interior DL, Wide Receiver

The Pick: Tyler Booker, IOL (Alabama)

Under the assumption that new OC Nick Caley will run a Josh McDaniels-style offense in Houston, Tyler Booker would be a perfect fit for the type of run fits they'll end up running and is a notably safer pick now that Houston has opted to go with Cam Robinson as a short-term left tackle option. His athletic numbers didn't pop off the sheet, but he's built like Quenton Nelson, and his work ethic and football makeup have been praised consistently. Not a bad guy to bring in if you want to re-tool your O-Line room.

Pick 26) Los Angeles Rams

Projected Top Team Needs: Linebacker, Cornerback, Tight End

The Pick: Trey Amos, CB (Ole Miss)

The Rams should be trying to acquire corner talent by any means, and Trey Amos, despite not having some of the measurables (arm length and hand size mainly) as others in this class, was a productive corner for the Rebels in 2024 and judging by getting a glimpse at him, his compete level is very high and he also led the SEC in forced incompletions last season with 14. I have him as an early round-two talent, but this would be a great pickup for these Rams.

Pick 27) Baltimore Ravens

Projected Top Team Needs: Offensive Guard, EDGE, Cornerback

The Pick: James Pearce Jr., EDGE (Tennessee)

Tyler Booker would've been the absolute dream pick for the Ravens since he checks their top box of being an Alabama alumn, but James Pearce wouldn't be a bad pivot if they think he's a good enough culture fit. Worst case scenario in year one, he's a spot pass rusher since he's still a work in progress vs. the run, and he's still improving as a pass rusher, which is a scary thought.

For James Pearce Jr.'s Scouting Report, click here.

Pick 28) Detroit Lions

Projected Top Team Needs: EDGE, Interior OL, Box Safety

The Pick: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE (Boston College)

Speaking of dream picks, this would classify as such for the Lions. Donovan Ezeiruaku would be an instant plug-and-play starter as a 4-3 EDGE opposite of Aidan Hutchinson. Built similarly to Raiders' EDGE Malcolm Koonce, he has the bend and skills as a pass rusher to make up for being on the smaller side and doesn't have the run-game question marks that Pearce has. Slam dunk pick should this come to pass.

TRADE

Titans Receive: Pick 29 (202)

Commanders Receive: Picks 35, 103, and 141 (218)

Pick 29) Tennessee Titans (via Washington Commanders)

Top Team Needs Post Pick 1: Wide Receiver, EDGE, Cornerback

The Pick: Emeka Egbuka, WR (Ohio State)

With their QB of the future secured, I don't hate the idea of the Titans being aggressive in adding another pass catcher for Ward. Emeka Egbuka might not be your traditional number one guy, but he's uber reliable and can be that go-to guy for someone like Ward when Calvin Ridley is getting extra attention on the outside.

Pick 30) Green Bay Packers (via Buffalo Bills)

Projected Top Team Needs: EDGE, Wide Receiver, Cornerback

The Pick: Derrick Harmon, IDL (Oregon)

I refuse to believe the Packers will go for an offensive skill player in round one until it happens in reality. Although not an edge rusher, Derrick Harmon would be a tremendous addition to the Packers' pass-rush plan from the inside. This is one of the best interior pass rush prospects this draft has to offer, and the Packers getting him at 30 is pretty good value.

Pick 31) Kansas City Chiefs

Projected Top Team Needs: Left Guard, EDGE, Interior DL

The Pick: Walter Nolen, IDL (Ole Miss)

Tershawn Warton was a sneaky huge loss for the Chiefs this offseason, and this is an organization that's not afraid of adding in people with character concerns/off-field baggage, and the Ole Miss interior defender Walter Nolen would fit into that box. That said, giving him Chris Jones as his vet feels like as good a mentorship program to get him in the right mindset to be an NFL pro.

Pick 32) Philadelphia Eagles

Projected Top Team Needs: Interior DL, Box Safety/Nickel Defender, Right Guard

The Pick: Tyliek Williams, IDL (Ohio State)

Ohio State's Tyliek Williams wouldn't exactly replace the pass-rush pop Milton Williams gave them. Still, he was as elite a run stuffer in the nation for the Buckeyes. He could also benefit from playing with one of the best pass-rushing defensive lines in the game today.

Round 2

Round 3

Post Round 1 Trades:

Cowboys Receive: Pick 38 (157)

Patriots Receive: Picks 44, 149, and a 2026 Third-Round Pick (176)

Broncos Receive: Pick 39 and 2026 Fourth-Round Pick (168)

Bears Receive: Picks 51, 122, and a 2026 Second-Round Pick (187)

Main Image via