With free agency essentially over for most teams, all eyes call for attention in about 5 weeks at the end of April with the 2025 NFL Draft. In about a month, teams will fill most, if not, all their needs on paper, and will be the first time no first-round picks are moved before the draft. At least so far, with the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and the New York Giants being the pivotal teams in the top three selections.
Every team will be able to pick in the first round, as it marks the first time since 1993 in terms of the picks are retained with the draft about a month away. That year, 49ers quarterback Joe Montana was sent to Kansas City for a first-round pick from the Chiefs to San Francisco, as it was 5 days away, according to Adam Schefter.
I used PFF’s Mock Draft Simulator and did not include any trades for this go around for just the first round. There are a few differences from my first mock pre-free agency, as the Browns and Giants picks are the real domino picks after the first pick. At this time, I can’t see how the Titans even attempt to trade down with their franchise quarterback Cam Ward sitting there with the number one overall pick.
With Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson still unsigned, I think the Steelers will add Rodgers and not the Vikings or Giants, while Wilson will either go to New York or potentially Jameis Winston, as he visited with them today. Russ was at their facility last week, along with the Browns. Joe Flacco was also at the Giant’s facility last week, according to Tom Pelissero.
Arizona WR and projected top pick Tetairoa McMillan had his Pro Day today, where scouts in attendance clocked him at a 4.48 40-yard dash.
The 6’4”, 219-pound First-Team All-American had 24 NFL teams in attendance to watch him, per source. pic.twitter.com/UJwcJXkwwK
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 17, 2025
According to Jordan Schultz, TMac ran a sub-4.5 40-yard dash at his Pro Day with most of the league in attendance at Arizona today. Although the Raiders have Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker at receiver, it is clear they are missing an alpha alongside Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer at tight end.
With new quarterback Geno Smith reunited with head coach Pete Carroll from the Seattle days with the Seahawks, this offense will look to still run the rock to establish a ground game. While Jeanty is a popular pick at 6 in mock drafts, this is a deep running back class. Finding a receiver like Tet will be hard to find in the second round compared to a top running back in this class.
I have the 49ers draft a defensive lineman who should remind them of a former first-rounder who has thrived with the Colts, DeForest Buckner. Both Buckner and Derrick Harmon are versatile big defensive tackles or ends who can play multiple spots on the line. San Francisco has been gutted this offseason, as they are missing a potential disruptor, run stopper, and pass rusher in the middle of their defense that can play along side Nick Bosa. Harmon has shades of Buckner in his game, who is a bit smaller, but still may go higher than other defensive tackles due to his athleticism and versatility.
The biggest need the Broncos have is at running back, as their former North Carolina rusher Javonte Williams signed with the Dallas Cowboys. Other than Jeanty, Omarion Hampton has been a riser in this class and while they could select a running back next round, their offense has the talent to be a top-10 unit with not many weaknesses. Their need to draft a running back is bigger than at receiver and the talent gap from rounds one and two favors them going with Hampton in this spot.
If the Steelers don’t get Rodgers, maybe they draft Jaxon Dart here but for now, I have them addressing the defensive line. Defensive tackle is an underrated need, as veteran Cameron Heyward is getting older and getting a disruptor pass rusher up the middle was lacking last season. Other than Keeanu Benton, they are lacking youth at that position. Walter Nolen could be the missing piece for their defense that struggled against stopping the run.
With Justin Reid signing with the New Orleans Saints this free agency, the Chiefs could draft a safety opposite Bryan Cook in the first round. While they could go for another offensive lineman, Kansas City did give Jaylon Moore a decent contract at left tackle and will have their former first-round pick Kingsley Suamataia a try at left guard. The athletic safety from South Carolina Nick Emmanwori could be their chess piece Steve Spagnuolo can use around their secondary, with Jaden Hicks to play along with him in a trio. The offensive line class has depth this year, so a day-two pick may make more sense at the position in the 2025 NFL Draft.
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