Hello Draft Compass Fans! Time for the annual Should Pick and Will Pick Mock Draft of 2025.
Per usually, I will assert my not so humble opinions on what each team should do and what they will do (many times against my recommendation should they call me on draft day).
1. Titans – The Titans have painted themselves in a corner in the strangest of ways here. Based on the past, it is no longer going to be acceptable to draft a QB in the second round after Levis not developing and giving up too early on Willis.
Should Pick: Cam Ward QB, Miami – In most years Ward is a late 1st or early second round pick. But the Titans and a few other teams are a little more desperate. Ward has some great flashes and I would lean more towards success with him but the Titans are going to need to stick with him through some rough patches. Make no mistake, this is not an Anthony Richardson type QB, Ward has the intangibles and leadership needed for an NFL QB. There is small temptation to go with best player available here and accept that next year’s crop is going to be better and a new GM means he has that much time.
Will Pick: Same – As I said, the Titans painted themselves into a corner here and they need a QB. I am still up in the air on this but from my stance, would consider taking the best player available here and then circling back in round 2 and grabbing Dillon Gabriel.
2. Browns – What a predictable mess this team has become and it boils down to a few decisions that just make me shake my head. Watson has been a disaster and reading between the lines, putting as much bias aside here as well, Garrett harms the team and locker room a lot more than he is helping it. Between his antics and cap number this team is going to need to knock it out of the park in the draft the next few years. Still the Browns can take a dynamite talent here and work towards the future. Based on their free agency moves, it looks like they are going to focus on QB next year.
Should Pick: Abdul Carter Edge, Penn State – With pass defense you need to generate pressure or have good coverage so the decision is likely split here for most. Not for me because I am struggling to poke holes in Carter’s game. He looks to be a dominant presence and there is enough talent in the secondary for them to take advantage of the pressure. It also opens the door for moving on from Garrett in a few years whether that is his cap number or age.
Will Pick: Travis Hunter CB/WR, Colorado – The Browns will opt for help in the secondary and a part-time player on offense. I am not sure how teams are truly projecting Hunter as it could very well be the reverse. Either way they will see a player that can help the team. I would just go more the Carter route at this point.
3. Giants – Similar to the Browns, the Giants have made three major decisions named Daniel Jones (there might be two mistakes made there, the contract and cutting him mid-season), Xavier McKinney, and Saquan Barkley sink the ship. Restarting this year they have some journeyman QBs that might be able to keep the team together until next year. This is not the year to take a QB but desperation might take over.
Should Pick: Travis Hunter CB/WR, Colorado – The need is only mildly there for a CB and/or WR but this might be the best situation for Hunter. He could easily win the starting CB job and then used strategically on offense to compliment Nabers and Co on 10-15 plays per game. Hunter is elite and there is no need to pass him up here. That said, the Giants could also tempt another team to trade up to this spot and secure draft capital for next year.
Will Pick: Abdul Carter Edge, Penn State – The Giants are going to realize that this is not the time to get cute and go after anybody but an elite talent and there is only really one elite talent here with a few other possibly elite talents and some big risks at QB. Carter should become a dominant force that will take the pressure off the offense a bit.
4. Patriots – The Patriots will be a bit saddened that Hunter and Carter are gone and will have to go with their contingency. I have a suspicion that this is going to be a situation where the position makes sense but the player will be a surprise, either Edge or OT. I would still personally ere on the side of what player is the best player that could help you now.
Should Pick: Mason Graham, DT Michigan – Maybe I am too much on the hype train here but I feel that the Graham has the potential to be an elite player. This is not the biggest need and the signing of Milton Williams lessons that even more. That said, a base of Williams, Baremore, and Graham could be deadly and the Patriots could rotate who is playing where to expose matchups. Then moving to nickel you can rotate based on situation keeping one of them fresh.
Will Pick: Josh Simmons, OT Ohio State – Yeah, maybe I am crazy here but I am looking down the line and Membou is for sure not going to play LT, Campbell is a toss up at LT, others do not like Banks as much as I do, and Simmons pre-injury would be thought of this highly. I think the Patriots are going to fall too much into contingency plan here and not have enough interest in a trade down to make it worth missing out on a guy they like.
5. Jaguars – In both scenarios, Jaguars can go in a lot of different directions and they are likely looking at the top guy they expect to be here available. Still, the question remains whether to go offense or defense with a slight lean towards offense and supporting Lawrence.
Should Pick: Tyler Warren, TE Penn State – This might feel a little rich at this point and there could be a strong argument to go WR or even safety here in this scenario. The value of Warren is that he is an excellent receiver but also a good blocker. I have always been of the mindset that a good all-around TE is one of the best values for a QB because defenses cannot predict what they are doing and they are the safety valve for a QB. It took me just a few minutes of watch Warren in a game to see that he is the type of guy you want on your team as well. If Loveland goes ahead of Warren, I think it is a mistake.
Will Pick: Tetairoa McMillan, WR Arizona – The Jags are going to continue to help Lawrence in any way possible. This is one of those interesting questions of the value of a number 2 WR. If you know you are getting a guy that can complement your other WR perfectly then you essentially have a 1a and 1b WR. I think this fit is really good so I would not argue with the choice here as opposed to a team that expects McMillan to be a number 1 WR.
6. Raiders – The Raiders continue their rebuild towards moving away from one of the worst head coaches in NFL history. It is a tough call as to whether Geno Smith can hold down this fort or not but Carroll and the organization seem to think so. Moving to other positions there are some players that can help this team greatly.
Should Pick: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State – Yeah, I know the boring pick here that everybody is picking for them. It is a strong draft for RBs so I can see the logic behind waiting until round 2 but Jeanty is the best overall running back in this class and it really is not even close. Additionally, having a reliable running back will seal up some of the leaks in other places in this offense.
Will Pick: Same – The pick makes too much sense. That said, watch out for the possibility of a surprise Luther Burden III pick here as I think it is close.
7. Jets – The Jets will be in an interesting position here because there could be a strong argument to go defense or add another WR or even TE here. New coach is a former D-Coordinator so there is probably stronger consideration for defense in this spot.
Should Pick: Tetairoa McMillan, WR Arizona – Essentially for the same reasons I outlined the Jaguars taking McMillan in the Will Pick scenario he makes the most sense here. He would be an excellent complement to Garrett Wilson and aid in taking pressure off of whomever happens to start at QB.
Will Pick: Jahdae Barron, DB Texas – Barron has had a rise from the bottom first to top of the first since the season ended. His best NFL position is probably CB but with the way that Aaron Glenn uses his defensive players, Barron is going to become a chess piece that will line up all over the field to confuse defenses. A strange pick here on the surface but once the season starts he is going to be a unique player.
8. Panthers – The Panthers are in relatively good shape from a roster standpoint and Bryce Young started to play much better by the end of the season. Getting him a few more weapons might be prudent but the defense needs a bit of help, particularly in the pass-rush department. The problem here is that the Panthers have an ownership problem and those are the problems you cannot fix. So cross your fingers that the brass balls do not get in the way of drafting the right player. It is hard to tell if Morgan gained control and Tepper is letting him do his thing or if Tepper might push for a certain player.
Should Pick: Mike Green, Edge Marshall – I was skeptical of Green at first but the more you watch the way he plays the more you see that he is a special player. The power in his initial punch, even if it was against weaker competition, is a sight to behold. There will be some question as to if he can be more of a stand-up edge rusher but the potential combined with his high motor makes him one of the most intriguing pass-rushers in this draft.
Will Pick: James Pearce Jr., Edge Tennessee – Owners like Tepper can become a pain to coaches and GMs and I feel like he might once again push for a glitzier player in Pearce Jr. I am not a particular fan of his, though there is a lot of talent. It is still in the effort of increasing the pass-rush so this is an okay pick but
9. Saints – The Saints look to need help on both sides of the ball to a certain degree but pass-rush is likely to be the bigger focus
Should Pick: Will Campbell, OL LSU – The Saints have never quite got the interior of their offensive line quite right and this is their opportunity to do so. I am projecting Campbell as a Guard who can swing out to Tackle in an emergency in this situation. The talent is too good for the Saints to pass at this point.
Will Pick: Mike Green, Edge Marshall – Green is going to be a situational pass-rusher his first year while he bulks up a tad to be a full time starter but he has an excellent mentor in Cam Jordan. This will be one of those picks where down the road it looks like a steal.
10. Bears – The Bears have been working hard in the offseason to strengthen their offensive line. Still, there could be room to add one more piece if the right player is there on the OL. There is also some need for a running back but that can be addressed later. On the other side of the ball, there is need for a few more difference makers.
Should Pick: Kelvin Banks Jr, OT Texas – I am a bigger fan of Kelvin Banks than many others and feel he can play either tackle spot. Between him and Wright they will be bookends. I know there is temptation to take Simmons here because he has more of the LT traits but I am a bigger fan of Banks.
Will Pick: Mason Graham, DT Michigan – Mason Graham’s tumble is going to stop here as the Bears could really use another dynamic player on the defensive line. Graham will help the back end of the defense and take some pressure off of Sweat. Too good to pass up at this point.
11. 49ers – The 49ers had a down year and lost more than a few players so there are holes to fill. That means that for the most part they can feel good for taking the best player on their board regardless of position and they will help the team.
Should Pick: Jihaad Campbell, LB Alabama – The loss of Dre Greenlaw and Fred Warner being not old but not young by football standards in conjunction with the top LB being available makes this an easy pick. Campbell has to polish up a few parts of his game but the potential is pretty big here.
Will Pick: Same – This pick makes sense here. There is a small part of me that also thinks that Membou could be considered here as well.
12. Cowboys – The Cowboys have need on the offensive line and running back is probably a mild need, though free agency helped that a little. They could also consider a developmental DE though they should probably give Kneeland another year to adjust.
Should Pick: Josh Simmons, OT Ohio State – Guyton may have been a bit of a mistake last year and he looked pretty rough around the edges. A move inside or to RT might make sense and have Simmons step in as the LT. If Guyton cannot cut it then they are at least protecting Prescott with a legit OT.
Will Pick: Kelvin Banks Jr, OT Texas – With Simmons gone they go with Banks. As I said earlier, I am a bigger fan of Kelvin Banks than many others so I think this is a great pick here. Banks has the versatility to play wherever they need him to.
13. Dolphins – The Dolphins need to seriously consider both OL and defensive backfield in this spot. There are good players to choose from here so it just comes down to which ones are highest on the board and which ones can you find players later in the draft.
Should Pick: Jahdae Barron, DB Texas – I am a huge fan of Barron but circumstances dropped him a bit to this point. I think his best fit in the NFL is probably CB who can slide into the slot when need be.
Will Pick: Will Campbell, OL LSU – Given the need at guard and OT of the future the Dolphins will forgo the secondary. It is worth taking Campbell here and starting him out at guard then seeing if he can handle playing tackle.
14. Colts – The Colts come in with the biggest problem being that they made a mistake with Anthony Richardson and do not want to quite admit it. So with that in mind the best they can do is try to help him or Daniel Jones. A receiving TE or OL would seem prudent but there is talent on defense that they could use at this point as well.
Should Pick: Will Johnson, CB Michigan – There is definitely some thought to fellow Wolverine TE Colston Loveland or S Malaki Starks but Johnson is the better overall player in an area of need. Johnson should help the defense take some pressure off of the offense.
Will Pick: Tyler Warren, TE Penn State – The Colts should probably be sprinting up to the podium with this pick. Warren addresses a need and will give whichever sub-par QB that starts a safety valve when plays break down.
15. Falcons – The Falcons are a tricky team to figure out here since they are going to be possibly running a bit of hybrid scheme on defense, so versatile players will be the name of the game on that side of the ball. On offense a quicker savvy WR would also make sense.
Should Pick: Luther Burden III, WR Missouri – I am really high on Burden but the scheme has to fit his strengths for it to make sense. He should be able to compliment Drake London quite well and bring an added dimension to the offense. He can also be a help to a young QB that will need weapons and savvy receivers.
Will Pick: Mykel Williams, Edge Georgia – I am not so sure that Williams should be a first round pick, pretty similar to a few other edge rushers in this draft, but his versatility will appeal to the Falcons. Williams is a gamble but his athletic profile would indicate that his best days may be ahead of him. Still, this is too rich for me here.
16. Cardinals – The Cardinals could use some help in a few different areas primarily on defense. With that said, their offensive line is only okay so if the right player is here they should look for an upgrade.
Should Pick: Kenneth Grant, DL Michigan – Tough call here because Membou could be a nice upgrade but in the end, Grant would bring a big versatile run stuffer who has some 3-technique skills. There are some whispers out there that grant may have been misused in college and could drop a little weight to became a much better pro as 4-3 tackle over a run-stuffer only.
Will Pick: Will Johnson, CB Michigan – The Cardinals could go a few directions here but the need for a next level CB and the quality of getting Johnson here will make this an easy pick for them.
17. Bengals – The Bengals have to project out to the future a bit here and consider who will replace some of their older players and how to supplement a roster that is so tied up with their WR duo and QB. Going after foundational players on rookie contracts will be key to the next couple of years.
Should Pick: Armand Membou, OL Missouri – I have almost drafted Membou to a few teams and then re-assessed a few times. Whatever team drafts Membou is going to have to have a plan for him because it is not clear as to if he is a RT or a guard in the NFL. I say start him at guard and cross train to tackle. In a few years they will move on from Brown, slide Mims on the left, and Membou on the right.
Will Pick: Same – This pick addresses a need now and in the future.
18. Seahawks – The Seahawks have a roster full of talented players and they should be better than their record would have indicated. There is room to increase the talent across the offensive line (they always seem to struggle to find the right guys there) and with a pass-rusher. Additionally, they are a little old on the defensive line so that might be a consideration as well.
Should Pick: Walter Nolen, DT Mississippi – This was a tough call for me because Nolen is likely to be just a contributor this year with spot duties in base and nickel DT. But down the road he would pay a lot of dividends after getting some training and smoothing out the rough edges. Serious consideration here for both Donovan Ezeiruaku Edge and Grey Zabel OL which leads me to…
Will Pick: Grey Zabel, OL North Dakota State – Zabel has been climbing up boards a bit and can fit as either a Guard or Center right away then just an emergency tackle. The Seahawks have need for both of those interior spots so they can see what Zabel’s best fit is. Not a bad pick.
19. Buccaneers – Buccaneers, much like the Seahawks are a better team than this draft position and there are only a few holes. Unfortunately, one of those is ILB and there is not a great player here, though look for consideration with Stewart Schwesinger in round 2. This leaves them with grabbing the top player on their board regardless of position.
Should Pick: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge Boston College – The tricky part here is deciding if you go with the gamble on talent or the undersized guy that has shown he is a technician. Faced with Ezeiruaku and Pearce Jr. I had to choose the guy I trust more.
Will Pick: Same – I struggled looking down the line of players in this scenario and formulating any argument against Ezeiruaku and could not find one.
20. Broncos – The Broncos should really continue to build an offense around Nix and that could include a RB, TE, or even another WR, though the Broncos appear to like what they have there.
Should Pick: Colston Loveland, TE Michigan – This is a deep draft at RB, WR, and TE so the Broncos can really just grab the top player at that position when their pick comes up. Loveland can do the receiving work while Trautman does the dirty work. This also adds the safety valve I keep talking about for a young QB.
Will Pick: Same – This scenario falls too perfectly for the Broncos to argue with.
21. Steelers – I am one to admit my mistakes of the past and I was on the Mason Rudolph train years ago. I am not so much anymore but he is an okay back-up. Which leads me to the next thought of who the heck is going to play QB for them. I think the Steelers started their mistake last year with not just throwing Justin Fields in and not bothering with Russell Wilson. Now they find themselves with Fields feeling insulted and jumping ship (I am not saying he is a great starter but he could reduce some pressure here) and Rudolph being the presumed starter as of this time. That is problematic so the Steelers may have joined Tennessee in painting themselves into a corner.
Should Pick: Malaki Starks, S Georgia – Forgo the QB here because nobody is worth it and you can take a chance on somebody in round 2. Starks can team up with Fitzpatrick and eventually take over for him. There is too much talent here for him to have fallen this far but circumstances have pushed him down here.
Will Pick: Shedeur Sanders, QB Colorado – Sanders has the leadership skills to play QB but he lacks some of the other skills. I think he is a high floor and low ceiling type player. Can he be decent in the NFL? Sure, he could be decent but you are always looking to replace a guy like this. I think there are QBs that will go in the 2nd and 3rd that will have the same or better careers. But the Steelers have painted themselves into this corner so I fear they might reach.
22. Chargers – The Chargers can really use help at TE but the top two prospects are the only ones worthy of this slot. So the Chargers can shift focus to rebuilding their receiving corps or shift over to defense.
Should Pick: Emeka Egbuka, WR Ohio State – Most of Egbuka’s time in college was at slot but he has the ability to play outside. He may never be a super star but should be a nice addition to this team. He is one of those underappreciated talent type of players.
Will Pick: Kenneth Grant, DL Michigan – More than just the Michigan connection, this will allow for the Chargers to continue to build up their defensive line with a versatile defensive lineman who can line up in all three spots.
23. Packers – The team I know best and the GM that confuses me even with the team I know best. The Packers underachieved last year and lost to everybody in the division plus the Superbowl champs. Jordan Love is going to need to show if last year was him struggling with injury or if that is the QB the Packers drafted. The defense got by with a below average group of CBs that did their best and the pass-rush has a lot of talent but needs to translate that talent to the field.
Should Pick: Trey Amos, CB Mississippi – I know for some this might seem a little high for Amos, but he will not be available later and the need at CB is high. I also believe that he is deserving of this spot and feel he is getting a little underrated. A DT is also a strong consideration but I do like what they have there. Even with this pick, expect that Packers to double down or triple down at CB this year.
Will Pick: Derrick Harmon, DT Oregon – Gutekunst is always a hard nut to crack with his first round picks. But he has tended to look a year or two down the road and gamble on guys with a lot of potential then address the bigger needs in rounds 2-3. Harmon has the potential to replace Kenny Clark if he cannot bounce back from a few down years. I do not hate this pick but with the ones on the board, I would go a different direction.
24. Vikings – The Vikings have a solid overall roster but they are getting a bit older in a few areas. They have addressed a few problem areas in free agency so that opens the door
Should Pick: Omarion Hampton, RB North Carolina – This may be a deep RB draft but the Vikings should pounce on Hampton here because he has better skills than most in this draft and they can use him situationally to ease him in and take some miles off of Jones.
Will Pick: Malaki Starks, S Georgia – Harrison Smith continues to defy his age but he is winding down his career. Starks can compliment him short-term and long term take over as the back-end leader. A luxury pick but a good one here.
25. Texans – The Texans, much like any team in this range, is in relatively good shape so they do not need to reach on anybody and can take some chances on some gambles. OL is a bit of a need so if the right player was there they can jump on him.
Should Pick: James Pearce Jr., Edge Tennessee – There is a huge difference here with where Pearce goes between the scenarios. It mostly has to do with projecting a player from the way that Pearce was allowed to mostly pin his ears back in Tennessee’s defense. There is talent here and a lot of mentors in Houston so the gable is worthwhile here.
Will Pick: Josh Conerly Jr., T Oregon – I think Conerly is a fringe first rounder and the way that this 1stround has gone, he is the best and there is a gap. There is talent there but he is a bit of a gamble as he comes off as a little underpowered. I wouldn’t hate this pick but they should probably take a shot at a different player.
26. Rams – While there is barely any history of Snead in the first round with the Rams, he tends to not care about what others think and goes with his players. This makes projecting this pick difficult but there are some needs on defense that can be addressed here.
Should Pick: Josh Connerly Jr., T Oregon – This pick was a real toss-up for me as could envision a few players here. There was a long internal discussion I had with myself taking Carson Schwesinger here because I think he would fit into what the Rams will want to do on defense. But it is likely too early for him. Connerly fits a need possibly now but likely down the road when Havenstein calls it quits. He is probably not ready yet so this is a good fit for him.
Will Pick: Luther Burden III, WR Missouri – Burden is far too talented at a position of eventual need for the Rams to pass up at this point. More is coming out about his practice habits and attitude which is why he drops this far but McVay and the other receivers on this team will get him set straight.
27. Ravens – The Ravens could use some OL help as well as pass rushing help. You could also put CB higher on their list as well. It really boils down to if they are willing to take a risk on a player or go conservative.
Should Pick: Jalon Walker, LB/Edge Georgia – I am all over the place with Walker as I am not quite sure where he fits position wise. That said, I think the Ravens thrive with players like this an will get creative with how to use him.
Will Pick: Same – The Ravens will have a vision of how to use Walker.
28. Lions – The Lions have some pretty good fits for areas of need in both scenarios and Campbell has a very specific type of player he usually likes on his teams. There are a few guys that have fallen down the boards that are intriguing as well.
Should Pick: Grey Zabel, OL North Dakota State – The Lion’s have a need at guard and Zabel fits the tenacity that Campbell looks for. This is a good fit for the Lions here. Zabel also has versatility so he can fill in where they need him if injuries occur.
Will Pick: Tyler Booker, G Alabama – Not to push the issue too far here but the Lions will need some help on the Offensive Line and with Zabel gone there are a few other choices at guard that fit them. It was a toss-up between Booker and Donovan Jackson. Both will be good guards in the NFL but Booker has a slight edge in the way that he plays.
29. Commanders – The Commanders’ receiving room could use some help and their defensive line also needs some reinforcements. They probably are in the overachieve category so drafting well here is going to keep them afloat.
Should Pick: Matthew Golden, WR Texas – I think Golden has been getting a bit overrated due to a 40 time that does not exactly show up on the field. That said, his job will be to make some plays and take some pressure off of McLaurin while learning from him. They need some DL help but Golden is much more talented than taking a risk on the DL that fit the Commanders at this point.
Will Pick: Walter Nolen, DL Mississippi – A talent like Nolen has no business being here and the Commanders will jump all over him and the potential he has to be a top defensive lineman. Great pick here.
30. Bills – The Bills really need some help in the secondary particularly at CB. There are a few here that are all potential or have some flaws. Linebacker looks to be a need too. WR could be tempting too with some that are still available.
Should Pick: Shavon Revel, CB East Carolina – Revel is a gamble because you just never know how somebody will come back from a torn ACL. That said, prior to that injury he was looking top notch. So take a swing here and see what you have. To that point, I also did consider the crazy potential of Darien Porter.
Will Pick: Emeka Egbuka, WR Ohio State – The Bills should be sprinting up to the stage with this pick. Egbuka could very well be the final piece to an absolutely crazy receiving core.
31. Chiefs – The Chiefs are going to need to reload at Offensive Line and they can focus on versatility. Additionally, there are needs at Defensive Line to a degree but it is all about who is going to help you out the most.
Should Pick: Aireontae Ersery, OT Minnesota – Ersery has played well and has even more potential for than that. He probably can play Tackle or Guard so the Chiefs plug him in where he fits best now and in the future.
Will Pick: Same – With the needs that the Chiefs have it is hard to see them go any other direction at this point and Ersery is the best OL on the board.
32. Eagles – The Superbowl champs are in very good shape, not surprisingly, so they can take some gambles on greatness here. A DE/Edge might be prudent and there are a few with a lot of talent here.
Should Pick: Princely Umanmielen, Edge Mississippi – I pretty much love the entire Ole Miss defensive line and Umanmielen’s talent is immense. He is probably not for every scheme but Fangio has way of putting players in the perfect spot and using their tapping into their biggest strengths.
Will Pick: Matthew Golden, Texas – The Eagles may not need a WR right now but AJ Brown wants a new contract and they are staring a talented WR in the face so they will pull the trigger here.
So as usual, the intention of this exercise is all in good fun so agree or disagree, we can talk about it and have some discussion. That is a wrap!
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