2025 NFL Rookie Mock Draft: The Top Prospects to Watch

2025 NFL Rookie Mock Draft

With the 2025 NFL season on the horizon, excitement is building for the upcoming NFL Draft. This year’s draft class is expected to be one of the deepest and most talented in recent memory, with a number of potential stars waiting to be selected. As we approach draft day, it’s time to take a look at how the first round might unfold with our 2025 NFL Rookie Mock Draft.

The 2025 NFL Draft is expected to be headlined by a number of elite prospects, including quarterback Cade Klubnik from Clemson, wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. from Georgia, and edge rusher Shemar Stewart from Texas. These players are all considered to be potential franchise-changing talents, and they are likely to be selected in the top 10 picks of the draft. Other players to watch for in the first round include quarterback Dante Moore from Michigan, running back Richard Reese from Baylor, and cornerback Domani Jackson from Southern Cal. These players all have the potential to be impact players in the NFL, and they could all be selected in the top 20 picks of the draft.

The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With a number of elite prospects available, teams will have their pick of the litter when it comes to adding young talent to their rosters. It will be interesting to see how the draft unfolds, and which players end up becoming stars in the NFL. Look for more updates and analysis of the draft as we approach the big day.

[Image of Cade Klubnik, Marvin Jones Jr., and Shemar Stewart standing together in football uniforms]

Quarterbacks Ready to Take the Field

With several top quarterbacks set to enter the NFL Draft in 2025, the upcoming season is sure to be filled with intrigue and excitement. Here are a few young stars who are poised to make a big impact in the league:

Cade Klubnik (Clemson): The 6’2″, 185-pound quarterback from Austin, Texas, is the highest-rated quarterback recruit in the Class of 2022. He has a strong arm and is an accurate passer. He threw for over 6,000 yards and 75 touchdowns in his senior season of high school. Klubnik has also shown his ability to run the ball, gaining over 1,000 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns on the ground in his high school career. He has great leadership skills and a high football IQ. He is expected to be one of the top quarterbacks taken in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Dante Moore (Michigan): The 6’3″, 195-pound quarterback from Detroit, Michigan, is a four-star recruit in the Class of 2023. He is a pro-style quarterback with a strong arm and good mobility. He passed for over 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns in his junior season of high school. Moore has also shown his ability to run the ball, gaining over 500 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns on the ground in his high school career. He’s a quick learner and a tough competitor. He is expected to be one of the top quarterbacks taken in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Arch Manning (Texas): The 6’4″, 215-pound quarterback from New Orleans, Louisiana, is the highest-rated quarterback recruit in the Class of 2023. He is the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning. He has a strong arm and is an accurate passer. He threw for over 4,000 yards and 50 touchdowns in his junior season of high school. Manning has also shown his ability to run the ball, gaining over 500 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns on the ground in his high school career. He is expected to be one of the top quarterbacks taken in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Quarterback	Height	Weight
Cade Klubnik	6’2″	185 lbs
Dante Moore	6’3″	195 lbs
Arch Manning	6’4″	215 lbs

Elite Pass-Rushers Surge to the Top

Tier 1: The Cream of the Crop

This year’s draft class features an unprecedented wealth of elite pass-rushers, with three prospects standing head and shoulders above the rest:

Bryce Anderson, EDGE, Alabama: Anderson is a physical freak with incredible length, speed, and power. His relentless motor and advanced pass-rushing moves make him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
Cameron Young, EDGE, Ohio State: Young is a more traditional edge rusher with a combination of size and athleticism that has scouts drooling. He has a quick first step and an arsenal of pass-rushing techniques that make him a versatile weapon for any defense.
Jake Carter, EDGE, Georgia: Carter is the most polished pass-rusher in the draft. He has a refined technique that allows him to generate pressure from any alignment. His high football IQ and leadership ability make him a natural leader on any defense.

Tier 2: Top Tier Talent

The next tier of pass-rushers is also exceptional, with several players who could easily start on day one in the NFL:

Player	School	Position
Nick Bolton	LSU	EDGE
David Ojabo	Michigan	EDGE
Jordan Addison	Pittsburgh	SDE
Shemar Stewart	Texas	EDGE
Dallas Turner	Alabama	EDGE

Dynamic Wide Receivers Make Their Mark

Third Wave of Standout Pass Catchers

Rounding out the first round of the mock draft is a trio of exceptional wide receivers who possess unique skillsets and the potential to make an immediate impact at the NFL level. These players are projected to fill the shoes of departing veterans and bring a new dimension to their respective offenses.

Leading the pack is Anthony Richardson, a physically imposing quarterback from the University of Florida. Richardson’s combination of size, arm strength, and athleticism has drawn comparisons to former MVP Patrick Mahomes. He possesses the ability to create plays with his legs and make pinpoint throws from any angle. In 2023, Richardson threw for 2,943 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, while also rushing for 654 yards and 9 touchdowns. He led the Gators to a 9-4 record and a berth in the Citrus Bowl.

Joining Richardson in the first round is Marvin Jones Jr., a dynamic wide receiver from Ohio State University. Jones is known for his explosive speed, crisp route running, and reliable hands. He led the Buckeyes in receiving yards and touchdowns in both 2022 and 2023. In 2023, Jones caught 90 passes for 1,164 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was named a unanimous All-American and won the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top receiver.

Rounding out the first-round wide receivers is Domani Jackson, a versatile playmaker from the University of Southern California. Jackson can line up at receiver, running back, or in the slot, making him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. He possesses exceptional burst, agility, and field vision. In 2023, Jackson caught 78 passes for 1,021 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also rushing for 323 yards and 5 touchdowns. He was named a consensus All-American and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.

| Player | Position | College |
|—|—|—|
| Anthony Richardson | QB | Florida |
| Marvin Jones Jr. | WR | Ohio State |
| Domani Jackson | WR | USC |

Speedy Cornerbacks Lock Down the Secondary

In the modern NFL, speed is paramount, and this extends to the secondary. Elite cornerbacks with blazing speed and agility are becoming increasingly coveted, as they can single-handedly shut down opposing wide receivers and create game-changing turnovers.

In the 2025 NFL draft class, there are several young cornerbacks who possess exceptional speed and athleticism. These players have the potential to become impact players in the NFL, providing teams with lockdown coverage on the back end.

Here are three speedy cornerbacks who could make an immediate impact in the NFL:

Jalen Carter, Michigan: Carter is a 5-star recruit who is considered one of the top overall prospects in the 2022 high school class. He has elite speed and athleticism, and he is also a physical presence in the defensive backfield.
Kelee Ringo, Georgia: Ringo is another 5-star recruit who is known for his speed and playmaking ability. He has a long reach and excellent ball skills, and he is also a willing tackler.
Jaheim Oatis, Alabama: Oatis is a 6’5″, 350-pound defensive tackle who is considered one of the top prospects at his position in the 2022 class. He has exceptional power and athleticism, and he is also a very good pass rusher.

Name	Team	40-Yard Dash	Vertical Jump
Jalen Carter	Michigan	4.35	37 inches
Kelee Ringo	Georgia	4.40	38 inches
Jaheim Oatis	Alabama	4.90	32 inches

Towering Tight Ends Provide Scoring Threats

Tight ends have emerged as a dominant force in modern NFL offenses, and the 2025 NFL Draft class is no exception. Several towering tight ends possess exceptional physical attributes and pass-catching abilities that could make them instant contributors in the NFL.

These tight ends are not only adept at blocking but also capable of stretching the field vertically and creating mismatches in coverage. Their size, strength, and athleticism allow them to win jump balls, make contested catches, and provide reliable targets for quarterbacks in the red zone.

Among the top tight ends in the 2025 NFL Draft class are:

Player	College	Height	Weight
Michael Mayer	Notre Dame	6’5″	250 lbs
Jaheim Oatis	Alabama	6’7″	300 lbs
Brock Bowers	Georgia	6’4″	240 lbs
Oscar Delp	Ohio State	6’6″	260 lbs
Colby Kessler	Oklahoma	6’5″	245 lbs

With their exceptional physical tools and pass-catching abilities, these tight ends have the potential to make a significant impact at the next level. They could provide scoring threats in the red zone, create mismatches in coverage, and open up the passing game for their quarterbacks.

Versatile Linebackers Cover All Bases

The modern NFL game demands linebackers who can do it all. They need to be able to cover tight ends, blitz the quarterback, and stop the run. The 2025 NFL Draft is expected to produce a number of versatile linebackers who can fill all of these roles.

No. 6: Jeremiah Alexander, Florida

Alexander is a 6’3″, 235-pound linebacker who is considered to be one of the most athletic prospects in the draft. He is a sideline-to-sideline defender who can make plays all over the field. Alexander is also a very good pass rusher, with 10 sacks in his last two seasons at Florida. He is a projected first-round pick and could be one of the most impactful players in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Year	Tackles	Sacks
2023	90	4
2024	110	6
Total	200	10

Explosive Running Backs Fuel the Offense

7. Arizona Cardinals: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Robinson is a physical specimen with a rare combination of size, speed, and power. He was a standout at Texas, setting school records for career rushing yards (4,434) and rushing touchdowns (41). Robinson possesses elusive moves in the open field and the ability to break tackles with ease. He is a complete back who can contribute in all aspects of the game, making him an ideal fit for the Cardinals’ offense. Robinson’s blend of size and athleticism would complement Arizona’s dynamic passing attack, providing balance and a consistent threat on the ground.

Robinson’s production at Texas was nothing short of spectacular. In his three seasons in Austin, he averaged over 1,400 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns per season. His ability to consistently produce at a high level is a testament to his durability and determination.

The Cardinals were one of the most pass-heavy teams in the NFL in 2022, ranking sixth in passing attempts. Adding a running back of Robinson’s caliber would give Arizona a much-needed boost in the ground game and help take the pressure off quarterback Kyler Murray. Robinson’s versatility and explosive playmaking ability would make him a valuable asset for the Cardinals.

Special Teams Aces Make an Impact

Special teams play is often overlooked in the NFL draft, but it can be a major factor in team success. In 2025, several talented special teams prospects could make an immediate impact in the NFL.

No. 8: Punter – Nico Mannion, Nevada

Nico Mannion is a 6-foot-2, 215-pound punter from Nevada who is one of the most promising punting prospects in the country. He has a strong leg and is very accurate, consistently placing his punts inside the 20-yard line. Mannion also has good hang time on his punts, which gives the opposing team’s returner less time to react.

Mannion has been a standout performer for Nevada, averaging over 45 yards per punt in his career. He was named to the All-Mountain West Conference First Team in 2023 and 2024.

Mannion is projected to be a mid-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He has the potential to be a starting punter in the NFL and could make an immediate impact on special teams.

**Scouting Report:**

Strengths:

Strong leg
Accurate
Good hang time

Weaknesses:

Needs to improve his consistency

**Player Comparison:** Bryan Anger

Draft Day Surprises and Steals

9. Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders are projected to have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL next season. They have a solid foundation on both sides of the ball, but they could use some more depth at the wide receiver position. That’s why it wouldn’t be surprising to see them target one of the top wide receivers in the draft, such as Marvin Jones Jr. or Jalin Hyatt. Both players are dynamic playmakers who could make an immediate impact on the Commanders’ offense.

However, if the Commanders are looking for a more versatile player, they could also target a tight end like Dalton Kincaid or Luke Musgrave. Both players are excellent receivers and blockers, and they could give the Commanders a much-needed weapon in the passing game.

10. Indianapolis Colts: OT Cade Mays, Tennessee

With their second pick in the first round, the Colts address their offensive line concerns by selecting Cade Mays. The former Tennessee standout is a versatile lineman who can play both tackle and guard, giving the Colts much-needed depth and flexibility up front.

Physical Attributes and Skills

Mays possesses an impressive combination of size (6’6″, 315 lbs.) and athleticism. His exceptional strength and mobility make him a formidable blocker in both the running and passing game. He is a mauler in the trenches, excelling at creating running lanes and protecting his quarterback.

Areas of Improvement

While Mays is a talented prospect, he has some areas where he can improve. He sometimes struggles with penalties due to over-aggression and needs to develop better footwork and technique in pass protection.

Expected Impact

If Mays can refine his skills and stay out of penalty trouble, he has the potential to become a cornerstone of the Colts’ offensive line for years to come. His versatility will allow the team to experiment with different blocking schemes and find the best way to utilize his strengths.

Position	Player	College
OT	Cade Mays	Tennessee