2025 NFL Draft Preview: A Deep Class of Defensive Players
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a strong year for defensive players, with several elite prospects at the top of the class. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ win over the Tennessee Titans recently simplified the draft order, making it a two-team "race" for the No. 1 overall pick. The New York Giants, with a weaker strength of schedule, would pick first, followed by the Las Vegas Raiders. The rest of the top-10 picks are fiercely contested, with several teams vying for the top talent.
Final Pre-Draft Mock
- New York Giants (2-11): Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
The Giants’ porous passing defense needs a boost, and Hunter, a versatile player with exceptional instincts and ball skills, can provide it.
- Las Vegas Raiders (2-11): Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The Raiders have been impressed by Sanders’ accuracy and poise, making him a prime candidate for the top quarterback in the class.
- New England Patriots (3-10): Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Carter’s explosive first step and versatility make him an intriguing fit for the Patriots, who need to revamp their pass rush.
- Carolina Panthers (3-10): Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Carolina’s struggling run defense could be bolstered by Graham, a talented and athletic defensive tackle with a high ceiling.
- Cleveland Browns (3-10): Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Browns’ cornerback position is in flux, but Johnson, a physical, ball-skilled defender, could bring a much-needed boost to the secondary.
- New York Jets (3-10): Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M
With their reliance on quarterback play, the Jets might lean on Scourton’s pass-rushing skillset to bolster their front seven.
- Tennessee Titans (3-10): Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The Titans’ putrid run game could use a jolt, and Jeanty’s vision, agility, and speed make him a promising solution.
- Jacksonville Jaguars (3-10): Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
The Jaguars’ secondary has been an issue, but Starks, a talented safety with range and ball skills, could help stabilize the unit.
- Chicago Bears (4-9): Will Campbell, OT, LSU
The Bears need to protect their young quarterback, and Campbell, a talented tackle with size, agility, and strength, could fill that role.
- New Orleans Saints (5-8): Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
The Saints’ aging pass rush has been a concern; Williams, a physical defensive end with a burst, could add some excitement to the unit.
The rest of the first round is crowded, with 14 teams battling for the top talent. A plethora of defensive players are on the board, making it a strong class for teams looking to rebuild or tweak their rosters. The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a fantastic event for fans of defensive football.
