2025 NFL Draft: Leading Talent, Selections, Rankings, Statistics, and Mock Drafts

The Tennessee Titans are about to make their pick at No. 1 to commence the 2025 NFL Draft. This marks the beginning of 257 selections throughout seven rounds, taking place from Thursday to Saturday.

To get you ready for the draft, we present our comprehensive guide, covering everything you need to know—top prospects, rankings, mock drafts, essential details, bold predictions, and all the latest buzz. How does this year’s crop compare historically? In what position will Travis Hunter play in the NFL? Where will quarterbacks like Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, and Jaxson Dart end up? Which late-round prospects might climb the draft board? We cover all this and more.

Let’s kick things off with a fundamental question—how to tune in to the draft this week.

See more:
ESPN Draftcast | Best available players | Team needs

Jump to:
How to watch | Pick order | Top prospects | Mocks
Class overview | QBs | Hunter: WR or CB?
Best fits | Risers | Predictions | Buzz
Nuggets to know | Projections | Must-reads
Draft Day Predictor | FAQs

Where, when, and how to watch the draft

The 2025 draft will take place at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

• Round 1: Thursday at 8 p.m. ET (ESPN, ABC, and the ESPN App)

• Rounds 2-3: Friday at 7 p.m. ET (ESPN, ABC, and the ESPN App)

• Rounds 4-7: Saturday at noon ET (ESPN and the ESPN App)

The NFL has confirmed that 16 players will be in attendance at the draft: Alabama G Tyler Booker; Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell; LSU OT Will Campbell; Penn State Edge Abdul Carter; Texas WR Matthew Golden; Michigan DT Mason Graham; Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter; Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty; Michigan CB Will Johnson; Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan; Alabama QB Jalen Milroe; Ohio State OT Josh Simmons; Georgia S Malaki Starks; Texas A&M Edge Shemar Stewart; Miami QB Cam Ward; Georgia Edge Mykel Williams.

More: How Green Bay is prepping for the draft

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What is the draft order?

This year’s draft includes 257 picks. The Titans hold the first selection, while the Chiefs are set to take Mr. Irrelevant. The 49ers and Ravens lead the pack with the most picks at 11 each, while the Vikings bring up the rear with just four selections. No first-round picks have been exchanged, meaning every team is poised to make a selection on Day 1.

Top 10:

1. Tennessee Titans
2. Cleveland Browns
3. New York Giants
4. New England Patriots
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
6. Las Vegas Raiders
7. New York Jets
8. Carolina Panthers
9. New Orleans Saints
10. Chicago Bears

More: Full draft order … Draft needs for all 32 teams (ESPN+) … Key questions for each team (ESPN+)

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How do the prospects in this class rank?

Scouts Inc.’s top 10 prospects:

1. Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State (Highlights)
2. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado (Highlights)
3. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan (Highlights)
4. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State (Highlights)
5. Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State (Highlights)
6. Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia (Highlights)
7. Cam Ward, QB, Miami (Highlights)
8. Armand Membou, OT, Missouri (Highlights)
9. Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia (Highlights)
10. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan (Highlights)

Scouts Inc.’s top five quarterbacks:

1. Cam Ward, Miami
2. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
3. Jaxson Dart, Mississippi
4. Tyler Shough, Louisville
5. Jalen Milroe, Alabama

Our analysts’ personal boards: Kiper | Miller | Reid | Yates | Legwold

More on standout players: Riddick’s favorite prospects … Best prospects by 100 different traits (ESPN+) … Our favorite prospect-to-pro comparisons … Kiper’s favorites (ESPN+) … Most polarizing players in the class (ESPN+) … Prospects with the widest pick ranges (ESPN+) … All-Film Team (ESPN+)

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Latest mock drafts

Check out the latest mock drafts from our analysts leading up to the first round (and beyond) on ESPN+.

You can explore every 2025 mock draft since last May right here.

More: Discussing needs and value in Round 1 (ESPN+) … Barnwell’s All-Trades mock draft … Bowen’s favorite fits for 20 prospects (ESPN+) … Ideal fantasy landing spots for 10 players … How all 32 teams could excel in the draft (ESPN+)

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How does this draft class stack up?

The 2025 class differs significantly from last year’s cohort. The 2024 draft featured six quarterbacks selected within the first 12 picks for the first time in history, with three going Nos. 1-3. I would estimate a maximum of four quarterbacks might be drafted in the first round this year, but it’s plausible that only two will get picked (Ward and Sanders). Besides the shortage of QB talent, there’s also a decrease in blue-chip players compared to 2024, particularly in the wide receiver and offensive tackle categories.

However, the 2025 class is rich in depth, especially in running backs, wide receivers, defensive tackles, edge rushers, tight ends, and safeties. My top 200 prospects list includes 26 edge rushers, 24 wide receivers, 22 running backs, 14 safeties, and 12 tight ends. Teams with plenty of draft capital this year will eagerly navigate the boards in Rounds 2-4 and feel optimistic about discovering quality starters. — Field Yates, NFL draft analyst

More: Has defensive tackle become a coveted position? … Will we ever see a running back go No. 1 again?

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What to expect for teams needing a quarterback

This quarterback class may not match the quality of last year’s group, but it’s likely that a couple of signal-callers will be taken in Round 1. Miami’s Cam Ward is projected as the top overall selection, and he could provide answers for Tennessee under center. Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart are considered the other two quarterbacks who might go on Day 1. Additionally, some evaluators think Louisville’s Tyler Shough and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe could be chosen early in the second round.

The Browns and Giants clearly need a young franchise quarterback, yet neither team is expected to select one over Hunter or Carter. That leaves the Saints (No. 9) and Steelers (No. 21) as potential landing spots for quarterbacks on Thursday. New Orleans stands as one of the draft’s biggest wild cards, especially following news about Derek Carr’s shoulder injury.

If teams prefer to wait for a quarterback, Syracuse’s Kyle McCord and Ohio State’s Will Howard could be viable options in Rounds 3 or 4. — Jordan Reid, NFL draft analyst

More: Can Sanders and Ward improve their release time? … Reid’s QB Hot Board rankings (ESPN+) … QB-only mock draft: Team fits across seven rounds (ESPN+) … Each QB’s critical flaws (ESPN+)

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Will Travis Hunter be a WR or CB in the NFL?

He will virtually undoubtedly play on both sides of the ball. I anticipate Hunter will primarily line up as a wide receiver, but he should equally receive substantial opportunities at cornerback. His impressive speed, catching abilities, and instincts make him a formidable player in both roles. Last season, Hunter logged an astonishing 1,458 snaps, posting remarkable numbers: 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns at wide receiver, complemented by 10 pass deflections and four interceptions at cornerback.

Let’s examine how he would fit with the Browns, who possess the No. 2 pick and appear to be a logical destination. Hunter could play alongside Jerry Jeudy and tight end David Njoku to revitalize a struggling passing game. The Browns require more trustworthy pass-catchers, particularly considering their quarterback situation. They might also utilize him in cornerback roles. While Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II are solid starters, it’s hard to imagine the Browns excluding Hunter during crucial moments of the game. He could also be a significant asset in red zone defense. Hunter’s talent would be too valuable to limit him strictly to offense or defense. — Mel Kiper Jr., NFL draft analyst

More: Bailey on Hunter

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Our favorite potential team fits

Michigan CB Will Johnson to the Falcons

Johnson possesses smooth movement with explosive forward ability. He has the physical attributes to excel in man coverage, but fits best in a system that allows him to dominate from a deeper zone. Under the guidance of coach Raheem Morris, the Atlanta defense, which employed zone coverage on 61.2% of opponent dropbacks last season (12th in the league), could benefit greatly. Pairing Johnson with A.J. Terrell would provide the Falcons with two lengthy, fluid corners. Johnson brings playmaking capabilities, evidenced by his nine interceptions and three defensive touchdowns at Michigan. Atlanta needs his turnover production.

Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson to the Bears

The Bears might target Johnson early on Day 2 to complement D’Andre Swift in their backfield. He has the north/south acceleration and linear gliding abilities to create big plays. In the previous season at Iowa, Johnson rushed for 21 touchdowns and recorded 43 carries of 10 or more yards. He would suit the outside zone scheme favored by new coach Ben Johnson. With an increase in utilization in an NFL pass game, he could thrive on screens and backfield releases for Chicago. — Matt Bowen, NFL analyst

More: Sanders’ best fits (ESPN+)

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Some risers to watch

Tai Felton, WR, Maryland

I project Felton to go in the fourth round, and he has frequently emerged as a riser in the eyes of NFL scouts, thanks to his dynamic play and field-stretching capability. He appears to be a strong contender for a WR3 position in his rookie year with potential to broaden his route tree. Felton (6-foot-1, 183 pounds) amassed 96 receptions for 1,124 yards and nine touchdowns last season.

Nick Martin, LB, Oklahoma State

Martin, a potential late-round selection, has gained attention as a riser during the pre-draft process. As a former walk-on, the 6-foot, 221-pound linebacker has the speed to chase down running backs and quarterbacks from the middle of the field. He missed a considerable part of the 2024 season but tallied 135 tackles in 2023. A selection in late Round 3 wouldn’t be surprising.

Rylie Mills, DT, Notre Dame

As a potential 5-technique player at 6-foot-5 and 291 pounds, Mills has caught the attention of teams due to his quick first step. He faced injuries in 2024, which hampered his pre-draft process, but performances like his three-sack outing against Florida State could propel him into the top 100 selections. — Matt Miller, NFL draft analyst

More: College coaches identify sleepers (ESPN+) … The year’s biggest risers

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Making bold predictions

Only one quarterback will be drafted in the first round. I tend to approach QB draft hype with skepticism, and while last year’s class saw a surge in late risers, this year’s group pales in comparison. I foresee a prolonged standoff among the Browns, Giants, and Saints, culminating in no trades for a passer. Consequently, only Cam Ward will be called in the first round.

Omarion Hampton will outperform Ashton Jeanty. Hampton is the top player in this draft we rarely discuss. I understand—Jeanty had an exceptional season, showing he possesses what it takes to excel professionally. But so does Hampton—he has size, speed, tackle-breaking ability, and third-down value. Given that Hampton is expected to go later in the draft (Scouts Inc.’s No. 21 prospect), he stands a better chance than Jeanty at joining a strong offensive team. Imagine Jeanty being wasted on a subpar team, akin to Saquon Barkley’s experience with the Giants during his rookie deal, while Hampton flourishes behind a solid Broncos offensive line.

The Ravens will trade up to snag Colston Loveland from the Chargers. With both Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely entering contract years, and given the depth of this tight end class, it’s evident that Loveland and Tyler Warren stand out as the best. Many mock drafts have Loveland landing with the Chargers at No. 22, partly due to his connection with former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh. However, Ravens coach John Harbaugh might orchestrate a trade from No. 27 to usurp the Chargers and select Loveland. — Ben Solak, NFL analyst

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What’s the latest predraft buzz?

Dan Graziano, NFL national reporter: My discussions over the weekend suggest that we may witness a surge in pass rushers earlier in the first round than anticipated. After Abdul Carter goes No. 2 or No. 3 to the Browns or Giants, the spots where executives predict pass rushers may be selected include the Raiders at No. 6, Jets at No. 7, Panthers at No. 8, Saints at No. 9, and 49ers at No. 11.

Whether it’s edge players like Georgia’s Jalon Walker or Mykel Williams or disruptive defensive tackles like Ole Miss’ Walter Nolen, teams that are unenthusiastic about the receivers, tackles, and others in this draft class could default to picking talented individuals who excel at pressuring quarterbacks.

Jeremy Fowler, NFL national reporter: Teams around the league are paying close attention to New Orleans, especially given the apparent dissatisfaction of quarterback Derek Carr. Will the Saints use their No. 9 or No. 40 picks on a quarterback? They haven’t selected a first-round passer since Archie Manning in 1971, and new coach Kellen Moore requires a young quarterback for his future plans. I get the impression that the No. 9 pick might be directed toward another position—offensive line is one of their needs—but the 40th selection could be the best chance for a second-tier quarterback.

While Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart are in the first-round discussion, Louisville’s Tyler Shough and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe might rise into the early second or late first round as a result. The Saints should remain flexible with that selection in case they are intrigued by one of those quarterbacks. Overall, the Saints have maintained a certain level of ambiguity during this process, leaving teams uncertain about their intentions.

Here are the latest rumblings via ESPN+:

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Things to know from ESPN Research

• The Titans have the No. 1 pick for the third time in the common draft era (since 1967), previously selecting defensive end John Matuszak (1973) and Hall of Fame running back Earl Campbell (1978) when they were known as the Houston Oilers.

• Travis Hunter, the two-way star from Colorado, played 1,481 total snaps last season, which were 297 more than any other FBS player. He became the only player in at least the last 45 years to achieve 500 receiving yards and four interceptions in a single season.

• Abdul Carter, the edge rusher, earned unanimous All-American honors and has the potential to be the first Penn State defensive player to be drafted in the top 10 since Courtney Brown and LaVar Arrington went first and second overall in 2000.

• If quarterback Shedeur Sanders goes in the top 10, he and his father Deion (the No. 5 pick in 1989) would join the Mannings (Archie and Peyton/Eli) and the Matthews (Bruce and Jake) as the only father-son combinations drafted in the top 10 in the common draft era.

• At least three quarterbacks have been selected in the first round in eight of the last nine drafts.

• The reigning national champion Ohio State Buckeyes had 15 players listed in Miller’s seven-round mock draft (released on March 27), more than any other school. If this holds true, it would mark the program’s highest total in a single year since the common draft era began, surpassing the 14 players selected in 2004.

• This year, running back is considered a notable strength, with Scouts Inc. ranking 31 running backs with a draftable grade. In the 29 drafts since the NFL transitioned to seven rounds in 1994, only two have seen at least 30 running backs selected—32 in 1996 and 30 in 2011.

• While the first-round picks grab much of the spotlight, a significant portion of a team’s roster is constructed during Day 2 and Day 3. Among active players in the 2024 season, 63% were drafted in Rounds 4-7 or went undrafted.

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Projecting the draft’s top players

For insights into the players likely to succeed in the NFL, analyst Aaron Schatz provided projections for the top prospects and compared them to existing players. Contributions came from Nathan Forster, Alexandre Olbrecht, and Jeremy Rosen, focusing on running backs through BackCAST, edge rushers via SackSEER, and wide receivers through Playmaker Score, finishing with the projections for quarterbacks.

See all positions: Quarterback | Wide receiver | Running back | Edge rushers

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Read more about the prospects

Which prospects have particularly interesting routes to the draft?

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Check out the NFL Draft Day Predictor

Our Draft Day Predictor is a tool that leverages expert mock drafts, Scouts Inc. grades, and team needs to estimate pick probabilities for prospects. We can forecast when the most talented players will be drafted and their likelihood of being available at specific slots. Additionally, our NFL draft simulator offers users the chance to make selections and execute trades.

More: Draft Day Predictor resolves 10 debates

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Frequently asked draft questions