2025 NFL mock draft: Projecting trades for Chase Young, Adam Thielen; 2022 quarterback class gets replaced

It is not a quarterback-heavy draft like last year, but there are plenty of desperate teams waiting to take their swing at the piñata. Cam Ward has a higher ceiling than Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, but his decision-making needs to improve.

Carolina is not the only team that drafted a quarterback in 2023 now looking to make a change. In fact, C.J. Stroud in Houston is the only one holding strong. Shedeur Sanders replaces Will Levis in Nashville as the hopeful savior of the franchise.

There have been flashes of high-quality play from rookie quarterback Drake Maye, which is all that more impressive considering the lack of support he has in that offense. They desperately need to upgrade the offensive line, but it may be a stretch to take one over Travis Hunter Jr., who has shown to be proficient on each side of the ball.

Coaching and quarterback must be resolved in the Big Apple, but neither feels like the appropriate route at No. 4 overall. Instead, the Jets take a high-floor defensive tackle to form one of the best inside duos in the NFL with Quinnen Williams.

Will Johnson Jr. is being devalued in mock drafts and prospect rankings right now. He has not played his best football, but he has been dealing with an injury for most of the season. The team that takes a chance on Johnson may get the highest return down the road.

The injuries at wide receiver are bringing the lack of depth into perspective. Rashid Shaheed is a free agent after the 2025 season. Chris Olave, Tetairoa McMillan and Shaheed is a good group for next year and then McMillan gives them flexibility beyond.

The Texas right tackle slides into the starting lineup. Las Vegas, like most other teams, need a change at quarterback, but that player stands little chance without an upgraded offensive line and collection of skill talent.

Dawand Jones played right tackle last season when Jack Conklin was injured. Now, he is playing left tackle with Jedrick Wills Jr. hampered. There is a scenario where Jones shows enough at left tackle to earn an extended look next season with Conklin remaining at right tackle. As it stands, Kelvin Banks Jr. may be the best option.

I have my concerns about the level of decision-making that essentially every college quarterback has shown this season. However, Garrett Nussmeier has shown more in terms of his ability to read out a defense and make proper decisions than others in his class. He is not an obvious future star, but most importantly to Giants fans, he isn’t Daniel Jones.

How many more seasons does Terron Armstead have in him? Whether it is this year or next, the Dolphins will have to consider its options at left tackle. Will Campbell can be that player and hopefully Tua Tagovailoa is his quarterback for many years.

Cincinnati should be in a position to draft a potentially impactful pass rusher in this range. Trey Hendrickson wants a new contract and former first-round pick Myles Murphy has not been everything that they wanted, so contingencies must be made.

There is always going to be the lingering concern of whether or not Matthew Stafford is going to retire. Sean McVay wants to use his draft capital on the offense, but circumstances do not always allow that as witnessed in the 2024 NFL Draft. Safety is not the biggest need on the roster, but the franchise could benefit from a youthful infusion.

The Heisman Trophy candidate has hardly been slowed down this season. He is equally impactful in the pass game as he is in the run game. Dak Prescott has been empowered as the future of the franchise so it only makes sense for them to lock in the player who will be sharing the backfield with him for the next five years.

The majority of Indianapolis’ secondary has been identified and drafted on Day 3 of the NFL Draft. It is time for them to go out and get their guy in the first round rather than hoping there is a potential trade option in the offseason considering they are never big spenders in free agency.

Chris Godwin is a free agent after the season. Jalen McMillan may be a good value for the franchise, but they would benefit from a third receiver regardless. Luther Burden III is a powerful slot receiver who is dangerous with the ball in his hands.

Mike Macdonald is familiar with Colston Loveland dating back to his time in Ann Arbor. Tyler Lockett is almost certainly playing out his final season in the Pacific Northwest, so there are other methods in which Seattle can account for that lost production.

San Francisco had been able to plug and play anyone opposite Nick Bosa for years, but that has not been the case in recent years. The 49ers finally sink significant draft capital into the role with the selection of Abdul Carter.

Rookie edge rusher Austin Booker has had some good moments for Chicago. If he continues to develop, then the Bears have a trio of talented pass rushers, but if not, then James Pearce Jr. and Montez Sweat should be a formidable duo.

Deone Walker is a uniquely built interior defender. He is still a work in progress, but the upside at a tough-to-fill position makes him a desired prospect. The offense may finally be clicking on all cylinders, so if the defense can close the gap, watch out for the 2025 Arizona Cardinals.

The selection of Daylen Everette may be rendered unnecessary as rookies Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still continue to step up. Everette has been fantastic as he has taken on a larger role in his own right this season.

The Purdue transfer is a prospect built through power. Matt Judon is a free agent at season’s end, so Atlanta will once again be in the market for a pass rusher.

Sean Payton, similar to Philadelphia, believes in addressing the offensive and defense lines. Walter Nolen is a really talented player who can be the future of Denver’s interior defensive line.

Baltimore has always had an infatuation with Alabama players and that has continued in the years since former general manager Ozzie Newsome departed. Will that remain the case now that Nick Saban has vacated his post? Only time will tell, but the Ravens have a need at guard and Tyler Booker is one of the best available.

Philadelphia’s interior offensive line has been a shell of its former self. Left tackle Jordan Mailata has been dealing with injuries and center Jason Kelce retired. Jonah Savaiinaea has played right tackle but may have a bright future as a guard.

Minnesota has outplayed its talent, but certain areas of the roster should be addressed this offseason. Kenneth Grant is a stout run stuffer who can bring some accountability to the first line of defense.

A torn ACL may have dampened the prospects of Shavon Revel Jr., but this is a year lacking in high-end talent. The player taken No. 20 overall may be ranked much lower on other team’s boards. Buffalo likes length in the secondary and they find that in Revel.

Pittsburgh need to make a move to address the wide receiver room, and could do it before the trade deadline. The Steelers are going to need more than George Pickens and that leads to the selection of Isaiah Bond, who has some work to do on his craft.

Green Bay has always been formidable at the point of attack. To ensure that continues, the team selects Tyleik Williams. T.J. Slaton is slated to hit free agency at season’s end.

Some teams may view Aireontae Ersery as a tackle and others may see him as a guard. Washington could use help at both positions. With left tackle Brandon Coleman and now Ersey, the Commanders may be building something for the future.

Jerry Hughes and Derek Barnett are both slated to become free agents after the season. Danielle Hunter is closer to the end of his career than he is the beginning. Jack Sawyer provides depth immediately.

Detroit could use J.T. Tuimoloau right now. Their starting and backup pass rushers are on the injured reserve. The Lions have a complete team but a consistent pass rush aside from Aidan Hutchinson has eluded them.

Kansas City continues to invest in the secondary in the wake of the L’Jarius Sneed trade. Tacario Davis is a long body who gives them flexibility to move Chamarri Conner and Trent McDuffie around.