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2025 Mock Drafts
- Thread starter JB
- Start date
TheRealJoker V2
Veteran
Yes. Maybe he gets the edge due to Okam connection. Similarly rated prospects.
OptimisticTexan
2024 / Rebuilding Block 4 After Playoffs / Texans
LG/LT, Jackson answers a potentially massive need this season. Not sold on the current LG depth chart.
WR’s Higgins and Thornton Jr help make the receiving room dominant.
RB Edwards is a nice piece for both the RB and ST rooms.
DT Collins and DE Robinson should be outstanding young pieces for Ryans defense. Wright is a big SS who can be developed slowly for the position while he cuts his NFL teeth on ST’s.
Would love this
beerlover
Hall of Fame
For what its worth, like Bhayshul Tuten over Neal. For some reason PFF is not kind to him? He’s smaller 5’9“ 206, but similar size to #1 back in draft Ashton Jeanty 5’8 1/2“ 211. Didn't run @ the combine but Tuten did and killed it. Neal is marginally bigger, 5’11“ 213 but has tiny little hands 8 /12“. Ran 4.58 forty 1.59, 10 yard split and 37.5 VJ. Solid but not near Tuten
Seconds
Seconds
Seconds
40-Yard Dash
4.32Seconds
10-Yard Split
1.49Seconds
Vertical Jump
40.5’’Broad Jump
10’ 10’’3-Cone Drill
--20-Yd Shuttle
4.41Seconds
Porky
Hall of Fame
Mock #3 above. I love the mock I did! I'd take this in a heartbeat. I never do trades. Yes, Nick will trade, but this is what I envision IF all picks stay the same. Just a recap of my thinking on each:
25 Colston Loveland TE - Dynamic playmaker from the TE position. Comp is Sam LaPorta. Will vie for the best TE in this team's history when all is said and done. Only real comp is OD.
58 Jonah Savaiinaea G - He's listed at T, but most seem to think he's a way better G. Decent/good T...excellent G. But I do like the versatility for game day knowing you can always move him out in a worst case.
79 TJ Sanders DT - DeMeco can't help himself as he gets a new toy. The rich get richer as the DT group gets a young doe with plenty of room to grow to a 12 point buck and be a force inside.
89 Kyle Williams WR - Chris Simms (FWIW) has him as the second-best WR in this draft, and he's a great complement to Nico as an X WR. Has big play ability. Hands a little shaky and he's not a perfect physical specimen, but he should fit in very nicely and solve the #2 in short order.
166 Jack Kiser LB - Ross will be happy. This guy should be a core ST guy. But he can also cover in zone and man. He lasts this long due to less-than-stellar physical traits, but he should find a role as a sub package guy and core ST player.
236 - Jacob Gideon C/G - Most likely a career backup as a C/G, but with development, could eventually start and even be a stalwart at center. Small school guy out of the MAC...a little undersized...but worth a shot. Lots of experience. Get him in the program and see what happens in a year or so. If he goes undrafted...I'd try to sign him. Worst case...a depth piece.
241 - Shilo Sanders S - Bloodlines count for something, right? Has some injury history, including an ACL, and more recently a shoulder injury. That might make him UDFA material. If he is drafted and makes the squad, he is probably mostly a game day bystander as he learns from some darn good safeties above him and soaks it up for a year. With time and better health...he could turn into a decent safety and ST piece for Ross. We're near the end of the draft, so it's shot in the dark on this guy...but worth the gamble. Nothing to lose and he does have fair to good upside IF his health holds up.
25 Colston Loveland TE - Dynamic playmaker from the TE position. Comp is Sam LaPorta. Will vie for the best TE in this team's history when all is said and done. Only real comp is OD.
58 Jonah Savaiinaea G - He's listed at T, but most seem to think he's a way better G. Decent/good T...excellent G. But I do like the versatility for game day knowing you can always move him out in a worst case.
79 TJ Sanders DT - DeMeco can't help himself as he gets a new toy. The rich get richer as the DT group gets a young doe with plenty of room to grow to a 12 point buck and be a force inside.
89 Kyle Williams WR - Chris Simms (FWIW) has him as the second-best WR in this draft, and he's a great complement to Nico as an X WR. Has big play ability. Hands a little shaky and he's not a perfect physical specimen, but he should fit in very nicely and solve the #2 in short order.
166 Jack Kiser LB - Ross will be happy. This guy should be a core ST guy. But he can also cover in zone and man. He lasts this long due to less-than-stellar physical traits, but he should find a role as a sub package guy and core ST player.
236 - Jacob Gideon C/G - Most likely a career backup as a C/G, but with development, could eventually start and even be a stalwart at center. Small school guy out of the MAC...a little undersized...but worth a shot. Lots of experience. Get him in the program and see what happens in a year or so. If he goes undrafted...I'd try to sign him. Worst case...a depth piece.
241 - Shilo Sanders S - Bloodlines count for something, right? Has some injury history, including an ACL, and more recently a shoulder injury. That might make him UDFA material. If he is drafted and makes the squad, he is probably mostly a game day bystander as he learns from some darn good safeties above him and soaks it up for a year. With time and better health...he could turn into a decent safety and ST piece for Ross. We're near the end of the draft, so it's shot in the dark on this guy...but worth the gamble. Nothing to lose and he does have fair to good upside IF his health holds up.
New NFL mock draft ... with a twist: Tannenbaum makes all 32 first-round picks through a GM's lens
Mike Tannenbaum puts his GM hat on and makes his own first-round selections. See why he's taking Cam Ward and Ashton Jeanty early.
25. Houston Texans
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, TexasI was initially thinking receiver for Houston. The Texans did trade for Christian Kirk, but he's coming off a broken collarbone, Tank Dell is out with a knee injury and Stefon Diggs is still unsigned. Getting Emeka Egbuka -- quarterback C.J. Stroud's former teammate at Ohio State -- would make sense.
But I just couldn't get past the fact that Stroud needs time to actually throw to his receivers, whoever they might end up being. He took 52 sacks last season (second most in the NFL) and then Houston unexpectedly traded away its best offensive lineman in Laremy Tunsil. Even though the team signed Cam Robinson, drafting Banks would be great for this unit. He allowed three sacks over 42 career starts.
Pick
25
Houston Texans
Josh Simmons
Ohio State · OT · Junior (RS)
After signing veteran offensive tackles Cam Robinson and Trent Brown to one-year deals following the Laremy Tunsil trade, the Texans could invest in more of a long-term strategy by adding a franchise-caliber edge protector who's only still available at this point because he's recovering from a season-ending knee injury.
25
Houston Texans
Josh Simmons
Ohio State · OT · Junior (RS)
After signing veteran offensive tackles Cam Robinson and Trent Brown to one-year deals following the Laremy Tunsil trade, the Texans could invest in more of a long-term strategy by adding a franchise-caliber edge protector who's only still available at this point because he's recovering from a season-ending knee injury.
OptimisticTexan
2024 / Rebuilding Block 4 After Playoffs / Texans
I’ll take the healthiest of the top two Buckeye OL first. Simmons went down in Week 6. He probably won’t get a Pro Day performance in before the draft. I’m not sure he’ll agree to medical evals before the draft either, since it could impact his draft position.
I’m going with LG/LT, Donovan Jackson b/c he covers a big need at LG and could play LT in a pinch. Plus, he’s been healthy and productive for all 3 starting seasons at Ohio State.
If a need arises for a LT….get one before the trade deadline, in the offseason, or in the 2026 draft. But getting a 9+ year answer this season at LG would really help this OL.
ghostlight
Veteran
I’m set on taking Banks at #25 becuase he will be a day one starter that will perform his duties of protecting CJ. I love the other options of TE or WR however CJ can’t take advantage of their talent if he is on his back 52 times. I don’t want a G that can slide over if needed, Banks is better than any of our existing OL players and will be for years to come. Solve our LT problem now and maybe a true center then I’ll be happy going ito this season.
Porky
Hall of Fame
Personal opinion - but I seriousely doubt they start a rookie at LT, no matter who that person is. Especially early in the season. Banks could start inside but work his way out to LT at some point.
I was on Simmons...now way off of him. The injury yes, which is the largest factor. But also the fact that he's a pure tackle, and they want that first pick to play right away, not sit and learn.
I was on Simmons...now way off of him. The injury yes, which is the largest factor. But also the fact that he's a pure tackle, and they want that first pick to play right away, not sit and learn.
I agree. It would have to be a Lassiter situation where the rookie OT is just too good to not put on the field. I’m hearing a lot of talk about Simmons or being a Swarm kinda guy. While CJ never played with Simmons, I’m sure he has contacts in Columbus that could give him the truth on Simmons.
OptimisticTexan
2024 / Rebuilding Block 4 After Playoffs / Texans
Donovan Jackson had 827 snaps with CJ Stroud in 2022 as the Buckeyes, 1st year, starting LG.
OptimisticTexan
2024 / Rebuilding Block 4 After Playoffs / Texans
This would be an actual dream draft for me, based on the talent landed. It took 2 fair trade offers. 1 trade I countered and the other stood as offered.
TRADE 1:
Patriots Get: (Countered)
25, 236, 241
Texans Get:
38, 69, 144
TRADE 2:
Jags Get:
89, 2026 RD7 (SF)
Texans Get:
107, 123
OL, Jackson and Cornelius…Check
WR, Higgins and Thornton Jr…Check
RB, Henderson…Check
TE, Taylor…Check
LB, Stutsman…Check
DT, Mills…Check
My biggest concerns….rolling the dice that Jackson would still be on the board at 38. The same goes for Higgins at 58.
The rest of the draft fell comfortably in place.
TRADE 1:
Patriots Get: (Countered)
25, 236, 241
Texans Get:
38, 69, 144
TRADE 2:
Jags Get:
89, 2026 RD7 (SF)
Texans Get:
107, 123
OL, Jackson and Cornelius…Check
WR, Higgins and Thornton Jr…Check
RB, Henderson…Check
TE, Taylor…Check
LB, Stutsman…Check
DT, Mills…Check
My biggest concerns….rolling the dice that Jackson would still be on the board at 38. The same goes for Higgins at 58.
The rest of the draft fell comfortably in place.
TheRealJoker V2
Veteran
This mock involved a trade with New England. Pick 25 for pick 38 and 77. Lines up as a slight advantage for Houston on the trade value chart.
If the Texans made that trade I think they would package picks to move back into the 2nd instead of standing pat like I did here. But I liked adding an extra 3rd the way the board had fallen at that point.
2.38) Taylor. Present or future TE1. Depending how the competition would go with Schultz. This is a good TE class and i’m sure Caley, the former TE coach, will want one.
2.58) Ersery. Mountain of a man with upside. Not sure where he ends up full time but get him in the OL room and let the competition sort itself out. The team added Brown and Robinson in free agency and Ersery is the OT prospect with the most similar size profile in the draft.
3.77) Jared Wilson. John Harris raves about him. I am betting on upside at the center position. Not a lot of playing time buy from what he did put on tape he has Linderbaum upside. I would take a shot on that here and have him compete with Patterson for the center job.
3.79) Darius Alexander. I want a DT from this draft class. I think whoever they get will have a chance to be a quality starter on the interior DL on a rookie contract. From a team building standoint, the value is just too good and the chances of hitting are too great with the strength of this class to pass up. Okam gets his guy.
3.89) Bech. Legitimate competition for Metchie and Hutchinson. Albeit a similar player. Sure finding a deep threat would be a sexy pick but I just can’t pass up Bech’s reliability and ability to play any WR position in this spot. I think he can be a quality WR2 in this league.
5.166) Brashard Smith. Doubt he’ll be here at this point. But I think a player like him could add big play ability and a new dimension to this offense. Would love to get him on the field running routes from the RB position.
7.236 and 7.241) I grabbed two CBs who may have a shot to stick as back end depth pieces/ST performers. Realistically, I don’t see a defensive player drafted in these slots to make the team outside of injury. But maybe they can develop on the PS and become a player with time/development.
If the Texans made that trade I think they would package picks to move back into the 2nd instead of standing pat like I did here. But I liked adding an extra 3rd the way the board had fallen at that point.
2.38) Taylor. Present or future TE1. Depending how the competition would go with Schultz. This is a good TE class and i’m sure Caley, the former TE coach, will want one.
2.58) Ersery. Mountain of a man with upside. Not sure where he ends up full time but get him in the OL room and let the competition sort itself out. The team added Brown and Robinson in free agency and Ersery is the OT prospect with the most similar size profile in the draft.
3.77) Jared Wilson. John Harris raves about him. I am betting on upside at the center position. Not a lot of playing time buy from what he did put on tape he has Linderbaum upside. I would take a shot on that here and have him compete with Patterson for the center job.
3.79) Darius Alexander. I want a DT from this draft class. I think whoever they get will have a chance to be a quality starter on the interior DL on a rookie contract. From a team building standoint, the value is just too good and the chances of hitting are too great with the strength of this class to pass up. Okam gets his guy.
3.89) Bech. Legitimate competition for Metchie and Hutchinson. Albeit a similar player. Sure finding a deep threat would be a sexy pick but I just can’t pass up Bech’s reliability and ability to play any WR position in this spot. I think he can be a quality WR2 in this league.
5.166) Brashard Smith. Doubt he’ll be here at this point. But I think a player like him could add big play ability and a new dimension to this offense. Would love to get him on the field running routes from the RB position.
7.236 and 7.241) I grabbed two CBs who may have a shot to stick as back end depth pieces/ST performers. Realistically, I don’t see a defensive player drafted in these slots to make the team outside of injury. But maybe they can develop on the PS and become a player with time/development.
Errant Hothy
Hypermediocrity
General note on the mocks, I don't think the market for trading picks is going to be anywhere near that robust this year.
Here's a way to forecast who is looking to trade. That's by looking at how many picks teams currently have. Some of the teams with 10+ picks will look to unload some. Be it by moving up or trading for future picks. By the same token, teams with fewer picks may look to move down to acquire more. Some of the teams that meet these criteria:
Teams with surplus picks
Baltimore - 11 picks
San Francisco - 11 picks
Seattle - 10 picks
Dallas - 10 picks
LA Chargers - 10 picks
Teams needing additional picks
Minnesota - 4 picks
Atlanta - 5 picks
Washington - 5 picks
Arizona - 6 picks
Tampa Bay - 6 picks
Pittsburgh - 6 picks
Errant Hothy
Hypermediocrity
That is one factor in the equation, with the other being who are you targeting and why you want to pay the price to go up and get that specific player. This is the part of the process that I think will be weaker this year
beerlover
Hall of Fame
I would select Jack Bech 2nd round also
TheRealJoker V2
Veteran
I would be very happy if the first three rounds fell like this:
Get your future LT, TE1, WR2 and C all in the same draft? Yes please!
Get your future LT, TE1, WR2 and C all in the same draft? Yes please!
beerlover
Hall of Fame
Strength and value picks for multiple needs Texans have, is in round two & three. Otherwise we’re looking at 3 or 4 players with legitimate impact, that’s if Caserio hits upper echelon percentile. TheRealJoker V2 above showcases this.
SnakeEyes
Under NRG
Took a few offers, moved around a bit just to see if I could cover our needs and get good players. Managed to get a good
OT
RB
TE
DT
But, WR was looking rough after the 2nd round oddly, so went with a somewhat project with upside. At CB, I went BPA at that position and I don't know much about Hill to be honest. Has good size and his scouting report sample is not bad.
OT
RB
TE
DT
But, WR was looking rough after the 2nd round oddly, so went with a somewhat project with upside. At CB, I went BPA at that position and I don't know much about Hill to be honest. Has good size and his scouting report sample is not bad.
SnakeEyes
Under NRG
Took a few offers, moved around a bit just to see if I could cover our needs and get good players. Managed to get a good
OT
RB
TE
DT
But, WR was looking rough after the 2nd round oddly, so went with a somewhat project with upside. At CB, I went BPA at that position and I don't know much about Hill to be honest. Has good size and his scouting report sample is not bad.
OT
RB
TE
DT
But, WR was looking rough after the 2nd round oddly, so went with a somewhat project with upside. At CB, I went BPA at that position and I don't know much about Hill to be honest. Has good size and his scouting report sample is not bad.
I doubt Banks is there at 1-25, or Taylor is there at 2-58. If they are then this is a great draft.
leebigeztx
Keep it Movin!
What is the fascination with Mason Taylor?
I think Taylor is the most well-rounded TE in the draft. He can play the Y and block for the run or pass. Or flex outside and become a mismatch with a LB. Taylor has the size to win in the red zone and the speed to stretch the seams in the shell coverages. Warren and Loveland are expected to go by mid first round. Taylor is certainly not 2 rounds worse than those guys. And there is a precipitous drop from Taylor and the next TE tier.
leebigeztx
Keep it Movin!
Mason Taylor wasn't blocking anyone. Thing is, I don't have an issue as long as he's a mismatch problem. None of the last 5 te's to go in the half of fame were known as blockers. They just need willing blockers , but the money is beating lbs or safeties.
badboy
Hall of Fame
Then why not Harold Fannin with 1500 + yards?
beerlover
Hall of Fame
No doubt any of the tackles or wr's are there pick #25 which is why trade down is so compelling or do Texans take a RB?
Another reason I support trading down. But heard from Stoots today at Owners Meeting, multiple teams end of first round, 20-32 are also interested in trading down with Vikings being most interested. One spot ahead of Texans. Got sickening feeling some team will bite, move ahead of Texans and select that one guy we may covet
KoolAid Sipper
AFCEVET
I think Mason Taylor is a good solid TE. I haven't seen any "wow" factors that say 1st rd or early 2nd rd.
A Dallas Goeddert type TE. Big fast dude with good hands and a willing/improving blocker. He was Nussmier's go to guy last yr and came through for the Tigers. His best ball is ahead of him. He would be the best TE on the roster by a good margin. When you say Wow factors what are you looking for? I'm looking for a guy with good hands and speed enough to get down the seams, that can also block edges in both the run/pass game. (The last sentence I posted is very important. Who do you see Taylor as? Hunter Henry? A 6'6 target with great hands is a weapon in the RZ. His blocking really impressed me.
Last edited:
KoolAid Sipper
AFCEVET
I don't think he excels in any of the areas you mentioned, he's good at them. A 1st rd TE must have an exceptional trait(s). Examples for me would be elite pass catching ability, athleticism in the game (not just testing) and physicality after the catch. TBH, watching Taylor reminded me of 2023 Stover at OSU. I don't dislike him, I just rather a tight end later than where you would take him,
He's much better than Stover.
Faster and more nuanced route runner.
He will be a better pro than college player and he was a really good college player. He's got the athletic ability to improve and great bloodlines. A more athletic version of Mayer coming out of college. Hunter Henry would be a good comp IMHO and he was a 1st rd pick. Compare Henry and Taylor coming out of college and tell me is there a big difference?
If Caserio traded up for Banks using a 2025 2nd I would be very happy. But then I would package 3-79 and one of the 2026 2nds to move back into the bottom of the 2nd/top of the 3rd so I could get 3 top 100 players out of this draft.
A draft like this would be very good
1. Banks
2. Kyle Williams
3. Best DT on the board. Hopefully Alfred Collins.
Errant Hothy
Hypermediocrity
Yes. I'd probably me more inclined to deal next year's first than the second but I could live with either
leebigeztx
Keep it Movin!
I saw Fannin up close vs the Aggies, he's the real deal, but you have to have an appetite for him. He's the prototype Y flex/H-Back guy. He's a healthy Brevin Jordan type. If your oc gonna have him trying to block top flight de's your going to be disappointed.
beerlover
Hall of Fame
Torn about trading away 2nd. ALWAYS! However for a franchise LT, protector of the franchise, for multiple years. Loss of a 2nd would quickly be forgotten. I would not move up for WR in this draft but definitely for franchise LT. Only 10 spots away, Caserio must make the call.
Here is a mock draft from Bruce Feldman of The Atlantic. I'm not posting the entire mock as it is lengthy, but I will include the O-linemen, WRs, and DTs.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
7. New York Jets: Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
9. New Orleans Saints: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
16. Arizona Cardinals: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
18. Seattle Seahawks: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
20. Denver Broncos: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
23. Green Bay Packers: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
30. Buffalo Bills: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
There is starting to be a real discrepancy on the Banks' evaluations. There is one side that feels Banks will become a solid LT. Others see a RT or even OG. What side will the teams who hold the picks before the Texans be on? The next mock I post will be on the other side of the opinion.
2025 NFL mock draft: What coaches say about Ward, Sanders, Carter, Hunter and more
What I’ve gathered about the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft after speaking to dozens of college coaches and NFL sources in recent months.www.nytimes.com
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
7. New York Jets: Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
9. New Orleans Saints: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
16. Arizona Cardinals: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
18. Seattle Seahawks: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
20. Denver Broncos: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
23. Green Bay Packers: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
26. Cleveland Browns (via Rams*): Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
30. Buffalo Bills: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
There is starting to be a real discrepancy on the Banks' evaluations. There is one side that feels Banks will become a solid LT. Others see a RT or even OG. What side will the teams who hold the picks before the Texans be on? The next mock I post will be on the other side of the opinion.
Hot off the press, Lance Zierlein's 3.0 NFL.com mock is out.
7. Jets - Armond Membou - OT
11. 49ers - Kelvin Banks - OT
16. Cardinals - Tyler Booker - OG
18. Seahawks - Tetairoa McMillan - WR
25. Texans - Donovan Jackson - OG
31. Chiefs - Josh Simmons - OT
Lance throws water on Banks making it 1.25 or even in a spot to reasonably move up. Passing on Conerly and Simmons indicates he doesn't feel these prospects are "SWARM".
4. Patriots - Will Campbell - OT
7. Jets - Armond Membou - OT
11. 49ers - Kelvin Banks - OT
12. Cowboys - Matthew Golden - WR
16. Cardinals - Tyler Booker - OG
18. Seahawks - Tetairoa McMillan - WR
25. Texans - Donovan Jackson - OG
28. Lions - Josh Conerly - OT
31. Chiefs - Josh Simmons - OT
Lance throws water on Banks making it 1.25 or even in a spot to reasonably move up. Passing on Conerly and Simmons indicates he doesn't feel these prospects are "SWARM".
I would be very happy bringing Jackson home.
badboy
Hall of Fame
Sounds like just what we need: another Target for CJ that knows how to get down field and score. I think our new OC will know how to utilize him.
One QB in the first round? I'm starting to believe there will be 4 (Ward, Sanders, Dart, Shough).
badboy
Hall of Fame
For what it's worth, my opinion aligns with Lance Zierlein. I would go Conerly over Jackson due to skills he has at left tackle but could still play left guard. I'm starting to swing more towards Charles Grant in round 3 at 79 and use the other pics as needed.
TBH, if Jahdee Barron is at 25, I would probably take him. Get wide receiver Harris in round two and Grant at 79. 89 could possibly be Fannin. Deep RB draft has has been discussed. I am serious about Watson DT late day 3
badboy
Hall of Fame
As it frequently seems to do, as quarterbacks start to be taken, other teams will feel pressure to get a guy if not their guy.