The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine is in the books. Athletic testing may not be everything, but it certainly matters. And when it comes to putting the pieces together for the draft, the scuttlebutt from Indianapolis is invaluable.
Here's a look at our latest first-round projections.
MOCK TRADE: Giants move up from No. 3 in deal with Titans
Cam Ward, QB, Miami
The buzz coming out of the combine is that teams see a pretty large gap between Ward and the rest of the quarterback class. After coming up short in their pursuit of Matthew Stafford, the Giants can't afford to mess around. The cost of trading up two spots is a small price to pay to beat the Browns to this year's top passer.
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The Browns have to be on that list of teams that Deion Sanders will steer away from Shedeur, right? Even if they're not, the league seemingly being down on the Colorado QB makes it no sure thing that Cleveland forces it here. Hunter, a two-way unicorn who might be the best receiver and corner in this class, is too good to pass up.
MOCK TRADE: Titans move down from No. 1 in deal with Giants
Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
Collecting some extra draft capital before ending up with the player they would have taken at No. 1 is a big win for the Titans. Carter is an explosive edge-rush talent who can help set the foundation on the defensive side.
Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
The Patriots figure to be aggressive in addressing the offensive line and receiver spots in free agency. Assuming they're successful, that opens the door for a best-player-available approach at No. 4. Graham can be the centerpiece of Mike Vrabel's defense.
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Jacksonville has to do something about the secondary. Questions about long speed won't be answered until his pro day, but Johnson has the instincts and playmaking ability of a No. 1 corner.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The Raiders can probably be considered the most logical landing spot for Sam Darnold after they struck out on Matthew Stafford. An improved run game would be critical for the veteran quarterback's chances of success in Las Vegas, and Jeanty is the rare back worthy of this type of investment.
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport suggesting Saturday that Sanders is merely in contention for QB2 can be taken as a sign that the Colorado star is going to have a wide range of outcomes on draft day. But can the Jets really afford to pass up this opportunity? It's worth a shot to find out whether Sanders' accuracy and toughness can help him overcome concerns about limited physical skills.
Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Stewart tearing up the combine should have him locked into the top 10. The numbers weren't spectacular at Texas A&M, but a full-time role on the edge should allow for far better production at the next level. The Panthers need all the pass-rush help they can get.
Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Eternally limited by some major cap mismanagement, the Saints should be using their premium picks to find cheap talent at the most valuable positions on the field. Williams is a prototypical No. 1 pass rusher who would be off the board long before this spot if injuries hadn't held him back this past season.
Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
Membou stole the show on Day 4 at the combine, running a 4.91 40 time at 332 pounds. Whether it's at tackle or guard, his combination of power and athleticism could help the Bears put their offensive line issues in the past.
Will Campbell, OL, LSU
Campbell may not have the length to stick at tackle in the NFL, so he probably isn't a lock for the top 10. But talents like this will only ever fall so far. Kyle Shanahan's offense could make use of his athleticism no matter where he lines up.
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Jeanty being off the board likely throws a wrench into the Cowboys' plans, but there are other ways to make a splash on offense. McMillan is a big-bodied, contested-catch star who could be an outstanding complement to CeeDee Lamb.
Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas
Terron Armstead considering retirement puts an already thin Dolphins offensive line in an even more difficult position. Left tackle has to be the priority here, and Banks is one of the best in the class.
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Barron's stock is on the rise after an impressive showing at the combine. The reigning Jim Thorpe Award winner has proven capable of making an impact at a number of different positions. The Colts need help wherever they can get it in the secondary.
James Pearce, EDGE, Tennessee
Pearce was one of the combine standouts in an incredibly talented edge group, showcasing the unique athleticism that made him such a productive player at Tennessee. The Falcons could use that kind of explosiveness off the edge.
Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
Green didn't get a chance to work out at the combine due to a hamstring injury, but there's little doubt about his physical gifts. The Cardinals have to get better up front on defense.
Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
Grant had to pull out of combine workouts due to injury, but that shouldn't affect his draft stock. The Michigan standout's rare combination of size and athleticism could make him the perfect addition to shore up the Bengals' interior defensive front.
Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
Booker should probably be off the board long before this pick, but you won't hear any complaints from the Seahawks. The Alabama product falling to this spot presents an ideal scenario for addressing a position that has held the offense back in recent years.
Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
Walker's greatest value would come as a pass-rusher off the edge, but he doesn't quite have the size for a full-time role at that spot in the NFL. No matter where he lines up, though, the Bucs can use his skill set in the front seven.
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Loveland's receiving numbers would have been far more impressive in a pass-friendly offense. He could be one of the league's most productive tight ends with Sean Payton calling plays.
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
The Steelers haven't taken a receiver in the first round since 2006. It's long past time to break that streak. Golden is on the rise after posting a 4.29 40 time at the combine. He could be a high-volume playmaker opposite George Pickens.
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Let's assume the Chargers spend big on a receiver in free agency. It sure would be nice to round out the offense with a potential star at tight end. Warren is a big-play machine who can line up all over the field while also contributing as an in-line run blocker.
Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
Jackson was one of the big winners of the combine after lighting it up with his athletic testing. The Packers love their athletes on the edge, and they've got a major need at the spot heading into the offseason.
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Emmanwori stole the show Friday with one of the best combine performances we've ever seen. The athleticism is otherworldly for a 6-foot-3, 220-pound safety, and he complements those gifts with physicality and playmaking skills. The South Carolina product could be the perfect fit for Brian Flores and the league's most creative defense.
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Texans have to get better up front, but the injury to Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs heading for free agency also leaves a glaring need opposite Nico Collins at receiver. Reuniting Egbuka with former Ohio State teammate C.J. Stroud could help the Houston passing game get back on track.
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
The Rams have been one of the league's best drafting teams ever since they reimagined their approach to roster building. Landing Campbell to address a glaring need at linebacker might continue that trend.
Josh Simmons, OL, Ohio State
Simmons is arguably the best tackle in this class, but a torn patella that ended his 2024 season could lead to a bit of a slide. The Ravens seem like the kind of team who would be willing to be patient, if necessary, and prioritize the potential payoff.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
Finding a long-term running mate for Aidan Hutchinson should be Detroit's top priority. Ezeiruaku didn't run the 40, but the rest of his testing suggests he has the athleticism to match his elite production at Boston College.
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Starks probably falls into the category of good football player who teams are going to overthink because of average testing. His fluidity in position drills should serve as a reminder that athletic scores aren't everything. Washington could use his playmaking skills on the back end.
Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
The Bills have to find a way to improve the pass rush. Adding on the edge may be the ideal way to do so, but this kind of interior talent could be tough to pass up this late in the first round. Nolen joining Ed Oliver would create some difficult matchups for opposing offenses.
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Past failures shouldn't stop the Chiefs from taking a shot on another first-round running back. Hampton is a supremely talented runner who could maximize the opportunities created by a strong interior offensive line.
Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
The Eagles probably won't be able to re-sign Milton Williams. Harmon is a logical fit to step into that role, rotating with Jordan Davis to provide pass-rush upside next to breakout star Jalen Carter.
