2025 NFL Draft: FOX Sports releases mock with 2 trades for QBs in first round

A whirlwind first week of NFL free agency is surging on, with some of the league’s biggest names changing teams left and right. Now, the eyes of the NFL world now return the next month’s 2025 NFL Draft.

For FOX Sports’ David Helman, that means a all-new mock draft. One that factors in each team’s free agency hauls through the first few days of the new league year.

And with several of the NFL’s quarterback-needy teams having already locked up their franchise QB by way of free agency or trade, Helman revealed an updated first-round mock with three big-name quarterbacks going on Day 1. That includes two via draft day trades.

Check out FOX Sports’ latest mock up of the 2025 NFL Draft below:

1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

After overhauling its offensive line and not diving into the free-agent QB market, FOX Sports believes the Titans won’t waste any time landing their next franchise quarterback. They grab Ward, who is widely-considered the top QB in the class.

In his first season in Coral Gables, Ward led the Hurricanes’ top-ranked offense with a FBS-best 39 passing touchdowns and ranked in the Top 5 in nearly every passing metric. He was second nationally with 4,313 yards on 67.2-percent passing in 2024.

2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

Many can envision the QB-needy Browns opting for Hunter’s former teammate (Shedeur Sanders). Instead, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner is too good to pass up for Cleveland at No. 2.

Hunter is also a 2-for-1 selection who gets it done on both sides of the ball. He racked up 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns on offense and four interceptions, 11 passes defended and 36 total tackles on defense in 2024.

3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

FOX Sports has another QB-needy team passing on Shedeur Sanders in favor of a truly generational talent in Carter. That comes with the anticipation the Giants sign Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson in free agency.

The 6-foot-3, 260-pound Carter racked up a NCAA-best 23.5 tackles for loss and 68 total tackles in 2024. That’s in addition to 61 pressures and 12 sacks.

4. Las Vegas Raiders (projected trade with NE): Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Here’s the first draft-day trade, as the Raiders move up two spots to end Shedeur Sanders’ short-lived slide at No. 4 overall. Even after swinging a trade for Geno Smith this week.

While the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders has taken some post-Combine criticism, Shedeur Sanders nevertheless has the traits to be elite. He led the FBS with a 74.0 completion percentage along with 4,134 passing yards and 37 touchdowns in 2024.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

After reinforcing its offensive line and defensive secondary in free agency, FOX Sports projects the Jaguars will stay home and nab the top interior defensive lineman in the draft at No. 5. The former Wolverine is widely considered one of the top defenders, and overall players, in this class.

The 6-foot-3, 320-pound Graham is a powerful plug-and-play prospect right away. That’s after tallying 52 tackles, 26 pressures, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks in 2024 at Michigan.

6. New England Patriots (projected trade with LV): Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

After trading down, FOX Sports projects the new-look Patriots will still get their preferred pick. They take the massive Mizzou left tackle who will protect last year’s No. 3 overall pick (Drake Maye) for years to come.

The 6-foot-4, 332-pound Membou has been climbing up draft boards in recent weeks. He turned plenty of heads at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

7. New York Jets: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Membou might be the first offensive lineman off the board, but Campbell remains in serious contention for that title. The Jets don’t hesitate while seeking to protect their new $40 million QB in Justin Fields.

The 6-foot-6, 323-pound Campbell has been the model of consistency in three seasons in Baton Rouge. He surrendered just two sacks in his last 25 games.

8. Carolina Panthers: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

FOX Sports knows Panthers QB Bryce Young needs offensive weapons. So why not give them someone that can do it all.

The 6-foot-6, 261-pound Warren, who won the John Mackey Award last year, led the Big Ten with 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and 13 total touchdowns. That’s including one passing and four rushing.

9. New Orleans Saints: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Much like the Panthers above them, the Saints are desperate for playmakers. And with the Taysom Hill-clone in Warren off the board, FOX Sports has New Orleans grabbing the next best option.

The 6-foot-5, 215-pound McMillan is a steady playmaker who ranked third in the FBS with 1,319 receiving yards on 84 receptions and eight touchdowns. He was a Biletnikoff finalist in 2024.

10. Chicago Bears: Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas

With two other tackles already off the board, the Bears aren’t missing out on player that could play both inside and out on Chicago’s remodeled offensive line. They get a good one in the former Longhorn.

The 6-foot-4, 320-pound Banks surrendered only three sacks over 42 career starts in his three seasons with Texas. He allowed just four pressures and one sack in 898 snaps in 2024.

FOX Sports’ 2025 NFL Mock Draft, pick Nos. 11-32

11. San Francisco 49ers: Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
12. Dallas Cowboys: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
13. Denver Broncos (projected trade with MIA): Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
14. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
15. Atlanta Falcons: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
16. Arizona Cardinals: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
18. Seattle Seahawks: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
20. Miami Dolphins (projected trade with DEN): Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
23. Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
24. Minnesota Vikings: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
25. Houston Texans: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
26. Cleveland Browns (projected trade with LAR): Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
27. Baltimore Ravens: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
28. Detroit Lions: Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
29. Washington Commanders: Luther Burden, WR, Missouri
30. Buffalo Bills: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
32. Philadelphia Eagles: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee