2025 NFL Mock Draft: Mel Kiper makes big changes post-free agency, including 3 QBs in top 10

The 2025 NFL Draft is fast approaching and ESPN’s Mel Kiper has a new mock draft. Now that we’re in Kiper’s third mock draft, we have some changes, especially with a new quarterback rising!

We see some of the usual suspects near the top of the draft board. However, there was a bit of a surprise at the back end of the top 10.

Kiper is kicking it into full gear since we’re a little more than a month out. Let’s dive into the latest mock draft.

1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB – Miami

Ward goes to the Titans as the team hits the reset button and goes into 2025 with a new franchise QB. He consistently got better throughout college at each of his stops.

Ward is a gunslinger, a high IQ quarterback, can run and just seems like a star. The Titans need one in this draft.

2. Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, EDGE – Penn State

That leaves the Browns with Carter with the second pick in the draft. In the event of a trade, the Browns could take a QB here, move up or go back.

But it seems like they’ll stay here, per Kiper and take the best overall player, according to some. An instant impact player, Carter is like a Micah Parsons-type in this draft.

3. New York Giants: Shedeur Sanders, QB – Colorado

The Giants also get their franchise quarterback with Shedeur Sanders at the third pick of the draft. Kiper made this selection in his mock even if New York lands Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson in free agency.

It seems like the Giants are in a weird spot where they have to win in 2025 but they know there’s a rebuild to be had. Sanders could change the trajectory of the team, as he said in his combine interviews. Seems like a pick they have to make.

4. New England Patriots: Travis Hunter, CB/WR – Colorado

Hunter could be the best overall player in the NFL Draft this year. He did win the Heisman Trophy after all. But will he play both positions?

Hunter might end up playing more cornerback than wide receiver. But wherever he goes in the draft, he’ll certainly make an attempt to play both. New England gets a franchise star.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT – Michigan

Graham can be a difference maker in the middle of a defensive line and likely be an instant starter. That’ll be the case in Jacksonville.

Not only can Graham stuff the run, but he can pressure the quarterback and really eat up a lot of attention. The Jaguars could have a fearsome front adding Graham to the fold in the draft.

6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB – Boise State

The Raiders are about star power right? They can draft a star in Jeanty in this NFL Draft, who was the Heisman runner up this past season.

Now that Jeanty is in the fold here, Geno Smith is ready to go for Las Vegas.  A steady hand at QB and a star right behind him in the backfield.

7. New York Jets: Tyler Warren, TE – Penn State

If Justin Fields is going to be the guy, the quarterback will need some help from this draft. Warren is an instant starter and could be a big-time playmaker for New York.

It’ll be tough for new head coach Aaron Glenn to pass over the Penn State tight end. Imagine Garrett Wilson stretching the field, Breece Hall manning the backfield and the dual threat ability of Fields also having the option of finding Warren anywhere on the field.

8. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, LB – Georgia

If there’s anything the Panthers needed to fix this offseason, it’s the defense. Walker is the next piece, via this draft.

Granted, Carolina added a lot during free agency, but Walker is the next thing they need. Walker can play off-ball linebacker, as well as the EDGE. Don’t pass on him!

9. New Orleans Saints: Jaxson Dart, QB – Ole Miss

A third quarterback in Kiper’s mock draft! Dart makes it from outside of the first round to the top 10 of 2025! No doubt due to his production at Ole Miss.

Derek Carr is with the team for at least one more season due to a restructured contract. However, new head coach Kellen Moore might want to find his guy and Dart has the ability. This is even a top 10 selection that won’t be forced to play right away, barring any injury. Playing in Lane Kiffin’s offense should help Dart transition as well.

10. Chicago Bears: Mykel Williams, OLB – Georgia

The Bears were generally linked to an offensive lineman in this spot, but Kiper’s latest mock draft has them going defense. After free agency and trades, Chicago bolstered its line so you might as well get Williams.

A solid edge rusher, Williams might need a ramp up period, but he can make an impact as a rookie. The Bears certainly need more buzz in the pass rushing department.

Mel Kiper makes big changes to 2025 NFL Mock Draft

11. San Francisco 49ers: Armand Membou, OT/G – Missouri
12. Dallas Cowboys: Omarion Hampton, RB – North Carolina
13. Miami Dolphins: Will Campbell, OT/G – LSU
14. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE – Michigan
15. Atlanta Falcons: Mike Green, OLB – Marshall
16. Arizona Cardinals: Will Johnson, CB – Michigan
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Shemar Stewart, DE – Texas A&M
18. Seattle Seahawks: Nick Emmanwori, S – South Carolina
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jihaad Campbell, LB – Alabama
20. Denver Broncos: Tetairoa McMillan, WR – Arizona 
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon, DT – Oregon
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Matthew Golden, WR – Texas
23. Green Bay Packers: Emeka Egbuka, WR – Ohio State
24. Minnesota Vikings: Jahdae Barron, CB – Texas
25. Houston Texans: Josh Simmons, OT – Ohio State
26. Los Angeles Rams: Azareeye’h Thomas, CB – Florida State
27. Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks, S – Georgia
28. Detroit Lions: James Pearce Jr., OLB – Tennessee
29. Washington Commanders: Maxwell Hairston, CB – Kentucky
30. Buffalo Bills: Kenneth Grant, DT – Michigan
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT – Texas
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Walter Nolen, DT – Ole Miss