The 2025 NFL Draft is fast approaching, and teams across the league are gearing up to secure the future of their rosters with the next generation of stars. With the draft order largely set, NFL experts and analysts are beginning to project who will land in each spot and who teams will target with their first-round selections. Former NFL executive Mike Tannenbaum, known for his years of experience as a general manager with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, has made his predictions for the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. In his mock draft, Tannenbaum provides insight into team needs, potential fits, and the players who can make an immediate impact at the next level. As teams prepare to solidify their futures, here is a look at Mike Tannenbaum’s first-round picks for the 2025 NFL Draft.
The first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, as anticipated, goes to the team that finished with the worst record in the 2024 season. The team in question, the Arizona Cardinals, finds itself in a rebuilding phase, and they have a pressing need at quarterback. With Kyler Murray struggling to stay healthy and a complete overhaul in mind, the Cardinals are in a prime position to select the top quarterback in this draft class: Caleb Williams from USC. Williams has been nothing short of spectacular in his college career, and many consider him to be one of the most talented quarterbacks to enter the league in recent memory. With impressive mobility, arm strength, and decision-making, Williams is poised to be the franchise quarterback Arizona desperately needs to lead them back to contention.
At number two overall, the Indianapolis Colts find themselves in a situation where they are close to being a playoff contender, but they need to solidify their offensive line to protect their young quarterback, Anthony Richardson. With Richardson showcasing his raw potential in his rookie season, the Colts must ensure that he has the time and protection he needs to develop. That’s where Joe Alt, the left tackle from Notre Dame, comes in. Alt is a physically imposing player who excels in both pass protection and run blocking. With the Colts focusing on building a strong offensive line around Richardson, Alt would provide the necessary stability to ensure the young quarterback’s success.
The third pick belongs to the Chicago Bears, and after trading away the top selection in the 2024 draft, they find themselves in a position to take a key player who can make an immediate impact on their defense. The Bears have struggled defensively in recent years, and with the need for a game-changing pass rusher, they select defensive end Jared Verse from Florida State. Verse is a dynamic edge rusher who has the speed and power to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. His explosiveness off the line of scrimmage, combined with his relentless motor, makes him a perfect fit for the Bears’ defense, which has been known for its aggressive pass rush over the years.
Next, at number four, the Seattle Seahawks are on the clock, and after a strong 2024 season that saw Geno Smith lead the team to the playoffs, Seattle needs to continue adding pieces to their defense. The Seahawks have been searching for a top-tier cornerback to pair with their young and improving secondary. Enter Kelee Ringo from Georgia. Ringo has ideal size and speed for the cornerback position and has the ability to lock down top receivers. He’s shown flashes of being a shutdown corner during his time in college, and with the Seahawks’ defense looking to get back to its Legion of Boom roots, Ringo would provide the physicality and coverage skills necessary to elevate the secondary.
With the fifth pick, the Dallas Cowboys are in an interesting spot. They have a talented roster on both sides of the ball, but they could use help at wide receiver. With CeeDee Lamb emerging as the team’s top weapon, adding another playmaker to their receiving corps would give quarterback Dak Prescott more weapons to work with. Enter Marvin Harrison Jr., the star wide receiver from Ohio State. Harrison has the size, hands, and route-running ability to be a top-tier NFL wideout right out of the gate. His ability to stretch the field and make plays in critical situations makes him an ideal addition to a Cowboys offense that has been known for its high-powered attacks in recent years.
At number six, the Denver Broncos are coming off a disappointing season and need to make significant improvements across their roster. With the defense solidified and the offensive line being a priority, the Broncos select offensive tackle Olu Fashanu from Penn State. Fashanu is a powerful and agile tackle who has the potential to be a Day 1 starter. Given Denver’s investment in quarterback Russell Wilson, securing his protection is critical for the team to have success in the upcoming seasons. Fashanu’s ability to both pass block and run block effectively would make him an immediate asset to the Broncos’ offensive line.
The Las Vegas Raiders are up next at number seven, and while they have numerous areas of need, the most pressing concern is at quarterback. After moving on from Derek Carr, the Raiders are looking to solidify their quarterback position for the future. They take Drake Maye, the quarterback from North Carolina. Maye has been one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 draft class and has shown exceptional arm strength, accuracy, and poise under pressure. With the Raiders’ offense needing a fresh face at quarterback, Maye provides them with the potential to be the leader of their team for years to come.
At number eight, the Atlanta Falcons are in an intriguing position. The team has made strides with their offense, and the defense is starting to take shape, but they need a top-tier edge rusher to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Falcons select Isaiah Foskey from Notre Dame. Foskey has the pass-rushing prowess to immediately impact the Falcons’ defense, and his ability to disrupt the quarterback from both the inside and outside makes him a versatile weapon in the Falcons’ defensive scheme. With Atlanta looking to return to playoff contention, Foskey could be a key piece in their defensive resurgence.
The Detroit Lions find themselves in an excellent position with the ninth overall pick after a surprisingly strong 2024 campaign. Their roster is in good shape, but the team still has some needs to address, particularly in the secondary. With that in mind, the Lions select safety Xavier McKinney from Alabama. McKinney is a ball-hawking safety with the ability to patrol the deep parts of the field while also contributing in the box. His instincts and leadership qualities make him an ideal fit for the Lions’ defense, and he could help take the unit to the next level as they aim to solidify their playoff push.
The tenth pick belongs to the Minnesota Vikings, who are looking to add more weapons to their offense. While their wide receiver corps is strong with Justin Jefferson leading the way, they could use a true number two receiver to complement their star. The Vikings take Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the talented wide receiver from Ohio State. Smith-Njigba has exceptional route-running skills and the ability to make plays after the catch. His physicality and agility make him a natural fit for the Vikings’ offense, and pairing him with Jefferson would give quarterback Kirk Cousins another dynamic weapon to work with in the passing game.
At number eleven, the Tennessee Titans are in desperate need of a top-tier wide receiver to help their struggling offense. With no clear answer at quarterback, Tennessee is focused on getting more playmakers on the field to help whoever is under center. The Titans select Emeka Egbuka, the wide receiver from Ohio State. Egbuka is an explosive playmaker with the speed and elusiveness to stretch the field and create big plays. His ability to excel in multiple receiver roles gives the Titans the flexibility they need in their offense, and Egbuka’s skill set would help rejuvenate the passing game.
The Baltimore Ravens, who possess the 12th overall pick, are always in need of help in the secondary, and in this mock draft, they select cornerback Eli Ricks from Alabama. Ricks has been one of the top corners in the college ranks and brings elite ball skills, physicality, and the ability to shut down wide receivers on the outside. His presence in the Ravens’ secondary would add depth to a unit already known for its defensive prowess, and Ricks could make an immediate impact in his rookie season.
As we approach the middle of the first round, several teams are still in search of key pieces to propel them into contention. The Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, and Green Bay Packers are all looking to add talent on both sides of the ball, whether it be through the draft or trade. As the draft board shifts, Tannenbaum’s picks offer insight into the players and team strategies that could define the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
In the coming months, team needs will continue to evolve as free agency and trade discussions unfold. The 2025 NFL Draft promises to be filled with excitement and anticipation, as some of the top college football players enter the league with the hope of making an immediate impact. As Mike Tannenbaum’s mock draft showcases, this year’s class is deep with talent at key positions, and the teams who make smart selections will position themselves for future success. The NFL landscape is constantly changing, and the first round of the 2025 draft will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the league’s future.