Penn State stars Abdul Carter and Tyler Warren might both be selected in the top 10 of the 2025 NFL draft, making them the first pair of Nittany Lions to pull that off since 2000 (Courtney Brown, LaVar Arrington). April 24 is going to be a big night for James Franklin’s program.
But we’re still six weeks away from draft night. Carter, Warren and this year’s prospects, after experiencing the NFL combine in Indianapolis last week, have pro days, private workouts and dinners with scouts, coaches and executives ahead of them. A lot can change. For now, though, I thought it would be fun to project how the first round will play out next month.
Where are Carter and Warren going to end up? And how will the rest of the 2025 NFL draft first round shake out? Here’s how I see it playing out (for now, at least).
1. New York Giants (projected trade with Titans): Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Ward might have been QB5 in last year’s draft. But the Miami star is the best signal-caller in this year’s class, and teams are desperate. The Giants, after the Daniel Jones experiment failed miserably, hope pairing Malik Nabers with Ward will pay dividends.
2. Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State
I hope for Carter’s sake that he doesn’t end up in Cleveland. In the top four picks, I’d prefer he land with Mike Vrabel and the Patriots. But even the Browns can’t screw this up. Carter is a generational edge rusher. And with Myles Garrett staying, the Browns could have the best 1-2 punch in the league. It’s a no-brainer.
Abdul Carter at the NFL Combine
Former Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter strikes the ST1X C1TY pose during the NFL Combine media session on Feb. 26, 2025. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.comJoe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com
3. Tennessee Titans (projected trade with Giants): Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
If I’m Tennessee’s GM, this is the ideal situation. Trade out of the No. 1 pick, acquire some more draft capital and secure one of the two best players in the draft. I don’t know which side of the ball Hunter will settle in at the next level. But I’m fairly confident he’ll thrive.
4. New England Patriots: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
I’ve seen some buzz around Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan here. As someone who watches a lot of late night college football, he’s awesome. But the Pats have a lot of needs, and Graham might be the third-best player in this draft. It would also be fitting for Vrabel, an Ohio State alum, to take the uber-talented Wolverine in the first round.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Campbell, OT/OG, LSU
Is he a tackle? Or is he a guard because of his shorter arms recorded at the NFL combine? Either way, Campbell is a top-tier offensive lineman. And for a franchise that seemingly gets a lot wrong, this would be an easy decision for a first-year GM and coach.
6. Oakland Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The Raiders don’t have a QB, but they also don’t have an offensive identity. New coordinator Chip Kelly has a reputation as a mad scientist. But at his core, he runs the ball. Jeanty is the best playmaker in the draft and would instantly give Vegas something to build around.
Penn State vs Boise State, Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, 2024
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty runs as Penn State safety Jaylen Reed chases during the fourth quarter of the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31, 2024. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.comJoe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com
7. New York Jets: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Talk about the interest this would drive. The tabloid stories write themselves. But the Jets need a quarterback. And say what you will about his dad, but Sanders is a talented quarterback who can hang in the pocket and make the throw. He’s also experienced the limelight before.
8. Carolina Panthers: Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M
Stewart was a combine star after posting a 1.58-second 10-yard split in the 40-yard dash. At 6-foot-5 and 267 pounds, that’s absurd. Carolina’s defense needs potential difference-makers. And while the production wasn’t there for Stewart, the traits certainly are.
9. New Orleans Saints: Jalon Walker, DE/OLB, Georgia
Walker’s length and explosiveness as both an off-ball linebacker and defensive end make him a highly-coveted prospect, even if he is a bit of a project. New Orleans could go in a lot of directions here. But it’s hard to go wrong with a tone-setting defensive star like Walker.
10. Chicago Bears: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
The Bears' offensive line allowed a league-high 68 sacks last season. Chicago has done well in trades to shore up the interior. But protecting Caleb Williams at all costs has to remain the team’s top priority, and adding arguably the top tackle in the draft is a step toward that.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
This isn’t a jaw-droppingly good cornerback class, but Johnson is a stud. Honestly, it would be a surprise to see him drop this far. But San Francisco would certainly take it.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Ceedee Lamb is arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL out of the slot. But the Cowboys really have no one to take eyes off Lamb. McMillan, a tall, contested catch machine, would provide an instant upgrade on the outside and give Dak Prescott a proven No. 2 to target.
13. Miami Dolphins: Kelvin Banks, OT/OG, Texas
The Dolphins desperately need help upfront as they look to alleviate the constant pressure on Tua Tagovailoa. Banks, a standout tackle at Texas, could begin his career as a guard and work his way outside. Either way, he would be a much-needed upgrade.
Thursday at the NFL Combine
Penn State tight end Tyler Warren answers questions from the podium during the NFL Combine media session on Feb. 27, 2025. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.comJoe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com
14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Indianapolis and New Orleans are probably the two most mocked destinations for Penn State’s ultra-versatile tight end. But there’s a reason for that. The Colts had the fewest receiving yards from tight ends last year. If Indy wants Anthony Richardson to have a chance to succeed, drafting a security blanket and proven blocker like Warren is a way to do it.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia
Atlanta needs defensive line help, and Williams — a proven run-stopper with the traits necessary to be a star pass rusher in the league — checks that box.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Nolen was one of my favorite players to watch in 2024. His 12 tackles for loss ranked second among defensive tackles, and his explosiveness created opportunities for others, too. The Cardinals need an infusion of talent on the defensive line, and Nolen is too good to ignore.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
We’ve got a mini run on defensive linemen. The Bengals could use this pick to secure a long-term target at receiver if they don’t sign Tee Higgins beyond the franchise tag. But the 342-pound Grant is an answer for Cincinnati’s problems stopping the run.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
Maybe in a later mock draft I’ll have the Seahawks taking a wide receiver if they trade D.K. Metcalf. But for now, Seattle addresses its interior offensive line.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Campbell is a stud, and if the linebacker position was valued more, he might go higher. But Tampa Bay, which has a dire need at linebacker, would love to have Campbell here.
20. Denver Broncos: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
This feels like a match made in heaven. Hampton, a dynamic runner and effective pass-catcher, is worthy of a first-round pick. Sean Payton gets his Alvin Kamara 2.0.
OSU vs Notre Dame - 2025 CFP National Championship Game
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka runs for a short gain after a catch against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second half of play in the 2025 CFP National Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Monday, January 20, 2025.David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Originally, I had Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka going here. But after the Sunday night trade for DK Metcalf, the Steelers have two top receiver options along with George Pickens. Even if they bring back Russell Wilson, I wouldn’t be surprised if Pittsburgh takes a shot on a young QB.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Mike Green, DE, Marshall
Joey Bosa is gone, and Khalil Mack is aging. The Chargers could use a jolt off the edge, and Green, who was incredibly productive at Marshall, would provide that.
23. Green Bay Packers: Jahdae Barron, CB/S, Texas
Along with Nolen, Barron was one of my favorite players to watch last season. He was a Swiss Army Knife in Texas' defense, playing outside corner, slot, safety and dime linebacker. Any team could use a player of Barron’s talent and versatility, but especially Green Bay.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
Revel trades one purple jersey for another. He’s coming off a torn ACL and might be considered a reach here. But the need at corner is great enough for Minnesota to take a chance.
25. Houston Texans: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Stefon Diggs will likely leave via free agency. And while the Texans traded for Christian Kirk, Tank Dell’s long-term injury casts doubt on the wide receiver room. Keeping Golden, a Houston native who starred for the Longhorns last year, in Texas would make sense.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Cooper Kupp is on the trade block, so it’d make sense to go after a wide receiver. But Loveland, who’s dangerous out of the slot, gives Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford a new target.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Starks is an intelligent, athletic and versatile defensive back who split his time between nickel corner and safety at Georgia. He could also go way higher. Sounds like a Ravens pick to me.
2024 Big Ten Championship, University of Oregon vs Penn State University
College Football: Big Ten Championship: Oregon Derrick Harmon (55) in action, runs up field vs Penn State Sal Worley (77) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis, IN 12/7/2024 CREDIT: David E. Klutho (Photo by David E. Klutho/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X164649)Sports Illustrated via Getty Ima
28. Detroit Lions: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
The Lions could go with an edge rusher or cornerback here. But Harmon, a quick, disruptive interior rusher, would make a lot of sense, too.
29. Washington Commanders: James Pearce, DE, Tennessee
The Commanders were seemingly interested in trading for Garrett. Now that he’s staying, they need to address their pass rush in the draft. Pearce caused a lot of havoc for the Volunteers last year.
30. Buffalo Bills: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Emmanwori stole the show at the NFL combine with a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds. The Bills could use help in the back end to get over the AFC hump.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
The Chiefs learned a lesson the hard way in the Super Bowl: they have to protect Patrick Mahomes better. They take a shot here on Simmons, who was looking like a potential top-10 pick before he went down with a season-ending knee injury in October.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
We all know Howie Roseman commits draft resources to the trenches. Zabel, a Senior Bowl standout, could play all three positions at the next level. Jeff Stoutland, the best offensive line coach in the NFL, would welcome another versatile lineman to his room.