NFL 2025 mock draft, picks 1-18: What should non-playoff teams do in Round 1?

There are some years when the top of the NFL Draft feels rather easy to decipher as soon as the regular season ends. This is not one of those years.

Thanks to some help from the New England Patriots, the Tennessee Titans landed the No. 1 pick in April, but there will be a lot to sort out between now and then. How many teams in the top 10 will set their sights on a quarterback? What will coaching and general manager changes mean for the plans of various franchises? Will anyone try to move up for Heisman winner Travis Hunter?

We’ve only just begun to talk about it all. Here’s an early look at what the non-playoff teams could do come Round 1.

The draft’s biggest question as the order finally comes into focus is whether the Titans want to start over at quarterback after Will Levis’ disappointing second season. There are at least two more QB-desperate teams (the Giants and Raiders) just below Tennessee in the order, so this slot certainly could hold trade value.

If Tennessee does want to bail on Levis, Ward has the QB1 edge at the moment over Shedeur Sanders.

Cleveland needs a lot of help, including in the form of another quarterback — with or without Deshaun Watson on the roster next year.

This also feels like a possible trade-back spot, as the Browns haven’t had a first-round pick since 2021. If a trade doesn’t happen, though, the draft’s top offensive tackle (who could be a guard, if necessary) would make for a terrific consolation prize.

Sanders in New York feels like a match made in media heaven. Physically, Ward might have more tools (which is why I’ve got him slightly higher here), but don’t be shocked if Sanders — who, unlike Ward, had to get used to playing with so-so talent in college — is more ready to start than some believe.

The Patriots ruined their shot at the No. 1 pick with a Week 18 win Sunday — and then fired head coach Jerod Mayo as soon as that game ended. It might not actually matter in the end, though, because Hunter looks like New England’s best fit anyway. He’s the best player in the draft regardless of position, so this would be a steal.

It’s a little tough to say which area will be Jacksonville’s focus, as significant changes are coming at the top of this organization. Corner is a need, as are offensive tackle and the interior offensive line. But investing in the draft’s top interior defensive presence could give the Jaguars an identity on that side of the ball that they sorely lack.

Chicago is going to be taking a new direction at head coach, but make no mistake about this roster: There’s plenty to work with here. It’d be a good idea for Chicago to be aggressive here and prioritize a difference-maker like Carter, arguably a top-two prospect in this draft, over waiting on best available at No. 10.

We shouldn’t totally rule the Jets out as a possible QB destination, not at least until we see the new coach/GM setup. As with Chicago, though, the Jets should consider being aggressive in this draft if they covet a top-end player. This roster, the team dysfunction aside, was better than the five wins it produced this season. It simply needs proper direction — and possibly a new quarterback.

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