The Draft Network’s in-house scout Ryan Fowler recently released his first 2025 NFL mock draft. The timing couldn’t be more appropriate with Week 0 of the 2024 college football campaign announcing its arrival this Saturday with a four-game slate, including Florida State versus Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland.
Elsewhere, the 2024 NFL regular-season campaign is approximately two weeks away. Football is in the air, meaning it's NFL mock draft season at The Draft Network. I’ve been selected to dissect Fowler’s mock. I've identified my favorite selections, scheme fits, and the best prospect not selected. I also have some question marks. Let’s dive into TDN’s brand-new 2025 NFL mock draft.
Favorite pick: Luther Burden III, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 14 overall)
The Pittsburgh Steelers have spent the offseason attempting to trade for San Francisco 49ers superstar wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. It looks like they're going to fail in their quest. Aiyuk remains in San Francisco, and general manager John Lynch is still trying to negotiate a solution with him.
The Steelers retooled their receiver room this summer by drafting Roman Wilson and trading away Diontae Johnson. George Pickens is the No. 1 wideout as a result. Pittsburgh could seriously use a more dynamic pass-catcher that thrives underneath the coverage and in run-after-catch situations. With a Pickens extension starting to loom, Luther Burden III would be a perfect complement on a rookie contract.
Biggest Question Mark: Harold Perkins Jr., EDGE, Seattle Seahawks (No. 13 overall)
Just how many pass rushers do the Seattle Seahawks need to draft before they feel they've addressed the position? They utilized top-40 picks in the 2022 and 2023 NFL drafts on Boye Mafe and Derick Hall. Darrell Taylor, a 2020 second-rounder, is also still on the roster, as is Uchenna Nwosu, who is signed through 2026 on a $15 million per year contract.
I appreciate that new head coach Mike Macdonald is a defensive-minded leader who values versatile athletes like Harold Perkins Jr. in his defense, but the Seahawks must also start addressing other areas of weakness, like the offensive line. The Seahawks also used their 2024 first-round selection on interior pass rusher Byron Murphy II. Macdonald may be new, but it was long-standing general manager John Schneider who made all of the aforementioned picks and signings.
Best Scheme Fit: Emery Jones Jr., OT, New Orleans Saints (No. 7 overall)
The New Orleans Saints find themselves in a bind at the right tackle position. Thankfully, general manager Mickey Loomis drafted Taliese Fuaga in April, who is making the transition from right to left tackle. The other side remains a concern with Ryan Ramczyk dealing with a chronic knee injury.
Emery Jones Jr. aligns as the right tackle in LSU's offense and he'd be a seamless fit in that spot for the Saints at the next level. New Orleans is just about ready to give up on Trevor Penning, who is now splitting reps with veteran journeyman Oli Udoh in Ramczyk's absence. Jones would be a great scheme fit in new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's system, one that picked up similarities from his time with Kyle Shanahan.
Best Value: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Arizona Cardinals (No. 10 overall)
Mykel Williams was the No. 1 overall selection in our previous two mocks (Damian Parson and Justin Melo), so getting him at 10th overall would represent terrific value for the Arizona Cardinals. Williams is a high-upside defender who should make a seamless transition to full-time edge rusher for the Georgia Bulldogs this season.
The Cardinals could sure use a pass rusher with his pedigree. Jonathan Gannon's defense posted a 30th-ranked 33 sacks last season. Projecting improvement this season became significantly more difficult after they lost sophomore EDGE BJ Ojulari to a season-ending injury. A lot of pressure will be placed on rookie defensive end Darius Robinson this year.
Best Player Not Selected: Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
Fowler couldn't find a home for Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker, who is one of TDN's top-ranked defenders heading into the new season. Walker was the 10th overall selection in Parson's mock, so this is a surprising omission. Just two defensive tackles were selected with the opening 32 picks in Fowler's mock, the Michigan duo of Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant.
Walker recorded 55 tackles, 12.5 for loss, and 7.5 sacks for the Wildcats last season. He blends size, strength, and quickness to dominate interior offensive linemen. Walker is widely viewed as a top-20 prospect.
