The Draft Network’s Jaime Eisner recently released his first 2025 NFL mock draft. The latest Draft Network 100 release has served as a reference point for his analysis and decisions.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens will open the 2024 regular-season campaign on Thursday. It’s officially mock draft season on The Draft Network.
I’ve been selected to dissect Eisner’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 The Draft Network’s brand-new 2025 NFL mock draft.
Favorite pick: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 14 overall)
Joey Porter Jr. has developed into a high-level starter at boundary cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the rest of the group is still being sorted through. Rookie undrafted free agent Beanie Bishop made the roster as the nickel corner and the opposite outside defender will be Donte Jackson, who was acquired via trade earlier this summer. The Steelers need a long-term running mate to pair with Porter Jr.
Mike Tomlin will always be a defensive-minded coach and Notre Dame cornerback prospect Benjamin Morrison would appeal to him. Morrison is a technically advanced corner with the length required to thrive in man coverage at the next level. He would be an immediate starter in Pittsburgh while completing one of the most ascending boundary duos in the league.
Biggest Question Mark: Colston Loveland TE, Los Angeles Rams (No. 19 overall)
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay routinely switches up his preferred personnel looks on an annual basis, but the involvement of tight ends in his offense isn't always consistent. That's why I was partially taken aback when they signed Colby Parkinson to a three-year contract worth $22.5 million. Fellow tight end Tyler Higbee is also under contract through 2025.
Colston Loveland will be TE1 in the 2025 NFL Draft. Loveland is an elite pass catcher with legitimate run-after-catch ability. McVay is occasionally unpredictable, but I'm not sold on the prospect-to-team fit here.
Best Scheme Fit: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Tennessee Titans (No. 5 overall)
The Tennessee Titans are entering the season with a sizable hole at EDGE opposite Harold Landry III. That spot was occupied by Denico Autry last year. Autry signed with the Houston Texans in free agency and he'll be replaced in the lineup by last year's backup, Arden Key. Key is a solid rotational rusher, but the Titans may be overly reliant on him. Seventh-round rookie Jaylen Harrell is the first option off the bench.
Abdul Carter would be an outstanding fit in Dennard Wilson's defense. Wilson is going to be uber-aggressive, citing blitz masters Todd Bowles and Gregg Williams as his influences. Off-ball linebacker turned rusher, Carter would thrive in Tennessee's chaotic front seven with Jeffery Simmons and T'Vondre Sweat.
Best Value: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Los Angeles Chargers (No. 16 overall)
Georgia EDGE Mykel Williams is one of a small handful of prospects with legitimate No. 1 overall upside, so this represents terrific value for the Los Angeles Chargers at 16th overall. Williams' measurables and athleticism give him sky-high potential as a defender making the full-time transition to the outside.
Khalil Mack is entering a contract year and Joey Bosa could be a cap casualty next offseason. Jim Harbaugh must begin completely revamping this room next offseason. Williams would offer the Chargers superstar potential at a position that could be losing two proven veterans.
Best Player Not Selected: Donovan Jackson, IOL, Ohio State
Eisner doesn't have a single traditional guard (Jonah Savaiinaea may qualify) in his first-round mock. I'm not big on first-round interior linemen either, but Ohio State's Donovan Jackson will have a shot at cracking the opening 32. Jackson is our ninth overall prospect in our Draft Network 100 rankings.
Several franchises are picking in the twenties of this mock that could target a starting-caliber guard like Jackson. The Philadelphia Eagles, Chiefs, and Houston Texans are potential suitors. Jackson pairs elite football IQ with scheme versatility.
