The Draft Network’s Ryan Fowler recently released his latest 2025 NFL mock draft. Our Draft Network Top 100 prospect rankings have served as a reference point for his analysis and decisions. It’s mock draft season here at The Draft Network, with weekly iterations dropping every Sunday evening.
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 The Draft Network’s latest 2025 NFL mock draft.
Favorite pick: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Washington Commanders (No. 5 overall)
The Washington Commanders could use two-way star Travis Hunter at wide receiver and/or cornerback. Defensively, the corner room is a mess. Former first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes recently underwent thumb surgery and has not met his pre-draft expectations. New York Giants rookie wideout Malik Nabers torched them on Sunday with yards-after-catch ability.
At receiver, a lack of experienced depth behind Terry McLaurin has opposing defenses focusing all of their energy on erasing him, making life difficult for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. McLaurin has recorded just 39 receiving yards through two contests. Hunter may not consistently play offense and defense at the next level like he's doing at Colorado, but the Commanders are one franchise that could seriously consider it.
Biggest Question Mark: Will Johnson CB, Tennessee Titans (No. 6 overall)
Michigan's Will Johnson is arguably the best overall prospect in the 2025 class, but cornerback may literally be the least of the Tennessee Titans' worries. Currently sporting the No. 1 overall defense in the NFL, the Titans are allowing a league-low 114 passing yards per game.
They traded for and extended L'Jarius Sneed in the offseason, who's already shadowing superstar receivers. Roger McCreary is a high-level nickel, and Chido Awuzie is signed to a multi-year contract as well. If the Titans are picking this high, quarterback, EDGE, right tackle, and wide receiver are the four positions that will garner consideration from general manager Ran Carthon.
Best Scheme Fit: Jalon Walker, EDGE, Atlanta Falcons (No. 21 overall)
The Atlanta Falcons have recorded just three sacks through two weeks. That will displease defensive-minded head coach Raheem Morris. The Falcons have poured consistent resources into the edge position in recent offseasons, but they're still waiting for the lightbulb to fully flicker for Arnold Ebiketie, DeAngelo Malone, and Zach Harrison.
By next April, it'll be time to admit some of those players aren't going to reach their full potential. Georgia's Jalon Walker is an explosive pass rusher who totaled eight pressures against Kentucky on Saturday. Morris implements a scheme that would take advantage of Walker's dynamic skill set.
Best Value: Colston Loveland, TE, Cincinnati Bengals (No. 24 overall)
Michigan tight end Colston Loveland projects as a top-15 overall talent that will inevitably suffer from the "How high do you take a tight end?" conversation. In this scenario, the Cincinnati Bengals pounce on a legitimate prospect at No. 24 overall.
Tight ends have never been overly involved in Zac Taylor's offense, but changes are coming to his personnel. Tee Higgins will almost certainly depart in free agency next offseason, leaving Joe Burrow without much proven pass-catching help outside of Ja'Marr Chase. Andrei Iosivas and Jermaine Burton are taking steps, but adding another weapon like Loveland would help the Bengals prepare for life without Higgins.
Best Player Not Selected: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Fowler has just two defensive tackles in his first-round mock. The Michigan pair of Mason Graham (No. 8) and Kenneth Grant (No. 26) are the only interior defensive linemen selected. If there was a third, Ole Miss' Walter Nolen would have been the correct choice.
Nolen is the No. 10 ranked prospect in our Draft Network Top 100 rankings. Nolen was dominant against Wake Forest on Saturday, recording five pressures. The Rebel standout is a strong and powerful lineman with multi-position versatility.
