The Draft Network’s Jaime Eisner 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 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 latest 2025 NFL mock draft.
Favorite Pick: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Arizona Cardinals (No. 11 overall)
After once overseeing a Philadelphia Eagles pass rush that produced a historic 70 sacks in a single campaign, Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon has been patiently waiting for general manager Monti Ossenfort to draft him an EDGE he can build around. The Cardinals have produced just 11 sacks through five contests. First-round rookie Darius Robinson started practicing this week after beginning the season on IR, and BJ Ojulari was lost to a season-ending injury.
Drafting Abdul Carter and adding him to a nucleus that has Robinson and a returning Ojulari in 2025 would appease Gannon. Carter is beginning to show signs of comfortability after making the full-time transition to EDGE this season. The athletic pass rusher recorded his first sack of the season versus Kent State in mid-September and added another two quarterback takedowns against Illinois the following week.
Biggest Question Mark: Malaki Starks, SAF, New York Jets (No. 9 overall)
The 2024 New York Jets are an absolute mess right now. Owner Woody Johnson made the somewhat surprising decision to fire head coach Robert Saleh earlier this week. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been named interim coach for the remainder of the season.
Georgia's Malaki Starks is an excellent prospect and he'd fill a potential need, as pointed out by Eisner. But if the Jets end up with a top-10 selection, I have a difficult time envisioning them picking a non-premium position like safety. This decision largely depends on Aaron Rodgers' status, but a new regime could opt to draft their quarterback of the future.
Best Scheme Fit: Isaiah Bond, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 27 overall)
The once 3-0 Pittsburgh Steelers have dropped consecutive contests, forfeiting their early-season lead in the AFC North. Scoring points has been a consistent issue. The Steelers currently own the league’s 26th-ranked scoring offense at 18.4 points per game.
Justin Fields has shown growth at quarterback this season, and Russell Wilson may still factor into the equation. Whoever finishes the year under center has George Pickens at receiver and little else. Drafting the speedy Isaiah Bond to take pressure away from Pickens would give the Steelers the one-two punch they currently lack. Bond would be an instant deep threat.
Best Value: Kenneth Grant, IDL, Detroit Lions (No. 28 overall)
Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant is among the most disruptive defenders in college football. Known as an early-down run-stopper, Grant has been versatile enough this season to record two sacks, four pass breakups, and a fumble recovery. In a draft class that lacks high-end talent, the Wolverines standout could go significantly higher than 28th overall.
Pairing Grant with former Michigan stud Aidan Hutchinson is also a phenomenal idea. Hutchinson has been the best pass rusher in the league this season, totaling 40 pressures and counting. Adding Grant to this defensive line would be a legitimate nightmare for the opposition.
Best Player Not Selected: Walter Nolen, IDL, Ole Miss
Eisner featured three defensive tackles in his mock, finding landing spots for Deone Walker and Mason Graham in addition to the aforementioned Grant. When it comes to the Walker selection, I believe Ole Miss’ Walter Nolen is a better overall prospect. Nolen has been downright dominant in recent weeks, including a two-sack showing versus South Carolina on Saturday.
Nolen has a resume-builder this weekend versus No. 13 LSU. If Nolen enjoys another big-time performance, he'll continue establishing himself as a potentially high first-round pick.
