The Draft Network’s Ryan Fowler recently released his latest 2025 NFL mock draft. The October update of our Draft Network Top 100 prospect rankings has 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: Jalon Walker, EDGE, Las Vegas Raiders (No. 7 overall)
This EDGE class has been begging for a talent to emerge and establish itself. Georgia's Jalon Walker (No. 12 overall) may have seized that opportunity in a big-time win over the previously No. 1-ranked Texas Longhorns. Walker recorded a single-game career-high three sacks in a dominant victory that rode the defense.
Walker added eight tackles, seven pressures, multiple TFLs, and a fumble recovery to his defensive totals. If the Las Vegas Raiders miss out on drafting one of the top quarterbacks, pairing Maxx Crosby with another dominant and athletic edge should be the alternative choice. Walker combines explosiveness with functional strength.
Biggest Question Mark: Ashton Jeanty, RB, New York Giants (No. 8 overall)
The New York Giants' No. 1 priority is to replace Daniel Jones this offseason, but Fowler understandably passed on a quarterback here because Cam Ward (No. 10 overall) and Shedeur Sanders (No. 8 overall) were already off the board. If the Giants are just mediocre enough to miss out on a top signal caller, general manager Joe Schoen should still draft a talent at a premium position.
Ashton Jeanty (No. 13 overall) is the face of college football and the rightful frontrunner in the Heisman conversation. Jeanty has been establishing himself as a top-10 selection, but the Giants also have Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy Jr. playing quality football at the position this season. Boise State's bellcow will have more appropriate suitors.
Best Scheme Fit: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Arizona Cardinals (No. 12 overall)
The Arizona Cardinals are averaging just two sacks (14) per game this season. They finished 30th in quarterback takedowns last year with 30. Adding insult to injury, they've already lost both Dennis Gardeck (sack leader) and BJ Ojulari to season-ending injuries.
Jonathan Gannon is a defensive-minded head coach who once oversaw a historic 70-sack campaign as the defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles. General manager Monti Ossenfort has thus far failed to provide him with a legitimate sack artist. Fowler finally addresses that need in this mock by selecting Mykel Williams, our 17th-ranked prospect at 12th overall. With a fall injury now behind him, Williams recorded two sacks against the Longhorns on Saturday.
Best Value: Walter Nolen, DT, Green Bay Packers (No. 28 overall)
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst routinely utilizes first-round picks to address the trenches. Gutekunst faces a critical decision on one of those players this offseason. Devonte Wyatt is scheduled to enter a contract season in 2025, with his fifth-year option to be triggered or declined this summer.
Drafting Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen (No. 14 overall) at 28th would offer the Packers a succession plan. Nolen would be allowed to play a limited role behind Wyatt and Kenny Clark as a rookie while preparing to step into the starting lineup as a sophomore. He's a dominant defender who recently strung together impressive performances against Kentucky and South Carolina.
Best Player Not Selected: Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss
Our scouts placed Princely Umanmielen at No. 40 overall in our latest Draft Network 100 prospect rankings update. Fowler left Umanmielen out of his first-round mock altogether. I believe both decisions are slight missteps.
Umanmielen was beginning to round into form before suffering an injury. The Austin, Texas native recorded 1.5 sacks against Kentucky in his last appearance. It marked his second consecutive game with a QB takedown after recording one versus Georgia Southern. Umanmielen missed the Rebels' last two games against South Carolina and LSU, but he's scheduled to return versus Oklahoma this weekend.
