The Draft Network’s Ryan Fowler recently released his latest 2025 NFL mock draft. The latest 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: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers (No. 5 overall)
Carolina Panthers sophomore quarterback Bryce Young has played outstanding football as of late. If Young continues his recent form, the Panthers won't be drafting a replacement. Instead, they should continue investing in his development.
Selecting Tetairoa McMillan would give Young a big-bodied dominant "X" receiver on the boundary. Pairing him with Xavier Legette, who does outstanding work underneath the coverage as a yards-after-catch threat, would offer the Panthers a dynamic duo at wide receiver. The Panthers should continue building the offense around their ascending quarterback.
Biggest Question Mark: Abdul Carter, EDGE, New York Jets (No. 7 overall)
The New York Jets are going in a new direction next season. Both general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh have been relieved of their duties. Aging starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers is extremely unlikely to endear himself to the next regime.
The Jets could potentially target a quarterback in this draft. Abdul Carter is an outstanding prospect, but drafting another EDGE would be a questionable use of resources given the recent capital invested in Jermaine Johnson II and Will McDonald IV. If the next GM decides to take a Best Player Available (BPA) approach, Carter could make sense.
Best Scheme Fit: Donovan Jackson, OL, Seattle Seahawks (No. 20 overall)
The Seattle Seahawks have massive issues across the interior of their offensive line. Center Connor Williams recently retired midseason, catapulting sophomore Olu Oluwatimi into the starting lineup. Veteran Laken Tomlinson has been disappointing at left guard, and Anthony Bradford nor Christian Haynes have appropriately established themselves at right guard.
Improving Geno Smith's interior protection will be a priority this offseason for a postseason-contending Seahawks team. Donovan Jackson is a pro-ready talent who would thrive in Ryan Grubb's scheme. Jackson would be plug-and-play in Seattle.
Best Value: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Los Angeles Chargers (No. 25 overall)
Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams entered the preseason as a potential No. 1 overall selection. An early-season injury and slow start had him sliding down boards, but the versatile inside-out defender has come on strong lately. Williams has now recorded three sacks this season, including one on the weekend.
Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers would appreciate an opportunity to draft a defender with Williams' upside this late. Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack won't be around much longer, and Williams would be an outstanding replacement. Williams would help Harbaugh transform his front seven.
Best Player Not Selected: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Our scouts placed Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant at No. 24 overall in our latest Draft Network 100 prospect rankings update. Despite that, Fowler left Grant out of his first-round mock altogether.
It's been a difficult season for the Wolverines, but Grant has nonetheless performed admirably. The big-bodied interior gap plugger has recorded three sacks, five pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries. Three interior defensive linemen were selected in Fowler's mock. Grant should have been among them.
