The Draft Network’s Jaime Eisner 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 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, Carolina Panthers (No. 5 overall)
Carolina Panthers sophomore quarterback Bryce Young is playing outstanding football as the campaign progresses. In his recent four starts, Young has thrown four touchdowns and one interception, and the Panthers have gone 2-2. The former No. 1 overall selection is beginning to establish himself as the 2025 starter.
EDGE is a more pressing, premium need on the Panthers' roster. Ejiro Evero's defense has recorded a second-worst 21 sacks. Veteran signing Jadeveon Clowney has been a complete whiff. Abdul Carter is the best pass rusher in the draft, and pairing him with a returning Derrick Brown next season would drastically improve this defensive line.
Biggest Question Mark: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Chicago Bears (No. 11 overall)
The Chicago Bears need to continue investing in Caleb Williams' development. Drafting an offensive lineman is a surefire way to do that, but I wonder if an offensive tackle is a necessity. The interior needs upgrades.
Left tackle Braxton Jones is under contract through next season and has played well throughout 2024. The Bears also drafted Kiran Amegadjie last year to eventually push Jones, and Darnell Wright is locked in at right tackle. Aireontae Ersery is a day-one prospect, I'm just not sure he'd be addressing the Bears' biggest need.
Best Scheme Fit: Colston Loveland, TE, Los Angeles Rams (No. 17 overall)
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay was smitten with Brock Bowers throughout last year's pre-draft process and reportedly tried to trade up for him. I love the idea of nabbing Colston Loveland despite having Tyler Higbee and Colby Parkinson on the roster. Neither of those players should be preventative.
Cooper Kupp is a potential cap casualty this offseason. If the Rams part with their long-term playmaker, they'll need another high-volume weapon to pair with Puka Nacua. Loveland could be that pass-catching replacement.
Best Value: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Detroit Lions (No. 32 overall)
James Pearce Jr. entered the 2024 college football campaign as the potential No. 1 overall pick. Pearce Jr. hasn't been quite as dominant as expected, and he remains raw as a run defender, but make no mistake, he'd represent outstanding value for the Detroit Lions at 32nd overall.
Pearce Jr. has recorded a respectable 7.5 sacks and his pressure rate indicates a breakout is coming. The Lions desperately need a running mate for Aidan Hutchinson, who will spend the offseason rehabbing from a serious season-ending injury. Landing an instant contributor at No. 32 would be a win.
Best Player Not Selected: Jonah Savaiinaea, IOL, Arizona
There are several teams projected to select between No. 23 and 32 overall that could upgrade the interior of their offensive line this season. Eisner has the Houston Texans selecting Alabama guard Tyler Booker, but the Packers, Eagles, and Chiefs are other franchises that could consider taking an instant starter like Arizona's Jonah Savaiinaea.
Savaiinaea has played offensive tackle for the Wildcats this season but is better suited as a phone-booth blocker at the next level. His anchor in pass protection is pro-ready to stifle defensive tackles. Perhaps Eisner is correct, as NFL teams don't love drafting guards in the opening round, but Savaiinaea is a straightforward evaluation in a weaker-than-usual draft class.
