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: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Carolina Panthers (No. 7 overall)
The Carolina Panthers are doing exactly what a "bad" team is supposed to do. They're showing improvement under first-year head coach Dave Canales as the season progresses. The Panthers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 36-30 in an overtime thriller on Sunday. Ascending quarterback Bryce Young is proving he deserves another opportunity to prove he's a franchise quarterback in 2025.
With Young's improved play allowing the Panthers to pass on a quarterback, attention shifts to the defense. They've recorded a fourth-worst 29 sacks this season. A long-term replacement for EDGE Brian Burns is still required. In steps Abdul Carter, Penn State's athletic and instinctual front-seven defender. Carter would pair up nicely with a returning Derrick Brown next year.
Biggest Question Mark: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona Cardinals (No. 16 overall)
Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan slides all the way to No. 16 overall in Fowler's latest mock. He stays in-state, with the Cardinals pouncing on his availability. It would represent terrific value for GM Monti Ossenfort, but it'd also be a questionable use of resources given the selection of Marvin Harrison Jr. last year.
While Kyler Murray certainly wouldn't complain, the Cardinals have other needs to address. The likes of Darius Robinson and BJ Ojulari are unproven pass rushers on the weakest unit throughout Ossenfort's roster. A game-changing pass rusher is needed to transform Jonathan Gannon's defense. The Cardinals are improving, but they aren't positioned to make a luxury pick like this one yet.
Best Scheme Fit: Jahdae Barron, CB, Baltimore Ravens (No. 26 overall)
Jahdae Barron is among the most versatile defenders in the entire draft. Texas' do-it-all versatile playmaker has played boundary corner, nickel, and safety for the Longhorns this season. The reigning Jim Thorpe Award winner (nation's top DB) is an outstanding fit for a John Harbaugh and Zachary Orr defense.
Barron pairs high-level instincts with effort and explosive movements. The Ravens drafted Nate Wiggins last year, but Barron is a very different defender. More talent is also needed in the secondary, proven by the 31st-ranked 254.9 passing yards they're allowing per game this season.
Best Value: Tyler Warren, TE, Kansas City Chiefs (No. 32 overall)
Father Time is undefeated. Travis Kelce looks legitimately washed this season. The eventual first-ballot Hall of Famer is on pace to record his fewest receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns of his illustrious 11-year career (and that's despite having a 17-game season nowadays). Kelce is also averaging his fewest yards per catch (8.3) ever.
There's also a legit chance Kelce retires if the Kansas City Chiefs complete the three-peat. Drafting his replacement in Penn State's Tyler Warren would be downright unfair. Warren may get docked for positional value, but he's undeniably a top 32 overall talent in the 2025 NFL Draft. Warren is a high-level athlete, an outstanding route-runner, and he's physical both at the line of scrimmage and after the catch.
Best Player Not Selected: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison suffered a season-ending injury after just six appearances this season. That likely influenced Fowler to keep him out of his first-round mock altogether. Morrison was productive when healthy, totaling 20 tackles and three pass breakups. Across the previous two seasons combined, the Fighting Irish standout accumulated nine interceptions and 15 PBUs.
