The Draft Network’s Mason Johnstone 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 Johnstone’s mock draft. 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: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Atlanta Falcons (No. 15 overall)
The Atlanta Falcons have consistently struggled to solve their pass-rushing woes. They added Leonard Floyd in free agency following his release from the San Francisco 49ers. Floyd is a one-year band-aid solution at best.
Donovan Ezeiruaku would immediately be a pass-rushing specialist for the Falcons. The Boston College standout recorded an unfathomable 16.5 sacks last season. Ezeiruaku ran the fastest 3-cone (6.6.94) and shuttle (4.19) of any EDGE at the NFL Combine, displaying elite athleticism and short-area agility.
Biggest Question Mark: Quinn Ewers, QB, Los Angeles Rams (No. 26 overall)
The Los Angeles Rams worked out a contract revision with starting quarterback Matthew Stafford this offseason. That could momentarily take Sean McVay out of the QB market. The Rams still need an eventual successor, but it would be borderline surprising if they used their first-round pick at the position.
Furthermore, Quinn Ewers hasn’t done enough to establish himself as a first-round pick. Ewers threw the football well at the NFL Combine, but he’s still trending toward being a third-round (or later) selection. This would be the shock of the draft.
Best Scheme Fit: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 19 overall)
Jihaad Campbell was downright dominant at the NFL Combine. The Alabama performer ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash with a 1.53 10-yard split, the third-fastest results among participating linebackers in both categories. Campbell also leaped a second-best 10-foot-7 broad jump.
Campbell was outstanding this past campaign, recording 119 tackles and five sacks. He'd be an outstanding scheme in Todd Bowles' defense with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Bowles would utilize Campbell in his aggressive front seven to stop the run, rush the passer, and drop in coverage.
Best Value: Malaki Starks, SAF, Minnesota Vikings (No. 24 overall)
Malaki Starks is being slightly dinged for playing a non-premium position. It's understandable, but the Georgia safety is among the best overall prospects in this draft. The Minnesota Vikings and defensive coordinator Brian Flores would be thrilled to land a player of his caliber.
Starks arguably ran the best gauntlet of any prospect at the NFL Combine, showcasing elite ball skills and technique. The Vikings re-signed Harrison Smith and Theo Jackson this offseason, but Starks would transform this defensive back room. Flores would utilize him as a mismatch weapon.
Best Player Not Selected: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Only three wide receivers were selected in Johnstone's first-round mock and Luther Burden III wasn't one of them. The No. 36 overall prospect in our latest TDN100 update, Burden III is currently being underrated by our in-house scouting staff. The Missouri playmaker was electric at the NFL Combine, reminding scouts of his athleticism in the 40 (4.41) before running the best gauntlet of any wideout in Indianapolis.
