We’re almost two weeks into the 2025 NFL league year. Free agency, for the most part, is done. There will be minor transactions between now and the draft as teams add depth and role players, but there are a couple major dominoes still to fall.

These, of course, revolve around quarterbacks and it starts with Aaron Rodgers. Once Rodgers decides where he’s going to play in 2025, then Russell Wilson will find a home and maybe some team will make Atlanta an offer they can’t refuse for Kirk Cousins.

The draft strategies of the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants, and to some extent the Cleveland Browns, hinge on Aaron Rodgers’ decision. Being that it’s Rodgers, he of the darkness retreat, we could be waiting awhile. In the meantime, I’m offering my post free agency, three round mock draft.

As I was working on this, reports stated Aaron Rodgers spent six hours visiting the Steelers, then the Giants signed Jameis Winston. These bits of news strengthen my convictions that Aaron Rodgers will end up with Pittsburgh, while the Giants and Browns will go the veteran bridge quarterback route. I performed this mock draft under those assumptions.

I used NFL Mock Draft Database and did trades only in the first round:

ROUND ONE

#1. Tennessee Titans– Cam Ward, QB, Miami-Fl

Every move Tennessee has made in free agency suggests they’re going quarterback with the first pick. Of course, some team could get desperate enough to throw a boatload at them to move up (looking at you, Giants), but for now I’m comfortable mocking Ward to the Titans.

#2. Cleveland Browns– Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

Even after re-signing Myles Garrett, Cleveland can’t pass on Carter, who I feel is the best player in the draft. The Browns believe they can contend this season and a Garrett/Carter pass rushing tandem would certainly be elite.

#3. New York Giants– Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

The Giants will start the season with a veteran quarterback. Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll will not risk their jobs with a second tier rookie quarterback. Instead, they’ll use this pick to take the Heisman Trophy winner, who can fill a need at two positions.

#4. New England Patriots– Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Mike Vrabel’s very first draft pick as Patriots head coach will be in the trenches, I guarantee it. Campbell is quite simply the best offensive lineman in the draft, short arms or not.

#5. Jacksonville Jaguars– Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

The first surprise pick of my mock draft. Most mocks have the Jaguars taking Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham here, but my thinking is that new head coach Liam Coen will lean offense and shoring up Trevor Lawrence’s protection.

#6. Las Vegas Raiders– Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Las Vegas shrewdly solved their quarterback issue by trading for Geno Smith. New head coach Pete Carroll likes to lean on the running game but the Raiders don’t have the horses to carry that load, yet. Jeanty is a prolific, three down back that can help make this offense hum.

#7. New York Jets– Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

The Jets lost one offensive tackle, Morgan Moses, in free agency and Tyron Smith could opt to retire. Offensive tackle is a need, but with Membou off the board there’s none worthy of the seventh overall pick. New head coach, Aaron Glenn, is a defensive guy and he’ll look to the other side of the ball. Graham will be a tone setter for this defense.

#8. Carolina Panthers– Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Carolina needs to give Bryce Young a big time target. Adam Thielen has been a reliable security blanket, but he’s not a true number one receiver. McMillan is a big bodied receiver with elite ball skills that can help Young take that next step.

#9. New Orleans Saints– Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

And there we have it, the first shocker of the draft, and it’s a double shock. New Orleans is stuck with Derek Carr, for now, but new head coach Kellen Moore is going to want his guy. Dart has been rising up draft boards and I think he’ll eclipse Shedeur Sanders as the number two quarterback in the class.

*TRADE*

We get our first trade. Denver gives Chicago a fourth round pick this year and a second and fourth next year to move up ten spots.

#10. Denver Broncos– Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

Sean Payton talked a lot about finding his “joker” in the mold of Jimmy Graham. Warren might be it. In my opinion, he’s the best pass catcher in the draft and he’ll allow Payton to expand the offense around Bo Nix.

#11. San Francisco 49ers– Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

San Francisco parted with numerous veterans since the start of the league year. They have quite a few holes to fill. Taking the best player available is never a bad strategy, and Johnson gives them a lock down corner in the pass happy NFL.

*TRADE*

Cincinnati gives Dallas a third round pick, number 81, to move up five spots.

#12. Cincinnati Bengals– Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M

Whether or not they retain Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati could use another pass rusher. Jumping ahead of other teams eyeing edge rushers, the Bengals take the freakishly athletic Stewart.

*TRADE*

Arizona gives Miami a fourth round pick in this draft to move up three spots.

#13. Arizona Cardinals– Jalon Walker, EDGE/LB, Georgia

The Cardinals jump ahead of Atlanta to land the versatile Walker. Arizona can use him as an edge rusher or off ball linebacker.

#14. Indianapolis Colts– Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama

Indianapolis lost a starting guard and their starting center in free agency. Booker is the best pure guard in the draft.

#15. Atlanta Falcons– Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

Atlanta sees a couple teams jump them for edge rushers, only for the one they’re likely eyeing to fall in their lap.

#16. Miami Dolphins– Kelvin Banks Jr, OT, Texas

After moving down three spots, Miami bolsters their offensive line. Banks could kick inside to guard or eventually replace Terron Armstead, whenever that time comes.

#17. Dallas Cowboys– Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

After moving down five spots, Dallas drafts a replacement for nickel cornerback Jourdan Lewis.

#18. Seattle Seahawks– Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

Seattle goes with a highly productive pass rusher. Green has been garnering considerable pre-draft buzz.

#19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers– Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

LaVonte David continues to play at a high level for Tampa Bay, but he’s 35 years old. Campbell could be his heir apparent as leader of the Buccaneers defense.

#20. Chicago Bears– Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Chicago added significant draft capital for this year and next to move down ten spots. After a flurry of moves, the Bears are left with only one question on the offensive line. Left tackle. Braxton Jones is entering the final year of his rookie contract and coming off a significant injury. Simmons is coming off his own season ending injury or else he’d be in the conversation as first offensive lineman off the board.

#21. Pittsburgh Steelers– Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

I have Pittsburgh landing Aaron Rodgers, but given his age they should consider a long term answer at quarterback, but I can’t see it being with this pick. Instead, they go with a physical runner to replace Najee Harris.

#22. Los Angeles Chargers– Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

It’s almost too easy to mock Loveland to the Chargers. They have a need at tight end and Jim Harbaugh recruited him to Michigan.

#22. Green Bay Packers– Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

Green Bay adds an explosive, play making interior defensive lineman.

#24. Minnesota Vikings– Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Minnesota did a lot to bolster their defensive line in free agency. Harrison Smith is back, but he’s not getting any younger. Starks will bolster their secondary.

#25. Houston Texans– Grey Zabel, IOL, North Dakota State

Houston’s offensive line was a mess last season. Zabel can play any position on the line, but he’s probably best suited for guard.

#26. Los Angeles Rams– Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

The Rams signed Davante Adams to pair with Puka Nucua, but Golden will give them a speed threat they don’t currently have.

#27. Baltimore Ravens– Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

Emmanwori seems like he was made to be a Raven. He’ll give Baltimore the tone setter in the secondary they’ve not had since Ed Reed.

#28. Detroit Lions– James Pearce Jr, EDGE, Tennessee

Detroit needs an edge rusher to pair with Aiden Hutchinson. Pearce might be the most polished pass rusher in the draft.

#29. Washington Commanders– Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College

Washington has loaded up to make a run at the Super Bowl. Adding a highly productive pass rusher is another piece of the puzzle.

*TRADE*

The Giants give Buffalo a third round pick in this draft to move back into the first round.

#30. New York Giants– Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

The Giants passed on quarterback with the third overall pick, but when Sanders tumbles down the board, they make the move up to grab their, hopefully, franchise quarterback.

#31. Kansas City Chiefs– Josh Conerly Jr, OT, Oregon

The Chiefs offensive line was exposed in the Super Bowl and left tackle was an issue all season. KC signed Jaylon Moore to play left tackle, but he’s only signed for two years and has only started nine games in his career.

#32. Philadelphia Eagles– Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

Philadelphia replaces Josh Sweat with the less ballyhooed but more productive college teammate of Shemar Stewart.

ROUND TWO

#33. Cleveland Browns– Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

#34. Buffalo Bills– Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Buffalo gains an extra third round pick to move down four spots, out of the first round, and grab a big bodied defensive lineman.

#35. Tennessee Titans– Luther Burden, WR, Missouri

#36. Jacksonville Jaguars– Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

#37. Las Vegas Raiders– Shavon Revel Jr, CB, East Carolina

#38. New England Patriots– Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

#39. Chicago Bears– Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas

Personally, I’d prefer more of a speed rusher, but Jackson fits the physical profile that new Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen prefers in defensive ends.

#40. New Orleans Saints– Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss

#41. Chicago Bears– Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State

The deeper I get into draft analysis, the more enamored I become with Judkins and his fit with the Bears. He would give Ben Johnson his “knuckles” running back.

#42. New York Jets– Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

#43. San Francisco 49ers– Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State

#44. Dallas Cowboys– TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State

Dallas did pretty well the last time they drafted a stud running back from Ohio State.

#45. Indianapolis Colts– Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State

#46. Atlanta Falcons– Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State

#47. Arizona Cardinals– Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

#48. Miami Dolphins– Donovan Jackson, IOL, Ohio State

Jackson played left tackle admirably after Josh Simmons went down, but Miami probably kicks him inside to guard, his more natural position.

#49. Cincinnati Bengals– Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo

#50. Seattle Seahawks– Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame

#51. Denver Broncos– Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford

#52. Seattle Seahawks– Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA

#53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers– Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss

#54. Green Bay Packers– JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State

#55. Los Angeles Chargers– Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss

#56. Buffalo Bills– Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State

#57. Carolina Panthers– Mason Taylor, TE, LSU

#58. Houston Texans– Cameron Williams, OT, Texas

#59. Baltimore Ravens– Marcus Mbow, IOL, Purdue

Baltimore adds a smart and athletic offensive lineman who needs to add some mass to be an effective NFL offensive lineman.

#60. Detroit Lions– Tate Ratledge, IOL, Georgia

#61. Washington Commanders– Alfred Collins, DT, Texas

#62. Buffalo Bills– Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State

#63. Kansas City Chiefs– Jonah Savaiinaea, IOL, Arizona

#64. Philadelphia Eagles– Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami-Fl

Dallas Goedert is a fine tight end, but he misses a bit of time every season. Arroyo will give an already dangerous Philly offense another dimension.

ROUND THREE

#65. New York Giants– TJ Sanders, DT, South Carolina

#66. Kansas City Chiefs– Harold Fannin Jr, TE, Bowling Green

#67. Cleveland Browns– Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa

Cleveland may bring back Nick Chubb, but he’s got an extensive injury history. Johnson can help lighten the load.

#68. Las Vegas Raiders– Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State

#69. New England Patriots– Jack Bech, WR, TCU

#70. Jacksonville Jaguars– Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU

#71. New Orleans Saints– Wyatt Milum, IOL, West Virginia

#72. Chicago Bears– Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky

Walker is a massive human being who will have a role as a dominant run stuffer early on as he develops his all around game.

#73. New York Jets– Jordan Burch, EDGE, Oregon

#74. Carolina Panthers– Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee

#75. San Francisco 49ers– Jared Wilson, IOL, Georgia

#76. Dallas Cowboys– Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas

#77. New England Patriots– Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina

#78. Arizona Cardinals– Emery Jones Jr, OT, LSU

#79. Houston Texans– Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State

#80. Indianapolis Colts– Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas

#81. Dallas Cowboys– Demetrius Knight, LB, South Carolina

*Dallas received this pick in their first round trade with Cincinnati.

#82. Seattle Seahawks– Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M

#83. Pittsburgh Steelers– Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

I think Aaron Rodgers will eventually land in Pittsburgh, but he is 41 years old and only a short term fix. Ewers can be the developmental third string quarterback.

#84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers– Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State

#85. Denver Broncos– Cameron Skattebo, RB, Arizona State

Denver replaces Javonte Williams with a tough, physical running back with three down abilities.

#86. Los Angeles Chargers– Josaiah Stewart, EDGE, Michigan

#87. Green Bay Packers– Oluwafemi Oladejo, EDGE, Oregon

#88. Jacksonville Jaguars– Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami-Fl

#89. Houston Texans– Chris Paul Jr, LB, Ole Miss

#90. Los Angeles Rams– Charles Grant, IOL, William & Mary

#91. Baltimore Ravens– Anthony Belton, OT, NC State

Baltimore adds an enormous tackle prospect that excels as a run blocker and could develop into a decent starter.

#92. Seattle Seahawks– Savion Williams, WR, TCU

#93. New Orleans Saints– Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon

#94. Cleveland Browns– Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

Cleveland will have an open competition for their starting quarterback between Kenny Pickett and another veteran bridge QB. Milroe is a plus athlete that needs some development to become an NFL quarterback, but he could bring value in special packages.

#95. Kansas City Chiefs– Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee

#96. Philadelphia Eagles– Kevin Winston Jr, S, Penn State

Philadelphia traded away Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, so there’s need for safety depth. Winston has good size and traits, but needs more development.

#97. Minnesota Vikings– Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College

#98. Miami Dolphins– Gunnar Helm, TE, Texas

Miami adds a quarterback friendly tight end that needs to improve as a blocker to have three down potential in the NFL.

#99. Buffalo Bills– Saivion Jones, EDGE, LSU

*Buffalo received this pick in their first round trade with the NY Giants.

#100. San Francisco 49ers– Ty Robinson, DT, Nebraska

#101. Los Angeles Rams– Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State

#102. Detroit Lions– Dorian Strong, CB, Virginia Tech