Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Brigham Young Cougars at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Here are our predictions for every NFC team’s first-round selection in the 2025 draft:
3. New York Giants—Edge Abdul Carter, Penn State
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penn State defensive lineman Abdul Carter (DL44) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Giants passed on Micah Parsons years ago. If they pass on Carter, they need to fire the GM immediately.
8. Carolina Panthers—Edge Jalon Walker, Georgia
Feb 26, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker (LB28) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Expect Carolina to trade out of this spot, as a lot of teams are incredibly high on Walker.
9. New Orleans Saints—QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
BOULDER, COLORADO – APRIL 27: Quarterback Shedeur Sanders #2 of the Colorado Buffaloes warms-up prior to their spring game at Folsom Field on April 27, 2024 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Kellen Moore starts his tenure with the Saints, getting a young quarterback that he can build around. Deion has already given his blessing, too.
10. Chicago Bears—OT Armand Membou, Missouri
Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; University of Missouri offensive lineman Armand Membou (OL28) answers questions at a press conference during the 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Ben Johnson knows the only way the Bears win is if they protect Caleb Williams.
11. San Francisco 49ers—OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
Mar 2, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks (OL01) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
San Francisco needs to do a better job of protecting Purdy
12. Dallas Cowboys—WR Tet MacMillan, Arizona
Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) catches a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the second half during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
This draft is deep at running back, so Jerry takes the top WR off the board to pair with Lamb.
15. Atlanta Falcons—Edge Mike Green, Marshall
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Marshall defensive lineman Mike Green (DL49) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Atlanta desperately needs to improve its pass rush.
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart (DL68) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Stewart has a big-time motor and will help improve the Cardinals pass rush dramatically.
18. Seattle Seahawks—OT Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
Mar 2, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel (OL50) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Seattle continues to reshape its offense, adding an OL who has big-time upside.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers—S Malaki Starks, Georgia
Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia defensive back Malaki Starks (DB50) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Starks can be an impact player in Tampa’s secondary.
23. Green Bay Packers—DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon (DL15) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Green Bay needs to improve its pass rush.
24. Minnesota Vikings—S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; South Carolina defensive back Nick Emmanwori (DB40) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images
With all the great passing attacks in their division, Minnesota takes a player who could start relatively quickly.
26. Los Angeles Rams—WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State wideout Emeka Egbuka (WO12) speaks during a press conference during the 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images
Egbuka gives Matthew Stafford a slot receiver to replace Cooper Kupp.
28. Detroit Lions—LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell (LB05) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
If Campbell is there, Detroit might move down as they can get a ransom for the pick.
29. Washington Commanders—CB Jahdae Barron, Texas
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron (DB04) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images
Lattimore seems to have lost a step, and Barron could be special.
32. Philadelphia Eagles—DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
Feb 26, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mississippi defensive lineman Walter Nolen (DL23) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Philadelphia continues to fortify a strength as they can’t pass on Nolen.
