CU football standout athlete Travis Hunter flashes a No. 1 with his finger after a win against CSU in the Rocky Mountain Showdown at Canvas Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Here are our predictions for every AFC team’s first-round selection in the 2025 draft:
1. Tennessee Titans—QB Cam Ward, Miami
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 9: Cam Ward #1 of the Miami Hurricanes warms up prior to the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium on November 9, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Lock this one in as Ward is the closest thing this draft has to a franchise quarterback.
2. Cleveland Browns—CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) reacts after a penalty is called during the second quarter against the Brigham Young Cougars at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Hunter is somewhat polarizing as to his true position, but no one can deny his talent.
4. New England Patriots—OT Will Campbell, LSU
Mar 2, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell (OL05) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Mike Vrabel knows that protecting Drake Maye will be the key to getting the Patriots back to the playoffs.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars—DT Mason Graham, Michigan
Feb 26, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham (DL11) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
This might be a pick where a team (Chicago?) trades up to get Graham, who is a force on defense.
6. Las Vegas Raiders—RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 16: Ashton Jeanty #2 of the Boise State Broncos warms up before their game against the San Jose State Spartans at CEFCU Stadium on November 16, 2024 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
Pete Carroll knows he needs a running game if he wants any chance of competing.
7. New York Jets—TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 31: Tyler Warren #44 of the Penn State Nittany Lions catches a pass for a touchdown over Ty Benefield #0 of the Boise State Broncos during the third quarter in the 2024 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 31, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Jets are doing a lot of homework on Warren, who has Brock Bowers-type talent.
13. Miami Dolphins—CB Will Johnson, Michigan
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan defensive back Will Johnson (DB17) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images
Miami needs a shutdown CB badly.
14. Indianapolis Colts—TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan tight end Colston Loveland (TE15) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images
The Colts have been desperate for a TE ever since Dallas Clark retired.
Feb 26, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams (DL73) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
A definite need pick if Cincinnati has playoff aspirations.
20. Denver Broncos—RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton (RB09) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
As soon as Dallas decided to pass on Hampton, Sean Payton makes sure to get the player who can spark the Broncos’ run game.
Feb 26, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant (DL12) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Steelers might move down to take a QB a few picks later, but if they stay at 21, Grant would fortify an aging DL.
22. Los Angeles Chargers—WR Matthew Golden, Texas
Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas wideout Matthew Golden (WO16) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jim Harbaugh knows he needs an immediate upgrade from Quentin Johnston.
25. Houston Texans—OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Josh Simmons works out during the pro day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletic Cente on March 26, 2025.
Don’t be surprised to see Houston take as many as three OL in this draft.
27. Baltimore Ravens—Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Boston College defensive lineman Donovan Ezeiruaku (DL47) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Baltimore’s pass rush needs an influx of young talent.
30. Buffalo Bills—CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
Sep 21, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Maxwell Hairston (1) intercepts an Ohio Bobcats pass and carries it towards the end zone during the third quarter at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Buffalo desperately needs to add a shutdown corner, and Hairston is a good one.
31. Kansas City Chiefs—OL Josh Conerly, Jr., Oregon
Nov 16, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive linenam Josh Conerly Jr. (76) during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Kansas City needs to improve their OL, and Conerly has big-time upside.
