The countdown to the 2025 NFL Draft has now moved from weeks to days. Day 1 will take place a week from Thursday, ending several weeks and months of speculating on where the top prospects will end up.
That said, Colin Cowherd unveiled his first mock draft of the season on Thursday’s edition of “The Herd.” Unlike some other mock drafts, though, Cowherd only projected how the first 15 picks should go under the premise of what he would do if he was each team’s general manager.
Travis Hunter, Ashton Jeanty highlight Colin’s ‘What I Would Do’ Mock Draft
The exercise led to two quarterbacks and two running backs being selected in the top 15 picks. It also led Cowherd to call one selection the “steal of the draft.”
Here’s Cowherd’s first mock draft, with odds via DraftKings Sportsbook as of April 17.
Odds to be No. 1 overall pick: -20000
Cowherd’s thoughts: “It’s an easy one. Last year, the Titans’ quarterbacks combined for 22 touchdowns and 21 picks. It’s a winnable division. He fits Brian Callahan’s offense. They’ve got one go-to receiver. I think he’ll win games. I think he’ll make them a playoff team. Easiest pick on the board.”
Odds to be No. 2 overall pick: -500
Cowherd’s thoughts: “The best overall athlete in the draft — and he’ll play both sides. Their receiving corps is Jerry Jeudy and a whole lot of meh. They also have quarterbacks all filled out. They have [Joe] Flacco. They’re paying Deshaun Watson. They’re paying Kenny Pickett. They’ve sent the signal that they’re not picking a quarterback.”
Odds to be drafted by New York Giants: +330
Cowherd’s thoughts: “I think Jameis Winston and Tommy DeVito, they’ll cut them in camp. I think they’re gonna go with Russell [Wilson] for a year. Even Russell’s contract isn’t that punitive, it’s all based on how many games and how well he plays. I think [Sanders] is a star. … Brian Daboll has proven a history that you can give him average stuff, and he can correct it. I don’t think there’s a lot to correct.”
Odds to be No. 4 overall pick: +600
Cowherd’s thoughts: “Last year, the Patriots had the fewest sacks in the league. There will be plenty of running backs, tight ends and wide receivers available later in the draft. It’s Mike Vrabel. Look at what they did in free agency, a lot of big uglies and size and movement. Carter’s a great athlete.”
Odds to be No. 5 overall pick: -125
Cowherd’s thoughts: “The Jags’ defensive line is already talented. I think Graham’s really underrated. People say his ceiling is low. All I know is that whenever I watched him, he just pushed people around. They had the second-worst total defense in the league last year.”
Odds to be drafted by Raiders: -110
Cowherd’s thoughts: “Is he worthy of this pick? He’s the best running back in this draft. Geno Smith is very good on play action. Pete Carroll’s career — he was great when he had Reggie Bush and LenDale White in college and Marshawn Lynch in Seattle. They had the worst rushing attack in the NFL last season.”
Odds to be drafted by Jets: +280
Cowherd’s thoughts: “This kid can do everything. You can split him out wide. He’s a playmaker. He takes the pressure off Garrett Wilson, who gets double-teamed. … They just haven’t had any tight end production over the last couple of years. They only had six touchdown catches from tight ends [over that stretch].”
Odds to be a top-10 pick: +400
Cowherd’s thoughts: “He’s a little bit of a glider, but they’ve got to go get Bryce Young help. This is the year for Bryce Young, who played pretty well last year. The wide receiver group in Carolina doesn’t have a true No. 1. I know two [general managers] who are cool on him and I know one who loves him, and it’s a GM that I respect.”
Odds to be second cornerback selected (including Travis Hunter): -250
Cowherd’s thoughts: “They moved off Marcus Lattimore, sending him to the Commanders last season, so they need a No. 1 corner. I think [Johnson’s] great. He was hurt at Michigan, but I think he starts for everybody in the NFL. … I think Will Johnson is an exceptional player. They had the 27th-ranked pass defense in the league. I know you’re talking about quarterback, but I don’t know what to make of that Derek Carr story. Shedeur’s going to be off the board and it’s too high to draft Jaxson Dart.”
Odds to be a top-10 pick: -900
Cowherd’s thoughts: “He’s a Georgia Bulldog who rushes the passer and is a great physical specimen. I think you go get him if you’re the Bears. They keep upgrading in the trenches.”
Odds to be first OL drafted: +1200
Cowherd’s thoughts: “Trent Williams is aging at left tackle. He’s 37 years old. Let’s be honest, if you’re gonna spend money on Brock Purdy, then you better protect him. Their O-line is the weakest part of that team, and he’s the best available. I like him better than Will Campbell.”
Cowboys’ odds to draft RB with first pick: +800
Cowherd’s thoughts: “I think he’s a poor man’s Adrian Peterson; big, strong and just a hard dude to bring down. Let’s face it, the Cowboys’ running back room is atrocious, 27th in the NFL in rushing last season. They already invested the capital in the O-line. They already paid CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott. They need star power, and there’s not a good enough wide receiver to draft in this spot.”
Odds to be second OL drafted: +165
Cowherd’s thoughts: “I think he’s pretty good, but not as good as Kelvin Banks. Again, you’re investing in Tua Tagovailoa, who has that injury concern. Go get an offensive tackle.”
Colts’ odds to draft OL with first pick: +270
Cowherd’s thoughts: “This will be the steal of the draft. Membou tore it up at Missouri. Outside of Quenton Nelson, none of the offensive linemen in Indy played 17 games. People talk about needing a tight end, Colston Loveland’s not good enough to draft in this spot.”
Falcons’ odds to draft edge rusher/DL with first pick: -225
Cowherd’s thoughts: “They don’t get to the quarterback with the second-fewest sacks in the NFL last season. If you want to beat Baker Mayfield, you’ve got to rush Baker Mayfield. … They’ve used their first-round pick on offense for four straight drafts, so it’s time to pay attention to defense.”
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