College football’s brightest stars advanced in their careers last month when their names were called in the 2024 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, those players’ departures created opportunities for the replacements at their respective schools, and several of those rising stars and returning weapons prospered during spring workouts. Phenoms like Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter are now a year away from leading the NFL’s next crop of rookies in 2025.
Preseason stars face a lengthy path to establishing themselves as pro possibilities, but the majority of college football’s top names for the 2024 season will compete for draft position throughout the season. CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson provided a preview of which players may headline next year’s class, with Ohio State, Georgia, and other recruiting powerhouses leading the way in expected picks.
The first two picks in Wilson’s mock draft were made by the Colorado tandem, and the rest of the top ten came from the sport’s best programs.
Here’s CBS Sports’ first 2025 NFL mock draft:
1. Carolina Panthers: QB Shedeur Sanders from Colorado.
While his outward reaction to Colorado’s transfer portal dilemma raised some questions this summer, there isn’t anything to criticize about Shedeur Sanders’ on-field performance. He should be the Big 12’s best quarterback when his team enters the league this season, and with a stronger offensive line to protect him from the assault of pass rushers that wreaked havoc on his pocket last year, Sanders might have the best season of his college career. Despite the flaws on the Buffaloes’ roster, Sanders concluded his first FBS season as the nation’s No. 10 passer, with a stunning 27-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
2. Tennessee Titans: WR/CB Travis Hunter (Colorado)
While Travis Hunter’s lacerated liver restricted him to nine games in 2023, Colorado’s most high-profile transfer made an immediate impact in his rookie season. Hunter, the embodiment of an athlete, shone on both sides of the ball and solidified his status as a top 2025 NFL Draft prospect with excellent performances at wide receiver and cornerback. Hunter recorded 50 tackles and three interceptions on defense and 57 receptions for 721 yards and five touchdowns on offense, averaging an incredible 116 total snaps per game. He could be a unique two-way standout at the next level.
3. New England Patriots: DL Mykel Williams of Georgia.
Mykel Williams did not have the tremendous statistical year that often follows an early first-round draft pick, but he demonstrated excellent versatility in 2023 as a pass rusher who can also stop the run and drop into coverage. One of the top players on Georgia’s renowned defense had 4.5 sacks last season and was extremely effective earlier this spring at the Bulldogs’ G-Day game, where he had six tackles, two pass breakups, and an interception. Williams’ tremendous athleticism and positional flexibility make him a surefire Day 1 pick in next year’s draft.
4. Washington Commanders: LB Harold Perkins Jr., LSU.
It remains to be seen how much LSU changes Harold Perkins’ role next season, but no matter where he lines up on the Tigers’ defensive front, he will be a big force and a top NFL prospect. Perkins harassed opposing quarterbacks as a freshman in 2022, recording 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss, which led all Power Five freshmen, but his numbers plateaued last season as he transitioned to a more typical linebacker role. He remains one of the most skilled and fearsome defensive forces in the SEC and college football as a whole.
5. NEW YORK GIANTS: DE JT TUIMOLOAU OF OHIO STATE
When JT Tuimoloau signed with Ohio State as the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit in the 2021 class, he expected to play for three years. He is returning for a fourth season, following his greatest season yet, in which he recorded 38 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and five sacks. Tuimoloau must be more consistent in 2024 if he wants to meet his aspirations and become an early first-round pick. He could be the best edge rusher in this draft class.
6. Denver Broncos: QB Carson Beck, Georgia.
Georgia remains the betting favorite to win the national championship, and Carson Beck’s second season at quarterback is one of the primary reasons for the market’s faith in the Bulldogs. Beck moved into the starting spot last season and finished with 3,941 passing yards, the second-highest total in Georgia single-season history. With 11 straight outings of 250 yards or more, he was one of the most efficient passes in the country and about as dependable as quarterbacks go.
7. Arizona Cardinals: DB Will Johnson (Michigan)
Will Johnson missed three games last season due to injury, but he still earned All-American accolades for the second time in as many years to begin his Michigan career. He matched his rookie tackle total of 27 and improved in pass defense as a full-time starter, recording four interceptions, eight pass breakups, and one pick-six. Johnson shone against top competition during Michigan’s national title run and, as a result, has the potential to be an NFL franchise’s No. 1 cornerback.
8. Minnesota Vikings: DB Denzel Burke of Ohio State.
Ohio State has a long history as one of college football’s premier cornerback factories, and Denzel Burke should be the next first-round pick to come through Columbus. He made a name for himself as a Freshman All-American two years ago and remained a formidable pass defender in his sophomore and junior seasons. As one of the many draft-eligible players returning for another season with the Buckeyes, Burke has the opportunity to cap off his college career with a bang and raise his draft stock to new heights.
9. New Orleans Saints: quarterback Cameron Ward, Miami
Cam Ward’s decision to withdraw from this year’s NFL Draft had a significant impact on Miami. When Ward confirmed his commitment to the Hurricanes, they were instant ACC title contenders. The program has plenty of talent but is still looking for a breakout year under head coach Mario Cristobal. The 2024 season could be that breakthrough. Ward is a highly seasoned and gifted passer who had one of the best spring game performances of any quarterback, going 19-for-24. He racked up 324 yards and three touchdowns in that outstanding scrimmage.
10. Las Vegas Raiders: Ol Tyler Booker from Alabama
Tyler Booker played extensively as a true freshman and earned a starting guard spot in his second season, shining as one of Alabama’s more dependable members of the offensive line. He missed only three assignments in 2023 and allowed 2.5 total sacks and 4.5 pressures on 676 snaps. Booker, who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 352 pounds, has NFL size and could be a force in both run blocking and pass protection for many years.
11. Seattle Seahawks: Linebacker Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB Quinn Ewers of Texas
13. Pittsburgh Steelers: DL. Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati
14. Indianapolis Colts: WR Emeka Egbuka from Ohio State.
Quinn Ewers’ greatest collegiate season was last year, and if he continues to improve this fall, he will hit the lofty ceiling that sent him to the top of the 2021 recruiting class. He has the best chance of winning the 2024 Heisman Trophy and might be the first quarterback selected in next year’s draft.
15. Chicago Bears: WR Noah Thomas from Texas A&M.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: OL. Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
17. Cleveland Browns: DT Tyleik Williams of Ohio State
18. Los Angeles Rams: cornerback Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
Donovan Jackson and Tyleik Williams, two Ohio State linemen, are expected to come off the board in successive rounds. The former is one of college football’s best guards, while the latter elevated his game last season, recording career highs in tackles (54), tackles for loss (10) and pass breakups (five) along with three sacks.
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