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We have used the latest version of ChatGPT’s Deep Research AI model to predict every pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The actual draft takes place on April 24th, but if you don’t want to wait that long then let’s see what the power of Artificial Intelligence has picked to happen!
The Titans land a “generational talent” to supercharge their pass rush. Carter dominated in 2024 (13 sacks, 10 QB hits, 43 hurries) and earned a stellar 92.3 pass-rush grade, making him the top defensive prospect on many boards. Tennessee’s biggest needs include quarterback, but team brass signaled they won’t pass on an elite blue-chipper. With Will Levis struggling and veteran QBs available in free agency, Tennessee can grab the best player available here and address QB later. Carter’s explosiveness off the edge fills a major need and gives new coach Mike Vrabel a cornerstone pass rusher in the mold of Myles Garrett or Von Miller. (Pick via final 2024 record: 3-14)
Cleveland pivots from the Deshaun Watson debacle and selects its quarterback of the future. Sanders – the son of Hall of Famer Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders – is a poised, fundamentally sound passer who thrives in the spotlight. He posted 49 “big-time throws” since 2023 (tied for fifth in FBS) with an impressively low 1.6% turnover-worthy play rate, highlighting his combination of playmaking and decision-making. The Browns could consider a pass rusher here (especially if they trade away Myles Garrett), but in this scenario, they grab the only other first-round caliber QB on the board. Sanders’ experience in a pro-style system and mental toughness make him a strong fit to reboot Cleveland’s offense. (Pick via final 2024 record: 3-14)
The Giants desperately need a new franchise signal-caller after moving on from Daniel Jones, and they land one without having to trade up. In many mocks, Cam Ward emerged as the top quarterback prospect, and New York lucks out as he falls to No. 3. A transfer to Miami revitalized Ward – he dazzled in 2024 with an FBS-best 39 touchdown passes and over 4,300 yards. Ward boasts a “big-time arm” and the mobility to create outside the pocket, which suits Brian Daboll’s offense well. Described as having a “steely demeanor in big moments”, Ward should be ready for the bright lights of New York. Pairing him with 2024 first-round WR Malik Nabers gives the G-Men an exciting offensive foundation. (Pick via final 2024 record: 3-14)
New England uses this pick to protect 2024 first-round QB Drake Maye. The Patriots’ offensive line was a turnstile last season due to injuries and underperformance at tackle, so adding the 6’6″, 323-pound Campbell makes perfect sense. Campbell is a “safe, steady player” who is still improving and proved dominant in college, posting an elite 98.2% pass-block efficiency over three seasons at LSU. His sturdy pass protection and mauling run blocking address New England’s top need (offensive tackle) and align with Bill O’Brien’s priority to develop Maye. This pick, a staple in many mocks, fortifies the O-line so Maye can flourish in Year 2. (Pick via final 2024 record: 4-13)
Jacksonville is thrilled to snag Hunter, arguably the most electrifying player in the class. Often graded as the No. 1 overall prospect by analysts, Hunter is a two-way superstar who won the Heisman Trophy while playing cornerback and wide receiver in college. He tallied 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 TDs and 4 interceptions in 2024, showcasing game-breaking ability on both sides of the ball. The Jaguars’ top needs are in the secondary, and Hunter instantly upgrades a cornerback unit that struggled last season. With his “massive impact” potential on defense or offense, Hunter gives the Jags a dynamic playmaker. New head coach Eric Bieniemy can even sprinkle him in on offense as a gadget weapon, much like Deion Sanders was used in the NFL. (Pick via final 2024 record: 4-13)
The Raiders address their interior defensive line with a rock-solid pick. Graham is “one of the cleaner evaluations in the draft,” showing “unbelievable quickness, balance, and instincts” for a 320-pound defensive tackle. Las Vegas needs long-term answers at quarterback, but with the top QBs off the board, they wisely shore up a porous defense. Graham can collapse the pocket from the inside and stuff the run, filling a major need at defensive tackle. Some analysts have floated a surprise RB selection here, but new coach Jim Harbaugh (Graham’s college coach) opts for his former Wolverine star to anchor Vegas’ D-line. (Pick via final 2024 record: 4-13)
With Aaron Rodgers’ future in doubt and no quarterback worth reaching for at No. 7, the Jets reinforce their offensive line. Banks is an athletic blindside protector who can also slide inside at guard – valuable versatility for a Jets line that was decimated by injuries and poor play. New York’s most “pressing need is on the offensive line,” given recent draft picks haven’t panned out and veterans are hitting free agency. Banks would compete for the starting left tackle spot and at worst shore up a weak guard position. Some mock drafts even had the QB-needy Jets trading up into the top five for a passer, but in this scenario, they stay put and make the prudent pick. Banks’ addition helps whichever QB is under center in 2025 survive behind a much-improved wall. (Pick via final 2024 record: 5-12)
Carolina continues rebuilding its defense by adding a high-upside pass rusher. The Panthers fielded one of the league’s worst defenses last year and desperately need “difference-maker” edge talent. Williams was the nation’s No. 1 recruit and flashed elite ability at Georgia (though he “played hurt all season long”). At 6’5″, 265 lbs, he has an explosive first step and power to bend the edge – “his tools are exceptional,” per scouts. With Brian Burns needing a bookend and no young edge waiting in the wings, Williams is an ideal fit. New defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero can deploy Williams as a three-down edge to revive Carolina’s nonexistent pass rush. (Pick via final 2024 record: 5-12)
The Saints add youth and explosiveness to their front seven. Walker is a hybrid edge defender who, while “a bit undersized,” offers “intriguing length, explosiveness, and playmaking ability” off the edge. New Orleans has picked pass-rushers in Round 1 for years, and with Cameron Jordan turning 36 and former first-rounder Payton Turner not panning out, they reload here. Walker’s versatility fits the Saints’ attacking scheme – he can rush opposite Carl Granderson on passing downs and play off-ball in some packages. Walker’s first-step burst is exactly what the Saints sorely need after ranking near the bottom in QB pressures. (Pick via final 2024 record: 5-12)
Chicago continues to build around quarterback Caleb Williams by investing in the offensive line. Booker is regarded as “one of the safest picks in the draft” and will immediately solidify the Bears’ interior protection. Chicago’s O-line allowed a barrage of sacks last season – partially on the rookie Williams, but also due to glaring holes at left tackle and guard. Booker’s stout frame and polished technique shore up the right guard spot and help keep Williams upright. He’s a road-grader in the run game as well, complementing Chicago’s physical rushing attack. With this pick, the Bears address a top need (interior OL) and continue the overhaul of what was a leaky unit in 2024. (Pick via final 2024 record: 5-12)
The 49ers grab a talented press corner to replenish a secondary facing significant turnover. Veteran CB Charvarius Ward and nickel Isaac Yiadom are free agents after 2024, so cornerback depth is paramount. Johnson is a long (6’2″), physical corner who provided plenty of production in college, though he became “polarizing” due to some tackling and top-speed questions in 2024. Still, many evaluators consider him the best pure cover corner in this class behind Travis Hunter. San Francisco’s defense asks its corners to play on an island, and Johnson’s size and ball skills fit that mold. New defensive coordinator Steve Wilks (a DB guru) can coach up Johnson’s technique and turn him into a quality starter opposite Deommodore Lenoir. (Pick via final 2024 record: 6-11)
Jerry Jones makes a splash by selecting the dynamic Jeanty to revive Dallas’ ground game. After releasing Ezekiel Elliott and potentially losing Tony Pollard in free agency, running back became a top need for Dallas. Jeanty is one of the most electrifying players in this class – “he has elite vision and balance,” and evaluators call him a “massive upgrade” for any backfield. At Boise State in 2024, Jeanty forced an astonishing 151 missed tackles and averaged 5.25 yards after contact per carry, showcasing the tackle-breaking power Dallas covets. Mike McCarthy can plug Jeanty in as the feature back behind their stout O-line, giving the Cowboys a home-run hitter in the mold of Alvin Kamara. (Pick via final 2024 record: 7-10)
The Dolphins bolster their defense with a rangy safety, addressing a major need in the secondary. Starter Jevon Holland is an impending free agent, and Miami’s pass defense struggled to create turnovers in 2024. Emmanwori is a do-it-all safety who gave scouts “Derwin James vibes” on tape. He’s a physical enforcer in the box with the instincts and athleticism to patrol center field. In 2024, Emmanwori filled the stat sheet for the Gamecocks, and coaches rave about his football IQ. New DC Vic Fangio values safeties who can cover and hit, and Emmanwori fits the bill. (Pick via final 2024 record: 8-9)
Ensuring Anthony Richardson’s development remains priority No. 1 in Indianapolis. The Colts grab the top tight end in the class in Warren – a 6’6″, 260-pound target with a well-rounded game. Described by one NFL Network analyst as “one of my favorite players in this draft,” Warren is a “difference-making in-line tight end” who will be Richardson’s security blanket over the middle. Indy’s roster lacks a top-tier TE, and new head coach Shane Steichen (who worked wonders with Dallas Goedert in Philly) should maximize Warren’s skill set. (Pick via final 2024 record: 8-9)
The Falcons continue to invest in their pass rush by selecting Stewart, a former five-star recruit brimming with physical talent. Atlanta’s pass rush showed signs of life late last season, but with veterans Matthew Judon and Lorenzo Carter set to depart, more reinforcements are needed off the edge. Stewart fits the mold of what Atlanta covets – a front-seven defender from the SEC with outstanding traits. At 6’6″, 270, he has the length and power to set the edge against the run and collapse the pocket. His college production didn’t always match the measurables, but the Falcons will bet on his upside. (Pick via final 2024 record: 8-9)
Arizona opts to fortify the trenches, selecting the most polished offensive lineman left on the board. Membou is “the most technically sound O-lineman in this class,” drawing comparisons to Alijah Vera-Tucker for his ability to play multiple spots. The Cardinals’ O-line has been a revolving door – they invested in tackles last year but still need guards and overall depth. Membou’s versatility (he can excel at guard and hold his own at tackle) is a
An absolute steal at 17, McMillan gives Joe Burrow a replacement for (potential free agent) Tee Higgins and another big weapon opposite Ja’Marr Chase. At 6’4″ with a huge catch radius, McMillan is a “big, rangy and athletic receiver” who was a red-zone terror in college. The Bengals’ top needs include a pass-catcher if Higgins departs, and McMillan’s skill set mirrors what Higgins brought: contested catch ability, downfield size, and enough speed to threaten defenses deep. Burrow carried Cincy’s offense to 9-8 with MVP-level play last year, but it was clear they needed more firepower. This pick ensures the Bengals’ aerial attack remains among the NFL’s elite. (Pick via final 2024 record: 9-8)
Seattle strengthens its defensive front with the ultra-talented Nolen, ending his slight slide down the board. Nolen was the No. 1 defensive recruit in 2022 and finally put it together in college as a “dynamic interior disruptor.” He’s a 315-pound penetrator with rare burst, exactly what Pete Carroll needs alongside run-stuffer Al Woods. The Seahawks’ defense was stout against the run but lacked interior pass rush, and Nolen’s ability to collapse the pocket from the inside addresses that. New DC Lou Anarumo (formerly of the Bengals) will love Nolen’s tools. (Pick via final 2024 record: 10-7)
The Buccaneers prepare for life after Lavonte David by drafting Campbell, a rangy linebacker with standout leadership traits. At Alabama, coaches raved about Campbell’s work ethic and versatility. He’s a unique player – 6’3″ with long arms – who can cover, blitz, and stuff the run from his off-ball spot. Tampa’s veteran linebackers David and K.J. Britt are free agents, so this pick fills a looming hole in the middle of the defense. (Pick via final 2024 record: 10-7)
Sean Payton continues to add weapons for young quarterback Bo Nix, grabbing a dynamic two-way tight end. Loveland is an athletic 6’5″ target who thrived at Michigan, and the Broncos’ coaching staff will be “extremely familiar with what [he] brings to the table.” A natural receiver and improving blocker, Loveland can step in as the starting ‘Y’ tight end, a position Payton loves to feature (think Jimmy Graham or Jared Cook in his Saints days). (Pick via final 2024 record: 10-7)
Pittsburgh injects more firepower into its offense with the selection of Golden. A polished receiver, Golden is praised as a “professional route runner” with “outstanding hands and toughness.” The Steelers could have looked at a quarterback of the future here, but after re-signing one of their veteran QBs (either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields) as a stopgap, they choose to support the passing game instead. (Pick via final 2024 record: 10-7)
The Chargers address the pass rush, adding Pearce to groom as the heir apparent on the edge. Veteran sack artist Khalil Mack (turning 34) hit free agency, and Joey Bosa is only under contract through 2025, so L.A. had to get younger on the edge. Pearce brings elite bend and speed off the corner – some scouts believed he could even go higher than this due to his burst and production. (Pick via final 2024 record: 11-6)
Green Bay zeroes in on the secondary, nabbing Barron to fortify a cornerback unit in flux. Former first-round CB Eric Stokes is set to hit free agency, and two-time Pro Bowler Jaire Alexander has struggled to stay healthy. Barron, a senior out of Texas, has seen his stock soar – “buzz around Barron continues to grow” thanks to his quick feet, sharp instincts, and ball skills. (Pick via final 2024 record: 11-6)
With their cornerback room almost empty, the Vikings grab Thomas to restock the shelves. Virtually all of Minnesota’s top corners – Byron Murphy Jr., Stephon Gilmore, Shaquill Griffin, Fabian Moreau – are free agents in 2025. Thomas is a long, athletic cover man who fits Brian Flores’ scheme of press-man coverage. (Pick via final 2024 record: 14-3)
Houston adds another explosive weapon for C.J. Stroud, selecting Burden to pair with Nico Collins in the receiving corps. With Tank Dell recovering from a knee injury and veterans Stefon Diggs and Robert Woods likely departing, wide receiver was atop the Texans’ wish list. Burden was a star at Mizzou and draws comparisons to Stefon Diggs for his route running and run-after-catch ability. (Pick via final 2024 record: 10-7 via Cleveland)
The Rams finally dip back into the first round and use it to protect Matthew Stafford – or his eventual successor. Both of L.A.’s starting offensive tackles are headed to free agency, leaving a gaping hole on the line. Conerly, a local West Coast product, brings athleticism and solid pass-pro technique. (Pick via final 2024 record: 10-7)
True to form, the Ravens scoop up a value pick on defense. Starks was once considered a top-15 talent, and Baltimore is happy to stop his fall at 27. Though he “didn’t make as many plays…in 2024” as expected, people at Georgia “rave about his intangibles, leadership, and work ethic.” (Pick via final 2024 record: 12-5)
The Lions reinforce their pass rush with Green, an under-the-radar prospect who put up gaudy numbers in Conference USA. Detroit’s defense was stout, but injuries to edge stars Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport in 2024 exposed their lack of depth. (Pick via final 2024 record: 15-2)
After surprising the league with a 12-5 campaign, Washington uses its first-rounder to solidify the O-line. The Commanders’ offensive line played above expectations in 2024, but starting LT Charles Leno is aging and the overall talent level needs an infusion. (Pick via final 2024 record: 12-5)
Buffalo bolsters its defensive interior with Harmon, a disruptive tackle who caught scouts’ attention in the Pac-12. The Bills have multiple defensive tackles hitting free agency, and only star Ed Oliver under contract through 2025. (Pick via final 2024 record: 13-4)
The Chiefs reinforce their defensive front with Grant, a massive tackle who can anchor against the run. With only All-Pro Chris Jones under contract at DT for 2025, Kansas City must reload the interior D-line. (Pick via final 2024 record: 15-2)
In classic Howie Roseman fashion, the Eagles cap the first round by adding another talented defensive lineman. Philadelphia’s top need is edge rusher, but with no edge prospect graded this high, they select the ultra-“twitchy” Sanders for their interior rotation. (Pick via final 2024 record: 14-3)
Ross has been writing about sports for over a decade, spcecializing in the NFL, soccer and boxing. His written work has appeared on a number of online publications over that time.