It’s finally the week of the 2025 NFL Draft — and before the event gets underway in Green Bay, Wisconsin, I’m here to take my fourth and final attempt at projecting how the first round will play out on Thursday night.

Any trades that are struck will certainly reshape the Round 1 pecking order, but in this simulation, I’m keeping everything as it stands right now in hopes of providing the most realistic forecast for as many teams as possible.

As the Titans’ new franchise QB1, Ward would add the kind of talent, toughness and tenacity the franchise has lacked since Steve “Air” McNair was under center in Tennessee.

The two-way standout is a superstar in the making as a big-play pass catcher and shutdown corner. Hunter’s unique skills would give Kevin Stefanski a Shohei Ohtani-esque weapon to utilize on offense and defense. 

Adding a big-bodied pass-catcher between the hashes would help Justin Fields settle in as a passer in an offense rooted in play-action concepts. Warren is a versatile playmaker with the route-running ability and ball skills to move the chains consistently with a ball-control approach. 

Upgrading the defensive front with a hybrid linebacker who boasts pass-rushing skills could help the Panthers create more chaos at the point of attack. 

The talented technician would give the Saints a blue-chip CB1 to feature in a zone-based system that places a premium on “vision-and-break” playmakers. 

New head coach Ben Johnson’s experience with a dominant line while running the offense for division-rival Detroit could prompt him to add more resources to the Bears’ front, even after it was fortified in free agency. Banks is a natural left tackle with the athleticism and shadowboxing skills to protect Caleb Williams’ blind side.

Adding more talent and athleticism to the defensive front will enable Nick Bosa and Co. to get back to their disruptive ways at the line of scrimmage under DC Robert Saleh.

The team needs a true RB1 to steady an offense that is always better when it operates with a run-first premise. 

With 29-year-old Braden Smith entering Year 8 of his career, the Colts could acquire their right tackle of the future here. As a big-bodied edge blocker with twinkle toes and heavy hands, Membou has the star power general manager Chris Ballard tends to covet in a top prospect.

The team’s desperation for an elite pass rusher could make Green the pick here. The Marshall standout possesses the first-step quickness and explosiveness to harass quarterbacks off the edge. 

The hard-nosed interior force would be a nice fit in Arizona’s D-line as a disruptive defender with heavy hands and a high-revving motor.

Lavonte David is back for Year 14 — but Todd Bowles could pick the 35-year-old linebacker’s successor here. Presuming his recovery from a torn labrum goes smoothly, Campbell’s versatility would give the Buccaneers a second-level defender with playmaking and pass-rush potential.

Sean Payton wants a feature back with big-play potential in the rotation. Henderson’s speed and explosiveness could give the Super Bowl-winning coach Alvin Kamara vibes when he’s contemplating how to utilize the Ohio State standout. 

Mike Tomlin could view Sanders as the perfect quarterback for his squad. With his confidence, moxie and pinpoint passing skills, the Colorado star might ignite a dormant offense that has already added some star power this offseason. 

The playmaking cover corner is the ideal ballhawk to play in Jeff Hafley’s system. Hairston excels as a “see ball, get ball” defender with superb instincts, awareness and diagnostic skills.

Emmanwori can learn from Harrison Smith, who has been in the Vikings’ backfield for 13 seasons, before sliding in as the next potential fixture at safety in Minnesota.

The 300-plus-pound bully is a tone-setter at the point of attack. Booker mauls defenders as a heavy-handed blocker with a violent approach. 

The talented edge blocker might be too talented to bypass at this selection. Simmons’ athleticism and movement skills could make him a star early in his career. 

GM Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh have a knack for finding quality players at the end of the first round. With his athleticism and pass-rushing potential, Williams could flourish in the Ravens’ aggressive defense. 

In terms of temperament and physicality, Jackson is perfectly suited to help the Lions continue to dominate up front from the jump.

What do the Commanders do to help Jayden Daniels take another step forward? Use a first-round pick on Golden, who led Texas in both receiving yards (987) and scoring grabs (nine) last season.

Buffalo’s depth chart features plenty of pass-rushing talent; the 6-foot-4, 331-pound Grant’s presence up front could help shore up a run defense that ranked 19th in the NFL in yards allowed per rush attempt in 2024. 

Adding an outside corner would enable the Chiefs to move Trent McDuffie back to his natural nickel spot. Amos’ length, instincts and bump-and-run skills mesh well with the team’s defensive scheme.

The relentless, energetic Ezeiruaku knows how to harass the passer, based on his 16.5 sacks (second-most in the FBS) last season. He’s an ideal match for the Eagles.