2025 NFL Mock Draft: Former first-round picks Bryce Young, Deshaun Watson replaced by Panthers, Browns (2025)

The Panthers have made the decision to bench former No. 1 overall selection Bryce Young. Two seasons would usually be too early to toss in the towel on an investment of that magnitude, but future outlook is pretty bleak. It may be in the franchise's best interest to admit it is a sunk cost and move on.

I am not quite to the point of moving on from Will Levis yet. He makes some back-breaking plays that have cost his team games. However, he is also moving the ball downfield and scoring points. There are worse situations that they could be in at the position; see No. 1 overall. If Levis does not show improved decision-making before the end of the season, then the Titans could absolutely be in that conversation.

New York should be set at edge rusher with Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. If mock drafts are going to be based on what we learned the previous week, then Daniel Jones actually played pretty well. Is it likely that he continues to play at that level for the rest of the season? No. But, I thought I would give Giants fans a break from seeing a quarterback linked to their team for a week.

The Patriots have their quarterback of the future in Drake Maye. When picking this high, a team should pick the best player available and that may be Mykel Williams. New England does need another pass rusher after trading Matt Judon prior to the season.

Denver's defense has performed above expectation, but the talent of that unit could still be elevated. Mason Graham is stout at the point of attack, but he has also shown an ability to get off blocks and pressure the quarterback.

Jacksonville is a team missing its identity right now. The Jaguars are headed down a path of big changes if the ship's course is not corrected by the end of the season. One area in which they could start fresh is left tackle as Cam Robinson is in the final year of his contract.

The Raiders have been one of the league's most volatile teams; first beating a solid Ravens teams and then losing to the woeful Panthers. There are ongoing public conversations about the starting quarterback so Las Vegas leaves little to the imagination and takes Shedeur Sanders.

Jonathan Gannon had uniquely framed interior defenders as the defensive coordinator in Philadelphia. They simply need more talent and Deone Walker would help the situation.

The Colts chase of a top-flight cornerback finally comes to a conclusion with the selection of Benjamin Morrison in the first round. The room looks a lot better if JuJu Brents and the rest of the young unit slides down a spot on the depth chart.

Chicago probably prefers to address the offense with this selection given the under-performance on that side of the ball thus far. The Bears could still benefit from a dynamic pass rusher opposite Montez Sweat.

Washington appears to have found their quarterback because Jayden Daniels has been sensational. Terry McLaurin is finally producing the way many expect from a player of his caliber. Travis Hunter Jr. can create explosive plays opposite McLaurin.

Jonah Savaiinaea has played right tackle for Arizona but the expectation here is that he moves inside at right guard. It may be too early to take a guard, but it is a position of need for Miami.

Cleveland needs to figure out its quarterback situation. The Browns have invested a lot of money in Deshaun Watson and his play on the field has been limiting. I still have my reservations about Quinn Ewers, but the Browns need a change. Yes, Watson is making a lot of money, but Cleveland has pushed out of a salary cap space, so you are mistaken if you do not think they can afford a $3.5 million salary cap hit for a rookie, especially when they would have to pay any draft choice that money.

Chris Godwin has been Tampa Bay's most effective pass catcher this season so the Bucs may not be comfortable allowing him to walk after the season. The reality is that he is a free agent and the team could add a dynamic player at a lesser cost.

Darious Williams is one of many Rams on the injured reserve. It was always a longshot that both he and Tre'Davious White would stay healthy over the course of the season, which leads to the selection of Denzel Burke.

Jim Harbaugh brings another Wolverine to Los Angeles. Colston Loveland gives them more pass catching at the position and also provides more accountability as a blocker.

Rayshawn Jenkins is nearly 31 years old and Seattle could move on and save over $5 million while still getting one of the most instinctual players in the draft.

Atlanta has some older players on its defensive front. The investment in Walter Nolen, who is a rising talent, hopefully gives them some stability in the unit for many years.

Tetairoa McMillan is probably a luxury for the Saints given how well Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed have performed, but New Orleans now has the capability to effectively go three wide.

Calvin Austin III's surge in Week 3 was a welcomed development. If Roman Wilson can step up before the season's end, then Pittsburgh may have something to work with at the position, but Emeka Egbuka is more consistent than anyone they currently have in that role.

Minnesota is exceeding expectations and getting contributions from players unknown to the average fan. If the Vikings add more talent on that side of the ball, then they theoretically have an even higher ceiling to reach.

The Ezekiel Elliott-Dalvin Cook era is washed away with the selection of Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty has good vision and burst as a runner, but also contributes in the pass game.

Myles Murphy has not panned out as a first-round selection and Trey Hendrickson wants a new contract or to be traded. The future of the position is unclear and the presence of Nic Scourton at least gives them an option.

Green Bay's offense looks as though it will have success no matter who is taken out or put into that offense. The confidence in that side of the ball allows the front office to funnel assets towards the defense. Jalon Walker is one of the more talented players in this draft class.

The emergence of Will McDonald IV and presence of Jermaine Johnson may render this pick unnecessary by the end of the season. It does not seem as though Haason Reddick is going to report this season, so they may have to consider alternative plans moving forward.

Stefon Diggs is going to be a free agent after the season. It is entirely possible that Houston is satisfied moving forward with Nico Collins, Tank Dell and John Metchie at the position, but let's consider the selection of Evan Stewart to give them another threatening outlet in that offense.

Ronnie Stanley will turn 31 around the start of free agency. If not for his injury history, the franchise could move forward with him in that role. However, combined with the other offensive line concerns, Baltimore may want to move on now and start fresh.

Philadelphia got a little more out of its defense this week, which is a positive, but the future of Brandon Graham and the organization's historic over-investment in the position suggests that the Eagles could once again return to the well. Landon Jackson is a lengthy player who is still ascending as a result of receiving more live repetitions post-Alabama transfer.

Marcus Davenport and Derrick Barnes are on injured reserve. The concern with Davenport has always been his inability to remain available. Detroit may have to address the position yet again this offseason.

Matt Milano has missed the better portion of two consecutive seasons. It could be a fluke and Milano is fine the next two years under contract, but the Bills may want to consider the alternative and start grooming his replacement now.

Trent Williams is a difference-maker as long as he wants to play. Right guard Dominick Puni looks like a solid draft pick on Day 2. Emery Jones Jr. replacing Colton McKivitz should be an upgrade in theory.

Teams are looking for length in the secondary, and the Chiefs are no different. They have always been able to underinvest and overdeliver at the cornerback position, but perhaps they break tendency and take a lengthy cornerback, like Tacario Davis, in the first round.