FOX Sports 2025 NFL mock draft 4.0: Why the Chicago Bears opt for a safety at No. 10

With the 2025 NFL Draft now just a couple of short weeks away, it's time to look past the first round and recognize the "golden zone" depth on Day 2, which makes this class unique. 

This year's class lacks the blue-chip talent of recent years. However, there are dozens of prospects at running back, wide receiver and along the defensive line who project as future NFL starters. The players ultimately selected at 15th or 20th overall, for example, aren't viewed by scouts as that much better than those likely to be available at 40th or even 60th overall. 

With teams eager to take advantage of the relatively inexpensive talent available on Day 2, expect fewer trades this year, as many clubs opt for the "best player available" route with their first pick, only to circle back to address bigger team needs in the second round. 

1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami (Fla.)

Ward is not among the true blue-chip prospects in this draft, but he has the most upside of the year's quarterback class. You only need to look at how Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix and CJ Stroud immediately changed the trajectory of their respective NFL teams to understand why the Titans will swing big at No. 1. Ward has a lightning-quick release and a strong arm and is dangerous when the play breaks down, showing the real gunslinger mentality that can excite a fan base. 

2. Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam acknowledging the "big swing and miss" on Deshaun Watson changed everything at the top of the draft. It isn't often that NFL owners publicly admit a mistake, especially one rehabbing his second torn Achilles with a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, but the Browns appear ready to move on. Sanders' game is the opposite of his flashy personality. He's a smart field general who wins with accuracy and anticipation. 

3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

Perhaps anticipating that the top quarterbacks might not be available, the Giants pivoted to veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency with the consolation prize of having the first pick of the non-QBs in this class. In terms of impact players, edge rusher is behind only quarterback on NFL wish lists, and Carter has the burst and bend off the edge to turn an already fearsome Giants pass rush into an elite unit — the kind a veteran QB might help get to the playoffs. 

4. New England Patriots: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado 

The Patriots have other bigger needs, but at this point, Hunter is just too good to ignore. He's the best player in this draft and one of the most unique players I've evaluated in 25 years in the business. Mike Vrabel will love Hunter's instincts and tenacity on defense — almost as much as Drake Maye will appreciate Hunter's sharp routes and sticky hands. 

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

Liam Coen was brought to Jacksonville to do two things: unlock Trevor Lawrence's potential and get the Jaguars back to the playoffs. I see Rob Gronkowski-like potential with Warren. With all due respect to the top-rated defenders, pairing him with last year's first-round star Brian Thomas, Jr. could give the Jaguars their biggest impact.

6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State 

With Geno Smith extended, addressing a rushing attack that averaged an NFL-worst 3.6 yards per carry would seem to be the next logical step. Sure, this year's running back class is deep, but Jeanty is as guaranteed as it gets. Nothing about the Raiders' moves this offseason suggests they're in the mood for patience. 

7. New York Jets: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

This feels like the floor for Graham, a blue-collar defensive tackle who would fit right into the culture Aaron Glenn is seeking to return to the Jets. Graham isn't the biggest, fastest or even the most productive of this year's talented defensive tackle class, but he's agile, instinctive and technically refined. 

8. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia

This is where the drafts gets interesting, as the true blue-chip prospects are off the board. The Panthers' top pass-rushers last year were Jadeveon Clowney and A'Shawn Robinson, two veterans entering their 12th and 10th NFL seasons, respectively. If not for all the hype about Travis Hunter's versatility, Walker would get more attention for his ability to rush and play off-ball linebacker. There are a lot of "movable chess pieces," but few carry dynamite like Walker. 

9. New Orleans Saints: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

Trevor Penning was penalized 11 times and surrendered five sacks last year, his first season as the Saints' starting right tackle after being drafted 19th overall in 2022. If the Saints believe he'll improve enough this season to consider extending his rookie contract, they should pass on Membou. If not, pairing Membou with second-year left tackle Taliese Fuaga would give new head coach Kellen Moore and Derek Carr one of the youngest and most athletic OT tandems in the NFL.  

10. Chicago Bears: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina 

Like the Panthers and Saints immediately ahead of them, I think the Bears will gamble on upside with the final pick in the top 10, a luxury afforded to the club after spending big in free agency. Ben Johnson's specialty is, of course, designing and calling plays on offense, making him all the more likely to appreciate how the highly explosive 6-foot-3, 220-pound Emmanwori can impact a passing attack.