- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 402,909
- Reaction score
- 43
NFL analysts have been attempting to predict the NFL draft for decades since Mel Kiper Jr. and Joel Buchsbaum popularized coverage of the event in the 1980s.
Mocking the draft is often a difficult pursuit. Even the best mock drafts tend to get just a handful of picks right each year, as one surprise or out-of-order pick can have a ripple effect that can dismantle the mocks of even the most well-prepared draft analysts.
With that in mind, USA TODAY Sports decided to see what type of mock draft an artificial intelligence chatbot might put together. For this exercise, Meta AI was used to determine the first-round picks in the 2025 NFL draft a few weeks ahead of the event.
Meta wasn't quite able to create a full mock draft by itself, so it was prompted to make the mock on a pick-by-pick basis. The mixed results showed the limitations of having AI predict such an event.
Notably, Meta decided not to include two notable prospects – Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Penn State tight end Tyler Warren – in its first round. The duo has broadly been mocked as top-15 selections, so seeing both slide out of the first 32 picks would be surprising.
Meta didn't have any picks that were major reaches, but it did have some questionable player-team fits in its first round. That included an odd landing spot for Boise State star Ashton Jeanty.
Here's a look at how Meta AI's mock came out and a human analysis of its drafting efforts.
Meta acknowledged Ward has "solidified his position as the top quarterback prospect" in the 2025 NFL draft which is why he is expected to be the No. 1 pick. The Titans have a big need at quarterback, so Ward would provide them with an upgrade. A good start for the chatbot.
TITANS NO. 1 PICK OPTIONS: Franchise QBs 'are priceless,' coach says
Meta wanted to "significantly boost" Cleveland's pass rush with the second overall selection. Carter had 12 sacks and 24 tackles for loss (TFL) in his final college season, so he would fit the bill as a high-end complement to Myles Garrett.
The Giants will not take a quarterback at No. 3, in Meta's estimation. Instead, they will target Hunter, "who can dominate on both sides of the ball." That could happen, as the Giants are in win-now mode with head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen both on the hot seat and signed quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency.
Much like Microsoft Copilot, Meta believes Membou will go ahead of Will Campbell in the 2025 NFL draft. The Patriots have a significant need at left tackle. Membou played the right side at Missouri, but the chatbot believes the "powerful blocker with elite testing numbers" will be a plug-and-play starter for the Patriots.
Membou over Campbell wasn't a major surprise, but Banks over the LSU product? That's a bolder take by Meta. Still, the Texas product had plenty of starting experience during his three-year college career, so the chatbot envisions him competing with Walker Little at left tackle.
The Raiders signed Christian Wilkins during the 2024 NFL offseason but could use a three-down threat next to him. Meta called Graham "sturdy and athletic" and noted his ability to play multiple positions as making him a good fit in Las Vegas.
OK, let's be honest: this pick probably isn't going to happen. It would be shocking if the Jets, who have many needs, use a top-10 pick on a running back with Breece Hall already on the team's roster.
Granted, Aaron Glenn comes from Detroit – which has one of the NFL's best one-two punches at running back in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs – but the Jets are not a running back away from creating a great offense. They have many other needs, including at receiver, right tackle and along the defensive line.
So, while it's hard to argue with Meta's analysis that Jeanty is a "dynamic, athletic" runner who would upgrade New York's running back room, it seems an unlikely selection.
It's en vogue to mock a pass rusher to the Panthers, and Meta is getting in on the trend. It believes Williams – who it called an "ascending talent" – would provide a needed upgrade to a Carolina defense that allowed the most points in NFL history during the 2024 season.
Campbell was the third tackle off the board in Meta's mock, but he still makes it into the top 10. It cited New Orleans' pass blocking as needing improvement. Campbell would fit the bill and could play either tackle or guard for the Saints.
Meta was bullish on Stewart's potential and compared his physical talent to that of Myles Garrett and Mario Williams. The Texas A&M product only had 1.5 sacks in each of his three college seasons, but there's little doubt he has a high ceiling. Plus, Meta is correct that the Bears "need to boost their pass rush," so grabbing one of the most potential-packed edge rushers is a sensible move.
Meta is a fan of McMillan's "huge wingspan" and his ability to generate yards after the catch. That would make him a nice long-term partner for San Francisco's 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall. It would also further open the door for an eventual Brandon Aiyuk trade, though it seems likely the veteran will play for the 49ers in 2025 as he recovers from tearing his ACL and MCL last season.
BRANDON AIYUK TRADE RUMORS: 49ers likely to keep WR for 2025
The Cowboys already have Micah Parsons, a linebacker and edge player hybrid. Could they target another one in Campbell? Meta highlighted the Alabama product as a "versatile player" who could fit in Dallas. But would Jerry Jones and Co. be able to pass on some of the offensive skill players still available here? That's debatable.
Meta noted the Dolphins need a cornerback to pair with Jalen Ramsey. Johnson is one of the best players on the board and "could fit well in [Miami's] system," in its estimation. It's hard to argue with that logic.
Defensive tackle may not stand out as a significant need for the Colts, but Meta is a fan of Nolen's "violent hands and natural strength." DeForest Buckner just turned 31 and played in a career-low 12 games last season, so adding depth behind him and Grover Stewart isn't a bad move.
Meta called Walker a "great value" with the 15th selection and noted that the only reason he lasted to the Falcons' pick was because of his undersized frame (6-2, 245 pounds). The Falcons have long needed a top-tier edge rusher so it's hard to argue against them taking any player at the position, especially one as versatile as Walker.
The Cardinals probably need a right tackle more than a guard, but Meta is a fan of Jackson's game. It highlighted his "impressive blocking" and his well-built 6-4, 320-pound frame as reasons he will be a plug-and-play starter on the interior offensive line.
Perhaps the chatbot thinks Jackson, who played at left tackle after Josh Simmons' injury, could fit at right tackle, but short of that, this fit is questionable.
AI MOCK DRAFT: Microsoft Copilot predicts the entire first round
This is a strong fit, as the Bengals are desperate to add pass-rushing talent. Trey Hendrickson requested a trade away from the team and even if Cincinnati does keep him, it needs a more consistent partner for the 2024 NFL sack leader.
Green was the NCAA sack leader last season with 17 and Meta described him as a "ready-made pass-rush talent" while mocking him to the Bengals.
Microsoft Copilot had the Seahawks pass on an offensive lineman for a top safety in our last AI mock draft. Meta is following suit but is going with Emmanwori over Malaki Starks. It noted that Emmanwori is "an exceptional athlete," which would mesh with John Schneider's draft history from his 15 years with the Seahawks.
However, with Seattle needing to bolster the interior offensive line in front of Sam Darnold, it seems more likely the Seahawks will take a player like Tyler Booker or Josh Simmons with this pick.
Meta wanted to find the Buccaneers a potential "cornerstone player" and settled on Pearce because of his speed rushing abilities. The Tennessee product had 19.5 sacks in 39 career college games and would be a strong addition to a pass rush rotation currently highlighted by Haason Reddick and Yaya Diaby.
There's little doubt that the Broncos need a workhorse running back and Meta likes Hampton's "size, speed and explosiveness." He would immediately top the team's running back depth chart and could help to take some pressure off Bo Nix.
OK, this pick will raise some serious eyebrows. Meta decided to give the Steelers Jaxson Dart even though Shedeur Sanders was still on the board. Did the chatbot forget that the Colorado star was available? It appears so, as it referred to Dart "separating himself as the QB3" in this year's draft class in its analysis of the pick.
That said, Meta likes the Ole Miss product's fit in Pittsburgh, citing his accuracy and athleticism as two reasons he could quickly find success in the Steel City.
Ezeiruaku was productive in his final season at Boston College, generating 16.5 sacks. Meta believes this production will carry over to the NFL level and praised the 21-year-old for his "varied pass-rush moves." He could be an ideal long-term replacement for Khalil Mack so this fit can't be ruled out.
Meta wanted the Packers to add "athleticism and playmaking" to their secondary. Revel had two interceptions in three games in his final college season before suffering a torn ACL. The chatbot noted Revel could have been a top-five pick if healthy, so clearly, it's bullish on his potential.
Hairston ran a 4.29-second 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL combine. Meta cited his "speed and ball skills" as reasons Brian Flores might like to work with the Kentucky product. Hairston had six interceptions over his two college seasons (20 games) and would be a strong complement to Byron Murphy Jr.
It's been popular to mock an offensive lineman to the Texans, but most have given the team a tackle. Meta went a different route, giving Zabel to Houston to serve as an upgrade at center. The chatbot called the North Dakota State product "an athletic run-mauler" and believes center is his best position.
LAREMY TUNSIL TRADE GRADES: Texans baffle with deal; Commanders help Jayden Daniels
This seems like a great fit, as the Rams need a No. 1-type cornerback or playmaking weapon in the secondary. Barron checks those boxes and Meta believes that Sean McVay's staff could "maximize" the Texas product, who it compared to Jaire Alexander.
Meta was daydreaming about the possibility of pairing Starks with Kyle Hamilton, a 2023 All-Pro. If the Georgia product makes it to Baltimore's pick, it would hardly be a surprise to see the Ravens take the best player available, as they often do.
Here's another logical player-team fit. The Lions could use a pass-rushing partner for Aidan Hutchinson and Sawyer was a big-time playmaker at Ohio State. Meta noted his "relentless pursuit" in its analysis of the fit, and it's hard to argue against Sawyer as a kneecap-biter who Dan Campbell would love.
Interestingly, Meta mocked the same player as Microsoft Copilot did to the Commanders. Taking Umanmielen, who ranks 60th overall on the Mock Draft Database's consensus big board, is a bit of a reach here. Still, the chatbot was sold on his combination of "experience and physical ability."
The Bills just signed Christian Benford to a lucrative extension but could stand to add depth and talent across from him. Meta considers Amos a well-rounded player with good size (6-1, 195 pounds), speed (4.43-second 40-yard dash) and strong stats in his final season at Ole Miss (three interceptions).
Meta bucked several trends with this pick. First, it waited until the 31st pick for a tight end to come off the board. Then, Loveland was selected as the first, rather than Tyler Warren who is widely mocked as a top-15 selection.
Meta's logic? Tight ends tend to go lower in the draft than they are mocked, even when they're talented. But at this stage, Loveland profiles as "a great replacement for Travis Kelce" and could potentially help with inline blocking. It's hard to argue with that assessment, even if the Chiefs are still in desperate need of competition for Jaylon Moore at left tackle.
Meta noted the Eagles lost Milton Williams in free agency and that the team will need to replace his 652 snaps played. It called Harmon a "productive interior rusher" after his 45-tackle, five-sack season.
Howie Roseman loves bolstering the trenches, so it's easy to imagine this type of pick coming to pass.
All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL mock draft 2025: Meta AI predicts all 32 first-round picks
Continue reading...
Mocking the draft is often a difficult pursuit. Even the best mock drafts tend to get just a handful of picks right each year, as one surprise or out-of-order pick can have a ripple effect that can dismantle the mocks of even the most well-prepared draft analysts.
With that in mind, USA TODAY Sports decided to see what type of mock draft an artificial intelligence chatbot might put together. For this exercise, Meta AI was used to determine the first-round picks in the 2025 NFL draft a few weeks ahead of the event.
Meta wasn't quite able to create a full mock draft by itself, so it was prompted to make the mock on a pick-by-pick basis. The mixed results showed the limitations of having AI predict such an event.
Notably, Meta decided not to include two notable prospects – Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Penn State tight end Tyler Warren – in its first round. The duo has broadly been mocked as top-15 selections, so seeing both slide out of the first 32 picks would be surprising.
Meta didn't have any picks that were major reaches, but it did have some questionable player-team fits in its first round. That included an odd landing spot for Boise State star Ashton Jeanty.
Here's a look at how Meta AI's mock came out and a human analysis of its drafting efforts.
2025 NFL mock draft: First-round AI picks
1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
Meta acknowledged Ward has "solidified his position as the top quarterback prospect" in the 2025 NFL draft which is why he is expected to be the No. 1 pick. The Titans have a big need at quarterback, so Ward would provide them with an upgrade. A good start for the chatbot.
TITANS NO. 1 PICK OPTIONS: Franchise QBs 'are priceless,' coach says
2. Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
Meta wanted to "significantly boost" Cleveland's pass rush with the second overall selection. Carter had 12 sacks and 24 tackles for loss (TFL) in his final college season, so he would fit the bill as a high-end complement to Myles Garrett.
3. New York Giants: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
The Giants will not take a quarterback at No. 3, in Meta's estimation. Instead, they will target Hunter, "who can dominate on both sides of the ball." That could happen, as the Giants are in win-now mode with head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen both on the hot seat and signed quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency.
4. New England Patriots: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Much like Microsoft Copilot, Meta believes Membou will go ahead of Will Campbell in the 2025 NFL draft. The Patriots have a significant need at left tackle. Membou played the right side at Missouri, but the chatbot believes the "powerful blocker with elite testing numbers" will be a plug-and-play starter for the Patriots.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT/G, Texas
Membou over Campbell wasn't a major surprise, but Banks over the LSU product? That's a bolder take by Meta. Still, the Texas product had plenty of starting experience during his three-year college career, so the chatbot envisions him competing with Walker Little at left tackle.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The Raiders signed Christian Wilkins during the 2024 NFL offseason but could use a three-down threat next to him. Meta called Graham "sturdy and athletic" and noted his ability to play multiple positions as making him a good fit in Las Vegas.
7. New York Jets: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
OK, let's be honest: this pick probably isn't going to happen. It would be shocking if the Jets, who have many needs, use a top-10 pick on a running back with Breece Hall already on the team's roster.
Granted, Aaron Glenn comes from Detroit – which has one of the NFL's best one-two punches at running back in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs – but the Jets are not a running back away from creating a great offense. They have many other needs, including at receiver, right tackle and along the defensive line.
So, while it's hard to argue with Meta's analysis that Jeanty is a "dynamic, athletic" runner who would upgrade New York's running back room, it seems an unlikely selection.
8. Carolina Panthers: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
It's en vogue to mock a pass rusher to the Panthers, and Meta is getting in on the trend. It believes Williams – who it called an "ascending talent" – would provide a needed upgrade to a Carolina defense that allowed the most points in NFL history during the 2024 season.
9. New Orleans Saints: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Campbell was the third tackle off the board in Meta's mock, but he still makes it into the top 10. It cited New Orleans' pass blocking as needing improvement. Campbell would fit the bill and could play either tackle or guard for the Saints.
10. Chicago Bears: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Meta was bullish on Stewart's potential and compared his physical talent to that of Myles Garrett and Mario Williams. The Texas A&M product only had 1.5 sacks in each of his three college seasons, but there's little doubt he has a high ceiling. Plus, Meta is correct that the Bears "need to boost their pass rush," so grabbing one of the most potential-packed edge rushers is a sensible move.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Meta is a fan of McMillan's "huge wingspan" and his ability to generate yards after the catch. That would make him a nice long-term partner for San Francisco's 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall. It would also further open the door for an eventual Brandon Aiyuk trade, though it seems likely the veteran will play for the 49ers in 2025 as he recovers from tearing his ACL and MCL last season.
BRANDON AIYUK TRADE RUMORS: 49ers likely to keep WR for 2025
12. Dallas Cowboys: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
The Cowboys already have Micah Parsons, a linebacker and edge player hybrid. Could they target another one in Campbell? Meta highlighted the Alabama product as a "versatile player" who could fit in Dallas. But would Jerry Jones and Co. be able to pass on some of the offensive skill players still available here? That's debatable.
13. Miami Dolphins: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Meta noted the Dolphins need a cornerback to pair with Jalen Ramsey. Johnson is one of the best players on the board and "could fit well in [Miami's] system," in its estimation. It's hard to argue with that logic.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Defensive tackle may not stand out as a significant need for the Colts, but Meta is a fan of Nolen's "violent hands and natural strength." DeForest Buckner just turned 31 and played in a career-low 12 games last season, so adding depth behind him and Grover Stewart isn't a bad move.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia
Meta called Walker a "great value" with the 15th selection and noted that the only reason he lasted to the Falcons' pick was because of his undersized frame (6-2, 245 pounds). The Falcons have long needed a top-tier edge rusher so it's hard to argue against them taking any player at the position, especially one as versatile as Walker.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State
The Cardinals probably need a right tackle more than a guard, but Meta is a fan of Jackson's game. It highlighted his "impressive blocking" and his well-built 6-4, 320-pound frame as reasons he will be a plug-and-play starter on the interior offensive line.
Perhaps the chatbot thinks Jackson, who played at left tackle after Josh Simmons' injury, could fit at right tackle, but short of that, this fit is questionable.
AI MOCK DRAFT: Microsoft Copilot predicts the entire first round
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
This is a strong fit, as the Bengals are desperate to add pass-rushing talent. Trey Hendrickson requested a trade away from the team and even if Cincinnati does keep him, it needs a more consistent partner for the 2024 NFL sack leader.
Green was the NCAA sack leader last season with 17 and Meta described him as a "ready-made pass-rush talent" while mocking him to the Bengals.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Microsoft Copilot had the Seahawks pass on an offensive lineman for a top safety in our last AI mock draft. Meta is following suit but is going with Emmanwori over Malaki Starks. It noted that Emmanwori is "an exceptional athlete," which would mesh with John Schneider's draft history from his 15 years with the Seahawks.
However, with Seattle needing to bolster the interior offensive line in front of Sam Darnold, it seems more likely the Seahawks will take a player like Tyler Booker or Josh Simmons with this pick.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Meta wanted to find the Buccaneers a potential "cornerstone player" and settled on Pearce because of his speed rushing abilities. The Tennessee product had 19.5 sacks in 39 career college games and would be a strong addition to a pass rush rotation currently highlighted by Haason Reddick and Yaya Diaby.
20. Denver Broncos: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
There's little doubt that the Broncos need a workhorse running back and Meta likes Hampton's "size, speed and explosiveness." He would immediately top the team's running back depth chart and could help to take some pressure off Bo Nix.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
OK, this pick will raise some serious eyebrows. Meta decided to give the Steelers Jaxson Dart even though Shedeur Sanders was still on the board. Did the chatbot forget that the Colorado star was available? It appears so, as it referred to Dart "separating himself as the QB3" in this year's draft class in its analysis of the pick.
That said, Meta likes the Ole Miss product's fit in Pittsburgh, citing his accuracy and athleticism as two reasons he could quickly find success in the Steel City.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
Ezeiruaku was productive in his final season at Boston College, generating 16.5 sacks. Meta believes this production will carry over to the NFL level and praised the 21-year-old for his "varied pass-rush moves." He could be an ideal long-term replacement for Khalil Mack so this fit can't be ruled out.
23. Green Bay Packers: Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina
Meta wanted the Packers to add "athleticism and playmaking" to their secondary. Revel had two interceptions in three games in his final college season before suffering a torn ACL. The chatbot noted Revel could have been a top-five pick if healthy, so clearly, it's bullish on his potential.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Max Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Hairston ran a 4.29-second 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL combine. Meta cited his "speed and ball skills" as reasons Brian Flores might like to work with the Kentucky product. Hairston had six interceptions over his two college seasons (20 games) and would be a strong complement to Byron Murphy Jr.
25. Houston Texans: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
It's been popular to mock an offensive lineman to the Texans, but most have given the team a tackle. Meta went a different route, giving Zabel to Houston to serve as an upgrade at center. The chatbot called the North Dakota State product "an athletic run-mauler" and believes center is his best position.
LAREMY TUNSIL TRADE GRADES: Texans baffle with deal; Commanders help Jayden Daniels
26. Los Angeles Rams: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
This seems like a great fit, as the Rams need a No. 1-type cornerback or playmaking weapon in the secondary. Barron checks those boxes and Meta believes that Sean McVay's staff could "maximize" the Texas product, who it compared to Jaire Alexander.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Meta was daydreaming about the possibility of pairing Starks with Kyle Hamilton, a 2023 All-Pro. If the Georgia product makes it to Baltimore's pick, it would hardly be a surprise to see the Ravens take the best player available, as they often do.
28. Detroit Lions: Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State
Here's another logical player-team fit. The Lions could use a pass-rushing partner for Aidan Hutchinson and Sawyer was a big-time playmaker at Ohio State. Meta noted his "relentless pursuit" in its analysis of the fit, and it's hard to argue against Sawyer as a kneecap-biter who Dan Campbell would love.
29. Washington Commanders: Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss
Interestingly, Meta mocked the same player as Microsoft Copilot did to the Commanders. Taking Umanmielen, who ranks 60th overall on the Mock Draft Database's consensus big board, is a bit of a reach here. Still, the chatbot was sold on his combination of "experience and physical ability."
30. Buffalo Bills: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
The Bills just signed Christian Benford to a lucrative extension but could stand to add depth and talent across from him. Meta considers Amos a well-rounded player with good size (6-1, 195 pounds), speed (4.43-second 40-yard dash) and strong stats in his final season at Ole Miss (three interceptions).
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Meta bucked several trends with this pick. First, it waited until the 31st pick for a tight end to come off the board. Then, Loveland was selected as the first, rather than Tyler Warren who is widely mocked as a top-15 selection.
Meta's logic? Tight ends tend to go lower in the draft than they are mocked, even when they're talented. But at this stage, Loveland profiles as "a great replacement for Travis Kelce" and could potentially help with inline blocking. It's hard to argue with that assessment, even if the Chiefs are still in desperate need of competition for Jaylon Moore at left tackle.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Meta noted the Eagles lost Milton Williams in free agency and that the team will need to replace his 652 snaps played. It called Harmon a "productive interior rusher" after his 45-tackle, five-sack season.
Howie Roseman loves bolstering the trenches, so it's easy to imagine this type of pick coming to pass.
All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL mock draft 2025: Meta AI predicts all 32 first-round picks
Continue reading...
