2025 NFL Draft: CBS Sports releases a wild first-round draft following Week 8 of college football

With week 8 of College football Season in the books, players across the country are looking to continue to build their stock for the 2025 NFL Draft. CBS Sports has released a new first-round mock draft ahead of Week 9 that offers a few surprises.

Of course there is still a lot to discover NFL The season is moving forward, including the draft order. According to Tankathon, CBS Sports determined the order based on current records, but the top prospects are beginning to emerge.

The biggest and perhaps most intriguing name is CBS Sports’ top draft pick. Travis Hunter continues to solidify himself as the best playmaker in college football and electrify the Colorado Attack as a wide receiver and defend as a cornerback. Although there are still questions about whether he will have to commit to a position at the next level, he will certainly be a top candidate come April.

As far as quarterbacks go, this draft is interesting after six went in the top 12 last year. Shedeur Sanders remains considered one of the top candidates at the position, but CBS Sports has named him as a Heisman Trophy contender Cam Ward ahead of him as the No. 2 overall pick in the first-round mock draft.

The rest of the board will also be interesting as top talent continues to emerge. Here’s CBS Sports’ 2025 NFL Mock Draft ahead of Week 9 of the college football season.

1. New England Patriots – Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

A frontrunner for the Heisman TrophyTravis Hunter continues to electrify college football. He makes big plays on both sides of the ball and plays almost every snap, making him a highly desirable pick in this year’s draft.

Hunter is averaging 86.3 yards per game on offense with six touchdowns while also adding 19 tackles and two interceptions as a cornerback. The big question, of course, will be whether he can continue to fill both spots in the NFL, and that’s something worth keeping an eye on throughout the pre-draft process.

2. Carolina Panthers – Cam Ward, QB, Miami

Cam Ward, another Heisman hopeful, considered declaring for the draft last year. But he eventually returned to college and committed himself to it Miamiwhere it fits seamlessly.

Ward enters Week 9 with 2,538 receiving yards, leading the nation. He also has an FBS-leading 24 touchdowns, showcasing his playmaking ability both inside and outside the script.

3. Cleveland Browns – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

The anchor of the Michigan secondary, Will Johnson is developing into one of the best cornerbacks in the country. He has two interceptions for 128 yards this year as part of an impressive follow-up to last year’s season with 27 tackles and four picks to help the Wolverines to a national title.

However, Johnson shares could be interesting for the future. Despite being a coach, he suffered an injury Sherrone Moore deemed him “questionable” for the week after losing to him in the second half Illinois last week.

4. Tennessee Titans – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

In seven games Tetairoa McMillan puts together an impressive continuation of his career year at Arizona in 2023. His 780 receiving yards lead the Big 12 after Week 8, and he was selected No. 4 overall in the CBS Sports mock draft.

McMillan ranks sixth nationally in receiving yards as a top target Noah Fifita this year. He’s also increasing his NFL Draft stock, landing in the top 12 in ESPN’s latest mock draft last week.

5. New York Jets – Will Campbell, OT, LSU

One of the best offensive players in the country, Will Campbell is an integral part of the LSU unity this season. He leads a group that has allowed just two sacks so far this year and enters a crucial showdown against him Texas A&M.

Campbell is one of the biggest keys to LSU’s offensive success this year and its 6-1 record. It is crucial for protection Garrett Nussmeier and could find himself as the top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

6. New Orleans Saints – Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

The anchor of the Georgia Defense, Mykel Williams has struggled with injuries this year. But he’s still making an impact and turning heads in NFL draft circles.

In five games this year, Williams has six tackles — including five for a loss — and two sacks while dealing with an apparent ankle sprain. He turned around his biggest game of the year Texaswhich, however, is a good sign for the further development of his production.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars – Mason Graham, DL, Michigan

After breaking out on Michigan’s defensive line last year, Mason Graham is in the midst of another big season in 2024. He’s already set a new career high in sacks, which bodes well for his draft stock.

Graham’s 3.5 sacks in seven games are already a new high during his time in Ann Arbor, and he also has 27 tackles to his name. He is an important part of the Michigan defense and will certainly continue in that role as the Wolverines try to get Big Ten play back on track.

8. Las Vegas Raiders – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

After coming back for another year ColoradoShedeur Sanders continues to put up strong numbers and hopes to become the top pick in the draft. His 324 passing yards per game ranks sixth nationally entering Week 9, and he’s on track for another 3,000-yard season.

Through seven games, Sanders has completed 72.2% of his passes for 2,268 yards and 19 touchdowns. His accuracy continues to impress NFL scouts when he goes to work in the pocket, and he’s firmly on track to be a top-10 pick.

9. New York Giants – Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

In his first year in Kalen DeBoers strong offense, Jalen Milroe wanted to take another leap forward as a true dual-threat quarterback. While it’s been an interesting ride so far, he still landed at No. 9 overall in CBS Sports’ latest mock draft.

Milroe continues to make plays with both his arms and legs, totaling 1,722 passing yards and 330 rushing yards, as well as 24 total touchdowns. He will try to recover from defeat Tennessee when Alabama returns to action this week Missouri.

10. Miami Dolphins – Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Another important part of secondary education in Georgia, Malaki Starks continues to develop into an important playmaker. He enters Week 9 with 39 tackles and one interception as he was the No. 10 overall pick in CBS Sports’ 2025 NFL Mock Draft.

Starks is instrumental in the Georgia operation, and Kirby Smart even went so far as to compare him with the greats Champ Bailey after a win in Week 1 Clemson. His draft stock will certainly be worth watching as the year progresses, especially now that UGA is firmly in the mix College Football Playoffs.

Rest of CBS Sports’ first-round mock draft

11. Los Angeles Rams – Emeka EgbukaWR, Ohio State
12. Cincinnati Bengals – Princely UmanmielenEDGE, Ole Miss
13. Arizona Cardinals – Nic ScourtonEDGE, Texas A&M
14. San Francisco 49ers – Abdul CarterEDGE, Penn State
15. Los Angeles Chargers – Colston LovelandTE, Michigan
16. Dallas Cowboys – Ashton JeantyRB, Boise State
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Luther’s burdenWR, Missouri
18. Philadelphia Eagles – Isaiah BondWR, Texas
19. Seattle Seahawks – Garrett NussmeierQB, LSU
20. Indianapolis Colts – Jack SawyerEDGE, Ohio State
21. Denver Broncos – Jalen RoyalsWR, State of Utah
22. Atlanta Falcons – Donovan EzeiruakuDE, Boston College
23. Chicago Bears – LT OvertonDL, Alabama
24. Baltimore Ravens – Cameron WilliamsOIL, Texas
25. Buffalo Bills – James Pearce Jr.EDGE, Tennessee
26. Washington Commanders – Shavon RevelDB, East Carolina
27. Pittsburgh Steelers – Kobe HudsonWR, UCF
28. Green Bay Packers – Deone WalkerDL, Kentucky
29. Houston Texans – Kenneth GrantDL, Michigan
30. Minnesota Vikings – TJ SandersDT, South Carolina
31. Detroit Lions – Jayden HigginsWR, Iowa State
32. Kansas City Chiefs – Benjamin MorrisonCB, Notre Dame

Of course, there is still a lot of time before the picture of the 2025 NFL Draft becomes clear. But the talk is starting, and as November approaches, more top prospects are emerging.