The Cardinals land the top prospect in the new mock draft, while the Bears trade up for a dynamic offensive weapon.
The 2025 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and with free agency in the rearview mirror, the picture is beginning to clear for teams at the top of the board. The latest mock draft presents a fascinating shakeup: the Arizona Cardinals secure the consensus top overall prospect, while the Chicago Bears make a bold move up the board to grab one of the most electrifying offensive weapons in the class. If the mock becomes reality, it could alter the course of both franchises for years to come.
Cardinals Stay Put, Take the Best Player Available
Despite fielding calls from quarterback-needy teams, the Arizona Cardinals resist the temptation to trade the No. 1 overall pick. Instead, they take the player many scouts have dubbed a generational defensive talent: Edge rusher Elijah Washington out of Georgia.
Standing 6-foot-5, 270 pounds with freakish athleticism, Washington dominated the SEC and wowed scouts at the combine with a 4.56 40-yard dash and a 38-inch vertical leap. He racked up 15.5 sacks and 24 tackles for loss during his final collegiate season. Washington offers a rare combination of speed, power, and technique that makes him a plug-and-play starter—and a potential future Defensive Player of the Year.
For the Cardinals, who have struggled to generate consistent pressure off the edge since Chandler Jones’ prime, Washington fills a glaring need. Pairing him with second-year standout BJ Ojulari could give Arizona one of the most dynamic young pass-rushing duos in the league.
“Washington isn’t just a safe pick—he’s a statement,” one NFC executive told ESPN. “He’ll change how teams prepare for the Cardinals from day one.”
The Bears Trade Up for Firepower
One of the most headline-grabbing moves in this mock draft involves the Chicago Bears trading up from the No. 9 pick to No. 4, in a deal with the New England Patriots. The cost: Chicago’s No. 9 pick, a 2025 third-rounder, and a 2026 second-round pick. The reward: Ohio State wide receiver Malachi Grant, a dynamic, game-breaking talent who could become the perfect complement to Caleb Williams.
Chicago’s front office has shown full commitment to surrounding Williams, last year’s No. 1 pick, with elite talent. They already added Pro Bowl wideout DJ Moore and tight end Cole Kmet to the mix. Now, by trading up to draft Grant, the Bears give their franchise quarterback a true vertical threat.
Grant, who posted 1,442 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Buckeyes, is a 6-foot-1, 195-pound burner with sub-4.3 speed. He draws comparisons to Tyreek Hill and Marvin Harrison Jr. for his ability to separate, change direction, and turn a routine catch into a 70-yard touchdown.
“Malachi Grant has home-run potential every time he touches the ball,” said NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah. “If you’re building around Caleb Williams, this is the guy you want stretching the field and keeping safeties honest.”
Top 10 Shakeup: New Names, Big Trades
With the Cardinals and Bears making major moves, the rest of the top 10 in this mock draft takes on a new shape:
2. Washington Commanders – QB Jalen Knox, LSU
Even with heavy debate in the building about Michigan’s Trent Jefferson, the Commanders go with Knox. The LSU star threw for 4,350 yards and 39 touchdowns, displaying accuracy, pocket presence, and sneaky mobility. He’s viewed as the most polished passer in the class, and Washington believes he can be a Day 1 starter.
3. New York Giants (via NE via CHI) – QB Trent Jefferson, Michigan
The Giants leapfrog Minnesota and Las Vegas to take their quarterback of the future. With Daniel Jones’ future in flux, they give up No. 6 and a future first to ensure they don’t miss out on Jefferson, who’s drawn comparisons to Justin Herbert for his frame and arm talent.
5. Los Angeles Chargers – OT Blake Rivers, Penn State
New head coach Jim Harbaugh gets his foundational piece on the offensive line. Rivers is a mauler with elite footwork and technique, and he gives the Chargers flexibility to shift Rashawn Slater to right tackle if needed.
6. New England Patriots (via NYG) – WR Daequan Mitchell, LSU
After trading down, the Patriots still land an elite receiver. Mitchell, who posted a 10-catch, 202-yard performance against Alabama, offers size, speed, and reliable hands. He gives whoever starts at quarterback a legitimate WR1.
7. Tennessee Titans – CB Julian Stokes, Alabama
New Titans head coach Brian Callahan wants to bolster his defense, and Stokes is the top corner in the draft. With elite instincts, 4.38 speed, and lockdown capabilities, Stokes will match up with top receivers immediately.
8. Atlanta Falcons – EDGE Xavier Boone, Oregon
Atlanta needs help on defense, especially off the edge. Boone is explosive and versatile, capable of rushing from a two-point stance or with his hand in the dirt. He notched 13 sacks and 3 forced fumbles last season.
9. New England Patriots (via CHI) – QB Keon Harmon, Texas
After missing out on the top two quarterbacks, the Patriots still land a rising star in Harmon. A dual-threat quarterback with elite upside, Harmon led Texas to the College Football Playoff and has a cannon for an arm.
10. Minnesota Vikings – WR Rome Franklin, USC
After losing Justin Jefferson in free agency, the Vikings need to reload at wide receiver. Franklin’s contested catch ability and smooth route running make him a natural WR1 candidate, especially with Sam Darnold—or potentially a rookie—under center.
Cardinals Rebuild the Right Way
The Arizona Cardinals now look like a team with a long-term plan. After securing franchise quarterback Kyler Murray through 2028, the focus has been on adding elite talent on both sides of the ball. They invested heavily in offensive line help during free agency and are now poised to bolster the defense with a prospect who could change the game.
Their decision not to trade the top pick—despite aggressive offers from QB-hungry teams like Minnesota and Denver—signals a belief in Murray’s future and a commitment to building through the trenches.
“Elijah Washington has the tools to be the next Myles Garrett,” said former GM Mike Tannenbaum. “He’s that type of freak. The Cardinals did the right thing—build the defense, pressure the quarterback, win ugly games if you have to.”
Bears Go All-In on Caleb Williams
No team has been more aggressive in recent years than the Bears. After trading up for Justin Fields in 2021, then moving on and selecting Caleb Williams in 2024, Chicago is sending a clear message: they won’t sit still. With Malachi Grant in the mix, the Bears now have one of the most explosive young offenses in the league.
A projected starting group of:
- QB: Caleb Williams
- RB: Khalil Herbert
- WR: DJ Moore, Malachi Grant, Keenan Allen
- TE: Cole Kmet
- OL: Braxton Jones, Teven Jenkins, Nate Davis, Darnell Wright
…gives Chicago arguably the best young offensive core in the NFC North.
And under head coach Matt Eberflus, the Bears also boast a top-10 defense. The goal isn’t just to compete—it’s to win now. If this offense clicks, Chicago could go from a 7-10 team to a legitimate playoff contender overnight.
Winners and Losers from This Mock
Winners:
- Arizona Cardinals: Sticking at No. 1 and landing the best player in the draft is a major win for a team still in transition. Washington gives them defensive credibility instantly.
- Chicago Bears: Trading up for Malachi Grant cements their offensive identity and builds around their franchise QB the right way.
- New York Giants: Getting a top-tier QB after a trade-up shows a front office that’s willing to be bold. Jefferson may need time, but he has star potential.
Losers:
- New England Patriots: While they add draft capital, missing out on both Knox and Jefferson could hurt. Harmon is a fine prospect, but not the instant savior some fans crave.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Standing pat at No. 13 in this mock means missing out on the top QBs. Unless they make a move, they may be stuck in mediocrity.
- Minnesota Vikings: Rome Franklin is a nice pickup, but missing on all three top quarterbacks after heavy rumors of a trade-up could frustrate the fanbase.
What Comes Next?
As the draft nears, expect more twists. Several teams—including Denver, Las Vegas, and Tampa Bay—are still in the market for quarterbacks. Others, like Seattle and Dallas, could be aggressive in targeting offensive linemen or secondary help.
But if this mock is any indication, two franchises—Arizona and Chicago—could be turning the corner faster than expected. With top-tier talent now in the fold, the future looks much brighter in both the desert and the Windy City.
And that’s what makes the NFL Draft beautiful: one night, one pick, one trade… can change everything.
