The original draft analyst is back in action with his first mock draft of the season. The great Mel Kiper of ESPN is on the board after his first set of first-round projections dropped Wednesday. He gives the Lions much-needed pass-rush help with the 28th pick of the first round.

In his initial 2025 first-round NFL mock draft, esteemed ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. projects San Francisco to address the offensive side of the football. Kiper’s initial projection sees the 49ers scooping up talented Texas Longhorns offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.

Let the NFL mock drafts begin. This week the godfather of mock drafting — ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. — released his first pass at the 2025 NFL mock draft. The New York Giants hold the third overall selection in the upcoming draft and are desperately searching for their next franchise quarterback.