2025 NFL Draft: Trade, New No. 1 Pick Highlight CBS Sports Updated Mock
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable events in recent memory, and CBS Sports’ latest mock draft offers a fresh look at the changing landscape. With the regular season wrapping up and teams already planning for the future, the draft is taking center stage as the key to securing long-term success. This year’s edition is expected to feature several significant trades, surprising selections, and a new No. 1 pick that could reshape the league.
**The Big Trade: A New No. 1 Pick Emerges**
The biggest storyline in CBS Sports’ updated mock draft is the trade at the top. The current No. 1 pick, held by the struggling Arizona Cardinals, has been swapped in a blockbuster deal with the Chicago Bears. The Bears, who finished the season with a disappointing record, decided to take the opportunity to secure a franchise-changing talent in this year’s draft. In exchange for the No. 1 pick, the Cardinals received the Bears’ No. 4 pick along with future assets, including a 2026 first-round selection and a 2025 second-rounder.
The move is a clear signal that Chicago is all-in on landing a quarterback that will provide an immediate impact. With the top quarterback prospects in this draft class regarded as game-changers, the Bears were not willing to risk losing out on a potential star by sitting at No. 4. Arizona, on the other hand, is focused on building a team that will be competitive in the years ahead, and by trading back, they have positioned themselves to add multiple high-quality players to their roster.
**New No. 1 Pick: Quarterback Sensation**
As a result of the trade, the No. 1 pick now belongs to the Chicago Bears, who are expected to take a quarterback with the top selection. CBS Sports projects that the Bears will select **Caleb Williams**, the standout quarterback from USC, who has firmly cemented himself as the consensus top pick in this year’s draft.
Williams has been nothing short of phenomenal in his college career, showcasing elite arm strength, mobility, and the ability to make plays under pressure. After leading the Trojans to a successful 2024 season, he’s emerged as the clear favorite to be the first overall selection. Williams has all the tools to be a franchise quarterback, and the Bears, who have struggled with consistency at the quarterback position for years, are hoping he will be the solution to their ongoing dilemma.
For Chicago, this is a bold and necessary move. With Justin Fields still struggling to take that next step, the Bears have decided to go in a new direction. Williams’ ability to make plays both with his arm and his legs will be a key part of his appeal, as he brings the dynamic playmaking ability that the NFL has come to favor in its quarterbacks.
**Other Top Picks in the Updated Mock**
After the Bears secure Caleb Williams at No. 1, the rest of the top 5 picks are filled with talent that could change the fortunes of their respective franchises. Here’s a look at the top selections in CBS Sports’ latest mock draft:
**2. Arizona Cardinals (via trade with Chicago Bears): Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State**
The Arizona Cardinals now hold the No. 2 pick and will use it to address their most glaring need — playmaking on the outside. Arizona’s offense has been inconsistent, and the addition of a true game-changer at wide receiver will be a game-changer for the team’s long-term plans.
Marvin Harrison Jr. is widely regarded as the top receiver in the 2025 draft class. With his combination of size, speed, and elite route-running ability, he’s expected to be a Day 1 starter. The son of NFL Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, Jr. has all the tools to be an elite weapon in the NFL. His ability to separate from defenders and make spectacular catches will immediately provide quarterback Kyler Murray with a top-tier target, giving the Cardinals’ offense a much-needed boost.
**3. Houston Texans: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State**
The Houston Texans, picking at No. 3, are in prime position to add a high-impact player to their defense. While the Texans could go in several directions here, CBS Sports projects that they will select **Jared Verse**, the dominant edge rusher from Florida State.
Verse has been a game-wrecker in college football, using his combination of strength and explosiveness to get after the quarterback. Houston has lacked a true pass-rusher for several years, and Verse will help provide an immediate impact in improving their defense. The Texans have made strides under head coach DeMeco Ryans, and adding a dynamic edge rusher like Verse will help complete their defensive rebuild.
**4. Chicago Bears (via trade with Arizona Cardinals): Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia**
After securing Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick, the Bears are back on the clock at No. 4, and CBS Sports believes they will continue to add weapons to their offense by selecting **Brock Bowers**, the star tight end from Georgia.
Bowers has been one of the most dynamic and versatile players in college football over the past few seasons. His ability to stretch the field, make plays after the catch, and act as a reliable safety valve in the passing game makes him a highly coveted prospect. For a young quarterback like Caleb Williams, having a top-tier tight end who can operate in both the red zone and in the middle of the field will be invaluable. Bowers could immediately become a key piece of the Bears’ offensive game plan.
**5. Los Angeles Rams: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State**
The Los Angeles Rams will be looking to shore up their offensive line with the No. 5 pick. CBS Sports projects that they will select **Olumuyiwa Fashanu**, the towering offensive tackle from Penn State. Fashanu has the size, strength, and technical skills to be a Day 1 starter at tackle, and the Rams need to protect their quarterback, especially with the aging Matthew Stafford still in the fold. Bolstering the offensive line is a priority for the Rams, and Fashanu could help solidify that front for years to come.
**Other Notable Selections and Trades**
As the first round progresses, there are several more potential trades and surprising picks to be made. Teams like the New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, and Philadelphia Eagles are all in strong positions to draft impact players that could change the course of their respective franchises.
The 2025 NFL Draft promises to be one of the most thrilling in recent years, and with so many potential trades and high-impact players, the mock draft landscape will continue to evolve as the draft approaches. Teams will continue to jockey for position, trying to secure the next wave of superstars who will define the future of the NFL. Whether it’s through trades, surprise picks, or bold moves, the 2025 NFL Draft is bound to leave its mark on the league for years to come.
