Other teams have turned their focus toward the upcoming NFL Draft in May while the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs prepare for a showdown in Super Bowl LIX.
Organizations are scouting talent, aiming to secure college standouts who can become game-changers and lead them toward championship contention in the years ahead.
Which prospects will hear their names called early, and where might they fit best when the draft comes in May?
Here’s an early mock draft projecting where top players might land, along with an analysis of whether those chosen at the top are ideal fits for their respective teams.
2025 Mock Draft
1. Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward, QB, Miami
2. Cleveland Browns – Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
3. New York Giants – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
4. New England Patriots – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State
6. Las Vegas Raiders – Mykal Williams, OLB, Georgia
7. New York Jets – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
8. Carolina Panthers – Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
9. New Orleans Saints – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
10. Chicago Bears – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
11. San Francisco 49ers – Will Campbell, OT/G, LSU
12. Dallas Cowboys – Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
13. Miami Dolphins – Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
14. Indianapolis Colts – Luther Burden, WR, Missouri
15. Atlanta Falcons – Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M
16. Arizona Cardinals – Armand Membou, OT/G, Missouri
17. Cincinnati Bengals – Mike Green, OLB, Marshall
18. Seattle Seahawks – Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
20. Denver Broncos – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
23. Green Bay Packers – Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
24. Minnesota Vikings – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
25. Houston Texans – Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
26. Los Angeles Rams – Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
27. Baltimore Ravens – Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
28. Detroit Lions – Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
29. Washington Commanders – Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
30. Buffalo Bills – Isiah Bond, WR, Texas
31. Kansas City Chiefs – Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
32. Philadelphia Eagles – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Evaluating Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders’ Readiness for the NFL
Franchises lacking a true franchise quarterback are often willing to take risks in the draft, sometimes selecting a player with raw ability rather than a fully refined skill set.
The 2025 class presents that dilemma, as questions remain about whether Ward and Sanders are worthy of being taken among the first few picks.
During a discussion on SportsCenter, Mel Kiper Jr. acknowledged that both quarterbacks have been elevated on draft boards due to positional demand.
He credited Ward’s ability to adjust to different schemes and teammates while also pointing out his strong accuracy. However, he noted that Ward’s 30 career interceptions remain a concern as he transitions to the professional level.
Kiper also provided an assessment of Sanders, calling him a resilient quarterback with excellent accuracy when moving laterally. His ability to dissect a defense stands out, provided that his mechanics and footwork are in sync.
ESPN’s Matt Miller highlighted areas where Sanders still needs development, including a tendency to hold onto the ball too long and slight hesitation when throwing over the middle.
The question remains whether either quarterback will be ready to start from Week 1. The likelihood is high, given that teams selecting at the top of the draft—such as Tennessee and New York—are in dire need of an answer at the position.
While there may be stronger prospects available at picks No. 1 and No. 3, such as Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter, those teams will likely prioritize finding their next signal-caller.
Despite some concerns regarding their readiness, Ward and Sanders will enter the league with high expectations. Both will face immense pressure, similar to what Jayden Daniels experienced last season in Washington, where he led his team to the NFC Championship after winning the Heisman Trophy.
Whether they can follow a similar path remains to be seen, especially given that their development might take longer than Daniels’ rapid rise in the NFL.
Is Travis Hunter the Draft’s Top Talent?
Hunter has a case for being the most talented player in the draft. The Heisman Trophy winner showcased elite skills on both sides of the ball, excelling as both a wide receiver and a defensive back.
His ability to make big plays on offense while shutting down opposing receivers has made him one of the most compelling prospects available.
Under the guidance of head coach and Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders, Hunter has sharpened his coverage skills. His hand placement and tackling ability stand out, making him a formidable presence in the secondary.
Although some teams may explore ways to use him offensively, his best long-term position appears to be at cornerback, where he has the potential to dominate.
Penn State’s Abdul Carter, however, brings an entirely different impact to the game. As a dynamic pass rusher, Carter possesses an explosive first step that allows him to disrupt opposing offenses.
His ability to maneuver past offensive linemen and occasionally drop into coverage makes him an appealing option for teams needing defensive playmakers.
There are areas of his game that still require refinement. The B/R Scouting Department noted that Carter remains somewhat unpolished as an edge rusher and could improve in recognizing blocking schemes against the run.
Even so, his elite burst and raw athletic ability give him a chance to become one of the draft’s top defensive contributors. It isn’t uncommon for the most talented prospects to be overlooked when teams prioritize finding a quarterback, and that pattern seems to be repeating this year.
With Cleveland holding the No. 2 pick, the team will need to decide whether to take Hunter, Carter, or potentially reach for a quarterback. How that decision plays out could have a lasting impact on the team’s future.
