Early 2025 NFL Mock Drafts: QBs, Trades, and Top Talents Emerge

Quarterbacks Remain a Focus: Despite veteran signings (Russell Wilson to Giants, Geno Smith to Raiders, Justin Fields to Jets), multiple analysts predict teams like the Titans, Giants, Raiders, and Jets could still target quarterbacks early in the 2025 draft. Miami's Cam Ward and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders are frequently projected as top picks.

Elite Talent at the Top: Colorado's two-way star Travis Hunter is widely regarded as a potential top-3 pick, praised for his unique ability to excel at both cornerback and wide receiver. Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter and Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham are also consistently mocked high.

Trades Expected: Several mock drafts incorporate hypothetical trades, suggesting teams might move up or down to secure specific players or accumulate draft capital. The prevalence of trades in recent drafts makes this a realistic expectation for 2025.

Why this matters: These early mocks set the stage for the upcoming college football season, highlighting players to watch. They also fuel fan debate and offer a preliminary look at how teams might address needs or build for the future, even influencing player expectations and media narratives leading up to the draft.

Cam Ward (Miami): Frequently linked to the Tennessee Titans at No. 1 overall (Reuter, Yates). His leadership, arm strength, and playmaking ability are cited as key strengths.

Shedeur Sanders (Colorado): Projected as high as No. 3 to the Giants (Reuter) or potentially falling slightly but remaining a top-10 target (Gagnon suggests Raiders at 6 or Saints at 9). His fit often depends on how teams view their current veteran situations.

Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss): Mentioned as a potential target for the Jets at No. 7 (Reuter), creating a potential competition scenario with Justin Fields.

Travis Hunter (Colorado): Considered a "unicorn" talent, often projected No. 2 to the Browns (Reuter) or No. 3 to the Giants (Gagnon's dream scenario).

Defensive Linemen: Penn State's Abdul Carter (Edge) and Michigan's Mason Graham (DT) are consistently seen as top-5 picks, addressing needs for teams like the Patriots and Jaguars, respectively.

Offensive Linemen: LSU's Will Campbell and Missouri's Armand Membou are projected as potential top-15 picks, sought after for their blocking prowess.

Running Backs: Boise State's Ashton Jeanty and North Carolina's Omarion Hampton emerge as top RB prospects, potentially going in the first round to run-focused teams like the Raiders or Steelers.

Q: Who is the most common projection for the #1 pick in 2025?

A: Based on these early mocks, Miami QB Cam Ward is frequently projected to the Tennessee Titans at No. 1 overall.

Q: Will teams that signed veteran QBs still draft one high?

A: Analysts believe so. Citing historical precedent (Seahawks/Wilson, Bears/Trubisky, Falcons/Penix Jr.), teams may draft QBs for long-term potential even with established veterans present.

Q: Besides QBs, what positions are strong at the top of the 2025 draft?

A: Early indications suggest strength at cornerback/wide receiver (Travis Hunter), edge rusher (Abdul Carter, Mykel Williams), and defensive tackle (Mason Graham).

Monitor Key Prospects: Keep an eye on players like Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, and Abdul Carter during the upcoming college football season, as their performance will heavily influence their draft stock.

Expect QB Drama: The quarterback position will likely dominate draft discussions again, with several teams potentially seeking long-term answers.

Trades Shape the Draft: Don't be surprised to see numerous trades in the first round as teams maneuver for their desired players.

Early Mocks are Fluid: Remember that these are very early projections compiled using the latest trends and data. Player stock, team needs, and draft order will change significantly before April 2025.

Source 1: Five-round 2025 NFL mock draft: Five trades shake up Round 1; Jets select Jaxson Dart (target="_blank")

Source 2: Every NFL Team's Dream Scenario in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft (target="_blank")

Source 3: 2025 NFL mock draft: Yates' pick predictions for Rounds 1-2 (target="_blank")