The College Football Playoff has officially begun, bringing excitement and potential prospects into the spotlight. As we approach the 2025 NFL Draft, predictions are being made about which college athletes will catch the attention of NFL teams. This mock draft provides an insightful look into the anticipated picks and potential players to watch.
Starting with the first overall pick, the New York Giants are projected to select Cam Ward, a quarterback from Miami. Ward possesses the ability to create explosive plays and aims to bring a sense of stability to the Giants’ quarterback position, a critical need for the team. While he may have moments that require refinement, pairing him with a talented receiver like Malik Nabers could boost the Giants’ offensive capacity significantly.
Next up, the New England Patriots are expected to choose Travis Hunter from Colorado, a talented player who can perform both as a cornerback and a wide receiver. With a pressing need for skill players, Hunter’s versatility makes him an invaluable asset, potentially serving as a shutdown corner while also contributing to the offense.
The Jacksonville Jaguars hold the third pick and are looking at LSU’s Will Campbell. This young offensive tackle shows impressive maturity on the football field. His skills in pass protection and ability to dominate in the run game make him an appealing choice for the Jaguars to bolster their offensive line.
The Tennessee Titans, holding the fourth pick, are looking for creative options. They might benefit from selecting Will Johnson, a cornerback from Michigan. Although the team is in dire need of a quarterback, adding a top-notch cornerback like Johnson could strengthen their defense considerably.
At number five, the Cleveland Browns are anticipated to draft Abdul Carter, a standout edge rusher from Penn State. Carter displays remarkable agility and the potential to consistently disrupt opposing offenses. Despite needing to improve on run defense, pairing him with pro-bowl player Myles Garrett could create a formidable pass-rushing duo.
The Las Vegas Raiders have been struggling at the quarterback position, which makes Shedeur Sanders from Colorado an interesting choice at pick six. Sanders has the potential to solidify the quarterback spot for the Raiders, enabling them to enter a new season with confidence.
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers are projected to select Mykel Williams, an edge rusher from Georgia, at pick seven. After overcoming an early season ankle injury, Williams has shown that he can impact the game positively. His combination of strength, length, and versatility makes him an excellent fit for the Panthers, whose defense needs some fresh talent.
With their eighth pick, the New York Jets are expected to choose Mason Graham, a defensive tackle from Michigan. Even though the Jets have elite defensive players, the depth of their defensive lineup has been a concern recently. Graham’s addition could provide solid reinforcement for the team’s interior line.
At nine, the Chicago Bears are eyeing Kelvin Banks Jr., an offensive tackle from Texas, who can bring explosive energy to their offensive line. Given the Bears’ pressing needs on the interior, Banks’ skills in both the run and pass game could greatly enhance their performance.
The New Orleans Saints are picking tenth, and they will likely choose Malaki Starks, a safety from Georgia. The Saints are at a stage where they require talent across multiple positions, and Starks can improve the strength of their secondary while providing versatility in coverage.
As we move further down the list, notable picks continue to emerge. The San Francisco 49ers, with their eleventh pick, look at Josh Conerly Jr. from Oregon, who offers considerable athleticism and experience. The Miami Dolphins may take Jalon Walker, a linebacker from Georgia, at twelfth to bolster their front seven.
In rounds further down, the Indianapolis Colts might draft Shavon Revel Jr., a cornerback from East Carolina, and the Cincinnati Bengals could focus on Kenneth Grant, a defensive tackle from Michigan, to enhance their physicality upfront. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys are likely to eye Tetairoa McMillan, a wide receiver from Arizona—a potential game-changer for their offense.
In conclusion, as teams gear up for the upcoming draft, each selection will not only impact their strengths but will also shape the future landscape of the NFL. The draft remains a crucial opportunity for franchises to build their teams with promising young talent who have the potential to make significant contributions at the professional level. The excitement of college prospects and their transitions to the NFL continues to capture the attention of fans and teams alike.
