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2025 NFL mock draft: Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward go top 3 in polarizing class

9 hours ago
0 25 9 minutes read
2025 NFL mock draft: Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward go top 3 in polarizing class

I have been covering the NFL Draft for almost two decades — and the 2025 class might be the most polarizing of them all.

Some NFL scouts believe one or two quarterbacks are deserving of this year’s first round, while others think drafting any QB in Round 1 would be a mistake. A comment from one AFC scout: “Man, I feel bad for the teams trying to find one (quarterback) in this group.”

And it isn’t just that position. Outside of Travis Hunter, there is very little consensus about the non-quarterbacks at the top of this draft. “Hunter,” a second AFC scout told The Athletic, “is the only guy this year who would have been a top-10 pick last year — probably in most years.”

I share those opinions not to be a buzzkill, but rather as a reminder to keep an open mind with this year’s first round. One team’s No. 2 prospect might be another team’s No. 15. The polarizing nature of this year’s draft will make it interesting. Embrace it now.

At this point in the process, Hunter is the only 2025 prospect considered by scouts to be a surefire top-five pick. There are a lot of differing opinions about Hunter’s ability to be a two-way player in the NFL, but everyone agrees: If anyone can do it, it’s him.

With his athletic traits, ball instincts and focused mindset, he has “NFL playmaker” written all over him — regardless of how he is used.

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It might be tough for owner Mark Davis to pass on the Sanders name, but Ward speaks the Raiders’ language with his ability to create explosive plays. Although his loose play style will sometimes lead to head-scratching moments, Ward has shown clear progress in his decision-making and placement, and his calm demeanor will help smooth his transition to NFL action.

In one of the more polarizing draft classes we’ve seen, Sanders is arguably the most polarizing prospect. Some NFL teams have graded him as an adequate NFL starter, while others are more optimistic. I don’t know how the Giants feel, but I do believe Brian Daboll can get the most out of Sanders in the NFL.

Drake Maye has the quarterback position locked up, so the Patriots need to surround him with more help. And if the organization invests in a wide receiver via free agency (Tee Higgins?), its draft focus would shift to the offensive line.

Despite having average arm length, Campbell moves with fluidity and strength throughout his frame and projects as an immediate NFL starter at tackle, guard or even center.

If the Panthers wind up with a top-five pick, almost every position would be an option as general manager Dan Morgan hunts for difference-makers. A lack of juice off the edge has been a particular problem in Carolina, especially when Jadeveon Clowney isn’t on the field.

Carter is not yet a finished product and is still learning how to use all of his gifts, but his freaky burst and developing power make for a promising foundation.

There is a ton of unknown for the Jets organization as it turns the page to the 2025 offseason — time will tell how the new general manager and head coach will view the current roster. Edge rusher and linebacker might both be needs this offseason, though. With his athleticism at 6-foot-2 and 245 pounds, Walker can play either position at a high level.

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If Aaron Rodgers just played his last game for the Jets, it might have been his worst

After upgrading Tennessee’s offensive line in the first round the last two years, general manager Ran Carthon now can turn to the defensive side of the ball.

Although his production has dropped this season as he’s battled through an ankle injury, Williams has a rare blend of power, athleticism and length. His 2024 Texas tape alone might be enough for him to be drafted this high.

Having a top-10 pick and a major need at quarterback feels like familiar territory for Cleveland, but there isn’t a viable QB option in this scenario.

Many in Ohio saw Graham’s impact last weekend against the Buckeyes and would welcome that type of interior presence on the Browns next season. Graham is a leverage monster who hates to be blocked. He uses his strength and play recognition to make an impact versus both pass and run.

Between his average speed and the nagging injuries that kept him off the field for most of 2024, Johnson won’t be a top-15 lock. But it is a light cornerback class, and the Bengals will be in the market for any type of upgrade on defense. Johnson, who set the Michigan record with three career pick sixes, is long, fluid and shows outstanding route recognition to make plays on the ball.

Even with Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed expected back in the fold next year, the Saints need more playmaking size at receiver.

McMillan isn’t going to blow away teams with his 40-yard dash, but his catch-point skills will win over NFL coaches. Using his Gumby-ish adjustment skills, he does an outstanding job expanding his catch radius, high pointing and becoming a threat as a ball carrier.

Some teams view Banks as a tackle; others see him as a guard. Personally, I think this is a tad early in Round 1 for him. But the Bears need to add quality offensive linemen to the mix, and Banks could be a potential answer at several spots.

Jevon Holland has been underwhelming in a contract year, and his lack of development likely will push safety up Miami’s priority list this offseason.

Starks is a do-everything defensive back who can line up as a nickel, single-high or post safety. His athletic versatility and ball skills give him Pro Bowl potential.

The cries for Ashton Jeanty here will be loud — and it wouldn’t be surprising if, ultimately, he is Dallas’ pick. But the Cowboys also need more explosive options in the passing game, and their in-season trade for Jonathan Mingo won’t prevent them from going receiver in Round 1.

Despite a mediocre 2024 campaign, Burden is strong at the catch point and at his best creating with the ball in his hands.

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Last year, we saw Byron Murphy II ascend up draft boards into the mid-first round because of his disruptive nature. Harmon is following the same script this season with 47 pressures (no other FBS interior defensive lineman has reached 40 yet), which should put him on the 49ers’ radar when they look to upgrade their defensive front.

At 6-2, 200 with 4.3 speed, Revel is the type of athlete the Colts (and general manager Chris Ballard) target, especially at cornerback. The risk here is that the ECU corner is coming off a torn ACL. If team doctors at the combine say his rehab is going as planned, however, Revel still can be in the top-25 mix.

At around 290 pounds, Stewart has exceptional athletic balance and fluid movements — and he plays his tail off for all four quarters. Considering his versatility to line up inside or outside the offensive tackle, Stewart could give Todd Bowles options for how he attacks offenses.

The Rams will need to look at their offensive tackle options this offseason, including in the draft.

Ersery doesn’t have first-round consistency on his tape, but it isn’t easy to find 335-pounders with his movement skills and length.

With his explosiveness and physical hands, Nolen is a force through interior gaps — that’d be a welcome sight in Arizona. Fun fact: The Cardinals last drafted an Ole Miss prospect in the first round almost a decade ago, and it was another defensive tackle (Robert Nkemdiche).

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NFL Power Rankings Week 14: Bills, Eagles peaking, plus worst-case scenarios

Pearce is going to be another polarizing prospect in this class, because he hasn’t proven himself to be a true every-down player. But he knows how to get after the quarterback, something the Falcons have been severely lacking over the last decade.

With Abraham Lucas injured, right tackle has been a problem position for the Seahawks. Lucas will have the rest of this season to convince Seattle he can stay healthy and be the long-term answer. If he’s not, the Seahawks will look at upgrading this offseason.

A left tackle for the Ducks, Conerly has impressive feet and balance — and a bright future ahead of him.

Jeanty is one of the best players in this draft class, full stop. But there aren’t many obvious landing spots for a running back in the top 20, especially if Dallas passes (and I’m not projecting any trades in a mock draft this early in the process).

Washington wouldn’t be upset to see the Boise State standout fall this far. I’ll double check the NFL rule book, but a Jayden Daniels/Jeanty backfield hardly seems fair.

The Texans will make it a priority this offseason to improve the interior of their offensive line, and selecting Booker would be one way of doing that. The Alabama mauler is a powerful blocker with enough athleticism to handle what Houston likes to do on offense.

Like Chicago, Washington and a few other teams, Denver would be wise to continue upgrading around its rookie quarterback. A more athletic and versatile version of current Broncos tight end Adam Trautman, Warren is very much a Sean Payton type of tight end. He can play inline or the “F” role and would expand the Broncos’ playbook.

No defense has allowed more yards this season than the Ravens. One player isn’t going to fix that, but Baltimore must upgrade its depth on the defensive line and in the secondary this offseason.

Grant is an impressive mover at 340 pounds, with the skill set to play multiple spots on the line.

Jeanty deserves every bit of praise he gets, but he isn’t the only running back in this class who will be considered in the first round. Johnson is a well-put-together athlete who runs with equal amounts power, patience and quickness. Add in that he doesn’t fumble and is reliable on passing downs, and you don’t have to squint to see why Jim Harbaugh might go this direction.

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Which 2025 NFL Draft prospects most improved their stock this season?

The Steelers’ cornerback unit has been a roller coaster all season. Donte Jackson, who leads the team with five interceptions, is an impending free agent; Joey Porter Jr. has looked great at times but lost on other plays (he  leads all NFL defenders with 14 penalties).

Hairston missed a chunk of the 2024 season with a shoulder injury, but he is a long, twitchy cover man and doesn’t lack for confidence.

The Packers always consider defensive line in the first round, and Jackson has several traits that match up with what they target. At 6-5 1/2 and 271, he isn’t a super fluid mover, but he plays with power in his hands and above-average backfield vision to retrace or find ways to the pocket.

A prospect I expect to be a riser throughout the draft process, Mbow has impressive foot quickness and movement skills for his size, and his overall skill level continues to improve with each game. He might be able to stay at tackle in the NFL, but he also projects really well on the interior, which is where the Vikings could use him.

The Eagles selecting Amarius Mims last year would not have been surprising had he still been on the board when they picked in the first round. Although Williams is even more raw than Mims, he is similar in his impressive traits yet undeveloped discipline and lack of experience. A few semesters at “Stoutland U” is exactly what he needs to help realize his immense potential.

The Bills could look at wide receiver (Emeka Egbuka?) or secondary help here, but Von Miller’s future in Buffalo is unsettled — and it is never a bad plan to invest in more pass rushers.

Green is a tad smaller than what general manager Brandon Beane normally targets at the position, but he is a violent edge setter who uses his explosiveness to put heat on the quarterback.

Texas had a pair of defensive tackles selected in the top 40 last year, and it might have another one in 2025.

Collins (6-6 and 319 with 34 3/4 inch arms) has an imposing body type and has impressed scouts this season with his ability to create disruption against both run and pass.

With his do-everything skill set, Campbell’s effectiveness will be limited only by a defensive play caller’s lack of imagination. The Lions likely will have greater needs this offseason, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Dan Campbell bangs the table for this type of talent — if the Alabama product is still on the board this late in Round 1.

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(Photo of Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders: Dustin Bradford / Getty Images)

9 hours ago
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