Jaxson Dart to Steelers, Ashton Jeanty to Broncos in Field Yates' 2025 NFL Mock Draft

ESPN NFL draft expert Field Yates unveiled his latest 2025 mock draft, and it features a couple of surprising picks.

Yates predicted that the Pittsburgh Steelers would use their No. 21 pick to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, who has improved his draft stock following his impressive performance at the Senior Bowl.

"He's a capable thrower to all levels of the field and has enough mobility to operate outside the pocket and on the run," Yates stated. "Dart also took advantage of Senior Bowl week with a strong showing in front of Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin, who was on the field at each practice."

In the B/R NFL Scouting Department's draft big board, Dart is ranked as the No. 4 quarterback and No. 75 overall player in this year's class. Yates acknowledged that selecting him at No. 21 would be a major reach by the Steelers, who could be in need of a quarterback as Russell Wilson and Justin Fields enter free agency this offseason.

"This projection represents a big rise up the board from where Dart currently ranks outside my top 32, but quarterbacks always have a chance to climb given positional value. Keep an eye on Dart here as we get closer to April," Yates added.

Yates also predicted that Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty would fall into the lap of the Denver Broncos, who own the No. 20 pick. Jeanty is considered the top running back in this year's class and the No. 9 overall player in B/R's draft big board, so it's a bit of a surprise that teams like the Dallas Cowboys that need to improve their backfield production would pass on him.

"But this would be a dream scenario for the Broncos. They tied for 20th in yards per rush (4.1) and Javonte Williams is a free agent," Yates explained. "Jeanty would take over the lead role behind an excellent offensive line (the Broncos ranked first in run block win rate in 2024) and pair with second-year quarterback Bo Nix to give coach Sean Payton an offensive boost."

Jeanty amassed 2,601 yards this past season, so he could be an instant difference-maker as a rookie. Yates noted that he "can be a Pro Bowl-level player very early in his career, as his speed, power, contact balance and receiving profile are all excellent."