2025 NFL Draft: 10 Predictions with Under a Month to Go
With under a month before the Tennessee Titans go on the clock with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, the game is afoot.
Organizations are trying to disguise their intentions as best they can, pushing certain narratives through backchannels in hopes that the draft will unfold in their favor.
These clandestine messages signal how the event will be shaped, because a lack of buzz or too much information becoming public often serve as warning signs.
Front offices float material for a reason. Players and their representation can do the same. Case in point, Deion Sanders reportedly stated that his son—a first-round quarterback prospect—hopes to play in New York.
The comment is less about Shedeur Sanders actually being drafted by the Giants and more about becoming a top-three draft selection. He might not even make it that far in the process.
Bleacher Report sifted through the ongoing rumor mill and various possibilities in an attempt to nail down what should happen once the event begins.
Quarterbacks Will Hear Their Names Called with Top 2 Picks
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The two teams at the top of this year's NFL draft—the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns—desperately need long-term solutions at quarterbacks. Two quarterbacks—Miami's Cam Ward and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders—are universally considered first-round talents. Yet some don't want the math to math.
Quarterbacks landing with the first and second overall picks serves as this year's test of Occam's razor. The simplest solution for both teams is to select their future franchise signal-caller. It's hard to argue against that approach, even with the available talent at other positions.
The Titans have been eerily quiet regarding quarterbacks this offseason. The franchise didn't make any moves whatsoever to upgrade the position. Tennessee hadn't been linked to any of the veterans, who could have come in as starters. It owns the No. 1 overall pick, which places the team in the driver's seat to select whomever it prefers, likely Ward.
“I said, ‘I’m solidifying [my status as the No. 1 overall pick] today,'" Ward told the Titans brass during his pro day workout, per NFL Network.
Cleveland is a little different because some moving parts do exist in the Browns' situation. The Deshaun Watson situation aside, the Browns are actively searching to bring in someone. They traded for Kenny Pickett and even had Russell Wilson visit before he signed with the New York Giants.
General manager Andrew Berry could be playing the long game in attempting to call the Atlanta Falcons' bluff with Kirk Cousins, so the veteran could be reunited with Kevin Stefanski and become Cleveland's starter.
But the Giants provided a tell when it comes to this particular matter. New York signing both Wilson and Jameis Winston signals that the organization doesn't believe either of the top quarterback prospects will be available with the third overall pick, thus Sanders landing with the Browns.
If a team doesn't have a franchise quarterback, it never stops trying to acquire one and shouldn't pass on a potential one if the opportunity arises.
New York Giants Don't Draft a QB At All
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The New York Giants' decision to sign a pair of veterans with extensive starting experience in Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston is the first sign the team doesn't expect to select a quarterback with this year's third overall pick.
Should they? Yes. But that direction seems unlikely.
From there, the Giants' pathway becomes more interesting. It's one thing not to land a quarterback in the first round because either A) a team isn't in position to do so or B) it is not sold on a specific talent who may be available. It's entirely different not to address the position at all.
New York is a team in win-now mode. General manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll are on the hot seat entering the 2025 campaign. The idea of developing a non-first-round quarterback in hopes of him becoming the starter down the road feels far-fetched considering those circumstances. Basically, the Giants could be drafting the starting quarterback for their replacements if something drastic doesn't change.
Instead, Big Blue can draft early contributors in the second and third rounds instead of taking a developmental quarterback, who'd start the season as QB3 on the depth chart.
From that point, the selection of a quarterback later in the draft would serve little purpose, because any taken on Day 3 provides too low of a percentage for a potential return.
The Giants can then look forward to 2026—whether Schoen and Daboll are still leading the way—to invest in what initially looks like a strong quarterback class.
QB3 Isn't Drafted Until Day 2
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Once Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are off the board, a precipitous drop-off occurs at the quarterback position.
As always, some discussion swirls around whether another signal-caller will be driven up boards because of positional value. While quarterback is often held in high regard, teams don't always circumvent overall value just to put a body at quarterback.
Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart, Ohio State's Will Howard and Alabama's Jalen Milroe are expected to be solid second-round options for teams still searching to address the game's most important position.
Dart, in particular, has garnered some first-round buzz. But it feels unlikely that he'd be taken on Day 1.
Dart has questions about mental processing and anticipation based on the simplified QB-friendly scheme in which he played. Howard presents a strong baseline with his big, sturdy frame, athleticism and strong arm, but he's also a streaky passer. Milroe, meanwhile, presents immense upside with his elite athleticism and huge arm but lacks polish as a passer.
Besides, few teams in the back half of the first round should be looking to address quarterback, with the Pittsburgh Steelers being the lone exception. However, a marriage between the Steelers and Aaron Rodgers feels inevitable at this point, allowing the team to wait until Day 2 to add to its QB depth chart.
RB Ashton Jeanty Cracks the Top 10
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Blah, blah, blah. "The running back position is devalued." Blah, blah, blah.
Yes, running back is no longer as revered as it was when this century began. But inherent value exists in having a legitimate threat in the backfield that defenses must account for at all times who can also pound away late in games to secure victories.
The Philadelphia Eagles proved that a physical run game is never out of style. While Saquon Barkley is a rare talent, a similar approach can still be taken by other franchises.
Boise State's Ashton Jeanty may not quite be on the same level as a Barkley or Bijan Robinson as a prospect, but he's still an outstanding option after rushing for 2,601 yards last season. Jeanty has elite contact balance coupled with really good vision and lateral agility. He's a workhorse, with big-play capabilities.
Jeanty should come into play as early as the sixth overall pick with the Las Vegas Raiders, who currently have Raheem Mostert as their projected starter. The New Orleans Saints at No. 9 may look to replicate what the Eagles did with Barkley since Kellen Moore is now their head coach after serving as Philadelphia's offensive coordinator. With the 10th pick, the Chicago Bears still have D'Andre Swift as their RB1, though he wasn't a fit previously in Ben Johnson's system when both worked for the Detroit Lions.
Jeanty is clearly the top option in a loaded running back class, and he should fall in line with the six other running backs over the last 10 years who heard their names called among the draft's top 10.
Dallas Cowboys Take a WR with 12th Overall Pick
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Offensively, the Dallas Cowboys have three significant areas to address: running back, offensive line and wide receiver.
Of the three, wide receiver remains the biggest issue, as it's been for the last couple of seasons. CeeDee Lamb is exceptional as a four-time Pro Bowl honoree. He's also been targeted the most of any wide receiver over the last two seasons because Dallas lacks a legitimate second option to threaten opposing defenses.
If running back Ashton Jeanty or Omarion Hampton is available, they'd be enticing. Dallas did sign Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders in free agency. But the fact that both are operating under one-year, minimal contracts ($4.2 million combined between the two) says everything about how the team views them.
Robert Jones' signing fills a hole at guard as well. Again, it's a one-year, minimal deal. The Cowboys should be looking for Zack Martin's long-term replacement.
These Band-Aids can stick for this year, though. Wide receiver can't wait any longer. Jalen Tolbert showed nice improvement in Year 3. But the Cowboys' passing attack can be dynamic with Texas' Matthew Golden.
Golden is the most explosive target in this year's draft. His 4.29-second 40-yard-dash speed shows up on the field, and it's not limited to running 9-routes. The Houston transfer took over the Longhorns offense this season, with his ability to explode through routes and play much bigger than his 5'11", 191-pound frame indicates.
Golden is the ideal fit to play opposite Lamb and make the Cowboys into a truly elite passing offense.
Indianapolis Colts Pass on TE in 1st Round
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No one denies that the Indianapolis Colts desperately need a tight end, not even the team.
"We didn't get enough production from them," general manager Chris Ballard told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine. "... But our inability to control the middle of the field, which we've got to be able to do, I've got to be able to give Shane (Steichen) and them a guy that can really control the middle of the field that teams have to account for and defend."
According to the NFL Mock Draft Database, Penn State's Tyler Warren to the Colts is the second-most popular projected pick outside of this year's top 10.
The first? Tight end Colston Loveland to the Los Angeles Chargers, where he reunites with his college coach, Jim Harbaugh.
Both Warren and Loveland should be strong options for the Colts. But two things could get in the way.
First and foremost, Ballard is known for his love of elite athletes. Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell and South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori will be highly tempting options if they're on the board. Campbell is the more likely option to fill the void left by E.J. Speed, while Emmanwori should remain on the radar because of his size and uniqueness even though Indianapolis signed safety Camryn Bynum in free agency.
Second, Warren may not be available when the Colts are on the board. He's such a versatile weapon that he's built some momentum as a possible top-10 pick. There's a much better chance Loveland is still available, as he's recovering from offseason shoulder surgery after an injury-plagued final season on campus.
If Ballard chooses to go in a different direction, weapons at tight end can still be found during the draft's second day. Miami's Elijah Arroyo, LSU's Mason Taylor, Bowling Green's Harold Fannin Jr. and Oregon's Terrance Ferguson should all be in play.
8 Offensive Linemen Are Taken in the 1st Round
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An offensive line crisis has quietly emerged at the NFL level and very few have seemed to notice.
Those working within the league know just how valuable those big bodies up front are. The Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl champs because of their ability to consistently control the point of attack thanks to the league's best front five. Others are spending wild amounts of cash just trying to field a competent front five.
Some NFL fans can probably point out that defensive lineman Milton Williams signed this year's biggest free-agent contract, while quarterback Sam Darnold comes up next as the new starter for the Seattle Seahawks.
But the next three boggle the mind and show just how desperate teams are to find reliable blockers, with Will Fries, Dan Moore Jr. and Aaron Banks ranking third, fourth and fifth in total contractual value.
The search for quality blockers will extend into the draft, where an early run on top linemen should be expected.
LSU's Will Campbell, Missouri's Armand Membou, Ohio State's Josh Simmons, Alabama's Tyler Booker and North Dakota State's Grey Zabel are already earmarked as first-round prospects. It's easy to envision scenarios where Texas' Kelvin Banks Jr., Oregon's Josh Conerly Jr. and possibly even Minnesota's Aireontae Ersery or Ohio State's Donovan Jackson all make their way into the opening frame.
Almost every team is looking for help in the trenches. Plenty can be had early in the process.
Jihaad Campbell, Not Jalon Walker, Hears His Named Called as Top LB
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Player 1 enters the first round with a need at linebacker. Choose your fighter.
Option A: The 6'1', 243-pound 21-year-old prospect is the reigning Butkus Award winner, second-team All-SEC performer and presents versatility as an off-ball linebacker and edge-rusher.
Option B: The 6'3", 235-pound 21-year-old prospect is a first-team All-SEC performer and presents versatility as an off-ball linebacker and edge-rusher.
Georgia's Jalon Walker and Alabama's Jihaad Campbell are the Ken and Ryu of the 2025 NFL draft.
The biggest difference between the two is where they excel. Walker is better working off the edge and playing downhill, whereas Campbell is more natural at linebacker while still bringing some of that same presence as an edge-rusher when necessary.
Even so, Campbell created a higher pressure rate on his limited pass-rushing snaps while far surpassing Walker in production, with 117 total tackles compared to 60. The Alabama backer is also better working in space. Finally, Campbell is a superior athlete, with a 9.85 relative athletic score, per Kent Lee Platte.
If anything, Walker may be viewed more as a pure edge-defender despite his smaller frame and lack of length. Either way, Campbell has continually risen up the boards this offseason to the point where he should be firmly considered a top-15 option.
Run of Cornerbacks Will Take Place in Back End of 1st Round
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As the cliche goes, "A team can never have too many cornerbacks." It's true, though.
Quality cover corners are hard to find and even more difficult to pass up when they're available. This year's position class is packed with potential.
Colorado's Travis Hunter, Michigan's Will Johnson and Texas' Jahdae Barron are expected to be early picks. But the more successful franchises late in the first round will be looking for those defensive backs capable of slowing opposing pass defenses.
Between the 20th and 32nd overall picks, at least seven squads could easily rationalize a first-round investment in another cornerback. Supply must meet demand, though.
The Bleacher Report Scouting Department has five different corners ranked between 25 and 50 overall. Notre Dame's Benjamin Morrison, Kentucky's Maxwell Hairston, Florida State's Azareye'h Thomas, East Carolina's Shavon Revel Jr. and Ole Miss' Tre Amos all have first-round potential.
Morrison and Revel may have been first-round locks had they not suffered season-ending injuries last year. Hairston certainly opened eyes with the fastest 40-yard dash (4.28 seconds) at this year's NFL Scouting Combine. Thomas has excellent size and tremendous upside as a 20-year-old prospect. Amos, meanwhile, can make an argument that he's the class' best man-cover corner.
The best athletes on a football field are those who primarily operate by working in reverse, hence why both the offensive line and cornerback positions are expected to have relatively large numbers coming off the board quite early in the process.
Nick Emmanwori Will Be Drafted Before Malaki Starks as Top Safety
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Some NFL team won't be able to help itself.
Georgia's Malaki Starks is clearly this year's top safety prospect. The Bleacher Report Scouting Department grades him as a top-five talent. He's been a standout performer since his true freshman season as part of the Bulldogs program, including Freshman All-America and two first-team All-American nods. He has a natural playmaking skill set with ball skills to thrive at the professional level.
Everything previously written may be true, but two things may hold Starks back to a degree.
First, the safety position doesn't hold significant value. Jamal Adams is the only safety prospect in the last decade to land in the top 10.
Second, the 6'3", 220-pound Nick Emmanwori stands in Starks' way.
Ever year, it's argued that what happens on the field matters more than workout numbers. While true, NFL teams and coaches become enamored with what an elite athlete can do if developed and deployed properly.
Emmanwori is built similarly to Kyle Hamilton or even Kam Chancellor. But he's a superior athlete when compared to both. In fact, the first-team All-American tested as the most athletic safety over the last 37 years, per Kent Lee Platte.
Some defensive coordinator will envision a pterodactyl swooping in from the secondary to wipe out opposing offenses and get overly excited about those possibilities.
To be clear, Emmanwori is a quality player in his own right and deserves first-round consideration. But his rare athletic profile and natural upside will push him above the class' actual top safety prospect.
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