Notable 2025 NFL Draft Picks from Mel Kiper and Latest Expert Mocks
The 2025 NFL Draft will kick off on Thursday in Green Bay, and it promises to bring an exciting drama-drenched opening night.
Barring a massive surprise, Miami quarterback Cam Ward appears destined to go to the Tennessee Titans with the No. 1 overall pick. After that, however, it's hard telling how things could unfold.
There hasn't been much agreement about who will go where this year, and one unexpected selection could quickly throw the first round into chaos. It's always fun to guess how the draft will go, though. Here, we'll dive into some of the latest expert mocks from around the web and examine some of the most interesting predictions.
Browns Snag Travis Hunter at No. 2
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The drama starts at No. 2, where the Cleveland Browns could go in a variety of directions. They could take the highest quarterback left on their board, trade down, or grab a blue-chip prospect like Colorado receiver/corner Travis Hunter or Penn State pass-rusher Abdul Carter.
According to general manager Andrew Berry, the Browns are still weighing their options.
"We’re still working through everything. We have not made a hard decision in terms of how we’re going to use the No. 2 pick," Berry told reporters. "There are a number of guys that we like."
Cleveland's choice could directly impact what the New York Giants do at No. 3—they could also go QB, Hunter or Carter, depending on who is left—and what happens beyond the third selection.
Right now, Hunter looks like the likeliest option for Cleveland. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates paired the Browns with the two-way star in their recent mock, as did the Bleacher Report Scouting Department.
NFL Media's Chad Reuter also mocked Hunter to Cleveland.
Ashton Jeanty to the Patriots at No. 4
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All three mocks had the Giants taking Carter at No. 3—a fairly logical assumption if Ward and Hunter are the first two players off the board. Carter is the second-ranked prospect on the B/R Scouting Department's big board (after Hunter) and projects as a defensive difference-maker.
"Carter can immediately contribute as a pass-rusher to begin his NFL career and should develop into a complete player with more reps on the edge," Matt Holder of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.
Exactly no one will be shocked if Ward, Hunter and Carter are the first three players off the board, regardless of the order in which they're selected. The New England Patriots, however, could be primed to surprise at No. 4.
Both the B/R Scouting Department and Kiper and Yates predict the Patriots going with LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell. It's a sensible prediction, as protecting Drake Maye should be a top priority for New England.
"There is no doubt he will get a shot to remain at tackle in New England's offensive-line room, while also bringing the leadership qualities and demeanor to help usher in a new era of Patriots football," B/R's Brandon Thorn said.
Reuter, however, has the Patriots grabbing Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.
"New head coach Mike Vrabel knows the value that a premier back can bring, having watched Derrick Henry carry his previous Titans teams to the playoffs," Reuter wrote.
Jeanty would also be a sensible pick, albeit one far less expected. While the Patriots do need to improve their line, an elite running back could help elevate Maye in a hurry.
The B/R Scouting Department mocked Jeanty to the Chicago Bears at No. 10, while Kiper and Yates mocked him to the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 6.
Shedeur Sanders Still Trending as a Top 10 Pick
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There was a time when Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders felt like a likely option for the Browns at No. 2. He's the second-ranked QB on the B/R board and does possess the potential to be a franchise quarterback.
However, Sanders' stock has seemed to slip recently, and there's even been some buzz about him not being the second-best quarterback in this class.
Earlier this month, The Athletic's Zac Jackson quoted a high-ranking AFC scout who said that there's been “real chatter” suggesting that Mississippi's Jaxson Dart could go ahead of Sanders in the draft.
How far could Sanders slide if the Browns and Giants both pass on him? Not too far, if mock drafts are to be believed.
Reuter mocked Sanders to the Raiders at No. 6, perhaps a mild surprise given Geno Smith's recent extension with Las Vegas. As Reuter explained, though, grabbing Sanders could give the Raiders their QB succession plan.
"Sanders would continue his relationship with minority owner Tom Brady and learn under Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly, giving the QB a chance to maximize his potential," Reuter wrote.
The B/R Scouting Department also mocked Sanders at No. 6, albeit to the New Orleans Saints following a trade. Kiper and Yates paired Sanders and the Saints together at No. 9.
"There's uncertainty around Derek Carr's 2025 season amid his shoulder injury, so the Saints must at least consider taking a quarterback at No. 9," Yates wrote. "Sanders displays really good accuracy, poise and toughness -- traits that should appeal to new coach Kellen Moore as New Orleans aims to stay competitive in the division."
With Sanders off the board to the Raiders, Reuter mocked Dart to the Saints at No. 9. The other two mocks we examined both had Dart landing with the Browns following a trade back into Round 1.
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