As the 2024 college football season wrapped up with a thrilling national title victory for Ohio State, the spotlight now shifts to the future. The 2025 NFL Draft is on the horizon, and excitement is building as teams begin to strategize for their next big moves. Daniel Jeremiah from NFL Network has already released his first Mock Draft of the season, providing insights into how the first round might unfold.
Setting the Stage for the 2025 NFL Draft
Mark your calendars for April 24, when the top prospects in college football will showcase their talents in Green Bay, Wisconsin. With a plethora of quarterback-needy teams and an impressive lineup of prospects on both sides of the ball, the draft promises to be a spectacle. Jeremiah has taken on the role of matchmaker, predicting how these talented players will fit into their potential new teams.
Top Picks and Predictions
Jeremiah’s predictions for the first round are intriguing. At the top of the draft, he has the Tennessee Titans choosing Abdul Carter, a standout linebacker, instead of opting for a quarterback like Will Levis. Jeremiah notes that Titans president Chad Brinker’s comments about not passing on a generational talent heavily influenced this decision. He believes Carter is the best player available and would significantly bolster Tennessee’s defense.
Jeremiah states, “To me, Carter is the best player in the draft and he plays a premium position. I could see Tennessee looking to add competition for QB Will Levis in the free-agent market or later on in the draft.”
Quarterback Needs: New York Giants and Beyond
The New York Giants are in desperate need of a quarterback, and Jeremiah predicts they will select Cam Ward from Miami with the third overall pick. The excitement in New York could reach fever pitch if they land Ward, who possesses a strong arm and impressive playmaking ability.
Jeremiah emphasizes, “The Giants are desperate for a quarterback. Ward’s strong arm and playmaking ability would be a great fit.” The Giants are not alone in their search for a franchise quarterback, as several teams are expected to make similar moves.
Defensive Stars Shine Bright
While the quarterback situation is critical, Jeremiah also highlights the defensive talent available in this draft class. The New England Patriots, for instance, are projected to select Will Campbell, an offensive tackle from LSU, to protect their future quarterback, Drake Maye. Jeremiah believes Campbell is a safe pick who will provide stability on the offensive line.
He notes, “The Patriots must help Drake Maye on the offensive line. I see Campbell as a safe, steady player who is still improving.”
The Jaguars, with their new head coach Liam Coen, are also expected to focus on defense, selecting Mason Graham, a former Michigan star lineman, at No. 5. Jeremiah describes Graham as “one of the cleaner evaluations in the draft,” praising his quickness and instincts.
Heisman Trophy Winner and Other Standouts
In a surprising twist, Jeremiah has the Cleveland Browns selecting Travis Hunter, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and a two-way superstar. While quarterback remains a possibility for the Browns, Jeremiah believes Hunter’s versatility makes him an appealing choice.
“Quarterback is in play here for the Browns, but in this scenario, they pick Hunter, the Heisman Trophy-winning two-way star. I’m in the minority as someone who prefers him as a full-time offensive player who moonlights on defense,” Jeremiah explains.
The Raiders are also poised to make a splash by selecting Shedeur Sanders, a quarterback with strong ties to the franchise. Jeremiah highlights how Sanders’ toughness and accuracy would resonate with Tom Brady, who is now part of the Raiders’ ownership group.
Jeremiah adds, “Tom Brady, now a partner in the Raiders’ ownership, is someone who would appreciate Sanders’ toughness, accuracy, and decision-making.”
Building Around Young Quarterbacks
The Carolina Panthers are looking to bolster their receiving corps, and Jeremiah predicts they will select Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan. This move would create a dynamic duo with Xavier Legette, giving young quarterback Bryce Young a powerful weapon in the passing game.
“The Panthers continue to build around Bryce Young with a big, rangy, and athletic receiver in McMillan. He’ll be a red-zone menace,” Jeremiah states.
Similarly, the Chicago Bears are expected to protect their investment in Caleb Williams by selecting Tyler Booker from Alabama. Jeremiah believes Booker is one of the safest picks in the draft, which would help solidify the Bears’ offensive line.
Looking Ahead: The Full Mock Draft
As the excitement builds for the 2025 NFL Draft, fans will be eager to see how Jeremiah’s predictions play out. Here’s a glimpse of the first ten picks:
1. Tennessee Titans: Abdul Carter, LB – Penn State
2. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB – USC
3. New York Giants: Cam Ward, QB – Miami
4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT – LSU
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DL – Michigan
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Shedeur Sanders, QB – Colorado
7. New York Jets: Tyler Warren, TE – Penn State
8. Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR – Arizona
9. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, WR/CB – Colorado
10. Chicago Bears: Tyler Booker, OL – Alabama
With the draft just around the corner, the anticipation is palpable. Which teams will make bold moves? Which players will rise to the occasion? The answers will unfold in just a few short months, and college football fans can hardly wait!
