Mel Kiper Jr. has dropped his debut 2025 NFL Mock Draft, and the debate is raging as to which star athlete will end up being picked first overall by the Tennessee Titans. With the college football season heating up, the excitement surrounding the draft is palpable, and fans are eager to see which talented player will make the leap to the NFL.
Top Contenders for the First Pick
The likely options at the moment are Miami quarterback Cam Ward, two-way star and reigning Heisman winner Travis Hunter out of Colorado, and his Buffaloes teammate in signal-caller Shedeur Sanders. Each of these athletes brings unique skills and attributes to the table, making the decision for the Titans a challenging one.
Kiper currently predicts that Ward will be the first overall pick for Tennessee, despite the fact that he rates Sanders higher. This raises an intriguing question: what makes Ward the preferred choice at this moment?
Mel Kiper’s Analysis
“At No. 1, Tennessee — I’m going Cam Ward,” Kiper stated, via Get Up. “Not because he’s my highest-rated quarterback; Shedeur Sanders is my QB1.” This statement alone has sparked conversations among fans and analysts alike. How can Kiper favor Ward despite his admiration for Sanders?
Kiper elaborated on his reasoning: “My friends in the NFL are saying, ‘Hey, the live arm. The mobility. The completion percentage with three different programs.’ Not going to throw a lot of interceptions, but a little careless, a little reckless with the football, in terms of ball security, at times. Cleaned that up a little this year. Certainly, Cam Ward makes sense at pick No. 1 for Tennessee.”
Even if Kiper prefers Sanders to Ward, there are still a bevy of reasons why the Hurricanes quarterback makes sense at the top of the draft. Kiper acknowledged some of the strengths Ward possesses that Sanders does not, which adds another layer to this intriguing debate.
Strengths of Cam Ward
“I think it’s the arm strength — the superior arm strength with Cam Ward,” Kiper added. “He can make all the throws. All those different arm angles that he throws from.” This is a crucial point. In a league where the ability to throw from various angles can be a game-changer, Ward’s versatility stands out.
Kiper continued, “Shedeur is old school. He’s a traditional pocket passer. I love Shedeur. But I think the arm strength, and those angles, and the mobility — he can beat you with his legs.” This highlights Ward’s dual-threat capability. He’s not just a quarterback; he’s a playmaker. Over the past three years, Ward has racked up an impressive 17 rushing touchdowns, showcasing his ability to extend plays and score on the ground.
But what about Sanders? Kiper respects his game, stating, “Now, Shedeur can roll right, roll left and make accurate throws. But the ability to run — [Ward] had 17 rushing touchdowns over the past three years. Remember, he did it at Incarnate Ward. Did it at Washington State. Did it at Miami.”
The Debate Continues
As the conversation unfolds, one can’t help but wonder how the NFL will view these two quarterbacks come draft day. Will they lean towards Ward’s dynamic skill set, or will they opt for the traditional pocket presence that Sanders offers?
Kiper’s insights provide a glimpse into the minds of NFL scouts and executives. “I just think arm strength and mobility, when I talk to my friends in the NFL, may give him a slight edge in terms of where he goes in the draft,” he explained. This statement raises an important point: in a league that values versatility and adaptability, Ward’s skill set may be more appealing to teams looking for a game-changer.
However, Kiper remains steadfast in his admiration for Sanders. “I’m going to stick with Shedeur. I love old school. The way [Tom] Brady did his work in the NFL for a number of years, that’s what I think Shedeur does.” This sentiment resonates with many fans who appreciate the classic quarterback style.
Looking Ahead to the NFL Draft
Time will tell if the NFL believes in Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders more as the top option in the 2025 NFL Draft. As the season progresses, both quarterbacks will have opportunities to showcase their skills on the field, and their performances could ultimately sway opinions.
The NFL Combine and other pre-draft events will play a significant role in shaping the narrative. Will Ward’s arm strength and mobility shine through, or will Sanders’ traditional style win over scouts? Fans are on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this unfolding drama.
As we gear up for the 2025 NFL Draft, one thing is for sure: the excitement surrounding these talented athletes is only going to grow. Will the Titans make the right choice? Only time will reveal the answer, but for now, the debate continues, and college football fans are loving every minute of it.
