Believe it or not, we’re nearly halfway through the 2025 NFL season. At this point, some fans have realized that their favorite team cannot compete this year, so they are already looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft.
Meanwhile, NFL executives always look ahead to the upcoming offseason and scouting the next wave of draft prospects. Entering Week 8 of the NFL season, we have a solid grasp of each team’s biggest needs. While a lot can change between now and April 24, 2025, let’s do our best to project the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Contributions to this mock draft were made by PFN’s Analyst Ian Cummings and PFN Analyst Dallas Robinson.
The draft order is from Pro Football Network’s free Mock Draft Simulator, where you can create your own mock drafts with trades and draft alongside your friends with the multi-user draft experience.
1) New England Patriots
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Will Travis Hunter play wide receiver or cornerback at the NFL level? Regardless of where he plays, he will be a game-changer.
Hunter’s hyper-elite athleticism, flexibility, and playmaking instincts set the foundation for him on both sides of the ball. On offense, he’s an effortless separator, electric catch converter, and a run-after-catch threat. On defense, he’s as deadly a ball hawk as anyone has ever seen.
He’s a freakish talent, and he’ll fit well in Foxborough, Mass., as wide receiver and cornerback are among the New England Patriots’ biggest needs. After selecting Drake Maye with the No. 3 overall pick last year, adding Hunter would make his life a lot easier.
2) Carolina Panthers
Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Andy Dalton is 36 years old and in the final year of his contract, and former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young has been dreadful across his 18 starts. Carolina was 2-16 with Young as the starter, and he threw 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
However, Young was even worse than his traditional stats indicate. In PFN’s QB+ metric, he posted an F grade (23.3) for the 2023 season. Among qualified quarterbacks last season, he had the lowest grade and ranked 195 out of 198 quarterbacks in PFN’s database since 2019. Then, in his two starts so far this season, Young posted his worst performance and fourth-worst performance of his career in terms of his QB+ grade.
The Carolina Panthers largely hired head coach Dave Canales because of his reputation for developing quarterbacks (like Baker Mayfield and Geno Smith). Now, Carolina lands its QB of the future in Cam Ward — an elite playmaker who thrives when tasked with extending plays and layering into tight windows.
3) Cleveland Browns
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The Deshaun Watson experiment has been a massive failure, and that was the case before he ruptured his Achilles last week. Watson is going to be on the roster because his fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract makes him virtually impossible to cut.
However, that doesn’t mean he has to start. Watson was arguably the worst quarterback in the league before his ruptured Achilles, so it’s hard to imagine him looking significantly better after such a devastating injury. Cleveland will want to move on as soon as possible, and his contract is up after the 2026 season.
By selecting Shedeur Sanders, the Cleveland Browns find Watson’s replacement. Arm strength and accuracy are two of the most distinct selling points on Sanders’ tape. He generates easy velocity and has a degree of off-platform freedom. And while his mechanics are imperfect, he can find uncanny ways to hit targets with good placement and touch.
4) Tennessee Titans
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Tennessee Titans recently traded DeAndre Hopkins to the Kansas City Chiefs for a conditional fourth-round pick, and Tyler Boyd is in the final year of his contract. Treylon Burks has also been a huge disappointment since getting selected No. 18 overall back in 2022.
While they signed Calvin Ridley to a four-year deal last offseason, the Titans still need wide receiver help, and Tetairoa McMillan is the perfect solution.
Despite being 6’5″ and 210 pounds, some of McMillan’s calling cards are his burst, speed, quickness, and flexibility. It’s rare to see players with his combination of size and speed, and he’s excellent at using his physical tools to his advantage. However, if the Titans have seen enough of Will Levis, it’s very possible they’ll consider drafting a quarterback here.
5) New York Jets
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
The New York Jets will likely need to address the offensive tackle position for the second straight year. Offseason additions Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses have struggled and aren’t under contract for next season. While 2024 first-rounder Olu Fashanu can hold down one tackle spot, New York will require another blocker opposite him.
Insert Kelvin Banks Jr. At 6’4″, 324 pounds, Banks has excellent size, strength, and hand usage. His power load and force output can be devastating for opponents, and he’s a plus athlete. While the foundation is there, he still has a lot of room to keep refining his game.
6) New Orleans Saints
Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The New Orleans Saints currently rank 26th in the NFL in sack percentage (5.73%) and 20th in sacks per game (2.1), and EDGE defenders Chase Young and Payton Turner will be free agents in March. New Orleans could target a defensive tackle or interior offensive lineman instead, but Abdul Carter fills a need while also being one of the best players available.
Carter is a super versatile EDGE who has drawn comparisons to Micah Parsons thanks to his impressive frame, power, and hyper-elite athleticism. He actually played inside linebacker in 2022 and 2023, recording 104 total tackles, 16 TFLs, 11 sacks, a pick, nine pass breakups, and three forced fumbles. Since moving to EDGE, he has racked up four sacks and 10 TFLs in just six games this season.
7) Jacksonville Jaguars
Emery Jones Jr., OL, LSU
While the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive line has slightly trended upward as the season has progressed, this unit still needs to be overhauled.
Left tackle Cam Robinson, right guard Brandon Scherff, and swing tackle Walker Little are pending free agents, while center Mitch Morse will profile as a release candidate.
At 6’6″, 322 pounds, Emery Jones Jr. is a stellar athlete who combines strong matching agility and burst in recovery with a violent power load, and torque, impressive synergetic feel, square playing habits, and suffocating anchor strength.
8) Las Vegas Raiders
Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew II clearly aren’t the answer at quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, and it’s only a matter of time until they draft a quarterback.
Jalen Milroe has always been a top-flight physical talent, but his draft stock soared thanks to his showing against Georgia (27-of-33 for 374 yards, two TDs, and one INT as a passer, plus 117 yards and two TDs as a rusher). Just as impressive as his elite athleticism and rocket arm were his decisive nature, quick processing, and clean mechanics.
Milroe has all of the raw talent to be a future NFL starter. He’s a superlative athlete and competitor with blistering speed, explosiveness, and agility. He also has an extremely strong arm with good angle freedom and elasticity.
9) New York Giants
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
New York Giants safety Jason Pinnock, who has a 95% snap rate, is a pending free agent. Malaki Starks is arguably the best defender in this draft class. Not long ago, PFN’s Cummings had Starks as his No. 1 overall prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, pointing out that he could be one of the best safety prospects over the past few cycles.
At 6’1″ and 205 pounds, Starks has a strong frame with great length. He couples that size with truly extraordinary functional athleticism and range. Starks is fast, explosive, agile, fluid, and impressively malleable in recovery. He’s also an adept processor with playmaking chops. This defensive X factor is also incredibly versatile, as he’s capable of playing two-high, single-high, or in the slot as an off-man defender.
10) Miami Dolphins
Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
If Starks is still available when Miami picks, he makes a lot of sense for them too. After all, the Miami Dolphins’ three primary safeties — Jevon Holland, Jordan Poyer, and Marcus Maye — are on expiring deals.
However, EDGE also remains a concern for Miami even after using a 2024 first-round choice on Chop Robinson. Former first-round pick Jaelan Phillips has suffered season-ending injuries in two consecutive years, while Bradley Chubb hasn’t played this season.
At 6’5″, 265 pounds, Mykel Williams has yet to become an elite producer, but his imprint is always visible on film. He is an impressive athlete with searing lateral burst and size-defying torso flexibility. If he can put it together, Williams’ upside is nearly unmatched.
11) Cincinnati Bengals
Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
While the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense has improved recently, they still rank in the bottom 10 in expected points added (EPA) per play. Defending the run has been a consistent issue, and the Bengals could consider adding more defensive tackles even after using Day 2 picks on Kris Jenkins Jr. and McKinnley Jackson in 2023.
Kenneth Grant profiles as one of the best natural nose tackle prospects in this class, and there’s an extremely appealing physical combination to work with on Grant’s tape. At a massive 6’3″, 339 pounds, he’s explosive, energetic, powerful, and incredibly strong.
Grant’s motor commands attention when he’s on the field. Despite his size, he has legitimate pursuit speed and range when chasing down runners.
12) Los Angeles Rams
Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Los Angeles Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson will be a free agent in 2025, and he could draw interest from multiple teams since starting-caliber LTs entering their age-27 campaign don’t grow on trees. Also, right tackle Rob Havenstein turns 33 next May, so the Rams should be planning for the future at the bookends.
Will Campbell is a favorite of talent evaluators who value good functional athleticism and natural skill. At 6’6″, 320 pounds, Campbell’s arm length is average, which may complicate his projection for some teams. But despite his lack of length, he’s surprisingly comfortable playing with controlled lean, and he has rare matching athleticism and fluidity at his size.
13) Arizona Cardinals
Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The Arizona Cardinals could go in several directions with this pick, but it seems likely that they’ll use their first-rounder to improve their defense. Nearly every position could use a short-term and long-term upgrade since their defense is largely comprised of journeymen.
Arizona goes with the best defensive talent available here at No. 13, and that is Michigan DT Mason Graham. At 6’3″, 318 pounds, Graham almost has the size and frame density to be a nose tackle. Yet, he moves with inhuman quickness for his size, and his heavy hands can jar opponents at the contact point.
He’s a run-scheme destroyer and a pass-rush weapon on the interior. After recording three sacks and 7.5 TFLs in 13 games during the 2023 season, he has already recorded 3.5 sacks and five TFLs through seven games this year.
14) San Francisco 49ers
Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
San Francisco could use another edge rusher opposite Nick Bosa, especially if Leonard Floyd gets cut in 2025.
In 2023, Nic Scourton emerged as an elite pass-rushing threat, amassing 10 sacks and 15 TFLs. This season, he already has 4.5 sacks and 11 TFLs through seven games.
Scourton will be just 20 years old on draft day, assuming he declares for the 2025 NFL Draft. He’s already a 6’4″, 280-pound powerhouse with strength, agility, and a working counter arsenal.
15) Los Angeles Chargers
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
This just makes too much sense. Defensive back is arguably the Los Angeles Chargers’ biggest need, as Asante Samuel Jr., Kristian Fulton, and Elijah Molden — all of whom have played at least 60% of Los Angeles’ defensive snaps this season — are on expiring contracts.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter coached Will Johnson at Michigan, and they all won a national title together last season. While everyone wanted to link Harbaugh and the Chargers to former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy during last year’s NFL Draft cycle, it didn’t make much sense with Justin Herbert under contract.
However, Johnson just happens to check every box: Yes, he’s Harbaugh’s former player, but he also fills the team’s biggest need and is arguably the best player available.
16) Dallas Cowboys
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
There wasn’t a single running back selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but Ashton Jeanty wasn’t in last year’s class.
Jeanty has the baseline vision, explosiveness, and physicality offensive coordinators covet in their ball carriers. His agility, lower-body flexibility, post-cut explosiveness, effortless contact balance, and spatial understanding and feel make him almost a one-of-one prospect.
Jeanty is a complete three-down volume back with the devastating creative ability to give defenses nightmares for years on end. Rico Dowdle has been fine this season, but Jeanty is the kind of playmaker who could elevate this offense into something scary.
17) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Chris Godwin is a pending free agent and just suffered a season-ending ankle injury, while Mike Evans will turn 32 years old before the start of next season. While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have 2024 third-round pick Jalen McMillan and 2023 sixth-round pick Trey Palmer, they seem more like secondary pieces.
MORE: Try PFN’s Free Mock Draft Simulator With Trades
Luther Burden III, on the other hand, projects as a legit WR1 who has been penciled in as an early first-round pick since his high school days. He has star potential thanks to his incredible instincts, explosiveness, agility, and contact balance. He is a terrific run-after-catch threat and a savvy separator.
Burden may go much earlier than this (in which case Tampa Bay probably prioritizes an EDGE), but if he’s available when the Bucs are on the clock, he could be a potential steal.
18) Philadelphia Eagles
James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
The Philadelphia Eagles might need to dip back into the pass-rushing market after signing Bryce Huff last offseason. Josh Sweat is a pending free agent, while franchise stalwart Brandon Graham plans to retire after the current campaign.
James Pearce Jr.‘s 10-sack, 14.5-TFL season in 2023 put him on the radar as a first-round talent, and he’s continuing to climb up draft boards.
At 6’5″, 242 pounds, Pearce is a bit underweight, but he has room to keep adding mass to his frame. Pearce’s first step is hyper-elite, which not only allows him to channel power with his length but also stress angles immediately off the snap.
19) Indianapolis Colts
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Last year, the Indianapolis Colts reportedly pursued Brock Bowers, but they weren’t able to land the stud tight end prospect. This year, perhaps they’ll zero in on Michigan’s Colston Loveland.
At around 6’5″, 246 pounds, Loveland is a lab-built natural separator at tight end. He has exceptional lean mass and length — traits that help him outmatch opponents physically. But what makes Loveland special is his otherworldly blend of explosiveness, short-area agility, fluidity, and bend.
Loveland has shown he can employ his mobility profile with ruthless efficiency and spatial IQ as a route runner. At just 20 years old, he has an extremely impressive route tree and full usage pallet. His tools also translate well in the RAC phase.
20) Seattle Seahawks
OG Tyler Booker, Alabama
The Seattle Seahawks’ interior offensive line remains a legitimate problem. Anthony Bradford has allowed the fifth-most pressures among guards with at least 200 pass-blocking snaps. Veteran center Connor Williams has been effective but is on a one-year contract.
Tyler Booker could be the latest stud offensive lineman to come out of Alabama. A five-star talent, the 6’5″, 352-pound Booker moves unnaturally well for his size. He’s explosive on the ground and couples that mobility with equally explosive extensions. Booker has second-level range but can also play square and anchor rushers in pass protection with suffocating strength.
21) Denver Broncos
Isaiah Bond, WR, Alabama
Let’s get Bo Nix some help! No Denver Broncos pass catcher is averaging more than 40 receiving yards per game through seven weeks. While Troy Franklin, Nix’s college teammate, could play a more significant role down the stretch of this year and into 2025, fellow WR Courtland Sutton will enter his age-30 campaign next season.
An elite field stretcher with natural ball-tracking, sharp separation, and corrective body control, the Texas WR is a proven deep threat. He has quickly established himself as one of the most elusive ball carriers in the 2025 NFL Draft and possesses some of the top change of direction and proactive explosive movement in this class.
Physically, Isaiah Bond has all the tools to be a stellar three-level threat in the modern game. His blend of explosiveness, speed, and flexibility is extremely conducive to route-running success, and those same mobility traits make him a RAC weapon defenses must respect.
22. Atlanta Falcons
EDGE, Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss
The Atlanta Falcons currently rank dead last in the NFL in sacks with just six. Also, Atlanta is 25th in pass-rush win rate and 20th in pressure rate (29.4%) when they don’t blitz.
In his fourth season at Florida, Princely Umanmielen posted a productive seven-sack, 11.5-TFL campaign in 2023. Now, after transferring to Ole Miss, he has recorded 3.5 sacks and six TFLs through six games this season.
At around 6’5″, 255 pounds, Umanmielen has impressive size and length, which he pairs with rare initial explosiveness and bend capacity, searing under the arc for sacks. If that’s not enough, he’s also an impressive run defender with his motor and flexibility.
23. Chicago Bears
Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M
Chicago traded for defensive end Darrell Taylor before the start of the season, pairing him with Montez Sweat to boost their poor edge rush. The results have improved, but Taylor is a free agent at season’s end. Even if the Chicago Bears re-sign him, finding another edge defender has to be high on GM Ryan Poles’ list of priorities.
Shemar Stewart is flying up draft boards as of late. The 6’6”, 290-pound former five-star recruit is having a breakout year and has had success from different alignments in 2024.
The hulking Texas A&M defensive lineman has displayed an intriguing and developing variety of pass-rush moves. Stewart continues to showcase his high upside with his incredible explosiveness and sheer power at his size.
24. Baltimore Ravens
Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona
Left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who’s stayed healthy and turned back the clock this year, is a pending free agent. Patrick Mekari will also hit the open market after seeing time at right tackle and left guard. Baltimore could re-sign one or both veterans, but the club will probably have to address its front five again.
At 6’6″, 330 pounds, Jonah Savaiinaea has similar proportions and efficient mass to last year’s No. 14 overall pick Taliese Fuaga. His explosiveness and freedom of motion on recovery stand out. Although his hand precision can be more consistent, the tools are all there to mold, and he has experience at both tackle and guard.
25. Buffalo Bills
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
While the Buffalo Bills recently acquired Amari Cooper from the Browns, it’s worth noting that Cooper is a free agent after this season. While Buffalo may re-sign Cooper, the Bills could still use another weapon for Josh Allen.
The Bills drafted Keon Coleman in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but they need a utility WR to take pressure off their youth. Emeka Egbuka fits that profile to a tee with his age-defying nuance, awareness, and three-level ability.
As an athlete, Egbuka is extremely explosive, fluid, and flexible, with more than enough vertical speed. He can sear and slice his way through zone coverage looks but also has the intentional movement, snappy suddenness, and spatial awareness to win against man coverage. With his high-end tools and ability to blend into many different roles, Egbuka seems like a lock for the first round — the question is, how early will he go?
26. Pittsburgh Steelers
Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
Russell Wilson turns 36 next month and Justin Fields’ play was up and down when he was under center to start the season. Also, it’s worth noting that neither quarterback is under contract beyond this season. Pittsburgh could decide to extend Wilson or Fields, but perhaps it’ll opt to find its QB of the future through the draft.
Entering this season, Carson Beck was being projected as a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft thanks to his 2023 stats (3,941 yards, 24 TDs, and six INTs). However, since Georgia lost to Alabama and Beck went 27-of-50 for 439 yards, three TDs, and three INTs, his draft stock has taken a hit.
However, he has shown high-level flashes of arm talent, anticipation, poise, and layering ability, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are getting him at a significant discount.
27. Minnesota Vikings
Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
The Minnesota Vikings might need to select a cornerback early in the 2025 NFL Draft, as defensive backs Stephon Gilmore, Byron Murphy Jr., and Shaquill Griffin are pending free agents. Not only would this pick fill a need, but it would also be a best-player-available selection.
Entering this season, Benjamin Morrison was projected to go much earlier, but his draft stock took a hit after he had season-ending hip surgery. At 6’0″, 185 pounds, Morrison functions as a gnat in coverage with his short-area quickness, closing speed, corrective twitch, and willing physicality. He’s a shutdown corner with a nose for the football.
28. Green Bay Packers
Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
With former first-round CB Eric Stokes struggling, the Green Bay Packers benched him while moving slot corner Keisean Nixon to the perimeter. While this arrangement might work for the rest of the season, Nixon belongs on the inside. Finding another boundary corner capable of playing opposite Jaire Alexander is a must for Green Bay GM Brian Gutekunst.
Shavon Revel Jr. came out of nowhere in 2023, totaling 13 pass deflections, 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and an interception. He got off to a strong start in 2024, recording two interceptions, a pick-six, two pass deflections, and a tackle for a loss in just three games. However, Revel suffered a torn ACL.
Still, he has likely shown enough to be a late first-rounder. At 6’2″, 188 pounds, and with swathing length, he’s an elite athlete with a jaw-dropping mix of explosiveness, short-area agility and twitch, swivel and hinge flexibility, and vertical speed. On top of his elite physical profile, Revel brings an unhinged competitive mindset that few CBs can match.
He flies around the field in support and makes WRs work tooth and nail for contested catches. Effort and desire are never issues for Revel. He projects as a true CB1 at the NFL level.
29. Washington Commanders
Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
The Washington Commanders have been one of the NFL’s pleasant surprises so far this season. For this team to take the next step, they’ll need to improve defensively. Hiring Dan Quinn over the offseason was a good start, but now they’ll need to use several picks on defenders. Washington probably needs to add two new outside corners so that second-round rookie Mike Sainristil can move back to the slot.
Denzel Burke is a slightly older prospect with an injury history, but he has the high-end tools, scheme and phase versatility, and playmaking ability to command Round 1 capital. At 6’1″, 193 pounds, with elite explosive athleticism and a near-elite blend of speed, fluidity, and twitch, Burke passes the eye test with flying colors, and he’s also a former WR with certifiable ball skills.
30. Houston Texans
Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
The Houston Texans papered over their DT need by bringing in veterans like Denico Autry, Folorunso Fatukasi, and Tim Settle on short, modest deals. Autry will still be under contract in 2025, but Houston’s interior defensive line is ripe for improvement. Next year’s free agent DT class is weak, so it makes sense for the Texans to address the position through the draft.
At 6’6” and 345 pounds, Deone Walker has unnatural athletic ability and unrivaled upside as a pass rusher. With a basketball background, the mammoth Kentucky Wildcats DT has impressive mobility, strong pass-rush moves, and overbearing strength to collapse the pocket in the passing game and fill gaps as a run defender.
He posted 7.5 sacks and 13 TFLs in 2023, but he’s recorded just a .5 sack and three TFLs through seven games this season. Still, he has a ton of potential given his rare combination of traits.
31. Detroit Lions
Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
Aidan Hutchinson was leading the NFL in sacks and pressure rate when he fractured his tibia and fibula in Week 6. While he could return for the Super Bowl and will be ready for the 2025 campaign, the Detroit Lions have to add more help around the former No. 2 overall pick.
Marcus Davenport, whom the Lions signed to a one-year deal in March, suffered a season-ending triceps injury in Week 3. Levi Onwuzurike has split time between DT and DE to account for Hutchinson’s absence, but he’s also a pending free agent.
Dani Dennis-Sutton flashed in 2023, putting up 3.5 sacks and six TFLs while playing behind top-100 picks Robinson and Adisa Isaac. This season, he moved into a full-time role and has two sacks, four TFLs, and three pass deflections through six games. The 6’5″, 270-pound EDGE has explosive athleticism, bend, and power, and Penn State may produce two first-round EDGEs in 2025 in Carter and Dennis-Sutton.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Tacario Davis, CB, Arizona
Kansas City doesn’t believe in paying up for cornerback talent, instead trusting defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to develop defensive back prospects. A year removed from trading L’Jarius Sneed to the Titans, the Kansas City Chiefs might prioritize CB in the draft.
At 6’4″, 195 pounds, Tacario Davis is an extremely rare prototype for the CB position. Not only does he have overwhelming size and length, but he moves extremely well at that size, with the explosiveness, speed, smooth flexibility, and short-area quickness to match at the line.
In man coverage, Davis has enough short-area quickness and fluidity to match, and he can proactively use his length to jam and redirect receivers while using his speed to recover. In zone, he’s a formidable force with his throttle freedom, spatial awareness, processing ability, and swarming ball skills.
Top 5 Quarterbacks in the NFL Draft
5) Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
No QB prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft has more fanfare than Shedeur Sanders. That’s what comes with being not only a premier 2023 transfer signing but also the son of former Hall of Fame cornerback and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders.
The Buffaloes didn’t meet expectations after a hot start in 2023, but Shedeur did his job and did it well despite having very little help from his offensive line. Over 12 games, Sanders completed 298 of 430 passes for 3,230 yards, 27 TDs, and just three INTs.
Early on in the 2024 season, it appears as if the storyline will be more of the same. Colorado has been up and down early on, but Sanders remains one of the team’s best components on the offensive side of the ball.
As a player, Sanders has drawn comparisons to Seattle Seahawks Pro Bowl QB Geno Smith with his smooth mobility, crisp accuracy and touch, and easy arm talent. But a lack of clean pockets continues to make Sanders skittish, and off the field, his leadership style has drawn ire.
There’s still time for Sanders to correct his flaws and right the ship. And with his arm and accuracy, he does have early-round upside. However, there’s still work to do before Sanders’ stock matches his prestige.
4) Quinn Ewers, Texas
Quinn Ewers‘ arc has been one for the ages. Five-star recruit. Top talent in the nation out of high school. Celebrated signing of the Ohio State Buckeyes — famed developer of NFL talent.
And then the prized transfer addition of the Texas Longhorns.
From the very start, Ewers has been one of the biggest names in college football. But all through the 2023 campaign, he carried a Day 3 grade on my board. The talent was undeniable, but there was still a lack of discipline, both with mechanics in timing.
Quinn Ewers and @TexasFootball are putting on a CLINIC in Michigan 🔥pic.twitter.com/dxp86eCoSJ
— College Football Network (@CFN365) September 7, 2024
It’s still early in the 2024 campaign, but Ewers might have changed his game for the better. His stellar showing against an elite Michigan defense displayed a different version of Ewers, one who channeled his elite arm elasticity and off-platform ability with previously unseen control and maturity.
Ewers isn’t quite an elite athlete or creator, but if he can remain consistent operationally, he has the uncommon arm talent to elevate his stock and ascend into the early rounds.
Another College Football Playoff run would only magnify the momentum.
3) Drew Allar, Penn State
Drew Allar doesn’t yet grade out as a first-round prospect, but he’s one of the young quarterbacks most primed to rise with another good season.
As a true sophomore in 2023, Allar threw for 2,631 yards, 25 touchdowns, and just two picks. Thus far, in the 2024 campaign, he’s remained productive while his efficiency metrics have improved.
At 6’5″, 241 pounds, Allar — a former five-star recruit — has arm talent to the max, and he can drive passes with eye-popping velocity with minimal strain. To that end, Allar can also work off-platform and use his arm elasticity to widen throwing windows.
Allar can still be more consistent with his accuracy and precision, but already in 2024, he’s shown off a greater propensity to use touch and situational precision on his throws. If he keeps climbing, he can enter the first-round discussion.
2) Cam Ward, Miami (FL)
Cam Ward started the 2023 season on a four-game heater for Washington State. Over that stretch, he threw for 1,394 yards, 13 touchdowns, and zero interceptions. But his output dropped over the season’s remaining eight games, tossing just 12 TDs to seven interceptions.
When he’s on, Ward has the elite arm talent to make throws that no other quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft can make. He also has the change-of-direction ability at 6’2″ and 223 pounds to be a stellar creative presence.
Maturing and putting it all together is the key for Ward. And the returns have been very promising at Miami. He’s been immaculate to start the season, and one could argue he’s been the best QB in the nation so far in 2024.
This season, Ward has matched his high-level passing talent and creation capacity with a newfound sense of timing, discipline, and authority as a field general. If he can keep this up, Round 1 capital is within reach.
1) Carson Beck, Georgia
Right now, Carson Beck is safely the present QB1 in the 2025 NFL Draft. Looking at how he already operates in the pocket after one full year as a starter, it’s hard to turn away from Beck’s potential.
Even though the Bulldogs missed the College Football Playoff last year after a heartbreaking SEC Championship loss to Alabama, Beck was a central force for the team’s success, completing 302 of 417 attempts (72.4%) for 3,941 yards, 24 TDs, and six INTs.
At around 6’4″ and 215 pounds, Beck is a lean, nimble pocket operator. He’s incredibly poised under pressure, adept at scanning the field, and has the laser-like velocity and layering ability to fit the ball into incredibly tight windows.
He’s not the same athlete, but some aspects of Beck’s physical profile as a passer are reminiscent of Trevor Lawrence.
If he can make his high-level flashes of anticipation a regularity, Beck has the potential to lock down the No. 1 overall pick in a similar fashion.