2025 NFL Draft Predictions: Teams Eye Top Prospects

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — With the NFL Scouting Combine set to begin on February 27, NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah has released his second mock draft for the 2025 NFL Draft. As teams gear up for the event, the forecast includes insights on potential trades and the impact of the combine on prospects.

Jeremiah highlights that the Tennessee Titans, holding the first overall pick, are likely to target what he describes as a “generational talent” in Penn State’s edge rusher Abdul Carter. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound Carter dominated the 2024 season, recording 12 sacks and a NCAA-best 23.5 tackles for loss.

“The Titans have their share of holes to fill and decide to take the best player available in this year’s class,” Jeremiah stated. “They choose to find their QB of the future in next year’s draft.” This suggests a strategic pause for the quarterback position, with the Titans expected to focus on bolstering their roster this season.

The Cleveland Browns, positioned at the second pick, are projected to select University of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, amid uncertainty surrounding current QB Deshaun Watson. Already the crown jewel of the 2025 QB class, Sanders led the FBS with a 74.0 completion percentage last season.

“The Browns could look to grab other talents, but they need to usher in a new era at quarterback,” Jeremiah noted.

Jeremiah also predicts the New York Giants will pick Colorado’s two-way player, Travis Hunter, at the third spot. This decision comes after the Giants allowed star running back Saquon Barkley to leave in free agency last year.

“The Giants do their best to make up for letting Barkley walk by adding a dynamic two-way player in Hunter,” Jeremiah explained.

The New England Patriots, projected to take LSU‘s offensive tackle Will Campbell at fourth, are looking to enhance their protection for last year’s third overall pick. Jeremiah labeled Campbell as the most pro-ready lineman, having allowed only two sacks in 524 pass-block snaps.

However, the most notable surprise in Jeremiah’s mock is the potential rise of running backs in the draft. He forecasts three running backs selected in the first round, following a season that showcased significant talent at the position. This includes the likes of Boise State‘s Ashton Jeanty, North Carolina‘s Omarion Hampton, and Ohio State‘s TreVeyon Henderson.

Henderson, described as a dynamic playmaker, had strong numbers despite sharing backfield duties in 2024. His ability to contribute in various offensive roles positions him as a valuable asset for teams looking to enhance their running game.

As the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine approaches, Jeremiah emphasizes that team strategies will evolve based on the players’ performances in Indianapolis. This is a crucial period for assessing talent as teams prepare for free agency and finalize their draft strategies ahead of the NFL Draft set for April 24.