2025 NFL Mock Draft: Giants Skip QB, Shedeur Sanders Falls Out of Top 5

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The 2025 NFL Draft, set for April 24-26 at Lambeau Field, is shaping up to be a defensive lineman-heavy event, with early projections highlighting a deep class of pass-rushers and interior defenders. In a surprising twist, the New York Giants passed on selecting a quarterback in the first round, while Colorado‘s Shedeur Sanders fell out of the top five picks.

The draft order, based on current standings, sees Miami (FL) quarterback Cam Ward as the top pick, heading to the Tennessee Titans. Ward, a 6-foot-2, 223-pound senior, has emerged as the most intriguing quarterback prospect due to his high-end tools and consistent improvement. “Cam Ward’s ability to create on his own makes him a standout,” said NFL analyst Ryan Wilson.

At No. 2, the Cleveland Browns are projected to select Penn State edge-rusher Abdul Carter. Carter, a 6-foot-3, 252-pound junior, finished the season strong, racking up 44 pressures in his final nine games. “Pairing Carter with Myles Garrett would be a nightmare for opposing offenses,” Wilson added.

The Giants, holding the No. 3 pick, opted for Colorado’s Travis Hunter, a versatile athlete who excels at both wide receiver and cornerback. Hunter, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound junior, played nearly every snap for the Buffaloes, showcasing his unique two-way potential. “Hunter’s ability to play both sides of the ball is unprecedented,” said former general manager Rick Spielman.

Shedeur Sanders, the highly touted Colorado quarterback, fell to the No. 6 pick, where the Las Vegas Raiders are projected to select him. Sanders, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound senior, threw for 4,134 yards and 41 touchdowns in 2024 but faced questions about his draft stock. “Some NFL teams may not see Sanders as a top-tier prospect,” Wilson noted.

Other notable picks include Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham at No. 5 to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. at No. 7 to the New York Jets. The draft’s defensive depth was further highlighted by Georgia edge-rusher Mykel Williams (No. 9 to the New Orleans Saints) and Michigan cornerback Will Johnson (No. 14 to the Indianapolis Colts).

For more in-depth analysis, fans can tune into the “With the First Pick” podcast, featuring Wilson and Spielman, available on all major podcast platforms.