Quick Read
- Cam Ward projected as the No. 1 overall pick to the Tennessee Titans.
- Will Johnson, despite injury concerns, lands with the Green Bay Packers at No. 23.
- Travis Hunter expected to go No. 2 overall to the Cleveland Browns.
- Shedeur Sanders surprisingly falls out of the first round in some mock drafts.
- Alabama’s streak of first-round picks likely to continue with Jihaad Campbell and Tyler Booker.
Cam Ward Leads the 2025 NFL Draft Projections
The 2025 NFL Draft is set to begin on Thursday night at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and mock drafts are already creating buzz. Among the most notable predictions is Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward being selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Tennessee Titans. Ward’s athleticism and leadership qualities have made him a standout prospect, and the Titans are reportedly looking to secure their quarterback of the future.
Will Johnson: A First-Round Wild Card
One of the most intriguing storylines involves Michigan cornerback Will Johnson. Despite being ranked No. 12 on the consensus big board, Johnson is projected to slide to the Green Bay Packers at No. 23 due to injury concerns and the lack of pre-draft testing metrics. Johnson missed seven games in 2024 due to shoulder and toe injuries but still managed to record two interceptions in six games. His scouting report highlights his strong coverage IQ and physicality, though his speed and tackling mechanics have been questioned.
According to Dane Brugler of The Athletic, “Johnson is a true wild card in Round 1. The concerns about his speed are there, and his medicals also could cause him to fall to Green Bay (or further).” If healthy, Johnson could have been a top-10 pick, but his fall could benefit the cornerback-needy Packers, especially with Jaire Alexander’s uncertain future.
Travis Hunter: A Two-Way Star
Travis Hunter, the Heisman Trophy-winning wide receiver and cornerback from Colorado, is widely expected to go No. 2 overall to the Cleveland Browns. Hunter’s versatility and elite playmaking abilities have made him one of the most sought-after prospects in the draft. Browns General Manager Andrew Berry has indicated that Hunter would primarily play as a wide receiver to start his NFL career, a move that could significantly bolster Cleveland’s offensive capabilities.
Hunter’s college career was nothing short of historic, as he excelled on both sides of the ball. His unique skill set has drawn comparisons to some of the NFL’s all-time greats, and he is expected to make an immediate impact at the professional level.
Shedeur Sanders: A Surprising Fall
One of the most surprising developments in the mock drafts is Shedeur Sanders, Colorado’s star quarterback and son of Deion Sanders, falling out of the first round in some projections. Despite setting multiple records at Colorado and being one of college football’s most prolific passers, Sanders’ draft stock appears to be slipping. Some analysts attribute this to the depth of the quarterback class and concerns about his fit with certain NFL teams.
While Sanders has been linked to teams like the New York Giants in earlier projections, his absence from the first round could shake up the draft landscape. However, his talent and pedigree make him a strong candidate to be selected early in the second round.
Alabama’s Draft Streak Continues
Alabama is poised to extend its streak of consecutive drafts with at least one first-round pick to 17 years. Linebacker Jihaad Campbell and guard Tyler Booker are among the Crimson Tide players projected to be selected in the first round. This would maintain Alabama’s reputation as a powerhouse for producing NFL talent.
However, the 2025 draft class is expected to be smaller for Alabama compared to previous years, partly due to several players opting to remain in school. This sets the stage for a potentially record-breaking 2026 draft class for the Crimson Tide.
Other Notable Picks and Storylines
Beyond the top picks, the 2025 NFL Draft features several intriguing storylines:
- The New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to make bold moves, with the Saints targeting defensive talent and the Steelers focusing on offensive needs.
- Colorado’s Jimmy Horn Jr. is projected to be a late-round pick, adding to the Buffaloes’ representation in the draft.
- Teams like the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns are under pressure to make franchise-defining decisions, particularly at quarterback and wide receiver positions.
As the draft unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these predictions play out and which teams come out as winners.