Mel Kiper's 2025 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round Predictions and QB Landing Spots

Mel Kiper Jr. unveils his first mock draft for the 2025 NFL class, projecting the opening 32 picks. Quarterbacks, defensive prospects, and playmakers headline the first round.

Mel Kiper's 2025 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round Predictions and QB Landing Spots

Mel Kiper Jr. has released his first mock draft for the 2025 NFL class, and there are some interesting developments. Quarterbacks are always a hot topic in the draft, and this year is no different. While there isn't a clear-cut top quarterback prospect like we saw in 2024, there are still a few passers who could go early in Round 1. One of the most intriguing quarterback prospects is Shedeur Sanders of Colorado. Sanders is a dual-threat quarterback who has a strong arm and can make plays with his legs. He completed 74% of his throws this season and could step in right away and lift the entire offense. The Giants, who have the No. 3 overall pick, are in a prime position to land Sanders. But they might not be the only team interested in him. The Titans, who have the No. 1 overall pick, are also considering Sanders. And if the Titans don't take him, there's a good chance he could fall to the Giants at No. 3. Another quarterback who could go early in Round 1 is Cam Ward of Miami. Ward is a creative quarterback who can extend plays with his mobility and strong arm. He led the nation with 39 touchdown passes this season and has the early top-pick buzz around the league. The Titans are likely to listen to trade offers for the No. 1 pick, but if they don't, Ward could be the guy they take. In addition to quarterbacks, there are plenty of talented prospects at other positions. One of the best wide receivers in the draft is Travis Hunter of Colorado. Hunter is a versatile receiver who can line up at both receiver and cornerback. He had 15 touchdown catches and four interceptions this season and would be a valuable addition to any team. The Browns, who have the No. 2 overall pick, are in need of a quarterback, but they could also address another hole here and find QB reinforcements in free agency and/or later in the draft. The defensive line is also a strength of this draft class, with several prospects who could go in the first round. One of the best defensive tackles in the draft is Mason Graham of Michigan. Graham is a powerful interior lineman who can win with his technique and leverage. He had 6.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss this season and would be a great fit for the Jaguars, who have the No. 5 overall pick. The linebacker position is also deep in this draft class, with several prospects who could go in the first round. One of the best linebackers in the draft is Jalon Walker of Georgia. Walker is a versatile linebacker who can line up as a traditional off-ball linebacker or edge rusher. He had 6.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss this season and would be a great fit for the Panthers, who have the No. 7 overall pick. The safety position is also deep in this draft class, with several prospects who could go in the first round. One of the best safeties in the draft is Malaki Starks of Georgia. Starks is a physical safety who can play in the box and also line up over the slot. He had 67 tackles this season and would be a great fit for the Dolphins, who have the No. 13 overall pick. The cornerback position is also deep in this draft class, with several prospects who could go in the first round. One of the best cornerbacks in the draft is Will Johnson of Michigan. Johnson is a physical cornerback who can play press coverage and also has the quickness to make plays on the ball. He had nine interceptions this season and would be a great fit for the Saints, who have the No. 10 overall pick. The offensive line is also a strength of this draft class, with several prospects who could go in the first round. One of the best offensive tackles in the draft is Kelvin Banks Jr. of Texas. Banks is a massive offensive tackle who has the size and strength to protect the quarterback's blind side. He allowed only three sacks over his college career and would be a great fit for the 49ers, who have the No. 11 overall pick. The running back position is also deep in this draft class, with several prospects who could go in the first round. One of the best running backs in the draft is Ashton Jeanty of Boise State. Jeanty is a powerful running back who can break tackles and also has the speed to get to the outside. He piled up 2,601 rushing yards and 29 rushing scores this season and would be a great fit for the Broncos, who have the No. 20 overall pick. The tight end position is also deep in this draft class, with several prospects who could go in the first round. One of the best tight ends in the draft is Colston Loveland of Michigan. Loveland is a big, physical tight end who can stretch the field and also block in the run game. He had 56 catches, 582 yards and 5 TDs this season and would be a great fit for the Chargers, who have the No. 22 overall pick. The wide receiver position is also deep in this draft class, with several prospects who could go in the first round. One of the best wide receivers in the draft is Emeka Egbuka of Ohio State. Egbuka is a speedy wide receiver who can get separation from defenders and also has the hands to make contested catches. He caught six passes for 64 yards in Monday's national championship win and would be a great fit for the Steelers, who have the No. 21 overall pick.

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