2025 NFL Draft predictions
Photo courtesy of Scott T / Wikimedia Commons
The National Football League (NFL) draft is upon us, and that means it is time for the brightest young stars from the college football world to take the next step in their careers as they embark on their NFL journey. The 2025 NFL Draft has an incredible pool of talented players, many of whom have great chances of shaking up the football landscape.
Whether it be the cool, calm, and collected Cameron “Cam” Ward, who is coming off a brilliant season at Miami or pass rush savant Abdul Carter, who has driven comparisons to some of the elite sack artists in the NFL, there is sure to be some big talent introduced to the league.
You also cannot resist mentioning Travis Hunter, who plays two positions and might just be the most electrifying prospect in the sport’s history. Considering the excess of talent, I thought predicting the first five picks of this momentous edition of the NFL draft would be fun.
Number One Overall Pick: Tennessee Titans - Cam Ward
Unless the Titans trade their pick, I would find it hard for them to ignore selecting the immense talent that is Cam Ward. First and foremost, Ward brings experience and maturity, having had a four-year college career and appeared in almost 40 games in the collegiate ranks. Ward’s strongest attribute is undoubtedly his cannon of an arm; he can throw from a variety of arm angles and can launch the ball more than 70 yards downfield.
The Miami quarterback can also extend plays and improvise on the spot. This allowed him to produce some genuinely magnificent touchdown passes that wowed college football fans all year round. The Titans are desperate to secure their franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future, and Cam Ward fits that description to a tee.
Number Two Overall Pick: Cleveland Browns - Abdul Carter
The Browns might be the biggest wildcard in this entire draft, as it seems no one truly knows what this dysfunctional franchise will do in this year's draft. Cleveland, however, might just have tipped their hand with their recent acquisition of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. It seems the Browns might pass on the many touted quarterback talents and instead add to their already feared defensive front.
The selection of Abdul Carter, who has stunning physicality and an explosive first step, which has elevated him to the very top of the draft boards, seems like a logical next step. The Penn State pass rusher would join defensive end Myles Garrett on Cleveland’s defensive line and could potentially form one of the most tenacious pass rush duos in the entire league.
Number Three Overall Pick: New York Giants - Travis Hunter
In recent years, New York fans have not been entirely pleased with the draft selections from General Manager Joe Schoen. Nonetheless, it would likely be hard to find anyone displeased with Schoen if he decided to pull the trigger on Hunter’s transcendent talent. The dual-threat superstar who wowed at cornerback and receiver for the Colorado Buffaloes is a once-in-a-lifetime prospect.
No matter if the Giants decided to play him at cornerback, receiver, or both simultaneously, he would undoubtedly be a significant addition to an organization that desperately needs a transcendent player to lead their team out of the basement of the NFL.
Number Four Overall Pick: New England Patriots - Will Campbell
The Patriots have made many moves this offseason, drastically improving their roster with their surplus of cap space. Their offensive line, which was among the worst in the NFL last season, still has room for improvement, and drafting Campbell would be the first step in that endeavor.
Campbell’s massive 6-foot-6, 324-pound frame makes him a described option and left tackle. Much has been said about Campbell’s lack of length, but statistics do not lie. The former Louisiana State University Tiger only gave up three sacks during his entire collegiate career, which spanned over three seasons.
Number Five Overall Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars - Mason Graham
The Jaguars are right in the thick of a rebuild and have spent time retooling their roster under newly appointed General Manager James Gladstone. Defensive tackle Mason Graham seems to have all the tools and intangibles of a future NFL superstar.
Even at 6-feet-3-inches and 306 pounds, Graham has great agility and fluidity in his movement. He had a storied career at Michigan, which saw him record over nine sacks and 107 tackles in 39 career games. The Jaguars would be getting a stud who could be integral to their future core of players.
The 2025 NFL Draft has the potential to be one of the most captivating renditions of the draft in recent memory. This draft seems to have an incredible amount of potential generational talents that could completely change the direction of whatever teams they are drafted by.
That makes this draft so ambiguous: There is a superfluity of gifted players to select. We could soon be looking back at this draft as one of the most impactful and memorable in the league’s history.