NFL Draft
4/23/25
8 min read
2025 NFL Draft: Bold Predictions Ahead of the First Round
The 2025 NFL Draft is almost here. Nearly every scenario has been explored in the gamut of mock drafts and insider reporting that has taken place during the last few months. However, that doesn't mean we're prepared for the chaos that will come once teams are on the clock and the pressure sets in.
After scouring the most knowledgeable reporters, team beats, and doing some common-sense accounting for where the talent is in this class and where rosters stand, we've identified five bold predictions for the 2025 NFL Draft. None of these are promised, of course, but they're within a realistic realm of possibilities if opportunities present themselves.
With zero first-round picks being traded as hours are counting down to Roger Goodell's welcome to the evening, the best of the season is almost here. Which bold prediction will come true, and which would shake up the league the most?
5 Bold 2025 NFL Draft Predictions
Jacksonville Grabs an Elite Offensive Playmaker at 5
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been presumed to be the destination of Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, but what if Liam Coen has plans to go all-in around Trevor Lawrence?
The Jaguars strategically signed six free agents who would fill gaps in positions of need but didn't touch a woefully young and mediocre defensive tackle room. They're either more confident in internal development or will spend a top-40 pick on a tackle.
Forcing one at No. 5 isn't necessary if Coen views his offensive playmaking as an issue. To be fair, he should. Outside of Brian Thomas Jr., there's not a feared weapon for him to build around. Travis Etienne Jr., Tank Bigsby, Parker Washington, and Dyami Brown haven't proven to be foundational pieces.
ESPN's Adam Schefter floated the possibility of Jacksonville going with either Tetrairoa McMillan or Ashton Jeanty, and both check out from a reasoning standpoint. New general manager James Gladstone spoke about how this regime views this roster, and they see it as a team ready to be much better than its 4-13 record. If that's true, then spending a premium pick on a running back isn't so crazy.
My prediction is that the Jaguars will take McMillan at No. 5. The Jaguars have nice role players next to Thomas, but Lawrence has thrived with bigger-bodied targets who can create after the catch. McMillan has the size but a different play style from Thomas, and Coen has excelled with similar receivers with the Rams and Buccaneers.
A Team Trades Out of the First Round for Peanuts
This isn't a bad draft class, but there are similarities with the 2013 NFL Draft. That year, the Miami Dolphins traded the No. 12 and 42 overall picks to the Raiders for No. 3. In terms of traditional value, that was nothing to move up. As the 2025 first round plays out, a franchise will be willing to move out from the teens into Day 2 for what we'd normally be shocked to see.
The depth of this class is on Day 2, so teams lacking multiple top-100 opportunities will take an offer that gives them more chances. Consider a team like Atlanta, which has five picks, or Minnesota, which has four picks, and think of how they could overhaul their positional needs with one good trade-down. Instead of requiring a 2026 first-round pick, multiple Day 2 picks will be enough.
The public won't love that compared to historical comparisons. However, the talent gap in this class is minuscule, so teams will only maneuver for quarterbacks or specific team fits. Cleveland, Chicago, San Francisco, and Seattle are heavily armed with early Day 2 picks that could be used to make a big deal up.
Conversely, would Atlanta move No. 15 to Chicago so the Bears could walk out of Round 1 with a top defensive tackle and a running back? The possibilities get exciting if teams have realistic trade expectations.
Jalen Milroe Becomes the Third QB Drafted
The primary question around the 2025 quarterback class has revolved around where Colorado's Shedeur Sanders will land, but the subplot surrounding Jaxson Dart and Jalen Milroe is just as interesting. There's no consensus as to which one is the actual QB2 in the class, and the preferred flavor of quarterback varies by team and situation. Dart has seen the most love from reporters.
However, a curveball may be coming. With Cameron Ward emerging as the top quarterback in the class because of his physical traits, why wouldn't Milroe do the same? Milroe isn't the efficient passer Ward can be, but his arm talent is tremendous, and he's easily the best runner in the class.
Teams with a stable and quality offensive situation should be all over Milroe. The upside of hitting on Milroe can completely change a franchise, whereas Dart and even Sanders, to an extent, don't have the physical capabilities to be an offensive engine. Both can be very good, Pro Bowl-level talents, but Milroe can break defenses.
Whether Sanders goes earlier than expected or later, our bold prediction is that Milroe will be the target for Cleveland or one of the New York franchises as Thursday night progresses. Both staffs have experience working with moldable athletes who need specialty catering, and Milroe is a huge swing each regime can justify taking.
Wide Receivers Slide Into Day 2
If McMillan goes in the top 10 picks, then the entire receiving class could massively benefit by shifting upward. Dallas, Las Vegas, Arizona, Seattle, Los Angeles Chargers, and a few teams in the latter part of Round 1 have at least some level of need for help there. Matthew Golden received a late push to be the top receiver in the class, but the market seems to be self-correcting closer to the draft. McMillan is a unique talent and, therefore, should be selected first.
However, Golden, Emeka Egbuka, and Luther Burden are borderline first-round-quality, too. So why have they not consistently been projected in the first round? The answer is that's where the NFL is trending, and their talent isn't better than the depth along the defensive line or offensive line.
The league sways the direction of the most recent Super Bowl champion, and Philadelphia has invested in its trenches more than anyone. Their receiving room is also stacked, but it all started on the interior. I predict only McMillan and Golden hear their names in Round 1, with Egbuka and Burden sliding into Round 2.
Ohio State Gets Shut Out After Winning National Championship
There's a good chance Ohio State ties Georgia's record for most players from one program selected in a single draft (15). However, pulling this off without hearing a player called in Round 1 seems in play. If offensive tackles Josh Simmons and Donovan Jackson aren't selected, then the Buckeyes would be down to either Egbuka or TreVeyon Henderson.
Working in tandem with the prediction that only two receivers come off the board in the first, Egbuka is ruled out. Could we possibly see a third first-round running back? Denver and Kansas City have been the most heavily linked to Henderson, and the Bills could be an option if extending James Cook isn't on their to-do list.
Simmons should be a top 15 pick, but coming off a torn ACL throws a wrench in his valuation. If he's not set to play until October, which would be about a year removed from his injury, then teams will be hard-pressed to believe he's an instant impact guy. Simmons could be the best pure left tackle in the class, but losing a year of his rookie contract isn't something that can be overlooked or undervalued.
It seems unfathomable that such a talented team might get shut out in the first round, but the Buckeyes don't have a bevy of clean prospects at high-value positions compared to what most champions produce.
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