The 2025 NFL Draft is right around the corner. Over the last few months, we've seen practically every possible outcome discussed in various mock drafts and insider reports. Still, the real excitement and unpredictability will unfold once the teams are on the clock and the heat is on.

After consulting some of the most informed reporters and team analysts and considering the current talent in this draft class and the status of team rosters, we've pinpointed five bold predictions for the 2025 NFL Draft. While none of these are guaranteed, they fall within a plausible range of possibilities if the right situations arise.

With no first-round picks being traded as the hours tick down to Roger Goodell's announcement, we're on the verge of the most thrilling part of the season. Which bold prediction will happen, and which would create the biggest stir in the league?

Jacksonville Goes Tetairoa McMillan

The Jacksonville Jaguars have often been linked to Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, but what if Liam Coen intends to fully commit to enhancing Trevor Lawrence's supporting cast? 

The Jaguars have made strategic moves by signing six free agents to address critical needs, yet they have not improved a defensive tackle group that is notably young and underwhelming. This could indicate confidence in the development of current players or a plan to use a top 40 pick on a tackle.

Selecting a tackle at No. 5 isn’t essential if Coen perceives offensive playmaking as a significant concern, which he realistically should. Apart from Brian Thomas Jr., there aren’t many game-changing weapons for him to utilize. Players like Travis Etienne Jr., Tank Bigsby, Parker Washington, and Dyami Brown have yet to establish themselves as cornerstone talents.

ESPN's Adam Schefter mentioned the possibility of Jacksonville opting for either Tetrairoa McMillan or Ashton Jeanty, and both options make sense logically. New general manager James Gladstone has articulated how this management views the current roster and believes it can significantly improve from its dismal 4-13 record. If that’s the case, then investing a high pick in a running back may not be unreasonable.

I predict that the Jaguars will select McMillan at No. 5. While they have solid role players alongside Thomas, Lawrence performs best with larger-bodied targets who can generate yardage after the catch. McMillan offers the size but has a distinct playing style compared to Thomas, and Coen has seen success with similar receivers during his time with the Rams and Buccaneers.

A Big First Round Trade Incoming

This draft class isn't too shabby, but it shares some similarities with the 2013 NFL Draft. Back then, the Miami Dolphins traded their No. 12 and No. 42 picks to the Raiders in exchange for the No. 3 spot, which, by traditional standards, didn't seem like a high price to pay for a jump up. 

As the 2025 first round unfolds, expect a franchise to consider moving down from the teens to Day 2 for a trade that might typically surprise us.

The strength of this class lies in its Day 2 talent, so teams lacking several top-100 picks are likely to accept offers that provide them with more opportunities. Look at a team like Atlanta, which has five picks, or Minnesota with four; both could significantly address their positional needs with a smart trade-down. Instead of needing a first-round pick for 2026, multiple Day 2 selections might be sufficient.

While the public might not favor this approach compared to historical norms, the talent discrepancy in this class is minimal. As such, teams will primarily look to maneuver for quarterbacks or specific fits. Cleveland, Chicago, San Francisco, and Seattle are well-equipped with early Day 2 picks that could facilitate a significant trade-up.

On the flip side, could Atlanta trade their No. 15 pick to Chicago, allowing the Bears to come out of Round 1 with a top defensive tackle and a running back? If teams set realistic trade expectations, the potential for exciting moves is there.

No Ohio State First Rounders

There’s a strong possibility that Ohio State could match Georgia’s record for the most players from a single program drafted in one year (15). However, achieving this without any players being picked in the first round is a scenario that could unfold. If offensive tackles Josh Simmons and Donovan Jackson don’t hear their names called, the focus would shift to either Egbuka or TreVeyon Henderson.

Considering the prediction that only two wide receivers might be drafted in the first round, Egbuka seems unlikely to be selected. Is it feasible that we could witness a third running back being chosen in the first round? Denver and Kansas City are the teams most frequently associated with Henderson, and the Bills might also be in the mix if they’re not planning to extend James Cook’s contract.

Simmons is projected to be a top 15 pick, but his recovery from a torn ACL complicates his situation. If he isn’t ready to play until October—about a year post-injury—teams may hesitate to see him as an immediate impact player. While Simmons could be the best pure left tackle in this draft class, losing a year of his rookie contract is a significant factor that can’t be ignored.

It’s hard to imagine such a talented team going without a first-round pick, yet the Buckeyes don’t have as many standout prospects in high-demand positions compared to what is typically expected from champion teams.

Jalen Milroe Is The Rising QB

The main topic of conversation regarding the 2025 quarterback class has centered on where Colorado's Shedeur Sanders might end up. However, the competing narratives of Jaxson Dart and Jalen Milroe are equally captivating. 

There is no clear agreement on who should be ranked as the QB2 in this class, as different teams have varied preferences based on their specific situations. Dart has received considerable attention from sports analysts.

Yet, an unexpected twist may be on the horizon. With Cameron Ward rising as the top quarterback due to his impressive physical traits, one has to wonder why Milroe can't do the same. Although Milroe may not be as efficient a passer as Ward, his arm strength is exceptional, and he stands out as the best runner in this class.

Teams with a solid offensive framework should definitely consider Milroe. The potential upside of selecting him could radically transform a franchise, especially since Dart and even Sanders lack the physical tools to serve as a true offensive catalyst. Both can certainly become strong, Pro Bowl-caliber talents, but Milroe has the ability to disrupt defenses.

Regardless of whether Sanders is drafted earlier or later than anticipated, we predict boldly that Milroe will attract the interest of either Cleveland or one of the New York teams as the draft progresses. Both coaching staffs have experience with developing versatile athletes who require tailored coaching, making Milroe a compelling choice that each organization can rationalize.

Wide Receivers See Stock Slide

If McMillan is selected within the top 10 picks, it could significantly enhance the prospects of the entire receiver class, causing a ripple effect upward. Teams like Dallas, Las Vegas, Arizona, Seattle, the Los Angeles Chargers, and several others at the end of Round 1 have varying degrees of need for receiving help. 

Matthew Golden has recently gained traction as a potential top receiver in the class, but the draft market appears to be stabilizing as the event approaches. McMillan's unique talent places him in a prime position to be picked first.

That said, Golden, Emeka Egbuka, and Luther Burden also possess first-round potential. So, what’s holding them back from consistently being projected in the first round? Essentially, it reflects the current trend in the NFL, where their skills may not outweigh the talent available on the defensive and offensive lines.

The direction set by the latest Super Bowl champions influences trends across the league, and Philadelphia has prioritized strengthening its trenches more than any other team. Though their receiving corps is strong, it all began in the interior. I foresee only McMillan and Golden being selected in Round 1, while Egbuka and Burden will likely drop to Round 2.