The 2025 NFL Draft is nearing, and much has become clearer since when the offseason started. Despite that, we've seen a lot of the same players being mocked to the same destinations. This has prompted us to make some bold predictions for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Expectations are what make the draft such a fun event. We know a little but start to get overconfident in projecting draft slots and fits. The reality can be far from our perceptions, and that's when big names fall and sleepers rise.

Here are six bold predictions based on me buying or selling mock draft tendencies from around the web.

Bold 2025 NFL Draft Predictions

Shedeur Sanders, you are a Brown

While it's accurate to claim that Abdul Carter is the top overall prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft, suggesting that the Cleveland Browns—one of the league's most unfortunate franchises—should bypass a quarterback for a pass-rusher is misguided. 

The Browns have experienced the consequences of having a strong roster or a Hall of Famer (like Myles Garrett or Joe Thomas) without a quarterback capable of capitalizing on those strengths. Whether Russell Wilson arrives in Cleveland or not, the clear choice at No. 2 has to be Shedeur Sanders.

Sanders stands out not only for his exceptional accuracy but also for being the kind of person and player who can flourish in Cleveland. Similar to the last effective Browns quarterback before injuries curtailed his career there (Baker Mayfield), Sanders possesses the energy and leadership qualities vital for overcoming the challenges of winning in Cleveland. While there are valid concerns about his physical attributes, it would be a mistake to underestimate the value of his inherent skills.

Kevin Stefanski has successfully maximized the potential of quarterbacks like Case Keenum and Kirk Cousins, and Sanders has comparable athleticism to them in their prime and excels in similar ways. The current regime can generate significant goodwill and momentum in 2025 by pairing Sanders with a veteran and securing some victories before allowing him to showcase his potential as the season concludes.

New England will not draft Will Campbell

There has been a noticeable shift recently towards the idea that Travis Hunter is one of New England's top choices for the No. 4 overall pick, and this direction aligns better with our expectations. 

For a while, Will Campbell and Tetroia McMillan were seen as contenders for this selection, but neither should truly be in the conversation at this point. While both players are talented, there’s a significant difference between Hunter and Carter compared to Campbell and McMillan.

The Patriots are not in a position to make picks out of necessity right now. With a struggling roster and a young quarterback, the best strategy is to opt for a top-tier player at a position of premium value. Both Hunter and Carter fit that bill.

The argument for Campbell became more challenging following his measurements at the 2025 Scouting Combine. With arms under 33 inches, he finds himself in rare company as a left tackle prospect. Mike Vrabel is not the type of coach who will overlook scouting principles, so the Patriots will likely seek a starting-caliber tackle in the second round to accompany whoever they draft at No. 4.

Omarion Hampton may not make it to Denver

Recent expert mock drafts have seen a significant shift after the combine, raising the question of whether Omarion Hampton will even fall out of the top 20 picks. The North Carolina running back is an outstanding prospect, and the demand for impactful running backs is at a level we haven't witnessed in at least eight years. 

Hampton is deserving of a first-round selection, and teams are adjusting their strategies in a draft class that is otherwise lacking in talent at key positions.

Even if Ashton Jeanty doesn't get drafted as early as he has been projected for months, Hampton's stock is higher than many believe. Teams like Chicago, Dallas, and Cincinnati could easily justify selecting him as the second running back off the board. If Hampton is still available by the 20th pick, it would be surprising if those teams chose a position other than tight end.

This is also due to Denver's belief in their receivers, which seems to differ from public perception. Young talents like Devaughn Vele, Troy Franklin, and A.T. Perry are well-suited for Sean Payton's vertical passing scheme, even if they aren't yet established superstars who warrant Round 1 attention. 

However, the team is missing a top running back, and Payton has historically preferred to have a skilled backfield.

Pete Carroll won't draft Ashton Jeanty

The rationale for linking Ashton Jeanty to the Las Vegas Raiders is compelling on various fronts. We've seen the impact that Marshawn Lynch had on Pete Carroll's Seattle squads, and the Raiders are in dire need of enhanced offensive playmaking. Providing Geno Smith with a strong running game is crucial, and bringing Jeanty on board could establish a significant cultural shift within the team.

However, the Raiders aren't just a running back away from becoming a formidable force in the AFC West. While Jeanty would certainly make them a tough contender, Carroll might also be drawn to other players who could remind him of key figures from past Seahawks teams, such as cornerback Will Johnson and linebacker Jihaad Campbell.

Johnson's decline in draft status is largely due to injury issues, but he represents an ideal fit for Carroll's defensive schemes, and the Raiders need a standout cornerback. Although selecting a linebacker at No. 6 might cause some unease compared to drafting a running back, Campbell is being undervalued and has the potential to be an All-Pro talent, given his knack for making impactful plays on all three downs.

Taking into account the depth of this year's running back class, should the Raiders prioritize securing a potential All-Pro corner or linebacker and pick up a back like Kaleb Johnson or Quinshon Judkins in Round 2, instead of opting for Jeanty and settling for a lesser defender in the second round? The former option appears to be a more beneficial path for the organization to pursue.

Pittsburgh is Jaxson Dart's floor

It appears there's strong momentum for Aaron Rodgers to join the Steelers, but I believe that bringing in an aging veteran shouldn't stop Pittsburgh from seeking a long-term starter who can develop from the sidelines early on. 

Given the team's struggles to find a suitable replacement for Ben Roethlisberger over the years, it's essential to invest multiple resources in the quarterback position to maintain their Super Bowl aspirations. Ideally, Rodgers would contribute for a year or two before passing the baton to Jaxson Dart.

The Steelers will have several interesting developmental options in the mid-rounds, but Dart stands out due to his combination of athleticism, arm strength, experience, and accuracy. While Jalen Milroe is an intriguing prospect, he needs game time to improve, which wouldn't be available if Rodgers is on the roster. Dart, on the other hand, doesn't require as many physical reps as Milroe.

There’s also the possibility that Rodgers might struggle with injuries or performance, which could force Dart into action sooner than anticipated. Considering Dart's physical qualities compared to Will Howard and Quinn Ewers, it would make sense for Pittsburgh to view him as a significantly better option than those Day 2 prospects.

There will be no Malaki Starks in Miami

The Miami Dolphins currently have two experienced safeties on their roster after making significant changes in that position for 2024. This has led to speculation about the team possibly considering the top two safety prospects in the 2025 draft. However, recent drafting patterns suggest Miami is unlikely to select a safety this high, especially after taking Minkah Fitzpatrick with the 11th overall pick in 2018, and Malaki Starks doesn't quite measure up to Minkah.

The Dolphins have pressing needs at cornerback, left guard, and defensive tackle, and they could also consider adding another pass-rusher or wide receiver. These positions are deemed more crucial to the team than safety. If Miami had viewed safety as a significant priority, they could have simply kept Jevon Holland last offseason.

Arguing that Starks deserves a first-round pick is more challenging. Instead of focusing on his average 4.5 40-yard dash time, the more troubling aspect of his resume is his lack of success in 2024 following a position change. 

While Starks excels as an elite deep free safety thanks to his range and instincts, he did not prove to be a first-round-worthy slot safety, which is the role most NFL defenses require due to the prevalence of Cover 2 and three-safety formations in the league.