2025 NFL Draft bold predictions, final quarterback rankings and more | A to Z Sports NFL Newsletter
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2025 NFL Draft: Bold predictions, final QB rankings and more
Wait, is this an NFL newsletter or a college football newsletter? Well, it’s that time of year when it sort of becomes both. The NFL Draft is still a month away (April 24-26), but the draft content is in full force.
Over the weekend, our draft gurus dropped some extensive draft content, including bold draft predictions, final quarterback rankings, mock drafts and a more lighthearted and hilarious fictional character mock draft. Let’s hit the highlights from each one.
Bold NFL Draft predictions by Ian Valentino
Shedeur Sanders, you are a Brown: “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.”
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.”
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.”
➡️ Check out the rest of Ian’s piece which has three more bold predictions.
Final 2025 NFL Draft QB rankings by Ryan Roberts
1. Cam Ward (Miami) – Early 2nd round: “While Ward’s raw grade might be an early second, that isn’t with positional value cooked in. He is, without question, a first round talent at the quarterback position. Ward possesses a tremendous arm, a coolness as a player, unwavering confidence, and can make some magic happen. He will have to eliminate some of the unnecessary risks and settle for the simple play more. If he can, Ward has superstar upside, but there is some risk involved.”
5. Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) – Late 3rd / Early 4th round: “Some love Dart, while others have major concerns. I am somewhere in between. Dart is a good athlete, fearless in the pocket, and has been very productive. He also has a below average arm, and is consistently late on his reads. A team is going to have to speed up Dart’s process a good bit, which is troubling. Having a late processor with an underwhelming arm sounds like a recipe for disaster.”
11. Quinn Ewers (Texas) – 7th round: “There was a time where Ewers was one of the most gifted throwers in college football. Unfortunately it looks like injuries have zapped him of velocity. Add in a slight frame and inconsistent pocket presence, and you have a prospect that continues to fall.”
➡️ Peep the rest of Ryan’s piece which ranks 15 QBs in the upcoming draft.
Mocks draft by Ian Valentino and Adam Holt
Our guy Ian threw together a full seven-round mock draft with details about each first-round selection. Meanwhile, Adam put together a post-free agency first-round mock. Each mock differs in its picks — for example, Ian’s has Colorado receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter going to the Jacksonville Jaguars at pick five, while Adam’s has Hunter heading to the New York Giants at pick three. Check out each mock to see which players your team could land.
Fictional character mock draft by Mike Payton
I chuckled way too much at this. Mike threw together a mock draft featuring characters from several classic movies and shows like The Replacements, Friday Night Lights, The Waterboy and even Forrest Gump. Below are some bangers:
1. Tennessee Titans – Shane Falco, QB, Ohio State: “The Sugar Bowl did not go well for him, but this guy is still a great pick for the Titans based on the fact that he is a natural-born leader whose teammates love him. He's not afraid to get mobile and he's not afraid to lower the shoulder either. He can win the pig too. The only thing you worry about is that may initially struggle under pressure. Movie: The Replacements.”
4. New England Patriots – Forrest Gump, WR, Alabama: “The Pats need a receiver and this guy has unreal speed and stamina. He once ran across the entire country for crying out loud. He's a solid return man and an All-American too. One sneaky benefit is that he'll mow the grass at Gillette Stadium for free. Movie: Forrest Gump.”
5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Bobby Boucher, Edge, South Central Louisiana State: “The offense-heavy top-four picks pushed the best defensive player in the draft down the board. An unreal pass rusher who once had 16 sacks in a single game for SCLS. As long as you give this guy tackling fuel, he's going to tear it up. Just don't let his mom know he's playing football on account of her belief that it's the devil. Movie: The Waterboy."
➡️ Check out the rest of Mike’s hilarious fictional mock draft here.
Phase 2 of free agency continued — more signings and speculation
Some major players still remain in free agency, while others were signed over the weekend. Some notables below:
Jameis Winston signs with Giants: The former Browns QB signed a two-year deal worth up to $16 million, allowing New York to have a veteran presence at the position while it attempts to find its QB of the future.
Aaron Rodgers visits Steelers: A deal could be close for Rodgers to join Pittsburgh. But, in true Rodgers fashion, he’s taking his sweet time deciding his fate, which could be detrimental to the Steelers in terms of future planning.
Stefon Diggs looking good: The former Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans wideout, who recently visited with the New England Patriots, posted a workout video showing his recovery progress from a torn ACL that he sustained back in October. The video suggests he is recovering right on schedule, a positive sign for his availability for the 2025 season.
Browns sign two: Cleveland picked up Teven Jenkins, one of the top offensive guards on the market, as well as former Tennessee Titans linebacker Jerome Baker.
Chiefs keep an edge rusher: Kansas City re-signed defensive end Charles Omenihu to a one-year, $7 million deal. At 27 years old, Omenihu hopes to play his first full season since 2022 after missing several games the past two years due to a suspension and ACL tear.
Michael Gallup comes out of retirement: At 29, the former Dallas Cowboys wideout hopes to prove he still has some juice. He joined the Washington Commanders with contract terms yet to be revealed.
Brandin Cooks rejoins Saints: The 31-year-old WR spent 2014-2016 with New Orleans and has now rejoined the team after bouncing around the NFL over the last eight seasons.
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