As the NFL season draws near its conclusion, turning our attention to the upcoming draft class is natural. The 2025 NFL Draft is expected to be one of the deepest in recent memory, with several potential franchise-changing players available. With that in mind, let’s take a look at a far-too-early mock draft for the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
With the first overall pick, the Jacksonville Jaguars are projected to select Cade Klubnik out of Clemson. Klubnik is a 5-star recruit who is considered one of the best quarterback prospects in the country. He has a strong arm, good mobility, and the intangibles that NFL teams covet in a franchise quarterback. Behind Klubnik, several other talented quarterbacks are expected to be taken early in the first round, including Marvin Jones Jr. out of Georgia and Dillingham, who led Oregon to the College Football Playoff National Championship this past season.
In addition to the quarterbacks, the 2025 NFL Draft is also expected to feature several talented pass-catchers. Evan Stewart out of Texas A&M is a 6’2″, 200-pound wide receiver with great speed and athleticism. He is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses and could be a steal if he is still available when the New York Jets select at No. 2 overall. Other wide receivers who could be taken in the first round include Luther Burden out of Missouri and Adam Randall out of Clemson. At the tight end position, Oscar Delp out of Georgia is the top prospect and could be a valuable addition to any NFL team.
The Rise of a New Era: Top Prospects for the NFL
Number 1: Cade Klubnik – Quarterback, Clemson
Hailing from Austin, Texas, Cade Klubnik is widely regarded as the most promising quarterback prospect in the 2025 draft class. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 195 pounds, Klubnik possesses an impressive combination of athleticism and arm strength. His exceptional pocket presence, quick release, and ability to make pinpoint throws under pressure have drawn comparisons to NFL greats like Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes.
Klubnik’s success at Clemson has been nothing short of remarkable. As a freshman in 2023, he led the Tigers to a College Football Playoff berth, showcasing his poise and leadership abilities. In his sophomore season, Klubnik shattered numerous school records, including the most passing touchdowns and highest passer rating in a single season.
With his outstanding playmaking skills, Klubnik is projected to be the top overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. His ability to elevate the performance of his teammates and inspire confidence in his coaches makes him a highly sought-after commodity. As he continues to develop and refine his craft, Klubnik is poised to become one of the most dominant quarterbacks in the NFL for years to come.
Other Top Prospects
Bryce Anderson – Edge Rusher, Texas A&M
Bryce Anderson is an explosive edge rusher who has terrorized opposing offenses throughout his college career. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 255 pounds, Anderson possesses an ideal frame for a pass-rushing specialist.
Devin Brown – Wide Receiver, Ohio State
Devin Brown is a dynamic wide receiver who has established himself as one of the most productive pass-catchers in college football. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 205 pounds, Brown combines exceptional speed with exceptional route-running ability.
Shemar James – Defensive Tackle, Florida
Shemar James is an interior defensive lineman who has emerged as a force to be reckoned with during his time at Florida. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 315 pounds, James possesses incredible strength and athleticism, allowing him to disrupt both the run and pass games.
Quarterback Conundrum: Sorting through the Elite
The 2025 NFL Draft class is set to produce several highly touted quarterbacks, making the quarterback position one of the most intriguing aspects of the draft.
The Top Guns
The consensus top three quarterbacks in this class are Cade Klubnik (Clemson), Arch Manning (Texas), and Dante Moore (Michigan). These three possess all the physical tools and intangibles that teams covet in a franchise quarterback. Klubnik is a pro-style passer with an arm that can make any throw. Manning has a similar skill set to his legendary uncles, Peyton and Eli. Moore is a dynamic playmaker with the ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs.
| Player | College | Ht/Wt | 40-yard dash | Vertical jump | Broad jump |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cade Klubnik | Clemson | 6’3″/220 lbs | 4.55s | 36.5″ | 11’0″ |
| Arch Manning | Texas | 6’4″/215 lbs | 4.60s | 35.5″ | 10’8″ |
| Dante Moore | Michigan | 6’3″/205 lbs | 4.62s | 34.0″ | 10’6″ |
The Dark Horses
While Klubnik, Manning, and Moore are considered the top of the class, there are several other quarterbacks who could emerge as legitimate first-round prospects. These players include Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M), Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee), and Dylan Raiola (Nebraska). Stewart is a dual-threat quarterback with exceptional athleticism. Iamaleava has a cannon for an arm and is considered one of the most talented passers in the class. Raiola is a pro-style quarterback with a mature understanding of the game.
Defensive Dominance: The Elite Pass Rushers
The 2025 NFL Draft is brimming with exceptional pass-rushers who have the potential to terrorize opposing offenses. These elite prospects possess a rare combination of athleticism, power, and technique that sets them apart from their peers.
Top Pass Rushers in the 2025 Mock Draft
Here are the top three pass-rushing prospects in the upcoming 2025 mock draft:
| Rank | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sam Thompson | EDGE | Alabama |
| 2 | Josh Taylor | DE | Ohio State |
| 3 | Michael Wilson | EDGE | Texas A&M |
Michael Wilson: A Force to be Reckoned With
Michael Wilson, the dynamic edge rusher from Texas A&M, is a rising star in the 2025 draft class. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 250 pounds, Wilson possesses an impressive physique that complements his explosive athleticism and relentless motor.
Wilson’s repertoire of pass-rushing moves is equally impressive. He seamlessly transitions between speed and power techniques, using his agility to evade blockers and his strength to overpower them. His relentless pursuit of the quarterback is a testament to his unwavering determination and unwavering focus.
In the 2024 season, Wilson recorded an astonishing 12 sacks and 18 tackles for loss, showcasing his exceptional pass-rushing prowess. His performances have earned him widespread recognition as one of the most promising pass-rushers in the nation. As he enters the 2025 NFL Draft, Wilson is poised to continue his stellar trajectory and make an immediate impact on any team lucky enough to draft him.
Skill Position Stars: Wide Receivers and Running Backs
Wide Receivers
1. Marvin Jones Jr., Georgia: This talented receiver is known for his speed, route-running, and ability to make big plays downfield.
2. Agiye Hall, Alabama: Hall possesses a rare combination of size, athleticism, and ball skills that make him a dangerous weapon on the outside.
3. Evan Stewart, Texas A&M: Stewart is a versatile receiver with a great understanding of the game who can line up anywhere on the field.
Running Backs
1. Gavin Sawchuk, Kentucky: This powerhouse runner is a nightmare for defenders with his combination of power and finesse.
2. Richard Reese, Baylor: Reese is a shifty and explosive back who excels in both the running and passing game.
3. CJ Donaldson, West Virginia: Donaldson is a bruising runner with surprising speed and agility for his 250-pound frame.
Top Running Back Combos
Several teams are in prime position to land a dynamic running back combo in the 2025 NFL Draft. Here are a few potential pairings:
| Team | Running Back Combo |
|---|---|
| Houston Texans | Gavin Sawchuk and Trey Benson |
| Chicago Bears | Richard Reese and CJ Donaldson |
| Seattle Seahawks | Jaren Kanak and Raleek Brown |
Offensive Tackles
At this point in the 2025 NFL Draft process, there is a clear consensus that Evan Hull is the top offensive tackle prospect. The 6’8″, 325-pound tackle from Northwestern has all the physical tools to be a dominant force in the NFL. He has great size, length, and athleticism. He is also a very good pass blocker, with quick feet and good technique.
Behind Hull, there are a number of other talented offensive tackles who could be selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. These include:
- Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
- Barion Brown, Kentucky
- Tyler Booker, Alabama
- Walter Nolen, Texas A&M
- Shemar Stewart, Texas
Offensive Guards
The 2025 NFL Draft class is also loaded with talented offensive guards. The top guard prospect at this point in the process is Nick Singleton, a 6’4″, 320-pound guard from Penn State. Singleton is a powerful run blocker who can also hold his own in pass protection. He is a very athletic guard who can move well and get to the second level.
Behind Singleton, there are a number of other talented offensive guards who could be selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. These include:
- Jeremiah Alexander, Alabama
- Daylen Everette, Georgia
- Joshua Conerly, Oregon
- Zach Rice, North Carolina
Top Offensive Line Prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft
| Position | Player | School |
|---|---|---|
| OT | Evan Hull | Northwestern |
| OT | Devon Witherspoon | Illinois |
| OT | Barion Brown | Kentucky |
| OT | Tyler Booker | Alabama |
| OT | Walter Nolen | Texas A&M |
| OT | Shemar Stewart | Texas |
| OG | Nick Singleton | Penn State |
| OG | Jeremiah Alexander | Alabama |
| OG | Daylen Everette | Georgia |
| OG | Joshua Conerly | Oregon |
| OG | Zach Rice | North Carolina |
Defensive Backfield Dominance: Cornerbacks and Safeties
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a banner year for defensive backs, with an abundance of talented prospects at both cornerback and safety. These young athletes are poised to make an immediate impact in the NFL, bringing elite athleticism, ball-hawking skills, and lockdown coverage to their respective teams.
Cornerbacks
Among the top cornerback prospects is [Prospect 1], a dynamic athlete with exceptional speed and agility. His ability to stick with receivers in man coverage is unmatched, and he has a knack for making game-changing interceptions. [Prospect 2] is another highly touted cornerback, known for his physicality and instincts in zone coverage. He has a knack for reading quarterbacks’ intentions and disrupting passing lanes.
Safeties
In the safety position, [Prospect 3] stands out with his versatility and playmaking ability. He can roam the deep middle as a center fielder or play closer to the line of scrimmage as a box safety. His ability to read and react quickly makes him a force against both the run and pass.
Prospect Profile: [Prospect 6]
[Prospect 6] is a highly skilled cornerback who has all the tools to be a superstar in the NFL. He possesses exceptional athleticism, with a 4.4-second 40-yard dash time and a vertical leap of 39 inches. His speed and agility allow him to mirror receivers with ease, while his leaping ability makes him a threat to any pass thrown his way.
In addition to his physical attributes, [Prospect 6] possesses excellent instincts and anticipation. He has a knack for reading quarterbacks’ tendencies and jumping routes, which has resulted in numerous interceptions throughout his college career.
With his combination of athleticism, skills, and football IQ, [Prospect 6] is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He has the potential to be a shutdown cornerback in the NFL, capable of locking down his side of the field and making game-changing plays.
| Name | Position | College |
|---|---|---|
| [Prospect 1] | Cornerback | Alabama |
| [Prospect 2] | Cornerback | Georgia |
| [Prospect 3] | Safety | Ohio State |
| [Prospect 4] | Cornerback | Florida |
| [Prospect 5] | Safety | Texas |
| [Prospect 6] | Cornerback | Clemson |
Breakout Performers: Late-Round Gems
While the early rounds of the draft often feature the most well-known prospects, there are always a few late-round picks who manage to surprise everyone with their standout performances.
No. 7: Quarterback – Blake Murphy, Liberty
A 6’3″, 220-pound quarterback with a strong arm and good mobility, Murphy has all the tools to be a successful NFL starter. He led Liberty to an undefeated regular season in 2023 and finished the season with 3,500 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions. Murphy is a bit of a risk due to his inexperience, but his upside is undeniable.
Murphy is a rising star with a lot of potential. He has a strong arm, good mobility, and a quick release. He is also very accurate, completing 65% of his passes in 2023. Murphy is a bit of a risk due to his inexperience, but he has the potential to be a franchise quarterback.
Here is a table summarizing Murphy’s key statistics from the 2023 season:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Passing yards | 3,500 |
| Passing touchdowns | 30 |
| Passing interceptions | 6 |
| Completion percentage | 65% |
International Impact: Global Players on the Rise
The rise of global football has had a significant impact on the NFL Draft. In recent years, we have seen an increasing number of players from outside the United States being selected in the first round. This trend is expected to continue in 2025, with several highly-rated international prospects projected to be taken early.
8. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Nigeria
Egbuka is a 6’3″, 205-pound receiver from Nigeria who is considered to be one of the best prospects at his position in the 2025 NFL Draft. He is a physical specimen with great size, speed, and athleticism. Egbuka is also a very good route runner and has excellent hands. He is expected to be one of the first receivers taken off the board in 2025.
Measurables
| Height | Weight | 40-yard Dash | Vertical Jump |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6’3″ | 205 lbs | 4.45 seconds | 38 inches |
Egbuka is the son of former Nigerian football player and coach Eugene Egbuka. He began playing football in Nigeria before moving to the United States to attend high school. Egbuka played college football at Ohio State University, where he was a standout player for the Buckeyes. He is expected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and has the potential to be a star in the NFL.
Draft Day Surprises: The Unexpected Players
The 2025 NFL Draft is still a long way off, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start speculating about who might be taken and where. Here are a few players who could surprise on draft day and end up going much higher than expected.
9. Jayden McGowan, QB, North Carolina
McGowan is a rising star at North Carolina, and he could be one of the biggest risers in the 2025 draft. He has a strong arm, good accuracy, and the ability to make plays with his feet. He’s also a smart player who makes good decisions. McGowan could be a sleeper pick in the first round, and he wouldn’t be a surprise if he went even higher.
Here is a table with some of McGowan’s stats from the 2022 season:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Passing yards | 3,200 |
| Passing touchdowns | 28 |
| Interceptions | 10 |
| Completion percentage | 65% |
| Rushing yards | 400 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 6 |
10. New Orleans Saints: JQ Hardaway, CB, Cincinnati
– **Position:** Cornerback
– **College:** Cincinnati
– **Height/Weight:** 6’1″, 190 lbs
Strengths:
- Elite physical tools, including size, speed, and athleticism.
- Lockdown coverage ability, with exceptional instincts and footwork.
- Physical presence at the line of scrimmage, making it difficult for receivers to get off the line.
- Proven ballhawk, with multiple interceptions and pass breakups in his collegiate career.
Weaknesses:
- Can be susceptible to double moves and quick routes.
- Needs to refine his tackling technique, as he can sometimes overpursue.
- Lacks experience in a complex defensive scheme.
Projection:
Hardaway has the raw talent and athleticism to be an elite cornerback in the NFL. He will likely excel in a press-man coverage scheme that allows him to use his size and athleticism to his advantage. However, he will need to adjust to the complexities of the NFL game and improve his tackling. If he can overcome these challenges, Hardaway has the potential to be a Pro Bowl-caliber player for many years to come.
Early 2025 Mock Draft: A Preview of Potential Top Prospects
The 2025 NFL Draft is still two years away, but it’s never too early to speculate on who the top prospects might be. With that in mind, here is a mock draft of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, based on the current rankings of the top high school football players in the country.
1. Arch Manning, QB, Isidore Newman School (New Orleans, LA)
Manning is the son of former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and nephew of former NFL quarterback Eli Manning. He is a 6’4″, 215-pound quarterback with a strong arm and excellent accuracy. He is also a good athlete who can move around the pocket and make plays with his legs.
2. Dante Moore, QB, Martin Luther King Jr. High School (Detroit, MI)
Moore is a 6’2″, 205-pound quarterback with a strong arm and excellent mobility. He is also a good passer who can make all the throws. He is considered to be one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country.
3. Marvin Jones Jr., EDGE, American Heritage High School (Plantation, FL)
Jones is a 6’5″, 240-pound edge rusher with great size and athleticism. He is also a good pass rusher who can get to the quarterback with both speed and power.
4. Jeremiah Alexander, DL, Thompson High School (Alabaster, AL)
Alexander is a 6’5″, 315-pound defensive lineman with great size and strength. He is also a good pass rusher who can get to the quarterback with both speed and power.
5. Sonny Styles, LB, Pickerington Central High School (Pickerington, OH)
Styles is a 6’2″, 210-pound linebacker with great size and athleticism. He is also a good tackler who can play both inside and outside linebacker.
People Also Ask About Early 2025 Mock Draft
When is the 2025 NFL Draft?
The 2025 NFL Draft will be held on April 27-28, 2025.
Who are the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft?
The top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft are Arch Manning, Dante Moore, Marvin Jones Jr., Jeremiah Alexander, and Sonny Styles.
What positions are the deepest in the 2025 NFL Draft?
The deepest positions in the 2025 NFL Draft are quarterback, edge rusher, and linebacker.
