By Jackson Melin
Cornerback Travis Hunter playing against the Colorado State Rams, courtesy of the Colorado Buffaloes
With the NFL season wrapping up, the draft order is all but decided. The Tennessee Titans hold the coveted first overall pick. They finished 3-14, which ties them with the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns for the worst record in the league. The first selection is awarded to the worst team in the league; however, this was a three-way tie. Out of the three teams, Tennessee had the lowest “strength of schedule”, which means that they faced lower-quality opponents.
So, who are the top prospects?
The University of Miami’s Cam Ward set the school’s single season record in both passing yards and passing touchdowns, resulting in Ward winning the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award in 2024.
Boise State University running back Ashton Jeanty ran for over 2,600 yards, the second most ever in a Football Bowl Subdivision season. Jeanty took home the 2024 Doak Walker Award, deeming him the top college running back in the nation. He was also given the 2024 Robert Maxwell Award, recognizing him as the most outstanding player in college football.
University of Colorado’s wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter recorded over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns. On the defensive end, Hunter had four interceptions and one forced fumble. He took home the 2024 Heisman Trophy, the 2024 Chuck Bednarik Award, the 2024 Walter Camp Player of the Year Award, and the 2024 Fred Biletnikoff Award.
University of Texas tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. allowed just one sack the entire season, which led to him winning the Outlander Trophy for his achievements as an interior lineman.
With all of this in mind, here is my 2025 mock draft:
- Tennessee Titans: Quarterback Cam Ward (University of Miami)
- Cleveland Browns: Edge Abdul Carter (Pennsylvania State University)
- New York Giants: Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (University of Colorado)
- New England Patriots: Wide Receiver/Cornerback Travis Hunter (University of Colorado)
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Cornerback Will Johnson (University of Michigan)
- Las Vegas Raiders: Wide Receiver Tetairoa McMillan (University of Arizona)
- New York Jets: Defensive Tackle Mason Graham (University of Michigan)
- Carolina Panthers: Offensive Tackle Will Campbell (University of Michigan)
- New Orleans Saints: Edge Mykel Williams (University of Georgia)
- Chicago Bears: Offensive Tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. (University of Texas)
- San Francisco 49ers: Edge James Pearce Jr. (University of Tennessee)
- Dallas Cowboys: Running Back Ashton Jeanty (Boise State University)
- Miami Dolphins: Safety Malaki Starks (University of Georgia)
- Indianapolis Colts: Tight End Tyler Warren (Pennsylvania State University)
- Atlanta Falcons: Edge/Outside Linebacker Jack Sawyer (Ohio State University)
- Arizona Cardinals: Edge Nic Scourton (Texas A&M University)
- Cincinnati Bengals: Wide Receiver Luther Burden III (University of Missouri)
- Seattle Seahawks: Offensive Tackle Josh Simmons (Ohio State University)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina University)
- Denver Broncos: Edge Mike Green (Marshall University)
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State University)
- Los Angeles Chargers: Tight End Colston Loveland (University of Michigan)
- Green Bay Packers: Cornerback Benjamin Morrison (University of Notre Dame)
- Minnesota Vikings: Defensive Tackle Tyleik Williams (Ohio State University)
- Houston Texans: Wide Receiver Matthew Golden (University of Texas)
- Los Angeles Rams: Offensive Tackle Armand Membou (University Missouri)
- Baltimore Ravens: Edge Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M University)
- Detroit Lions: Guard Tyler Booker (University of Alabama)
- Washington Commanders: Offensive Tackle Josh Conerly Jr. (University of Oregon)
- Buffalo Bills: Defensive Tackle Kenneth Grant (University of Michigan)
- Kansas City Chiefs: Linebacker Jalon Walker (University of Georgia)
- Philadelphia Eagles: Offensive Tackle Cameron Williams (University of Texas)