Early 2025 NFL Mock Drafts Reflect Free Agency Fallout: Kiper and Jeremiah Weigh In
The frenzy of the NFL’s free agency period has subsided, leaving in its wake a reshaped landscape of team needs and draft priorities. As teams solidify their rosters with veteran acquisitions, the focus shifts to the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, where franchises hope to secure the next generation of stars. Esteemed NFL draft analysts Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN and Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network have released their post-free agency mock drafts, offering insights into how the early signings might influence the first round. This article dissects their projections, highlighting key takeaways and notable shifts in player evaluations.
Both Kiper and Jeremiah agree on several pivotal points, starting with the Tennessee Titans at the top of the draft. Rumors of a potential trade-down appear to have faded, solidifying the Titans’ position to select a quarterback. Both analysts project Miami’s Cam Ward as the No. 1 overall pick, designating him as the consensus top quarterback prospect in the class. Ward’s presumed selection fills a critical need for the Titans, who are looking to solidify their quarterback position for the future.
Following the Titans’ quarterback selection, the Cleveland Browns’ approach to the draft is under scrutiny. Rather than opting for a quarterback of their own, Kiper and Jeremiah anticipate the Browns prioritizing a pass-rush partner to complement Myles Garrett’s formidable presence. They both predict Penn State’s Abdul Carter will be the Browns’ choice, adding a disruptive force to their defensive front. This selection underscores the Browns’ commitment to building a dominant defense, supplementing their existing strengths on that side of the ball.
The New York Giants, picking third overall, are projected to address their quarterback situation as well. With Ward off the board, both analysts agree on Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders as the Giants’ selection. Despite pre-draft rumors suggesting a potential slide in his draft stock following the NFL Combine, Sanders maintains his status as the second-best quarterback in the class, according to both NFL Network and ESPN. The Giants’ apparent need for a quarterback aligns perfectly with Sanders’ availability, making him a logical choice to lead their offense moving forward.
The New England Patriots, selecting fourth, are predicted to add a versatile playmaker in Colorado’s Travis Hunter. Both Kiper and Jeremiah envision Hunter, a dynamic cornerback and wide receiver, filling multiple roles for the Patriots. Hunter’s unique skillset and potential to contribute on both sides of the ball make him an intriguing prospect for a team seeking to add impact talent and positional flexibility.
A notable surprise in both mock drafts is the continued rise of Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart. While Ward and Sanders are widely considered the top two quarterbacks, Dart’s stock appears to be ascending. Not only is he projected to be a first-round pick in both mocks, but Kiper even has him landing in the top 10, specifically at No. 9 to the New Orleans Saints. Dart’s strong performance at the NFL Combine seems to have solidified his first-round status, placing him firmly behind Ward and Sanders as the No. 3 quarterback prospect. The Saints’ potential interest in Dart suggests they might be looking to groom a successor for their current quarterback situation.
Running back Jonathon Jeanty from Boise State is also making waves in the mock drafts. Both Kiper and Jeremiah predict the Las Vegas Raiders will select Jeanty with the No. 6 overall pick. This projection comes on the heels of the Raiders’ acquisition of veteran quarterback Geno Smith, signaling a potential shift in their draft strategy. Should Jeanty be selected at No. 6, it would mark the earliest a running back has been drafted since Saquon Barkley went No. 2 to the Giants in 2019. This bold move would indicate the Raiders’ belief in Jeanty’s potential to be a cornerstone of their offense and emphasizes the re-emergence of the position’s value.
The evaluation of offensive tackles has also undergone significant adjustments since the NFL Combine. Before the Combine, Michigan’s Andrew Campbell was widely considered the top offensive tackle prospect. However, concerns about his arm length (reportedly less than 33 inches) appear to have negatively impacted his draft stock. As a result, both Kiper and Jeremiah now project Notre Dame’s Joe Alt as the first offensive tackle off the board, with Campbell potentially slipping outside the top 10. This shift highlights the importance of physical measurements in the draft evaluation process and showcases how Combine performances can significantly alter player rankings.
These mock drafts from Kiper and Jeremiah provide a valuable glimpse into the evolving landscape of the 2025 NFL Draft. The first wave of free agency has clearly influenced team needs and draft strategies, leading to notable shifts in player projections. While these are just early predictions, they offer a compelling narrative about the players who are rising to the top and the potential scenarios that could unfold on draft day. As the draft process continues, further analysis and adjustments will undoubtedly emerge, making the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft a fascinating journey for fans and analysts alike. The performance of these prospects during Pro Days and individual team visits will further shape their draft stock, adding another layer of intrigue to the evaluation process.
