2025 NFL mock draft roundup: Top 3 picks in way-too-early projections
With the 2024 NFL Draft come and gone and the 2024 NFL season still on the horizon, it's the perfect time to look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft.
Next year's draft is just under one calendar year away. After so many talented players returned to college for the 2024 season, the 2025 draft class has tons of promising potential.
The Colorado Buffaloes under head coach Deion Sanders have two potential top-10 picks in the 2025 class with quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter. Georgia quarterback Carson Beck also returned to school for next season despite analysts' first- and second-round draft grades.
All of these players and more will have the chance to boost or solidify their draft stock in the coming season. At the same time, each NFL team will have 17 games to figure out its greatest roster needs.
That being said, here's how experts around the web projected the top three picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.
2025 NFL MOCK DRAFT: QB Shedeur Sanders lands in late first, Travis Hunter in top three
2025 NFL Draft projections
No. 1 overall pick
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY: New York Giants – Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
Middlehurst-Schwartz writes: "Beck ... might be the front-runner to be the highest signal-caller taken – and therefore in the mix for No. 1. The 6-4, 220-pound passer stepped into his first year as a starter and took command, throwing for 3,941 yards while completing nearly 73% of his passes."
Jordan Reid, ESPN: New York Giants (trade up with Carolina Panthers) – Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
Reid writes: "Beck is one of the most talented QBs in the country, as he finished the 2023 season with a 72.4% completion rate (fourth best in FBS) and an 86 QBR (fifth). He was actually QB4 on my Hot Board at the end of last season and trending toward top-50 pick status before announcing that he'd return for his senior season."
Rob Rang, FOX Sports: Carolina Panthers – JT Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State
Rang writes: "The power-packed 6-foot-5, 279-pounder turned down a chance at a first-round selection this year to return to Ohio State. I anticipate will play his way into a top 10 selection cinch next fall."
No. 2 overall pick
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY: New England Patriots – Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
Middlehurst-Schwartz writes: "As a receiver, he could be the spark that Eliot Wolf has sought for the offense but was unable to provide for Maye in building out the supporting cast. But his other-worldly ball skills could also come in handy on defense, where he could prompt opposing quarterbacks to stay away from his side of the field entirely."
Jordan Reid, ESPN: Washington Commanders – Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Reid writes: "Williams is the most impressive 2025 prospect I've watched on tape so far. He played a lot of defensive tackle last season and still had 4.5 sacks, but he's transitioning to a full-time outside linebacker role this year ... I think he's a potential No. 1 pick candidate next April."
Rob Rang, FOX Sports: New England Patriots – Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
Rang writes: "A flashy dual-threat athlete whose playmaking ability is reminiscent of his Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, Hunter has the pure cover skills and soft hands to star wherever his future NFL teams most needs help."
No. 3 overall pick
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY: Denver Broncos – James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Middlehurst-Schwartz writes: "At 6-5 and 242 pounds, he is long, explosive and loose, making him a truly troublesome matchup off the edge. ... In Pearce, Denver would land a potentially dominant presence to lead a group that has mostly been left to try to scrape by."
Jordan Reid, ESPN: New England Patriots – Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Reid writes: "The Patriots' starting left tackle this season will likely be Chukwuma Okorafor. He's on a one-year deal, meaning New England should be searching for a long-term solution to protect the blind side of Drake Maye."
Rob Rang, FOX Sports: Denver Broncos – Mason Graham, IDL, Michigan
Rang writes: "A rare true freshman starter at Michigan, Graham bulldozed his way into First Team All-Big Ten honors a year ago with 36 tackles, including 7.5 for loss and three sacks."
2024 ROOKIE CLASS: NFL draft's 15 biggest instant-impact rookies in 2024: Can anyone catch Caleb Williams?
When does the 2024 NFL season start?
The 2024 NFL season will begin with the annual NFL Kickoff game on September 5. As reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs will be the hosts of the game. Their opponent is still to be announced.
When is the 2025 NFL Draft?
Dates: April 24-26, 2025
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
2024 NFL DRAFT GRADES: Who do experts believe had the best and worst drafts of 2024?
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2025 NFL Draft: Projections for top picks next year
