2025 NFL mock draft: Travis Hunter, Shedeur Sanders to go 1-2?

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ Week 14 victory over the Tennessee Titans simplified the 2025 NFL Draft order slightly, making it essentially a two-team “race” for No. 1 overall.

Because of their weaker Strength of Schedule (one of several tie-breakers used by the NFL), the New York Giants would be picking first over the fellow two-win Las Vegas Raiders to kick off the festivities this spring. Things get muddied quickly after that, however, with six teams currently checking in at 3-10. Therefore, while the college football regular season may be over, there is still a lot of NFL action remaining to determine the final selection order. 

Given their woeful records, both the Giants and Raiders are understandably on the lookout for a gifted quarterback. Smart teams won’t force a selection of a signal-caller just to appease the fans, however. This class of quarterbacks simply is not as talented as recent years. As such, teams taking the Best Player Available strategy could mean that cornerbacks and linemen — both offensive and defensive — will dominate the first round. In fact, no one should be surprised if tight ends are the most popular “skill position” this year.

Here is our latest mock draft.

1. New York Giants (2-11): Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

Given that the Giants rank a respectable sixth in the NFL in sacks (37), the fact that the club is dead last (tied with the Jets) with just two interceptions is truly jaw-dropping. The NFL Draft has never begun with a cornerback selected at No. 1 overall, but, of course, the do-it-all Hunter is unprecedented in many ways. A classic cover-corner with exceptional instincts and ball-skills, he is the lockdown artist the Giants need in the NFC East. He also could be a practice rival to help keep 2024 first round pick Malik Nabers focused.

2. Las Vegas Raiders (2-11): Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

The Raiders and the aforementioned Giants might very well open up the checkbook for pending free agent quarterback Sam Darnold (if Minnesota allows him out of town), but if not, Sanders is the quarterback likely to be the first off the board this year. Sanders’ flashy personality won’t be a fit for everyone, but he is poised and accurate to all levels of the field, specializing in the short to intermediate zones — where the Raiders boast arguably the league’s most exciting duo of tight ends in Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer.

3. New England Patriots (3-10): Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

No one needs to tell Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo about the impact quality defenders can have on a franchise. Carter has the most explosive first step of anyone in this class. Pair him with blossoming star Keion White and the Patriots could have the makings of a dominant defensive line.

4. Carolina Panthers (3-10): Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

The Panthers have plenty of problems, but none uglier than a run defense that has surrendered 19 touchdowns through 13 games (31st in the NFL) and is allowing 5 yards a carry (tied with the Saints for last in the NFL). Graham is one of the few blue chip talents in this class, boasting a rare combination of size, strength and agility. Pairing him with Derrick Brown would give Carolina a formidable duo in the middle in which to build their defense around.

5. Cleveland Browns (3-10): Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Clearly, the Browns were expecting more with the acquisition of Deshaun Watson, but the club is essentially trapped by his massive contract, making a switch at the position unlikely. Cornerback isn’t the club’s biggest need, but the Browns are allowing a league-worst 12.8 yards per reception and have surrendered 18 touchdowns while intercepting just four passes. Johnson struggled with injuries this season, but when healthy, he’s a proven star with plus size, physicality and ball-skills. 

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