As the college football season hits its stride, the ripple effects on the 2025 NFL Draft are already beginning to take shape. Each week brings more clarity, shaping the prospects and their spots in one of the most anticipated events on the NFL calendar. With the release of the initial mock draft in August, anticipation for how the 2025 cycle could unfold has only increased, further fueled by the unveiling of version 2.0 six weeks into the season.
A Non-Quarterback at the Top
In a notable twist, the current mock draft diverges from the recent trend of quarterbacks dominating the top of the draft board. While quarterbacks often take center stage due to their importance in the league, this iteration of the mock draft positions a non-quarterback as the likely No. 1 pick. This shift indicates a potential paradigm change in how talent is evaluated at the very top of the draft, showing that exceptional talent in other positions can still catch the eyes of franchises looking for foundational pieces.
Quarterbacks Maintaining a Strong Presence
However, this deviation does not overshadow the strong presence of quarterbacks in the projected first round. The expectation is that six quarterbacks will be selected in the initial round, underscoring the perpetual demand for elite talent at this critical position. The relentless pursuit of finding a franchise quarterback could even prompt a team to make a bold move by trading back into the top 32 specifically to secure one of these highly coveted players.
The Contenders from Other Positions
Beyond quarterbacks, several other positions are highly represented in the projected first round picks. Five offensive tackles and five edge rushers are expected to make the cut, revealing the enduring value placed on protecting the quarterback and disrupting opposing quarterbacks. These positions have long been considered pivotal to the success of NFL teams, and their predicted prominence in the draft reflects this ongoing valuation.
Wide receivers also feature prominently, with an intriguing projection of three and a half players from this category being selected in the first round. This fractional figure may indicate a borderline projection for players who are on the cusp of being first-round talent, but whose scale-tipping abilities make them hard to fully ignore.
Running Backs and Historical Comparisons
Mention of the running back position also draws historical context into the conversation. Notably, a running back hasn’t been chosen as high as No. 2 overall since Saquon Barkley's selection in 2018. This positions running backs as wildcards in the draft, offering immense talent potential without the same perceived urgency or order as that of other positions in recent years.
Determining the Draft Order
The current draft order projections rely heavily on Tankathon's standings, meticulously compiled through the end of Week 5 — notably excluding results from Monday Night Football. Mock drafts are finely tuned instruments, attempting to weigh both the current standings and potential future scenarios, thus Tankathon’s projections serve as a necessary backbone for this educated guesswork.
The insights provided are also dissected in the "With the First Pick" podcast, hosted by industry veterans Ryan Wilson and Rick Spielman. The show provides fans with more than just a look at the draft board; it offers a deeper understanding of the mechanics and strategies that can influence such a significant event in professional sports.
This evolving landscape of potential future NFL stars reminds analysts and fans alike of the unpredictable nature of sports. Every snap, rush, and pass in college football isn't just about the moment — it also sets the stage for the future. As players make their cases each week, we watch the unfolding drama, ever aware that what happens now will shape the franchise talents of tomorrow. This anticipation keeps every weekend of college football not just a game, but a glimpse into the future of the NFL.