The 2025 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and the buzz is louder than ever. Set to take place from April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, this year’s draft is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent history. Quarterback drama, surprise picks, and bold trades could turn the draft board upside down. Here are five shocking predictions that might just blow your mind.
1. Only Two Quarterbacks Will Be Selected in the First Round
Yes, you read that right—only two quarterbacks in the entire first round. While recent drafts have seen three or more QBs taken early, the 2025 class is raising eyebrows for all the wrong reasons. Draft analyst Nate Tice recently noted, “The 2025 quarterback class is less highly regarded than last year’s, with only two QBs likely to go in the first round.”
In the past five years, an average of three quarterbacks have been selected in the first round, making this prediction a bold deviation from the norm. With teams like the Browns and Giants potentially waiting until Day 2 to address their QB needs, this could be a draft where signal-callers take a backseat.
2. A Running Back Will Be Selected in the Top 10
Running backs have been devalued in recent drafts, but 2025 could buck that trend. With the rise of dual-threat playmakers like Christian McCaffrey, teams are rethinking the position’s value. In a recent mock draft, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty was projected to go to the Dallas Cowboys in the first round—a sign that RBs are back on the radar.
If a back like Jeanty or Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson lands in the top 10, it would mark a significant shift in draft strategy and send shockwaves through the league.
3. A Team Will Trade Up for a Wide Receiver
Wide receivers are the new gold in today’s pass-heavy NFL, and this draft is loaded with talent at the position. The New York Giants, who have struggled to build a quality offensive line, might be the team to watch.
Despite their O-line woes, recent mock drafts have them eyeing a wide receiver in the first round. A bold trade-up to secure a game-changer like Missouri’s Luther Burden III could be the spark their offense desperately needs. If the Giants—or any team—makes this move, it’ll be a headline-grabber.
4. A Defensive Player Will Be the First Overall Pick
Quarterbacks have dominated the No. 1 spot in recent years, but 2025 could break the streak. The Tennessee Titans, holding the first pick, are in dire need of defensive help.
In a recent mock draft, they selected Ohio State edge rusher J.T. Tuimoloau at No. 1—a pick that would turn heads. With the QB class lacking star power, a defensive standout like Tuimoloau or Penn State’s Abdul Carter could make history as the first defender to go first overall since Travon Walker in 2022.
5. A Small-School Prospect Will Crack the First Round
Every draft has its sleeper, and 2025 could see a small-school prospect rise to first-round glory. With teams scouring the country for hidden gems, a player like South Dakota State’s Mason McCormick—an offensive lineman generating buzz—could sneak into the late first round. If a team takes a chance on a lesser-known name, it’ll be the ultimate underdog story of draft night.
What’s Next?
If even half of these predictions come true, the 2025 NFL Draft will be one for the history books. From a QB-light first round to a potential defensive player going No. 1, the unpredictability is palpable. Mark your calendars for April 24-26 and tune in to see if these bold calls hit the mark—or if the draft takes an even wilder turn. One thing’s for sure: you won’t want to miss it.
