NFL Draft Predictions: Where Will The Top Prospects Land?

With the NFL draft just a few days away, here are some of my predictions for where the top prospects will end up.

1. Tennessee Titans: QB Cam Ward, UMiami

*Courtesy of University of Miami Athletics*

Quarterback Cam Ward out of The University of Miami is projected to be picked by the Tennessee Titans as the the No. 1 overall pick of this year’s NFL Draft. Ward stunned everyone throughout his collegiate career. He started off at a FCS school in San Antonio but made the switch to FBS in his fifth year after announcing his commitment to UMiami in January of 2024.

Ward quickly became one of the most valuable players in the FBS as he led the league in passing touchdowns with 36, led UMiami to a 10-3 season, won ACC Offensive Player of the Year, and was a Heisman Trophy Finalist. Naturally, Ward is a topic of conversation regarding the top overall pick of this year’s draft.

2. Cleveland Browns: CB Travis Hunter, Colorado

2024 Heisman Award winner Travis Hunter out of the University of Colorado could be the No. 2 overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. Hunter would be selected by the Cleveland Browns and can be used by the team as strictly a wide receiver to improve their group.

The junior cornerback/wide receiver can do it on both sides of the ball. He was a Paul Hornung Award winner making him the most versatile player in FBS and is now the most versatile in the draft. Hunter in 2023 has All-Pro potential and would be an asset to the Browns’ roster.

3. New York Giants: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

Although the Giants signed Russell Wilson this offseason, the search for their franchise quarterback is not over. New York could pick Shedeur Sanders out of CU Boulder in the third round of this year’s NFL draft which would make him their backup QB and ease him into the role.

Sanders won Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (best upperclassman QB) last season for Colorado. The Giants have struggled in recent years to find a solid starting quarterback. Sanders has been in contact with the team and even visited New York. He may be able to provide the offensive depth the Giants need.

4. New England Patriots: Edge Abdul Carter, Penn State

Penn State’s edge Abdul Carter is believed to be one of the best prospects in this year’s NFL Draft. Carter is widely regarded to be a top five selection in the draft and would be the right pick for New England to put pressure on opposing offenses.

Carter has been a productive pass rusher for the Nittany Lions. In 2024, he was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Bednarik Award finalist for the nation’s best defender. He had 13 sacks (7th in the nation), 10 quarterback hits and 43 hurries on 352 pass-rushing snaps and definitely caused chaos for visiting teams in Beaver Stadium.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: DL Mason Graham, Michigan

Mason Graham from The Big House in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is currently favored to go No. 5 overall in this year’s NFL draft. He is a top defensive tackle in the FBS that the Jaguars are in desperate need of.

In 2024, Graham was named a unanimous All-American as well as a finalist for both the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (best defensive player) and Outland Trophy (nation’s best interior lineman). He is able to displace blockers and beat lineman for spots in the run game. Jacksonville had one of the worst defensive lines in the NFL last season and Graham would be a major factor in changing that.

6. Las Vegas Raiders: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise Stat

Ashtony Jeanty out of Boise State is a top-10 running back in this year’s draft class. This past season, Jeanty helped lead the Broncos to the top of the Mountain West Conference and to the College Football Playoffs. His speed and vision allows him to accelerate past defenders smoothly downfield.

Jeanty was a 2024 Heisman Trophy Award Finalist, Mountain West Player of the Year, and led the FBS in many categories including most rushing attempts (312), rushing yards (2,601), rushing touchdowns (29), yards after contact (1,695) and missed tackles forced (130). The Raiders have struggled with their run game in previous seasons, which selecting Jeanty would help change for the better.

7. New York Jets: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State

Tyler Warren out of Penn State is considered the best tight end in the 2025 draft class. The New York Jets are infatuated with Warren and may look to select him in their first-round pick as No. 7 in the draft overall. Warren is versatile and does it all. His catch-and-run ability would compliment Garret Willson as well as make Justin Fields’ job easier.

2024 was Warren’s breakout season for the Nittany Lions. He was the John Mackey Award Winner (nation’s best TE), set the Big Ten single-season records for tight ends with 88 receptions for 1,062 yards, and Penn State’s record for career receiving touchdowns by a TE (17). Warren would be an immense upgrade to the Jets’ offense and I personally hope they select him in the first round.

As you can see, the 2025 NFL draft class has a lot of talent to it that I could go on and on about, but these are my predictions for just the top seven picks of the draft. As a Penn State student and New York Jets fan, I saved the best for last with Tyler Warren because he is my favorite. This year’s draft should be very exciting and I’m interested to see where all of the top prospects end up landing.

Edited by Taylor N. Hall