As the 2024 college football season unfolds, the ripples of performance on the field are already affecting projections for the 2025 NFL Draft. Just six weeks into the season, analysts have been closely watching college football's brightest talents, and the latest mock drafts are filled with intriguing trends and surprises.
Early Mock Draft Projections
Following the release of the first 2025 cycle mock draft in August, much has changed. The version 2.0 update, unveiled six weeks into the college season, offers a glimpse into how NFL teams might evaluate the talent pool ahead of the draft. Notably, a quarterback does not hold the coveted No. 1 spot, a deviation from recent trends where quarterbacks often top the charts. This is not to say that quarterbacks will be sparse in the first round; projections suggest that up to six quarterbacks might hear their names called in the opening round.
Interestingly, the buzz surrounding quarterbacks extends to strategic maneuvers within the draft. A team is expected to trade back into the top 32 to secure a quarterback, underlining the continuing value placed on the position despite the absence of a quarterback leading the mock draft standings.
Positional Power Shifts
While quarterbacks hold significant draft interest, offensive tackles and edge rushers are also expected to make a substantial impact. Five players from each of these two critical positions forecast to go in the first round suggests NFL teams are emphasizing the trenches, seeking to bolster both offensive lines and defensive pressure upfront.
The wide receiver position remains strong, with projections indicating that three and a half (reflecting the potential variability based on team needs and available talent) receivers could be picked in the first round. While the exact number might fluctuate, it's clear that teams continue to prioritize dynamic playmakers who can influence the passing game.
Running Back Dynamics
In contrast, the running back position has seen a decline in top-end draft value in recent years. Notably, a running back hasn’t been selected as high as No. 2 overall since Saquon Barkley's selection in 2018. This trend underscores a strategic pivot in team-building philosophies, where the positional value of running backs might be perceived as less impactful than that of positions like quarterback and edge rusher.
Draft Order and Analysis
The draft order utilized in the mock draft is grounded in the standings provided by Tankathon, calculated through all Week 5 games with one except: the outcomes of Monday Night Football were not factored into these projections. This methodology provides a dynamic yet grounded framework for hypothesizing how the draft might shake out as the season progresses.
The Insightful Commentary
For those seeking in-depth analyses and comprehensive discussions on these developments, Ryan Wilson and Rick Spielman host the "With the First Pick" podcast. The platform provides strategic analysis and commentary, further enriching the dialogue around the draft with expert insights.
As the college season continues to develop, so too will the projections and perceptions of draft prospects. Players have the opportunity to assert or reposition themselves in the draft conversation, leaving fans and analysts alike keenly watching each week's matchups for emerging stories that could impact draft day decisions.