The speculation is rife surrounding the top pick of the 2025 NFL Draft with many backing Cam Ward, the notable Miami Hurricanes quarterback, to secure the No. 1 position. However, an alternative scenario could present itself with the Tennessee Titans opting for Colorado’s quarterback, Shedeur Sanders. The Titans are still in pursuit of a reliable franchise quarterback, as the previous second-round pick, Will Levis, has yet to establish himself as the definitive choice. Turning the snapshot towards a reality where Sanders, not Ward, becomes the No. 1 pick, we’re left to ponder the impact this would have on the rest of the NFL draft.
Aligning our specs to this hypothetical scenario, the draft runs as follows: 1. Tennessee Titans select Shedeur Sanders, the Colorado hugger. This pivot from expectations is kickstarting our draft simulation when Sanders, against the odds, is favored by the Titans, leaving us to wonder what they see in this surprising choice.
Cam Ward, the Miami quarterback fondly expected to top the draft, finds himself in a surprise ‘slip’ to the second pick, selected by Cleveland Browns. The Browns are also on the hunt for a franchise quarterback, particularly after their unsuccessful gamble with Deshaun Watson. Owner Jimmy Haslam tagged it a ‘swing-and-miss’ attempt as they traded for Watson and signed him to a monumental extension, only for him to potentially miss the entire 2025 session due to a double Achilles tear.
Where does this leave the New York Giants, holding the No. 3 overall pick? If a leading quarterback isn’t feasible, selecting the best available player seems a logical choice. Travis Hunter from Colorado fits the bill, able to make a substantial contribution either as a cornerback or wide receiver. Following last year’s choice of Malik Nabers, Hunter seems particularly suited to the cornerback role for the Giants.
The ripple effect of the first two picks, both quarterbacks, has left a prize catch for New England Patriots. At No. 4, they find Abdul Carter, Penn State’s edge, still up for grabs. With an unsatisfactory 2024 season behind them, largely due to their inability to exert pressure on rival quarterbacks, the Patriots have secured the draft’s best pass-rusher to strengthen their front seven.
Returning to a more anticipated flow of events, Jacksonville Jaguars are comfortably predicted to bring in Mason Graham, the star defensive tackle from Michigan, at pick No. 5. The initial selections of two quarterbacks, along with Hunter and Carter, mean that Graham is the logical and likely choice to bolster the Jaguars’ defensive line.
The 6th overall pick belongs to the Las Vegas Raiders. Having secured their quarterback earlier in the offseason via a trade for Geno Smith, they’re in the market for a stellar running back. Ashton Jeanty, hailing from Boise State, is the standout choice. Known for being the prime running back in this class, Jeanty’s addition would complete the Raiders’ offensive lineup.
Strengthening the offensive line is a priority for the New York Jets, especially with new quarterback Justin Fields as their new recruit. They use their 7th pick to bring in Armand Membou, an offensive tackle from Missouri. Membou, impressively built at 6-foot-4 and 332 pounds, is not just about size; he brings explosiveness and good range for his role.
Carolina Panthers opt to enhance their receiver options with their 8th pick, selecting Penn State’s Tyler Warren, over improving their pass rush. Warren offers an upgrade to existing tight end Tommy Tremble, providing an additional receiving option for quarterback Bryce Young. The late bloom of receivers Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker provides hope Warren will follow suit.
New Orleans Saints, holding the 9th pick, are in need of additional defensive backing, particularly after the departures of Paulson Adebo and Marshon Lattimore. Although in need of a quarterback after Derek Carr’s injury, this isn’t the ideal spot to gamble on one, especially with Sanders and Ward gone. They opt for Jahdae Barron, a cornerback from Texas, to solidify their shield in the back.
With the 10th overall pick, the Chicago Bears add another weapon to quarterback Caleb William’s arsenal by recruiting Arizona’s wide receiver, Tetairoa McMillan. A strong receiver option was deemed more necessary than further protection in the form of an offensive lineman. New head coach Ben Johnson has another promising component to work around the quarterback, continuing the approach from last year when they extended D.J. Moore’s contract for four years and brought in Rome Odunze.