The Miami Hurricanes Quarterback Cam Ward has been predominantly favored to secure the first spot in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, there raises a question about an alternative scenario where the Tennessee Titans choose to select quarterback Shedeur Sanders from Colorado as their pick. Despite their previous second-round selection, Will Levis, failing to cement his status as their permanent quarterback, the Titans are in need of a firm leader in this pivotal role. What, then, would be the implications if Sanders were to be drafted as the first overall pick over the much-anticipated Ward?
Let’s envision how the rest of the draft might unfold if Sanders goes to the Titans as the first pick. For instance, where would Cam Ward find his place in this new draft order? Additionally, how would this decision impact the expectations for the subsequent draft picks? Assuming the Titans see promise in Sanders and select him number one, a draft simulation proposes the following picks for the first eight rounds.
In this alternate scenario, the Tennessee Titans go for Shedeur Sanders, the quarterback from Colorado as their first pick. Even though Sanders hasn’t been forecasted as the first quarterback to be picked, who’s to say that the Titans don’t see something unique in this player that they think can be leveraged?
Next, comes the turn of the Cleveland Browns, who could potentially draft Cam Ward, the quarterback from Miami at this point. Despite their unsuccessful trade for Deshaun Watson which resulted in his inability to play in the 2025 season due to an Achilles injury, the Browns need a strong quarterback to be the new face of their franchise. Perhaps Ward’s unexpected availability at this point won’t seem like a slide but rather a fortunate event.
Surprisingly, should the first two picks be quarterbacks, the New York Giants may have to settle with Travis Hunter, the CB/WR from Colorado, on the third pick. Given that the Giants can’t select any of the top quarterbacks, acquiring a multi-talented player like Hunter seems like the logical choice. His versatility can be beneficial, particularly after the Giants’ pick of Malik Nabers the previous year.
At the fourth selection, New England Patriots might have an opportunity to choose Abdul Carter, the Edge from Penn State. As they failed to apply consistent pressure on rivals quarterbacks throughout the 2024 season, Carter coming in as the best pass-rusher in the class could reinforce New England’s front seven.
By pick five, the Jacksonville Jaguars go back to standard practice, opting for Mason Graham, the DT from Michigan. The Jaguars are anticipated to select Graham to augment their uppermost roster need on the defensive line. The prediction holds firm with two quarterbacks, Hunter, and Carter already off the selection board.
For their first pick, the Las Vegas Raiders secure Ashton Jeanty, the RB from Boise State. Having secured their quarterback with their reputed trade for Geno Smith and having a key pass-catcher such as Brock Bowers, boosting their running back position with Jeanty can round up their offense.
In their bid to reinforce their offensive line, the New York Jets choose Armand Membou, OT from Missouri for the eighth pick. This works in alignment with their recent acquisition of quarterback Justin Fields. The solid and explosive Membou, boasting a robust 6-foot-4, 332-pound frame, becomes the first tackle picked in this draft simulation.
The Carolina Panthers, with their ninth choice, opt for Tyler Warren, the TE from Penn State. Rather than enhancing their subpar pass rush, they choose to supplement their pass-catching options for quarterback Bryce Young. The uprising receivers, Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker, had promising rookie years, and adding Warren would further strengthen their tight end position over Tommy Tremble.
In need of robust defensive secondary, the New Orleans Saints go for Jahdae Barron, CB from Texas, to fill their tenth draft pick. The resultant situation from Paulson Adebo’s move to New York and Marshon Lattimore’s shift to Washington means the Saints need a strong cornerback. Given the immediate selection of quarterbacks Sanders and Ward, this pick seems logical in the absence of a good quarterback option for them at this stage.
The Chicago Bears will wrap up this simulation with the eleventh pick going for Tetairoa McMillan, WR from Arizona. With the aim to equip their quarterback Caleb Williams with all necessary offensive tools, they have already upgraded their squad by securing D.J. Moore for the long term and drafting Rome Odunze. Rather than prioritizing defensive bolstering, replacing Keenan Allen was deemed more crucial. The addition of another pass-catcher will provide new head coach Ben Johnson with more options for offensive strategies.
This draft simulation provides an insightful look into how the 2025 NFL Draft might shakedown if the Tennessee Titans were to buck the trend and pick Shedeur Sanders as their first choice. Such a scenario creates an exciting ripple effect throughout the subsequent rounds affecting many franchises’ draft strategies and shaking up expectations as a result.