Why the 2025 NFL Draft Class Might Be the Most Interesting Group in Years

Many NFL fans likely aren’t thinking too closely about the 2025 NFL Draft at this point in time seeing as we are only about a quarter of the way through the regular season.

That being said, when draft season does arrive, it looks like this spring’s group of players could be the most interesting class of prospects that we’ve seen in multiple years. Here is a look at a few reasons behind that bold claim.

No Clear QB1

Even in the most talented QB classes, there usually is a clear player at the top of the list. Even in a down class in 2022, few batted an eye when Kenny Pickett was the first QB taken off the board.

This year, though, we could see some real diversity for the top QBs in the spring. Prior to the college football season, many saw Carson Beck as the QB1 of the class, but Jalen Milroe just toppled that Georgia program this past weekend with a dazzling performance. Cam Ward has put together a very strong season in Miami as well and certainly has a case for that QB1 spot. If Quinn Ewers comes back healthy, and Shedeur Sanders continues to buoy the Colorado program, they could be in the mix as well.

A lot can change between now and April, but for now, there is true parity at the top of the 2025 QB class.

 

Another Top 10 RB?

No running backs were taken in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but that seems almost certain to change in 2025 with Ashton Jeanty playing as well as he is for the Boise State Broncos.

Jeanty has torn through opposing defenses this season, including nearly carrying Boise State to a win over Oregon. He is averaging over 200 yards per game at 10 yards per carry and is on pace for more than 2500 rushing yards and 39 rushing TDs, which would threaten Barry Sanders’ single-season records in both categories. Of course, this level of production likely will slow down as the season wears on, but it would not be shocking to see Jeanty soar towards the top of the class.

 

Unique Prospects from Atypical Programs

While we certainly will see a good portion of the first round taken up by quarterbacks once again this year, there is a decent chance that none of them end up being top five picks. That is because there is simply too many special prospects at other positions, and they are coming from programs where we typically haven’t seen the top prospects emerge out of.

Of course, the two-way player Travis Hunter out of Colorado will be a fascinating prospect to watch as next spring approaches as will his decision to ultimately focus on either cornerback or wide receiver at the NFL level. Or, could he even attempt to play both ways as a pro? Regardless, he is easily the favorite to go first overall at this point in time because of that ridiculous versatility and talent.

Then, there are a couple other wide receivers who could threaten for top five selections in Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan as well as Missouri’s Luther Burden. There are numerous Michigan defenders who cannot be ruled out as top picks at this point in time, either.

That’s not even including East Carolina CB Shavon Revel who was viewed as a top CB before tearing his ACL. Does a team decide to take a shot on Revel with his talent despite the injury, or is he due for a tumble? So many questions to answer.

 

Unexpected Teams at the Top of the Draft

Things get even more interesting for this draft class when you consider the teams who currently hold the top spots in the draft. Heading into Week 5 of the NFL season, here is what the top five picks look like:

1. Jacksonville Jaguars
2. Miami Dolphins
3. New England Patriots
4. Cincinnati Bengals
5. Cleveland Browns

The Patriots are an expected presence in this top five, but is anyone able to say with a straight face that they expected the other four teams here at this point in the year? Better yet, how many of these teams can actually justify taking a player at the quarterback position?

Again, things will almost certainly change over the remainder of the fall, but this upcoming draft looks fascinating and should have any NFL Draft fans excited.