For The Win
We already highlighted the big pick from Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest 2025 NFL mock draft for ESPN: he had Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders dropping all the way to No. 7, where the QB-starved Jets would snatch him up.
But there were so many other highlights and intrigue from ESPN’s legendary draft guru that we had to include, from the No. 1 pick not being a quarterback to certain skill position players dropping or moving up.
So we’re going to list a few more fascinating things from the mock as we get ready for the 2025 NFL combine, which may change all of this anyway:
This wouldn’t be all that surprising given how talented Carter is. But, as he hints, maybe the Titans would trade down in this scenario.
OK, to be fair, the Raiders taking a running back this high wouldn’t be THAT surprising. And we know Jeanty can play.
But Jeanty THIS high? I’m surprised.
Here’s what he wrote:
I’ve talked to people in the NFL who have Jeanty and Hampton neck and neck for RB1, and there are even some who prefer Hampton. And I look at Dallas’ decision to hire Brian Schottenheimer as coach and can’t help but think about his father, Marty, and all those run-heavy offenses he had over 21 seasons in the same job for four different teams. One would think some of that will rub off on the Cowboys’ new coach, even with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb in the offense.
But to jump-start the run game, the Cowboys actually need a legit running back. Rico Dowdle was decent (1,079 yards), but he’s a free agent and Dallas will likely want to upgrade. Plus, this team has been known to use early picks at the position in the past, including drafting Ezekiel Elliott at No. 4 in 2016. Hampton is a home-run hitter who had 1,660 yards and 15 rushing TDs in 2024.
Oooo!
WOW. I’ve seen the Arizona wideout going top-10 as the first WR off the board, but Kiper has thoughts about that:
https://twitter.com/FootsDaKing/status/1894369587308773745
A reminder to check out Christian D’Andrea’s latest mock draft.
