Mock drafts are always fascinating, but Joel Klatt’s latest first-round projection is especially intriguing. Some picks make perfect sense, while others leave plenty of room for debate. The NFL Draft is a living, breathing process that will continue to evolve with the Combine and Free Agency, but right now, this mock gives us a great snapshot of the landscape.
With that in mind, here are my 10 biggest takeaways from Klatt’s latest mock draft.
1. Giants Moving to #1 Feels Realistic
The Giants making a move for the No. 1 overall pick isn’t far-fetched at all, especially considering what we know about their interest in Shedeur Sanders. The Titans, however, are an interesting wrinkle in this scenario. Reports from the East-West Shrine Bowl suggest the Titans and Sanders were very comfortable around each other, spending significant time together in interviews. If the Titans trade down, it suggests they aren’t fully sold on any single player in this draft. That said, several teams—including the Raiders—could be in play to move up. The Giants landing at No. 1 is definitely something to watch.
2. Cam Ward Drops to Three—What Does That Say?
If the Titans do trade down, it signals that they aren’t enamored with any one prospect at the top. That would mean they’re comfortable risking two of the top four picks to accumulate more draft capital. Mel Kiper has suggested that quarterback isn’t even the Titans’ biggest need, which makes this scenario even more fascinating. If they don’t love Cam Ward enough to take him at No. 1, is he worth taking at No. 3? If they aren’t convinced, maybe they should have gone after Travis Hunter instead.
3. Guard in the Top 10? Free Agency Will Shake This Up
Tyler Booker going No. 10 overall is interesting because there will be a deep crop of quality guards available in free agency. This just reinforces the idea that mock drafts will shift dramatically between now and April based on free agency and the Combine. Needs change, player value fluctuates, and perception is everything. Right now, my assumption is that the Bears will pursue a free agent guard and opt for the best player available (BPA) at No. 10 instead. Read More – https://mtmvsports.com/2025-nfl-free-agency-the-guard-market-is-loaded-and-teams-are-going-to-lining-up-to-emulate-eagles-and-lions/
4. Surprising Drops for Highly Touted Players
The fall of certain players in this mock is notable. Georgia safety Malaki Starks, who is ranked in PFF’s top 10, completely falls out of the first round. Tetairoa McMillan, who many believe could be a top-10 pick, slides all the way to the Buccaneers at 19. Ashton Jeanty, a highly talented running back, drops to the Cowboys at 12. The depth in this draft means that some players will inevitably slip, but the lack of a clear-cut top-tier group of stars is making things unpredictable.
5. The Unexpected Rise of Certain Players
While some players fell, others made huge jumps. Tyler Booker landing at No. 10 was a surprise, but so was Jahdae Barron going as the second cornerback off the board at No. 11. Missouri tackle Armand Membou sneaks into the top 15. Nick Emmanwori, once projected as a third-rounder, cracks the first round. Deone Walker and Donovan Ezeiruaku also rise significantly. Klatt has a deep understanding of the game, so his evaluation carries weight, but these rankings are in stark contrast to PFF’s ratings.
6. Six Offensive Tackles in Round 1—Super Bowl Lessons
The Super Bowl taught us two major lessons:
1. No matter how great your quarterback is, if you don’t have an offensive line, you’re in trouble. No line, no time, no shi-ny new Lombardi Trophy.
2. Defensive linemen and pass rushers will always be at a premium.
That’s why I completely agree with five edge rushers going in the top 15. Protecting the quarterback and getting after the quarterback will always be priorities in the draft, and this mock reflects that.
7. The Running Back Position Continues to Be Undervalued
Even after Saquon Barkley reminded everyone of the value of a true RB1, only Ashton Jeanty cracks the first round in this mock. This is one of the strongest RB classes in years, yet teams still hesitate to take them early. While Jeanty has separated himself from the pack, I wouldn’t be surprised if another back sneaks into Round 1 by draft night.
8. Beautiful Player-Team Pairings
Some of these picks just make sense.
• Jeanty to the Cowboys alongside Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb could be electric.
• Tyler Warren to the Bengals would give Joe Burrow a reliable weapon after they failed to get what they wanted out of Mike Gesicki.
• McMillan pairing with Mike Evans in Tampa would create nightmares for NFC South defenses.
• Emeka Egbuka reuniting with C.J. Stroud in Houston could be emotional—for Stroud and for me!
9. Picks I Hate
• Abdul Carter to the Browns – Cleveland desperately needs a quarterback, and I would have loved to see them take Cam Ward instead.
• The Raiders not moving up for a QB – They should have made a stronger play to jump the Giants for Shedeur.
• Hunter to the Jaguars – Just a personal take, but I feel like elite talent disappears in Jacksonville. When was the last time we heard from Travis Etienne?
• McMillan to the Bucs – As an NFC South fan, I don’t need those problems!
10. Picks I Love
• Shedeur Sanders at No. 1 – Deion would lose his mind, and the interviews would be legendary. Sanders throwing to Malik Nabers? Must-see TV.
• Matthew Golden to Pittsburgh – George Pickens needs a reliable sidekick, and Golden could be the perfect fit.
• No Jaxson Dart in Round 1 – The speculation about him rising to QB2 hasn’t been validated yet. He had a strong Senior Bowl, but he’s still in the “Will Levis” zone right now.
• Kenneth Grant to the Chargers – I love players reuniting with college teammates or coaches, and this is another example of that.
Bonus: Uncertainty Still Reigns
Player value is still very fluid, and that’s leading to wild variations in mock drafts. That will start to settle as we get Combine and Pro Day numbers. For example:
• If McMillan runs a 4.4, he’s gone before pick 10.
• If Will Johnson runs a 4.6 or 4.52, he could fall significantly despite his talent.
• If Tyler Warren tests exceptionally well, he could rise dramatically, given the demand for tight ends.
Teams are going to start making aggressive moves based on athletic testing and positional needs. That’s why this draft cycle is shaping up to be so unpredictable.
All in all, this was one of the more compelling mock drafts I’ve seen. The Combine and Free Agency will shake things up, but Klatt’s projection gives us plenty to think about. Let’s see how it evolves as we get closer to April.
