As the excitement builds for the 2025 NFL Draft, all eyes are on Peter Schrager's latest mock draft predictions, following his recent move from NFL Network to ESPN. With the draft just around the corner, Schrager's insights are generating buzz among fans and analysts alike.
Schrager has made some bold predictions, starting with his top three picks. Unsurprisingly, he forecasts that the Tennessee Titans will select quarterback Cam Ward first overall. This choice seems almost certain, despite the team not officially confirming it. Following Ward, Schrager anticipates that the Cleveland Browns will choose either Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter as their next picks. Both players are considered top talents, but Hunter's offensive potential may sway Cleveland to pick him.
In a surprising twist, Schrager has the Jacksonville Jaguars selecting running back Ashton Jeanty at No. 5. While Jeanty has been projected anywhere from the fourth pick to the twelfth, Schrager believes that Jaguars' general manager James Gladstone is ready to make a splash. With established players like Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby already on the roster, the question remains: how will Jeanty fit into this mix?
Another intriguing aspect of Schrager's mock is his prediction that the Indianapolis Colts will trade up to the No. 10 spot with the Chicago Bears. This trade would allow the Colts to select Michigan tight end Colston Loveland. By swapping first-round picks and sending Chicago their No. 80 pick, Indianapolis would be adding a premier pass-catching tight end to their arsenal, a critical move for whoever takes the reins at quarterback.
While some of Schrager's predictions seem to fall in line with expectations, others raise eyebrows. For example, he has Michigan's Mason Graham, a consensus top-five prospect throughout the draft process, falling to the Miami Dolphins at No. 13. If this happens, Miami would be wise to sprint the draft card to the podium, as Graham's talent is undeniable.
As for Shedeur Sanders, Schrager believes the Pittsburgh Steelers will snag him at No. 21. This prediction aligns with the growing consensus that Sanders could slip past the top ten, making Pittsburgh a potential landing spot for the talented quarterback.
In a surprising move, Schrager has the New York Giants trading up to select quarterback Jaxson Dart at No. 26. The Giants would send their No. 34 and No. 99 picks to the Los Angeles Rams, a decision that reflects their urgency to secure a future quarterback. However, the Rams' position is less clear, as they could also be eyeing a quarterback themselves. This trade could set the stage for an exciting Day 2 of the draft for Los Angeles.
Shifting gears to the Green Bay Packers, Schrager's predictions continue to stir conversations. After a remarkable five-year streak of accurately predicting the Super Bowl winner, Schrager's prediction faltered this year when he selected the Kansas City Chiefs over the Green Bay Packers. Now, all eyes are on his first mock draft with ESPN, where he suggests the Packers will select Texas receiver Matthew Golden in the first round.
Golden's selection would be a departure from Green Bay's historical approach, as they haven’t drafted a receiver in Round 1 since 2002. Schrager believes that Golden could slide to the Packers, making this an opportune moment for the team to secure a premier talent. Golden is noted for his elite speed, clocking in at 4.29 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the Combine, which was the fastest among this year's receiver class. Despite not having the size of some competitors, his route-running and ability to make clutch plays have garnered praise.
During his lone season at Texas, Golden achieved impressive stats, including 58 receptions for 987 yards and nine touchdowns. His performance in critical games, such as the SEC Championship Game against Georgia, where he racked up 162 yards, has only added to his rising draft stock.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian noted Golden's ability to earn trust through consistency, emphasizing that he remains poised in high-pressure situations. This quality could make him an invaluable asset for the Packers as they seek to bolster their receiving corps.
As the draft approaches, the Packers find themselves in a unique position. While they could opt for several directions, landing the consensus top wideout on many boards would be a significant coup for the franchise. With the draft set to unfold, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Schrager's predictions play out, especially with so much talent on the board.
With the 2025 NFL Draft looming, excitement is palpable in both Indianapolis and Green Bay as teams finalize their strategies. The Colts are poised to make a splash with their trade-up for Loveland, while the Packers could be on the verge of a historic pick by selecting Golden. As the clock ticks down to draft day, the anticipation continues to build, and all eyes will be on the decisions made in the first round.
In conclusion, Peter Schrager’s mock draft offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future of the NFL, with potential trades and surprise selections that could reshape rosters across the league. Whether his predictions hold true remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the 2025 NFL Draft promises to be an eventful and thrilling spectacle.
