As the excitement builds for the 2025 NFL Draft, Daniel Jeremiah's final mock draft predictions have sent shockwaves through the league, particularly with his selections for the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers. Jeremiah, a respected draft analyst, has forecasted that the Packers will select Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston at No. 23 overall, while the Steelers are projected to take Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders at No. 21.
Jeremiah's analysis highlights Hairston, affectionately nicknamed "Mad Max," as a top prospect for the Packers who are in dire need of cornerback help. This marks the second consecutive mock draft where Hairston has been linked to Green Bay, following Jeremiah's earlier prediction in March 2025. Currently ranked as the No. 34 player on the consensus big board, Hairston has made a name for himself with his impressive speed and athleticism. At the NFL Scouting Combine, he showcased his abilities by clocking in the fastest 40-yard dash among cornerbacks at 4.28 seconds.
Despite battling through injuries in 2024, Hairston’s performance in 2023 was nothing short of exceptional. Over his last two seasons at Kentucky, he intercepted six passes, returning three for touchdowns, and broke up another ten. His agility was further demonstrated with a vertical leap of 39.5 inches and a broad jump of 10 feet 9 inches, resulting in a remarkable Relative Athletic Score of 9.63.
"The Packers love SEC players, and Hairston can really run. He battled through injury in 2024, but his 2023 tape is exceptional. With Jaire Alexander potentially on the move, Green Bay adds help at cornerback," Jeremiah stated, emphasizing the strategic fit of Hairston with the Packers. With Alexander's future uncertain, Hairston could step into a starting role immediately.
Meanwhile, the Steelers have their eyes set on Shedeur Sanders, a quarterback whose draft stock appears to fluctuate more than any other in the 2025 class. Jeremiah's predictions suggest that if Pittsburgh doesn’t choose Sanders at No. 21, he could slip out of the first round entirely. This uncertainty surrounding Sanders adds intrigue to his potential selection.
Jeremiah noted, "If the Steelers don’t take him at No. 21, he could fall out of the first round entirely. Without predicting trades, it’s hard to identify a team between No. 10 and No. 21 that could select Sanders." This sentiment has been echoed across various mock drafts, with many analysts linking Sanders to Pittsburgh. His accuracy and toughness have drawn praise, particularly from head coach Mike Tomlin, who acknowledged Sanders during a recent press conference.
As the clock ticks down to the start of the draft, scheduled for Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 8 PM EST in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the buzz surrounding these top prospects continues to grow. The Packers and Steelers are both at critical junctures, with their selections potentially shaping the future of their franchises.
In addition to the selections of Hairston and Sanders, Jeremiah's mock draft reveals a flurry of other notable picks. The Tennessee Titans are anticipated to take quarterback Cam Ward first overall, while the Cleveland Browns are expected to select two-way star Travis Hunter second. The New York Giants are projected to address their defensive needs by selecting Abdul Carter, an edge rusher from Penn State, with the third pick.
The draft landscape is buzzing with speculation, as analysts from various outlets weigh in on potential trades and selections. Jeremiah's final mock draft reflects the consensus among many experts, with teams like the Denver Broncos also making headlines. Jeremiah predicts the Broncos will trade up to select Michigan tight end Colston Loveland, a move that signals their intent to bolster their offensive arsenal.
As the draft approaches, fans and analysts alike are left to wonder how these predictions will play out. Will Maxwell Hairston and Shedeur Sanders fulfill their projected destinies with the Packers and Steelers, respectively? Or will the unpredictable nature of the draft lead to surprises that shake up the league?
In the world of the NFL, every pick carries weight, and the stakes are high. With the 2025 NFL Draft just hours away, the anticipation is palpable. Teams are finalizing their strategies, and fans are ready to witness the next generation of football talent take center stage. The excitement of the draft not only marks the beginning of a new chapter for these young athletes but also sets the tone for the upcoming NFL season.
As the countdown continues, one thing is certain: the 2025 NFL Draft promises to be a thrilling event filled with surprises, strategic moves, and the potential for future stars to emerge. Fans will be glued to their screens, waiting to see if their teams make the right choices that could define their seasons and shape their legacies.
