In his first mock draft ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr., chooses between Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward for the Tennessee Titans.

The college football season is over, and now that Ohio State has hoisted the national championship trophy it’s time to resume the NFL Draft process. The deadline for underclassmen that didn’t go to Ohio State and Notre Dame to enter the NFL Draft has passed,

The Eagles are heading to the NFC Championship game and will face the Washington Commanders for the third time this season.  Even with the Birds locked in a playoff run, it’s never too early for a look ahead at the 2025 NFL draft.

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 31: Colston Loveland #18 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a second half touchdown with Tyler Morris #8 while playing the Fresno State Bulldogs at Michigan Stadium on August 31, 2024 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

In the latest mock from our Christian D’Andrea — a top-five mini-mock — he had the Browns taking Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders at quarterback. But in Mel Kiper Jr.’s first mock of the year for ESPN, he had Sanders’ teammate Travis Hunter going to Cleveland and Sanders going to the New York Giants at No. 3.

ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper connects the Panthers to an increasingly-familiar name in his very first mock of 2025.

The Bengals have bigger needs, regardless. The next pick in Kiper’s mock is a guard prospect in Armand Membou. The one after that is a safety, Nick Emmanwori. A few picks later, top tight end Colston Loveland. Later in the round? Pass-rusher Nic Scourton.

Michigan finished the college football season strong, and the program is poised is to carry that momentum into the NFL draft. ESPN’s draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. released his first mock for the 2025 draft on Wednesday,

Which team could land Shedeur Sanders? Will there be more first-round defensive prospects this year? Mel Kiper Jr. projects the opening 32 picks.