SB Nation

It’s time for our first 2025 NFL mock draft, and let’s just say it’s a little topsy turvy. The Vikings are WHERE? The 49ers are WHERE? The Bengals are HOW HIGH? Five weeks into the college football season, some early observations on this class are starting to come into focus. This is a defense-heavy class: 19 of the top 32 picks in this early mock draft were on the defensive side of the ball, and it could be even more by the time the second mock rolls around. This defensive class is special, with super fun prospects leading the pack at corner, defensive tackle and EDGE. When we get to my midseason big board, I’m sure most of the top guys will be from that side of the ball. Colorado’s Travis Hunter and Michigan’s Will Johnson are stars at corner, Michigan DT Mason Graham and Kentucky DT Deone Walker and battle to be the first tackle picked, and the deep race at EDGE, there’s so many cool things to go and watch for on the defensive side of the ball. On offense ... not so much. It’s a relatively thin class at receiver and QB this year. Only five players from those positions made the mock, and where they land is anyone’s guess. You could say anyone is QB1 right now and you might be able to sway me, but so far I think I’m going to roll with Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders as my QB1. I went into the season with him at 2, but I’ve been impressed with his ability to weather the storm of pressure and find answers more often than not. I still think he creates some of it on his own, and his arm is just good more than it is top tier, but he offers a large base to work with. Offensive tackle is also a really interesting spot, largely because some guys might work better as guards rather than tackle. But hey, if you need a RB, take one this year. Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is the best of the bunch, and he’s absolutely worth a first round pick.