Nov 29, 2024; Boise, Idaho, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the first quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Albertsons Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-Imagn Images The NFL draft is finally almost here.
Teams will be feverishly working the phones to make trades for picks and players, hoping to take advantage of desperate teams around the clock.
But the best part of the draft is the surprises. Whether it’s stunning players like Michael Penix Jr. getting selected too early, or teams selling the farm to trade up in the order, the draft is the perfect made-for-television sports drama.
Let’s try to jump in front of a few storylines before Commissioner Roger Goodell opens the draft Thursday evening in Green Bay.
1. Ashton Jeanty could be a top-5 NFL draft pick
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is a prospect who did not receive much love after his season ended but could benefit from a quiet pre-draft process.
Running backs are back, especially after the Philadelphia Eagles rode the legs of Saquon Barkley all the way to the Super Bowl last season. The 2025 NFL Draft class is loaded at running back, so expect the top one to come off the board early.
Top NFL insiders have been hinting at a major trade happening within the top five. It seems like Cam Ward, Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter will likely be selected in that order, with the New England Patriots starting the draft at No. 4.
Many mock drafts have the Patriots taking offensive tackle Will Campbell, but don’t be surprised if Mike Vrabel falls in love with the best running back he’s seen since coaching Derrick Henry with the Tennessee Titans. If the Patriots pass on Jeanty, all eyes will shift to the Jacksonville Jaguars, who should still be looking to support Trevor Lawrence.
2. Somebody falls in love with Jaxson Dart in Round 1
Nov 29, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) reacts after the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images At just 21 years old, Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart is the youngest quarterback in this class, and someone will fall in love with him.
The New Orleans Saints could be without quarterback Derek Carr next season and reportedly like Dart. The Pittsburgh Steelers spent extensive time with Dart during their pre-draft process and reportedly have a first-round grade on him.
Both of those teams could have the luxury of redshirting Dart and keeping him on the shelf throughout most of, if not his entire, rookie season.
Quarterback is the most important position in sports, and Dart will be in the green room Thursday night. It makes you wonder if he has some sort of first-round guarantee.
3. Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter reunite in the NFL
Apr 4, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) runs drills at the University of Colorado NFL Showcase at the CU Indoor Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ciaglo-Imagn Images At one point not too long ago, it seemed far-fetched to think Hunter could reunite in the NFL with the quarterback who helped him win the Heisman.
But according to NFL draft betting odds, Sanders is likely to fall out of the teens and into the 20s on draft night. This scenario becomes increasingly likely if Dart is taken early.
The Cleveland Browns and New York Giants both still need a franchise quarterback and will likely pass on one in the top five.
Don’t be surprised if one of those general managers has “Shedeur Sanders no matter what” written on a sticky note and trades back in for the most polarizing prospect in this class—reuniting him with his Heisman-winning college teammate.
