Predicting the 2025 NFL Draft: Giants, Steelers, Browns Select Quarterbacks in 2-Round Mock Draft

With the 2025 NFL Draft now just a couple of short weeks away, it’s time to look past the first round and recognize the “golden zone” depth on Day 2, which makes this class unique. 

This year’s class lacks the blue-chip talent of recent years. However, there are dozens of prospects at running back, wide receiver and along the defensive line who project as future NFL starters. The players ultimately selected at 15th or 20th overall, for example, aren’t viewed by scouts as that much better than those likely to be available at 40th or even 60th overall. 

With teams eager to take advantage of the relatively inexpensive talent available on Day 2, expect fewer trades this year, as many clubs opt for the “best player available” route with their first pick, only to circle back to address bigger team needs in the second round. 

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Ward is not among the true blue-chip prospects in this draft, but he has the most upside of the year’s quarterback class. You only need to look at how Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix and CJ Stroud immediately changed the trajectory of their respective NFL teams to understand why the Titans will swing big at No. 1. Ward has a lightning-quick release and a strong arm and is dangerous when the play breaks down, showing the real gunslinger mentality that can excite a fan base. 

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam acknowledging the “big swing and miss” on Deshaun Watson changed everything at the top of the draft. It isn’t often that NFL owners publicly admit a mistake, especially one rehabbing his second torn Achilles with a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, but the Browns appear ready to move on. Sanders’ game is the opposite of his flashy personality. He’s a smart field general who wins with accuracy and anticipation.