2025 NFL mock draft roundup: Expert predictions for NFL draft as Week 1 wraps up

Although the NFL season has just gotten underway, it's never too early to start looking at next year's draft (especially if you're a Panthers fan). The prospect of adding an immediate impact player to your squad is a thought that could have numerous NFL fans salivating. Whether it's a quarterback, edge rusher, or left tackle to help keep your quarterback upright, there are numerous collegiate players who could help your favorite NFL teams take a step toward a Super Bowl title.

Here are who experts across the internet are projecting to pick in the top-five of next year's draft, and who those teams might take.

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2025 NFL mock draft roundup:

CBS Sports: Defense dominates top of draft

Josh Edwards believes that each of the top-two picks, and six of the top-ten will be defensive players, with Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams going first overall to the New England Patriots. What's crazy is that CBS Sports ranks Williams as the second best player at his position, behind Tennessee's James Pearce Jr. For some reason though, Edwards believes Williams will be the first player taken.

The first quarterback taken off Edwards' board is Colorado's Shedeur Sanders. Edwards believes the New York Giants will finally move off of Daniel Jones, opting for Sanders with the third overall pick.

CBS Sports' top-five picks:

• New England Patriots: EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia

• Carolina Panthers: CB Will Johnson, Michigan

• New York Giants: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

• Washington Commanders: OT Will Campbell, LSU

• Tennessee Titans: EDGE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee

Bleacher Report: Giants move off Daniel Jones

Much like CBS Sports, Bleacher Report's Scouting Department believes the Giants will be finished with Daniel Jones after this season, opting for Colorado's Shedeur Sanders as well. Bleacher Report also believes that Sanders' teammate and two-way star Travis Hunter will be the first overall selection.

Bleacher Report's top-five picks:

• Denver Broncos: CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado

• Carolina Panthers: EDGE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee

• New England Patriots: OT Will Campbell, LSU

• New York Giants: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

• Tennessee Titans: WR Luther Burden III, Missouri

Pro Football Network: Shedeur Sanders goes first overall

Owain Jones writes, "Suppose the Carolina Panthers find themselves at the bottom of the NFL rankings again in 2024. In that case, the draft could take an unexpected turn, especially if Bryce Young fails to meet expectations and David Tepper’s influence changes the team’s direction."

Jones could be onto something. The Panthers did not look good in the team's blowout loss to the Saints Week 1, and the offense was certainly the biggest flop. Offseason acquisitions Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette both had minimal impact, constantly being locked down by the Saints' defense. If things don't start turning around soon, it would not be surprising to see the Panthers hold the first overall pick yet again, and opting for a new quarterback to replace Bryce Young.

Jones also has another quarterback, UGA's Carson Beck going second overall to the Tennessee Titans. In fact, much like 2024, Jones believes five quarterbacks will be taken in the first round with the Raiders (Quinn Ewers), Giants (Connor Weigman), and Jets (Cam Ward) all selecting quarterbacks as well.

Pro Football Network's top-five picks:

• Carolina Panthers: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

• Tennessee Titans: QB Carson Beck, Georgia

• New England Patriots: EDGE Nic Scourton, Texas A&M

• Denver Broncos: CB Will Johnson, Michigan

• Las Vegas Raiders: QB Quinn Ewers, Texas

When is the 2025 NFL Draft?

The 2025 NFL Draft is still a long ways away, but it will start on Thursday, April 24, 2025 and end Saturday, April 26, 2025.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2025 NFL draft mock draft roundup: Experts' top predictions