It’s never too early in the season to start thinking about the future, especially for struggling teams in the NFL. The 2025 NFL Draft may seem far away, but for some teams, it’s already on the horizon.
Week 3 of the NFL season has come and gone, and it’s time to take a look at how the potential draft order may have been shaken up. For an update on where things stand, we turn to Austin Mock’s projections. Mock uses his NFL betting model to project game scores, final winning percentages, and playoff chances for every team. The model evolves throughout the season, incorporating current data and running simulations to predict the top-10 draft order for 2025.
One of the biggest questions looming over the upcoming draft is the quarterback situation. If the Tennessee Titans end up with the No. 1 pick, it could signal the end of the Will Levis era in Tennessee. However, the 2025 quarterback class is not as stacked as previous years, with Georgia’s Carson Beck emerging as a potential top pick.
But what if the Titans pass on Beck? The New York Giants, projected to have the No. 2 pick, may also be in the market for a new quarterback. As the quarterback prospects behind Beck – such as Shedeur Sanders, Quinn Ewers, and Drew Allar – have yet to solidify their status as top picks, the quarterback landscape remains uncertain.
In Cleveland, the Browns finally have a first-round pick again. While that may be the only positive news for the team, it’s a starting point for potential improvement in the future.
The Carolina Panthers, after a rocky start to the season, made a significant change by benching Bryce Young in favor of veteran QB Andy Dalton. The move paid off with a 36-22 win over Las Vegas, pushing the Panthers out of the top five in draft projections. With an improving offensive line and winnable games ahead, the Panthers may be able to salvage their season and avoid a top draft pick.
It’s still early in the season, and a lot can change between now and the 2025 NFL Draft. Quarterback decisions, team performances, and draft projections will all be closely monitored as the season progresses. The future of the NFL lies in the hands of these young players and struggling teams, making each week of the season a crucial stepping stone towards the next draft.
