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The buzz is heating up as the 2025 NFL Draft is almost here, and all eyes will be on who will end up where.

From franchise quarterbacks to game-changing defenders, here are my bold predictions for the first five picks in this year’s draft:

1. Tennessee Titans – QB Cam Ward, Miami

The way I see it, the first two picks could come down to two players: QB Ward and CB Travis Hunter. However, if you’re the Tennessee Titans and your quarterbacks look more suitable as backups, Ward is who you have to get immediately.

After two stints at both Incarnate Word and Washington State, Ward transferred to Miami where he had the best run of his college career. The 2024 ACC Player of the Year has racked up multiple awards and recorded stats that rank among the top 10 in both the ACC and NCAA.

Ward has the speed and strength to keep a drive going, and his patience helps him with his accuracy and throwing. He’s not the best in being a rusher, but it doesn’t mean that he can’t run when necessary. His skills will not only make him an obvious starter in the Titans, but it could surpass that of the QBs that came before him.

2. Cleveland Browns – CB Travis Hunter, Colorado

The Browns have the second pick right now, but there is a rumor going around that franchises are calling them to trade the second pick. I think the chance to grab the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner first is why that’s happening.

Cleveland already has three adequate quarterbacks in Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and DeShaun Watson, so the best option for their first pick is to find someone good on the defensive. That’s where Hunter comes in, but that’s if they choose to keep their position.

He poses as a dual threat on the field. As a cornerback, he picked off seven passes in the last two seasons. He becomes a threat to the QB once he knows when the receiver breaks. He can keep up with receivers which is why he can also be one. As a receiver, Hunter shakes the defenses up by running the way any offensive player would. His records as a receiver rank among the top 10 in both the NCAA and Big 12 conference. The Browns can use him both ways, but they should use him more as a defender.

3. New York Giants – EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State

The Giants are pretty much in the same scenario as the Browns. However, if they keep their third pick and Hunter is drafted by Cleveland, their only option is to go for the next best defensive player. Enter Penn State’s Carter.

He started out as a linebacker, then made the switch to EDGE rusher last year. Carter learned how to run the loop, maintain his balance, mix things up, and change directions. He can figure out the opponents’ tactics as the play starts and knows what to do when the time is right. Last year, he led the nation with 23.5 tackles for loss. This shows you that if he tackles an opposing player, the opposition will most likely find themselves in a huge disadvantage when they lose the ball.

Drafting Carter will jumpstart the Giants goal to create a brand new defense that will drive fear into even the toughest of their offensive opponents. No player might ever see him coming.

4. New England Patriots – RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State

If the Browns don’t shockingly take Jeanty as the second pick, then the Patriots might. However, everybody (and I mean everybody) wants this man as badly as they want Hunter and Carter, and it’s no surprise why.

I mean, did anyone imagined a player from a non-Power Five conference becoming one of the most talked-about stars last season? He ranked second in NCAA history last year for running 2,601 yards in a single season. Lions legend Barry Sanders still holds the top spot with that record. Jeanty can outrun defenders if they fail to grab and stop him and press the line of scrimmage. He doesn’t have the speed like Tyreek Hill or Jahmyr Gibbs, but he’s productive when catching the ball or bursting out.

QB Drake Maye managed to improve himself last season, however, it didn’t help that he was part of one of the league’s worst offensive teams. Drafting Jeanty would be the first step towards creating a new offense that brings Pats fans back to the glory years of the Tom Brady era. It would give them the offense fans have been wanting to see for a while now.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars – DT Mason Graham, Michigan

The 5th pick of the NFL draft is always the wild card. In the case of the Jaguars, building a defense is just one of their priorities and drafting Graham is a start, especially if Carter and Hunter have been taken.

The Michigan DT led the defense with 45 tackles last year. He’s proof that size doesn’t matter because he can stand his ground when he’s outnumbered and tackle his way through the smallest of gaps. He also knows how to read a quarterback, which is something the Jaguars defense, or any other defense can use.

Defensive strategies have been a struggle for Jacksonville in the last few seasons. Graham can use his tackling skills to lay down any player that gets in his way. This can help give QB Trevor Lawrence and the offense the opening they need to pull ahead of their opponents which is something they’ve struggled with, too.

2025 NFL Draft Conclusion

Let’s be honest here: Anything can happen in the 2025 NFL Draft. No one’s predictions for who their team will pick are perfect. I mean, with mock drafts and news about trades spreading before it even happens, no one will be ready for now the event will turn upside down.

The one thing every football fan can hope is their team will pick someone who will meet their expectations and contribute in the long run. How they will be used is up to the coaches as long as they don’t misuse them or anything. For now, let’s just prepare to expect the unexpected in one of the NFL’s biggest events of the year.

Be sure to watch the 2025 NFL Draft Thursday night at 8 PM EST on the NFL Network, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN Deportes. You can also stream it on the NFL+ app.