A year ago, we were all in awe of what Jayden Daniels was doing. He went from a likely Day 3 pick before the 2023 season to smack dab in the running for QB1. He ended up going No. 2 overall to Washington, and has outplayed every other rookie (QB or anyone else not named Brock Bowers), which just reinforces the idea that trying to predict how college quarterbacks will play at the next level might not be a fool’s errand, but they’re probably in the same neighborhood.
I mention all that because this quarterback class, at least from the middle of November, can kindly be described as underwhelming. Right now, Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are the best bets to go in the first round, though they’d be no higher than QB4 in the 2023 class. But demand drives the NFL offensive economy, which is why both players could be off the board by the fifth pick.
Also, unlike a year ago, expect a heavy dose of defensive players. Edge rusher Laiatu Latu was the first defender drafted back in April, and he lasted until pick No. 15. Good luck finding 14 offensive players with first-round grades, at least as we sit here now. Of course, we have more than 150 days until the actual draft, and still a month of the college football season, and then the all-star games — a lot can change. For now, enjoy.
FYI: The draft order below was determined using the current 2025 NFL Draft order ahead of “Monday Night Football.” To check out the sportsbooks‘ odds on who will be the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, head on over to FanDuel sportsbook.
OK, let’s get to it.
For more draft coverage, you can hear in-depth analysis twice a week on “With the First Pick” — our year-round NFL Draft podcast with NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson and former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. You can find “With the First Pick” wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, etc. Listen to the latest episode below.
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Author: Ryan Wilson
November 19, 2024 | 6:05 am
