NFL Draft 2025: Three Big Surprises You Won’t See Coming
Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) reacts after the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images No one has ever correctly predicted all 32 picks in the NFL Draft. Even the most accurate analysts only manage to match maybe eight or nine players to the right spot and right team.
So perhaps it’s time to prepare for the unexpected. Predict the unpredictable. It can’t be any more wrong than what’s come before, right? It’s time to stare into the crystal ball for some unlikely scenarios that may hold more truth than expected.
Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty to the New England Patriots
Mike Vrabel has returned as head coach, but the Patriots are worse for wear than the Tennessee Titans ever were. Still, the Patriots have a solid young quarterback to build around and a defensive line that looks frightening on paper.
But a big part of Vrabel’s past success is missing. Where is his generational running back talent?
Enter Ashton Jeanty at No. 4.
Vrabel’s best offensive days revolved around a running back who refused to be tackled.
Derrick Henry was near impossible to bring down on his own, often taking two or three tries to get on the ground. Does this remind you of anyone? It should.
Jeanty’s contact balance should instantly appeal to Vrabel, and a new era of offense could begin in New England.
Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen Will Be the First Defensive Tackle Selected
Oct 7, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Walter Nolen (0) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Kyle Field. credits: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports I like Mason Graham (Michigan) as much as the next guy—which is to say, a lot—but his status as a top-five lock rests on loose ground. Concerns about weight and arm length have bubbled up throughout the draft cycle. Enough, in fact, that the Jaguars—who have been linked to Graham nearly the entire cycle—may have wandering eyes at No. 5.
Nolen has better sack production, better tackles for loss, and is a more naturally built defensive tackle prospect for the pro game. Teams value length, especially the team most likely to take a defensive tackle after the Jaguars: the Chicago Bears.
The Bears don’t currently have a defensive tackle on the roster with arms as short as Graham’s. Their last pick at the position was Zacch Pickens, who has 34-inch arms. It’s possible Graham doesn’t meet the benchmark traits the Bears typically look for at the position—and that he’s passed over in favor of Nolen.
Nolen has some character concerns, but if his interviews with the Bears went OK, we may be seeing Nolen in the top 10 and Graham falling into the teens.
UCLA LB Carson Schwesinger Is a First-Round Selection
Nov 2, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Heinrich Haarberg (10) runs out of bounds against UCLA Bruins linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images Inside linebacker can be the quarterback of the defense, but they typically don’t carry first-round value. Most analysts only have one linebacker projected in Day 1: Jihaad Campbell, who is incredibly athletic, versatile and comes from one of the best football schools of all time.
But let’s not forget about the Los Angeles Rams, who currently have just one player in their middle linebacker room who was drafted by any NFL team: Tony Fields. And he may not even make the roster—currently listed fifth string at the spot.
There’s nothing wrong with Troy Reeder or Omar Speights, per se, but they aren’t stars. It’s easy to picture Sean McVay wanting to solidify the middle with Schwesinger, a highly touted local talent with a reputation as a hard worker from his days as a walk-on.
His football character will shine in interviews—and his play will solidify him as a star in McVay’s defense.
