Final 2025 NFL mock draft by Dane Brugler: Cam Ward to Titans, Shedeur Sanders out of Round 1

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6299688/2025/04/24/nfl-mock-draft-2025-round-1/

Summary

Dane Brugler's final 2025 NFL mock draft projects Cam Ward to the Titans and Shedeur Sanders falling out of the first round. The draft emphasizes defensive talent, with Jack Sawyer projected as the first overall pick to the Panthers. The Titans' gamble on Ward signals a focus on quarterback development. Sanders' slide highlights the importance of consistent performance beyond statistics. The draft shows depth at wide receiver and a premium on offensive tackles. Brugler's mock provides insights into team strategies but ultimately, the draft remains unpredictable. Watch the draft on ESPN, NFL Network, ABC, and online.

Full News Report

Here's a possible structure you can follow: * **Headline:** (Compelling and Keyword-Rich) * **Introduction:** (Brief and News-Oriented - Who, What, When, Where, Why, How) * **H2: Dane Brugler's Final NFL Mock Draft: The Top 10** (Detailed analysis of the top 10 picks) * **H2: QBs and The Titans: Ward Heads to Tennessee** (Dive deeper into the QB landscape and the Titans' decision) * **H2: Shedeur Sanders Slips: No First-Round Love** (Analyze the factors causing Sanders' draft stock to fall) * **H2: The Rest of Round 1: Key Insights and Surprises** (Discuss other notable picks and potential surprises) * **H2: Implications and Reactions: What Does This Mean for Teams?** (Analyze the potential impact of the draft picks) * **H2: Tracking the Draft: Where to Watch and Follow Along** (Provide viewing information and social media handles) * **Conclusion:** (Summary of Key Takeaways) Here's the complete article: **Titans Grab Cam Ward in Dane Brugler's Final 2025 NFL Mock Draft; Shedeur Sanders Falls Out of Round 1** The wait is almost over. On Thursday night, April 24th, 2025, at a yet-to-be-determined location, the dreams of hundreds of college football players will either be realized or deferred. All eyes will be on the **NFL Draft**, and with the clock ticking down, draft experts are releasing their **final mock drafts**. One of the most respected voices in the industry, **Dane Brugler** of The Athletic, has just released his **final** take on how Round 1 of the 2025 **NFL Draft** will unfold. This year's edition is particularly intriguing, with a deep quarterback class and plenty of uncertainty surrounding team needs and strategies. His projections are already causing buzz, with Cam Ward landing with the Tennessee Titans and Shedeur Sanders surprisingly falling out of the first round. This article breaks down Brugler's projections, analyzes key picks, and explores the potential impacts on teams across the league. **H2: Dane Brugler's Final NFL Mock Draft: The Top 10** Brugler's mock draft highlights the strength of this year's defensive line class. He projects the first overall pick, held by the Carolina Panthers, to be Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer. Sawyer's combination of power and athleticism makes him an immediate impact player. Here’s a quick look at Brugler’s projected top 10: 1. **Carolina Panthers:** Jack Sawyer, DE, Ohio State 2. **Arizona Cardinals:** Will Johnson, CB, Michigan 3. **Los Angeles Rams:** Harold Perkins, LB, LSU 4. **New England Patriots:** Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama 5. **Denver Broncos:** Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri 6. **New York Giants:** Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU 7. **Washington Commanders:** Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado 8. **Las Vegas Raiders:** Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky 9. **Tennessee Titans:** Cam Ward, QB, Miami 10. **Atlanta Falcons:** Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas The top 10 is notably heavy on defensive talent, with four defensive players in the top five. The early run on defensive players is a testament to the perceived quality of this year's class. Beyond the defensive dominance, Brugler projects Jalen Milroe as the second quarterback off the board to the New England Patriots. Milroe's raw talent and potential are enticing for a Patriots team desperately seeking a franchise quarterback. Luther Burden III to the Broncos, Emery Jones Jr. to the Giants, and Travis Hunter to the Commanders are other intriguing selections highlighting potential receiver needs and offensive line improvements. **H2: QBs and The Titans: Ward Heads to Tennessee** The biggest surprise of Brugler's mock draft might be the Tennessee Titans selecting Cam Ward at pick number nine. While quarterback was expected to be a position of interest for Tennessee, many analysts had them potentially looking at other positions of need like offensive tackle early in the draft. Ryan Tannehill's age and performance have put the position in question, and while Malik Willis has shown flashes, he hasn't cemented himself as the long-term answer. Ward’s athleticism and arm talent are undeniable. He’s shown the ability to make impressive throws under pressure, and his mobility allows him to extend plays and create opportunities. While he needs to refine his decision-making and improve his consistency, his upside is considerable. The Titans likely see Ward as a project quarterback with the potential to be a star. They have a solid coaching staff that can help him develop and reach his full potential. The pick also signals a clear direction for the Titans, who are clearly looking to the future at the QB position. This also reflects a growing trend: NFL teams are becoming more willing to invest high draft capital in quarterbacks with the belief that they can develop them into franchise cornerstones. The risks are high, but the rewards can be even greater. **H2: Shedeur Sanders Slips: No First-Round Love** Perhaps the most surprising element of Brugler's **final NFL mock draft** is the absence of Shedeur Sanders in the first round. Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, was widely considered a potential top-10 pick at the start of the college football season. However, his performance at Colorado, while statistically impressive at times, didn't always translate to wins and championship-level play. Concerns about Sanders' pocket presence, decision-making under duress, and the offensive line talent around him at Colorado have likely contributed to his slide down draft boards. While his arm talent and natural leadership qualities are undeniable, NFL teams appear hesitant to invest a premium first-round pick in a quarterback with notable question marks. Sanders' drop highlights the importance of evaluating quarterbacks based on more than just statistics and highlight-reel plays. NFL teams are looking for quarterbacks who can consistently make good decisions, read defenses effectively, and lead their teams to victory. Despite his talent, Sanders hasn't consistently demonstrated those qualities. It also demonstrates how much one season, and the narrative surrounding it, can impact a player's draft stock. This means that Sanders' performance in his senior year will be even more crucial for his draft prospects. **H2: The Rest of Round 1: Key Insights and Surprises** Beyond the quarterbacks and the top defensive prospects, Brugler's mock draft provides several other noteworthy insights: * **Wide Receiver Depth:** The mock draft showcases the depth of the wide receiver class, with multiple receivers projected to be selected in the middle to late first round. Teams looking to add explosive playmakers will have plenty of options. * **Offensive Tackle Premium:** Offensive tackles remain a premium position, with several tackles projected to be selected in the top half of the first round. Protecting the quarterback is paramount in the modern NFL, and teams are willing to invest heavily in talented offensive linemen. * **Linebacker Value:** Harold Perkins being selected at No. 3 overall emphasizes the increasing value placed on versatile and athletic linebackers in today’s NFL. **H2: Implications and Reactions: What Does This Mean for Teams?** Brugler's mock draft offers a fascinating glimpse into how teams might approach the draft. * **Titans' Gamble:** The Titans' potential selection of Cam Ward is a significant risk, but it could pay off handsomely if he develops into a franchise quarterback. * **Sanders' Opportunity:** Shedeur Sanders falling out of the first round could be a blessing in disguise. He could land with a team that has a more stable environment and a better coaching staff to nurture his talent. * **Defensive Focus:** The early run on defensive players suggests that many teams are prioritizing improving their defenses. This could lead to a more competitive and balanced NFL. **H2: Tracking the Draft: Where to Watch and Follow Along** The 2025 NFL Draft is set to be a can't-miss event. You can watch live coverage on ESPN, NFL Network, and ABC. Streaming options will also be available through various online platforms. Stay updated on the latest news and analysis by following **Dane Brugler** (@dpbrugler) and other reputable NFL draft analysts on social media. The official NFL website (nfl.com) will also provide comprehensive coverage, including live updates, analysis, and player profiles. **Conclusion** **Dane Brugler's final NFL mock draft** provides a compelling and insightful look at how Round 1 of the 2025 **NFL Draft** might unfold. Cam Ward's projected landing spot with the Titans is a bold prediction, while the absence of Shedeur Sanders from the first round is a major surprise. Ultimately, the draft is unpredictable, and teams will undoubtedly make unexpected moves. However, Brugler's mock draft offers a valuable framework for understanding the potential strategies and priorities of teams across the league. Only time will tell how accurate his projections will be, but one thing is certain: the 2025 NFL Draft promises to be full of excitement, surprises, and potentially franchise-altering decisions.