The Draft Network’s Keith Sanchez recently released his first 2025 NFL mock draft. The latest Draft Network Top 100 release has served as a reference point for his analysis and decisions. With Week 1 of the 2024 regular-season campaign officially in the books, it’s mock draft season here at The Draft Network, with weekly iterations dropping every Sunday evening.
I’ve been selected to dissect Sanchez’s mock. I've identified my favorite selections, scheme fits, and the best prospect not selected. I also have some question marks. Let’s dive into The Draft Network’s latest 2025 NFL mock draft.
Favorite pick: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Denver Broncos (No. 4 overall)
Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix had an ugly debut in Week 1. Nix averaged a historically low 3.3 yards per attempt and still managed to throw two interceptions on the few occasions he got riskier with the ball. The Broncos will expect progress, but to really bring their young quarterback out of his shell, they'll have to pair him with an elite boundary receiver.
Tetairoa McMillan is an outstanding fit. McMillan introduced himself to a national audience with a 304-yard, four-touchdown performance against New Mexico in Week 1. The dominant "X" wideout possesses a massive catch radius that turns 50-50 balls into highlight-reel-worthy completions.
Biggest Question Mark: Quinshon Judkins RB, Chicago Bears (No. 18 overall)
There's no questioning Quinshon Judkins' skill set. The talented Ohio State ball-carrier has already rushed for three touchdowns through two completed contests while averaging an effective 7.4 yards per carry. I am questioning the value here for the Chicago Bears with quarterback Caleb Williams on his rookie contract.
The Bears signed D'Andre Swift to a three-year contract worth $24 million earlier this offseason, making him the eighth-highest-paid back in the league annually. General manager Ryan Poles is also still invested in Roschon Johnson, who he drafted with a fourth-round pick in 2023. That's a lot invested in a non-premium position as is, so adding another first-round selection to the fray would be highly suspect.
Best Scheme Fit: Malaki Starks, SAF, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 11 overall)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a legitimate superstar at safety in Antoine Winfield Jr., who they signed a long-term extension in the offseason. Opposite Winfield Jr. is Jordan Whitehead, who is a temporary solution. Drafting a difference-making talent like Malaki Starks would give the Buccaneers one of the better safety pairings in the league.
Starks would be an outstanding scheme fit in Todd Bowles' aggressive defense. Bowles expects his safeties to wear multiple hats as necessary. Starks is an elite athlete with fluid change of direction ability. His football intelligence allows him to be a position and scheme-versatile defender.
Best Value: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Buffalo Bills (No. 24 overall)
Notre Dame's Benjamin Morrison is in contention to be the top overall cornerback in the 2025 class. Sanchez has one, potentially two, corners selected ahead of him, depending on how you view Travis Hunter. The Buffalo Bills would be thrilled to land Morrison, a high-end corner prospect, in the mid-20s.
The Bills will need to start turning over the cornerback position next offseason. Rasul Douglas will turn 31 and Kaiir Elam didn't play a single defensive snap in Week 1. Morrison would quickly slot into a starting role alongside Christian Benford.
Best Player Not Selected: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Offensive tackle is a premium position and yet Sanchez only mocked three of them in the first round. By comparison, eight tackles were selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Minnesota's Aireontae Ersery, our No. 16 overall prospect, fell victim to the shortage.
Ersery hasn't allowed a sack or quarterback hit yet this season, according to Pro Football Focus. He's a physically gifted prospect with terrific length, strength, and athleticism. Ersery is trending toward being a first-round selection in 2025.
