The Draft Network’s Keith Sanchez recently released his latest 2025 NFL mock draft. The latest update of our Draft Network Top 100 prospect rankings has served as a reference point for his analysis and decisions. 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, Carolina Panthers (No. 22 overall)
Bryce Young has been reinserted into the Carolina Panthers lineup and he's playing an improved brand of football. The Panthers have won consecutive contests with Young under center. The former No. 1 overall selection has thrown two touchdowns and one interception across the ongoing win streak.
It's becoming increasingly likely that Young will receive another opportunity in 2025. Drafting a dominant boundary receiver like Tetairoa McMillan would aid his development. Pairing McMillan with Xavier Legette would give the Panthers a legitimate nucleus at receiver to build their offense around.
Biggest Question Mark: Jalen Milroe, QB, New York Giants (No. 2 overall)
I admire Sanchez's boldness. Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe is back in the QB1 conversation after rushing for four touchdowns and 185 yards in a blowout win over LSU. Sanchez made Milroe the first quarterback off the board to the New York Giants at No. 2 overall.
The Giants are positioning themselves to draft a quarterback. They're 2-8 and the expectation is that they'll bench starting quarterback Daniel Jones over the bye week. Would general manager Joe Schoen really draft Milroe ahead of Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward, two quarterbacks who are more polished prospects? Milroe's rushing ability adds a rare element to his game. Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll would have a difficult decision to make.
Best Scheme Fit: Kenneth Grant, DT, Los Angeles Chargers (No. 23 overall)
The 6-3 Los Angeles Chargers are finding success playing Jim Harbaugh football. The defense is allowing a league-low 13.1 points per contest, and a ninth-best 110.6 rushing yards per game. They've taken on the identity of their head coach.
The defensive line will undergo changes in the offseason. Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack are no longer viewed as long-term building blocks. As Harbaugh begins revamping a position that carries so much importance, he'll appreciate defensive lineman Kenneth Grant, who he coached at Michigan. Grant is a space-eater that would fit the culture, scheme, and team-building approach.
Best Value: Malaki Starks, SAF, Washington Commanders (No. 25 overall)
Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite Jayden Daniels is leading the Washington Commanders to the playoffs. Despite him being the face of the franchise, head coach Dan Quinn is a defensive-minded leader who will never neglect that side of the ball. That much was evident by the trade deadline day move to acquire cornerback Marshon Lattimore.
The Commanders are so competitive that general manager Adam Peters may feel comfortable taking the best player available approach. That's what Sanchez has projected here with Georgia safety Malaki Starks at 25th overall. Starting safety Jeremy Chinn is on a one-year contract and Starks would make a seamless transition to Quinn's defense.
Best Player Not Selected: Tyliek Williams, DT, Ohio State
Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams was the No. 31 overall prospect in our latest Draft Network 100 prospect rankings update. Despite being a borderline first-round prospect, Williams wasn’t included in Sanchez’s first-round mock.
Williams has totaled 21 tackles and 2.5 sacks this season. The big-bodied senior possesses an NFL-ready frame, one he utilizes to create disruption at the point of attack. With offenses placing more emphasis on running the football, an interior lineman like Williams could be a hot commodity on draft weekend.
