2025 NFL Mock draft: Updated projections 2 weeks out

The 2025 NFL Draft gets underway two weeks from today.

Uncertainty over the draft stock of Shedeur Sanders, among other factors, figures to make this one of the most unpredictable classes in recent memory. And might there be some momentum for a third quarterback to hear his name called on Day 1?

Let's dive in with another first-round thought experiment. Surely, this is the one that'll send every fan base home happy.

The picks

Highlights

Sanders ➡️ Saints

Sanders falling to the Saints at No. 9 might seem too far. Or is it not far enough? The Colorado star is the consensus No. 2 passer in the draft, but that won't guarantee him a spot at the top of the first round. Recent reports suggest the Browns and Giants, who are more desperate than anyone for a young quarterback, will look elsewhere with their first picks.

Any such rumors may prove to be little more than standard pre-draft gamesmanship. If the Giants take Abdul Carter, that would probably require trading former first-rounder Kayvon Thibodeaux. But if Sanders isn't seen as a clear top-10 overall talent, which may be the case, it's easy to understand why Cleveland and New York would prefer to mitigate the risk and instead opt for the two best players in the draft.

The Saints are a complete wild card at No. 9. This front office has a habit of operating in a win-now mode no matter what, so it's possible New Orleans wouldn't be the one to end a potential Sanders slide. However, this could also be a unique opportunity to set the club up to move on from Derek Carr by 2026. It's at least something to consider.

If the Saints pass, we could be looking at a free-fall scenario that leads to teams like the Browns and Giants competing to trade back into the end of the first round to get Sanders. Interestingly enough, that would open the possibility that Sanders and Travis Hunter become teammates again at the next level.

Milroe ➡️ Steelers

The Steelers' pick is the other one bound to create a stir. Jalen Milroe has the best physical traits of any quarterback in the draft, but he's got a long way to go as a passer. Someone is going to take a chance on that upside, though. And it suddenly seems it could be earlier than anyone thought possible.

We should note that Milroe reportedly accepted an invitation to attend the draft this week. Maybe that proves meaningless when draft weekend rolls around. But it could indicate the NFL and Milroe believe he won't have to worry about awkwardly sitting in the green room well into Day 2.

There's a strong case that the Steelers should use every resource to build a contender around Aaron Rodgers, assuming they can eventually close that deal. At the same time, Pittsburgh doesn't want to be back in quarterback purgatory when he retires. Milroe would at least give the team a succession plan. And sitting behind a future Hall of Famer for a year or two wouldn't hurt his development.

McMillan ➡️ Cowboys

Tetairoa McMillan is starting to feel like a great option for the Cowboys at No. 12. This offense desperately needs to add playmakers alongside CeeDee Lamb. With Ashton Jeanty presumably off the board, it might make sense to wait until Day 2 to take advantage of a loaded running back class. The receiver group isn't quite as deep. McMillan is one of the few with true star potential, and his big-play ability on the boundary could be an outstanding complement to Lamb.

Loveland ➡️ Rams

The Rams could certainly add to the defense in this spot, but it's worth remembering they were reportedly exploring the possibility of trading up for tight end Brock Bowers last year. Colston Loveland is another dynamic target who can also hold his own as an in-line blocker. Los Angeles' offense could be tough to stop with the Michigan product stepping in as a third option in the pass game alongside Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.

Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.