We are just a little over 30 days away from the 2025 NFL Draft and that means you will find a mock draft just about everywhere. Don’t believe me? Open your internet browser, mock draft. Open your fridge. Boom mock draft. What’s under your bed listening to you sleep at night? Yep, you guessed it, NFL mock draft.
Now that we have that settled, recently I decided to look around at several mock drafts across the web and the first one I went to was Mel Kiper’s. I guess when it’s not screaming at someone (it used to be Todd McShay), he actually writes them down or has someone else write it down for him.
Either way, I have grown up listening to him for years, and I always find it interesting to see who Mel has on his big board. At this very moment, Kiper has three Big 12 players projected to go in the first round.
Pick #3: Shedeur Sanders, QB (New York Giants)
Some may argue that Shedeur is the best quarterback in the draft, and I wouldn’t argue against that take. In his first season in the Big 12, Sanders led the conference with 37 passing touchdowns, 4,134 passing yards and completion percentage (74%). Keep in mind that he was able to put up these absurd numbers behind a below-average offensive line and spent a lot of time running for his life. In fact, nobody has taken more sacks in the FBS in the last two seasons (94) than Sanders has.
The Giants haven’t had much quarterback luck since Eli Manning left town. The Daniel Jones experiment failed miserably, and New York needs a superstar that the city can rally around. Shedeur Sanders can be that guy for this franchise for the next decade plus. He is one of the most talented quarterbacks I have ever seen in a Big 12 uniform.
Pick #4: Travis Hunter, CB/WR (New England Patriots)
Speaking of talented players in a Big 12 uniform, say hello to Travis Hunter. Last season, no player was better than Travis, regardless of position. Don’t believe me? Maybe the Heisman Trophy sitting in his room will change your mind.
Travis is truly one of those classic throwback players from way back in the day. He plays offense and defense, and nobody played more snaps than he did in 2024. He’s got elite ball skills, quickness and football instincts. Whether it’s the Patriots or someone else who picks him, that team will end up with one hell of a football player who will make your team better. The only question is where will he play? Corner? Wide receiver? Or maybe a bit of both? Only time will tell.
Pick #20: Tetairoa McMillan, WR (Denver Broncos)
If anyone in the first round is looking for an elite wide receiver, then look no further because Tetairoa McMillan is the guy. Despite his team having a subpar season, McMillan’s stats did not take a hit. In 2024, Tetairoa broke the 1,300 receiving yard mark for a second straight season and at times looked completely unstoppable.
What impressed me the most about McMillan is the fact that he was able to put up these ridiculous numbers when all the focus and attention was on him every single Saturday. Arizona didn’t have any true weapons outside of him and yet he still gave defenses fits. Whether it’s Denver or somewhere else, some team is going to get one heck of a player.
