Mock Draft Madness: Pro Football Rumors’ Take on the 2025 NFL Draft

2025 NFL Mock Draft: Surprises, Depth, and Bold Picks From Pro Football Rumors

The countdown to the 2025 NFL Draft is on, and with it comes a wave of speculation, strategy, and bold predictions. This year’s draft class isn’t loaded with surefire superstars at the top, but it offers incredible depth—making every selection, especially in the later part of the first round, a potential game-changer.

Most NFL scouting departments have handed out only 15–20 true first-round grades, meaning the second half of Round 1 could get wild. With so many prospects graded in the second or even third round still in the conversation for early selection, fans and front offices alike can expect a draft night full of twists and surprise names.

Pro Football Rumors has dropped its latest mock draft, aiming to match top talent with team needs across the board. What makes this mock particularly unique is the fact that—for the first time in years—every NFL franchise currently holds its own first-round pick. With that rare landscape in place, this mock doesn’t project any trades (though the tail end of the first round could very well feature some movement come draft night).

At No. 1 overall, the Tennessee Titans make a statement. Rather than gamble on developmental talent or a flashy defensive name, the Titans opt to address the most critical position on the field—quarterback. With lingering uncertainty around Will Levis, the mock has Tennessee selecting Cam Ward out of Miami (FL), a dynamic dual-threat passer with arm strength, mobility, and plenty of upside. While other top-tier players like Travis Hunter (Colorado) and Abdul Carter (Penn State) could have made sense, Ward’s potential to become the face of the franchise gives him the edge.

From there, the rest of the mock dives into calculated fits: teams looking to fill trenches, stack their receiving corps, or lock down future defensive anchors. With such a deep pool of talent, the real drama may lie not in the top 10, but in picks 20 through 32, where second-round names could crash the first-round party.

With no shortage of intrigue, surprise risers, and positional power plays, this mock draft sets the stage for one of the most unpredictable—and potentially franchise-altering—NFL Drafts in recent memory.

NFL Draft X-Factors: Two Former Hokies Poised to Make a Big Splash Ahead Of Their Career

As the NFL Draft kicks off this Thursday night in Green Bay, excitement is building around two former Virginia Tech stars who are quickly rising up draft boards. While last year’s draft was relatively quiet for the Hokies, this year could tell a different story—thanks to the emergence of wide receiver Jaylin Lane and running back Bhayshul Tuten as potential difference-makers at the next level.

Despite a rocky 2024 season that ended in a 6-7 record and a Duke’s Mayo Bowl loss to Minnesota, the Hokies had a few standout performers whose NFL potential couldn’t be ignored. Lane and Tuten, in particular, have made major impressions in pre-draft workouts and interviews, catching the attention of scouts, analysts, and franchises alike.

Pro Football Focus recently highlighted Lane and Tuten among their “X-Factors” for the 2025 draft class—players who may not be at the top of every mock draft, but who could end up making significant impacts on whichever teams take a chance on them. Other players on that list include Iowa State’s Jaylin Noel, TCU’s Savion Williams, and Missouri’s Luther Burden.

Jaylin Lane’s stock has soared, especially after showcasing his dynamic versatility as both a receiver and a punt returner. He’s met with several NFL teams, including the New York Giants, and told the New York Post he’s ready to make game-changing plays.

“I’m not afraid to make the tough catches,” Lane said. “If I can make a play that changes the game, I’m going to take that shot every time.”

Tuten’s value lies in his explosiveness and dual-threat capability. Not only does he bring home-run potential out of the backfield, but he’s also a proven weapon on special teams. In 2023, he electrified fans by returning two kickoffs for touchdowns—one against Florida State and another versus Virginia—underscoring his ability to flip the field in an instant.

With both players peaking at the right time, there’s growing buzz that Lane and Tuten could be drafted earlier than projected. As the draft unfolds, all eyes will be on where these two former Hokies land—and how soon their names are called.

One thing’s for sure: they’re no longer flying under the radar.

Virginia Tech Targets SEC Transfer, Offers Big 12 WR in Recruiting Shake-Up

It’s shaping up to be a high-stakes week in Blacksburg as Virginia Tech football turns up the heat in the transfer portal. With spring practices in full swing and the NFL Draft just days away, the Hokies are actively reshaping their roster — and two notable names are now on the radar.

According to Matt Zenitz of 247Sports, former Kentucky defensive lineman Darrion Henry-Young is set to visit Virginia Tech this Wednesday and Thursday. Henry-Young, a former Top 150 national recruit, began his college career at powerhouse Ohio State before transferring to Kentucky, where he recorded 10 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble in the 2023 season.

The 6’4″, 275-pound defender brings experience from both the SEC and Big Ten — and fills a clear need for Tech. Defensive line depth is a major focus this portal cycle, and new defensive coordinator Sam Siefkes could certainly benefit from a seasoned, high-motor lineman like Henry-Young. His visit could be a pivotal step toward strengthening the Hokies’ defensive front.

But the Hokies aren’t stopping there.

On the offensive side, Virginia Tech has extended an offer to BYU wide receiver Keelan Marion, a dynamic playmaker with proven production and special teams versatility. Marion shared the news on his X (formerly Twitter) account, confirming Tech’s interest as they continue to search for immediate-impact pass-catchers.

Marion logged 24 receptions for 346 yards and a touchdown last season with the Cougars, averaging an impressive 14.4 yards per catch. However, his breakout year came in 2021 at UConn, where he tallied 474 yards and five touchdowns on just 28 receptions. He also added value as a punt returner, something the Hokies could surely use in their arsenal.

With a young and largely untested wide receiver room heading into the fall — and multiple Hokie wideouts expected to hear their names in this week’s NFL Draft — Marion becomes an even more critical target. Wide receivers coach Fontel Mines is likely making a hard push to land the experienced Big 12 standout.

Virginia Tech fans should buckle up — between portal visits and potential new additions, this could be a transformative week for the Hokies’ roster.

QB Questions and Draft Decisions: Kevin O’Connell Lays Out Vikings’ Next Big Moves and It’s Impact On Vikings Performance

As the Minnesota Vikings kick off their offseason program, head coach Kevin O’Connell isn’t panicking about one glaring vacancy: the backup quarterback spot. Despite Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and Nick Mullens finding new homes in free agency, and no clear addition yet to the Vikings’ depth chart, O’Connell remains calm — and confident.

Speaking with reporters Monday, O’Connell shared that patience is part of a deliberate plan. “We’ve evaluated a lot of different ways to fill that role,” he explained. “Whether through trades, free agency, or the draft, we have a detailed strategy.” With J.J. McCarthy and Brett Rypien already participating in offseason activities, the Vikings are focused on finding the right veteran presence to complete the room — but O’Connell emphasized that the timing remains flexible.

Insiders speculate the team is waiting until after the NFL Draft to make a move. Signing a veteran like Carson Wentz post-draft would avoid affecting compensatory pick formulas, while other options like Ryan Tannehill could remain in play without such concerns. Trade possibilities are also swirling, with names like Sam Howell and Aidan O’Connell floated as potential targets. But surprises could emerge once the draft reshapes quarterback situations around the league.

No matter how it unfolds, it’s clear Minnesota plans to add a veteran arm — perhaps as soon as next week — to bolster the depth behind McCarthy and Rypien.

Meanwhile, all eyes are on the Vikings’ broader draft approach. Despite holding a league-low four picks, O’Connell insists the team has prepared exhaustively. “We’ve approached it as if we had far more picks,” he said. Thanks to strategic free-agent additions across the roster — from the offensive line to the secondary — the Vikings don’t feel pressured to force a pick at any position. Instead, they’re positioned to be highly selective, prioritizing long-term sustainability and building deep competition across the roster.

“We’re in a spot where we can truly draft for the future as well as the present,” O’Connell noted, praising the team’s high success rate in signing targeted free agents.

Expect Minnesota’s leadership — O’Connell, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, and company — to maneuver smartly this weekend. A trade down the draft board to collect more picks seems likely, setting the stage for a fascinating few days as the Vikings balance immediate needs with building a championship foundation.

Ronald Acuña Jr. Torches Braves Manager Over Unequal Treatment After Kelenic Mistake

Clubhouse Clash: Ronald Acuña Jr. Slams Braves Manager Over Kelenic Controversy Amid Rocky Start

The Atlanta Braves’ 2025 season is off to a turbulent start, and the chaos isn’t just on the field. With a disappointing 7-13 record placing them at the bottom of the NL East, the Braves are now battling internal discord after superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. publicly called out manager Brian Snitker for what he sees as a glaring case of double standards.

The drama ignited during Saturday’s 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins when outfielder Jarred Kelenic launched a deep shot to right field and stood admiring it — thinking it was gone. But the ball stayed in play, bouncing off the wall. Kelenic, hitting just .170, was easily thrown out at second after failing to hustle out of the box. Despite the costly mental lapse, Snitker left him in the game.

When questioned postgame on whether he addressed the lack of hustle with Kelenic, Snitker casually replied, “Was I supposed to?”

That nonchalant response lit a fuse.

“If it were me, they would have taken me out of the game,” Acuña wrote in a since-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter), signaling a clear frustration with the inconsistency in disciplinary action.

And he’s not wrong. Back in 2019, a near-identical situation saw Acuña admire what he thought was a homer against the Dodgers — only for the ball to fall short. Snitker promptly benched him, making an example of the then-rising star. “You’ve got to run,” Snitker said at the time. “That name on the front of the jersey matters more than the one on the back.”

Fast forward to now, and Acuña — sidelined with a torn ACL but expected to return next month — is watching a teammate get a free pass for the same offense. The discrepancy has sparked unrest, and the spotlight is now firmly on Snitker to explain the apparent double standard.

With a struggling roster, a PED suspension for Jurickson Profar, and now a rift between manager and franchise cornerstone, the Braves have more than just a performance problem — they have a credibility crisis.

As Acuña prepares for his comeback, all eyes will be on whether the clubhouse can be mended… or if this tension will turn into full-blown turmoil.

JUST A LITTLE SETBACK FOR THE HOKIES: Hokies’ Rubber Match Hopes Crumble as North Carolina Exploits Pitching Struggles

Virginia Tech baseball was hoping to ride the momentum of Saturday’s electric win into a decisive Easter Sunday showdown against No. 12 North Carolina. After splitting the first two games—an opening 9-6 loss on Friday followed by a thrilling 10-6 victory—the Hokies had their eyes set on clinching a statement series win. But despite a promising start, their pitching unraveled at the worst possible time, and the Tar Heels pounced to take the rubber match, 7-4.

The series had already delivered high drama, with Saturday’s contest featuring fireworks both at the plate and between players. That game saw five home runs from the Hokies and tempers flaring that led to four ejections—Virginia Tech’s Jared Davis, Hudson Lutterman, and head coach John Szefc were all tossed, as was UNC’s head coach Scott Forbes. With emotions running high, Sunday’s finale was billed as must-watch baseball.

Virginia Tech struck first in the third inning when Henry Cooke smashed an RBI double, followed by a run-scoring single from Ben Watson to put the Hokies up 2-0. But baseball is a game of momentum, and Virginia Tech couldn’t hold theirs. In the very next frame, North Carolina answered back with a run, sparking a relentless offensive stretch.

The Tar Heels chipped away with one run in each of the next three innings, grabbing a 3-2 lead by the sixth. Then came the seventh inning meltdown. North Carolina exploded for four more runs, effectively breaking the game open and putting the Hokies in a deep hole.

David McCann tried to spark a late rally with a two-run homer in the eighth, trimming the deficit to 7-4. But Virginia Tech couldn’t muster anything more, and the comeback fell short. With the loss, the Hokies drop to 25-15 overall and 10-11 in ACC play—marking their second consecutive conference series defeat after being swept by Florida State.

Now, Virginia Tech turns its focus to a midweek matchup on the road at VCU before heading into a tough three-game weekend series against Duke. If the Hokies want to make a serious push for the NCAA Tournament, the time to tighten up their pitching and stack some wins is now.

Love Backs His Teammate: Packers QB Praises CB Amid Trade Speculation

As the NFL Draft draws near, uncertainty continues to loom over the future of Green Bay Packers star cornerback Jaire Alexander. Amid swirling trade rumors and questions about his fit in the team’s long-term plans, Packers quarterback Jordan Love has stepped forward in full support of his embattled teammate.

Alexander, a former All-Pro and key defensive playmaker, has faced a rough stretch over the past two seasons. Injuries have kept him off the field for extended periods, and a suspension last year only fueled speculation that his time in Green Bay might be nearing its end. His tone during exit interviews even hinted that he was preparing for a fresh start elsewhere.

Yet, despite all the noise, Jordan Love made his feelings clear when asked about Alexander’s status with the team.

“Ja, he’s got his own world going on. I’m going to let him handle his own business and see what’s going on,” Love said. “But that’s my guy right there. He’s definitely a player we need back. Just the play style he plays with, who he is on the field. I mean, that’s a guy we need to have around.”

Love’s endorsement speaks volumes. In a league where locker room culture and chemistry matter, Alexander’s presence isn’t just about what he brings physically—it’s about the competitive edge and energy he injects into the defense. When healthy, few corners in the league can match his ability to blanket top receivers and shift momentum with a big play.

Still, the question remains: Is his value enough to overcome concerns about his availability and recent tensions with the front office? First-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is installing a new system, and losing a game-changer like Alexander could leave a massive void.

Trade talks have yet to materialize into action, perhaps signaling that other teams share Green Bay’s caution regarding his durability. But with the NFL Draft approaching, the situation could evolve quickly—especially if the Packers are looking to stockpile picks or reset on defense.

For now, one thing is certain: Jordan Love has made his pitch. In his eyes, keeping Jaire Alexander in Green Bay isn’t just smart—it’s essential for the team’s success moving forward.

Caitlin Clark Era Begins: ESPN to Spotlight Indiana Fever Caitlin Clark in First-Ever National Telecast of Fever Preseason Game

Caitlin Clark’s impact on the world of basketball continues to grow—and now, she’s making history once again. ESPN has announced it will nationally broadcast a WNBA preseason game featuring Clark and the Indiana Fever, marking the first time in league history a preseason matchup will air on national television. The Fever are set to face the Brazilian National Team, and the spotlight on this exhibition game underscores just how much women’s basketball has shifted in the last year.

The significance of this moment can’t be overstated. With the Fever’s superstar rookie leading the charge, the WNBA is experiencing unprecedented momentum. Since Clark and fellow college phenom Angel Reese entered the league, interest, attendance, and ratings have surged—ushering in a new era of visibility and excitement.

Clark’s dominance at the collegiate level set the stage for her meteoric rise. A record-shattering scorer and fan favorite, she helped elevate NCAA women’s basketball to new heights—and she’s now doing the same for the WNBA. Her games draw sold-out crowds, her jerseys fly off shelves, and her presence alone can turn any game into a must-watch event.

This historic ESPN broadcast is not just a win for Clark or the Fever—it’s a statement about the league’s growing relevance. Fans who started tuning into the WNBA because of Clark are now staying, discovering the incredible depth of talent across the league. And with the recent addition of 2025 No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers, who brings her own superstar pedigree, the league’s future looks brighter than ever.

It’s clear that the “Clark Effect” is real. Wherever she plays, eyes follow. This upcoming preseason game will likely be a ratings hit, and further proof that women’s basketball is no longer a niche sport—it’s a cultural force.

As the Fever prepare to tip off their preseason, all eyes will be on Caitlin Clark once again. And thanks to ESPN’s groundbreaking coverage, millions will be watching—making history right along with her.

Strong Connections Bring Transfer DL Jay Hardy to Auburn for Key Visit ‘They Called Me First’

Jay Hardy is back where it all started—and it just might become home again. The former Auburn defensive lineman made a weekend visit to The Plains, eyeing a potential return to the Tigers after entering the transfer portal following his departure from Liberty.

Hardy, who originally signed with Auburn as part of the 2020 recruiting class, played just one season on the Plains before transferring to Liberty to play under then-head coach Hugh Freeze. Now, with one final year of eligibility remaining and Freeze back at Auburn, the fit feels natural.

Despite the time away, Hardy’s visit felt like a homecoming. The facilities may be upgraded, and the town may have grown, but the energy and familiarity were unmistakable. “Auburn was my first call,” Hardy shared, underscoring how strong his connection still is with the program. With many familiar faces still around the campus and inside the football facility, the transition back wouldn’t be a leap—it’d be a return.

At Liberty, Hardy evolved into a more complete and experienced defensive lineman, gaining valuable reps and contributing to a strong defense. Now, as he searches for a new program to finish out his college career, Auburn seems to check all the boxes. Not only is he reconnecting with a familiar coaching staff, but he’s also eyeing a spot where he could make an immediate impact in the SEC trenches.

The visit stretched across Saturday and Sunday, giving Hardy ample time to reconnect with old teammates, chat with the coaching staff, and envision a final season filled with opportunity. Auburn’s defense, still looking to add depth and experience up front, would benefit from a battle-tested player like Hardy who already understands the program’s culture and expectations.

While no commitment has been made yet, Auburn has emerged as a strong contender—perhaps even the frontrunner—in Hardy’s transfer journey. As he weighs his options, it’s clear the Tigers hold a sentimental edge that few other programs can offer.

Could Jay Hardy’s college football journey come full circle? If his words—and his visit—are any indication, Auburn fans have every reason to keep a close eye on what happens next.

Two Pitches, Three Ejections: Virginia Tech Baseball Spirals into Bat Flip Chaos

Bat Flips, Ejections, and Mayhem: Virginia Tech vs. UNC Spirals into Late-Game Chaos

What started as a dominant performance on the diamond quickly turned into a scene of pure baseball chaos in Blacksburg.

Virginia Tech’s baseball squad erupted early and held on for a fiery 10-6 victory over ACC rival North Carolina on Saturday—but the win was almost overshadowed by an explosion of tempers, bat flips, and multiple ejections that left fans stunned.

The Hokies came out swinging, blasting three home runs in the very first inning. Henry Cooke kicked things off with a two-run shot, followed by Sam Tackett launching a towering 461-foot bomb just two batters later. His emphatic bat flip wasn’t well received—especially by Tar Heels catcher Luke Stevenson, who immediately stepped out to confront Tackett at the plate. That tense moment would light the fuse for a game packed with drama.

As the game progressed, North Carolina clawed back, cutting the Hokies’ early 5-0 lead to 8-6 in the eighth inning. But Virginia Tech responded in kind, with pinch hitter Jared Davis delivering a clutch two-run homer to put the game out of reach. His celebration? A fierce bat spike into the dirt—an act that got him immediately tossed from the game.

The very next pitch escalated things even further. North Carolina’s pitcher appeared to send a message, throwing behind Anderson French, the next Hokie up. French flailed to avoid the ball, but made contact with it unintentionally. Clearly unhappy, he exchanged words with the pitcher as he walked back to the dugout—and was promptly ejected himself.

Two pitches, two players gone.

But the chaos wasn’t done yet.

Virginia Tech head coach John Szefc had seen enough. He stormed out to confront UNC manager Scott Forbes in a heated exchange after the inning, which led to both coaches being ejected as well.

In total, two players and two coaches were thrown out in a matter of moments—adding serious fuel to an already fiery rivalry.

The win evened the weekend series at 1-1, but Virginia Tech will now have to regroup without key players heading into Sunday’s rubber match. Tensions are high, emotions are raw, and all eyes will be on how Game 3 unfolds in what has turned into one of the most dramatic series of the season.