In his latest publication, Pete Prisco projects that three quarterbacks will make their way into the first round of the draft, signaling a strong year for teams looking to bolster their offensive leadership. Cam Ward is predicted to be the first quarterback off the board, heading to the Tennessee Titans. Following closely, Shedeur Sanders is anticipated to join the New York Giants as the third overall pick. Meanwhile, Jaxson Dart is expected to land with the Pittsburgh Steelers at the 21st pick. Prisco notes that while it wouldn’t be entirely surprising to see Tyler Shough also get picked in the first round, he doesn’t foresee it happening in this mock draft.
Prisco’s decision to highlight quarterbacks in his mock draft reflects the critical role these players hold in shaping the dynamics of NFL teams. His predictions offer a glimpse into the potential shifts in team strategies and the importance of securing a strong quarterback to lead the roster.
The Rationale Behind Early Mock Drafts
Pete Prisco candidly addresses the challenges and criticisms of conducting mock drafts before the free agency period, acknowledging the difficulty in accurately predicting draft picks when team needs are still in flux. Despite this, he stresses the value of early mock drafts in stimulating discussion and engagement among fans and analysts. Prisco says, “Doing mock drafts before free agency is lunacy, which is why I respect all the draft analysts out there who do them. But they are worthless when trying to gauge where players will go in the first round since holes are filled in free agency and others are made.”
This admission not only humanizes the predictive process but also sets the stage for his subsequent drafts, which will likely adjust based on team movements and player evaluations in the coming weeks.
More Than Just Predictions: Engaging the Audience
Beyond the draft picks, Prisco emphasizes the interactive aspect of his mock drafts. He encourages feedback and discussion, understanding that the debates and disagreements are part of the broader fan experience during the pre-draft season. Additionally, Prisco promotes “With the First Pick,” a year-round NFL Draft podcast that offers in-depth analysis and discussions, available on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. This media extension provides fans with continuous engagement and expert insights as they anticipate the draft.
Prisco’s Draft Predictions
As we edge closer to the 2025 NFL Draft, Pete Prisco’s mock draft serves as a fascinating kickoff to the myriad of predictions and analyses that will emerge. While the accuracy of these early predictions is always up for debate, their true value lies in their ability to foster a rich dialogue among the NFL community. Whether you agree or disagree with his picks, Prisco’s insights are sure to add depth to the pre-draft discussions swirling around the NFL’s future stars.