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Tankathon's Shock 2025 NFL Mock Draft: The Top 10 Picks And The Teams Desperate For A QB

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The 2025 NFL Draft season is officially in full swing, and as the regular season winds down in late December 2025, the Tankathon draft order has become the definitive source for fans clinging to hope for a franchise-altering prospect. The final weeks of the season have solidified the top of the draft board, creating a clear picture of which teams will be vying for the elite talent emerging from college football. The biggest storyline remains the desperate need for a quarterback among the league's perennial bottom-feeders, but a generational talent at a defensive position could throw a wrench into the best-laid plans.

This comprehensive breakdown uses the most recent Tankathon projections to analyze the top 10 picks, focusing on the crucial intersection of team need and player potential. From the projected No. 1 overall pick to the teams just outside the top five, here is the ultimate guide to the early 2025 NFL Draft landscape.

The Tankathon 2025 NFL Draft Top 10 Order and Prospects

The Tankathon model, which updates continuously based on current team records and strength of schedule, gives us the most realistic look at the draft order. The following picks reflect the projected order as of late December 2025, with analysis on the most likely selection based on positional value and team desperation.

1. Tennessee Titans: Cameron Ward, QB, Miami (FL)

The Tennessee Titans are projected to hold the coveted No. 1 overall pick in several Tankathon simulations, signaling a complete reset for the franchise. Cameron Ward has been a consistent name at the top of the board, offering the Titans a high-upside quarterback with elite arm talent and mobility. The team's current quarterback situation demands a fresh face and a new direction, making a QB the only logical choice here. Ward's development throughout the college season has solidified his standing as the top passer in this class.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

In a shock move that bypasses a quarterback, the Jacksonville Jaguars are projected to take the most electric player in the draft: Travis Hunter. While the team has needs on both sides of the ball, Hunter's versatility as a lockdown cornerback and a dynamic wide receiver is too compelling to pass up. He is a genuine two-way star, and a pick like this would instantly energize the Jaguars' defense and provide a splash playmaker for the offense. This pick is all about elite talent over positional need, a hallmark of high-risk, high-reward drafting.

3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

The New York Giants are in desperate need of an elite pass rusher to anchor their defense, and Abdul Carter is the consensus top edge rusher in this class. Carter brings explosive speed off the edge and the versatility to drop into coverage, making him a perfect fit for a modern NFL defense. While quarterback remains a long-term question, securing a foundational defensive piece like Carter is a safer and highly impactful move at No. 3 overall.

4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

For the New England Patriots, the rebuild must start in the trenches, regardless of who is playing quarterback. Will Campbell is widely regarded as the most pro-ready offensive tackle in the 2025 class. The Patriots' offensive line has struggled immensely, and drafting an elite protector like Campbell is essential to stabilizing the offense and giving any future quarterback a chance to succeed. This is a classic "safe and smart" pick for a team looking to re-establish its identity.

5. Cleveland Browns: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan

Despite a constantly shifting draft order, the Cleveland Browns consistently land in the top five in various Tankathon updates, often due to a trade or a late-season collapse. Their defense, while talented, could use a dominant interior presence, and Mason Graham is one of the most disruptive defensive tackles available. Graham's ability to collapse the pocket and stop the run would make an already formidable defense nearly impenetrable. This pick addresses a core need with an elite talent.

6. Washington Commanders: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

The Commanders are another team caught in the quarterback purgatory. Jalen Milroe, with his electric athleticism and powerful arm, presents a high-ceiling option. While his accuracy has been a point of discussion, his playmaking ability is undeniable. A new coaching staff might see Milroe as the projectable talent they can mold into a franchise quarterback.

7. Carolina Panthers: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

The Panthers desperately need to surround their young quarterback with talent, and Luther Burden III is the ideal choice. Burden is an explosive wide receiver with elite route-running ability and game-breaking speed. Providing a true No. 1 receiving threat is paramount to the development of their offense and a necessary step in their rebuild.

8. Arizona Cardinals: Reuben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)

The Cardinals have multiple needs, but boosting their pass rush is critical. Reuben Bain Jr. is a powerful and relentless edge rusher who fits the mold of a high-motor defensive end. Adding Bain would give the Cardinals a much-needed boost in generating pressure and disrupting opposing offenses.

9. Denver Broncos: Dante Moore, QB, UCLA

The Denver Broncos are likely to be in the market for a new quarterback, and Dante Moore is a highly touted prospect with a strong arm and good pocket presence. Though he may require some development, his potential as a franchise signal-caller is too enticing for the Broncos to ignore at this spot.

10. Seattle Seahawks: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

The Seattle Seahawks, often hovering just outside the top 10, need to fortify their offensive line. Kelvin Banks Jr. is a powerful and athletic tackle who would instantly upgrade their protection for the quarterback and open up lanes for the running game. This is a foundational pick that addresses a long-standing organizational need.

The Quarterback Conundrum: Who Rises and Who Falls?

The 2025 quarterback class, while lacking a consensus "generational" prospect like a Caleb Williams or Trevor Lawrence, is deep with intriguing talent. Tankathon's projections consistently show a run on quarterbacks early in the draft, a reflection of the league's desperation at the position.

  • Cameron Ward (Miami): Ward's rise to the top of the board is a result of his dynamic playmaking and NFL-caliber arm strength. He is the clear QB1 in most December mocks.
  • Jalen Milroe (Alabama): Milroe's draft stock is fueled by his elite athleticism and game-breaking ability outside the pocket. If a team values mobility and a high ceiling, he's the target.
  • Dante Moore (UCLA): Moore is often seen as the more traditional pocket passer of the group, appealing to teams looking for a polished thrower with a quick release.
  • Fernando Mendoza (Cal): A late riser, Mendoza has appeared in some mock drafts for quarterback-needy teams like the Saints or Jets, showcasing the volatility of the QB board outside the top two.

The pressure on teams like the Titans, Commanders, and Broncos to secure a franchise quarterback will dictate the flow of the entire top 10. If one of these teams opts for a non-QB, another team is almost certain to trade up to seize the opportunity.

Defensive Dominance: The Elite Non-QB Prospects

While the quarterbacks get the headlines, the defensive talent in the 2025 class is exceptional, with several players projected to be immediate impact starters. The Tankathon model highlights a strong defensive front seven class.

  • Travis Hunter (CB/WR, Colorado): Hunter is the ultimate wildcard. His ability to play both sides of the ball at an elite level makes him a unique prospect not seen since the days of Deion Sanders. He is a true game-changer who could redefine a defensive backfield.
  • Abdul Carter (EDGE, Penn State): Carter is the quintessential modern edge rusher: fast, powerful, and versatile. He is a lock for the top five and will provide an instant double-digit sack threat for any team.
  • Mason Graham (DL, Michigan): Graham's strength and technique as an interior defensive lineman make him a disruptive force against both the run and the pass. He is the anchor every defensive coordinator craves.
  • Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State): Often projected just outside the top 10, Downs is the premier safety in the class. His intelligence, range, and tackling ability make him a defensive leader from day one.

These defensive stars provide a compelling argument for teams to "trade down" or simply take the best player available, even if they have a pressing need at quarterback. The long-term success of a team often rests on the foundation of a dominant defense, and these players offer exactly that.

Team Needs and Positional Authority

The Tankathon projections are not just about the draft order; they are a direct reflection of team failures and positional gaps. The teams projected in the top 10 have consistent, glaring holes that must be addressed.

The Titans and Commanders need quarterbacks to revive their franchises. The Patriots and Seahawks must shore up their offensive lines to protect their investments. The Giants and Cardinals require elite pass rushers to compete in their respective divisions. The Jaguars and Panthers need dynamic weapons to elevate their offenses. Each pick in this Tankathon top 10 is a strategic move to fill a critical void, offering a glimpse into the future direction of the NFL's rebuilding franchises.

Tankathon's Shock 2025 NFL Mock Draft: The Top 10 Picks and The Teams Desperate for a QB
nfl mock draft 2025 tankathon
nfl mock draft 2025 tankathon

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