The NFL season is now seven weeks old, and some teams are already looking ahead to next season. But regardless of whether a team thinks they’re in the playoff race or trending toward a top-10 pick, NFL scouts have been on the road for three months.
College football enters Week 9, and several teams have already secured bowl eligibility. With that, the 2025 NFL draft class has some clarity, from risers to fallers and more defined position groups.
And while the draft, which takes place April 24–26 in Green Bay, Wis., is still six months away, here’s an updated look at the opening round from our initial mock on Sept. 25.
1. New England Patriots (1–6)
Biggest needs: OT, WR, Edge
The pick: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
In a roundabout way, the Patriots are in an envious position. They have a talented young quarterback in Drake Maye, the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft, and currently hold the top choice in ’25. For coach Jerod Mayo, such a situation means New England can target the draft’s top talent—and Hunter, be it at receiver or corner, certainly qualifies. With 51 catches for 604 yards and six touchdowns, Hunter is a game-changer offensively while shutting down opposing wideouts on defense.
