As the NFL Draft approaches, anticipation continues to build—especially for those following the quarterback storylines that often dominate headlines. This year, in a unique exercise, 32 team reporters have each made selections for their respective franchises in a live mock draft conducted by the Los Angeles Times. The result? A few surprises, some bold moves, and more than a few head-scratchers.
It’s hard to reflect on draft surprises without mentioning Tom Brady, whose name is synonymous with unexpected greatness. The former Michigan quarterback waited anxiously through nearly six full rounds before finally being selected 199th overall by the New England Patriots in the 2000 NFL Draft. Twenty-five years later, Brady’s resume speaks for itself—seven Super Bowl titles, multiple MVP awards, and a legacy that redefined the quarterback position.
Brady has become the eternal symbol for the “passed-over passer,” and it appears this mock draft carries a similar sentiment. In a shocking move, the University of Miami’s Cam Ward is selected as the first overall pick. While Ward has been gaining traction in draft discussions, few expected him to leapfrog some of the more widely projected top quarterback prospects.
What’s even more surprising is that Ward is the only quarterback selected in the first round of this particular mock draft. That’s right—only one signal-caller among the 32 picks. In a league where quarterbacks often dominate the top 10, this mock scenario is unorthodox, to say the least.
Perhaps the most glaring omission? Shedeur Sanders, the former Colorado standout and son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. The younger Sanders, who dazzled fans and analysts alike with his poise, accuracy, and leadership during his time under center for the Buffaloes, is conspicuously absent from the first-round projections. In this mock, Shedeur waits and waits—echoing the same quiet agony Brady experienced years ago.
Deion Sanders, who has never been one to shy away from the spotlight, could find himself watching the first round unfold with growing frustration, as his son’s name is left uncalled. While it’s only a mock draft and the real event often defies expectations, this hypothetical outcome has stirred considerable debate among fans and draft analysts alike.
Beyond the quarterback surprises, the mock draft includes expected moves as well—star edge rushers, wide receivers, and offensive tackles all make appearances early and often. Teams in need of pass protection and defensive playmakers prioritized the trenches, emphasizing the importance of line-of-scrimmage dominance in today’s NFL.
Still, it’s the quarterback drama that’s bound to steal the headlines. With Cam Ward going No. 1 and Shedeur Sanders slipping past all 32 picks, this exercise highlights just how unpredictable the draft process can be—especially when 32 different minds are involved in shaping the future of their respective teams.
The real 2025 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and fans won’t have to wait much longer to see how reality compares to the speculation. Will Shedeur Sanders be a top-10 pick as many anticipate, or will he follow the Brady path of being overlooked before ultimately proving doubters wrong? One thing’s for sure: the drama is just getting started.