Who Will Go 1st Overall in the 2025 NFL Draft? Here’s What Experts Are Saying

With the NFL Draft just months away, speculation is already reaching a fever pitch about who will be selected first overall in 2025. The coveted top spot not only sets the tone for the rest of the draft but also shapes the future of a franchise. Fans, analysts, and scouts alike are all buzzing with predictions, and a handful of standout players have emerged as frontrunners for this year’s No. 1 pick. Let’s break down the contenders and what makes each of them a potential game-changer for the NFL team lucky enough to land them.

Caleb Harper: The Prodigy Quarterback

When you think of the 1st overall pick, it’s hard not to picture Caleb Harper, the record-breaking quarterback from USC. Harper has all the tools NFL teams dream about: pinpoint accuracy, a cannon of an arm, and the poise to handle high-pressure moments. Scouts rave about his ability to read defenses and his leadership on and off the field. Harper has been compared to the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow, and for good reason. He threw for 4,500 yards and 42 touchdowns this season, leading USC to the College Football Playoff. If a quarterback-needy team like the Chicago Bears or Las Vegas Raiders lands the No. 1 pick, Harper feels like a lock.

Jaxon Reed: The Game-Wrecking Edge Rusher

If teams prioritize defense, Jaxon Reed from Alabama might be the guy. Reed has been a one-man wrecking crew this season, racking up 18 sacks and countless quarterback pressures. His explosiveness off the edge and ability to disrupt plays make him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Reed has drawn comparisons to Myles Garrett and Nick Bosa, and defensive-minded coaches around the league are reportedly salivating at the idea of adding him to their roster. If a team like the Arizona Cardinals, who need serious help on defense, wins the top pick, Reed could very well hear his name called first.

Micah Daniels: The Dual-Threat Receiver

Another player making waves is Micah Daniels, the electric wide receiver out of Ohio State. Known for his jaw-dropping speed and incredible hands, Daniels led the nation in receiving yards this season and made highlight-reel plays look routine. He’s been labeled as a “once-in-a-decade” talent, and his ability to instantly elevate an offense could make him a surprise pick at No. 1. While quarterbacks and defensive stars typically dominate the top spot, a team looking to give their young QB a superstar target might take a hard look at Daniels.

The Wild Card: Jacob Thompson

Could this year’s top pick come from outside the usual suspects? Jacob Thompson, a dominant left tackle from Michigan, is the best offensive lineman in the draft. Protecting a quarterback’s blindside is one of the most important jobs in football, and Thompson has proven to be elite at it. Teams like the New York Giants or Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are building around young quarterbacks, could go against the grain and select Thompson first overall. It wouldn’t be flashy, but it would certainly be a smart investment.

So... Who’s Likely to Land the No. 1 Pick?

Of course, much of the speculation depends on which team ends up holding the top pick. As of now, teams like the Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, and Las Vegas Raiders are in the running. Each has glaring needs that align with the strengths of the draft’s top prospects.

Final Thoughts

The beauty of the NFL Draft lies in its unpredictability. While Harper, Reed, Daniels, and Thompson are the clear favorites, last-minute trades and surprise evaluations could shift the entire landscape. What we do know is that this year’s draft class is loaded with talent, and the team selecting first overall is poised to land a franchise-altering player.

Who do you think will go No. 1? Let us know your predictions in the comments!

Sources: ESPN, NFL Network, DraftKings, HERE