Bold post-draft predictions: OROY? DROY? Long-term best QB, WR, overall player?

The 2025 NFL Draft is in the books. So, what becomes of the prospects selected?

Who takes Rookie of the Year honors? Who will be the best players at the premium positions? Who will be the best overall player? 

Here are a few bold predictions for the rookie class: 

Selection: Round 1, No. 6 overall

The Raiders had the league’s worst rushing attack last season at 79.8 rushing yards per game. Now they have a head coach in Pete Carroll who will be committed to making the run game a focal point of the offense. A potential fantasy superstar, Jeanty figures to be the engine for Las Vegas from Day 1. 

Selection: Round 1, No. 16 overall

A first-team All-SEC selection at Ole Miss in 2024, Nolen made massive strides in each of his three college seasons (one sack and 2.5 tackles for loss in 2022; four sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss in 2023; 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in 2024). Don’t be surprised to see the upward trajectory continue in Arizona, where he should benefit in a big way from having Josh Sweat taking attention away from the edge. In 38-year-old Calais Campbell, one of the NFL’s most respected veterans, Nolen also has a potential mentor.   

Selection: Round 1, No. 1 overall

No other quarterback in this class has the combination of arm strength, creativity, processing ability and pocket elusiveness that Ward has. And as the No. 1 overall pick, Ward will have an offense catered to his skill set from Day 1. His well-documented underdog story and work ethic suggest that he won’t let that opportunity slip away, fueling a career in which he has a chance to become a plus-starter. 

Selection: Round 1, No. 23 overall

A rare Packers first-round receiver, Golden enters an ideal situation in Green Bay, where he's paired