While the Kansas City Chiefs open the regular season as favorites to win a third consecutive Super Bowl and other contenders line up to claim the NFL throne, there are other franchises contending for another prize.
The No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Carolina posted a 2-15 record last season and attempts to return to respectability with 2023 No. 1 pick Bryce Young under the tutelage of QB whisperer Dave Canales, the Panthers’ latest new head coach.
The Patriots made a QB change and begin a season without Bill Belichick on the sideline for the first time in two decades, but the playoffs are likely a pipedream in Foxborough this season.
And not many expect the New York Giants, Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders to be the last team standing in New Orleans next February.
But all of them and others could be at the front of the line when the 2025 NFL Draft arrives in April.
History says there will be a quarterback — or three — there to meet them. Since 2000, the No. 1 pick has been used to select a quarterback. The Bears chose Caleb Williams in 2024, the 36th quarterback chosen first in the history of the draft.
With a few well-known arms at the front of the pack in September, here are five candidates to be the No. 1 pick:
Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
James Pearce Jr, DE, Tennessee
Loose and bendy with surprising power for his spindly frame, Pearce is part of the new wave of pass-rushers who exit the college level in the 240 pound range. His explosive double digit sack campaign as a sophomore and his high upside follow the tracks of other recent top five pass-rushers. If he elevates his game further technically this year he could get to the top of the pack.
Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
A field-tilting offensive weapon, Milroe’s lack of polish was evident last season. But he’s the most physically gifted quarterback in college football because of a combination of elite athleticism, high-end arm talent and a knack for keeping plays alive. Milroe has the tools to leapfrog to the top of the class. If his development stagnates this year he may be better served returning to school for a second year with new coach Kalen DeBoer.
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Well known as the son of Hall of Famer and Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, the younger Sanders has been the victim of untrusted offensive line play so far at the FBS level. When protected — rare as it might be — he has shown the ability to layer throws and deliver with touch, though he can’t dig out of the holes if his offense leaves him in one. He isn’t out of the race yet, but another year playing behind a shoddy line could prevent Sanders from getting serious consideration as the top pick.
Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
A mountainous defender and arguably the most unique athlete in the class, Walker towers over linemen at 6-foot-6 and 345 pounds. Despite having the frame of a hulking nose tackle, he can play all over the line and took snaps as a defensive end last year. Testing like an elite athlete and posting double digit sacks at his size could propel him up, although it’s likely that he remains just a dark horse candidate rather than a likely one.