By Blessing 
Three weeks back, I dropped my Mock Draft 1.0, laying the groundwork for how I saw the 2025 NFL Draft shaping up. A lot’s changed since then — pro days have wrapped up, draft boards have gotten clearer, and the behind-the-scenes buzz has become a little easier to interpret. With fresh intel rolling in, shifts in betting odds, and evolving team priorities, it’s the perfect time for an updated take. Welcome to Mock Draft 2.0 — a sharper, more informed projection as we near draft day.
This marks my 21st straight year putting together a first-round mock draft. As I shared in the previous edition, my method is all about the research. I combine insider info, team-specific needs, schematic fits, organizational habits, and even betting lines to piece together a picture of how each team might act when it’s their turn on the clock.
Over the last five years, my mock accuracy has consistently ranked high — fifth overall among 75 national analysts, and I landed second place out of 172 entries in 2024. Way back in 2009, I even wrote what’s still considered the most accurate first-round mock ever recorded. What keeps me consistent? A trusted system.
This year, I’m upping the game by introducing a new element: Draft IQ. It’s a custom-built tool, powered by Amazon QuickSight, that breaks down each team’s most likely targets, biggest needs, and front office tendencies. Whether you’re a diehard fan or a casual follower, Draft IQ is your go-to companion before and during the draft for a smarter, more data-driven look at what all 32 teams might do.