Three Players who could be shock first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft
The NFL Draft for 2025 is finally here, kicking off on Thursday in Green Bay. After months of scouting, analysis, and endless speculation, we’re on the cusp of a weekend that marks the true starting point for the new season.
The NFL Scouting Combine, Pro Days, and team visits have given teams a clearer picture. But as always, the draft is full of surprises waiting to unfold. Here are three players who could shock us all by sneaking into the first round on April 24:
Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville
One of the most fascinating quarterback prospects in this year’s class, Tyler Shough has had a seven-year college journey across three schools, starting 32 games. At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Shough brings the size, experience, and leadership that NFL teams crave in a potential franchise quarterback.
Despite a hamstring injury cutting short his pre-draft process, Shough still managed to secure six top-30 visits, some with teams picking late in the first round. Many scouts rank him above more heralded QBs like Shedeur Sanders and Jalen Milroe, so this making him a dark horse to watch.
Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
The cornerback class in 2025 is stacked with names like Travis Hunter and Will Johnson, but Ole Miss’ Trey Amos might just steal the spotlight as an underrated prospect. At 6-foot-1 with a 79th-percentile wingspan, Amos has the length and versatility to thrive in both press-man and zone coverage.
In 2024, he earned an impressive 85.9 PFF coverage grade and consistently recorded forced incompletion rates above 20% over the past three seasons. While he’s often seen as a Day Two pick, his consistency and physical tools could tempt a team in need of a reliable CB2 with CB1 potential to grab him early.
Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
Linebackers aren’t always first-round locks, but Carson Schwesinger’s story and production might change that. A former walk-on at UCLA, Schwesinger (6-foot-2 1/2, 242 pounds) led all FBS players with 90 solo tackles in 2024 and was a Butkus Award finalist.
His quick processing and ability to make impactful plays—93 positively graded plays per PFF—make him a versatile fit for any linebacker spot. While he’s seemingly projected for Day Two in many mock drafts, a team looking for a defensive leader who can shine in nickel packages might pull the trigger in the first round, especially in a draft class lacking elite talent at the position.
