The 2025 NFL Draft is just one week away, football fans. Teams are likely busy finishing up their draft boards and getting ready to add new standout players to their squads.
There are certain players that we can guarantee will be first-round selections. For example, Cam Ward certainly seems to be a lock to be the No. 1 pick, and players like Abdul Carter, Travis Hunter, Ashton Jeanty, and Mason Graham will all assuredly be early picks as well.
However, there are some other players who are frequently mocked in the first round who could slip out of the round entirely. This happens every year, as teams always have different scouting reports and opinions than analysts do.
Today, let’s identify four prospects who are consistently mocked to go in the first round who could end up going on day two.
Matt Bush-Imagn Images
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Luther Burden III is an intriguing prospect for sure. The receiver undoubtedly has first-round talent, but there are a couple reasons why Burden isn’t a lock to go on day one.
For one, the receiver’s production dipped in 2024 after a fantastic 2023 season. Burden ended the 2024 campaign with 61 catches, 676 yards, and six touchdowns. That’s compared to the 2023 season when Burden exploded for 86 catches for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns.
If teams aren’t worried about Burden’s down season, they may be worried about his work ethic and character. Multiple NFL scouts raised concerns about Burden, with one saying he was “coddled” at Missouri and another raising concerns about his family’s involvement in his affair.
To be fair, Burden’s college coach Eli Drinkwitz defended his star receiver and said the reports were inaccurate. Still, teams could be weary of using a first-round pick on the receiver.
Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Kenneth Grant is a talented and disruptive force on the defensive interior. However, the big lineman didn’t exactly break any athleticism records at the combine in Indianapolis.
If a team is looking for a quality run-stuffer who comes off the field on third downs, then Grant would be a fine choice. The Michigan product doesn’t ever figure to be much of a force as a pass-rusher, though, and teams may not want to invest a first-round pick on a one-dimensional player.
Additionally, defensive linemen Walter Nolen, Mason Graham, and Derrick Harmon are more well-rounded prospects who should all go earlier than Grant. Some team could end up very happy with Grant in the second round, as the numbers game could force the defender to day two.
Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Mykel Williams is a player who is frequently mocked in the first round and sometimes even lands in the top-10 picks.
However, there is a scenario in which the Georgia product falls entirely out of the first round. Williams has elite traits and the size to be a force on the edge, but the only problem is that he’s never really translated that into elite production.
Teams may very well be more comfortable taking an edge-rusher in the first-round who has actually produced elite numbers. Mike Green, Nic Scourton, Abdul Carter, Donovan Ezeiruaku, and James Pearce Jr. have all had at least one season with double-digit sacks, while Williams’ season-best is just 5.
Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
Shavon Revel Jr. is a talented cornerback who would likely be a surefire first-round pick if not for an injury-shortended 2024 season.
However, this class has several talented corners who are probably worthy of first-round selections. Travis Hunter, Will Johnson, and Jahdae Barron all seem like locks to go ahead of Revel, and players like Maxwell Hairston and Trey Amos could also slide above the East Carolina product.
When healthy, Revel has proven to be a solid corner with great ball-hawking skills. Teams may be weary of using a first-round pick on a guy who only played in three games last season, though.
