5 biggest surprises from Mel Kiper's Mock Draft 1.0 feat. Travis Hunter's landing spot

Mel Kiper recently released his first mock draft for the upcoming 2025 NFL draft, and as usual, there were some surprising developments. In his annual predictions of what each team will do with their picks, there are always some selections that are generally unexpected. Here are five such examples from this one.

Mel Kiper Mock Draft 1.0 surprises for 2025

Mel Kiper Mock Draft

#1 - Cowboys pass on Ashton Jeanty

Many around the NFL are predicting that the Dallas Cowboys will select Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with their first-round pick. His massive season included rushing for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns, while one of the Cowboys' biggest weaknesses is their backfield. Mel Kiper believes they will go with Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III instead.

#2 - Just 2 QBs selected in first round

Quarterbacks are often the biggest focus of the first round of any NFL draft due to their unmatched potential to completely change the direction of any franchise. Six of them were selected in the first round last year, but Kiper has just two of them being selected in his first mock draft. He has Cam Ward to the Tennessee Titans at one and the New York Giants picking Shedeur Sanders third.

#3 - Travis Hunter first non-QB drafted

Travis Hunter is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NFL draft class because he played on both sides of the ball for Colorado. It's unclear if he will do so in his professional career, but Mel Kiper still has him as the second-overall pick by the Cleveland Browns. This would mean they would pass on a quarterback, despite Deshaun Watson suffering another injury.

#4 - Raiders pass on drafting a QB

The Las Vegas Raiders were reportedly planning to select a QB with the 13th overall pick last year but missed the top six options. They are picking even higher this year at sixth, and despite just two QBs being selected before them in the mock draft, Kiper expects them to pass again. This would be shocking, especially considering they are changing their coach and general manager this year.

#5 - Chargers select a TE

The LA Chargers were relatively strong at tight end last season, with Will Dissly breaking out, Stone Smartt flashing his upside and Hayden Hurst being a solid depth option. Kiper still has them selecting another one this year, despite their clear need to improve their wide receivers. They are extremely weak behind Ladd McConkey, so it would make more sense to get Justin Herbert another one to work with.