Field Yates 2025 NFL mock draft: 5 major surprises ft. Shedeur Sanders to the Titans

The 2024-25 NFL season is almost here, which means it's time for draft analysts to start prepping for the 2025 draft. Teams have needs even after the free-agency period, though some might not know how glaring the holes are until the season unfolds. Nevertheless, one of the first major mock drafts from Field Yates for next season has dropped. Here are the biggest surprises.

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Shocking picks from Field Yates' mock draft

5) Seahawks selecting Travis Hunter

The Seahawks took Travis Hunter

The Seattle Seahawks took Travis Hunter 11th overall. If he plays cornerback, it's not a bad idea since they have less depth, but it is a spot they already addressed early in the draft last year. If he plays wide receiver, their depth chart is already stacked with wideouts.

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4) Patriots going defense

Drake Maye didn't get any help in the mock (Imagn)

The New England Patriots traded down from first overall in this mock, which isn't a bad idea. What they did with the pick is where they went wrong. They already boast a good defense and have a young, inexperienced QB set to take the reins in Drake Maye. Giving him a true star wideout would be wise, but instead, they selected a cornerback.

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3) Carson Beck first overall

Carson Beck went first overall (Imagn)

It's not surprising that the New York Giants, who traded up for the first pick in Yates' mock, picked a QB. They need one since Daniel Jones is both bad and expensive. It's just not likely that they trade up to No. 1 and pick Carson Beck. Beck isn't considered a generational prospect, so it's probably not a good idea to pick him first, especially after a trade.

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2) Shedeur Sanders to the Titans

Shedeur Sanders went to the Titans (Imagn)

Shedeur Sanders went fourth to the Tennessee Titans in this mock draft. Whether or not Tennessee picks this high or not, they don't need to look into a QB. They have worked on the offense to give Will Levis a shot to succeed. Whether or not he does shouldn't mean they give up on the 2023 second-round pick. Instead, another weapon or a defensive anchor makes more sense.

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1) James Pearce Jr. to the Panthers

James Pearce Jr. was mocked to the Panthers (Imagn)

The Carolina Panthers, in this mock draft, have the second overall pick. If that's the case, then things have gone wrong on offense again. They shouldn't give up on Bryce Young and take Sanders, for example, but they should build up his offense. Plus, Pearce is a little limited in his pass-rush arsenal, and he might not be suited for the second-overall pick.