Mel Kiper, draft expert for ESPN, has the Cleveland Browns passing on a quarterback for arguably the best player in the draft.

In his initial 2025 first-round NFL mock draft, esteemed ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. projects San Francisco to address the offensive side of the football. Kiper’s initial projection sees the 49ers scooping up talented Texas Longhorns offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. with the No. 11 pick.

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 31: Colston Loveland #18 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a second half touchdown with Tyler Morris #8 while playing the Fresno State Bulldogs at Michigan Stadium on August 31, 2024 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Mel Kiper Jr. has the Patriots selecting former Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter with the No. 4 overall pick. Read more on Boston.com.

Quarterback is not just the most important position in football, but it is arguably the most important position in all of sports. That is why quarterbacks in the NFL Draft always tend to have plenty of intrigue around them.

In the latest mock from our Christian D’Andrea — a top-five mini-mock — he had the Browns taking Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders at quarterback. But in Mel Kiper Jr.’s first mock of the year for ESPN, he had Sanders’ teammate Travis Hunter going to Cleveland and Sanders going to the New York Giants at No. 3.

The NFL Draft is just over three months away, but the mock draft season is in full effect. The New York Giants own the No. 3 overall pick after finishing the 2024 season with a disappointing 3-14 record.

Offensive line is a priority for the Dolphins, but it’s hard to argue with Mel Kiper’s solution for the massive hole in Miami’s secondary.

Michigan football set a program record with 13 NFL draft picks last season and this year could lead all NCAA teams in first round selections.

The New England Patriots need to surround young quarterback Drake Maye with a much better offensive line and more high-end talent at the skill positions on offense going into next season, but that doesn’t mean they should totally ignore defense with the No.

With the regular season behind the New England Patriots, the team is now shifting its focus to free agency and the 2025 NFL draft. Some have wondered if the Patriots would take a wide receiver or left tackle with the No.