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)

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. unveiled his first mock draft of the 2025 cycle Wednesday, taking a different approach than most with the Cowboys’ 12th overall pick. Over the last few weeks, various draft pundits have tabbed Ashton Jeanty as Dallas’ pick in the first round.

This year has the added bonus of having two players coached by Deion Sanders, including his son, with the talent and potential to belong in any conversation about who belongs at No. 1. Mel Kiper Jr. has hit the white smoke and broke the seal on his mock drafts and his first attempt to figure out which name will be called first by Roger Goodell has him landing on a somewhat surprising answer.

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.

College football put a bow on a historic 2024 season as Ohio State won the national championship, and now it’s time to get a line on where the country’s most ta

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 Bengals have bigger needs, regardless. The next pick in Kiper’s mock is a guard prospect in Armand Membou. The one after that is a safety, Nick Emmanwori. A few picks later, top tight end Colston Loveland. Later in the round? Pass-rusher Nic Scourton.

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.