We saw this a few years ago during the 2022 NFL Draft when Kenny Pickett was the only quarterback taken in the first round, and he went 20th to the Steelers. That was a QB class widely considered to be weak.

Last month, Draft Wire’s Curt Popejoy released a two-round 2025 NFL mock draft with a curious selection for the Denver Broncos. In the first round of his mock, Popejoy has the Broncos picking Penn State tight end Tyler Warren at No. 20. That’s not the surprising pick. In fact, Warren would be a dream pick for Denver.

Right now the film is speaking for many players, but the combine will affect stocks for better or worse, so this can be an organic exercise.

The 33rd Team's Kyle Crabbs recently released a two-round 2025 NFL mock draft. Crabbs has the Seahawks making a surprising pick at No. 18 overall, with general manager John Schneider selecting North Dakota State interior offensive lineman Grey Zabel.

NFL Scouting Combine begins next week and it could be more important than most recent years. The gap between players projected midway through the first round and midway through Day 2 is negligible. There is an opportunity for players to cement their first-round status or rise into the conversation.