Joe Burrow is picked ahead of Patrick Mahomes in 2025 NFL Redraft
The NFL offseason is a time for reflection, speculation, and, of course, fun hypotheticals. One of the most intriguing offseason exercises is the NFL redraft, where analysts imagine a world where every player is available and teams build their rosters from scratch. This year, the 2025 NFL redraft sparked some serious debate—especially when Joe Burrow was selected ahead of Patrick Mahomes.
Yes, you read that right. In a fantasy-like redraft scenario, the Cincinnati Bengals’ star quarterback Joe Burrow was taken No. 3 overall by the New York Jets, while Kansas City Chiefs’ superstar Patrick Mahomes was picked No. 4. The decision immediately caught the attention of football fans and analysts alike, as Mahomes has long been considered the best quarterback in the league.
So, why did this happen? What does it say about Burrow’s rising status in the NFL, and how do Mahomes’ fans feel about this? Let’s break it all down.
How the 2025 NFL Redraft Worked
The 2025 NFL redraft was not your typical mock draft. Instead of focusing on the 2025 rookie class, this exercise included every single player in the NFL, making them available for selection. The real-life 2025 draft order was used, meaning teams were choosing from a completely open talent pool to build a franchise from the ground up.
If you’ve ever played fantasy football, you get the idea—you take the best available talent to create a dominant team for both the present and the future.
Top Picks in the 2025 NFL Redraft
As expected, quarterbacks dominated the top of the redraft, with franchise signal-callers being the most valuable assets in today’s NFL. Here’s how the top four picks played out:
- Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) → Chicago Bears
- Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) → Washington Commanders
- Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) → New York Jets
- Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs) → Arizona Cardinals
Why Was Joe Burrow Taken Over Patrick Mahomes?
Seeing Patrick Mahomes fall behind Joe Burrow is not something many fans would have expected. Mahomes has been the face of the NFL, winning multiple Super Bowl titles and MVP awards, while Burrow is still chasing his first ring. However, there are a few key reasons why analysts may have chosen Burrow ahead of Mahomes:
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Burrow’s 2024 Dominance
- In the 2024 season, Joe Burrow led the NFL in completions, passing yards, and touchdowns.
- He showed exceptional decision-making and continued to prove that he can go toe-to-toe with any quarterback in the league.
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Age and Longevity
- While Mahomes is still in his prime, Burrow is a couple of years younger, which could give him a slight edge when teams are drafting for the future.
- With a clean bill of health, Burrow could provide long-term stability for a team like the Jets.
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Success Against Mahomes
- Burrow has a 3-2 career record against Mahomes, including a huge win in the 2022 AFC Championship Game.
- While Mahomes won the last two matchups, Burrow has consistently proven he can compete with the best.
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Scheme Fit & Play Style
- Burrow is known for his quick decision-making, elite accuracy, and ability to dissect defenses.
- His style of play may have been seen as more adaptable in a rebuilding situation.
Patrick Mahomes Still Goes Top 4—But Is That Too Low?
Even though Mahomes wasn’t the first quarterback taken, he was still selected immediately after Burrow at No. 4. Chiefs fans might argue that he should have gone No. 1, considering his:
- Two MVPs
- Multiple Super Bowl rings
- Generational arm talent and mobility
- Proven ability to win under pressure
Despite Burrow’s impressive stats, Mahomes has consistently delivered on the biggest stages, making some wonder whether he should have been the top pick overall.
Burrow vs. Mahomes: A Rivalry for the Ages?
Over the past few years, Joe Burrow vs. Patrick Mahomes has become one of the most exciting quarterback matchups in football. Their games have often been:
- High-scoring, down-to-the-wire battles
- Showcases of elite quarterback play
- Must-watch TV for NFL fans
Head-to-Head Record (As of 2025)
- Joe Burrow vs. Patrick Mahomes: 3-2
- Notable Games:
- 2022 AFC Championship → Burrow wins
- 2023 AFC Championship → Mahomes wins
- 2024 Regular Season (Week 2) → Mahomes wins
Will They Face Off in 2025?
Unfortunately, Cincinnati and Kansas City are not scheduled to play in the 2025 regular season. The only way we’ll see another Burrow-Mahomes showdown is if they meet in the playoffs—which, given their teams’ success, is very possible.
What This Redraft Tells Us About the NFL in 2025
The results of this NFL redraft offer some key takeaways about how the league currently values its top stars:
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Josh Allen & Lamar Jackson’s Stock Is at an All-Time High
- Allen was the No. 1 pick, showing how much teams value his combination of arm strength and mobility.
- Jackson, coming off an MVP season, was the second pick, proving his dual-threat ability is still highly coveted.
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Joe Burrow Is Cementing Himself as an Elite Quarterback
- Being drafted ahead of Mahomes is a huge statement.
- If he continues to put up league-leading numbers, he could surpass Mahomes in the GOAT conversation down the line.
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Patrick Mahomes’ Standard of Greatness Is So High, Even a No. 4 Pick Feels Too Low
- Mahomes has set such a high bar that anything outside the No. 1 pick feels shocking.
- He still remains one of the most valuable players in the league, and the Chiefs’ continued dominance proves that.
Final Thoughts: Did the Redraft Get It Right?
The 2025 NFL redraft was meant to be a fun, thought-provoking exercise, but it also raised real questions about how teams view their franchise quarterbacks.
- Did Burrow deserve to be taken ahead of Mahomes?
- Should Mahomes have been the No. 1 pick instead?
- Will this fuel Mahomes to prove he’s still the best in the league?
No matter where you stand, one thing is clear—the NFL is in great hands with these quarterbacks leading the way. As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Burrow, Mahomes, Allen, and Jackson to see who truly rules the league.
And who knows? Maybe this redraft will look completely different next year.
