2025 NFL Mock Draft Breakdown: Chad Reuter’s Four-Round Projection Shakes Up the Draft Landscape

With the 2025 NFL Draft fast approaching, Chad Reuter’s latest four-round mock draft has sparked intense discussion among fans and analysts alike. This year’s draft is loaded with quarterback talent, several high-impact trades, and potential superstars at various positions. Reuter’s projections paint a picture of aggressive front offices, bold selections, and strategic maneuvers designed to reshape rosters for the future.

The mock draft doesn’t hold back, featuring three quarterbacks in the top seven picks, 11 running backs taken by the fourth round, and surprise trades that shake up the order. Let’s break down the highlights, key picks, and implications of Reuter’s 2025 NFL mock draft.

Quarterbacks Take Center Stage: A Race to Secure Franchise Talent

The first round of Chad Reuter’s mock draft underscores one undeniable truth in the NFL — teams will always prioritize finding a franchise quarterback. Reuter projects eight quarterbacks to be drafted within the first four rounds, with three of them going in the top seven picks.

Top Quarterbacks in the 2025 Mock Draft

1. Cam Ward, Miami (Senior) – Projected Team: Tennessee Titans (First Overall Pick)
   Reuter’s mock draft has the Titans making a franchise-altering decision by selecting Cam Ward with the top pick. Tennessee’s new general manager, Mike Borgonzi, wants to build around a young, dynamic quarterback, and Ward’s athleticism, arm strength, and leadership make him a perfect fit.

2. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado – Projected Team: New York Giants (Third Overall Pick)
   The Giants are looking to revitalize their offense, and Sanders could be the answer. As the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, Shedeur has already proven himself at Colorado, showcasing exceptional poise, accuracy, and dual-threat capabilities. He has the potential to bring a new level of energy and consistency to New York’s offense.

3. Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss – Projected Team: New York Jets (Seventh Overall Pick)
   The Jets, desperate to stabilize the quarterback position, execute a blockbuster trade to move up and draft Jaxson Dart. Known for his quick release, football IQ, and ability to make plays under pressure, Dart could be the missing piece for a franchise that has struggled to find long-term success at quarterback.

Key Trades: Aggressive Moves Reshape the Draft Order

Trades often define the NFL Draft, and Chad Reuter’s mock draft is no exception. His projections include five trades in the first round alone, as teams jockey for position to land top talent.

Notable Trades in Reuter’s Mock Draft

• The New York Jets Move Up for Jaxson Dart:
  The Jets make a bold move, trading up to the seventh overall pick to secure their quarterback of the future. This trade underscores the franchise’s urgency to solidify the most important position on the field after years of instability.

• The Kansas City Chiefs Acquire Jalen Travis:
  The defending Super Bowl champions trade up to select Jalen Travis, a standout offensive tackle from Iowa State. This move reflects Kansas City’s commitment to protecting Patrick Mahomes and keeping their high-powered offense firing on all cylinders.

Addressing Team Needs: Strategic Selections Across the Board

While quarterbacks dominate the early picks, Reuter’s mock draft also highlights how teams are targeting specific areas to improve their rosters. From offensive linemen to pass rushers, the draft features plenty of talent beyond the marquee names.

New York Giants’ Draft Strategy

Reuter projects the Giants to make several impactful selections beyond their first-round pick of Shedeur Sanders:

1. Derrick Harmon, Defensive Tackle, Oregon – Round 2, Pick 34
   Harmon brings versatility and power to the Giants’ defensive line, helping to bolster their run defense and create interior pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

2. Marcus Mbow, Guard, Purdue – Round 3, Pick 65
   The Giants continue to invest in their offensive line by selecting Mbow, an athletic and intelligent guard who can help protect Shedeur Sanders and open up running lanes.

3. Kyle Kennard, Edge Rusher, South Carolina – Round 3, Pick 99
   Kennard adds depth and potential to the Giants’ pass rush, giving the team another weapon on the defensive front.

4. Elic Ayomanor, Wide Receiver, Stanford – Round 4, Pick 105
   Ayomanor is a big-bodied receiver with excellent hands and the ability to develop into a reliable target for Sanders in the passing game.

Running Backs Make a Comeback: 11 RBs Selected by Round 4

Running backs may not dominate the first round as they once did, but Reuter’s mock draft shows that the position still holds value. He projects 11 running backs to be selected within the first four rounds, emphasizing the importance of versatility and playmaking ability in today’s NFL.

Notable Running Back Selections

• Cam Skattebo, Arizona State – Projected Team: Denver Broncos (Round 4)
  Skattebo offers toughness, versatility, and the ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield.

• Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech – Projected Team: Kansas City Chiefs (Round 4)
  The Chiefs add another weapon to their offense by selecting Tuten, a speedy back who can provide big-play potential and complement their existing backfield.

Syracuse Players in the Draft: A Program on the Rise

Reuter’s mock draft also includes several Syracuse Orange players, highlighting the growth and development of the program in recent years.

• Oronde Gadsden II, Tight End – Projected Team: Los Angeles Rams (Round 3, Pick 96)
  Gadsden is a versatile pass-catching tight end who can create mismatches against linebackers and safeties.

• Fadil Diggs, Edge Rusher – Projected Team: Tennessee Titans (Round 4, Pick 103)
  Diggs is a relentless pass rusher with the potential to develop into a key contributor on the Titans’ defensive line.

Final Thoughts: What to Expect on Draft Day

Chad Reuter’s 2025 NFL mock draft provides a fascinating glimpse into what could unfold when the draft kicks off on April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. From the early run on quarterbacks to the strategic trades and sleeper picks in the later rounds, this draft promises plenty of excitement and intrigue.

As the countdown to draft day continues, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on these projections — and speculating about which teams will hit a home run and which might leave fans scratching their heads. One thing is certain: the 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the league’s future.