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With the ink barely dry on the 2024 NFL Draft cards, it's never too early to start speculating about who's going to steal the spotlight in Green Bay, Wisconsin, come next April. Yes, you heard it right: Titletown is hosting the 2025 NFL Draft, and if it's anything like what we saw in Detroit, fans are in for a real treat.
The draft is more than a selection show; it's where futures are made, careers are started, and occasionally, dreams are dashed. The NFL odds on FanDuel are already heating up, and the speculation is running rampant as to which player will hear their name called first.
Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
Carson Beck, the standout quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs, is eyeing a remarkable comeback this season. After falling short in their quest for a historic third consecutive national title, Beck and his team are on what's being dubbed a revenge tour. Beck, who will be a fifth-year senior during the 2024 campaign, has already turned heads with his performance.
Standing just under 6-foot-4, he's got the physical attributes that NFL scouts drool over. Last season, he impressively passed for 3,941 yards, boasting an 85.2 QBR and a completion rate of 72.4%. Given that he achieved these feats in the SEC, known for its robust defenses, these numbers are all the more impressive.
Before taking the helm at Georgia, Beck was celebrated as Florida's Mr. Football in 2019, showcasing his talent early on. His potential NFL Draft No. 1 pick status could place him among Georgia legends like Trevon Walker and Matthew Stafford, boosting UGA's record to tie with the Southern California Trojans for producing the most overall No. 1 NFL Draft picks.
With FanDuel Sportsbook pegging him at +300 odds to be the top pick, all eyes will be on Beck as he looks to lead Georgia to glory and cement his status as a top NFL prospect.
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Shedeur Sanders, the unstoppable force at quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes, is creating quite a stir in college football circles. With Coach Prime, aka Deion Sanders, at the helm, expectations are sky-high for their 2024 campaign. The dynamic duo aims to turn heads and silence critics this season. It's a fascinating story of resurgence for the Buffaloes, who are still relishing in the dramatic improvement from a dismal 1-11 record pre-Sanders to a more respectable 4-8 last season. But don't be fooled; the best is yet to come.
Shedeur, in his sophomore year, has already shown he's not just another quarterback. His record-smashing 510 passing yards in a single game against the Texas Christian Horned Frogs was a historic moment for the Buffaloes. But it's not all been smooth sailing; the young QB has felt the heat, being sacked an eye-watering 52 times in 2023. This number is a glaring spotlight on the need for enhanced pass protection. If Colorado can tighten up their offensive line, expect Sanders to dazzle with his arm strength, accuracy, and poise under pressure.
His transition into the Big 12 next year adds another layer of intrigue to his already compelling narrative. How will Sanders adapt to his third conference in as many years? His stats are promising, with a 27-3 TD-INT ratio and a 69.3% completion rate, showcasing his elite decision-making and efficiency.
With Shedeur Sanders' odds of being the No.1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft sitting at +450 on FanDuel Sportsbook, speculation is at a fever pitch.
James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
James Pearce Jr., lining up for the Tennessee Volunteers, is turning heads not just in Knoxville but across the college football landscape and into the NFL Draft circles. Standing tall at 6-foot-5 and packing 240 pounds of muscle, Pearce dominates from the "Leo" position, a hybrid role that showcases his versatility between linebacker and edge rushing. His athleticism and frame have NFL scouts buzzing, as Pearce embodies the ideal mold for an OLB/EDGE prospect.
Last season, Pearce wasn't just good; he was outstanding, securing First-team All-SEC honors with stats that read like a defensive coordinator's dream: 10.0 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss (TFL), and two forced fumbles, leading the Volunteers in all three categories. He even showcased his game-changing ability by scoring off an interception against the Iowa Hawkeyes.
In an era where NFL offenses are becoming more dynamic and quarterbacks more mobile, a player with Pearce's skill set is gold dust. His ability to disrupt passing lanes and pressure the quarterback makes him a coveted asset for any team looking to bolster its defense. While Pearce's raw talent is undeniable, the road to the NFL is often about more than just stats. Adding muscle and improving physical durability will be essential for Pearce as he eyes the transition to professional football.
The fact that sportsbooks like FanDuel SportsBook have him at +650 odds to be the first overall pick, notably higher than any other defender save for a couple at 22-to-1, speaks volumes. It's not just about filling a spot on the roster; it's about bringing in a game-wrecker, and Pearce Jr. fits that bill to a T.