With just two weeks left before the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off in Detroit, the buzz is hitting new heights.
Everyone thinks they know what’s coming at picks one and two. But after that? It’s anyone’s guess. This latest mock draft tosses a curveball right inside the top three, shaking up projections and turning heads across the league.
Here’s the twist: the San Francisco 49ers jump all the way up to the No. 3 spot. The New York Giants, holding that pick, decide to move back and secure a 2026 first-rounder. It’s a gutsy move on both sides, and it completely reshapes the board. One team chases an immediate shot at contention. The other resets for the future. Let’s break down how it plays out.
49ers Go All-In For Abdul Carter
The 49ers aren’t waiting around. They’ve got a roster built to win now and a glaring need opposite Nick Bosa on the edge. Abdul Carter, the explosive pass rusher out of Penn State, checks every box they’re looking for. Instead of hoping he falls to them, they go get him.
Carter brings rare athleticism and a relentless motor. San Francisco’s decision to give up their 2026 first-rounder shows just how serious they are about returning to NFC Championship form. General Manager John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan have never shied away from bold moves, and this one fits that mold perfectly. Carter fits their scheme, gives their defense another gear, and adds juice to a unit that’s built around pressure.
The Niners shake up the top five of our latest mock in a BIG way 💥
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) April 10, 2025
H/T @Marcus_Mosher pic.twitter.com/hP9kPerSKc
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Meanwhile, the Giants aren’t walking away empty-handed. They’re taking the long view. With Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Chauncey Golston already anchoring the pass rush, New York sees an opportunity to add picks and still grab a quarterback they like.
At pick No. 11, they land Shedeur Sanders, the Colorado standout and son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. It’s a move that injects energy into the fanbase without the pressure of reaching for him inside the top five. Sanders carries a strong arm, high football IQ, and poise that fits the spotlight of New York.
The selection aligns with last year’s quarterback market, where Michael Penix Jr., J.J. McCarthy, and Bo Nix went in a similar range. Giants fans get their new signal-caller, and the team walks away with added draft capital to build around him.
This mock NFL draft might be hypothetical, but the logic tracks. Two franchises with very different timelines make moves that reflect their priorities. And with the draft closing in, surprises like this could be just the beginning.
