The 2025 NFL mock draft season has officially begun, and the early predictions have the potential to spark significant conversations. Recently, The 33rd Team released their mock draft picks, highlighting the projected top players for the upcoming draft.

While the list does have some notable names, fans of many teams would be quite happy with it. However, fans of the Buffs and the Bulldogs can get disappointed. So, without keeping y’all waiting, let’s dive into the buzz.

Shedeur and Beck lose the No. 1 spot

The latest mock draft from The 33rd Team on 6th July has placed LSU’s Will Campbell at the top spot. However, the ranking of quarterbacks, Shedeur Sanders and Carson Beck, further down the list, is quite surprising. Shedeur Sanders, currently playing for Colorado under the guidance of his father, Deion Sanders, has shown remarkable talent and leadership on the field. Despite being considered one of the top quarterback prospects, Sanders is projected to be the eighth pick.

WalterFootball, in their own Mock Draft ranking, noted, “Shedeur Sanders has a high football IQ and great leadership skills. He doesn’t have a stellar arm, but it’s good enough for him to be a top-five pick.” Shedeur Sanders had an outstanding season in 2023, where he set multiple records at Colorado. He threw for 3,230 yards, scored 27 touchdowns, and allowed only 3 interceptions. Also, he achieved a QB rating of 151.7 despite opponents sacking him 52 times. Putting the young Sanders on 8th is definitely a harsh understatement.

Now coming to Carson Beck, his powerful arm and accuracy have earned him a spot as the fifth pick in this mock draft. Beck threw for 2,850 yards with 26 touchdowns and 7 interceptions in the 2023 season. Then again, fans of the Bulldogs would argue that Beck does deserve to be around the 1st or the 2nd spot. Especially because back in May, a veteran SEC defense coordinator clearly stated that, “[Carson Beck] will be the no. 1 overall pick.” Beck has the proper skill-set to be on the first spot.

Matt Miller, a well known ESPN draft analyst, had also voiced his opinion regarding Beck and Sanders. “I think Beck is the player who is the top quarterback in this class because of how well he protects himself in the pocket, whereas Shedeur Sanders, very surgical but he gets rocked in those pockets and at times, gets a little bit beat up.” Purely going off of Miller’s analysis, it is safe to say that Beck would be the perfect candidate for the No.1 spot while Shedeur trails in on the 2nd. However, keeping all of this aside, a big question which can poke the fans is why 33rd Team placed Campbell at No. 1 on their published list.

Why is Campbell at No.1?

Will Campbell’s position at the top of the mock draft list is justifiable by several key factors that make him standout from other prospects, including Shedeur Sanders and Carson Beck. Campbell’s impressive physical attributes, standing at 6’6″ and weighing 325 pounds, make him a formidable presence on the offensive line. According to NFL Mock Draft Database, Campbell’s ability to handle elite pass rushers and his quick feet make him an ideal left tackle for any NFL team​. Furthermore, he was the first true freshman to start at left tackle in LSU’s history.

In the 2023 season, Campbell was a cornerstone for LSU’s offensive line, helping the Tigers achieve significant rushing yardage and providing stellar pass protection. He played a pivotal role in key victories, including the game against Alabama where LSU rushed for 185 yards, the most allowed by Alabama that season. Even back in June, on The Next Live, Jacob Hester was also quite open regarding his opinion of Campbell. “I think Will Campbell is the best player in college football,” Hester said in regards to Campbell’s skill and whatever he has brought to the field.

The Mock Draft list definitely has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting draft season. However, only time will tell which players actually grab the top 5 spots in the NFL draft. Till then, keep supporting your favorite platers.