2025 NFL Draft: A look at five potential surprise Round 1 pick

The 2025 NFL Draft is set to take place from April 24 till April 26 at the Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This year, fans could expect a few surprise picks that can prove to be a gamechanger for their favourite sides in the coming seasons.

According to NFL.com, the 2025 Draft may have one of the most unpredictable first rounds in recent times.

2025 NFL Draft: Key expectations

Usually, teams end up getting anywhere between 18 and 22 players having first-round grades in a year. However, a longtime executive of the NFL recently stated that there might be no difference between Player 10 and Player 40 in this year's draft.

With the 2025 NFL draft less than a week away, here's taking a look at five underrated players in mock drafts, who can shock one and all in Round 1 next week:

Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA

Schwesinger, who stands 6-foot-2 1/2 inch tall and is 242 pounds, had 90 solo tackles during the last season, ahead of all other Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) players. He also emerged as a finalist for the Butkus Award, which was his first time as a starter.

A one time walk-on at UCLA, Schwesinger can be a key prospect for multiple sides that are near the bottom of Round 1 and are desperate to have an off-ball linebacker.

Jared Wilson, Center, Georgia

Some experts project Wilson as the actual player for the center position over North Dakota State OL Grey Zabel.

During the last season, Wilson did not allow any sacks in 511 pass-block snaps, despite it being his first as a starter, as per Pro Football Focus data.

At 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds, Wilson is quick enough among other UGA centers. While several teams are hoping for his draft on the second day, it might be interesting to see if he can get it done on the maiden day itself.

Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville

With all eyes on Cam Ward, the expected No. 1 overall pick, there is less consensus with regard to the QB position among most of the sides.

Shough has started 32 games at three schools during his seven-year college time. However, he has been through multiple injuries, including broken collarbone and leg.

Being 6-foot-4 and 219 pounds, Shough is well known for his accuracy, game processing ability as well as size.

Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State

Williams, who is 6-foot-2 and 334 pounds, is yet another player to look forward to in the next week's NFL draft.

With an experience of 51 college games, including 25 starts, Williams could be a top pick as he is popular for his ability to stop the run. His pre-draft process was cut short due to a hamstring injury, which he suffered at the Buckeyes' pro day in March this year.

Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Although much attention remains on Tetairoa McMillan and Matthew Golden at this position, teams should not neglect Egbuka.

The 6-foot and 202 pound player was an impressive slot receiver for Ohio State as he made a school-record 205 catches for 2,868 yards as well as 24 touchdowns across 50 college games.

FAQs

1. When will the Round 1 of the 2025 NFL draft take place?

Round 1 is scheduled to start at 8 PM ET on next Thursday (April 24).

2. When to watch the 2025 NFL draft?

Fans can catch up all the live updates on NFL Network, ESPN and other platforms.