NFL Draft intel: Will the Titans pass on a QB with No. 1 pick?

Each week, Yardbarker monitors the 2025 NFL Draft, scheduled April 24-26 in Green Bay.

From a Colorado two-way star to an Ohio State running back, here are five players we are tracking: 

Titans hinted they may consider taking Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter with No. 1 pick

Will the Titans (3-14) draft Hunter with the No. 1 pick instead of Miami QB Cam Ward or Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders? 

On Wednesday, Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker said, "We won't pass on a generational talent with the first pick in the NFL Draft."

In a Wednesday interview with WEEI-FM in Boston, ESPN's Adam Schefter said Brinker's comment suggests they could target Hunter or Penn State edge-rusher Abdul Carter instead of a QB. 

In 13 games this season, Hunter (6-foot-1, 185 pounds) had 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdown catches. On defense, the Heisman Trophy winner had 11 passes defended and four interceptions. Don't expect him to play CB/WR extensively in the NFL.

If Tennessee plans to take Hunter, it should still consider replacing QB Will Levis, who posted a subpar 27.8 QBR in 12 starts. The Titans could sign a QB in free agency, perhaps Sam Darnold of the Minnesota Vikings or Justin Fields of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Ohio State QB Will Howard could be a sleeper 

After Ohio State beat Notre Dame 34-23 in the College Football Playoff national championship on Monday, Buckeyes freshman WR Jeremiah Smith told The Sporting News, "In my eyes, [Howard is] a first-round draft pick."

Howard (6-foot-4, 235 pounds) probably won't be a first-rounder, but he could be worth taking a risk on in the second or third round.

"Overall, Will Howard has the tools and abilities teams look for in a developmental prospect," wrote Bleacher Report's Dame Parson, who gave the QB a third-round grade. "Howard's flashes of passing upside, along with his rushing ability, will be enticing to an NFL franchise later in the draft."

Howard benefited from an elite supporting cast at Ohio State, but scouts shouldn't discount his fantastic CFP showing. In four games, he had eight touchdown passes and a superb 96.4 QBR.

How high will Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty go? 

In his latest mock draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has the Denver Broncos (10-7) choosing Jeanty with pick No. 20. 

"I've made it clear how I feel about taking a running back in the first round, but I'm not the one making the picks," wrote Kiper. "And make no mistake, Jeanty is going to go in the first round. He's a top-10 prospect with incredible elusiveness."

Might he be a top-15 pick instead? RB has been devalued recently, but Jeanty (5-foot-9, 215 pounds) could become an elite playmaker. In 14 games this season, he rushed for 29 touchdowns and 2,601 yards on 374 carries. 

According to Tankathon's projections, the Dallas Cowboys (7-10) will select Jeanty with pick No. 12.

Ohio State RB Quinshon Judkins could be another CFP riser

Players who participated in the CFP championship have until Friday to declare for the draft. Judkins has yet to enter, but the Ole Miss transfer seems pro-ready.

Judkins (6-foot, 219 pounds) rushed for 1,060 yards in 16 games despite splitting carries with RB TreVeyon Henderson. Against Notre Dame, he scored three touchdowns (one receiving and two rushing).  

"He is an RB1-caliber talent who boasts a scheme-versatile conceptual fit," Parson wrote of Judkins in a recent scouting report. "Judkins brings the contact balance and run-physicality needed to excel against NFL defenses."  

In Tankathon's latest mock draft, the New England Patriots (4-13) take Judkins with pick No. 69 in the third round.

Missouri O-lineman Armand Membou should flourish at Senior Bowl 

Membou (6-foot-3, 314 pounds) could continue to prove he's a top O-lineman at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. Practices start on Jan. 28, and the game is on Feb. 1.

"Another potential lock for night one, Membou is tackle/guard versatile with excellent footwork and technique," wrote The Draft Network's Ryan Fowler in his Senior Bowl primer. "He attacks opposing edge-rushers before they can run their feet, an elite trait along the front five and something to watch in Membou's game during the week."

In his latest mock draft, CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso has the Los Angeles Rams (10-7) taking the O-lineman with pick No. 26. Membou — who allowed zero sacks in 12 games, per Pro Football Focus — would provide better protection for Rams QB Matthew Stafford if the 36-year-old doesn't retire this offseason.