NFL analysts have been attempting to predict the NFL draft for decades since Mel Kiper Jr. and Joel Buchsbaum popularized coverage of the event in the 1980s.
Mocking the draft is often a difficult pursuit. Even the best mock drafts tend to get just a handful of picks right each year, as one surprise or out-of-order pick can have a ripple effect that can dismantle the mocks of even the most well-prepared draft analysts.
With that in mind, USA TODAY Sports decided to see what type of mock draft an artificial intelligence chatbot might put together. For this exercise, Meta AI was used to determine the first-round picks in the 2025 NFL draft a few weeks ahead of the event.
Meta wasn't quite able to create a full mock draft by itself, so it was prompted to make the mock on a pick-by-pick basis. The mixed results showed the limitations of having AI predict such an event.
Notably, Meta decided not to include two notable prospects – Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Penn State tight end Tyler Warren – in its first round. The duo has broadly been mocked as top-15 selections, so seeing both slide out of the first 32 picks would be surprising.
Meta didn't have any picks that were major reaches, but it did have some questionable player-team fits in its first round. That included an odd landing spot for Boise State star Ashton Jeanty.
Here's a look at how Meta AI's mock came out and a human analysis of its drafting efforts.
2025 NFL mock draft: First-round AI picks
1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
Meta acknowledged Ward has "solidified his position as the top quarterback prospect" in the 2025 NFL draft which is why he is expected to be the No. 1 pick. The Titans have a big need at quarterback, so Ward would provide them with an upgrade. A good start for the chatbot.
