With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, sports media outlets are full of mock drafts, each with different predictions. Earlier this week, Fox Sports’ Rob Rang presented a unique mock that included all college football players, regardless of draft eligibility. In this mock, the first pick was Ohio State’s standout true freshman receiver, Jeremiah Smith.
This approach led to some surprising selections, including South Carolina’s EDGE Dylan Stewart being picked eighth overall by the Carolina Panthers. Stewart made a significant impact during his freshman year with his explosive playstyle, frequently disrupting opposing backfields. Rang compared him to Gamecock legend Jadeveon Clowney, noting that Stewart is “surprisingly polished for a true freshman.” Despite having only one season of play, Rang believes Stewart would make an immediate impact in the NFL, thanks to his impressive build and unmatched wingspan.
While the scenario is hypothetical, it’s clear that Stewart’s standout freshman year has caught the attention of scouts and evaluators at the next level. Although his selection in this particular mock may have been a surprise, it’s widely expected that he will be a top-ten pick when he declares for the draft and become a key player in the NFL for years to come.
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First-Round Projections Have South Carolina DT T.J. Sanders As a Top NFL Draft Pick
The 2025 NFL Draft process is in full swing, and former South Carolina defensive tackle T.J. Sanders is now considered a potential first-round pick.
Although Sanders might have flown under the radar this season due to the dominant performances of South Carolina’s EDGE rushers, Dylan Stewart and Kyle Kennard, he is gaining recognition as the draft approaches. National analysts, including NFL Network’s lead draft expert, Daniel Jeremiah, are starting to take notice of Sanders’ impressive tape.
Jeremiah recently released his updated NFL Mock Draft, where he has Sanders going 31st overall to the Philadelphia Eagles. Regarding the potential selection, Jeremiah commented:
“There has not been a lot of buzz for Sanders, but I thought his tape was outstanding. He’s really twitchy and would fit right in with the bevy of talented defensive linemen in Philly.”
T.J. Sanders’ accolades include:
- 2024 Third-Team All-America (College Football Nation)
- 2024 First-Team All-SEC (College Football Nation)
- 2024 Second-Team All-SEC (AP, Phil Steele)
- 2024 SEC Interior Defender of the Year (College Football Nation)
- 2023 Third-Team All-SEC (College Football Network)
- 2023 Fourth-Team All-SEC (Phil Steele)
- 2023 Nutrition Award
- 2023 Rex Enright Defensive Player of the Spring
- 2023 co-South Carolina Spirit Award – Defense
