First, it was Shedeur Sanders, now it’s Jaxson Dart. The list of top prospects who will attend Lambeau Field to witness the 2025 NBA Draft in person is growing thinner. After the most recent withdrawals, the list now consists of only 16 players who are certain they will be called in the first round.
Hearing their name called in the first round of the draft is the ultimate dream for many college players; however, there is only room for 32 of them. The rest will have to wait until later rounds, and the vast majority will never be picked.
To avoid awkward moments and disappointed faces on one of the NFL’s most important dates, the league significantly reduced the list of invited prospects to just 17 players. However, a recent head count reduced that number to just 16, with two withdrawals and one addition.
A matter of dignity?
According to The 33rd NFL Team insider Ari Meirov, Dart and Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams declined their draft invitations. One of those spots will be filled by Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston, and there’s no confirmed name for the other.
Dart’s withdrawal isn’t a huge surprise. The Ole Miss product’s draft stock is a mystery to fans and analysts. Some believe he could be the second quarterback selected overall, even ahead of Shedeur Sanders, while others believe he won’t even be selected in the first round.
Williams’ absence, on the other hand, surprised everyone. The former Bulldogs star is considered the best edge rusher in this class and a clear first-round pick. The reasons for both absences are unknown, but the uncertainty over whether or not they will hear their name called could play a big role in their decision.
What happened to Shedeur?
Beyond the fact that the NFL didn’t invite him, Shedeur’s draft stock is one of the most fluctuating this season. From being considered one of the top three prospects of the year, he slipped in the predictions and could now be called in the mid-first or early second round.
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most disappointing in history. The number of trades has been historically low, and experts speculate that this is because teams don’t see a player worth the effort and cost of trading up.
We will only find out whether Dart, Shedeur, or even top prospects like Cam Ward or Travis Hunter live up to analysts’ predictions this Thursday, April 24, when the first round is held.
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