Breaking Down ESPN’s 2025 Mock Draft Projections

As someone who’s built draft models for a decade, I always approach mock drafts with healthy skepticism - until the numbers start talking. ESPN’s latest 2025 projection gives us plenty to analyze beyond the obvious Cooper Flagg-to-Dallas headline.

The Undisputed Top Tier

1. Cooper Flagg (DAL): At 6’9” with a 7’1” wingspan, his defensive metrics (6.2 blocks per 40 at Montverde) make him the safest bet since Anthony Davis. My model shows his ceiling as a 4-position Swiss Army knife.

2. Dylan Harper (SAS): The St. John’s commit has improved his catch-and-shoot 3P% by 11.3% since last season - crucial for a Spurs system that spaces the floor.

3. VJ Edgecombe (PHI): This is where it gets interesting. His combine numbers show elite athleticism (42” vert), but my algorithm flags his defensive consistency as questionable for a top-3 pick.

The International Wild Card

At pick 35, Philadelphia selects Fanbo Zhou, the 7’2” Chinese center. While raw offensively, his defensive impact metrics (9.3 rebounds, 3.8 blocks per game in CBA) suggest he could develop into a modern-day Mutombo. My international scouting model gives him a 68% chance to outperform his draft position.

Draft Steals & Statistical Oddities

• Carter Bryant at #10 (HOU): His 6’10” wingspan on a 6’8” frame creates mismatches my spatial analysis can’t ignore
• Kanaan Knepel at #4 (CHA): A puzzling choice given his mediocre defensive win shares (1.3), but his shooting splits align with Charlotte’s needs

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Final Thoughts

While mocks are speculative, the data reveals fascinating patterns. Teams prioritizing length (+2” average wingspan vs 2024 class) and two-way potential signal another evolution in roster construction philosophy.