NFL’s big show is imminent
The real action may not start until September, but the NFL’s big show 2025 is soon to begin.
a far cry from the first low-key draft in a Philadelphia hotel
The 2025 draft is a three-day event that will take place April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, a far cry from the first low-key draft in a Philadelphia hotel in February 1936.
Back then, there were only 81 players included in the draft, and, interestingly, only 24 of them went on to play in the NFL. One of them was Heisman Trophy winner Jay Berwanger from the University of Chicago, who was the first pick of that draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.
But the draft as we recognize it today didn’t kick in until 1967, after the merger between the NFL and the American Football League (AFL).
Draft has taken on a life of its own
This year, Round 1 will occur on April 24, Rounds 2 and 3 on April 25, and Rounds 4 through 7 will be held on April 26. Those in the US can watch the action unfold live on ESPN and ABC. In total, the 32 teams have a total of 257 picks.
lots of rules and regulations
While the draft itself lasts three days, the preparation for it is an ongoing process and has become a year-round industry all of its own. Now, there are organized events that precede the main event, including a mock draft. It has also spawned many rules and regulations, which we’ll touch on before we get into the details of the 2025 Draft.
To be eligible to be part of the draft, players must have completed their high school education and be at least three years removed from it. They also have to have either used up or forfeited their college eligibility.
Players classed as “underclassmen” and those who have graduated before using all of their college eligibility will require the NFL’s approval to enter the draft early. This year, there will be 70 players – 55 underclassmen and 15 who have completed their degrees early – who have been granted this special permission.
Trading days
The draft order is determined by the reverse order of last season’s standings, with each round starting with the team with the worst record in 2024 (Tennessee Titans, in a tie) and finishing with the team that won Super Bowl LIX (Philadelphia Eagles).
But it’s not quite as straightforward as that. Teams are also able to trade their picks, where they can opt to swap less or more favorable picks based on priority, and there are also what are known as compensatory draft picks.
compensatory picks do not kick in until the end of the third round
Each season, the NFL assigns up to 32 picks to teams that lost free agents to other NFL teams in the previous offseason. Additional picks are then awarded to those who have “minority candidates” hired as head coaches or general managers by other teams as part of what’s known as the NFL’s 2020 Resolution JC-2A. The compensatory picks do not kick in until the end of the third round.
Let’s take a quick look at each team, at the picks they have available to them, and what they are likely to be looking to get from this season’s draft.
Tennessee Titans
Round 1. 1st
Round 2. 35th
Round 3. Traded with Kansas City
Round 4. 103rd & 120th
Round 5. 141st
Round 6. 178th & 188th
Round 7. Traded with Dallas via Green Bay
Tennessee has already secured its offensive line before the draft by adding two starters to its roster: Dan Moore and Kevin Zeitler. Now they must add to their attacking options after they lost Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to the Miami Dolphins.
With their number one pick, they look likely to go with Cam Ward, who may find life tough as a rookie quarterback but will hopefully blossom further down the track.
Cleveland Browns
Round 1. 2nd
Round 2. 33rd
Round 3. 67th & 94th
Round 4. 104th
Round 5. Traded with Minnesota Vikings
Round 6. 179th, 192nd, 200th & 216th
Round 7. 255th
Quarterback remains a problem for the Browns with Deshaun Watson still recovering from a torn Achilles and Kenny Pickett being the only healthy QB on the roster. Therefore, they will likely look to land one of the top two quarterbacks in this year’s draft: Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders.
But they also need more dynamism around the quarterback, with Jerry Jeudy being their only established wide receiver. They also need to add to their backfield after losing Nick Chubb.
New York Giants
Round 1. 3rd
Round 2. 34th
Round 3. 65th
Round 4. 105th
Round 5. 154th
Round 6. Traded with Buffalo Bills
Round 7. 219th & 246th
With two veteran QBs on their roster, the Giants have no option but to look to fill this position with a hot prospect. Cam Ward looks out of reach, but they may have a shot at Shedeur Sanders.
Some good acquisitions over the close season have bolstered their defensive line, but they would benefit from an impact player alongside Dexter Lawrence. They will also be in the market for a right guard after missing out on Will Fries.
New England Patriots
Round 1. 4th
Round 2. 38th
Round 3. 69th & 77th
Round 4. 106th
Round 5. 144th & 171st
Round 6. Traded with Los Angeles Chargers
Round 7. 220th & 238th
The Patriots have added Morgan Moses at right tackle and Garrett Bradbury at center, but no one at left tackle. Therefore, they will look to draft a long-term solution to protect Drake Maye’s blind side.
The signing of Stefon Diggs is a big boost for the Patriots, but he is 31 and recovering from an ACL tear. They therefore need to boost the depth at wide receiver and will likely look to do this with a quality prospect in Rounds 1-3.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Round 1. 5th
Round 2. 36th
Round 3. 70th & 88th
Round 4. 107th & 126th
Round 5. 142nd
Round 6. 182nd & 194th
Round 7. 221st
There has been much talk of the Jaguars using their fifth overall pick to land defensive lineman Mason Graham, but it would feel like a waste when their biggest need is to bolster their offense.
On that basis, it would make more sense for them to try and land hot running back prospect Ashton Jeanty, or maybe wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Another offensive option could be offensive lineman Will Campbell, if he’s still available, or maybe Missouri’s Armand Membou.
Las Vegas Raiders
Round 1. 6th
Round 2. 37th
Round 3. 68th
Round 4. 108th
Round 5. 143rd
Round 6. 180th, 213th & 215th
Round 7. 222nd
This is a huge draft for the Raiders, who require both starters and depth. With the sixth overall pick, they are expected to be in the market for Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty – a popular choice in the mock draft – but may also look to add another RB further down the line.
They did well to sign veteran Raheem Mostert over the winter as a free agent, but still need quality depth in their backfield and will be looking to add this in the lower rounds.
New York Jets
Round 1. 7th
Round 2. 42nd
Round 3. 73rd
Round 4. 110th
Round 5. 145th & 162nd
Round 6. 186th & 207th
Round 7. Traded with Arizona Cardinals
The Jets have plenty of roster gaps to fill in this draft, but the most important has to be bolstering the defensive line to protect Justin Fields while also offering him some quality targets at both tight end and/or wide receiver.
Of these options, wide receiver looks difficult to achieve inside the top ten overall picks, and so expect to see either a new offensive lineman or a tight end.
Carolina Panthers
Round 1. 8th
Round 2. 57th
Round 3. 74th
Round 4. 111th &114th
Round 5. 146th & 163rd
Round 6. Traded with Baltimore Ravens
Round 7. 230th
The Panthers have already added Pat Jones II as a free agent behind edge rushers Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum, but will be looking to add more (dynamic) depth in that area.
QB Bryce Young still requires a quick wide receiver to operate opposite 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette, and on defense, they need to find a quality ally to 2024 pick defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton.
New Orleans Saints
Round 1. 9th
Round 2. 40th
Round 3. 71st
Round 4. 112th & 131st
Round 5. Traded with San Francisco 49ers
Round 6. 184th
Round 7. 248th & 254th
The Saints have plenty of gaps to fill in their roster, but two of the most pressing needs are at pass rusher and quarterback. They look likely to be relying on Derek Carr for at least one more season, so they might feel the pass rushing position is the greater need of the two.
They also need two new cornerbacks after losing their two starters from 2024, and will also be looking to bolster their options at wide receiver.
Chicago Bears
Round 1. 10th
Round 2. 39th and 41st
Round 3. 72nd
Round 4. Traded with Buffalo Bills
Round 5. 148th
Round 6. Traded with Pittsburgh Steelers
Round 7. 233rd & 240th
Bears general manager Ryan Poles addressed some of their offensive and defensive line requirements through the free agent market, but made it clear that being on the edge of the top ten picks means they have to remain flexible rather than drafting for specific needs.
A running back looks to be high on their list of draft upgrades, and while their initial rumored target, Ashton Jeanty, looks likely to be snapped up inside the top ten, it is a position they will look to fill inside the first three rounds.
San Francisco 49ers
Round 1. 11th
Round 2. 43rd
Round 3. 75th & 100th
Round 4. 113th & 138th
Round 5. 147th & 160th
Round 6. Traded with Minnesota Vikings
Round 7. 227th, 249th & 252nd
The 49ers will be looking to draft at least one defensive lineman, but it may end up that they take two or more. Their relatively early position in the draft means the option of a top-class DL is open to them, and further down the line, they may look to add depth to their roster in that position.
But while interior DL will be the initial priority, they could also end up targeting the edges to fill in alongside Nick Bosa and Yetur Gross-Matos.
Dallas Cowboys
Round 1. 12th
Round 2. 44th
Round 3. 76th
Round 4. Traded with Carolina Panthers
Round 5. 149th & 174th
Round 6. 204th & 211th
Round 7. 217th, 239th & 247th
Rumors aplenty surround the Cowboys using their 12th overall pick to nab a wide receiver to share the load with CeeDee Lamb, with their COO and co-owner, Stephen Jones, saying he’s looking for “explosiveness.”
With that in mind, don’t be surprised if they move for Texas’ Matthew Golden, whose 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine was a blazing 4.29 seconds. Another option is Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan, who uses his athleticism to become a lethal downfield threat.
Miami Dolphins
Round 1. 13th
Round 2. 48th
Round 3. 98th
Round 4. 116th & 135th
Round 5. 150th & 155th
Round 6. Traded with Cleveland Browns
Round 7. 224th, 231st & 253rd
The Dolphins have been open in their desire to land top-quality talent at cornerback, guard, and defensive tackle. General manager Chris Grier and coach Mike McDaniel have also suggested they will use their ten picks to get a new tight end, a backup quarterback, and a defensive end.
They have already signed James Daniels as one of their guards, but still have a vacant slot on the other side. After releasing Kendall Fuller, the Dolphins also need a starting cornerback to support Jalen Ramsey.
Indianapolis Colts
Round 1. 14th
Round 2. 45th
Round 3. 80th
Round 4. 117th
Round 5. 151st
Round 6. 189th
Round 7. 232nd
The Colts have an urgent need for a quality tight end, given that their offensive unit collectively ranked 31st in receiving yards (467) last season. They were unable to address this via the free agent market but will use the draft and possibly have Tyler Warren (Penn State) or Colston Loveland (Michigan) in their sights.
Ryan Kelly and Will Fries have left, weakening the depth of their offensive line, so expect movement in those positions. In fairness to the Colts, they have had success in the draft in this area in recent seasons.
Atlanta Falcons
Round 1. 15th
Round 2. 46th
Round 3. Traded with New England Patriots
Round 4. 118th
Round 5. No pick
Round 6. Traded with Los Angeles Rams
Round 7. 218th & 242nd
They have already done some good business, and acquiring Leonard Floyd as a free agent addition at edge was an inspired move. But coach Raheem Morris has been quoted as saying a potent pass rush requires a two-string option. Expect to see them use their top pick to address this.
After losing defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, Atlanta has a void in the center of their line, and while Morgan Fox was a good addition, expect to see more talent arriving in this position.
Cincinnati Bengals
Round 1. 17th
Round 2. 49th
Round 3. 81st
Round 4. 119th
Round 5. 153rd
Round 6. 193rd
Round 7. Traded with Chicago Bears
The Bengals are still looking for a quality edge rusher who can fill the shoes of Trey Hendrickson when he finally calls it a day. While Joseph Ossai showed promise last year, expect them to use the draft to acquire another good option.
They will also be looking to land a potential starter at free safety to support Geno Stone.
Seattle Seahawks
Round 1. 18th
Round 2. 50th & 52nd
Round 3. 82nd & 92nd
Round 4. 137th
Round 5. 172nd & 175th
Round 6. Traded with Pittsburgh Steelers & Jacksonville Jaguars
Round 7. 223rd & 234th
The Seahawks planned to go big on Will Fries, but when the ex-Colts guard signed with the Minnesota Vikings, they shifted their focus. They are now looking to recruit a low-cost veteran at guard or center, and will use their early draft picks to support recent receiver additions, Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and young standout Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Nose tackle is yet another current void in their roster, with Johnathan Hankins now unsigned after fulfilling that role for the Seahawks in 2024.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Round 1. 19th
Round 2. 53rd
Round 3. 84th
Round 4. 121st
Round 5. 157th
Round 6. Traded with Detroit Lions
Round 7. 235th
The Bucs have already signed Haason Reddick as a free agent in the hope he bounces back from a poor season with the Jets, but that won’t stop them from drafting at the outside pass-rush position.
They also need to strengthen their cornerback room because Jamel Dean has a questionable injury history, and they need to prepare for Lavonte David eventually calling it a day at inside linebacker.
Denver Broncos
Round 1. 20th
Round 2. 51st
Round 3. 85th
Round 4. 122nd
Round 5. Traded with Miami Dolphins
Round 6. 191st & 197th
Round 7. Traded with Houston Texans
The Broncos have an urgent need to recruit at running back and lighten the load on 2024 rookie Audric Estime. The departure of experienced running back Javonte Williams leaves a big hole that has to be addressed.
Wide receiver is also now less of an issue after the emergence of Marvin Mims Jr., although they have lost the experience of Lil’Jordan Humphrey, who signed with the Giants. Cornerback is another area of concern, as exposed by Riley Moss’ injury last season.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Round 1. 21st
Round 2. Traded with Seattle Seahawks
Round 3. 82nd & 92nd
Round 4. Traded with Tennessee Titans
Round 5. 156th
Round 6. 185th
Round 7. 229th
The will-he-won’t-he from Aaron Rodgers has left the Steelers in a tricky position where they now have to make a new, quality QB a draft priority. They must also bolster their defensive line after Larry Ogunjobi’s departure as a free agent and with the veteran Cam Heyward turning 36 in May.
The Steelers also added Kenneth Gainwell to replace Najee Harris in their ground game, but will still be looking to get another running back to accompany him and Jaylen Warren in their run-first offense.
Los Angeles Chargers
Round 1. 22nd
Round 2. 55th
Round 3. 86th
Round 4. 125th
Round 5. 158th
Round 6. 181st, 199th, 209th & 214th
Round 7. 256th
The Chargers struggled on offense last season, but their defense allowed the lowest number of NFL points per game (17.7). Their offensive problems were there for all to see in their Wild Card defeat to the Texans. Therefore, they must add an effective receiver to help Ladd McConkey and offer an alternative target for Justin Herbert.
On the defensive side, they have lost defensive tackle Poona Ford, one of their key players last season, as a free agent. They therefore need a long-term solution for their interior defensive line.
Green Bay Packers
Round 1. 23rd
Round 2. 54th
Round 3. 87th
Round 4. 124th
Round 5. 159th
Round 6. 198th
Round 7. 237th & 250th
The Packers have signed wide receiver Mecole Hardman, but need more depth in that position, and if there ever was a year when they might use a first-round pick at WR, then this should be it.
On the defensive side, they desperately need to get more pressure on opposition QBs without blitzing constantly, but haven’t yet added any expert pass rushers. Despite signing free agent Nate Hobbs, they still look light at cornerback.
Minnesota Vikings
Round 1. 24th
Round 2. Traded with Buffalo Bills
Round 3. 97th
Round 4. Traded with Jacksonville Jaguars
Round 5. 139th
Round 6. 187th
Round 7. Traded with Chicago Bears
Minnesota’s urgent need for top talent in the draft has been lessened by their recent $ 300m-plus free agent shopping spree, yet they are still in need of a cornerback. Their top four corners in 2024 all had contracts that expired in 2024, and only Byron Murphy Jr. has re-signed. They have added Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah, but still need more depth.
Other positional requirements are more long-term. Their top three defensive linemen – Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave, and Harrison Phillips – are all between 29 and 32 years old, and new center Ryan Kelly (32) is on a short-term contract.
Houston Texans
Round 1. 25th
Round 2. 58th
Round 3. 79th & 89th
Round 4. Traded with Washington Commanders
Round 5. 166th
Round 6. Traded with Los Angeles Rams
Round 7. 236th & 241st
The Texans revamped their offensive line by moving out left tackle Laremy Tunsil, left guard Kenyon Green, and right guard Shaq Mason, but have yet to add obvious upgrades to the roster. This needs to happen in the draft.
Wide receiver Christian Kirk averaged just 47.4 receiving yards per game in 2024 (the second fewest in his career), so the Texans need to use the draft to add competition and quality in that area.
Los Angeles Rams
Round 1. 26th
Round 2. 90th
Round 3. 101st
Round 4. 127th
Round 5. No pick
Round 6. 190th, 195th, 201st & 202nd
Round 7. Traded with Atlanta Falcons
The Rams’ roster doesn’t have many obvious gaps after some good work in the free agent market, but they will still be looking to add depth throughout the draft. Their pass defense was ranked 26th in the NFL in 2024, so they could look to add a quality inside linebacker after losing Christian Rozeboom to the Panthers, Troy Reeder (unsigned), and Jacob Hummel to the Ravens.
They re-signed left tackle Alaric Jackson on a three-year deal, but with right tackle Rob Havenstein entering the last year of his contract, they could look to recruit for the future.
Baltimore Ravens
Round 1. 27th
Round 2. 59th
Round 3. 91st
Round 4. 129th & 136th
Round 5. 176th
Round 6. 183rd, 203rd, 210th & 212th
Round 7. 243rd
This looks like a defense-based draft for the Ravens, who have picked up just one key defensive player from the free agent market: cornerback Chidobe Awuzie. Even though they finished second in the NFL in sacks with 54, they look likely to prioritize an edge rusher as Odafe Oweh will be a free agent at the end of the season, and Kyle Van Noy is now 34.
The Ravens will also be looking to bolster a thin defensive line after the retirement of nose tackle Michael Pierce, and may also wish to upgrade their options in the free safety area.
Detroit Lions
Round 1. 28th
Round 2. 60th
Round 3. 102nd
Round 4. 130th
Round 5. Traded with Philadelphia Eagles
Round 6. 196th
Round 7. 228th & 244th
Detroit looks almost certain to bolster their pass rush options in the draft, even though they have been boosted by Aidan Hutchinson’s return to health. But they have more work to do in this area after releasing their veteran defensive end Za’Darius Smith.
They also lost another starter when veteran guard Kevin Zeitler moved to the Titans through the free agent market, so they will have to find a replacement in order to keep their offensive line at the elite level. They may also be in the market for a talented defensive linebacker.
Washington Commanders
Round 1. 29th
Round 2. 61st
Round 3. Traded with New Orleans Saints
Round 4. 128th
Round 5. Traded with Philadelphia Eagles
Round 6. 205th
Round 7. 245th
Washington has already added defensive line depth and more quality run-stoppers to their roster, but was also interested in edge rushers Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, and DeMarcus Lawrence. To date, none have arrived, so maybe they will address this in the draft.
None of their existing linemen managed more than five sacks in 2024, so this is an area of concern, but this draft is full of quality edge rushers. They will also look to add Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler to their current running back pairing.
Buffalo Bills
Round 1. 30th
Round 2. 56th & 62nd
Round 3. Traded with Cleveland Browns
Round 4. 109th &132nd
Round 5. 169th, 170th & 173rd
Round 6. 177th
Round 7. 206th
An outside cornerback looks likely to be the Bills’ number one priority, although there is also a need for a shiny new wide receiver. Their only move in the free agent market has come in bringing back cornerback Dane Jackson after he spent 2024 with the Panthers, but more support is needed for Christian Benford.
It is a Bills tradition to look to extend the contracts of their own, but they may have to be creative in the draft to continue moving forward.
Kansas City Chiefs
Round 1. 31st
Round 2. 63rd
Round 3. 66th & 95th
Round 4. 133rd
Round 5. Traded with Tennessee Titans
Round 6. Traded with New York Jets
Round 7. 226th, 251st & 257th
The Chiefs’ big signing in the free agent market was left tackle Jaylon Moore, but it’s not yet clear whether the career backup is being penciled in for a starting role. If not, then this may be how they will use their first pick.
They are also light on depth in the defensive tackle area and will be looking for a partner for Chris Jones. They have added another defensive tackle in the form of veteran Jerry Tillery from the free agency market, but they will be looking for an elite-level player. At tight end, Travis Kelce has one year left on his deal, so they may be eyeing an eventual replacement.
Philadelphia Eagles
Round 1. 32nd
Round 2. 64th
Round 3. 96th
Round 4. 134th
Round 5. 161st, 164th, 165th & 168th
Round 6. Traded with Denver Broncos
Round 7. Traded with New Orleans Saints
The Eagles have a vacancy at starting safety after they opted to trade C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Texans. Their former third-round pick, Sydney Brown, should have a shot at making that place his own, but they will also be looking to add both depth and competition in the draft.
Equally, losing Milton Williams as a free agent means they could do with defensive tackle reinforcements behind Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. They managed to get All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun to sign an extension, but with Nakobe Dean recovering from a torn patellar tendon, they may well be looking to bolster their linebacker options.
Finally, the reigning Super Bowl champions may also be interested in bringing in a tight end after releasing Dallas Goedert.
