As we inch closer to the NFL’s 2025 draft, franchises are finalizing their strategies to fortify their team compositions, keeping both immediate and future growth in mind. Tennessee Titans, possessors of the first overall pick courtesy of a surprising 3-13 season, are widely speculated to pick quarterback Cam Ward. But, unpredictability is a constant companion in this game, and the Titans may divert from conventional wisdom. Considering this, if Ward were to be overlooked by the Titans, would the Cleveland Browns or New York Giants give him a pass too?
Draft decisions in the NFL can often stagger from the predicted path, with some teams daring to place their bets on players projected for later selections. Conversely, seemingly high-value players may find themselves overlooked, spiraling beyond their anticipated position. Such is the charm of the draft – mystery shrouds everything until it unravels live. As the draft approaches, let’s delve into our most recent first-round forecasts brimming with some unexpected twists within the Top 10.
1. Tennessee Titans – Steering away from the hot favorite, the Titans may blaze a trail by opting for Abdul Carter, EDGE, from Penn State. The decision might lean on the relative lack of exceptional talent in the QB space for this draft. Abdul Carter emerges as the logical choice for the Titans given his standing as the cream of the crop for this draft.
2. Cleveland Browns – While hopes for securing Carter might have been sky-high, the Browns can find solace in Mason Graham, DL, from Michigan. Regarded as an excellent defensive lineman, Graham is tipped to make a firm impression in the NFL.
3. New York Giants – The Giants might decide to dodge the opportunity to pick Ward, preferring instead versatility in Travis Hunter, CB/WR, of Colorado. The value of a player capable of performing on either side of the ball holds the Giants’ attention in this selection.
4. New England Patriots – Shouldering the mission to bolster their pass protection for Drake Maye, the Patriots may find a reliable solution in Armand Membou, OT, Missouri. Contrary to popular estimate of them bagging Will Campbell, they might place their trust in Membou.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars – The Jaguars might turn things around with a stellar selection for their defensive line. Their bet would be on Mykel Williams, EDGE, a promising talent from Georgia, to address existing issues.
6. Las Vegas Raiders – Ashton Jeanty, RB, from Boise State emerges as the surprising choice by the Raiders despite the risk associated with drafting a running back at this level.
7. New York Jets – In an unexpected turn, the Jets who recently on-boarded Justin Fields might still want a backup plan. If he slides to No. 7, Cam Ward could serve as valuable insurance in the QB position.
8. Carolina Panthers – Flashes of brilliance from Bryce Young last season might lure the Panthers into securing an additional weapon in Tetairoa McMillan, WR, from Arizona at the eighth overall pick.
9. New Orleans Saints – Their necessities are plenty, yet the Saints could prioritize their defensive backfield by bringing in Will Johnson, CB, Michigan. This choice takes precedence over their multiple demanding needs.
10. Chicago Bears – The Bears’ ideal scenario sees Will Campbell, OL, from LSU fall into their hands at the 10th overall. The rarity of this occurrence doesn’t detract from its feasibility here.
11. San Francisco 49ers – Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, from Georgia could be the eager pick for the 49ers looking to infuse youthful energy into their aging squad. Walker’s skills could potentially unsettle rival offenses.
12. Dallas Cowboys – The Cowboys might go for Malaki Starks, S, Georgia at No. 12. Bolstering their defense could be their path to enable Dak Prescott to push the offense just enough to regain playoff credentials.
13. Miami Dolphins – Reinforcing their offensive line emerges as a pressing need for the Dolphins. Potential relief surfaces in Kelvin Banks Jr. OT, from Texas. Their choice aims at delivering crucial assistance to their offense.
14. Indianapolis Colts – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State, is the first tight end off the board, heading to the Colts who are on the prowl for some offensive spark.
15. Atlanta Falcons – After a history of selecting offensive talents in the first round, the Falcons switch gears to focus on their defense, landing on the choice of Shemar Stewart, EDGE, from Texas A&M.