NFL franchises are gearing up for the culmination of college pro days, setting their sights firmly on the 2025 NFL draft, scheduled to commence on Thursday, April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This is a noteworthy event as all 32 NFL teams currently possess a first-round pick, an occurrence that could become a first in modern NFL history should it persist.
The characteristic features of this year’s draft are likely to be trades across the first three rounds. The draft class lacks an abundance of elite prospects, leading to a situation where the talent level between the 15th and the 55th pick may not differ significantly. This could potentially pave the way for a highly dynamic and trade-focused draft.
Teams that have zeroed in on specific players might move up the order to secure them, leveraging on the relatively even talent distribution. Conversely, franchises in need of more draft capital might opt to drop their spots for acquiring more picks. This draft class showcases an array of talent, particularly in the positions of defensive line, running back, tight end, and guard.
The first round is forecasted to be a blend of trades and picks with notable inclusions even in the top 10. Tennessee Titans are likely to pick Miami’s quarterback Cam Ward as their first pick, with Cleveland Browns looking at Abdul Carter, an edge runner from Penn State for their second pick.
The New York Giants are slanting towards Travis Hunter, a multifaceted player with skills in both cornerback and wide receiver positions hailing from Colorado. Fourth in the order, the New England Patriots have their sights set on Missourian offensive lineman, Armand Membou.
The Jacksonville Jaguars show interest in Mason Graham, a defensive tackle from Michigan. A significant trade is anticipated to occur at the sixth spot with San Francisco 49ers reportedly securing their spot via a deal with Las Vegas Raiders to recruit Mykel Williams, an edge runner from Georgia.
Subsequent picks include the New York Jets selecting Will Campbell, an offensive lineman from LSU and the Carolina Panthers going for Shemar Stewart, an edge from Texas A&M. Another significant trade is foreseen at the ninth spot, with Seattle Seahawks thought to have made a deal with New Orleans Saints for a chance to select Jalon Walker, a linebacker/edge runner from Georgia.
The continued first round lineup is packed with talents such as Kelvin Banks Jr., an offensive lineman from Texas getting picked by the Chicago Bears. The Las Vegas Raiders, via a trade with San Francisco, could opt for Ashton Jeanty, a running back from Boise State. The Dallas Cowboys are thought to be favoring Matthew Golden, a wide receiver from Texas.
The latter part of the first round could see the Miami Dolphins selecting Walter Nolen, a defensive tackle from Ole Miss, and the Indianapolis Colts investing in Tyler Warren, a tight end from Penn State. Moreover, a trade is speculated at the 15th spot with Baltimore Ravens via Atlanta Falcons securing Mike Green, an edge from Marshall.
Other prospective picks include Kenneth Grant, a defensive tackle from Michigan going to the Arizona Cardinals, and the Cincinnati Bengals eyeing James Pearce Jr., an edge from Tennessee. Likely, the New Orleans Saints, through a trade with Seattle, may select Josh Simmons, an offensive tackle from Ohio State.
Predicted further down the order, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may secure Jihaad Campbell, a linebacker from Alabama, and the Denver Broncos might get their hands on Tetairoa McMillan, a wide receiver from Arizona. The Pittsburgh Steelers could retain Shedeur Sanders, a quarterback from Colorado, while the Los Angeles Chargers are inclined towards Derrick Harmon, a defensive tackle from Oregon.
Potential selections towards the end of the first round include the Green Bay Packers looking at Jahdae Barron, a cornerback from Texas, and the Minnesota Vikings having their eyes on Malaki Starks, a safety from Georgia. The Houston Texans could favor Emeka Egbuka, a wide receiver from Ohio State.
Late round jockeying could bring about a trade, with the Buffalo Bills via Los Angeles Rams looking to draft Donovan Ezeiruaku, an edge from Boston College. The Atlanta Falcons might choose Nic Scourton, an edge from Texas A&M via a trade with Baltimore, and the Detroit Lions could select Maxwell Hairston, a cornerback from Kentucky.
Among the last set of moves, the Washington Commanders might pick Shavon Revel Jr., a cornerback from East Carolina, while Los Angeles Rams could select Colston Loveland, a tight end from Michigan via a deal with Buffalo. Finally, the Kansas City Chiefs might settle for Luther Burden III, a wide receiver from Missouri, while the Philadelphia Eagles have their sights on Nick Emmanwori, a safety from South Carolina as we wrap up this forecast for the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.