2025 NFL Draft Preview: First-Round Predictions and Key Storylines
- James Purvis
- Apr 24
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 29
The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off this weekend, April 24-26, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, at Lambeau Field and the adjacent Titletown District. As the 90th annual meeting of NFL franchises to select top college talent, this draft promises to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. With the Tennessee Titans holding the No. 1 overall pick and the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles closing out the first round at No. 32, teams are poised to address critical needs and reshape their futures. Below, we summarize the key storylines and provide a first-round mock draft based on team needs, prospect rankings, and recent buzz from analysts like Daniel Jeremiah, Eric Edholm, and Dane Brugler.
Key Storylines for the 2025 NFL Draft
1. Quarterback Uncertainty Beyond Cam Ward
Miami quarterback Cam Ward is the consensus No. 1 overall pick, expected to land with the Titans to address their quarterback woes. However, the quarterback class lacks depth, with Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart, and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe as potential first-rounders—but no clear consensus on their order. Some mocks project as few as one quarterback (Ward) in Round 1, while others see up to four. Teams like the Browns, Giants, Saints, and Steelers could target signal-callers, but many may opt to wait until Day 2 due to the lukewarm QB pool.
2. Travis Hunter’s Versatility
Colorado’s Travis Hunter, a two-way star at wide receiver and cornerback, is a top-tier prospect often compared to Shohei Ohtani for his dual-threat potential. Most analysts project him as a top-3 pick, likely to the Browns or Giants, with his landing spot hinging on whether teams prioritize him as a receiver or defensive back. His elite athleticism and ball skills make him a game-changer.
3. Running Back Resurgence
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is a dynamic running back projected to go as high as No. 5 (Jaguars) or No. 6 (Raiders). Some mocks even suggest multiple running backs, like Texas’ Omarion Hampton, could sneak into the first round—a rarity in recent drafts. The depth at this position makes it a hot topic for teams looking to bolster their backfields.
4. Deep Defensive Line and Edge Rusher Class
This draft is loaded with edge rushers and defensive linemen, with prospects like Penn State’s Abdul Carter, Georgia’s Jalon Walker, and Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart expected to dominate early picks. Analysts predict at least seven edge rushers could go in Round 1, as teams prioritize disrupting quarterbacks.
5. Trade Potential and Chaos
The lack of consensus on prospects beyond the top few makes this draft ripe for trades. Teams like the Saints (No. 9) and Steelers (No. 21) may move up for quarterbacks, while others could trade down to capitalize on depth in Rounds 2-4. One scout told ESPN’s Matt Miller, “This first round is going to be wild,” with potential “reaches” compared to media boards.
6. Offensive Line and Tight End Focus
Offensive tackles like LSU’s Will Campbell and Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. are in high demand, with teams like the Patriots and Jets prioritizing protection for young quarterbacks. Tight ends Tyler Warren (Penn State) and Colston Loveland (Michigan) could also crack the top 10, as teams regret passing on Brock Bowers in 2024.
First-Round Mock Draft Predictions
Based on team needs, prospect rankings, and recent analyst projections, here’s our predicted first-round order for the 2025 NFL Draft.
1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, MiamiThe Titans need a franchise quarterback, and Ward’s playmaking ability and four-plus years of starting experience make him the clear choice.
2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, ColoradoThe Browns opt for the best player available, selecting Hunter as a cornerback to pair with Denzel Ward, though his offensive upside is a bonus.
3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn StateWith no clear QB worth taking, the Giants bolster their pass rush with Carter, a disruptive force who fits their defensive rebuild.
4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSUProtecting Drake Maye is priority No. 1, and Campbell’s smooth feet and athleticism make him a plug-and-play left tackle.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise StateThe Jaguars grab the draft’s top running back to spark their offense, as Jeanty’s explosiveness complements Trevor Lawrence.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Shedeur Sanders, QB, ColoradoWith Geno Smith as a stopgap, the Raiders take Sanders to develop as their long-term quarterback solution.
7. New York Jets: Mason Graham, DT, MichiganThe Jets strengthen their defensive front with Graham, a dominant interior lineman who anchors their run defense.
8. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, EDGE, GeorgiaA local product, Walker’s leadership and pass-rush ability address Carolina’s need for defensive playmakers.
9. New Orleans Saints: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole MissWith Derek Carr’s injury clouding 2025, the Saints trade up to secure Dart, a poised passer with upside.
10. Chicago Bears: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn StateThe Bears add a dynamic tight end to complement Cole Kmet, giving Caleb Williams a reliable target.
11. Washington Commanders: Omarion Hampton, RB, TexasWashington grabs a workhorse back in Hampton to balance their offense alongside Jayden Daniels.
12. Arizona Cardinals: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, ArizonaThe Cardinals add a No. 2 receiver to pair with Marvin Harrison Jr., boosting Kyler Murray’s weapons.
13. Atlanta Falcons: Mike Green, EDGE, MarshallAtlanta, desperate for sacks, takes Green, whose 17-sack season at Marshall makes him a Day 1 impact player.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, MichiganAnthony Richardson gets a versatile tight end in Loveland, who can stretch the field and block.
15. Miami Dolphins: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio StateWith secondary needs, Miami selects Burke, a lockdown corner to bolster their pass defense.
16. Houston Texans: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&MStewart’s elite tools and combine performance make him a fit for Houston’s aggressive defensive front.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Booker, G, AlabamaThe Bengals shore up their offensive line with Booker, a mauler who protects Joe Burrow.
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jihaad Campbell, LB, AlabamaTampa plans for the future beyond Lavonte David, drafting Campbell as a versatile linebacker.
19. Los Angeles Chargers: Kenneth Grant, DT, MichiganThe Chargers address their defensive tackle need with Grant, a run-stuffer to replace Poona Ford.
20. Denver Broncos: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio StateSean Payton adds a polished receiver in Egbuka to give Bo Nix more weapons.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jalen Milroe, QB, AlabamaWith Aaron Rodgers’ future uncertain, the Steelers take Milroe as a developmental quarterback with high upside.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&MMinnesota bolsters its pass rush with Scourton, a powerful edge to pair with Jonathan Greenard.
24. Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks, S, GeorgiaBaltimore adds a rangy safety in Starks to maintain their defensive backfield strength.
25. San Francisco 49ers: Mykel Williams, EDGE, GeorgiaThe 49ers replace departed pass rushers with Williams, a high-upside edge rusher.
26.Los Angeles Rams: Luther Burden, WR, MissouriThe Rams move down and still land Burden, a dynamic playmaker to complement Puka Nacua.
26. Dallas Cowboys: Isaiah Bond, WR, TexasDallas addresses their No. 2 receiver need with Bond, whose speed complements CeeDee Lamb.
27. Green Bay Packers: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East CarolinaThe Packers add a tall, fast corner in Revel to bolster their secondary.
28. Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel, G, North Dakota StateSeattle upgrades their interior line with Zabel, an athletic guard ready to start.
29. Detroit Lions: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio StateDetroit adds a run-stuffing defensive tackle in Williams to fortify their front.
30. Buffalo Bills: Shavon Amos, CB, AlabamaBuffalo addresses their cornerback need with Amos, a physical defender who visited pre-draft.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio StateThe Chiefs secure a long-term left tackle in Simmons, despite his injury history.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Nick Emmanwori, S, South CarolinaThe Eagles make history by drafting a first-round safety, adding Emmanwori’s playmaking ability.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a chaotic yet exciting event, with a lack of consensus creating opportunities for surprises, trades, and bold picks. While Cam Ward and Travis Hunter are near-locks for the top spots, the rest of the first round could see unexpected names like Nick Emmanwori or multiple tight ends rise into the top 10. Teams will lean on the draft’s depth at edge rusher, running back, and offensive line to find starters, while quarterback-needy franchises may gamble on unpolished talents like Sanders or Dart. Tune in Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, ABC, or the ESPN App to see how it all unfolds.
