The Big Picture: 2025 NFL Draft Prospects and Strategies
The 2025 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and teams are in the thick of finalizing their game plans. All eyes are on which prospects will end up where, and the choices teams make could redefine their futures. So, what's going on behind the scenes?
Everyone's talking about the Tennessee Titans, who have the No. 1 pick in their pocket. The buzz on the street is that they're eying the Miami QB, Cam Ward, over Shedeur Sanders, who was initially in the mix but saw his private workout canceled. Ward is seen as the guy to bring some much-needed steadiness to their QB lineup, especially since they've already beefed up their offensive line during free agency.
Teams on the Edge: Top Choices and Wild Cards
The Cleveland Browns, sitting with the No. 2 pick, are contemplating a big move by potentially adding Travis Hunter from Colorado. Renowned for his versatility, Hunter is being considered primarily as a full-time wide receiver. With a WR lineup that could include Jerry Jeudy, it's a juicy combination. There's chatter about moving up for a QB, but they're still heavy on bolstering their offensive lineup.
The New York Giants are a team to watch. They’re wavering between Hunter and the edge rusher from Penn State, Abdul Carter, for their No. 3 pick. While there's an allure towards Shedeur Sanders, the Giants seem ok waiting it out for later rounds to snag a QB, aiming instead for an immediate defensive punch.
And it's not just these top three teams making waves. The Jacksonville Jaguars, with the fifth pick, appear keen on adding Michigan's DT Mason Graham to their defensive arsenal. New England Patriots, on the other hand, have their eyes set on LSU OT Will Campbell, aiming to keep their QB Drake Maye standing tall. Over in Cincinnati, there are discussions about adding an edge rusher like Myles Stewart, taking some load off Trey Hendrickson, who was a pressure machine in 2024.
Down south, the Houston Texans hope to reunite QB C.J. Stroud with his old Ohio State buddy, OT Josh Simmons—a pass-protection powerhouse. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams are setting their sights on Kentucky's speedster CB Maxwell Hairston, hoping his blistering 4.28-second 40-yard dash is the answer to their secondary needs.
As for late risers, prospects like LSU’s CB Darius Thomas and Oregon’s OT Josh Conerly Jr. are catching everyone’s attention. Conerly Jr.'s protection skills could be a major asset to someone like Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs. And don’t sleep on those Day 3 potential stars like Sean Tucker from Syracuse and Quadraiz Wiggins from USC—they could be the steals of the draft.
What about the QB wildcard, Shedeur Sanders? While the Saints and Patriots are keeping him on the radar, his spot in the draft is anything but secure, depending heavily on who’s willing to play the long game with a developmental QB.
Trade whispers are ever-present, as always. The Titans and Browns seem content with retaining their high picks, but who knows? A trade from teams like the Giants or Jaguars could entirely shift the landscape if they decide to go all-in for a QB or a standout defensive player. With each passing day, the NFL draft narrative just gets more exciting!
