The 2025 NFL Draft, the 90th annual selection of college football’s elite by National Football League (NFL) franchises, kicks off on April 24, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Hosted at the iconic Lambeau Field and the adjacent Titletown District, this three-day event promises to reshape team rosters and introduce the next generation of NFL stars. With the Tennessee Titans holding the No. 1 overall pick and a talented pool of prospects like Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, and Ashton Jeanty headlining the class, the 2025 draft is poised to be a pivotal moment for the league. This article explores the draft’s key details, top prospects, team needs, and what fans can expect.
Draft Overview
The 2025 NFL Draft spans April 24-26, with the following schedule:
- Round 1: Thursday, April 24, 8 p.m. ET
- Rounds 2-3: Friday, April 25, 7 p.m. ET
- Rounds 4-7: Saturday, April 26, 12 p.m. ET
Green Bay, home of the 13-time champion Green Bay Packers, was chosen over Washington, D.C., as the host city in May 2023. The draft will unfold around Lambeau Field, with the red carpet on the stadium grounds and the draft theater in the Titletown District. An estimated 240,000 fans are expected to attend, doubling the city’s population and showcasing the NFL’s smallest market’s passion for football.
The draft order for Round 1 was finalized after Super Bowl LIX, with non-playoff teams picking 1-18, wild card losers 19-24, divisional round losers 25-28, conference championship losers 29-30, the Super Bowl runner-up 31st, and the champion Philadelphia Eagles picking 32nd. The Titans (3-14 in 2024) secured the top pick, followed by the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, New England Patriots, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Top Prospects and Storylines
The 2025 draft class is notable for its depth at running back, tight end, offensive tackle, and defensive tackle, with a versatile but polarizing quarterback group. Here are some of the standout prospects and key narratives:
- Quarterbacks in Focus:
- Cam Ward (QB, Miami): The favorite for the No. 1 pick, Ward led college football with 39 touchdown passes and 4,313 passing yards in 2024, guiding Miami to a 10-3 record. His arm talent and mobility make him a fit for the Titans, who seek a franchise quarterback after Will Levis’ struggles.
- Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado): The son of Deion Sanders, Shedeur boasts a 74% completion rate but has seen his stock slip due to concerns about his processing speed. He remains a top-10 candidate, with teams like the Giants and Raiders eyeing him.
- Other QBs: Jalen Milroe (Alabama) and Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) are projected as late first-round or second-round picks, with the quarterback class described as lacking consensus.
- Versatile Playmakers:
- Travis Hunter (CB/WR, Colorado): The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, Hunter is a rare two-way star, excelling as both a cornerback and wide receiver. His 92 receptions and 14 touchdowns on offense, paired with elite defensive skills, make him a top-5 lock, potentially for the Browns or Giants.
- Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State): A Heisman finalist, Jeanty’s explosive running style draws comparisons to elite NFL backs. He’s projected as a top-10 pick, with teams like the Bears and Broncos considering him to bolster their backfields.
- Defensive Standouts:
- Abdul Carter (EDGE, Penn State): The top-rated pass rusher, Carter’s speed and power make him a fit for teams like the Jaguars or Bengals needing edge help.
- Mason Graham (DT, Michigan): A dominant interior lineman, Graham is a top-10 prospect for teams like the Panthers seeking defensive anchors.
- Offensive Line Depth:
- Will Campbell (OT, LSU): A candidate to be the first offensive lineman drafted, Campbell is linked to the Patriots to protect QB Drake Maye.
- Armand Membou (OT, Missouri): His combine performance solidified his case as a top tackle, potentially for the Seahawks or Texans.
- Tight End and Receiver Talent:
- Tyler Warren (TE, Penn State): A versatile tight end, Warren is projected as a first-round pick for teams like the Eagles or Rams.
- Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona): The top wide receiver prospect, McMillan is a target for the Packers to replace injured Christian Watson.
The draft’s “unicorn” factor, as analysts call it, lies in players like Hunter, whose positional flexibility challenges teams to maximize their value. The running back and tight end classes are particularly strong, with mock drafts predicting multiple first-round selections at these positions, a rarity in recent years.
Team Needs and Draft Strategies
With free agency reshaping rosters, the 2025 draft is critical for addressing remaining holes. Here’s a snapshot of key team needs:
- Tennessee Titans (No. 1): A quarterback (Ward) is the priority, with edge rusher and wide receiver also needs.
- Cleveland Browns (No. 2): After Deshaun Watson’s injuries, a QB (Sanders) or playmaker (Hunter) is likely, alongside offensive line and running back help.
- New York Giants (No. 3): Post-Daniel Jones, a quarterback or offensive weapon (Hunter) is crucial to boost their league-worst scoring offense.
- New England Patriots (No. 4): Offensive tackle (Campbell) and wide receiver (McMillan) are priorities to support QB Drake Maye.
- Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 5): A pass rusher (Carter) or defensive tackle (Graham) could anchor a struggling defense.
Teams like the Seahawks, Bengals, and Broncos face offensive line and defensive needs, while the Steelers and Jets are among those seeking quarterback depth despite free-agent signings. Mock drafts suggest active trading, with the Giants and Jets reportedly eyeing moves to secure top quarterbacks.
Draft Dynamics and Surprises
Analysts predict a chaotic first round, with potential trades shaking up the top 10. The Texans, led by GM Nick Caserio, have a history of draft-day deals and may move up for a lineman or playmaker. The Vikings, with only four picks, may trade down to accumulate assets. The quarterback class’s uncertainty could lead to a “game of chicken,” where teams wait to see who blinks first, potentially pushing Sanders or Milroe out of Round 1.
The draft’s depth at running back and tight end may see players like Jeanty and Warren go earlier than expected, while the offensive tackle class (Campbell, Membou, Kelvin Banks Jr.) could dominate the top 15. Defensive talent, particularly at edge and defensive tackle, is also expected to be a focus, with up to four defensive linemen projected in Round 1.
How to Watch and Engage
The 2025 NFL Draft will be broadcast live on NFL Network, NFL+, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN Deportes, with streaming available on ESPN and NFL apps. Round 1 coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET on April 24, with the BBC offering live text updates in the UK from 11:45 p.m. BST. Fans can follow pick-by-pick trackers on ESPN’s Draftcast, NFL.com, or Tankathon for real-time updates.
The NFL has also planned community events, including a flag football clinic with prospects like Ward and Hunter, engaging middle schoolers and Special Olympics athletes. These initiatives highlight the draft’s role in uniting fans and communities.
Conclusion
The 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay is more than a player selection process; it’s a celebration of football’s future. With the Titans poised to select Cam Ward, versatile stars like Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty ready to make an impact, and teams addressing critical needs, the draft promises high stakes and surprises. As 256 players hear their names called over seven rounds, franchises will lay the foundation for the next decade, while fans in Green Bay and worldwide witness the birth of new NFL legacies. Whether you’re rooting for a quarterback savior or a defensive game-changer, the 2025 draft is set to deliver unforgettable moments.