Five Bold Predictions for the 2025 NFL Draft
Let's have a little fun here.
It's finally NFL draft week, as the 2025 NFL Draft starts Thursday with the first round, followed by the second and third rounds on Friday and the final four rounds on Saturday.
I've already completed a mock draft in which teams focused solely on their biggest need, though as I wrote, I don't expect everything to unfold that way.
As we enter draft week, I have a few bold predictions about the 2025 NFL Draft. Who knows how many of them will come true, but it's fun to speculate about what could happen.
1. There will be three quarterbacks who come off the board in the first round.
It appears likely that the Titans will take Cameron Ward with the No. 1 overall pick. And while there are some questions regarding Shedeur Sanders and what he'll bring as a pro, I'm expecting he'll be a top 10 pick.
But despite this not being a strong overall class as far as QB prospects are concerned, there are a couple of teams toward the end of the first round who either have an immediate or future need at quarterback. It wouldn't surprise me if one of these teams considers taking a QB at that point.
The same could also hold true for teams drafting in the top 10 who pass on a QB, but then decide they need to move back into the first round to get one.
2. There will be more defensive players taken in the first round than offensive players.
Last year, the first 14 picks in the NFL draft were all offensive players. Of course, that run included six quarterbacks, but there were three wide receivers, four offensive linemen and a tight end in that run.
This year's draft class features more top defensive talent than on offense, save for the positions that aren't considered premium positions. Thus, I would expect more defensive players to come off the board early.
There will be some offensive players who will go off the board in the first round, of course. Just don't expect there to be a lengthy run on offense to start off day one.
3. There will be more than one running back taken in the first round.
Ashton Jeanty is the top running back prospect in this year's draft and he'll be taken in the first round at some point. The Raiders appear to be the favorites to take him at No. 6 overall, but if they pass on him, I don't think he falls farther than No. 12 when the Cowboys draft.
This is a deep running back draft class but that means some teams might be tempted to take one in the first round after Jeanty is gone. This could be particularly true if teams find they are unable to trade down.
Broncos fans will no doubt see their team as one who could take a running back in the first. But we've seen the Steelers take running backs in the first round before and who knows if the Commanders might be tempted to take one if they don't see pass rushers they like at No. 29 overall.
4. Draft-day trades in the first round are more likely to happen outside of the top 10.
I'm not seeing a lot of movement happening in the top 10 this year. While I won't rule out the possibility, the teams drafting in the top 10 may be more likely to stay put, not because they aren't interested in moving down, but because there aren't players that teams want to move up to get.
However, once you get past pick No. 15, there are teams who draft late in the first round who might be tempted to move up. Some teams could see it as their best chance to get a player they covet, one who teams believe will put them over the top.
Keep an eye on teams like the Chargers, Ravens and Bills, who have draft capital to spare and are chasing after a Super Bowl trip.
5. There may be more trade action taking place on day two.
Last year, there were seven trades that happened in the second round and four that happened in the third round. I wouldn't be surprised to see a similar trend this year.
Day two can be the time to find value in a player who slides down the board. That alone may give teams motivation to make a move up the board.
The other case is when the talent at premium positions starts to dry up. Teams in need of a receiver, a cornerback or a pass rusher might not be prepared to make a move in the first round, but could do so in the second and not have to give up as much in return to jump up the board.