2025 NFL Draft Strategy: Trade Up for Stars or Down for Depth? Key Moves for Top Teams

The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for several franchises, each facing the critical decision of whether to trade up for a standout player or trade down to accumulate more picks. This draft strategy is not just about immediate gains but also about long-term team building and roster management.

Cleveland Browns: The Case for Trading Down

With the No. 2 pick, the Browns are in a prime position to secure a top-tier talent like Shedeur Sanders or a generational athlete in Travis Hunter. However, after the Deshaun Watson trade, the team is starved for homegrown talent on rookie deals. Trading down could allow them to stockpile picks and rebuild more sustainably.

San Francisco 49ers: Balancing Act

At No. 11, the 49ers are in a difficult position due to past trades and impending contracts for players like Brock Purdy. With a lack of rookie contract performers, moving down in the draft to add Day 2 picks could help them address multiple needs quickly.

Detroit Lions: Time to Trade Up

The Lions, armed with the No. 28 pick, are in a strong position to be aggressive. With a solid core of cost-controlled talent, they can afford to move up for an elite edge rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson. This could be the final piece needed to contend in the NFC.

Seattle Seahawks: Offensive Line Focus

General Manager John Schneider has been reimagining the Seahawks’ offense. With the No. 18 pick, the focus should be on offensive linemen. Trading up for a blue-chip lineman could stabilize a unit that struggled last year.

Washington Commanders: Rebuilding Through Draft Capital

The Commanders, holding the No. 29 pick, are in a unique position. Despite their recent success, they have an aging roster and limited. Trading down for picks could help them to rebuild the younger core to support Jayden Daniels.

Minnesota Vikings: Addressing Depth Issues

The Vikings, with the No. 24 pick, have been active traders in recent drafts. However, after moving up twice in the 2024 draft, they are left with limited draft capital. Trading down could help them address depth issues and avoid overpaying for talent.

Las Vegas Raiders: Building a New Foundation

The Raiders, with the No. 6 pick, are in a rebuilding phase under new leadership. While they have a high pick, trading down to accumulate more selections could accelerate their long-term vision, similar to Pete Carroll’s early days in Seattle.

Green Bay Packers: Searching for Star Power

The Packers, holding the No. 23 pick, have a deep roster but lack star power. Trading up for a high-impact player at wide receiver or edge rusher could provide the x-factor needed to compete with the top teams in the NFL.

Each team’s draft strategy will hinge on their roster needs, draft capital, and long-term goals. Whether they choose to trade up for a star or down for depth, the 2025 NFL Draft will be a defining moment for these franchises.