2025 NFL Draft: Expert Insights, Team Strategies, and Top Prospects to Watch

2025 NFL Draft: Inside Scoop on Every Team's Strategy

The 2025 NFL Draft is just around the corner, set to begin on April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. With teams fine-tuning their draft boards, ESPN’s NFL insiders and analysts have compiled the latest intel on every franchise’s plans. Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:

Key Storylines to Watch

1. Tennessee Titans at No. 1: Securing Cam Ward?

   • The Titans are expected to select Miami QB Cam Ward with the first pick. Their focus will then shift to bolstering his supporting cast, particularly at wide receiver. Prospects like Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State) or Luther Burden III (Missouri) could be targeted on Day 2.

2. Cleveland Browns at No. 2: Trade Back or Go Blue-Chip?

   • The Browns are open to trade offers but could stand pat for an elite prospect like Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter or Colorado’s Travis Hunter, a rare two-way talent.

3. New York Giants at No. 3: Quarterback or Defensive Playmaker?

   • The Giants are eyeing a QB but may pivot to defense if Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) isn’t their top choice. Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter remain strong possibilities.

4. New England Patriots’ Best-Player-Available Approach

   • If Hunter or Carter are gone, New England may trade down or target OT Armand Membou (Missouri) as a long-term solution.

5. Wildcard Teams to Watch

   • Las Vegas Raiders (No. 6): Could Pete Carroll surprise with Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty?
   • Chicago Bears (No. 10): Left tackle competition looms despite offseason O-line upgrades.
   • Kansas City Chiefs (No. 31): Tackle remains a need despite signing Jaylon Moore.

Positional Breakdown: Top Needs & Fits

• Quarterback: Cam Ward (MIA), Shedeur Sanders (COL), Jaxson Dart (OLE).
• Wide Receiver: Emeka Egbuka (OSU), Luther Burden III (MIZ), Tetairoa McMillan (ARI).
• Defensive Line: Abdul Carter (PSU), Mason Graham (MICH), Walter Nolen (OLE).
• Offensive Tackle: Will Campbell (LSU), Kelvin Banks Jr. (TEX), Armand Membou (MIZ).

Expert Predictions

• Matt Miller: “The Browns could trade back into Round 1 for a QB.”
• Jordan Reid: “The Giants may wait on a QB and take Travis Hunter at No. 3.”

For full team-by-team analysis, including late-round sleepers and trade rumors, follow ESPN’s NFL Draftcast.