The 2025 NFL Draft is almost here, and teams are gearing up for one of the most crucial events of the offseason. While mock drafts are everywhere, they only scratch the surface of how teams build their future rosters. The NFL isn’t just about the top 32 picks—it’s about making the most out of all seven rounds. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how the top 10 teams in this year’s draft could perfect their plans to strengthen their squads for the long haul.
1. Tennessee Titans: Building for the Future with Shedeur Sanders
Ryan Wilson and Emory Hunt’s Take on the Titans’ Top Picks
For the Tennessee Titans, the 2025 NFL Draft presents a golden opportunity to reshape the franchise. Emory Hunt, a trusted draft analyst, surprised many by selecting Shedeur Sanders as the No. 1 overall pick over other top quarterbacks like Cam Ward. Hunt is a firm believer in Sanders, comparing him to Joe Burrow in terms of poise and playmaking ability. Under head coach Brian Callahan, who coached Burrow, Sanders’ transition into the Titans system could be seamless.
But the Titans didn’t stop at quarterback. In the second round, they picked up TCU’s Jack Bech, a big-bodied pass catcher who was named MVP of the Senior Bowl. They also addressed their defensive and offensive needs, adding Jamaree Caldwell (DT), Gunnar Helm (TE), and UCF’s Kobe Hudson (WR). By closing with quality secondary additions like Kitan Crawford and reinforcing the trenches with Logan Brown and Tim Smith, the Titans are set to compete.
2. Cleveland Browns: Sanders and the Versatility of Luther Burden III
Ryan Wilson and Emory Hunt’s Draft Strategy for Cleveland
If Shedeur Sanders falls to No. 2 overall, Emory Hunt is ready to see him replace Deshaun Watson as the Browns’ future quarterback. Hunt believes that Sanders’ experience in cold weather and his ability to handle the pressure of playing in Cleveland makes him an ideal fit.
The Browns didn’t stop at quarterback. In the second round, they landed Luther Burden III from Missouri, one of the top wide receiver prospects in the class. The Browns continued to address both sides of the ball, adding pass rusher Kyle Kennard and versatile running back Damien Martinez from Miami. By finishing the draft with key offensive line improvements and safety depth, the Browns are making significant strides to help Watson, whoever he may be throwing to.
3. New York Giants: Shedeur Sanders Leads the Charge for New York
Ryan Wilson and Emory Hunt’s Ideal Picks for the Giants
The New York Giants’ rebuilding process could get a major boost with the selection of Shedeur Sanders at No. 3 overall. Emory Hunt believes that Sanders, who has already proven his mettle in high-pressure situations, is built for the New York spotlight. Adding a franchise quarterback could propel the Giants back into playoff contention.
In round two, the Giants turned their focus to defense with Iowa State cornerback Darien Porter, who can bring both size and speed to the secondary. The Giants also grabbed offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo from Boston College and an explosive weapon in wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. from Tennessee. In the later rounds, they continued to upgrade the roster with running back Trevor Etienne, tight end Jackson Slater, and linebacker Aaron Smith.
4. New England Patriots: Abdul Carter Leads Defensive Rebuild
Ryan Wilson and Emory Hunt’s Defensive Approach for New England
The New England Patriots started their draft with a bang, selecting Abdul Carter from the Penn State defense at No. 4 overall. Carter is regarded as one of the best defensive prospects in this class and would immediately elevate the Patriots’ defensive front, which already boasts stars like Matthew Judon and Christian Gonzalez.
Following Carter, the Patriots bolstered the trenches by selecting Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr. at No. 38 overall. New England then found explosive talent in the third round with running back Cam Skattebo from Arizona State. The Patriots’ draft haul also included wide receiver Tez Johnson, defensive linemen Tyler Batty and Cam’Ron Jackson, and tight end Oronde Gadsen II. With these picks, Bill Belichick is building a dynamic, well-rounded team for the future.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Strengthening the Defense and Wrapping Up Key Needs
Josh Edwards’ Ideal Picks for the Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars focused on solidifying their defense with Michigan’s Mason Graham, a powerful defensive tackle, as their first-round pick. Graham will add depth to a defensive line that is already showing promise.
In the second round, the Jaguars took ECU cornerback Shavon Revel, who is expected to fully recover from a torn ACL, further strengthening their secondary. The Jaguars didn’t forget about their offensive needs, either, picking up LSU tight end Mason Taylor to eventually replace Evan Engram, and bolstering their offensive line with Jonah Savaiinaea from Arizona. The final rounds saw Jacksonville continuing to address key needs with linebacker Kobe King and a value pick in defensive back Caleb Ransaw.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Wide Receiver and Defense Top the List
Josh Edwards and Ryan Wilson’s Raiders Draft Picks
The Las Vegas Raiders didn’t hesitate to address their offense first with wide receiver Tet McMillan, a dynamic pass catcher from Arizona. This pick would add another weapon to their roster for quarterback Geno Smith. In the second round, the Raiders grabbed cornerback Trey Amos from Ole Miss to shore up their secondary.
The Raiders kept building with explosive interior defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott from Tennessee and running back Damien Martinez, who adds physicality to their backfield. With later-round picks, Las Vegas added depth with potential future starter Quinn Ewers at quarterback, along with versatile players like Jonah Monheim and Craig Woodson in the trenches.
7. New York Jets: Reinforcing the Trenches and Adding Playmakers
Ryan Wilson and Josh Edwards’ Jets Draft Strategy
The Jets’ draft started with a focus on the trenches, picking LSU left tackle Will Campbell to fortify their offensive line. At No. 42, they continued to build the defense with Texas defensive tackle Alfred Collins, complementing Quinnen Williams.
In the third round, the Jets added tight end Terrance Ferguson from Oregon to give quarterback Justin Fields another weapon. A surprise pick came in the fourth round when the Jets selected Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, who has the potential to develop into a long-term backup option. The Jets also bolstered their receiving corps with the addition of Dont’e Thornton Jr. and grabbed speedster Bhayshul Tuten from Virginia Tech in the sixth round.
8. Carolina Panthers: Defense and Playmakers for Bryce Young
Josh Edwards and Ryan Wilson’s Picks for Carolina
The Carolina Panthers’ draft strategy emphasized both sides of the ball, starting with Marshall pass rusher Mike Green, who shone at the Senior Bowl. Green would immediately improve their pass rush and provide more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Carolina also bolstered their secondary by picking up cornerback Benjamin Morrison from Arizona. The Panthers continued to support Bryce Young by selecting wide receiver Jalen Royals, who was a standout in 2023 before an injury. Carolina finished their draft by adding running back Brashard Smith and bolstering their defense with linebacker Jonas Sanker.
9. New Orleans Saints: Immediate Impact Players for the Saints’ Roster
Josh Edwards and Ryan Wilson’s Top Picks for New Orleans
For the New Orleans Saints, this draft is all about making immediate improvements. At No. 9 overall, they selected wide receiver Tet McMillan to give quarterback Derek Carr another weapon. In round two, they addressed the secondary with Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos, a physical player who can add grit to their defense.
The Saints continued by addressing their offensive line with Jonah Savaiinaea and securing Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker, who was a steal at No. 93 overall. With key picks in the later rounds, New Orleans also added Isaiah Bond, Tahj Brooks, and quarterback Tyler Shough, strengthening their roster for both the short and long-term.
10. Chicago Bears: Shoring Up Defense and Key Offensive Pieces
Josh Edwards and Ryan Wilson’s Draft Picks for Chicago
The Chicago Bears had a strong start to the draft, selecting Senior Bowl standout Mike Green from Marshall, a player with a similar skill set to Will Anderson Jr. Green will immediately help their defensive line.
The Bears continued to address their secondary, adding Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston and Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts. In the later rounds, Chicago grabbed wide receiver Jalen Royals from Utah State, a big-play threat who led the nation in touchdown receptions of over 50 yards.
Strategic Drafting for Success
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a pivotal event for every team in the top 10. From bolstering defenses to finding franchise quarterbacks and playmakers, these teams are making strategic picks that could change the trajectory of their seasons and even their entire franchises. The future of the NFL is on display, and with each selection, these teams are stepping closer to championship contention.