NFL Draft Preview - Top Few Picks + Other Notable Selections/Moves

This NFL draft will be much different from last years version. We know that the top three picks in the 2024 draft were all QBs (Williams, Daniels, Maye) and SIX of the first 12 picks were all quarterbacks. Right now in the sports betting market, the number of QBs to be selected in the first round is 2.5, meaning that it is likely only two QBs are taken in the first 32 picks, maybe less. The lead-up to the draft is always filled with misdirection, fake stories and rumors that are completely made up. Instead of doing a whole mock draft of the 1st round like many experts do, I will give my thoughts on who certain teams will go with, what angle some teams should go, and even a trade or two that teams may try and make.

1. Tennessee Titans - Cam Ward - QB (Miami)

   
   

   

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It is all but a done deal that the Titans are going with Cam Ward as the first overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Will Levis experiment has not gone well for the organization to this point. In fairness, he hasn't had the best group of weapons to work with. In his two seasons he has 21 starts with a 5-16 record, 22 total touchdowns to 26 total turnovers. The Titans are hoping with a better coaching staff and to reset the rookie QB clock and hopefully giving him more help, that Ward will be a success for the franchise's future.

2. Cleveland Browns - Travis Hunter - WR/CB (Colorado)

AP Photo / David Zalubowski

Either you take a guy who will probably mainly play receiver for your team, and occasionally some spots in different defensive schemes, or a guy who would be a dominant compliment to Myles Garrett on the other side of the line. My opinion, I would go with Abdul Carter because you have to face Burrow and Jackson twice each and since you have a real plan for the offensive side of the ball. might as well sure up your defense and try to muck things up for opposing teams. However, I do see the appeal and need for Hunter since your QB options are Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett and you do not have a number one receiver in the building. For me, I think taking a quarterback in this draft at #2 overall may be high, but if that is the player they like the most, that is also an avaiable option. But Travis Hunter seems to be the guy.

3. New York Giants - Abdul Carter - DL (Penn State)

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Could be the most ready NFL player in this draft and I think would work for any team he goes to. If I am the Giants and he doesn't get taken by the Browns, I would go into the season with Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston as the QBs with Malik Nabers as the number one guy on offense, sure up the defense a bit that gave up the 5th most points in the NFL last season. They also seem like the team that is going to hold out another draft year and hope that Archie Manning somehow falls into their lap.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers - Shedeur Sanders - QB (Colorado)

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I think there is a chance Sanders drops in the draft. I don't see the Saints or the Seahawks taking him before the Steelers draft. If I were the Dolphins, I think that would be an interesting move with Tua's injury history. But if you are the Pittsburgh Steelers, you cannot go into the season with Mason Rudolph as your starting QB. And I used to be a big Aaron Rodgers guy when he was younger, but as the oldest player in the league, I probably wouldn't touch him now. So Sanders seems like the best fit as of right now to land in Pittsburgh.

32. Philadelphia Eagles - Trade Pick

I would love for the Eagles to look to trade for a star with the 20 draft picks we have in this draft plus next years'. However, I don't know if that player exists in this situation on Thursday night. Maybe the Saints would be willing to take some draft compensation and trade Tyrann Mathieu, as safety is a need for the Eagles after the departure of C.J. Gardner-Johnson. What I think they will end up doing is either trading the pick for more draft picks, or just select the best talent on the board. I prefer them trading down no matter what, so when that next disgruntled star or team opens up, we have plenty of ammo to make the move.