The 2025 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and the anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. With teams jockeying for position, trades, draft strategies, and team needs will heavily influence the first round. From quarterbacks to edge rushers, this year's draft class features an exciting mix of talent, with some big moves already in the works.
Bears Go Big with Bold Trade
The Chicago Bears are taking an aggressive approach, swinging for the fences in a bold trade to move from the 10th overall pick to the 2nd overall pick. The Bears have a strong belief that their roster can win now, and in a dramatic move, they’ve traded away picks 10, 39, and 148, along with a 2026 first-round pick, to secure the highly coveted edge rusher, Abdul Carter from Penn State. Carter is widely considered the best pass rusher in this elite class of edge defenders. With a dominant 93.0 PFF pass-rush grade on true pass sets, Carter is expected to elevate Chicago’s defense into the upper echelon. Dayo Odeyingbo is a solid veteran signing, but Carter’s explosive pass-rushing ability is the perfect addition to a defense looking to make a deep playoff run.Giants Land a Game-Changer: Travis Hunter
The New York Giants have found a way to address two major needs in one move. In a move that has excited fans and analysts alike, the Giants are selecting Colorado’s two-way superstar, Travis Hunter. The highly versatile Hunter is projected to be a dynamic asset for the Giants, capable of playing full-time at cornerback, where he will immediately upgrade their secondary. Hunter's ability to play both receiver and cornerback makes him a unique talent. As a cornerback, he could potentially replace Deonte Banks, who struggled in 2024, earning a lackluster 50.3 PFF coverage grade. With Hunter in the fold, the Giants will benefit from both his elite coverage skills and his ability to make plays as a complementary receiver alongside Malik Nabers, strengthening their offensive attack.Quarterback Uncertainty Shakes Up the First Round
The 2025 NFL Draft has seen plenty of quarterback intrigue, with uncertainty surrounding the top signal-callers. One of the most significant storylines involves Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, who has seen his stock fluctuate. While some teams are hesitant about drafting him high, Sanders finds the perfect home in Pittsburgh, where Mike Tomlin and the Steelers will work to develop him into the future face of their franchise.
Browns Make a Smart Trade for a QB: Jaxson Dart
The Cleveland Browns, having moved up in the first round earlier in the draft, take a strategic leap back into the first round to grab their future quarterback, Jaxson Dart. With their trade terms set, the Browns leverage the draft capital from their earlier deal with Chicago to acquire pick Nos. 32 and 97 in exchange for pick Nos. 33, 94, and 179. Dart’s impressive metrics and high PFF grades, including a 93.0 passing grade against the blitz, make him an ideal fit for Cleveland’s offensive system. His ability to make quick, accurate throws outside the numbers gives him a distinct edge over other quarterbacks in the class. The Browns are betting on Dart’s upside, and they hope he will quickly develop into the leader they’ve been looking for.The Rest of the First Round: Who’s on the Rise?
While the first few picks have been dominated by quarterbacks and edge rushers, there are several intriguing names rising up the draft boards. The Green Bay Packers, for example, are making a strong push to add edge rusher Shemar Stewart from Texas A&M. Stewart's athleticism and potential as a pass rusher make him a great fit for Green Bay's defense, offering a solid run defense while he refines his pass-rushing abilities. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles have made a smart trade to move up and select edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku from Boston College. With multiple defensive linemen lost in free agency, this move solidifies the Eagles' defensive front with a highly productive pass rusher capable of making an immediate impact.