We've reached the point in NFL free agency where all of the top veterans on the open market have found their new homes (or re-signed with their previous teams), and while there are still a handful of recognizable names available, few of the remaining additions will have a significant impact on the 2025 NFL Draft strategies for those teams.
There are still plenty of QB-needy teams throughout the league, but even when the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson find their new landing spots, their respective arrivals shouldn't preclude their new clubs from targeting a long-term replacement in the early rounds of this year's draft.
A few big trades have altered the draft landscape for multiple teams, sending them into the draft with different priorities now that they've either filled a big need with a new trade acquisition or created a new hole on their roster by sending a veteran elsewhere.
Updated 2025 NFL Draft Rankings By Position
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | Interior OL | EDGE | Interior DL | LB | CB | S
As we consider all of the biggest moves and how they impact team needs, here's an updated look at how the first round four rounds of the 2025 draft could turn out:
1. Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward | QB | Miami (FL)
If the Titans aren't sold on Ward as a franchise quarterback, they could look to trade out of this spot, or simply take one of the few elite prospects at another position. If they do think he can be a difference-maker at the game's most important position, he's got the tools, experience, production and upside to be worthy of this pick.
2. Cleveland Browns
Shedeur Sanders | QB | Colorado
If you don't have a quarterback, nothing else matters. That's what the Browns have realized over the past couple of years, as a roster with solid pieces on both sides of the ball hasn't been enough to overcome their QB debacle. Sanders is a smart, accurate passer who won't be phased by the pressure of turning this franchise around.
3. New York Giants
Travis Hunter | WR/CB | Colorado
If the top two quarterbacks are off the board, the Giants will have to roll with a veteran bridge and perhaps a developmental prospect later in the draft. With this pick, they can simply take the best overall player in the draft in Hunter, who could make a massive impact right away on either side of the ball.
4. New England Patriots
Abdul Carter | Edge | Penn State
This is a dream scenario for the Pats, who land an elite talent at a premium position without having to move up the board. Carter is the kind of edge rusher who can take over games single-handedly, and while his injury situation will be something to monitor, there's no doubt about what he's capable of at full strength.
Penn State edge defender Abdul Carter would be a huge steal for the Patriots. Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Mason Graham | DL | Michigan
This pick still just makes too much sense. The Jags need a true disruptor along the interior of their defensive front, and Graham has a well-rounded skill set that allows him to make splash plays as both a run stuffer and a pass rusher. He might be a tad undersized, but the film says he's worthy of a top-five pick.
6. Las Vegas Raiders
Will Johnson | CB | Michigan
Johnson was limited by injury last season, but he's a shutdown corner at full strength, and a perfect fit for Pete Carroll's defense. Ashton Jeanty could make sense here, but new GM John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady could get a fellow Wolverine here instead, and target one of Chip Kelly's Buckeye running backs on Day 2.
7. New York Jets
Armand Membou | OT | Missouri
Olu Fashanu is the present and future at left tackle for the Jets, but they need to shore up the right side in a similar way. Membou already brought impressive film to the table, and he followed that up with a dominant showing at the NFL Scouting Combine that proved his elite athleticism.
8. Carolina Panthers
Jalon Walker | Edge/LB | Georgia
This roster needs an influx of top talent at a number of different positions on both sides of the ball, so why not spend this pick on someone who could upgrade multiple spots? Whether he lines up off the ball or out on the edge, Walker's athleticism and knack for making splash plays should make him a top-10 lock.
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart is one of the biggest wild-card prospects in this draft. Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
9. New Orleans Saints
Shemar Stewart | Edge | Texas A&M
Cam Jordan is back for another season in New Orleans, but it's time for the Saints to invest in the future when it comes to their pass rush off the edge. Stewart will be a polarizing prospect because of his sparse production in college, but his rare combination of size and athleticism could still see him off the board in this range.
10. Chicago Bears
Ashton Jeanty | RB | Boise State
The Bears attacked free agency in a big way on both sides of the ball, filling their biggest needs in the trenches and freeing them up to make somewhat of a luxury pick here. Jeanty is one of the few truly elite prospects in this class, regardless of position, and could have a Saquon Barkley-level impact on Chicago's offense.
11. San Francisco 49ers
Will Campbell | OT | LSU
This offensive line needs immediate upgrades at right tackle and left guard, as well as a long-term succession plan for Trent Williams at left tackle. Campbell could check all of those boxes, plugging in at tackle or sliding inside until the time comes for him to take over for the future Hall of Famer.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Tetairoa McMillan | WR | Arizona
I wouldn't count out an offensive lineman here, but the Cowboys need another top-shelf pass-catcher to help Dak Prescott and take attention away from CeeDee Lamb. McMillan might not be the fastest receiver in this class, but his towering frame and impressive catch radius could make him a dominant target at the next level.
Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan would give Dak Prescott a valuable red-zone weapon. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
13. Miami Dolphins
Malaki Starks | S | Georgia
After losing Jevon Holland in free agency, the Dolphins are in need of a rangy, versatile playmaker who can replace his impact in the secondary. Starks would be the ideal fit, with the ability to line up at safety or in the slot, and a proven ability to create big plays when the ball comes his way.
14. Indianapolis Colts
Tyler Warren | TE | Penn State
Anthony Richardson will have to fend off Daniel Jones for the starting QB job in Indy now, but no matter who ends up throwing passes for the Colts in 2025 and beyond, this offense needs an impact player at tight end. Warren is a complete player with a ridiculous blend of size, athleticism, versatility and physicality.
15. Atlanta Falcons
Mykel Williams | Edge | Georgia
It's no secret the Falcons have been in desperate need of a high-impact edge rusher who can dominate on all three downs, and this year's loaded class is the perfect opportunity to find that player. Williams was banged up last season, but at full strength, has the well-rounded skill set and athleticism to be an every-down star.
16. Arizona Cardinals
Matthew Golden | WR | Texas
They just spent a top-five pick on Marvin Harrison Jr. last year, but that shouldn't stop the Cards from giving Kyler Murray another blue-chip receiver here. Golden has elite speed and route-running ability, and would take full advantage of the attention opposing defenses are forced to pay Harrison and Trey McBride.
Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden could make a huge impact opposite Marvin Harrison Jr. in Arizona. © Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images © Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
17. Cincinnati Bengals
James Pearce Jr. | Edge | Tennessee
Even if they're able to keep Trey Hendrickson with a new long-term contract extension, the Bengals need another high-quality edge defender on the opposite side. Pearce is a streaky player still searching for consistency, but his flashes of brilliance prove there's tons of upside for a highly athletic rusher.
18. Seattle Seahawks
Emeka Egbuka | WR | Ohio State
Offensive line has been the popular pick here for a while (and with good reason), but after trading away DK Metcalf and releasing Tyler Lockett, the Seahawks need a long-term investment at receiver beyond the aging and banged-up Cooper Kupp. Egbuka is a polished route-runner who would make an immediate and sustained impact.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jihaad Campbell | LB | Alabama
Lavonte David is back for a 14th season, but the Bucs need a big upgrade next to the future Hall of Famer, as well as a long-term replacement for whenever he hangs up his cleats. Campbell is a three-down menace with impressive athleticism and versatility, making him a perfect fit for Todd Bowles' defense in Tampa Bay.
20. Denver Broncos
Omarion Hampton | RB | North Carolina
Surrounding Bo Nix with as much help as possible needs to be the focus for Denver in this draft, and that could start by stabilizing the ground game. Hampton has the skills as both a runner and a receiver to be a big-play machine on every down, giving Sean Payton a true featured back to help balance the offense and take pressure off their young quarterback.
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart could sneak into the first round and land in Pittsburgh. © Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images © Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Jaxson Dart | QB | Mississippi
I know this probably feels too much like Kenny Pickett, but Dart has physical tools that Pickett just couldn't bring to the table in Pittsburgh. He's got the arm talent, anticipation and athleticism to become a successful starter with the right supporting cast, and he'd be an instant upgrade for the Steelers.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Colston Loveland | TE | Michigan
I'd be mildly surprised if Loveland is still on the board here, but if it happens, the fit and value would be absolutely perfect for the Chargers. Jim Harbaugh obviously knows what he brings to the table, and Loveland's ability to create mismatches against back-seven defenders would make him a huge asset to Justin Herbert.
23. Green Bay Packers
Jahdae Barron | CB | Texas
Even if Jaire Alexander sticks around in Green Bay, his injury history suggest the Packers need to invest premium resources at this position anyway. Barron has the versatility and smarts to line up just about anywhere in the secondary, as well as the ball skills, technique and instincts to make big plays on a regular basis.
24. Minnesota Vikings
Nick Emmanwori | S | South Carolina
Another fit that's just too perfect, the Vikings need more playmakers in the secondary, and an eventual successor to future Hall of Famer Harrison Smith on the back end. Emmanwori showed off his rare athleticism at the combine, but the film backs it up with his combination of range, ball skills, and versatility.
South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori showed off his rare athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine. © Butch Dill-Imagn Images © Butch Dill-Imagn Images
25. Houston Texans
Kelvin Banks Jr. | OT | Texas
Houston already had big needs along the offensive line, and that was before they traded away their starting left tackle in Laremy Tunsil. Their free-agent additions are all band-aids, but Banks has the experience to be a long-term solution at left tackle, as well as the versatility to be an immediate upgrade along the interior.
26. Los Angeles Rams
Grey Zabel | OL | North Dakota State
Last year, the Rams reloaded their defensive front in the early rounds, and reaped the benefits in a big way. They should do the same for their offense this time around, and Zabel proved at the Senior Bowl that he can hang with top competition. His ability to play all five positions up front gives him added value.
27. Baltimore Ravens
Kenneth Grant | DL | Michigan
The Ravens need interior reinforcements along the trenches on both sides of the ball, and in this scenario, the value points them to the defense. Grant is a massive mauler with rare size, power and athleticism, making him the perfect replacement for the recently retired Michael Pierce, while bringing more upside to the nose tackle spot.
28. Detroit Lions
Mike Green | Edge | Marshall
Injuries devastated the Lions' defensive front last season, but even when everyone was healthy, they clearly needed an upgrade opposite Aidan Hutchinson out on the edge. Green isn't the most complete edge defender in this class, but his explosiveness and production should be enough to warrant a first-round slot.
Boston College edge defender Donovan Ezeiruaku has an strong blend of athleticism and production. Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
29. Washington Commanders
Donovan Ezeiruaku | Edge | Boston College
Corner is a strong possibility here, but if the board falls this way, the Commanders might be wise to jump into the run of top edge defenders before it's too late. Ezeiruaku was highly productive at the college level, and proved at the combine that he's got impressive overall athleticism that gives him tons of upside.
30. Buffalo Bills
Derrick Harmon | DL | Oregon
This year's loaded class of interior defensive line prospects is a gift for the Bills, who need another impact player to line up next to Ed Oliver. Harmon was an absolute wrecking ball for the Ducks last season after transferring from Michigan State, and he could make an instant impact for a Super Bowl contender.
31. Kansas City Chiefs
Josh Simmons | OT | Ohio State
For the second time, the Chiefs got destroyed in the Super Bowl because of their inability to withstand a dominant pass rush. The fix has to start at left tackle, and while Simmons is coming off a season-ending knee injury, he was playing like a top-10 pick before he went down, and could prove to be a massive steal here.
32. Philadelphia Eagles
Walter Nolen | DL | Mississippi
The rich get richer once again, as the Eagles find their high-upside replacement for Milton Williams, whom they lost to free agency. Nolen is still figuring out how to use his impressive athleticism and overall talent, but Philly is the perfect landing spot for him to maximize his physical tools and reach his lofty ceiling.
Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III would be a massive steal outside of the first round. © Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images © Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
SECOND ROUND
33. Cleveland Browns
Tyleik Williams | DL | Ohio State
34. Tennessee Titans
Luther Burden III | WR | Missouri
35. New York Giants
Tyler Booker | OL | Alabama
36. Jacksonville Jaguars
Shavon Revel Jr. | CB | East Carolina
37. Las Vegas Raiders
TreVeyon Henderson | RB | Ohio State
38. New England Patriots
Josh Conerly Jr. | OT | Oregon
39. Chicago Bears (from CAR)
Nic Scourton | Edge | Texas A&M
40. New Orleans Saints
Maxwell Hairston | CB | Kentucky
41. Chicago Bears
Darius Alexander | DL | Toledo
42. New York Jets
Mason Taylor | TE | LSU
43. San Francisco 49ers
T.J. Sanders | DL | South Carolina
44. Dallas Cowboys
Kaleb Johnson | RB | Iowa
45. Indianapolis Colts
JT Tuimoloau | Edge | Ohio State
46. Atlanta Falcons
Trey Amos | CB | Mississippi
47. Arizona Cardinals
Azareye'h Thomas | CB | Florida State
48. Miami Dolphins
Donovan Jackson | OL | Ohio State
49. Cincinnati Bengals
Xavier Watts | S | Notre Dame
50. Seattle Seahawks
Carson Schwesinger | LB | UCLA
51. Denver Broncos
Jayden Higgins | WR | Iowa State
52. Seattle Seahawks (from PIT)
Jonah Savaiinaea | OL | Arizona
53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Darien Porter | CB | Iowa State
54. Green Bay Packers
Landon Jackson | Edge | Arkansas
55. Los Angeles Chargers
Quinshon Judkins | RB | Ohio State
56. Buffalo Bills (from MIN)
Benjamin Morrison | CB | Notre Dame
57. Carolina Panthers (from LAR)
Tre Harris | WR | Mississippi
58. Houston Texans
Alfred Collins | DL | Texas
59. Baltimore Ravens
Princely Umanmielen | Edge | Mississippi
60. Detroit Lions
Marcus Mbow | OL | Purdue
61. Washington Commanders
Jacob Parrish | CB | Kansas State
62. Buffalo Bills
Kevin Winston Jr. | S | Penn State
63. Kansas City Chiefs
Elijah Arroyo | TE | Miami (FL)
64. Philadelphia Eagles
Aireontae Ersery | OT | Minnesota
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe is an explosive playmaker with tons of potential. Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
THIRD ROUND
65. New York Giants
Jalen Milroe | QB | Alabama
66. Kansas City Chiefs (from TEN)
Charles Grant | OL | William & Mary
67. Cleveland Browns
Jordan Burch | Edge | Oregon
68. Las Vegas Raiders
Jalen Royals | WR | Utah State
69. New England Patriots
Jack Bech | WR | TCU
70. Jacksonville Jaguars
Harold Fannin Jr. | TE | Bowling Green
71. New Orleans Saints
Jaylin Noel | WR | Iowa State
72. Chicago Bears
Wyatt Milum | OL | West Virginia
73. New York Jets
Elic Ayomanor | WR | Stanford
74. Carolina Panthers
Kyle Kennard | Edge | South Carolina
75. San Francisco 49ers
Chris Paul Jr. | LB | Mississippi
76. Dallas Cowboys
Tate Ratledge | OL | Georgia
77. New England Patriots (from ATL)
Quincy Riley | CB | Louisville
78. Arizona Cardinals
Omarr Norman-Lott | DL | Tennessee
79. Houston Texans (from MIA via WAS)
Jared Wilson | OL | Georgia
80. Indianapolis Colts
Demetrius Knight | LB | South Carolina
81. Cincinnati Bengals
Joshua Farmer | DL | Florida State
82. Seattle Seahawks
Jackson Slater | OL | Sacramento State
83. Pittsburgh Steelers
Deone Walker | DL | Kentucky
84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Josiah Stewart | Edge | Michigan
85. Denver Broncos
Jordan Phillips | DL | Maryland
86. Los Angeles Chargers
Jamaree Caldwell | DL | Oregon
87. Green Bay Packers
Tory Horton | WR | Colorado State
88. Jacksonville Jaguars (from MIN)
Xavier Restrepo | WR | Miami (FL)
89. Houston Texans
Ozzy Trapilo | OT | Boston College
90. Los Angeles Rams
Barrett Carter | LB | Clemson
91. Baltimore Ravens
Mello Dotson | CB | Kansas
92. Seattle Seahawks (from DET via LV)
Cameron Williams | OT | Texas
93. New Orleans Saints (from WAS)
Gunnar Helm | TE | Texas
94. Cleveland Browns (from BUF)
Cam Skattebo | RB | Arizona State
95. Kansas City Chiefs
Dorian Strong | CB | Virginia Tech
96. Philadelphia Eagles
Bradyn Swinson | Edge | LSU
*97. Minnesota Vikings
Cobee Bryant | CB | Kansas
*98. Miami Dolphins
Shemar Turner | DL | Texas A&M
*99. New York Giants
Emery Jones Jr. | OT | LSU
*100. San Francisco 49ers
Jack Sawyer | Edge | Ohio State
*101. Los Angeles Rams
Tyler Shough | QB | Louisville
*102. Detroit Lions
Jeffrey Bassa | LB | Oregon
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers could be an intriguing option for many teams on Day 3. Brett Davis-Imagn Images Brett Davis-Imagn Images
FOURTH ROUND
103. Tennessee Titans
Zah Frazier | CB | UTSA
104. Cleveland Browns
Isaiah Bond | WR | Texas
105. New York Giants
Dylan Sampson | RB | Tennessee
106. New England Patriots
Danny Stutsman | LB | Oklahoma
107. Jacksonville Jaguars
Andrew Mukuba | S | Texas
108. Las Vegas Raiders
Nohl Williams | CB | California
109. Buffalo Bills (from CHI)
Oluwafemi Oladejo | Edge | UCLA
110. New York Jets
Jabbar Muhammad | CB | Oregon
111. Carolina Panthers
Jaylen Reed | S | Penn State
112. New Orleans Saints
Quinn Ewers | QB | Texas
113. San Francisco 49ers
Denzel Burke | CB | Ohio State
114. Carolina Panthers (from DAL)
Upton Stout | CB | Western Kentucky
115. Arizona Cardinals
Jared Ivey | Edge | Mississippi
116. Miami Dolphins
Terrance Ferguson | TE | Oregon
117. Indianapolis Colts
Jalen Rivers | OL | Miami (FL)
118. Atlanta Falcons
CJ West | DL | Indiana
119. Cincinnati Bengals
DJ Giddens | RB | Kansas State
120. Tennessee Titans (from SEA)
Ashton Gillotte | Edge | Louisville
121. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Billy Bowman Jr. | S | Oklahoma
122. Denver Broncos
Anthony Belton | OT | North Carolina State
123. Pittsburgh Steelers
Devin Neal | RB | Kansas
124. Green Bay Packers
Vernon Broughton | DL | Texas
125. Los Angeles Chargers
Tez Johnson | WR | Oregon
126. Jacksonville Jaguars (from MIN)
Ajani Cornelius | OT | Oregon
127. Los Angeles Rams
Oronde Gadsden II | TE | Syracuse
128. Washington Commanders (from HOU)
Ollie Gordon II | RB | Oklahoma State
129. Baltimore Ravens
R.J. Harvey Jr. | RB | UCF
130. Detroit Lions
Savion Williams | WR | TCU
131. New Orleans Saints (from WAS)
JJ Pegues | DL | Mississippi
132. Buffalo Bills
Dylan Fairchild | OL | Georgia
133. Kansas City Chiefs
Ty Robinson | DL | Nebraska
134. Philadelphia Eagles
Lathan Ransom | S | Ohio State
*135. Miami Dolphins
Smael Mondon Jr. | LB | Georgia
*136. Baltimore Ravens
Tai Felton | WR | Maryland
*137. Seattle Seahawks
Aeneas Peebles | DL | Virginia Tech
*138. San Francisco 49ers
Bhayshul Tuten | RB | Virginia Tech
Related: How Modern NFL Trends Are Impacting the Draft Process
Related: How NFL Teams Balance Free Agency with Building Through the Draft
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This story was originally published March 20, 2025 at 7:30 AM.
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