There are simply 4 weeks left within the 2024 NFL common season, and whereas some groups are enthusiastic about making the playoffs, others are looking forward to the 2025 NFL draft.
The ESPN Soccer Energy Index (FPI) tasks the Giants and Patriots to choose 1-2 in April. The Panthers, Raiders and Jaguars are anticipated to spherical out the highest 5. And regardless of excessive hopes earlier than the season, the Jets, Cowboys and 49ers may all be choosing within the high 15 in 2025.
We requested our NFL Nation reporters for early perception into every crew’s draft plans, highlighting the largest factor to know proper now. What positions may every crew goal in Spherical 1? Who shall be available in the market for a quarterback on the draft? Which franchises are loaded with picks and will enhance shortly? There’s nonetheless a variety of time between now and when Spherical 1 begins on April 24, however let’s begin the draft dialog with the AFC East.
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AFC EAST
Projected first-round decide: No. 30
A big offseason awaits the Payments in 2025 with room to work in free company and the draft. The crew can have vital assets early within the draft — one thing that hasn’t been typical for the Payments these days — with an additional second-round decide from the Stefon Diggs commerce (decide initially belonged to the Vikings). That is additionally a crew that can have some choices to make at key positions within the offseason, as broad receiver Amari Cooper and cornerback Rasul Douglas are set to grow to be free brokers. However the Payments can have extra flexibility than in recent times. — Alaina Getzenberg
Projected first-round decide: No. 13
The Dolphins have a comparatively full allotment of draft picks for the second straight yr after solely eight in 2022 and 2023. With an costly veteran roster, normal supervisor Chris Grier — or whoever is making the picks in April — should discover expertise that is able to contribute immediately. Miami’s offensive line will seemingly want two new starters, and it may goal off-ball linebackers, safeties and defensive tackles. Clearly, a backup quarterback should be addressed this offseason, however the crew is healthier off including a veteran for that position. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Projected first-round decide: No. 2
The Patriots’ high wants are offensive line, receiver, defensive sort out and cross rusher. With excessive picks within the first 4 rounds, together with a third-round decide from the Matthew Judon commerce with the Falcons, there’s prime alternative to fill them. Left sort out, particularly, is a gaping gap, and New England is thirty second in cross block win fee for the second yr in a row. Offensive sort out Caedan Wallace, whom they took within the third spherical this yr, struggled early within the season and has been on the IR since Week 4 with an ankle harm. — Mike Reiss
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Matt Miller explains why he sees Colorado’s Travis Hunter enjoying each side of the ball early in his profession, then settling in ultimately at broad receiver.
Projected first-round decide: No. 8
The Jets can have a brand new normal supervisor, a brand new coach and a brand new drafting philosophy in 2025. Assuming they half methods with Aaron Rodgers, the large storyline would be the quarterback place. Do they begin one other rebuild with a excessive draft decide, or do they fight to make things better on the fly with a bridge quarterback? If the brand new regime opts for a teardown, it may look to build up draft property by buying and selling one of many crew’s younger stars earlier than handing him a second contract. Large receiver Garrett Wilson, cornerback Sauce Gardner and operating again Breece Corridor shall be eligible for brand spanking new offers. — Wealthy Cimini
AFC NORTH
Projected first-round decide: No. 26
The Ravens’ largest want is free security after benching Marcus Williams and reducing Eddie Jackson, and so they have an impeccable observe document in terms of drafting that place. They’ve drafted safeties twice within the first spherical of their historical past, and each have grow to be All-Professional defenders (Ed Reed and Kyle Hamilton). Baltimore can fill an enormous void by taking a security early as a result of it has struggled to cease downfield throws. The Ravens have allowed 50 completions of 20 yards or extra, which is the second most within the NFL. — Jamison Hensley
Projected first-round decide: No. 12
Cincinnati’s WR2 spot would be the place to observe in subsequent yr’s draft. The Bengals seemingly shall be drafting within the high half of Spherical 1, which implies they may have an ideal alternative to land one of many high out there receivers. Drafting a wideout would assist offset the potential lack of Tee Higgins in free company and soften the blow of a possible Ja’Marr Chase contract extension that might be the most costly of its variety in league historical past. — Ben Child
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Projected first-round decide: No. 7
The Browns can have a first-round decide for the primary time since 2021 and it’s seemingly going to be a top-10 choice. Deshaun Watson’s struggles since coming to Cleveland, plus his newest season-ending harm, put the quarterback place again within the highlight. However the crew can even want to make use of its alternatives to replenish an getting old roster, notably within the trenches, that has regressed from its 11 wins in 2023. — Daniel Oyefusi
Projected first-round decide: No. 25
With a projected eight picks in 2025, the Steelers have the capital to be aggressive if normal supervisor Omar Khan decides to go that route. After a debut draft in 2023 that noticed him wheeling and dealing, he stayed pat in 2024. With neither Justin Fields nor Russell Wilson beneath contract past this season, the Steelers as soon as once more face a quarterback quandary in a category that is not thought of to be deep. And after already notching a 10-win season, they’re going to seemingly have the newest first-round collection of Khan’s tenure. — Brooke Pryor
AFC SOUTH
Projected first-round decide: No. 24
The Texans made splashy strikes by including ability gamers within the earlier offseason, however this time round, the main focus should be on the inside offensive line. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has been beneath fixed duress as the mix of heart Juice Scruggs, left guard Kenyon Inexperienced and proper guard Shaq Mason has allowed 22 sacks. On protection, they should discover long-term solutions at defensive sort out and security as each spots are stuffed by gamers on one-year contracts. — DJ Bien-Aime
Projected first-round decide: No. 14
The Colts are shortly getting older on protection, with inside linemen DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart turning 31 and 32, respectively, by Week 1 in 2025. In addition they have key free brokers in edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo and outdoors linebacker E.J. Velocity. Now might be the time to get forward of issues and handle a few of these positions earlier than their wants grow to be much more urgent. — Stephen Holder
Projected first-round decide: No. 13
With the Jaguars’ protection among the many league’s worst — it is permitting 6.0 yards per play, which ranks final — that aspect of the ball must be the highest precedence within the offseason. Jacksonville wants one other outdoors cornerback to enrich Tyson Campbell, a security to exchange Andre Cisco and extra depth alongside the inside of the defensive position. Two rookie defensive tackles (Maason Smith and Jordan Jefferson) have proven promise, however the inside wants a significant improve. — Michael DiRocco
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Michigan’s Mason Graham to enter NFL draft
Take a look at the numbers for Michigan DT Mason Graham, who introduced he’ll enter the 2025 NFL draft.
Projected first-round decide: No. 6
The Titans have an assortment of roster wants that reach far past the quarterback. In the event that they do land a excessive draft decide, including one of many high quarterbacks would assist, however that alone will not flip them right into a aggressive crew. Buying and selling down is one thing the Titans may think about as a result of it will assist them add extra draft picks and stockpile extra younger expertise to construct round. — Turron Davenport
AFC WEST
Projected first-round decide: No. 20
The Broncos aren’t out of the useless cash wilderness but — they have already got $33.5 million of useless cash on the wage cap books for 2025, largely due to Russell Wilson’s launch — however they need to have sufficient cap house to take part in free company. Their largest resolution shall be about preserving left sort out Garett Bolles, who’s on the finish of his four-year extension. The Broncos do not have a succession plan in place for him. In addition they have wants at tight finish, defensive sort out and probably at broad receiver if Courtland Sutton is not a part of the long-term plan. — Jeff Legwold
Projected first-round decide: No. 31
Even after drafting a sort out in every of the previous two drafts, the Chiefs may have to attempt once more given the struggles of Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris. Guard might be a necessity relying on whether or not they re-sign Trey Smith and/or resolve Joe Thuney is just too costly. They will not go for a operating again in an early spherical, however they’re going to want one with Isiah Pacheco heading into the ultimate yr of his contract and Kareem Hunt and Samaje Perine being stopgap acquisitions. — Adam Teicher
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Projected first-round decide: No. 4
Injured quarterbacks Gardner Minshew (collarbone) and Aidan O’Connell (knee) have not supplied a solution, long run or in any other case, on the place. With Las Vegas on observe for a top-five decide, the good cash would seemingly be on drafting Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders or Miami’s Cam Ward. Sanders already has an in with Las Vegas given his relationship with new Raiders minority proprietor Tom Brady, and proprietor Mark Davis mentioned he hoped Brady would assist “choose a quarterback sooner or later and probably prepare him as effectively.”
The Raiders have drafted a quarterback within the first spherical solely thrice for the reason that 1970 AFL-NFL merger with minimal to horrible outcomes — Marc Wilson (1980), Todd Marinovich (1991) and JaMarcus Russell (2007). — Paul Gutierrez
Projected first-round decide: No. 23
No matter who stays or goes throughout free company, the Chargers have considerable wants on offense. With how a lot coach Jim Harbaugh preaches operating the ball, the inside offensive line may use an improve. Middle Bradley Bozeman, in addition to guards Trey Pipkins III and Zion Johnson, all rank close to the underside of the NFL in run block win fee. — Kris Rhim
NFC EAST
Projected first-round decide: No. 11
The Cowboys’ largest wants are on the defensive and offensive strains. With pending free brokers and potential retirements, they should discover solutions within the draft since their method to spending even medium-sized cash is proscribed in free company. Operating again is a necessity, however will they take one within the first spherical (Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty?) like they did in 2016 with Ezekiel Elliott? Add security, cornerback, broad receiver and linebacker to the listing, as effectively. — Todd Archer
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Mel Kiper Jr.: Ashton Jeanty to the Cowboys makes a ton of sense
Mel Kiper Jr. particulars why the Cowboys ought to draft Boise State star operating again Ashton Jeanty.
Projected first-round decide: No. 1
It is all in regards to the quarterback place for the Giants this offseason, particularly within the draft. They already flirted with taking a quarterback within the 2024 draft and lower Daniel Jones a number of weeks in the past. It is not an accident that normal supervisor Joe Schoen and his high lieutenants have made a number of journeys to verify on Shedeur Sanders at Colorado and have already had a number of appears at Miami quarterback Cam Ward. — Jordan Raanan
Projected first-round decide: No. 29
The Eagles might want to bulk up the sting rush place this offseason. Brandon Graham is considering retirement, Josh Sweat is about to be an unrestricted free agent and Bryce Huff was underperforming in his first season with the crew earlier than a wrist harm put him on injured reserve. Nolan Smith Jr. and rookie Jalyx Hunt are displaying promise, however Philadelphia must proceed to spend money on the place. — Tim McManus
Projected first-round decide: No. 21
With seven picks, the Commanders can proceed constructing the roster with younger expertise; this yr’s class yielded 4 gamers who’re constant starters. That’s important, contemplating they don’t have any first-round picks from 2019 to 2023 left on the roster. Washington will need assistance at a number of influence spots, together with receiver, defensive position — finish particularly — and offensive sort out. Cornerback is one other space, however buying and selling for Marshon Lattimore lessened the necessity to draft one early. — John Keim
NFC NORTH
Projected first-round decide: No. 9
The Bears are in line for a top-10 decide for a 3rd straight yr. This is not the place Chicago was anticipating to draft after beginning the season 4-2, however seven straight losses shine a lightweight on the Bears’ points up entrance — they personal the worst quarterback sack share (10.6%). Exterior of proper sort out Darnell Wright, a top-10 decide in 2023, the Bears haven’t invested long run in gamers alongside the offensive line. Middle Coleman Shelton and proper guard Matt Pryor are seemingly changed this offseason, whereas left sort out Braxton Jones’ and left guard Teven Jenkins’ futures in Chicago cling within the steadiness. — Courtney Cronin
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Projected first-round decide: No. 32
From high to backside, there should not many obvious holes inside this Lions roster; they presently have a top-five protection and a top-five offense to go along with the most effective begin in crew historical past. Nevertheless, Detroit may proceed so as to add on protection with an edge rusher and a linebacker. Common supervisor Brad Holmes has hardly ever missed on his high picks since taking on in 2021 and is usually described as a “draft junkie” by these near him. His résumé in Detroit already contains All-Professional sort out Penei Sewell and broad receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. — Eric Woodyard
Projected first-round decide: No. 27
The Packers have two first-round picks of their cornerback room (Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes) and two at defensive finish (Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness), but these are their two largest wants this offseason. Neither Gary nor Van Ness has been something near a dominant cross rusher, and there is a big void there after Preston Smith was traded in early November. It has been one other injury-filled season for Alexander, and Stokes stays a backup and not using a single cross breakup in 1,001 defensive snaps for the reason that begin of the 2022 season. — Rob Demovsky
Projected first-round decide: No. 28
The Vikings have solely three picks within the 2025 draft — one within the first spherical and two within the fifth spherical — because of a sequence of trades that included a dramatic transfer to draft linebacker Dallas Turner at No. 17 total. They may add a compensatory decide, however total, their footprint on this draft shall be smaller than that of another crew within the NFL. They’re going to as soon as once more have to lean on free company for roster upkeep and upgrades. — Kevin Seifert
NFC SOUTH
Projected first-round decide: No. 17
The Falcons rank final within the league in sacks (19), second to final in quarterback strain share (27.3%) and worst in quarterback completion share allowed (72%). The crew desperately wants defenders who can get to the quarterback — it has been seven years since Atlanta had a double-digit sack chief (Vic Beasley). The Falcons are sixth worst in run cease win fee (28%), as effectively, so their work up entrance must be addressed quickly. — Marc Raimondi
Projected first-round decide: No. 3
The Panthers seemingly will not draft a quarterback. Bryce Younger, the highest decide of the 2023 draft, has performed effectively sufficient these days to get a shot at competing for the job. Veteran Andy Dalton needs to return, and he has been a very good mentor for Younger. Carolina may decide to signal one other veteran over Dalton, however both means it has extra urgent wants — defensive position particularly — than to make use of a first-rounder on one other QB. — David Newton
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Projected first-round decide: No. 10
The Saints have a big quantity of cap house tied up in older or injured gamers (Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis, Derek Carr, Taysom Hill), and so they might be $65 million over the wage cap subsequent season. Whereas the Saints have made free agent additions resembling Chase Younger work regardless of restricted room, they may rely closely on future draft picks to save cash. They’ve a number of wants, together with at defensive finish, linebacker, broad receiver and offensive line. — Katherine Terrell
Projected first-round decide: No. 21
It has been robust to do a full analysis of the Buccaneers as a result of they’ve had so many accidents on protection. However their outdoors linebackers nonetheless do not get house with sacks, and the center of the sector is weak within the passing recreation. Inside linebacker SirVocea Dennis ought to return from shoulder surgical procedure by subsequent season, but it surely’s nonetheless a necessity. The Bucs may additionally use extra choices at cornerback and security. — Jenna Laine
NFC WEST
Projected first-round decide: No. 16
Arizona’s 2025 draft seemingly shall be extra targeted on wants than the previous two, because the crew shall be in its third draft of a rebuild beneath normal supervisor Monti Ossenfort and coach Jonathan Gannon. With 5 picks, the Cardinals are nonetheless trying to find assist at outdoors linebacker and will goal one in Spherical 1. A top-tier nook is also on Arizona’s radar, together with an inside offensive lineman. — Josh Weinfuss
Projected first-round decide: No. 18
The Rams might be available in the market for an offensive sort out, as proper sort out Rob Havenstein has one yr left on his contract (with no assured cash) and left sort out Alaric Jackson is on an expiring deal. If Los Angeles does draft an offensive lineman within the first spherical, will probably be the primary time it has executed so since taking Greg Robinson with the No. 2 decide in 2014. That quantity is skewed a bit because the Rams have made just one decide within the first spherical since 2016, however they nonetheless have drafted only one offensive lineman (Steve Avila at No. 36 in 2023) of their first 100 picks since 2019. — Sarah Barshop
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Projected first-round decide: No. 15
The 49ers have been the bullies of the NFC, however that fame has taken a success this season as they have been recurrently crushed up alongside each strains. They want a run-stuffing defensive sort out, in addition to extra cross rushers to enrich Nick Bosa. San Francisco has been hesitant to spend early picks on the offensive line, but it surely wants upgrades in a number of spots, particularly at heart. It may additionally goal a sort out who may instantly compete on the correct aspect and maybe be a long-term reply on the left. — Nick Wagoner
Projected first-round decide: No. 19
The offensive line will seemingly be a spotlight. That unit had its greatest recreation of the season in Seattle’s win over Arizona on Sunday, but it surely’s nonetheless a significant query — notably with the three inside spots. Left guard Laken Tomlinson shall be a 33-year-old free agent, heart Olu Oluwatimi is beginning solely as a result of Connor Williams abruptly retired midseason, and rookie Sataoa Laumea is the third participant Seattle has used at proper guard this season. Common supervisor John Schneider refuses to overpay for offensive linemen in free company, which implies his solely likelihood at touchdown difference-makers is drafting them. — Brady Henderson
