Less than a month away from the 2025 NFL Draft, here is my third attempt at forecasting how the entire first round will play out in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Not only does this projection include three quarterbacks among the first 32 picks but also three running backs -- with two ball-carriers among the top 10 selections! Meanwhile, some notable names -- like Michigan CB Will Johnson and Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan -- don't come off the board until the 20s.
Enough preamble -- let's dive in!
The talented passer gives Brian Callahan the franchise quarterback needed to spark the Titans’ rebuild.
Kevin Stefanski has worked well with traditional pocket passers throughout his career. Sanders fits the bill as a classic dropback quarterback with a game built on touch, timing and anticipation.
Adding a two-way standout doesn’t solve the Giants’ most pressing need, but Hunter’s playmaking presence would help the offense and defense improve.
EDITOR'S UPDATE: After the publishing of this article, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported quarterback Russell Wilson is signing a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the New York Giants.
If Patriots personnel chief Eliot Wolf is truly committed to taking the best player available, the Penn State product would be a no-brainer at this point.
The hardworking interior defender would give the Jaguars another pass-rushing option at the point of attack.
New Raiders head coach Pete Carroll wants to punish opponents with a physical running game sparked by a dynamic back.
If the Jets are committed to helping Justin Fields flourish as a QB1, adding a playmaking weapon between the hashes would enable the 26-year-old passer to operate more efficiently from the pocket.
Adding more speed and athleticism to the defense could help the Panthers close the gap in the NFC South.
Kellen Moore's desire to fix the Saints' offense might make upgrading the line a top priority. Campbell could play inside or outside on a unit that needs to keep Derek Carr upright in the pocket.
Ben Johnson's immense success with a two-back rotation in Detroit could prompt Chicago to expend its top pick on a physical runner to partner with the dynamic D'Andre Swift.
Adding a versatile defender on the perimeter would enable reinstated DC Robert Saleh to get creative with his sub-packages in 2025.
With Zack Martin's retirement leaving a huge hole in Dallas' O-line, this Missouri product could help the Cowboys get back to playing bully ball at the line of scrimmage.
With Terron Armstead pondering retirement, the Dolphins add a talented blind-side protector who started 42 games in his three seasons at Texas.
The beefy interior blocker specializes in moving defenders off the ball in the run game.
The Dirty Birds have been searching for a consistent edge rusher since John Abraham departed over a decade ago. Green is a sack artist with the tools and talent to take over games.
The high-energy interior defender fits the Cardinals' defensive culture as a worker bee at the point of attack.
The ultra-athletic pass rusher is far from a finished product, but his persistent pressure could result in solid sack production opposite Trey Hendrickson -- IF the Bengals work things out with the NFL's reigning sack king.
As a five-position player with a high IQ and polished technique, Zabel's perfect for a Seahawks front that needs upgrades across the board.
It is hard to find inside linebackers with pass-rush potential. Campbell is a splashy game wrecker with the tools to upgrade the Buccaneers' defense as a designated playmaker.
Adding a running back is a top priority for an offense looking to support a young franchise QB in second-year pro Bo Nix. Henderson's speed and explosiveness add a big-play dimension to a grind-it-out offense.
If Pittsburgh cannot land Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson, the Ole Miss product would give the Steelers a future starter to develop behind Mason Rudolph.
A reunion between Jim Harbaugh and his former Michigan tight end would help Justin Herbert attack the middle of the field.
If the Packers move on from CB Jaire Alexander, this Michigan product would give defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley a plug-and-play option on the perimeter.
Harrison Smith's decision to return for Year 14 allows Emmanwori to serve as an apprentice before taking over as a full-time starter in 2026.
After signing veteran offensive tackles Cam Robinson and Trent Brown to one-year deals following the Laremy Tunsil trade, the Texans could invest in more of a long-term strategy by adding a franchise-caliber edge protector who's only still available at this point because he's recovering from a season-ending knee injury.
Adding a big-bodied pass catcher to a lineup that already features Puka Nacua further expands the strike zone for Matthew Stafford.
The blue-collar edge defender gives Baltimore's pass-rush rotation another toolsy athlete to mold.
Brad Holmes' master plan revolves around the trenches. Jackson is a Day 1 starter with the nasty attitude and physical game to fit in perfectly with the Lions' dominant offensive line.
The motivation to build around 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels could prompt the Commanders to take a playmaker early.
The massive run stuffer would add size and physicality to a defensive front that is loaded with pass rushers.
Finding Chris Jones a disruptive playmate would keep the Chiefs' defense operating at a high level. Harmon's athleticism and instincts could help him flourish in Steve Spagnuolo's ultra-aggressive scheme.
The energetic sack master would be right at home in Philadelphia as a blue-collar playmaker with a relentless approach.
