With the 2025 NFL Draft just around the corner, every team inside the top 10 is focusing on making selections that can immediately elevate their roster. The draft isn’t just about the first round; teams that strike gold in later rounds can significantly improve their chances of competing for a championship. From quarterback selections to defensive powerhouses, here’s a breakdown of how the top 10 teams could make the most of their picks, with a focus on immediate contributors and long-term impact.
Tennessee Titans: A New Era with Shedeur Sanders
The Tennessee Titans are looking to kickstart a new era under head coach Brian Callahan, and it starts with a game-changing quarterback. Emory Hunt and Ryan Wilson both agree that Shedeur Sanders is the right choice for the No. 1 overall pick. Sanders has impressed many with his skill set, and Hunt believes the comparison to Joe Burrow, whom Callahan coached, makes Sanders an ideal fit for the Titans.
To complement their new signal-caller, Tennessee adds a dynamic pass catcher in TCU’s Jack Bech, a standout MVP at the Senior Bowl. The Titans’ draft strategy focuses on both offense and defense, adding interior defensive line depth with Jamaree Caldwell and addressing wide receiver needs with Gunnar Helm and Kobe Hudson. A fresh face in the secondary, Kitan Crawford, and additional strength in the trenches with Logan Brown and Tim Smith rounds out the Titans’ well-rounded draft approach.
Cleveland Browns: A QB Upgrade and Offensive Firepower
For the Cleveland Browns, the second overall pick provides an opportunity to find their quarterback of the future. If Shedeur Sanders falls to them, Emory Hunt envisions him replacing Deshaun Watson as the starter. Sanders, with his experience in cold weather, is seen as someone who can step in immediately. At No. 34, the Browns add Luther Burden III, one of the top wide receivers in this draft class.
The Browns also bolster their defense with South Carolina pass rusher Kyle Kennard, who pairs well with Myles Garrett. The addition of Damien Martinez, a running back out of Miami, provides another dynamic weapon in the backfield. With further selections to address the offensive line and safety positions, Cleveland’s draft is aimed at creating a more balanced, competitive team.
New York Giants: Finding a Franchise QB
The New York Giants start their 2025 draft with Shedeur Sanders, who Emory Hunt sees as the perfect fit for New York’s high-pressure environment. With the third overall pick, the Giants can secure a quarterback who has proven his ability to handle big moments and the bright lights of a major market.
In the second round, New York addresses its secondary by selecting Iowa State cornerback Darien Porter, a former wide receiver with excellent size and speed. The Giants continue to build on both offense and defense with picks like offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo and defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell. A key sleeper pick in the draft is Dont’e Thornton Jr., a wide receiver from Tennessee, who could provide a significant boost to the Giants’ offense. The Giants finish the draft by adding depth at running back and linebacker, ensuring they cover all their bases for a championship run.
New England Patriots: Building a Defensive Dynasty
The New England Patriots are primed to make an immediate impact on defense, selecting Abdul Carter, the top defensive player in this draft, at No. 4 overall. Under the leadership of Bill Belichick and with a solid defensive foundation, Carter will be a game-changer in the Patriots’ defensive schemes.
The Patriots continue to build in the trenches with Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr. at No. 38 and find an excellent value pick in Cam Skattebo, a running back from Arizona State, in the third round. The defense is further reinforced with the addition of pass rusher Tyler Batty from BYU and defensive tackle Cam’Ron Jackson from Florida. The Patriots round out the draft with solid offensive weapons, including wide receiver Tez Johnson and tight end Oronde Gadsen II.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Bolstering Both Sides of the Ball
For the Jacksonville Jaguars, their focus is on strengthening both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. In the first round, the Jaguars add Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, a versatile force in the middle of the defensive line. In the second round, they pick up ECU cornerback Shavon Revel, who could become a key contributor once he’s fully recovered from a torn ACL.
With Evan Engram’s future uncertain, Jacksonville addresses the tight end position with Mason Taylor from LSU. Additionally, the Jaguars draft linebacker Kobe King out of Penn State and add Tulane defensive back Caleb Ransaw to bolster their secondary. The team finishes by focusing on offensive depth, adding local talent in the form of offensive guard Clay Webb and explosive wide receiver Ricky White.
Las Vegas Raiders: Addressing Offensive and Defensive Needs
The Las Vegas Raiders’ draft strategy revolves around improving both sides of the ball. With the No. 6 overall pick, Josh Edwards selects wide receiver Tet McMillan to help bolster the offense and provide quarterback Geno Smith with more weapons. The Raiders also reinforce their defense with Ole Miss corner Trey Amos and explosive interior defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott from Tennessee.
In the third round, the Raiders grab running back Damien Martinez, who brings a strong all-around game to the backfield. They continue to focus on improving their depth with selections like quarterback Quinn Ewers from Texas, a potential future replacement for Smith, and offensive interior depth with USC’s Jonah Monheim. The Raiders close their draft by strengthening both the secondary and linebacker corps with safety Craig Woodson from Cal and linebacker Teddye Buchanan.
New York Jets: Reinforcing the Trenches and Adding Playmakers
The New York Jets focus on reinforcing the trenches and adding playmakers for their offense. In the first round, they select LSU left tackle Will Campbell, a key player who will help protect the quarterback. The Jets continue their defensive-focused strategy in the second round, picking up defensive tackle Alfred Collins to pair with Quinnen Williams.
The Jets enhance their offensive weapons with tight end Terrance Ferguson from Oregon and wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. from Oregon State. With further picks in the middle rounds, they find defensive gems like cornerback Quincy Riley and running back Bhayshul Tuten, a speedster out of Virginia Tech.