The 2025 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, set for April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and it brings with it a whirlwind of strategies and possibilities for all 32 franchises. With each team holding a crucial first-round pick, the anticipation around their choices is building. The Tennessee Titans currently hold the coveted No. 1 overall pick, setting the stage for a potentially game-changing selection.
Key Strategies for NFL Teams in the First Round
The Top Pick Dilemma: Titans’ Strategic Silence
Tennessee Titans’ GM Mike Borgonzi has been notably reticent about the team’s intentions for the No. 1 pick. Despite this, signs point towards the Titans selecting Miami quarterback Cam Ward. If this selection goes ahead as speculated, the true intrigue of the draft could shift to what the Cleveland Browns will do with the No. 2 pick.
Cleveland Browns: A Crucial Decision at No. 2
The Browns find themselves at a crossroads, facing a decision that could define their franchise’s direction in the coming years. The dilemma involves choosing between Shedeur Sanders, a promising quarterback, and Travis Hunter, who offers versatility akin to Shohei Ohtani as a two-way star. However, the sage advice for Cleveland is to focus on building a formidable defense by selecting Penn State’s edge rusher Abdul Carter. Partnering Carter with Myles Garrett could create the NFL’s most formidable edge-rushing duo, a strategic move that could solidify the Browns’ defensive identity.
Building Depth Over Reaching for Need
Draft Analyst Lance Zierlein emphasizes the depth of defensive talent in this year’s draft, advising teams to leverage this strength rather than reaching for players in less critical positions. The depth in defensive linemen should encourage teams to pick strategically to strengthen their defenses, which can provide more substantial long-term benefits than filling less impactful positions out of immediate need.
Advice from NFL Experts on Draft Strategy
The Quarterback Conundrum
NFL.com columnist Jeffri Chadiha highlights a recurring draft theme—the search for a franchise quarterback. With several teams in the top 10 needing a long-term quarterback, Chadiha advises building a strong team foundation first. He references successful models like the Eagles with Jalen Hurts and the 49ers with Brock Purdy, where the teams focused on overall roster strength, which in turn elevated their quarterbacks’ performances.
Don’t Overlook Potential Game-Changers
Dan Parr, an original content editor focusing on draft strategy, warns against underestimating players with unique talents. He advocates for not letting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty slip through the cracks. Comparing Jeanty’s potential impact to that of NFL great LaDainian Tomlinson, Parr suggests that teams looking for a transformative player should consider Jeanty early in the draft, especially teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have struggled with their rushing offense.
Sticking and Picking: A Viable Strategy
Rhett Lewis from NFL Network advises teams to avoid the temptation to trade up unnecessarily due to the depth available in key positions like defensive line and running back. This approach allows teams to maximize value throughout the draft without sacrificing future assets for immediate gains.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, teams are advised to think strategically about their selections. Whether it’s choosing a potential franchise quarterback, bolstering the defensive line, or recognizing the value in standout talents, the decisions made in this draft could define the futures of many NFL franchises for years to come.