While it may seem too early to speculate on high picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, here’s why it makes sense to start putting on our thinking caps.
As we reach the midpoint of the NFL season, it’s clear that–for some teams, at last–the future is now. Injuries and underperformances have pushed several franchises to focus on rebuilding, and the 2025 NFL Draft offers hope and direction. While no team wants to admit defeat before November, the writing’s on the wall for a select few already looking to April’s draft picks to salvage their fortunes.
What’s especially interesting is that six of our top ten picks come from just three schools–Miami, Colorado, and LSU.
Carolina Panthers – Cameron Ward, Quarterback, University of Miami: The Panthers are ready to move on from Bryce Young after his struggles. Cam Ward’s explosive season at Miami has made him the prime candidate. Known for his arm strength and mobility, Ward fits perfectly into Dave Canales’ vision for the Panthers’ offense.
The dynamic duo, Sanders and Hunter, with photo courtesy Sports Illustrated
Tennessee Titans – Shedeur Sanders, Quarterback, University of Colorado: The Titans might be looking to replace Will Levis, and Sanders, with his quick processing and accuracy, could be the perfect fit for Brian Callahan’s offensive scheme.
New England Patriots – Travis Hunter, Wide Receiver/Cornerback, University of Colorado: New England could use a boost on both sides of the ball. Hunter’s dual-threat capabilities as a receiver and cornerback offer just that. His exceptional athleticism could see him making immediate impacts wherever the Patriots need him most.
New York Jets – Mason Graham, Interior Defensive Lineman, University of Michigan: With the Jets’ defense faltering, a reliable interior lineman like Graham could be crucial. His ability to share snaps with Quinnen Williams could revitalize their defensive line.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Kelvin Banks Jr., Offensive Tackle, University of Texas: Protecting Trevor Lawrence is a priority for the Jaguars. Banks offers a significant upgrade over Cam Robinson, potentially transforming the offensive line’s effectiveness.
New Orleans Saints – Cameron Williams, Offensive Tackle, University of Texas: Williams has risen through the ranks this season, and his ability to play right tackle could be just what the Saints need to bolster their offensive line and enhance their running game.
Las Vegas Raiders – Garrett Nussmeier, Quarterback, LSU: After parting ways with Derek Carr, the Raiders are desperate for a quarterback. Nussmeier’s talent, despite his recent poor showing, could tempt Las Vegas to take a chance on him as their future leader.
A generational talent, the fabulous Tetairoa McMillan (photo courtesy AZ Central)
Cleveland Browns – Tetairoa McMillan, Wide Receiver, University of Arizona: With Jameis Winston revitalizing the Browns’ offense, adding a top-tier receiver like McMillan could offer the team a significant boost. His ability to dominate in multiple game phases makes him an enticing pick.
New York Giants – Malaki Starks, Safety, University of Georgia: Rather than reaching for a quarterback, the Giants could strengthen their already formidable defense by adding Starks, whose versatility and tackling prowess would complement their current setup.
Miami Dolphins – Will Campbell, Offensive Tackle, LSU: As the Dolphins look to adapt its strategy under Mike McDaniel, bringing in a versatile offensive tackle like Campbell could provide the flexibility and strength needed to protect Tua Tagovailoa and pave the way for a more dynamic offense.
Exploring the Odds and Fan Perspectives: As fans and analysts speculate on these top draft picks, odds by FanDuel provide a quantitative look into the expected outcomes. For those eager to dive deeper, our dedicated podcast features detailed discussions on each prospect. Here, experts break down each player’s skills and potential fit in the draft context, offering listeners insider perspectives and betting angles. This multi-platform approach ensures fans read about possible futures and are part of the conversation.
Conclusion: With the 2025 NFL Draft horizon, teams are already strategizing their picks to best address their needs and ambitions.
While plenty can change between now and April, these early projections offer a glimpse into the potential future of these franchises, promising a mix of young talent ready to make an impact in the NFL.
