The 2025 NFL Draft is officially upon us, kicking off the next chapter for dozens of college football stars and laying the groundwork for the leagueโs next era of excellence. With the first round beginning Thursday, April 24, from Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, all 32 NFL franchises are on the clock โ and fans around the world are watching closely.
This yearโs draft is rich with elite quarterback talent, explosive skill players, and game-changing defenders. Whether you’re tracking your teamโs rebuild or tuning in for fantasy football insights, hereโs your ultimate guide to the 2025 NFL Draft.
When & Where Is the 2025 NFL Draft?
| Round | Date | Time (ET) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | Thursday, April 24 | 8:00 PM | Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI |
| Rounds 2-3 | Friday, April 25 | 7:00 PM | Same |
| Rounds 4-7 | Saturday, April 26 | 12:00 PM | Same |
How to Watch the NFL Draft (TV & Streaming)
| Platform | Rounds Covered | How to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| TV Channels | All | ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, NFL Network, ESPN Deportes |
| Streaming | All | Fubo (free trial), ESPN+, NFL+, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV |
UK Viewers: Coverage starts on Sky Sports (Main Event, Action, Mix) from 1:00 AM BST, with additional coverage on April 26 from 5:00 PM BST.
For a fan-friendly experience, Yahoo Sports also offers a live draft show featuring top analysts and instant pick-by-pick reactions.
How the NFL Draft Works
The NFL Draft is structured to promote competitive balance across the league. Each of the 32 teams is allotted one pick per round, across a total of seven rounds. The draft order is determined by the previous seasonโs standings, with the team holding the worst record selecting first in each round.
Round 1 is particularly strategic, as teams have a 10-minute window to make their selection. Throughout the draft, franchises can negotiate tradesโmoving up or down the orderโto secure specific players or accumulate more draft capital. These dynamics make the draft one of the most tactical events in the NFL calendar.
- Each of the 32 teams receives one pick per round (seven rounds total).
- Picks are assigned based on last seasonโs standings (worst team picks first).
- Round 1 features a 10-minute limit per pick.
- Teams may trade picks at any time, often to target specific players or acquire more selections.
Top 10 Picks: Team Needs & Player Predictions
The top 10 picks of the 2025 NFL Draft are set to shape the future of several franchises. Each team enters the first round with specific needs, and this year’s class offers a mix of elite quarterbacks, defensive standouts, and versatile playmakers. Here’s a closer look at the projected picks, team priorities, and why these selections matter.
| Pick | Team | Team Needs | Predicted Pick | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tennessee Titans | QB, OL, WR | Cam Ward (QB, Miami) | The Titans desperately need a franchise QB. Wardโs 39 TDs and poise make him ideal. |
| 2 | Cleveland Browns | Edge, OL, DB | Abdul Carter (Edge, PSU) | Elite pass rusher; dominant at the line, fills Myles Garrettโs long-term shoes. |
| 3 | New York Giants | QB, WR | Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado) | Giants start fresh at QB with Sanders, the son of Deion โPrime Timeโ Sanders. |
| 4 | New England Patriots | QB, WR, OL | Jaxson Dart (QB, Ole Miss) | Patriots get aggressive and reach slightly for a dynamic but raw playmaker. |
| 5 | Jacksonville Jaguars | CB, WR, OL | Travis Hunter (CB/WR, Colorado) | A generational two-way talent with explosive athleticism. |
| 6 | Las Vegas Raiders | QB, OL, DT | Will Johnson (CB, Michigan) | A top shutdown corner to stabilize a porous defense. |
| 7 | New York Jets | OL, WR, TE | Will Campbell (OT, LSU) | Gives Rodgers (or his successor) the protection they sorely lacked in 2024. |
| 8 | Carolina Panthers | WR, Edge, DB | Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR) | Big, fast, and NFL-ready. Instantly boosts Bryce Youngโs development. |
| 9 | New Orleans Saints | DL, QB, LB | Mason Graham (DT, Michigan) | Strong interior defender, helps control the line of scrimmage. |
| 10 | Chicago Bears | WR, LB, OL | Jalon Walker (LB, Georgia) | Athletic linebacker to lead the Bearsโ young defense. |
Insight: This top 10 could shift quickly if teams like the Falcons, Commanders, or Vikings trade up for a quarterback. The Titans and Giants are firmly in rebuild mode, while others are one superstar away from contention.
Top Players to Watch
This yearโs NFL Draft class features a standout mix of elite quarterbacks, dynamic playmakers, and dominant defenders. From Heisman winners to record-setting passers, these top prospects are expected to make an immediate impact in the league. Here’s a look at the names every fan should have on their radar.
Cam Ward (QB, Miami)
- Most touchdown passes in 2024 NCAA (39)
- 4,313 passing yards
- Dual-threat with elite decision-making
Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)
- Smart, accurate, battle-tested
- Coached by his father, Deion Sanders
- Likely top-5 pick with high ceiling
Travis Hunter (CB/WR, Colorado)
- Played both ways at an elite level
- Heisman Trophy winner
- Compares to Deion himself โ high praise
Abdul Carter (Edge, Penn State)
- Dominant pass rusher
- Instant impact starter
- Strongest defensive prospect of the class
Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State)
- Most dynamic RB in the class
- Elusive and powerful with big-play speed
Draft Night Viewing Tips
- Start Watching by 8:00 PM ET โ the first pick often drops by 8:18 PM.
- Have a draft tracker or fantasy notepad ready.
- Track trades, especially if QBs fall out of the top 5.
Use Fubo free trial or NFL+ for mobile streaming without cable.
2025 NFL Draft โ First Round Order
2025 NFL Draft ๐ (1/3) #nfl pic.twitter.com/r3X340r2vK
โ CornDoggyLOL (@CornDoggyLOL) April 22, 2025
| Pick | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Tennessee Titans |
| 2 | Cleveland Browns |
| 3 | New York Giants |
| 4 | New England Patriots |
| 5 | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| 6 | Las Vegas Raiders |
| 7 | New York Jets |
| 8 | Carolina Panthers |
| 9 | New Orleans Saints |
| 10 | Chicago Bears |
| 11 | San Francisco 49ers |
| 12 | Dallas Cowboys |
| 13 | Miami Dolphins |
| 14 | Indianapolis Colts |
| 15 | Atlanta Falcons |
| 16 | Arizona Cardinals |
| 17 | Cincinnati Bengals |
| 18 | Seattle Seahawks |
| 19 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 20 | Denver Broncos |
| 21 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 22 | Los Angeles Chargers |
| 23 | Green Bay Packers |
| 24 | Minnesota Vikings |
| 25 | Houston Texans |
| 26 | Los Angeles Rams |
| 27 | Baltimore Ravens |
| 28 | Detroit Lions |
| 29 | Washington Commanders |
| 30 | Buffalo Bills |
| 31 | Kansas City Chiefs |
| 32 | Philadelphia Eagles |
๐ Note: Picks are subject to last-minute trades.
