All 32 franchises are continuing the prospect evaluation process with the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon (April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin). As it stands, each team possesses a first-round selection, and the only thing set in stone -- again, right now -- is that the Tennessee Titans are in position to select the player of their choosing with the No. 1 overall pick.
With so many different scenarios potentially playing out on that Thursday night, we asked the question:
What is one piece of advice you would give a team drafting in Round 1?
Tennessee GM Mike Borgonzi continues to play coy with the team's plan for the No. 1 overall pick, but all signs point to the Titans sticking and picking Miami QB Cam Ward. Operating under that assumption, it feels like this draft's drama begins with Cleveland. What will the Browns do at No. 2? The franchise's eternal quest for a quarterback throws Shedeur Sanders into the conversation, while Travis Hunter offers Shohei Ohtani-style intrigue as a two-way star. But I implore Cleveland to pass on both Colorado products in favor of Penn State edge monster Abdul Carter.
Yes, Cleveland just locked up Myles Garrett through 2030. Now give Superman a sidekick! The Browns aren't a Shedeur Sanders or Travis Hunter away from competing for AFC supremacy, but they could be an Abdul Carter away from ultimately boasting the NFL's best edge-rushing duo. That's an enticing calling card for an organization that's largely lacked an identity since its reactivation in 1999.
This is a deep defensive line class, so teams shouldn't hesitate to select multiple defensive linemen within the first 100 picks. While drafting for need is understandable, remember that impactful defensive players can be found on the edge and inside on Thursday and Friday. These players will provide more value than reaching for an average cornerback or guard a round earlier than their grade.
There will be six teams drafting within the top 10 picks that need a long-term answer at quarterback (Tennessee, Cleveland, New York Giants, Las Vegas, New York Jets and New Orleans). All those teams should understand that it's rare to find saviors at that position today. The smart teams try to build great rosters and then add quarterbacks who can provide reliable skill sets. The Eagles won a Super Bowl last year and nearly won another in 2022 by applying that approach to Jalen Hurts. The 49ers won the NFC in 2023 with the unheralded Brock Purdy leading their offense. The Vikings also won 14 games last season when they surrounded Sam Darnold -- a bust as the No. 3 overall pick of the Jets in 2018 -- with a great supporting cast. There will be a lot of talk about the potential of young prospects like Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart as this draft nears. The teams that are thinking about taking them should be putting just as much thought into how much help those players will ultimately need.
In a draft that does not feature as much high-end talent as we’re used to seeing, this is not the year to talk yourself out of picking a potentially special player. That means some general managers will have made a mistake if Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is allowed to slide out of the top 10. Some will argue it’s a deep RB class and the value will be there if teams wait to address the position. To me, sacrificing great for good is not a winning strategy.
NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein rates Jeanty the No. 1 prospect in the draft and compared him to Pro Football Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson. Daniel Jeremiah ranks Jeanty the third-best prospect available this year. So, if teams really are committed to drafting the best player available, then Jeanty has to be a consideration starting very early on. You could make a case he shouldn’t go later than fifth overall, when the Jaguars are due to be on the clock. I know they have a former first-round pick in Travis Etienne, a solid backup in Tank Bigsby and more pressing needs to address, but Jacksonville has ranked 26th (2024) and 24th (2023) in rushing offense over the last two seasons.
Don’t make the mistake of disrespecting Jeanty!
Unlike past years, this doesn't feel like the draft where teams need to move up for a specific player. There is enough depth at key positions -- including defensive line and running back -- to bring value up and down the board, so the best advice I can offer heading into Round 1 (and, indeed, the draft overall) is for teams to stick and pick.
The Tennessee Titans shouldn't overthink what to do with the No. 1 overall pick. General manager Mike Borgonzi recently said "everything is still on the table" when it comes to the most coveted slot in the draft, and although they might be tempted to take the best player in the draft in Abdul Carter or the historically unique Travis Hunter, or even to trade out of the top pick, there is one obvious option: Drafting Cam Ward. The Miami quarterback has the potential to totally transform a franchise in the same way Jayden Daniels did in Washington last year and C.J. Stroud did in Houston two seasons ago.
Expand your horizons when evaluating your top prospects. Don’t assume a prospect is limited to the role he played in college. Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka played in the slot because of the presence of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jeremiah Smith, but he can be effective outside. Walter Nolen lined up primarily between the guards at Ole Miss but flashed when heads-up against offensive tackles. Jihaad Campbell led the Tide from the defensive interior but could offer a lot more as a pass rusher. Arizona tackle Jonah Savaiinaea will thrive moving inside in the NFL because of his power and mobility.
