There are simply 4 weeks left within the 2024 NFL regular season, and whereas some groups are excited about making the playoffs, others are looking forward to the 2025 NFL draft.
The ESPN Football Power Index (FPI) initiatives the Giants and Patriots to choose 1-2 in April. The Panthers, Raiders and Jaguars are anticipated to spherical out the highest 5. And regardless of excessive hopes earlier than the season, the Jets, Cowboys and 49ers may all be choosing within the prime 15 in 2025.
We requested our NFL Nation reporters for early perception into every workforce’s draft plans, highlighting the largest factor to know proper now. What positions may every workforce goal in Round 1? Who shall be out there for a quarterback on the draft? Which franchises are loaded with picks and will enhance shortly? There continues to be plenty of time between now and when Round 1 begins on April 24, however let’s begin the draft dialog with the AFC East.
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ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
AFC EAST
Projected first-round decide: No. 30
A big offseason awaits the Bills in 2025 with room to work in free company and the draft. The workforce could have important assets early within the draft — one thing that hasn’t been typical for the Bills these days — with an extra second-round pick from the Stefon Diggs commerce (decide initially belonged to the Vikings). This can also be a workforce that may have some selections to make at key positions within the offseason, as large receiver Amari Cooper and cornerback Rasul Douglas are set to turn out to be free brokers. But the Bills could have extra flexibility than in recent times. — Alaina Getzenberg
Projected first-round decide: No. 13
The Dolphins have a comparatively full allotment of draft picks for the second straight yr after solely eight in 2022 and 2023. With an costly veteran roster, normal supervisor Chris Grier — or whoever is making the picks in April — should discover expertise that is able to contribute immediately. Miami’s offensive line will doubtless want two new starters, and it may goal off-ball linebackers, safeties and defensive tackles. Obviously, a backup quarterback have to be addressed this offseason, however the workforce is healthier off including a veteran for that position. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Projected first-round decide: No. 2
The Patriots’ prime wants are offensive line, receiver, defensive deal with and cross rusher. With excessive picks within the first 4 rounds, together with a third-round decide from the Matthew Judon trade with the Falcons, there’s prime alternative to fill them. Left deal with, particularly, is a gaping gap, and New England is thirty second in cross block win price for the second yr in a row. Offensive deal with Caedan Wallace, whom they took within the third spherical this yr, struggled early within the season and has been on the IR since Week 4 with an ankle harm. — Mike Reiss
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Projected first-round decide: No. 8
The Jets could have a brand new normal supervisor, a brand new coach and a brand new drafting philosophy in 2025. Assuming they half methods with Aaron Rodgers, the massive storyline would be the quarterback place. Do they begin one other rebuild with a excessive draft decide, or do they fight to sort things on the fly with a bridge quarterback? If the brand new regime opts for a teardown, it may look to build up draft belongings by buying and selling one of many workforce’s younger stars earlier than handing him a second contract. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson, cornerback Sauce Gardner and operating again Breece Hall shall be eligible for brand spanking new offers. — Rich Cimini
AFC NORTH
Projected first-round decide: No. 26
The Ravens’ greatest want is free security after benching Marcus Williams and slicing Eddie Jackson, they usually have an impeccable observe file in terms of drafting that place. They have drafted safeties twice within the first spherical of their historical past, and each have turn out to be All-Pro defenders (Ed Reed and Kyle Hamilton). Baltimore can fill a giant void by taking a security early as a result of it has struggled to cease downfield throws. The Ravens have allowed 50 completions of 20 yards or extra, which is the second most within the NFL. — Jamison Hensley
Projected first-round decide: No. 12
Cincinnati’s WR2 spot would be the place to watch in subsequent yr’s draft. The Bengals doubtless shall be drafting within the prime half of Round 1, which implies they may have a fantastic alternative to land one of many prime obtainable receivers. Drafting a wideout would assist offset the potential lack of Tee Higgins in free agency and soften the blow of a possible Ja’Marr Chase contract extension that might be the costliest of its sort in league historical past. — Ben Baby
Projected first-round decide: No. 7
The Browns could have a first-round decide for the primary time since 2021 and it’s doubtless going to be a top-10 choice. Deshaun Watson‘s struggles since coming to Cleveland, plus his newest season-ending injury, put the quarterback place again within the highlight. But the workforce may even want to make use of its picks to replenish an getting older roster, significantly within the trenches, that has regressed from its 11 wins in 2023. — Daniel Oyefusi
Projected first-round decide: No. 25
With a projected eight picks in 2025, the Steelers have the capital to be aggressive if normal supervisor Omar Khan decides to go that route. After a debut draft in 2023 that noticed him wheeling and dealing, he stayed pat in 2024. With neither Justin Fields nor Russell Wilson beneath contract past this season, the Steelers as soon as once more face a quarterback quandary in a category that is not thought-about to be deep. And after already notching a 10-win season, they will doubtless have the most recent first-round choice of Khan’s tenure. — Brooke Pryor
AFC SOUTH
Projected first-round decide: No. 24
The Texans made splashy strikes by including ability gamers within the earlier offseason, however this time round, the main target have to be on the inside offensive line. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has been beneath fixed duress as the mixture of heart Juice Scruggs, left guard Kenyon Green and proper guard Shaq Mason has allowed 22 sacks. On protection, they should discover long-term solutions at defensive deal with and security as each spots are crammed by gamers on one-year contracts. — DJ Bien-Aime
Projected first-round decide: No. 14
The Colts are shortly getting older on protection, with inside linemen DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart turning 31 and 32, respectively, by Week 1 in 2025. They even have key free brokers in edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo and outdoors linebacker E.J. Speed. Now might be the time to get forward of issues and tackle a few of these positions earlier than their wants turn out to be much more urgent. — Stephen Holder
Projected first-round decide: No. 13
With the Jaguars’ protection among the many league’s worst — it is permitting 6.0 yards per play, which ranks final — that facet of the ball must be the highest precedence within the offseason. Jacksonville wants one other exterior cornerback to enhance Tyson Campbell, a security to switch Andre Cisco and extra depth alongside the inside of the line of defense. Two rookie defensive tackles (Maason Smith and Jordan Jefferson) have proven promise, however the inside wants a serious improve. — Michael DiRocco
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Projected first-round decide: No. 6
The Titans have an assortment of roster wants that stretch far past the quarterback. If they do land a excessive draft decide, including one of many prime quarterbacks would assist, however that alone will not flip them right into a aggressive workforce. Trading down is one thing the Titans may think about as a result of it could assist them add extra draft picks and stockpile extra younger expertise to construct round. — Turron Davenport
AFC WEST
Projected first-round decide: No. 20
The Broncos aren’t out of the lifeless cash wilderness but — they have already got $33.5 million of lifeless cash on the wage cap books for 2025, largely due to Russell Wilson‘s release — however they need to have sufficient cap area to take part in free company. Their greatest choice shall be about maintaining left deal with Garett Bolles, who’s on the finish of his four-year extension. The Broncos do not have a succession plan in place for him. They even have wants at tight finish, defensive deal with and probably at large receiver if Courtland Sutton is not a part of the long-term plan. — Jeff Legwold
Projected first-round decide: No. 31
Even after drafting a deal with in every of the previous two drafts, the Chiefs may must strive once more given the struggles of Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris. Guard might be a necessity relying on whether or not they re-sign Trey Smith and/or determine Joe Thuney is simply too costly. They will not go for a operating again in an early spherical, however they will want one with Isiah Pacheco heading into the ultimate yr of his contract and Kareem Hunt and Samaje Perine being stopgap acquisitions. — Adam Teicher
Projected first-round decide: No. 4
Injured quarterbacks Gardner Minshew (collarbone) and Aidan O’Connell (knee) have not supplied a solution, long run or in any other case, on the place. With Las Vegas on observe for a top-five decide, the good cash would seemingly be on drafting Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders or Miami’s Cam Ward. Sanders already has an in with Las Vegas given his relationship with new Raiders minority proprietor Tom Brady, and proprietor Mark Davis stated he hoped Brady would assist “choose a quarterback sooner or later and probably prepare him as effectively.”
The Raiders have drafted a quarterback within the first spherical solely thrice because the 1970 AFL-NFL merger with minimal to horrible outcomes — Marc Wilson (1980), Todd Marinovich (1991) and JaMarcus Russell (2007). — Paul Gutierrez
Projected first-round decide: No. 23
Regardless of who stays or goes throughout free company, the Chargers have ample wants on offense. With how a lot coach Jim Harbaugh preaches operating the ball, the inside offensive line may use an improve. Center Bradley Bozeman, in addition to guards Trey Pipkins III and Zion Johnson, all rank close to the underside of the NFL in run block win price. — Kris Rhim
NFC EAST
Projected first-round decide: No. 11
The Cowboys’ greatest wants are on the defensive and offensive strains. With pending free brokers and potential retirements, they must discover solutions within the draft since their strategy to spending even medium-sized cash is proscribed in free company. Running again is a necessity, however will they take one within the first spherical (Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty?) like they did in 2016 with Ezekiel Elliott? Add security, cornerback, large receiver and linebacker to the record, as effectively. — Todd Archer
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Projected first-round decide: No. 1
It’s all concerning the quarterback place for the Giants this offseason, particularly within the draft. They already flirted with taking a quarterback within the 2024 draft and lower Daniel Jones several weeks in the past. It’s not an accident that normal supervisor Joe Schoen and his prime lieutenants have made a number of journeys to examine on Shedeur Sanders at Colorado and have already had a number of appears at Miami quarterback Cam Ward. — Jordan Raanan
Projected first-round decide: No. 29
The Eagles might want to bulk up the sting rush place this offseason. Brandon Graham is considering retirement, Josh Sweat is ready to be an unrestricted free agent and Bryce Huff was underperforming in his first season with the workforce earlier than a wrist injury put him on injured reserve. Nolan Smith Jr. and rookie Jalyx Hunt are exhibiting promise, however Philadelphia must proceed to spend money on the place. — Tim McManus
Projected first-round decide: No. 21
With seven picks, the Commanders can proceed constructing the roster with younger expertise; this yr’s class yielded 4 gamers who’re constant starters. That is important, contemplating they haven’t any first-round picks from 2019 to 2023 left on the roster. Washington will need assistance at a number of affect spots, together with receiver, line of defense — finish particularly — and offensive deal with. Cornerback is one other space, however trading for Marshon Lattimore lessened the necessity to draft one early. — John Keim
NFC NORTH
Projected first-round decide: No. 9
The Bears are in line for a top-10 decide for a 3rd straight yr. This is not the place Chicago was anticipating to draft after beginning the season 4-2, however seven straight losses shine a lightweight on the Bears’ points up entrance — they personal the worst quarterback sack proportion (10.6%). Outside of proper deal with Darnell Wright, a top-10 decide in 2023, the Bears haven’t invested long run in gamers alongside the offensive line. Center Coleman Shelton and proper guard Matt Pryor are doubtless changed this offseason, whereas left deal with Braxton Jones‘ and left guard Teven Jenkins‘ futures in Chicago cling within the steadiness. — Courtney Cronin
Projected first-round decide: No. 32
From prime to backside, there usually are not many obtrusive holes inside this Lions roster; they at the moment have a top-five protection and a top-five offense to go together with the best start in workforce historical past. However, Detroit may proceed so as to add on protection with an edge rusher and a linebacker. General supervisor Brad Holmes has hardly ever missed on his prime picks since taking up in 2021 and is usually described as a “draft junkie” by these near him. His résumé in Detroit already contains All-Pro deal with Penei Sewell and large receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. — Eric Woodyard
Projected first-round decide: No. 27
The Packers have two first-round picks of their cornerback room (Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes) and two at defensive finish (Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness), but these are their two greatest wants this offseason. Neither Gary nor Van Ness has been something near a dominant cross rusher, and there is a big void there after Preston Smith was traded in early November. It has been one other injury-filled season for Alexander, and Stokes stays a backup with out a single cross breakup in 1,001 defensive snaps because the begin of the 2022 season. — Rob Demovsky
Projected first-round decide: No. 28
The Vikings have solely three picks within the 2025 draft — one within the first spherical and two within the fifth spherical — because of a sequence of trades that included a dramatic move to draft linebacker Dallas Turner at No. 17 general. They may add a compensatory decide, however general, their footprint on this draft shall be smaller than that of some other workforce within the NFL. They’ll as soon as once more must lean on free company for roster upkeep and upgrades. — Kevin Seifert
NFC SOUTH
Projected first-round decide: No. 17
The Falcons rank final within the league in sacks (19), second to final in quarterback stress proportion (27.3%) and worst in quarterback completion proportion allowed (72%). The workforce desperately wants defenders who can get to the quarterback — it has been seven years since Atlanta had a double-digit sack chief (Vic Beasley). The Falcons are sixth worst in run cease win price (28%), as effectively, so their work up entrance must be addressed quickly. — Marc Raimondi
Projected first-round decide: No. 3
The Panthers doubtless will not draft a quarterback. Bryce Young, the highest decide of the 2023 draft, has performed effectively sufficient these days to get a shot at competing for the job. Veteran Andy Dalton needs to return, and he has been mentor for Young. Carolina may decide to signal one other veteran over Dalton, however both manner it has extra urgent wants — line of defense particularly — than to make use of a first-rounder on one other QB. — David Newton
Projected first-round decide: No. 10
The Saints have a big quantity of cap area tied up in older or injured gamers (Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis, Derek Carr, Taysom Hill), they usually might be $65 million over the wage cap subsequent season. While the Saints have made free agent additions resembling Chase Young work regardless of restricted room, they may rely closely on future draft picks to save cash. They have a number of wants, together with at defensive finish, linebacker, large receiver and offensive line. — Katherine Terrell
Projected first-round decide: No. 21
It has been robust to do a full analysis of the Buccaneers as a result of they’ve had so many accidents on protection. But their exterior linebackers nonetheless do not get dwelling with sacks, and the center of the sphere is weak within the passing sport. Inside linebacker SirVocea Dennis ought to return from shoulder surgical procedure by subsequent season, but it surely’s nonetheless a necessity. The Bucs may additionally use extra choices at cornerback and security. — Jenna Laine
NFC WEST
Projected first-round decide: No. 16
Arizona’s 2025 draft doubtless shall be extra targeted on wants than the previous two, because the workforce shall be in its third draft of a rebuild beneath normal supervisor Monti Ossenfort and coach Jonathan Gannon. With 5 picks, the Cardinals are nonetheless trying to find assist at exterior linebacker and will goal one in Round 1. A top-tier nook is also on Arizona’s radar, together with an inside offensive lineman. — Josh Weinfuss
Projected first-round decide: No. 18
The Rams might be out there for an offensive deal with, as proper deal with Rob Havenstein has one yr left on his contract (with no assured cash) and left deal with Alaric Jackson is on an expiring deal. If Los Angeles does draft an offensive lineman within the first spherical, it will likely be the primary time it has performed so since taking Greg Robinson with the No. 2 decide in 2014. That quantity is skewed a bit because the Rams have made just one decide within the first spherical since 2016, however they nonetheless have drafted only one offensive lineman (Steve Avila at No. 36 in 2023) of their first 100 picks since 2019. — Sarah Barshop
Projected first-round decide: No. 15
The 49ers have been the bullies of the NFC, however that popularity has taken a success this season as they have been usually overwhelmed up alongside each strains. They want a run-stuffing defensive deal with, in addition to further cross rushers to enhance Nick Bosa. San Francisco has been hesitant to spend early picks on the offensive line, but it surely wants upgrades in a number of spots, particularly at heart. It may additionally goal a deal with who may instantly compete on the proper facet and maybe be a long-term reply on the left. — Nick Wagoner
Projected first-round decide: No. 19
The offensive line will doubtless be a spotlight. That unit had its greatest sport of the season in Seattle’s win over Arizona on Sunday, but it surely’s nonetheless a serious query — significantly with the three inside spots. Left guard Laken Tomlinson shall be a 33-year-old free agent, heart Olu Oluwatimi is beginning solely as a result of Connor Williams abruptly retired midseason, and rookie Sataoa Laumea is the third participant Seattle has used at proper guard this season. General supervisor John Schneider refuses to overpay for offensive linemen in free company, which implies his solely likelihood at touchdown difference-makers is drafting them. — Brady Henderson
