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It all comes down to this.
The 2025 NFL draft is set to begin Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, live from Lambeau Field in Green Bay. And while there doesn't seem to be much drama surrounding who's getting the first bro-hug from Commissioner Roger Goodell, everything after that could get interesting. A surprising lack of first-round trades in the pre-draft lead-up doesn't mean the phone lines won't start burning up as teams get nervous about their favorite prospects coming off the board or simply sense the opportunity to collect extra picks.
Analysts, talking heads, and mock drafters have been pontificating for months, playing matchmaker between teams and talents, but as front office types prepare to actually turn in a draft card, history has shown that anything can happen.
Here's a look at the current order of first-round picks and the latest rumblings about what each team is hoping to do once they're on the clock.
The proceedings will be carried live on ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network, as well as those outlets' various apps.
The Cowboys are currently slated to make the 12th overall pick. Last year, Denver took Bo Nix with that selection; the card was read at approximately 9:33 p.m.
The Titans are all but guaranteed to make Miami quarterback Cam Ward this year's No. 1 overall pick, even though many draftniks don't even have Ward ranked as one of their top 10 prospects. But he's a good athlete, he has a big arm, he's been a winner in college... and the team seems to have lost faith in 2023 draft pick Will Levis living up to expectations. Other clubs have called about moving into the top spot; Tennessee has refused.
The Browns are still reeling from the decision to bring Deshaun Watson to town. After giving up three straight Day 1 picks to get him, Cleveland is back in the first round for the first time since 2021. They reportedly asked about trading up to No. 1, signalling that they also want a quarterback in this draft (maybe Ward). But with Tennessee staying put, the Browns could be looking instead at Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter or Colorado's two-way star, Travis Hunter. Look for them to use a Day 2 pick on a passer... or perhaps try to trade up into the bottom of the first round to get one.
The Giants held a private workout for Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders last week, but there are conflicting opinions about how telling that is. They did the same for five different quarterbacks last year yet took wide receiver Malik Nabers when the time came. This year, however, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, "No team has done more work on one player than the Giants have done on Sanders." However, if Abdul Carter is sitting there for the taking, it would be hard (and maybe even crazy) to bypass him.
Most experts feel Carter will be gone within the first three selections Thursday night. If he's still there at Pick No. 4, the Patriots would likely pounce. But one rumor has the Eagles trading all the way up from 32 to get him here, with Philadelphia sending wide receiver A.J. Brown to New England for a reunion with head coach Mike Vrabel. Schefter says that's not happening. The Pats do need an edge rusher and a receiver, but they also could use a left tackle... like LSU's Will Campbell. (Some even project Campbell to move to guard and liken him to Zack Martin.) It's also worth noting that Vrabel remembers leaning on Derrick Henry for years in Tennessee; might he look at Boise State Ashton Jeanty as a similar bell-cow option in New England?
This pick is a total wild card. The Jaguars and new head coach Liam Coen need defense. They added longtime Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis, but they could use more disruptors on that side of the ball. They apparently love Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham here, or they could very well try to trade out of the No. 5 pick to get more draft capital. Schefter points out that Coen loves offensive firepower, so Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan has to be considered a possibility here, too. ESPN's Peter Schrager thinks it may be Jeanty.
The Raiders have a new head coach (Pete Carroll), a new general manager (John Spytek), and a new minority owner with a wealth of championship experience (Tom Brady), so what they do with the No. 6 pick may be anyone's guess. There's a strong desire to rebuild a running attack, though, so they might be looking at an offensive lineman, possibly Missouri's Armand Membou, or Jeanty with this pick. Albret Breer notes that Spytek has a history of using first-round picks on line-of-scrimmage players.
Aaron Rodgers is not a part of the Jets' plans moving forward. The team signed Justin Fields in the offseason, but if a quarterback like Sanders or Jaxson Dart is available at Pick No. 7, there could be a camp battle brewing. Other popular- and perhaps more likely- picks for Gang Green include Penn State tight end Tyler Warren (who's getting a lot of love in this spot), Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron, Georgia edge rusher Jalon Walker, or Membou. This pick could be one that has ripple effects for the rest of the first round, especially if the Jets get an offer to trade back from a club that desperately wants to grab Sanders or Jeanty.
The Panthers may find themselves popular phone-a-friends on Thursday night, especially if a team wants to jump in front of the Saints to draft their quarterback of choice. But they could also trade up, possibly as high as No. 3 to get Abdul Carter. Defense does seem to be the priority in the first round; Georgia edge-rushers Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker have been mocked to Carolina recently. And don't rule out a top-flight wide receiver target for QB Bryce Young if the opportunity presents itself.
Will Kellen Moore use his first draft pick as a head coach on a quarterback? Derek Carr has a lingering shoulder injury, but the Saints also have serious needs up and down the roster. They may be more likely to address offensive or defensive line with the No. 9 selection- like Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart or Georgia's Mykel Williams- and come back for a passer on Friday. (They do have two second-round picks to work with, and Schefter reports that New Orleans has already made exploratory calls about moving up in Round 2.) But as with several teams, if Shedeur Sanders is available for the Saints- even in a first-round trade-up- that could change everything.
The Bears have been mentioned frequently as a real possibility to win the Ashton Jeanty sweepstakes. New head coach Ben Johnson would love to roll out a Jeanty/D'Andre Swift RB combo the way he did in Detroit with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Some feel they might even trade up to get him. Membou, Campbell, and even Warren are other options worth watching. And if Sanders is still on the board after the Saints use their pick, Chicago could get flooded with calls from teams looking to swoop in to take the No. 10 selection.
Already sitting on 11 total draft picks this year, the 49ers are primed to give up their first trip to the plate in order to get more swings later, according to Schefter. They need help in the trenches on both sides of the ball. If the aforementioned Williams or Stewart is available, maybe they keep the pick, but if there's a team eager to get in front of Dallas, San Francisco seems open to offers. One rumor says to be on the lookout, though, for Mississippi defensive tackle Walter Nolen. He'd be a slight reach with Pick No. 11, but new defensive coordinator Robert Saleh may not care as he looks to rebuild that unit.
For a while, it seemed like Ashton Jeanty. Then it was Tetairoa McMillan. Maybe even Michigan cornerback Will Johnson. Each would seem to be the leading choice at his position for the Cowboys; each would fill a real need. But what if they're all gone by the time Dallas is on the clock? The Joneses have never been afraid to slide back and take the extra draft capital, and Seattle and Denver have both been mentioned as possible trade partners. It may be the move this year, especially if the Cowboys think they can still end up with Omarion Hampton, Matthew Golden or Jahdae Barron a little later. Jane Slater says he's hearing a lot of buzz on Golden, Tennessee edge rusher James Pierce, Jr., and Mississippi D-tackle Nolen. Schrager threw a hand grenade into the room Wednesday by saying his sources suggest Alabama guard Tyler Booker could be the pick. But if he is somehow still available, Will Campbell wouldn't be a shock.
Miami needs to address plenty of roster holes with their 10 picks. But like many teams, they could opt to trade down for even more selections. They may stay put, though, and look to Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks, Jr. with the No. 13 pick, according to both Schefter and fellow draft guru Todd McShay. Defensive line is also possible; Oregon's Derrick Harmon or Michigan's Kenneth Grant could be a fit.
Colts GM Chris Ballard wanted to be aggressive in the offseason, and he was. That mindset could continue with a draft-day trade for a veteran tight end like Dallas Goedert or Mark Andrews. It's a priority need for Indianapolis, though, so they could opt to go younger and use the No. 14 selection here to grab Penn State's Tyler Warren or Michigan's Colston Loveland. The Colts have just seven picks all weekend, so they need to make each one count. They also have concerns at linebacker and offensive line.
The Falcons say they're not trading Kirk Cousins, but Schefter reports they've had private discussions with teams to do just that. (They just signed Easton Stick to also sit behind Michael Penix, Jr., so they definitely have more QBs than they need.) Any team that doesn't get their quarterback prospect in the draft will have to at least consider calling Atlanta about Cousins. (Insider Jordan Schultz says Falcons owner Arthur Blank is prepared to simply let Cousins sit on the bench for a year and then cut him.) Maybe that impacts their draft strategy, maybe not. The Falcons badly need a pass rusher (Marshall's Mike Green has been a popular name in mocks), but with just five overall picks, they're also a prime candidate to trade back and get more.
The Cardinals need offensive line help and are said to be interested in Kelvin Banks, Jr. if the Dolphins don't take him three spots earlier. Or maybe one of Ohio State's O-linemen, Josh Simmons or Donovan Jackson. Defensive line is also an area of opportunity, with Michigan interior star Kenneth Grant standing out to some observers. Breer suggests Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell or Georgia's Williams. Arizona GM Monti Ossenfort is rumored to be also looking for ways to package up some mid-round picks and trade his way up into an additional first-round selection.
The Bengals likely feel pretty confident in their offense, but new defensive coordinator Al Golden could definitely use some pieces to work with on his side of the ball. Nearly any of the defensive players mentioned up to now would be welcomed if they fell this far. Two more names to watch? Oregon D-tackle Derrick Harmon, who could be sliding due to "medical concerns," according to former Cowboys scout Bryan Broaddus of 105.3 The Fan, and South Carolina's Nick Emmanwori, whose perfect RAS score makes him the top-ranked safety since that testing began in 1987. Cincinnati hasn't traded their first-round pick in seven years, so seeing them move out of this spot would be a surprise.
The Seahawks have made moves at quarterback- trading away Geno Smith and adding both Sam Darnold and Drew Lock to a room that already includes Sam Howell- and they may not be done. Schefter believes Seattle could look to trade Howell and add a rookie passer in this draft, though it may not be with this Thursday night pick. The team has needs on defense and at wide receiver, but remember the name Grey Zabel. The North Dakota State offensive lineman's stock is rising on draft boards, and he's suddenly projected to go in this middle part of the first round.
Like several teams in this part of the first round, Tampa Bay is likely shopping for defensive help, though Schefter feels the Bucs could also be a trade-back candidate, given that they currently have just six picks over the entire weekend. (They've traded down in the first round three times in the past 10 drafts.) An edge rusher or cornerback would be particularly beneficial if they turn in a card with Pick No. 19. Schrager leans toward a raw wide receiver here- maybe Tetairoa McMillan- to give him a chance to learn from veterans Mike Evans and Chris Godwin as a rookie.
Denver is one of the few teams known to be actively looking to trade up in the first round, possibly looking for offensive weapons to put around Bo Nix. Running back is a need and the heavy betting favorite; if the team can move high enough, they may be eyeing Ashton Jeanty. If they stay with the No. 20 selection, North Carolina's Omarion Hampton or Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson could be there waiting. But Denver also needs help at wide receiver (maybe Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka?) and tight end.
The Steelers are a major player in the Shedeur Sanders wheel of fortune if he drops this far, but they're also said to have done a lot of work on Jaxson Dart. Of course, their flirtation with Aaron Rodgers and possible interest in Kirk Cousins could be the primary determining factors in what they actually do here. Schefter notes, "If they pass on a quarterback, they very well might not have another chance to get one until Round 3." That said, Pittsburgh could very well trade back instead and go a different direction entirely, like defensive tackle. Also worth watching: the team is reportedly talking to teams about trading wide receiver George Pickens.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh loves his Michigan guys. Former Wolverines defensive tackle Kenneth Grant and tight end Colston Loveland would fill a genuine positional need, too. The Chargers are also thin at wide receiver and running back, but GM Joe Hortiz has said he'll be looking to "take the best player."
Jaire Alexander may or may or not be back in Green Bay next year, making cornerback reinforcements a priority for the Packers. If Amos or Hairston is available with the No. 23 pick, it could make the Lambeau home crowd very happy indeed. (It would likely also hasten an Alexander trade.) The team could also stand to beef up its WR room, with some thinking the pick will be Matthew Golden out of Texas.
The Vikings have just four picks in the 2025 draft, the fewest of any team, so a trade back for extra selections is a definite possibility. Minnesota has been the subject of several recent pre-draft rumors, including a possible trade with Miami for cornerback Jalen Ramsey or the team making a run at either Seattle QB Sam Howell or Las Vegas passer Aidan O'Connell. But the team needs safety help, and they're said to be big fans of Georgia prospect Malaki Starks as an heir apparent to veteran Harrison Smith.
Texans GM Nick Caserio has become one of the NFL's most active execs when it comes to draft-day deals, so a Thursday trade with Pick No. 25 should be on teams' radars. But Houston also needs offensive line help to protect quarterback C.J. Stroud, and they are expected to address that unit in the first round. They were closely linked with former Longhorn tackle Kelvin Banks during recent weeks, but he may be gone by the time the Texans are on the clock. Zabel, Simmons, Donovan Jackson (Ohio State), or Josh Conerly (Oregon) may be other options.
Cornerback is the biggest of several needs for head coach Sean McVay. Though Georgia's Starks is listed as a safety, he played more often than not as the Bulldogs' nickel corner in 2024. That versatility could come in handy for the Rams if he's still available with the No. 26 selection.
Baltimore is also in the market for safety help, with Starks a legitimate option. But SI's Albert Breer cites "someone in the know" with the notion that the team could be looking at Emmanwori, specifically to pair with current star Kyle Hamilton on the back end of the Ravens defense. Edge rusher and offensive line are other strong possibilities if the right player is there.
The Lions are thought to be searching for a premier edge rusher to line up as a bookend to Aidan Hutchinson. (Za'Darius Smith was released in March). Wide receiver Jameson Williams is also the subject of several trade rumors; a deal for his services could also impact Detroit's draft strategy. But the team may choose to drop out of the first round altogether, as it's said multiple teams are looking to leapfrog the Browns (at Pick No. 33 in the second round) to get back into the first round to grab a quarterback.
Dan Quinn's rebuild got off to a great start in Washington, but the team still has several pressing needs. Problem is, they own just five picks in this year's draft, so a trade down for more capital wouldn't be a surprise. Pass rush, running back, cornerback: all are growth-opportunity areas. But Schefter singles out UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger as an example of a player who cold be drafted higher than most people expect, maybe coming off the board here to Quinn at No. 29.
With 10 overall picks, Buffalo seems poised to add reinforcements on defense in this draft. Breer suggests a cornerback- like Revel, Jr. or Florida State's Azareye'h Thomas- would be a nice pickup late in the first round. But Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports says CB is such a need that the Bills would even be willing to use that capital to trade up to get the right one (like Jahdae Barron) if the Texas prospect should start to slide into the 20s. If not and Harmon is still waiting to hear his name called, he'd be a terror on the D-line next to Ed Oliver.
Keeping Patrick Mahomes upright will be key to any success the Chiefs have for several more years. Look for offensive line to be a thrust of their draft strategy, with several experts expecting them to take Simmons, the Ohio State tackle, with this pick. They may also be a trade-up candidate to get him or Minnesota's Aireontae Ersery. But Kansas City's pass rush in the Super Bowl loss to Philadelphia was lackluster at best, so defensive end may be the move here. Of course, the demand for quarterbacks could lead GM Brett Veach to deal the No. 31 pick to a second-round team desperate to move up.
Eagles GM Howie Roseman is expected to once again do some draft-day wheeling and dealing in 2025. They have the picks (factoring in next year's) to move up if they fall in love with a prospect or, more likely, trade for a veteran. They are apparently not trading away wide receiver A.J. Brown, but that doesn't mean they'll stand pat at the position. Breer says Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka has been mentioned several times as a strong possibility for the Birds.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: What time do Cowboys pick Thursday? 1st round draft order, team rumors
Continue reading...
The 2025 NFL draft is set to begin Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, live from Lambeau Field in Green Bay. And while there doesn't seem to be much drama surrounding who's getting the first bro-hug from Commissioner Roger Goodell, everything after that could get interesting. A surprising lack of first-round trades in the pre-draft lead-up doesn't mean the phone lines won't start burning up as teams get nervous about their favorite prospects coming off the board or simply sense the opportunity to collect extra picks.
Analysts, talking heads, and mock drafters have been pontificating for months, playing matchmaker between teams and talents, but as front office types prepare to actually turn in a draft card, history has shown that anything can happen.
Here's a look at the current order of first-round picks and the latest rumblings about what each team is hoping to do once they're on the clock.
The proceedings will be carried live on ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network, as well as those outlets' various apps.
The Cowboys are currently slated to make the 12th overall pick. Last year, Denver took Bo Nix with that selection; the card was read at approximately 9:33 p.m.
1. Tennessee Titans
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The Titans are all but guaranteed to make Miami quarterback Cam Ward this year's No. 1 overall pick, even though many draftniks don't even have Ward ranked as one of their top 10 prospects. But he's a good athlete, he has a big arm, he's been a winner in college... and the team seems to have lost faith in 2023 draft pick Will Levis living up to expectations. Other clubs have called about moving into the top spot; Tennessee has refused.
2. Cleveland Browns
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The Browns are still reeling from the decision to bring Deshaun Watson to town. After giving up three straight Day 1 picks to get him, Cleveland is back in the first round for the first time since 2021. They reportedly asked about trading up to No. 1, signalling that they also want a quarterback in this draft (maybe Ward). But with Tennessee staying put, the Browns could be looking instead at Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter or Colorado's two-way star, Travis Hunter. Look for them to use a Day 2 pick on a passer... or perhaps try to trade up into the bottom of the first round to get one.
3. New York Giants
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The Giants held a private workout for Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders last week, but there are conflicting opinions about how telling that is. They did the same for five different quarterbacks last year yet took wide receiver Malik Nabers when the time came. This year, however, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, "No team has done more work on one player than the Giants have done on Sanders." However, if Abdul Carter is sitting there for the taking, it would be hard (and maybe even crazy) to bypass him.
4. New England Patriots
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Most experts feel Carter will be gone within the first three selections Thursday night. If he's still there at Pick No. 4, the Patriots would likely pounce. But one rumor has the Eagles trading all the way up from 32 to get him here, with Philadelphia sending wide receiver A.J. Brown to New England for a reunion with head coach Mike Vrabel. Schefter says that's not happening. The Pats do need an edge rusher and a receiver, but they also could use a left tackle... like LSU's Will Campbell. (Some even project Campbell to move to guard and liken him to Zack Martin.) It's also worth noting that Vrabel remembers leaning on Derrick Henry for years in Tennessee; might he look at Boise State Ashton Jeanty as a similar bell-cow option in New England?
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
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This pick is a total wild card. The Jaguars and new head coach Liam Coen need defense. They added longtime Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis, but they could use more disruptors on that side of the ball. They apparently love Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham here, or they could very well try to trade out of the No. 5 pick to get more draft capital. Schefter points out that Coen loves offensive firepower, so Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan has to be considered a possibility here, too. ESPN's Peter Schrager thinks it may be Jeanty.
6. Las Vegas Raiders
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The Raiders have a new head coach (Pete Carroll), a new general manager (John Spytek), and a new minority owner with a wealth of championship experience (Tom Brady), so what they do with the No. 6 pick may be anyone's guess. There's a strong desire to rebuild a running attack, though, so they might be looking at an offensive lineman, possibly Missouri's Armand Membou, or Jeanty with this pick. Albret Breer notes that Spytek has a history of using first-round picks on line-of-scrimmage players.
7. New York Jets
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Aaron Rodgers is not a part of the Jets' plans moving forward. The team signed Justin Fields in the offseason, but if a quarterback like Sanders or Jaxson Dart is available at Pick No. 7, there could be a camp battle brewing. Other popular- and perhaps more likely- picks for Gang Green include Penn State tight end Tyler Warren (who's getting a lot of love in this spot), Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron, Georgia edge rusher Jalon Walker, or Membou. This pick could be one that has ripple effects for the rest of the first round, especially if the Jets get an offer to trade back from a club that desperately wants to grab Sanders or Jeanty.
8. Carolina Panthers
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The Panthers may find themselves popular phone-a-friends on Thursday night, especially if a team wants to jump in front of the Saints to draft their quarterback of choice. But they could also trade up, possibly as high as No. 3 to get Abdul Carter. Defense does seem to be the priority in the first round; Georgia edge-rushers Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker have been mocked to Carolina recently. And don't rule out a top-flight wide receiver target for QB Bryce Young if the opportunity presents itself.
9. New Orleans Saints
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Will Kellen Moore use his first draft pick as a head coach on a quarterback? Derek Carr has a lingering shoulder injury, but the Saints also have serious needs up and down the roster. They may be more likely to address offensive or defensive line with the No. 9 selection- like Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart or Georgia's Mykel Williams- and come back for a passer on Friday. (They do have two second-round picks to work with, and Schefter reports that New Orleans has already made exploratory calls about moving up in Round 2.) But as with several teams, if Shedeur Sanders is available for the Saints- even in a first-round trade-up- that could change everything.
10. Chicago Bears
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The Bears have been mentioned frequently as a real possibility to win the Ashton Jeanty sweepstakes. New head coach Ben Johnson would love to roll out a Jeanty/D'Andre Swift RB combo the way he did in Detroit with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Some feel they might even trade up to get him. Membou, Campbell, and even Warren are other options worth watching. And if Sanders is still on the board after the Saints use their pick, Chicago could get flooded with calls from teams looking to swoop in to take the No. 10 selection.
11. San Francisco 49ers
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Already sitting on 11 total draft picks this year, the 49ers are primed to give up their first trip to the plate in order to get more swings later, according to Schefter. They need help in the trenches on both sides of the ball. If the aforementioned Williams or Stewart is available, maybe they keep the pick, but if there's a team eager to get in front of Dallas, San Francisco seems open to offers. One rumor says to be on the lookout, though, for Mississippi defensive tackle Walter Nolen. He'd be a slight reach with Pick No. 11, but new defensive coordinator Robert Saleh may not care as he looks to rebuild that unit.
12. Dallas Cowboys
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For a while, it seemed like Ashton Jeanty. Then it was Tetairoa McMillan. Maybe even Michigan cornerback Will Johnson. Each would seem to be the leading choice at his position for the Cowboys; each would fill a real need. But what if they're all gone by the time Dallas is on the clock? The Joneses have never been afraid to slide back and take the extra draft capital, and Seattle and Denver have both been mentioned as possible trade partners. It may be the move this year, especially if the Cowboys think they can still end up with Omarion Hampton, Matthew Golden or Jahdae Barron a little later. Jane Slater says he's hearing a lot of buzz on Golden, Tennessee edge rusher James Pierce, Jr., and Mississippi D-tackle Nolen. Schrager threw a hand grenade into the room Wednesday by saying his sources suggest Alabama guard Tyler Booker could be the pick. But if he is somehow still available, Will Campbell wouldn't be a shock.
13. Miami Dolphins
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Miami needs to address plenty of roster holes with their 10 picks. But like many teams, they could opt to trade down for even more selections. They may stay put, though, and look to Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks, Jr. with the No. 13 pick, according to both Schefter and fellow draft guru Todd McShay. Defensive line is also possible; Oregon's Derrick Harmon or Michigan's Kenneth Grant could be a fit.
14. Indianapolis Colts
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Colts GM Chris Ballard wanted to be aggressive in the offseason, and he was. That mindset could continue with a draft-day trade for a veteran tight end like Dallas Goedert or Mark Andrews. It's a priority need for Indianapolis, though, so they could opt to go younger and use the No. 14 selection here to grab Penn State's Tyler Warren or Michigan's Colston Loveland. The Colts have just seven picks all weekend, so they need to make each one count. They also have concerns at linebacker and offensive line.
15. Atlanta Falcons
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The Falcons say they're not trading Kirk Cousins, but Schefter reports they've had private discussions with teams to do just that. (They just signed Easton Stick to also sit behind Michael Penix, Jr., so they definitely have more QBs than they need.) Any team that doesn't get their quarterback prospect in the draft will have to at least consider calling Atlanta about Cousins. (Insider Jordan Schultz says Falcons owner Arthur Blank is prepared to simply let Cousins sit on the bench for a year and then cut him.) Maybe that impacts their draft strategy, maybe not. The Falcons badly need a pass rusher (Marshall's Mike Green has been a popular name in mocks), but with just five overall picks, they're also a prime candidate to trade back and get more.
16. Arizona Cardinals
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The Cardinals need offensive line help and are said to be interested in Kelvin Banks, Jr. if the Dolphins don't take him three spots earlier. Or maybe one of Ohio State's O-linemen, Josh Simmons or Donovan Jackson. Defensive line is also an area of opportunity, with Michigan interior star Kenneth Grant standing out to some observers. Breer suggests Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell or Georgia's Williams. Arizona GM Monti Ossenfort is rumored to be also looking for ways to package up some mid-round picks and trade his way up into an additional first-round selection.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
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The Bengals likely feel pretty confident in their offense, but new defensive coordinator Al Golden could definitely use some pieces to work with on his side of the ball. Nearly any of the defensive players mentioned up to now would be welcomed if they fell this far. Two more names to watch? Oregon D-tackle Derrick Harmon, who could be sliding due to "medical concerns," according to former Cowboys scout Bryan Broaddus of 105.3 The Fan, and South Carolina's Nick Emmanwori, whose perfect RAS score makes him the top-ranked safety since that testing began in 1987. Cincinnati hasn't traded their first-round pick in seven years, so seeing them move out of this spot would be a surprise.
18. Seattle Seahawks
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The Seahawks have made moves at quarterback- trading away Geno Smith and adding both Sam Darnold and Drew Lock to a room that already includes Sam Howell- and they may not be done. Schefter believes Seattle could look to trade Howell and add a rookie passer in this draft, though it may not be with this Thursday night pick. The team has needs on defense and at wide receiver, but remember the name Grey Zabel. The North Dakota State offensive lineman's stock is rising on draft boards, and he's suddenly projected to go in this middle part of the first round.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Like several teams in this part of the first round, Tampa Bay is likely shopping for defensive help, though Schefter feels the Bucs could also be a trade-back candidate, given that they currently have just six picks over the entire weekend. (They've traded down in the first round three times in the past 10 drafts.) An edge rusher or cornerback would be particularly beneficial if they turn in a card with Pick No. 19. Schrager leans toward a raw wide receiver here- maybe Tetairoa McMillan- to give him a chance to learn from veterans Mike Evans and Chris Godwin as a rookie.
20. Denver Broncos
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Denver is one of the few teams known to be actively looking to trade up in the first round, possibly looking for offensive weapons to put around Bo Nix. Running back is a need and the heavy betting favorite; if the team can move high enough, they may be eyeing Ashton Jeanty. If they stay with the No. 20 selection, North Carolina's Omarion Hampton or Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson could be there waiting. But Denver also needs help at wide receiver (maybe Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka?) and tight end.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
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The Steelers are a major player in the Shedeur Sanders wheel of fortune if he drops this far, but they're also said to have done a lot of work on Jaxson Dart. Of course, their flirtation with Aaron Rodgers and possible interest in Kirk Cousins could be the primary determining factors in what they actually do here. Schefter notes, "If they pass on a quarterback, they very well might not have another chance to get one until Round 3." That said, Pittsburgh could very well trade back instead and go a different direction entirely, like defensive tackle. Also worth watching: the team is reportedly talking to teams about trading wide receiver George Pickens.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
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Head coach Jim Harbaugh loves his Michigan guys. Former Wolverines defensive tackle Kenneth Grant and tight end Colston Loveland would fill a genuine positional need, too. The Chargers are also thin at wide receiver and running back, but GM Joe Hortiz has said he'll be looking to "take the best player."
23. Green Bay Packers
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Jaire Alexander may or may or not be back in Green Bay next year, making cornerback reinforcements a priority for the Packers. If Amos or Hairston is available with the No. 23 pick, it could make the Lambeau home crowd very happy indeed. (It would likely also hasten an Alexander trade.) The team could also stand to beef up its WR room, with some thinking the pick will be Matthew Golden out of Texas.
24. Minnesota Vikings
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The Vikings have just four picks in the 2025 draft, the fewest of any team, so a trade back for extra selections is a definite possibility. Minnesota has been the subject of several recent pre-draft rumors, including a possible trade with Miami for cornerback Jalen Ramsey or the team making a run at either Seattle QB Sam Howell or Las Vegas passer Aidan O'Connell. But the team needs safety help, and they're said to be big fans of Georgia prospect Malaki Starks as an heir apparent to veteran Harrison Smith.
25. Houston Texans
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Texans GM Nick Caserio has become one of the NFL's most active execs when it comes to draft-day deals, so a Thursday trade with Pick No. 25 should be on teams' radars. But Houston also needs offensive line help to protect quarterback C.J. Stroud, and they are expected to address that unit in the first round. They were closely linked with former Longhorn tackle Kelvin Banks during recent weeks, but he may be gone by the time the Texans are on the clock. Zabel, Simmons, Donovan Jackson (Ohio State), or Josh Conerly (Oregon) may be other options.
26. Los Angeles Rams
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Cornerback is the biggest of several needs for head coach Sean McVay. Though Georgia's Starks is listed as a safety, he played more often than not as the Bulldogs' nickel corner in 2024. That versatility could come in handy for the Rams if he's still available with the No. 26 selection.
27. Baltimore Ravens
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Baltimore is also in the market for safety help, with Starks a legitimate option. But SI's Albert Breer cites "someone in the know" with the notion that the team could be looking at Emmanwori, specifically to pair with current star Kyle Hamilton on the back end of the Ravens defense. Edge rusher and offensive line are other strong possibilities if the right player is there.
28. Detroit Lions
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The Lions are thought to be searching for a premier edge rusher to line up as a bookend to Aidan Hutchinson. (Za'Darius Smith was released in March). Wide receiver Jameson Williams is also the subject of several trade rumors; a deal for his services could also impact Detroit's draft strategy. But the team may choose to drop out of the first round altogether, as it's said multiple teams are looking to leapfrog the Browns (at Pick No. 33 in the second round) to get back into the first round to grab a quarterback.
29. Washington Commanders
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Dan Quinn's rebuild got off to a great start in Washington, but the team still has several pressing needs. Problem is, they own just five picks in this year's draft, so a trade down for more capital wouldn't be a surprise. Pass rush, running back, cornerback: all are growth-opportunity areas. But Schefter singles out UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger as an example of a player who cold be drafted higher than most people expect, maybe coming off the board here to Quinn at No. 29.
30. Buffalo Bills
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With 10 overall picks, Buffalo seems poised to add reinforcements on defense in this draft. Breer suggests a cornerback- like Revel, Jr. or Florida State's Azareye'h Thomas- would be a nice pickup late in the first round. But Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports says CB is such a need that the Bills would even be willing to use that capital to trade up to get the right one (like Jahdae Barron) if the Texas prospect should start to slide into the 20s. If not and Harmon is still waiting to hear his name called, he'd be a terror on the D-line next to Ed Oliver.
31. Kansas City Chiefs
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Keeping Patrick Mahomes upright will be key to any success the Chiefs have for several more years. Look for offensive line to be a thrust of their draft strategy, with several experts expecting them to take Simmons, the Ohio State tackle, with this pick. They may also be a trade-up candidate to get him or Minnesota's Aireontae Ersery. But Kansas City's pass rush in the Super Bowl loss to Philadelphia was lackluster at best, so defensive end may be the move here. Of course, the demand for quarterbacks could lead GM Brett Veach to deal the No. 31 pick to a second-round team desperate to move up.
32. Philadelphia Eagles
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Eagles GM Howie Roseman is expected to once again do some draft-day wheeling and dealing in 2025. They have the picks (factoring in next year's) to move up if they fall in love with a prospect or, more likely, trade for a veteran. They are apparently not trading away wide receiver A.J. Brown, but that doesn't mean they'll stand pat at the position. Breer says Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka has been mentioned several times as a strong possibility for the Birds.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: What time do Cowboys pick Thursday? 1st round draft order, team rumors
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