With only a month remaining until the 2025 NFL Draft, excitement and speculation are mounting across the league. This year, the spotlight lands firmly on a handful of quarterbacks, especially as teams gear up to make pivotal decisions at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, from April 24-26.
Among the top prospects, Miami quarterback Cam Ward is widely believed to be the frontrunner for the No. 1 overall pick. The Tennessee Titans currently hold that coveted selection, but the Cleveland Browns and the New York Giants, who have traded up, are keen on potentially taking Ward themselves. In a year filled with uncertainty, one thing seems clear: The stakes are high for teams looking to secure their future signal-callers.
Another name on the tip of every draft analyst’s tongue is Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who is projected to be the second overall pick. However, there’s a significant variance in opinions regarding his draft status—he could just as easily slip deeper into the first round, depending on how the board unfolds.
Diving deeper into the first round, it’s a mixed bag of predictions. The New York Giants, with their recent acquisitions, could ensure they add a dynamic player like Travis Hunter, who could bolster either their cornerback or wide receiver corps. Meanwhile, teams like New England and Jacksonville are looking to solidify their offensive lines and defensive lines, respectively—both crucial for any successful season ahead.
As teams prioritize filling their rosters with talented individuals, focus shifts to the Pittsburgh Steelers as they chart their course for the future. After signing Mason Rudolph to a two-year, $8 million deal just last week, the Steelers appear to be gearing up for a multi-faceted approach this draft season. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh has shown interest in adding quarterbacks, specifically Jaxson Dart and Will Howard. "Maybe in the third round take a chance on a guy if there's someone they like," Dulac mentioned on the "Dan Patrick Show," reflecting the Steelers' cautious yet strategic mindset.
For context, Will Howard made waves last season after transferring to Ohio State. Leading the team to its first national title in a decade, Howard threw for an impressive 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions, boasting an astounding 73.0 percent completion rate. Although he may not top the depth chart in his rookie season, having a player of his caliber could be a wise investment for a franchise that has long been in search of its next franchise quarterback.
As the mock drafts continue to evolve, so too do the strategies of teams like the Cleveland Browns. The team's front office faces pressure to make the best use of their early-round picks, particularly as they assess the quarterback talent available.
The Dallas Cowboys and other key franchises also remain closely linked to the unfolding drama of the draft. After a lean year in terms of receiving depth since the departure of Amari Cooper, the Cowboys are poised to make impactful choices that could revitalize their passing game. Would they capitalize on the opportunity to secure a promising wide receiver early on, or may they be inclined to bolster their defensive lineup?
As it stands, the upcoming draft class holds a mixed reputation, which leaves questions regarding how aggressively teams will move to pursue quarterback prospects, especially those perceived as high-risk, high-reward. The retention of someone like Mason Rudolph offers a degree of stability for the Steelers, making it feasible for them to explore available quarterbacks later in the draft.
Confirming the Steelers' steadfast objective of revamping their quarterback room, acquiring Aaron Rodgers could be a game-changer for them, should he decide to join Pittsburgh. The interest in Dart and Howard indicates the organization’s recognition of the need for backup talent that can grow in the background while established veterans hold down the fort.
Ultimately, the NFL Draft represents a critical juncture in the league calendar where aspirations can turn into realities. For teams like the Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers, decisions made in mere moments can reshape entire franchises for years to come. With Ward and Sanders arriving on the scene, the depth of the quarterback pool will also be closely scrutinized under the bright lights of Green Bay.
The anticipation heightens as fans eagerly await the unfolding drama of the 2025 NFL Draft, eagerly wondering if the selections made can lead to a brighter future for their teams.
