As the NFL gears up for the 2025 Draft, anticipation is palpable among fans and analysts alike. The New York Giants have made significant moves this offseason to address their most pressing need: the quarterback position. Co-owner John Mara and general manager Joe Schoen have both emphasized their commitment to ensuring the team is well-equipped at this critical role. The Giants entered the offseason with a glaring vacancy at quarterback but have since filled their roster with notable names, including Tommy DeVito, Jameis Winston, and Russell Wilson.
Yet, despite these additions, the Giants are not done yet. They are eyeing the upcoming NFL Draft, set to take place from April 24 to 26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. According to Jordan Plocher of Pro Football Focus, the Giants have a clear strategy for the draft, focusing on both early and late-round quarterback options. The top prospect on their radar is Shedeur Sanders from Colorado, who is expected to be a Day 1 pick. However, the Giants may also consider Will Howard from Ohio State as a solid Day 3 alternative.
As the draft approaches, the Giants face a challenging scenario. If the Cleveland Browns opt for a quarterback, the Giants could potentially miss out on both Sanders and Cam Ward, who are highly coveted in this draft class. Should Sanders slip to the third pick, the Giants would be in an ideal position to secure their quarterback of the future. Howard, who boasts a remarkable 57.0% completion rate under pressure—ranking first among this year’s draft class—could provide a valuable backup plan if the team needs to pivot.
Amidst the quarterback chatter, the Denver Broncos are also preparing for the draft with a keen focus on their past successes. Over the last few years, the Broncos have made impressive first-round selections that have bolstered their roster significantly. The franchise's recent history in the draft has been shaped by the astute evaluations of general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton.
In 2024, the Broncos selected Bo Nix as their 12th overall pick, a decision that has already paid dividends. Nix threw for 29 touchdowns in his rookie season, ranking fifth in the NFL and leading the Broncos to a playoff berth. His impressive performance has set the stage for a promising second year, with expectations that he will continue to improve.
Looking back at the Broncos' last five first-round picks reveals a pattern of success. In 2021, they selected Patrick Surtain II, who emerged as the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. Surtain is regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in the league and is on a trajectory toward potential Hall of Fame recognition.
Meanwhile, Jerry Jeudy, drafted in 2020, had a breakout year in 2024 after being traded to the Cleveland Browns, where he became a 1,000-yard receiver. The Broncos also picked Noah Fant in 2019, who was later traded to the Seattle Seahawks, and Bradley Chubb in 2018, who is currently with the Miami Dolphins. The Broncos' ability to draft talent has been a significant factor in their competitive edge.
As the draft nears, mock drafts are proliferating, with analysts speculating on potential trades and picks. Eric Edholm from NFL.com has released his second mock draft of the offseason, which includes a fascinating trade scenario where a Top 5 team moves back into the middle of the first round to secure a sliding Shedeur Sanders. Edholm also predicts that the Dallas Cowboys will address their rushing issues by selecting a running back at No. 12 and that the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles will trade up to acquire another standout defender from Georgia.
In the midst of this draft frenzy, there's talk that the Tennessee Titans may be moving on from quarterback Will Levis, hinting at a potential selection of a talented quarterback from the University of Miami at the No. 1 overall pick. This quarterback, whom Edholm suggests could mirror Bo Nix's rookie production, had a standout season in 2024, throwing for a staggering 39 touchdowns.
The upcoming NFL Draft holds immense significance not only for the Giants and Broncos but for all teams looking to reshape their futures. The Houston Texans, who hold the No. 25 pick, are also in the spotlight as they prepare to make their selection. Historically, the 25th pick has not produced many Hall of Famers, but there have been notable exceptions, including Louisville defensive tackle Ted Washington, selected by the San Francisco 49ers in 1991.
Washington's legacy includes the most regular-season games played among 25th picks, a testament to his durability and skill. The Texans will be looking to add a player who can make a significant impact on their roster.
In conclusion, as teams finalize their strategies for the 2025 NFL Draft, the focus on quarterback talent is front and center. The Giants are poised to make a critical decision regarding their future under center, while the Broncos look to build on their recent successes. With the draft just around the corner, fans can expect a flurry of excitement as teams make their selections to shape the next generation of NFL stars.
