NFL Teams Prepare For 2025 Draft Amid Trade Talk

The NFL offseason has kicked into high gear as teams prepare for the upcoming draft, with trade rumors swirling and significant needs emerging for many franchises. Among the most anticipated discussions is the handling of quarterbacks and wide receivers, highlighting a landscape rife with both uncertainty and opportunity.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Los Angeles Chargers have begun to face scrutiny over their roster needs, particularly at the wide receiver position. Despite having the returning Mike Williams, the Chargers have only one receiver above a 68.0 PFF receiving grade—Ladd McConkey, who primarily operates in the slot. Pro Football Focus has flagged the failure to draft a top wide receiver as the Chargers's “biggest mistake” if they don’t bolster this position.

Mike Williams, who underperformed last season with a 59.7 PFF receiving grade while recovering from a knee injury sustained in 2023, is on a one-year deal. Following a season that relied heavily on just one consistent target, acquiring a perimeter threat for quarterback Justin Herbert to maximize his potential becomes even more critical. The franchise has significant options for this need in the upcoming draft, including Texas's Matthew Golden and Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka, who stand out as potential first-round picks that could fill this gap.

Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans are poised to return to the draft looking for a quarterback after last year’s starter, Will Levis, failed to secure his future with the team. New general manager Mike Borgonzi's lack of meaningful moves in free agency—signing only veteran Brandon Allen—has increased the chances of the Titans selecting Miami Hurricane quarterback Cam Ward with the first overall pick. Pro Football Focus has emphasized that the Titans must seize this opportunity and not pass up the chance to secure a new signal-caller in the upcoming draft.

Additionally, the Titans' offensive line ranked 30th overall in the league according to PFF grades, and despite bringing in Day 1 starters Kevin Zeitler and Dan Moore Jr., the pressure remains on to draft wisely. Levis had a tumultuous season, ending with the lowest PFF passing grade and struggling significantly with turnover-worthy plays. The Titans are among teams that could benefit from a better quarterback, and the drafting of Ward seems to be the solution they're eyeing.

As teams consider trading players prior to the draft, the Dallas Cowboys are facing questions surrounding star edge rusher Micah Parsons amid ongoing contract discussions. With Parsons sitting behind only Myles Garrett in PFF grades for overall performance, Dallas has not made progress on his contract extension. The looming uncertainty around whether they can afford his desired salary could lead to trade talks, especially if a resolution isn’t reached before the draft.

In juxtaposition, across the league interest in trade possibilities is alive, featuring other high-profile names like San Francisco's Brandon Aiyuk and Indianapolis’ Michael Pittman Jr. Trade talks around these players have gained traction fueled by both their performances and the impending draft. Aiyuk, who had a career-low PFF receiving grade amid injury issues, might see a trade as the 49ers look to reshape their roster. On the other hand, Pittman Jr.’s explosive deep capabilities make him a tantalizing asset on the market.

Critics seek to evaluate the potential impact these trades could have in reshaping rosters. The Los Angeles Chargers, for instance, may have to part ways with their lesser-performing receiver options like Quentin Johnston, who has struggled with dropped passes. His inconsistent performance raises doubts about his long-term viability with the team, especially with the pressure of securing a more reliable target in the draft.

The draft class of 2025 features not only immediate needs at wide receiver but also highlights top run-blocking prospects, as seen through the lens of Pro Football Focus's evaluation. Wyatt Milum from West Virginia tops the chart with an impressive 89.2 PFF run-blocking grade, positioning himself among the best in this category. His prowess makes him a potential Day 1 pick that could pay immediate dividends, helping teams elevate their ground games significantly.

Additional candidates like Armand Membou from Missouri and Willie Lampkin from North Carolina are emerging as noteworthy run-blockers expected to make a profound impact. Teams seeking to fortify their offensive front should watch closely as these prospects likely rise in the draft order.

The dynamic nature of the NFL Draft gives rise to opportunistic teams strategically enhancing their rosters, as evidenced by the various figures like Matt Milano from Buffalo and Odafe Oweh from Baltimore, who may also be on the trading block amid contract negotiations. Teams will need to carefully balance their immediate aerial needs against the potential for future starter quality through trades.

Heading into the draft, the landscape is rich with discussions of strategic trades, aspiring talents, and teams looking to sharpen their edge—literally and figuratively. As player evaluations ramp up, executives must consider how best to optimize their draft assets while exploring potential trades to enhance their teams.

With every franchise aiming to answer questions about roster direction and player performances, the next few weeks will clarify the strategic positions many teams will take for the upcoming draft. The decisions made during this vital period will have a lasting impact on franchises as they strive for improvement and success on the field.