The anticipation is palpable as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, set to kick off on Thursday night in Green Bay. This year marks a significant milestone as it is the first NFL draft held in Wisconsin in over 85 years, since the 1940 draft took place at the Schroeder Hotel in Milwaukee.
The excitement surrounding the draft is heightened by the Tennessee Titans holding the coveted first overall pick, with many eyes on quarterback Cam Ward, who is expected to be selected first. Ward has been a standout player at Miami (FL) and has drawn significant attention leading up to the draft. Multiple sources indicate that he is the frontrunner for the Titans, who are looking to revitalize their roster.
As the draft unfolds, teams will be keen to make strategic moves. The Titans have a total of eight picks, including the first pick in the first round, No. 1 overall, and the second round pick at No. 35. This gives them ample opportunity to shape their future. Other teams are also gearing up for action, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers holding six picks, including the 19th pick in the first round, and the Washington Commanders with five picks, including the 29th pick.
In addition to the Titans, several other teams are expected to make significant moves. The Green Bay Packers, who have eight picks including the 23rd pick in the first round, are rumored to be interested in Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst was reportedly the only general manager present at McMillan’s private workout last month, which adds to the speculation surrounding his potential selection.
The Los Angeles Rams are also making headlines as they plan to conduct their draft operations from an unusual location—the Los Angeles Fire Department Air Operations hangar in Van Nuys, California. This marks a historic first for the NFL, as the Rams will be the first team to hold their draft headquarters from a fire station. The decision comes in the wake of the devastating wildfires that struck the region, showcasing the Rams’ commitment to community engagement.
As the draft day approaches, mock drafts are flooding the media landscape. Various outlets, including USA TODAY Sports, have utilized artificial intelligence to predict the first-round selections. AI chatbots from Microsoft, Meta, Grok, and ChatGPT have all forecasted Cam Ward as the top pick, reflecting the consensus around his talent and potential impact in the league.
In addition to Ward, other prospects are generating buzz. The consensus top defensive prospect, Abdul Carter from Penn State, is expected to be a top 5 pick as well. The quarterback class, however, has been viewed as less promising compared to previous years, leading to questions about the depth of talent available. Some experts, like Bruce Feldman, have noted that teams in need of a quarterback might find themselves disappointed this year.
As teams prepare for the draft, the landscape is shifting. The Indianapolis Colts, holding the 14th pick, are also weighing their options, particularly regarding the tight end position. General manager Chris Ballard emphasized the importance of not reaching for needs, stating, "You can’t chase. When you end up chasing a need … that’s when you make mistakes.” This sentiment resonates with many teams as they navigate their draft strategies.
The draft is not just about the players being selected; it’s also about the stories that unfold. Notably, the Denver Broncos will feature a special guest picker for their first-round selection. Seventeen-year-old Samuel Barrett, a Make-A-Wish Foundation recipient who has battled a brain tumor since 2018, will announce the team’s pick, showcasing a heartwarming moment amidst the competitive atmosphere of the draft.
As the clock ticks down to the start of the draft, analysts are dissecting every angle. The top five offensive tackles, including Will Campbell from LSU and Tyler Booker from Alabama, are expected to make significant contributions to their future teams. Campbell, who has started 38 consecutive games and allowed only one sack in his last 30 games, is particularly noted for his prowess on the field.
In the lead-up to the draft, teams are also considering trades that could reshape their rosters. The Houston Texans, who hold the 25th pick, have been mentioned in discussions regarding potential moves to secure key players. The unpredictability of the draft often leads to surprises, and this year is no exception.
As the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, fans and analysts alike are on the edge of their seats, eager to see how the selections will unfold. Will the Titans make the expected choice with Cam Ward? Which teams will make bold moves to secure their desired players? The answers will begin to unfold at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 24, 2025, with the event broadcast live on ESPN, ABC, and the NFL Network.
This year's draft promises to be filled with excitement, anticipation, and the hope of new beginnings for aspiring NFL players. As history is made in Green Bay, the future of the league hangs in the balance, waiting to see which young talents will rise to the occasion and become the stars of tomorrow.
