What to Know About Every NFL Team’s 2025 Draft Plans
With just four weeks left in the 2024 NFL regular season, the league is buzzing with anticipation. Some teams are laser-focused on securing a playoff spot, while others are already looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft. The stakes are high, and the drama is palpable as franchises prepare to reshape their futures.
According to the ESPN Football Power Index (FPI), the New York Giants and New England Patriots are projected to pick first and second, respectively, in April. Rounding out the top five are the Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Meanwhile, teams like the New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, and San Francisco 49ers—who entered the season with high hopes—could find themselves picking in the top 15.
To get a clearer picture of what lies ahead, we turned to NFL Nation reporters for early insights into each team’s draft plans. What positions are teams targeting? Who’s in the market for a quarterback? Which franchises are loaded with draft capital and poised for a quick turnaround? Let’s dive into the early draft buzz, starting with the AFC East.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
Projected first-round pick: No. 30
The Bills are gearing up for a pivotal offseason in 2025. With an extra second-round pick from the Stefon Diggs trade, Buffalo has more draft resources than usual. Key decisions loom, especially with wide receiver Amari Cooper and cornerback Rasul Douglas set to hit free agency. The Bills have the flexibility to address these needs and more. — Alaina Getzenberg
Miami Dolphins
Projected first-round pick: No. 13
With a veteran-heavy roster, the Dolphins need draft picks who can contribute immediately. Offensive line upgrades are a priority, as Miami likely needs two new starters. Other areas of focus include linebackers, safeties, and defensive tackles. While a backup quarterback is a need, the Dolphins are expected to address that with a veteran rather than a rookie. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
New England Patriots
Projected first-round pick: No. 2
The Patriots have glaring needs at offensive line, wide receiver, defensive tackle, and pass rusher. With high picks in the first four rounds, including a third-rounder from the Matthew Judon trade, New England has a prime opportunity to address these issues. Left tackle is a particularly urgent need, as the team ranks 32nd in pass block win rate for the second consecutive year. — Mike Reiss
New York Jets
Projected first-round pick: No. 8
Big changes are coming for the Jets, with a new general manager, coach, and drafting philosophy expected in 2025. The quarterback position is the major storyline, especially if the team parts ways with Aaron Rodgers. Will they draft a new franchise QB or opt for a bridge quarterback? The Jets could also trade young stars like Garrett Wilson or Sauce Gardner to accumulate draft assets. — Rich Cimini
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Projected first-round pick: No. 26
The Ravens need a free safety after benching Marcus Williams and cutting Eddie Jackson. Baltimore has a strong track record of drafting safeties, with past first-round picks like Ed Reed and Kyle Hamilton becoming All-Pros. The Ravens have allowed 50 completions of 20+ yards this season, the second most in the NFL, making this a critical need. — Jamison Hensley
Cincinnati Bengals
Projected first-round pick: No. 12
With Tee Higgins potentially leaving in free agency and Ja’Marr Chase likely commanding a record-breaking extension, the Bengals could target a wide receiver in the first round. This would help maintain their offensive firepower and offset any losses at the position. — Ben Baby
Cleveland Browns
Projected first-round pick: No. 7
For the first time since 2021, the Browns have a first-round pick, and it’s likely to be in the top 10. Deshaun Watson’s struggles and injuries have put the quarterback position back in the spotlight, but Cleveland also needs to address its aging roster, particularly in the trenches. — Daniel Oyefusi
Pittsburgh Steelers
Projected first-round pick: No. 25
The Steelers have eight picks in 2025, giving them the flexibility to be aggressive. With neither Justin Fields nor Russell Wilson under contract beyond this season, Pittsburgh faces another quarterback dilemma in a draft class that isn’t considered deep at the position. — Brooke Pryor
Key Takeaways
- The Giants and Patriots are projected to pick first and second in the 2025 NFL Draft.
- Teams like the Jets and Cowboys could find themselves in the top 15 despite high preseason expectations.
- Quarterback remains a critical need for several franchises, including the Jets, Giants, and Raiders.
- Offensive and defensive line upgrades are a recurring theme across the league.
As the 2024 season winds down, the 2025 NFL Draft looms large for teams looking to rebuild or reload. With so many intriguing storylines and potential moves, the next few months promise to be a wild ride for NFL fans.
Originally Written by: Alaina Getzenberg
