Despite all the reporting and logical analysis that goes into forecasting the NFL Draft, the event still delivers surprises every year. Unexpected fallers, reaches, and draft day trades are an annual part of the process.
Looking at the current rosters and draft pick assets for all 32 teams, here’s a prediction for how each team could surprise come draft weekend.
Arizona Cardinals
Stop Will Campbell’s Slide at No. 16 Overall
Every year, a projected high first-round pick falls further than expected. LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell is one candidate for that this year due to his positional uncertainty.
While some mocks have Campbell as high as No. 4 overall to the New England Patriots, there’s no universal sentiment on whether he should play left tackle or guard. As a result, tackle-needy teams could easily draft Missouri’s Armand Membou ahead of Campbell or trade back into the end of the first round when many expect a run on the second tier of tackles to occur.
The floor for Campbell should be the Arizona Cardinals, who could justify playing him at guard to begin his career before shifting him out to right tackle to replace Jonah Williams. Arizona needs at least one starting guard, and potentially two depending on its level of belief in 2024 third-rounder Isaiah Adams. Long term, Campbell and Paris Johnson Jr. could form an extremely stout pair of bookend tackles as well.
Atlanta Falcons
No Draft Picks on Offense
The Atlanta Falcons have just five picks, the second-fewest of any team ahead of only the Minnesota Vikings. That’s a tough spot to exist for a team that badly needs young defensive talent, as the Falcons were also very limited in what they could spend in free agency.
As a result, it’s not out of the question that the Falcons pull a 2020 Panthers and use every draft pick on defense (or at the very least, use all three of their non-seventh-round picks on defense). Atlanta’s offense is in excellent long-term shape. Most of its core is under contract for multiple years, with either right tackle Kaleb McGary or tight end Kyle Pitts being the most important offensive player entering a contract year in 2025.
Conversely, the Falcons have very few core defensive players apart from Jessie Bates III and A.J. Terrell Jr. in the secondary. Atlanta has a good opportunity to throw multiple resources at its perpetual pass-rush problems, as this draft is considered deep on edge rushers and interior defensive linemen. Throw in a need for more cornerback depth beyond Terrell and there’s a realistic path for the Falcons to use all of its limited draft resources on defense.
Baltimore Ravens
First 3 Picks Used on Trenches
Although the Baltimore Ravens executed a clutch re-signing of left tackle Ronnie Stanley, the trenches have seen a lot of attrition in recent years. Over the last two offseasons, the Ravens have lost contributors like Patrick Mekari, Kevin Zeitler, Morgan Moses, John Simpson, Michael Pierce, and Jadeveon Clowney.
That toll means that the Ravens can roll out a credible starting group on the offensive and defensive lines, but don’t have much depth at either spot. With the rest of the roster in strong shape (apart from perhaps another outside starting cornerback), Baltimore is in a spot to rebuild both trenches.
PFSN’s Mock Draft Simulator data has edge rusher (28.1%) and guard (17.6%) as the two most popular picks for the Ravens at No. 27 overall. But the investment shouldn’t stop in the first round, as edge rusher and defensive tackle are particularly deep into Day 2. As such, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Baltimore go all-in on linemen this draft.
Buffalo Bills
Make Draft Day Trade for CB Riq Woolen
One of the few remaining needs for the Buffalo Bills is at cornerback. With Rasul Douglas still un-signed, the Bills are looking at running back Dane Jackson as the outside starting corner opposite Christian Benford. While Jackson had success during his first stint in Buffalo, he was benched by a woeful Carolina Panthers defense in 2024 after allowing 8.5 yards per target.
However, Buffalo could opt for a more aggressive and creative solution to maximize its Super Bowl window. Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen has had a terrific start to his career, allowing a 68.8 passer rating in coverage. That’s second-best among 35 cornerbacks to defend 200+ targets since 2022, behind only L’Jarius Sneed.
The issue is that Woolen seemed to clash with Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, getting benched in Week 16 for a violation of team rules while also being called out for focus issues. With Woolen entering the last year of his rookie deal, the Bills could comfortably fit him under the cap. A first-rounder would be rich, but perhaps the Seahawks would accept one of the Bills’ two second-round picks to add to their own trove of top-100 picks.
Carolina Panthers
Most Defensive Draft Picks This Year
The Panthers have nine draft picks this year, which is above average but not among the most of any team. At the moment, nine other teams have more picks than the Panthers. Still, given the glaring need to fix the NFL’s worst unit from 2024, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the vast majority of those picks go toward the defense.
In PFSN’s Defense+ metric, the 2024 Panthers finished with the lowest-graded defense since the 2020 Lions (the final year of Matt Patricia in Detroit). Carolina was almost equally woeful at every component of defense, ranking 32nd in rushing success rate and 31st in passing success rate. Even after spending over $96 million in guaranteed money on the defense in free agency, the Panthers still have glaring needs everywhere except defensive tackle and perhaps outside cornerback.
The offense could certainly use another wide receiver to boost Bryce Young’s supporting cast, but the Panthers already have a heavy investment in young pass-catchers. In particular, second-year players Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, and Ja’Tavion Sanders could all see bigger roles in 2025, squeezing out potential mid-round additions. As such, adding one of the veteran receiver options still available while focusing their draft resources on defense could be the best way to round out Carolina’s roster.
Chicago Bears
Draft Ashton Jeanty At No. 10 Overall
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson expressed excitement about working with former Lions colleague D’Andre Swift, who still has two years remaining on his three-year, $24 million contract. Still, Swift was part of the problem behind Chicago’s inefficient run game in 2024, ranking 41st out of 44 qualified rushers in average yards after contact (2.46).
Maximizing runs would not be an issue if the Bears drafted Ashton Jeanty at No. 10 overall. The Boise State superstar has some of the best contact balance of any recent running back prospect and averaged an astounding 5.25 yards after contact per carry. That ranked first among 161 FBS players with 100+ carries, even though Jeanty also led the country with 375 carries.
Between hiring Johnson and remodeling the interior offensive line, Chicago’s offseason has been about maximizing the environment around last year’s No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. Picking the best playmaker in the draft to lead the backfield would be the last step toward putting Williams and the offense in the best possible position to erupt in 2025.
Cincinnati Bengals
Pick Trey Hendrickson Insurance at No. 17 Overall
There’s no question the Cincinnati Bengals need to invest in defense during the 2025 NFL Draft. The Bengals’ biggest free agent addition was run-stuffing defensive tackle Tedarrell Slaton on a modest two-year deal. And even though the Bengals have indicated they won’t trade Trey Hendrickson, he shouldn’t be viewed as a lock to remain in Cincinnati.
Negotiating a market-level extension for a 30-year-old edge rusher is difficult enough without also factoring in the three mega-deals Cincinnati is paying on offense. As such, using the No. 17 overall pick on an edge rusher could mean either a bookend starter next to Hendrickson with Sam Hubbard retired or a potential insurance policy in the event that negotiations fall apart.
Given Cincinnati’s preference for size on the edge, a player like Georgia’s Mykel Williams (6’5”, 260 pounds) would be an ideal replacement for Hubbard, who possessed almost the exact same measurables (6’5”, 260 pounds). Williams’ production in 2024 was suppressed by an ankle injury suffered in the Bulldogs’ season-opener, which could allow the Bengals to capitalize.
Cleveland Browns
Pass on QB and Travis Hunter at No. 2 Overall
The Cleveland Browns are one of the few remaining teams without a clear starting quarterback for 2025. And unlike the Tennessee Titans (Cam Ward) or Pittsburgh Steelers (Aaron Rodgers), there isn’t an obvious solution for the Browns.
Even if Cleveland took Shedeur Sanders at No. 2 overall, there are enough questions about Sanders’ pocket movement, decision-making beyond first reads, and athleticism that he’s hardly a guarantee to be ready to start in Week 1. Passing on Sanders would leave his Colorado teammate Travis Hunter as a possibility, but GM Andrew Berry’s history suggests that Cleveland would go in a different direction and pair Abdul Carter with Myles Garrett.
Since Berry became general manager in 2020, the Browns have drafted a league-high eight defensive linemen in the first four rounds. It’s even more telling when one considers that Cleveland only ranks T-13th in overall draft picks in that span. The team’s recent history suggests they’ll prioritize the defensive line, and a Carter-Garrett pairing would be an enviable defensive foundation — with both under contract through 2029.
Dallas Cowboys
Pass on RB for Shemar Stewart
In PFSN’s latest Mock Draft Simulator data, the most popular first-round targets for the Dallas Cowboys are at wide receiver and running back. Each of the five most commonly mocked players to Dallas with the No. 12 overall pick plays wide receiver or running back.
While both are undeniably big needs, the Cowboys have enough needs throughout the roster that going best-player-available could also be a viable strategy. Apart from quarterback and perhaps offensive tackle, the Cowboys could feasibly use competition at every spot on both sides of the ball. Based on their draft history, Dallas has emphasized the trenches, which could lead them to a huge upside swing on Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart.
Each of the Cowboys’ last four first-round picks have been used on players in the trenches (counting Micah Parsons as an edge rusher). While Parsons is a terrific foundation for the pass rush, he doesn’t have as much support as he did earlier in his career with DeMarcus Lawrence gone.
Even though Stewart’s collegiate sack production was lacking, players like Travon Walker have proven worthy of high draft pick investments due to the emphasis on physical tools on the edge. Picking Stewart would be in line with Dallas’ recent draft behavior and create an important strength for the defense to hang its hat on.
Denver Broncos
Trade Up to No. 15 for RB Omarion Hampton
Throughout the draft process, the Denver Broncos have been linked to a running back in the first round. And while this deep class means the Broncos could find their starting back on Day 2, Denver may want to nab one of the top options in Jeanty or Omarion Hampton.
Jeanty may go too high for the Broncos to have a realistic shot, but Hampton is a worthy first-round talent in his own right. Trading up five spots with the Falcons, who have just five picks, might be a strong match for both teams. Sean Payton’s Saints teams traded up repeatedly during his tenure, and Denver has room to be aggressive with Bo Nix on his rookie deal.
Hampton is the most popular match for Denver in PFSN’s most recent Mock Draft Simulator data, with 19.8% of users matching the North Carolina back to the Broncos. But even Hampton might not be available if Denver stays put, so trading up is the surest way to lock in one of the top two running back prospects.
Detroit Lions
Pick a Wide Receiver at No. 28 Overall
The Detroit Lions have a deep roster without many needs. The consensus opinion is that the Lions could use more help on the defensive line and perhaps at guard. PFSN’s Mock Draft Simulator data has backed that up, with EDGE (42.6%), OG (16.8%), and DT (16.6%) being the three most popular positions mocked to the Lions in the first round.
However, the Lions have made some unorthodox choices during the Brad Holmes-Dan Campbell regime. Trading up for Jameson Williams in 2022 and picking Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 overall in 2023 were shocking moves at the time. But both have paid off, suggesting the Lions could once again make a surprise pick in the first round this year.
The Lions will need to decide on Williams’ fifth-year option by May 1, but keeping him long-term could be unrealistic with the number of mega-contracts on offense (and Gibbs presumably a higher priority to join that group). The late first round looks like a sweet spot for wide receivers, which could give Detroit a headstart on finding Williams’ successor next to Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Green Bay Packers
Don’t Draft a Wide Receiver at All
An annual bold draft prediction is for the Green Bay Packers to end their first-round wide receiver drought, which dates back to 2002. Naturally, we’re swinging in the complete opposite direction and predicting the Packers will avoid taking a wide receiver with any of their eight draft picks.
Green Bay has spent a Day 2 pick on a wideout in three of the last four years, creating a crowded position room full of complementary receivers. As Josh Jacobs lamented, the Packers’ ideal situation would entail having a true No. 1 receiver to allow the rest of the receivers to occupy more niche roles.
The issue is that this draft lacks the difference-making talent at receiver that other recent drafts have delivered, which could lead to more redundancies if the Packers use another high pick on a receiver. With needs at secondary and edge rusher, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Green Bay avoid adding more youth to an already young group of receivers.
Houston Texans
Trade Up to No. 24 for OT Josh Conerly Jr.
Houston Texans GM Nick Caserio hasn’t been afraid to move draft picks. From trading up for Will Anderson Jr. to acquiring Stefon Diggs via trade, Houston has a pattern of bouncing around when it pinpoints a premium asset.
Even though the Texans have acquired some depth pieces along the offensive line, a long-term left tackle is a glaring need with Cam Robinson merely a short-term solution. The Texans are only one spot behind the Vikings in the draft order, but that pick figures to be a hot trade commodity. Minnesota has a league-low four draft picks, and could easily auction off the No. 24 pick to the highest bidder.
To ensure another team doesn’t jump them for an offensive tackle, the Texans could take care of business themselves and draft Oregon tackle Josh Conerly Jr., who was a two-year starter at left tackle in college. Conerly could compete with Robinson right away for the left tackle job and shore up the biggest weakness on Houston’s roster, which is certainly worth a small trade up.
Indianapolis Colts
Draft Pass Catchers with First 2 Picks
The Indianapolis Colts are widely expected to take a tight end with the No. 14 overall pick. In PFSN’s most recent Mock Draft Simulator run, a whopping 52.5% of users matched the Colts with Penn State tight end Tyler Warren in the first round.
However, with 2025 looming as a make-or-break season for Anthony Richardson and Shane Steichen, the Colts could look to add multiple pass catchers early. Indy’s second-round pick is No. 45 overall, which looms as a sweet spot for wide receivers. PFSN’s MDS consistently shows a bevy of receiver prospects like Luther Burden III, Tre Harris, Jaylin Noel, Isaiah Bond, and Jalen Royals going in the middle of the second round.
With Alec Pierce set to hit free agency next year, the Colts could use some deep speed to complement Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs. Indianapolis does need to rein in some of Richardson’s deep-ball tendencies, but that doesn’t mean they should avoid maximizing the talent of his deep-ball receivers. Giving the offense the best chance to succeed in 2025 might mean maxing out the skill set of the Colts’ pass-catchers, even with needs on defense and the offensive line.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Pick All Defense on the First 2 Days
In the first three rounds, the Jacksonville Jaguars hold picks No. 5, 36, 70, and 88. While they could use offensive line help and another possession receiver after losing Christian Kirk and Evan Engram this offseason, the defense is in even more dire need of help.
Jacksonville finished with the 31st-ranked defense in 2024 in PFSN’s Defense+ metric, ahead of only the historically inept Panthers. The Jaguars need help in both the pass-rush department and in the secondary. Specifically, the deep defensive tackle class could be a huge boon for the Jaguars. Double-dipping with a combination like Michigan’s Mason Graham at fifth overall and Texas’ Alfred Collins in the third round could give the Jaguars their combination in the middle for years to come.
And while the Jaguars will likely give second-year pro Jarrian Jones a chance to start at cornerback, he shouldn’t just win the job unchallenged. Barring a trade for a veteran like Jaire Alexander or Jamel Dean, the Jaguars could add competition for the starting job across from Tyson Campbell during Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft as well.
Kansas City Chiefs
Draft G Tyler Booker At No. 31 Overall
Much like the last time they lost the Super Bowl, the Kansas City Chiefs figure to continue spending significant resources to address an offensive line that fell apart on the biggest stage. In the 2021 offseason, the Chiefs hit a pair of massive home runs with Creed Humphrey in the second round and Trey Smith in the sixth round.
While it’s tough to expect that type of success again, Kansas City could get off on the right foot with one of the safer draft prospects. Alabama guard Tyler Booker tested extremely poorly at the Combine, ranking last among offensive linemen in the broad jump and bottom three in both the vertical jump and 40-yard dash.
Nevertheless, Booker profiles as an extremely powerful guard whose play recognition and technique can make up for limitations in terms of first-step explosiveness. Having Booker as an option at left guard instead of relying on Kingsley Suamataia to successfully transition inside to guard is a much more reliable option. If he falls due to his poor Combine, the Chiefs could benefit at the end of the first round.
Las Vegas Raiders
Pick Shedeur Sanders After He Falls to No. 6
At the moment, it doesn’t feel likely that Shedeur Sanders will make it out of the top three. The Browns and New York Giants are both in need of a long-term quarterback solution, with the Browns specifically needing an immediate answer as well.
However, as outlined in their respective team sections, Sanders isn’t a slam dunk for either Cleveland or New York. If those teams opt for the consensus top two talents in Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter, the Raiders would be in a position to pounce on the Colorado quarterback and give Sanders some development time behind Geno Smith.
Sanders’ relationship with part-owner Tom Brady is well-publicized, so it’s hard to imagine any of the other QB-needy teams having better intel on Sanders than the Raiders. Trading for Smith may have been a move to contend now, but letting Sanders develop behind the scenes is Las Vegas’ best bet for long-term competitiveness in a very difficult division.
Los Angeles Chargers
Go Defense with First 2 Picks
Wide receiver remains the most glaring need for the Los Angeles Chargers. But as demonstrated last draft when the Chargers passed on Malik Nabers for Joe Alt, Jim Harbaugh’s track record consistently shows he will build up the trenches first.
While the offensive line is in strong shape, the defensive line has a much shakier long-term outlook. This offseason, the Bolts parted ways with three of their top seven defensive linemen by snaps played: Joey Bosa, Poona Ford, and Morgan Fox. In addition, projected starters like Khalil Mack, Teair Tart, and Otito Ogbonnia are in the final year of their contracts.
Based on Harbaugh’s track record, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Chargers pick edge rusher and defensive tackle (in either order) with their first two picks. Both positions are extremely deep, and Los Angeles should have a bevy of options who could immediately start at No. 22 and 55. In particular, run-stuffing Michigan tackle Kenneth Grant would make sense as a second-rounder to reunite with Harbaugh and help improve last year’s 27th-ranked defense in yards per carry allowed.
Los Angeles Rams
Pick a DB in 1st Round for First Time Since 2006
The Los Angeles Rams haven’t picked a first-round defensive back since 2006, when they took Tye Hill at No. 15 overall. To be fair, the Rams made no first-round picks from 2017-23, so their first-round drought doesn’t encompass as many picks. Still, the Rams haven’t even taken a DB in the first two rounds since 2019, when they drafted safety Taylor Rapp in the second.
Based on their current roster composition, that trend should change. Los Angeles needs defensive help after ranking 24th in PFSN’s Defense+ metric last season. However, most of that help should go to the secondary after recent hits on Jared Verse and Kobie Turner, as well as promising starts from Byron Young and Braden Fiske.
Conversely, the Rams are currently set to run back last year’s starting secondary with no changes. That feels like an untenable outcome, and a pick on a corner like Texas’ Jahdae Barron at No. 26 overall could make for a strong fit in Los Angeles’ zone-heavy coverage scheme.
Miami Dolphins
Select WR Matthew Golden At No. 13 Overall
No team builds its identity around speed more than the Miami Dolphins. Adding a wide receiver in the first round might seem irresponsible given their glaring needs at offensive line, defensive tackle, and in the secondary.
Still, while Miami is set with its starters at receiver for 2025, the long-term future of the position is murkier. Tyreek Hill is essentially in a contract year, given that he has a $51.9 million cap hit in 2026. With Hill turning 32 years old next offseason and coming off a down year, releasing him seems more likely than another extension.
That would leave the long-term future of receiver in a tough spot and make the position a big need next offseason. The Dolphins have surprised with high picks on speedy players in recent years, from Jaylen Wright last year to De’Von Achane in 2023. With Texas receiver Matthew Golden running the fastest 40 time at the NFL Combine (4.29), his rising stock puts him in range to be selected in the middle of the first round.
Minnesota Vikings
Draft DBs with First 2 Picks
The Vikings have spent a lot of early draft picks on defensive backs under GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah but without much to show for it. While Khyree Jackson’s tragic situation obviously falls in a different category, ill-fated picks like Lewis Cine and Andrew Booth played a part in almost the entire secondary hitting free agency this offseason.
Even after re-signing Byron Murphy, the Vikings could use more long-term solutions in the secondary. Harrison Smith is on a year-to-year basis, while Josh Metellus is a free agent next offseason. Mekhi Blackmon could get a chance to start, but he is totally unproven after tearing his ACL before last season.
The Vikings only four picks in the 2025 NFL Draft — the fewest of any team. Regardless of whether they trade down from No. 24 or stay put, it’s realistic to think Minnesota might once again double-dip on defensive backs with their top draft picks.
New England Patriots
Trade Back Into First Round for OT Josh Simmons
The New England Patriots are hoping for Hunter or Carter to fall to them with the No. 4 overall pick. Even though left tackle is the biggest remaining need on the team, there isn’t a great value at that spot, making a reach for Armand Membou or Will Campbell feel unlikely.
However, that doesn’t mean the Patriots should rest on their hands and take whatever lineman falls to them at No. 38 overall in the second round. Given the glut of offensive linemen ranked as late first-rounders or early second-rounders, a run that starts in the mid-20s could leave the Patriots empty-handed.
Instead, it’s worth being aggressive and trading back into the first round. Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons would have a case as the top offensive tackle in this class if not for a torn patellar tendon suffered in October. The pre-draft process has indicated that Simmons is recovering well, giving the Patriots a potential long-term value if they can maneuver back into position to select him.
New Orleans Saints
Draft QB Jalen Milroe in 2nd Round
Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts was once viewed as an extremely raw but uber-athletic prospect who was far from being a starter due to concerns about his accuracy and pocket awareness. And while Saints head coach Kellen Moore wasn’t in Philadelphia for the start of Hurts’ career, his season as the Eagles’ offensive coordinator could make him well-suited to develop a similar type of quarterback prospect.
The Saints are standing behind Derek Carr as their starting quarterback for 2025. However, Carr has an absurd $69.2 million cap hit for 2026, and three void years tacked on after means the Saints will carry a $59.7 million dead cap hit if they move on from Carr.
All this means that New Orleans needs to continue investing in cheap quarterback options as they plan for life after Carr. Spencer Rattler didn’t impress in six starts as a rookie, and Milroe offers a higher floor and ceiling due to his explosiveness as a rusher. The Alabama quarterback will need a redshirt rookie year, but he’d be a nice upside swing on Day 2.
New York Giants
Get Their QB… In Round 2
The consensus opinion has been that the Giants are likely to take one of the top two quarterbacks if either is available at No. 3 overall. But with Russell Wilson around as a short-term starter, the Giants don’t necessarily have to draft a quarterback for 2025.
That could allow New York to take Carter or Hunter, either of whom would likely make a larger impact on the 2025 team than Sanders. While that might feel short-sighted, it’s important to remember the extreme pressure both head coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen are facing. Without a competitive season, it’s almost certain both will be gone.
Therefore, the Giants might feel their best win-now plan is to take a premium prospect at No. 3 overall and the best available quarterback prospect at No. 34 overall in the second round. PFSN’s Mock Draft Simulator has scenarios where Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart falls to the second round, which would be a reasonable swing for a long-term solution.
New York Jets
Draft WR Tetairoa McMillan At No. 7 Overall
The New York Jets’ public signaling has indicated they’re fully supporting Justin Fields as the starting quarterback for 2025. PFSN’s Mock Draft Simulator data has indicated that Jets fans are following suit. QB was not among the three most popular positions selected by Jets fans in the first round, with offensive tackle (39.7% of users) leading the way.
But if the Jets are leaning into Fields at quarterback, it would make sense to support him with a vertical threat. While Garrett Wilson can wear many hats, he’s never had an aDOT more than 10.5 air yards. Fields has leaned on the deep ball throughout his career, averaging the deepest aDOT (8.7 air yards) since entering the NFL in 2021.
In that sense, Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan would fill an important need by allowing Fields to access more of those vertical throws. McMillan figures to have a deep aDOT as a big jump-ball threat outside the numbers. As the best available wide receiver (not counting Hunter as one), McMillan could form a potent young receiver duo with Wilson for years to come.
Philadelphia Eagles
Pick a First-Round Safety for First Time in Franchise History
As an analytically friendly organization, the Philadelphia Eagles usually use their premium assets on premium positions. Eight of their last 11 first-round picks have been spent on edge rushers or wide receivers, with one of the exceptions being a trade up for quarterback Carson Wentz in 2016.
In that sense, safety might not seem likely as the Eagles’ first-round position of choice. But the defending champions are in a unique spot where their offense has virtually no short-term needs, while the only other significant need is at edge rusher. At safety, Philly is banking on an inexperienced option like Tristin McCollum or Sydney Brown to start next to Reed Blankenship.
Even if the Eagles bring in a Vic Fangio-approved safety like Justin Simmons, the position still needs a long-term solution. Georgia safety Malaki Starks is an obvious fit given the Eagles’ affinity for the program, though Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts has the versatility and instincts that could also make him a strong fit for Fangio’s defense.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Draft QB Tyler Shough in the 3rd Round
After their first pick at No. 21 overall, the Pittsburgh Steelers don’t pick again until the No. 83 overall pick in the third round. So, while the Steelers still need to acquire a starting quarterback, it’s unrealistic to think that option will come through the draft. Even if someone like Jaxson Dart is available in the first round, it’s unlikely he’ll be ready to start in Week 1 for an otherwise veteran-laden team.
At this point, the Steelers have cornered themselves into a scenario where their best option is to wait out Aaron Rodgers. Still, that would require Pittsburgh to draft a long-term development option to potentially start in 2026.
Louisville’s Tyler Shough has been a late riser in the draft process, to the point where Day 2 is a realistic draft outcome. Shough has some of the best arm talent in the draft and a mature ability to cycle through his progressions. While he does turn 26 years old in September, his age is part of the reason why the Steelers might be able to get a discount on a talented prospect in the draft.
San Francisco 49ers
Pick OT Armand Membou At No. 11 Overall
The San Francisco 49ers are one of the tougher teams to project in the first round. Due to their free-agent exodus, the Niners could credibly pick an immediate starter at cornerback, edge rusher, defensive tackle, or guard with the No. 11 overall pick.
However, the 49ers have tended to emphasize the trenches with their top picks. Since John Lynch became GM in 2017, San Francisco has spent its first pick on a lineman in five out of eight drafts. If the 49ers pick the best available lineman at No. 11 overall, Missouri’s Armand Membou could be both a short- and long-term solution.
Membou played right tackle at Missouri and could stay there in the short term until Trent Williams retires. The 49ers do have Colton McKivitz returning as the starting right tackle, but he has allowed a pressure rate worse than the league average in both his seasons as a starter. The 49ers could potentially upgrade a premium position in the short term while also giving him time to transition to left tackle with Williams still protecting the blind side.
Seattle Seahawks
Draft Most Offensive Players This Year
The Seattle Seahawks are scheduled to have 10 picks this year, tied for the third-most of any team. Seattle’s team needs lean towards offense, which is no surprise after the Seahawks finished sixth in PFSN’s Defense+ metric but 20th in our Offense+ metric.
With Klint Kubiak coming in as the team’s offensive coordinator, the Seahawks have already undergone a significant makeover on offense. But the transformation likely isn’t complete, with significant needs at wide receiver and interior offensive line remaining. The Seahawks could also feasibly take a quarterback with Sam Darnold on a year-to-year contract.
As a result, it would be surprising if the Seahawks didn’t lean towards offense with the majority of their picks. Seattle hasn’t spent the majority of its draft picks on defense since 2017, a streak of seven straight drafts. Given their current roster construction, it would be surprising to see that trend change this year.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pick DBs in First 2 Rounds
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven’t drafted a defensive back in the first two rounds since picking Antoine Winfield Jr. at No. 45 overall in 2020. But after ranking 23rd in defensive EPA per dropback in 2024, the Bucs could finally address that position group this year.
The starting safety spot opposite Winfield is up for grabs, and the nickel corner spot could use more competition as well. And while Zyon McCollum has impressed, he’s entering the final year of his contract in 2025, which could lead to Tampa Bay choosing between McCollum and Jamel Dean (who has missed multiple games in all six NFL seasons).
At No. 19 overall, the Bucs could find an immediate starter like Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron or South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori. It’s a little harder to project what might be available at No. 53 overall, though PFSN’s Mock Draft Simulator data shows that area as a popular landing spot for CBs like Maxwell Hairston, Azareye’h Thomas, and Trey Amos.
Tennessee Titans
Draft a WR for Cam Ward at No. 35 Overall
The Tennessee Titans don’t have many resources in this draft. Their only two picks in the top 100 are No. 1 overall and No. 35 overall. With Miami quarterback Cam Ward looking like a lock for that first selection, the Titans face a dilemma between trading down and using another premium pick to help Ward.
Tennessee does have multiple picks in the fourth and fifth rounds, however, which could free the Titans up to pair Ward with a top receiver prospect. Tennessee’s wide receiver room is barren beyond Calvin Ridley, but the early second round looks like a sweet spot to address the position.
Adding a true X receiver like Jayden Higgins or Tre Harris could free Ridley up to move around the formation more, while Hurricanes teammate Xavier Restrepo feels like an obvious Day 3 match.
Washington Commanders
Trade Up for a Pass Rusher
The Washington Commanders have depleted their draft resources in trades for Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel. While they have focused on their offensive needs, the Commanders remain aggressive with a move to address their biggest weakness on defense.
Washington blitzed at the sixth-highest rate in 2024, resulting in over half of their sacks coming via the blitz (22 out of 43). While those 22 sacks with the blitz were the most of any defense, their 21 sacks without the blitz ranked fourth-fewest. That reflected how the Commanders lacked a game-changing pass rusher, a reality that has not changed with Javon Kinlaw and Deatrich Wise Jr. being the most notable defensive line additions.
If an edge rusher like Donovan Ezeiruaku, Nic Scourton, or James Pearce Jr. slips to the mid-20s, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Washington make a short move up from No. 29 overall to get their preferred edge rusher. The Commanders have been intentional about capitalizing on the flexibility they’ll have while Jayden Daniels is on a rookie contract. Even with limited picks, a trade up would fit in with the rest of their offseason behavior.