The Tennessee Titans are practically on the clock at No. 1 to kick off the 2025 NFL draft. It will likely be the primary of 257 whole alternatives throughout seven rounds from Thursday to Saturday.
To organize you for the draft, right here is our information for all the pieces you have to know — high prospects, rankings, mock drafts, issues to know, daring predictions, buzz and extra. How does this yr’s class stack up traditionally? Which place will Travis Hunter play within the NFL? The place will Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart and all of the quarterbacks land? Which late-round prospects might stand up the board? We reply all of that and extra.
However let’s begin with a primary query — tips on how to watch the draft this week.
See extra:
ESPN Draftcast | Finest obtainable gamers | Staff wants
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The way to watch | Decide order | Prime prospects | Mocks
Overview of the category | QBs | Hunter: WR or CB?
Finest workforce matches | Risers | Predictions | Buzz
Nuggets to know | Projections | Should-reads
Draft Day Predictor | FAQs
The place, when and tips on how to watch the draft
The 2025 draft can be held at Lambeau Area in Inexperienced Bay, Wisconsin.
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Spherical 1: Thursday at 8 p.m. ET (ESPN, ABC and the ESPN App)
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Rounds 2-3: Friday at 7 p.m. ET (ESPN, ABC and the ESPN App)
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Rounds 4-7: Saturday at midday ET (ESPN and the ESPN App)
The NFL introduced that 16 gamers will attend the draft in individual: Alabama G Tyler Booker; Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell; LSU OT Will Campbell; Penn State Edge Abdul Carter; Texas WR Matthew Golden; Michigan DT Mason Graham; Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter; Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty; Michigan CB Will Johnson; Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan; Alabama QB Jalen Milroe; Ohio State OT Josh Simmons; Georgia S Malaki Starks; Texas A&M Edge Shemar Stewart; Miami QB Cam Ward; Georgia Edge Mykel Williams.
Extra: How Inexperienced Bay ready for the draft
What’s the draft order?
There can be 257 picks on this yr’s draft. The Titans have the primary choice, whereas the Chiefs presently have the ultimate spot to take Mr. Irrelevant. The 49ers and Ravens have probably the most picks within the draft with 11 every, whereas the Vikings have the fewest with 4 alternatives. No first-round picks have been traded, so each workforce is presently set to make a choice on Day 1.
Prime 10:
1. Tennessee Titans
2. Cleveland Browns
3. New York Giants
4. New England Patriots
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
6. Las Vegas Raiders
7. New York Jets
8. Carolina Panthers
9. New Orleans Saints
10. Chicago Bears
Extra: Full draft order … Draft wants for all 32 groups (ESPN+) … Massive questions for each workforce (ESPN+)
How do the prospects on this class rank?
Scouts Inc.’s high 10 prospects:
1. Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State (Highlights)
2. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado (Highlights)
3. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan (Highlights)
4. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State (Highlights)
5. Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State (Highlights)
6. Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia (Highlights)
7. Cam Ward, QB, Miami (Highlights)
8. Armand Membou, OT, Missouri (Highlights)
9. Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia (Highlights)
10. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan (Highlights)
Scouts Inc.’s high 5 quarterbacks:
1. Cam Ward, Miami
2. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
3. Jaxson Dart, Mississippi
4. Tyler Shough, Louisville
5. Jalen Milroe, Alabama
1:42
Kevin Clark: Cam Ward is closest prospect to Patrick Mahomes
Domonique Foxworth disagrees with Kevin Clark’s comparability of Cam Ward to Patrick Mahomes.
Our analysts’ private boards: Kiper | Miller | Reid | Yates | Legwold
Extra in regards to the standout gamers: Riddick’s favourite prospects … Finest prospects at 100 completely different traits (ESPN+) … Our favourite prospect-to-pro comps … Kiper’s favourite prospects (ESPN+) … Most polarizing gamers within the class (ESPN+) … Prospects with the widest choose ranges (ESPN+) … All-Movie Staff (ESPN+)
Newest mock drafts
Listed below are the newest mock drafts from our analysts going into the primary spherical (and in some circumstances, past) on ESPN+.
Yow will discover each 2025 mock draft since final Might right here.
Extra: Debating want, worth in Spherical 1 (ESPN+) … Barnwell’s All-Trades mock draft … Bowen’s favourite matches for 20 prospects (ESPN+) … Ultimate fantasy touchdown spots for 10 gamers … How all 32 groups might crush the draft (ESPN+)
How does this draft class stack up?
The 2025 draft class seems to be lots completely different than final yr’s class. The 2024 draft featured six quarterbacks within the first 12 picks for the primary time ever, and three quarterbacks went Nos. 1-3. I might estimate a most of 4 quarterbacks will go within the first spherical this yr, however I can plausibly see a state of affairs the place simply two are chosen (Ward and Sanders). Past the dearth of QB star energy, there may be additionally a smaller variety of blue-chip gamers than 2024, particularly at huge receiver and offensive deal with.
That being mentioned, the 2025 class gives wonderful depth, notably at working again, huge receiver, defensive deal with, edge rusher, tight finish and security. My high 200 prospects embrace 26 edge rushers, 24 huge receivers, 22 working backs, 14 safeties and 12 tight ends. Groups which might be flush with draft picks this yr will fortunately navigate the boards in Rounds 2-4 and really feel strongly in regards to the potential of discovering high quality starters. — Area Yates, NFL draft analyst
Extra: Has DT change into a premium place? … Will we ever see a RB go No. 1 once more?
What to anticipate for groups that want a quarterback
This QB class actually is not pretty much as good as final yr’s group, however the 2025 class might see a number of signal-callers picked in Spherical 1. Miami’s Cam Ward is the presumed No. 1 total choose, and he may give Tennessee some solutions beneath heart. Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart are seen as the opposite two passers who may very well be chosen on Day 1. And a few evaluators imagine Louisville’s Tyler Shough and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe may very well be picked as early as the highest of the second spherical.
The Browns and Giants have apparent wants for a younger franchise QB, however neither is prone to choose one over Hunter or Carter. That leaves the Saints (No. 9) and Steelers (No. 21) as the opposite prime spots the place QBs may very well be chosen on Thursday. New Orleans is among the largest wild playing cards on this yr’s draft, particularly after the information of Derek Carr’s shoulder harm.
For groups extra excited by ready to select a QB, Syracuse’s Kyle McCord and Ohio State’s Will Howard may very well be stable choices within the third or fourth spherical. — Jordan Reid, NFL draft analyst
Extra: Can Sanders, Ward pace up their throw time? … Reid’s QB Scorching Board rankings (ESPN+) … QB-only mock draft: Staff matches in seven rounds (ESPN+) … Every QB’s deadly flaw (ESPN+)
Will Travis Hunter play WR or CB within the professionals?
There isn’t any means he would not play on either side of the ball. I see Hunter primarily at huge receiver, however the Colorado standout ought to completely see loads of motion at cornerback, too. He has the pace, fingers and instincts to be a real difference-maker at each positions. Hunter noticed an unimaginable 1,458 snaps final season, and he posted nice numbers: 96 catches, 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns at WR, and 10 go breakups and 4 interceptions at CB.
Let’s look particularly at how he’d match with the Browns, who’ve the No. 2 choose and look like a wise touchdown spot. Hunter might play full-time alongside wideout Jerry Jeudy and tight finish David Njoku to impress a lackluster go sport. The Browns want extra dependable go catchers, particularly with the workforce’s QB uncertainty. They may additionally sprinkle him in at nook. They’ve stable starters in Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II, however Hunter would merely should be on the sphere in key spots. If Cleveland is going through a detailed sport, is it actually going to depart Hunter on the sideline throughout an opponent’s ultimate few drives? No shot. He might additionally assist in crimson zone protection. Hunter is simply an excessive amount of of a baller to restrict him to offense or protection. — Mel Kiper Jr., NFL draft analyst
Extra: Bailey on Hunter
Our favourite potential workforce matches
Michigan CB Will Johnson to the Falcons
Johnson is extra easy than sudden, with explosive ahead capacity. He has the bodily traits to play man protection, however I like him finest in a system that permits him to play top-down on the ball. That matches beneath coach Raheem Morris in an Atlanta protection that performed zone protection — each split-safety and single-high — on 61.2% of opponent dropbacks final season (twelfth within the league). Pairing Johnson with A.J. Terrell would give the Falcons two lengthy and fluid corners. Johnson has a playmaking factor to his sport, posting 9 interceptions and three defensive scores at Michigan. Atlanta wants that form of turnover manufacturing.
Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson to the Bears
The Bears might goal Johnson early on Day 2 to pair him with D’Andre Swift within the backfield. He is a linear glider with the north/south acceleration to create massive performs. Final season at Iowa, he rushed for 21 touchdowns and added 43 carries of 10 or extra yards. Johnson can be match for the surface zone scheme that new coach Ben Johnson has run up to now. And with an uptick in utilization in an NFL go sport, he’d produce on screens and backfield releases for Chicago. — Matt Bowen, NFL analyst
Extra: Sanders’ most closely fits (ESPN+)
Some risers to look at
Tai Felton, WR, Maryland
I’ve Felton projected within the fourth spherical, and he has been talked about typically by NFL scouts as a riser because of his speedy play and talent to stretch the sphere as a vertical receiving choice. He is seen as a robust candidate for a WR3 function in his rookie season with the abilities so as to add to his plate as soon as his route tree expands. Felton (6-foot-1, 183 kilos) caught 96 passes for 1,124 yards and 9 scores final season.
Nick Martin, LB, Oklahoma State
Martin is one other late-rounder seen as a possible riser because of his predraft course of. A former walk-on, the 6-foot, 221-pounder has the pace to chase down working backs and quarterbacks from the center of the sphere. He missed quite a lot of the 2024 season, however he had 135 tackles in 2023. A late Spherical 3 choice would not be a shock.
Rylie Mills, DT, Notre Dame
As a possible 5-technique on the subsequent degree at 6-foot-5 and 291 kilos, Mills has a ton of intrigue for groups given his first-step quickness. He was banged up in 2024, which restricted his predraft course of, however video games like his efficiency towards Florida State — when he posted three sacks — are the kind of résumé builders that might get him inside the highest 100 picks. — Matt Miller, NFL draft analyst
Extra: Faculty coaches choose sleepers (ESPN+) … Largest risers of the yr
Making daring predictions
Just one quarterback will go within the first spherical. I at all times view QB draft hype with a uncertain eye, and whereas final yr was massive for late quarterback risers, this class would not maintain a candle to that one. I feel the Browns, Giants and Saints all have a protracted staring contest that ends with no person buying and selling again up into the primary for a passer. And accordingly, solely Cam Ward will hear his title known as within the first spherical.
Omarion Hampton will outproduce Ashton Jeanty. Hampton is the perfect participant within the class that we do not ever discuss. I get it — Jeanty had an unbelievable season, and I feel he has all it takes to be a wonderful professional. However so does Hampton — dimension, pace, tackle-breaking traits and third-down worth. And since Hampton will go later within the draft (Scouts Inc.’s No. 21 prospect), he has a a lot better likelihood than Jeanty at becoming a member of a wholesome offensive nucleus. Think about Jeanty losing away like Saquon Barkley on a Giants-like roster for his rookie deal, whereas Hampton is piling up straightforward yardage behind that Broncos’ offensive line.
The Ravens will commerce as much as steal Colston Loveland from the Chargers. Each Mark Andrews and Isaiah Seemingly are in contract years, and whereas this tight finish class is deep, there isn’t any doubt that Loveland and Tyler Warren are the cream of the crop. Loveland is a typical mock draft match to the Chargers at No. 22 partially due to his connection to ex-Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh. However older brother John might commit some Harbaugh-on-Harbaugh crime by buying and selling up from No. 27 to leapfrog the Chargers and draft Loveland. — Ben Solak, NFL analyst
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Colston Loveland’s NFL resume
Take a look at a number of the numbers that make Michigan’s Colston Loveland a high NFL prospect.
What is the newest predraft buzz?
Dan Graziano, NFL nationwide reporter: My conversations over the weekend lead me to assume there may very well be a run on go rushers sooner than anticipated within the first spherical. After Abdul Carter goes No. 2 or No. 3 to the Browns or Giants, respectively, the spots the place league executives assume go rushers may very well be chosen embrace the Raiders at No. 6, Jets at No. 7, Panthers at No. 8, Saints at No. 9 and 49ers at No. 11.
Whether or not it is Georgia edge guys corresponding to Jalon Walker or Mykel Williams or disruptive defensive tackles corresponding to Ole Miss’ Walter Nolen, groups that are not enamored with the receivers, tackles, and so on. on this class might default to taking proficient guys who can get after quarterbacks.
Jeremy Fowler, NFL nationwide reporter: Groups across the league are intently watching New Orleans, which seems to have a disgruntled quarterback in Derek Carr. Do the Saints leverage the No. 9 or No. 40 picks for a QB? The workforce hasn’t chosen a first-round passer since Archie Manning in 1971, and new coach Kellen Moore wants a younger passer with whom to construct. The sense I get is that the No. 9 choose will go to a different place — offensive line is among the many workforce’s wants — however the fortieth choice may very well be a candy spot for the second tier of quarterbacks.
Whereas Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart are within the first-round dialog, Louisville’s Tyler Shough and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe might get pushed up into the early second and even late first spherical because of this. The Saints ought to keep nimble with that choose in case they love a kind of signal-callers. However total, the Saints have saved a degree of thriller all through this course of. Groups legitimately do not know what they’re planning.
Listed below are the newest rumblings by way of ESPN+:
1:14
May Browns, Giants commerce down for ‘Godfather deal?’
Peter Schrager says the Browns and Giants are listening to gives for the second and third picks within the NFL draft.
Issues to know from ESPN Analysis
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The Titans’ franchise has the No. 1 choose for the third time within the widespread draft period (since 1967), after beforehand choosing defensive finish John Matuszak (1973) and Corridor of Fame working again Earl Campbell (1978) because the Houston Oilers.
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Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter performed 1,481 whole snaps final season, 297 greater than every other FBS participant. Hunter was the one participant in not less than the previous 45 years with 500 receiving yards and 4 interceptions in a season.
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Edge rusher Abdul Carter was a unanimous All-American and may very well be the primary Penn State defensive participant chosen within the high 10 since defensive finish Courtney Brown and linebacker LaVar Arrington went first and second total, respectively, in 2000.
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Quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ father Deion was the No. 5 choose in 1989. If Shedeur goes within the high 10, the Sanders household would be part of the Mannings (Archie and Peyton/Eli) and the Matthews (Bruce and Jake) as the one father-son mixtures to each be picked within the high 10 within the widespread draft period.
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There have been not less than three quarterbacks chosen within the first spherical in eight of the previous 9 drafts.
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The reigning nationwide champion Ohio State Buckeyes had 15 gamers in Miller’s seven-round mock draft (posted on March 27), probably the most of any college. If there are 15 Ohio State gamers drafted, it could be this system’s most in a single yr within the widespread draft period, surpassing the 14 gamers it had chosen in 2004.
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Operating again is taken into account a major energy this yr, with Scouts Inc. rating 31 working backs with a draftable grade. Because the NFL draft moved to seven rounds in 1994, there have been solely two drafts through which not less than 30 working backs had been chosen — 32 in 1996 and 30 in 2011.
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Whereas the gamers drafted within the first spherical get a lot of the highlight, a good portion of a workforce’s roster is constructed on Day 2 and Day 3. Amongst energetic gamers within the 2024 season, 63% had been drafted in Rounds 4-7 or went undrafted.
Projecting the draft’s high gamers
To present you a glimpse of which gamers might pan out to be the perfect, NFL analyst Aaron Schatz projected the highest prospects and picked comps. With contributions from Nathan Forster, Alexandre Olbrecht and Jeremy Rosen, Schatz projected the highest working backs by way of BackCAST, edge rushers utilizing SackSEER and huge receivers utilizing Playmaker Rating. He capped issues off projecting the highest quarterback prospects.
See all positions: Quarterback | Extensive receiver | Operating again | Edge rushers
Learn extra in regards to the prospects
Which prospects have notably fascinating paths to the draft?
Take a look at the NFL Draft Day Predictor
Our Draft Day Predictor is a software that makes use of skilled mock drafts, Scouts Inc. grades and workforce must forecast choose chances for prospects. We will predict when the perfect gamers will get picked and the prospect they are going to be obtainable at sure slots. Moreover, our NFL draft simulator offers customers the chance to make picks and conduct trades.
Extra: Draft Day Predictor settles 10 debates
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Dan Graziano and Dan Orlovsky weigh in on what the Bears ought to do within the NFL draft.
