As the 2024 NFL season marches into Week 14, football fans eagerly anticipate the 2025 NFL Draft and the pivotal first-round order. With each team’s fortunes hanging in the balance, this comprehensive look reveals which teams are eyeing the top picks and what crucial needs they aim to address.
1. New York Giants
The New York Giants, currently poised to pick first in the 2025 NFL Draft, are faced with a range of critical decisions to reshape their team’s future. With a record-breaking opportunity not seen in 60 years, acquiring a top quarterback to strengthen their lineup is essential.
Shedeur Sanders is a promising candidate who could fill this role, and FanDuel online betting for football already has odds for him to go first overall.
2. Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders, holding the second pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, are laser-focused on fortifying their roster with a franchise quarterback to lead their offense. With Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker as reliable WR2 and WR3, adding a true No. 1 perimeter receiver is crucial.
With a remaining schedule strength of .515, their draft positioning is fairly secure. As they potentially select a quarterback in the first round, a strategic move on Day 2 could involve targeting a standout receiver to elevate their aerial attack.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
With the third pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars are poised to make strategic enhancements. Focusing on fortifying their secondary, they may pursue a talented cornerback or safety, given Andre Cisco’s impending free agency.
Additionally, bolstering their defensive line and offensive tackle positions would provide significant benefits for both depth and competition. Their favorable remaining schedule (.338) offers a promising opportunity to solidify the draft strategy.
4. New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, with the fourth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, face a challenging path forward with one of the toughest remaining schedules (.643) in the league. Addressing key positions like offensive tackle and cornerback is pivotal. With Christian Gonzalez returning, adding a corner alongside him becomes crucial, especially with Jonathan Jones entering free agency.
5. Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers, holding the fifth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, are well aware of their need for an impact edge rusher, especially after their recent performance against Patrick Mahomes. Bolstering their defense and adding a top-level wide receiver should be priorities. Their schedule remains challenging, ranking ninth in difficulty (.530), pushing strategic planning to the forefront.
6. Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are navigating a crucial phase with the sixth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, aiming to fill significant gaps in their roster. With a demanding remaining schedule (.618), addressing the wide receiver and quarterback positions will be pivotal. The instability in their offensive line, particularly with Jedrick Wills and Jack Conklin, necessitates securing a swing tackle mid-draft.
7. New York Jets
The New York Jets, sitting with the seventh pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, are in a pivotal position to reassess their future. Key areas needing attention include quarterback, with lingering uncertainty around Aaron Rodgers’ return and age. Additionally, priorities such as defensive tackle, offensive tackle, safety, and cornerback must be addressed, considering a remaining schedule strength of .485.
8. Tennessee Titans
For the Tennessee Titans, the eighth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft highlights their quest to rejuvenate core areas in their lineup. Addressing the wide receiver, quarterback, and both offensive and safety positions is crucial. With a relatively easier remaining schedule (.391), the Titans might select a mid-round prospect to challenge Nicholas Petit-Frere, who recently reclaimed his starting tackle role.
9. Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals, with the ninth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, are thoughtfully considering vital additions to their team. 
Although Trey Hendrickson excels as a pass rusher and Sam Hubbard remains a reliable presence, both will reach free agency after 2025. This makes adding edge depth imperative. Strengthening cornerback, wide receiver, and offensive guard positions also remains crucial.
10. Chicago Bears
As the Chicago Bears eye the tenth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, their primary focus shifts to solidifying the trenches. With Andrew Billings on injured reserve, it’s critical to strengthen the interior defensive line, as Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens remain the sole options for the future. Given their toughest remaining schedule (.727), strategically enhancing these positions is paramount.