The 2025 NFL Draft is fast approaching, and for some teams, this event represents a pivotal moment to reshape their rosters and future trajectories.
Whether due to aging players, free agency losses, or glaring positional gaps, these ten franchises face immense pressure to deliver a successful draft this year.
1. Tennessee Titans
The Titans hold the No. 1 overall pick, giving them a prime opportunity to select a franchise quarterback, likely Cam Ward from Miami. After ranking last in passing grades last season and trading DeAndre Hopkins, they also need wide receiver help, interior offensive linemen, and defensive upgrades. This draft is critical for Tennessee to rebuild after a dismal 2024 season.
2. Cleveland Browns
Following a disastrous 3-14 campaign, the Browns are at a crossroads. With Deshaun Watson sidelined indefinitely and no clear quarterback solution, they’re expected to target a signal-caller or elite edge rusher like Abdul Carter with the No. 2 pick. Their roster also needs reinforcements at defensive tackle, linebacker, and wide receiver to regain competitiveness.
3. New York Giants
The Giants own the No. 3 pick after back-to-back disappointing seasons. Despite signing veteran quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, they lack a long-term answer under center. Shedeur Sanders could be a target here. Beyond quarterback, they must address offensive line depth and defensive playmakers to avoid another year of mediocrity.
4. New Orleans Saints
The Saints’ roster is riddled with holes on both sides of the ball. With the ninth overall pick, they must prioritize finding young talent, particularly at tight end, wide receiver, and defensive line. Aging stars like Cameron Jordan and Demario Davis need successors, while Derek Carr’s future as quarterback remains uncertain.
5. Chicago Bears
Despite adding pieces to their offensive line in free agency, the Bears still need significant upgrades to protect Caleb Williams after he endured relentless pressure in 2024. They also require an edge rusher and skill position players to improve their league-worst offense from last season.
6. New England Patriots
The Patriots are picking fourth overall for the second straight year after another 4-13 season. With Drake Maye already in place as their quarterback of the future, New England can focus on adding elite talent at other positions like wide receiver (Travis Hunter is an option), offensive line, or defensive backfield to support Maye’s development.
7. Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young showed promise in his sophomore season, but the Panthers need to build around him after finishing with one of the league’s worst offenses in 2024. Wide receiver depth, offensive line help, and defensive upgrades—especially at edge rusher—are essential for Carolina to take the next step.
8. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers’ offseason saw significant free agency losses that left them with major gaps across their roster. Without early draft capital due to trades in prior years, they’ll need to maximize every pick to address needs at quarterback depth (behind Brock Purdy), offensive line stability, and defensive playmakers.
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9. Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta’s pass rush has been abysmal for years—they ranked last in sacks since 2019—and fixing this issue must be their top priority in the draft. They also need help on the interior offensive line and secondary if they hope to compete in a division that remains up for grabs.
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10. Houston Texans
After trading Laremy Tunsil and Kenyon Green during free agency, protecting C.J. Stroud should be Houston’s primary focus heading into the draft. The Texans also need reinforcements at defensive tackle and wide receiver as they aim to build around their young quarterback.
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