2025 NFL Draft: One Key Tip for Teams Drafting in Round 1

With the 2025 NFL Draft just around the corner (April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin), all 32 teams are in evaluation mode. The Titans have the #1 overall pick and are likely to take Miami QB Cam Ward, but the real drama starts at #2 with the Browns. The draft is going to be huge for teams looking to get game changers. But what should teams be thinking about as they make their Round 1 picks? Let’s break it down.

Cleveland Browns: Resist the QB Hype, Build a Defensive Powerhouse

The Browns’ eternal quest for a franchise qurterback has everyone speculating about Shedeur Sanders or Travis Hunter at #2. But going after another qurterback might not be the best move for Cleveland. Instead, the Browns should focus on building an identity – and that starts with defense.

Abdul Carter, the Penn State edge rusher, is the prime candidate to pair with Myles Garrett and make one of the best pass rushing duos in the NFL. Drafting Sanders or Hunter will get the headlines, but drafting Carter will have an immediate impact and make the Browns a defensive force to be reckoned with.

Yes, the Browns locked up Garrett through 2030, but giving Superman a sidekick could take this team to new heights. The Browns aren’t a qurterback away from being AFC champions – but they could be an Abdul Carter away from having the best edge rushing tandem in the league.

Deep Defensive Line Class: Don’t Be Afraid to Double Down

According to NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein, this is a deep defensive line class. Teams shouldn’t be afraid to take multiple defensive linemen in the first 100 picks.

“While drafting for need is understandable,” Zierlein says, “remember that impactful defensive players can be found on the edge and inside on Thursday and Friday. These players will be more valuable than reaching for an average cornerback or guard a round earlier than their grade.”

For teams like the Browns, Jets or Giants, investing in a dominant defensive line will pay off for years to come. In a league where defense wins championships, loading up on pass rushers and interior disruptors is the way to go.

Quarterback Conundrum: Build a Great Roster First

Jeffri Chadiha’s advice to teams eyeing quarterbacks in the top 10 should give them pause. Six teams—Tennessee, Cleveland, the Giants, Las Vegas, the Jets and New Orleans—are desperate for a quarterback who can be that guy for the long haul. And when that temptation to grab a shiny new QB prospect comes along—think Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart—you can bet Chadiha will caution against overvaluing them.

He points to the Eagles, who won a Super Bowl last year and nearly did it again in 2022. What made the difference? A strong supporting cast around Jalen Hurts. The 49ers won the NFC in 2023 with Brock Purdy at the helm. That was thanks to the players around him—the ones who made his job easier. Sam Darnold excelled last season because the Vikings gave him a solid foundation to work with.

That’s the real takeaway: a quarterback alone can’t save a franchise. What Chadiha is saying is that you need to build a great team first. Then—maybe—you can expect great things from your rookie QB.

Don’t Sleep on Ashton Jeanty

Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is the kind of player who can make you wonder what happens if you pass on him too early in the draft. That RB position is deep this year, but Jeanty stands out as a potentially special player. And if you don’t think he’s that special—well, you might just be making a costly mistake.

Lance Zierlein loves Jeanty. He ranks him the No. 1 prospect in the draft and compares him to the great LaDainian Tomlinson. Daniel Jeremiah puts him third overall. That’s the kind of endorsement that should get Jeanty serious consideration from teams looking for the best player available—starting in the top five.

The Jaguars, picking fifth overall, might have a decision to make. They already have Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby. But, their rushing offense ranked 26th last year and 24th the year before. That’s not exactly the kind of production you’d expect from a team with that kind of talent. Adding Jeanty could change that. He could be the dynamic weapon to complement Trevor Lawrence that the Jaguars have been missing.

“Don’t make the mistake of disrespecting Jeanty!” Zierlein warns. “Sacrificing greatness for good just isn’t a winning strategy.” That’s advice that should resonate with any team looking to make a real difference this season.