2025 NFL Draft Players to Keep an Eye On

Rounds 2 and 3 will take place the following day, with rounds 4 through 7 wrapping up the drat on Saturday the 26th.

Some fans are already beginning to compare the best online sportsbooks to see their team's chances for next year, with the Philadelphia Eagles the favorite to retain their title, closely followed by the Chiefs, Bills, and Ravens. Sports betting expert Darren Moore discusses how exploring the wide range of markets can provide consumers with great value, but knowing how your team's roster is lining up could be a massive help.

Keeping up to date on the comings and goings will give fans a better idea of how they are likely to set up next year, and the depth of roster quality will also impact how teams cope with injuries.

Because of this, the 2025 draft could be significant to teams' chances, and draft positions will be crucial for those with their eyes on the brightest young talents joining the NFL. This year's lineup, barring trades, will read as follows:

• Tennessee Titans
• Cleveland Browns
• New York Giants
• New England Patriots
• Jacksonville Jaguars
• Las Vegas Raiders
• New York Jets
• Carolina Panthers
• New Orleans Saints
• Chicago Bears
• San Francisco 49ers
• Dallas Cowboys
• Miami Dolphins
• Indianapolis Colts
• Atlanta Falcons
• Arizona Cardinals
• Cincinnati Bengals
• Seattle Seahawks
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Denver Broncos
• Pittsburgh Steelers
• Los Angeles Chargers
• Green Bay Packers
• Minnesota Vikings
• Houston Texans
• Los Angeles Rams
• Baltimore Ravens
• Detroit Lions
• Washington Commanders
• Buffalo Bills
• Kansas City Chiefs
• Philadelphia Eagles

The tactical nature of the draft can cause some surprises with some teams looking beyond a player's potential in order to secure players who will suit their style and roster needs. Collaborative approaches to draft recruitment between a team's GM and head coach are typically the best formula for securing players who will fit into the team and perform at the highest level.

This year's draft pick has some massive potential including Travis Hunter who can operate as a cornerback or wide receiver. Currently playing as a wide receiver for Colorado, Hunter is known for his running strength and has displayed the instincts required to succeed as a playmaker.

After an award-winning season with Colorado where he became the only player to win the Chuck Bednarik and Fred Biletnikoff Awards for the top defensive and wide players respectively. He also picked up the Walter Camp Award and has recently been listed as a defensive back. However, it is his flexibility that could see him end up as top pick or thereabouts.

Penn State's Abdul Carter is another highly ranked draft pick who is known for his explosive speed. The defensive end was the 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year who is a potential No.1 pick this year.

The 6ft 3" 21-year-old picked Penn State despite offers from Ole Miss and South Carolina, joining in 2022 after graduating from High School. His first season saw him achieve second-team All-Big Ten Conference before making unanimous All-American the following season. Carter declared for the 2025 draft after Penn State's 2025 Orange Bowl loss. 

Defensive tackle Mason Graham is a 6ft 3", 320 lb player who defies his size by playing with endless energy and easy movement. His history as a wrestler has helped him with his strength and leverage. The University of Michigan star saw him achieve All-American honors on two occasions and was the Rose Bowl MVP in 2024.

Running back Ashton Jeanty has already been linked with a move to the Raiders, but the 21-year-old will be in demand after proving his worth with Boise State. Last season he broke a 46-year old team record in the opening game as he rushed for 267 yards. 

He didn't slow down and was the regular season leader for rushing yards and yards from scrimmage and was named the Offensive Player of the Year for his conference.

He finished the season as the Heisman Trophy runner-up, Doak Walker, and Maxwell award winner, and was also a unanimous All-American.

Abdul Carter's Penn State teammate and tight end Tyler Warren is another player with the potential to make an impact at this year's draft. As well as featuring as a tight end, he can also play as a receiver, quarterback, and running back. 

The 6ft 6" 22-year-old offers a physical presence with an extensive catching zone and was rewarded for a great season by winning the John Mackey Award.

These are just some of the exciting prospects that are likely to feature in the early stages of the 2025 NFL Draft, but there are many others that teams might be willing to take a punt on. 

Notre Dame's Benjamin Morrison is one such option whose talent has never been in question. However, a bad hip injury means that anyone who picks him will be hopeful that he can pick up where he left off in his development.

Another promising talent who suffered a bad injury is Ohio State's Josh Simmons. The athletic tackle has a lot of potential, but an ACL tear in week 7 cut short his season. The physical nature of the NFL means that anyone who goes for Simmons could be taking a risk. But it is worth noting that the talented offensive lineman could prove to be an excellent acquisition if things go his way.

There are no guarantees in the NFL draft, and even players who have performed at the highest possible level in college ball can fail to make the step up. Teams that do their due diligence about players' ability, potential, and attitude will stand a much better chance of securing a future star, and many players in the 2025 draft are definitely in with a chance.