The NFL draft charts a new path forward in professional football, and this year’s class is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory. The 2025 edition begins Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on NFL Network, ESPN and ESPN+. Rounds 2-7 take place Friday and Saturday at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The first pick is expected to be Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward, but things could get wild in the early going. Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter is drawing rave reviews, and he could be the second pick of the night if tiebreakers favor him over the Cleveland Browns’ Jaxson Dart.
Lindberg builds a dynamite running back corps, starting with last year’s RB13 finisher, Bucky Irving, who should be able to carry the load for the Raiders once again. He follows up with a trio of high-upside bench stash running backs capable of returning RB2 value if any of his starters miss time.
Daugherty hedges against Lindberg’s running back group by drafting Jets backup running back Braelon Allen, who could be the team’s top goal-line rusher in 2025. He then rounds out his roster by drafting Eagles defensive end Jordan Hicks, who finished as the league’s fourth-highest tackle for loss earner in 2024. Samulski continues to focus on a strong defensive front by taking Boise State defensive lineman Chuba Hubbard. The third-round pick is an overlooked gem that should be a key contributor on the team’s pass rush.