Green Bay’s hosting the 2025 NFL Draft, and there’s something fitting about one of the NFL’s most storied towns setting the stage for the league’s next chapter. 

Teams have spent months dissecting film, pouring over advanced metrics, and grilling prospects with questions from the goofy (the occasional “favorite ice cream” question, for instance) to the sobering (like detailing personal work habits). By now, almost all the big scouting visits are wrapped up, but the rumor mill is still churning: which quarterback ranks where? Are teams as high on the top edge rushers as we think? Who’s got a late-round gem nobody else sees coming?

Whether you’re a die-hard sports junkie or the casual Sunday fan, this year’s draft feels like a crossroads for a lot of franchises, thanks to quarterback question marks, new coaches with distinct philosophies, and front offices trying to nail that perfect combination of talent and fit.

The Apex of Talent 

The top of every draft sets the tone, and 2025 is no different. A handful of can't-miss prospects stand head and shoulders above the rest, each with unique strengths that could transform a franchise’s trajectory.

Abdul Carter (Edge, Penn State)

First up, the guy everyone’s talking about: Abdul Carter. He’s an explosive edge rusher with an almost freakish first step, and scouts rave about how he bends at the top of his rush. It’s the kind of talent that can keep offensive coordinators up at night. Even though the Browns recently signed Myles Garrett to a massive extension, picking Carter at No. 2 to put on the other side makes a world of sense. Because if you can pair one generational pass-rushing talent with another, that’s one terrifying duo for AFC North quarterbacks.

Travis Hunter (CB/WR, Colorado)

Another big-time star is Travis Hunter, the two-way marvel who snagged a Heisman last year while playing both cornerback and wide receiver. He’s on the leaner side, but he’s a downright playmaker. If Carter’s off the board, rumor has it that Mike Vrabel — and the rest of the Patriots brass — might throw the biggest party in Foxborough since Tom Brady’s heyday if they get Hunter at No. 4. A lockdown corner who can also do damage on offense? Yes, please.

Mason Graham (DT, Michigan)

Then we’ve got Mason Graham, the disruptive force out of Michigan. This guy eats up double teams for breakfast. The Jaguars didn’t exactly make huge moves on the defensive line in free agency, so he’d be a brilliant fit to anchor that front. Put him with their young pass rushers and suddenly that D-line gets a bit scary.

Other Elite Names: Walker, Warren, Ward, and Sanders

Jalon Walker from Georgia is another edge presence who packs a punch with a “compact, powerful” build, while Tyler Warren from Penn State might be the biggest tight end to come out of college in years, boasting the uncanny ability to box out defenders in the end zone. Then you’ve got Cam Ward (QB, Miami), who can fling the football a country mile, and Shedeur Sanders (Colorado’s star QB), who might not be the biggest physically, but could be absolutely brilliant in the right system. And yes, rumor has it the New York Giants are eyeing Sanders like a hawk.

The Quarterback Conundrum

Quarterbacks always steal the spotlight, and this year’s group brings a lot of intrigue. There are some legit top-end talents, sure — but it’s also anyone’s guess which teams are actually going to pull the trigger on a QB early.

Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, and the Race to Go First

Cam Ward looks like the favorite to be the first quarterback off the board, with his cannon arm and impressive improvisational skills. But Shedeur Sanders is a fascinating wild card. 

Some experts say he’s a lock for the top three picks, likely to Cleveland or the Giants, but others believe there’s a chance he slips later into the round if neither of those teams pounces. 

If that slide happens, don’t be surprised if a team like the Steelers or Seahawks makes a bold move up. The biggest puzzle of every draft is which front office takes the big swing on a future face of the franchise.

Jaxson Dart: The Sleeper?

Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss isn’t exactly unknown — he balled out in Lane Kiffin’s offense — but he isn’t on everyone’s top-five list. Then again, ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky has him as his third-best QB, describing him as “closer to No. 2 than No. 4 or 5.” Multiple league insiders say they’d be surprised if he makes it out of the first round. 

Teams that are planning for a longer timeline — or just looking for high-upside depth — could find his combination of physical tools and experience too intriguing to pass on. The big question: Is he refined enough to succeed quickly, or will he need a year of holding the clipboard?

Potential Veteran Shenanigans

Let’s not forget about potential curveballs. If Aaron Rodgers ends up in Pittsburgh, that shouldn't keep them from drafting a rookie QB early, but it could affect how aggressive they are in trying to get one. 

Meanwhile, the Browns are rumored to be in on Kirk Cousins, which complicates whether they even want to go all-in on a quarterback with a top pick. Whether it’s Rodgers, Cousins, or who knows who else moving around, that all trickles down to who’s actually picking a signal-caller in Round 1.

Addressing the Deficiencies

Quarterbacks might rule the headlines, but there are 32 teams out there, each with their own glaring holes. Here’s a rapid-fire look at which squads are scrounging for what.

Edge Rusher

Pass rush is perpetually in demand. Teams like the Bengals (with Trey Hendrickson potentially leaving) will be scouting guys like Mykel Williams. The Panthers, who traded Brian Burns, might be downright desperate to grab a difference-maker off the edge. When you lose a cornerstone pass rusher, you can’t just replace that easily — unless you get lucky in the draft.

Wide Receiver

The Seahawks letting go of DK Metcalf was definitely a head-scratcher at first, but now they need someone to fill that large, large void. Tetairoa McMillan might be the answer. Meanwhile, the Cowboys keep searching for a solid partner for CeeDee Lamb — maybe Emeka Egbuka. Now that we’re in the era of high-flying passing attacks, elite wide receiver talent isn’t just nice, it’s borderline essential.

Offensive Line

You can’t do much in the NFL without a solid line. The Bears, for instance, are counting on a young quarterback to stay upright, so grabbing someone like Armand Membou at tackle might be wise. The Texans have been building around C.J. Stroud for a while now, and the best way to keep him healthy is a sturdy wall up front. Watch for a lot of teams to nab offensive linemen in the mid-rounds, too — there’s quite a bit of depth in this class.

Cornerbacks and Safeties

Passing is king, so coverage is queen. The Saints shipped out Marshon Lattimore, leaving them a gaping hole at corner. Maybe Will Johnson can slot right in. The Bills, determined to get over the hump, could use a fresh face at defensive back. Azareye’h Thomas might be that guy, bringing a jolt of energy to a secondary that’s been good, but not elite, for a while.

Running Backs

While running backs don’t always go top 10 these days, they still matter a ton — just look at how critical Saquon Barkley was for the Eagles' Super Bowl run last year. The Steelers, who’ve been hunting for that throwback bruiser to anchor their ground attack and moved on from Najee Harris, might look for Omarion Hampton, while Pete Carroll and the Raiders make a strangely perfect match for a dynamic runner like Ashton Jeanty.

Unearthing the Gems: Potential Sleepers 

We love talking about top-10 guys, but it’s often the later rounds that separate the smart teams from the rest. That’s where small-school prospects and overlooked players can slide in and contribute right away if they land in the right system.

Small-School Surprises

Keep an eye on Grey Zabel from North Dakota State. In an era when FBS programs get all the spotlight, NDSU keeps churning out tough, NFL-ready offensive linemen. Zabel has the bulk, the technique, and the mindset to potentially start at guard immediately. 

Then there’s Charles Grant at William & Mary — another small-program guy with tackle-sized length and athleticism. If you’re a GM who prides yourself on finding hidden gems, here’s your shot.

Specific Elite Traits

Some players stand out because they do one thing at an elite level — and that can be enough to earn them a real role. Take Mike Green out of Marshall, for example. He’s ultra-explosive off the edge with a quick first step and the ability to convert that speed into real power. His pass-rushing toolbox isn’t fully polished yet, but his burst alone could keep quarterbacks uncomfortable.

Then there’s David Walker from Central Arkansas. He put up monster numbers in tackles for loss and sacks, showing he knows how to wreck plays behind the line. He’s got great natural leverage and a strong base, which could help him hold up even without ideal length against NFL tackles.

On the back end, Quincy Riley is an interesting case. He looked like a ballhawk at Louisville two years ago, allowing barely anything in coverage and showing solid tackling efficiency. His senior year wasn’t as sharp, but the ability to lock down receivers and force turnovers is still there — it just needs the right scheme to reappear.

And don’t forget about Bhayshul Tuten. The Virginia Tech back blazed a 4.32 in the 40-yard dash and jumped out of the gym in drills. He might not be a three-down guy, but his speed, burst, and ability to pick up yards after contact make him a real home-run threat from anywhere on the field.

Under-the-Radar Versatility

The NFL is big on roster flexibility these days, especially when you only get so many guys on game day. Jackson Slater (Sacramento State) and Clay Webb (Jacksonville State) have both played multiple spots on the O-line. That means they could back up a handful of positions, or slide around as needed—very valuable in a league defined by attrition. 

Isas Waxter (Villanova) fits that same mold in the secondary. He’s a physical, tough-nosed defender who isn’t afraid to stick his nose in the run game but has the range and versatility to play either corner or safety depending on the matchup. He might not be flashy, but he plays hard, tackles well, and can hold his own wherever you put him.

The Unscripted Drama: Expecting the Unexpected on Draft Day

If there’s one surefire thing about the draft, it’s that something wild will happen. We’ve seen teams mortgage their future to jump ten spots for “their guy.” We’ve seen major talents tumble because of a last-second rumor. And things will be no different in Green Bay.

The Trade Carousel

There’s already talk about Denver trying to move up for tight end Tyler Warren, who was a real matchup problem at Penn State. When teams zero in on a guy they love, they sometimes push the panic button and give up more than they probably should to make it happen.

The Patriots, meanwhile, have become notorious for not moving down in the draft — trading back, collecting more picks, and stacking affordable rookie deals. Critics say they should go for immediate star power, but New England seems more than comfortable playing the long game. Could that change under Vrabel? 

Surprising Slides and Rises

One of the most talked-about parts of every draft is when a big-name prospect unexpectedly slides. Sometimes it’s an injury that wasn’t made public, sometimes it’s a vague rumor about attitude or off-field stuff that teams can’t quite pin down — but once it starts, the drop can snowball. 

This year, Shedeur Sanders is one of the guys people are already speculating about in that context. A few scouts and insiders have floated the idea that he might fall farther than expected, and fair or not, it’s a conversation that’s starting to take hold.

We’ve seen this kind of thing happen before — guys with legit top-10 talent end up going mid-to-late first round, or even early in the second, because of whispers that may or may not be grounded in truth. Teams can get spooked quickly when there’s uncertainty.

On the flip side, you always have a handful of names from smaller programs or lesser-known schools who surge up the board. Maybe it’s a freakish workout, or a few teams that fall in love with their film. That unknown corner or undersized edge rusher suddenly becomes a top-20 guy because two or three franchises believe he can flat-out play. 

The Shifting QB Market

Shedeur Sanders is the prime pivot point. If Cleveland or the Giants pass on him in the top three, we might see a scramble from teams picking around 10 to 21 trying to get up to snag him. 

Pittsburgh, Seattle — maybe even Las Vegas, though less likely following Geno Smith's recent extension — could see him as the future face of their franchise. It’d only take one phone call to flip the entire first round on its head. 

Scheme Fit Matters

We talk a lot about talent during the draft, but where a guy lands — and who’s coaching him — might be just as important. A player can be insanely gifted, but if he ends up in a scheme that doesn’t match what he does best, he’s going to struggle. It’s happened before — talented guys taken high, thrown into systems that don’t fit, and they flame out before they ever really get going. (Looking at you, Baker Mayfield.)

It goes both ways as well, a mid-round pick might not turn heads on draft night, but if he lands with a coaching staff that knows exactly how to use him, he could thrive. That’s why having a good coach is so critical: the ability to maximize what a player already brings to the table.

The Anticipation Builds for Green Bay

We’re almost there — April 24-26 is right around the corner, and by the end of that weekend, the NFL could look a whole lot different. Some teams are going to walk away with difference-makers. Others are going to miss badly and have their picks second-guessed by fans and media for the next five years. That’s just how it goes. 

Every year there’s at least one, sometimes two or three guys, who fall way further than anyone expected, and a few teams always end up kicking themselves later. The draft is part gamble, part strategy, and part luck — and all of it’s about to go down in Green Bay.