Founders' DraftDate: 2025
Countdown Begins for 2025 NFL Draft, Search for Future Hall of Famers Commences
This year, the NFL's prestigious show returns! The Founders' Draft kicks off on April 24-26, 2025, at Titletown, Green Bay, Wisconsin. In stark contrast to the inaugural event that took place in a Philadelphia hotel in 1936, this year's draft promises plenty of excitement and action.
The draft protagonists will be competing for 257 slots, as the 32 NFL teams reignite their rosters. This three-day extravaganza, filled with drama, bargains, and dream-chasing opportunities, is not to be missed!
Catch the Action
Sports enthusiasts in the United States can indulge in the thrill of draft day on ESPN and ABC. Watch as top college prospects are selected by their future NFL squads, live, and unfiltered!
Draft Rules
To be eligible for the draft, players must meet the following conditions:
- Has completed high school
- Is at least 3 years removed from high school
- Has used up or forfeited college eligibility, or declared early due to meeting the 3-year rule
Certain players need the NFL's permission to enter the draft ahead of their college graduation. A total of 70 players (55 underclassmen and 15 early graduates) will exercise this privilege in this year's draft.
Trading Days
Selected courtesy of their previous season performance, the draft order features the worst-performing teams initially and ends with the Super Bowl LIX champions. However, teams can trade their picks, either opting for less or more favorable positions based on priority. Trading orchestrates deals among teams for players, addresses team-specific needs, and builds catching firepower.
There are also compensatory draft picks that account for losses of key players in free agency. These awards go to approximately 32 teams and depend on the quality of the free agents they lost and the teams that signed those players. Compensatory picks materialize after the third round.
Let's Meet the Teams!
Now we know the rules, let's take a look at how the 2025 draft could impact each team.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans possess the first pick of the draft and a treasure trove of picks throughout the rounds. They have an urgent need to strengthen their attacking options and shore up their offensive line.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns' troubles at quarterback may persist, but the addition of talented prospects at wide receiver and for a capable backup quarterback could change their fortunes.
New York Giants
The Giants will look to bolster their roster, especially the quarterback position, as they search for their next big star. Watch for them to pounce on talented prospects to shore up their offensive line and defensive side.
New England Patriots
The Patriots are in the market for an offensive tackle and a dynamic wide receiver to support their new QB. Expect them to privilege quality picks that will contribute to their defense as well.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have targeted defensive linemen and talented rushers to invigorate their offense, and they might look to capitalize on the draft to fulfill this objective.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders will aim for talented starters and depth in their backfield, adding to their efforts to fill critical positions.
New York Jets
The Jets need to focus on fortifying their defensive line and wide receiver positions. Wide receiver may prove challenging to acquire in the first ten picks, but skilled prospects may emerge at the end of the opening round or early on in the second round.
Carolina Panthers
Panthers' priorities include finding depth in their pass rush, securing quality targets for their QB, and solidifying their defense.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints' draft strategy emphasizes pooling talented defenders, a new quarterback, two cornerbacks, and multiple options at wide receiver.
Chicago Bears
The Bears need to bring in a dynamic runner, with multiple quality prospects available in the first three rounds.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers will look for defensive linemen (multiple), cornerbacks, and a new quarterback to revamp their roster.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys need a reliable wide receiver to support CeeDee Lamb, and their roster improvements won't stop there!
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins aim to secure top-quality talent in cornerback, guard, defensive tackle, tight end, and a backup quarterback.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts' main objective is to find a talented tight end and additional backing for their offensive line.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons will prioritize finding a potent edge rusher to bolster their defense and solidify other critical positions.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals seek a quality edge rusher to complement their current team and provide for future pass rush requirements.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are in the market for a capable tight end and quality receivers to augment their offense, while addressing their needs at the cornerback and linebacker positions.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers will look for an outside pass rusher, depth in their cornerback room, and a youthful inside linebacker.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos need a quality running back and a dynamic addition to their wide receiver corps, but you can expect them to target other areas of concern as well.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers need a new quarterback and interior defensive line support, with the impending retirement of their aging players factored in.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers, who struggled with offense last season, will target wide receivers to provide support for Justin Herbert and reinforce their defensive line.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers will look to strengthen their wide receiver corps and improve their anemic pass rush.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings will continue to plug gaps in their roster with formidable cornerback talent and experienced center and defensive line talent.
Houston Texans
The Texans are after quality run-supporting offensive line additions and a talented wide receiver to bolster their offense.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams' draft strategy will prioritize plugging defensive gaps while adding depth to their roster.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens will focus on fortifying their pass rush and defensive line, while addressing their free safety area.
Detroit Lions
Detroit's draft priorities revolve around bolstering their pass rush and shoring up their defensive line, as well as adding depth to their offensive line.
Washington Commanders
Washington needs an edge rusher to support their anemic pass rush and will look to add offensive and defensive line depth.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills will target an outside cornerback and an impressive new wide receiver, as well as continuing to find ways to extend the contracts of their core players.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs will focus on shoring up their offensive line, adding depth to their defensive tackle positions, and seeking a talented tight end for future lineups.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles' draft objectives include recruiting depth and competition at safety, fortifying their defensive tackle corps, and building their linebacker ranks. The current Super Bowl champions may also be on the hunt for a replacement for their departing tight end.
- Berwanger, a sports enthusiast, might stay up Late Night on the East Coast to watch the NFL Draft unfold on ESPN and ABC, as this year's event takes place on April 24-26, 2025.
- The 101st NFL Draft promises plenty of excitement, with teams such as the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and Jacksonville Jaguars looking to draft talented prospects who could potentially reshape their rosters and play a crucial role in upcoming football events.
- As the Founders' Draft approaches, teams are drafting their strategies, with the Tennessee Titans, holding the first pick, aiming to strengthen their offensive line and offensive options, maybe even selecting a draft prospect named Berwanger.
