NFL Draft 2025 Viewing Guide: Insights on Top Talents and Broadcast Details
Revamped Article:
Gear up, football fans! The 2025 NFL season is right around the corner, and the upcoming draft is shaping up to be a thrilling event. After a heated free agency period, it's time to see where this year's crop of college talent will land.
This year's edition is loaded with drama, featuring some high-profile quarterbacks and a slew of other top prospects hoping to join the NFL ranks. So, here's everything you need to know to get ready for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Catch the Action
The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft will unfold on Thursday, April 24, with rounds two and three happening on Friday and the remaining rounds on Saturday. The big event will be held outside the legendary Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Fans tuning in at home can catch all the action on NFL Network, ESPN, and CNN Sports. The first pick kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, followed by Friday's action starting at 7 p.m. ET, and Saturday kicks off at noon ET.
Top Picks Under the Spotlight
While there's a clear favorite for the number one overall pick, there's still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the rest of the first round selections.
Miami Hurricanes' quarterback Cam Ward is widely predicted to be drafted by the Tennessee Titans as the top QB in the class, and the Titans are in dire need of a game-changer at the position. NFL draft expert Daniel Jeremiah suggests Ward could have a "very high ceiling" if he can tone down his gunslinger instincts.
Following Ward, there's no clear consensus on who will go where in the first round. Travis Hunter, a two-way star from the Colorado Buffaloes, and Abdul Carter, an impressive pass rusher out of Penn State, are expected to be Among the top picks.
Hunter, a Heisman Trophy winner, has garnished attention for his ability to excel both offensively and defensively. On offense, he posted 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, while on defense, he delivered 15 passes defended, four interceptions, and a game-winning forced fumble. Some coaches may prefer to specialize Hunter on one side of the ball, but the 21-year-old has demonstrated the skills to impact the game regardless of his position.
Carter, another top prospect, led the FBS with 23.5 tackles for loss and ranked seventh with 12 sacks in 2024. He was briefly slated to go first overall, but Ward's rise has pushed him further down the draft boards. Carter opted not to work out during the pre-draft process due to a shoulder injury, but he's expected to make an impact from day one.
Another name to watch is running back Ashton Jeanty, who had a historic season at Boise State. Jeanty's combination of speed, vision, tackle-breaking ability, and powerful blocking make him a versatile playmaker. In his final season at Boise State, he ranked first in NCAA rushing yards with 2,601 and scored 29 rushing touchdowns, finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting. Some analysts have compared Jeanty to NFL great LaDainian Tomlinson.
Keep Your Eyes on These Prospects
Outside of the top four picks, a host of college stars are worth keeping an eye on.
Michigan's defensive tackle, Mason Graham, is a well-rounded prospect who's expected to be selected near the top of the first round. Graham, who was awarded the Outland Trophy last year, boasts the speed to evade blocks, the strength to overpower offensive linemen, and the motor to outlast opponents.
Shedeur Sanders, son of Pro Football Hall of Famer and Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, is a polarizing prospect in the draft process. Sanders has some of the qualities necessary for NFL success, including accuracy and poise in the pocket, but experts say he needs to work on several aspects to reach the top level. Sanders' name value alone means he'll likely be picked inside the top ten picks.
Penn State tight end Tyler Warren is another player to watch for. Standing at six-foot-five, Warren's size makes him a formidable force to deal with for defenders trying to cover him. He plays with "best player on the field energy," according to NFL analyst Lance Zierlein, who also predicts that Warren could "become one of the best tight ends in the league."
Warren was awarded the John Mackey Award last season for being the best tight end in the country. He left Penn State having set school records for a tight end in almost all categories with 153 receptions, 1,839 receiving yards, and 19 receiving touchdowns.
First Round Draft Order
- Tennessee Titans
- Cleveland Browns (Traded to Jacksonville Jaguars)
- 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
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the first round will be aired on Thursday, April 24, with subsequent rounds unfolding on Friday and Saturday. The event will occur outside the renowned Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Cam Ward, a standout quarterback from the Miami Hurricanes, is tipped to be the number one pick for the Tennessee Titans, who desperately need a game-changing quarterback. NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah believes Ward has a high ceiling if he can restrain his gunslinger tendencies.
Following Ward, prospects like Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter are anticipated to be among the top picks. Hunter, a Heisman Trophy winner, excelled both offensively and defensively, posting impressive statistics in both areas. Carter, a prolific pass rusher from Penn State, had a record-breaking season with 23.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks in 2024.
Another prospect to watch is Ashton Jeanty, a running back from Boise State who has drawn comparisons to NFL great LaDainian Tomlinson due to his versatile playing style.
Aside from the top four picks, players such as Michigan's defensive tackle Mason Graham, Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, and Deion Sanders' son Shedeur Sanders, may also garner attention in the draft process.
