The wait is over. The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET from historic Lambeau Field, marking the first time the draft is being held in Green Bay. The Tennessee Titans are officially on the clock with the No. 1 overall pick, launching a three-day, seven-round event that will feature 257 selections in total and set the foundation for the league’s next generation of stars.
Draft Schedule:
- Round 1: Thursday, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN, ABC, ESPN App)
- Rounds 2–3: Friday, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN, ABC, ESPN App)
- Rounds 4–7: Saturday, Noon ET (ESPN, ESPN App)
Titans Set to Pick No. 1 Overall
After a disappointing 2024 campaign, the Titans hold the top pick for the first time since 2016, and all signs point to them selecting Miami quarterback Cam Ward. The dynamic signal-caller has rocketed up draft boards following a strong final collegiate season, and sportsbooks have him listed as a massive -20,000 favorite to go No. 1 overall. With Tennessee seeking a franchise cornerstone under center, Ward could be the first piece in a new era under head coach Brian Callahan.
Who’s Next? Top Picks, Teams, and Prospects
Following the Titans, the Cleveland Browns hold the No. 2 pick and are widely expected to take Travis Hunter, the two-way phenom from Colorado who starred at both wide receiver and cornerback. Hunter could provide an instant spark to a Cleveland offense lacking reliable playmakers, and his elite versatility makes him one of the most fascinating prospects in recent memory.
At No. 3, the New York Giants face a franchise-altering decision. Do they swing on a quarterback like Shedeur Sanders, or take the best available non-QB — likely Abdul Carter, the explosive edge rusher from Penn State, if he’s still on the board? Both Carter and Hunter are considered top-3 talents.
The Patriots at No. 4 are expected to address their offensive line, with LSU’s Will Campbell projected by many to be their pick. The Jaguars at No. 5 could grab the draft’s top running back, Ashton Jeanty, to bolster their ground game.
First Round Order: Top 10
- 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
No first-round picks have been traded, so every team will be on the board Thursday night — a rarity in recent draft history. Sixteen of this year’s top prospects will be in attendance at Lambeau, including: Jalen Milroe (QB, Alabama), Cam Ward (QB, Miami), Tyler Booker (G, Alabama), Will Campbell (OT, LSU), Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado), Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State), Mykel Williams (Edge, Georgia)
Their green room reactions — especially for top-tier names like Hunter, Carter, and Ward — are sure to be must-watch TV.
Class Breakdown: Less Star Power, More Depth
Unlike the 2024 draft, which was quarterback-heavy at the top with six signal-callers in the first 12 picks, 2025 features fewer elite QB prospects. Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are the headliners, with Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss), Tyler Shough (Louisville), and Jalen Milroe (Alabama) rounding out the top five. While the star power might be down, the class is deep at key positions: Edge Rusher (26 prospects in top 200), Wide Receiver (24), Running Back (22), Safety (14), Tight End (12)
Rounds 2–4 will be prime territory for teams with multiple picks — notably the 49ers and Ravens, who each hold 11 selections.
The Mr. Irrelevant Watch
While all eyes are on the Titans at No. 1, the Kansas City Chiefs hold the final pick of the draft, No. 257 — also known as Mr. Irrelevant. Recent years have shown that even this final selection can become a cult hero or, occasionally, a legitimate contributor.
One Final Thought
One of the draft’s biggest storylines is what position Travis Hunter will play in the NFL. After logging 1,458 snaps last season and contributing in major ways at both WR and CB, some scouts still view him primarily as a receiver — but any coach will be hard-pressed not to give him reps on defense, too. Wherever he lands, expect him to be a game-changer.
Thursday night in Green Bay, a new era begins — and with the Titans on the clock, the 2025 NFL Draft is officially ready for liftoff.
