Updated 2025 NFL Draft Order: First 18 Picks, Team Needs and Analysis

A Defensive-Heavy Draft Class with Elite Talent 🛡️

The 2025 NFL Draft picture is coming into focus as the 18 non-playoff teams lock in their positions. This year’s class is one of the deepest and most top-heavy defensive drafts in recent memory, headlined by elite prospects like Michigan’s Mason Graham, Will Johnson, and Colorado’s Travis Hunter. Teams with needs on the defensive side of the ball have a golden opportunity to secure cornerstone players who can transform their rosters.

Quarterback Class Lacks High-End/Elite Talent 🤔

On the flip side, this quarterback class has raised questions about top-tier talent at the position. While players like Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward bring intrigue, they don’t carry the surefire, generational upside of QBs from recent drafts. In my opinion, neither belongs in the top five picks, though positional value and team need could see them overdrafted into those spots.

J.J. McCarthy and Joe Milton Would Headline This QB Class 🚀

If J.J. McCarthy had declared for this draft, he would easily be QB1 in my rankings. McCarthy's poise, mechanics, and ability to deliver under pressure make him the most NFL-ready QB prospect compared to anyone in this class.

Additionally, Joe Milton possesses a ceiling that could rival McCarthy’s, making him a potential QB2 in this draft. His combination of arm talent, athleticism, and physical tools offers an upside that surpasses Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward. Unfortunately, without McCarthy or Milton in this class, teams needing a QB might have to settle for over-drafting less polished prospects or considering trades for proven talent.

🚨 Updated 2025 NFL Draft Order: First 18 Picks 🚨

1️⃣ Tennessee Titans (3-14):

Team Needs: (Quarterback, Offensive Line, Defensive Playmakers)

Summary: The Titans are in a position to select a top QB, like Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward, but their needs extend far beyond quarterback. Neither Will Levis nor Mason Rudolph has proven capable of masking roster deficiencies. Trading down to accumulate picks for a full rebuild may be the smartest option.

2️⃣ Cleveland Browns (3-14):

Team Needs: (Quarterback, Defensive Line, Depth)

Summary: The Browns, with their first-round pick since 2021, face a critical offseason. Deshaun Watson's struggles and injury woes make QB a need, but replenishing an aging defensive line and improving depth across the roster are equally urgent.

3️⃣ New York Giants (3-14):

Team Needs: (Quarterback, Offensive Line, Future Assets)

Summary: The Giants need a new franchise QB and may have to trade up to secure one. They’ve shown strong interest in Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward. If they delay their QB decision, accumulating future draft capital will be crucial for the rebuild.

4️⃣ New England Patriots (4-13):

Team Needs: (Offensive Line, Skill Positions, Defensive Depth)

Summary: With Drake Maye in place as their QB of the future, the Patriots must focus on protecting him. Their offensive line woes and lack of playmakers are glaring issues, with left tackle being a particularly urgent need.

5️⃣ Jacksonville Jaguars (4-13):

Team Needs: (Defensive Secondary, Interior Defensive Line)

Summary: With one of the league's worst defenses, Jacksonville must prioritize upgrades. Adding a cornerback to pair with Tyson Campbell or bolstering the defensive line will address glaring weaknesses on that side of the ball.

6️⃣ Las Vegas Raiders (4-13):

Team Needs: (Quarterback, Defensive Line, Offensive Line)

Summary: The Raiders’ late-season wins dropped them out of the top five. To land Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward, they’ll likely need to trade up. If not, defense or offensive line help becomes their most likely focus.

7️⃣ New York Jets (5-12):

Team Needs: (Quarterback, Trade Assets)

Summary: With Aaron Rodgers' future in doubt, the Jets need a long-term QB solution. Trading stars like Sauce Gardner or Garrett Wilson for additional draft assets could facilitate a rebuild.

8️⃣ Carolina Panthers (5-12):

Team Needs: (Edge Rusher, Defensive Line, Secondary)

Summary: With Bryce Young’s situation stabilized, the focus shifts to fixing the NFL’s worst defense. Adding an edge rusher like Abdul Carter or improving their run defense are priorities.

9️⃣ New Orleans Saints (5-12):

Team Needs: (Defensive Line, Offensive Line, Wide Receiver)

Summary: With $65 million in cap issues, the Saints must lean on the draft to address needs in the trenches. Replenishing their defensive line and adding a WR to complement the offense are key objectives.

🔟 Chicago Bears (5-12):

Team Needs: (Offensive Line, Defensive Line, Wide Receiver)

Summary: The Bears need a massive overhaul of their offensive line, which allowed the league's highest sack percentage. Reinforcing the defensive front and adding a reliable WR will also be crucial.

1️⃣1️⃣ San Francisco 49ers (6-11):

Team Needs: (Defensive Tackle, Pass Rushers, Offensive Line)

Summary: The 49ers were bullied in the trenches this season. Adding a run-stuffing defensive tackle, pass rushers to complement Nick Bosa, or offensive line help will be priorities.

1️⃣2️⃣ Dallas Cowboys (7-10):

Team Needs: (Defensive Line, Offensive Line, Running Back)

Summary: The Cowboys face significant free-agent losses and need to rebuild their trenches. They may also explore adding a RB like Ashton Jeanty or reinforcing other skill positions.

1️⃣3️⃣ Miami Dolphins (8-9):

Team Needs: (Offensive Line, Defensive Line, Linebacker)

Summary: With an expensive veteran roster, the Dolphins need contributors in key positions, particularly on the offensive line. Depth at linebacker and defensive tackle are also important.

1️⃣4️⃣ Indianapolis Colts (8-9):

Team Needs: (Defensive Line, Linebacker, Offensive Line)

Summary: With an aging defense, the Colts need to prepare for the future by addressing the defensive line and linebacker depth. Offensive line upgrades are also necessary for sustainability.

1️⃣5️⃣ Atlanta Falcons (8-9):

Team Needs: (Pass Rushers, Defensive Line, Secondary)

Summary: Atlanta's pass rush ranks among the league’s worst, and addressing this long-standing issue is critical. Upgrades to the defensive line and secondary are also needed for improvement.

1️⃣6️⃣ Arizona Cardinals (8-9):

Team Needs: (Outside Linebacker, Cornerback, Interior Offensive Line)

Summary: In the third draft of their rebuild, Arizona must add playmakers at linebacker and cornerback. Depth on the interior offensive line will also be on the radar.

1️⃣7️⃣ Cincinnati Bengals (9-8):

Team Needs: (Wide Receiver, Offensive Line, Defensive Back)

Summary: With Tee Higgins’ free agency looming, drafting a WR2 becomes a priority. Offensive line and defensive back depth will also be critical areas to address.

1️⃣8️⃣ Seattle Seahawks (10-7):

Team Needs: (Offensive Line, Defensive Line, Secondary)

Summary: Seattle’s offensive line needs significant upgrades, particularly at guard and center. Reinforcing the defensive line and adding secondary depth are additional priorities.