Just hours before the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off in Green Bay, Wisconsin, here is my fourth and final Round 1 projection. As you can see, I’m predicting two trades — and they both involve the New Orleans Saints.
Programming note: Tune in for live coverage of Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft beginning at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network, NFL+, the NFL Channel, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.
The writing is on the wall at No. 1. The Titans draft their third quarterback over the last four years in an attempt to find The Guy at the most important position on the field.
There might be teams sniffing around this spot to see if the Browns will move out, but it doesn’t matter: The reigning Heisman Trophy winner heads to Cleveland.
There is no way New York passes on a player of Abdul Carter’s ability to draft one of the quarterbacks not named Cam Ward. Ward is off the board, so Carter is a Giant.
I’m sure New England would be more than happy to trade out of this spot, but unless someone’s dying to fly up the board for RB Ashton Jeanty, I don’t see it happening. The Patriots are in desperate need of a left tackle, and Campbell’s demeanor meshes well with Mike Vrabel’s mentality.
Banks can play left tackle, right tackle or move into guard if needed. This is a rough year for offensive tackles, so the Raiders strike early in the trenches.
Carolina races the card up to land a hybrid edge/linebacker talent with tremendous leadership and football character.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
The Colts don’t risk missing out on the dynamic tight end out of Michigan, moving into the top 10 to secure his services. Loveland can become a highly targeted option for whomever ends up starting at quarterback.
Chicago would love to land Jeanty, but the Bears have to settle for Hampton, who offers explosiveness and physicality in the backfield.
The slide ends for Graham. The defensive tackle with the non-stop motor steps right into playing time with the 49ers.
Dallas wants to fix the trenches. Membou falling to No. 12 allows the Cowboys to pluck the talented right tackle and plug him in quickly.
Nolen is the best defensive tackle in the draft. Miami desperately needs D-line help. Say hello to your new interior disruptor, Dolphins fans.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
The Saints need to find fresh, young talent on the edge. Still just 20 years old, Williams is an ascending player who may require some patience as he keeps growing into his frame and game.
Stewart is an unpolished edge with rare athletic traits and measurables. He’s a bit of a high-ceiling, low-floor talent, but Atlanta decides to swing for the fences at an eternal area of need.
Arizona’s hat-on-hat running game appears to covet force over finesse, and that’s fine by Booker. He’s a good guard but an even better team leader and culture setter.
Tampa takes the most versatile defensive back in this draft. Barron is a ballhawk who can play inside, outside or at safety, providing unique matchup opportunities for Todd Bowles.
Denver has found its quarterback to build around in Bo Nix, so the front office continues to surround him with weapons, including an instant starter in the slot in Egbuka.
This is feeling more and more likely — unless someone jumps the Steelers. Mike Tomlin seems like the right fit for Sanders, but it’d be interesting to see how quickly Pittsburgh would bring along the quarterback.
With so many quality defensive backs still on the board, the Vikings could look to trade back … but I’ll give them the speedster out of Kentucky to instantly compete for starting reps.
Campbell is still getting his feet under him as a linebacker, but he has tremendous range and outstanding cover skills. Plus, he’s a dangerous rusher off the edge or as a blitzer.
Harmon is close to a perfect fit for what the Ravens like up front, both in terms of size and the way he plays the run.
General manager Brad Holmes usually covets players from big-time programs early in the draft, but this Marshall product is an ultra-productive edge rusher with the nasty field demeanor that Dan Campbell typically loves.
In keeping with the theme of grabbing help for young, upstart quarterbacks, the Commanders turn to the explosive Buckeye who can give Washington’s offense an extra punch on the ground or out of the backfield as a pass catcher.
Simmons’ fall stops with Kansas City. He has the best size/length/athleticism profile at the left tackle position in this entire draft, which could be too much for Andy Reid and Brett Veach to pass on.
Conerly is excellent value here, giving Philadelphia a right tackle of the future who can slide inside and compete for a job at guard in the meantime. Or the Eagles trade out.
