X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Joey Pollizze's 7 Bold Predictions for the 2025 NFL Draft - 1st Round Analysis

Omarion Hampton - College Football Rankings, NCAA CFB DFS Lineup Picks - NFL Draft

Joey's 7 bold predictions for the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Read his predictions for the 2025 NFL Draft for Tyler Warren, Omarion Hampton, and more.

There are always things that catch us by surprise in the draft. Last year, no one expected the Atlanta Falcons to take Michael Penix Jr. or the Las Vegas Raiders to select Brock Bowers in the middle of the first round. Even in 2023, the Houston Texans traded for the third overall pick to give them two of the first three picks in the draft. 

As a result, we should assume that crazier stuff will happen in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The madness could start immediately with the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants owning the top three picks. 

So, let's dive into seven bold predictions for the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. 

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

The New York Giants Trade Up For A QB

The New York Giants have been active in free agency recently, especially trying to upgrade their quarterback room. They added both Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, and Wilson is now expected to be the team's starting quarterback next season. However, New York probably isn't done adding quarterbacks to its roster. 

Wilson is only on a one-year deal, and the veteran will be entering his age-37 season. Therefore, the Giants could still be aggressive in the draft to find their franchise quarterback. That could be the case, as the team trades up one spot with the Cleveland Browns to select Shedeur Sanders with the second overall pick.

If the Giants do not make this move, they might not have the opportunity to select Cameron Ward or Sanders in the draft. The Titans and Browns could take both quarterbacks with the first two picks. So, New York offers Cleveland a deal they can't refuse, and they find their franchise quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. 

 

The New York Jets Select Tyler Warren 

The New York Jets have plenty of needs entering the upcoming draft. They could use another wide receiver after releasing Davante Adams, add to their offensive line following a poor season from that group, or find a replacement for cornerback D.J. Reed. However, the Jets elect to go elsewhere and take Penn State tight end Tyler Warren at No. 7 overall. 

The last tight end to go in the top 10 was Kyle Pitts back during the 2021 NFL Draft. Even though that selection didn't quite work out for the Falcons, Warren is a perfect fit for the Jets. He would immediately emerge as a top option in this offense, and quarterback Justin Fields loves to target tight ends in the passing game. 

When Fields was the quarterback of the Bears, tight end Cole Kmet had two strong seasons in 2022 and 2023. He caught a combined 123 catches for 1,263 yards and 13 touchdowns in those two years. Given that the Jets need another playmaker on offense, Warren could be the selection at No. 7 overall. The Penn State product caught 104 passes for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns in his final college season. 

 

The New Orleans Saints Find Their Franchise Quarterback

The New Orleans Saints are in a tough spot entering the 2025-2026 season. They haven't spent much money in free agency, and quarterback Derek Carr is on the older side at 34 years old. In addition, Carr has just two years left on his four-year, $150 million deal that he signed before the 2023 season. As a result, the Saints will select their franchise quarterback in Jaxson Dart at No. 9 overall.

Dart has risen draft boards since the NFL Combine and should almost certainly be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Ole Miss product has firmly established himself as QB3 in this year's draft class, only behind Ward and Sanders. So, a quarterback-needy team like the Saints could take him earlier than expected. 

While Dart still has much growing to do as a quarterback, this landing spot could help with his development. He would sit for a few years before eventually becoming the Saints' quarterback. After throwing for 4,279 yards, 29 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 2024, New Orleans is a sneaky team to select him in the top 10. 

 

The Dallas Cowboys Settle For The RB2 In The Class 

The Dallas Cowboys have prioritized their needs in the first round of drafts in recent years. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith might not have been the top player on Dallas' draft board in 2023, but the team needed a player who could stop the run. Last year, Dallas selected Tyler Guyton in the first round to essentially replace Tyron Smith. 

Therefore, the team could upgrade its running back group with the 12th overall pick. If Ashton Jeanty is available here, Dallas will likely be all over him with its selection. However, it's hard to imagine Jeanty getting past the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 6 and the Chicago Bears at No. 10. That means the Cowboys could settle for North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton with this pick.

Even though Dallas added both Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders this offseason, Hampton would be a game-changer for this offense. The North Carolina product ran for 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns in his final college season and has emerged as the RB2 in this year's draft class. By drafting him, the Cowboys would have their RB1 of the future. 

 

The First Wideout Doesn't Come Off The Board Until Pick No. 20 

Many draft analysts have said this wide receiver class is not as strong as in years past. Although this class still features potential stars like Tetairoa McMillan, Matthew Golden, Tre Harris, and Luther Burden, it might be a while until we see the first wideout off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft. 

As a matter of fact, we won't see the first one selected until the Denver Broncos are on the clock at No. 20 overall. The Broncos could certainly use another talented wide receiver in their offense, and McMillan could be a possible selection for them in the first round.

The Arizona product caught 84 passes for 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns in his final college season. 

It's hard to really envision how the draft will play out, but this wide receiver class isn't getting a lot of love. Even though McMillan will likely be the first wideout selected in April's draft, it might be a while until he hears his name called.

We could see a similar wide receiver run like in 2023, when Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Quentin Johnston, Zay Flowers, and Jordan Addison were all drafted consecutively from pick No. 20 through pick No. 23. 

 

The Green Bay Packers Trade Away Their Pick For A Stud WR

We have seen this same scenario play out before, and it could happen again during the 2025 NFL Draft. Back on draft night in 2022, the Tennessee Titans traded A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles for the 18th overall pick and a third-round pick. The Titans then used that first-round pick to replace Brown and selected Treylon Burks

This time, the Green Bay Packers will trade for superstar wide receiver Garrett Wilson from the New York Jets. The Packers desperately need a WR1 in their offense, and Wilson is entering the final year of his rookie contract. While the Jets could extend his fifth-year option, a trade is not totally out of the question.

With a new general manager (Darren Mougey) and a new head coach (Aaron Glenn), these two might want to bring in their own players to help fix the culture. Although losing Wilson would obviously hurt the Jets' offense, they could turn around and take a wide receiver with that 23rd overall pick they would get from the Packers. 

 

The Philadelphia Eagles Find Their Dallas Goedert Replacement 

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert has been involved in trade rumors recently. Goedert is entering the final year of his four-year contract, and the Eagles can't afford to pay him. So, there's a strong chance the veteran will be traded before the new season. Nevertheless, Philadelphia finds his replacement in the draft.

The Eagles move up from pick No. 32 and select tight end Colston Loveland. Loveland caught 56 passes for 582 yards and five touchdowns in his final college campaign, averaging 10.4 yards per reception. Given how well the Michigan product looked during that season, he is the clear TE2 in this year's draft class. 

Now, if Philadelphia wants any chance at selecting Loveland, the team will likely need to move up in the draft. CBS Sports has Loveland ranked as the 15th overall prospect on their big board. If the Eagles stay put, though, don't be surprised if they reach for tight end Elijah Arroyo from Miami (FL).

Arroyo could fit perfectly in that offense. 



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis

POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Clarke Schmidt

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery on Friday
Nick Nash

Unlikely to Make Falcons Active Roster
Lane Johnson

in No Rush To Retire
Jalen Williams

Signs Contract Extension With Thunder
Blake Corum

has "Gotten His Speed Back"
Jarquez Hunter

Picking Up Rams Offense Quickly
Alijah Martin

Agrees to Two-Way Deal With Raptors
Tristan Vukcevic

Set to Return to Washington
Kirk Cousins

Feels Misled by Falcons
Bijan Robinson

Says Falcons Have "Outlandish Goals" for the Running Game
Luther Burden III

Bears Expect Luther Burden III to be Ready for Training Camp
Cole Kmet

an Unlikely Trade Piece
Tony Pollard

Titans Hope to Balance Rushing Attack With Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears
Byron Buxton

Sitting Thursday
Quentin Johnston

Not Assured of Starting Role
Cordarrelle Patterson

on the Roster Bubble in Pittsburgh?
Shedeur Sanders

Not Assured of Roster Spot in Cleveland?
Wan'Dale Robinson

Hoping For More Downfield Opportunities
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Jordan McLaughlin

Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
Dylan Harper

Out Thursday, Expected to Play Saturday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Homers Twice on Wednesday
Mike Trout

Homers Twice in Win Over Rangers
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Leads Yankees to Victory
Salvador Perez

Crushes Two Homers in Win
Cleveland Browns

Greg Newsome on the Trade Block?
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
Zach Tom

An Extension Candidate in Green Bay
Devin Booker

Agrees to Extension with Phoenix
Trevor Williams

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Kyren Williams

Rams Not Willing to Pay Kyren Williams Top-Market Money?
Byron Buxton

Exits After Hit-by-Pitch, X-Rays Negative
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Playing on Wednesday
Alex Bregman

has "Really Good Chance" to Return Before All-Star Break
Christian Kirk

the No. 2 WR in Houston?
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Expected to Return on Friday
Jerome Ford

the Likely Starter for Cleveland to Begin 2025
Chig Okonkwo

"Poised" for Best Season of Career
Xavier Watts

Falcons High on Xavier Watts
Xavier Restrepo

Training With Star Wideouts
Walter Clayton Jr.

Leads Jazz to Summer League Win
Carter Bryant

Struggles in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Drops a Double-Double in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Oklahoma City Thunder

Malevy Leons Logs Impressive Summer League Outing on Tuesday
Dalton Knecht

Collects 25 Points in Lakers Summer League Win
Los Angeles Lakers

Darius Bazley Drops 27 Points in Summer League on Tuesday
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Chet Holmgren

Agrees to Rookie Max Extension
Alex Bregman

Not Returning Wednesday
Jhoan Duran

Unavailable Due to Illness
Shane McClanahan

Tosses Clean Frame in First Rehab Appearance
Jacob Wilson

Day-to-Day After HBP
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. to be Reassessed Wednesday
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Malaki Branham

Traded to Washington
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Blake Wesley

Moves to Washington
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Kelly Olynyk

on the Move Again
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Anthony Davis

Recovering From Eye Surgery
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Cal Raleigh

Continues Historic Homer Pace Tuesday
Jacob Wilson

Exits Early On Tuesday With Left Hand Contusion
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
Luis Garcia

Fans Four in Rehab Outing
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Anthony Santander

Hoping to Hit Soon
Luis Robert Jr.

Returning in Short Order
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF