2025 NFL draft top pick predictions: Who’s leading the race for the No. 1 pick?

For the first time in its storied history, the NFL Draft descends upon the heartland of football – Green Bay, Wisconsin. As the smallest market in the league, this historic city may not boast towering skylines, but it carries unmatched legacy. With Lambeau Field standing proudly as the draft's central venue and the surrounding Titletown development ready to host thousands of passionate fans, the 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a memorable celebration of talent and tradition.

From today to April 26, Green Bay will become the epicenter of the football world, welcoming an estimated 240,000 visitors – more than double the city’s population. With the opening round kicking off at 8:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday, the buzz around this year’s draft is not just about where it’s happening, but who’s about to step onto the professional stage.

In most years, the lead-up to the draft is dominated by discussions surrounding the projected No. 1 overall pick, typically a star quarterback. Surprisingly, in 2025, that spotlight has shifted elsewhere. Despite an outstanding season, Cam Ward, who has led college football with 39 touchdown passes and amassed 4,313 passing yards, has not received the kind of pre-draft attention many expected. After transferring from Incarnate Word to Washington State and then finishing strong with Miami, Ward now finds himself as the frontrunner to go first overall.
His main competition? Shedeur Sanders, a name that comes with both pedigree and performance. The son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, Shedeur recorded a 74.0% completion rate – the best in college football – while guiding Colorado to a 9-4 finish. His unique journey under his father’s guidance at both Jackson State and Colorado has captivated fans and scouts alike. As quarterback-needy teams like the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans line up, it wouldn't be surprising to see Sanders follow Ward as one of the top picks off the board.
“Unicorn” Travis Hunter, Sanders’ teammate and Heisman Trophy winner, has been equally magnetic in the pre-draft spotlight. Playing both cornerback and wide receiver at an elite level, Hunter has drawn inevitable comparisons to Deion Sanders himself. While his versatility is awe-inspiring, teams remain uncertain how to utilize his two-way talents in the NFL, adding an extra layer of intrigue to his draft stock.
After a turbulent 2024 season that ended with just three wins, the Tennessee Titans have been awarded the first overall pick, thanks to a tiebreaker determined by opponent strength. With Will Levis unable to solidify himself as the team’s long-term answer at quarterback and Mason Rudolph departing in free agency, the Titans are heavily tipped to invest in a franchise quarterback – likely Ward.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants, picking second and third respectively, are also expected to shake up the draft order. The Giants, in particular, could opt for Sanders, given their quarterback concerns. The New England Patriots, initially poised to pick first, slid to the fourth spot after an unexpected win against a resting Buffalo Bills squad in Week 18.
While quarterbacks usually dominate headlines, this draft class is flush with top-tier talent across all positions. Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Penn State’s Abdul Carter – regarded as the top defensive player – and Mason Graham, a powerful defensive tackle, are all projected to make an early impact. Offensive linemen Will Campbell and Armand Membou are also drawing first-round attention, as are linebackers like Jalon Walker.
Running back Ashton Jeanty narrowly missed the Heisman but remains a coveted pick, and quarterbacks Jalen Milroe and Jaxson Dart could be steals in later rounds.
Green Bay’s rich NFL history makes it a fitting backdrop for a draft brimming with potential storylines. As 257 players await life-changing phone calls over the three-day spectacle, one thing is clear: the 2025 NFL Draft is not just about filling rosters – it’s about shaping the next generation of stars.
As Travis Hunter’s Heisman win and Sanders’ precision passing remind us, this draft isn’t just business – it’s personal, emotional, and filled with legacy moments waiting to unfold.
Also Read: When does Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft start? Everything you should know before the big night