Thousands of fans bundled up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, their breath visible in the crisp April air, cheering as the NFL’s future stars hear their names called. The 2025 NFL Draft, set for April 24–26 at the iconic Lambeau Field and nearby Titletown District, is more than a player selection—it’s a celebration of hope, strategy, and dreams coming true. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the hype, here’s everything you need to know about this year’s draft, from how it works to the players stealing the spotlight.
What Is the NFL Draft?
Every spring, the NFL Draft is the league’s way of hitting refresh. It’s when all 32 teams pick from a pool of college football players, adding fresh talent to their rosters. This year marks the 90th draft, a three-day event that blends high stakes with heart-pounding moments. Think of it as a mix of chess and theater—teams strategize for months, but the stage is electric with surprises, trades, and emotional reactions from players and fans alike.
The draft runs for seven rounds, with 257 total picks. Round 1 kicks off on Thursday, April 24, at 8 p.m. ET, followed by Rounds 2–3 on Friday at 7 p.m., and Rounds 4–7 on Saturday starting at noon. You can catch it on ESPN, ABC, NFL Network, or stream it via YouTube TV, Hulu+ Live TV, or Fubo TV. If you’re in Green Bay, the NFL Draft Experience—a free festival with games, player appearances, and food—is open to fans who register through the NFL OnePass app.
How Does the Draft Work?
The draft order is like a reverse popularity contest: the worse a team’s record last season, the higher they pick. The Tennessee Titans, who stumbled to a 3-14 record in 2024, nabbed the No. 1 pick. Right behind them are the Cleveland Browns (No. 2), New York Giants (No. 3), New England Patriots (No. 4), and Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 5). The Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off a Super Bowl LIX win, pick last at No. 32.
Each team gets a time limit to make their selection—10 minutes in Round 1, down to 5 minutes by Round 3. They can pick a player, trade the pick for other picks or players, or pass (though that’s rare). Trades are where things get spicy. A team might swap a high pick for a bundle of lower ones, like when the Carolina Panthers traded a king’s ransom to Chicago in 2023 for the No. 1 spot. This year, no first-round picks have been traded yet, but rumors are swirling about teams like the New Orleans Saints eyeing a move.
Once a player is picked, their NFL journey begins. For fans, the drama unfolds in real-time, with every selection dissected on TV and social media. And yes, there’s even a nod to tradition: the final pick of the draft is dubbed “Mr. Irrelevant,” a title that’s become a quirky badge of honor.
Why Green Bay?
Hosting the draft at Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers, is a love letter to football’s heartland. Chosen over Washington, D.C., in 2023, Green Bay offers a historic backdrop. The NFL Draft Theater, where picks are announced, sits alongside Titletown’s festival vibes, with interactive exhibits, a Packers-themed “Draft Haus” bar, and concerts headlined by artists like Brad Paisley. Fans can even sit in Lambeau’s stands or grab a bratwurst in the atrium. It’s a cashless event, so bring your card or use the cash-to-card stations.
I talked to my buddy Jake, a Packers fan who’s already planning his trip. “Lambeau’s sacred ground,” he said, eyes lighting up. “Seeing the draft there? It’s gonna feel like a Super Bowl.” For locals and travelers, it’s a chance to soak in football history while celebrating the next wave of talent.
The Stars of 2025: Who’s Getting Picked?
This year’s draft class is stacked, with quarterbacks, two-way phenoms, and defensive beasts topping the boards. Here’s a look at the players generating the most buzz:
Cam Ward, QB, Miami: The Titans are reportedly locked in on Ward for No. 1. His pinpoint accuracy and scrambling ability draw comparisons to Jayden Daniels, though some scouts worry about his consistency. Still, his 2024 stats—3,735 yards, 25 touchdowns—make him a franchise QB hopeful.
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado: Sanders, with 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns last season, is NFL-ready, but his draft stock is a rollercoaster. Some mocks have him going No. 3 to the Giants; others see him sliding to the teens. His poise and arm strength are undeniable, but teams wonder about his fit.
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado: A rare two-way star, Hunter’s a lock for the top five, likely to the Browns at No. 2. Cleveland sees him as a wide receiver first, where his ball skills shine, but his cornerback chops are elite too. Think Deion Sanders with a modern twist.
Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State: A pass-rushing terror, Carter’s 12 sacks in 2024 make him a dream pick for teams like the Giants or Browns. He’s explosive and versatile, able to play linebacker or edge.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State: Running backs rarely go high, but Jeanty’s a game-changer. His 2,000-yard college season has teams like the Cowboys or Raiders eyeing him for a first-round splash.
The Titans’ pick is the one to watch. After a rough year with QB Will Levis, they’re desperate for a signal-caller. Ward seems the favorite, but they canceled a workout with Sanders, sparking debate. My cousin, a Titans fan, texted me last week, “If we don’t get Ward, I’m done.” That’s the kind of passion this draft ignites.
Team Needs and Strategies
Every team has holes to fill, and the draft is their chance to plug them. The Titans need a QB and offensive line help to protect him. The Browns, with Deshaun Watson’s struggles and a possible Myles Garrett trade, might prioritize Hunter or Carter for star power. The Giants, post-Daniel Jones, are in QB mode but could pivot to Carter or an offensive tackle like LSU’s Will Campbell to bolster their line.
The Eagles, picking 32nd, are in “best player available” mode. With free agents like Josh Sweat potentially leaving, they might target a defensive lineman like Oregon’s Derrick Harmon or even a tight end like Michigan’s Colston Loveland to complement Jalen Hurts. Philly’s GM, Howie Roseman, loves drafting in the trenches, so don’t be shocked if they go line-heavy.
Trades could shake things up. The Giants, sitting at No. 3, might trade up for Ward or down for more picks. The Saints, at No. 9, need an edge rusher and could leapfrog others for Carter. And keep an eye on the Raiders at No. 6—rumors say they’re high on Jeanty or a QB like Ole Miss’s Jaxson Dart if the top passers slide.
The Human Side of the Draft
Beyond the X’s and O’s, the draft is about people chasing dreams. Players like Ward, who transferred to Miami to boost his stock, or Hunter, who battled injuries to become a two-way unicorn, have poured years into this moment. When their names are called, you’ll see tears, hugs, and families erupting in joy. Last year, I watched a draft party where a kid from my hometown got picked in Round 3—his mom’s scream is still burned in my memory.
For fans, it’s a rollercoaster too. Jake’s already arguing with his buddies about whether the Packers should grab a linebacker or a corner. “It’s not just a pick,” he says. “It’s who’s gonna carry our team for a decade.” That’s the stakes—every selection is a bet on the future.
Why the 2025 Draft Matters
This draft could reshape the NFL. A team like the Titans could find their QB savior, while a savvy pick by the Eagles might cement their dynasty. For rebuilding squads like the Browns or Giants, it’s a chance to spark a turnaround. And for fans, it’s a three-day party that blends strategy, spectacle, and stories of triumph.
As Green Bay gears up to host, the countdown is on. Will Cam Ward be the Titans’ answer? Can Travis Hunter live up to the hype? And who’s this year’s surprise steal? Grab your jersey, fire up the TV, and get ready—the 2025 NFL Draft is about to light up Lambeau and the football world.