The anticipation is palpable as we near the kick-off of the 2025 NFL Draft on April 24th. Mocks are everywhere, each offering its own take on what fans might see unfold.
But there's something particularly intriguing about looking at a mock draft that homes in exclusively on the most pressing needs of each NFL team. By focusing on what these 32 clubs truly need, we can better predict how their draft weekends might play out.
CBS Sports’ "With the First Pick" podcast team tackled this exact challenge, offering a mock draft approach that highlights the immediate needs of each franchise. Former Tennessee Titans GM Ran Carthon and Ryan Wilson teamed up to "draft" these needs, alternating selections to simulate a first-round order guided by urgency and importance.
Here's how the landscape of top needs is shaping up:
- Tennessee Titans: Desperately need a quarterback
- Cleveland Browns: Searching for a quarterback
- Pittsburgh Steelers: On the hunt for a quarterback
- Chicago Bears: Eyeing a solid offensive tackle
- New Orleans Saints: Quarterback required
- Las Vegas Raiders: Targeting a wide receiver
- New England Patriots: Bolster the offensive line
- Los Angeles Chargers: Strengthen the defensive line
- Houston Texans: Shoring up the offensive line
- Los Angeles Rams: Need inside linebacker presence
- Cincinnati Bengals: Focused on an edge rusher
- Carolina Panthers: Looking at edge rushers
- Baltimore Ravens: Reinforce the offensive line
- Arizona Cardinals: Seeking a wide receiver
- Miami Dolphins: Fortifying the offensive line
- Denver Broncos: Eyeing a running back
- Kansas City Chiefs: Offensive line needs depth
- Jacksonville Jaguars: A cornerback is paramount
- Dallas Cowboys: Searching for a running back
- Atlanta Falcons: Want an edge rusher
- San Francisco 49ers: Defensive line reinforcement
- Minnesota Vikings: Require a safety
- New York Jets: Offensive line upgrade
- Buffalo Bills: Need for a cornerback
- New York Giants: Still looking for long-term quarterback option
- Indianapolis Colts: Tight end needed
- Seattle Seahawks: Building the offensive line
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Need inside linebacker
- Green Bay Packers: Looking at cornerbacks
- Detroit Lions: Edge rushing prowess necessary
- Washington Commanders: Edge rusher a priority
- Philadelphia Eagles: Defensive line enhancements
This leads us into the nuanced discussions that make drafts so fascinating. Ryan Wilson confidently labeled the quarterback position as "softly the biggest need" for the Giants.
Even with Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston joining their ranks, it's clear the franchise is thinking ahead for a long-term solution. Wilson also sees wide receiver and offensive line as urgent secondary areas, and dreams of Travis Hunter dropping to No.
On the flip side, Carthon offered insights into the wide receiver depth, comparing Tetairoa McMillan’s potential to that of Ricky Pearsall, a standout from the 2024 class who went No. 31 overall. While this year may not be as rich in wide receiver talent, for Las Vegas Raiders, picking at No. 6, the focus remains locked on finding a reliable receiver over a running back.
As we edge closer to draft day, each team's strategic maneuvers and selections will capture the imagination of fans and analysts alike. The countdown has begun!
