Before NFL teams settle in to make improvements to the roster through the draft, they must first execute plans in free agency. There will be teams that win and lose in the eyes of the general public, but a tangible on-field product will not be available until the fall. Analyzing free agency and understanding the moves each team makes is an important step in formulating draft projections.
What will ultimately happen with Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett and 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel? Will the Falcons make Kirk Cousins available despite suggesting they would not? Is there a surprise retirement on the horizon from Travis Kelce or another star player? Will the Vikings allow quarterback Sam Darnold to hit free agency and will that lead to one less team in the market to draft a quarterback?
For instance, let’s say Cleveland signs Kirk Cousins to a deal similar to Russell Wilson last year. Cousins has familiarity with Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski dating to their time together in Minnesota. Cleveland could still draft a quarterback at No. 2 overall and is likely to draft one at some point.
Tennessee, however, may be in the market for Darnold. If he lands in Nashville, then that may very well remove the Titans from the conversation to draft a quarterback. Instead, it would mean entrusting a 27-year-old veteran and potentially continuing to develop Will Levis.
The swinging-door moments that happen in an NFL offseason are always fascinating. For example, few could have expected Zack Baun, who signed a $3.5 million contract with the Eagles a year ago, to be a key element of Philadelphia’s Super Bowl run.
Without further ado, let’s kick this off!
The draft order below was determined using the current 2025 NFL Draft order. For more draft coverage, you can hear in-depth analysis twice a week on “With the First Pick” — our year-round NFL Draft podcast with analyst Ryan Wilson. You can find “With the First Pick” wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, etc.
The 2025 NFL Draft is to take place from April 24-26 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. More draft coverage can be found at CBSSports.com, including the weekly mock drafts and a regularly available look at the eligible prospects.
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