The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory, with multiple franchise-altering quarterbacks and several other top-tier prospects up for grabs. The draft class is filled with potential stars who can make an immediate impact, and a lot of teams will be looking to secure long-term solutions at key positions. Among them, the quarterback position is set to dominate the first round, but not all teams will go for a quarterback, as the 2025 NFL Draft class offers elite talent across other positions. One of the most fascinating storylines involves the Tennessee Titans, who hold a pivotal spot in the draft at #4 overall. While the Titans are in need of a long-term quarterback, they may take a different route, opting for the best player available rather than reaching for a quarterback. This shift could trigger a ripple effect in how the rest of the first round plays out.
1. Arizona Cardinals – Caleb Williams (QB, USC)
With the first overall pick, the Arizona Cardinals are expected to go with the best quarterback in the class: Caleb Williams from USC. Williams has been nothing short of sensational during his college career, showcasing a unique combination of mobility, arm strength, and football IQ that makes him the most complete quarterback prospect since Patrick Mahomes. His ability to make plays both inside and outside the pocket, along with his natural leadership skills, makes him the clear-cut top choice. Williams could become the cornerstone of the Cardinals’ rebuild, providing them with the signal-caller they need to push the franchise forward after the end of the Kyler Murray era.
2. Chicago Bears – Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State)
The Chicago Bears, holding the second overall pick, have a decision to make. While quarterback is a glaring need for many teams, the Bears already have Justin Fields as their young quarterback, and it seems likely they will look to improve his supporting cast. Enter Marvin Harrison Jr., the consensus top wide receiver in this draft. Harrison is a game-changer with excellent route running, elite speed, and tremendous ball skills. He is a generational talent at wide receiver, and pairing him with Fields would give the Bears one of the most dynamic young duos in the NFL. Harrison’s ability to take over games will elevate the Bears’ offense, which has lacked a true top receiver in recent years.
3. Indianapolis Colts – Drake Maye (QB, North Carolina)
The Indianapolis Colts will likely be in the market for a quarterback, and they’ll have a great one available at the third spot. Drake Maye from North Carolina has drawn comparisons to top-tier quarterbacks like Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow. Maye has a strong arm, excellent pocket presence, and the ability to make every throw on the field. While he may not have the same mobility as some of his peers, Maye’s polished mechanics and football intelligence make him an easy selection for the Colts, who have been searching for a long-term solution at quarterback since Andrew Luck’s sudden retirement.
4. Tennessee Titans – Jalen Carter (DT, Georgia)
Here is where things start to get interesting. The Tennessee Titans are in the midst of a rebuild, and although they’ve been rumored to be targeting a quarterback to eventually replace Ryan Tannehill, the value of drafting a quarterback at #4 overall might not match the team’s needs. With the Titans likely facing a transition period, they may opt to take the best player available—Jalen Carter, the standout defensive tackle from Georgia. Carter has the potential to be a game-wrecker on the interior of the defensive line. His ability to disrupt plays in both the run and pass game will immediately improve the Titans’ defense. Pairing him with Jeffery Simmons could form one of the most dominant defensive lines in the league, and Tennessee may decide to wait until the later rounds or the next draft to address the quarterback position.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas)
After parting ways with Tom Brady and struggling to find a long-term replacement, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to target a quarterback with the fifth overall pick. Quinn Ewers from Texas is a high-upside prospect who has been steadily improving each season. Ewers has a strong arm and impressive accuracy on intermediate to deep throws. While he still has room to grow, he has all the tools needed to become a franchise quarterback. Ewers could sit behind a veteran and learn the ropes before taking the reins of the Buccaneers offense, allowing Tampa Bay to develop him into a key player for the future.
6. Detroit Lions – Brock Bowers (TE, Georgia)
The Detroit Lions have shown they can compete in the NFC North with an explosive offense and solid defense. One area they could improve is at tight end, and Brock Bowers from Georgia is arguably the best tight end prospect in recent memory. Bowers is a versatile weapon who can dominate as both a blocker and a pass-catcher. His ability to line up all over the field will create mismatches for opposing defenses. With Jared Goff continuing to play at a high level, adding Bowers could take the Lions’ offense to new heights, especially in the red zone.
7. Las Vegas Raiders – Olu Fashanu (OT, Penn State)
The Las Vegas Raiders need to improve their offensive line, and while quarterback is a potential need, they may opt to fortify their protection for whoever is under center. Olu Fashanu, the offensive tackle from Penn State, is a massive, athletic prospect who has the ability to shut down edge rushers with his physicality and technique. Protecting the quarterback and creating lanes for the running game should be the Raiders’ priority, and Fashanu would be an excellent addition to their front five.
8. Atlanta Falcons – Michael Hall Jr. (DT, Ohio State)
The Atlanta Falcons are a team on the rise, and their defense has a lot of room for improvement. Michael Hall Jr. from Ohio State is one of the best interior defensive linemen in this draft, bringing tremendous strength and quickness to the table. Hall is versatile enough to play both as a 3-technique or a 1-technique and can dominate in both the pass rush and the run game. His addition to the Falcons’ defense would elevate their front seven significantly.
9. Carolina Panthers – Kelee Ringo (CB, Georgia)
The Carolina Panthers need help in the secondary, and Kelee Ringo, the cornerback from Georgia, fits the bill. Ringo is a physical corner with great ball skills and the ability to lock down top receivers. His size and athleticism make him a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses, and adding him would provide the Panthers with a true shutdown corner to anchor their defense.
10. New York Jets – T.J. Dudley (OLB, Alabama)
Finally, the New York Jets round out the top 10 with T.J. Dudley, an outside linebacker from Alabama. Dudley is a versatile defender with the ability to rush the passer and cover tight ends and running backs in space. His motor and football IQ make him a natural fit for a defense that is looking to take the next step. Adding Dudley would give the Jets a dynamic playmaker to complement their already talented defensive unit.
The 2025 NFL Draft will be packed with elite talent across multiple positions, and while quarterbacks like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Quinn Ewers are expected to go early, teams like the Titans could choose to take a different approach. If Tennessee decides to focus on the best player available, it could set the stage for an even more exciting draft, with teams getting creative and making bold selections to build for the future.
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