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2025 NFL Draft: Rise, Slide, or Hold – The Ultimate Strategy for Every Team

2025-04-14

Author: Wai

The countdown to the 2025 NFL Draft is on! With teams eager to snag transformative talent, projections have been hot and heavy, especially as the draft day approaches on April 24.

But here's the twist: draft day is chaotic, and teams often shake up the order with trades. While those in the top 10 might prefer to hang onto their selections, the reality is many teams will engage in trade talks that can turn the first-round order upside down.

So, which teams should aim to climb the draft order, who should consider trading down, and who can afford to stay put? Here's a breakdown of strategies for all 32 teams as they gear up for the action.

1. Titans: Stay Put

The Titans should hold onto their pick and take a chance on Cam Ward, a potential franchise quarterback. This could be their shot at a future star!

2. Browns: Stay Put

With an additional early pick and quarterbacks available, the Browns should secure a standout talent like Travis Hunter without trading.

3. Giants: Trade Down

The Giants need both a stellar lineman and a future quarterback, but one top-3 pick won't solve both problems. A small drop could still secure an elite tackle.

4. Patriots: Trade Down

If top talents like Abdul Carter are off the board, the Patriots should opt to trade down and still address their offensive line.

5. Jaguars: Trade Down

With 10 picks in hand, the Jaguars can afford to slide down while still picking up significant talent to support their new coach.

6. Raiders: Stay Put

With a win-now mentality, the Raiders can land a Day 1 contributor, whether that's a rising star in the backfield or offensive line reinforcements.

7. Jets: Stay Put

The Jets have the opportunity to build a strong foundation in this draft. Staying put will allow them to snag a top tackle or tight end.

8. Panthers: Trade Down

The Panthers should consider trading back to better patch up their defense, which might be addressed more effectively later in the first round.

9. Saints: Stay Put

If the Saints have their eye on Shedeur Sanders, a move up may be in order, but maximizing their current nine picks is crucial for a fresh start.

10. Bears: Trade Up

Equipped with early second-round picks, the Bears should look to move up and grab a top-level talent like Ashton Jeanty.

11. 49ers: Stay Put

With eleven picks, the 49ers can afford to be patient and strengthen their roster by focusing on need positions.

12. Cowboys: Stay Put

While wide receiver help is vital, the Cowboys should focus on getting the best available player without rushing to make a move.

13. Dolphins: Stay Put

The Dolphins hope to grab top tackles like Armand Membou or address defense depending on the draft flow, making staying put reasonable.

14. Colts: Stay Put

The Colts need to build around their young quarterbacks and can land a solid prospect by remaining at their current position.

15. Falcons: Trade Down

With limited picks, the Falcons should look to trade down, which will allow them to acquire more assets while still addressing their edge rusher needs.

16. Cardinals: Trade Down

Arizona needs to add to their picks and could still land a quality defender while trading down.

17. Bengals: Stay Put

The Bengals need to solidify their defense, and waiting to secure the best available defender might be their best strategy.

18. Seahawks: Stay Put

With plenty of picks, the Seahawks should focus on maximizing their draft opportunities rather than making a move.

19. Buccaneers: Trade Down

The Buccaneers are looking to add mid-round talent, making a trade back a wise strategy in this deep defensive draft.

20. Broncos: Stay Put

With skill-position needs, the Broncos should stay put to grab potential playmakers.

21. Steelers: Stay Put

Pittsburgh needs to address their quarterback situation, and they should sit tight unless a top prospect unexpectedly falls to them.

22. Chargers: Trade Up

The Chargers could thin out the competition with a bold trade-up to secure a top wide receiver.

23. Packers: Stay Put

Green Bay should remain steady and look to add either a powerful defensive player or a pass catcher for their young quarterback.

24. Vikings: Trade Down

With few picks, they should be eager to trade down while potentially landing a quality lineman or defender later.

25. Texans: Trade Up

Though trading down might be tempting, the Texans should look to move up and secure a vital piece for C.J. Stroud.

26. Rams: Trade Down

Due to the lack of second-rounders, trading down makes sense for the Rams to capitalize on their draft resources.

27. Ravens: Stay Put

The Ravens are in search of impactful players, making this a good time to draft a key defender.

28. Lions: Stay Put

With a deep class, the Lions have plenty of options if they play it safe and stick with their current pick.

29. Commanders: Trade Down

While they could draft the best available pass rusher, it may be wiser to trade down and regain assets.

30. Bills: Trade Up

After missing out on a significant pick last year, the Bills could look to trade up and enhance their offensive capabilities.

31. Chiefs: Trade Up

Given their championship window, the Chiefs may move to secure a key offensive or defensive lineman.

32. Eagles: Trade Up