2025 NFL Draft Set to Showcase Top College Football Talent

GREEN BAY, Wisconsin — The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday, April 24, at 8 p.m. ET, bringing excitement for fans and teams alike as they scout future stars. The first round will take place outside the iconic Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers.

This year’s draft is particularly captivating with standout quarterbacks, including Cam Ward from the Miami Hurricanes, expected to be selected early. Ward is projected as the No. 1 overall pick, potentially landing in the hands of the Tennessee Titans, who are in search of a franchise quarterback.

Ward, who completed 65.1% of his passes for 4,313 yards and set a school record with 39 touchdown passes in a single season, has garnered attention from NFL scouts. “There’s one guy that’s head and shoulders above the rest in Cam Ward,” an AFC quarterbacks coach said.

His talent is essential for Tennessee, which aims to improve its performance in the upcoming season. NFL analysts have noted Ward’s playmaking capabilities, though some concerns remain regarding his decision-making under pressure.

Joining Ward in the top picks is Travis Hunter from the Colorado Buffaloes, recognized for his dual-threat ability as both a wide receiver and cornerback. Hunter’s performance last season included 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, as well as impressive defensive stats with 15 passes defended and four interceptions.

The Cleveland Browns and New York Giants are expected to fill their second and third picks with top defensive prospects Abdul Carter and Hunter, respectively. Carter, a standout pass rusher from Penn State, led the FBS with 23.5 tackles for loss during his 2024 season.

Another notable name is running back Ashton Jeanty from Boise State, who made headlines after rushing for 2,601 yards, coming just shy of breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record.

Other players to watch include Michigan’s Mason Graham, a defensive tackle projected to be picked high, and Shedeur Sanders, the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, whose performance with Colorado has drawn attention despite lingering questions about his readiness for the NFL.

The three-day draft event starts with the first round on Thursday evening, followed by rounds two and three on Friday and remaining rounds on Saturday. Fans can watch the event live on NFL Network and ESPN.