Dave Ross and Geoff Schwartz break down what the teams selecting in the top ten need to focus on in the 2025 NFL Draft on the latest episode of The GM Shuffle.
The draft begins with the Titans, and most assume they’re locked in on quarterback Cam Ward. Schwartz told Ross that Ward is going first overall, regardless of which team ends up with the pick. He added that the Browns could move up to No. 1, with the Titans sliding back to two. Schwartz further highlighted that the Titans need an edge rusher, as they received the 28th pass rush grade according to PFF last season. Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter at two would make sense if they moved back to the two slot. Schwartz made the point that it is no secret that the Browns like Ward, and it would be just a matter of them moving up to get him.
For the Giants, pressure is mounting on the front office to make the right call. Their QB room is now set with Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. Schwartz says Travis Hunter would be the perfect fit at wideout or corner, but if he’s gone, don’t be surprised if they pivot to edge rusher Abdul Carter to bolster a defensive line already stacked with Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Dexter Lawrence.
Given that the Patriots are selecting at four, Schwartz finds it hard to believe they will not draft a left tackle. As Schwartz has said countless times, the goal for teams this season with young quarterbacks like the Patriots is to figure out if they have their quarterback for the future. A key part of that discovery is having offensive linemen who can block for Drake Maye. LSU’s offensive lineman Will Campbell should be available at four. If the draft order goes Ward, Sanders, and Hunter, then the fourth pick is interesting because the Patriots have a choice of either Campbell or Carter. The need for a left tackle is apparent, but the Patriots’ new head coach’s strength is on the defensive side of the ball. So the Patriots could potentially trade the fourth pick to a team that wants Carter, and the Patriots can draft an offensive lineman later in the first round and get a first-round pick for next year. Moreover, Schwartz does not see this as a draft where teams will trade draft spots.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are at five, and Schwartz predicts they will draft Mason Graham. However, he will not be surprised if they go with a wide receiver to complement quarterback Trevor Lawrence, given that it will be a season where he is under a new coaching regime. Tetairoa McMillan could be an option. Schwartz points out that it is a deep, wide receiver draft and may not be a defensive lineman prospect who can get to the quarterback and be as disruptive as Graham. Pivoting to the Raiders, Ross claims that the talk circulating through Las Vegas is that they must get a running back, presumably Ashton Jeanty. Ross suggested to Schwartz that they already had a running back on the roster; they drafted Josh Jacobs, who they let go to Green Bay, deciding not to pick up the last year of his contract. Schwartz thinks they should go in another direction and draft an offensive lineman, particularly Armand Membou, out of Missouri. Sure, Jeanty is one of the top overall prospects in the draft, but Schwartz points out that the Raiders have a glaring need at right tackle. Not to mention, this is a deep running back draft. Protecting their quarterback for this year and next should be a priority.
Turning the page to the Jets. Schwartz expressed that the Jets’ pick at seven will depend on who is available. If Membou is available, he sees them selecting him. The right tackle situation for the Jets is not ideal; however, if Membou is not available, he can see the Jets selecting a tight end, either Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland. Entertaining a tight end with the seventh selection could be a value add for the Jets, given the impact a dynamic tight end could have on an offense. Furthermore, Schwartz believes the Jets will select either an offensive lineman or a tight end.
Transitioning to the Panthers, who have the eighth pick, Schwartz views them as one of those teams that could trade down in the draft. Schwartz predicts that the Panthers will go after the best pass rusher available, who he assumes will be edge rusher Jalon Walker out of Georgia. Based on the reputation, Georgia players are building in the NFL on the defensive side of the ball. Even though Schwartz does not think Walker is as refined as a pass rusher, he is still a better football player than the other edge pass rusher who will remain at that point in the draft.
Last but not least, the Chicago Bears are picking at ten. Schwartz suggests they will select Jeanty, given that they are trying to rebuild what took place in Detroit under new head coach Ben Johnson. They added some offensive linemen in free agency, and Jeanty would make their ground game more sophisticated. Adding Jeanty will allow Johnson to line up in different formations, ultimately causing chaos for opposing defenses.
Listen to the full episode below for the complete discussion and more from The GM Shuffle!
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NFL Team Needs + Betting the Top 10 NFL Draft Picks
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