Money has flown around the NFL over the past few days, as free agency deals, re-signings and big-name trades have impacted rosters around the league. And in turn, those moves — and in some cases, non-moves — have impacted how the 2025 NFL draft might unfold. The Geno Smithtrade, for instance, changes the Raiders’ plan for their No. 6 pick. And the Bears’ active free agency period might make them pivot their approach for Day 1 at the draft.

So let’s sort through the shifting team needs, prospect targets and potential strategies of franchises slated to pick in the top 10 of April’s first round, basing our predictions off all the action we’ve seen. Keep in mind that plenty of free agent signings still lie ahead and the draft landscape could continue to change, further influencing pick projections. Look at this as snap reactions to the free agency frenzy as we start to get a clearer picture of what might happen in just over a month in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Here’s a crack at how signings, trades, cuts and departures might have an impact on each team picking in Nos. 1 through 10 — and the prospect who makes the most sense to fill roster holes. I also answer a few big questions for teams picking outside the top 10 that have seen their draft needs shift over the past few days. And yes, that includes the Steelers, who are still looking for their quarterback.

Jump to a team in the top 10:
CAR | CHI | CLE | JAX | LV
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | TEN
Questions on the rest of Round 1

1. Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward, QB, Miami

It seems clear Tennessee will listen to offers for this pick, but there has been no concrete movement on that yet, so I don’t necessarily feel that a trade down is imminent. Plus, the Titans have not made any movement on the veteran free agency market at quarterback, with names like Sam Darnold and Justin Fields already off the board. They do have Will Levis under contract, but the dynamic Ward would fill their biggest need. He is a crafty innovator with a great arm.

• See all of the Titans’ free agency moves

2. Cleveland Browns

Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

The Browns bypass the quarterback class here. They already traded forKenny Pickett and should still be exploring veteran options — I don’t believe Pickett is the expected answer at quarterback. Instead, they can take the highest-rated player on my board. Hunter has a credible path to becoming a Pro Bowl player at either receiver or cornerback. Cleveland GM Andrew Berry has already stated that the team views him more as a receiving prospect, and he would give the Browns a dynamic playmaker for whoever is at quarterback. This team needs building blocks, and Hunter fits that bill.

3. New York Giants

Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

The Giants will stay focused on landing a quarterback this week, but that won’t preclude them from examining the draft class at that position, too. This approach would allow the Giants to institute short- and long-term plans at quarterback, adding a veteran over the next few days and then also developing Sanders for the future. Sanders’ ball placement and ability to throw with touch are outstanding traits.

• See all of the Giants’ free agency moves

4. New England Patriots

Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

No team should be rooting harder for two quarterbacks to go in the first three picks than the Patriots. They could then just let the board fall to them and take either Carter or Hunter — whichever of them is still available. Carter is the best pass rusher in the class and would instantly become one of the Patriots’ two best defensive cornerstones along with corner Christian Gonzalez. With his incredible first-step quickness, he’d fit nicely alongside new addition Milton Williams.

Yes, the Patriots still must address the left tackle position, and they’ve made a flurry of defensive moves. But the opportunity to add Carter is too good to pass up, no matter what happens over the rest of free agency.

• See all of the Patriots’ free agency moves

5. Jacksonville Jaguars

Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Jacksonville has serious work to do on all levels of the defensive side of the ball, and drafting Graham would be an ideal start. While his pass-rushing upside is a significant part of why he is the No. 3 prospect on my board, he is also a terrific run defender who could immediately help shore up the Jaguars’ run defense. They allowed 132.6 rushing yards per game last season (eighth worst in the NFL).

LSU tackle Will Campbell was another consideration here … but then the Jaguars signed Robert Hainsey and Patrick Mekari in free agency, shoring up that unit.

• See all of the Jaguars’ free agency moves

6. Las Vegas Raiders

Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

With Geno Smith aboard as the starting quarterback, the Raiders can add the final member of my four-man top tier of prospects, which includes Hunter, Carter, Graham and Jeanty. A Pete Carroll-coached team is always going to make the running game a substantial priority. Jeanty shows elusiveness, power and vision as a runner, and he can chip in with the pass game. But there are also still some running back dominoes that need to fall in free agency, which could pivot this pick.

• See all of the Raiders’ free agency moves

7. New York Jets

Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

Membou’s draft stock has taken off like a rocket ship since the start of last season, as he has catapulted into the conversation for the first offensive lineman taken in April. He plays with great footwork and physicality. And while he slightly trails Will Campbell in my overall rankings (No. 8 vs. No. 5), the Jets could slide him immediately into right tackle to fix their glaring need. They just saw veteran Morgan Moses depart to the Patriots in free agency, creating this hole. New York has to improve the protection for new quarterback Justin Fields.

• See all of the Jets’ free agency moves

8. Carolina Panthers

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Impact pass rushers should not be overlooked here — even though Carolina has added both Pat Jones II and Bobby Brown III — but the Panthers must also continue to invest in offensive players around quarterback Bryce Young. They haven’t added to the receiver room, and there are big question marks there. McMillan is my top-rated wideout and has the 6-foot-4 size and smooth route-running ability to emerge as Young’s top target in relatively short order.

• See all of the Panthers’ free agency moves

9. New Orleans Saints

Will Campbell, OT/G, LSU

While I am a firm believer that Campbell has the goods to be a starting left tackle in the NFL, I also believe he can really thrive at guard if the team that picks him believes he’s better suited there. He has 32⅝-inch arms, which isn’t ideal length for a true tackle.

Regardless of position, Campbell has the best footwork of any offensive lineman in the class. Here, he would stay home in the state where he played his high school and college ball, and he’d immediately become a cornerstone player for a Saints team in need of them.

10. Chicago Bears

Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

Is tight end a primary need for Chicago? No. Is it easy to imagine new coach Ben Johnson dialing up some incredible concepts and play designs revolving around Warren? Oh, yes. Offensive line would have been the clear priority for the Bears, but they totally revamped their interior by trading for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and then also signing center Drew Dalman. The trenches already look much better on paper. So, let’s get Warren, who is tremendous after the catch and could help quarterback Caleb Williams in a big way, into the top 10.

• See all of the Bears’ free agency moves

Big questions for picks Nos. 11-32

Which Round 1 pick outside of the top 10 is most interesting right now?

The Seahawks’ pick at No. 18 fascinates me, especially after they signed quarterback Sam Darnold to a three-year deal. They entered the offseason with an obvious and major need to upgrade the interior of the offensive line. Following the trade of DK Metcalf, will wide receiver become an even higher priority than adding up front? Names to watch here include North Dakota lineman Grey Zabel (explosive and versatile), Texas receiver Matthew Golden (incredible speed and body control) and Missouri receiver Luther Burden III (run-after-catch specialist).

Given what we’ve seen in free agency, which first-round pick beyond the top 10 are you most certain on?

While certain can be a tricky word to associate with anything in the draft, the Texans created a huge void in trading offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Commanders in a package that sent multiple picks back to Houston. Be it Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr., Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr. or another offensive tackle, it sure feels like the No. 25 pick will be someone who helps protect quarterback C.J. Stroud. Stroud took 52 sacks last season, second most in the NFL.

One more that I feel confident about right now: The Falcons look primed to add a pass rusher at No. 15.

OK, which first-round pick beyond the top 10 do you have no clear idea on at the moment?

I won’t go far outside the top 10 — the answer is the 49ers at No. 11. They probably have to go with an offensive lineman, as the team has seen both Jaylon Moore and Aaron Banks depart for notable money elsewhere. Prospects to consider would be Kelvin Banks Jr., Grey Zabel and Ohio State’s Josh Simmons. If the Niners don’t deem those players or another lineman worthy at No. 11 — which is possible! — I’m not sure where they’d pivot.

Consider that San Francisco has lost Moore, Banks, Charvarius Ward, Talanoa Hufanga, Dre Greenlaw, Deebo Samuel Sr., Elijah Mitchell and Joshua Dobbs over the past week. That’s a lot of spots to fill.

How has the picture changed for the draft’s running back class over the past few days?

Not at all in my view! It has been a slow-moving running back market, without any really notable deals yet. Dallas agreed to a deal with Javonte Williams, while Aaron Jones reupped with Minnesota. It just reinforces how pedestrian this year’s RB free agent class is and how strong the RB draft class looks. I fully expect Jeanty to have a brief wait in Round 1, and at least one other back could join him on Day 1. North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton is my RB2 at No. 26 overall.

Teams that are logical running back fits early in the draft — let’s call it the first three rounds — include the Raiders, Broncos, Chargers, Bears, Chiefs, Cowboys and Browns.

The Cowboys have been quiet yet again. What does that mean for their first-round plans?

While Jerry Jones can rile up the masses when he speaks publicly, he is often quite honest and transparent. When he downplayed the possibility of an aggressive free agency, I took him at his word and accordingly am not very surprised by the team’s inactivity. The Cowboys must address the offensive line in this draft, and they would also be a prime candidate to pick Jeanty if he slides to No. 12 — even after agreeing to a deal with Javonte Williams.

What’s the more likely scenario: The Steelers sign a veteran quarterback — Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson? — or draft one in Round 1?

I’ll say the Steelers signing Rodgers as they reshape their offense. Wilson was fine last season, but Pittsburgh has to take a swing to be better than “fine” as it tries to snap its streak of playoff losses (currently five straight games). While Rodgers is only a short-term option, he provides an upgrade over both Wilson and Justin Fields.

I believe the top two quarterbacks will be gone by No. 21, and my QB3 — Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart — has a second-round grade. If I’m Pittsburgh, I would not reach for a player who most likely wouldn’t start until at least 2026.

How can the Eagles replenish their defense at No. 32 after losing Milton Williams and Josh Sweat?

Bumping players up the depth chart will cover a lot of it, which is a scary thought for the rest of the league. General manager Howie Roseman always has his long-range lens out when building his roster. Williams and Sweat are excellent players who will be missed in Philadelphia, but the team retains a great duo of tackles in Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, and Nolan Smith Jr. will lead an edge rush group that includes Jalyx Hunt and Moro Ojomo (Brandon Graham could return for yet another season, too). And if the Eagles can get anything out of Bryce Huff, that would be a coup.

Drafting an edge rusher or defensive tackle early shouldn’t be ruled out for Philly, but the Eagles’ depth sets up in a way that it’s not a necessity. Other spots that would make sense for the Eagles to address in Round 1 are the offensive line (always) and tight end.