A new NFL season is fast approaching and, after a hectic free agency period, the next crop of college talent will find where they will be playing at this year’s draft. The 2025 edition holds plenty of intrigue, with some headline quarterbacks predicted to go near the top of the first round and plenty of other high-end prospects hoping to find a NFL home. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s NFL draft. How to watch The first round of the 2025 NFL draft will be held on Thursday, April 24, with the second and third rounds taking place on Friday and the remaining four rounds happening on Saturday. Like years prior, the draft is set to be a huge event with fans from all across the US traveling to Green Bay, Wisconsin, to watch names being read out by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and others, with the event being held outside the famous Lambeau Field, home of the Packers. Fans at home can watch all the picks on NFL Network and ESPN, with the first pick of the first round being made at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday. Friday’s action begins at 7 p.m. ET and Saturday kicks off at noon ET. CNN Sports is also offering live digital coverage of the event beginning at 5 p.m. ET on Thursday. Intrigue at top of first round Although there is a consensus No. 1 overall pick in many people’s eyes, lots of questions still remain about the other selections in the first round. Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward is widely expected to be drafted by the Tennessee Titans with the first pick as the clear cut best quarterback in the class and with the franchise in dire need of a difference-maker at the position. While he still has room to grow, NFL draft expert Daniel Jeremiah says that Ward could have a “very high ceiling” if he can be “reined in” from his gunslinging nature. Outside of Ward, draft analysts have no consensus on who will go where at the top of the first round. The second and third picks – held by the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants respectively – are predicted by many to be filled by the two highest-rated players in the entire draft: Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter. Hunter, who could become the first full-time two-way player in NFL history having excelled at both wide receiver and cornerback with the Colorado Buffaloes, is coming off a Heisman Trophy-winning season. Under head coach Deion Sanders, Hunter blossomed into a superstar with 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns on offense as well as 15 passes defended, four interceptions and a game-winning forced fumble on defense. There are still question marks over whether Hunter’s two-way game will translate to the NFL or whether his coaches will prefer to have him specialize on one side of the ball, but the 21-year-old has shown he possesses all the skills to be a game-changer wherever he is deployed. In fact, Browns general manager Andrew Berry called Hunter a “unicorn” player in a pre-draft press conference. Carter is also expected to be picked near the top of the draft having had a stellar 2024 season with Penn State; the pass rusher led the FBS with 23.5 tackles for loss and ranked seventh with 12 sacks as he went on to be named a First-Team AP All-American. At one point, the 21-year-old was slated to go first overall, but Ward’s rise has dropped Carter down mock drafts. Carter didn’t workout during the pre-draft process due to a shoulder injury, but he is widely expected to be an impactful defensive lineman from the get-go. The other high-profile name who will be selected near the top of the first round is running back Ashton Jeanty after a historic season at Boise State. Jeanty’s skillset of vision, speed, ability to break tackles and powerful blocking makes him the perfect all-round running back. In his final season at Boise State, he led the NCAA with 2,601 rushing yards – finishing just 28 yards short of breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record set in 1988 – and scored 29 rushing touchdowns as he finished second in Heisman Trophy voting. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein compared Jeanty to LaDainian Tomlinson during the draft process, high praise with the former San Diego Charger’s standing as an all-time NFL great, MVP and Pro Football Hall of Famer. Despite being seen as a prospective generational running back talent, Jeanty will be selected lower than Hunter and Carter due to the devaluation of the position, but could have a greater impact in the league. Other big names to watch out for Outside of those four, there are plenty of other college stars to keep an eye on. Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham is a well-rounded prospect who will be picked near the top of the first round. Graham was awarded the Outland Trophy – given to the best offensive or defensive lineman in college – last year having blossomed into a player with all the aspects needed to succeed in the NFL. He possesses the speed to evade blocks, the strength to overpower offensive linemen and the motor to outlast his opponents. A polarizing prospect in the draft process has been quarterback Shedeur Sanders, son of Pro Football Hall of Famer and current Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders. While he has plenty of attributes necessary for NFL success – accuracy and poise in the pocket – experts say Sanders has several things to improve upon for him to be a top-level star. His name-brand alone means he’s had plenty of attention and, with plenty of quarterback-needy teams near the top of the first round, Sanders will still likely go inside the top 10 picks. Another big name to keep an eye on near the top of the first round is Penn State tight end Tyler Warren. Standing at six-foot-five, Warren possesses the size to dominate defenders trying to cover him while also having the quickness to break away into space. He plays with “best player on the field energy,” according to Zierlein, who also predicts that Warren could “become one of the best tight ends in the league.” Warren was given the John Mackey Award last season for the best TE in the country and left Penn State having set school records for a tight end in almost all categories with 153 receptions, 1,839 receiving yards and 19 receiving touchdowns. First round draft order 1. Tennessee Titans 2. Cleveland Browns 3. New York Giants 4. New England Patriots 5. Jacksonville Jaguars 6. Las Vegas Raiders 7. New York Jets 8. Carolina Panthers 9. New Orleans Saints 10. Chicago Bears 11. San Francisco 49ers 12. Dallas Cowboys 13. Miami Dolphins 14. Indianapolis Colts 15. Atlanta Falcons 16. Arizona Cardinals 17. Cincinnati Bengals 18. Seattle Seahawks 19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20. Denver Broncos 21. Pittsburgh Steelers 22. Los Angeles Chargers 23. Green Bay Packers 24. Minnesota Vikings 25. Houston Texans 26. Los Angeles Rams 27. Baltimore Ravens 28. Detroit Lions 29. Washington Commanders 30. Buffalo Bills 31. Kansas City Chiefs 32. Philadelphia Eagles
2025 NFL draft: How to watch and everything you need to know about the top prospects
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Overview of the 2025 NFL Draft: Key Prospects and Viewing Information"
CNN
7.5
TruthLens AI Summary
As the 2025 NFL draft approaches, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating the selection of a new wave of college football talent. Scheduled to take place in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the draft will commence on Thursday, April 24, with the first round starting at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the second and third rounds on Friday at 7 p.m. ET and the remaining rounds on Saturday at noon ET. The event is expected to draw significant crowds, as supporters travel to Lambeau Field to witness NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announce the picks. For those watching from home, coverage will be available on NFL Network and ESPN, along with live digital updates provided by CNN Sports beginning Thursday evening. Among the most talked-about prospects is Cam Ward, the Miami Hurricanes quarterback, who is projected to be the first overall pick by the Tennessee Titans. Despite his potential, there are concerns about his playing style, which some believe needs to be moderated to maximize his effectiveness in the NFL.
In addition to Ward, other top prospects include Travis Hunter, a dynamic two-way player from the Colorado Buffaloes, and Abdul Carter, a standout defensive lineman from Penn State. Hunter's remarkable college career, highlighted by his Heisman Trophy-winning season, has led to speculation about whether he will be utilized on both offense and defense in the NFL. Meanwhile, Carter is expected to be a top pick despite a shoulder injury that prevented him from participating in pre-draft workouts. Other notable players to watch include running back Ashton Jeanty, who had an impressive season at Boise State, and tight end Tyler Warren from Penn State, who has set multiple school records. As the draft unfolds, the order of selections will play a crucial role in shaping the future of these young athletes and their respective NFL franchises.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides an overview of the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, highlighting key details about how to watch the event and discussing some of the top prospects expected to be selected. The focus on specific players and the excitement surrounding the draft serves to build anticipation among fans and stakeholders within the NFL community.
Purpose Behind the Publication
The primary goal of the article seems to be to inform fans about the NFL Draft, which is a significant event in American sports culture. By detailing when and how to watch the draft, it directly engages the audience, encouraging viewership and participation in the event. This is crucial for maintaining the NFL’s strong fan engagement, especially after a busy free agency period.
Creating Public Sentiment
The article aims to generate excitement and intrigue around the draft, particularly with the mention of top prospects like Cam Ward. By emphasizing the potential of these players and the uncertainty surrounding the draft order, it cultivates a narrative of suspense. This can enhance the overall experience for fans, making them feel more invested in the outcomes of their favorite teams.
Potential Omissions
There is no apparent indication that the article is intentionally hiding information. However, it may downplay the challenges and complexities involved in the drafting process, such as the potential for trades or unexpected decisions by teams. This could lead readers to form a more simplistic view of the draft dynamics.
Manipulative Elements
While the article does not overtly manipulate, it does create a sense of urgency and excitement which can influence public perception of the draft. The language used is enthusiastic and positive, which serves to rally support for the players and teams involved. This could be seen as a subtle form of manipulation to boost viewership and engagement.
Truthfulness of the Content
The information presented appears to be accurate, particularly regarding the draft dates and the significance of certain players. However, predictions about player selections are inherently speculative and may not fully represent the eventual outcomes.
Impact on Society
The article can influence societal engagement with sports, particularly in fostering a sense of community among fans. Economically, increased viewership of the draft can lead to higher advertising revenues for networks covering the event. Politically, while not directly related, the cultural significance of the NFL can reflect broader societal trends in American entertainment and community engagement.
Target Audience
The piece likely targets NFL fans, sports analysts, and general audiences interested in college football. This demographic is typically engaged in discussions about player capabilities and team strategies, making them more receptive to the information provided about the draft.
Market Influence
In terms of financial markets, the NFL Draft can impact stocks of companies associated with the NFL, including merchandise retailers and broadcasting networks. Companies like Nike or Fanatics may see changes in stock performance based on the success of the draft and subsequent sales.
Global Context
While the article is primarily focused on a domestic event, the NFL’s growing international presence means that developments like the draft can have implications beyond the U.S. It reflects ongoing trends in sports globalization and the increasing importance of American football worldwide.
Use of AI in Writing
There is a possibility that AI tools were used to assist in drafting the article, as the structure and flow are quite polished. Models like GPT could help generate engaging summaries or highlight key points effectively. However, it’s difficult to pinpoint specific instances where AI might have intervened in the narrative style without deeper analysis of the writing process.
Conclusion
The article is generally reliable and serves its purpose of informing and engaging the audience regarding the upcoming NFL Draft. While it promotes excitement and anticipation, it avoids overt manipulation, focusing instead on the inherent drama of the event.