Green Bay, Wisconsin is buzzing with excitement as the city prepares to host the 2025 NFL Draft, a three-day event where dreams come true for college football’s top talents.
The draft will run from Thursday, April 24 to Sunday, April 26, with the first round beginning at 8:00 PM EDT (1:00 AM BST Friday). BBC Sport will provide live text coverage from midnight on its website and app.
What to Expect from This Year’s NFL Draft
NFL franchises, having already made moves during free agency, now turn their focus to drafting the next generation of stars. A total of 257 players will be selected over seven rounds.
The selection order follows the reverse standings of last season. This means the team with the worst record picks first—unless trades have changed the order.
Which Teams Have the Top Picks in 2025?
After a tight finish to the 2024 season, the Tennessee Titans secured the first overall pick. They were followed by the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants.
The New England Patriots, who were initially in line for the top spot, slipped to the fourth pick after a surprise win against Buffalo in their final game.
The Titans are widely expected to choose a quarterback, given their current depth issues at the position.
Cam Ward the Favorite for First Overall Pick
Among the top-rated quarterbacks in this year’s class, Cam Ward stands out. He impressed scouts at his pro day and has emerged as the likely first pick.
Ward threw for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns last season, leading Miami to a 10-3 record. His size (6’2”) and five-year college career, including stints at Incarnate Word and Washington State, have prepared him well.
Shedeur Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, is another quarterback to watch. He completed passes at a 74% rate last year and led Colorado to a 9-4 finish.
Travis Hunter: The Draft's Most Versatile Talent
Travis Hunter, who played under Deion Sanders at both Jackson State and Colorado, made headlines by winning the Heisman Trophy. A rare two-way player, Hunter excels at both cornerback and wide receiver.
His unique skill set has left NFL teams wondering where he fits best at the pro level, but there’s no doubt about his star potential.
Other Key Names to Know
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Abdul Carter (Penn State) – Dominant pass rusher with 12 sacks and 68 tackles
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Ashton Jeanty (Boise State) – Explosive running back
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Dillon Gabriel (Oregon) – Heisman finalist QB
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Mason Graham (DT), Jalon Walker (LB), Will Campbell, and Armand Membou (OL) – All likely early-round selections
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Jalen Milroe and Jaxson Dart – Quarterbacks projected for mid-round picks
Green Bay: A Historic Host City
For the first time ever, the NFL Draft is being held in Green Bay, home of the 13-time NFL champion Packers. The city has earned the nickname ‘Titletown’, and this weekend, it will welcome over 240,000 fans—more than twice its population.
Events are centered around the legendary Lambeau Field and the nearby Titletown District. The red carpet will be rolled out right on the field, while the main draft stage is set beside the stadium.
Draft Schedule and Format
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Round 1: Thursday, April 24 at 8:00 PM ET
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Rounds 2–3: Friday
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Rounds 4–7: Saturday
Teams get 10 minutes per pick in Round 1. The time decreases for later rounds.