The NFL draft landscape has shifted into overdrive as teams finalize their strategies before the big night.
With the 2025 NFL Draft countdown ticking away, several franchises are working behind the scenes to either climb up or slide down the draft order.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero dropped a bombshell report suggesting multiple teams within the top 10 are actively exploring trade scenarios.
This last-minute maneuvering points to what could be one of the most unpredictable draft nights in recent memory.
“Jacksonville [Jaguars] at five is a team that potentially could be trying to move up. There are teams that are actually looking to move down. The Carolina Panthers have been making a lot of calls about moving down from No. 8. Eight would also be a spot that if somebody’s concerned about the Saints at (No.) 9 drafting a quarterback, you would want to get up ahead of them,” Pelissero said.
Which teams in the top 10 could be looking to trade their pick? 👀 pic.twitter.com/68kTXmRadN
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 24, 2025
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ interest in Boise State standout Ashton Jeanty has become the worst-kept secret in draft circles.
Many analysts view selecting Jeanty at No. 5 as a statement pick that could instantly transform their offense.
More intriguing are whispers about Jacksonville potentially leapfrogging to the No. 2 slot, though such a bold move would likely require an offer the Cleveland Browns simply couldn’t turn down.
Further down the board, the Carolina Panthers have been working the phones, hoping to trade back and stockpile Day 2 selections in a draft class noted for its depth, particularly at wide receiver and along the defensive front.
The New Orleans Saints at No. 9 have become chess players, potentially influencing moves several spots ahead of them.
Growing speculation about their quarterback interest has teams contemplating jumping ahead to secure Mississippi’s Jaxson Dart.
The trade-down market appears robust, with the San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Minnesota Vikings all seemingly open to collecting additional assets by moving back.
With draft boards finalized but strategies still fluid, this year’s event promises drama, surprises, and the kind of wheeling and dealing that makes the NFL draft must-see TV.
