Late April marks one of the most important events in the National Football League (NFL) offseason: the annual draft. This year is no exception. From April 23-25, teams will be selecting new faces for their rosters out of a fresh slate of college athletes ready for the next stage of their careers. Though the draft will have already started by the time this article is published, here is a quick roundup of some things to expect across these three days.
Day one is exclusively first-round picks. The first-overall pick goes to the Las Vegas Raiders on account of them having the worst record in the 2025 season, and they are widely expected to draft Indiana University quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, Fernando Mendoza. Things are less certain after that, however, especially given how this year’s draft class is on the weaker side when it comes to quarterbacks. While quarterback-needy teams like the Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets may still explore the position during this round, expect more focus on the non-quarterback talents. Among them are running back Jeremiyah Love from the University of Notre Dame, offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa of the University of Miami, edge rusher David Bailey out of Texas Tech University and numerous players from The Ohio State University; among that list is linebacker Sonny Styles, wide receiver Carnell Tate and safety Caleb Downs. Expect all of the aforementioned players to be drafted within the first ten to 15 picks.
Day two, the day of second and third-round picks, is when the draft truly begins to take shape. Predicting which players will be drafted during these rounds is certainly harder, but what is a little clearer is how some teams may plan to approach these rounds based on their biggest needs depending on the results of day one. Teams such as the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants can be expected to focus more on the offense, looking to add more firepower to their respective fronts. Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins—who hold several picks in the third round via trade deals with various teams—can be expected to be especially active during this time, targeting both offensive stars and defensive reinforcements as they enter a rebuilding phase.
Day three, covering rounds four through seven, is probably the most overlooked day of the draft. While picks during these rounds rarely generate any buzz, they are often still important for teams looking to build complete rosters. Expect big moves during this time from the Denver Broncos; all but one of their picks in this year’s draft will be happening on Saturday, giving them multiple opportunities to address various holes in their roster. This mentality will be shared by other teams throughout this time, especially those who also hold numerous late-round picks such as the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs.
Overall, while this year’s draft may lack an elite quarterback roster that prior years may have had, it remains a key opportunity for teams to address needs and prepare for the next season. For each of the NFL’s 32 teams, success will depend not just on the flashy first-round pick but on how effectively they navigate all three days.