Inside the 2025 NFL Draft: Positions Shaping This Year’s Class

The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most compelling in recent history, driven by elite talent in three key position groups. As teams finalize their draft boards, it’s important to analyze how this class compares to past position-dominated drafts like 2017 and 2014. Below, we take a deep dive into this year’s strongest positional groups, notable trends, and how teams are expected to approach their picks.

Historical Draft Trends: Position Groups That Shaped the NFL

The NFL Draft has often been defined by waves of talent at specific positions. Certain years have featured exceptionally deep pools of players in one or two areas. Here are some notable draft trends from the past decade:

• 2014 Draft: Known for an elite wide receiver class featuring Odell Beckham Jr., Mike Evans, Davante Adams, and Jarvis Landry. Teams that invested in pass-catchers found long-term success.
• 2017 Draft: Defined by an incredible running back class with Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, and Dalvin Cook. Edge rushers also played a major role, with Myles Garrett leading the group.
• 2023 Draft: Dominated by quarterbacks. With six passers selected in the first round, comparisons were made to the legendary 1983 class that featured John Elway, Dan Marino, and Jim Kelly.

As we turn our attention to 2025, three specific position groups are expected to set the tone.

Key Position Groups Dominating the 2025 NFL Draft

Quarterbacks: Another Strong Class?

After the 2023 draft saw six quarterbacks taken in the first round, many believed we’d see regression at the position. However, the 2025 class boasts another impressive crop of signal-callers. Several teams in need of a franchise leader could strike gold this year.

Top quarterback prospects include:

• Drake Maye 2.0: This year’s top QB prospect has drawn comparisons to the former UNC star due to his arm strength and ability to make throws under pressure.
• Athletic Dual-Threat Passer: College football’s biggest playmaker has wowed scouts with his ability to create plays both inside and outside the pocket.
• The Pro-Style Technician: A pure pocket passer who thrives in reading defenses and making precision throws.

Teams like the New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, and Minnesota Vikings are expected to be in the mix for a quarterback early in the draft.

Offensive Tackles: A Loaded Group

One of the most critical positions in football is left tackle, and luckily for teams in need of protection, the 2025 draft class is loaded with elite offensive line talent.

Some of the top blockers available include:

• The Anchor: At 6’7” and 330 pounds, this tackle has been called the next Trent Williams due to his ability to dominate in pass protection.
• The Agile Big Man: Blending size with unique mobility, this prospect has proven he can mirror elite pass rushers at the next level.
• The Versatile Lineman: With experience at both tackle and guard, this offensive lineman provides flexibility for any team looking to build a strong line.

With the escalating importance of protecting quarterbacks in today’s pass-heavy NFL, expect these players to be selected early in the first round.

Edge Rushers: A Defensive Frenzy

No draft is complete without elite pass rushers, and the 2025 class is stacked at the position. Dominant edge players have historically pushed teams to trade up in the draft, and this year’s batch offers several game-changers.

Top edge prospects include:

• The Explosive Speed Rusher: Drawing comparisons to Micah Parsons, this pass-rusher relies on speed, agility, and fierce closing ability.
• The Power Bull-Rusher: With a 6’5″, 270-pound frame, he overwhelms offensive linemen with his raw power and strength.
• The Technician: Known for incredible hand technique and refined pass-rush moves, this player has consistently dominated elite offensive tackles in college.

With teams always searching for the next elite edge rusher, don’t be surprised if many of these prospects are taken early.

How Teams Are Approaching the 2025 Draft

Quarterback-Needy Teams Targeting the Top Picks

Quarterbacks remain the most valuable asset in the NFL, and franchises without long-term solutions will likely be aggressive in acquiring one.

Teams such as:

• New England Patriots: Searching for their next franchise QB after several years of uncertainty.
• Las Vegas Raiders: Still looking for stability at the position.
• Minnesota Vikings: Potentially moving on from their veteran starter.

Expect trade speculation leading up to draft night, as teams maneuver for the top passers available.

Protecting Investments: The Rush for Offensive Tackles

As quarterback salaries continue to rise, protecting those investments becomes crucial. Teams with young star quarterbacks like the Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Cincinnati Bengals will strongly consider beefing up their offensive lines.

Building a wall in front of a franchise QB is essential, making this year’s offensive tackle class one of the most valuable groups.

Defensive Coaches Eyeing Edge Rushers

With an influx of offensive firepower across the league, teams need defenders capable of disrupting the passing game. Several squads seeking defensive reinforcements include:

• Chicago Bears: Looking to solidify a dominant pass rush.
• Atlanta Falcons: Seeking pressure off the edge to complement a young and improving defense.
• Arizona Cardinals: In dire need of a difference-maker along their defensive front.

Pass-rushers are always in high demand, and this year’s draft will be no exception.

Final Thoughts: 2025 Could Set Future NFL Trends

The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be defined primarily by quarterbacks