The 2025 NFL Draft is several months away, but teams will have another opportunity to address roster issues over the next week. With several teams already fading from the playoff race, trade talks could be particularly active across the league leading up to the deadline (Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 4 p.m. ET).
There may not be any deals that impact the first-round draft order, but plenty will redistribute assets and inevitably lead to other moves down the road. For instance, Cleveland and Las Vegas acquired third-round picks in exchange for Amari Cooper and Davante Adams, respectively. Two weeks ago, I predicted that Adams would become a Jet, DeAndre Hopkins would be a Chief and Cooper would be on the move.
Before predicting how the first round of next April’s draft plays out, let’s play matchmaker with some of the remaining rumored trade candidates.
Panthers trade WR Adam Thielen to the Steelers
Carolina already moved on from Diontae Johnson this week. It would not be a surprise if Jadeveon Clowney or Thielen were next on the chopping block. This season is lost for the Panthers and acquiring draft capital that can help them in the future should be the objective. Pittsburgh is lacking in pass game options, so Thielen would be a synergistic relationship.
Saints trade EDGE Chase Young to the Lions
Detroit needs reinforcements to rush the passer considering all capable of doing so are now on the injured reserve. Za’Darius Smith of the Browns is probably Dan Campbell’s preference, but Young’s contract is a bit easier to move and acquire. The Lions are trying to hold it all together as they charge toward the playoffs.
The draft order below was determined by current win-loss records, with ties broken by strength of schedule.
Without further ado, let’s kick this off!
For more draft coverage, you can hear in-depth analysis twice a week on “With the First Pick” — our year-round NFL Draft podcast with NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson and former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. You can find “With the First Pick” wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, etc.
