NFL DRAFT: Teams Unlikely to TRADE UP in First Round

NFL Draft: Teams Unlikely to Trade Up in First Round

The 2025 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and teams are beginning to make their moves. However, according to several reports, many teams are unlikely to trade up in the first round. This is due to the perceived lack of elite, top-end talent in this year’s draft class.

“We’ve seen a common refrain bouncing around with several teams in the leadup to the 2025 NFL Draft,” said Ely Allen, a sports journalist. “The reason for this stems from a view that this year’s draft class lacks elite, top-end talent but boasts enough starting-caliber players to last well into the third round.”

Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht agrees with this assessment. “He doesn’t foresee…many teams wanting to trade up across the league,” Licht said, according to the PewterReport X account.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport also seems to agree. “Not a lot of teams are trying to move up,” Rapoport claimed.

*Trading Down*

With so many teams looking to trade down, it makes it harder for teams to find suitors to trade up with. However, some teams may still be willing to trade up for specific players or positions.

“Teams targeting specific positions are going to want to trade into the first round to take players at those positions, especially if those teams currently reside at the top of the second round,” said Allen.

Positions like quarterbacks and offensive tackles, which have the most expensive contracts, may see teams trading up to get the players they need. This is because first-round picks are granted a fifth-year option that the rest of the draft class doesn’t get in their contracts.

*Teams Likely to Trade Up*

ESPN enlisted the help of multiple beat reporters to give some intel into what they’re hearing about their respective teams. Four teams fell into the category of teams that may trade up for specific positions.

Jordan Reid believed the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants could both trade back into the first round for a passer after using their Nos. 2 & 3 picks on Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter.

Matt Miller claimed that the Tennessee Titans could trade up for a wide receiver at the end of the first round and that the Chicago Bears could do the same for a pass rusher.

*Teams with Limited Picks*

There are several teams with a limited number of picks that may be easy targets to trade up with. The Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, and Washington Commanders are among these teams.

“Those teams should have their pick of the litter with so many others wanting to trade back,” said Allen. “But with Arizona, Minnesota, and Washington so lacking in picks, teams looking to trade up may get more bang for their buck from that trio.”

Conclusion

The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be an interesting one, with many teams looking to trade down and few teams willing to trade up. However, some teams may still be willing to trade up for specific players or positions, especially if they have a limited number of picks. As the draft approaches, teams will need to make their moves and see how the draft plays out.