NFL Draft
3/31/25
7 min read
Desperation Picks Teams Must Avoid in 2025 NFL Draft
Months of 2025 NFL mock drafts have conditioned us to expect the three-day event to play out in one of only a few ways. However, teams can't fall into the trap of feeling like they have to chase a certain position or player. Free agency was one factor in how the draft flows, but considering the entire class's strengths and weaknesses is critical.
After analyzing mock draft trends and evaluating the 2025 NFL Draft class as a whole, it's become clear that some popular selections are being projected based on desperation more than anything else. We've identified these need-based picks and want to warn teams of this trap. While immediate needs undoubtedly factor into decisions, they can't be the sole reason someone is drafted.
Here are six positions or specific players that have been heavily linked to certain teams due to their desperate needs. Which teams will show discipline and flexibility when they're on the clock?
2025 NFL Draft Picks to Avoid Based on Roster Needs
Shedeur Sanders to the Cleveland Browns
My plan for Cleveland's 2025 draft would include snagging Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders at No. 2 overall, but only if their evaluation process has identified him as a likely franchise signal-caller.
With ESPN's Adam Schefter reporting the Browns leaning toward taking Penn State's Abdul Carter instead, the team is at least considering other plans of action than addressing what's been a chronic need. Passing on Sanders could be a mistake, but that doesn't mean he's the team's only option.
With new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees having experience coaching Jalen Milroe at Alabama and the Browns being linked to Atlanta Falcons backup Kirk Cousins in trade talks, the embattled franchise could be searching for an alternate plan than going with Sanders.
As the San Francisco 49ers can attest, it doesn't matter how you find your franchise quarterback as long as it happens. Browns fans won't hold it against Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry if their plan works, even if it's not a traditional path.
A similar message can be applied to the New York Giants at No. 3.
Sanders' specific evaluation aside, there should never be a situation where a front office sends in a pick they're not fully sold on. That's how guys like Zach Wilson, Kenny Pickett, and so many other busts wind up on a new team before their first contract is even up.
Any Running Back to the Dallas Cowboys in Round 1
The majority of mock drafts since the season's end have seen the Dallas Cowboys taking either a running back or receiver. It makes sense, given Dallas' horrible playmaker core and a sudden unwillingness to invest in external free agents. However, the rush to project the first or second playmaker off the board to Dallas only happens out of need.
The 2025 running back class is the deepest we've seen in years, if not ever. Picking Ashton Jeanty 12th overall is justifiable, but there's a good chance someone selected later on Day 2 or Day 3 will be similarly productive. It might be more difficult and sweat-inducing to wait, and Jerry Jones surely would love the adoration and excitement of adding a star-level playmaker, but the payoff will be greater by going elsewhere.
Going with a top-flight receiver like Tetroira McMillan, a tight end like Tyler Warren, a safety like Nick Emmanwori, or one of the many impact defensive linemen better address higher positional values without sacrificing how much the rookie will help Dallas in 2025.
If the board shakes out to where Jeanty or Omarion Hampton is the top-rated player available, then so be it, but Dallas can't enter the first round hellbent on it.
Carolina Panthers Forcing a Pass-Rusher
The first round loses a bit of its muster after the top five or so players come off the board. Barring a shocking drop of Travis Hunter or Mason Graham, the Carolina Panthers might be first out of the unanimous top talents in the class. They have enough needs, including at defensive end, to go with the true best player available, but the class complicates some of their decision.
The edge class has many high-end, intriguing athletes who are not dominant. Even Carter has ironclad elite film but not ideal measurements. Guys like Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr., and Mike Green have some tremendous strengths but enough concerns to make it feel like picking them at No. 8 would be a reach. Carolina should keep an open mind.
There will be some viable pass-rushing talents available when the Panthers are back on the clock at No. 57. As shocking as that may sound, the difference between Walker and Ohio State's Jack Sawyer isn't massive.
The Panthers must consider whether they're better off with someone like Will Johnson at corner, Warren at tight end, or McMillan at receiver and a Day 2 rusher, or a much less impressive corner or playmaker on Day 2 and their choice of the second or third pass-rusher off the board.
Malaki Starks to the Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins have severe needs at a couple of massively important positions, so projecting where they could go at No. 13 overall is not easy.
Their guard play desperately needs a boost, but the defense has two playable interior linemen and one proven cornerback available. Safety needs help as well, which is why Georgia's Malaki Starks has been a popular projection there.
The Dolphins could justify it, but they could've retained Jevon Holland in free agency if they valued the position enough to invest in it.
Instead, they opted to spend $6.5 million combined on Ashtyn Davis and Ifeatu Melifonwu. It's more likely Miami waits until later on Day 2 or Day 3 to add depth than to chase a star at a position they've shown is less important to them than trench options.
Colts Grabbing a Tight End
It's easy to fixate on the Indianapolis Colts producing only 39 receptions from the tight end position last year, and there's no question the team would massively improve the talent available by taking Warren or Colston Loveland.
However, it must be asked whether this offense demands a more threatening tight end or if the plan for the position is greater than the team's defensive needs. It's possible those answers are no.
Indianapolis must also consider the value of finding a future starter and immediate role player at defensive tackle or linebacker. With DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart now 31, that position requires reinforcements. This also happens to be a loaded defensive tackle class, so it'd be justifiable to take an impact player at No. 14.
Kansas City Adding an Offensive Lineman
There's a good chance the Kansas City Chiefs have as many offensive line issues in 2025 as they did last year.
Moving on from Joe Thuney will thrust 2024 second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia into the left guard role. Jaylon Moore was a below-average backup signed to a surprisingly big deal to become their left tackle. However, given that the Chiefs just saw how unprepared Suamataia was to start at tackle as a rookie, it doesn't seem preordained that they'll jump back into that pool.
The Chiefs could easily justify going for a more dynamic tight end or running back or replenishing their aging defensive line. Picking 31st overall makes their decision much more difficult since the board will be relegated to leftovers.
Great players will be there, undoubtedly, but the margin for error in the late first is massive compared to higher picks. Don't be surprised if Kansas City instead goes with a player who will see the field right away in 2025.
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