2025 NFL Draft: 8 Teams that Should be Most Aggressively Trying to Trade Up

It's still a while before the 2025 NFL Draft takes place in Green Bay. But with the NFL Scouting Combine next up on the calendar, the incoming rookie class has center stage for now.

As the combine unfolds in Indy, opinions on some prospects will change—for better and for worse. But while the workouts are an important part of the pre-draft evaluation process, what takes place behind the scenes is almost as vital.

With so many NFL decision-makers under one roof, conversations are bound to happen. Teams totally won't tamper with free agents, because that would be wrong. But there will be talks regarding players who might be available via trade, discussions between teams considering trading back in Round 1 this year, and preliminary negotiations by teams that may want to move up.

Say to grab a quarterback. It's been known to happen.

Often, teams don't even know they want to move up until the draft starts to unfold and a player they covet begins to fall. But teams know now where they have areas of need and a rough idea of their chances of addressing them given where they slot in Round 1.

We'll likely see a handful of trades by the time Round 1 is in the books. The teams listed here would be wise to be among them.

Because getting better sometimes means paying the cost to get your guy.

It worked OK for Kansas City and that Mahomes dude.

Hear he's good.

Las Vegas Raiders

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As the Las Vegas Raiders begin the Pete Carroll era, there's little question what the team's biggest need is…

The Raiders need a franchise quarterback.

Given that glaring need, the Raiders are a popular trade candidate in mock drafts. For Tashan Reed and Vic Tafur of the Athletic, it was a dream scenario where the Raiders needed just a third-rounder to trade up two spots and target a quarterback. For Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports, it's a more aggressive move all the way up to No. 1 overall.

A trade with the Titans would all but certainly require Vegas including their first pick in 2026—an expensive proposition for a franchise with multiple needs on both sides of the ball.

But playing in a division where three teams made the postseason last year, the Raiders aren't going anywhere until they secure some stability at football's most important position.

Target: Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders

As Reed and Tafur wrote, the Raiders already have something of a relationship with Sanders.

"Sanders has a strong relationship (and had an NIL deal in college) with minority owner Tom Brady, has already met owner Mark Davis and should be comfortable in offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s system, which blends NFL and college concepts," they said. "He doesn’t have dynamic physical traits, but he’s mobile, accurate, has a good arm and displayed important intangibles such as leadership, poise and the ability to navigate adversity during his time at Jackson State and Colorado. In drafting him, Las Vegas hopes to end the revolving door it has had at QB since releasing Derek Carr in 2023."

It's a risky play. But if the Raiders believe in Sanders, it's one worth taking.

New York Jets

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Cam Ward

The New York Jets have been attempting to procure an upgrade at the quarterback position since approximately 1977. The Jets have tried the rookie route with Sam Darnold. Most recently they went the veteran route with Aaron Rodgers. Both worked equally well—in that they were both disasters.

Now, it's back to the drawing board for new head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey. For Ian Valentino of the 33rd Team, the path forward isn't that complicated—do whatever necessary to add one of this year's top prospects under center.

"Finding a franchise quarterback is still the Jets' top priority, but their task will be more difficult since they select seventh overall, and four teams in front of them also need one," he said. "As of today, the only realistic three first-round quarterbacks are Cameron Ward, Shedeur Sanders, and Jaxson Dart. It's not difficult to see why the Jets are in a trade-up position. A move up from No. 7 could be costly, whether it's a picks-based deal or one that includes someone like Breece Hall or Garrett Wilson. But the current merry-go-round the Jets are perpetually stuck on isn't getting them anywhere."

Target: Miami QB Cam Ward

Unless the Tennessee Titans and/or Cleveland Browns go full bonehead and pass on a quarterback with the first two picks, getting Ward is going to cost the Jets dearly—their 2026 first-rounder would probably be part of the deal. In that case, Gang Green might as well go big and secure the services of Bleacher Report's top-ranked quarterback in 2025.

"Ward is among the most gifted throwers in the NFL draft class," B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson wrote. "The combination of arm talent, mobility/athleticism, and accuracy is growing among NFL scouts. He is comfortable using hard counts to force the defense out of their disguises, then set the protection to pick up any indicating extra rushers from the second or third levels of the defense. He has superstar potential if he can cut down on mistakes/risky decisions."

If you're gonna go big, you might as well shoot for No. 1.

New York Giants

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Jaxson Dart

The top of the first round of the 2025 draft is littered with teams who need a quarterback, including the Tennessee Titans at No. 1 overall and the Cleveland Browns at No. 2. That's not great news for the Giants at No. 3. The G-Men also need a quarterback, and there are only two consensus first-round prospects under center in 2025.

However, ESPN's Jordan Ranaan believes that if the Titans (or Browns) aren't sold on Miami's Cam Ward or Colorado's Shedeur Sanders as a true franchise quarterback, it shouldn't be that expensive for the Giants to move up a spot or two.

"The Giants' first and second-round picks (Nos. 3 and 34) provide similar or more value than the top pick based on most modern draft charts," he said. "Even the Giants' third-round pick (No. 66) and perhaps a 2026 second-round pick might provide enough value, if packaged with No. 3 overall, for the Titans to make such a move if they are not smitten with Ward or Sanders and want to defer their QB decision another year. This is likely what it would take for the Giants to make such a move—No. 3 overall and Day 2 picks. Perhaps they could be asked to throw in another mid-round pick or future selection as well. If they are sold on either quarterback, that should not preclude them from making such a potential franchise-altering move."

Target: Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart

The problem here is that the Titans likely wouldn't be all that motivated to move back without getting a second first-rounder, especially if the Raiders or Jets get in on the bidding.

There is another way the Giants could get a quarterback, however, while adding an impact player at No. 3 overall.

The Giants are well-positioned to potentially make a second first-round pick—Joe Schoen could package pick No. 34 and say a 2026 second-rounder to move back into Day 1. If Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss impresses during the pre-draft process, he could also work his way into first-round consideration.

The Giants get their quarterback. And one of the best non-quarterbacks in the class. If Dart can sling it in the NFL like he did in Oxford, it would be a true dream draft for the Giants.

Chicago Bears

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Will Campbell

OK, enough about quarterbacks.

The Chicago Bears already have their quarterback in Caleb Williams. Williams had an uneven rookie season, but it offered the Bears reason for optimism about the team's future under center.

Provided, that is, the Bears can fix one glaring issue—an offensive line that surrendered an NFL-high 68 sacks in 2024. Those sacks aren't entirely the o-line's fault, but Chicago should have multiple new starters up front in 2025—perhaps as many as four.

Mind you, the offensive line isn't Chicago's only need. The team also badly needs to upgrade its edge-rushers. And with almost $80 million in cap space, per Over the Cap, the Bears are well-positioned to be aggressive in free agency.

But free-agent offensive linemen can be pricey, as even middling options annually land beefy contacts because of the demand for help in the trenches. So, if there's an opportunity for Chicago general manager Ryan Poles to slide up a spot or two and obtain the best offensive lineman in this draft class, he should pounce.

Target: LSU Offensive Tackle Will Campbell

A move up for Penn State edge-rusher Abdul Carter would make a bigger splash. But it would also be far more costly in terms of compensation. It's actually possible that Campbell will make it to the Bears at No. 10. But a slide up a spot or two to make sure Chicago lands the 6'6", 323-pounder shouldn't cost more than a Day 2 pick.

There is admittedly some question as to whether Campbell would be better off playing guard in the pros. But even if that's the case, B/R's Brandon Thorn sees Campbell as a potential Pro Bowler from the jump.

"Campbell is a prime candidate to move inside as a pro," Thorn said. "He has the makeup, movement skills, play strength, and competitive toughness to make a smooth transition to guard or center and be an impact starter with Pro Bowl potential during his rookie contract."

Frankly, Chicago's need at guard might be even more pressing than at tackle. And while an eyebrow or two may go up at the idea of trading up for an interior lineman, the Bears need to do whatever is necessary for Williams to take a step forward in Year 2.

Detroit Lions

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Nic Scourton

The Detroit Lions are fresh off the most successful regular season in team history...and a disappointing playoff exit in the Divisional Round. One of the biggest reasons the Lions came up short of the team's first Super Bowl appearance was the lack of a consistent pass rush after Aidan Hutchinson was lost for the season.

There's a reason why half the Motor City (including Hutchinson himself) wants the Lions to trade for Myles Garrett.

However, a Garrett deal would be incredibly expensive, both in terms of compensation for the Browns and Garrett's salary. And at his end-of-season press conference, general manager Brad Holmes made it clear the Lions weren't going to drastically change their approach to roster-building.

"Nothing is going to kind of alter what our approach has been in terms of trying to continue to improve and keeping building," Holmes told reporters. "Obviously, I do think we're very close. Obviously felt really good about this season. Fell short, but we're going to stay committed to the process. I don't think you can be a prisoner of the moment and make all these crazy wholesale changes. I just think all the pieces are in place that I don't really feel walls closing."

Target: Texas A&M Edge-Rusher Nic Scourton

Of course, there's a considerable difference between mortgaging the future for Garrett and spending relatively little to move up a few spots for a rookie edge-rusher—one who coincidentally attended the same school as Garrett.

Shemar Stewart will likely garner more pre-draft buzz—so much so that's it's possible that teammate Nic Scourton will be there at No. 28. But the 6'4" 280-pounder could be worth a move up by the Lions, as he's one of the more NFL-ready edge prospects in this class and has drawn comparisons to longtime Saints star Cameron Jordan.

The point here is this: the Lions need a battery-mate for Hutchinson. And if Holmes identifies a prospect like Scourton that he likes, Detroit shouldn't be shy about making a move to get him.

Minnesota Vikings

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Jahdae Barron

The Minnesota Vikings could be in a much different position where draft capital is concerned by the time we get to April. If the Vikes swing a trade involving either quarterback J.J. McCarthy or Sam Darnold, Minnesota could be much better positioned to move up in Round 1.

If they do, it should be to address one position—cornerback.

The Vikings had one glaring weakness last season, as their pass defense ranked 28th in the league. A good portion of that secondary is set to hit free agency, and while the team bought themselves a little time to work out a deal with No. 1 cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., they also can no longer franchise tag him.

While speaking to reporters, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said the key to getting better moving forward is making the best possible use of the team's draft picks.

"I know the world is such where everybody wants instant gratification today and tomorrow," Adofo-Mensah said. "And that's not how the good teams are built. They address wants before they are wants. You try and find unique opportunities when you can."

One such opportunity would be a trade up for a high-end cornerback prospect.

Target: Texas CB Jahdae Barron

It would be great to list Travis Hunter of Colorado or Michigan's Will Johnson here, but moving up that far from No. 24 would be cost-prohibitive unless Minnesota gets another first-rounder somehow.

However, as Bleacher Report's Cory Giddings wrote, Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron has the potential to both anchor a secondary and play all over it.

"His ability to play multiple positions, combined with his high football IQ, physicality, and ball skills, gives him a high ceiling in a variety of defensive schemes," he said. "Barron's toughness and adaptability give him a solid footing immediately and will allow him to develop into a key contributor at the next level. His versatility and competitive nature make him an attractive option for teams seeking flexibility in their defensive backfield."

For the Vikings to build on last year's surprise success, the team has to improve on the back end.

A top-three corner in the draft class is worth a move up the board.

Kansas City Chiefs

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Josh Simmons

The Kansas City Chiefs got mollywhopped by the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, but there's no time for self-pity. The Chiefs need to address the issues that cost them so dearly against the Philadelphia Eagles.

None are bigger than an offensive line that was dominated from start to finish. As Zoltan Buday wrote for Pro Football Focus, left tackle was an issue for the Chiefs all season long.

"Players lining up at left tackle for the Chiefs in 2024 combined to earn a 50.0 PFF pass-blocking grade and allowed pressure on 11.3% of pass plays," he said. "Both were the worst marks in the NFL. That level of production at one of the most important positions is a recipe for disaster, and Kansas City will almost certainly need to address the position. Whether they reshuffle the line and move right tackle Jawaan Taylor to the left side, sign or draft a new player or trust one of their younger players to fill the hole is yet to be seen."

Add in that guard Trey Smith could be priced out of Kansas City's range in free agency, and the Chiefs potentially have massive holes at both guard and tackle.

Kansas City has to fix one early in the 2025 draft.

Target: Ohio State OT Josh Simmons

Given that Josh Simmons is coming off a season-ending injury, there's risk involved in drafting him in Round 1 at all. But assuming that Simmons' rehab has progressed well and his medical evaluations at the combine check out, he may well not make it out of the top 25. This is a class light on high-end tackle prospects, and it's absolutely a premium position.

However, if the Chiefs only have to move up a few spots to acquire his services, it's a move Brett Veach could be wise to make. If Smith leaves, the same can be said for taking a guard like Alabama's Tyler Booker.

The Chiefs don't have the cap space to be big players in free agency, but the offensive line has to get better—significantly.

A trade up in April's draft may well be the best path to doing that.

Cleveland Browns

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James Pearce

If the Cleveland Browns have any sense, the team will take a quarterback at No. 2 overall. Yes, Abdul Carter is a wildly talented edge-rusher, and Myles Garrett wants out of Cleveland. But the odds that Garrett actually gets moved aren't good (the financial considerations are an awfully high bar to clear), and Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are widely considered head and shoulders better than the other signal-callers in this class.

As a change of pace, we'll go ahead here and presume that Cleveland actually does the sensible thing this time around. But that quarterback shouldn't be the only pick the Browns make on April 24.

The Browns have a whopping 12 picks in this year's draft, including a pair of selections in Round 3. That puts Cleveland in solid position to be one of those teams that hops up from early on Day 2 to late in Round 1.

The Browns need talent on both sides of the ball. They also need players on rookie deals thanks to their horrific cap situation. And getting a second player with the potential for a fifth-year option is a move Cleveland general manager Andrew Berry would be well-served to make.

Target: Tennessee Edge-Rusher James Pearce Jr.

The Browns have the same chances of contending in 2025 that Purdue has of winning the Big Ten next year. That affords the team an opportunity to look at players who may take some time to acclimate to the NFL.

Tennessee's James Pearce is a work in progress, especially as a run defender. But as Keith Sanchez wrote for Draft Network, his athleticism and versatility could make him a force as a pass-rusher in the pros.

"His repertoire of pass-rush moves directly correlates to speed rushes and his most utilized rush is a two-hand swipe to knock the initial punch of the offensive lineman down and then continue his path upfield," he said. "Pearce has threatening speed around the edges and if there is not an offensive tackle who can match his athleticism, he can make impactful game-changing plays. Pearce can also be utilized as a drop defender against the pass and can effectively cover the curl-to-flats area and break down and tackle ball-carriers in space."

Even if Garrett stays in Cleveland, the Browns need to improve at the other end of the line. Garrett's also pushing 30 and has been clear he'd prefer to move on.

Either way, the Browns need an edge-rusher. And it’s worth trading back into Round 1 to get a good one.