The 2025 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and with it comes the excitement of speculation and anticipation as teams across the league prepare to select the next crop of players who will shape the future of the NFL. As always, the draft will feature a variety of positions with varying degrees of talent, and while the top prospects often garner the most attention, the odds for the first player selected at each position provide a fascinating glimpse into how the draft board might unfold.
The NFL Draft is a complex event with many moving parts, including team needs, player potential, and even the team’s draft strategy, which can lead to surprising selections. To understand how each position may play out, it’s important to look at the overall landscape of the draft class, which includes top prospects at quarterback, wide receiver, edge rusher, offensive line, and other positions. As the 2025 draft draws near, evaluating the odds for who might be the first player selected at each position gives us a unique lens into the strategies and priorities of NFL teams.
One of the most highly anticipated selections of the draft will be the quarterback position. This is often the most valuable position in the league, and teams frequently trade up to acquire a potential franchise quarterback. The 2025 draft class is expected to feature several quarterbacks vying for that coveted top spot, but the odds of who will be the first quarterback taken are already beginning to take shape. Several highly touted quarterbacks are in the mix, with some being more likely than others to be selected first.
The quarterback position is always a point of significant intrigue in the draft, and the 2025 class has two standout names who have been at the forefront of the conversation: Caleb Williams and Drake Maye. Williams, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, is a dynamic talent who has been widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks to come out of college in recent years. His ability to make all the throws, combined with his impressive mobility and leadership, makes him a favorite to be the first overall pick in the draft. Maye, on the other hand, is another highly skilled quarterback, with a different style of play but comparable potential. Maye has been climbing up draft boards, and while Williams remains the favorite, it wouldn’t be a shock to see a team fall in love with Maye’s physical attributes and decision-making ability, making him a strong contender for the top spot.
As the draft approaches, the odds of Williams being the first player selected continue to rise, but Maye’s stock is also strong. For many teams in need of a quarterback, the decision will come down to their preference for either Williams’ electrifying playmaking ability or Maye’s more traditional approach. However, based on the current trends, it’s safe to say that the odds for Williams being the first overall pick are the highest, but Maye isn’t far behind.
Beyond the quarterbacks, other positions that will draw significant attention in the 2025 draft include edge rusher and offensive tackle, both of which are critical positions that can have an immediate impact on a team’s success. The 2025 edge rusher class is expected to be loaded with talent, and the odds of which player goes first at this position will likely shift in the months leading up to the draft. One of the top edge rushers in this class is Jared Verse from Florida State. Verse has shown exceptional pass-rushing ability and is considered one of the most explosive players in this draft class. Another player who could make a case for being the first edge rusher taken is Maason Smith from LSU, a dominant force on the defensive line. While Verse is considered by many to be the top player at this position, Smith has the potential to be an early selection as well, making this a highly competitive race for the first edge rusher off the board.
When it comes to offensive line, teams are always on the lookout for franchise tackles who can protect the quarterback and provide stability for the offense. In 2025, the odds for the first offensive lineman selected are likely to favor players like Olumuyiwa Fashanu from Penn State or Brock Bowers from Georgia. Fashanu is regarded as one of the top tackles in this draft class, with incredible athleticism and physical tools that project well at the NFL level. Bowers, on the other hand, is known for his versatility and ability to play multiple positions along the line. Both players have the potential to be selected early, and the first offensive lineman off the board will likely be a cornerstone piece for whichever team drafts him.
The wide receiver position will also be one to watch in 2025, as the NFL continues to place a premium on pass-catching playmakers. In this draft class, there are several wide receivers who could be in the mix to be the first player selected at their position. Marvin Harrison Jr. from Ohio State is widely regarded as the top receiver in this class. His size, speed, and route-running ability make him a true game-changer. Other wide receivers like Rome Odunze from Washington and Emeka Egbuka from Ohio State could also make a case for being the first receiver selected, but Harrison Jr.’s combination of talent and pedigree makes him the favorite at this point. It’s rare for a wide receiver to go in the top few picks, but Harrison Jr.’s potential to be an elite, game-changing player makes him a strong contender for an early selection.
Moving on to other key positions, the linebacker position is always important, but it’s generally not as high-profile as quarterback or pass-rusher. That said, there are some excellent linebacker prospects in the 2025 class, with players like Jeremiah Trotter Jr. from Clemson and Jamon Dumas-Johnson from Georgia leading the way. Trotter Jr. has been one of the most consistent linebackers in college football, known for his ability to read offenses and make plays in the open field. Dumas-Johnson, meanwhile, is a versatile linebacker who can contribute both in coverage and against the run. While it’s unlikely that a linebacker will be taken in the top five picks, the odds of either Trotter Jr. or Dumas-Johnson being the first linebacker selected are high, with Trotter Jr. currently holding the edge.
On the defensive side of the ball, the cornerback position will also be a hot topic as teams search for shutdown corners who can handle top receivers in today’s high-powered passing offenses. In the 2025 draft, there are a few cornerbacks who could be in the running to be the first player selected at their position, with players like Kelee Ringo from Georgia and Eli Ricks from Alabama standing out. Ringo has a rare combination of size, speed, and ball skills that make him a top contender to be the first cornerback off the board. Ricks, meanwhile, has the length and physicality that NFL teams covet in a cornerback. While there may not be as much early excitement about cornerbacks compared to other positions, the odds for Ringo or Ricks to be the first corner taken are strong, and they both project to go early in the first round.
Finally, the running back position has become less of a priority in recent years, with teams favoring committee approaches rather than relying on one bell-cow back. However, the 2025 draft class features some exciting running back prospects, including Braylen Russell from Arkansas and Donovan Edwards from Michigan. While running backs tend to be drafted later in the first round, Russell and Edwards both have the potential to be among the first taken at their position. Russell’s combination of size and speed make him an intriguing option, while Edwards has shown flashes of brilliance with his vision and agility. While the odds of a running back being the first player drafted at their position aren’t as high as other positions, either Russell or Edwards could surprise with an early selection.
As the 2025 NFL Draft nears, the odds for which players will be the first selected at each position continue to evolve. Whether it’s Caleb Williams leading the quarterback race, Marvin Harrison Jr. standing out as the top wide receiver, or a dominant edge rusher like Jared Verse taking the first spot at his position, the draft will offer plenty of drama and excitement. Teams will weigh their needs, the potential for immediate impact, and long-term success as they make their selections, and the odds for each position will continue to shift as more information comes to light. Ultimately, the 2025 NFL Draft promises to be a thrilling event that could reshape the league for years to come, with the players taken at each position playing a crucial role in the future of the NFL.