Green Bay, Wisconsin — The 2025 NFL Draft has concluded, marking another pivotal moment for teams aiming to improve their rosters. As every general manager and head coach gathered to reflect on their selections, the weekend revealed both triumphs and tribulations across the league. While hopes soared for many franchises, others faced questions regarding their strategic choices.
The Cleveland Browns find themselves in a particularly intriguing position following their decision to draft Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round. Despite initial criticisms for not selecting rising star Travis Hunter, the Browns have opted for a longer-term strategy, especially with uncertainty surrounding their quarterback situation. Deshaun Watson’s future remains unclear, and the team now faces a depth chart featuring seasoned veterans and untested rookies. By choosing Sanders as a late-round pick, the Browns are not forced to place immediate expectations on him, allowing him the opportunity to develop.
General Manager Andrew Berry bolstered the team’s lineup during the draft by securing several promising players, including Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham and Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins. The Browns appear to be setting the stage for a more competitive 2026 season, potentially eyeing a frontrunner quarterback like Arch Manning from Texas in a deeper draft class next spring. This approach may see the team endure short-term struggles while aiming for long-term gains.
In Chicago, the Bears are taking a proactive approach with Caleb Williams as their centerpiece. With new Head Coach Ben Johnson at the helm, the franchise is determined to build a solid foundation for their young quarterback. Not satisfied with last season’s performance, the Bears made significant moves in free agency and the draft, acquiring essential players, including tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III. This offensive alignment signals to Williams that the organization is fully committed to supporting him in his development.
The Los Angeles Chargers, under Coach Jim Harbaugh’s leadership, have also shown a clear understanding of their needs. The franchise added critical pieces to its offense, selecting North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton and wide receiver Tre Harris. With an eye on enhancing quarterback Justin Herbert’s arsenal, these decisions reinforce the team’s commitment to a balanced offensive strategy.
Meanwhile, the Rams demonstrated their drafting savvy by trading out of the first round, acquiring a valuable first-round pick for 2026. This will provide them with promising opportunities to draft a quarterback in a future class expected to be rich in talent. The Rams added depth to their roster by selecting tight end Terrance Ferguson, who could become a vital element in their evolving offense.
As teams strive to maximize their drafts, they are also mindful of nurturing their young quarterbacks. The New England Patriots took considerable steps to support Drake Maye, investing heavily in offensive talent. They secured standout tackle Will Campbell and electrifying wide receiver Kyle Williams among other picks, solidifying their commitment to creating a potent offensive unit.
The Green Bay Packers, traditionally known for their strong receiving corps, surprised many by choosing two wide receivers among their first three draft picks. With the selection of Texas’ Matthew Golden, the Packers aim to create a competitive environment that encourages growth among their young talents, including Jordan Love. By bolstering their receiving options, the franchise is setting high standards for performance in the upcoming season.
On the other hand, Shedeur Sanders’ unexpected slide to the fifth round raises eyebrows. Despite displaying considerable on-field promise at Colorado, concerns regarding his draft process may have affected his stock. Sanders opted out of significant opportunities to showcase his skills, leading to speculation about his readiness for the professional arena. While talent is paramount for quarterbacks, the nuances of character and preparation play pivotal roles, evidenced by Sanders’ fall.
In Pittsburgh, the Steelers face mounting pressure to find a solution under center, with Aaron Rodgers emerging as a potential target. The team’s recent draft selection of Will Howard offers little reassurance. As Rodgers weighs his options, the Steelers hope to leverage their interest to strengthen their quarterback position in a competitive landscape.
As teams finalize their rosters and prepare for training camps, each will be keeping a close eye on how these new additions perform—and how their decisions will define their seasons. With the 2025 NFL Draft behind them, franchises are now setting their sights on the promise of next year.