The 2025 NFL Draft is several months away, but teams will have another opportunity to address roster issues over the next few weeks. With several teams already fading from the playoff race, trade talks could be particularly active across the league leading up to the deadline (Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 4 p.m. ET).
There may not be any deals that impact the first-round draft order, but plenty will redistribute assets and inevitably lead to other moves down the road. For instance, Cleveland and Las Vegas acquired third-round picks this week in exchange for Amari Cooper, Davante Adams. Two weeks ago, I predicted that Adams would become a Jet, DeAndre Hopkins would be a Chief and Amari Cooper would be on the move.
Before predicting how the first round of next April’s draft plays out, let’s play matchmaker with some of the remaining rumored trade candidates.
Panthers WR Diontae Johnson traded to the Cowboys
By all accounts, Dallas’ season has been disappointing thus far. Still, the Cowboys are .500 with an opportunity to make an impact in the NFC. Brandin Cooks is likely to be out a bit longer and there had already been a need for another pass catcher opposite CeeDee Lamb. Carolina’s outlook is bleak and there is no long-term gain to holding on to assets valued elsewhere.
Browns EDGE Za’Darius Smith traded to the Lions
Smith is under contract for the 2025 season so Detroit would have a competent pass rusher not only for this season, but next, when Aidan Hutchinson returns. Cleveland has paid down Smith’s base salary so the Lions will have to pay up for this trade to work.
Cardinals S Budda Baker traded to the Seahawks
Mike Macdonald had assembled all the pieces that he needed in Baltimore last season. In his new role, Macdonald is working to identify those reliable pieces to his defense. Baker has been a difference-maker for a team making little impact on the postseason. As Arizona continues gazing toward the future, draft assets will be more valuable.
Rams WR Cooper Kupp traded to the Buccaneers
Los Angeles has been riddled with scheme-changing injuries and now finds itself in the basement of the NFC West. Tampa Bay is dealing with injuries to both Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. Kupp has familiarity with Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen dating back to their time together with the Rams.
The draft order below was determined by current win-loss records, with ties broken by strength of schedule.
Without further ado, let’s kick this off!
For more draft coverage, you can hear in-depth analysis twice a week on “With the First Pick” — our year-round NFL Draft podcast with NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson and former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. You can find “With the First Pick” wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, etc.
