For the primary time in three years, the Chicago Bears are usually not on the clock with the No. 1 decide within the 2025 NFL Draft, and basic supervisor Ryan Poles is privately thanking his fortunate stars to not be in his former co-worker’s sneakers.
Mike Borgonzi took over as GM of the Titans after 10 years with the Chiefs, the place Poles was skilled in scouting, and walked right into a turnaround mission in Tennessee that features the grand prize within the 2025 draft.
Open to debate is whether or not the No. 1 decide has a lot worth in a draft with a restricted variety of blue-chip prospects.
The facility place of controlling the draft is on the market in Nashville.
Tennessee would love to maneuver down—a sentiment Borgonzi repeated a number of occasions. One crew we talked to in Indianapolis final week steered the participant the Titans need is Colorado Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. If a crew desires to maneuver up for a quarterback—whats up, Browns and Giants—Borgonzi is all ears.
The rub right here is Cleveland’s GM, Andrew Berry, and the Giants’ entrance workplace, led by Joe Schoen, are absolutely conscious the Titans are usually not in love with the QB class. Tennessee might present its hand this week by luring a veteran in free company. If the Titans don’t chase QBs, Borgonzi is bluffing, and you’ll pencil in Cam Ward of Miami because the No. 1 decide.
Alternative price, worth and wish intersect with the QB decide for every of the groups within the high three this 12 months.
Take into account 2024 No. 1 decide Caleb Williams’ four-year rookie deal was value a complete of $39 million earlier than the fifth-year choice. To signal the highest quarterback in free company final spring, the Atlanta Falcons forked over a $50 million signing bonus on a four-year take care of an annual common worth greater than 4.5 occasions the Williams contract.
There may be not a soul shopping for the Titans’ pledge to let Will Levis compete for the beginning job. He was handed the chance in 2024 and fumbled his solution to the bench behind Mason Rudolph, tossing in a pick-six right here and there for good measure.
The multiplier in the complete state of affairs is job safety. Should you have been rating the GM-coach combos of the Titans, Browns and Giants by win-now strain, New York is the frontrunner by a substantial distance. Borgonzi and second-year coach Brian Callahan have at the very least one other 12 months earlier than they need to sweat. The Browns signed Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski to new contracts earlier than the 2024 season. Brian Daboll and Schoen are candidates to be proven the door if the Giants fail to compete once more in 2025.
Their draft route additionally depends upon a pass-fail grade in free company. Can they repair the QB place short-term and long-term? Have they got sufficient on the offensive line and on the talent positions to make it work with a veteran akin to Kirk Cousins or Aaron Rodgers?
After going exhausting after Matthew Stafford in February—the Giants had permission to barter with the Rams’ starter, who opted to remain in Los Angeles—New York’s playing cards are on the desk.
In the event that they whiff once more when free company begins, Schoen is the one GM on this draft who’ll pay prime-rib costs for a smash burger.
Tennessee’s motive, for now, is gathering “as many picks within the high 100 as attainable,” as Borgonzi mentioned.
If he can unload the highest decide for top-shelf costs and nonetheless nab Hunter—extensively believed to be his high goal—the Titans are instantly on observe for a turnaround. However that also leaves Nashville with an enormous band and no lead singer.
Which brings us again to worth.
The QB choices within the draft are usually not of the inventory of Williams or different high picks in latest reminiscence. Callahan might have his eye on a second-tier choice to compete with Levis, which makes buying additional picks from the Giants or one other suitor much more essential.
A commerce again into the primary spherical to throw a number of (Jaxson) Darts? Gamble on a perceived recreation supervisor with Dillon Gabriel or Quinn Ewers? Take a swing on the modern-day Brandon Weeden with Louisville’s closer-to-30-than-20 Brandon Shough?
Want might change earlier than the draft kicks off in Inexperienced Bay. The availability will keep the identical.
In Nashville, the choice all comes all the way down to alternative price. In New York, there is perhaps no selection however to overpay to realize management of the draft.
