The 2025 NFL Draft is just two weeks away. While most of the noise surrounding the draft encompasses the first round, we take an overview of the entirety of the draft and how the 2024 draft and season played out and will affect the upcoming picks.
Notable Trades
Most trades leading up to the draft that could lead to a high impact are part of player package trades. The Steelers lost their 2nd-round pick in exchange for DK Metcalf and a 6th round pick. The Falcons traded their 3rd-round pick to the Patriots for Matthew Judon. The Titans traded a third-rounder to Kansas City to gain L’Jarius Sneed and shore up weaknesses at CB.
However, some pick swaps remain consequential from prior drafts. To secure Bryce Young in 2023, Carolina sent Chicago a first-round pick in 2023 and 2024, plus a 2025 second-round pick. Considering that Chicago already got Caleb Williams out of their traded pick, and Carolina is stuck with Bryce Young, the added pick is the cherry on top.
Thankfully for Carolina, the Panthers made a trade in the 2024 draft with LA and managed to get this pick back, but this should still leave the team in dire straits when trying to pick up players for the future.
Compentasory Picks
The idea of compensatory picks has always remained a bit controversial. Unlike soccer, the NFL does not operate with a regulation system and thus tries to self-regulate through measures like pick compensation. The NFL gives out up to 35 picks (maximum of four per team) each year to try and compensate for potential competitive imbalance resulting from the loss of free agents.
This year, the following has been awarded:
Baltimore Ravens: They received four compensatory picks.
Dallas Cowboys: They were also awarded four compensatory picks.
Philadelphia Eagles: Received several compensatory picks stemming from a Moss loss of FAs after their Super Bowl win.
Minnesota Vikings: Awarded compensatory picks, which in this case includes a third-round selection.
Special Compensatory Picks (Resolution JC-2A)
Resolution JC-2A aimed to resolve the issue of minority GMs and head coaches. Any team that brought on and developed a minority candidate would subsequently be given a compensatory pick as a reward if said candidate got hired into a leading position.
As part of its commitment to DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion), the San Francisco 49ers, the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams have all been granted compensatory picks for their successful efforts in 2024. With the draft so close and teams vying for an edge, even a small boost in pick order could ripple into long-term effects on a franchise.
