With the 2025 NFL Draft now two weeks away, let's talk about three catastrophic mistakes that a few teams could make in the first round. Teams make mistakes all the time in the NFL Draft, and that simply is not going to change. At the end of the day, all of the prospects, GM, and scouts are human, and humans mess up.
One of the worst mistakes a team can make in any NFL Draft is using a high pick on a QB that does not pan out. No prospect wants to be labeled as a bust, but it's going to happen. As we get closer to the 2025 NFL Draft, it is becoming more clear which needs are present with certain teams.
And even teams who know what they are doing are going to make mistakes in a couple of weeks. Let's look at three major mistakes that a few teams could make in Round 1 of the NFL Draft.
2025 NFL Draft: 3 catastrophic mistakes teams could make in Round 1
Cleveland Browns taking Travis Hunter second overall
You might strongly disagree here, but I do not believe Travis Hunter is the player the Cleveland Browns need with the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Browns likely won't have a chance to draft Cam Ward, as he's heading to the Tennessee Titans unless something crazy happens.
The Browns would then essentially 'begin' the NFL Draft. Well, Abdul Carter plays a more valuable position and is the best defensive prospect in the draft. In today's NFL, certain positions hold more value than others, and while I understand the argument to simply take the best player available, which could be Hunter, Abdul Carter would bring a bit more value to the roster itself.
Cleveland would have an elite pass rush with Carter being paired up with Myles Garrett, and the Browns would truly win the battle in the trenches on defense more often than not.
Indianapolis Colts passing on OL help for a top TE prospect
As of now, the projected starting offensive line for the Indianapolis Colts would be Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Tanor Bortolini, Dalton Tucker, and Braden Smith. For years, the Colts have had a top-tier offensive line, and being that their starting QB will likely be one of Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones, the OL is that much more important.
The Colts also have a massive need at tight end, and they've got the 14th overall pick in the 2025NFL Draft. They could have both Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren on the board, but the TE class is insanely deep, so Indy could find a top starter later on.
Their offensive line is more important than production at TE, so they have to ensure they do not pass up on a top OL prospect in favor of a TE like Warren or Loveland. Both Richardson and Jones are bad QBs, frankly, but the Colts really don't have many other choices here, so GM Chris Ballard has to ensure the most important part of the offense is as solid as it can be.
Tyler Booker from Alabama or even Armand Membou from Missouri would be much better picks here in the first round instead of a tight end.
Kansas City Chiefs not drafting OT or WR at pick 31
The Kansas City Chiefs need tackle and wide receiver help in the worst way. They did sign Jaylon Moore in free agency to likely start at LT, but on paper, this OL is flat-out not good. KC also needs to figure out their WR situation as well.
The team is good enough to draft for specific need here, so GM Brett Veach has to come out of the first round with a top OT or WR prospect, period. The Chiefs saw Patrick Mahomes running for his life in 2024 while also not having a ton of talented players to throw to. These are their most urgent needs on offense and are worthy of drafting in the first round.