2025 NFL Draft Pick Needs – Picks 1 Through 4

As Super Bowl LIX approaches, the countdown to the 2025 NFL Draft has begun! Teams are preparing to rebuild their rosters with future success in view. To keep you in the loop, Cerberus Fantasy Sports will break down four teams weekly, providing analysis of their roster needs and draft strategies. This week we look at the first four picks in the draft, starting with the Tennessee Titans, looking to bounce back from a subpar season.

Tennessee Titans

Team Overview:

The Titans struggled to the worst record in the NFL at  3-14 under new head coach Brian Callahan. They had a point differential of -149 and were 27th in points scored and 30th in points allowed. They were subpar on both sides of the ball and need significant improvements in most areas to return to respectability next season.

Top Needs:

The Titans desperately need a franchise quarterback to replace Will Levis, who had a poor touchdown to interception ratio of 13 to 12. In addition, they need a replacement at center and guard with Dillon Radunz entering free agency. With the trade of DeAndre Hopkins, the Titans are also in need of a wide receiver to go along with Calvin Ridley. Finally, look for the Titans to address the linebacker, edge rusher, and safety position.

Expect the Titans to focus on a quarterback with the first pick, and address the offensive line and wide receiver in the earlier rounds while solidifying the defense in the middle rounds. Don’t be surprised if they draft a kicker late to replace Nick Folk, who is entering free agency.

Cleveland Browns

Team Overview:

After an 11-win season and a playoff appearance in 2023, the Browns took a nosedive in 2024, finishing at 3-14. They had the second-worst point differential in the league at -177 and finished last in points scored and 27th in points allowed. They need significant improvements both offensively and defensively to approach a .500 record next season.

Top Needs:

Deshaun Watson will miss the entire 2025 season with an Achilles injury, but the Browns still need a franchise quarterback with the number 2 overall pick. Along the offensive line, Jedrick Wilson is entering free agency so the Browns will need to address this position. At running back, Nick Chubb becomes a free agent and the Browns will look to upgrade. A slot receiver is also needed with Elijah Moore entering free agency. The Browns need help along the defensive line and cornerback. Finally, a replacement for kicker Dustin Hopkins has to be on the agenda after he made only 18-of-27 field goal attempts in 2024.

The Browns will undoubtedly go for a quarterback in the first round. With running back and receiver also priorities, expect the Browns to draft these positions early along with an offensive tackle. A pass rusher should be addressed in the middle rounds along with a cornerback to add to an already young group that is likely to continue to improve. A kicker could be picked up late or added post-draft or off the waiver wire.

New York Giants

Team Overview:

The Giants were doomed before the 2024 season started by letting Saquon Barkley leave for Philadelphia in favor of signing Daniel Jones. That move turned out disastrous for the Giants, who fell from 9 wins in 2022 to 6 in 2023 to a 3-14 record this past season. They had a dreadful -142 point differential and finished 31st in points scored and 26th in turnover margin. While the defense wasn’t stellar, the Giants’ biggest needs are on the offensive side of the ball. Significant improvement is paramount to finish out of the NFC East basement in 2025.

Top Needs:

Quarterback is the obvious top need after Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, and Tommy DeVito failed to deliver. Part of the quarterback issues was a poor interior offensive line. A new center and guard are needed. The Giants’ biggest issue defensively was poor outside cornerback play. In addition, the Giants need a legitimate number two receiver after Darius Slayton enters free agency. Finally, the Giants need to take a serious look at safety next to Tyler Nubin, a linebacker next to Bobby Okereke, and the punter position.

There will be a franchise quarterback available at number three and the Giants are certainly not going to pass on the opportunity. To protect their new quarterback, the Giants will likely make a few early picks addressing the offensive line. Expect the Giants to target wide receiver in the middle rounds along with cornerback. Later-round picks will likely be on the defensive side of the ball at safety and linebacker. They could select a punter late or sign one as an undrafted free agent.

New England Patriots

Team Overview

The Patriots failed to improve in 2024 under new head coach Jerod Mayo, finishing at 4-13 for the second straight season. After a one-and-done season, the Patriots fired Mayo and hired Mike Vrabel as head coach. While coaching matters, the team has numerous personnel needs after finishing 31st in scoring and in the bottom half in points allowed. Expect more emphasis in the draft on the offensive side of the ball.  Only one team finished above .500 in the AFC East so the Patriots could be back in the mix with an excellent draft.

Top Needs:

Quarterback Drake Maye was inconsistent, but much was due to a porous offensive line that allowed 52 sacks. They had terrible tackle play which should be addressed early and suspect interior line play. A receiver may be the top need, however, since Maye also had very little to throw the ball to except Demario Douglas. At running back, Rhamondre Stevenson averaged under four yards per carry and was a fumble waiting to happen. Defensively, the Patriots need to add an edge rusher, a linebacker next to Christian Elliss, and an upgrade at kicker over Joey Slye, who is entering free agency.

While quarterback play was suspect, the team will build around Jake Maye with early picks in the draft. The Patriots will likely address the wide receiver position with the 4th overall pick. Expect second and third-round picks to address the weak offensive line, focusing on tackle first followed by guard and center. A mid-round selection on running back is a possibility or look for a running back to be picked up during the offseason waiver wire. The Patriots could find a diamond in the rough in the middle to late-round pass rusher and backup linebacker. A kicker is likely to be added as a post-draft free-agent signing.

This wraps up the breakdown for the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and New England Patriots. Next week, we will focus on the 5th through 8th picks in the 2025 draft, featuring the Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, and Carolina Panthers. The four teams combined for a record of 18-40 and need major overhauls to get back into contention next season. You don’t want to miss what we have for you next, so make sure to follow Cerberus Fantasy Sports for all draft coverage needs.