The buildup to the 2025 NFL mock drafts has led us to anticipate that the three-day event will unfold in a few specific ways. However, teams must avoid the pitfall of feeling compelled to target a particular position or player. While free agency is one aspect that influences the draft's dynamics, it's essential to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the entire draft class.

After examining the trends in mock drafts and assessing the 2025 NFL Draft class overall, it's evident that some commonly predicted selections stem more from desperation than strategic planning. We’ve pinpointed these need-based choices and caution teams against falling into this trap. While addressing immediate needs is certainly important, it shouldn't be the only factor in the decision-making process for drafting players.

Here are six positions or specific players that have been strongly associated with particular teams because of urgent needs. Which teams will demonstrate discipline and adaptability when it’s their turn to pick?

Potential Trap Picks in 2025 NFL Draft

Shedeur Sanders to Cleveland or New York

My vision for the Cleveland Browns' 2025 draft involves selecting Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders with the No. 2 pick, contingent on their evaluation process determining him to be a potential franchise quarterback. 

However, with ESPN's Adam Schefter reporting that the Browns might be leaning towards Penn State's Abdul Carter instead, it's clear they are exploring different strategies beyond addressing their longstanding need at quarterback. Ignoring Sanders could prove to be a mistake, but he's not the only candidate on their radar.

Given that new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees has experience working with Jalen Milroe at Alabama, and considering the Browns have been connected to Atlanta Falcons backup Kirk Cousins in trade discussions, it seems the struggling franchise is looking for alternatives to drafting Sanders. 

The San Francisco 49ers have shown that there are various routes to finding a franchise quarterback, as long as the end result is successful. Browns fans are likely to support Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry if their strategy pays off, even if it deviates from the norm.

A similar sentiment applies to the New York Giants at pick No. 3. Regardless of how they evaluate Sanders, a front office should never submit a pick they're not completely confident in. This is how players like Zach Wilson, Kenny Pickett, and many other disappointments end up moving to a new team before even finishing their first contracts.

Any Running Back to the Cowboys in Round 1

Most mock drafts since the end of the season have predicted that the Dallas Cowboys will select either a running back or a receiver. This makes sense, considering Dallas’ struggling playmaker group and their recent hesitance to invest in outside free agents. However, the rush to project these top playmakers to Dallas comes from a place of necessity.

The 2025 running back class is one of the deepest we’ve seen in years, if not ever. While choosing Ashton Jeanty with the 12th overall pick can be defended, it’s quite likely that a player taken later on Day 2 or Day 3 could provide similar levels of production. 

Although it might be harder and more nerve-wracking to wait, and Jerry Jones would surely appreciate the excitement of bringing in a star playmaker, the long-term benefits might be greater by pursuing other options.

Selecting a high-quality receiver like Tetroira McMillan, a tight end such as Tyler Warren, a safety like Nick Emmanwori, or one of the many talented defensive linemen would better address critical positional needs while still ensuring that the rookie contributes significantly in 2025. 

Should the draft unfold in such a way that Jeanty or Omarion Hampton is the top-rated player left, then that’s fine, but Dallas shouldn’t go into the first round fixated solely on a running back.

Panthers Forcing a Pass-Rusher

The first round loses some of its excitement after the top five players are selected. Unless there’s an unexpected fall for Travis Hunter or Mason Graham, the Carolina Panthers could be the first team to miss out on the consensus top talents in this class. They have numerous needs, especially at defensive end, which allows them to select the true best player available, though the class could complicate their choices.

The edge rusher class is filled with high-potential athletes who, while intriguing, haven’t proven to be dominant. Even Carter has exceptional film but doesn’t possess ideal measurements. Players like Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr., and Mike Green have impressive strengths, but there are enough concerns that picking them at No. 8 might feel like a stretch. Carolina should remain open-minded.

When the Panthers pick again at No. 57, they will find some solid pass-rushing prospects still available. Surprisingly, the difference between Walker and Ohio State's Jack Sawyer isn't significant. 

The Panthers need to weigh whether it's better to choose someone like Will Johnson at cornerback, Warren at tight end, or McMillan at receiver and then go for a Day 2 pass rusher, or to settle for a less impressive corner or playmaker on Day 2 while picking the second or third pass-rusher available.

Malaki Starks to the Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins have critical needs at several key positions, making it challenging to predict their direction at No. 13 overall. Their guard play is in dire need of improvement, while the defense has two viable interior linemen and only one established cornerback. The safety position also requires attention, which is why Georgia's Malaki Starks has frequently been mentioned in mock drafts.

Although the Dolphins could make a case for selecting a safety, they opted not to retain Jevon Holland in free agency, suggesting they may not prioritize that position highly enough. Instead, they chose to spend a combined $6.5 million on Ashtyn Davis and Ifeatu Melifonwu. 

It seems more probable that Miami will look to add depth later in Day 2 or Day 3 of the draft rather than pursuing a marquee player in a position they have indicated is not as crucial as others in the trenches.

Kansas City Adding an Offensive Lineman

The Kansas City Chiefs might face similar offensive line challenges in 2025 as they did last year. With Joe Thuney moving on, 2024 second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia will step into the left guard position, while Jaylon Moore, a less-than-stellar backup, has been signed to a surprisingly hefty contract to play left tackle. 

Considering that Suamataia struggled to perform as a starter at tackle in his rookie season, it's unlikely they'll invest heavily in that position again.

The Chiefs might instead want to pursue a more dynamic tight end or running back or focus on refreshing their aging defensive line. With the 31st overall pick, their decision-making becomes more complex, as the available talent will primarily be the leftovers. 

While there will still be great players on the board, the risk associated with late first-round selections is significantly higher than with earlier picks. It wouldn’t be surprising if Kansas City opts for a player who can contribute immediately in 2025.

Colts Grabbing a Tight End

It’s easy to focus on the fact that Indianapolis only had 39 receptions from tight ends last season, and there’s no doubt that selecting Warren or Colston Loveland would significantly enhance the team’s talent in that area. 

However, it raises the question of whether this offense truly needs a more dynamic tight end or if the strategy for that position extends beyond just addressing the team’s defensive requirements. The answer might very well be no.

Additionally, Indianapolis should weigh the importance of securing a future starter and an immediate contributor at defensive tackle or linebacker. With DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart both at 31, there’s a clear need for reinforcements at that position. 

Fortunately, this draft features a strong class of defensive tackles, making it reasonable to select a game-changing prospect at No. 14.