With the 2025 NFL Draft just a month away, surprises are inevitable, as each year brings unexpected twists. One ESPN analyst, Bill Barnwell, has identified a few teams that could shake things up in the first round.
In an article published Monday, Barnwell highlighted teams that should consider trading up or down in the draft. He specifically named the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks as teams that could benefit from moving up to address key roster needs.
Seattle’s offensive line remains a major concern, making a trade-up a logical move. With five top-100 picks—courtesy of the Geno Smith and DK Metcalf trades—the Seahawks have the assets to make a deal. However, Barnwell notes that general manager John Schneider has historically favored accumulating picks rather than trading up.
“Since 2011, Schneider has been about twice as likely to trade down as trade up, with the Seahawks moving down 17 times and up only nine,” Barnwell wrote. “Some of those moves, like trading up for Tyler Lockett in 2015 and DK Metcalf in 2019, have paid off.”
Still, Schneider might reconsider if the right player is available. “My instinct is he prefers to collect picks and maximize opportunities, but if there’s an offensive lineman he loves in the early rounds, he may need to package picks to secure immediate impact players,” Barnwell concluded.
Barnwell also urges Lions to trade up for edge rusher in NFL Draft
Barnwell also believes the Lions should make an aggressive move up the draft board to secure an edge rusher. While Detroit has yet to find a true complement to Aidan Hutchinson, their recent free-agent signings—Marcus Davenport and Al-Quadin Muhammad—are more suited for rotational roles.
According to Barnwell, the Lions could trade up from the No. 28 pick into the middle of the first round to land a premier pass rusher.
“Could they jump from No. 28 into the teens for Mike Green (Marshall) or Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M)?” Barnwell speculated. “This might be the time for Detroit to take a bigger swing on that second edge rusher, especially with Hutchinson now eligible for what will surely be a significant contract extension.”
Last year, the Lions moved up slightly to draft Terrion Arnold. With their sights set on strengthening the pass rush, another trade-up could be in the cards this April.
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