2025 NFL mock draft: Giants, Rams trade up to address needs; Seahawks move quickly to replace DK Metcalf

A trade for the No. 1 overall pick happens for the second time in three years

NFL free agency does not begin until next week (March 10), but activity swelled Wednesday as trades were unofficially executed and more players were added to the chopping block, released. A flurry of moves will likely continue over the next few days as teams position themselves for the start of the legal tampering period Monday and the subsequent start of free agency Wednesday. By next week's mock draft, team needs may have shifted significantly and there could be an entirely new way of looking at first-round projections. 

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is one of the biggest dominoes to potentially impact free agency, because, in theory, he could give a franchise several years of starting-caliber play. If he were to sign with Tennessee, then taking Cam Ward No. 1 overall is almost certainly off the table and one would assume that pick is traded to the highest bidder. 

The availability of Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf and potential availability of 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk could also shake up the draft. It is not a particularly strong group of wide receivers, particularly at the top, so that could entice teams to fill their need via trade. Neither will receive a first-round pick in return for their services, but it could lead Seattle to explore potential solutions to replacing Metcalf.