How Super Bowl 61 Contenders Will Approach The NFL Draft

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 11: Cornerback Mansoor Delane #4 of the Louisiana State Tigers celebrates a pass defense during the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Tiger Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Michael DeMocker/Getty Images)

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It’s time to start think football again, if you’ve ever really stopped. The NFL Draft runs Thursday through Saturday in (checks notes) Pittsburgh.

We know the first 10-12 selections have some great talent and teams that need help will get it. What’s always been interesting to me is how playoff teams, Super Bowl contending teams, use the first round. Trade up, trade out or stay put and select the top player left on their board. History says all three will happen. Draft capital is important for future years, or future rounds. I’m looking at a few teams ready to win a championship and their draft projections.

Super Bowl futures provided by Caesar’s Sportsbook.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 25: Jaheim Clarke #6 of the Illinois Fighting Illini grabs the face mask of Jonah Coleman #1 of the Washington Huskies during the second half at Husky Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

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Seattle Seahawks (+900)

The defending champs look poised to make another deep run. With only four picks in the draft at present, Seattle could move out of round one. Running back and secondary help are major needs. Kenneth Walker left for Kansas City. Coby Bryant and Riq Woolen are gone from the defensive backfield. There’s depth at running back in this draft class. The secondary class isn’t as deep once the first few studs are taken early. Look for Arkansas back Mike Washington or Jonah Coleman from right in the Seahawks’ backyard. The Washington Huskies product is a sleeper. Free agency will address the defensive needs. The move here is to trade out of the first round and stockpile picks.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Makai Lemon of the Southern California Trojans participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

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Los Angeles Rams (+775)

As of now, the early favorite to win Super Bowl 61. With the 13th selection, Los Angeles is in prime position to pick up a wide receiver or offensive lineman. Makai Lemon (USC) or Denzel Boston (Washington) will be available. Lemon has been mentioned as high at New Orleans at eight. A reach. Lemon is a mid first rounder. Offensive lineman should be available as well. Francis Mauigoa and Kaden Proctor may be gone by the time the Rams get on the clock. Spencer Fano is a day two pick I think. Makai Lemon makes the most sense. There is of course the Ty Simpson option. Matthew Stafford has a couple years left at best. LA, and their new uniforms, could be the talk of the NFL this weekend.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: K C Concepcion of the Texas A&M Aggies participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

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Buffalo Bills (+1000)

Defense defense defense. Buffalo needs to stop people and take the pressure off of Josh Allen. The Bills could use more receiver help too. A new defensive scheme prioritizes the selection on Thursday. I don’t trust the front office enough not to go and get some more pieces for their offense. KC Concepcion may still be there. Same for Denzel Boston. I can see Buffalo trading up to get one of them. Edge rusher Cashius Howell and linebacker Jacob Rodriguez will be there at 26. With no second round pick this year they can’t miss in round one. I believe Rodriguez is the selection.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 01: Kadyn Proctor of the Alabama Crimson Tide participates in the 40-yard dash during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

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Baltimore Ravens (+1050)

The Ravens are also in the new uniform business, and they have needs on the offensive and defensive lines, wide receiver and tight end. Baltimore has 11 picks, look for them to be active. They sit at 14 in the first round. They have the draft capital to move up and take Carnell Tate, Kadyn Proctor or just about anyone on their draft board. The players to look at assuming they stay put are receiver Jordyn Tyson, OL Logan Jones and OL Spencer Fano. If they get aggressive, Tate is the man to watch. Of course, Sonny Stiles or Caleb Downs would look really nice in a Raven’s jersey. The team to watch on Thursday. I like them to make a move and trade into the top ten. Carnell Tate will be a Raven.

KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 19: Jermod McCoy #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers before a game between Alabama and Tennessee at Neyland Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Roger Wimmer/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

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Detroit Lions (+1400)

The Lions need to stop being injured. Beyond that, offensive line and secondary are the pressing needs. Detroit picks at 17 among their nine selections this year. I see two pretty obvious targets: Derrick Moore, the excellent edge rusher from Michigan, and Mansoor Delane, the top corner in the draft out of LSU. Delane will be gone by 17 so Detroit will have to get aggressive to get him. Jermod McCoy will get a look also. The Tennessee safety is a sleeper. Moore should be available and would give Aiden Hutchison some help getting after the quarterback. Offensive line really needs to be improved however. Spencer Fano should be there for the taking. Monroe Freeling is an option. Similar to Buffalo, the first round selection is critical. Derrick Moore is the safe choice.

The first round of the draft is like Christmas morning for teams and fans alike. Bad draft picks, like bad presents can kill the mood and more. Importantly change the future odds. Again, keep an eye on Baltimore. Any big shake up will definitely involve the Ravens.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com