Wisconsin, with the second round. ABC, ESPN and NFL Network will televise the picks, which will include 32 second-round selections and 36 third-round choices.

After an exhilarating first night filled with surprises, celebrations, and life-changing moments for dozens of young athletes, the 2025 NFL Draft is set to resume Friday night. The action kicks off at 6 p.m. CDT from Green Bay, Wisconsin, and football fans around the world are gearing up for what promises to be another thrilling chapter in this year’s draft story.

Broadcast live on ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network, Friday’s festivities will include selections from the second and third rounds — a combined 68 picks that could shape the future of NFL franchises for years to come.

A Special Setting in Green Bay

This year’s draft location has been nothing short of magical. Green Bay, home of the storied Packers franchise, has embraced its moment in the national spotlight with pride. Historic Lambeau Field and the surrounding area have been transformed into a football fan’s dream, with draft events, concerts, and fan experiences drawing thousands.

For the NFL, bringing the draft to Green Bay was about more than just tradition — it was about honoring the passionate fan base that defines so much of the league’s history. And so far, the city has delivered, providing an electric atmosphere for the prospects and fans alike.

What to Expect in Rounds 2 and 3

While the first round typically garners the most attention, many NFL insiders believe the second and third rounds are where the real value of the draft is found. Teams can find future All-Pros, Hall of Famers, and franchise cornerstones in these rounds.

In fact, history is filled with examples of players selected on Day 2 who went on to have legendary careers — think Drew Brees (Round 2), Deebo Samuel (Round 2), or Jason Kelce (Round 6).

This year’s class is loaded with talent beyond the first 32 picks. Players who were projected to be late first-rounders have slipped to Day 2, making Friday’s selections even more intriguing.

General managers and scouting departments will earn their paychecks Friday night, making difficult decisions under tight time constraints as they attempt to find players who fit their schemes and culture.

Key Storylines to Watch

Several major storylines will dominate the conversation as the second and third rounds unfold:

1. Top Talent Still Available

Some big names remain on the board after a wild first round. Highly touted prospects at key positions — including offensive tackle, cornerback, edge rusher, and wide receiver — are still available. Teams at the top of the second round will have golden opportunities to land first-round caliber talent at a discount.

Expect a flurry of action early, with potential trade-ups as franchises try to secure their top targets.

2. Quarterback Watch

While a handful of quarterbacks came off the board on Thursday, several intriguing signal-callers are still waiting for their names to be called. Franchises in need of developmental starters or high-end backups could pounce early in the second round.

With the NFL becoming increasingly quarterback-driven, don’t be surprised if teams move aggressively to grab a talented passer on Day 2.

3. Run on Skill Players

Wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs could see a significant run during the second and third rounds. Teams often find Pro Bowl-caliber weapons on Day 2, and with today’s pass-heavy offenses, the demand for dynamic playmakers remains high.

Look for several franchises to focus on adding firepower to their offenses.

4. Defensive Depth

Defensive coordinators will be licking their chops, too. There’s a deep pool of edge rushers, linebackers, and defensive backs still available. After seeing a handful of defensive studs taken early, teams will look to shore up their units with value picks in the next two rounds.

Expect plenty of defensive talent to come off the board Friday night.

How the Picks Will Unfold

Friday’s broadcast will feature 32 selections in the second round, followed by 36 selections in the third round.

Each team is allotted 7 minutes to make their pick in Round 2 and 5 minutes in Round 3, creating a fast-paced and exciting environment. Trade negotiations will continue to play a huge role, with many teams eyeing opportunities to move up or down based on how the board falls.

The draft order — already shaken up by trades — could continue to shift throughout the night. Expect drama, surprises, and at least a few shocking selections.

Players to Watch

Some of the top prospects expected to hear their names called Friday night include:

• Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State – A big-bodied playmaker with elite hands and route-running ability.
• Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA – One of the most polished pass rushers in the class, with excellent technique and motor.
• Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa – A versatile defensive back with the ability to play outside, in the slot, or even at safety.
• Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon – A smooth, explosive receiver with game-breaking speed.
• Zak Zinter, OG, Michigan – An interior mauler with tremendous power and leadership qualities.
• Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas – A dynamic receiving threat at the tight end position who could provide an instant boost to an NFL offense.

These players — and many others — are poised to make an immediate impact at the next level.

The Importance of Day 2 Success

Franchises that consistently build contenders know how critical Day 2 success is. First-round picks grab headlines, but rosters are built through the second and third rounds.

Hitting on these selections can turn good teams into great ones and struggling franchises into playoff contenders.

Front offices must balance need with value, avoiding the temptation to reach for positional fits over best player available. Smart drafting Friday night could pay dividends for years to come.

Fan Experience in Green Bay

Fans lucky enough to attend the draft in Green Bay are in for another unforgettable night.

The NFL Draft Experience — a free, interactive football theme park — will continue to operate throughout Friday, giving fans a chance to run the 40-yard dash, practice their field goal kicking, take photos with the Lombardi Trophy, and meet NFL legends.

Live concerts, food vendors, merchandise stands, and team activations will keep the energy high as the picks roll in.

The passion of Green Bay’s fan base — affectionately known as “Cheeseheads” — has helped create a uniquely festive and welcoming environment for fans of all 32 teams.

Where and How to Watch

Fans can catch every second of the action starting at 6 p.m. CDT (7 p.m. EDT) on:

• ABC: Great for a more general, fan-friendly broadcast
• ESPN: Offering deeper analysis and breakdowns
• NFL Network: The go-to choice for hardcore football fans

In addition to traditional TV broadcasts, the draft will be available to stream via:

• The ESPN app
• The NFL app
• Streaming services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV

Whether you’re watching from the couch, at a draft party, or on your mobile device, Friday night promises to be can’t-miss television for football fans.

What’s Next After Friday?

Following Friday’s second and third rounds, the draft will conclude Saturday with Rounds 4 through 7.

While the later rounds receive less attention, they often produce hidden gems — players who blossom into starters, stars, and even Hall of Famers. Saturday is about finding value, adding depth, and rounding out rosters with young talent hungry to prove themselves.

But before we get to Saturday, there’s plenty of excitement left to enjoy Friday night in Green Bay.

Final Thoughts: A Night That Could Shape the League’s Future

The NFL Draft is often described as a combination of art and science — an unpredictable blend of scouting, strategy, gut instinct, and luck.

Friday night in Green Bay will showcase all of that in real time. Dreams will be realized. Hopes will be pinned on new faces. And the foundation for future Super Bowl champions could very well be laid with a single brilliant pick.

As the clock ticks down to 6 p.m. CDT, fans, players, and teams alike are filled with anticipation.

It’s time for the next chapter of the 2025 NFL Draft to unfold — and if history is any indication, it’s going to be unforgettable.