In the tapestry of the NFL, fan loyalty is as steadfast as a seasoned quarterback in the pocket. But what are their thoughts as we approach the 2025 draft? Enter our NFL 2025 Fan Base Draft Survey, commissioned by The Action Network.
Conducted online by Research Without Barriers (RWB), this survey polled 2,125 NFL aficionados from April 11-16. Asking fans the following questions:
- How confident are you in your NFL team's front office as your team heads into the draft?
- Do you feel like prospects in this draft would want to play for your NFL team's head coach?
- Which player would you most want your NFL team to draft, based on where they are expected to be selected?
How Confident Are You in Your NFL Team's Front Office As Your Team Heads Into the Draft?
As teams ready their playbooks for the draft, fan confidence is crucial. A remarkable 69% of fans have faith in their front office's ability to make sharp draft decisions. Meanwhile, 15% are shaking their heads in doubt, and 16% are sitting on the fence, unsure of their GMs' prowess.
| How confident are you in your NFL team's front office as your team heads into the draft? | |
| Fan Response | Percentage |
| Confident | 69% |
| Unconfident | 15% |
| Neither | 16% |
Interestingly, fans aged 18-24 seem especially skeptical, with 24% expressing a lack of confidence. Perhaps they’re not old enough to remember recent successes — or maybe they remember them all too well!
Fan Base Confidence
Breaking it down, some fan bases more than others could be hosting dance parties in the streets or hiding under their merch during the draft. With the likes of the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions riding high at 91% confidence, we may see some bold picks. However, it's not all sunshine and touchdowns; the New York Jets' faithful are a bit antsy, with 41% expressing doubt. Maybe it's leftover nerves from seasons past?
| Top 5 Least Confident Fan Bases | |
| Team | Unconfident |
| New York Jets | 41% |
| Cleveland Browns | 35% |
| Dallas Cowboys | 29% |
| Miami Dolphins | 27% |
| Indianapolis Colts | 27% |
| Top 5 Most Confident Fan Bases | |
| Team | Confident |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 91% |
| Detroit Lions | 91% |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 89% |
| Baltimore Ravens | 88% |
| Los Angeles Rams | 86% |
Do You Feel Like Prospects in This Draft Would Want to Play for Your NFL Team's Head Coach?
The coach's ability to attract new talent speaks volumes. A confident 74% of fans believe that their head coach is someone draft prospects would love to play for, showcasing a fair amount of allure on the sidelines. However, 8% of fans think their team’s head coach needs to charm up some magic, while 18% remain unsure if the coach’s intensity wins out over charisma.
| Do you feel like prospects in this draft would want to play for your NFL team's Head Coach? | |
| Fan Response | Percentage |
| Yes | 74% |
| No | 8% |
| I do not know | 18% |
Results By Fan Base
Among the NFL’s finest, the Los Angeles Chargers fans once again express optimism, with 89% convinced that prospects are eager to join their coach. On the other side of the locker room, New York Jets fans are not so sure, with 20% harboring doubts about their coach's drawing power.
| Top Teams With the Highest Confidence in Their Head Coach | |
| Team | Yes |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 89% |
| Baltimore Ravens | 86% |
| Buffalo Bills | 85% |
| Houston Texans | 84% |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 84% |
| Top Teams With the Least Confidence in Their Head Coach | |
| Team | No |
| New York Jets | 20% |
| Atlanta Falcons | 18% |
| Carolina Panthers | 16% |
| Indianapolis Colts | 16% |
| Cleveland Browns | 15% |
Which Player Would You Most Want Your NFL Team to Draft, Based on Where They Are Expected to Be Selected?
Now, onto the players who grace the fans' wish list. Cam Ward and Travis Hunter lead the pack, each desired by 7% of fans. Fans clearly have high hopes pinned on these top picks, hoping they’ll become the next household name faster than a two-minute drill.
| Which player would you most want your NFL team to draft, based on where they are expected to be selected? | |
| Player | Fan Response |
| Cam Ward | 7.2% |
| Travis Hunter | 7.15% |
| Ashton Jeanty | 4.3% |
| Abdul Carter | 4.2% |
| Jalon Walker | 4.05% |
| Shedeur Sanders | 4.05% |
| Derrick Harmon | 2.8% |
| Tyler Warren | 2.4% |
| Emeka Egbuka | 2.2% |
| Josh Simmons | 2.21% |
By Team
Zooming in, team-specific favorites emerge. For those sporting Cam Ward jerseys, Cleveland Browns fans are particularly smitten, with a whopping 17% vote. Meanwhile, former Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter has piqued the interest of the Washington Commanders faithful, claiming 16%.
| Team Who Most-Want Cam Ward | |
| Team | Cam Ward Desire |
| Cleveland Browns | 17% |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 14% |
| Miami Dolphins | 14% |
| New York Jets | 14% |
| Tennessee Titans | 13% |
| Team Who Most-Want Travis Hunter | |
| Team | Travis Hunter Desire |
| Cleveland Browns | 17% |
| Washington Commanders | 16% |
| New England Patriots | 14% |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 14% |
| Denver Broncos | 14% |
Steelers fans have their eye on Shedeur Sanders, with Saints fans also vying for the star college QB's attention!
| Most Want Shedeur Sanders | |
| Team | Shedeur Sanders Desire |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 15% |
| New Orleans Saints | 14% |
| San Francisco 49ers | 9% |
| New York Giants | 9% |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 8% |
Methodology
The research was commissioned by the Action Network and carried out online by Research Without Barriers (RWB). The survey was conducted between April 11-16 April and the sample comprised 2,125 USA NFL fans.
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You can find the full breakdown of results here.
All research conducted adheres to the MRS Codes of Conduct (2023) in the UK and ICC/ESOMAR World Research Guidelines. RWB is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and is fully compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act (2018).
