The 2025 NFL Draft wasn't just about raw talent. It was about fit. Some rookies didn't just get picked; they landed in ideal situations that maximize their strengths and offer a clear path to early impact. Whether it's a scheme tailor-made for their skill set, a roster primed for their arrival, or coaching staffs known for development, these players walked into the best-case scenario. From first-round locks to second-day steals, here are the rookies poised to thrive from day one thanks to where they landed.

7. OT Armand Membou – New York Jets

The Jets took a tackle in the first round for the second year in a row, adding to one of the youngest and most talented units in the NFL. With Armand Membou, Olu Fashanu, Joe Tippmann, and Alijah Vera-Tucker all on rookie contracts, New York should have a top five offensive line for the foreseeable future.

Membou looks like a guard, but checks every non-aesthetic box to play tackle in the NFL. He’s short, with a dense build and long arms. His tape in 2024 was very clean and improved from good to great over the second half of the season. Membou has elite drive power to displace defenders at the point of attack and will be a weapon in the gap-scheme run game. He’s incredibly light on his feet for a player of his size & has no difficulties redirecting and sliding with inside counters.

11. EDGE Mykel Williams – San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers allowed the fourth highest EPA per carry last year and they fixed their run defense with their first two picks. Mykel Williams is a developmental pass rusher, but is ready to set the edge in the NFL as a rookie. He has a prototypical build for a defensive end with absurd arm length, but can explode off the ball and make sudden lateral cuts to shoot gaps. His sturdy anchor and automatic lock-peek-shed gives him a high floor to contribute on early downs while he develops his pass rush skillset.

Alfred Collins has a massive, powerful frame and is one of the best run defenders in this class. He rarely gives any ground to double teams and has the length and upper body power to shed blocks violently. Williams and Collins should provide immediate returns on early downs.

15. TE Tyler Warren – Indianapolis Colts

Tyler Warren wasn’t expected to fall to 15, but he gives the Colts exactly what they’ve been missing on offense. He’s a bully at the catch point, capable of playing above the rim winning jump balls with a defender draped over him. He also has exceptional ball-tracking skills to adjust on the move and reel in back-shoulder fades. Drops were a major issue last season, and likely the reason he returned to school, but he cut his drop rate from 15.0% to 2.8% in 2024. His speed and explosiveness are average, but he has quick feet & loose hips to get in-out of breaks efficiently.

Warren is a powerful and competitive run blocker with the play strength to handle inline duties and finish blocks decisively. But his short arms and reckless technique lead to inconsistencies securing blocks at the point of attack.

16. EDGE Jalon Walker – Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta finally invested in edge on day one, and while I don’t endorse the trade up for James Pearce Jr., Jalon Walker at 16 was a very good pick. a hybrid defender who plays mostly off-ball linebacker for Georgia’s defense, but projects as a stand-up edge rusher in the NFL. He wins with speed, power, and inside counters, but is still learning to sequence moves strategically into a coordinated pass rushing plan. Walker has elite pursuit speed and is a weapon as a QB spy.

21. DL Derrick Harmon – Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers found a Cam Heyward replacement, taking my 11^th ranked player at 21. Derrick Harmon is a big, long, and explosive 3-tech. He holds his ground in the run game and has violent hands to discard iso blocks. He has a fierce bull rush and the burst & hand usage to create quick wins as a finesse rusher. Harmon was one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in college football last year, but had an abysmal finish rate and ended up with pedestrian sack numbers. It’s fair to expect some regression to the mean with his pressure-to-sack conversion, but his lack of bend shows up as an issue when he has to veer at tight angles to the QB.

35. SAF Nick Emmanwori – Seattle Seahawks

Nick Emmanwori should have been a first round pick, but Seattle was able to trade up and select him at the top of the second round. He’s a unicorn and one of the best athletes in this class, regardless of position. He plays safety, but is built like a linebacker and looks like a cornerback in man coverage. It’s rare to find a player with the versatility to defend the sidelines as a deep safety, play press-man on TEs and slot WRs, drive on in-breaking routes as a robber, shed blocks at the LOS, and fit the run like a linebacker. There are certain assignments he won’t execute at an elite level, but he’s a true Renaissance man on the back-end who is almost immune to mismatches. Emmanwori’s Swiss army knife skillset gives Mike Macdonald unique flexibility when designing coverage rotations and disguises, since he can plug into any spot on the back-seven.

65. DL Darius Alexander – New York Giants

The Giants needed to give Dexter Lawrence some help up front and they got excellent value in the second round with Darius Alexander. Alexander has prototypical size, length, and athleticism. He has a devastating bull rush with heavy hands that uproot blockers on initial contact. He also wins as a finesse rusher with an effective club-swim move and has the ideal combination of bend and lateral quickness to attack the edge of the block. He takes calculated steps off the line of scrimmage to disguise his move, set up his opponent, and cross his face.

Alexander is a disruptive run defender, recording at least one run stop in every game of the 2024 season. His legs are disproportionately thin for his size and he needs to play blocks with lower pad level to improve his anchor. But he has the power and twitch in his upper body to rip through single blocks and make plays in the backfield. Alexander was one of the most impressive defensive tackles at the Senior Bowl.

The 2025 NFL Draft had more surprises than anyone predicted, making for a fun three-day event for fan bases. Throughout the process of making all 257 picks, each team looked to blend filling needs and adding the best players possible. Hitting on gems can change the face of a franchise in a heartbeat.

Early-round selections have the most press and expectations upon them for good reason. However, we can't sleep on quality players emerging from Days 2 and 3. Even if someone isn't a Pro Bowler, there's major value in finding reliable rotational pieces and average starters at positions of weakness.

These four teams walked out of the draft more improved than any other. They may not have earned the highest grades or maximized value, but their drafting improved the team. 

Most Improved Teams in 2025 NFL Draft

Las Vegas Raiders

Draft class:

• Pick 6: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
• Pick 58: Jack Bech, WR, TCU
• Pick 68: Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
• Pick 98: Caleb Rogers, OL, Texas Tech
• Pick 99: Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary
• Pick 108: Dont'e Thornton Jr., WR, Tennessee
• Pick 135: Tonka Hemingway, DT, South Carolina
• Pick 180: JJ Pegues, DT, Mississippi
• Pick 213: Tommy Mellott, QB, Montana State
• Pick 215: Cam Miller, QB, North Dakota State
• Pick 222: Cody Lindenberg, LB, Minnesota

Getting 11 chances to find contributors helps, and Las Vegas also had the unfortunate advantage of needing to fill more holes than most rosters were tasked with. Nevertheless, with the Raiders' offense needing as much talent injected as possible, they successfully pulled off two approaches.

Pete Carroll's first draft with the franchise added immediate star power and intriguing developmental options. 

The two obvious offensive building blocks are Ashton Jeanty and Jack Bech. Jeanty is well-known and will be an explosive offensive engine who opens up everything else for Geno Smith and Chip Kelly. He's an obvious star and should immediately be one of the five most productive backs in the NFL.

Bech isn't as well-known despite always being open at LSU before transferring to TCU. His production exploded in 2024, but the signs of his stardom were evident as a freshman in 2021. He parlayed a stellar senior season and combine performance into being penciled in as the team's No. 2 receiver and main benefactor of playing in a Chip Kelly offense that favors versatile weapons.

Darien Porter could also be an unheralded star addition on Day 2, boasting elite athleticism and ball skills despite playing cornerback for only one season.

There were smart athletic fliers, too, like Charles Grant, Dont'e Thornton, and JJ Pegues. Tonka Hemingway could fight for time on the field as well.

Arizona Cardinals

Draft class:

• Pick 16: Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi
• Pick 47: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
• Pick 78: Jordan Burch, Edge, Oregon
• Pick 115: Cody Simon, LB, Ohio State
• Pick 174: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
• Pick 211: Hayden Conner, G, Texas
• Pick 225: Kitan Crawford, S, Nevada

One of Arizona's top priorities all offseason was adding useful veterans who could not only impact the win column in 2025 but also mentor the next generation of starters.

This roster was at the bottom of the barrel not long ago, so their ability to plug every need was impossible. With this in mind and having fair expectations, they had to commit more to one side of the ball; it's impressive how they walked out of this class.

The best case for Arizona's draft is quite insane. Walter Nolen and Will Johnson were among the top 10 on-field talents who could be franchise cornerstones at two of the most critical positions in football. There's certainly a downside involved with each, as Nolen has major character concerns, and Johnson's knee was flagged as a medical risk. 

But if they hit even reasonably close to their expected ceiling, the Cardinals can quickly become a defensive force. That's before considering how valuable role players who enter the NFL with vast experience can help this team's depth. Jordan Burch is the highest-upside option as a versatile defensive lineman with NFL-ready pass-rush skills.

The two Ohio State additions are interesting as well. Jonathan Gannon has a variety of linebackers at his disposal, and Cody Simon could challenge Mack Wilson to start in 2025. Denzel Burke fell way farther than he should've, and he fits nicely into this zone-based defense that needs a fourth corner to stick on the roster. 

Seattle Seahawks

Draft class: 

• Pick 18: Grey Zabel, OG, North Dakota State
• Pick 35: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
• Pick 50: Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami
• Pick 92: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
• Pick 142: Rylie Mills, DL, Notre Dame
• Pick 166: Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State
• Pick 175: Robbie Ouzts, TE, Alabama
• Pick 192: Bryce Cabeldue, G, Kansas
• Pick 223: Damien Martinez, RB, Miami
• Pick 234: Mason Richman, OT, Iowa
• Pick 238: Ricky White III, WR, UNLV

Unlike Arizona and Las Vegas, Seattle entered this draft with a lot of picks and not many immediate needs. Their recent investments in this roster mean they're young and unproven, but not lacking overall talent. Seattle wisely played the board for needs but was also unafraid to make some great value additions that made sense.

Seattle had my favorite four-player start to the draft of any team in the league. As usual, Seattle added elite athletes, including a historically good one in Nick Emmanwori. It's not just about movement ability and fit, though. Grey Zabel, Emmanwori, and Elijah Arroyo are outstanding players with Pro Bowl upside.

Each complements exactly what Seattle wants to do at each of their respective positional groups. It could be argued that Seattle could've added yet another offensive lineman to their class, but they carefully added options who can quickly become role players.

Jalen Milroe can be a subpackage star while he works on his game behind Sam Darnold. Rylie Mills is an older prospect, but someone who will work in a rotation of veterans. Tory Horton and Damien Martinez were incredibly productive and good athletes in college and should make the final roster. 

Baltimore Ravens

Draft class: 

• Pick 27: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
• Pick 59: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
• Pick 91: Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU
• Pick 129: Teddye Buchanan, LB, California
• Pick 141: Carson Vinson, OL, Alabama A&M
• Pick 178: Bilhal Kone, CB, Western Michigan
• Pick 186: Tyler Loop, K, Arizona
• Pick 203: LaJohntay Wester, WR, Colorado
• Pick 210: Aeneas Peebles, DT, Virginia Tech
• Pick 212: Robert Longerbeam, CB, Rutgers
• Pick 243: Garrett Dellinger, G, LSU

Free agency left Baltimore weaker than most talked about then, but leave it to the Ravens to score unexpected value with their first three picks. Some franchises stay great because they have an unrivaled ability to get lucky and not overthink their decisions.

Baltimore added two first-round talents, Malaki Starks and Mike Green, and a possible starting guard, Emery Jones Jr.

Playoff teams with a late pick in each round aren't supposed to pull that off. But Starks' mediocre combine and Green's off-field flag from his days at Virginia opened the door for a slide. Both should see the field a lot after incredibly productive college careers. Jones will kick in from tackle to guard and could backfill Patrick Mekari's spot.

The Day 3 picks aren't as juicy, but Aeneas Peebles stands out as a rotational candidate. He's short and undersized but can rush the passer with speed and shoot gaps. With Baltimore getting long in the tooth along the unit, Peebles will be a refreshing supersub option.

The 2025 NFL Draft was not kind for dynasty leagues as several quarterbacks fell and most running backs landed in tough situations. The obvious example is Shedeur Sanders, who was routinely in first-round rookie mocks just a week ago. However, after falling to the fifth round of the NFL Draft, he'll be a third or fourth-round pick, at best, in rookie drafts now.

Another example is Jaylin Noel, the dynamic wide receiver from Iowa State. Instead of landing on a team where he could compete for WR2 snaps, he was selected by the Houston Texans and rejoined his teammate (Jayden Higgins) in an already crowded depth chart. Noel went from a potential top-15 selection in rookie drafts down to the end of the second/top of the third.

However, a few clear winners boosted their stocks, giving us a fairly robust first round. But what will Rounds 2-5 look like in our dynasty rookie drafts? Here is our final five-round PPR Superflex rookie mock draft coming out of the NFL Draft:

Round 1

1.01: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders were one of Jeanty's most likely landing spots throughout the pre-draft process, despite some late buzz with the Jaguars. And it’s not a bad fit for Jeanty, at all. Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly love to run the football, and Jeanty should immediately see a massive workload.

The only concern for Jeanty is that the offense hasn’t been outstanding during the last few years, and the touchdown upside might be low. However, adding Geno Smith and a more established coaching staff should allow this offense to play well more consistently.

Plus, Jeanty himself will make the entire unit that much more explosive and dynamic. Jeanty is the clear-cut 1.01, even in superflex leagues.

1.02: Cam Ward, QB, Tennessee Titans

We’ve known that Cam Ward would end up with the Titans for months, so he doesn’t move in our post-draft rankings. The Titans used a lot of Day 3 draft capital to improve their weapons around Ward, but they still lack a true No. 1 receiver. They won’t have one this season, but they hope they can find one during Ward’s rookie contract.

Ward might need to utilize his legs more during his rookie season, which is fantastic news for dynasty owners. And with only one quarterback selected in the top 20 picks, Ward is the clear-cut No. 1 quarterback in superflex drafts. Don’t be afraid to take him here if your squad needs quarterback help.

1.03: Omarion Hampton, RB, Los Angeles Chargers

Most rookie running backs landed in tough spots for their dynasty value, but that wasn’t the case for Omarion Hampton. He landed in running back heaven, getting drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers at pick No. 22.

Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman love to run the football, and their backs have always had impressive efficiency and touchdown success.

Hampton will likely split carries early on with Najee Harris, but the former Pittsburgh Steelers running back is on just a one-year deal, and the Chargers didn’t commit a ton to him.

Expect Hampton to be the workhorse back sooner rather than later, and for him to put up massive numbers in this offense. The Chargers are built to run the football, and Hampton is an excellent fit in Los Angeles.

1.04: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers

There was a lot of chatter pre-draft that McMillan was going to be the pick at No. 12 to the Dallas Cowboys, and that was something no one wanted to see in dynasty leagues. Playing alongside CeeDee Lamb would have significantly lowered his fantasy ceiling, and that’s not ideal for an already weak wide receiver class.

Instead, McMillan lands with the Carolina Panthers at No. 8, and that is a major boost to his dynasty value. Not only was he a top-10 selection, but he should also be their top target in the passing game.

Much of his fantasy value will hinge on Bryce Young, but the fact that McMillan can be the No. 1 receiver in Carolina right away means he should be a top pick in our rookie drafts.

1.05: Travis Hunter, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

The expectation was that Hunter would land with the Browns and be their de facto No. 1 receiver. But Cleveland moved that selection, and Hunter will now play in Jacksonville with Trevor Lawrence and Brian Thomas Jr. Hunter’s upside might be capped some playing with another bonafide No. 1 receiver. Still, the bump in quarterback play helps stabilize his value.

Hunter is worth a pick anytime after the top four selections, and you can make a strong argument that he should be picked at 1.04 ahead of Tetairoa McMillan.

Hunter is riskier than most of the other first-round picks because he might end up being a full-time defensive player, but he is worth gambling on at this stage of the draft.

1.06: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Cleveland Browns

There was a point in the offseason when Judkins was expected to be the sixth or seventh running back to be drafted, but he wound up being RB3 in this class. Judkins was picked just a few spots ahead of teammate TreVeyon Henderson as the Browns used a high second-round pick on the former Ohio State star.

The addition of Dylan Sampson could hurt Judkins's dynasty value, but Cleveland's taking him so early means they plan to use him in a big role right away.

Judkins should earn a significant workload as a rookie in Cleveland, and he has the explosiveness to be a high-end RB2 in dynasty leagues.

1.07: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, New England Patriots

The New England Patriots selected Henderson at pick No. 38, which is great news for his dynasty value. Running backs selected inside the top-40 selections have had a great track record over the last five seasons, and we shouldn’t expect anything different for Henderson.

Mike Vrabel loves running backs who hold onto the football and can protect their quarterback, and there isn’t a better pass blocker in this class than Henderson.

But that’s not why he was selected early in Round 2. He’s a big-play waiting to happen every time he touches the ball, and the Patriots desperately needed to add some explosiveness to their offense.

Henderson will be splitting work with Rhamondre Stevenson, but we fully expected him to be a part-time back immediately. We’ll see what the offense looks like in Year 2 of Drake Maye, but this isn’t a bad landing spot for the former Ohio State star.

1.08: Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears

The expectation for months was that Tyler Warren would be the first tight end drafted in April, but that didn’t happen as the Bears went with Colston Loveland at No. 10 instead. It’s not hard to understand the reasoning, as he is the better route runner and can create instant separation from the slot.

Ben Johnson has had a lot of success with Sam LaPorta in Detroit, but Loveland is a much better athlete and is a more refined receiver. He should see plenty of targets right away from the slot, and he’ll be playing in an offense that we expect to score many points.

The only real concern is his shoulder injury, but the expectation is he’ll be ready for the season. Loveland should be viewed as a top-six dynasty tight end right out of the gate.

1.09: Tyler Warren, TE, Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have been searching for their next star tight end, and Tyler Warren was one of their most common selections in mock drafts. However, there was a belief that he just wouldn’t be available at pick No. 14, but that was the case after a few surprising selections ahead of that spot.

Warren is at his best after the catch, and his versatility means he could get a lot of touches as a rookie. However, the uncertain quarterback situation in Indianapolis does lower his ceiling for now.

However, he is one of the most unique tight end prospects we’ve had in years and should be a lock to be a top-10 pick in your rookie drafts.

1.10: Jaxson Dart, QB, New York Giants

There is a pretty massive gap between QB1 and QB2 in dynasty leagues, but it’s hard to feel great about the future of any other quarterbacks selected in this class. The Giants traded up to No. 25 to secure Dart, and the expectation is that they will give him some time to sit and learn behind Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.

Dart is a good athlete with a strong arm, and the Giants have plenty of firepower on offense to surround him with going forward. It might take a few weeks before he sees the field, but his mobility could make him a fantasy asset sooner rather than later.

If your dynasty team needs a quarterback, don’t be afraid to take him even a few spots higher than this because the rest of the quarterbacks in the class don’t inspire much confidence.

1.11: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

It wasn’t that long ago when Kaleb Johnson was competing with Hampton to be the second running back drafted. But his stock started to fall after a poor combine (1.62 10-yard split). Pittsburgh scooped up Johnson at No. 83, and it’s a good fit for him as Arthur Smith uses a ton of wide-zone concepts.

The expectation is that Jaylen Warren will be the featured back in 2025, but he’s had a hard time staying healthy, and he just doesn’t have the between-the-tackle power that Johnson possesses. It’s also worth noting that Warren is in the final year of his contract, which means this could be Johnson’s backfield sooner rather than later.

He doesn’t offer much in the receiving game, which lowers his value in PPR leagues, but he has a pretty clear path to playing time and will be in an offense that loves to lean on the ground game.

1.12: Matthew Golden, WR, Green Bay Packers

Golden was the third receiver selected in the 2025 NFL Draft and landed with one of the better quarterbacks in the league, Jordan Love. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Golden became the No. 1 receiver in Green Bay in no time, but the fact that the Packers have so many other capable receivers on their roster likely means his ceiling is a bit lower.

It is worth mentioning that the contracts of Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs expire at the end of the 2025 season, so the receiver room might not be as crowded a year from now.

Still, Golden will need to compete with Jayden Reed and Dontavion Wicks for touches. But overall, it’s still a good landing spot for the former Texas star.

Round 2

2.01: Luther Burden, WR, Chicago Bears

2.02: RJ Harvey, RB, Denver Broncos

2.03: Tyler Shough, QB, New Orleans Saints

2.04: Jayden Higgins, WR, Houston Texans

2.05: Tre Harris, WR, Los Angeles Chargers

2.06: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2.07: Cam Skattebo, RB, New York Giants

2.08: Jack Bech, WR, Las Vegas Raiders

2.09: Mason Taylor, TE, New York Jets

2.10: Elijah Arroyo, TE, Seattle Seahawks

2.11: Pat Bryant, WR, Denver Broncos

2.12: Jaylin Noel, WR, Houston Texans

Round 3

3.01: Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars

3.02: Jaydon Blue, RB, Dallas Cowboys

3.03: Kyle Williams, WR, New England Patriots

3.04: D.J. Giddens, RB, Kansas State

3.05: Savion Williams, WR, Green Bay Packers

3.06: Tajh Brooks, RB, Cincinnati Bengals

3.07: Jalen Milroe, QB, Seattle Seahawks

3.08: Harold Fannin Jr, TE, Cleveland Browns

3.09: Terrence Ferguson, TE, Los Angeles Rams

3.10: Jarquez Hunter, RB, Los Angeles Rams

3.11: Jordan James, RB, San Francisco 49ers

3.12: Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Detroit Lions

Round 4:

4.01: Trevor Etienne, RB, New England Patriots

4.02: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Cleveland Browns

4.03: Jo’Quavious Marks, RB, Houston Texans

4.04: Elic Ayomanor, WR, Tennessee Titans

4.05: Ollie Gordon, RB, Miami Dolphins

4.06: Devin Neal, RB, New Orleans Saints

4.07: Chimere Dike, WR, Tennessee Titans

4.08: Jalen Royals, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

4.09: Dont’e Thornton, WR, Las Vegas Raiders

4.10: Jaylin Lane, WR, Washington Commanders

4.11: Dillon Gabriel, QB, Cleveland Browns

4.12: Jordan Watkins, WR, San Francisco 49ers

Round 5:

5.01: Will Howard, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers

5.02: Tahj Brooks, RB, Cincinnati Bengals

5.03: Tai Felton, WR, Minnesota Vikings

5.04: Arian Smith, WR, New York Jets

5.05: Gunnar Helm, TE, Tennessee Titans

5.06: Tory Horton, WR, Seattle Seahawks

5.07: Phil Mafah, RB, Dallas Cowboys

5.08: KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR, Los Angeles Chargers

5.09: Damien Martinez, RB, Seattle Seahawks

5.10: Kyle McCord, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

5.11: Kalel Mullings, RB, Tennessee Titans

5.12: Riley Leonard, QB, Indianapolis Colts

The 2025 NFL Draft is in the books! After 257 draft choices, countless additional undrafted free agent deals were made during the last 48 hours.

And while the story of the 2025 season is only just beginning to be written, the work to prepare for three days of chaos for next year's draft starts now.

A big part of every journey is taking the first step. We'll do that here, with a way-too-early snapshot of some of the top names projected to be a part of the 2026 class.

The draft order is set vs. the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds, whereas the picks are made with one eye towards the perceived long-term needs of the teams and the other to the perceived growth and development of some of college football's standouts.

Way too Early 2026 Mock Draft

1. Cleveland Browns

Selection: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina

Cleveland will undoubtedly be thrilled to take the next step in its journey to move on from the Deshaun Watson farce at quarterback. If the Browns finish with the top spot after spending two mid-round picks and acquiring Kenny Pickett this offseason, look for them to go for a toolsy quarterback.

There's plenty of buzz over the latest addition to one of the NFL's royal families, but Arch doesn't have anywhere near the tools or upside you'll get with Sellers.

2. New Orleans Saints

Selection: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

Allar flirted with the idea of declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft after making significant leaps in his play in 2024. His return for another season should have him more polished and closer to being ready to fulfill his potential as a big-armed pocket passer with subtle mobility.

His pairing with New Orleans would come in part thanks to the Saints' second-round investment in Tyler Shough — it's not a big enough marriage to prevent a marquee pick.

3. New York Giants

Selection: Peter Woods, IDL, Clemson

New York added Darius Alexander to play inside next to Dexter Lawrence, but barring a monster rookie season, there should still be plenty of reps to go around inside.

Woods is a disruptive, powerful presence that could help the Giants combat the powerful lines building in the NFC East.

4. Tennessee Titans

Selection: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

The Titans bid farewell to Harold Landry and replaced him in the pass rush room with second-round pick Femi Oladejo. However, there's a lot of opportunity to be found with this group, and Parker is a powerful player who led Power Four pass rushers in sacks in 2024.

His pairing with Oladejo would give the Titans a pair of dense, intense rushers off the edge to work with long-term.

5. New York Jets

Selection: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Tyson was a revelation in 2024. He's a Colorado transfer who became a matchup problem down the stretch for the Sun Devils amid their push to the College Football Playoff.

He was sorely missed in ASU's upset bid against Texas due to a shoulder injury, but his encore opportunity in 2025 could see him as a top pass-catching prospect.

6. Carolina Panthers

Selection: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Carolina exercised its fifth-year option on OT Ikem Ekwonu, but the long-term status of the other tackle position is very much up in the air.

Mauigoa is a prolific mauler with rare agility for a player of his size. If not for quarterback needs elsewhere in the top-5 of this scenario, he'd be a shoo-in to be gone.

7. Las Vegas Raiders

Selection: Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State

Downs might be the best available player in the country based on his 2024 performance. The problem, of course, is that he plays safety, which teams don't typically target early.

Downs is worth the exception, as he can do nearly anything you could need in coverage and is a tremendous run defender.

8. Indianapolis Colts

Selection: Arch Manning, QB, Texas

Print the jerseys. Go ahead! The Colts are entering 2025 with what has been described as an open competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones at quarterback.

Richardson will need a big year to take the pressure and negative perception off his status with the team. Jim Irsay would not be mad about landing (another) Manning.

9. Cleveland Browns

Selection: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

The Browns traded away from a potential generational talent in Travis Hunter this weekend. But if the result a year from now is a long-term quarterback and a new staple for an aging offensive line, it would be well worth the late pivot this year.

10. New England Patriots

Selection: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

New England is currently in the process of overhauling the middle of its defense amid the arrival of Mike Vrabel this offseason.

LBs Jack Gibbens and Robert Spillane have the potential to be a sufficient duo, but how long is Spillane's runway? He'll be 30 this season. Hill Jr. is a disruptive force in the middle.

11. Seattle Seahawks

Selection: Tacario Davis, CB, Washington

The Seahawks added Nick Emmanwori to their secondary this year. He's a potent addition alongside Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen. But putting another supersized corner like Davis opposite Woolen will fill this secondary out with their fair share of physical freaks.

12. Atlanta Falcons

Selection: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Atlanta entered the draft with a need at corner opposite A.J. Terrell. Surprisingly, they didn't do much with that spot.

Instead, they opted to double-dip with pass rushers via Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., McCoy, an athletic, disruptive corner who would be an awesome addition and solution.

13. Dallas Cowboys

Selection: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida

Banks scorned a jump to the NFL this offseason to return to Florida for his senior season.

The Louisville transfer has size and disruption in the heart of the line, with room for more production if he can cut down on some of his missed tackle challenges once he's created backfield havoc.

14. Miami Dolphins

Selection: Nyck Harbor, WR, South Carolina

Tyreek Hill is on borrowed time in Miami. He's due more than $35 million in 2026 after quitting on the team in the 2024 season finale and a parade of questionable decisions off the field.

Miami will need another marquee passing game weapon to go opposite Jaylen Waddle, and Harbor is an absolute freak athlete with the kind of speed the Dolphins will undoubtedly love.

15. Arizona Cardinals

Selection: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

Boston is a big-bodied target who thrives on the outside. He appears due for a breakout season in 2025 after appearing on the scene in 2024.

Boston had just 66 career receiving yards in his first two seasons before an 834-yard and nine-touchdown season. He would pair quite well with Marvin Harrison Jr. to give the Cardinals a pair of physical receivers outside.

16. Pittsburgh Steelers

Selection: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

Pittsburgh appears to be angling for the Aaron Rodgers band-aid. The team bypassed quarterbacks early before securing Will Howard on Day 3.

Howard is a good add at that stage of the game, but Nussmeier was trending towards a potential first-round ticket last season before falling apart down the stretch.

17. Chicago Bears

Selection: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami

Bain Jr. wasn't quite the same version of himself in 2024 as a freshman star in 2023. But he's a powerful, explosive presence that would be a welcome addition to the Bears' front.

There's no such thing as too many good pass rushers, and Bain Jr. showcased just how disruptive he could be with nearly 50 pressures as a freshman.

18. Denver Broncos

Selection: C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia

Allen is a rangy, sure-fire tackler on the second level. The Broncos may have other needs, but they'd be wise to protect themselves from the durability questions that may come with Dre Greenlaw, and Allen would be an incredible partner next to the former 49er when both are healthy and on the field.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Selection: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Tampa's pass rush help for 2025 comes in the form of Haason Reddick on a one-year contract and Day 3 rookies Elijah Roberts and David Walker.

Faulk is a supersized rusher, not dissimilar to the build of Elijah Roberts. However, his production in the SEC is hard to ignore — he posted 45 pressures on just more than 300 rush opportunities in 2024.

20. Houston Texans

Selection: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State

You can rest assured that DeMeco Ryans will ensure his defense has all the pressure players they need to keep the heat on.

Dennis-Sutton has "got next" as the marquee Penn State pass rusher and should be in contention for an early draft choice.

21. Minnesota Vikings

Selection: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Delane decided to forego the NFL Draft and instead transferred to LSU. One would imagine the extra experience in the SEC will help elevate his profile and boost his resume even more.

He nearly doubled his career ball production in 2024, but will need to make sure he plays disciplined this upcoming season. If he does, he could be a sturdy answer for the Vikings' secondary.

22. Los Angeles Chargers

Selection: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

Khalil Mack is here for a good time but not a long time. Mack will play his age-34 season on a one-year deal with the Chargers, leaving room for a new face long-term.

Bailey will likely find monster production after transferring from Stanford to Texas Tech. He posted more than a 20 percent pressure rate for the Cardinal in 2023 and 2024.

23. San Francisco 49ers

Selection: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

San Francisco's long-term offensive line outlook could best be described as shaky.

How much longer can Trent Williams go at the level that he does? With no draft picks this year on the line, the stage is set for new blood next year.

24. Green Bay Packers

Selection: Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia

The Packers needed a cornerback in 2025 before the draft, before anything happened with Jaire Alexander. Now, on the other side?

The only corner the Packers drafted was seventh-rounder Micah Robinson. Everette is the next in line among a talented pipeline of Georgia corners and boasts good size on the outside.

25. Washington Commanders

Selection: LT Overton, DL, Alabama

Washington has been committed to rebuilding the trenches this offseason under Dan Quinn after its 2024 breakout. But playing in the NFC East means your line can't just be "good" — or you may fall off the pace.

Adding the supersized Overton to the Commanders' defensive front gives them the power and depth they'll need to go toe to toe with Philly and Dallas on the line.

26. Cincinnati Bengals

Selection: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Cincinnati will try to make it work in 2025 with its wide receiver duo and some mid-round guards as its marquee additions on offense.

Next year, adding a new element to the group can be something they can aspire for — and a running back like Love would be one heck of an extra layer to have to defend.

27. Los Angeles Rams

Selection: Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson

The annual Matthew Stafford saga figures to continue after this season. At some point, the Rams will be on the clock and determine that a talent fits and can give them the ceiling they need to continue to contend.

The CFB Playoff version of Klubnik we saw last season may have a chance of being that guy.

28. Kansas City Chiefs

Selection: Christen Miller, DL, Georgia

We don't know enough about Miller to know that he will be ready to make this kind of leap.

However, the Georgia kids usually do, especially when they're highly coveted recruits. Miller is a redshirt junior in 2025, coming off a sturdy and productive season as a member of Georgia's rotation.

29. Buffalo Bills

Selection: Jake Slaughter, IOL, Florida

Bills center Connor McGovern is in a contract year in 2025. Is Sedrick Van Pran-Granger going to earn the Bills' trust enough from the bench to claim the long-term job if Buffalo doesn't re-sign McGovern?

If not, Slaughter is a sturdy blocker in the middle with less than 20 pressures allowed in the last two seasons (730 pass protection reps).

30. Detroit Lions

Selection: Nic Anderson, WR, LSU

If Detroit moves on from Jameson Williams, having a big-play field stretcher could be on the shopping list for 2026. After transferring to LSU, Anderson is looking to recapture his 2023 magic this year.

At Oklahoma in 2023, Anderson posted nearly 21 yards per catch and 10 scores — he's a supersized receiver with enough juice to get down the field.

31. Baltimore Ravens

Selection: Darrell Jackson Jr., DL, Florida State

Baltimore will miss Michael Pierce, even if Travis Jones is ready to be "the man" in the middle. Still, the Ravens always aspire to be deep in the trenches.

Jackson Jr. is a 330-pound defender in the middle who enjoyed a breakout campaign with Florida State in 2024, posting 30 pressures. If he takes another leap, he could be in line as a rising member of the class.

32. Philadelphia Eagles

Selection: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State

Igbinosun likely would have been a mid-round pick had he chosen to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. Instead, he chose to run it back with Ohio State and try to fortify his draft stock.

The success rate of Ohio State corners doing so is hit and miss, but he's got all the tools to make it happen. He'd be an awesome pairing with Quinyon Mitchell.

After the first week of free agency, the NFL's key decision-makers had sent a clear signal through their actions that any signings yet to come had to fall in line with draft plans. That meant every deal had to be a great bargain or address a need they could not fill with a draft pick. Veterans, as they often do, waited to see what the 2025 NFL Draft would bring before committing to their next home.

The fallout of the 2025 NFL Draft continues even after the clock struck zero and all picks were made. Now, there's set to be another round of free agency. The financial calendar rolls over on June 1, and free agents that sign now will no longer count in the comp pick equation. 

These six free agents may not cash in with huge multi-year deals, but they can each make a big impact this season. Here's the best fit for each of the top remaining NFL free agents.

Top Fits for Remaining NFL Free Agents

Aaron Rodgers, QB: Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers were heavily linked to quarterbacks throughout the 2025 NFL Draft, but the three days came and went with only one addition in the sixth round: Will Howard. Howard may very well beat out Mason Rudolph for the starting job, but Aaron Rodgers is a better option.

It's impossible to separate some of Rodgers's personality issues from his on-field capabilities. Still, Pittsburgh's situation is desperate enough to give the 41-year-old a try. 

Rodgers is no longer a high-end starter in consistent playmaking, but he was better than Russell Wilson and Justin Fields were in 2024. Considering Pittsburgh's investments in DK Metcalf and a rebuilt offensive line, the team should be confident they can get even more out of Rodgers in 2025.

Plenty of positives remain in Rodgers' game, including reliable accuracy and decision-making. His explosive throw rate dropped significantly after his Achilles tear, and he's not nearly as mobile as he was many moons ago, but the Steelers can be a feared playoff team with Rodgers at the helm.

Brandon Scherff, RG: Cincinnati Bengals

There will always be demand for competent blockers, so it's surprising when impactful ones sit on the market for a while. Brandon Scherff is looking for the right situation to come back for, and the draft was revealing. Despite signing veteran Lucas Patrick and adding third-rounder Dylan Fairchild, Cincinnati is still the best landing spot.

The Bengals' run game has been abysmal for years because of its awful interior blocking. Cincinnati has thrown assets to the position but has whiffed on the evaluation and development phases for far too long. Projected starters Cordell Volson and Cody Ford aren't nearly as good as Scherff.

At 33 years old, Scherff is a devastating run blocker with a top-15 pass-block win rate in 2024. His durability has also turned into a positive, playing in all but three games over the last three years. He'd be a good fit for Cincinnati's offense, and in return, Scherff could try to ring chase alongside Joe Burrow.

Amari Cooper, WR: Dallas Cowboys

Amari Cooper was a bust for the Buffalo Bills, failing to provide any meaningful impact in the playoffs despite seeming to be a perfect fit for Josh Allen. At 31, Cooper needs to return to a situation where the scheme prioritizes timing and the quarterback rewards players in contested catch situations. Buffalo just doesn't play that way. 

However, Dallas plays that way, and they didn't add any new talent in the draft. His main competition in Dallas is embarrassingly bad, including Jonathan Mingo, Ryan Flournoy, and Parris Campbell.

Dak Prescott and Cooper combined for a tremendous four-year stretch during which Cooper averaged just under 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns a season. While Cooper had some issues with drops before his stint in Cleveland, he was a better playmaker than Dallas had in years until CeeDee Lamb showed up. The opportunity to pair Cooper with Lamb again should be enticing and affordable.

Justin Simmons, SAF: Las Vegas Raiders

There's no question that one of the biggest free-agent bust signings from 2024 was Justin Simmons. It doesn't make a ton of sense at face value, either, because Simmons was arguably the best safety in the NFL in 2024. But his move to Atlanta brought less playmaking and a career-worst tackling rate.

So why is Simmons listed here? At 31 years old, Atlanta had Simmons in a more defined role than Denver, and teams could look at his usage as a reason he was slightly exposed. Simmons always split time between the box, true free safety, and in the slot until 2024, when Atlanta essentially moved all of his slot snaps to free safety on a unit without a pass rush.

Las Vegas can avoid repeating that mistake because they have an elite pass rush and a history of producing elite safeties under Pete Carroll. Simmons might've slowed down, but he won't have to cover as much space with Maxx Crosby headlining a terrific defensive front. And he's easily an upgrade over Lonnie Johnson, Isaiah Pola-Mao, and Chris Smith.

Asante Samuel Jr., CB: Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins had too many holes to address in just one draft class, so they waited until the fifth round to add to their cornerback room. Jason Marshall Jr. will compete with Storm Duck and Cam Smith for playing time, which says a lot about the status of this room. It could get much worse if they trade Jalen Ramsey this offseason.

Taking a low-risk flier on Asante Samuel Jr. is the move a rebuilding roster should always make. Samuel played only about 26 percent of snaps last year before suffering a shoulder and neck injury that he recently revealed is something still affecting him. If Samuel's medicals eventually check out, he has to be on the team's radar. 

Only 25 years old, Samuel is a playmaking outside cornerback who thrives in man and zone concepts. His tackling is average for a cornerback, but his ball skills and stickiness in coverage have made him a solid starter throughout his career. That's a huge upgrade for Miami.

The injury certainly throws a wrench into his projection, and it would be devastating if Samuel can't get cleared to play anytime soon. 

J.K. Dobbins, RB: Los Angeles Rams

The top running back free agent available is still JK Dobbins. Coming off an excellent season for the rival Chargers, the 26-year-old brings better efficiency and explosiveness than anyone else on the market. The Rams already have Kyren Williams, but pairing him with Dobbins would create a better complementary duo than what they had with Williams and Blake Corum in 2024.

Dobbins' advanced numbers reveal someone who hits home runs and creates more than your average back. He ranked 13th in rushes of at least 10 yards despite having fewer carries than any back in the top 18 of the metric. PFF's breakaway metric has Dobbins as seventh amongst backs with at least 110 carries. 

His injury history, which includes an Achilles and ACL tear, is significant. However, the Rams can mitigate his exposure by keeping his total workload around 200 carries alongside a talented Williams and Corum.

The 2025 NFL Draft is over, and 257 players can now say they've reached the pinnacle of their football career.

What happens over the next several months will be much more important than just this moment, but the expectations for an individual's career are set on draft weekend. Early-round additions have a different weight on their shoulders than others.

Whether fair or not, a handful of players were taken much earlier than most expected. Going against groupthink or my own rankings is far from a sin, but there's a certain skill that drafting and valuing talent requires. Some general managers simply do not consistently win the value game.

This list of the biggest reaches of the 2025 NFL Draft does not reflect my thoughts on whether they'll be busts, but they each drew a reaction from me and evaluators because of where they went. Some will live up to the billing and prove me wrong, but chances are better that the majority of these reaches will have a hard time living up to expectations.

Biggest Reaches of the 2025 NFL Draft

9. Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears

It was only slightly shocking when Colston Loveland went ahead of Tyler Warren because they're two very different players. Chicago clearly favored Loveland's youth, in-line blocking ability, and success on short and intermediate routes compared to Warren's offensive weapon style. That's not a hard sell, and Loveland will help Caleb Williams. 

But this pick was a bit of a reach, considering Loveland's range was so large.

Loveland was likely never in play with any pick until Chicago. Indianapolis was the only other clear contender for him until Seattle at No. 18 and Denver at No. 20. Hammering Chicago too much for taking him slightly too high isn't fair. Hence, this is a soft reach before we get into some of the more egregious examples.

8. Jared Wilson, IOL, New England Patriots

Some analysts had Jared Wilson as a top-100 value on their board due to his athletic traits, but his projection was solely based on his movement ability. With only one year as a starter under his belt and completely lacking NFL power now, Wilson is a long-term developmental player. It's more likely he ends up as a backup than a starter.

It is difficult to accept taking a backup center in the top 100 for an offensive line that needed capable bodies. LSU's Myles Frazier is one example of someone who was more accomplished and pro-ready but was taken two rounds later. Ohio State's Seth McLaughlin has a similar developmental path, coming off a torn ACL and going undrafted.

Maybe Wilson proves my evaluation wrong, but the Patriots made a bold move by taking a big flier on someone not able to help them a lot in 2025.

7. Jaxson Dart, QB, New York Giants

Jaxson Dart may end up being a fine starting quarterback for years to come with the New York Giants, but that doesn't make their trade up for him less of a reach.

This quarterback class was lauded as one of the worst in years at the top, which is partially why Cameron Ward was set to be the only first-round passer until the Giants moved up for him. Dart's profile suggests he can be an average-level NFL starter. 

Without a cannon for an arm, high-level processing ability, and struggles when under pressure, Dart was a prototypical Day 2 flier. Add in that Shedeur Sanders was taken in the fifth round, and it's hard to view the Dart trade as necessary. Cleveland waited it out, and there's not another team picking after Minnesota that was interested. 

It's possible Dart quickly adapts to NFL speed, schemes, and concepts better than expected, and Malik Nabers eases his transition. But the odds aren't in his favor of Dart becoming more than a fine but unspectacular starter on the replacement block every season. 

6. Tyler Booker, OG, Dallas Cowboys

There are two schools of thought on football players. One is that only the talent and what happens on the field matter, and the other incorporates historical data into projections.

Tyler Booker is one of the worst athletes to be drafted in the first round in decades, so hearing his name come off the board at 12th overall ahead of others was a defining moment of Thursday. Dallas was justified in taking a blocker, but Booker is a highly specific fit.

Booker's pass protection effectiveness at Alabama was impressive, giving up only two sacks in 1,035 career pass blocking snaps. However, for as powerful as he is, his inability to react quickly and move defenders consistently in the run game would mean a scheme change at any point in Dallas would render him useless. 

Athleticism matters in the NFL because it reveals a realistic floor and upside. Booker might be a good starter, but was that worth it for the 12th overall pick?

5. Femi Oladejo, EDGE, Tennessee Titans

Taking a raw athlete to develop as a pass-rusher is an inherently risky proposal because finding the right traits is one of the toughest tasks in scouting.

Femi Oladejo checked the box of being a raw pass-rusher who must learn the nuances of being an NFL pass-rusher, but he's not the type of athlete with great instincts worth the 52nd overall pick. There were more translatable options on the board with similar physical gifts.

It'd be one thing if Oladejo had top-notch burst or power or was able to break down in space and control his movement before overpursuing the ball carrier. His game is more based on the first step and effort than someone with a plan for his attack or freakish explosiveness to overcome a lack of move set. 

Chances are good Oladejo will never find his footing, or at least not be given a ton of snaps to rep out what he needs. 

4. Pat Bryant, WR, Denver Broncos

Tall, slow receivers who don't create separation have difficulty succeeding in the NFL. Pat Bryant has a lot of the positives you need from a 6-foot-2 receiver, including body control and some creativity at the top of routes.

But being big and winning contested catches consistently doesn't usually lead to a long NFL career unless you're historically good at it.

Bryant struggled with concentration drops and was often swallowed up in man coverage against NFL-caliber athletes. Bo Nix isn't the type of quarterback to feed someone like that. The Broncos justly added a receiver, but someone with more juice and upside would've fit the unit better.

3. Dillon Gabriel, QB, Cleveland Browns

If you flip the order of Cleveland's two drafted quarterbacks, there are almost no qualms. However, it was stunning when they selected Dillon Gabriel in the third round. While his experience and mobility are great for a backup, his weak arm and issues against pressure will pigeonhole his upside and opportunities. 

Add in Cleveland's cold weather, the tenacity of the AFC North defenses, and the other quarterbacks on the roster, and Gabriel sticks out as an underwhelming challenger. The draft capital invested in him means the Browns can't just practice-squad him easily, either. They'll either have to trade him or move Kenny Pickett after the preseason.

It's an odd and expensive bet to make on someone without the physical tools of an NFL starter. 

2. Jaylin Smith, CB, Houston Texans

A handful of slot cornerbacks were picked way too high on Day 2, but Jaylin Smith's selection was one of the most jarring. He had an undraftable grade on my board despite his physicality and experience playing multiple positions.

At only 5-foot-10, 187 pounds, and sub-30-inch arms, it's hard for Smith to play with the strength and disruption ability to stick in the NFL.

His speed and foot quickness give him a chance to be useful, but undersized nickel defenders almost never go in the top 100 picks. Smith was a good candidate to go much later, and Houston reached for him over players with a better chance of sticking long-term or reaching a better upside. 

The best case scenario for Smith just isn't that good or enticing.

1. Tyler Shough, QB, New Orleans Saints

Nothing screams a top-40 pick at quarterback than someone who turns 26 as a rookie and completed only one full season in college. Okay, maybe not. But that's who Tyler Shough is, and his standing as QB3 is legitimately shocking.

Shough looks the part because he has a strong arm and downhill mobility. But he was never a reliably good passer until 2024, when Louisville cut the field in half and asked him to be a game manager. His erratic accuracy, field vision, and penchant for turnovers when blitzed were already big enough red flags to fall into Day 3.

Instead, New Orleans is embracing the idea that Shough will be a historic outlier and was a round better than Jalen Milroe and three rounds better than Shedeur Sanders. 

The 2025 NFL Draft has officially concluded, and it was as wild as we expected.

There were several shocking picks in Round 1, and some really talented players fell to Friday and Saturday evening. But which players fell a little “too” far this weekend? Here are nine players who are poised to be massive steals for their respective teams right away:

Ranking 9 Biggest Steals in 2025 NFL Draft

9. D.J. Giddens, RB, Kansas State – Indianapolis Colts (No. 151)

The Colts had a big hole behind Jonathan Taylor on the depth chart and desperately needed a better No. 2 running back. They found one in the middle of Round 5, selecting DJ Giddens at No. 151. Chris Ballard loves athleticism, and Giddens has it, running a 4.43 40-yard dash at 213 pounds.

Giddens averaged 5.97 yards per carry on 517 carries at Kansas State and was a second-team All-Big 12 selection during the 2024 season after rushing for 1,343 yards. He doesn’t always play up to his 4.43 speed, but he is a shifty running back with the traits to be a starter at the next level.

He’ll be given the chance to back up Taylor and could be a great spot starter when needed. The Colts stole a quality running back in the middle part of Day 3. Don't be surprised if he finds his way onto the field as a rookie and puts up quality numbers in Shane Stechien's offense.

8. Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss – Washington Commanders (No. 61)

Dan Quinn has a type at cornerback, and that type is Trey Amos. While he isn’t the most explosive athlete, Amos is a long, physical cornerback with no problem getting physical with opposing receivers. The Commanders have done a lot of work improving their cornerback room, and Amos figures to be a factor immediately.

Amos has a bunch of experience playing in the SEC with Alabama and Ole Miss, so we know he is battle-tested. He’s an outside cornerback only and is likely limited to a Cover 1/Cover 3 heavy scheme, and that’s likely why he fell to the bottom of Round 2. But it’s hard to find starting-caliber cornerbacks from the SEC with his length and physicality.

Quinn has an excellent track record of finding and developing cornerbacks (Trevon Diggs, Daron Bland, etc.), and it sure seems like he'll pull it off again with Amos.

7. Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame – Atlanta Falcons (No. 96)

It’s easy to understand why Watts fell in the NFL Draft. He measured under 6-0, 205 pounds and ran a 4.58 40-yard dash at Notre Dame’s Pro Day. He is a very average athlete with modest size, and because of positional value, Watts nearly fell out of the top 100 selections.

However, Watts is a playmaker, recording 27 pass deflections and 13 interceptions over the past two seasons. He has been one of the most productive defensive players in the country since 2023, and it’s hard to imagine that won’t continue in the NFL.

The Falcons clearly prioritize playmaking in the secondary after paying big money to Jessie Bates in free agency a few years ago. And now they get a defensive back who can play with Bates and/or potentially back him up.

6. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia – Baltimore Ravens (No. 27)

Safeties tend to fall during the NFL Draft because they just don’t hold the same positional value as wide receivers, cornerbacks, pass rushers, etc.

However, the Ravens have shown they are willing to take highly valued players at safety should they fall to them. They had great success with Kyle Hamilton during the 2023 draft, and they’ve done it again with Malaki Starks.

Starks was a three-year starter in Kirby Smart’s defense and was one of the only true freshmen to ever start in Athens. He’s incredibly reliable but also a playmaker and can be used all over the field. He is more of a true free safety, but that’ll allow Kyle Hamilton to return to his natural spot in the box.

It'll shock no one if Starks becomes one of the league's best safeties and should be an impact player immediately. And yet again, the Ravens grab a big-time playmaker with a bunch of experience, and all they did was sit back and let the draft fall to them.

5. Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State – New England Patriots (No. 69)

To say New England has had a mixed record regarding drafting receivers is an understatement, but to their credit, they continue to invest in the position each year, even after using several picks on receivers last year.

The hope is that Stefon Diggs can be their No. 1 receiver in 2025, with the expectation that someone can step up as the No. 2.

The best bet might be Kyle Williams, whose game resembles Emmanuel Sanders'. Williams was incredibly productive during the last two seasons, playing both on the outside and in the slot. His stock rose after a terrific Senior Bowl performance and running a 4.41 at the NFL Combine. Williams is not the most physical receiver, but his ability to create quick separation will be a perfect fit in Josh McDaniels’ offense.

Williams could have easily been a top-50 selection, but falling to the top of Round 3 was a terrific value for New England. Don’t be surprised if he ends up playing ahead of Ja’Lynn Polk right away, as his game makes more sense with Drake Maye.

4. Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Missouri – Dallas Cowboys (No. 44)

The Cowboys had arguably the biggest reach in Round 1, selecting Tyler Booker at No. 12. However, they had a much better Day 2, and it started with Donovan Ezeiruaku, who easily could have been a first-round pick.

Ezeiruaku was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year after leading the conference in tackles for loss (21) and sacks (16.5).

Ezeiruaku finished No. 22 on The Athletics’ consensus board, and several outlets had him ranked as a top-20 player. While Ezeiruaku is undersized, he is incredibly productive, and his length makes him a strong fit in Matt Eberflus’ defense.

Look for him to play on passing downs immediately and add more juice to the pass rush for Dallas.

3. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama – Philadelphia Eagles (No. 31)

Howie Roseman did it again. He took an SEC defender widely regarded as a top-15 player in this class and scooped him up with the No. 31 pick. Campbell fell due to a shoulder injury, but he’s an incredibly gifted linebacker at his best when going downhill.

Campbell’s athleticism and versatility are perfect for today’s NFL, and he fits well into Vic Fangio’s defense. His game isn’t all that different from Zack Baun's, but with more athleticism and pass-rush prowess. Campbell will likely be a Day 1 starter in Philadelphia and can make their defense even more dynamic.

It’s no wonder that Philadelphia is among the best drafting teams in the NFL. They get so much value each year with every premium selection.

2. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri – Chicago Bears (No. 39)

Did the Bears really need another pass-catching option after selecting Colston Loveland in Round 1? Of course not. But Luther Burden III was way too good of a player to pass up at this stage of the draft.

Going into the 2024 season, Burden was viewed as a potential top 10 pick after posting a 1,200-yard season as a sophomore in the SEC. A down season in 2024 pushed him to the second round, and the Bears scooped him up.

Burden’s game is similar to DJ Moore's coming out of Maryland, but he might be a better fit in the slot. He’s one of the best receivers after the catch we’ve seen to enter the draft in several years, and can be a weapon right away in Ben Johnson’s offense.

The Bears have done a fantastic job of loading up on offensive talent to surround Caleb Williams, and Burden should be an impact player right away in the NFC North.

1. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado – Cleveland Browns (No. 144)

There are several reasons why Shedeur Sanders fell, and we don’t have to get into all of them now.

However, the Browns' selection of Sanders in the fifth round is an all-time low-risk, high-upside move. Sanders wasn’t even the first quarterback the Browns selected (Dillon Gabriel), but he is now going to a team that is expected to have an open quarterback competition and will have no problem playing the best option.

Sanders might not have the highest ceiling, but his accuracy and anticipation make him a strong fit in Kevin Stefanski’s offense. He's at his best when throwing on the move, but does well throwing the ball in the short to intermediate parts of the field.

Falling to the middle of Day 3 might be the best thing that has ever happened to Sanders, and it could motivate him in several phases of his life.

And at this stage, there is no downside to this as the Browns can move on at a moment’s notice. Cleveland continues to take (multiple) shots at the quarterback position, and grabbing Sanders at this point just makes too much sense.

The 2025 NFL Draft is here, and with it comes hope for many NFL teams. However, not every pick is a home run selection.

As Day 2 unfolds, we'll be live grading every pick, providing instant analysis and takeaways throughout the night. Which teams are getting better, and which ones are making mistakes?

Let's find out.

Grades for Every 2025 NFL Draft Day 2 Pick

33. Cleveland Browns

Selection: Carson Schwesinger, LB

Positives 

• Safety-like movement ability in coverage and in pursuit
• Fast reaction times and game-changing instincts
• Special teams star

Negatives 

• Lack of size and power leads to missed tackles galore
• Classic tweener who gets washed out in the run game
• Must be protected by quality defensive tackles and scheme

Team Fit

The Browns needed a boost on offense more than a linebacker, but taking Schwesinger means the future of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Schwesinger has similar range and impact in the passing game. He's a good fit with Jim Schwartz, but he's highly reliant on his situation being right.

Grade: C

34. Houston Texans

Selection: Jayden Higgins

Positives 

• Huge frame with monstrous wingspan
• Underrated route runner for his size
• Great power after the catch

Negatives 

• Struggles creating explosion after cuts due to tight hips
• Could be more of a power slot due to lack of separation
• Reliant on contested catches

Team Fit

Houston traded down for this pick and ignored their woeful offensive line, but getting a playmaker makes sense. Jayden Higgens checks a lot of the boxes Nico Collins did as a prospect, so there's a chance Houston will boast one of the most fun big-receiver tandems in the NFL.

Grade: B+

35. Seattle Seahawks

Selection: Nick Emmanwori

Positives 

• Historically good athlete at any position
• Great ball awareness and playmaking trait
• Can eliminate tight ends in coverage

Negatives 

• Can be too laid back at the point of attack
• Not as fluid in coverage against slot receivers as he'll need to be in certain matchups
• Tackling angles can improve

Team Fit

It made sense that Seattle would land an all-time combine winner. Nick Emmanwori is more than just a workout warrior, though. He's a true playmaker who can do everything at a relatively high level. The Seahawks now have one of the most dangerous young secondaries in the NFL.

Grade: A

36. Cleveland Browns

Selection: Quinshon Judkins, RB

Positives 

• Fantastic contact balance due to low center of gravity
• Short-area quickness leaves defenders whiffing at air
• Quality receiving threat

Negatives 

• Can get impatient and push too far on his blockers' back
• Pass protection is limited due to his size
• Deep speed is average

Team Fit

The Browns desperately needed a starting running back to emerge from this class, but Quinshon Judkins was a bit of a surprise to be RB3. Still, he's a great athlete who wins in the right ways. There's a lot of Alvin Kamara to his game, and Cleveland will supercharge its run game with his presence.

Grade: B

37. Miami Dolphins

Selection: Jonah Savaiinaea, OG

Positives 

• Terrific athlete who excels when moving in space and hunting targets
• Thickly built with good natural power
• Patient as a pass blocker and doesn't panic

Negatives 

• Lower-body lacks anchor strength
• Can be slow to pick up on stunts
• Flexibility is surprisingly poor despite athleticism

Team Fit

Miami had to walk out of Day 2 with a starting-level guard, and Jonah Savaiinaea was the best on the board. Moving up for Savaiinaea made sense, given what was on the line if they missed on him. Savaiinaea's lack of lower-body power is concerning for Year 1 but he can be a Pro Bowl guard in time.

Grade: B+

38. New England Patriots

Selection: TreVeyon Henderson, RB

Positives 

• Elite acceleration up to breakaway sprint speed
• Improved vision and patience as a runner
• Top-tier pass-blocker and zero fumble concerns

Negatives 

• Durability was an issue in college
• Doesn't vary speed effectively and can struggle to throttle down
• Not as laterally gifted as he is straight-line fast

Team Fit

If you need explosiveness, then TreVeyon Henderson needed to be your target. New England continues to address its woeful offense, and Henderson was the best man on the board. He'll pair nicely with Rhomandre Stevenson and give Drake Maye a tremendous receiving target.

Grade: A

39. Chicago Bears

Luther Burden III, WR

Positives 

• Effortless acceleration to top speed puts immense pressure on defenders
• Tremendous feel for the game and ability to rise to the moment
• Open-field playmaker demands defensive attention

Negatives 

• Raw route runner coming from a slot-based role with few man-beaters
• Concentration drops can be frustrating
• Could be a little scheme-dependent until route tree develops

Team Fit

Chicago not only maximized their draft slot's value, but also properly identified wide receiver as a real long-term need. With DJ Moore's effort coming into question last year, Burden is the type of athlete and presence to replace him if things don't change. Ben Johnson is the perfect offensive mind to cater to Burden's unique game.

Grade: A

40. New Orleans Saints

Selection: Tyler Shough, QB

Positives 

• Strong arm that can make most throws asked of him
• Good downhill runner with respectable speed
• Improved decision-making in 2024

Negatives 

• Only played in more than seven games in one season
• Older prospect who turns 26 as a rookie
• Erratic accuracy and response to pressure

Team Fit

New Orleans needed a quarterback to build around, but taking Tyler Shough over Jalen Milroe and Shedeur Sanders is stunning. Shough struggled with decision-making, field vision, durability, and staying poised under pressure throughout his career. Adding in his age, and this is a pick highly unlikely to be successful.

41. Buffalo Bills

Selection: TJ Sanders, DT

Positives 

• Plays bigger and stronger than his listed size
• Violent hands and highly competent at maximizing his length
• Quality pass-rusher who can see the field right away

Negatives 

• Anchor and lower body struggles to hold up against zone run schemes
• Overall quickness is closer to average and limits upside
• Doesn't move well enough on stunts to justify calling them

Team Fit

Buffalo traded up to address its other major need, and it's understandable since defensive tackles flew off the board on Thursday night. TJ Sanders is a pro-ready option who will plug and play as a productive pass-rusher. His upside isn't huge, but his floor is respectable.

Grade: B

42. New York Jets

Mason Taylor, TE

Positives 

• Smooth runner and well-coordinated athlete
• Quality route tree variety as an inline or slot tight end
• Fantastic focus at the catch point through contact

Negatives 

• Doesn't have the extra gear to separate from defenders
• Blocking technique is unreliable due to hand positioning
• Overall physicality is lacking

Team Fit

The Jets needed more playmaking, especially at tight end, and Mason Taylor had separated himself as the clear TE3 in the class. Taylor is a little more of a new-age threat who wins from the slot or as a leaking receiver into space, so he'll pair with the current cast of Jets blockers. His upside isn't that of an All-Pro, but he should carve out a long, productive career worthy of this selection.

Grade: B+

43. San Francisco 49ers

Selection: Alfred Collins, DT

Positives 

• Massive nose tackle presence who eats gaps
• Gets off blocks effectively to make contact with ball-carriers
• Occasionally creates some push in the passing game

Negatives 

• Doesn't consistently make himself known and can disappear for stretches
• Overall athleticism is lacking, limiting his upside
• Field vision can improve

Team Fit

Alfred Collins raises the floor of San Francisco's woeful defensive tackle room. He's experienced and has an NFL body, so he should see the field plenty in 2025. Collins doesn't have the ability to collapse the pocket well enough to be more than a role player, but the class was thinning out at the position by the time they made their pick.

Grade: B-

44. Dallas Cowboys

Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE

Positives 

• Standout agility and hip fluidity challenge blockers to keep up
• Reliable awareness and play recognition allow him to stay in position effectively
• Long arms overcome some size concerns

Negatives 

• Doesn't have the bulk to break off blockers when he gets too far into their body
• Rush plan is too reliant on quickness and bounce compared to mature moves
• Closing speed is average and not stellar

Team Fit

There's no question that Dallas had to walk out of the draft with more pass-rush help, but at the expense of an offensive playmaker, it is as questionable as their first-round pick. Ezeiruaku is a good athlete with a great motor, which is helpful for a complementary piece across from Micah Parsons. But he must master his move set to get the most out of his traits.

Grade: B-

45. Indianapolis Colts

JT Tuimoloau, EDGE

Positives 

• Stellar run defender with elite awareness
• Powerful build and relentless motor
• Better downhill athlete than given credit for

Negatives 

• Lacks the quick-twitch needed to win with speed
• Flexibility through contact limits pass-rush potential
• Pass-rush plan is lacking despite experience

Team Fit

Coming off a tremendous College Football Playoff run, JT Tuimoloau saved his 

Grade: C+

46. Los Angeles Rams

Selection: Terrance Ferguson, TE

Positives 

• Quality blocker with experience inline and in the slot
• Great frame and length
• More short-area quickness than expected allows him to beat man coverage

Negatives 

• Won't make many plays downfield due to deep speed 
• Concentration at the catch point can be hit or miss
• Not the most physical blocker at the point of attack

Team Fit

This was a reach based on expectations, but the fit makes sense for the offense and Ferguson's skill set. He's a competitive blocker and a natural heir to Tyler Higbee. He has more fluidity and route-running potential than Higbee, too, so there's a good chance we see a lot of schemed opportunities for him in Year 1.

Grade: C+

47. Arizona Cardinals

Will Johnson, CB

Positives 

• Great length and size for the position
• Top-tier instincts and awareness in coverage
• Fluid hips and efficient footwork deters targets

Negatives 

• Major concern over knee health
• Deep speed is average
• Arm tackler too often

Team Fit

It's hard to know the medical prognosis on Will Johnson, but Arizona was more than justified in taking a gamble on his on-field talent. When healthy, Johnson profiled similarly to Sauce Gardner. Few cornerbacks have the size, physicality, and playmaking ability that Johnson has. He's a great fit for this zone-based scheme, too.

Grade: B+

48. Houston Texans

Selection: Aireontae Ersery, OT

Positives 

• Elite length and power combination
• Good lateral agility and recovery ability 
• Coordinated giant whose best reps are very impressive

Negatives 

• Slower hands with long limbs mean he has to improve reaction time
• Not as mauling in the run game as expected for size
• Mostly a fit into gap schemes and not zone

Team Fit

Houston was able to nab the last projected starting tackle in the 2025 class. Aireontae Ersery is massive, at times to his disadvantage because his lower body is so stiff. He has to master his punch and better anticipate pass-block angles to mitigate his athletic limitations. Still, he has good potential. 

Grade: B+

49. Cincinnati Bengals

 Demetrius Knight, LB

Positives 

• Controlled in pursuit and has the juice to finish plays when trailing the ball-carrier
• Natural player in space and comfortable dropping into coverage
• Effective at the point of attack and will rack up tackles

Negatives 

• Overall athleticism is average, so diagnostic ability is key
• Won't consistently deter targets when matched up in man coverage
• Not a pass-rush threat

Team Fit

Demetrius Knight is a good player who checks a lot of traditional boxes for the position. However, he's not overly dynamic and doesn't help protect Joe Burrow. Knight will rack up a ton of tackles, but he has to force more turnovers for this to be considered an impactful addition.

Grade: C

50. Seattle Seahawks

Selection: Elijah Arroyo, TE

Positives 

• Top-tier mismatch as a receiving tight end
• Rare speed and fluidity as a route-runner 
• Holds his own as a blocker and has upside to improve

Negatives 

• Late-breakout in his career and limited production
• Lower-body strength will likely never be above average

Team Fit

There was a moment where Elijah Arroyo could push to be a late first-round pick, so his falling to No. 50 is a great value. The Seahawks needed someone who could threaten defenses vertically, and Arroyo is the rare tight end who can do that. He's a phenomenal receiving threat who can do things usually reserved only for receivers.

Grade: A-

51. Carolina Panthers

Selection: Nic Scourton, EDGE

Positives 

• Great strength and first step when his motor is running hot
• Can size up to be a tackle or 3-4 end, or size down as a 4-3 end
• Quickness and range is tremendous for his size

Negatives 

• Had a doughy build when playing at 280 pounds last year
• Lacks ideal length, giving up his chest too often
• Doesn't stay gap disciplined enough

Team Fit

Nic Scourton was one of the bigger boom-or-bust players in the class. At his best, he moves in a way that most big-bodied linemen can't. However, he showed up to Texas A&M out of shape, and he cut weight to be a pure edge defender. Carolina needed help at the position as much as any team in the league, but banking on Scourton is risky. 

Grade: C

52. Tennessee Titans

Selection: Femi Oladejo, EDGE

Positives 

• Versatile enough to transition to an off-ball linebacker
• Good balance and raw power
• Consistent tackler and range

Negatives 

• Raw technician who rarely has a plan
• Doesn't show natural feel for the position
• Overpursues angles and gets lost in space

Team Fit

Oladejo is a project pick as a pure edge defender, but could be a more natural strong-side linebacker if needed. He's so raw as an athlete that it's hard to expect anything from him until Year 3. His functional movements can sometimes look odd and uncoordinated, but his postseason all-star game performance hinted toward a brighter future. 

Grade: D+

53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Selection: Benjamin Morrison, CB

Positives 

• Sticky in man coverage due to fast feet and fluid hips
• Locates the ball effectively and has proper timing to chase it
• Plug-and-play option 

Negatives 

• Coming off a season-ending injury
• Can give too much space in off-man coverages
• Gets lost a little bit in zone and struggles to make an impact

Team Fit

Another cornerback with major injury red flags who dropped a full round, Benjamin Morrison, is a talent play by Tampa Bay. If Morrison is healthy, this will be a home run addition. He's a fantastic man coverage option and showed off some playmaking chops at Notre Dame. 

Grade: B

54. Green Bay Packers

Selection: Anthony Belton, OT

Positives 

• Enormous frame and wingspan
• Power matches what you'd expect by looking at him
• Better footwork than expected for someone his size

Negatives 

• Struggles to get re-balanced when knocked off his spot
• Hand placement is erratic and random at times
• A little slow in his drop kick

Team Fit

Green Bay wanted a mauler to boost its run game, and that's Anthony Belton. When he gets a hand on a defender, it's over for them. But it's getting to that point that causes concern. He'll require time before seeing the field and being relied upon. 

Grade: B

55. Los Angeles Chargers

Selection: Tre Harris, WR

Positives 

• Uses his big frame to box out defenders and protect the ball
• Terrific creator after the catch for his size
• Glides with long strides to eat up grass and put pressure on defenders

Negatives 

• Not a polished route runner coming from Ole Miss
• Didn't test as fast as he plays
• Has to win more contested catches

Team Fit

Tre Harris had a first-round receiver profile, but an injury caused him to miss enough time to slide. He's a much more reliable and explosive option than the other guys on their roster, sans Ladd McConkey. Harris' ability to create after the catch makes him a special prospect.

Grade: A

56. Chicago Bears

Selection: Ozzy Trapilo, OT

Positives 

• Awareness on blitzed and stunts is excellent
• Properly uses length to keep defenders at bay
• Hand strength and coordination makes it hard for defenders to break his grip

Negatives 

• Tends to control more than strike opponents
• Has to play quicker and have a plan to stop opponents more effectively
• Doesn't drive defenders upfield effectively

Team Fit

Getting a developmental tackle was a priority for Chicago, and they did well in getting one of my favorites. Ozzy Trapilo is a mammoth of a man, but has some natural limitations that come with being 6-foot-8. He's not as powerful as he needs to be, but he'll have time to improve. 

Grade: B-

57. Detroit Lions

Selection: Tate Ratledge, OL

Positives 

• Great lower-body drive and power
• Heavy, effective hands shut down technicians 
• Patient and aware of blitzers

Negatives 

• Struggles with his pad level
• Slower to react with long, heavy limbs
• Poor athlete

Team Fit

Detroit has done well with blockers like Tate Ratledge, so there's a good chance he'll develop into a starter for the Lions in time. He's a throwback interior blocker who relies on power and nastiness to win. That'll work if Detroit continues to play a similar style without Ben Johnson.

Grade: B-

58. Las Vegas Raiders

Selection: Jack Bech, WR

Positives 

• Provides versatility with textbook size and play strength
• Terrific hands, focus, and body control at the catch point
• Uses body to defend the ball and embraces a physical play style through the whistle

Negatives 

• Struggles to get off press coverage and create separation
• Faster than quick, so short-area routes can be underwhelming
• Run blocking effort and effectiveness are lacking

Team Fit

Jack Bech will play as a rookie, and he's ready to hit the field in a Chip Kelly offense. However, there's not a lot that makes him overly special beyond a nice third target. Las Vegas could've swung bigger with a more dynamic chess piece who could threaten defenses more. 

Grade: C

59. Baltimore Ravens

Selection: Mike Green, EDGE

Positives 

• Great burst and speed around the corner
• Relentless motor and non-stop hand movement leads to effort sacks
• Can dip his hips to generate an effective bull rush

Negatives 

• Frame seems maxed out with only average size overall
• Lack of reach can be difficult to overcome against longer tackles
• Gets greedy and loses run contain

Team Fit

Baltimore always gets the most value at key positions, so it's not shocking they find Mike Green in their laps. Green is explosive and a tremendous finisher, which is what Baltimore has lacked from its pressure-based scheme. He can make a mark in Year 1.

Grade: A+

60. Denver Broncos

Selection: RJ Harvey, RB

Positives 

• Remarkable workhorse tendencies despite being on the smaller side
• Naturally low pad level allows him to bully through contact
• Agility allows him to evade tacklers and find home run creases

Negatives 

• Can slow down too much while waiting for blocks
• Will struggle to hold up in pass pro
• Can hunt big plays too much

Team Fit

Sean Payton loves turbo-charged backs, and RJ Harvey fits the mold. He's compact but not tiny. Thought of as more of a weapon than a true workhorse, Harvey can surprise with his feel for the game.

Grade: B-

61. Washington Commanders

Selection: Trey Amos, CB

Positives 

• Rare size-to-foot speed ratio that maximizes man coverage potential
• Body control and balance are on point throughout routes
• Ball production and fight at the catch point project especially well

Negatives 

• Gives too much space in off-man alignment
• Can get overzealous and break on the ball too quickly
• Reacts to receivers' hands over locating the ball too often

Team Fit

Trey Amos is a very good, pro-ready player who likely should've been off the board before here. He fits the playmaking mold Dan Quinn loves, and is physical. Most importantly, he complements Marshon Lattimore extremely well. 

Grade: A

62. Chicago Bears

Selection: Shemar Turner, DT

Positives 

• Great aggression and motor
• Quick penetrator in the passing game
• Scheme versatile

Negatives 

• Smaller tackle who can lose against power
• Can overpursue angles and give up his gap
• Lack of leverage due to length

Team Fit

It's good to have charged-up subpackage players, and Shemar Turner fits the mold well. He was highly impressive on passing downs because of his quick burst into the lap of blockers. Turner has to get better against the run to become more than that, though.

Grade: A-

63. Kansas City Chiefs

Selection: Omarr Norman-Lott, DT

Positives 

• Blows through gaps with lightning quickness off the snap
• Short-area agility is very impressive
• Incredibly active and tenacious

Negatives 

• Was only a subpackage player 
• Frame lacks upside to add much more bulk
• Will need to develop more counter moves

Team Fit

Omarr Norman-Lott didn't log a ton of snaps in college but he proved to be incredibly effective and efficient in his opportunities. He's a real pass-rush force who can replace Tershawn Wharton. His run defense is promising but needs proving.

Grade: B+

64. Philadelphia Eagles

Selection: Andrew Mukuba, SAF

Positives 

• Great field vision and situational awareness
• Thrived as a deep safety at Texas, showing a higher potential than before
• Comfortable in man coverage

Negatives 

• Not a great tackler due to lack of bulk
• Will take poor tackling angles occasionally
• Limited physical upside

Team Fit

The only thing that is a red flag with Andrew Mukuba is his thin frame. He's a baller who sees the field well and can play any role asked of him. However, he's so lean that he might end up being a subpackage player only, so there's risk.

Grade: B

65. New York Giants

Selection: Darius Alexander, DT

Positives 

• Versatile enough to play along the line despite being 300 pounds
• Super athletic frame that includes flexibility and balance
• Forceful run defender

Negatives 

• Pad level can get out of whack and out of control
• Will lose focus on the ball carrier
• Can get pushed out of gaps occasionally

Team Fit

Continuing to add to the defensive line makes sense for New York, but passing on their offensive line is a questionable move. Darius Alexander had one of the highest grades on the board and will fit in well, but he's an older prospect adding to the strength of the team.

Grade: C+

66. Kansas City Chiefs

Selection: Ashton Gillotte, EDGE

Positives 

• Unleashes tremendous strength and powerful hands
• Bends the edge and has good lower-body flexion
• Can make an impact early in his career

Negatives 

• Not overly fast or threatening as a down end
• Struggles to finish tackles due to finishing burst
• Lower-body anchor ability is limited

Team Fit

This was the right range for Ashton Gillotte. He was very productive and knows how to play within his frame and body. He's a bully on the field and is a gifted athlete, even if he's not fast enough to win as a speed rusher.

Grade: C+

67. Cleveland Browns

Selection: Harold Fannin Jr., TE

Positives 

• Offensive weapon who set FBS record with tight end production
• Good speed and fluidity throughout routes
• Tracks the ball well and protects it using his frame

Negatives 

• Not a traditional tight end who helps much as a blocker
• Not an explosive athlete who creates easy separation
• Start/stop ability isn't there

Team Fit

Giving Kevin Stefanski someone like Harold Fannin Jr. is fascinating and necessary for him to hit in the NFL. Fannin is so smooth that he was almost questionably athletic, but his combine confirmed he was winning with viable speed. He won't be a traditional tight end, so the risk is that he has to be schemed for.

Grade: B

68. Las Vegas Raiders

Selection: Darien Porter, CB

Positives 

• Receiver-turned-corner who fits zone coverage perfectly
• Fantastic ball skills and awareness
• Elite athlete who projects to be a high-end talent

Negatives 

• Only one year played at corner after five seasons at receiver
• Iowa State never played man coverage
• Technique is raw

Team Fit

There's an obvious risk in going with a one-year wonder at any position, but 2024 was special for Darien Porter. One of the top athletes in the class, Porter offers tremendous potential to develop to go with ball skills that only Travis Hunter matched last year.

Grade: A

69. New England Patriots

Selection: Kyle Williams, WR

Positives 

• Electric quickness and foot speed throughout routes
• Deep speed is legit and threatens defenses
• Body control is reliable and he's better at contested catches than big receivers

Negatives 

• Route-running itself can be lackadaisical 
• Late to get his hands up and on the ball
• Small frame shows up in blocking 

Team Fit

New England has struggled to find separating receivers over the years, but they finally land one in Kyle Williams. Williams is so quick and has deep speed to complement it. He could be a major steal.

Grade: B

70. Detroit Lions

Selection: Isaac TeSlaa, WR

Positives 

• Strong, physical presence with great speed
• Tracks the ball extremely well
• Should help the offense as a run blocker

Negatives 

• Limited production in terms of volume 
• Fast but not overly quick in routes
• Has to rely on frame and hands against man coverage due to lack of separation

Team Fit

The value is a little jarring because TeSlaa was projected to go on Day 3, but Detroit has had success with similarly built receivers like him. He's a major slot mismatch and finds chunk plays with ease. His great hands also bode well as a third-down merchant.

Grade: C-

71. New Orleans Saints

Selection: Vernon Broughton, DT

Positives 

• Good at eating gaps and taking on double teams
• Knows how to maximize his length
• Refined pass-rusher who can play right away

Negatives 

• Slower body who struggles to create pressure with athleticism
• Doesn't shed blocks fast enough to make tackles
• Overall frame doesn't look great

Team Fit

Vernon Broughton doesn't necessarily look the part, but he's a good player who can help an ailing defensive line. His impact on all three downs won't be shown in the stats. However, he's a cog in the wheel and a good one.

Grade: C+

72. Buffalo Bills

Selection: Landon Jackson, EDGE

Positives 

• Big-bodied frame with great length and power for a strong side end
• Sheds blocks well to get into the backfield or fill a gap
• Great hands and finishing strength

Negatives 

• More of a linear athlete than an explosive one with great range
• Can't bend the edge through contact due to stiffness
• Plays with higher pad level due to hip flexibility

Team Fit

Landon Jackson fits what the Bills want out of their strong-side ends perfectly. He's not the most dynamic athlete and won't total many sacks, but he's nuanced and continues fighting. His strength at the point of attack is that of an NFL veteran.

Grade: C+

73. New York Jets

Selection: Azareye'h Thomas, CB

Positives 

• Elite press-man corner with great technique 
• Excellent deep speed
• Highly competitive

Negatives 

• Not a playmaker or threat to force turnovers
• Gets lost in zone matchups and wanders
• Thin frame

Team Fit

While Thomas can be considered a bit of a specialist, he's so good at press that New York can adjust its coverage for him. Sauce Gardner and Thomas will torment offenses at the line of scrimmage and give everything they can against the run. He was a late-first value for me.

Grade: A

74. Denver Broncos

Selection: Pay Bryant, WR

Positives 

• Big wingspan and developed frame
• Finds separation at the top of routes despite not being that quick
• Competitive with great body control

Negatives 

• Struggled mightily with separation against best athletes faced
• Acceleration and speed is lacking
• Drops were an issue until 2024

Team Fit

Pat Bryant was a fun breakout player in 2024, but his best tape never came against the top competition. He's a big, long, receiver who has to win with power and timing over athleticism. It could work, but his archetype generally doesn't flourish.

Grade: D+

75. San Francisco 49ers

Selection: Nick Martin, LB

Positives 

• One of the best tackle finishers in college football throughout his career
• Very physical at the point of attack
• Quick reaction time

Negatives 

• Doesn't diagnose plays fast enough to get into position
• Struggles getting off blocks more often than not
• Suffered knee injury in 2024

Team Fit

A small linebacker without great instincts, it's hard to see Nick Martin immediately being a plus player with San Francisco. He has the right mindset to be effective, but the physical limitations and lack of traits is concerning.

Grade: D

76. Dallas Cowboys

Selection: Shavon Revel Jr., CB

Positives 

• Prototypical size and speed combination
• Dangerous playmaker who must be accounted for every snap
• Willing tackler and run defender

Negatives 

• High-cut build leads to natural leverage issues
• Can be clunky in transitions with stiffness
• Coming off a torn ACL

Team Fit

Giving an injury-flagged player a high grade might be unwise, but the value on Revel is too good not to acknowledge. When he was healthy, Shavon Revel was arguably the best corner in the class. His blend of size and athleticism is rare.

Grade: A

77. Carolina Panthers

Selection: Princely Umanmielen, EDGE

Positives 

• Pass-rush specialist who can create pressures
• Good speed and bend through contact
• Improved run defense and awareness as career progressed

Negatives 

• Still not someone reliable at setting the edge or finding the ball
• Not a dynamic athlete who explodes upfield
• Value solely tied to pass-rush impact

Team Fit

It's good to see Carolina double-dip at defensive end. Princely Umanmielen had late first-round projections at one point because of the value of the position. He's very one-dimensional but has the chance to find plenty of snaps early on here.

Grade: B-

78. Arizona Cardinals

Selection: Jordan Burch, DL

Positives 

• Can play either tackle or end in a versatile front
• Good power in his upper body and hands
• Real pass-rushing threat

Negatives 

• Leaves his assigned run gap too often
• Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane
• Disappears for stretches

Team Fit

Jordan Burch is the right type of athlete you want to develop, but patience is needed. Arizona has the ability to give him time and veterans to learn from. If he can become average against the run, he can become a starter.

Grade: C

79. Houston Texans

Selection: Jaylin Noel

Positives 

• Ideally built for the slot and schemed man-beaters
• Tremendous efficiency at creating chunk plays
• Shockingly good at winning contested catches

Negatives 

• Doesn't create much after the catch
• Hard to find many examples of elite deep speed despite 40 time
• Small frame and wingspan

Team Fit

Houston struck gold with Tank Dell, hoping Jaylin Noel can step into his shoes. Noel is a fan favorite because he plays his game style well. Highly competitive and quick, he'll be a matchup nightmare.

Grade: B+

80. Indianapolis Colts

Selection: Justin Walley, CB

Positives 

• Ballhawk presence who forces turnovers
• Can play inside or outside despite shorter stature
• Great footwork and technique

Negatives 

• Can get over-aggressive chasing the ball
• Bad tackler
• Average burst and speed

Team Fit

The cornerback depth shrank quickly, so it's hard to blame Indianapolis for going with a swing on a smaller defender. Justin Walley plays big, though, and he has the feel needed to overcome some physical limitations. At worst, he can be a good slot option.

Grade: C

81. Cincinnati Bengals

Selection: Dylan Fairchild, IOL

Positives 

• Frame has potential to become more powerful and effective
• Quick hands and fast reaction times
• Laterally explosive for his weight

Negatives 

• Struggles with power rushers due to anchor
• Has to engage with a firmer punch
• Doesn't create waves in the run game

Team Fit

The Bengals may have to start Fairchild right away because the interior of their line is so bad. He might be up for the challenge as an experienced blocker. His power is average, though, and he could use time in the weight room and improving his technique before being relied upon.

Grade: C

82. Tennessee Titans

Selection: Kevin Winston, SAF

Positives 

• Perfectly built as a versatile defensive back
• Hammer in the run game
• Great range as a deep safety

Negatives 

• Coming off a season-ending injury
• Play recognition has room for improvement
• Man coverage ability is reliant on athleticism and not technique

Team Fit

Health will determine whether this is a home run or not. Kevin Winston is a do-it-all defender who can be a lot like Kevin Byard. His range is huge, but is he going to be the same player he was, and was his small sample size in college predictive? 

Grade: B-

83. Pittsburgh Steelers

Selection: Kaleb Johnson, RB

Positives 

• Workhorse prototype with good deep speed despite 40 time
• Patient ball-carrier who maximizes production
• Never stops his feet

Negatives 

• Not very flexible to evade tacklers
• Doesn't have overwhelming power as size suggests
• Not a good pass blocker

Team Fit

Kaleb Johnson is a great fit in an outside zone run game so he can cut and get downhill. He will upgrade Pittsburgh's ground game in Year 1. He's explosive and was someone who should've been picked earlier. He's strong but not powerful, but still highly effective.

Grade: B

84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Selection: Jacob Parrish, CB

Positives 

• Smooth hips throughout routes
• Great man coverage option from the slot, which is unique
• Plays the deep ball extremely well

Negatives 

• Small and lean frame
• Outmuscled and pushed around by ball-carriers
• Faster than quick

Team Fit

Tampa Bay was able to get a versatile option for its secondary at a good price. Jacob Parrish is smaller than ideal and doesn't have the frame to get much bigger, but he competes and holds his own against shifty receivers.

Grade: C+

85. Kansas City Chiefs

Selection: Nohl Williams, CB

Positives 

• Great height and speed
• Incredible ball production
• Physical throughout routes and competes well

Negatives 

• Lacks the ideal length to be an outside cornerback
• Not overly agile with his lateral ability
• Doesn't support the run a lot

Team Fit

The Kansas City Chiefs have a need for playmaking in the secondary, and Nohl Williams was the best among players in this range. He's fast and willing to break on the ball. Steve Spagnuolo will get the most out of him.

Grade: B

86. Los Angeles Chargers

Selection: Jamaree Caldwell, DT

Positives 

• Perfectly built nose tackle for any defense
• Strong upper body that can toss aside defenders to open attack lanes
• Relentless motor, which is uncommon for big bodied tackles

Negatives 

• Loses the pad level battle and ends up on the ground a lot
• No impact on the passing game
• Misses tackles due to stiffness and lack of agility

Team Fit

This is very much a Jim Harbaugh pick where he loves big, nasty tackles to throw out at blockers. Jamaree Caldwell is a nice role player who can soak up snaps and wear out interior linemen and create single-blocked opportunities elsewhere. 

Grade: C

87. Green Bay Packers

Selection: Savion Williams, WR

Positives 

• Rare blend of size, speed, and versatility
• More like an offensive weapon that can move all around instead of a traditional deep threat
• Great hand-eye coordination at the catch point

Negatives 

• Not an advanced or refined route-runner at this point
• Will need to be schemed open
• Suffers from concentration drops 

Team Fit

Savion Williams is a fun athlete, but it's unclear how he will fit into Green Bay's offense in the short term. His size and speed are intriguing, but he might be best served as a practice squad player over being an active roster option. It'll take time to carve out a real role.

Grade: C

88. Jacksonville Jaguars

Selection: Caleb Ransaw, CB

Positives 

• Well-suited to play in the nickel right away with great short-area quickness
• Fluid mover who can cut off receivers throughout routes
• One of the better tacklers in the class

Negatives 

• Footwork can get sloppy in trail coverage, and he'll panic
• Doesn't find the ball well enough to avoid penalties
• Overall technique must catch up to his traits

Team Fit

There's a fair chance that Caleb Ransaw is an ace as a special teamer before making an impact on defense. His physicality and tackling are A-plus already, but he has to connect his body to his mind in coverage. If he does, he'll become a great slot corner.

Grade: C-

89. Jacksonville Jaguars

Selection: Wyatt Milum, OG

Positives 

• Great build with thick lower body and strength
• Powerful hands that jar defenders
• Handles power rushers extraordinarily well

Negatives 

• Footwork and balance can get disjointed against speed
• Doesn't run block as effectively as expected for his power and size
• Agility is questionable

Team Fit

It's surprising to see a starting-level guard go this late in a blocker-heavy draft. Wyatt Milum had high second-round grades for good reason, and he fits Jacksonville's new-look scheme awfully well. This will be a steal.

Grade: B+

90. Los Angeles Rams

Selection: Josaiah Stewart, EDGE

Positives 

• High-end producer who plays within himself extremely well
• Puts blockers on skates with his speed and unique stride
• Can play off-ball in coverage

Negatives 

• Smaller frame and size
• Will lose track of the ball-carrier in favor of battling the blocker
• Must improve pass-rush move set

Team Fit

Josaiah Stewart is a good footballer who makes it work for him despite limitations that stunt others. He likely won't be more than a rotational option for the Rams, but that's okay because they have starpower elsewhere. 

Grade: C+

91. Baltimore Ravens

Selection: Emery Jones Jr., OL

Positives 

• Capable of playing right tackle or sliding into guard
• Fast hands keep him alive more often than most blockers
• Standout quickness and flexibility to recover

Negatives 

• Doesn't have stellar balance and gets overextended
• Lacks pop with his hands upon initial contact
• Can be more aware of blitzes

Team Fit

Moving inside to guard will fix most of Emery Jones' problems, and the Ravens have a need for immediate help there. Experienced in the SEC, Jones profiles as someone who can grow into a role and take gigantic leaps throughout his rookie season. He has the tools to be a starter by Year 2.

Grade: B-

92. Seattle Seahawks

Selection: Jalen Milroe, QB

Positives 

• Amazing athlete who challenges defenses with his legs 
• Powerful downfield thrower who can make any pass
• Avoids interceptable throws effectively

Negatives 

• Inconsistent passing motion and footwork zaps accuracy
• Can get tunnel vision as a runner
• Needs a more basic passing scheme right now

Team Fit

This was the right range for Jalen Milroe as opposed to be a first-round investment. A hyper-athletic dual-threat with a cannon for an arm, his ceiling is sky-high. However, he's quite green right now, so Seattle must give him time and reps before expecting he's ready.

Grade: B+

93. New Orleans Saints

Selection: Jonas Sanker, SAF

Positives 

• Big frame that projects well to a full-time role
• Great run defender in terms of vision and fundamentals
• Closes on the ball quickly

Negatives 

• Embraces contact instead of avoiding it when possible
• Takes poor pursuit angles in coverage
• Bites on play-action

Team Fit

The safety class doesn't have a lot of depth to it, but Jonas Sanker was someone I liked as a special teamer and backup. He's generally reliable against the run, but it's hard to trust his discipline in Cover 1 or Cover 3 alignments. He fits New Orleans' Cover 2 schemes well enough to think he can stick as a backup or rotational option.

Grade: C

94. Cleveland Browns

Selection: Dillon Gabriel, QB

Positives 

• Great accuracy and timing on short and intermediate throws
• Plus mobility 
• Experienced player in multiple schemes

Negatives 

• Weak arm makes it difficult to attempt throws from the far hash
• Poise under pressure is unreliable
• Little upside as a starter

Team Fit

It's one thing that Cleveland might not have wanted Shedeur Sanders, but taking Dillon Gabriel over Will Howard and Quinn Ewers is shocking. Gabriel doesn't have the physical tools to be more than a backup, whereas at least the others could play and win in the right situation. This was a burned pick for a team with a lot of holes and other options on the board.

Grade: F

95. New England Patriots

Selection: Jared Wilson, OC

Positives 

• Good athleticism and movement ability for a zone-based scheme
• Hand usage is good for a one-year starter
• Natural feel in pass protection

Negatives 

• Doesn't have NFL-caliber power right now and would struggle to hold up without help
• Run game impact is limited to double teams and backside blocks
• Leans too far into defenders

Team Fit

There's long-term potential with Jared Wilson, but he may just end up being an adequate backup. For this range, that's not the best value possible for this team. He's a multi-year project.

Grade: D

96. Atlanta Falcons

Selection: Xavier Watts, SAF

Positives 

• Big-time ballhawk with positional versatility
• Range and anticipation is excellent and hard to find
• Fast-reacting in the run game

Negatives 

• Can play a little too out of control and get out of position
• Stiff in man coverage assignments
• Can improve tackling efficiency

Team Fit

Deep, rangy safeties aren't the rage in the NFL anymore, but Xavier Watts can still bring a key element to Atlanta with his play style. Well-built and with great instincts, Watts has a high floor in Year 1. Overextending his assignment can put Watts in the position to struggle, though.

Grade: B+

97. Houston Texans

Selection: Jaylin Smith, CB

Positives 

• Gained experience throughout the entire secondary
• Good footwork and reaction speed
• Physical tackler

Negatives 

• Very small frame and lean
• Surprisingly tight in his hips for his size
• Can't consistently tackle bigger ball-carriers without help

Team Fit

This is one of the bigger reaches of the draft thus far. Jaylin Smith is tough and competes, but is fighting an uphill battle due to his size. His best fit in the NFL might be as a slot safety.

Grade: D-

98. Las Vegas Raiders

Selection: Caleb Rogers, OG

Positives 

• One of the most experienced players in football, earning snaps at guard and tackle 
• Keeps balance with active feet
• Can landmark to defenders on the second level quickly

Negatives 

• Stiffer athlete who struggles moving laterally
• Slower to react to blitzes
• Recovery power isn't consistent

Team Fit

Adding depth at this point in the class is understandable. Caleb Rogers played over 4,000 snaps in college and will be trusted to play in a pinch. His athleticism is limited but he overcomes it with crafty tricks.

Grade: C

99. Las Vegas Raiders

Selection: Charles Grant, OT

Positives 

• Massive body with ideal frame for an NFL OT
• Active, strong hands that get defenders off balance
• Moves well and is a good athlete in space

Negatives 

• Hand timing can be off and get him out of rhythm
• Will lean into defenders too much as opposed to using length
• Pad level consistency

Team Fit

This is tremendous value for someone who was drafted after lower-rated blockers. Charles Grant is one of only a few options in this range with eventual starting potential. His athleticism and huge frame are worth developing over the next few years.

Grade: B+

100. San Francisco 49ers

Selection: Upton Stout, CB

Positives 

• Great instincts and reaction time throughout coverage
• Fluid hips and fast feet allow easy recovery
• Competitive at the catch point and is a nuisance 

Negatives 

• Tiny build and overall physicality are limited
• Can locate the football earlier and more consistently
• Discipline is hit or miss

Team Fit

Despite the size limitations, Upton Stout was a big winner from the All-Star Circuit. He's so quick and reactive that he can survive despite having so many physical impediments. This was earlier than anyone expected, but he could emerge as a useful slot player.

Grade: C-

101. Denver Broncos

Selection: Sai'vion Jones, EDGE

Positives 

• High football IQ and play awareness
• Good first step and overall athleticism
• Shows more contact balance than most rushers who go in this range

Negatives 

• Very raw technician who has to be molded 
• Gets too far over his hips and loses balance
• Doesn't set the edge against the run well enough

Team Fit

Taking an edge rusher at this point is always a gamble, but at least Denver found an NFL-caliber athlete in Sai'vion Jones. He's a big work in progress as he has to be rebuilt from the ground up. However, the tools and effort are there, and he could catch on as a rotational piece.

Grade: B-

102. Minnesota Vikings

Selection: Tai Felton, WR

Positives 

• Versatile to produce in multiple roles throughout his career
• Excellent size-to-speed ratio
• Deep threat who tracks the ball effectively

Negatives 

• Doesn't respond well to contact and gets moved off his spot
• Run blocking is inconsistent and ineffective
• Creation after the catch is average

Team Fit

There was a one-month stretch to start the 2024 season where Tai Felton looked like a first-round option. He fell off as the schedule got harder, but he's certainly an NFL-level athlete who can work his way into a rotation. He'll start by stretching the field vertically while he expands on his routes and physicality.

Grade: C

The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft did not disappoint. These are my thoughts on the most surprising picks from night one.

Tyler Booker

The first surprise of the night was the Cowboys selecting Tyler Booker with the 12^th pick. While I would have personally gone with Matthew Golden here, I don’t think this was an egregious reach by any means. The year after Zack Martin’s retirement, Dallas’ interior offensive line still projects as one of the best units in the NFL, with Booker, Beebe, and Smith all on rookie contracts.

Booker is the most physically dominant offensive lineman in this class and had extremely clean tape against SEC competition. At 326-pounds, he has the best anchor I’ve ever seen for a college offensive lineman and is completely unfazed by power rushers. He has nearly 35-inch arms and strikes with heavy hands in pass protection, erasing the defender’s upfield momentum on contact. When he latches, he has elite grip strength to stay connected and tries to end every rep with his opponent on the ground.

As you would expect for a player of his size, Booker is a below average athlete. While he did run a 4.65 shuttle (68^th percentile) at his pro day, his ten-yard split and broad jump were 7^th and 3^rd percentile, respectively. His athletic limitations show up on tape and create limitations in both phases.

He has heavy feet when trying to redirect or expand his set points. He can’t afford to be late reading a stunt or a blitz, because he lacks the burst to make urgent recoveries. He didn’t have many processing issues in college and he was good enough with his hands to contain SEC pass rushers, but dealing with NFL speed could be a challenge. As a run blocker, Booker has limited range and fluidity. He struggles to win the playside shoulder on reach blocks and connect to moving targets as a puller. He's a bulldozer at the point of attack who creates serious vertical displacement, but there are some assignments he won’t be able to execute.

Keep an eye on Minnesota guard Tyler Cooper as a potential day three pick, since the Cowboys seem to have a type.

James Pearce Jr.

After taking Jalon Walker at 15, Atlanta made an aggressive move back into the first round and selected Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. The actual pick wasn’t surprising in a vacuum and I’m a huge proponent on doubling up at glaring positions of need, but the trade up is hard to justify. The Falcons sent their 2026 first rounder and pick 46 in exchange for picks 26 and 101. I don’t think trading future first round picks for non-quarterbacks is good business, although Terry Fontenot won’t be in Atlanta to deal with the repercussions if Pearce Jr. doesn’t pan out.

On the field, there’s reason to be optimistic that Atlanta will finally have a formidable pass rush. James Pearce Jr. is an elite linear athlete with rare first step explosiveness and two years of high-level production in the SEC. His burst off the line of scrimmage is lethal, and sometimes all he needs to get a clean win, but the threat of his speed also puts blockers on their heels and forces them into oversets. He can punish tackles for selling out to protect the corner with a swift inside counter and has an effective bull rush. His run defense was a weakness in 2023, but he dramatically improved his anchor this year and almost never ended up on the ground.

Jaxson Dart

I thought there was a chance that Jaxson Dart’s draft hype was just a smokescreen, because his tape doesn’t warrant a top-50 pick, but it turns out the Giants were a lot higher on him than me. He’s a developmental quarterback prospect with good mobility, natural accuracy, and NFL-caliber arm talent. I strongly disagree with the idea that his physical traits are anything close to special, but his arm is adequate and won’t be something that holds him back. Dart is a very capable point-and-shoot passer, but he’s starting from square one from a mental standpoint and likely needs one or two redshirt years to develop.

The Ole Miss offense did very little to prepare him mentally for the pro game, rarely asking him to read the entire field, challenge tight windows, or account for multiple defenders at once. His college production is impressive, but most of it came from isolated vertical shots or throws into schemed-up open space. He also has a terrible habit of dropping his eyes in the face of pressure and hasn’t shown the ability to climb the pocket and continue his reads. He’s consistently a first read-to-scramble quarterback, which has to change in the NFL.

With time to grow as a pocket passer, Dart could develop into a quality starter, but there’s a lot of work to be done.

Tyleik Williams

I was a bit surprised that Tyleik Williams went in the first round, but I don’t hate the pick at all. My NFL comparison for Williams was actually Alim McNeill. This corrects the Brodric Martin mistake, one of the few blemishes on Brad Holmes’ draft record.

Williams is a top-tier run defender with a wide, sturdy frame to cloud interior gaps. His anchor was essentially unbreakable in 2024 and he’s capable of withstanding double teams in the A-gap. He has powerful hands to jolt blockers on initial contact and is quick enough to slip around zone cutoffs. His arm length is 11^th percentile for defensive tackles and his lack of length makes it difficult for him to lock out his opponent and establish separation. But overall, he has an extremely high floor as an early down run-stopper.

While he doesn’t have much production, he flashes some juice as a pass rusher and has a fairly diverse moveset. He’s very quick and explosive for his size, and even though he doesn’t project as a 10 sack type of rusher, he can get after the quarterback in a complementary role.

The 1st-round of the 2025 NFL Draft did NOT disappoint. There was unexpected drama, feel-good stories, and hope across the league for what new talent will bring. But the work is only getting started this weekend for NFL teams. Friday night brings two more rounds of action and the opportunity to stack on gains from Thursday. 

With one round in the books, how could it play out? Here's a look at Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft and how things could unfold. 

2nd Round Mock Draft

3rd Round Mock Draft