The NFL Draft moves to Green Bay, WI for the very first time in 2025
The Draft Class has been summarised by many as
lacking top-end talent outside of 2024 Heisman Winner and two-way star Colorado
WR/CB Travis Hunter and Penn State’s edge rusher Abdul Carter. The general
consensus appears to be that once Hunter and Carter are gone the value is to
move down the draft and secure additional Day Two picks. The problem is that if
all teams have a similar evaluation of the class, there isn’t going to be too
much activity on the trade front. As a keen draft observer, it will be
fascinating to see if the flatter tiers of talent in this draft lead to more
needs based picks than traits and upside. Unusually Day Two could take on
almost as much significance as Day One in the 2025 Draft.
Even looking at positions of perceived depth in the 2025 class asks more questions than answers. The edge rushers outside of Carter seem to be a mix of prospects with freakish physical traits but low on-field production that require varying degrees of projection as to their success in the NFL, or acceptable college production but concerns on physical limitations that may cap their potential ceiling in the pro’s.
The one area of absolute strength is at RB. Despite the positions devaluation in recent years, talent-wise this could be one of the deepest draft classes in a generation. Ashton Jeanty heads the class and should be a top 10 pick. The depth of talent could suppress early round selections as supply and demand takes effect but there are 8-10 prospects with full-time starting talent in this class.
The Titans finished 2024 with their lowest win-total in a decade and the worst record in the NFL. Second year HC Brian Callahan returns but Ran Carthon was a casualty in the Front Office and Mike Borgonzoni comes over from Kansas City to kick off his first ever draft as a GM with the #1 overall pick.
Depending on your
version of history, it’s either the first time the Titans have held this pick
or the first time since they selected future Hall-of-Famer Earl Campbell to
become a Houston Oiler back in 1978
Key Off-Season Additions : OT Dan Moore (Pittsburgh), LB Cody Barton (Denver), S Xavier Woods (Carolina), OG Kevin Zeitler (Detroit), DE Dre-Mont Jones (Seattle), WR Van Jefferson (Pittsburgh), QB Brandon Allen (San Francisco) P Johnny Hekker (Carolina), LB Lorenzo Carter (Atlanta)
Key Losses : LB Harold Landry (New England), QB Mason
Rudolph (Pittsburgh), WR Nick Westbrook (Miami), OT Dillon Radunz (New
Orleans), LB Luke Gifford (San Francisco), S Quandre Diggs (free agent), P Ryan
Stonehouse (Miami)
Needs :
When you’re picking #1 overall you’re very
unlikely to have a franchise QB and Tennessee certainly support this prophecy. The
Titans threw a league worst 21 interceptions last year with both Will Levis
(12) and Mason Rudolph (9) both throwing more than one pick per start on
average. Rudolph has gone and Levis the 2023 2nd rounder, has failed
to inspire in 21 career starts to date. Neither QB was helped by a unit that conceded
52 sacks last year, and whilst we can debate the effectiveness of Dan Moore and
the aging Kevin Zeitler the unit was at least addressed in free agency. Whilst the
receiving corps lacks a true WR1 (the cupboard is especially bare behind their
best receiver Calvin Ridley) and edge rusher is a concern, there should only be
two options here – trade the pick or go QB.
The Player : QB Cam Ward (Miami)
The new GM gets to
choose the QB which could ultimately determine his success as GM in Tennessee.
Ward is the clear QB1 in the class and has served his time from a zero star
recruit at Incarnate Word, through to Washington State and his final season in
Miami. He comes to Tennessee battle hardened with 57 starts and over 18000
passing yards, playmaking potential and a strong arm. The ACC Player of the
Year becomes the #1 overall pick.
2) Cleveland Browns
It’s hard to discuss the Browns franchise without the
shadow of DeShaun Watson looming over them. Ignoring the off-field issues as
best as possible, Watson’s ability to rebound from years sidelined in Houston
has not been answered in 3 years in Cleveland and a re-ruptured achilles makes
his return in 2025 unlikely. Parting ways as a post June 1st cut
would cost a historic $72m cap hit. Only in Cleveland could the Front Office
remain after such a fiasco. Offseason activities are hampered by the Watson
situation but the biggest positive was the retention of All-Pro Myles Garrett
on a blockbuster 4-yr $160m contract with over $123m guaranteed.
Key Off-Season Additions : DT Maliek Collins (San
Francisco), QB Kenny Pickett (Philadephia), OT Cornelius Lucas (Washington), OG
Teven Jenkins (Chicago), LB Joe Tryon (Tampa)
Key Losses : DT Dalvin Tomlinson (Arizona), OT James
Hudson (NY Giants), QB Jameis Winston (NY Giants), QB Bailey Zappe (Kansas
City), S Juan Thornhill (Pittsburgh), CB Michael Ford (Atlanta), LS Charley
Hughlett (Philadelphia), RB Nick Chubb (free agent)
Needs :
QB remains a huge question mark. Despite ‘Super
Bowl winning QB’ Kenny Pickett joining the Browns and Joe Flacco returning for
a second stint aged 40, they need answers. Any QB will still have to contend
with an O-line that gave up 66 sacks (31st in the NFL) last year.
Shedeur Sanders is all too familiar with this situation at Colorado last year
but seems ill-suited to Kevin Stefanski’s downfield passing attack.
The Player : CB/WR
Travis Hunter (Colorado)
The Browns have really struggled to draft QB’s and it
feels that selecting Shedeur Sanders here would be an all too familiar mistake.
Aside from the off-the-field scenarios he seems ill-suited to Kevin Stefanski’s
downfield passing attack and a cold and windy Browns stadium. The two undoubted
blue chip picks in this years class are Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter.
Cleveland knows for sure at least one of these will be available. Do you select
Carter to create a formidable partnership with Myles Garrett or Hesiman winning
two-way superstar Travis Hunter. I don’t think there’s a wrong selection with
either of these (that probably means the Browns select neither) but I think you
take Hunter it leaves the most difficult decision as to whether to play him predominantly at corner or
receiver. The 2024 Heisman winner truly is a two-way generational prospect with
1258 receiving yards and 15 receiving TD’s last year to go alongside his 4
interceptions and 11 pass break-ups.
3) NY Giants
GM Joe Schoen and HC Brian Daboll enter the 2025 season
on a red hot seat. Last offseason they chose Daniel Jones over Saquon Barkley
in contract negotiations only to see Barkley depart to NFC East rivals
Philadelphia and win a Super Bowl ring and for Jones to be given his release
out of New York in midseason as the Giants limped to a 3-14 record. The only
credit here can be for Schoen and Daboll’s limpet like resilience in somehow
staying in place in New York for another season. The Giants enter the draft with
neither a franchise QB or arguably the leagues best RB and a Front Office and
Coaching Staff who can ill afford to play the long game anymore.
Key Losses : DE Azeez Ojulari (Philadlephia), S Jason
Pinnock (San Francisco), LB Patrick Johnson (Philadelphia), CB Adoree’ Jackson
(Philadelphia), LB Isaiah Simmons (free agent), QB Drew Lock (free agent)
Needs :
QB was an obvious need entering the offseason and even though Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston were signed in free agency, both passers were brought in on 1-year deals. However, if Schoen and Daboll are indeed on the hot seat why would you allow them the luxury of selecting a QB of the future. It’s much more likely QB becomes a priority in 2026 for a new GM/HC if the Giants fall flat once more.
The Player : EDGE Abdul Carter (Penn State)
The Giants may consider QB, but past successes have
been defined by fearsome front sevens. Don’t overthink the pick. Carter is the
best defender available (stats) and can play as both an edge rusher and an
off-ball LB. In a division containing Jalen Hurts and Jayden Daniels, Carter
can bring the heat or provide spy containment. His last year in college
finished with 68 tackles, 12 sacks, 5 pass break ups, 1 interceptopn and a
forced fumble. He’s still developing but would adds explosion and bend to the
defensive front.
The Patriots fell another 4-13 season in their first year away from the Bill Belichick era. The offseason saw one former Patriots LB Jerod Mayo fired and replaced with another in new HC Mike Vrabel. They’re now 3 years removed from their last playoff appearance but rookie QB Drake Maye helped bring some shoots of optimism. They spent in free agency but the offense needs more weapons. Gambling on Stefon Diggs rolling back the past is a speculative gamble but more help is needed.
Key Losses : QB Jacoby Brissett (Arizona), QB Joe
Milton (t-Dallas), CB Jonathan Jones (Washington), DE Deatrich Wise
(Washington), LB Ja’whaun Bentley (free agent), OC David Andrews (free agent)
Needs :
The fixes to the O-line in free agency were much needed but are short-term stop gaps. More receiving weapons are also essential to help Maye take a step forward in year two. The Patriots hope Harold Landry can improve a pass defense that only had 28 sacks last year but there’s good depth in the draft class to make additions here too. The top 3 picks will determine the Patriots likely decision here. The Patriots will long for two QB’s to be selected, leaving them either Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter, otherwise I think they’ll look more positional need and specifically the O-line.
The Player : OT Will Campbell (LSU)
Drake Maye gave reason to believe he could be the
answer at QB despite a porous O-Line and a lack of receiving weapons. I’d be
seriously tempted to bring in Ashton Jeanty here but I believe the Patriots
will focus on protecting their asset in Maye. There’s been questions around
Will Campbell’s arm length but not his on-field play. He’s highly experienced
with 3-years at LT and versatile enough to start along the O-line if needed.
Campbell has conceded only 2 sacks in his last 2 college seasons, over 1051 pass
block snaps.
5) Jacksonville Jaguars
Both GM Trent Baalke and HC Doug Pedersen were fired at
the end of the 2024 season. James Gladstone heads over from the Rams to take
charge of his first draft with Liam Coen taking his first HC role having worked
with Gladstone in two separate stints previously in LA prior to his role as the
Buccaneers OC last season.
Key Off-Season Additions : OG Patrick Mekari (Baltimore), CB Jourdan Lewis (Dallas), OC Robert Hainsey (Tampa), S Eric Murray (Houston), WR Dyami Brown (Washington), OT Chuma Edoga (Dallas), TE Johnny Mundt (Minnesota), TE Hunter Long (LA Rams), QB Nick Mullens (Minnesota)
Key Losses : TE Evan Engram (Denver), S Andre Cisco (NY
Jets), TE Luke Farrell (San Francisco), QB Mac Jones (San Francisco), CB Ronald
Darby (Houston), WR Tim Jones (Minnesota), DT Jeremiah Ledbetter (NY Giants),
WR Devin Duvernay (Chicago). OG Brandon Scherff (free agent)
Needs :
The Jaguars were the 29th ranked
defense in 2024 and 32nd against the pass. It was noticeable that
they did not add to the D-line in free agency. An edge rusher or interior
lineman would help. Trevor Lawrence still hasn’t reached his expected heights,
so it’s possible Gladstone sees an inferior supporting cast as this reason and
considers OL, WR, TE or even RB as somewhat unexpected but understandable picks
The Player : DT Mason Graham (Michigan)
A solid safe pick to kick things off for the new
Jaguars era. Graham is big, strong and fast with high football character. Is he
elite? Time will tell, but he’s a strong signal towards the type of player that
required for the latest re-set in Jacksonville.
6) Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders enter their third successive draft with a new GM and new HC. Continuity has not been their strong point. The surprise return to coaching for Pete Carroll makes me think the Raiders feel they’re not that far away, though a cursory look over their roster tells me otherwise. The Raiders need help in a lot of areas and face the Chiefs and the ascending Chargers and Broncos in a tough division.
Key Off-Season Additions : QB Geno Smith (t-Seattle), S Jeremy Chinn (Washington), OG Alex Cappa (Cincinnati), CB Eric Stokes (Green Bay), LB Elandon Roberts (Pittsburgh), CB Lonnie Johnson (Carolina), RB Raheem Mostert (Miami), TE Ian Thomas (Carolina), DT Leki Fotu (NY Jets), LB Devin White (Houston)
Key Losses : S Trevon Moehrig (Carolina), CB Nate Hobbs
(Green Bay), LB Robert Spillane (New England), LB Divine Deablo (Atlanta), LB
K’Lavon Chaisson (New England), S Marcus Epps (New England), RB Alexander
Mattison (Miami), TE Harrison Bryant (Philadelphia), QB Garnder Minshew (Kansas
City)
Needs :
Pete Carroll likes to run the ball and inherits
what is easily ranked the worst rushing offense in 2024 in terms of total
yards, the Raiders also carried the ball at a paltry 3.6 yards per carry
(another league low). It won’t be any surprise for the Raiders to spend a pick
on a RB in this class, it’s just a question of whether it’s Day One or Day Two
surely. It’s a very deep class at RB and the Raiders multiple needs may make RB
a luxury pick. If it’s not Ashton Jeanty, maybe it’s the secondary following
the loss of Nate Hobbs and Jack Jones release. The LB corps was also decimated
in free agency and only a two-down run-stuff specialist Elandon Roberts was
brought in. They’re also light at WR with only Jakobi Meyers on the roster a proven
starter.
The Player : RB Ashton Jeanty (Boise State)
Such a tough decision to pass on Ashton Jeanty when we
all know Pete Carroll wants to run the football. The best outcome here would be
a move down for someone desperate for Jeanty (yes that’s you Chicago &
Dallas) and fortify more of the roster. Taking the best player and at a need
position may not be optimal but is so obvious. Jeanty rushed for a colossal
2601 yards in 14 games last season, including 29 TD’s. Yes it was for Boise
State but he dominated opponents last year on his way to finishing 2nd
in the Heisman voting.
7) New York Jets
Key Off-Season Additions : QB Justin Fields
(Pittsburgh), CB Brandon Stephens (Baltimore), S Andre Cisco (Jacksonville), OC
Josh Myers (Green Bay), CB Kris Boyd (Houston), DT Derrick Nnadi (Kansas City),
DT Byron Cowart (Chicago)
Key Losses : WR Davante Adams (LA Rams), QB Aaron
Rodgers (free agent), CB D.J Reed (Detroit), DT Javon Kinlaw (Washington), LB
Haason Reddick (Tampa), OT Morgan Moses (New England), TE Tyler Conlin (LA
Chargers), DE Solomon Thomas (Dallas), CB Brandin Echols (Pittsburgh), S Ashtyn
Davis (Miami), OG Wes Schweitzer (New England), DT Leki Fotu (Las Vegas)
Needs :
With a new GM and HC there isn’t much history
to base the Jets strategy upon. Glenn’s expertise is on the defensive side of
the ball but in terms of needs, it would appear the offense poses the greatest
concerns. There is a question mark at QB despite the Justin Fields signing. The
O-line is likely set, aside from RT and at #6 it’s possible all OL options are available.
As it is, the highest ranked RT Armand Membou is available and Aaron Glenn may
want to follow the Detroit template and build from the O-line out. Receiving
weapons behind Garrett Wilson are in short supply too, even if Allen Lazard
isn’t a post-draft cap casualty. Wilson’s known unhappiness in NY could further
sway this pick towards WR or TE.
The Player : WR Tet McMillan (Arizona)
If you’ve got a QB with accuracy question marks, simply
go get the big guys who can catch. Enter Tet McMillan who would provide an
excellent complement to Garrett Wilson in New York. McMillan is tall and
muscular with a large catch radius. He’s been consistently productive
throughout his 3 seasons in Arizona and could provide an excellent foil for
Garrett Wilson.
Key Off-Season Additions : S Trevon Moehrig (Las Vegas), DT Tershawn Wharton (Kansas City), DT Bobby Brown (LA Rams), LB Patrick Jones (Minnesota), LB Christian Rozeboom (LA Rams), RB Rico Dowdle (Dallas)
Key Losses : S Xavier Woods (Tennessee), CB Lonnie
Johnson (Las Vegas) TE Ian Thomas (Las Vegas), P Johnny Hekker (Tennessee), CB
Dane Jackson (Buffalo), RB Miles Sanders (Dallas), S Jordan Fuller (Atlanta),
WR Velus Jones (New Orleans), TE Feleipe Franks (Atlanta)
Needs :
Defense. Defense. Defense. With a league worst
51.6% of all opponents drives ending in a score last year (35 pass TD’s, 24
rushing rushing TD’s ranked 32nd and 31st respectively)
the Panthers know exactly where they must improve to even become competitive.
With a league worst rush defense in terms of yards (3057) and per attempt (5.2
yards per rush) they’ve looked to shore up the D during free agency. They’ve
yet to replace Brian Burns in the pass rush though and picking at #8 gives them
options.
The Player : EDGE Jalon Walker (Georgia)
It seems the consensus that Walker is the obvious pick
for Carolina. He’s versatile enough to play-off ball LB and edge rusher.
Predominantly a reserve through his first 2 years in Georgia (6 sacks), he
broke out with 11 TFL’s and 6.5 sacks as a starter for Georgia in 2024.
9) New Orleans Saints
Kellen Moore returns to the scene of Super Bowl LIX but this time as HC of the Saints. It’s his fourth job on four teams in four years. It feels like a rebuild, particularly with questions now over Derek Carr’s availability for the season, but the Saints have continued to resist rebuild and battle salary cap hell.
Key Off-Season Additions : S Justin Reid (Kansas City), WR Brandin Cooks (Dallas), OT Dillon Radunz (Tennessee), CB Isaac Yiadom (San Francisco), OC Will Clapp (Buffalo), TE Jack Stoll (Miami), WR Velus Jones (Carolina)
Key Losses : CB Paulson Adebo (NY Giants), WR Marquez
Valdes-Scantling (Seattle), S Will Harris (Washington), DE Payton Turner
(Dallas) OC Lucas Patrick (Cincinnati), Willie Gay Jr (Miami)
Needs : The news that Derek Carr may miss 2025 casts a
huge question mark over team needs. The Saints would currently start the season
with either Spencer Rattler or Jake Haener under Center. However, there’s
plenty of needs elsewhere. The Saints have needs on both the OL & DL and
the secondary has lost Paulson Adebo and Marshon Lattimore in recent years.
They do have weapons at WR but Chris Olave, Rasheed Shaheed and Brandin Cooks
are all small framed guys so a larger receiving target would be a decent addition
but perhaps a luxury pick with the roster in it’s current state.
The Player : QB Shedeur Sanders (Colorado)
The future is an enforced now if Carr is out for the
season. Colorado went 1-11 the season prior to the arrival of Shedeur Sanders,
with Sanders finishing 13-11 as a starter the last 2 years. You’d expect the
offspring of the legendary Deion Sanders to be an ultra mobile QB, but Shedeur
doesn’t win that way. He’s a more pocket based timing passer who stands up in
the face of pressure. Sanders doesn’t actually own any high end traits which
could push him lower, but necessity dictates the pick here.
10) Chicago Bears
Key Losses : OG Coleman Shelton (LA Rams)
~@?, WR Keenan Allen (free agent), TE Gerald Everett (free agent), LB Darrell
Taylor (Houston), OG Teven Jenkins (Cleveland), WR Jake Martin (Washington), OT
Larry Borom (Miami), LB Jack Sanborn (Dallas), DT Byron Cowart (NY Jets)
Needs :
With 68 sacks allowed (ranked 32nd)
in 2024, Ben Johnson’s first task will be to review his playbook and realise it’s
not as easy calling plays without the Lions O-line. There are weapons in place
though with DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet. Needs here may be along the
O-line though the headline pick would be Ashton Jeanty should he get this far.
The Player : OT Armand Membou
Membou has arguably the biggest upside of all the OT’s
in this class but the downside for Chicago is that Darnell Wright is entrenched
at RT where Membou made all his 30 starts at Missouri. He has the skill-set to
be a success on the blindside but it’s an unknown factor. Only 3 sacks allowed
in his college career, none of which in 2024.
11) San Francisco 49ers
Key Off-Season Additions : TE Luke Farrell (Jacksonville), QB Mac Jones (Jacksonville),WR Demarcus Robinson (LA Rams), S Siran Neal (Miami), S Jason Pinnock (NY Giants), LB Luke Gifford (Tennessee), CB Tre Brown (Seattle), S Richie Grant (Atlanta), LS Jon Weeks (Houston)
Key Losses : WR Deebo Samuel (t-Washington), OG Aaron
Banks (Green Bay), CB Charvarius Ward (Indianapolis), DT Javon Hargrave
(Minnesota), OT Jaylon Moore (Kansas City), S Talanoa Hufanga (Denver), LB Dre
Greenlaw (Denver), LB Leonard Floyd (Atlanta), DT Maliek Collins (Cleveland),
QB Josh Dobbs (New England), CB Isaac Yiadom (New Orleans), RB Elijah Mitchell
(Kansas City), OT Charlie Heck (Tampa), TE Eric Saubert (Seatlle), QB Brandon
Allen (Tennessee)
Needs : The 49ers could look on either side of the
trenches or look to re-stock their secondary after an off-season that saw hits
all over the roster. An obvious pick would be CB Will Johnson but injury
concerns could push him away from the CB1 conversations. The 49ers defense
under John Lynch was built around a formidable front. However, outside of Nick
Bosa the 49ers D-Line is no longer loaded with recognised starters.
The Player : EDGE Mykel Williams (Georgia)
Williams is a prototypical edge rusher at 6’5/260 with
muscular frame and very long arms. He’s posted 14 sacks during his 3 years at
Georgia, so the upside is still projection based on high end traits, but in San
Francisco he won’t initially be the main man and it’s a great spot to develop
his skills with a solid coaching team.
12) Dallas Cowboys
It’s 29 years since the Cowboys reached a Conference Championship and their 7-10 record saw the end of Mike McCarthy in Dallas. The promotion of Brian Schottenheimer from OC feels like more of the same. Meanwhile the Cowboys continue to fight ongoing salary cap issues, mismanaged over years by the Front Office.
Key Losses : DE DeMarcus Lawrence (Seattle), CB Jourdan
Lewis (Jacksonville), WR Brandin Cooks (New Orleans), DE Chauncey Golston (NY
Giants), OT Chuma Edoga (Jacksonville), QB Cooper Rush (Baltimore), QB Trey
Lance (LA Chargers), RB Rico Dowdle (Carolina)
Needs : The return of Zeke Elliott did nothing to the
Cowboys run game apart from confirm his best days were well behind him. Rico
Dowdle led the team in rushing yards but was allowed to leave for a back-up
role in Carolina. The only backs on the roster right now are cast-off’s Miles
Sanders and Javonte Williams. Talent is also lacking in the receiver room
behind CeeDee Lamb and on the defensive side of the ball, it could be D-Line or
secondary.
The Player : WR Matthew Golden (Texas)
The cynic in me likes predicting an in-State selection
for jersey sales for the Jones’ family but it is a strong positional need with
CeeDee Lamb and not much else in the receiver room. Golden could be the fast
undersized WR the Cowboys thought they had before Brandin Cooks 2024 decline
and his 4.29 speed should bring much needed speed and explosion to the receiver
room.
13) Miami Dolphins
Key Losses : S Jevon Holland (NY Giants), OT Terron
Armstead (retired), OG Robert Jones (Dallas), TE Durham Smythe (Chicago), DE
Da’shawn Hand (LA Chargers), S Siran Neal (San Francisco), WR Braxton Barrios
(Houston), RB Raheem Mostert (Las Vegas), OT Kendall Lamm (Philadelphia), LB
Anthony Walker Jr (Tampa), TE Jack Stoll (New Orleans), CB Kendall Fuller (free
agent)
Needs : The Dolphins are probably looking at the
O-Line, the interior D-Line or CB as key areas to address.
The Player : CB Will Johnson (Michigan)
For some Johnson is the best CB in the draft with ideal
speed, length and instincts, but the medicals will be key. As such he could go
much earlier or slide but he would be a great fit for the Dolphins,
particularly with the added possibility of Jalen Ramsey getting traded.
Key Losses : OG Will Fries (Minnesota), DE Dayo
Odeyingno (Chicago), OC Ryan Kelly (Minnesota), LB E.J Speed (Houston), TE
Kylen Granson (Philadelphia), LB Grant Stuard (Detroit)
Needs :
Offensive playmakers. If you’re trying to help
a QB with accuracy questions go for big targets at WR. Tet McMillan if still
available (at 6-4) enters the conversation here. If not, maybe they look
towards TE. It might be too high a positional pick for the Colts but they have
to replace under-performing Kylen Granson and Mo Allie-Cox who both left this
off-season. If not, could the Colts look towards the O-Line after a couple of
starters left in free agency
The Player : TE Tyler Warren (Penn State)
The 2024 John Mackey Award winner for the nations top
TE had a breakout season with 104 catches for 1233 yards and 8 TD catches (as
well as 218 rushing yards and a passing TD). The 5th yr senior took
until 2023 to become the starter at Penn State but last year was a true
breakout. Warren has great hands and excels in 50:50 situations but is more
than a receiving TE. He might not have elite speed but should be the Day One
starter here.
15) Atlanta Falcons
Key Losses : DT Grady Jarrett (Chicago), OC Drew Dalman
(Chicago), WR Rondale Moore (Minnesota), S Richie Grant (San Francisco), LB
Lorenzo Carter (Tennessee), DT Eddie Goldman (Washington), LB Nate Landman (LA
Chargers), RB/CB/KR Avery Williams (Philadelphia), Matt Judon (free agent), S
Justin Simmons (free agent)
Needs :
It feels almost a copy & paste for the last
decade to write the Falcons need a pass rusher. Aside from one Vic Beasley
mirage of a season the Falcons have not had a blue chip pass rusher since Jon
Abraham departed in 2012. Aside from this, a quality CB opposite A.J Terrell
would not hurt and Jordan Fuller is only a stopgap at Safety.
The Player : EDGE Mike Green (Marshall)
Green posted the most sacks in college in 2024 (17) as
well as 22.5 TFL’s (2nd only behind Abdul Carter). He’s still
relatively inexperienced but has both production and potential growth.
16) Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals doubled their win total in 2024 and may
have been in playoff contention were it not for a streak which saw 5 losses in
6 games. The pass rush was probably the most glaring weakness but they’ll hope
their signing of Josh Sweat from Philadelphia improves this. It’s a young and
hopefully upcoming roster.
Key Off-Season Additions : DE Josh Sweat
(Philadelphia), DT Dalvin Tomlinson (Cleveland), LB Akeem Davis-Gaither
(Cincinnati), QB Jacoby Brissett (New England), LB Mykal Walker (Washington),
WR Simi Fehoko (LA Chargers)
Key Losses : DT Roy Lopez (Detroit), Khyiris Tonga (New
England), DT Naquan Jones (LA Chargers)
Needs :
The Cardinals love their power run game and
either an OT or IOL could be in play here. Alternatively, Jonathan Gannon could
look to replicate the rotation of the Eagles D-Line with Kenneth Grant as a run
plugger on the interior or one of the available edge rushers to team with Josh
Sweat.
The Player : OT Kelvin Banks Jr (Texas)
With 42 starts in college, Banks is a well rounded LT
prospect who could potentially play OG early on in his career if needed. His
power game would suit the Cardinals run offense, but he’s more than that with
quick footwork too.
17) Cincinnati Bengals
Key Off-Season Additions : DT Tedarrell Slaton (Green
Bay), LB Oren Burks (Philadelphia), RB Samaje Perine (Kansas City), OG Lucas
Patrick (New Orleans)
Key Losses : OG Alex Kappa (Las Vegas), DT Sheldon
Rankins (Houston), LB Akeem Davis-Gaither (Arizona), OT Trenton Brown
(Houston), RB Khalil Herbert (Indianapolis)
Needs : It feels like all the financial investment has
gone onto the offensive side of the ball, but the Bengals will have to stop
teams at some point. It should be a defensively focused draft with some
consideration to the O-line potentially. If Trey Hendrickson is moved on
pre-draft then edge rusher becomes more amplified, otherwise it seems a
straight toss-up between edge and interior D-Line.
The Player : DT Walter Nolan (Mississippi)
Nolan played all along the line for Ole Miss. He is a
pocket collapsing threat in the interior racking up 35 pressures and 6.5 sacks
in 2024. He can be a 3-down player in Cincinnati.
18) Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks were more successful than most predicted
in Mike McDonald’s first season as HC. However, their 10 wins were the most by
a team not to secure a playoff spot. Some of the key players from the Pete
Carroll era were let go or traded this offseason, as the
Key Off-Season Additions : QB Sam Darnold (Minnesota),
WR Cooper Kupp (LA Rams), DE Demarcus Lawrence (Dallas), WR Marquez
Valdes-Scantling (New Orleans), OT Josh Jones (Baltimore), TE Eric Saubert (San
Francisco),
Key Losses : QB Geno Smith (t-Las Vegas), WR DK Metcalf
(t-Pittsburgh). DE Dre’Mont Jones (Tennessee), DT Roy Robertson-Harris (NY
Giants), OG Laken Tomlinson (Houston), CB Tre Brown (San Francisco), CB Artie
Burns (Miami)
Needs : The headlines were the Seahawks parting with DJ
Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Geno Smith this offseason but the biggest problems
last year were running the ball (their rushing offense was ranked 28th)
and protecting the passer (54 sacks tied for third worst). They’ve had these issues,
particularly on the interior of their O-Line for a few seasons now. It’s a
priority here as well as replacements along the D-Line following some key free
agency losses.
The Player : IOL Grey Zabel (North Dakota State)
Zabel offers positional versatility across the O-line
having played at OT and OG in college and impressing at OC during the Senior
Bowl practices. He’ll find his way onto the field as one of Seattle’s best 5
linemen as a rookie.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Key Losses : OC Robert Hainsey (Jacksonville), LB Joe
Tryon (Cleveland), CB Tavierre Thomas (Minnesota), OT Justin Skule (Minnesota)
Needs :
Haason Reddick was brought in on a 1-yr deal but
edge rusher remains very much a need. There’s also the question of a long-term
successor for Lavonte David who returns for his 13th year. Further
secondary help should not be ruled out either after Jayden Daniels carved them
up in the playoffs.
The Player : LB Jihaad Campbell (Alabama)
The Bucs need both an edge rusher and off-ball LB. Why
not go get both in the same person? A 2-yr starter for Alabama, Jihaad Campbell
posted 117 tackles in 2024 alongside 11.5 TFL’s and 5 sacks. Whilst mainly
playing at LB, he looks comfortable against the run, in coverage and when left
to rush the passer from the edge position.
20) Denver Broncos
The Broncos made the playoffs for the first time since
Peyton Manning took them to victory in the Super Bowl in 2015. Bo Nix exceeded
all expectations as a rookie and Sean Peyton remains confident the Broncos can
improve further in 2025.
Key Losses : LB Cody Barton (Tennessee), RB Javonte
Williams (Dallas), CB Tremon Smith (Houston), QB Zach Wilson (Miami), P Riley
Dixon (Tampa)
Needs :
Sean Payton added to his QB whisperer
credentials with the introduction of Bo Nix as a rookie but the talent level
around him needs improving. As good as Nix was it feels like there’s a ceiling
and he’ll need playmakers to elevate the offense. This could come via RB, WR or
TE.
The Player : RB Omarion Hampton (North Carolina)
Hampton is a
workhorse back who prides himself on his physical run style with immediate
acceleration. He ran for 1660 yards and 15 TD’s in 2024 and also added 38
receptions. There is no-one close to his skillset on the Broncos roster. He’d
be the RB1 immediately.
21) Pittsburgh Steelers
Key Off-Season Additions : WR DK Metcalf (t-Seattle), LB
Malik Harrison (Baltimore), CB Darius Slay (Philadelphia), QB Mason Rudolph
(Tennessee), CB Brandin Echols (NY Jets), S Juan Thornhill (Cleveland), RB
Kenneth Gainwell (Philadelphia)
Key Losses : OT Dan Moore (Tennessee), QB Justin Fields
(NY Jets), QB Russell Wilson (NY Giants), OG James Daniels (Miami), DE Larry
Ogunjobi (Buffalo), CB Donte Jackson (LA Chargers), RB Najee Harris (LA
Chargers), LB Elandon Roberts (Las Vegas), WR Mike Williams (LA Chargers), WR
Van Jefferson (Tennessee), OG Nate Herbig (Washington)
Needs : Despite Mike Tomlin assuring everyone Mason
Rudolph is a starting QB he’s not fooling anyone. The flirting with Aaron
Rodgers feels like 2024 Russell Wilson only amplified and doesn’t feel like a
Steeler move. In the absence of a veteran addition the Steelers should have a
QB interest. Should Sanders slide may he’s in consideration. If not, a Day Two
pick is a possibility though their next pick is at #82. Can an Arthur Smith led
offense enter the season with Jaylen Warren as his workhorse? Again, RB is probably
a Day Two or Day Three option.
The Player : DT Derrick Harmon (Oregon)
Harmon brings size, length and versatility. With 10.5
TFL’s in 2024 to sit with his 5 sacks, Harmon can stop the run and get after
the QB. There’s missed tackles on tape, but he’s going to a situation that
would correct those issues. Selected here he would become the heir apparent to
the 35-yr old Cam Heyward.
22) LA Chargers
Key Off-Season Additions : OG Mekhi Becton
(Philadelphia), CB Donte Jackson (Pittsburgh), RB Najee Harris (Pittsburgh), WR
Mike Williams (Pittsburgh), TE Tyler Conklin (NY Jets), CB Benjamin St-Juste
(Washington), DE Da’shawn Hand (Miami), QB Trey Lance (Dallas), Del’Shawn
Phillips (Houston), DT Naquan Jones (Arizona)
Key Losses : LB Joey Bosa (Buffalo), CB Kristian Fulton
(KC), WR Josh Palmer (Buffalo), DT Poona Ford (LA Rams), LB Nick Niemann
(Houston), DE Morgan Fox (Atlanta), WR Simi Fehoko (Arizona), TE Stone Smartt
(NY Jets), QB Easton Stick (Atlanta)
Needs : Outside of Ladd McConkey there is a need for more receiving weapons. WR or TE is a possibility. A big NT would be a good addition to replace Poona Ford or more edge rush.
The Player : TE Colston Loveland (Michigan)
Loveland is a receiving TE with seam splitting speed.
He should become a favourite weapon of Justin Herbert overnight. With 24 starts
over 3 years in college, he broke the single season Michigan reception record
for a TE last year with 56 catches for 582 yards. His blocking is no more than
serviceable but that’s not why he’s selected here.
23) Green Bay Packers
Key Losses : DT Tedarrell Slaton (Cincinnati), CB Eric
Stokes (Las Vegas), LB Eric Wilson (Minnesota), OC Josh Myers (NY Jets), CB
Corey Ballentine (Indianapolis)
Needs :
There are questions on Jaire Alexander and Eric
Stokes left via free agency. The Packers still lack a true WR1 to pair with
Jordan Love. They could use pass rush help too but draftees here have been rare
misses for the franchise.
The Player : CB Jahdae Barron (Texas)
A 3-yr starter at Texas, Barron has experience at Outside
CB, in the slot and at Safety. His versatility and intelligence are plus points
and he won the Jim Thorpe Award for the nations top DB in 2024 contributing 5
interceptions and 16 passes defensed.
24) Minnesota Vikings
Key Losses : QB Sam Darnold (Seattle), S Camryn Bynum
(Indianapolis), QB Daniel Jones (Indianapolis), OT Cam Robinson (Houston), LB
Patrick Jones (Carolina), OC Garrett Bradbury (New England), WR Trent Sherfield
(Denver), TE Johnny Mundt (Jacksonville), QB Nick Mullens (Jacksonville), DT
Jerry Tillery (KC)
Needs :
The upgrades in the trenches were some of the
better moves in free agency. This probably leaves the secondary as the biggest
area to address.
The Player : S Malaki Starks (Georgia)
If the pick is Safety it could be either Starks or Nick
Emmanwori who both offer a degree of versatility, but I’ve gone for Starks a
3-yr starter at Georgia and leader of the Bulldogs secondary since his freshman
year. The pick allows the rookie a year under the tutelage of Vikings legend
Harrison Smith
25) Houston Texans
Key Off-Season Additions : OT Cam Robinson (Minnesota),
CB Tremon Smith (Denver), LB Nick Niemann (LA Chargers), DT Sheldon Rankins
(Cincinnati), WR Justin Watson (KC), LB Darrell Taylor (Chicago), OG Laken
Tomlinson (Seattle), LB E.J Speed (Indianapolis), OT Trenton Brown
(Cincinnati), CB Ronald Darby (Jacksonville), WR Braxton Berrios (Miami), DE
Casey Toohill (Buffalo)
Key Losses : WR Stefon Diggs (New England), S Eric
Murray (Jacksonville), CB Jeff Okudah (Minnesota), QB Case Keenum (Chicago), LB
Del’Shawn Phillips (LA Chargers), CB Kris Boyd (NY Jets), LS Jon Weeks (San
Francisco), OG Kendrick Green (Buffalo), LB Devin White (Las Vegas)
Needs :
The follow-up to CJ Stroud’s record setting
rookie season was a bit of an anti-climax. Even before the trade of LT Laremy
Tunsil, improvement on the O-Line seemed a necessity and has seen the Texans
move on from Kenyon Green and Shaq Mason on the interior. Whilst Cam Robinson
was signed to a 1-yr deal to presumably replace Tunsil, this provides
opportunity to slowly bed-in a future LT.
The Player : OT Josh Simmons (Ohio State)
Josh Simmons has prototypical size for an OT with quick
feet and excellent balance. He spent 2 years as a starter at San Diego State
before transferring to start for Ohio State in 2023. He only allowed 1 sack in
his two seasons for the Buckeyes. There’s a strong argument that he’d be the
OT1 in the class were it not for his season ending injury in October 2024. He
wouldn’t need to be rushed back from injury in this situation
26) LA Rams
The Rams again endured a small will he won’t he on the
future of Matthew Stafford but he returns in the quest for another Super Bowl
ring. With a headline signing on both offense and defense in free agency, it
would seem that the Rams will strive for another contributor in the Super Bowl
quest rather than a heir apparent for Stafford (though Jalen Milroe on Day Two
is on my personal wishlist for Sean McVay to develop.
Key Losses : WR Cooper Kupp (Seattle), DT Bobby Brown
(Carolina), LB Michael Hoecht (Buffalo), WR Demarcus Robinson (San Francisco),
LB Christian Rozeboom (Carolina), TE Hunter Long (Jacksonville), DE Neville
Gallimore (Indianapolis)
Needs :
They have a strong pass rush so the addition of
a lockdown corner would make this defense even more formidable. The Rams brought
in Davante Adams but may wish to find further receiving weapons. And yes, a
back-up QB with potential would be nice in the later rounds.
The Player : CB Trey Amos (Mississippi)
If the Rams do go CB here there are plenty of options
but Trey Amos for me is the best remaining. He has size and strength and comfortable
in zone or press. His combine 40 didn’t blow anyone away but his 4.43 answered
the final question in his game on straight speed. A 5-yr senior (at Lousiana
and Alabama before Ole Miss), Amos saved his best year for last, with 3 interceptions
and an impressive 16 passes defensed.
27) Baltimore Ravens
Key Losses : OL Patrick Mekari (Jacksonville), CB
Brandon Stephens (NY Jets), LB Malik Harrison (Pittsburgh), OT Josh Jones
(Seattle), CB Tre’Davious White (Buffalo), LB Chris Board (NY Giants), QB Josh
Johnson (Washington)
Needs :
Assuming
Ronnie Stanley returns, the most obvious needs are on the defense with an edge
rusher for the rotation and some depth in the secondary.
The Player : EDGE Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M)
Stewart is one of the most polarising prospects in the
draft. He could go top 10 or out of Day One. On the face of it, he is the archetypal
traits over production pick. Despite the prototypical size and explosion for an
edge rusher he’s never had more than 1.5 sacks in any of his 3 college seasons and
there are a litany of missed tackles on tape. However, he did lead the team in
pressures (39) last year and there’s not many men his size who can run like
Stewart.
28) Detroit Lions
Key Losses : CB Carlton Davis (New England), OG Kevin
Zeitler (Tennessee), CB Ifeatu Melifonwu (Miami), CB Kindle Vildor (Tampa)
Needs :
When you’re this close to the Super Bowl it’s impact
players or future proofing. The Lions could look to an edge rusher on Day One
or an interior O-lineman.
The Player: OG Tyler Booker (Alabama)
Booker feels like a Dan Campbell player. A team leader
on the O-line for Alabama these last 2 years, he’s a powerful immovable force with
27 college starts and would add to what’s already a team strength for the
Lions. Booker probably had one of the poorest combine performances, so he could
slip, but his tape tells a different story.
29) Washington Commanders
Key Losses : DT Jonathan Allen (Minnesota), WR Dyami
Brown (Jacksonville), S Jeremy Chinn (Las Vegas), DE Dante Fowler Jr (Dallas),
OT Cornelius Lucas (Cleveland), CB Benjamin St Juste (LA Chargers), LB Mykal
Walker (Arizona), WR Olamide Zaccheaus (Chicago)
Needs :
Protecting Jayden Daniels is the utmost priority
so it’s possible an OT is first choice. The Commanders also lost Dante Fowler
(10.5 sacks last year) and Jonathan Allen this offseason so the D-Line becomes
a real priority too.
The Player : EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College)
With 36 college starts, Exeiruaku combines this experience
with great bend and a host of pass rush moves. He’s a little lightweight at
6-2/248 but his game is more finesse than power. His 2024 season (16.5 sacks to
tie the BC single season record) should push him into Day One.
30) Buffalo Bills
Key Losses : WR Mack Hollins (New England), OC Will
Clapp (New Orleans), LB Von Miller (free agent)
Needs : The Bills need more impetus on the D-Line and
help with their pass rush even after Joey Bosa came over from LA. Rasul Douglas
has not been re-signed to date and more help is needed in the secondary. The
Bills would also love a true WR1. Josh Allen was MVP last year with Khalil
Shakir his top threat.
The Player : DT Kenneth Grant (Michigan)
I think there’s an argument that they should be looking
to match against the Chiefs and Ravens and a speedy CB such as Maxwell Hairston
could be the pick to account for the likes of Xavier Worthy and Zay Flowers. However,
I view the middle of the Bills D as lightweight throughout the spine. Grant’s a
huge presence on the D-Line at 6-4/331 that would change all of that. He is
very much an A+ run plugger but he does offer some push in the pass rush too
with 6.5 sacks over his last 2 years at Michigan.
31) Kansas City Chiefs
Key Losses : DT Tershawn Wharton (Carolina), S Justin
Reid (New Orleans), WR DeAndre Hopkins (Baltimore), WR Justin Watson (Houston),
LB Josh Uche (Philadelphia), RB Samaje Perine (Cincinnati), WR Mecole Hardman
(Green Bay), DT Derrick Nnadi (NY Jets)
Needs :
The Chiefs may struggle to replace Wharton and
Reid who were their biggest offseason losses, but let’s face it they’ve now
lost 2 Super Bowl’s with their O-line the primary reason. It’s time to address the
situation at OT on Day One and fill the other holes later.
The Player : OT Josh Conerly Jr (Oregon)
A 2-yr starter in Oregon, Conerly is an outstanding
mover who should excel in pas protection. He’s still developing but took
considerable leaps in 2024. If you remove the Ohio State game from last year,
he allowed zero QB pressures.
32) Philadelphia Eagles
Key Losses : DT Milton Williams (New England), DE Josh
Sweat (Arizona), CB Darius Slay (Pittsburgh), OG Mekhi Becton (LA Chargers), CB
Isaiah Rodgers (Minnesota), LB Oren Burks (Cincinnati), RB Kenneth Gainwell
(Pittsburgh), CB Avonte Maddox (Detroit), OT Fred Johnson (Jacksonville), DE
Brandon Graham (retired)
Needs :
With Milton Williams and Josh Sweat both
departing and Brandon Graham retiring, the Eagles tradition of taking linemen
early in the draft should be maintained. Could a surprise fall on any of the Day
One TE’s tempt them? Probably not.
The Player : EDGE Nic Scourton (Texas A&M)
Scourton is one of the youngest draft prospects in this
years draft. He had a breakout 2023 at Purdue (10 sacks, 15 TFL’s) and transferred
to Texas A&M for his junior season where he bulked up a little with continued
success (5 sacks, 14 TFL’s). A good pass rusher, he’s no slouch against the run
either. He’s one of my favourite prospects and a good fit for the Eagles. He’s
still developing so would fit nicely into a rotation, plus he offers the Eagles
a bit more size (6-3/257) than the other edge guys currently on their roster.
