Adam Schefter Reveals 4 Players Who Could Go Higher Than Anticipated In NFL Draft
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The NFL Draft is just a few short days away, and there is still a wide range of outcomes that could take place in Round 1 alone.
There are some picks that seem to be set in stone, such Miami quarterback Cam Ward going No. 1 overall, and some combination of Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter going No. 2 and No. 3.
However, there is also a handful of players who are quickly rising up draft boards.
On Monday, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed four players who could be selected higher than many are expecting, including a pair of players from the Texas Longhorns who might end up being the best at their positions in the class.
Jahdae Barron #7 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after a play against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half against at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Jahdae Barron #7 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after a play against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half against at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
PhotoThe first player mentioned by Schefter was Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou, who has consistently been a selection to the Jets in most recent mock drafts. But now, it appears the Raiders are also in the mix at No. 6.
"Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou now looks like a top-10 lock, with the Raiders (No. 6) and Jets (No. 7) being possible destinations," Schefter said.
Perhaps the most surprising news from Schefter, however, was the news about the two Longhorns - Jahdae Barron and Kelvin Banks.
According to Schefter Banks could go as high as No. 13 to the Dolphins, which is higher than most projections have seen him going in recent weeks. However, for Barron, it appears that it is not out of the question that he ends up being a top 10 pick as well.
"A pair of Texas players -- offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. and cornerback Jahdae Barron, have generated less talk than some of the other prospects at their positions," Shefter said. "But both are in position to go higher than some people realize, with Banks being in play for Miami at No. 13 and Barron being linked to the Jets at No. 7."
This should come as no surprise, given that both players were consensus All-Americans, with Banks even being one of eight players to be named a Unanimous All-American.
Finally, Schefter also revealed that UCLA line backer Carson Schwesinger could vault up draft boards all the way to Round 1 after being projected as a second or third round pick. Both the Commanders and Bills are reportedly eyeing the West Coast tackling machine, who finished with 136 stops in 2024.
"UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger, projected by many as a Day 2 pick, has a chance to go in the end of Round 1 to a team such as the Commanders (No. 29) or Bills (No. 30) that might be be looking for additional defensive help," Schefter said.
Of course, these four players are not the only ones who could surprise and move up boards.
But if Schefter is on to something here, their potentially elevated spots could change things drastically on Day 1.
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