Latest news with #NFL-low
New York Times
29-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Post-draft NFL rankings reset, George Kittle's new contract and Dane Brugler's 2026 mock
Inside: It's not too early for a 2026 Dane Brugler mock draft, right? That, plus post-draft power rankings and George Kittle's big payday. This article is from Scoop City, The Athletic's NFL newsletter. Sign up here to receive it directly in your inbox. The NFL schedule is always busy, but the past two months have been blurry. We've gone from the 2024 Super Bowl to 2026 mocks (see below) at breakneck speed. Today, we can take a deep breath, like the kind you need after realizing there's traffic when you're already five minutes late. Let's reset and check where teams stand in both Josh Kendall's post-draft Power Rankings and BetMGM's odds. There are some surprises here. Advertisement The favorites: Eagles and Chiefs, again. The two Super Bowl teams have maintained their positions atop our power rankings and the expected win totals (11.5) throughout the offseason. Despite losing key players, both teams addressed weaknesses in free agency and the draft. The bottom: Browns. Cleveland added a haul of picks in the Travis Hunter trade, drafted two quarterbacks — fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders has the third-best selling jersey among rookies — and even signed turbulent WR Diontae Johnson. No matter, they are last in the power rankings. Vegas agrees, giving the Browns an NFL-low win total of 4.5. The best offseason: Patriots. They scored the highest marks in Dane's post-draft grades by landing four potential starters on offense in the first three rounds. Combine that with a successful free agency spent addressing defensive weaknesses, and it's not surprising to see the Pats jump all the way up to 23rd in our power rankings. BetMGM has their win total at 7.5. The worst draft: Vikings. A lack of draft capital was hampered when they reached for Ohio State G Donovan Jackson at pick No. 24 (Dane had a second-round grade on Jackson). Beat reporter Alec Lewis disagreed, grading the pick an A-. 'Jackson may not be an All-Pro talent, but he will limit negative plays and give young quarterback J.J. McCarthy the requisite space to step up in the pocket,' wrote Alec. After a stellar free agency for the team, the McCarthy era begins with them at No. 9 in our rankings. The diverging: 49ers. Their 10.5-win total from Vegas suggests they'll bounce back from injuries and finish among the top six teams, but they'll need to prove power-ranker Josh wrong. After losing eight starters to free agency, the 49ers fell from 15th to 22nd in his rankings. The optimists: Jaguars. Trading a future first-round pick is always risky, but especially so when next year's picks are likely to be highly valuable as trade pieces (more on that below). But Jacksonville's new regime signaled a bold new era by trading for Hunter, hinting that, despite a 4-13 record in 2024, this team is close to competing. Our rankings (30th) disagree, though Vegas sees a middling roster (7.5). Advertisement The unchanged: Seahawks. Even without their three biggest names — Geno Smith is a Raider, DK Metcalf is a Steeler and Tyler Lockett is a Titan — their position in the power rankings (17th) remains unchanged from our post-Super Bowl rankings. The Jim Harbaugh team: Chargers. Huh? In case you forgot, Harbaugh reached the Super Bowl in 2012, just his second season in San Francisco. With two offseasons to mold the Chargers in his image and plenty of shiny new weapons for Justin Herbert, Harbaugh's 11th-ranked Bolts will hope to repeat his sophomore success. Should be higher: Rams. Both their Vegas total (9.5) and power ranking (eighth) feel low, considering two things: First, how close this team came to beating Philly and second, how strong their offseason has been (I loved them signing DT Poona Ford from the Chargers). Jourdan Rodrigue's post-draft Rams depth chart illustrates a team with talent everywhere except cornerback, though Jalen Ramsey could change that. Should be lower: Texans. After stunting C.J. Stroud's growth in 2024, Houston added multiple receivers and a potential LT of the future in Aireontae Ersery while remaking their entire offensive line. Still, there are too many questions for them to start the season as a top-10 team. This year, the Steelers passed on an early-round quarterback — they had three chances to draft Shedeur Sanders — before using a sixth-round pick on Ohio State QB Will Howard. That leads beat reporter Mike DeFabo to suspect that an Aaron Rodgers signing is imminent. Either way, Pittsburgh will be in the quarterback business in 2026, since Rodgers would be far from a long-term solution. And as Dane Brugler's 'yes-we-know-it's-too-early' 2026 mock suggests, it should be a perfect time to find one. Fans in Pittsburgh will be in attendance for the 2026 draft, when the city plays host from April 23 to 25. They'll likely target one of five first-round QBs: College football's most famous nephew already owns the spotlight of 2025 as he takes over in Austin for seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers. Despite Manning entering his junior year with just 95 pass attempts, he is Dane's projected No. 1. As the former five-star recruit becomes an undisputed starter, The Athletic's Scott Dochterman asked former Longhorns if the 20-year-old is ready to take over. Advertisement 'I think he can,' said new Packers receiver and former Longhorn Matthew Golden. 'He has the heart to do it. Arch comes in each and every day, and he goes to work. He acts like a walk-on. He has a story. He's trying to make a name for himself.' Even if Manning remains next year's projected No. 1, scouts believe he could instead heed the model of his uncles — both Peyton and Eli went first overall after four years each in college — and return to school in 2026 for a fourth year. (And there wasn't even NIL money to factor, back when his uncles played.) His coach hopes it's a difficult call. George Kittle announced this morning that he and the 49ers agreed to a four-year, $76.4 million extension. This should keep the 31-year-old in San Francisco through 2029, though only $40 million was guaranteed. It was an obvious move after the six-time Pro Bowler led the position in PFF grade in 2024 (92.1), evidencing his prowess as both a pass catcher and blocker. A new APY of $19.1 million means Kittle is the highest-paid tight end in NFL history, a necessary* tick above the $19 million Arizona agreed to pay Trey McBride earlier this offseason. *Given the unwritten rule that stars must always sign the biggest contracts for their positions in NFL history, which means they are always more expensive than their earlier-signing colleagues (a rule of which Cowboys and Bengals fans are well aware). This is earlier than usual for the 49ers, who might have learned their lesson after last offseason's Brandon Aiyuk drama dragged out across the summer. Brock Purdy likely still wants contract business to end soon. 'I want to get it done quick,' the 25-year-old said in January when asked about his own extension. 'Just so we can get back for Phase 1, get after it with our receivers and our team. I'm not the kind of guy that wants to have any kind of drama associated with anything.' The 49ers have finished Phase 1, and Purdy still has no deal, but Kittle's extension suggests that his quarterback's could be on its way. 🎧 Who won the NFL Draft? 'The Athletic Football Show' brings Dane Brugler back to discuss why New England won the draft. Watch it on YouTube here. Also, be sure to read Dane's review of every team's class: 🎧 What did Shedeur Sanders do wrong? Today's 'Scoop City' podcast includes what Dianna Russini is hearing about Sanders' interview process. 'I believe Shedeur approached these visits with teams as a recruiting trip versus a job interview,' said one exec. Listen on your podcast player of choice. Yesterday's most-clicked: Shedeur and father Deion were taught a hard lesson in humility. 📫 Enjoyed this read? Sign up here to receive The Athletic's free daily NFL newsletter in your inbox. Also, check out our other newsletters.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chargers NFL draft picks 2025: Full list of Los Angeles' draft picks for every round
In their first season under head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers went 11-6 and returned to the playoffs, where they lost at Houston in the Wild Card round. After throwing an NFL-low three interceptions all regular season, QB Justin Herbert then threw four picks in the Wild Card loss as the Chargers now have just one playoff win in the last 11 seasons. With 10 picks in this year's draft, Los Angeles could try to bring in more offensive weapons for Herbert. Last year, LAC used its first round pick (5th overall) to select OL Joe Alt and used their second round pick (34th overall) to select WR Ladd McConkey. Both were excellent in their rookie seasons, although the Chargers still ranked 20th in total offense last year. Advertisement Los Angeles Chargers 2025 NFL Draft Picks Round 1: No. 22 - Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina Round 2: No. 55 - Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss Round 3: No. 86 - Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon Round 4: No. 125 Round 5: No. 158 Round 6: No. 181 (from NE) Round 6: No. 199 Round 6: No. 209 (Compensatory) Round 6: No. 214 (Compensatory) Round 7: No. 256 (Compensatory) Check out 2025 NFL Draft picks for other teams in the AFC West: Kansas City Chiefs 2025 NFL Draft picks Denver Broncos 2025 NFL Draft picks Las Vegas Raiders 2025 NFL Draft picks Click here to see the entire 2025 NFL Draft order. Coverage of the latest news from around the NFL is available all year round from Pro Football Talk on Peacock and the NFL on NBC YouTube Channel. For the full slate of NFL Draft content from across NBC Sports, click here.
USA Today
18-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 NFL mock draft: Travis Hunter's stock rises, Jaxson Dart lands in first round
2025 NFL mock draft: Travis Hunter's stock rises, Jaxson Dart lands in first round Show Caption Hide Caption Mina Kimes shares her most "chaotic" team going into the NFL draft ESPN analyst Mina Kimes breaks down who she believes is very up in the air regarding their pick for the 2025 NFL Draft this year. Sports Seriously After much anticipation, the 2025 NFL Draft is just days away. The Tennessee Titans are on the clock. Is it a formality the Titans will select Cam Ward No. 1 overall? Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry praised Colorado Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. Are the Browns targeting Hunter at No. 2? Where is Hunter's teammate, Shedeur Sanders, going to end up? Defensive line is considered the deepest position group in the NFL draft. This year's running backs class is strong, too. We're going to get answers to all our questions from the draft in Green Bay next week. USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon provides his third mock draft less than a week before all the action kicks off. 1. Tennessee Titans: QB Cam Ward, Miami The Titans and Ward have been tied together for weeks. Tennessee's reluctance to pursue a quarterback during free agency is an indication that they intend to draft a young passer. Ward is the consensus top QB in this year's class. 2. Cleveland Browns: CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado Browns GM Andrew Berry called Hunter a unicorn this week and compared the Heisman Trophy winner to Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani. The two-way player possesses the skills to play both ways. With Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome at corner, the Browns need more aid at wide receiver. 3. New York Giants: EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State Carter's talent and athleticism off the edge will help him make an immediate impact in the NFL. He would instantly form a young formidable edge rushing duo with Kayvon Thibodeaux. The Giants ranked 24th in total defense last year. 4. New England Patriots: OT Will Campbell, LSU The Patriots ranked 31st in pass block win rate and last in run block win rate in 2024, according to ESPN. As a result, New England had the worst total offense in the AFC. The Patriots must fortify their O-line. 5. Jacksonville Jaguars: DT Mason Graham, Michigan The Jaguars had the second-worst defense in the NFL last season. Graham is an active three-technique defensive tackle with good strength. His 34 pressures ranked in the top 10 for all interior lineman in college football in 2024. 6. Las Vegas Raiders: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State The Raiders averaged an NFL-low 79.8 rushing yards per game in 2024. It was the lowest rushing average by a team in a single season since 2022. Pete Carroll's teams in Seattle routinely had stout rushing attacks. Jeanty and Brock Bowers are foundation pieces on offense. 7. New Orleans Saints (via NYJ): QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado New Saints coach Kellen Moore inherited Derek Carr. They aren't in a committed long-term relationship. Plus, Carr is reportedly dealing with a shoulder issue. The Saints can start a new era at QB with Sanders with this projected trade with the Jets. He's a prototypical dropback passer, and throws with good accuracy and anticipation. 8. Carolina Panthers: LB Jalon Walker, Georgia Carolina had the worst total defense in the NFL in 2024. The team's 32 sacks were second to last in the NFC, and they ranked 31st in the league pass rush win rate, per ESPN. Walker is a hybrid player who can play edge or off-ball linebacker. 9. New York Jets (via NOR): TE Tyler Warren, Penn State The Jets believe in Justin Fields, but they have to surround him with better weapons. Warren is a complete tight end who blocks well and is tough to tackle with the football in his hands. MORE: Why third time will be the charm for Justin Fields 10. Chicago Bears: OT Armand Membou, Missouri The Bears landed three new interior offensive line starters this offseason. The job fortifying the O-line isn't finished. Caleb Williams was sacked 68 times during his rookie season, the third most in NFL history. 11. San Francisco 49ers: EDGE Mike Green, Marshall The 49ers will have at least two new starters along their defensive line entering the season. Green could be one of them. Green's 17 sacks led college football last season. He's athletic, explosive and has the bend and flexibility to get around the edge. 12. Dallas Cowboys: RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina The Cowboys lost Rico Dowdle in free agency. Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders were added, but Omarion Hampton would give Dallas a much-needed long-term answer at the position. 13. Miami Dolphins: OT Grey Zabel, North Dakota State Dolphins left tackle Terron Armstead retired after 12 seasons. Zabel can play four of the five offensive line positions. He allowed one sack and six pressures at left tackle his final year at North Dakota State. 14. Indianapolis Colts: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan Whether the Colts start Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones, they need more production out of the tight end position. The Colts top tight end had a paltry 14 receptions last season. Loveland is a pass catching tight end who would make an immediate impact in Indy. 15. Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia After ranking last in the NFC in sacks in 2024, the Falcons have an opportunity to boost their pass rush with the acquisition of Leonard Floyd in free agency and Williams through the draft. The 6-foot-5 edge rusher has significant upside. He tallied five sacks, nine tackles for loss and two forced fumbles last year. 16. Arizona Cardinals: CB Jahdae Barron, Texas Pro Football Focus gave Barron a 91.3 coverage grade for last year, the best of any cornerback with at least 300 snaps. Barron's five interceptions were tied for first in the SEC, and he also led the team with 11 pass breakups. The Cardinals ranked in the bottom half of the league in total defense. 17. Cincinnati Bengals: DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan The Bengals devoted a lot of resources on offense. They must get better on defense through the draft. DJ Reader's departure in free agency last offseason was a significant loss. Grant is the type of player who can fill the void in the interior. 18. Seattle Seahawks: G Tyler Booker, Alabama Booker has the size, girth and length to be an elite guard. He was arguably the best guard in college football in 2024. He allowed zero sacks and only nine pressures his final year with the Crimson Tide. 19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Will Johnson, Michigan Johnson is a big 6-foot-2, instinctive cornerback with good ball skills. He set a Michigan record with three interceptions returned for touchdowns in his career. Tampa Bay finished 29 in pass defense in 2024. MORE: Raiders, 49ers best fits for Will Johnson 20. Denver Broncos: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona McMillan has a big catch radius and is a long stride runner The 6-foot-5 wide pass catcher is a possession receiver with good ball skills. McMillan and 6-foot-4 Courtland Sutton would give the Broncos a basketball team on the outside. 21. Pittsburgh Steelers: DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon Quarterback is an option here. But with several quality defensive linemen available, the Steelers select the Oregon product with massive upside. The 6-foot-4 defensive tackle has impressive size, length and strength. 22. Los Angeles Chargers: DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss Nolen's athleticism and explosiveness make him a first-round three-technique defensive tackle. The Chargers lost their best defensive tackle, Poona Ford, in free agency. Nolen, at 6-foot-4 and 296 pounds, has the size and potential to be a force in the interior. 23. Green Bay Packers: CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky Hairston is a fast cornerback who has good man and zone coverage skills. His 4.28 40-yard dash time was the fastest at the 2025 NFL Combine. The Packers put CB Jaire Alexander on the trade block. 24. Minnesota Vikings: S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina Veteran Harrison Smith decided to return for his 14th season, but the Vikings need to start grooming Smith's heir apparent. Emmanwori is regarded as the top safety in the draft. His 88 tackles led South Carolina last season. He also produced four interceptions. 25. Houston Texans: WR Matthew Golden, Texas Golden earned himself plenty of money when he ran a wide receiver-best 4.29 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. The Texans need a speed receiver because Tank Dell's knee injury will likely keep him out all of 2025. 26. Los Angeles Rams: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama The middle of the Rams' defense has been a weakness since veteran Bobby Wagner departed for the nation's capital. Nate Landman was added in free agency, but Campbell would give the Rams the athletic and impact linebacker the team's been missing. 27. Baltimore Ravens: S Malaki Starks, Georgia Starks is a versatile safety who has a nose for the football and is comfortable in coverage. He led the Bulldogs with 77 tackles in 2024. The Ravens had the second worst pass defense in the NFL last season. 28. Detroit Lions: EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College The ACC Defensive Player of the Year finished second in the FBS with 16.5 sacks and third with 20.5 tackles for loss. The Lions' defense was ravaged by injuries this past season and needs more depth up front. 29. Washington Commanders: EDGE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M The Commanders lost their sack leader Dante Fowler Jr. in free agency. Stewart's college production raises some questions (only 4.5 sacks in three seasons), but he possesses high upside. 30. Buffalo Bills: DT Tyleik Williams, Ohio State Williams is a hole filling run defender. He has a good first step and quick feet for his size. The Bills can get younger and more explosive in the interior. 31. Kansas City Chiefs: EDGE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee The Chiefs witnessed the effects of a stout defensive line firsthand. Star defensive tackle Chris Jones is Kansas City's only consistent pass rusher. Pearce led Tennessee with 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss last year. 32. New York Giants (via PHI): QB Jaxson Dart, Mississippi A trade between two division rivals. The Giants grab their QB of the future who can sit and learn this year while Russell Wilson starts. Many scouts have the Ole Miss product as the third-ranked QB prospect in the draft. Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
NBC Sports
11-04-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Chargers NFL draft picks 2025: Full list of Los Angeles' draft picks for every round
In their first season under head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers went 11-6 and returned to the playoffs, where they lost at Houston in the Wild Card round. After throwing an NFL-low three interceptions all regular season, QB Justin Herbert then threw four picks in the Wild Card loss as the Chargers now have just one playoff win in the last 11 seasons. With 10 picks in this year's draft, Los Angeles could try to bring in more offensive weapons for Herbert. Last year, LAC used its first round pick (5th overall) to select OL Joe Alt and used their second round pick (34th overall) to select WR Ladd McConkey. Both were excellent in their rookie seasons, although the Chargers still ranked 20th in total offense last year. Los Angeles Chargers 2025 NFL Draft Picks Round 1: No. 22 Round 2: No. 55 Round 3: No. 86 Round 4: No. 125 Round 5: No. 158 Round 6: No. 181 (from NE) Round 6: No. 199 Round 6: No. 209 (Compensatory) Round 6: No. 214 (Compensatory) Round 7: No. 255 (Compensatory)
USA Today
28-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 NFL mock draft with trades: Expert predictions following major moves in free agency
2025 NFL mock draft with trades: Expert predictions following major moves in free agency Show Caption Hide Caption Miami QB Cam Ward's pro day leaves no doubts about No. 1 NFL draft pick Cam Ward is feeling confident after his pro day performance. He tells the media why he thinks he will be the number one overall draft pick in April. The countdown to the 2025 NFL draft is in full swing as the selection process begins in less than a month from Green Bay. Miami quarterback Cam Ward is building momentum for his case to be the No. 1 overall pick. The Tennessee Titans, who own the top selection, are high on the Miami product. Where will Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter land? Are Colorado teammates Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders destined to be top-five picks? The 2025 NFL draft kicks off on April 24 and ends on April 26. USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon prognosticates the entire first round in his 2025 mock draft 2.0: 2025 NFL mock draft: First-round predictions (Editor's note: First-round mock draft includes trades) 1. Tennessee Titans: QB Cam Ward, Miami Tennessee's reluctance to pursue a quarterback during free agency is an indication that they intend to draft a young passer. Titans coach Brian Callahan said Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are 'worthy' of their top two quarterback distinction. Ward is the consensus top QB in this year's class. 2. Cleveland Browns: EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State The Penn State product is the best defensive player in this year's draft. Carter's talent and athleticism off the edge will help him have an immediate impact in the NFL. Carter and 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett could quickly form the best pass rushing duo in the league. 3. (Giants trade pick) New Orleans Saints: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado New Saints coach Kellen Moore inherited Derek Carr. They aren't necessarily in a committed long-term relationship. Sanders is a prototypical dropback passer. He throws with good accuracy and anticipation. He's the type of quarterback the Saints and Moore can build around. The Giants trade down to get more draft assets. 4. New England Patriots: CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado The reigning Heisman Trophy winner is the best overall player in the draft. He wants to play cornerback and wide receiver. The Patriots had the worst defense in the AFC East and ranked last in the AFC in total offense. 5. Jacksonville Jaguars: DT Mason Graham, Michigan The Jaguars had the second-worst defense in the NFL last season. Graham is an active three-technique defensive tackle with good strength. 6. Las Vegas Raiders: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State The Raiders averaged an NFL-low 79.8 rushing yards per game in 2024. It was the lowest rushing average by a team in a single season since 2022. Pete Carroll's teams in Seattle routinely had stout rushing attacks. Jeanty and Brock Bowers are foundation pieces on offense. 7. (Jets trade pick) Indianapolis Colts: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State Whether the Colts start Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones, they need more production out of the tight end position. The Colts top tight end had a meager 14 receptions last season. Warren is a complete tight end who blocks well and is tough to tackle with the football in his hands. 8. Carolina Panthers: LB Jalon Walker, Georgia Carolina had the worst total defense in the NFL in 2024. The team's 32 sacks were second to last in the NFC. Walker is a hybrid player who can play edge or off-ball linebacker. 9. (Saints trade pick) New York Giants: CB Jahdae Barron, Texas The Giants' defense allowed a 100.3 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks, the third worst in the NFL last year. Many list Barron as the top cornerback in the draft. Barron won the Jim Thorpe Award (NCAA's top DB). His five interceptions last season was tied for fourth in college football. 10. Chicago Bears: OT Will Campbell, LSU The Bears landed three new interior offensive line starters this offseason. The job fortifying the O-line isn't finished. Caleb Williams was sacked 68 times during his rookie season, the third most in NFL history. 11. San Francisco 49ers: EDGE Mike Green, Marshall Green's 17 sacks led college football last season. He's athletic, explosive and has the bend and flexibility to get around the edge. The pass rusher would be a great fit opposite Nick Bosa. 12. Dallas Cowboys: RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina The Cowboys lost Rico Dowdle in free agency. Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders were added, but Omarion Hampton would give Dallas a much-needed long-term answer at the position. 13. Miami Dolphins: G Tyler Booker, Alabama Booker has the size, girth and length to be an elite guard. He was arguably the best guard in college football in 2024. The Dolphins need help in the trenches to keep Tua Tagovailoa healthy. 14. (Colts trade pick) New York Jets: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona The Jets must surround Justin Fields with better weapons. McMillan has a big catch radius and runs with long strides. The 6-foot-5 wide pass catcher is a possession receiver with good ball skills. 15. Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia After ranking last in the NFC in sacks in 2024, Atlanta has an opportunity to boost its pass rush with the acquisition of Leonard Floyd in free agency and Williams through the draft. The 6-foot-5 edge rusher has significant upside. He tallied five sacks, nine tackles for loss and two forced fumbles last year. 16. Arizona Cardinals: DT Walter Nolen, Mississippi Nolen's athleticism and explosiveness make him an intriguing three-technique defensive tackle. Arizona upgraded its edge rushing unit with the addition of Josh Sweat in free agency. They need to bolster the interior now. The Cardinals ranked in the bottom half of the league in total defense. 17. Cincinnati Bengals: DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan The Bengals devoted a lot of resources on offense. They must get better on defense through the draft. DJ Reader's departure in free agency last offseason was a significant loss. Grant is the type of player who can fill the void in the interior. 18. Seattle Seahawks: OT Grey Zabel, North Dakota State Zabel can play four of the five offensive line positions. He could begin his career inside before kicking out to tackle. 19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: G Donovan Jackson, Ohio State Jackson is a big, athletic guard who has good length. He has traits that can make him a standout zone blocker in Tampa Bay's run scheme. 20. Denver Broncos: WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State The Broncos addressed a need in free agency with the addition of tight end Evan Engram. Another pass catcher would assist in Bo Nix's development. Egbuka had two 1,000-yard seasons while playing alongside other standout receivers in Columbus. 21. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Will Johnson, Michigan Johnson is a big 6-foot-2, instinctive cornerback with good ball skills. He set a Michigan record with three interceptions returned for touchdowns in his career. 22. Los Angeles Chargers: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan Jim Harbaugh reunites with another Michigan Wolverine. The Chargers need to supply Justin Herbert with more weapons. Herbert averaged a career-low 227 passing yards per game in 2024. Loveland is a pass-catching tight end who would start right away in LA. 23. Green Bay Packers: CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky Hairston is a fast cornerback who has good man and zone coverage skills. His 4.28 40-yard dash time was the fastest at the 2025 NFL combine. The Packers put CB Jaire Alexander on the trade block. 24. Minnesota Vikings: S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina Veteran Harrison Smith decided to return for his 14th season, but the Vikings need to start grooming Smith's heir apparent. Emmanwori is regarded as the top safety in the draft. His 88 tackles led South Carolina last season. He also produced four interceptions. 25. Houston Texans: WR Matthew Golden, Texas Golden earned himself a lot of money when he ran a wide receiver-best 4.29 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. The Texans need a speed receiver because Tank Dell's knee injury will likely keep him out all of 2025. 26. Los Angeles Rams: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama The middle of the Rams' defense has been a weakness since veteran Bobby Wagner departed for the nation's capital. Nate Landman was added in free agency, but Campbell would give the Rams the athletic and impact linebacker the team's been missing. 27. Baltimore Ravens: EDGE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee The Ravens need to upgrade their edge rush room. Kyle Van Noy's career-best 12.5 sacks led Baltimore, but he'll be 34 years old at the start of next season and in the final year of his contract. Pearce led Tennessee with 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. 28. Detroit Lions: EDGE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M Aidan Hutchinson is coming off a season-ending leg injury. The Lions' defense was ravaged by injuries this past season and needs more depth up front. Stewart has all the traits to be an impactful edge rusher. 29. Washington Commanders: DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon The 6-foot-4 defensive tackle has impressive size, length and strength. He produced 45 tackles and five sacks for the Ducks last year. The Commanders parted ways with two-time Pro Bowl DT Jonathan Allen this offseason. 30. Buffalo Bills: OT Armand Membou, Missouri Membou started 12 games at right tackle in 2024. The Missouri product plays with impressive athleticism, technique and body control. Membou's athleticism score of 94 ranked first among tackles at the NFL combine, per Next Gen Stats. 31. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas Selecting Banks could create an open competition at both tackle spots in Kansas City. A healthy battle at each tackle position would benefit the Chiefs after Patrick Mahomes was sacked a career-most 36 times in 2024. 32. (Eagles trade pick) New York Giants: QB Jaxson Dart, Mississippi A trade between two division rivals. An earlier deal supplied the Giants with ammunition to move back into the first round. The Giants grab their QB of the future who can sit and learn this year while Russell Wilson starts. Many scouts have the Ole Miss product as the third-ranked QB prospect in the draft. Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
