2025 NFL draft: Experts debate best picks, rookie sleepers

Let’s look once more on the 2025 NFL draft now that the mud has settled on all 257 picks.

What have been among the many best picks, every inside the first spherical and extra down the board? Which teams made in all probability essentially the most difficult strikes primarily based totally on value and/or desires? What can be essentially the most impactful rookie class inside the upcoming season? Who are early favorites for the Rookie of the Year awards? And which prospects could very effectively be fantasy sleepers in Year 1?

We requested 17 of our NFL consultants to weigh in with their opinions on each half that went down in Green Bay. Check once more in Friday, as we’re going to exchange this file with one final question on daring rookie predictions for the 2025 season. But let’s start with the midround fantasy experience.

Jump to:
Fantasy sleepers | OROY predictions
DROY predictions | Best rookie classes
Favorite picks | Head-scratching strikes

Which midround select can have fantasy value in 2025?

Stephania Bell, fantasy soccer analyst: Cam Skattebo, RB, Giants. Fantasy soccer favors working backs who’re twin threats. Last 12 months at Arizona State, Skattebo posted over 2,300 complete yards, along with 1,711 in rushing and 605 in passing. He has the potential to bypass Devin Singletary as a result of the complement to speedster Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Matt Bowen, NFL analyst: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Steelers. With his linear acceleration and imaginative and prescient, Johnson is an easy match for the pores and skin zone scheme that Steelers coordinator Arthur Smith employs. Johnson will share the backfield with Jaylen Warren, nonetheless the potential early-down work would possibly push him into the RB2/Flex ranks.

Jeremy Fowler, nationwide NFL reporter: Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jaguars. My sense is the model new Jaguars regime won’t be overly supplied on Travis Etienne Jr. after a down 12 months, and Tank Bigsby has had fumbling factors. Tuten has home run potential with a 4.32-second 40 time. I anticipate him to make an have an effect on, notably in a run-game-friendly Liam Coen offense. Perhaps Tuten could also be Coen’s new Bucky Irving.

Dan Graziano, nationwide NFL reporter: Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Browns. Lots of working backs to pick from, nonetheless I’ll go somewhat bit off the board and select the participant who merely set the FBS doc for catches in a season by end (117). Kevin Stefanski likes to make use of tight ends in his offense, and whereas Fannin may need dropped a bit attributable to a sluggish 40 time on the combination, you presumably can’t overlook how productive he was for Bowling Green.

Pamela Maldonado, sports activities actions betting analyst: Skattebo. He has a fullback soul in a operate once more’s physique. The Giants grabbed him inside the fourth spherical, and whereas he won’t burn anyone with velocity, he runs like he’s mad on the turf. He would possibly steal some intention line work and rack up sneaky fantasy components. He moreover has surprisingly good arms.

Matt Miller, NFL draft analyst: Jaydon Blue, RB, Cowboys. Blue is also a fifth-round select, nonetheless Dallas lacks a home run menace and highly effective receiving once more. He confirmed inside the College Football Playoffs how impactful he could also be when matched up in direction of linebackers and safeties as a route runner. Dallas can get him working early as a third-down once more.

Eric Moody, fantasy soccer writer: Blue. He landed in an incredible state of affairs, with little opponents inside the backfield since veterans Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams are every on one-year contracts. Blue’s velocity (4.38 40-yard dash) and expertise to have an effect on the transfer sport make him a low-risk, high-upside alternative in fantasy drafts for 2025. He would possibly merely emerge as a result of the Cowboys’ starting working once more in 2026.

Dan Orlovsky, NFL analyst: Pat Bryant, WR, Broncos. Denver’s third-round select thrives at making a ton of possession catches. Bryant would possibly emerge as a relentless alternative for Bo Nix.

Jason Reid, Andscape senior NFL writer: Elic Ayomanor, WR, Titans. With an eye fixed fastened in direction of providing assist for No. 1 whole select Cam Ward, the Titans chosen the earlier Stanford receiver inside the fourth spherical. He’s a strong route runner with a knack for getting separation. Don’t be surprised if Ayomanor is actually one in every of Ward’s prime targets this season.

Jordan Reid, NFL draft analyst: Dylan Sampson, RB, Browns. The Browns double-dipped at working once more, as they selected Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins inside the second spherical and Sampson inside the fourth. There’s plenty of options for touches in Cleveland, and Sampson would possibly see a heavy load as a transfer catcher. Judkins is additional of a sledgehammer inside the run sport, whereas Sampson could also be utilized as a result of the change-up.

Aaron Schatz, NFL analyst: Johnson. Advanced metrics have on a regular basis beloved Pittsburgh’s completely different once more (Warren), nonetheless let’s be reliable, Johnson has the clearest path to participating in time of any participant taken after the first two rounds. I really feel massive receiver Kyle Williams goes to start for the Patriots, nonetheless he won’t have the fantasy value that Johnson goes to have.

Ben Solak, NFL analyst: Tre Harris, WR, Chargers. Joshua Palmer left 65 targets behind when he went to Buffalo in free firm, and folks targets should immediately go to Harris, who has the equivalent big physique downfield — nonetheless a higher profile as a route runner and contested catch winner. I moreover anticipate Harris to shortly leap over Quentin Johnston as Justin Herbert’s foremost exterior receiver. Big performs and splash weeks are inside the enjoying playing cards.

Lindsey Thiry, nationwide NFL reporter: KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR, Chargers. I’m going with a particular Chargers receiver. Their room stays to be a bit in progress, and there’s a probability for Lambert-Smith to capitalize. L.A. is returning Ladd McConkey and launched in Mike Williams after he had a tough stint with the Jets. If Lambert-Smith can develop chemistry early with Herbert, he could very effectively be a powerful fantasy pickup.

Seth Walder, NFL analyst: Devin Neal, RB, Saints. Alvin Kamara hasn’t produced a constructive rush yards over expectation season since 2020, per NFL Next Gen Stats. And Neal’s opponents to be the veteran’s complement (Kendre Miller, Clyde Edwards-Helaire) is weak. That affords Neal the following flooring than any sixth-round select, and there may be upside for a much bigger place — Kamara will possible be 30 when the season begins.

Field Yates, NFL analyst: Johnson. The Steelers have a thin backfield with Warren, who’s terribly proficient nonetheless not any individual they should lean on. Johnson’s dimension, vitality and imaginative and prescient should be a pleasing complement to Warren’s explosiveness and quickness. Pittsburgh’s offense will possible be dedicated to working the ball even after shopping for and promoting for giant receiver DK Metcalf.

---

Who is your early select for Offensive Rookie of the Year?

Bell: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Raiders. His title will possible be often called early and sometimes in Las Vegas, giving him the stats to run away with this title. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward will uplift the Titans’ offense adequate to put him in rivalry, nonetheless I anticipate Jeanty to hunt out the tip zone masses and vault to the best of this race.

Bowen: Jeanty. He steps proper right into a amount place with the Raiders, and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly will create a system that maximizes his traits inside the run sport and as a receiver. He has probably the greatest path to creating high-level rookie numbers.

Fowler: Omarion Hampton, RB, Chargers. Jeanty has the inside observe proper right here. But not many teams are additional dedicated to the run than the Chargers, who’ve a budding star in Hampton. While free agent signee Najee Harris will assume among the many workload, Hampton can have every likelihood to earn RB1 duties … after which it’s off to the tip zone.

Graziano: RJ Harvey, RB, Broncos. Denver couldn’t get one thing fixed going inside the run sport last season, and drafting Harvey inside the second spherical appears to be like Sean Payton’s attempt to applicable that. When Payton has drafted working backs early, he tends to play them shortly. Think Mark Ingram, Alvin Kamara, and so forth. Harvey should get a chance to carry the load for the Broncos.

Kalyn Kahler, nationwide NFL reporter: Travis Hunter, WR, Jaguars. There’s an argument to be made that the Jaguars normally will not be outfitted for Hunter to take off as a rookie and overpaid inside the commerce up for him. But he’s the type of participant who can thrive immediately. Coach Liam Coen and GM James Gladstone clearly had a imaginative and prescient for this commerce and I really feel we’re going to see that in 2025.

Maldonado: Jeanty. He’s stepping proper right into a Pete Carroll offense that wants to run the ball. Jeanty has the burst, stability and pass-catching chops to be a Day 1 fantasy darling and subject score playmaker. He’s not pretty Derrick Henry in dimension, nonetheless the wear-you-down vitality and three-down versatility? That’s precise. Ward will get buzz and Hunter is prone to be electrical, nonetheless Jeanty has a transparent path to manufacturing.

Miller: Jeanty. Even with tight end Brock Bowers coming off an elite rookie season, Jeanty can be the Raiders’ foremost cope with offense. They will possible be a run-heavy crew with Carroll and Kelly working the current. And Jeanty’s numbers will mirror that.

Moody: Cam Ward, QB, Titans. Quarterbacks have obtained the award in eight of the earlier 15 years (and 4 of the earlier six), so present traits are on Ward’s aspect. If he can prohibit turnovers, he should rack up a great deal of passing yards, rushing yards and touchdowns inside the weak AFC South. Even in losses, he’ll have potentialities to put up numbers.

Orlovsky: Colston Loveland, TE, Bears. Let’s associate with end worthwhile this award for a second straight 12 months. The heart of the sector and play-action should be huge areas of assault for Chicago. Loveland can replicate Sam LaPorta’s rookie 12 months manufacturing, which Bears coach Ben Johnson carried out an infinite place in scheming up whereas in Detroit.

Jason Reid: Ward. He’s all about soccer and wanting to be good, and he possesses the bodily experience and smarts needed to succeed. He’ll have options to be productive this season because of the Titans are all-in on making this work.

Jordan Reid: Jeanty. There’s no should stray away from the current favorite proper right here. Jeanty enters an offense that desires an explosive playmaker. Carroll probably see Jeanty as his trendy sort of Marshawn Lynch, and I anticipate him to put up good numbers as a runner and transfer catcher.

Schatz: Ward. When uncertain, default to the quarterback. I really feel Ward is a higher prospect than the consensus believes, and I moreover have no idea if the Raiders have the offensive line to help Jeanty truly shine in his rookie 12 months.

Solak: Hampton. A one-year deal for Harris wouldn’t switch the needle for me the least bit inside the Chargers’ backfield. I anticipate Hampton to shortly change right into a 15-plus carry participant on a weekly basis. I believed he was quite a bit nearer to Jeanty as this class’ prime working once more, and he lands in an offense that will pound the rock and feed off his physicality.

Mike Tannenbaum, NFL entrance office insider: Jeanty. The method Carroll must play will lead to a extremely productive season for Jeanty. Look for the Raiders to be inside the prime 5 of the league in time of possession, as they try to play keep-away inside the AFC West. They are fast on means players exterior of Bowers and Jakobi Meyers, so this may possible be a run-first offense.

Thiry: Jeanty. Watch for him to shortly turn into a spotlight of the Raiders’ offense and present why he was the highest-drafted working once more since Saquon Barkley in 2018. The solely question proper right here is whether or not or not the Raiders’ offensive line has what it takes to assist Jeanty with the job.

Walder: Ward. This award is just so tilted in direction of quarterbacks. It’s not that completely different positions can’t win, as Garrett Wilson and Ja’Marr Chase each obtained so far 5 years, nonetheless the QB has the sting in an in depth race. Justin Herbert beating out Justin Jefferson (by masses!) in 2020 was proof of that. Ward was the clear-cut QB1 on this class, and I like how the Titans fortified their offensive line ahead of his arrival.

Yates: Jeanty. While no working once more has obtained this award so far 5 seasons, the place lends itself to the smoothest transition of any inside the NFL. Jeanty’s college stardom should journey correct to Las Vegas.

---

Who is your early select for Defensive Rookie of the Year?

Bell: Mykel Williams, Edge, 49ers. They knew they needed to boost their run safety, and their assortment of Williams inside the first spherical confirmed that dedication. His talent to set the sting goes to be pleasant to take a look at reverse of Nick Bosa. Returning defensive coordinator Robert Saleh have to be keen about molding the proficient rookie proper right into a perennial elite defender.

Bowen: Abdul Carter, Edge, Giants. With Carter’s explosive traits, he’ll persistently assault the sides of offensive tackles. The Giants may even scheme for him out of loaded fronts to get the pass-rush matchups they want. Sack numbers rely with this award, which shouldn’t be a problem for Carter.

Fowler: Walter Nolen, DT, Cardinals. He could merely be in all probability essentially the most explosive defensive lineman inside the draft, and coach Jonathan Gannon will scheme strategies for him to affect the quarterback and disrupt the game. Couple that with Arizona’s rising profile whole and Nolen will fend off Carter for this award.

Graziano: Carter. I so badly want Travis Hunter to win every Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year, nonetheless that feels farfetched. I’m going with Carter, who should have an infinite various to pile up sacks with Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence II and Kayvon Thibodeaux all requiring consideration from opposing offenses.

Maldonado: Williams. What a dream setup. He’s big, explosive and will line up anyplace. The precise cheat code? He’s participating in subsequent to Bosa, which means he’ll see a ton of one-on-ones. Throw in Williams’ raw vitality and extreme motor … he has an precise shot to make noise fast.

Miller: Jahdae Barron, CB, Broncos. Barron has the playmaking experience to rack up the stats needed to win awards. At Texas, he picked off 5 passes and obtained the Jim Thorpe Award as a result of the nation’s best defensive once more. With Pat Surtain II on the choice aspect, Barron should have a great deal of offenses testing him early. Expect these options to indicate into interceptions.

Moody: Mike Green, Edge, Ravens. He landed in an incredible spot with the Ravens as he could also be an instantaneous starter there. Green led the FBS with 17 sacks last season. His experience was confirmed in viral reps in direction of new Commanders kind out Josh Conerly Jr. on the Senior Bowl.

Orlovsky: Carter. He’s merely going to have so many one-on-one situations as part of the Giants’ loaded line of protection.

Jason Reid: Carter. It was daring of the rookie to ask Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor to placed on No. 56, which the Giants retired. But I actually like that Carter is so assured in his talent that he approached the perfect defensive participant in NFL historic previous about sporting his amount.

Jordan Reid: Barron. Defensive linemen or cornerbacks usually win this award, and I completely anticipate Barron to have a standout rookie season. Because of his positional flexibility and teams probably shying away from Surtain, Barron can have plenty of options to make performs on the ball. His ball experience will proceed to shine on the next diploma.

Schatz: Carter. I merely have a humorous feeling that Thibodeaux goes to complete up elsewhere by September, giving Carter a clear starting spot. His private skills and the attention opponents have to pay to Burns ought to provide him a clear runway to double-digit sacks.

Solak: Williams. He should immediately take the start job reverse Bosa in camp, and in Saleh’s aggressive safety, he can have the license to get after the passer in a way he certainly not did at Georgia. Williams has the kind out radius, explosiveness and grip energy to be a extreme sack-getter inside the NFL.

Tannenbaum: Mason Graham, DT, Browns. I actually like Graham as a prospect and with Myles Garrett coping with double teams most of the time, Graham can have plenty of one-on-one options. Graham accomplished with 3.5 sacks and 26 pressures at Michigan last season, which is massive productiveness from an inside defensive lineman.

Thiry: Williams. He could very effectively be a quick analysis beneath Saleh, who produced a top-10 defensive unit inside the final two seasons of his earlier tenure with the 49ers. Williams will play reverse of a former Defensive Rookie of the Year in Bosa, and on a unit that options four-time All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner. So Williams would possibly go undetected on positive performs however as well as be taught from among the many league’s best.

Walder: Derrick Harmon, DT, Steelers. Pass rushing wins awards, and Harmon had the second-highest pressure worth at defensive kind out inside the FBS last season. He’ll moreover get a lot much less consideration subsequent to Cameron Heyward, T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig.

Field Yates, NFL analyst: Malaki Starks, S, Ravens. Starks landed in an amazing place to play alongside Kyle Hamilton and be put in positions that mesh alongside along with his means set, which contains sturdy instincts, ball experience and imaginative and prescient to play centerfield.

---

Which rookie class will make crucial have an effect on this season?

Bell: New England Patriots. They seen potential in quarterback Drake Maye in 2024, nonetheless he needed assist to completely discover it. They drafted offensive kind out Will Campbell to accompany free agent additions Morgan Moses and Garrett Bradbury on the O-line. Then they added a variety of offensive playmakers in subsequent rounds, making for a well-constructed rookie roster that will yield speedy outcomes.

Bowen: Cleveland Browns. The Browns secured future draft belongings with the commerce once more to No. 5, plus they obtained have an effect on players on this cycle. Both defensive kind out Mason Graham and linebacker Carson Schwesinger give the Browns additional disruption on safety. Quinshon Judkins has the traits to start at working once more. Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. can operate as a switch/matchup participant, whereas fourth-round RB Dylan Sampson is a dynamic ball supplier. Plus, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders will on the very least add opponents inside the QB room.

Fowler: Browns. They obtained starters out of their first 4 picks. Graham and Schwesinger will elevate the safety with playmaking. Judkins symbolizes a much-needed new interval for the Browns’ working sport. Fannin is the right complement at tight end to David Njoku. And the Browns would possibly get vital snaps out of Gabriel or Sanders with out spending an early select on each QB.

Graziano: Tennessee Titans. I’m undecided anyone else obtained their Week 1 starting quarterback on this draft, so that locations Tennessee correct out inside the entrance. And an excellent number of their completely different picks should get a chance to make an have an effect on early on this roster. In particular, I’d not be surprised to see fourth-round massive receiver Elic Ayomanor outperform his draft spot.

Kahler: Carolina Panthers. While some criticized them for taking the best receiver Tetairoa McMillan inside the first spherical instead of an edge rusher, they addressed these defensive desires inside the second spherical with Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen. McMillan will improve the occasion of quarterback Bryce Young, who enters an obligatory season.

Maldonado: Chicago Bears. They’ve constructed a legit roster with precise potential. Colston Loveland is a 6-foot-5 tight end who runs clear routes and can possible be a dependable purpose for Caleb Williams. Luther Burden III brings juice from the slot, as a quick separation, pure playmaker. They didn’t stop there, together with depth at O-line and defensive kind out. It’s been a full and thoughtful assemble.

Miller: Patriots. They had a theme all via the draft and aimed in order so as to add velocity for model new coach Mike Vrabel. That was accomplished — even Campbell and Jared Wilson have been among the many many most agile offensive linemen. TreVeyon Henderson and Kyle Williams will every enhance the crew’s big-play talent on offense.

Moody: Patriots. They accurately used their first 4 picks on offensive assist for Maye. Campbell, Henderson, Williams and Wilson should all play very important snaps whereas making an instantaneous have an effect on. Henderson would possibly stand out in all probability essentially the most, as a three-down once more who can defend Maye and produce big performs.

Orlovsky: Patriots. They landed a doable playmaker at left kind out in Campbell, a big-time working once more in Henderson and a receiver in Williams who brings downfield velocity. This was all needed for New England.

Jason Reid: Kansas City Chiefs. If primary supervisor Brett Veach is true about Josh Simmons, the Chiefs obtained in all probability the best present left kind out prospects with the ultimate select of the first spherical. That’s often called extreme value. Second-round defensive kind out Omarr Norman-Lott could very effectively be an have an effect on rotational participant immediately and fixed starter in the end. Fourth-round massive receiver Jalen Royals is good after the catch and will very effectively be helpful early inside the return sport. Even seventh-round working once more Brashard Smith can current a raise to the working sport.

Jordan Reid: Patriots. They needed on the spot have an effect on players on either side, and they also have been ready to do that on offense inside the early rounds. On Day 3, New England started together with depth to its defensive entrance. Joshua Farmer and Bradyn Swinson have been intelligent picks. Both are liable to see participating in time early on of their rookie seasons.

Schatz: Patriots. Campbell won’t end up being a long-term All-Pro at left kind out, nonetheless he positively strengthens the Patriots at their weakest place. Henderson affords the Patriots a receiving once more inside the Kevin Faulk/James White mildew, and he may even hit a home run with an prolonged carry. And don’t be surprised to see plenty of pass-rushing defensive kind out Farmer.

Solak: Patriots. By midseason, I really feel we would see all 4 of their early-drafted offensive rookies taking a majority of the snaps at their respective positions. Campbell and Wilson, notably, can dramatically elevate the bottom of the Patriots’ offense, which is ready to allow Maye to shine in his sophomore season.

Tannenbaum: Browns. I think about that Graham, Schwesinger, Judkins, Sampson and one in every of many rookie QBs will all contribute meaningfully this season.

Thiry: Patriots. They made a clear dedication to embody quarterback Maye with the devices he desires to boost the offense. Expect all 4 offensive picks to be often called upon immediately by Vrabel, as they try to boost a unit that averaged a measly 16.5 components per sport in 2024 (thirtieth inside the league).

Walder: Titans. Like all people else, I took an prolonged check out the Patriots for this question. But the chance of Tennessee getting an average-ish starting QB effectivity out of Ward might be such an infinite enhance from last season. It have to be the Titans.

Yates: Titans. It’s not a stretch in my eyes to suppose that each of the Titans’ first six picks will contribute this season, and Ward is the one rookie quarterback that I anticipate to start Week 1. Tennessee labored onerous to assemble up the infrastructure spherical Ward on Day 3, with receiver Chimere Dike, tight end Gunnar Helm and Ayomanor having a shot to earn a job out of the gates. I’m excited regarding the future in Nashville.

---

Who was your favorite select in your complete draft?

Bell: Running once more Ashton Jeanty to the Raiders (No. 6). I actually like when draft picks have an instantaneous have an effect on, and Jeanty can do exactly that. The Raiders have been last inside the league in rushing yards in 2024 (1,357), whereas Jeanty led the FBS (2,601). His experience as every a transfer catcher and runner affords versatility for model new coach Pete Carroll, who’s making an attempt to make the Raiders’ offense additional dynamic.

Bowen: Safety Malaki Starks to the Ravens (No. 27). With Starks participating in reverse Kyle Hamilton inside the secondary, the Ravens have two interchangeable safeties to disguise coverages and alter the picture post-snap. Starks is a versatile defender with playmaking talent, in a position to impacting a variety of ranges of the sector as a rookie.

Fowler: Offensive kind out Josh Simmons to the Chiefs (No. 32). My favorite picks typically embrace a point of hazard nonetheless massive upside. Simmons embodies that. Multiple scouts instructed me his tape was probably the greatest of any offensive kind out. Injury issues are there, however when Kansas City maximizes Simmons’ potential, it has a premier left kind out for Patrick Mahomes’ subsequent chapter.

Graziano: Starks to the Ravens. Baltimore has constructed a variety of its present success on being sturdy up the middle of the safety, and Starks should be a really perfect match with that plan. The Ravens had their eye on Starks predraft, contemplating his center-field skills would allow them to play Hamilton nearer to the street of scrimmage additional usually. The pair ought to enrich each other correctly.

Kahler: Receiver Tommy Mellott (No. 213) and quarterback Cam Miller (No. 215) to the Raiders. Yes, I’m writing about Mellott as soon as extra, nonetheless I truly beloved the back-to-back FCS picks by Las Vegas. Mellott will probably convert from quarterback to receiver and alter right into a Taysom Hill-like gadget participant on specific teams. Miller was a favorite developmental quarterback for a variety of scouts. He had a really spectacular skilled day and can present to be an incredible select.

Maldonado: Wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter to the Jaguars (No. 2). This commerce up was daring and exactly what this crew needed. Hunter is a unicorn alongside along with his talent to be a shutdown nook and playmaker. His infectious energy would possibly reinvigorate Jacksonville’s full locker room.

Miller: Wide receiver Luther Burden III to the Bears (No. 39). I actually like the value of Burden early in Round 2 after score him as my No. 13 whole participant. It was a wise team-building select after Chicago already stuffed so many needs in free firm. I identical to the crew’s willpower to embody Caleb Williams with top-tier targets.

Moody: Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan to the Panthers (No. 8). Coach Dave Canales has a strong observe doc with X receivers, and the Panthers landed probably the greatest one inside the 2025 class. Drafting McMillan, the NCAA chief in contested catches over the earlier two seasons, permits 2024 first-round select Xavier Legette to shift into additional of a situational place. Carolina quarterback Bryce Young should be keen about McMillan’s arrival.

Orlovsky: McMillan to the Panthers. He strikes a chord in my memory a variety of Atlanta’s Drake London, and a QB loves a big-body massive receiver who catches each half. It will assemble confidence in Young.

Jason Reid: Simmons to the Chiefs. He may need been a top-five select if he hadn’t sustained a knee hurt in October. He reveals a unusual combination of vitality and quickness on the place. The Chiefs anticipate him to be ready by teaching camp.

Jordan Reid: McMillan to the Panthers. Carolina’s receiver room consists of plenty of secondary decisions. But Young needed a go-to playmaker on the perimeter for his important third season. McMillan can develop to be an actual alpha WR1.

Schatz: Edge rusher Jalon Walker to the Falcons (No. 15). We know the Falcons needed to boost their transfer rush, and Walker is a super-versatile participant who can rush the passer or drop into safety. Plus, the Falcons obtained him a pair picks later than his place on consensus boards.

Solak: Cornerback Jacob Parrish to the Buccaneers (No. 84). Parrish is a primary Todd Bowles cornerback — feisty, instinctive in zone, ready to press and an excellent tackler in space. He strikes a chord in my memory of Tykee Smith, a 2024 third-rounder who emerged as a key nickel defender for Tampa Bay. The Bucs needed in order so as to add depth to their secondary, and they also obtained a really perfect scheme and custom slot in Parrish.

Tannenbaum: Jeanty to the Raiders. This is a tone-setting select for Carroll and GM John Spytek. Jeanty affords the Raiders a much-needed explosive playmaker, and he is a good slot in new coordinator Chip Kelly’s offense.

Thiry: Guard Grey Zabel to the Seahawks (No. 18). The Seahawks’ offensive line has been in need of help, and it wasn’t current in free firm. But selecting Zabel inside the first spherical indicators that the Seahawks are devoted to bettering their offense from the inside out, inserting new quarterback Sam Darnold able to succeed.

Walder: Edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku to the Cowboys (No. 44). My sack model had Ezeiruaku primarily tied with James Pearce Jr. for the third-best forecast inside the class. Despite not participating in for an elite crew in college (which can usually improve a participant’s sack numbers), he racked up 16.5 sacks in 2024. Dallas solely needed to make use of a second-round select to get him.

Yates: Guard Donovan Jackson to the Vikings (No. 24). Jackson was twentieth whole on my board, as I’m terribly bullish on his positional versatility, vitality, toughness and whole play temperament. The Vikings began this offseason saying they could get their trenches in order and have carried out it.

---

Who was crucial head-scratching select of the draft?

Bell: Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka to the Buccaneers (No. 19). This would possibly show to not be a head-scratcher the least bit if Chris Godwin’s restoration from ankle surgical process has slowed. On the ground, the Bucs appeared well-stocked on the place with Mike Evans, Godwin and up-and-comer Jalen McMillan. But their switch to take a first-round slot receiver (the place Godwin lined up over 60% of the time last season) suggests they’re making contingency plans.

Bowen: Wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa to the Lions (No. 70). I can see the traits with TeSlaa. He’s a 6-foot-4 purpose with seam-stretching talent, and he posted explosive testing numbers (4.43 40-yard dash, 39½-inch vertical). However, he’s nonetheless a creating prospect, and it worth the Lions two 2026 third-rounders to commerce up for him.

Fowler: Wide receiver Jack Bech to the Raiders (No. 58). Bech has the ball experience and competitiveness to make a quick have an effect on on the Las Vegas offense, and the Raiders had a powerful draft in Spytek’s first 12 months on the helm. But a variety of scouts from throughout the league — even ones that principally like Bech — felt the second spherical was a bit extreme and the third spherical may have been a additional sensible range.

Graziano: Edge rusher James Pearce Jr. to the Falcons (No. 26). This is just not regarding the participant; it’s regarding the worth the Falcons paid to maneuver up for him. Atlanta needed edge rush help and already obtained some earlier inside the spherical with Jalon Walker. Trading subsequent 12 months’s first-round select to get Pearce felt like an infinite overpay, notably after the Giants gave up solely two third-round picks to commerce as a lot as No. 25.

Kahler: Quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel (No. 94) and Shedeur Sanders (No. 144) to the Browns. Several scouts and executives I spoke to truly started scratching their heads with the Gabriel select, nonetheless the Browns moreover taking Sanders made even a lot much less sense. Neither quarterback has prototypical dimension for the place, and I’m not seeing the plan on how these two will break up reps with Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett in camp.

Maldonado: Quarterback Tyler Shough to the Saints (No. 40). It made little sense, notably for a crew that desires long-term stability beneath center. Shough will possible be 26 with a laundry itemizing of foremost accidents, along with two separate collarbone breaks and a broken fibula from a hip-drop kind out. He holds the ball too prolonged, invites pressure and wouldn’t get by way of reads fast adequate — traits that solely enhance his hazard of taking additional hits.

Miller: Defensive kind out Kenneth Grant to the Dolphins (No. 13). This was every a poor value — Grant was an early-Round 2 participant for me — and an opulent, given the Dolphins’ desires at cornerback and safety. Grant is certainly an excellent participant, nonetheless the value merely felt off.

Moody: Linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II to the Bears (No. 132). This fourth-round alternative was beautiful because of many analysts predicted Hyppolite would possibly go undrafted. I believed this was a major attain inside the heart rounds by primary supervisor Ryan Poles.

Orlovsky: The Cowboys not taking a single massive receiver inside the draft. I completely expected them to take one after they wanted to drive the ball to CeeDee Lamb last season. Taking guard Tyler Booker inside the first spherical was excellent, nonetheless they should have tried to find a secondary receiving alternative in any of the alternative early rounds.

Jason Reid: Gabriel/Sanders to the Browns. Two developmental rookie QBs with Flacco and Pickett beneath contract? In camp and the preseason, how will Gabriel and Sanders get adequate reps to control to the NFL and present they deserve roster spots? I don’t get it.

Jordan Reid: Edge rusher Shemar Stewart to the Bengals (No. 17). I believed the Bengals would pursue a additional confirmed finisher off the sting. Stewart is a harmful gamble for a crew that has to hunt out speedy have an effect on players reverse Trey Hendrickson. Stewart has spectacular traits, nonetheless he had solely 4.5 sacks in three college seasons.

Schatz: TeSlaa to the Lions. He scored principally zero in my Playmaker Score article that features WR projections. ESPN’s Scouts Inc. rankings did have TeSlaa listed nonetheless as a result of the No. 17 receiver and No. 157 prospect. And however, the Lions dealt two 2026 third-round picks for him. He’s at best a duplicate of Detroit’s best receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Solak: Gabriel to the Browns. It’s sturdy for me to find a rosy future for Gabriel, who lacks the scale important to make the entire throws on an NFL self-discipline. He moreover wouldn’t have the compensatory arm experience and movement experience that shorter quarterbacks like Kyler Murray and Russell Wilson have. I battle to find a world the place Gabriel truly makes waves in that Browns QB room, even when Sanders wasn’t there.

Tannenbaum: The Falcons shopping for and promoting up for Pearce. While his talent is apparent, giving up a future first-round select is on a regular basis harmful, notably since Pearce’s predraft evaluations have been far and broad.

Walder: The Falcons shopping for and promoting up for Pearce. Surrendering a future first-round select to maneuver up for a non-QB is type of on a regular basis harmful enterprise, nonetheless it’s a really poor switch for the Falcons. That’s because of Michael Penix Jr. has three occupation begins, so there are a lot of worlds the place the Falcons gave up a top-10 or maybe a top-five select on this deal. (I’ll moreover throw the Vikings in proper right here because of they could’ve made a deal with the Falcons (or Giants) and traded out of the first spherical. Minnesota needed additional picks.)

Yates: Wide receiver Pat Bryant to the Broncos (No. 74). This was a attain relative to my very personal rankings, as I believed Bryant was a Day 3 select after posting a 4.61 inside the 40-yard dash on the combination. There are traits of Bryant’s sport I like: He’s a strong route runner, has terribly reliable arms and was a clutch performer in college. This select was merely ahead of anticipated.