“Analysis of all 32 first-round picks”

NFL Draft: Sanders falls out of Spherical 1, Jags take Travis Hunter at No. 2
USA TODAY Sports activities’ Mackenzie Salmon breaks down the largest storylines from Spherical 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Sports activities Pulse
The 2025 NFL draft is lastly upon us, going down this 12 months at Lambeau Discipline in Inexperienced Bay, Wisconsin – Titletown – dwelling of the Inexperienced Bay Packers, the league’s all-time winningest franchise. It is also the primary time the “Cheese State” has hosted the league’s marquee offseason occasion within the widespread draft period (since 1967) and first total since Milwaukee staged it in … 1940.
The league’s ninetieth annual “Player Selection Meeting” did not characteristic a lot thriller with its No. 1 choose, however issues bought awfully fascinating instantly afterward in what was a extremely intriguing first spherical.
USA TODAY Sports activities analyzed every choose, one via 32, because it was made Thursday night time:
2025 NFL draft tracker: First-round picks
1. Tennessee Titans – QB Cam Ward, Miami (Fla.)
A franchise that’s by no means drafted a quarterback with the No. 1 total choose (and no person on the very prime since Corridor of Famer Earl Campbell in 1978) clearly hopes to have its new face – and, at minimal, its first star behind middle since former league MVP Steve McNair. Ward (6-2, 219), who performed for 3 collegiate applications in 5 years, turns 23 subsequent month – however his expertise and, extra importantly maybe, management ought to drastically profit a Titans workforce in want of an identification following consecutive last-place finishes within the AFC South.
Ward isn’t a dynamic runner however is definitely a succesful athlete who usually makes performs along with his legs and arms outdoors of the pocket. However the 2024 All-American and ACC Participant of the 12 months is being chosen right here due to an alpha persona and a dynamic arm, one which produced a Division 1 report 158 TD passes. He’ll have to leverage all of his estimable talents on and off the sphere to show round a franchise that wants him to cease its free fall. Fascinating to notice, too, that Ward’s 2,329 passes tried in school are at the very least 1,000 greater than extremely erratic Will Levis, Tennessee’s main starter the previous two seasons, has thrown since he entered school in 2018 – Ward’s outcomes usually significantly better, too, if not skewed by Levis’ NFL mishaps (26 turnovers in 21 NFL video games).
That is the fruits of an astronomical rise for Ward, a zero-star recruit whereas enjoying in a Wing-T offense in highschool who performed at FCS-level Incarnate Phrase for 2 years earlier than transferring to Washington State after which Miami. He enters the NFL with 57 school begins. And given his gunslinger proclivity – which does generally put Ward and his workforce into furry spots – good wager he may be part of Warren Moon as this franchise’s second 4,000-yard passer. Nonetheless Ward’s impeccable timing must also be famous relative to what are certain to be outsized expectations in Nashville – but when he’d been drafted in final 12 months’s draft relatively than this one, Ward may need been the sixth or seventh quarterback off the board as a substitute of the primary.
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2. Jacksonville Jaguars from Browns – WR/CB Travis Hunter, Colorado
In a blockbuster commerce that features a Spherical 1 choose swap and the Jags’ second-rounder and 2026 first-rounder going to Cleveland – the preliminary commerce of first-round picks on this draft – rookie GM James Gladstone strikes up for the ultra-talented 2024 Heisman Trophy winner. An ultra-rare two-way participant whom Browns GM Andrew Berry described as a “unicorn” whereas additionally invoking multi-talented baseball famous person Shohei Ohtani, it appears doubtless the Jags will even be open to permitting Hunter to satisfy his dream of enjoying offense and protection within the NFL – as he did so properly whereas dominating school soccer. It appeared Hunter’s main want is to play offense after completely operating routes on the Buffs’ current professional day showcase and spotlighting himself on the place that’s prone to pay higher on the professional stage – although he fairly clearly has the ability set to carve out a signature paycheck down the street.
Hunter may begin out because the No. 2 receiver right here behind 2024 first-round WR Brian Thomas Jr., working in an offense the place QB Trevor Lawrence clearly wanted some assist. On the flip aspect, with CB Tyson Campbell doing the heavy lifting, Hunter may tag in to assist cowl the AFC South’s secondary receivers or in selective conditions in the beginning of his profession.
But it’s price questioning how a lot load a 6-foot, 188-pounder can and will shoulder within the NFL, which clearly options a much more bodily model of soccer than the Southwest Athletic Convention – Hunter’s freshman 12 months was spent at Jackson State – Pac-12 or Huge 12. Hunter performed 2,625 snaps over the previous two seasons, main the FBS in each the 2023 and ’24 seasons, together with 1,483 final 12 months. Put one other manner, he averaged almost 112 snaps per recreation since coming to Boulder. No NFL participant has had a 100-snap recreation since 2012. Hunter led the Huge 12 with 96 catches and 15 TDs in 2024 whereas racking up 1,258 receiving yards, 4 interceptions and 11 go breakups. His elite athleticism, instincts and ball expertise are main belongings on each side of the ball. Fairly a press release from Duval County.
3. New York Giants – OLB/DE Abdul Carter, Penn State
Regarded in some quarters as this draft’s most gifted participant, he didn’t do a lot bodily in the course of the pre-draft course of whereas recovering from shoulder and foot points (neither required surgical procedure) – although they hardly slowed the Huge Ten’s Defensive Participant of the 12 months in 2024. Carter is such an distinctive athlete, the Giants couldn’t bypass him regardless of their obtrusive want for a long-term reply at quarterback plus the very fact they have already got two extremely succesful go rushers in two-time Professional Bowler Brian Burns and 2022 first-rounder Kayvon Thibodeaux.
With 12 sacks, 61 pressures (second in FBS) and an FBS-leading 23½ tackles for losses final season, Carter’s numbers counsel he’ll shortly push Burns and Thibodeaux for snaps. The Giants are 13 years faraway from their final championship, after they reigned supreme because of their NASCAR defensive packages, so don’t be shocked to see all three on the sphere concurrently, both.
Carter isn’t missing for confidence, constantly declaring himself one of the best participant within the draft – he might not be incorrect – and not too long ago tweeted a photograph of Giants legend Lawrence Taylor for what it’s price. Nonetheless Carter, a lifelong Eagles fan up to now who additionally attracts on the spot comparisons to Cowboys DE Micah Parsons (additionally Penn State alum), should immediately change that viewpoint. And whereas nobody ought to presume he’s the following LT, Carter has an identical body (6-3, 250) and the power to bend it and leverage an array of strikes and counters plus elite get-off. A wanted weapon in a division that features QBs Jalen Hurts and Jayden Daniels.
A number of weeks in the past, the Pats may need thought one other quarterback would pressure Hunter or Carter right down to them. No such luck, however Campbell is hardly a comfort prize – particularly given the mandate to raised assist second-year QB Drake Maye. A consensus All-American, Campbell (6-6, 319) shall be charged with safeguarding Maye’s blind aspect – he was sacked on almost 10% of his dropbacks as a rookie – and may have to take action regardless of his extremely scrutinized arm size, which is shy of 33 inches (relying on who measures them). Regardless, these have hardly impacted his punch, candy ft or capability to deal with the SEC’s greatest go rushers – he allowed simply 4 sacks throughout three seasons (38 begins) because the Tigers’ starter. As for intangibles, he was the primary offensive lineman to put on the treasured No. 7 at LSU – like Derek Stingley, Tyrann Mathieu, Leonard Fournette and Patrick Peterson, amongst others, earlier than him – albeit as a patch above Campbell’s No. 66. Worst case, it appears he’ll be an All-Professional guard within the NFL – and New England may use a kind of, too. Oh, and he’s bought some critical swag.
5. Cleveland Browns from Jaguars – DT Mason Graham, Michigan
Cleveland drops three spots within the Hunter deal however nonetheless comes away with a unanimous All-American in 2024 and All-Huge Ten performer the previous two seasons. Graham (6-4, 296) isn’t a large area eater however is a relentless inside penetrator who makes use of his energy, quickness and background as a wrestler to maximise his leverage. Is he the following Aaron Donald? (Nicely, who’s?) The purpose is, Graham has a excessive flooring and needs to be an excellent professional even when he’s not essentially a flashy, 10-sacks-per-year participant – although he would possibly change into precisely that whereas enjoying alongside perennial All-Professional DE Myles Garrett for a workforce that is successfully loading up for 2026 and past.
6. Las Vegas Raiders – RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Regardless of his apparent expertise, the 2024 Heisman runner-up turns into simply the second tailback picked within the prime 10 up to now seven drafts (Bijan Robinson is the opposite) – principally by advantage of his place. Jeanty rushed for two,601 yards final season – 28 shy of breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season NCAA report – and will certainly be an improve from something that was on the Silver and Black’s depth chart.
Manufacturing has been no difficulty for Jeanty, who’s rushed for almost 4,000 yards over the previous two seasons, scoring 49 touchdowns throughout that timeframe (together with 30 in 2024). A compact package deal (5-9, 211) of muscle and velocity, Jeanty is an explosive, highly effective runner – he broke an FBS-leading 88 tackles in 2024 and racked up 1,733 yards after contact (which additionally would’ve been sufficient dashing yards to prime the FBS). And whereas he had 12 runs exceeding 50 yards final season, he’s additionally a stable receiver – his 569 receiving yards in 2023 essentially the most amongst FBS backs.
With 660 touches since 2023, Jeanty’s utilization has been ridiculous, and he does want to wash up a minor fumbling difficulty. However QB Geno Smith and TE Brock Bowers will at the very least draw a number of the focus from Jeanty, who may change into Marshawn Lynch 2.0 for run-loving head coach Pete Carroll.
7. New York Jets – OT Armand Membou, Missouri
Completely a proper sort out throughout three years as a starter for Mizzou, he ought to keep there with the Jets, who picked LT Olu Fashanu in Spherical 1 a 12 months in the past. Membou, a strong run blocker, didn’t enable a sack in 2024 in additional than 400 pass-blocking snaps. At 6-4, 332 kilos, he flashed his athleticism with a 4.9 40-yard sprint and 34-inch vertical leap at this 12 months’s scouting mix. He needs to be completely nice at guard if it seems he struggles outdoors within the NFL. But when he lives as much as his potential, it appears the Jets’ new regime – led by former Lions DC Aaron Glenn – is already following Detroit’s blueprint by laying its basis first on the offensive line.
8. Carolina Panthers – WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
He’s change into one thing of a polarizing prospect in current months given questions on his velocity and, maybe, dedication to the sport. However there’s no denying his measurement (6-4, 219) or manufacturing (174 grabs for greater than 2,700 yards since 2023). And third-year QB Bryce Younger, who righted his private ship within the second half of final season, now has a pleasant group of complementary wideouts to work with – McMillan becoming a member of veteran Adam Thielen and explosive 2024 first-rounder Xavier Legette. And massive as he’s, McMillan is completely comfy figuring out of the slot.
9. New Orleans Saints – OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
The 2024 Outland Trophy winner was almost hermetic for the Longhorns, permitting simply two sacks in almost 1,100 pass-block snaps over the previous two seasons. And with battered RT Ryan Ramczyk finally retiring, Banks’ arrival may result in an O-line shuffle, Banks maybe going to his customary left sort out put up and 2024 first-rounder Taliese Fuaga reverting to the precise aspect, which he performed at Oregon State. Trevor Penning, who’s struggled outdoors, would possibly lastly discover a dwelling at guard.
10. Chicago Bears – TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
And second-year QB Caleb Williams will get one more weapon, Loveland set to pair with incumbent TE Cole Kmet. A 6-6, 248-pounder, Loveland averaged almost 15 yards per catch throughout his first two years in Ann Arbor when J.J. McCarthy was throwing to him. Loveland is recovering from shoulder surgical procedure − the wing hampered him all through 2024 – however mentioned on the mix he needs to be absolutely prepared for coaching camp. His work up the seams may actually open up the sphere for WRs DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, a first-rounder final 12 months together with Williams.
He could possibly be an outstanding worth at this spot and a really good backfill for a badly depleted Niners line, previously the muse of their protection. Williams’ numbers for the Bulldogs (14 sacks and 57 hurries in three seasons) are literally unusually good given the depth of that protection and the way hardly ever it needed to be on the sphere. He is additionally powerful, enjoying via a high-ankle sprain most of final season. Williams may make fairly a tandem with 2022 Defensive Participant of the 12 months Nick Bosa.
12. Dallas Cowboys – G Tyler Booker, Alabama
The All-American’s mixture of management and nastiness could possibly be made to order for a flashy group which may want a kick within the pants on the heels of a 7-10 season that led to HC Mike McCarthy’s departure. Booker did not check properly athletically on the mix (5.38 40-yard sprint), however his intangibles apparently made him too engaging – and a logical match given the current retirement of All-Professional G Zack Martin. The Cowboys will now have three beginning offensive linemen with the primary identify Tyler (LT Tyler Guyton, LG Tyler Smith).
13. Miami Dolphins – DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan
The Fins go for some wanted toughness within the trenches, enlisting a large (6-4, 331) and nimble man who may need way more upside than former Wolverines teammate Graham. Grant, who had 6½ sacks the previous two seasons, successfully replaces DT Christian Wilkins, who left in free company a 12 months in the past. Throwing round his weight inside, Grant had 23 hurries final season.
14. Indianapolis Colts – TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
He’s fairly the throwback, carrying No. 44 for the Nittany Lions as a tribute to Corridor of Fame RB John Riggins … and perhaps he’ll get the quantity from former Indy TE Dallas Clark. And if we’re going to quote Corridor of Fame-caliber tight ends, Warren (6-6, 256) is extra Rob Gronkowski than Travis Kelce – each a devastating receiver and bodily blocker. He could be precisely what a workforce prone to have spotty quarterback play wants.
The 2024 Mackey Award winner as school soccer’s prime tight finish, Warren led the Huge Ten (and set a Penn State single-season report) with 104 receptions, which produced 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns. He was additionally a Wildcat quarterback possibility and red-zone weapon, dashing for 4 further scores. Warren performed basketball in highschool, and his hops produced some thunderous dunks. He needs to be a extra versatile weapon within the NFL than your typical tight finish.
15. Atlanta Falcons – LB Jalon Walker, Georgia
The Butkus Award winner in 2024 because the nation’s greatest school linebacker, that appears apropos given Walker’s capability to line up all around the subject. He can definitely get into an opposition backfield, posting profession greatest with 6½ sacks and 11 tackles for loss final season. But he principally break up his time between the road of scrimmage and off the ball, versatility that ought to serve him properly within the NFL regardless of his ‘tweener size (6-1, 243). His basketball and track background speaks to his athleticism. The local product would seem to be an ideal selection for a defense that hasn’t had a double-digit sack guy since 2016.
16. Arizona Cardinals – DT Walter Nolen, Mississippi
A 2024 All-American, the 6-4, 296-pounder who was high school’s prize recruit with Hunter three years ago can cause mayhem up the gut (10½ sacks and 23 TFLs since 2023). And the Cards can certainly use the fresh legs after adding old-timer Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson up front earlier this offseason. Nolen and 2024 first-rounder Darius Robinson should be the anchors moving forward.
17. Cincinnati Bengals – DE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
His talent suggests top-five pick, particularly after he tested just about off the charts at the combine – 4.59 40-yard dash and 40-inch vertical leap at 6-5, 267 pounds. His production (4½ sacks total in three seasons with the Aggies) suggests Day 3 pick. But dig a bit deeper and you’ll discover Stewart had 33 hurries in 2024 and was a hellacious run defender. This workforce could not solely lose DE Trey Hendrickson to a contract deadlock – most likely not at this level since he is nonetheless on the roster – nevertheless it’s already taken a success on the place following Sam Hubbard’s retirement.
18. Seattle Seahawks – OL Gray Zabel, North Dakota State
The 6-6, 312-pound Senior Bowl standout can play each place on the offensive line … and Seattle appears to have a gap at each spot save LT Charles Cross’. Zabel’s arrival dovetails with a workforce that is been recalibrating towards toughness and what’s going to doubtless be a extra run-centric offensive strategy in 2025.
Excessive character, excessive manufacturing – his 205 catches essentially the most ever by a Buckeyes participant. Egbuka, an achieved outfielder as properly, ought to give the Bucs fairly a wideout trifecta as he groups with WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin shifting ahead – particularly since he and Godwin can work interchangeably from the slot.
20. Denver Broncos – DB Jahdae Barron, Texas
The 2024 Jim Thorpe Award winner’s capability to flex between outdoors nook, the slot and security ought to make him fairly a weapon in a secondary that already options reigning Defensive Participant of the 12 months Patrick Surtain II. Barron led the SEC with 5 INTs in 2024 and did not give up a TD go. Barron flashed sub-4.4 velocity on the mix, and his 5-11, 194-pound body ought to allow him to carry up properly bodily.
Guess we’re assuming QB Aaron Rodgers ultimately indicators on to play right here … which might at the very least partially clarify the Steelers adapting one thing of an all-in mentality for 2025 whereas apparently worrying about their quarterback of the long run at a later date. So a workforce that doesn’t seem to have a ton of different obtrusive wants – operating again might be addressed later on this draft – opts as a substitute for an eventual alternative for All-Professional DE Cam Heyward, 35. After a breakout 2024 season for the Geese, Harmon (6-5, 313) appears the half for Pittsburgh’s odd entrance and a man who may properly help Heyward earlier than ultimately taking on for him. Harmon had 5 sacks and 11 TFLs final 12 months.
22. Los Angeles Chargers – RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
The 2-time All-American rushed for 15 TDs and at the very least 1,500 yards every of the previous two seasons for the Tar Heels to associate with 67 whole catches. Huge (6-0, 221) and quick (4.4 velocity), Hampton can also be sturdy and used to carrying a heavy load if requested – although he most likely will not be straight away given the Bolts signed RB Najee Harris in free company. Hampton not too long ago revealed new UNC coach Invoice Belichick tried to persuade him to remain in Chapel Hill for an additional 12 months.
And the draft’s dwelling workforce breaks its notorious 23-year streak of not drafting a wideout in Spherical 1, Javon Walker the final one. Golden glittered on the mix, his 4.29 40 the quickest amongst offensive gamers. He’s not the largest man (5-11, 191), however his burst and talent to return up huge within the clutch – watch the Longhorns’ CFP defeat of Arizona State – may make him one of the best of this 12 months’s receivers. Pack HC Matt LaFleur has mentioned he needs to “vomit” on the notion of No. 1 receivers … however he would possibly lastly have one. And Golden’s home-run capability ought to give WR Christian Watson extra respiratory room as he recovers from a torn ACL.
24. Minnesota Vikings – G Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
One of the crucial helpful members of the Buckeyes’ run to the 2024 championship shall be defending former Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy shifting ahead. Jackson (6-4, 315) break up final season between guard and left sort out after teammate Josh Simmons tore his patellar tendon in October.
25. Giants from Houston Texans – QB Jaxson Dart, Mississippi
Huge Blue offers again into the primary spherical to take Dart, the obvious quarterback of the long run … but additionally now a member of a really crowded room with not too long ago signed vets Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston plus native favourite Tommy DeVito. An all-SEC choice final season after main the convention in passing yards (4,279) and effectivity, Dart (6-2, 223) would possibly nonetheless want a little bit of time to get acclimated to the NFL and may have time to take action right here. Dart is a significantly better athlete than the opposite QBs on the Giants depth chart, if not precisely Josh Allen, whom HC Brian Daboll coached in Buffalo. Houston picks up the Giants’ second-rounder tomorrow night time (thirty fourth total) and two thirds within the deal.
26. Falcons from Los Angeles Rams – OLB/DE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
Atlanta supercharges its go rush, including Pearce after beforehand taking Jalon Walker. Pearce had 17½ mixed sacks over the previous two seasons and has distinctive athleticism. He additionally has exactly the precise construct (6-5, 245) and traits for a 3-4 protection that all of a sudden appears rather more fearsome than it has in years. Maturity questions have dogged Pearce in the course of the pre-draft course of, so that is clearly a roll of the cube by Atlanta, which provides up its 2026 first-round choose as a part of the deal to get again into Spherical 1 Thursday night time.
27. Baltimore Ravens – S Malaki Starks, Georgia
A cagey DB who can play deep, close to the road or within the slot – suppose Derwin James or Brian Department. Pairing the two-time All-American with All-Professional Kyle Hamilton, a fellow Swiss Military Knife, immediately offers a protection too usually torched by huge performs in 2024 what would possibly properly be the league’s greatest security tandem in 2025.
28. Detroit Lions – DT Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
The reigning NFC North champs go for defensive reinforcements after getting worn out by accidents on that aspect of the ball by the tip of final season. And with DT Alim McNeill recovering from a torn ACL that might shelve him for a part of the upcoming marketing campaign, taking Williams – perhaps a lot sooner than most draft observers anticipated – is smart right here.
After springing for veteran LT Laremy Tunsil in a commerce final month, GM Adam Peters provides one other bodyguard for QB Jayden Daniels, final season’s Offensive Rookie of the 12 months. Conerly (6-5, 311) allowed simply two sacks in two years as a starter for the Geese.
30. Buffalo Bills – CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
Christian Benford not too long ago landed an extension, however this protection wanted one other outdoors nook apart from pale Tre’Davious White. Not solely was Hairston (4.28 40 time) the one participant to outrun Golden on the mix, he’s a playmaker – pilfering 5 passes in 2023 earlier than combating accidents final season.
31. Philadelphia Eagles from Chiefs – LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
Is he an edge rusher? Is he an off-ball backer? Does it matter given the champs may use assist at each spots after the departure of OLB Josh Sweat throughout free company and the knee harm LB Nakobe Dean suffered within the playoffs? A primary-team All-SEC standout in 2024, Campbell is recovering from current shoulder surgical procedure himself, however EVP/GM Howie Roseman surrendered a fifth-rounder to get him in a choose swap with the Chiefs anyway, including one other SEC stud to his roster.
32. Kansas City Chiefs from Eagles – OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
They merely couldn’t maintain winging it at left sort out. Finally, QB Patrick Mahomes was going to get supremely annoyed – or worse. Simmons, a big (6-5, 317) and really sturdy man, doubtless would have been a top-10 choice had he not suffered a torn patellar tendon final season. He appears on observe to be prepared for the upcoming marketing campaign however ought to simply be definitely worth the wait if not – and that might imply productive time for not too long ago signed OT Jaylon Moore to show he can maintain down a spot on the left or proper aspect of Okay.C.’s evolving O-line, which could not embrace inconsistent RT Jawaan Taylor a 12 months from now.
Find out how to watch the NFL draft:
The 2025 draft shall be broadcast on NFL Community, ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC and streamed on NFL+, ESPN+ or Fubo, which comes with a free trial over the following three days:
- Thursday, April 24 (Spherical 1 begins 8 p.m. ET): NFL Community, ESPN, ABC (Watch FREE on Fubo)
- Friday, April 25 (Rounds 2-3 begin 7 p.m. ET): NFL Community, ESPN2, ABC (Watch FREE on Fubo)
- Saturday, April 26 (Rounds 4-7 begin 12 p.m. ET): NFL Community, ESPN, ABC (Watch FREE on Fubo)
EXCLUSIVE: Deion Sanders weighs in on criticism of son, QB Shedeur Sanders
USA TODAY Sports activities columnist Jarrett Bell not too long ago went to Boulder, Colorado, and mentioned a number of subjects with Corridor of Famer and College of Colorado soccer coach, Deion Sanders – amongst them the pre-draft criticism of his son, former Buffs QB Shedeur Sanders, who wasn’t picked in Spherical 1.
“It’s silly to us,” Deion instructed USA TODAY Sports activities throughout an expansive interview. “Most of it is laughable. What I told him, too, is, ‘Son, what I’ve learned in my life is when it don’t make sense, it’s God. Because some of this stuff is so stupid it don’t make sense. That means God is closing doors and opening doors to make sure you get to where you’re supposed to go.'”
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Shedeur Sanders controversy dissected: Experts weigh in
Is Jets RB Breece Hall among NFL vets on trade block?
The NFL draft inherently causes job security issues for veteran players as teams constantly seek younger, cheaper talent. And that might mean New York Jets RB Breece Hall is one who might be on the move, according to league reporter Josina Anderson. After finishing second to San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey among running backs with 1,585 yards from scrimmage in 2023, Hall produced 1,359 yards in 2024. He’s now heading into the final season of his rookie contract, yet new NYJ HC Aaron Glenn has already suggested the offense could go to more of a running back by committee approach.
NFL teams and veterans that could be involved in Round 1 trades
50* biggest NFL draft busts of last 50 years
The asterisk because I couldn’t limit this list of names, which will take you down memory lane, to just 50. One reason? Rewind four years to the 2021 draft, supposedly chock full of quarterback talent … that mostly has yet to materialize.
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‘Flat-out loaded’ class of running backs?
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty could be the first running back selected in the top five picks since the Giants tabbed Saquon Barkley second overall in 2018. Yet while Jeanty may be the headliner of this year’s RB class, there’s quite a bit of talent – and depth – behind him. Longtime draft analyst Todd McShay USA TODAY Sports: “This class is just flat-out loaded with talent. In 25 years of doing this, I haven’t seen this much high-end talent.” How a lot and why?
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Following re-emergence of NFL RBs, a particular group highlights draft
How good is Jeanty? Move on him at your personal threat
NFL draft prospect rankings
NFL draft expert Mike Middlehurst-Schwartz has been evaluating and ranking players ahead of the 2025 NFL draft. Take a dive into his overall assessment plus those of the best offensive weapons:
Top 50 big board (Feb. 25) | Top 200 big board (April 24)
QB rankings
RB rankings
WR rankings
TE rankings
Five potential first-round surprises
Draft’s 10 biggest boom-or-bust prospects
Sleepers to watch out for
Have any questions or want help? Contact us here. For extra insights, go to our website.
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