| Jeff Howe of The Athletic on how the drama over QB MATTHEW STAFFORD, now committed to a return to the Rams, revealed how NFL execs feel about this draft quarterback class: The Stafford tellQuarterback Matthew Stafford’s return to the Los Angeles Rams didn’t come as a surprise to many around the league who didn’t understand the logic behind the rumored trades, but the development was nonetheless important.It spotlighted some QB-needy teams’ preference for a proven veteran quarterback over what seems to be a shaky draft class. League evaluators are down on the QB class to the point where many high-ranking personnel executives have top prospects Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders ranked below all six first-round quarterbacks picked in 2024.For the Las Vegas Raiders, what will be minority owner Tom Brady’s tolerance for substandard QB play? And for the New York Giants, the job security of general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll likely hinges on finding a solution at quarterback and subsequently maximizing that player’s performance on the field immediately.Stafford, even at 37, represented that quick solution, and he’s more of a sure thing right now than available veterans such as Aaron Rodgers, Sam Darnold, Kirk Cousins and Russell Wilson. Plus, there’s a hidden danger in whiffing on a first-round QB in April — it also may take teams out of the running from a more highly coveted class in 2026.To the root of it, though, teams strongly believed Stafford wanted to explore his market to gain leverage in his negotiations with the Rams — far more than wanting out. Obviously, the leverage play worked. But short of finding an offer of $60 million from another team, why would he want to join a rebuild at this stage of his career, especially after it took him so long to experience postseason success?After getting back to the playoffs, why would the Rams opt to start over at quarterback? It would make sense if they could’ve turned Stafford into a first-round pick — either a top-10 selection this year or a first-rounder in 2026 — but it’s hard to believe a rebuilding team would pay such a price, on top of the contractual cost, for a QB at that age.While having these barroom-style debates with coaches and executives, there simply wasn’t a scenario where Stafford, the Rams and the acquiring team would’ve all felt like winners in such a trade, which is why Stafford isn’t going anywhere.So, what’s next?It still sounds like Ward has an edge as the top QB in the class, and has believers within the Tennessee Titans, who have the No. 1 pick.There’s still a cloudy forecast with how this will play out, though, because there’s so much QB desperation with teams at the top of the draft. Teams could be more motivated to trade up if they don’t find their answer in free agency. Conversely, one team near the top of the draft noted that while it is in the QB market, that doesn’t mean it won’t be more comfortable with the wave of players who will be available in the second round.Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart is a name to watch. Teams believed Dart solidified himself as a first-rounder during his week at the Senior Bowl. And last week at the combine, two teams strongly believed Dart would be taken in the top half of the opening round.Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, Syracuse’s Kyle McCord, Texas’ Quinn Ewers, Louisville’s Tyler Shough, Ohio State’s Will Howard and Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel all have intriguing qualities. Teams have varying opinions over each, but there’s a project prospect for everyone in the market.Milroe appears to have the highest ceiling among that tier. When he plays with confidence, he makes quicker decisions — as a passer and runner — and pops on tape. His performance against Georgia tantalized evaluators. But there were too many occasions when Milroe was too sped up, sometimes getting himself stuck in the pocket, and looking like a longer-developing project.But if there’s a team that gets it right with the Milroe plan, he’s viewed as the prospect who would make teams want to kick themselves years from now. |
| NFC NORTH |
| MINNESOTAWill the Vikings try to run it back with QB SAM DARNOLD in 2025? Jeremy Fowler ofESPN.com” Fowler: While the Vikings are open to Sam Darnold returning, I continue to hear they won’t mortgage the future to keep him. There’s not much momentum coming out of the combine that the Vikings will franchise tag Darnold, who should have multiple suitors if available. The Giants, Raiders and Titans are among the logical options. And I’m not totally discounting the Steelers here — not yet, at least. As one high-ranking official with a QB-needy team pointed out to me, Darnold won 14 games for the Vikings in 2024 and is the best option on the market by a wide margin.One possibility that shouldn’t be overlooked in Minnesota is re-signing Daniel Jones to pair with J.J. McCarthy, whenever he’s ready off his knee injury. People I’ve spoken to believe that’s a real consideration for the team. As was told to me, McCarthy has already proven to the staff he’s the franchise quarterback, but the team won’t rush his timeline; they want the process to unfold organically, whether he’s ready now, in camp or in a future year. Jones would be a potential bridge to that and a cheaper alternative to Darnold.One more interesting nugget that might mean nothing but is at least noteworthy: The Vikings interviewed Cam Ward at the combine. |
| NFC EAST |
| DALLASAre the Cowboys the only team to use franchise tags so often? ESPN.com: The Dallas Cowboys plan to use the franchise tag on defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa if a long-term deal is not reached by Tuesday’s deadline, sources told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano on Sunday.The franchise tag for defensive tackles is projected at $25.1 million.If the Cowboys tag Odighizuwa, it would be the seventh time in the last eight years they opted for the franchise tag. The last two players tagged, running back Tony Pollard (2023) and tight end Dalton Schultz (2022), did not sign long-term extensions and left the next year via free agency. The Cowboys were able to sign Dak Prescott (2020-21) and DeMarcus Lawrence (2018-19) to long term deals after they used the tag a second time.Teams have until Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET to place the tag on their pending free agents.A third-round pick by the Cowboys in 2021 out of UCLA, Odighizuwa, 26, has not missed a game in his career (67 straight with 63 starts).He had his best season in 2024 with a career-high 4.5 sacks, 47 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble and 1 pass deflection. He was credited with 54 pressures, second on the Cowboys to Micah Parsons.At 6-foot-2, 280 pounds, Odighizuwa relies more on leverage and quickness than brute strength, but he can hold up well enough in the run game. He played a career-high 860 snaps (77.9%) in 2024.He has 172 tackles and 13.5 sacks in his four NFL seasons. But they have begun talks on an extension with EDGE MICAH PARSONS per Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com: The Cowboys and pass rusher Micah Parsons have begun discussions on a long-term contract extension.Discussions toward a new deal are in the early stages of the process, according to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News.Parsons is heading into the final season of his five-year rookie contract and scheduled to make $24.007 million in 2025. The Cowboys don’t have much salary cap space, and a long-term deal could be structured to give the team cap relief for 2025 with a signing bonus that Parsons receives this year but is prorated over the duration of the deal.Parsons will surely want a contract that beats the deal signed by 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa, who averages $34 million a year and is the NFL’s highest-paid pass rusher.It’s unclear whether Parsons will be willing to report to work if he doesn’t get a new contract. He may refuse to participate in any offseason activities until the Cowboys show him the money. |
| NFC WEST |
| LOS ANGELES RAMSIt was a busy weekend for the Rams, starting with a new deal for QB MATTHEW STAFFORD that keeps him in LA for 2025. Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com: The Rams and Matthew Stafford have agreed to a restructured contract that keeps the quarterback in Los Angeles, the team announced Friday.The adjusted contract came after the Rams gave Stafford’s agent, Jimmy Sexton, permission to speak to other teams about his value in the quarterback market. After discussions with the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants about contract parameters, Stafford and the Rams were able to come to an agreement on a reworked deal.With Stafford remaining with the Rams, the Giants are investigating all veteran quarterback options, including Aaron Rodgers, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Raiders, meanwhile, are now looking into veteran options that include Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and Sam Darnold, sources said.The Rams also reached a deal with one of Stafford’s offensive linemen, as the team and offensive tackle Alaric Jackson agreed to a three-year, $57 million contract ($35 million guaranteed) ahead of free agency, sources told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com doesn’t know the terms of Stafford’s new deal with the Rams yet, but he thinks he know what didn’t work for the Raiders: The Raiders wanted quarterback Matthew Stafford. They made their pitch. Shot their shot. And it didn’t work out.At the end of the day, the Raiders (and to a similar extent the Giants) served as Stafford’s leverage in his effort to get the Rams to give him more money.According to TheAthletic.com, the Raiders were willing to give Stafford a two-year deal in the range of $90 million to $100 million. That would have put his average salary at $45 million to $50 million.The report also suggests that a second-round pick might have gotten the deal done with the Rams, if Stafford ultimately had wanted to leave L.A. As mentioned on Friday’s PFT Live, we’d heard the magic number was a second-round pick — which created the impression that the Rams wouldn’t have been too upset about letting him go.But Stafford decided to stay. The specifics regarding his new deal have not yet emerged.Stafford has two years left on his current contract. He’s due to make $27 million in 2025 and $31 million in 2026, for a total of $58 million and an average of $29 million. The Rams will presumably enhance the cash for the next two years with voidable years that spreads the cap charge.Stafford has every right to want more than Jared Goff’s $53 million per year. If the Raiders (and perhaps the Giants) were offering something in the range of $45 million to $50 million annually, Stafford likely fell short of matching Goff.Maybe the contract will include incentives that can get Stafford there, based on how he performs. Or maybe the new contract will add some phony-baloney non-guaranteed salaries beyond 2026 that will drive up the new-money average.Regardless, four years after arriving from Detroit, Stafford decided not to leave L.A. Which means he’ll be getting more than $29 million per year over the next two years. The actual amount that his flirtation with the Raiders and the Giants squeezed from Stan Kroenke’s coffers remains to be seen. |
| SAN FRANCISCOThe 49ers sent WR DEEBO SAMUEL to the Commanders over the weekend. Seth Walder of ESPN.com looks at the deal: Samuel to the CommandersCommanders get: WR Deebo Samuel Sr.49ers get: 2025 fifth-round pickCommanders grade: B49ers grade: B+Samuel is a unique player. At his peak, his after-the-catch skills were unparalleled. Over the past four seasons, Samuel has posted a league-high 87 YAC score — 21 points higher than every other receiver in ESPN’s receiver scores (Ja’Marr Chase is next best at 66). His exceptional yards-after-catch skills have masked his subpar abilities in other traditional receiver facets. (His open and catch scores have been below average in each of the past four seasons and declined in that span.)Samuel’s production has declined in recent years. And after posting an absurd 1,405 receiving yards on 3.1 yards per route run (along with 365 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns) in 2021, he hasn’t approached those numbers. He’s coming off a poor 2024 in which he recorded only 670 receiving yards on 1.8 yards per route run. It’s not unreasonable to wonder if we will see Samuel, 29, come close to his peak again.Considering San Francisco’s plethora of wide receivers and the $17.6 million cap hit coming due, it was understandable that the team was looking to move on from Samuel, who had requested a trade. And Washington was a logical candidate to acquire him. It’s time for the Commanders, flush with cap space and in Year 2 of the Jayden Daniels era, to push their chips into the middle of the table. And receiver is a clear position of need behind Terry McLaurin, particularly with late-season breakout Dyami Brown being an impending free agent.Samuel appears to be a nice fit in Washington’s offense; he provides another threat close to the line of scrimmage and can complement Daniels’ running prowess. Washington’s 4.6 expected YAC per reception last season wasn’t amazing, but it was better than the 49ers’ 4.3 (sixth worst). And 11% of Washington’s wide receiver targets came on screens (third highest). You’d expect more next season with Samuel surely receiving many.On the other hand, if the Commanders enter the season with Samuel as their No. 2 wide receiver, that will be a weakness — and I will think less of this deal. I’ll grade it under the assumption that the Commanders jumped at this opportunity with the intention to add another solid receiver later in the offseason (either in free agency or early in the draft). Many potential veterans could be available via trade or free agency, such as Tee Higgins, Chris Godwin, Davante Adams (assuming he’s cut), Cooper Kupp and Stefon Diggs. But some of those players are far from guaranteed to hit the market and none is perfect.That leads to a big question: Isn’t $17.6 million and a fifth-round pick for one year of a No. 3 wide receiver a lot to pay? You bet. But the circumstances dictate the Commanders’ aggression to add playmakers, and Samuel provides offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury the ability to add wrinkles to what was already a successful offense in 2024.From San Francisco’s perspective, the team has invested heavily in Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall (and maybe could spend more on Jauan Jennings). The 49ers got a nice return for Samuel, whom — absent a trade partner — they might have released. |
| AFC WEST |
| LAS VEGASAs they move on from QB MATTHEW STAFFORD, RUSELL WILSON or SAM DARNOLD could be the next targets for the Raiders. @AdamSchefterWith Matthew Stafford remaining with the Rams, the Las Vegas Raiders now are expected to investigate veteran quarterback options that include Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and Sam Darnold, per sources. |
| AFC NORTH |
| PITTSBURGHAlthough the Steelers played QB RUSSELL WILSON over JUSTIN FIELDS last year, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com gets the feeling that it will be Fields sticking with Pittsburgh in 2025: The sense I get is that Justin Fields has an edge over Russell Wilson in Pittsburgh’s free agent quarterback pecking order. There is sentiment for Fields in the building, and both sides would be open to a return. The Steelers have at least another week to crystallize those plans, and they certainly haven’t ruled out Wilson at this point.Regardless, Fields should have options. The Jets, for one, are expected to gauge his market. His skillset would fit in Chip Kelly’s scheme in Las Vegas, too. |
| AFC SOUTH |
| TENNESSEEThe Titans have the first pick and could use a quarterback – but they are signaling a willingness to drop down and the two New York teams could be suitors. Jordan Dajani ofCBSSports.com: The 2025 NFL Draft begins with the Tennessee Titans at No. 1 overall … at least for right now. The club is open to trading the pick, and ESPN reports that both the New York Giants and New York Jets are among the teams believed to be interested in trading up for the top pick in the draft. The Giants hold the No. 3 overall pick, while the Jets are currently slated to pick at No. 7.Like the Giants and Jets, the Titans also have a need at quarterback, and ultimately could decide to stick and pick if they fall in love with Miami’s Cam Ward. During his press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine, Titans first-year general manager Mike Borgonzi confirmed that there have been calls from interested teams about the top pick in the draft.“I would say we’ve had some phone calls, yeah,” Borgonzi said. “And I’ll keep those phone calls (close) to the vest, but we’ve had some phone calls, yeah.”What is Borgonzi expecting in trade compensation?“Anytime you’re trading up to the No. 1 pick, you’re going to expect a big return, so I think that’s our expectation,” he said.The last team to trade out of the No. 1 overall pick was the Chicago Bears in 2023. They struck a deal with the Carolina Panthers and received their first-round pick (No. 9), a second-round pick, a 2024 first-round pick, which turned into quarterback Caleb Williams, a 2025 second-round pick and wide receiver D.J. Moore.Again, the Titans have a need for a franchise quarterback, but it remains to be seen if the organization will fall in love with one. Tennessee could also opt to take a top “talent,” such as pass rusher Abdul Carter out of Penn State or do-it-all weapon Travis Hunter. The most attractive option for the Titans, who own just two picks in the top 100, may be to trade down and acquire extra draft capital, but it takes two to tango. |
| AFC EAST |
MIAMIThis: @_MLFootballTRENDING: #Dolphins standout quarterback Tua Tagovailoa recently played chess with Donald Trump’s grandson at his home.  ESPN.com: At the NFL scouting combine, one rival NFL executive said some of the buzz going around was that the Patriots would aggressively pursue veteran Baltimore Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley should he make it to unrestricted free agency.It was hardly surprising, and also reflective of the type of conversations that take place at the combine, where front office executives, coaches, scouts, agents and reporters come together to set the stage for the start of free agency (legal negotiating period starting March 10) and the NFL draft (April 24-26).Sorting through what is legitimate and what is smoke is an evolving process, but the idea that the Patriots would be connected to Stanley hits at arguably the top theme head coach Mike Vrabel and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf drilled home in on-the-record interviews last week.Offensive line play wasn’t good enough last year. Defensive line play wasn’t good enough last year. And they’re bullish on fixing it, because they believe that’s where games are won. It’s good timing, as this year’s draft is considered especially strong on the defensive line.Stanley, who turns 31 later this month, is widely viewed as the top left tackle set to hit the free agency … if he gets there. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Eric DeCosta struck a confident tone at the combine that they might be able to re-sign him, and Stanley has previously relayed that he places a value on playing his entire career with one organization.At the same time, business is business, and last year the Ravens had slashed Stanley’s salary by $7.5 million as injury concerns mounted.Stanley’s stock is back up after playing in every game in 2024 for the first time in his nine-year career, and now he’s primed to cash in on a deal that figures to top $20 million per season — whether it’s in Baltimore, New England or elsewhere. One potential obstacle for the Ravens is that they rank in the bottom 11 of the NFL in salary cap space.In New England, he wouldn’t just fill a gaping void at left tackle, but also provide leadership and championship pedigree to a locker room that needs it as a new culture is established under Vrabel. The Patriots have more than $125 million in cap space (league high), and if they’re going to take a big swing, it makes sense that Stanley is on their radar.But there was another theme from Vrabel and Co. last week at the combine: The Patriots are going to have multiple plans and won’t be putting all their free agent footballs in one bag, because part of the process is out of their control. So they’ll explore multiple avenues to achieve the goal of filling myriad needs so they can let the draft come to them and not be hamstrung by a glaring need (e.g. last year at wide receiver).It sets the stage for what should be an exciting free agent period as Vrabel’s vision for the Patriots comes into focus. |
| NEW YORK JETSThe Jets appear to have squandered a draft pick for a short term rental of WR DAVANTE ADAMS. Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post: The Jets are hoping to catch a Hail Mary with Davante Adams.The widespread expectation ever since the Jets decided to move on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been that parting ways with Adams — who forced his way to the Jets in October via trade — will be next on the new regime’s to-do list.The easiest way to say goodbye is to cut Adams and absorb a $6.2 million dead charge on the salary cap in order to save slightly more than $32 million.But NFL Network reported Sunday that the Jets now are listening to trade offers for Adams.It would be very surprising if any team took that bait considering that they would inherit Adams’ bloated $38.3 million salary-cap hit while surrendering draft capital.If the Jets do not find a trade partner, the expectation remains that Adams will be released.As a free agent, Adams likely would want to pair up for the third time in his career with Rodgers, who has let it be known that he would be interested in joining the Giants.The Rodgers-Adams partnership moving from one locker room at MetLife Stadium to the other would set up a chance for revenge.But Jets star receiver Garrett Wilson didn’t like playing second fiddle in that dynamic, and the Giants’ Malik Nabers would find himself in a similar spot after a stellar rookie season.There is no doubt that the 32-year-old Adams still can play, however.He totaled 85 catches for 1,063 yards — his sixth time clearing 1,000 yards since 2018 — and seven touchdowns last season while playing three games for the Raiders and 11 for the Jets.But the Jets might just have to accept the sunk cost of trading a third-round pick (No. 73 overall) in the 2025 draft to rent Adams for a half-season rental.General manager Darren Mougey said last Tuesday the Jets “have a plan” for resolving the Adams “issue.”The plan likely will be resolved within the next week because free-agent spending opens March 10. Garrett Podell of CBSSports.com identifies five teams that might want Adams: Green Bay PackersThere’s been a public effort by the faces of the Packers to recruit Adams to return home to Green Bay. Packers All-Pro safety Xavier McKinney tweeted “Mannnnnnnnnn pull back up!” while tagging Adams’ account directly after he spoke about Green Bay’s potential desire to add a veteran receiver in the offseason on the “Up and Adams” show with Kay Adams. Adams himself highlighted a veteran wide receiver as one of Green Bay’s areas of need with the franchise fielding the youngest team in the NFL in both 2023 and 2024. Adams pointed out that wide receivers Romeo Doubs (suffered multiple head injuries, including one known concussion) and Christian Watson (torn ACL) are question marks in terms of health entering the 2025 season.“You’ve got to see what’s up with Doubs and Christian. Obviously Romeo having a few plays this year where he ended up a little banged up and hit his head on the ground, you never know. It’s kind of that Tua situation where it could be a week, or it can extend out longer than that. We’ll see. I’m praying for him either way,” Adams said on the “Up and Adams” show.“It kind of depends on the health of the team. It’s looking right now like obviously they might need some receiver help in one way or the other just based off what they have available. … Maybe a veteran or something in there, we’ll see.” Packers Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs echoed the sentiment multiple times that Green Bay needs a veteran wide receiver on Radio Row at the Super Bowl in New Orleans. When quarterback Jordan Love was directly asked on the “Up and Adams” show about Adams, Love, who sat on the bench for the final two years of Adams’ Packers tenure, said he wouldn’t be mad at a Green Bay reunion.“I’m not mad about it,” Love said. “Davante, that’s my guy. Obviously, I was with him for a good amount of time there in Green Bay my first couple seasons. I know exactly what type of player his. Phenomenal guy. … Just a great guy. You see it every week, the playmaking ability that he has. When I was with him, he dropped three passes in the years I saw him, so he is just a phenomenal receiver. Creates so much separation off the line, and then that’s his game. Killing guys off the line and making crazy catches and making big time plays. He’s a phenomenal receiver.” This move makes a lot of sense. The Packers young receivers can learn a thing or two from one of the NFL’s most precise route runners, and Love gets a go-to target in crucial third-down and red zone situations.Pittsburgh SteelersThe Pittsburgh Steelers were in hot pursuit of San Francisco wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk last offseason before he re-signed with the 49ers on a four-year, $120 million extension just before the start of the 2024 regular season. Van Jefferson wasn’t able to provide nearly enough veteran juice alongside youngsters in George Pickens and Calvin Austin this past season. Adams could help Pickens get his head on straight while teaching both him and Austin some finer points on route-running. Adams could also serve as a safety blanket for whoever the Steelers move forward with as their quarterback in 2025, perhaps Rodgers, with both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields set to become free agents. Washington CommandersWashington reached agreement on a trade for Deebo Samuel this week, but the work at receiver may not be done. The two non-Terry McLaurin starting wide receivers — Dyami Brown and Olamide Zaccheaus — are free agents this offseason. Washington is also equipped to enter the 2025 offseason with the sixth-most effective cap space in the NFL. That gives them plenty of resources to utilize after quarterback Jayden Daniels’ 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year of season, a year in which Daniels set the NFL rookie records for completion percentage (69%) and rushing yards (891).Washington was a few pieces short of reaching the Super Bowl in the first season of Daniels’ career, falling against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game. Adams could provide the Commanders young quarterback another Pro Bowl-caliber option alongside McLaurin.Denver BroncosDenver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix and Daniels are the only rookies in NFL history with at least 10 wins (10), 30 total touchdowns (34) and 4,000 total yards (4,207). Nix’s 29 passing touchdowns are the second-most in league history by a rookie, trailing only Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert’s 31 from the 2020 season. Head coach Sean Payton has his guy at the quarterback position, so maybe he looks to supply Nix with more firepower.Los Angeles ChargersLos Angeles returned to the playoffs in the first season under head coach Jim Harbaugh with an 11-6 record before faceplanting 32-12 in the opening round against the Houston Texans. Quarterback Justin Herbert threw a career-high four interceptions as the Texans secondary blanketed his receivers. The Chargers have two young wide receivers in 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston and 2024 second-round pick Ladd McConkey, but they could use a veteran, Pro Bowl-caliber option to complement the two youngsters. Los Angeles also possesses the fifth-most effective cap space in the NFL entering the offseason, according to OverTheCap.com. They have the room to get a redone contract done with Adams. |
| THIS AND THAT |
| COMBINE REVIEWVarious ESPN.com correspondents have reviews of all the activity of the Combine. We pulled out the report from Day 3, offensive skill players: Notables who did not work out: Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, Ashton Jeanty, Tetairoa McMillan, Emeka EgbukaWhat are the biggest takeaways from Saturday’s workouts?Miller: The biggest talking point entering the combine was the search for the QB3 in this class behind Ward and Sanders. The hope was that someone would emerge, and we could plant a flag on their stock. It didn’t happen. Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) and Quinn Ewers (Texas) were as expected, having solid throwing sessions. Tyler Shough (Louisville) had a good all-around day but didn’t do anything to emerge as a clear-cut option. Other contenders such as Jalen Milroe (Alabama) and Will Howard (Ohio State) were uneven in the throwing session, with Milroe in particular struggling with consistent ball placement.The combine isn’t always a friendly environment for quarterbacks, who are throwing to unfamiliar receivers who are also trying to impress NFL scouts, but this year’s group didn’t elevate to the moment. Dart and Ewers were the best, but neither did enough to move closer to Sanders on my board.Reid: With the potential exception of defensive line, running back might be the deepest position in the 2025 class, and that was on full display Saturday. They lived up to the hype, showing that there are starting-caliber backs available on all three days of the draft. It’s been eight years (2017) since 30 running backs were picked, but the 2025 class could exceed that number, as I have 33 draftable backs right now.Who are the biggest risers from Day 3?Elic Ayomanor, WR, StanfordThe combine is a great opportunity for players to answer questions that pop up on film. My biggest question on Ayomanor was his top-end speed. At nearly 6-foot-2 and 206 pounds, Ayomanor ran a very good 4.44 in the 40-yard dash to go along with a 38 ½-inch vertical and a 10-foot-7 broad jump. These numbers ease my concerns. Ayomanor has floated in the second-round range of my rankings, but I think this performance will get him into the top 50. — MillerDJ Giddens, RB, Kansas StateGiddens started the day well with a 10-foot-10 broad jump and a 39 ½-inch vertical leap. I had questions about his top-end speed after watching tape, but he alleviated those concerns with a 4.43-second 40-yard dash. The 6-foot, 212-pound Giddens is a scheme-versatile runner who can make defenders miss at the second and third levels while being a mismatch against linebackers and slot defenders. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield is appealing, which showed in on-field drills. He was excellent in the “Duce Staley” drill, which tests lateral agility and hip mobility. Giddens was viewed as an early-to-mid-Day 3 pick, but he shouldn’t last past the fourth round after his performance in Indy. — ReidJayden Higgins, WR, Iowa StateHiggins built on his standout Senior Bowl performance with a strong effort Saturday. He ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash, exceeding the low-to-mid 4.5 range that was predicted coming in. Higgins also jumped 39 inches in the vertical and 10-foot-8 on the broad jump, showing that he can climb the ladder and catch the ball over defenders. He was expected to be third- or fourth-round option, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes inside the top-75 picks. — ReidJimmy Horn Jr., WR, ColoradoHorn was one of the day’s biggest surprises, as his 4.46-second 40-yard dash is a huge boost to his stock. That acceleration showed on his tape, but scouts I talked to believed he was more quick than fast. His suddenness caught my eye, especially in the route-running portion. He showed smooth moves, an ability to accelerate and decelerate in route stems, and strong hands. Except for one drop in the gauntlet, Horn was flawless. We labeled the 5-foot-8, 174-pounder as a Senior Bowl standout and he continues to raise his stock, going from a borderline draftable prospect entering the all-star circuit to a late-round pick with potential to contribute early. — ReidJaylin Noel, WR, Iowa StateEntering the combine, I had Noel in a Round 2 stack of receivers alongside Jayden Higgins and Tre Harris (Ole Miss). I might have to separate Noel a bit after a fantastic performance Saturday. He started off great with a 41 ½-inch vertical and an 11-foot-2 broad jump, then showed his burst and long speed with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash. I’m a sucker for slot receivers with deep speed, and that’s exactly with the 5-foot-10, 194-pound Noel. — MillerBhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia TechI highlighted Tuten as a player who would burn up the track in our combine primer, and he didn’t disappoint. He lived up to his reputation as a true sprinter in the 40 with a blistering 4.32-second run, the fastest of any running back. The 5-foot-9, 206-pounder also did well in the jumps with a best-in-class vertical of 40 ½ inches and a very strong broad jump of 10-foot-10, further indicating his explosive ability. Drops and fumbles were a concern from watching his game tape, but Tuten caught the ball well in position drills while looking smooth and powerful as a runner. — MillerHow did other top prospects look on Day 3?Luther Burden III, WR, MissouriBurden entered the combine as my top wide receiver (Travis Hunter excluded) and backed that up by running a 4.41 40 at 6-foot, 206 pounds. That was impressive, especially when compared to the 4.39 run by 180-pound Isaiah Bond (Texas), who was rumored to be one of the fastest players in this class. Burden’s elite traits weren’t featured at Missouri this season, but he’s a big play artist who routinely breaks tackles and makes defenders miss. We saw his receiving skills Saturday in the gauntlet drill, where he was super smooth and didn’t drop a pass. I maintain that Burden is a top-15 pick. — MillerJaxson Dart, QB, Ole MissDart didn’t run, but I thought he was the best of the first group of passers in throwing drills on Saturday. Scouts have questioned how well he could transition from Lane Kiffin’s offense to a more traditional NFL scheme, and Dart showed that he could take snaps under center and throw from that platform. Scouts were watching the 6-foot-2, 223-pounder to see if he could build off his Senior Bowl performance, and the ball came out of Dart’s hand cleanly and on time. His projection is still mixed among the scouts I talked to, with some thinking that he could sneak into the back of Round 1 while others see him as more of a Round 2 option. — ReidMatthew Golden, WR, TexasGolden only participated in the 40-yard dash but made it count, running it one time in 4.29 seconds before ending his day. Several scouts texted me after his run surprised by his time, as he was expected to be in the 4.4 range. It was another step in a steady rise for the 5-foot-11, 191-pounder, who quickly turned into the Longhorns’ top receiver after transferring from Houston. There are evaluators that have him as the top pure receiver in the 2025 class, ahead of Burden and Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona). Golden is a well-rounded receiver with strong hands and a wide catch radius who can play from the outside or in the slot. Don’t be surprised if he’s a top-20 pick. — ReidOmarion Hampton, RB, North CarolinaHampton was my No. 2-ranked running back entering the combine and wasted little time showing why. The 6-foot, 221-pounder jumped 10-foot-10 in the broad jump and 38 inches in the vertical, then followed with a 4.46 40, which matches what he showed on tape. Hampton is a chiseled runner who excels in contact balance, as defenders frequently bounce off him. His ability to attack defenses in various ways makes him the favorite to be the second running back off the board after Ashton Jeanty. Hampton could go as high as the Broncos at No. 20. — ReidQuinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio StateI’ve had Judkins as a top-5 running back since he declared for the draft and I’m feeling pretty good about it after watching him Saturday. He measured in at nearly 6-foot and 221 pounds, a size that meshes well with the physical running style he showed on tape. But he’s more than a punisher, as he ran a 4.48 40-yard dash — an awesome time at his size — while leaping 38 ½ inches in the vertical and 11-foot in the broad jump. I’ve had him in the early Round 2 range, and the combine confirmed that. — MillerJalen Milroe, QB, AlabamaThe biggest story about Milroe early was that his hand somehow grew almost one inch from what it was measured at the Senior Bowl, going from 8¾ inches to 9⅜, which gets him over the NFL’s 9-inch standard. The 6-foot-2, 217-pounder didn’t run the 40 or perform jumps, which was surprising given the explosive ability showed on tape. Milroe was hot and cold in passing drills, echoing what I saw in his film. The team that drafts him must have a plan to rework his throwing mechanics, namely his footwork. He could see early packages as a runner, but he did not help himself as a thrower on Saturday. Milroe currently ranks as a fourth-rounder on my board. — MillerMore notes, thoughts and things we heard and saw on Day 3MillerTennessee running back Dylan Sampson opted not to run the 40, but his positional drills were enough to warrant a mention. The 5-foot-8, 200-pound Sampson is a compact back with great contact balance, but he also has quick feet and elite body control. That showed up in his ability to navigate over and around bags and how well he was able to cut in the famed “Duce Staley Drill,” which highlights a player’s foot speed and burst. He has solid top-75 value in this class.Jordan noted above just how good this running back class is, which has me wondering if NFL teams will wait and see on drafting a runner early. We know how talented Ashton Jeanty is but with eight runners ranked in my top 64, it feels like a year in which teams could wait until Round 2 to draft an impact back. It will be very interesting to see how early Jeanty is drafted in a class that lacks top-end talent at other positions, and if he starts a run at the position.ReidWashington State wide receiver Kyle Williams continues to improve his stock. He had a strong week of practices at the Senior Bowl, with his varied tempo as a route runner keeping cornerbacks on their heels. There were questions about the 5-foot-11, 190-pounder’s true straight-line speed, but he answered those with a 4.4-second 40 on Saturday. Williams is one of my favorite receivers in the second-to-fourth-round range. Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com with more on RB OMARION HAMPTON: North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton was one of the players who helped himself the most at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.Hampton measured at 6 feet tall and 221 pounds, ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, vertical jumped 38 inches and broad jumped 10 feet, 10 inches, while also bench pressing 225 pounds for 18 reps. He said on PFT Live that he knew he was going to impress with his workout.“I love the weight room,” Hampton said. “Always in the weight room, love benching all the time, even when I was younger, when I was in middle school.”The 21-year-old Hampton was a first-team All-American in both 2023 and 2024 and topped 1,500 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns both years. Although Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is widely regarded as the top running back in the 2025 NFL draft, Hampton is making a case that he should be the first back off the board. |
| 2025 DRAFTTyler Sullivan of CBSSports.com seems to think that CAM WARD will be the first QB off the board and SHADEUR SANDERS isn’t a slam dunk to be next. Every NFL prospect is currently sliding under the microscope for evaluators to come away with their impressions and whether or not they’ll eventually have their clubs select them at the 2025 NFL Draft later this spring. Throughout this evaluation period, which includes the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, a clearer picture should develop, specifically as it relates to the quarterback class.Unlike years past when there has been a clear pecking order, the 2025 class is a little more muddied. NFL Media reported Saturday that Miami’s Cam Ward has begun separating himself as the QB1. Beyond that, however, it’s currently unknown who’ll come off the board next.That nugget should raise some eyebrows, particularly as it relates to the stock of Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. Throughout the early stages of the pre-draft process, he’s been billed as the second-best quarterback in the class and has been mulled as a potential top-five or top-three pick. In a recent mock draft, CBS Sports NFL Draft analyst Josh Edwards has the New York Giants selecting Sanders with the third overall pick. Currently, he’s CBS Sports’ No. 24-ranked prospect overall and the No. 2-ranked quarterback.So, if all of a sudden it’s a question if he’ll even be the second-best quarterback taken, that could signal him falling further down the board on draft day. Moreover, it could also suggest the possibility of another prospect rising through the ranks and crashing into the first-round conversation. After Sanders, CBS Sports ranks Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart (48th-ranked prospect overall) and Texas’ Quinn Ewers (No. 107) as the next best quarterbacks followed by Syracuse signal-caller Kyle McCord (No. 109) and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe (No. 118).Sanders, who initially began his collegiate career at Jackson State and transferred to Colorado as his father Deion Sanders took the head coaching gig, turned in a 2024 season in which he led the Buffalos to a 9-4 record and completed 74% of throws for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. That led to first-team All-Big 12 honors along with being named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.Will it result in him being one of the top two quarterbacks taken and a first-round pick at the NFL Draft? That appears to be still up in the air.– – -Another writer from CBSSports.com, Kyle Stackpool, offers a Mock Draft: Obviously a lot will change with free agency on the horizon, but here are the names to keep an eye on as we head full speed towards the 2025 NFL Draft.1 – NY GIANTS (Mock Trade from Tennessee)Cam Ward QBMiami (FL) • Sr • 6’2″ / 223 lbsThe Giants were one of the teams interested in Matthew Stafford before he and the Rams decided not to part ways. They’re also reportedly interested in Aaron Rodgers, who has made multiple calls to the team. But in this mock draft, New York turns its attention to the draft. And with general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll badly needing to produce a successful season, they can’t afford to miss. That’s why they leave nothing to chance, moving up two spots and getting the quarterback they want, which in this case is Cam Ward.2 – CLEVELANDShedeur Sanders QBColorado • Sr • 6’2″ / 215 lbsThe Myles Garrett trade rumors are swirling, but from the Browns perspective he’s not going anywhere, so Cleveland turns its attention to the other side of the ball. Head coach Kevin Stefanski spoke highly of both Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders at the NFL combine, but in one specific interview, he pointed out that two quarterback traits he covets are accuracy and decision-making. Sanders doesn’t wow you with his athletic traits, but he certainly possesses those attributes, so that’s the direction Cleveland goes. Mock Trade from New York Giants3 – TENNESSEE (Mock Trade from NY Giants)Abdul Carter EDGEPenn State • Jr • 6’3″ / 252 lbsThe biggest news to come out of the NFL combine so far has been the injury to Abdul Carter, who reportedly has a stress reaction in his right foot but will elect not to undergo surgery after having more tests done. CBS Sports NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson talked to two league sources who are “not worried” at all about Carter’s injury, so I’m not going to be, either. The Titans still take Carter in the top 3 to strengthen their pass rush, which will likely be without Harold Landry next season with Tennessee allowing him to seek a trade.4 – NEW ENGLANDTravis Hunter CBColorado • Jr • 6’1″ / 185 lbsPatriots EVP Eliot Wolf emphasized needing to improve in the trenches during his NFL combine press conference, citing it as a formula for winning. And depending on how the first three picks shake out, offensive line and defensive line still seem like the most likely targets. But this is a dream scenario for New England; Travis Hunter can not only be Drake Maye’s No. 1 wide receiver but can help shore up the back end of Mike Vrabel’s defense.5 – JACKSONVILLEMason Graham DLMichigan • Jr • 6’3″ / 320 lbsThe Jaguars finished 30th in the league in sack rate (5.5%) and and 27th in pressure rate (29.6%) a year ago, so they need to get better along the defensive front. And while I’m sure new head coach Liam Coen wouldn’t mind getting some added protection for Trevor Lawrence, Mason Graham is too good of a player to pass up here. His arm length isn’t that of a typical top-10 defensive tackle, but his tenacity, strength, technique and consistency more than make up for it.6 – LAS VEGASJalon Walker EDGEGeorgia • Jr • 6’2″ / 245 lbsWith the top-two quarterbacks off the board, the Raiders and new head coach Pete Carroll focus their attention on stopping the signal-callers in their division. Jalon Walker would go a long way in helping them do that, as the linebacker/edge rusher hybrid has the length and athleticism to be a tone-setter along with Maxx Crosby on the defensive side of the ball in Las Vegas.7 -NY JETSWill Johnson CBMichigan • Jr • 6’2″ / 202 lbsWill Johnson was one of the best NFL Draft prospects entering the 2024 season before being limited to six games this past fall due to a toe injury. Scouts were not able to see him work out out at the NFL combine, either, as he did not participate in on-field drills, instead opting to delay his long-awaited return until Michigan’s Pro Day on March 21. But make no mistake: Johnson is still an elite NFL Draft prospect, and new Jets head coach Aaron Glenn (a longtime NFL cornerback and defensive-focused coach) will get the most out of him.8 – CAROLINAMykel Williams EDGEGeorgia • Jr • 6’5″ / 265 lbsThe Panthers would probably prefer Jalon Walker here, but with him off the board they take another Georgia defender in Mykel Williams. His production wasn’t what you would like to see from a top-10 pick, but he said an ankle injury forced him to play at about 60% throughout the year. Carolina decides to trust Williams’ elite physical traits as it prioritizes bolstering the defensive line this offseason.9 – NEW ORLEANSShemar Stewart DLTexas A&M • Jr • 6’6″ / 290 lbsCameron Jordan turns 36 years old in July and Chase Young is set to hit free agency; that’s basically all you need to know about which direction the Saints should go in the NFL Draft. Full transparency: I initially had Marshall’s Mike Green here, but then Shemar Stewart absolutely destroyed the NFL combine. He had very similar height, weight, wingspan, vertical jump and broad jump numbers to Myles Garrett coming out of Texas A&M; the only issue is that Garrett had 32.5 sacks in college and Stewart only had 4.5. Even with Stewart’s lack of production, the Saints bet on his tremendous upside.10 – CHICAGOWill Campbell OTLSU • Jr • 6’6″ / 323 lbsThe first nine picks played out perfectly for Chicago, which would like to do everything possible to protect franchise quarterback Caleb Williams. With every offensive line prospect available, the Bears select Will Campbell for his smooth athleticism, technical ability and experience (38 starts over the past three seasons).11 – SAN FRANCISCOJosh Simmons OTOhio State • Sr • 6’5″ / 310 lbsGeneral manager John Lynch said Trent Williams is “really motivated to come back,” but he turns 37 years old in July, so the 49ers need a backup plan at left tackle. Enter Josh Simmons, who was one of the best offensive lineman in all of college football before having season-ending knee surgery in mid-October. Some will have Simmons going later because of the injury, but San Francisco trusts that he can be the perfect replacement for their future Pro Football Hall of Famer.12 – DALLASAshton Jeanty RBBoise State • Jr • 5’9″ / 215 lbsCredit to my colleague, Mike Renner, for pointing this out: is Jerry Jones just concerned about selling jerseys and tickets? Because his moves the past few years, including the hiring of new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, don’t reflect an owner/general manager solely focused on winning. Now, this is nothing against Ashton Jeanty; he’s a top-10 worthy prospect, so Dallas should be thrilled to get him here. But compared to almost every other prospect (not named Shedeur Sanders), Jeanty will get fans excited to go to games, buy merchandise and more.13 – MIAMIKelvin Banks Jr. OTTexas • Jr • 6’4″ / 320 lbsKelvin Banks was a decorated three-year starter at left tackle, but some feel he may be best suited for guard. Luckily for the Dolphins, they need help at both spots. They’ve long struggled to pick up tough yards when necessary, and that’s because of the lack of push up front. Then you have head coach Mike McDaniel saying Miami is preparing as if its current left tackle, Terron Armstead, is going to retire. Whenever Banks ends up playing, he’ll be a quality starter who will improve the unit as a whole.14 – INDIANAPOLISTyler Warren TEPenn State • Sr • 6’6″ / 261 lbsTyler Warren said he wears No. 44 because when he was younger, his father put on video of legendary Washington running back John Riggins and said, “This is how I want you to run the ball.” Well, you know who else wore 44? Legendary Colts tight end Dallas Clark. Warren can do it all offensively, and Indianapolis needs to do whatever it can to help out Anthony Richardson, so that’s the direction the franchise goes here.15 – ATLANTAMike Green EDGEMarshall • Soph • 6’4″ / 248 lbsFor the first time since Takkarist McKinley in 2017, the Falcons take an edge rusher in Round 1. Among the plethora of defensive options in this class, Atlanta elects to take the FBS’s reigning sack leader in Marshall’s Mike Green. It’ll have to do its homework about his potential character concerns — he told reporters at the NFL combine that two sexual assault allegations resulted to his departure from Virginia — but the physical tools and production are there.16 – ARIZONAKenneth Grant DLMichigan • Jr • 6’3″ / 339 lbsIt was a major bummer that a hamstring strain kept Kenneth Grant from working out at the NFL combine, but he’s still a massive, super athletic interior defensive lineman with a ton of room to grow. The Cardinals badly need help in that area, especially having to deal with the potent run games of the Rams and 49ers four times per year.17 – CINCINNATIWalter Nolen DLOle Miss • Jr • 6’3″ / 305 lbsWith the Bengals insisting they’re going to pay Tee Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase and Trey Hendrickson, it seems like a forgone conclusion that they let veteran defensive tackle B.J. Hill walk. Cincinnati wouldn’t miss a beat if it drafted Walter Nolen, who had this to say at the NFL combine: “I’m smaller, but I’m strong as ox. I’m not a one-trick pony. I feel like I can move up and down the line.”18 – SEATTLENick Emmanwori SSouth Carolina • Jr • 6’3″ / 227 lbsNick Emmanwori said he models his game after Kyle Hamilton, arguably the best safety in the NFL at only 23 years old. It just so happens that Seahawks head coach Mike McDonald was the Ravens defensive coordinator for Hamilton’s first two years in the NFL, so he would know exactly how to maximize the potential of the 6-foot-3, 225-pound Emmanwori.19 – TAMPA BAYTetairoa McMillan WRArizona • Jr • 6’5″ / 212 lbsFinally a wide receiver! And the fit makes too much sense. Chris Godwin is set to become a free agent, and Mike Evans can’t put up 1,000-yard seasons for forever (can he?). Pairing the towering Tetairoa McMillan with Jalen McMillan would ensure that the receiving future is bright in Tampa Bay.20 – DENVERColston Loveland TEMichigan • Jr • 6’5″ / 245 lbsTyler Warren stole the show among college football tight ends last season thanks to his extreme versatility and elite production, but Colston Loveland was the clear TE1 entering the 2024 campaign. He just didn’t have anyone at Michigan capable of throwing him the ball — and STILL finished with 56 catches for 582 yards and five touchdowns. Head coach Sean Payton said the Broncos “need a joker” to create mismatches offensively, and Loveland can certainly fill that role.21 – PITTSBURGHEmeka Egbuka WROhio State • Sr • 6’1″ / 205 lbsGeorge Pickens is extremely talented, but also very inconsistent (and someone who frequently makes headlines for the wrong reasons). The Steelers need stability among their receiver corps, and Emeka Egbuka is the player for the job. He was always overshadowed at Ohio State by otherworldly talents, but he’s a savvy route runner who just knows how to get open.22 – LA CHARGERSTyler Booker IOLAlabama • Jr • 6’5″ / 325 lbsI’m sure Jim Harbaugh would have loved to reunite with Colston Loveland in Los Angeles, but the Broncos snagged the former Michigan tight end two picks earlier. The Chargers instead turn their attention to the offensive line. General manager Joe Hortiz said the Chargers would experiment with moving Zion Johnson to center, which would leave a hole at right guard. Tyler Booker could fill that role right away, as he has all the traits (explosiveness, power leadership) that Harbaugh covets.23 – GREEN BAYJahdae Barron CBTexas • Sr • 5’11” / 200 lbsCornerback Eric Stokes is set to become a free agent, and now the Packers are reportedly having trade conversations around Jaire Alexander. That leaves cornerback as one of the biggest needs, so the team goes out and gets Jahdae Barron, who won the Jim Thorpe Award as the best defensive back in college football last season. He’s not an elite athlete, but he does everything really well.24 – MINNESOTADerrick Harmon DLOregon • Jr • 6’5″ / 310 lbsWhile a lot of the top defensive tackles opted not to participate in on-field drills at the NFL combine, Derrick Harmon made himself a lot of money working out at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Thursday night. He wowed with a 4.95-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-5 and 313 pounds and then showcased fluid movement skills during football drills. Brian Flores’ vaunted defense gets even better with the addition of the former Oregon star.25 – HOUSTONArmand Membou OTMissouri • Jr • 6’3″ / 325 lbsThere’s always a few players who slip further than expected in these mock drafts, and Armand Membou is one of them. Membou was an All-SEC right tackle at Missouri, but NFL scouts believe he could be even better inside. The Texans would start him there right away and feel good about him providing much-needed protection for C.J. Stroud.26 – LA RAMSMaxwell Hairston CBKentucky • Jr • 6’1″ / 186 lbsInitially I had Oregon’s Josh Conerly going to the Rams to replace Alaric Jackson, but there are now reports that the two parties have agreed to a long-term extension. After locking up its left tackle, Los Angeles pivots to the defensive side of the ball and takes cornerback Maxwell Hairston, who delivered on his promise of balling out at the NFL combine.27 – BALTIMOREGrey Zabel IOLNorth Dakota State • Sr • 6’6″ / 305 lbsThe Ravens have a bunch of impending free agents along the offensive line, and Grey Zabel has played a bunch of different positions in his career (mostly left tackle at North Dakota State before moving inside during his breakout Senior Bowl performance). It would be a good problem to have for Baltimore, which could draft him and then figure out his best spot afterwards.28 – DETROITJihaad Campbell LBAlabama • Jr • 6’3″ / 244 lbsJihaad Campbell played mostly off-ball linebacker at Alabama, but he’s more than capable of being an edge rusher, and that’s where he would thrive in Detroit opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Campbell only helped his draft stock with his performance at the NFL combine.29 – WASHINGTONDonovan Ezeiruaku EDGEBoston College • Sr • 6’2″ / 247 lbsObviously protecting Jayden Daniels is a priority, but Donovan Ezeiruaku’s NFL combine performance made him too good to pass up here. A consensus All-American and ACC Defensive Player of the Year (16.5 sacks and 21.0 tackles for loss), Ezeiruaku recorded the fastest three-cone and short-shuttle times among edge rushers. He gets to the quarterback and does so quickly, which will be imperative as the Commanders attempt to catch the Eagles.30 – BUFFALOMalaki Starks SGeorgia • Jr • 6’1″ / 205 lbsIt doesn’t appear that Malaki Starks will fall this far on draft night, but that’s how this mock shook out, which the Bills are thrilled about. The Georgia standout is a do-everything safety who makes the job of his teammates easier.31 – KANSAS CITYDonovan Jackson IOLOhio State • Sr • 6’4″ / 320 lbsI feel like I’m morally obligated to give the Chiefs an offensive lineman after what happened in the Super Bowl against the Eagles. Donovan Jackson moved from guard to left tackle after Josh Simmons went down in October, and he was an invaluable part of Ohio State’s run to winning the College Football Playoff national championship. Regardless of where he lines up, he’ll help give Patrick Mahomes more time to work his magic.32 – PHILADELPHIAJames Pearce Jr. EDGETennessee • Jr • 6’5″ / 243 lbsTell me if you’ve heard this before: a talented, productive defender falls to the Eagles. James Pearce Jr. finished top three in the SEC in pressures each of the last two seasons. |
