| Last year, Judy Bautista of NFL.com correctly tabbed the Eagles and Commanders for breakouts. This year, she has five teams: I want to start with a rare victory lap. Around this time last March, following a frenzy of player movement, this space absolutely nailed the top candidate for a turnaround in the 2024 NFL season. The Philadelphia Eagles are still celebrating their Super Bowl domination of the Kansas City Chiefs, and their free agency was so good last year that they spent part of this offseason doubling down on their haul — extending Saquon Barkley and re-signing Zack Baun.I choose not to look at the rest of the list, since my No. 2 turnaround candidate was the New York Jets, quickly followed by the Atlanta Falcons. Wrong and wrong. The Washington Commanders did make the list (correct) … although it was also noted that the team’s appearance should not be mistaken for a prediction that it would make the playoffs (laughably wrong).The Eagles and Commanders are the poster children for how quickly team fortunes can change — friendly reminder that, at this time last year, the Eagles were coming off an end-of-season collapse and changes to both coordinators — with very smart personnel acquisition and hole filling. Neither is on the list this year because both are far beyond the turnaround phase. They are what the teams on this year’s list aspire to. One caveat: Neither the Steelers nor Giants appear on this rundown because their quarterback situations remain muddled, as Aaron Rodgers contemplates his future.1 -Chicago Bears2024 record: 5-12Full disclosure: The Bears were also on last year’s list, almost entirely on the strength of expectations for No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. But the reset for 2025 has been dramatic, headlined by the hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach and turbocharged during free agency, with the overhaul of the interior of Chicago’s offensive line (Williams was sacked 68 times last season). The Bears also signed defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and rising edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo to play opposite Montez Sweat. The NFC North is still a beast of a division, but shoring up the trenches, particularly the offensive line, should help Chicago get much more out of Williams and the offense.2 – New England Patriots2024 record: 4-13There was no way around the obvious talent deficit the Patriots operated with last season, which surely contributed to the one-and-done coaching tenure of Jerod Mayo. The response under new coach Mike Vrabel was one of the biggest Foxborough spending sprees in recent years — through the first week of free agency, the Pats signed players to contracts with a combined total value of $279.3 million, the most in the NFL, according to Spotrac. That money bought a defensive overhaul that included defensive lineman Milton Williams, pass rushers Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson, cornerback Carlton Davis and linebacker Robert Spillane. Vrabel is building a tough, physical defense. New England still needs more weapons for quarterback Drake Maye and a playoff spot might be another year away in the loaded AFC, but this activity should at least put the Patriots on the rise again.3 – Cincinnati Bengals2024 record: 9-8Admittedly, it’s odd to think a team that finished above .500 needs a turnaround, but every season without a postseason appearance in Cincinnati during the Joe Burrow era should be considered a disappointment. The most encouraging thing we heard this offseason was Zac Taylor telling us at the NFL Scouting Combine that the Bengals are looking at every possible thing that could be contributing to their historically slow starts. Last year, they lost their first three and started 1-4, sinking them in a hole deep enough that even the brilliance of Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase’s triple-crown season couldn’t get them into the playoffs. One thing that will help a lot: The Bengals got blockbuster contracts done for Chase (now the highest paid non-quarterback in the NFL) and Tee Higgins, and they got them done in March, meaning both will be able to participate fully in offseason programs and training camp. A raft of (re-)signings on the defensive side — Joseph Ossai, B.J. Hill and Cam Sample among them — will look a lot better if the Bengals manage some salary cap gymnastics to keep star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson in the fold, too. Al Golden is taking over as defensive coordinator, and decent improvement in the defense should be enough to boost a team that will go as far as Burrow and Co. can take it. With Mike Gesicki also returning, Burrow’s to-do list for the front office is nearly complete — Hendrickson is the last one not finished — and that sets the stage for Cincy to again contend for AFC supremacy.4 – Las Vegas Raiders2024 record: 4-13The trade for quarterback Geno Smith was one of the stunners of this March, and it also was one of the clearest upgrades at any position. Tight end Brock Bowers was an All-Pro as a rookie — he caught 112 passes for nearly 1,200 yards despite substandard quarterback play — so imagine what he should do with Smith, who completed 70 percent of his passes last year. The presence of Pete Carroll means a proven system will be in place, the kind of organization that has been lacking for this franchise. Las Vegas still needs a lot more pieces, but with Maxx Crosby fully onboard, Tom Brady having input on decisions — and acting as a recruiter — and Carroll bringing his vaunted culture, the seeds have been planted for the Raiders to finally build something sustainable.5 – Cleveland Browns2024 record: 3-14Convincing Myles Garrett to back down from his trade demand and stay in Cleveland — albeit with a market-resetting contract — was a very big win for a team that badly needed one. Signing Maliek Collins should help bolster the pass rush, which is absolutely imperative in a division that also features Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow. The most important question about the Browns — the quarterback — is still unanswered, though. They traded for Kenny Pickett, who could be a placeholder, met with Russell Wilson and could make a move if Kirk Cousins becomes available for trade. And, of course, the Browns have the No. 2 overall draft pick. No matter what direction they turn, the QB play they get in 2025 can hardly be worse than what they received from Deshaun Watson last year. With Watson likely out the entire season following an Achilles’ re-tear, the Browns can finally turn the page from that failed experiment. This team won 11 games in 2023 with a revolving door of backup quarterbacks starting a total of 11 games (Kevin Stefanski was the NFL Coach of the Year that season), so a modest turnaround — no matter who plays quarterback — should not be that hard to accomplish. The DB thinks the Panthers are going to go 8-9, does that count? |
| NFC NORTH |
| DETROITBill Barnwell of ESPN.com tells the Lions to trade up in the first round: Trade up: Detroit LionsThe pick: No. 28The Lions, on the other hand, are in position to be aggressive. With a solid cap situation and excellent drafts under general manager Brad Holmes over the past few years, Detroit has plenty of cost-controlled talent on rookie deals. I count eight above-average-or-better players on rookie contracts who will start in 2025. Every team can always stand to add more talent on the bottom half of their roster, but the Lions are one of the deepest teams in the league.What they have are two glaring holes, however. One is in a place that’s usually a position of strength: guard, where they’ve moved on from Jonah Jackson and Kevin Zeitler in consecutive offseasons. Graham Glasgow will start at one spot, but Christian Mahogany and Colby Sorsdal are currently penciled in to compete for a starting role. The Lions could still try to address this with a free agent addition, such as Will Hernandez or a trade for someone like Browns standout Wyatt Teller, but it would be a serious surprise if they didn’t add one starting-caliber guard before training camp begins.Their bigger problem is at edge rusher, where they’ve struggled to find a secondary player on the other side of Aidan Hutchinson. Last year, they signed Marcus Davenport to a one-year deal, only for the oft-injured Saints draftee to go down after two games. They brought in Za’Darius Smith as a short-term rental after Hutchinson suffered his season-ending leg injury, but Smith was released earlier this month.Davenport is back and Al-Quadin Muhammad was productive in a backup role, but the Lions have a massive need for a pass rusher. As happy as Holmes might be with early picks, such as running back Jahmyr Gibbs and safety Brian Branch, there’s a reason teams prioritize players at the top of the positional spectrum: It’s harder to find elite edge rushers than it is running backs or safeties. Does adding that edge rusher help Detroit over the hump in the NFC Championship Game against the 49ers in the 2023 season, or keep its defense afloat against the Commanders in the divisional round last season?It’s fun to imagine the Lions trading up to make an all-in move for top-ranked edge rusher Abdul Carter, but that’s probably not realistic. Could they jump from No. 28 into the teens for Mike Green (Marshall) or Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M), though? This might be the time for Detroit to take a bigger swing on that second edge rusher next, especially with Hutchinson now eligible for what will surely be a significant contract extension. |
| NFC EAST |
| NEW YORK GIANTSDoes the signing of QB JAMEIS WINSTON portend the drafting of QB SHADEUR SANDERS with pick number 3? Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com: Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders is set to go with the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, if the betting odds are to be believed.Sanders has the best odds to go third, a +105 favorite at DraftKings.com.The Giants own the third pick, and Shedeur’s father and coach, Deion Sanders, supposedly said this week that he’s hoping to go to New York.Miami quarterback Cam Ward is the heavy betting favorite to go first overall, and Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter is favored to go second overall.If Sanders doesn’t go third overall, his Colorado teammate, wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter, has the next-best odds to go No. 3 at +235. Carter is listed at +275 to go No. 3, and Ward is at +1000.The long shots to go with the third overall pick are Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart at +1600, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty at +2500 and Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan at +2800. |
| NFC SOUTH |
| NEW ORLEANSEleven years later, a long journey has come full circle for WR BRANDIN COOKS. Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com: Brandin Cooks has signed for his second stint with the Saints, but this time he’s in a very different role, a veteran leadership role that he embraces.Cooks, who was the Saints’ first-round draft pick in 2014 and played three years in New Orleans, said after signing a free agent contract yesterday that he looks forward to teaching the rest of the receivers what they need to know to have a long and successful career.“Learning how to approach the game from my younger years to now, approaching the game is totally different,” Cooks said. “You know more, you got more knowledge, you got more wisdom, your process of taking care of your body, doing the things that keep you on the field.”Only one Saints player, defensive end Cameron Jordan, is still on the team from Cooks’ previous stint in New Orleans, but Cooks said he’s looking forward to working with wide receivers Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and Cedrick Wilson.“I think we’ve got a great room,” Cooks said. “CO and Sheed are blazing, CO can run any route, and Ced, I think we got a great room. A lot of unselfishness and I think that’s important to start off with. Guys just want to win, take care of business and let everything else handle itself.”The 31-year-old Cooks hopes to show he still has something left, in the place where he first showed he belonged in the NFL. Cooks needs 468 receiving yards for 10,000 in his career. He has been with five teams – the Saints, Patriots, Rams, Texans and Cowboys – without having 3,000 receiving yards for any of them. |
| NFC WEST |
| LOS ANGELES RAMSWR PUKA NACUA wants to be retired by age 30. Ryan Young of YahooSports.com: Puka Nacua wants to retire young.The Los Angeles Rams wide receiver revealed on the “Join the Lobby” podcast released Monday that he hopes to call it a career by the time he’s 30.“I’m 23 right now,” Nacua said. “I’m going into Year 3 — it wouldn’t even be 10 years. It’d be maybe seven or eight. I think of Aaron Donald, to go out at the top, I think it would be super cool.”While retiring early is a dream for countless Americans, calling it a career in the NFL at 30 by choice isn’t something seen very often. Former Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald was the last notable player in the league to do so. He retired after 10 seasons in the league, and is sure to be a Hall of Famer eventually. He retired at 32.Nacua has spent two seasons in the league so far after the Rams took him in the fifth round of the 2023 draft out of BYU. He set receiving yards and receptions records as a rookie, and he racked up 990 yards and three touchdowns on 79 catches in 11 games last season. He appeared in only 11 games due to a knee injury.Nacua has two years left in his initial four-year, $4.08 million rookie contract he signed with the Rams.While it’s unclear what is going to happen with the rest of his playing career, Nacua is already looking to life after football. He wants to have a big family, he said, and doesn’t want any football-related injuries to stop him from enjoying time with his family in the future.“The injuries are something you can’t control [as] part of the game, so you never know,” Nacua said. “Hopefully, the rest of the career can go healthy, but you have shoulder surgery, you have knee surgery, you have ankle. By the time my kids could be 18, I could be barely walking if you play the game and sustain all the injuries and stuff like that. But I want to retire early.” |
| SAN FRANCISCOBill Barnwell of ESPN.com tells the 49ers what to do:Trade down: San Francisco 49ersThe pick: No. 11Likewise, the 49ers find themselves in a difficult predicament as a result of their trades and a quarterback contract. They are much happier with Brock Purdy than the Browns should be with Watson, but they’re about to give him an even larger deal in terms of average annual salary. My estimate last summer was that San Francisco would pay Purdy $65 million per year on a new contract. Anything less would be a generous discount from the guy who has been the most underpaid player in football over the past three years.In terms of rookie contract performers, the Niners are lacking. They traded a total of eight picks to acquire Trey Lance and running back Christian McCaffrey, including three first-rounders as part of the ill-fated deal for the North Dakota State quarterback. The organization has recouped several compensatory picks as their executives and coaches have joined other teams, which has helped supplement their missing draft capital. They’ve acquired a couple of picks by trading Lance and running back Jeff Wilson, although they had two more outgoing as part of deals to rent edge rushers Charles Omenihu and Chase Young for a half-season.The only player left on the roster from San Francisco’s 2021 draft is cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, who signed an extension last year. Purdy was their only starter from the 2022 draft last season. Their nine picks in 2023 produced kicker Jake Moody and safety Ji’Ayir Brown, who was benched late in the year. The 2024 draft might project to be general manager John Lynch’s best, with the 49ers adding a pair of promising midround picks in guard Dominick Puni and safety Malik Mustapha, while wideout Ricky Pearsall, running back Isaac Guerendo and corner Renardo Green showed promise. Brown and offensive lineman Spencer Burford could cycle back into the starting lineup in 2025, but that’s more a product of the offseason subtractions than forcing their way into the lineup with their play.While the 49ers are in a better position than the Browns, the massive outflow of talent this offseason lays bare the issues with their current roster. They’re still going to try to compete while McCaffrey, offensive tackle Trent Williams and tight end George Kittle are around, but they need to build a new core around those veterans — fast. They have serious needs along the defensive and offensive lines and at cornerback.The good news? The 49ers have 10 picks in this draft, although they lost a fifth-round pick as part of an accounting mistake. Even with a full complement of picks, it wouldn’t hurt them to drop down from No. 11 if there’s an opportunity to add a Day 2 pick. If they can add multiple starters, they have a shot at righting the ship quickly in 2025. |
| AFC WEST |
| KANSAS CITYInitially, WR XAVIER WORTHY was in the news for assault on his ex-fiancee. Now, Worthy has a lawsuit that details why she is an ex. Mike Florio on the legal battle: We’ve gotten a look at the full lawsuit filed by Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy against his ex-fiancé, Tia Jones.Among other things, he claims that, after he was released from police custody in response to allegations made by Jones earlier this month, “$30,000 in cash [was] missing from the game room closet” at his home. Also allegedly missing was a jewelry box (with its content), three bracelets, and more.The complaint filed by Jones also claims that a neighbor witnessed Jones, “her USA Track Team Coach, Tonja Buford-Bailey, and USA Track Teammate, Jessica Wright, packing Ms. Bailey’s car.”The claims in the complaint include civil assault, civil battery, violation of the Texas Theft Liability Act, conversion, and trespass to chattels.The civil complaint contains no specific count for extortion; however, the lawsuit accuses Jones of scheming “to extort a home, money, cars, and other valuables from Plaintiff by concocting false stories of domestic violence and leaking the same to the press to professionally and personally assassinate Plaintiff’s character and reputation in the public eye for a subjective financial windfall.”Jones will have the ability to respond to the complaint and defend herself against the charges. She could also file a counterclaim against Worthy, accusing him of conduct (if she chooses) that would support a finding of civil liability. |
| LAS VEGASBill Barnwell tells the Raiders to get out of the 6th pick of the draft: Trade down: Las Vegas RaidersThe pick: No. 6The new-look Raiders have had an exciting offseason, highlighted by the arrivals of coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith, but there’s a lot of work to be done. They went 4-13 a year ago, and while there are factors — like their dismal fumble recovery rate and turnover margin — suggesting they are likely to improve on their record in 2025, it’s tough to see that regression toward the mean pushing them all the way into playoff contention in the brutal AFC West.The problem that’s been plaguing the Raiders for years is still their biggest weakness: a lack of young, homegrown talent as a product of dismal drafts and decision-making during the Jon Gruden and Josh McDaniels regimes. Including the picks traded for wideout Davante Adams in 2022, they had 14 first- and second-round picks between 2018 and 2023. One of those picks is going to start for the 2025 Raiders, and it’s the first one: left tackle Kolton Miller, who turns 30 this year.Miller is the only player left from the 2018 draft, and star pass rusher Maxx Crosby is the only guy left from 2019. There’s nobody on the roster from the class of 2020. Edge rusher Malcolm Koonce is the only 2021 draftee here. There are four players from 2022, but the only starter is guard Dylan Parham. And the team’s top two picks from 2023, edge rusher Tyree Wilson and tight end Michael Mayer, haven’t been able to sustain regular roles in the lineup. The Tom Telesco-authored 2024 draft delivered a genuine star in first-round tight end Brock Bowers, but there’s a missing generation of talent here.While the Raiders traded a third-round pick to the Seahawks for Smith, that was the selection they received from the Jets as part of the Adams trade last season, leaving them with a full complement of their original picks and two additional sixth-rounders as compensatory selections. Unless they are in love with Shedeur Sanders and are in position to take him at No. 6, moving down and attempting to build through young players is the way to go. Carroll’s early days in Seattle — where the Seahawks benefited from having extra picks in each of his first three drafts — are an example of how Las Vegas should be approaching its long-term vision with smart short-term decisions. |
| AFC NORTH |
| CLEVELANDBill Barnwell with instructions for the Browns at #2: Trade down: Cleveland BrownsThe pick: No. 2It will be tempting for the Browns to stay put. Even if the Titans take quarterback Cam Ward (Miami) at No. 1, Kevin Stefanski & Co. would be in position to draft Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) or their pick of the non-quarterbacks in this class. Team up edge rusher Abdul Carter (Penn State) with Myles Garrett? Add a once-in-a-generation athlete in Travis Hunter (Colorado)? Plug a hole at left tackle with Will Campbell (LSU)? It’s easy to envision the Browns adding a player they’ll love by staying at No. 2.After the Deshaun Watson fiasco, though, the Browns are desperately short of significant homegrown talent on rookie deals. The mass of picks the organization enjoyed from their various trade downs during the tanking years have mostly graduated to second contracts or left the organization. With no first-round picks and just one second-round pick between 2022 and 2024, they have one clear starter from their last three drafts in slot cornerback Martin Emerson. Wideout Cedric Tillman flashed at times last season, and offensive tackle Dawand Jones was excellent as a rookie before struggling last season, but there’s just not a lot of cost-controlled talent on this roster.The Browns were the league’s fourth-oldest team last season on a snap-weighted basis. With Watson’s $46 million salary weighing them down for the next two years, they aren’t in position to go on free agent spending sprees. The only deal they’ve handed out for more than $5 million per season is defensive tackle Maliek Collins’ two-year, $20 million pact. The combination of what they paid to get Watson and what they paid Watson on a new contract leaves them in a bind.If the Browns want a quarterback and think Sanders is their man, they probably need to take him at No. 2. The Giants (No. 3), Raiders (No. 6) or Jets (No. 7) could also justify drafting him in the top 10. For whatever skepticism there is surrounding Sanders, there appears to be a significant drop-off in the eyes of teams between Sanders and the next-best quarterbacks in this class. Considering what average veteran starters such as Derek Carr are getting paid, Sanders doesn’t have to project to be a superstar to hint at more surplus value than any other non-quarterback in this draft.It might be painful to miss out on players perceived to be sure things at the top of the board, but there are no guarantees with any prospects. Consider the 2020 draft, when the Nos. 2 and 3 overall picks were players who were perceived as elite prospects at their respective positions in edge rusher Chase Young and cornerback Jeff Okudah. The Commanders and Lions passed on the ability to draft (or trade their picks to a team who wanted to draft) quarterbacks Justin Herbert or Tua Tagovailoa in the process.If the Browns aren’t targeting Sanders, they need to add more picks, especially in the top 100 selections. They have the most draft capital of any team by Chase Stuart’s model heading into April, but I’d argue they could use even more. Spreading some of that capital across additional picks would be a wise move given how they need to recover from the Watson deal. |
| PITTSBURGHMike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com with a heartfelt recounting of the dread many Steelers fans are feeling to the probability that QB AARON RODGERS is headed to Pittsburgh: We continue to hear from Steelers fans who aren’t thrilled with the prospect of the Steelers signing quarterback Aaron Rodgers. While much of the pushback focuses on the perception that Rodgers no longer has high-end skills (we disagree), an email that arrived overnight points to a different concern.The question is whether Rodgers fits with the city’s culture, where there’s a stubborn commitment to tradition and family.“How can you root for your QB when they have no regard for tradition or family?” the reader argued. “Winning is nice, yes, but for a Steeler fan there is more to it.”The NFL has changed dramatically in the past 30 years, with players constantly changing teams and teams constantly changing players. The Steelers, however, have typically not made massive investments in outsiders to the organization, opting instead to make players they drafted and developed the centerpiece of the team.They recently broke from that history in a major way, with the trade and massive contract that brought receiver D.K. Metcalf to town. With news of Rodgers’s presence on the radar screen emerging the very next morning, Metcalf’s arrival quickly became a footnote. The focal point was and is Rodgers.“My 81-year-old father said that if Aaron Rodgers comes to the Steelers, he will ruin the heart and soul of the team and it will never be the same again,” the reader wrote. “Now maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but he’s talking about the honor a player should feel for the privilege of donning a Steeler uniform and representing a team that has a history that is intertwined with the citizens of Pittsburgh.”It’s definitely an outdated way of thinking about pro sports generally. But it’s part of the way the Steelers specifically have been doing things, for decades.No sudden moves. No big swings. No carpetbaggers. No high-priced scraps from other teams.Last year, the bargain-basement salaries for Russell Wilson and Justin Fields — coupled with the unmistakable and unwavering position that they wanted to be in Pittsburgh — made the moves easier to stomach. This year, the appearance that the Steelers are lowering themselves to throw cash at a reject from the Jets isn’t meshing with the reputation the Steelers have developed over the past 50 years.It’s why last week’s comments from Cam Heyward resonated with Steelers fans. “Either you want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or you don’t,” Heyward said. “That’s simple, that’s the pitch.”That’s the attitude the fans have. Being a Steeler is special. If the Steelers want you, anything other than an immediate and enthusiastic “yes” is “no.”At the core, that’s why some fans seem to be against it. If Rodgers wanted to be a Steeler, it would have already happened. The delay makes it seem calculated and cold. It seems to some that Rodgers is trying to help himself, not the team.That makes him not fit, in their view, with the way things work in Pittsburgh.As someone who has spent nearly 60 years within 100 miles of Pittsburgh, I can relate. Either you want to be Pittsburgh or you don’t. And some fans are thinking that Rodgers’s arrival would be less about embracing Pittsburgh and more about settling for it.Rodgers needs to understand this, if it’s going to work. He needs to convince the fans he wants to be there. That he’s honored to be there. That he plans to fully immerse himself in the Primanti’s and pierogies culture — in a way that seems genuine and authentic and not at all convenient or contrived.For some Steelers fans, it’s already too late for that. Because if he really wanted to be in Pittsburgh he’d already be there. |
| AFC SOUTH |
| TENNESSEEAfter 28 years, Robbie Bohren, the Titans well-respected VP of Communications, is “leaving the team.” Nashville media members have protected the circumstances of the departure while heaping praise on Bohren. John McClain in Houston is more blunt: @McClain_on_NFLI know new bosses want their people. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. That doesn’t diminish the negative impact getting rid of Robbie Bohren will have on Titans PR. They had the worst record in the league. They’re moving into a new stadium and they create more bad PR!– – -We will Mike Tanenbaum’s full Mock Draft (at ESPN.com) tomorrow, but here is what he had to say about Tennessee’s top pick: 1. Tennessee TitansCam Ward, QB, MiamiWhile I’m not ready to completely write off Will Levis as an NFL starter, I think there’s a clear separation in talent between him and Ward. This is an easy decision for Tennessee. And the team signing tackle Dan Moore Jr. and guard Kevin Zeitler — moves that allow JC Latham to kick over to right tackle — leads me to believe that it’s heading in this direction.Ward has a sturdy frame (especially in his lower body) at 219 pounds, and he displays outstanding pocket movement. I like how his eye level stays down the field as he moves around and avoids pressure. Last season, Ward led the country in TD passes (39) and passing plays of 20 or more yards (74). To which Dan Orlovsky commented – This may be spot on Orlovsky also has this to say about a video of Ward’s success: @danorlovsky7This is what a #1 pick at QB looks like. From huddle to post-snap.Pro day today will only confirm. @Titans don’t overthink. And after it was over, Ward said he had made a statement the Titans could not ignore. Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com: Cam Ward made a prediction before the University of Miami’s Pro Day on Monday.“I’m solidifying [being the No. 1 overall pick] today,” Ward said, via Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press.The Titans have the No. 1 overall pick on April 24, and they sent president of football operations Chad Brinker, General Manager Mike Borgonzi, assistant General Manager Dave Ziegler, vice president/football advisor Reggie McKenzie, head coach Brian Callahan, offensive coordinator Nick Holz and quarterbacks Bo Hardegree.The Tennessee contingent took Ward to dinner on Sunday night ahead of the quarterback’s 45-minute throwing session Monday.Ward did not throw at the Scouting Combine last month.“They finally got to see me throw in person. That should be all they need to see,” Ward said. “At the end of the day, if they want to give me the pick or not, I’m going to be happy with whatever team I go to. I just want to play football.”Ward is the betting favorite to become the No. 1 overall pick. Quarterback Vinny Testaverde (1987) and defensive lineman Russell Maryland (1991) are the Hurricanes’ previous No. 1 overall picks.Ward chatted with Titans’ staff between throws and following the workout as his selection by Tennessee seems a forgone conclusion.“I’m just excited to see where I’m going to end up, so I can finally learn the playbook,” Ward said. |
| THIS AND THAT |
| RISKIEST PICKSRob Rang of FoxSports.com identifies eight players in the upcoming draft, including the top two quarterbacks, who have a high risk factor: The most dangerous word in scouting is potential.Every year, NFL teams are seduced by the potential flashed on tape or in workouts, making the mistake of drafting elite athletes over proven football players.Teams willing to roll the dice on the prospects listed below could look brilliant a few years from now. It is easy to forget that Jordan Love threw for nearly as many interceptions (17) as touchdowns (20) in his final season at Utah State before Green Bay boldly made him their first-round selection in 2020. Or that the Dallas Cowboys gambled on Micah Parsons’ potential with the No. 12 overall pick a year later, despite the fact that he entered the draft with just 6.5 sacks in 26 games at Penn State.But for every success story like Love and Parsons, there are many others who fail to live up to expectations.And, in part due to a questionable quarterback class, this year’s crop appears especially hazardous, with several legitimate “boom-or-bust” prospects that one day could have NFL executives creating space on the mantel for a Lombardi Trophy — or just clearing out their office entirely.With the 2025 NFL Draft fast approaching, here are the eight riskiest prospects to keep an eye on.8. Shedeur Sanders, QB, ColoradoPlacement in Rang’s Mock Draft 3.0: No. 21 to Steelers The concerns I have with Sanders are more about his leadership than his physical traits. Sanders is the most accurate quarterback in this class and comes from a pro-style system, learning under former NFL head coach Pat Shurmur. He throws the ball with the precision expected of an NFL starter, with enough zip, touch and accuracy on the move to fit into every scheme. I am one of the few in the media scouting community who has Sanders as my top-rated quarterback in this class — and he’s been there all year long.However, like many others, I have my concerns about whether Sanders is as dedicated to winning in the NFL as he is to his own marketing. The flashy style might endear him to fellow “skill position” players but could leave some of his blockers (and coaches) annoyed. There were plenty of reports out of the Combine, East-West Shrine Bowl and throughout his time in Boulder raising questions about Sanders’ entitlement.On the field, Sanders’ can get happy feet and run himself into trouble. He was sacked 95 times over the past two years at Colorado, and while that is a testament to Sanders’ toughness, not all of the sacks should be blamed on his offensive line.7. Will Johnson, CB, MichiganPlacement in Rang’s Mock Draft 3.0: No. 19 to Buccaneers The first thing Johnson needs to prove to the NFL is that he is healthy, as he missed all but the first six games of the 2024 season with a turf toe injury and now won’t be able to participate in Michigan’s Pro Day workout due to a new issue with his hamstring. He has scheduled a private workout on April 14.When healthy, Johnson is a proven difference-maker worthy of a first-round selection. The former five-star recruit earned All-Big Ten honors each of his three seasons in Ann Arbor, as well as defensive MVP honors of the 2024 national title game. He returned each of his two interceptions this past season back for touchdowns, giving him a school record three over his career.But at 6-foot-2, 194 pounds, Johnson isn’t the consistently physical force that his size suggests, missing more tackles than he should. Further, he is a gambler in coverage, biting on underneath routes and leaving himself vulnerable to double moves. A fierce Michigan pass rush left opposing quarterbacks little time to test Johnson in college, but the nuanced route-running and precision passing he’ll face in the NFL could be challenging.6. Cam Ward, QB, MiamiPlacement in Rang’s Mock Draft 3.0: No. 1 to Giants (via trade from Titans) There isn’t a quarterback in this class whose stock improved more in 2024 than Ward. He famously improved his play while taking massive leaps in competition from Incarnate Word to Washington State to Miami over a college career that saw him leave with the most touchdowns thrown (178) in FBS history. His ascent has been remarkable and inspirational. He has a lightning-quick release and both the mobility and spatial awareness to excel as the pocket breaks down. Those skills translate to the NFL very nicely.However, while the aforementioned Sanders is often criticized for his perceived ego, Ward should be, as well. After all, he is the one who transferred twice and left his latest set of teammates out to dry in Miami’s bowl game loss to Iowa State, opting out of the second half after helping the Hurricanes take a 31-28 lead into the break. Some in the media gave him a pass for that. Some in the NFL will, as well. I don’t think either should. Leadership matters, especially at quarterback.And it isn’t just Ward’s intangibles that deserve a closer look. He excelled this past season, improvising much of the time, playing in a manner that, frankly, was more parking lot than pro-style. It led to all sorts of Heisman-like highlights, but also plenty of off-script, late-over-the-middle plays that could drive his coaches (and teammates) a bit crazy.Ward’s playing style is the epitome of boom or bust.5. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, ArizonaPlacement in Rang’s Mock Draft 3.0: No. 9 to Saints With an imposing 6-foot-4, 219-pound frame and 26 touchdowns scored in just three seasons at Arizona, it is easy to see why people are excited about McMillan. He is smooth off the line and accelerates efficiently, gliding downfield and using his frame to shield defenders from the ball. He also has extensive experience playing on both sides, as well as out of the slot, suggesting that he should be able to see the field quickly in the NFL.It is notable, however, that half of the touchdowns McMillan scored this past season came in the season opener against New Mexico. Also, for a so-called “possession receiver,” McMillan dropped a disproportionate number of catchable passes this season (seven, according to PFF).McMillan is more smooth than sudden, which might be why he opted not to work out at the Combine. He is a big receiver who plays with a bit of finesse. His big-play ability could continue in the NFL, but history is littered with first-round busts at wideout who match that profile.4. Nick Emmanwori, S, South CarolinaPlacement in Rang’s Mock Draft 3.0: No. 17 to Bengals No one generated more buzz at the Combine last month than the supremely gifted Gamecock, who led all participants there in the vertical jump (43.5 inches) and broad jump (11 feet, six inches) and was clocked at 4.38 seconds in the 40-yard dash at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds.And make no mistake, Emmanwori was a quality player at South Carolina in each of his three seasons, earning freshman All-American honors in 2022 and returning two of his career-high four interceptions this past season for touchdowns, demonstrating that his unique blend of size and explosiveness do, in fact, translate to the field.Emmanwori, however, is not the physical tone-setter in the box that his size suggests, and he doesn’t play up to his timed speed in coverage, either, showing just average instincts for a deep safety. These issues are correctable and won’t keep him out of the first round, but Emmanwori isn’t the guaranteed NFL star his workout suggests.3. Cameron Skattebo, RB, Arizona StateProspect grade: 3rd roundSome see Skattebo as one of this year’s safest picks. After all, he’s an old-school battering ram who simply does not go down on first contact. He plays with the physicality, contact balance and desire that will endear him to the coaching staff and fans.I’ve been scouting long enough, however, to remember another bullish back who seemed like a “can’t-miss” grinder between the tackles: former No. 3 overall pick Trent Richardson.Both backs are better barreling through defenders than evading laterally. That chink in the armor can be exposed against NFL speed. I remain quite high on Skattebo. He made the cut among my favorite running backs in this draft class, but there are plenty of skeptics in the scouting community. Skattebo’s 40-yard dash and shuttle times at Arizona State’s Pro Day this week could very well determine whether he’s selected on Day 2 or Day 3.2. Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&MPlacement in Rang’s Mock Draft 3.0: No. 8 to Panthers If Emmanwori was the star of the Combine among the so-called “skill positions,” Stewart easily reigned supreme among the big guys, turning in the kind of performance that earned him a comp on NFL Network’s televised workouts to former Aggie and No. 1 overall pick Myles Garrett.In terms of the workout numbers, the comparison is valid. The 6-foot-5, 267-pound Stewart was clocked at a ridiculous 4.59 seconds in the 40-yard dash with a 40-inch vertical and 10-foot, 11-inch broad jump. Garrett, half an inch shorter and five pounds heavier, ran a 4.64 with a 41-inch vertical and a 10-foot, eight-inch broad jump back in 2017.The production, however, is nothing alike. Stewart infamously recorded just 4.5 sacks over 37 games in three years at College Station. Garrett recorded 32.5 sacks in 36 games, including 8.5 in an injury-plagued junior campaign in which he was the focus on every opponent’s blocking scheme. Stewart was blessed with a terrific supporting cast, including fellow potential first-round pick Nic Scourton, who led the Aggies with five sacks in 2024.A strong argument can be made that Stewart created many more big plays than his poor sack numbers suggest. According to PFF, Stewart jumped from 16 to 30 to 42 total pressures generated over his college career. While those numbers suggest Stewart’s best football lies ahead of him, he’s proven more flash than finish thus far – and certainly not what most expect out of a first-round pick.1. Jalen Milroe, QB, AlabamaProspect grade: Top 50On the heels of former Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts literally running away with Super Bowl MVP honors, one can understand why teams might fall in love with Milroe’s exceptional tools. He is easily the most athletic quarterback in this class and is entering the NFL at a time when more teams than ever before are eager to build around dual-threats at the position. Milroe ran for 33 touchdowns at Alabama, including 20 last year alone.However, accuracy and anticipation remain the two most critical elements to quality quarterback play in the NFL, and Milroe currently is substandard in both of those areas. Rather than improve upon these areas last year with respected offensive mind Kalen DeBoer taking over as Alabama’s head coach, Milroe’s passing regressed. He went from a 65.8% completion rate in 2023 with 23 touchdowns against just six interceptions to 64.3% with 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.I like Milroe more than most in the media scouting community. I believe he has the physical traits and intangibles worthy of an early-round gamble. The team that selects him, however, better be prepared to lean in on his running ability and have a lot of patience as he smooths out the wrinkles in the passing game. |
| 2025 DRAFTBen Standig of The Athletic has a new Mock Draft: Post-NFL free agency mock drafts. That’s the good stuff.Two weeks’ worth of signings, releases and the occasional trade have helped shape individual team needs. Now, the focus returns to the incoming talent.There is always a gravitational pull toward quarterbacks. Interest in where the top passers land and how many go off the board in the first round are rolled into another edition of “lying season,” and this year is no exception.With the focal point centered more on team needs and draft logic, here’s one way the 2025 first round — plus two bonus selections — may unfold. I’m not usually a trades-in-mock guy, but several teams have 10 or more picks and could use that to maximize their assets in this weaker transactional (including free agency) market.1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, MiamiOutside of trading the top choice for a massive haul of picks, the Titans are executing the weirdest fakeout this offseason if they don’t select a quarterback. Evaluators don’t rank Ward at last year’s Caleb Williams-Jayden Daniels-Drake Maye level. Still, the combination of impressive size, arm strength and mobility makes the two-time college transfer the favorite for QB1.Most fascinating with Tennessee is whether another quarterback-needy team comes calling for a shot at developing Will Levis.2. Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders, QB, ColoradoThe decision likely comes down to the Browns’ panic level at quarterback versus maximizing the Myles Garrett investment with arguably the No. 1 overall prospect. Quarterbacks alter a franchise’s vibe more than any other position, and neither Kenny Pickett, Kirk Cousins nor Russell Wilson is a changemaker.Despite his impressive accuracy, some teams see Sanders as a Day 2 selection. That’s easy to say when your team has an answer at the sport’s most important position. That doesn’t mean drafting him at No. 2 isn’t a reach.3. New York Giants: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, ColoradoSigning free agent Jameis Winston Friday indicates that New York doesn’t feel great about snagging Aaron Rodgers, but that changes nothing in the big picture. The Giants are drafting a quarterback, whether that means Ward or Sanders slips to three, they overpay to move up one or two spots or they trade down for Jaxson Dart and extra picks.The Giants could also take a standout at No. 3 such as Hunter and trade for a second first-round pick, or they could hold the powder and take a second-round flier. There’s talent on the roster, but the lack of quarterback upside curtails any optimism.4. New England Patriots: Abdul Carter, DE, Penn StateThe Patriots face a comparable scenario to the Browns: Choose between the primary need — offensive tackle to help protect Maye — or the top player available. This choice becomes easier when the prospect considered No. 1 in the class who plays a core position is available at No. 4.5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, MichiganThe Jaguars signed many decent free agents, but none have addressed the interior defensive line issues. The 6-foot-3, 320-pound Graham’s high-end wrestling background will help him grapple with guards and centers. Jacksonville’s dubious culture should benefit from Graham’s national championship pedigree.6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise StateJeanty’s vision and elusiveness in a 5-9 package have evaluators talking about a home run talent. The Raiders need too much help elsewhere for a borderline luxury pick. If Pete Carroll’s voice is the loudest in the Vegas war room, running back is the call rather than a front-seven defender.7. New York Jets: Armand Membou, OT, MissouriMembou is one of the high risers in this pre-draft cycle, thanks to a bonkers NFL combine performance. He might not slip past the Patriots or Raiders. The 332-pound tackle with mobility and strength played extensively at right tackle in his final two seasons with the Tigers. That’s where he would line up with 2024 first-rounder Olu Fashanu manning quarterback Justin Fields’ blindside.8. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, Edge, GeorgiaThe pass rush hasn’t resurfaced following the Brian Burns trade. The Panthers tied for 29th with 32 sacks in 2024. Walker was the Bulldogs’ defensive leader and is a future force, whether at off-ball linebacker or off the edge. There’s a case for assisting quarterback Bryce Young by taking the first primary pass catcher.9. New Orleans Saints: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn StateOne of these days, the Saints will absorb the pain that comes with dumping salaries to get their financial house in order. That’s not this season. Anyway, finding more weapons for Kellen Moore’s passing game is key. Warren offers a reliable target (Big Ten-leading 104 receptions) with yards-after-the-catch prowess. There are no qualms here if the Saints choose a cornerback or front-seven defensive upgrade instead.10. Chicago Bears: Mykel Williams, Edge, GeorgiaSigning free agent Dayo Odeyingbo should not preclude the Bears from pursuing an edge defender, whether they’re monitoring a Trey Hendrickson trade or dipping into this deep class. The potential wrinkle is whether new head coach Ben Johnson wants to replicate Jahmyr Gibbs’ running back electricity in Chicago.11. San Francisco 49ers: Will Campbell, T/G, LSUThe 49ers released/traded numerous talented players or passed on re-signing free agents to clear salary-cap space with heavy losses on both lines. Campbell is considered the surest offensive lineman in the draft but with shorter-than-desired arm length. San Francisco might begin Campbell’s career at guard while developing the 2024 All-American into the eventual Trent Williams replacement at left tackle.12. Dallas Cowboys: Matthew Golden, WR, TexasFormer Cowboys head coach Jimmy Johnson held a two-word roster-building philosophy: speed kills. His old boss and current Dallas owner/general manager, Jerry Jones, should embrace that approach. Golden took the silver at the combine with the second-fastest 40-yard dash time (4.29). The Cowboys require a WR2 boost regardless.13. Miami Dolphins: Jahdae Barron, CB, TexasThe secondary issues at cornerback and safety have become a primary worry for Miami. Safety Malaki Starks is the potential Jevon Holland replacement, but the Dolphins should lean toward taking Barron here, the All-American corner with 4.39 speed, to fill the void across from Jalen Ramsey. Beefing up Tua Tagovailoa’s bodyguards is the broad priority.14. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, MichiganWhether Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones wins the starting quarterback job, the Colts are overdue to add more weapons on offense. The tight end corps is particularly unimpressive. The 6-6 Loveland puts a tall target on the field, one capable of running receiver routes.15. Atlanta Falcons: Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&MThe Falcons have been deficient in pass rushers for years. There are mixed reviews for the 6-5, 267-pound Stewart. He never recorded more than 1 1/2 sacks in any of his three seasons. The counter: The springy lineman led the Aggies with 39 pressures last season and then wowed at the combine with a 4.59 40-yard dash and 40-inch vertical jump.16. Arizona Cardinals: Jihaad Campbell, LB, AlabamaCampbell would be the best player available at this spot. The explosive linebacker with a mature mindset should make a smooth transition as a pass rusher and in coverage. There’s some temptation here to go receiver for a high-octane pairing with Marvin Harrison Jr., or cornerback.17. *Los Angeles Chargers (via Bengals): Will Johnson, CB, Michigan(Projected trade: Chargers acquire No. 17 and a 2026 fourth-rounder from Bengals for Nos. 22, 125, 214 and a 2026 third-rounder)Jim Harbaugh trading up for a different Michigan man (Loveland) would be the ideal use of the Chargers’ draft capital (10 selections). The pivot turns to cornerback — and jumping the Buccaneers at No. 19 — after losing Kristian Fulton in free agency, and Asante Samuel Jr. remains unsigned. Johnson’s impressive 6-2 size, playmaking and familiarity with the Chargers’ coaching staff make for a smooth transition.18. Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel, G/C, North Dakota StateThis might be the most need-versus-best-player-available battle in the first round. Boldly signing quarterback Sam Darnold raises the offense’s ceiling, but only if the Seahawks’ pass blocking improves. This might be Zabel’s draft peak. The powerful lineman can play everywhere. Seattle needs him at guard.19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nick Emmanwori, S, South CarolinaThe secondary lacks needed quality, especially at cornerback, but safety offers the best options with Barron and Will Johnson off the board. Emmanwori is an athletic freak — the 6-3 safety popped at the combine with a 4.38 40-yard time and 43-inch vertical jump — who returned two of his four interceptions last season for touchdowns.20. Denver Broncos: Omarion Hampton, RB, North CarolinaIs Sean Payton’s offense better served drafting a wide receiver or helping a weaponless running back room? At least new tight end Evan Engram gives second-year quarterback Bo Nix another target.21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenneth Grant, DT, MichiganThere’s ample speculation about the Steelers drafting the third quarterback, presumably Dart. Waiting for Rodgers suggests heightened urgency. Therefore, Pittsburgh targets a possible Week 1 interior starting lineman on either side of the ball.22. Cincinnati Bengals (via Chargers): Malaki Starks, S, GeorgiaTrading down for more picks — the Bengals have six — helps the front office add more rookie contract talent to offset the significant spending for Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and possibly Hendrickson. This selection must go for defense, whether the line or secondary. The safety position fell apart following Jessie Bates’ departure in 2023.23. Green Bay Packers: Derrick Harmon, DT, OregonThe Packers historically do not select wide receivers in the first round, so we honor the trend. Harmon’s forceful interior presence and pass-rushing skills are needed as Green Bay waits for other recent first-round linemen to improve.24. *New York Giants (via Vikings): Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss(Projected trade: Giants acquire No. 24 from Vikings for Nos. 34, 99, 219 and a 2026 third-rounder)Is talk of Dart going top 10 sincere, overcooked analysis or a reminder of what desperate teams will do for the king of NFL positions? The three-year starter led the SEC in completion percentage (69.3) and passing yards (4,279) last season.25. Houston Texans: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, ArizonaTank Dell’s significant knee injury may keep the talented receiver sidelined for much or all of the 2025 season, and newly acquired Christian Kirk’s contract expires next offseason. The slide ends here for McMillan, a 6-5 contested-catch hero.26. *Buffalo Bills (via Rams): Mike Green, Edge, Marshall(Projected trade: Bills acquire No. 26 from Rams for Nos. 30 and 109)The Bills (10 picks) get ahead of the Ravens and Lions in pursuit of edge-rusher help. Free-agent signing Joey Bosa is Greg Rousseau’s tag-team partner for 2025, while Green, last season’s FBS leader with 17 sacks, adjusts going from the Thundering Herd to the NFL. Green could be among the first 15 picks if teams are comfortable with his off-the-field controversies.27. Baltimore Ravens: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston CollegeThe Ravens never feel forced into taking a particular position. Cornerback, interior offensive line and defensive front are possibilities here. What the extra-bendy Ezeiruaku lacks in bulk, he makes up with wildly impressive athleticism and 34-inch arm length. He ranked high nationally last season in sacks (16 1/2) and tackles for loss (21).28. Detroit Lions: James Pearce Jr., Edge, TennesseeWhether an end or tackle, the Lions look for defensive line depth. The 6-5 Pearce’s athleticism (his 1.56 time in the 10-yard split led all defensive ends at the combine) and college production (17 1/2 sacks and 28 tackles for loss since 2023) are worthy of top-20 status. Football character questions seemingly have raised enough eyebrows to drop Pearce into potentially the late first-round range.29. *Cleveland Browns (via Commanders): Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas(Projected trade: Browns acquire No. 29 from Commanders for Nos. 33 and 104)The run on edge defenders immediately before their pick has the Commanders (five picks) trading down. The Browns (10 picks) must protect Sanders if they take him at No. 2. Trading up four spots for this future left tackle might be required since the Chiefs (31) and Eagles (32) could justify taking a flier on last season’s Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award winner.30. Los Angeles Rams (via Bills): Maxwell Hairston, CB, KentuckyThe Rams won’t lack cornerback options by dropping four spots. Hairston, the 2023 SEC leader with five interceptions and two pick sixes, became one of the combine’s stars after running a blistering 4.28 40-yard time.31. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio StateEveryone saw the Eagles’ pass rushers demolish Kansas City’s offensive line in the Super Bowl. Simmons had top-15 potential before a left knee injury cost him 10 games in 2024. The three-year starter for Ohio State would challenge Jaylon Moore on the left side, join the battle to replace left guard Joe Thuney or prep for the future while working as a needed swing tackle.32. Philadelphia Eagles: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole MissYou know the drill. The Eagles keep the defensive line stocked after losing Milton Williams in free agency. Trading up for Starks as the C.J. Gardner-Johnson replacement is another logical scenario. |
