| The power of the NFL revealed itself yet again last week. Shedeur Sanders’ drop led to record ratings for the third and final day for the NFL draft, while the average of 7.5 million viewers per day made it the second-most watched draft on record.Saturday’s telecast of Rounds 4 through 7 — Sanders was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round — was the most watched on record. It averaged 4.3 million viewers on ESPN, ABC, NFL Network, ESPN Deportes and digital channels. That was a 43% increase over 2024.The total number of viewers was up 27% over last year, and the three-day total trailed only the 2020 draft.Round 1 coverage Thursday averaged 13.6 million viewers across all channels — an increase of 11% over 2024 and the second most-watched Day 1 on record. Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday averaged 7.5 million viewers — up 48%.NFL officials announced Saturday that the total attendance in Green Bay ended up at 600,000 — more than doubling forecasted estimates for the event.Green Bay couldn’t match the record announced attendance of over 775,000 for last year’s draft in Detroit, but it matched the second-highest total since the NFL moved the draft out of New York and started sending it to various locations in 2015. The 2019 draft in Nashville, Tennessee, also had a reported total attendance of 600,000. The NBA is enjoying surprisingly good ratings for its playoff games. They are thrilled when a game gets half the NFL Round 1 draft rating: On Tuesday, ESPN announced that through their first 11 games of the NBA Playoffs to date in Round 1, the network is seeing their highest average audience on record at just over 4.4 million viewers. This included the Lakers-Timberwolves dramatic Game 4 matchup on Sunday afternoon that drew 7.3 million viewers and peaked at over 10 million. |
| NFC NORTH |
| CHICAGOTE TYLER WARREN seemed to have the resumé to be the first TE off the board, but Ben Johnson steered the Bears to Michigan’s TE COLSTON LOVELAND. Apparently other teams also saw Loveland as a special talent. Isaiah Hole of Wolverine Wire: NFL draftniks insisted that Penn State tight end Tyler Warren was at the top of his position heading into the draft last week, but NFL teams had different plans.Former Michigan football TE Colston Loveland ended up being the first tight end selected at No. 10 overall by the Chicago Bears, and as it turns out, there may have been a number of teams that coveted the talented former Wolverine.According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport on the Pat McAfee Show, teams appeared to be actively working to trade up to potentially secure Loveland. At least, that’s how it looks.“Before the draft, I’m starting to hear a couple of teams (were) really, really active trying to trade up,” Rapoport said. “A couple of teams — I heard the Texans were, I heard the Broncos were. Now, no one is ever going to tell you who they’re trying to trade up for because obviously, they don’t want someone else taking them. So the only thing I can tell is when the calls stop. When you’re trying to trade up for someone and then the calls stop, you were probably trying to trade up for that guy.“The Bears take Colston Loveland at 10, and a bunch of calls stopped.”When it came to the Michigan football offense last year, Loveland was basically the entire pass game, in terms of making it go. Though he had some injury concerns and his season wasn’t quite as prolific as Warren’s was for the Nittany Lions, Loveland has everything that NFL teams would want in a star tight end. In a first for the DB, here is an AI evaluation from Google: Key Differences:Size and Power:Warren is a bit heavier and more powerful, while Loveland is more athletic and has greater explosiveness.Blocking:Loveland is viewed as a more consistent blocker than Warren, although both have areas for improvement.Receiving:Both are good route runners and receivers, but Loveland may have a slight edge in terms of catching contested balls and separation.Versatility:Loveland’s athleticism allows him to be used in a wider variety of ways in the offense, including as an in-line blocker and as a receiver in the slot or out wide.Overall:Both are excellent prospects, but Loveland’s athleticism and blocking ability may make him a more versatile and impactful player in the NFL.Warren’s power and strong hands make him a valuable receiving threat and a capable run blocker, especially in certain offensive schemes. Warren is awfully good at contested balls, so Loveland must really be something. |
| GREEN BAYThe Packers and CB JAIRE ALEXANDER may be getting back together. Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com: There’s still a chance that cornerback Jaire Alexander will play for the Green Bay Packers in 2025.What once appeared to be a certain breakup now could be headed toward a reconciliation. A source told ESPN on Tuesday that all options are still on the table: a release, trade or return. Both Alexander and the Packers had expressed frustration over the two-time All-Pro’s past two seasons, during which he missed games because of injuries and a suspension.At the conclusion of last weekend’s draft, which saw the Packers wait until the seventh round to take a cornerback (Tulane’s Micah Robinson), Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst remained noncommittal about Alexander’s future.“We’ll work through that as we go,” Gutekunst said. “But no updates there, and he is on our roster right now and that’s how we’ll proceed. But we’ll figure that as we go along.”But Gutekunst, who earlier this offseason said he hoped to get something in return for Alexander if he wasn’t going to be on the team this season, would not go so far as to say that Alexander would play for the Packers this season.“No, I’m just saying nothing’s changed,” Gutekunst said. “No updates. We’ll proceed as we go for right now, and we’ll see how it goes.”In 2024, for the second straight season, Alexander appeared in seven of 17 regular-season games. He did not play after Nov. 17 — despite practicing on a semi-regular basis — but did not go on injured reserve until the final week of the season. He underwent knee surgery on what he said was a torn PCL. Still, he finished second on the team in pass breakups (seven) and tied for second in interceptions (two).The Packers began their offseason program last week but did so virtually because of all the congestion around Lambeau Field, which was the site for the draft. Coach Matt LaFleur said Alexander participated in the virtual sessions last week, but it was unclear whether Alexander reported to Green Bay on Monday when voluntary in-person work began. Alexander has a $700,000 workout bonus if he participates in the requisite number of offseason workouts.The 2018 first-round pick has two years remaining on the four-year, $84 million contract extension that made him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL at the time. The Packers would gain nearly $6.8 million in salary cap space for 2025 if they release him (or more than $17 million if they designate him a post-June 1 cut).The Packers added to their defense on Tuesday when they signed veteran linebacker Isaiah Simmons. The former first-round pick (No. 8 overall in 2020 with the Cardinals) spent the last two seasons with the Giants, who acquired him in a trade for a seventh-round pick.The Packers did not draft any linebackers but return Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie and Edgerrin Cooper who are expected to be the main starters. |
| MINNESOTALB ANDREW VAN GINKEL gets a year extension. Leocciano Callao ofYahooSports.com: Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel is staying put in Minnesota. On Tuesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Ginkel and the Vikings agreed to a one-year extension worth $23 million. The deal guarantees Van Ginkel $22.4 million, per Schefter.The 29-year-old was entering the final season of the two-year deal he signed with Minnesota last offseason.Van Ginkel started in all 17 games for the Vikings last season and finished with a career-high 11.5 sacks, with 18 tackles for loss and 19 quarterback hits. He also recorded two interceptions, both resulting in touchdowns.He was on the field for the Vikings in 81 percent of their defensive snaps. Van Ginkel quickly became a key player in Minnesota’s defense as the team went 14-3 before losing to the Los Angeles Rams in a wild-card game.After five seasons in Miami, Van Ginkel arrived in Minnesota as a familiar face to defensive coordinator Brian Flores from their time with the Dolphins. |
| NFC EAST |
| PHILADELPHIATed Nguyen of The Athletic has a Howie Rosema pick on his list of 10 Best Draft Scheme Fits here: 5. Jihaad Campbell, LB/Edge, Philadelphia EaglesPlay style: Sideline-to-sideline tackler, adept at match coverage, potential as pass rusherScheme: Versatile shifting odd front, zone/match coveragesHow does the league keep letting Eagles GM Howie Roseman get away with this? Truthfully, the Eagles are uniquely positioned to take on more risk than other teams because their roster is so strong. They can afford a swing-and-a-miss. They took Jalen Carter when teams were scared off by character/off-field concerns and he’s turned into one of the best defensive players in the league. Campbell fell in the draft because of injury concerns. He is still recovering from post-combine surgery and has other medical concerns. Also, he’s a bit of a developmental project. But Campbell is a top-15 player in the draft from a talent perspective.The comp I had for Campbell before the draft was Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, who was mostly an edge player before coordinator Vic Fangio moved him to off-ball full time. Campbell was a five-star recruit playing on the edge in high school. He’s relatively new to the position, which is why his processing is a tick slow playing inside run, but his coverage instincts and ability to match routes are excellent. Baun is also great in coverage and his ability to play on the line allows the Eagles to shift fronts.Roseman was noncommittal when asked about what position Campbell will play.“I don’t want to put this player in that box,” Roseman said. “This guy can grow into whatever you want.”Campbell’s reps as a pass rusher were mostly underwhelming on film but he did enough at the Senior Bowl to capture the Eagles’ imagination. Even if he doesn’t become a consistent pass rusher off the edge, he’ll be a useful off-ball linebacker who is excellent in match coverage, which the Eagles major in under Fangio. Additionally, he can line up all over the front, which will help with disguising.The Eagles don’t have an immediate need at edge or off-ball. Campbell could take his time to get healthy and learn the position. I trust Fangio as much as any defensive coordinator to put Campbell in the right spots to be successful.– – -What would be the best opponent for the Super Bowl champs in their Week 1 opener? Lions? Commanders? Cowboys? Rams? Various NFL.com writers express their opinion (11 writers throw out 5 teams, none of which are the Cowboys): Who would you most want to see the Eagles play to open the 2025 NFL season?Jeffri ChadihaPICK: Detroit LionsThe Lions were the top seed in the NFC last season and a popular pick to win the Super Bowl. That is, before a bevy of injuries capsized their roster — especially on defense — and left them vulnerable enough that the Washington Commanders upset them in the Divisional Round. Now the Lions are trying to make another run with two new coordinators and the knowledge that the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles stand in their way. This could’ve been the NFC title game many people wanted to see last year. Making it happen in Week 1 would be a smart play.Jeremy BergmanPICK: Las Vegas RaidersForget a rematch with playoff opponents. Miss me with another prime-time visit from America’s Team. Saquon Barkley and the Eagles should open up against Ashton Jeanty and the Raiders. The kickoff to the 2025 season can serve as a showcase for the last two running backs to be drafted in the top six — and announce the return of the tailback as a star-making position. Add in Pete Carroll’s return to the NFL, Geno Smith’s Raiders debut and Las Vegas’ classic unis, and you have an intriguing product — if not one football fans are used to. The Raiders have only played in five road prime-time games since their move to Sin City, tied for fifth-fewest in the NFL in that span. It’s time for fans to see the Silver and Black in a new light — under the lights against the reigning champs.David CarrPICK: Los Angeles RamsThe Los Angeles Rams were close to ousting the Eagles in last year’s Divisional Round but ultimately fell short. The Rams are running it back with Matthew Stafford and replaced Cooper Kupp with Davante Adams. Sean McVay’s offense still has the playmakers to make one more push before the veteran QB calls it career, and Chris Shula’s defense feels like it is about to hit its stride behind a youth-led front. And we know the Eagles aren’t going anywhere. This playoff rematch would kick the season off with a bang.Michael BacaPICK: Detroit LionsIs there a better way to kick off the 2025 season than a what-could-have-been matchup between NFC powerhouses? Many expected the Lions and Eagles to face off in last year’s conference title game before the Commanders stunned Detroit. Just as it would have been then, it remains an appetizing matchup, especially because we haven’t seen these two teams square off since the Lions’ renaissance truly got rolling under Dan Campbell. The last Lions-Eagles game was in Week 1 of the 2022 season, a high-scoring affair won by Philadelphia after holding off a Detroit comeback. Campbell’s squad found its identity late in that campaign before winning consecutive NFC North titles the following two seasons, a streak officially prompted by Detroit’s thrilling upset of the defending-champion Chiefs in the 2023 NFL Kickoff Game. You can expect Campbell’s Lions will be looking to make a statement once again to dispel any doubt after losing both coordinators this offseason. Going into Philadelphia ought to be a nice test for one of the biggest questions entering 2025 — let’s get an early answer for a potential playoff preview.Tom BlairPICK: Chicago BearsIdeally, the Kickoff Game is a rip-roaring barnburner that keeps everyone buzzing until Sunday. In that light, the Bears might seem like an odd match, coming off a five-win 2024. But as tempting as the Rams, Lions and Commanders might be, we won’t actually know the shape of each team’s season — and their ability to push the Eagles — until long after the first Thursday night of play. So let’s zero in on one of the questions I’m most eager to see answered: Can Ben Johnson and Chicago’s remade offensive line unlock Caleb Williams? As litmus tests go, this would be a doozy for the Bears, with none of the cover provided by a 1 p.m. ET start on Sunday against, say, the Browns or Raiders. But that’s part of the appeal. If they can hang with Philly, the hype that’s been building in Chicago will be at least partially realized — and if they can’t, the amount of work Johnson and Co. have left will be brutally revealed. To this offseason-addled brain, either outcome feels compelling. (Plus, we could get a shadow version of one of the clashes — the offense of ex-Detroit coordinator Johnson vs. Vic Fangio’s defense — that the Lions’ early exit denied us in the postseason.)Marc RossPICK: Detroit LionsThe Detroit Lions were one of the best teams in the league for most of last season. That is, until they were ravaged by injuries, then were upset at home in the Divisional Round by the upstart Commanders. Thoughts of what could have been still sting for some, including Amon-Ra St. Brown, who said this offseason he wants a healthy Detroit team to get the first crack at the reigning champions this fall. This meeting will be must-see TV, with appealing matchups all over the field, including the Lions’ explosive offense vs. a defense that dominated in the Super Bowl. Not to mention, there would be star power galore, thanks to Saquon Barkley, Aidan Hutchinson, A.J. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs, among plenty of others.Nick ShookPICK: Washington CommandersLast year’s belle of the ball, the Washington Commanders, reached the doorstep of the Super Bowl in a dreamlike season that ended only because they encountered a juggernaut. What better way to open the season than by running back the NFC Championship Game on a national stage, instantly testing both the Eagles’ ability to carry their title-winning momentum in 2025 and the Commanders’ viability as an anticipated contender with only one season of success to show for it?Kevin PatraPICK: Detroit LionsWho am I to argue with Amon-Ra St. Brown, who has already stumped for this Week 1 matchup? The Lions’ disastrous Divisional Round loss robbed us of a chance to see the top two NFC clubs facing off in the playoffs. Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and A.J. Brown versus a Lions defense, with Aidan Hutchinson returning from season-ending injuries, provides one juicy plotline. The Lions bring their own intrigue with the defection of Ben Johnson to Chicago. How will Jared Goff and the explosive offense look? What will the Eagles’ devastating defensive front look like against one of the best O-lines in football after losing playmakers this offseason? Let’s get this heavyweight bout in Week 1, before injury attrition hits and waters down a game that could decide seeding in the NFC.Maurice Jones-DrewPICK: Los Angeles RamsThe squad that was closest to beating the Eagles in their run to the Lombardi Trophy was the Rams, who had the eventual Super Bowl champions on the ropes late in the Divisional Round. The Rams are a contender once again with Matthew Stafford back under center, and Sean McVay and Co. would love nothing more than to prove that right out of the gate.Bobby KownackPICK: Detroit LionsIt’s the NFC Championship Game that could have been. A rematch of the NFC Championship Game that was would be exciting, but we saw Eagles-Commanders three times last season and will be treated to it twice more again. It doesn’t need to kick off the 2025 campaign. Instead, let’s pit the NFC’s top-seeded clubs from a year ago against each other and let them go to blows. Jalen Hurts versus Jared Goff. Saquon Barkley versus Sonic and Knuckles. A healthy Aidan Hutchinson returning to face last year’s best offensive line. The storylines are abundant. How do the Lions fare after losing both their offensive and defensive coordinators? Can the Eagles avoid the beginnings of a Super Bowl hangover? These two clubs are as reliable as they come for a heavyweight showdown, and whoever emerges victorious can set a definitive tone as the conference’s team to beat.Adam RankPICK: Washington CommandersI really don’t like the idea of having division rivals play in the first week of the season. Doesn’t seem fair. Heck, I’d say we shouldn’t have divisional games until at least Week 5. That said, the only game that can open up the season is the Eagles vs. the Commanders, a rematch of last year’s NFC title game. Nothing else should be considered. Besides the Cowboys, the Broncos and Giants don’t get any love. |
| WASHINGTONThe Colts cut PK MATT GAY despite pretty good numbers last year and the Commanders have swooped in. John Keim of ESPN.com: The Washington Commanders have changed kickers once more. Washington signed veteran kicker Matt Gay, prompting the release of Zane Gonzalez, the team announced Tuesday.Gay agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $5 million with $4.35 million fully guaranteed, according to a source. He becomes the eighth kicker to sign with Washington in the past 14 months. The Commanders used four kickers during the season.The Commanders have changed kickers for a variety of reasons, from off-field issues to injuries. They signed veteran Brandon McManus in March 2024 but released him two months later amid an investigation into a sexual assault lawsuit filed by two women working as flight attendants when he played for the Jacksonville Jaguars. The suit was later dismissed.Cade York opened the season as the kicker but was released after missing two field goals in the season opener. Austin Seibert was signed and steadied the position by making 27 of 30 field goals in nine games. He set a franchise record with seven field goals in his debut, a 21-18 win over the New York Giants in Week 2.But Seibert missed two games with a hip injury. When he returned, he missed two extra points and a field goal in a 34-26 loss to Dallas. His second missed extra point would have tied the score with 21 seconds left. Coach Dan Quinn said Seibert suffered a groin injury and he was soon placed on injured reserve.Gonzalez kicked in six games for Washington, making 5 of 7 field goals and all 19 extra point attempts. The Commanders re-signed Gonzalez to a one-year contract in March. Greg Joseph also kicked in one game following Seibert’s injury.Gay has made 85.5% of his field goals. In 2021-22 Gay made a combined 93.8% of his field goals, second best among kickers who appeared in at least one full season. But in the past two seasons, Gay made just 82.1% of his field goals to rank 24th.A big difference in those stretches: He made 11 of 14 field goals from 50 yards or longer from 2021-22 but only 11 of 22 the past two seasons.The Colts released Gay in April, two years into a four-year contract. One of Keim’s commenters points out that Washington now has a kicker named Gay and a punter named Way, P TRESS WAY. |
| NFC SOUTH |
| ATLANTAQB SHEDEUR SANDERS, eventually drafted by the Browns, wasn’t the only possible draftee who received a prank call over the weekend. Paulina Dedaj ofFoxNews.com compiled a list: Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders was not the only NFL Draft prospect to have his hopes of playing professional football toyed with this weekend after several players claimed to have been inundated with prank calls while awaiting the real deal.Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, who was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts with the 14th overall pick, received a prank call on the first night of the draft when the New York Jets were on the clock with the No. 7 pick, FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz reported, citing sources.According to the report, Warren’s camp claimed “the same number and/or area code involved in the Shedeur Sanders prank” was the number that called him on Thursday.However, a source told The Associated Press that the league’s investigation into the prank calls has found that the call to Sanders was not connected to any of the other prank calls players received over the draft weekend.Sanders, a projected first-round pick, stood by as he slid into the fifth round of the draft on Saturday. However, before receiving that call from the Browns, the former Colorado quarterback received a prank call.It was later revealed that 21-year-old Jax Ulbrich, the son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, had “unintentionally came across the draft contact phone number for Shedeur Sanders off an open iPad while visiting his parent’s home and wrote the number down to later conduct a prank call.”A friend of Jax, who identified himself as New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, had made the call to Sanders.“Shedeur, what I did was completely inexcusable, embarrassing and shameful,” Jax wrote on social media. “I’m so sorry I took away from your moment, it was selfish and childish. I could never imagine getting ready to celebrate one of the greatest moments of your life and I made a terrible mistake and messed with that moment. Thank you for accepting my call earlier today, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”In addition to Warren, Kyle McCord, Mason Graham and Chase Lundt were among the other unrelated pranks.“It’s been quite crazy of a day. I mean, I fielded a couple like prank calls before it, so I was kind of up and down a little bit – like if anything was real or not,” Lundt said after being drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round. “So, I was just, whenever I got this call, it kind of made me feel a little bit more calmed down and everything.” But the NFL has focused like a laser on the Atlanta Falcons and DC Jeff Ulbrich in particular for laxity in letting Sanders’ number get out. Mike Florio reports approvingly on the punishment: A prank call has resulted in a very real punishment for the Falcons and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.The NFL has announced that it has fined the team $250,000 and Ulbrich $100,000 “for failing to prevent the disclosure of confidential information distributed to the club in advance of the NFL Draft.”Said the Falcons: “We appreciate the NFL’s swift and thorough review of last week’s data exposure and the event that transpired due to it. We were proactive in addressing the situation internally and cooperated fully with the league throughout the process, and accept the discipline levied to Coach Jeff Ulbrich and the organization. We are confident in our security policies and practices and will continue to emphasize adherence to them with our staff whether on or off premises. Additionally, the Ulbrich family is working with the organization to participate in community service initiatives in relation to last week’s matter.”On one hand, the NFL had to do something about the Shedeur Sanders prank call. It was a very bad look for the league, the Falcons, and Ulbrich that he allowed an “open iPad” to be seen by his 21-year-old son, who took down Sanders’s phone number with the specific intent of making a prank call.Also, and as recently mentioned, it underscores the importance of safeguarding confidential information. Especially since confidential information about injuries, game plans, etc. can become very valuable in the context of gambling.On the other hand, the NFL distributed Sanders’s updated number far more broadly than needed. It went to the same recipients who get the daily transaction wire. All coaches (including assistants). Multiple personnel people.This is the kind of stuff that should be distributed on a need-to-know basis only. Ulbrich did not need to know it.Some thought the Falcons would get lenience because of Rich McKay’s role as chairman of the Competition Committee. And maybe they did. It’s impossible to know without knowing what the NFL would have done if another team had done it.It’s safe to say that, if it happens again, the punishment will be worse. That said, the NFL can (and should) tighten its own procedures in order to keep it from happening again. For leaving his Ipad open, Ulbrich was fined nearly three times as much as a player would for contacting a game official (which at $39,501 is the worst on-field crime a player can commit).- – -The Falcons have made a decision on the fifth year option of WR DRAKE LONDON. Myles Simmons of ProFootballTalk.com: Atlanta will exercise London’s fifth-year option, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.London was the No. 8 overall pick of the 2022 draft out of USC. He was the lone remaining top-10 pick from that class whose team had not made it publicly known whether or not the fifth-year option was being picked up.London is now set to receive a fully guaranteed $16.817 million in 2026.The young wideout reached 1,000 yards for the first time in 2024, catching 100 passes for 1,271 yards with nine touchdowns.In 50 career games, he’s recorded 241 receptions for 3,042 yards with 15 TDs. |
| TAMPA BAYWhile some puzzled over the pick of WR EMEKA EGBUKA, Ted Nguyen of The Athletic sees genius on his list of 10 Best Draft Scheme Fits here: 3. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay BuccaneersPlay style: Crafty route runner from the slot, physical run blockerScheme: Multiple running game, choice route heavy passing schemeThe Buccaneers drafting Egbuka was surprising because they have defensive needs and they just signed receiver Chris Godwin to an extension. Godwin and Egbuka share a similar skill set and both play in the slot, but Godwin is coming off an ankle dislocation injury. Presuming offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard keeps Liam Coen’s system in place, this is an offense that values versatile receivers. Egbuka fits that mold to a tee. Coen is a Sean McVay disciple and the Rams’ offense was consistently one of the NFL’s best when they had slot receivers Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods — two of the best blocking receivers in the league. McVay said it was like having 11 1/2 personnel on the field because they had the athleticism and route-running ability of an 11 personnel grouping (three receivers) and they had the physicality and blocking capabilities of a 12 personnel (two tight ends) grouping.Egbuka was the best run-blocking receiver in the draft and Godwin is an exceptional blocker. Having them on the field will give the Buccaneers their version of 11 1/2 personnel. The Buccaneers’ run game made massive strides last season and Egbuka will add another dimension to make life easier for Bucky Irving and open up more play-action opportunities for Baker Mayfield. |
| AFC NORTH |
| CLEVELANDThe Browns have released video evidence of their selection of QB SHEDEUR SANDERS. Chris Cwik of YahooSports.com: It took days, but the Cleveland Browns eventually stopped Shedeur Sanders’ slide in the 2025 NFL Draft. With the 144th pick in the draft, the Browns decided to take the plunge on Sanders.It was a precipitous fall for the former Colorado quarterback, who was projected as high as a first rounder according to some analysts. But if Sanders was upset about his fall, he didn’t show it. After being drafted, Sanders celebrated the move and said he was “thankful” for the opportunity.But how did Sanders and the Browns really feel the moment the team took him off the board? We finally know after the team released footage of its draft day phone call with Sanders.Turns out, it was a pretty standard draft-day chat. Browns general manager Andrew Berry acknowledged it was a long weekend for Sanders before telling him, “You gotta come in. You gotta work hard. You gotta earn your job, earn your keep. It doesn’t matter where you’re taken, it matters what you do from this point forward.”Before handing the phone over to Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, Berry told Sanders to “prove everyone who passed on you wrong.”Sanders seemed excited about the opportunity. After the call, he donned a Browns cap and flashed a big smile.And … that was it. There was no outrageous response from Sanders about dropping in the draft. There was no disappointment about going to the Browns. None of that was expected, but Sanders’ actions were under a microscope after anonymous NFL executives ripped the quarterback in the lead-up to the draft.The Browns weren’t exempt from that treatment either. Internet sleuths tried to read body language of the team’s reaction after the Sanders pick was announced. Some claimed the Browns were not happy about the pick or forced into making it due to the muted response from Stefanski and Berry.Further sleuthing revealed that’s how both men reacted to essentially every pick the team made during the 2025 NFL Draft.Wednesday’s video should put that whole conspiracy theory to rest. As draft day phone calls go, this one was just like the rest. |
| PITTSBURGHIan Rapoport of NFL.com is reporting that the Steelers are confident they will eventually ink QB AARON RODGERS. Andrew Vazquez of USA TODAY: The “Aaron Rodgers-to-Pittsburgh” waiting game may finally be coming to an end — and insider Ian Rapoport weighed in on how the Steelers currently view the situation.Making an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Rapoport first analyzed how Falcons QB Kirk Cousins could be holding onto hope for a “what if” scenario with the Steelers — a discussion that ultimately led the insider to give his opinion on what is likely to unfold soon:“[The Steelers] think Rodgers is coming. I think Rodgers is gonna be a member of the Steelers.”To support his bold take, Rapoport referenced Steelers President Art Rooney II’s comments about being confident Rodgers will sign with the Steelers. The insider clarified that the only time he felt unsure of the signing was when he heard the four-time MVP discuss retirement as a possibility.Whether you love him or hate him, Rooney and Rapoport’s confidence in Rodgers playing for the Steelers is great news — because it means this never-ending, speculative, and distracting rollercoaster may finally be coming to an end. |
| AFC SOUTH |
| JACKSONVILLELB DEVIN LLOYD was more productive in his third year than most players who have their fifth year option not picked up. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com: @JFowlerESPNThe #Jaguars are not picking up the fifth-year option for linebacker Devin Lloyd, per source. He is now set to hit 2026 free agency.Lloyd was productive last season with 113 tackles, two sacks, one interception and four pass deflections. |
| THIS AND THAT |
| FAVORITE PICKS – MATT MILLERMatt Miller of ESPN.com has a list of his 100 favorite picks from the recently completed draft. You can see them all here, the top 10 are below: There were 257 names called in the 2025 NFL draft. Some front offices did better than others with their selections — I really like the Eagles’ class — but how did the individual picks stack up across all seven rounds? I ranked the best 100 selections.This list isn’t based purely on talent — that’s why we had predraft prospect rankings. Here, we factored in value (where a player was drafted vs. where he was ranked predraft), scheme fit, how the selection addressed a need, what the prospect brings on the field and whether additional assets were gained or lost in draft-day trades to acquire him.1. Luther Burden III, WR, Chicago Bears (Pick 2-39)My final overall ranking: No. 13Burden was my top wide receiver in the class (I’m counting Travis Hunter as a two-way player), and he landed in a great situation with the Bears and new coach Ben Johnson. Burden’s yards-after-catch ability is terrific, and Johnson’s scheme has been elite at creating space for wide receivers. Burden likely starts as a slot receiver with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze flanking him, but he thrived in that alignment at Missouri.2. Will Johnson, CB, Arizona Cardinals (Pick 2-47)My final overall ranking: No. 7Johnson was a top-10 player in this class when looking solely at film and not accounting for injuries. While he didn’t want to slip to Round 2, Jonathan Gannon’s system is a great fit for him. Johnson has Trevon Diggs-esque ball-hawking skills and is a shutdown corner when healthy. This is one of the steals of the draft as far as value, as he was taken 40 spots lower than I had him ranked.3. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders (Pick 1-6)My final overall ranking: No. 3Not only did Jeanty represent obvious value, but he also fills a team need. The Raiders’ new brass — coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly — want a power running game, and Jeanty was the clear top back in the class. He’ll be heavily featured as a runner and a receiver while bringing the culture Carroll wants to establish in Las Vegas.4. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Philadelphia Eagles (Pick 1-31)My final overall ranking: No. 15I like Campbell’s fit in Philadelphia as much as I dig the 16-spot value the Eagles got by selecting him in this spot. We just saw Zack Baun have an All-Pro season as a triple-threat linebacker in Philly. Campbell is in the same mold but is arguably faster and stronger with higher pass-rush potential. He’ll need some time to recover from surgery to repair a torn labrum, but no other team develops front-seven defenders like the Eagles.5. Jalon Walker, Edge, Atlanta Falcons (Pick 1-15)My final overall ranking: No. 5Walker was a top-five player on my board, and Atlanta ended his draft-night slide midway through the first round. Not only did the Falcons get great value, but they also got a player who fits perfectly for Atlanta’s scheme and need. Walker’s NFL position has yet to be determined (he played both linebacker and edge at Georgia in 2024), but he brings desperately needed speed and high upside as a pass rusher in a 3-4 alignment.6. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Jacksonville Jaguars (Pick 1-2)My final overall ranking: No. 2Hunter was either the No. 1 or No. 2 player on most boards. I loved that Jaguars first-year general manager James Gladstone made an aggressive trade to move up to get him. He slides in perfectly as an offensive playmaker for quarterback Trevor Lawrence alongside second-year receiver Brian Thomas Jr. And on top of that, he’s also going to be able to help Jacksonville on defense.7. Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears (Pick 1-10)My final overall ranking: No. 6I had Loveland as my No. 1 tight end, and apparently the Bears agreed; they made him the top tight end drafted. His ability in the passing game — he runs routes like a receiver and has the speed to separate from linebackers and safeties — makes Loveland an easy comparison to Sam LaPorta, who Bears coach Ben Johnson had great success with in Detroit. Value, need and scheme fit all match with this pick.8. Abdul Carter, Edge, New York Giants (Pick 1-3)My final overall ranking: No. 1Having my top-ranked player “fall” to No. 3 actually represents great value, but Carter is also a great fit in a Giants defense that has established stars in defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II and edge rusher Brian Burns. Carter doesn’t have to carry the defense right away and can be used the way the Cowboys used Micah Parsons as a rookie. He’ll play some linebacker, rush the passer and be a defensive chess piece.9. Malaki Starks, S, Baltimore Ravens (Pick 1-27)My final overall ranking: No. 21I projected Starks to Baltimore in my final mock draft because of how much the scheme fit made sense for both prospect and team. Starks’ ability to play deep safety, in the slot or in a two-safety set makes him a match with star Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton. Starks’ coverage instincts will get him on the field early, and selecting him at No. 27 was incredibly smart and good value.10. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Cleveland Browns (Pick 5-144)My final overall ranking: No. 25Regardless of why Sanders fell in the draft, getting a prospect universally ranked in the top 32 at pick No. 144 represents terrific value for the Browns. I graded Sanders as a starter-level quarterback, someone realistically on par with Geno Smith coming out of college. If Sanders’ career matches Smith’s, the former Colorado QB will be one of the biggest steals of the past 10 drafts. We also note that at #39 on his list, Miller bucks the trend of analysts who say the Bengals started a terrible draft with the selection of EDGE SHEMAR STEWART: 39. Shemar Stewart, Edge, Cincinnati Bengals (Pick 1-17)My final overall ranking: No. 27Stewart starred in the predraft process, acing the combine and showing his explosive ability in testing. The Bengals were intrigued enough to make a small reach in terms of value, but Stewart’s upside is as high as any player in the class. If he can turn his testing numbers into production on a Cincinnati defense that is seeking help, Stewart will look like a steal at No. 17. |
| NFL RANKINGS – PETE PRISCO Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com ranks them 1 to 32 after the conclusion of the draft: The Eagles, who won the Super Bowl in February in dominating fashion over the Kansas City Chiefs, will head into next season as the favorite to win it all again, and they are the top team right now in my Power Rankings.That’s despite losing key defensive linemen Josh Sweat (Cardinals) and Milton Williams (Patriots) in free agency, releasing starting cornerback Darius Slay and trading safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to the Texans. That’s four starters from a defense that ravaged Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl who are no longer on the roster.But the Eagles have young players in Jalyx Hunt to take over for Sweat and Moro Ojomo to take over for Williams. It’s not like the cupboard is bare up front. They also added veteran edge rusher Josh Uche.They have two good second-year corners in Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean and signed former Giants cornerback Adoree’ Jackson. Plus, they like young corner Kelee Ringo. Sydney Brown is expected to get the first shot to take over for Gardner-Johnson, but they also drafted Andrew Mukuba from Texas.They will be just fine.The offense, aside from right guard Mekhi Becton, returns intact. The Eagles got former first-round pick Kenyon Green from the Texans in the trade for Gardner-Johnson, so he could be their newest reclamation project like Becton was last year.The talent is still abundant, which is why the Eagles remain atop the post-draft Power Rankings. The pressure to repeat will intensify as we get closer to the start of the season. That will challenge head coach Nick Sirianni, a guy many Eagles fans wanted axed early last year. By the way, they won’t admit that. Not now anyway.No team has repeated in the NFC East for 20 years, so even that will be a test. But this Eagles team has the makeup to win the division and maybe even repeat as Super Bowl champs, which we know won’t be easy.For now, they are the team at the top.1 Eagles Up 3 There won’t be a ton of change, very little on offense, which is why they start here at the top. They will have a new offensive coordinator in Kevin Patullo after losing Kellen Moore to the Saints, so that could be an adjustment. 2 Chiefs Down 1Chiefs They made a smart move to address left tackle in free agency and then again in the first round of the draft with Josh Simmons. The line is what held them back last year — as evidenced by the Super Bowl. Getting corner Kristian Fulton will also help, and they had a good draft. 3 Bills Down 1They’ve had a good offseason, extending a lot of their own, including Josh Allen, and adding good pieces in free agency in receiver Josh Palmer and edge Joey Bosa. They also had a heck of a draft, getting corner Maxwell Hairston and a bunch of help for the defense. 4 Lions Down 1They lost both coordinators to head-coaching jobs, which will be challenging. But they still have a deep roster if they can all stay healthy, which they didn’t do on defense last year. 1 15-2-05 Ravens No ChangeThey brought back left tackle Ronnie Stanley as their free-agent move of choice, which was the right thing to do. They are young and talented and have Lamar Jackson. They will be back in the Super Bowl mix again. The draft was good as usual. 6 Commanders Up 1They made a big move to trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil, which will upgrade their line, and then used their first-round pick on tackle Josh Conerly Jr.. They needed to get better in front of Jayden Daniels — and they have. 7 Packers Up 1They went into the offseason with questions at corner, receiver and offensive line. They paid Aaron Banks big money to be a left guard, but was that wise? They did add Nate Hobbs to the corner group. Getting receivers Matthew Golden and Savion Williams in the draft was big.8 Rams Up 1They brought back Matt Stafford after considering moving him in a trade. Keeping him was the right choice. Adding Davante Adams was a solid move, but they need speed and didn’t add a lot of it in the draft.9 Buccaneers Up 1They brought back a lot of key players, including Chris Godwin and Lavonte David, and they had a really good draft. This team has talent. They will be the favorite in the division. 10 Chargers Up 1They were a playoff team last season in Jim Harbaugh’s first as coach, and they’ve had an outstanding offseason. The draft brought a lot of good players, including running back Omarion Hampton, who should put up big numbers in their offense. 11 Broncos Up 1They won’t be a surprise team in 2025 like they were last year, but they will be a better team. They’ve made some nice additions in free agency and the draft to continue to build the roster around Bo Nix. 12 Bengals Up 3They signed receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase to new deals, which were the key moves for the offseason. The offensive and defensive lines got help in free agency and the draft, which they needed. The change in defensive coordinator from Lou Anarumo to Al Golden will also help. 13 Vikings Down 7 They’ve improved on both the offensive and defensive lines in free agency and the draft. But this season will be all about quarterback J.J. McCarthy in his first year as the team’s starter. If he’s good, they will be good.14 49ers Up 9They have lost a lot of players, but how many were stars and essential? Not many. They rebuilt the defensive line in the draft, which was a must. They have to stay healthy, but this is a team that still has stars on both sides of the ball. 15 Texans Down 1They are rebuilding the offensive line, which needed it. But letting left tackle Laremy Tunsil go might be a move they regret. Then again, can the line be much worse than last year? 16 Falcons Up 1They added edge rusher Leonard Floyd in free agency, then drafted Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. Their pass-rush problems should be behind them. 17 Bears Up 7Bears They improved both lines in free agency, which will help in a big way. They also added a nice pass catcher in tight end Colston Loveland in the draft. Now it’s time for second-year quarterback Caleb Williams to step up and show improvement. 18 Cowboys Up 3Brian Schottenheimer takes over as head coach, and the good news is he will have Dak Prescott back healthy after last year’s injury. The Cowboys still have a lot of talent, but Schottenheimer needs to mesh it all together. 19 Steelers Down 6As it is now, Mason Rudolph is their starting quarterback. Oh, boy. They better hope Aaron Rodgers wants to play. 6 10-7-020 Cardinals Up 2They added much-needed help on the defensive line in free agency and the draft, led by edge rusher Josh Sweat and first-round defensive tackle Walter Nolen. That should help the defense make strides in 2025. 21 Jaguars Up 7New head coach Liam Coen faces one big task: Getting Trevor Lawrence right. Trading up in the draft to get Travis Hunter will prove to be a shrewd move. They added nine guys in free agency, including three offensive linemen, which will pay off, too. 7 4-13-022 Patriots Up 9New head coach Mike Vrabel and staff added several key free agents on defense, which should improve that side of the ball. The offense got help in the draft. This is all about Drake Maye taking steps forward. 23 Jets Up 3Signing Justin Fields to play quarterback is a stop-gap move, but one they had to make. New head coach Aaron Glenn will bring a toughness to a defense that needed it. 24 Dolphins Down 6Mike McDaniel has to be heading into a win-or-else season. The Dolphins need Tua Tagovailoa to stay healthy, and the line needs to be better in front of him. They might be the worst team in the division now. 25 Colts Down 6 They will actually have a quarterback competition between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson. Bet you are excited for that one. That could hold this team back. 26 Panthers Down 6They made progress late last season with Bryce Young improving. Can they carry that over to this season? They did add some nice pieces in free agency and the draft to help, including first-round receiver Tet McMillan. 27 Seahawks Down 11They traded Geno Smith and signed Sam Darnold to play quarterback. He’s younger, but the question is whether he is better. The offensive line should be better with the addition of first-rounder Grey Zabel. 28 Raiders Down 1They traded to get Geno Smith to upgrade their quarterback position. It’s certainly upgraded, but how much? Head coach Pete Carroll is reunited with his old Seahawks quarterback. First-round running back Ashton Jeanty will be a nice piece for the offense. 29 Browns No Change This team is all about the quarterback position. Who starts? Is it Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders? Whoever it is, are they good enough? 30 Giants No Change The Giants have options at quarterback with Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston and first-round pick Jaxson Dart. It has to be better than last year. 31 Saints Down 6New head coach Kellen Moore faces a tough challenge trying to get this team turned around. The cap really limited their ability to change the roster. Who plays quarterback? 32 Titans No ChangeTitans Cam Ward was the first overall pick, and it’s his time to be their franchise guy. They upgraded the offensive line in free agency, which will make it easier on him. |
