2025 NFL Draft News & Rumors

Browns, Steelers, Vikings Linked To Kirk Cousins; Saints In Mix For Falcons QB?

April 23rd, 2025 at 11:20pm CST by Sam Robinson

Although Shedeur Sanders probably enters the draft with the most compelling storyline, a player who came off the board on Day 3 13 years ago is pushing for a front-row spot. The Kirk Cousins situation remains foggy, even after the demoted Falcons quarterback reported on time for his team’s offseason program.

Cousins is still eyeing a way out of Atlanta, and teams continue to come up as interested parties. Even after their Joe Flacco addition — one that came after Cousins consideration — the Browns are being mentioned as a candidate to add Cousins. So are the Steelers and Vikings, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. How teams proceed in the draft will obviously play a central role in Cousins’ willingness to sign off on a trade, as he is not planning to waive his no-trade clause before the draft — in an effort to avoid a redux of his 2024 storyline.

Of the above-referenced trio, Russini points to the Vikings being the least likely to add Cousins — in what would be a quick reunion — due to J.J. McCarthy‘s presence. With McCarthy’s path to the Minnesota starting job clear enough the team has brushed off Aaron Rodgers, it would be understandable if Cousins — his production under Kevin O’Connell notwithstanding — would be leery of landing there again. Cousins would be against a trade that sends him to a team with a starter-level young passer, Russini adds. Considering the teams in this mix, that might be a difficult play.

Employing ex-Cousins Vikings OC Kevin Stefanski, the Browns are candidates to circle back to address their QB situation after making their first-round pick (likely Travis Hunter). The Giants, Saints, Rams and Dolphins join the Steelers in being linked to early-round QB investments. Cleveland already signing Flacco and adding Kenny Pickett via trade would stand to block a Cousins path — if a rookie is tabbed, at least. If the Browns somehow leave this draft without a QB, they could be in play to reunite Cousins and Stefanski, where a Flacco competition would stand to be on tap.

As odd as it would be to see the Falcons send their high-priced backup to their top rival, the Saints should also be considered on the Cousins radar, Sportskeeda.com’s Tony Pauline writes. Falcons GM Terry Fontenot came from the Saints, and Pauline adds the Falcons would consider dealing Cousins to any team willing to pay a sizable chunk of the QB’s 2025 money. Cousins’ 2025 base salary ($27.5MM) is guaranteed, giving the Falcons no incentive to move on without someone taking on part of the salary. We heard earlier this offseason that Atlanta wanted an acquiring team to pay at least $20MM of Cousins’ tab. That has seemed highly unlikely to occur.

Donovan McNabb and Drew Bledsoe were traded within their divisions this century, creating a precedent for Fontenot and Co. The Saints, however, want to leave this draft with a quarterback. Mickey Loomis evaded Derek Carr questions at his pre-draft presser today, further muddying this situation, one that has the veteran starter in danger of missing some (or all) of the 2025 season due to a shoulder injury. New Orleans has done extensive work on prospects but is viewed as less likely to spend its No. 9 overall pick on the position. This would send them into a battle royal of sorts with the lot of teams eyeing this draft’s second wave of passers.

The Steelers could be the spot teams eyeing a trade-up maneuver to target, though they are not certain to use their first-rounder (No. 21) on a QB, either. Mike Tomlin has said Mason Rudolph would be an acceptable starter, but Pittsburgh — recent doubts aside — is still pursuing Rodgers. It had been expected around the league, per Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, the Steelers would have an answer from the future Hall of Famer by the draft. With that not happening, the Steelers need to cover their bases. On that note, they have also done work on potential Day 3 options in Syracuse’s Kyle McCord and his Ohio State successor (Will Howard), per ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler.

More notably, Fowler adds the Steelers want to take a QB swing in one of the next two drafts. That could create the illusion of flexibility, though if Rodgers does not show in Pittsburgh, Rudolph would move to the front of the line if the Steelers do not make a first- or second-day addition. Cousins, then, would become insurance against Rodgers balking at a longstanding Pittsburgh offer. Would the Steelers make a preemptive play for the Falcons backup if they lose patience with Rodgers?

Offering a final wrinkle here, Schultz adds Arthur Blank could also opt to keep Cousins (after presumably not seeing other teams agree to take on much salary). Several sources inform Schultz that Cousins could be effectively held hostage (a well-paid hostage, but still) as Michael Penix Jr.‘s backup. Considering Penix’s injury past, the Falcons considering Fontenot’s previous decree to retain Cousins as QB2 has some merit.

This would drain a year from Cousins’ career, his age-37 season, while giving the Falcons insurance ahead of a smoother 2026 release. It would stand to reason we still have plenty of Cousins updates to come between now and this potential reality.

Cowboys Likely To Target Skill Position In First Round

April 23rd, 2025 at 10:09pm CST by Ely Allen

With the 2025 NFL Draft coming tomorrow night, several teams are zoning in on where their draft focus will be in the first round. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, there are “many sources” who expect the Cowboys to target an offensive skill position (quarterback, running back, wide receiver, or tight end) with the No. 12 overall pick.

Considering the recent extension for quarterback Dak Prescott and the recent trade for backup passer Joe Milton, I believe we can safely dismiss any notions of quarterback being a target. The presence of two tight ends (Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker) still on their rookie deals, one of whom has a Pro Bowl to their name already, likely disqualifies that position, as well.

That leaves running back and wide receiver. Running back was certainly a weakness last year, but Dallas addressed the position in free agency this offseason, signing both Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. While the two aren’t exactly world-beaters, they’ve each shown an ability to carry the load as a starter in the past, giving the Cowboys a passable duo of rushers for 2025. That being said, if Ashton Jeanty were to fall to 12, it would likely be hard for the team to pass him up. Other options like Omarion Hampton, can’t likely be ruled out but would more likely be targeted in the second round or with a trade back in the first.

With that in mind, we can turn our attention, as Russini did, to wide receiver, specifically, Texas wideout Matthew Golden and Arizona receiver Tetairoa McMillan. NFL Network’s Jane Slater seconded this notion today, saying that, while the team needs an offensive lineman, they really want a wide receiver.

McMillan appears to be the most desired choice, but Slater reports concerns that he’ll go before Dallas gets a chance to take him (like to the Saints at No. 9 overall). That leaves Golden, whose speed (4.29 40-yard dash at the combine) gives the Cowboys what they’re looking for in a pass catcher to pair with CeeDee Lamb.

In his last second mock draft, ESPN’s Matt Miller also landed on McMillan, though he noted the team’s extensive work done on offensive linemen. This is evidenced by the recent update that Alabama offensive guard Tyler Booker was one of the most recent players to take a top-30 visit to Dallas, per Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News. Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. is another name Slater mentioned for the Cowboys, but there is a presumption that he will get selected before the Cowboys get to pick by the Jets at No. 7 overall.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated did a breakdown yesterday of each team’s biggest draft needs, and after mentioning McMillan and Golden (as well as Michigan cornerback Will Johnson) for the Cowboys, Breer turned his attention to versatile North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel. Zabel brings plenty of intrigue to the first round. Despite starting games at every position along the offensive line in college except center, Zabel has been projected as the draft class’s best center prospect. Regardless, he is certainly one of the draft’s top interior offensive linemen, and many are connecting him to Dallas.

Breer specifically mentions that Zabel won’t make it out of the teens, which Miller’s mock draft reflects, as well, sending him to the Seahawks at No. 18 overall. Per Miller, Zabel and McMillan are the two names that Seattle has focused in on. The team reportedly believes that the guard position is deeper than receiver in this draft, so McMillan would be the preference, but if either player is still around by the 18th pick, they may be headed to Seattle.

That might end up being possible, too, as Clarence Hill Jr. of All City DLLS seems to believe there is no chance of the Cowboys considering an offensive lineman in the first round, despite all the work they’ve done on the position. It seems like the only way they may land on an offensive lineman in the first round is if they trade back, which is certainly also a possibility. According to Jon Machota of The Athletic, Cowboys owner/president/general manager Jerry Jones claimed that the team is “actively looking at potential trades they could do before or after the draft.”

Other players that Slater listed as names the Cowboys are kicking around are Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen, Tennessee pass rusher James Pearce, and Virginia Tech running back Bhayshul Tuten. She notes that the team has character red flags for Pearce, so he shouldn’t be a Day 1 consideration for Dallas. She also believes that some of Jones’ trade ideas could lead the Cowboys into the late-second round, where they would target Tuten. We’re less than 24 hours away from getting to find out just how all of these ideas will finally play out in reality.

QB Will Levis Could Be On The Move During Draft

April 23rd, 2025 at 6:53pm CST by Ely Allen

It’s the 2025 NFL Draft’s worst-kept secret that the Titans are likely to have a new quarterback in the building soon. With Tennessee expected to use their No. 1 overall draft pick on Miami’s Cam Ward, incumbent passer Will Levis could be expendable. In fact, Dianna Russini of The Athletic seems to believe that he could be traded during this weekend’s draft.

It’s been two years since the Titans drafted Levis out of Kentucky as the first pick in the second round. He took over the starting job in Week 8 of his rookie year, going 3-6 as a starter as he took the job from Ryan Tannehill, though Tannehill continued pushing him for the job near the end of the season.

Levis retained the starting job over Mason Rudolph last year, but a rocky start and a shoulder joint led to Rudolph taking over for a few games. Levis took his job back after recovering, but in the middle of a Week 15 contest with the Bengals, the Titans benched him for Rudolph, who would start the next two games. The two would split time in the team’s season finale.

Levis has shown promise at times in his early career, but ultimately, a 5-16 record over two years, combined with a completion percentage of only 61 percent and 16 interceptions over 21 games, has convinced Tennessee to pursue a quarterback with their top overall pick. That doesn’t mean Levis doesn’t have value in the NFL, though, and plenty have suggested that the 25-year-old holds some trade value as he could contribute to another franchise.

Three and a half weeks ago, Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker refuted reports that trade talks had begun for Levis. With the draft 24 hours away, though, calls — incoming or outgoing — are likely to pick up and could result in a draft-day trade for the former second-rounder.

Browns, Giants, Patriots Receiving Calls About 2nd, 3rd Picks; Titans Staying Put

April 23rd, 2025 at 3:45pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

APRIL 23: Teams interested in the Nos. 2, 3 and 4 picks, with the Patriots also receiving calls, are interested in Hunter, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini notes. While the Browns view it as “foolish” not to listen to offers for their No. 3 choice, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler adds that the expectation remains Cleveland will go with the Colorado superstar.

Hunter-to-Cleveland buzz picked up around the Heisman winner’s pro day earlier this month, with Fowler indicating the two-way phenom opted to run routes at the showcase event in part because it would satisfy the Browns. Cleveland views Hunter primarily as a receiver, and while he still wants to play both ways, other teams — the Giants and Titans among them — have pegged Hunter as a cornerback first. Deciding to run routes with an aim to impress Browns brass, after Carter-to-Cleveland rumors had circulated, certainly represents a sign Hunter will be Ohio-bound Thursday.

APRIL 22: The Browns and Giants are both receiving trade interest for the Nos. 2 and 3 selections in Thursday’s draft, according to ESPN’s Peter Schrager.

The months-long pre-draft process has yielded a consensus expectation that Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, and Abdul Carter will be the first three picks, likely in that order. Ward is a virtual lock to be taken by the Titans with the first pick, and Hunter has gained steam as a potential Brown over the last few weeks. That would clear the way for Carter – considered by many to be the best player in the class – falling to the Giants at 3.

However, a last-minute trade involving a top-three pick would be a major last-minute shake-up to the top 10, and potentially beyond.

Such a trade would not involve the Titans, who have listened to offers over the last few months but never seriously entertained moving the draft’s top pick. General manager Mike Borgonzi confirmed that the team rebuffed trade interest and decided on their preferred target.

“We’ve come to a consensus, the entire organization, to stay at that pick,” said Borgonzi (via Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer).

That has pushed teams who want to move up to inquire with the Browns and the Giants about the availability of their picks. Targeted players in a trade-up would be Hunter, Carter, and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, per Schrager.

It’s also worth noting that trade chatter picks up the week of the draft almost every year, as noted by The Exhibit’s Josina Anderson. 49ers general manager John Lynch is not expecting many trades early in the draft because multiple teams want to trade down and target a deep class, per The Athletic’s Matt Barrows.

Giants general manager Joe Schoen said last week that he had received calls about the No. 3 selection, but indicated that the team would stick and pick instead. But, after spending plenty of draft capital to acquire starting edge rushers Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, the Giants could still prefer to trade down instead of taking Carter. That would allow them to get a top quarterback prospect – potentially Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, per Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post – at a better value while adding more picks, either in this year’s draft or the future.

Latest On Raiders’ Draft Plans; Team Open To Trading Aidan O’Connell?

April 23rd, 2025 at 3:28pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Raiders’ Geno Smith acquisition and extension all but certainly takes them out of the QB mix at No. 6 overall. But they are still being mentioned as a team interested in addressing the position later.

Jalen Milroe came up as a Raiders target early in the pre-draft process, and now that a Smith extension is worked out, a long runway could be in place for a player deemed a raw prospect with a high ceiling. The Raiders remain on the Milroe radar, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler notes. An early-second-round selection could be how Milroe’s draft process ends, though some execs informed Fowler the athletic Alabama option could land as a late-first-round choice.

That would require a trade-up from the Raiders, and we have certainly heard plenty about trade-ups for passers in this year’s draft. A frenzy could develop after the Browns and Giants — as they are expected to — choose Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter at Nos. 2 and 3. The Saints and Steelers have joined those teams as those doing extensive work on QBs, but the Rams, Raiders and Dolphins join them in being candidates to add one. Based on the volume — in a draft that has brought tremendous scrutiny on its non-Cam Ward options — multiple teams will be left out of this draft’s second tier at the position.

The Raiders, however, are still interested in Texas’ Quinn Ewers as well. Connected to the Texas starter earlier this offseason, Las Vegas has also done work on national championship-winning Ohio State QB Will Howard, Fowler adds. But they are higher on Ewers than Howard, per The Athletic’s Tashan Reed. ESPN’s Scouts Inc. slots Howard 105th and Ewers 111th in this class. By opting for this tier of QB, the Raiders could aim higher with their earlier-round choices, as they attempt to help a now-Smith-centered roster.

A Milroe move would obviously negate an Ewers investment, but either would be unlikely to seriously threaten Smith’s job security in 2025. Smith’s team-friendly contract gives the Raiders time to evaluate QBs, as this could be a multi-draft project. The Raiders having acquired Smith rather than take their chances with these free agency and draft crops is rather telling, as it would certainly be interesting to see them make that move and then dive back into Round 1 for Milroe. The Raiders’ second-round pick checks in at No. 37 overall.

At No. 6, the team has been closely tied to Ashton Jeanty. Smokescreen season notwithstanding, it would be rather surprising if Jeanty made it past Vegas at 6. The Jaguars have now been connected to choosing the Heisman runner-up at 5, but The Athletic’s Dianna Russini adds some strong cases for an O-line add have been made within the organization. We heard recently the Raiders would target an O-lineman at No. 6, but that appeared contingent on Jeanty being off the board. Russini’s assessment points to the team considering going O-line over the ex-Boise State dynamo.

If the Raiders are to go O-line at No. 6, The Athletic’s Vic Tafur offers that the team is believed to like Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. more than Mizzou’s Armand Membou. Seeing a wide gap form between the SEC blockers’ prospect values, Banks looks to gained steam as the draft nears. The prospect of Ewers’ LT going in the top 10 appears in play, as Banks has also been connected to the Jets at 7. Membou would not stand to fall too far if Banks goes ahead of him, even with some teams viewing the college RT as a guard going forward.

The Raiders’ QB plans may well impact Aidan O’Connell. Closing both his two NFL seasons as the Raiders’ starter, the former fourth-round pick has come up as a trade candidate during this year’s draft, per Russini. The Raiders pitted O’Connell in a competition with Gardner Minshew last year, and while the younger passer lost, he was frequently called upon as Antonio Pierce benched Minshew. The latter’s season-ending injury moved O’Connell back into a starter role. He is 7-10 as a starter in two seasons, which is fairly impressive considering the rosters the Raiders trotted out in that time.

Two years remain on O’Connell’s rookie contract. The Raiders moving O’Connell would likely come after they have added another backup option, as only 2024 UDFA Carter Bradley is rostered beyond Smith at the position.

Rams High On Tyler Shough; Team Eyeing TE-Based Trade-Up In Round 1?

April 23rd, 2025 at 1:57pm CST by Sam Robinson

Not seeing Stetson Bennett make much progress as a potential long-term option, the Rams re-signed Jimmy Garoppolo as Matthew Stafford‘s backup. The team, however, still needs a post-Stafford answer; the QB will play an age-37 season in 2025.

This draft is not teeming with QB options like last year’s brought, but the Rams are starting to emerge as a threat to land one of the passers. The team is viewed as a potential first-round dark horse for one, and ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler indicates it is believed to be high on Louisville’s Tyler Shough.

Considering Shough’s background, he would be an interesting choice for a team that has Stafford on his current contact — terms of his adjusted deal are still not known — through 2026. Shough will turn 26 later this year, having played seven college seasons. The former Justin Herbert Oregon backup has since bounced to Texas Tech and Louisville. But he has generated steady interest — potentially as a late first-rounder — during the pre-draft process.

The Giants both hosted Shough on a “30” visit and worked him out, while the Browns, Raiders, Saints and Seahawks have done work on the experienced QB as well. The Rams do not have a second-round pick this year, having sent it to the Panthers to move up for Braden Fiske in 2024. That would complicate a potential Shough path, but it would also make Los Angeles’ No. 26 overall pick one to watch.

However, the Rams having agreed to another reworked deal with Stafford also would point to that pick being used as a way to strengthen a team that tested the eventual champion Eagles in last year’s divisional round. That loss came several months after the Rams tried to trade up for Brock Bowers last year, and The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports the team is on the radar to move up for one of this year’s tight end prospects.

The Rams hit on their first-rounder last year (Jared Verse), after not making a first-round pick since 2016, but they spent most of the season without starter Tyler Higbee. They also saw Bowers set a rookie TE record for receiving yardage (1,194) as a Raider. While Higbee remains under contract, he is entering an age-32 season.

This year’s draft also brings TE help, as teams are lining up as Tyler Warren suitors. Colston Loveland is expected to go off the board in Round 1 as well, with Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz adding the Chargers (at No. 22) should serve as his floor. L.A.’s other team lost out on Evan Engram to the Broncos and could use another weapon here.

If the Rams are to make a move for a tight end or address another position in Round 1, they may join a parade of teams aiming to use Day 2 picks on a QB — via a direct pick or a trade-up move. The Rams hold two third-round picks (Nos. 90 and 101).

Further illustrating their QB interest, ESPN.com’s Matt Miller notes the hosted Jalen Milroe on a “30” visit. Although Milroe’s skillset differs wildly from Stafford’s, the Rams would stand to have time to develop the raw prospect due to their current starter’s timetable. It looks like they can safely be added to the list of teams in the mix for this draft’s second tier of QBs.

Raiders’ Christian Wilkins Could Miss Time In 2025

April 23rd, 2025 at 11:49am CST by Nikhil Mehta

Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins missed most of his debut year in Las Vegas after season-ending surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his foot. Now, according to Sportkeeda’s Tony Pauline, he is at risk of missing “a significant portion of the 2025 season” due to a potential second procedure on his foot.

Wilkins signed a four-year, $110MM contract with the Raiders last March which made him the second-highest-paid DT in the NFL. He recorded 2.0 sacks in his first five games in Las Vegas before landing on injured reserve. The Raiders already need depth along the interior of their defensive line, and an extended absence from Wilkins would make the position a dire need. That could impact the team’s plans in the upcoming draft.

Las Vegas, who holds the sixth overall pick in Thursday’s draft, was considered a likely landing spot for Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. Now that he’s trending towards the Jaguars at No. 5, the Raiders are expected to pivot to the trenches with their first-rounder. Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham and Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou are the leading candidates, per Pauline, as well as Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

The potential for Wilkins to miss time this year may tilt the Raiders’ interest towards Graham, who is the consensus DT1 in the 2025 class. General manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady were roommates in Ann Arbor in college and could look to add another Wolverine to the mix. Graham also had a long call with defensive line coach Rob Leonard, per Fowler, with a guest appearance from potential teammate Maxx Crosby.

However, some within the Raiders organization are pushing for an offensive lineman, according to Diana Russini of The Athletic. Left tackle Kolton Miller is seeking an extension in the last year of his contract, and the new regime in Las Vegas may prefer to draft his replacement instead. Either Membou or Banks could compete for a starting job at guard or right tackle as a rookie with the long-term goal of taking over on the left side later on.

The Raiders have also explore trading up from the No. 6 pick, per Russini. They could be looking to jump the Jaguars for Jeanty after doing extensive work on him during the pre-draft process.

Giants-Jaxson Dart Pairing Gaining Steam; Team Split On Shedeur Sanders?

April 22nd, 2025 at 11:15pm CST by Sam Robinson

Nearing the finish line of a second straight quarterback research project ahead of a draft, the Giants have covered their bases on Shedeur Sanders. Although they are not expected to draft the second-generation NFL prospect at No. 3 overall, rumors indicating a trade-up move to acquire him are still circulating.

The Giants spoke with Sanders at the Combine, hosted him on a “30” visit, dined with him before Colorado’s pro day and worked him out in Boulder last week. Darius Slayton‘s sister, Maleika, also serves as Colorado’s director of on-campus recruiting. Describing Joe Schoen‘s thorough examination of Sanders, one GM informed ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter the fourth-year GM “has lived in Boulder.” Still, Sanders’ stock has undeniably fallen since last season, when Giants connections first emerged.

Sanders-Giants hype has “cooled dramatically” since December, according to SNY’s Connor Hughes, who indicates Jaxson Dart buzz is building. The Ole Miss product came up as a player Brian Daboll liked, and Hughes calls Dart a name to watch regarding a trade-up move. Dart has been tied to the Saints and Steelers as well, as the three teams join the Browns as clubs interested in the second wave of QBs in this draft — though, perhaps not with a high pick in the round.

A trade-up derby of sorts is shaping up after the Titans’ Cam Ward pick (one almost certain to begin the draft). Sanders does not seem out of the question to be a Giants target after they make a pick at No. 3 overall (presumably Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter), but Schefter adds a belief within the league points to some in the Giants’ organization are higher on Sanders than others. A recent report also pegged the Daboll-Schoen relationship becoming increasingly tense — as their seats warm — though Daboll, as could be expected, said (via the New York Post’s Paul Schwartz) he and his former Bills coworker are aligned.

After Dave Gettleman pick Daniel Jones‘ extended runway to prove a worthy Eli Manning successor did not produce a smooth takeoff, Schoen and Daboll may have just one more offseason to identify their own QB. John Mara said in January his patience has almost run out with the state of the team, raising the stakes for this draft. While Schoen has said the signings of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston give the team flexibility, not leaving this draft with a long-term option will make for a difficult sell.

The prospect of Sanders falling out of the first round should not be ruled out, per SI.com’s Albert Breer. As our Ely Allen noted in his prospect evaluation of the two-year Buffaloes starter, rumblings about the QB’s attitude turning teams off emerged during the pre-draft process. The Giants may have been one of them, as Breer describes the team as having gone through ups and downs with the passer during its lengthy evaluation.

While Sanders’ attitude may have alienated some during the earlier stages of this process, Breer adds the polarizing prospect is believed to have displayed more modesty recently. With his stock no longer approaching that of Ward, it would understandable if Sanders’ tune has changed as teams determine whether a player whose on-field traits have not proved captivating can be a long-term centerpiece.

Sanders falling out of the top 10 appears more likely, as a recent Breer offering indicated an owner may need to become involved for a team to pull the trigger in Round 1. While not viewing that assessment as gospel, Breer still can envision a Sanders fall. This could put the Steelers to a decision at No. 21, but with a report Mike Tomlin likes the QB surfacing, clubs have a range to target when preparing a trade-up maneuver. Sanders’ landing spot has probably become the most interesting storyline leading up to the draft.

Poll: How Many First-Round QBs Will Be Drafted?

April 22nd, 2025 at 11:10pm CST by Adam La Rose

Cam Ward has long cemented himself as the top quarterback prospect in the eyes of almost all evaluators for the 2025 draft. As a result, he is in position to be selected first overall by the Titans.

Tennessee received interest in the top pick, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirms the team is not prepared to trade down. As such, Ward remains on track to take over QB1 duties with the Titans as one of the passers added on the opening night of the draft. Whether or not he will be joined by other prospects at the position on Day 1 remains to be seen.

The 2025 QB class is known to lack in surefire prospects compared to previous years, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports at least one team has not assigned a first-round grade to any of this year’s passers. In spite of that, Ward is expected to come off the board first, and several other teams will have the opportunity to select a signal-caller. The Browns and Giants could very well use the second and third picks on Travis Hunter and Addul Carter and turn their attention to drafting a quarterback at the top of the second round. Trading back into the first-round order could also be in play, though, and a move on that front would be aimed at landing a long-term answer under center.

In addition to Cleveland and New York, New Orleans and Pittsburgh have been named as potential landing spots for a Day 1 passer. The Saints’ immediate situation at the position is uncertain due to Derek Carr‘s injury status, but using the No. 9 pick on a replacement is not expected. Instead, the team could use the second round to target an addition. The Saints have made calls about moving up early on the second day of the draft.

Many teams are likelier to prioritize moving down the order rather than up given the nature of this year’s draft class. The Steelers are believed to be among them, but the 21st selection could provide them with the chance to select a quarterback. Shedeur Sanders – who has a fan in the form of Mike Tomlin – could still be on the board when Pittsburgh is on the clock, a situation the team did not originally anticipate. Even if Aaron Rodgers winds up signing with the Steelers, a long-term investment would come as no surprise.

Jaxson Dart has been mentioned as a candidate to be selected in the first round for quite some time, and the Steelers are among the teams which view the Ole Miss product as a Day 1 prospect. The Saints, meanwhile, have done extensive homework on Dart as well, and Giants head coach Brian Daboll is known to be high on him. The prospect of Dart being selected before Sanders has been raised on multiple occasions, and such a scenario could easily result in three QBs coming off the board Thursday.

A fourth signal-caller being drafted is not expected as things stand. With that said, multiple general managers and coaches informed Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post it would not be a shock if that were to take place. Alabama’s Jalen Milroe or Louisville’s Tyler Shough would be names to watch in that scenario. Despite his age, the latter is seen by more than one team as the top prospect at the position, and his stock has improved over the pre-draft process. Especially if one or more suitors pursued a move at the back of the first round, they could find themselves jockeying for position to add a passer.

With the countdown to the draft nearly over, how do you see things playing out? Will Ward have company as a Day 1 quarterback, or will the next tier of signal-callers experience a slide down the board? Vote in PFR’s latest poll and have your say in the comments section.

Chris Ballard Addresses Colts’ TE Pursuit

April 22nd, 2025 at 8:59am CST by Adam La Rose

Among the most common links between teams and positions in first-round mock drafts is the Colts being connected to a tight end. The position has been a sore spot for years in Indianapolis, a team which should be in position to select one of the top TE prospects in this year’s class.

“That’s to me the hard one to find,” general manager Chris Ballard said during his pre-draft press conference when speaking about the ideal tight end option (via the team’s website). “To be able to play on all three downs, to be able to be functional in the run game to where you don’t necessarily know it’s always a pass when he’s in the game, and then to be able to finish and make plays at critical times and have him give the quarterback an option in the middle of the field.”

Tyler Warren is seen by many as the top option in a strong group of prospects at the position this year. The Penn State product could be off the board well before the Colts are on the clock, with the Jets at No. 7 representing a potential landing spot. Some see Michigan’s Colston Loveland as TE1, though, and he could still be available when Ballad and Co. make their selection.

Loveland spent each of his three college seasons with the Wolverines, playing a key role in the team’s national championship in 2023. Last season, the 6-6, 248-pounder set a new career high in catches (56) and touchdowns (five) and cemented his status as a first-round prospect. Along with Warren, Loveland is expected to hear his name called on Day 1 with the Colts – set to select 14th overall – seen as a logical landing spot. Indianapolis has been mentioned as an interested suitor in Warren’s case, although it would come as a surprise if the the team pursued a move up the board aimed at acquiring him.

Last year, the Colts were interested in Brock Bowers, and drafting a tight end remains an expected goal this time around. That could very well include a Day 1 selection, although Ballard noted the history of star tight ends taken well after the first round. Plenty of options will be available during the middle and late stages of this week’s event, and the Colts will thus have a number of chances to make an impactful addition. Ballard’s comments certainly do not rule out the possibility of that move coming early, however.

Load More Posts