2025 NFL Draft News & Rumors

Ravens Draft S Malaki Starks At No. 27

April 24th, 2025 at 10:12pm CST by Adam La Rose

The first safety has come off the board. Georgia’s Malaki Starks has, to little surprise, been selected by the Ravens at No. 27 overall. A team whose biggest needs were in the trenches, Baltimore instead addresses the weakest part of their defense from the early part of the 2024 season.

Starks was praised during his time in Athens for his leadership ability, often taking responsibility for his teammates’ alignments as much as his own. Playing most of his time in the defensive backfield, Starks also found plenty of time in the box and nickel spots on the Bulldogs defense.

Though the Ravens brought him in to address a pass defense that was the second-worst in the league over the course of the 2024 season, Starks biggest strengths were in run defense, as he frequently allowed big plays on defense last year. Baltimore will hope that handing over green-dot duties to players like Kyle Hamilton and Roquan Smith will allow Starks to focus on his own assignments and let his instincts take over in coverage. The Ravens will hope to see the version of Starks from 2023 that limited big plays while logging 19 passes defensed and five interceptions in his first two seasons.

What’s interesting is that, after a Week 10 shootout with the Bengals, the Ravens pass defense became one of the best in the NFL, allowing just 172 passing yards per game and just five touchdowns to six interceptions over that time. The difference came when the team cut Eddie Jackson and permanently benched Marcus Williams, instead planting Hamilton back at safety alongside Ar’Darius Washington. With Washington recently signing his restricted free agent tender, both starters are set to return in 2025, so Starks fit in Baltimore becomes intriguing.

Because Starks showed a tendency to get beat over the top in 2024, when his eyes got caught in the offensive backfield or when he got mixed up by crossing intermediate routes, the team may continue using Hamilton and Washington in the defensive backfield, choosing to utilize Starks in the box or nickel role, though Marlon Humphrey has typically manned the slot lately. Regardless, Baltimore has an embarrassment of riches in the secondary, and they seem to be doing everything to make sure their pass defense doesn’t leak early in the year again in 2025.

Ely Allen contributed to this post.

Falcons Acquire No. 26, Draft James Pearce

April 24th, 2025 at 10:09pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Falcons are the latest team to trade back into the first round. Atlanta has swapped picks 46 and 202, along with the team’s 2026 first-rounder, sending those to the Rams. In return, Los Angeles has sent Nos. 26 and 101 to Atlanta, per ESPN’s Field Yates.

With the newly acquired 26th pick, the Falcons have drafted Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce. The team has thus double-dipped along the edge. The team already added Georgia linebacker/pass rusher Jalon Walker earlier this evening.

The Falcons were reportedly hot for pass rushers heading into tonight, with Pearce and Marshall’s Mike Green frequently listed as potential fits. Things obviously changed when Walker unexpectedly fell all the way to No. 15, but the organization was apparently so enamored with Pearce that it swung a significant trade to add its second pass rusher tonight.

This will go toward addressing one of the NFL’s longest-standing needs, as the Falcons have been unable to generate a consistent pass rush in many years. The team also parted with its top rush presence, 10-year starter Grady Jarrett, who became a cap casualty.

Pearce is certainly deserving of the investment. The Tennessee product broke out in 2023, finishing with 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss en route to an All-SEC nod. He earned that honor again in 2024, finishing with another 7.5 sacks while establishing himself as a sure-thing first-round pick.

There have been some concerns about Pearce’s maturity heading into the draft, which probably explains why the prospect ended up landing late in the first round. The Falcons clearly believe their staff can get the most out of the prospect, and the team is likely hoping Walker may also coax some effort out of their second first-round pick. This trade comes a year after the Falcons attempted to move back into Round 1 for a pass rusher, after their shocking Michael Penix Jr. investment at No. 8, but could not swing a deal. Atlanta’s pass rush suffered, and Pearce will be expected to make significant contributions next season.

The Falcons finished with the second-lowest sack total in the NFL last year, so the team will be relying on both rookies to turn around their pass-rush fortunes. Leonard Floyd will be penciled in for one of those OLB spots, and the two rooks will temporarily compete with former second-round pick Arnold Ebiketie for the other starting spot. For what was once a weak position for the Falcons, the team has quickly turned their OLB corps into a strength.

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

Vikings Draft G Donovan Jackson At No. 24

April 24th, 2025 at 9:54pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Vikings were busy adding up front in free agency, and that has continued via the draft. Minnesota has selected Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson at No. 24.

Only entering the draft with four picks, the Vikings nevertheless used their top 2025 draft asset to complete an interior O-line overhaul. After signing ex-Colts Ryan Kelly and Will Fries in free agency, Minnesota is adding Jackson, who played both guard and tackle at Ohio State last season. In the NFL, however, Jackson is expected to line up inside.

Set at tackle, in rostering Brian O’Neill and a recovering Christian Darrisaw, the Vikings changed up significantly inside. They traded benched guard Ed Ingram, a 2022 second-round pick, to the Texans. Dalton Risner, a two-year stopgap of sorts, has not re-signed. It should be expected Jackson will usurp Blake Brandel at one of the guard positions, while Fries mans the other spot after the Vikes won a free agent derby to land one of this year’s top available blockers.

Jackson gave the Vikings plenty of tape to study. He started at guard throughout the 2022 and ’23 seasons, at a program known for churning out O-line talent, and slid to left tackle after Josh Simmons suffered a patellar tendon tear last season. Despite this Buckeyes nucleus’ profile rising thanks to the late-season charge to the national title last season, Jackson was already on the NFL radar after earning first-team All-Big Ten acclaim in 2022 and ’23 as a guard. He repeated that feat last season, helping Ohio State (and transfer QB Will Howard) to a championship.

The Vikes having Jackson also should help them from a roster-building sense, as Darrisaw is on a top-five LT contract while O’Neill is attached to an upper-crust RT deal. The team also gave Fries top-10 guard money to commit to the Twin Cities, while Kelly is signed to a short-term deal at a mid-market center rate.

Adam La Rose contributed to this post.

Packers Draft WR Matthew Golden At No. 23

April 24th, 2025 at 9:45pm CST by Adam La Rose

Many Packers’ fans have gotten their wish. The draft’s hosts have selected Texas receiver Matthew Golden at No. 23 overall. While the franchise has seen plenty of Day 2 receivers (Davante Adams, Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson) in their recent history, Golden is the first Day 1 wide receiver for Green Bay since 2002, before he was even born.

Green Bay fielded trade calls, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports, and discussions were held with the Eagles, per Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz. Instead, the Packers have chosen to break with recent tradition and take a first-round wideout.

After two promising seasons at Houston, Golden transferred to Austin and had a breakout season, logging 987 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. While he put forward a decent campaign for most of the year, he blew up over the last four games of the Longhorns’ season, averaging 102.8 yards over the stretch of the SEC Championship Game and Texas’ three playoff games. He only added to the intrigue in Indianapolis when he ran a 4.29 40-yard dash at the combine.

Golden joins an already youthful and diverse receiving corps in Green Bay. Currently manned by Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton, and Mecole Hardman, the Packers wide receivers group is going to have quite a bit of competition for roster spots come the end of August. Golden fits in the mold more of Reed, Melton, and Hardman, but he enters the NFL with a higher pedigree than any of those players did.

Regardless, Jordan Love has a new target in Green Bay. With Doubs, Watson, and Hardman all set to play through contract years in 2025, Golden gives the team an option if they’re unable to secure everyone they’d like to lock down long-term.

Ely Allen contributed to this post.

Chargers Draft Omarion Hampton At No. 22

April 24th, 2025 at 9:36pm CST by Adam La Rose

The second running back has come off the board. North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton will go 22nd overall by the Chargers.

Hampton will join a new-look RB corps for the Chargers. Last year, the team navigated into the post-Austin Ekeler era. With Jim Harbaugh running the show, the Chargers relied on some of John Harbaugh’s former favorites in 2024.

J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards were plenty productive in their roles, especially the former. Dobbins returned from a lost 2023 campaign to have one of the best seasons of his career, finishing with 1,058 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns. However, both of the vets naturally missed time during the season, and the team was clearly valuing availability heading into the offseason.

That explains why the team opted for Najee Harris as their veteran addition. While the former Steelers RB never truly lived up to his draft billing, he’s about as reliable as you can get at the position. Harris topped 1,000 rushing yards in each of his four seasons in Pittsburgh, and he famously never missed a regular season game.

Now, the team can pair their veteran acquisition with a dynamic rookie RB. Hampton made a name for himself in three seasons at North Carolina. He had a breakout campaign in 2023 and followed that up with an even better 2024 season. Hampton finished last year with 2,033 yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns. He also hauled in a career-high 38 receptions, stats that bode well for his pass-catching prowess in the NFL.

The Chargers still have some worthy depth in Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal, so Hampton may not be handed an immediate role. However, the rookie possesses more upside than anyone on the depth chart, and there’s a good chance he’s leading the position in touches by the end of the 2025 campaign.

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

Steelers Draft DT Derrick Harmon At No. 21

April 24th, 2025 at 9:26pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Steelers have neither added a quarterback at No. 21 nor traded down. Pittsburgh has instead selected Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon.

As the shots of Shedeur Sanders created intrigue leading up to the pick, the Steelers went another way with their first-round choice. Harmon will bring a younger piece alongside Cam Heyward up front in Pittsburgh, which has tabled its much-publicized QB need.

A recent report also indicated the Steelers had placed a first-round grade on Jaxson Dart, but that same offering noted Harmon was a Round 1 target. Harmon relocated to Eugene after three years at Michigan State, using his Ducks stay to solidify first-round status. He had entered Thursday as a lock to go in Round 1, and the Steelers made him the fourth interior D-lineman off the board. The Steelers brought Harmon in on a “30” visit as well. Although he checked in as a lower-profile pick compared to Sanders, it is becoming clear the gap between Cam Ward and the other QB talents in this prospect pool is wide.

A three-star recruit, Harmon entered the transfer portal after the Spartans fired HC Mel Tucker. After briefly recommitting to Michigan State, he reentered and chose Oregon. With the Ducks, Harmon put up career-best numbers by registering five sacks, 11 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. The 311-pounder’s quickness and power make him a menace inside the tackles, but he also showed the ability to line up outside. This could give the Steelers options, as Heyward prepares to play an age-36 season after securing an extension last year.

The Steelers have been connected to Dart as recently as today, but they came into the draft not planning to use a first-round pick on a quarterback. They join the Browns, Giants and Saints to have punted on a QB need in Round 1, creating an interesting situation to close out the night. The Steelers are still courting Aaron Rodgers, after nearly two months, and could circle back to Kirk Cousins. Omar Khan and Co. wanted to make a QB investment in this draft or in 2026. The Steelers traded their second-round pick for D.K. Metcalf, however, limiting their options after the Harmon move.

Broncos Draft CB Jahdae Barron At No. 20

April 24th, 2025 at 9:22pm CST by Adam La Rose

After making calls related to moves up and down the board, the Broncos wound up staying put at No. 20. Instead of adding a skill-position prospect at that spot, Denver has selected Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron.

Barron was used all over the secondary in Austin, although he’s probably destined to be a cornerback in the NFL. Some pundits believe the prospect was the second-best CB (behind Travis Hunter) in this year’s draft, and he reinforced that sentiment with a strong showing during the 2024 campaign.

Despite dealing with a nagging ankle injury, Barron still appeared in all 16 games for Texas last season. He finished the year with five interceptions and 11 interceptions, earning him the Jim Thorpe Award, awarded to the top defensive back in college football. The Broncos had already invested in their secondary in free agency, signing Talanoa Hufanga. They will now pair Barron with a strong DB corps.

At 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, there’s a chance the rookie temporarily takes over as a nickelback while he builds up some NFL strength. The Broncos still have Patrick Surtain and Riley Moss on the outside, with Ja’Quan McMillian providing depth at any of the CB spots. With all those options, the Broncos could take advantage of the rookie’s versatility to assure he’s constantly on the field. Either way, Barron should see a significant role in 2025.

There was some speculation that the Broncos could look to add to their offense with this pick. After hitting on their Bo Nix selection, settling on their OL depth, and adding TE Evan Engram in free agency, the team really only had holes at running back and wide receiver. Instead, the front office decided to add to their defense, and they added one of the most versatile defensive backs in the draft. Barring a late reentry into the first round, the Broncos will have their Day 2 picks to help round out Nix’s weaponry cadre.

Ben Levine contributed to this report.

Giants Attempting To Trade Back Into First Round

April 24th, 2025 at 9:19pm CST by Sam Robinson

Abdul Carter‘s status as the clear-cut top prospect available to the Giants at No. 3 led to the team bolstering an area at which it already had made considerable investments. As a quarterback need remains, the team is following through on a previously rumored effort to attempt to move back into Round 1.

The Giants are indeed attempting to climb back into the first round, according to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz. It would stand to reason this effort is aimed at landing a quarterback. The Giants were unable to leapfrog the Steelers, however, though it is not known if they made a firm offer to climb in front of the QB-needy team.

Linked to both Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart today, the Giants have done extensive homework on both players. Both remain on the board, as the Steelers went with Oregon D-lineman Derrick Harmon. The Giants would have more avenues back into Round 1, obviously, and it will be interesting to see what they are willing to give up. New York holds the No. 34 overall pick. At this rate, one of Dart or Sanders could still be on the board by then.

Both might, but the Browns, Saints and Steelers stand to join them in the much-rumored derby to trade up for a passer. The Browns also have an extra second-round pick to use for such a purpose. Brian Daboll-Dart connections had emerged, but a Thursday report indicated Sanders sat second among QBs on the Giants’ big board. That being true would certainly point to a Sanders-based trade-up, but Dart rumors have been fairly steady here. And the Rams (No. 26) were connected to Dart — along with the Saints and Steelers — earlier today.

With Daboll and Joe Schoen on hot seats, the Giants may need to come out of this draft with a long-term hopeful. Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston do not inspire much confidence, even if Carter strengthens their pass rush. The second wave of QB options awaits, and the Giants are a key place to monitor.

Buccaneers Draft Emeka Egbuka At No. 19

April 24th, 2025 at 9:12pm CST by Adam La Rose

A number of defensive prospects were linked to the Buccaneers during the pre-draft process. Tampa Bay has instead added at the receiver position, though, selecting Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka. It’s the second time in as many years that the Bucs have added to the receiving corps with a Day 1 or 2 pick.

Playing alongside such NFL talents as Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. during his years in Columbus, it’s impressive that Egbuka shined as much as he did at all for the Buckeyes. The 22-year-old didn’t land in the NFL because of his electric speed, as evidenced by a 4.48-second 40-yard dash at his pro day. Working mostly out of the slot, Egbuka made his impact with savvy route-running and instincts to feel out gaps in coverage.

While lacking elite size and speed, Egbuka still found his way to making impacts in 2022 and 2024. Despite some missed time affecting his 2023 campaign, Egbuka was able to record 1,000-yard, 10-touchdown contributions in the surrounding seasons.

Last season, the Buccaneers utilized Mike Evans and rookie Jalen McMillan on the outsides while working Chris Godwin in the slot for much of the start of the year. Adding Egbuka should give Tampa Bay plenty of flexibility to move Godwin around and work Egbuka as the primary slot wideout. A three wide receiver offense should likely feature Evans, Godwin, and Egbuka more often than McMillan, but the increased number of looks the offense can utilize could be really beneficial for Baker Mayfield and company in 2025.

Ely Allen contributed to this post.

Seahawks Select OL Grey Zabel At No. 18

April 24th, 2025 at 9:07pm CST by Adam La Rose

Adding along the offensive line has long been seen as a need for the Seahawks, and Seattle has indeed gone that route in the opening round. North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel is headed to the Emerald City.

The Seahawks entertained calls about trading down, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reports. That will likely be the case for nearly every team left in the order, but Seattle elected to stay in place. Zabel had come up as a potential Seahawks target this week, and the Division I-FCS standout will indeed become the rare high-end Seahawks guard investment.

Zabel was billed as one of the draft’s top center prospects, but the prospect showed plenty of versatility throughout his college career. The player spent time at every position on the OL during his time at North Dakota State, and that should provide the Seahawks with some options as they draw up their offensive line in 2025 and beyond.

Perhaps guard will end up being the rookie’s landing spot, at least for next season. Laken Tomlinson is in Houston now, and the Seahawks other options consist of Anthony Bradford (ranked 72nd out of 77 guards in 2024, per PFF), Sataoa Laumea (77th out of 77), and Christian Haynes, a 2024 third-rounder who did not crack the starting lineup as a rookie.

The team’s going to already be relying on one of those underwhelming pieces, but now they have an intriguing first-round prospect to throw into the mix. With Sam Darnold now manning QB after inking a lucrative contract, the Seahawks are surely focused on keeping their investment upright.

While guard could be the rookie’s temporary landing spot, Zabel’s savviness means he could ultimately land at tackle…or perhaps he’ll realize his pre-draft reports and settle in as an elite center. There’s even a chance his role evolves through his rookie campaign. It’s a bit of an unknown, and that certainly provides a bit of intrigue to the selection. Seahawks fans will want to keep an eye on where Zabel lines up during rookie minicamp.

Ben Levine contributed to this report.

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