2025 NFL Mock Draft: B/R's Way-Too-Early Predictions
If the 2024 NFL draft taught us anything, the popularity of the event and its importance to the league has never been greater. The process isn't just a few-month stretch post-Super Bowl into the spring. It's a year-round cycle where the next round essentially starts as soon as the previous one ends.
The '24 class is already in the rearview mirror. Some big surprises occurred. A lot of quality talent just entered the league. Every franchise is hopeful. And everything is grand until the games start to be played again.
An understanding of the next wave of talent provides a glimpse of the past, present and future regarding the never-ending evolution of roster building. The upcoming class could have major influences on what teams recently did in the draft and what they're looking to do next from a big-picture point of view.
Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski and Matt Holder peered ahead at the '25 class and formed a way-too-early first-round mock draft.
Of note, this projection's order has been set by reverse Super Bowl odds, courtesy of DraftKings.
1. Carolina Panthers: Edge James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
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The Carolina Panthers have done a lot this offseason to get Bryce Young some help. However, it might have come at the expense of their best pass-rusher, Brian Burns, who was traded to the Giants.
While the Panthers did sign Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum in free agency, both inked two-year deals that have a potential out after this season, according to Spotrac. Using the No. 1 overall pick on James Pearce Jr., who would have been the top edge defender if he were eligible this year, per Pro Football Focus, would be a smart move.
"The sophomore's 21.3 percent pressure rate ranked third among all edge defenders, as did his 92.4 pass-rush grade," PFF's Max Chadwick wrote. "Pearce ended the season as the fourth-most valuable Power Five edge defender, according to PFF's Wins Above Average metric."
2. New England Patriots: OT Will Campbell, LSU
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This past weekend, the New England Patriots began their slow rebuild for the post-Bill Belichick era. A quarterback was the logical starting point, hence the organization's selection of Drake Maye with this year's third overall pick.
Once a first-round quarterback is acquired, every facet of the franchise should be geared toward making his life easier and more conducive to his development.
A solid foundation along the offensive line can go a long way. The Patriots don't have a quality, proven left tackle on their roster. LSU's Will Campbell can step in immediately, as he did with the Tigers program when he became the starting left tackle from the onset of spring practice even as an early enrollment true freshman.
The 6'6", 320-pound rising junior is a plug-and-play personal protector.
3. Tennessee Titans: WR Luther Burden III, Missouri
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The Tennessee Titans have spent the better part of the last two offseasons improving the supporting cast surrounding Will Levis. Between beefing up the offensive line with Peter Skoronski, Lloyd Cushenberry III and JC Latham, along with adding wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley, Levis is set up for success heading into year two.
However, Hopkins is 31 and will be a free agent next spring and Ridley turns 30 in December. The team could use some youth out wide, and that's why Luther Burden III makes sense with the third overall pick.
As a true sophomore, the Missouri product racked up 86 catches for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns, largely because of what he can do with the ball in his hands. Pro Football Focus noted that he ranked third among FBS wideouts with 725 yards after the catch and fourth with 314 receiving yards after contact.
Essentially, Burden would be what Tennessee was hoping it would get in Treylon Burks, who has been a disappointment and is a free agent after the 2025 campaign, barring the front office picking up Burks' fifth-year option.
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4. Denver Broncos: CB Will Johnson, Michigan
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With or without Patrick Surtain II, the Denver Broncos can look to address the cornerback position for the long term.
Surtain will be operating under his fifth-year rookie option in 2025. The Broncos have three options at that point. They can either A) extend his contract, B) place the franchise tag on him for 2026 or C) let him walk in free agency.
It's unlikely the organization will allow the All-Pro corner to simply leave. Either they'll keep him or leverage his status into some type of major return. Whatever the case, his status is something to watch closely.
Meanwhile, the Broncos can add yet another elite talent at the premium position in Michigan's Will Johnson. Johnson has been an elite cover corner from the start of his true freshman campaign. He can provide the Broncos with the league's best bookend corner to compete in a division that features Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert.
5. Las Vegas Raiders: CB Travis Hunter, Colorado
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According to ESPN's Paul Gutierrez, even Brock Bowers was surprised when the Las Vegas Raiders used the 13th overall pick on him.
A big reason the Raiders shocked the entire football world by selecting Bowers is because they opted for the 'best player available' instead of addressing a need like cornerback while the top corners on the board were up for grabs. It's hard to fault that strategy, but it does leave the Silver and Black with a need for a "dawg" in the secondary.
The 'D' on Travis Hunter's chest above says it all. He's a special playmaker who logged three interceptions and five passes defended in nine games last season to earn the distinction from Colorado head coach Deion Sanders.
It remains to be seen if Hunter can follow in his coach's footsteps and continue being a two-way player at the next level, but that's a bonus for Las Vegas with this top-five pick. Also, the organization is no stranger to taking a cornerback who can also line up at wide receiver after using the fourth overall selection on Charles Woodson in 1998.
6. New York Giants: QB Carson Beck, Georgia
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The New York Giants didn't take the bait. With so many rumors swirling that teams ahead of Big Blue were interested in drafting or even allowing a trade for another team to select Michigan's J.J. McCarthy, the Giants stood pat and passed on the national championship-winning quarterback when he was still available.
Malik Nabers places Daniel Jones in the no-excuses zone. Jones will have this season to prove he can stay healthy and be the quarterback the Giants expected when they signed him to a four-year, $160 million contract extension.
If not, the move is obvious. Jones can be released next offseason with a June 1 designation, saving the Giants $30.5 million, per Over the Cap.
Georgia's Carson Beck may not be the same caliber prospect as a Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye. But he is a talented pocket passer who will have efficiently led one of the nation's best collegiate programs for two seasons.
7. Arizona Cardinals: DL Mason Graham, Michigan
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When watching Michigan defensive players for this year's draft prep, it was hard not to notice Mason Graham. Listed at 6'3" and 318 pounds, he moves more like a defensive end than a defensive tackle, and that doesn't come at the expense of his power at the point of attack.
The former 4-star recruit has done nothing but make an impact since stepping foot on Michigan's campus, both as a freshman and this past season.
"Graham was excellent in his first year in Ann Arbor, leading all FBS true freshmen interior defensive linemen in PFF grade (80.3)," Pro Football Focus' Max Chadwick wrote. "He took his game to a new level as a sophomore, finishing as the fourth-most valuable defensive tackle in college football, according to PFF's Wins Above Average metric.
"Graham was one of only two college interior defensive linemen to finish with top-10 grades as both a pass-rusher and run defender."
While the Arizona Cardinals have made a handful of additions to their defensive line this offseason, the Wolverine would still step in as the defense's most talented player in the trenches.
8. Washington Commanders: Edge Abdul Carter, Penn State
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Abdul Carter's fit with the Washington Commanders is too good to be true.
While with the Dallas Cowboys, new Commanders head coach Dan Quinn benefitted from the organization's selection of Micah Parsons. Quinn found ways to accentuate Parsons' rare skill set.
Carter is another Penn State prospect with linebacker and pass-rusher flexibility. The underclassman may not be quite as explosive as Parsons and he's making the opposite position-switch—from linebacker to edge-rusher—but he's very much in the mold of a playmaker.
In Carter's first two collegiate seasons, he had 16 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, three forced fumbles and nine defended passes as an off-ball presence. His effectiveness can ratchet up this fall as a full-time edge defender.
9. Minnesota Vikings: DL Deone Walker, Kentucky
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While the Minnesota Vikings have done a decent job this offseason trying to replace the pass-rush production that the team lost this offseason with Danielle Hunter and D.J. Wonnum leaving in free agency, they could still use an interior rusher.
Deone Walker is coming off a campaign with 7.5 sacks, which is just what Minnesota needs. Pairing him with Thursday night's No. 17 overall pick Dallas Turner would give the Vikings an excellent young pass-rushing duo for years to come.
But Walker is more than just a defensive tackle who can collapse the pocket. Listed at 6'6" and 348 pounds, he's a good run defender who could replace Jonathan Bullard or Harrison Phillips seeing as both are entering contract years.
10. New Orleans Saints: QB Riley Leonard, Notre Dame
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The idea of the New Orleans Saints trudging ahead with Derek Carr as their quarterback beyond this season if the team doesn't find a way into the postseason seems optimistic at best.
With the Atlanta Falcons improving tremendously at quarterback, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers bringing both Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans back and the Carolina Panthers improving around Bryce Young, the Saints have seemingly made the least amount of progress in the NFC South.
Something drastic may need to occur. The team can save $30 million by cutting Carr next offseason and designating him a June 1 release.
Riley Leonard initially looked like a first-round prospect this past season had he not suffered a high ankle sprain. He played in only seven games as a result. Leonard returned to school for another season, albeit at a different institution. By transferring from Duke to Notre Dame, the 21-year-old prospect will now operate within a blueblood program, which will spotlight his potential to become a franchise quarterback.
11. Seattle Seahawks: CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
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This pick might be a bit of a head-scratcher at first glance since the Seattle Seahawks have drafted a few cornerbacks recently in Riq Woolen, Coby Bryant and Devon Witherspoon. But 2025 will be contract years for Woolen and Bryant, so it wouldn't be too surprising to see John Schneider get ahead of the need.
Also, new defensive-minded head coach Mike Macdonald will love what Benjamin Morrison brings to the table, especially since the Notre Dame product has a strong track record against elite competition.
"Morrison owns an 86.8 single-coverage grade since 2022, which paces all returning Power Five cornerbacks," Pro Football Focus' Max Chadwick wrote.
"On seven targets against Marvin Harrison Jr. over the past two years, he forced more incompletions (three) than he allowed catches (two). While Morrison has work to do as a tackler, he has elite ball skills for the position."
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
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Emeka Egbuka could have been a first-round pick this year had he declared for the NFL draft. But injuries slowed him throughout the 2023 campaign, and he went back to be a part of what could be something special with this year's Ohio State Buckeyes.
Still, the talent that was seen during the earlier evaluation hasn't changed. If anything, Egbuka could end up much higher in the process if he stays healthy and shows more effectiveness working as an outside receiver instead of primarily playing from the slot.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers don't need a ball-winner on the outside or a true X-receiver when they have Mike Evans returning. However, Chris Godwin's contract ends after the upcoming season, and he'll likely look for a significant payday, be it in Tampa or elsewhere.
Egbuka can be an ideal complementary piece to the offense while keeping multiple weapons around Baker Mayfield.
13. Indianapolis Colts: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
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General manager Chris Ballard told reporters Thursday that he had "serious, serious discussions" about trading up that included "big offers." Considering the Colts are pretty set at offensive tackle and quarterback, we can guess that they were trying to trade for a wide receiver or Brock Bowers.
Nothing came to fruition, and Indianapolis eventually settled for the addition of wide receiver Adonai Mitchell in the second round.
But Bowers was a name often connected with the Colts. Michigan's Colston Loveland won't be anywhere near as decorated as Bowers entering the league. However, he can be a major weapon in a Shane Steichen offense that has uncertainty at the tight end position.
Loveland is coming off a breakout campaign in which he was the Wolverines' second-leading receiver behind Roman Wilson with 45 catches for 649 yards and four touchdowns. Listed at 6'5" and 245 pounds, he has the size to be a good run-blocker at the next level.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
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To the Pittsburgh Steelers' credit, the organization avoided the sunk-cost fallacy and moved on from 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett. It upgraded at the game's most important position, with the acquisitions of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields on the cheap.
Either could turn out to be more than a short-term solution in the Steel City. They have to prove it first. Until then, Pittsburgh will remain in the quarterback market since neither of the two is signed beyond this season.
Colorado's Shedeur Sanders has a lot to prove this season. He took on a lot a year ago while carrying a Buffaloes offense that had no business being in some of the games it was simply because Sanders could create when everything else broke down.
As the program continues to improve around him, Sanders has a chance to solidify himself as a first-round talent and potential franchise target. He and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin seem like a natural fit.
15. Jacksonville Jaguars: OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
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The Jacksonville Jaguars are widely expected to give Trevor Lawrence a massive contract extension either this summer or next offseason. Locking down the quarterback would be a smart move. However, it would likely come at the cost of losing left tackle Cam Robinson, who will be playing on a contract year this season.
After securing the future of the franchise by extending Lawrence, it would be wise for the Jaguars to use their 2025 first-round pick to protect their investment, and Kelvin Banks Jr. has a great track record in pass protection.
"Banks started for Texas at left tackle as a true freshman in 2022 and instantly excelled as a pass protector. The former 5-star recruit allowed pressure on only 3.5 percent of his true pass sets, ranking fifth among Power Five tackles," Pro Football Focus' Max Chadwick wrote.
"The sophomore's 86.8 pass-blocking grade this past season stands second among returning Power Five tackles. Banks surrendered pressure on just 2.3 percent of his pass-blocking snaps, which also placed second among returning Power Five tackles."
16. Cleveland Browns: OT Wyatt Milum, West Virginia
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The Cleveland Browns are back in the first round after trading a package that included three first-round picks to the Houston Texans in 2022 for quarterback Deshaun Watson.
To be blatantly honest, Watson's play this fall will define what direction the organization takes next offseason. Another lost campaign could bring massive repercussions.
Until that bridge is crossed, the Browns must look at areas of the roster where they could be better, starting at left tackle. Jedrick Wills Jr. has been a disappointment after being the team's first-round selection in the 2020 class. To make matters worse, Cleveland passed on future All-Pro Tristan Wirfs at the time.
West Virginia's Wyatt Milum, who previously made the transition from right to left tackle, didn't allow a single sack or quarterback hit last season, according to Pro Football Focus. The 6'6', 317-pound blocker will gain steam as a prospect if he continues to play at such a high level.
17. Los Angeles Rams: QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama
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Matthew Stafford turned 36 years old in February and only has two years left on his contract after this upcoming season. Next year's draft would be a good time for the Los Angeles Rams to start thinking about a succession plan.
While last fall got off to a bumpy start for Jalen Milroe, he finished strong and ended with a 65.8 completion percentage, 2,834 passing yards and 23 touchdowns to six interceptions while also contributing 531 rushing yards and 12 rushing scores. He's a dynamic quarterback who makes plays with his legs and big arm.
Milroe's subpar accuracy may prevent him from being a starter as a rookie, but that's partially why Los Angeles would be a good destination for him. The Alabama product can sit behind Stafford for a year or two and then take over the reins.
18. Chicago Bears: IOL Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
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The Chicago Bears had an exceptional start to their 2024 draft class. The combination of quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze should create a dynamic battery for years to come.
But the Bears lacked firepower through the rest of the draft class. So they can continue to build up their offense next year. Guard Teven Jenkins is a free agent after this season and fellow guard Nate Davis will be on the last year of his deal in 2025 with no guaranteed money remaining.
Ohio State's Donovan Jackson could have been the best pure guard prospect in this year's draft class. The two-time first-team All-Big Ten performer allowed only one sack and quarterback hit last season, per Pro Football Focus. He can immediately shore up the offensive interior.
19. Los Angeles Chargers: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
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There's a lot to like about Tetairoa McMillan's game, especially since he's been super productive in college with 129 receptions for 2,104 yards and 18 touchdowns in 25 games. The 6'5", 210-pound wideout is a contested-catch threat and can win down the field, evidenced by his 16.3 career yards per catch.
A wide catch radius and the ability to be a deep threat would be a great pairing with Justin Herbert.
The Los Angeles Chargers decided to begin their 2024 draft by solidifying their offensive line with Joe Alt. Jim Harbaugh and Co. then added wide receiver Ladd McConkey in the second round. The offense still lacks weapons, though.
McConkey joins last year's first-round pick Quentin Johnston, who was a disappointment as a rookie. Considering the team moved on from Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this offseason, it may take another offseason to fully rebuild the wide receiver corps.
20 Atlanta Falcons: Edge Mykel Williams, Georgia
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The Atlanta Falcons stunned the NFL world when they didn't take a pass-rusher or cornerback with this year's eighth overall pick. Instead, the organization inexplicably chose Michael Penix Jr. despite signing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a massive free-agent deal this offseason.
To understand how much help the Falcons need to generate a pass rush, Bud Dupree and Calais Campbell tied for the team lead with 6.5 sacks last season. Neither is currently with the team. Atlanta did draft Bralen Trice in this year's third round. Still, the Falcons could use more juice.
Mykel Williams is another in a long line of Georgia defenders packed with potential. The true junior needs to produce at high level this fall, though. He registered nine sacks through his first two seasons. His natural skill set portends an explosive and dynamic pass-rusher.
21. Miami Dolphins: RB Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State
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Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel served as Kyle Shanahan's running game coordinator before getting the gig in South Beach, so McDaniel knows the importance of a strong ground game and having multiple backs who can tote the rock.
Meanwhile, the team's lead back, Raheem Mostert, just turned 32 and has an out in his contract after this season.
With a potential vacancy in the backfield, that makes Ollie Gordon II a good fit for the Dolphins. Also, the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year has the speed and home run-hitting ability that the head coach seems to covet at the position, evidenced by Gordon's 1,732 rushing yards, 6.1 yards per carry and 21 rushing touchdowns in 2023.
The Oklahoma State product and De'Von Achane would be a dangerous running back duo in Miami.
22. New York Jets: OT Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona
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Yet another offensive tackle for the New York Jets? This selection may seem like overkill, but it really isn't.
Yes, the organization acquired veterans Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses. General manager Joe Douglas made sure offensive tackle was covered with the selection of Olumuyiwa Fashanu in this year's first round.
Fashanu will replace Smith sooner or later. Meanwhile, Moses is a free agent after this year. The Jets can settle right tackle by selecting Arizona's Jonah Savaiinaea.
Savaiinaea started 25 games between guard and tackle over the last two seasons. He'll take over the strong side for Gang Green. The 6'5", 330-pound blocker will give the Jets a physical presence opposite Fashanu and provide the team with long-term bookends to protect whomever is behind center for future years.
23. Green Bay Packers: CB Denzel Burke, Ohio State
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Some thought the Green Bay Packers might add a cornerback during this year's draft, but the front office didn't address the position until the seventh round. However, Eric Stokes—barring the team picking up his fifth-year option—Corey Ballentine and Robert Rochell are all entering contract years.
So, the Packers could be in the cornerback market next spring, and Denzel Burke would have been high on B/R's big board had he entered the draft instead of deciding to go back to school this year. In November, defensive backs scout Cory Giddings had the Buckeye as the second corner and 20th-ranked player overall.
"Burke is a long-armed cornerback who is versatile enough to play multiple coverages and techniques," Giddings wrote. "He excels in man coverage, where he plays with good transitions and ball skills. He's a willing tackler who flies around with physicality."
24. Dallas Cowboys: Edge Landon Jackson, Arkansas
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Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones becomes enamored with specific prospects. It's not hard to imagine him falling in love with a 6'7", 282-pound defensive end from his beloved alma mater.
Arkansas' Landon Jackson is packed with potential and has shown flashes of dominance. But those efforts are too few and far between. A more consistent campaign will almost certainly skyrocket his draft status.
Jackson did register 13.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks last season. Over half of those sacks came in one game against the Alabama Crimson Tide. If he can play that way against the best competition, he should be able to do so on a weekly basis.
He would likely start at edge-rusher with Micah Parsons since DeMarcus Lawrence is a free agent in 2025. Jackson's size and length opposite Parsons would provide an interesting contrast and give Dallas a quality rotation after it lost Dorance Armstrong to the Washington Commanders this offseason.
25. Philadelphia Eagles: Edge JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State
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Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has become known for loading up on defensive linemen in the first round of the draft. So, while Roseman spent a third-round pick on an edge-rusher in Jalyx Hunt last weekend, that shouldn't take J.T. Tuimoloau off the table for the Birds.
Also, Hunt and Tuimoloau have very different styles. The former is a converted safety who is a great athlete and can contribute as a pass-rusher, while the latter wins with brute strength and power to be an impressive run defender. Plus, the Buckeye could be a good replacement for Josh Sweat, whose contract expires at the end of the year.
26. Houston Texans: S Malaki Starks, Georgia
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The Houston Texans are back in the first round after trading this year's opening-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals as part of the Will Anderson Jr. deal and then moving out of the frame altogether before the event even began by flipping their extra pick to the Minnesota Vikings.
Upon their return, the Texans continue to build DeMeco Ryans' defense.
The addition of Georgia's Malaki Starks may seem like overkill after Houston drafted two defensive backs—Kamari Lassiter and Calen Bullock—during Day 2 of this year's draft.
This pairing is about long-term depth and scheme flexibility. The following Houston defensive backs are free agents after this season: Jeff Okudah, C.J. Henderson, Desmond King II, Lonnie Johnson Jr., Myles Bryant, Kris Boyd, Jimmie Ward, Eric Murray and M.J. Stewart.
Starks can play alongside Jalen Pitre and Calen Bullock in big nickel looks, with either of the latter two covering the slot, replacing Ward and King in that role.
27. Cincinnati Bengals: Edge Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
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While playing for Purdue, Nic Scourton burst onto the scene last fall with 10 sacks before deciding to transfer to Texas A&M during the offseason. Scourton will look to prove himself against SEC competition and has the size to make switching conferences a smooth transition, as he's listed at 6'4", 280 pounds.
Meanwhile, it was reported the day before the draft that Trey Hendrickson is asking the Cincinnati Bengals for a trade. While it's unclear if Hendrickson will get his wish this offseason, 2025 will be a contract year for him, and the Bengals could save $16 million by cutting the 29-year-old next spring, per Over The Cap.
So, the Purdue/Texas A&M product could be a good replacement for the disgruntled edge-rusher.
28. Buffalo Bills: CB Ricardo Hallman, Wisconsin
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The Buffalo Bills transitioned away from an older secondary this offseason. Tre'Davious White, Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer are no longer part of the team after forming one of the league's best defensive backfields for years.
Wisconsin's Richardo Hallman emerged as a true ball hawk last season, with seven interceptions. He can slot into the spot opposite Christian Benford since Rasul Douglas is a free agent after the 2024 season.
As Buffalo continues to retool around quarterback Josh Allen, the team will always have a chance to win. A renewed secondary with elite coverage skills will keep it among the AFC's elite.
29. Detroit Lions: Edge Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
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From biting kneecaps to fighting people with one butt cheek, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has made it no secret what types of players he likes: physical ones. That sums up Jack Sawyer pretty well as he's aggressive at the point of attack to be an effective run defender and help collapse the pocket when rushing the passer.
Sawyer finally became a full-time starter last season and made the most out of the opportunity by, unsurprisingly, racking up career highs in sacks (6.5), tackles (48) and TFL (10). As long as they can put the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry aside, he'd be a good pairing with Aidan Hutchinson.
While the Lions did sign Marcus Davenport in free agency, Davenport is only on a one-year deal so the need will be there for Detroit.
30. Baltimore Ravens: OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
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The Baltimore Ravens prioritized their secondary with the first-round selection of Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins. In doing so, the team's offensive line didn't get the instant infusion of talent it desperately needed.
Baltimore entered this year's draft with major question marks at three of the five starting spots up front. To make matters worse, long-term left tackle Ronnie Stanley is a free agent after the upcoming season.
The Ravens can't invest enough in the offensive line over the next couple of years to maximize Lamar Jackson's window as an MVP-caliber performer. They started with Roger Rosengarten in this year's second round, but he'll likely man right tackle.
Ohio State's Josh Simmons isn't afraid to face a daunting transition. Simmons transferred from San Diego State to join the Buckeyes program. The 6'5", 310-pound tackle prospect needed a bit of a grace period. By the end of the 2023 campaign, the game had slowed and he played well. Another year in the system should show exactly how talented he is.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Edge Patrick Payton, Florida State
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While playing on the other side of this year's No. 19 overall pick, Jared Verse, over the last two seasons, it was difficult for Patrick Payton to stand out, but he held his own with 12 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss in 2022 and 2023 combined. Payton is a different style of player than his former teammate, as he wins with speed and athleticism on the edge.
However, according to the team's spring roster, the current Seminole has already put on about 15 pounds since last season, which is a good sign, as that was likely one of his main goals when deciding to return to school.
While the San Francisco 49ers signed Leonard Floyd to a two-year contract this offseason, the veteran will be 32 years old by the time the regular season starts in September. So, bringing in Payton to serve as a third-down rusher in year one and then potentially having him step into a starting role the following campaign wouldn't be a bad idea.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: CB Tacario Davis, Arizona
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The Kansas City Chiefs aren't afraid to move beyond a premium talent when contract demands exceed their value to the team. The organization did so with Tyreek Hill two years ago and again this offseason with L'Jarius Sneed.
General manager Brett Veach finally replaced Hill's game-changing speed in this year's draft, with the selection of Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy. He can do something similar next year by taking Arizona cornerback Tacario Davis.
Davis is another long and feisty cornerback. The 6'4" defensive back can come in and take over the outside spot opposite Josh Williams while keeping Trent McDuffie in the slot where he's dominant. Last season, the second-team All-Pac-12 performer was the highest-graded corner in the conference, per Pro Football Focus.
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