2025 NFL Mock Draft: B/R NFL Scouting Dept.'s Post-Early Free Agency Picks
Once the NFL's new league year officially begins, as it does in March, the math for the upcoming NFL draft changes dramatically.
Free-agent signings, trades and releases all become official. How the league looked one day is drastically different the next, which impacts the approach many franchises will take once they're on the clock.
The Bleacher Report Scouting Department of Brandon Thorn, Dame Parson and Matt Holder has spent the last seven months evaluating talent through film review, all-star festivities, combine performances and pro days. All the while, the group continues to adjust based on the latest available information.
Everyone now knows where Sam Darnold will play, Geno Smith is a Raider, Myles Garrett isn't going anywhere, etc. These decisions create gigantic ripple effects when trying to predict the draft.
The department met this week and pieced together a projection coming off the back of free agency's first few waves while looking specifically at how organizations plan to approach the NFL's biggest influx of talent.
As of now, it feels like quarterbacks are going to kick off the 2025 NFL draft with the first and second overall picks.
1. Tennessee Titans: QB Cam Ward, Miami
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Nothing of note has come out of the Tennessee Titans organization regarding the quarterback position.
Previous rumblings of the New York Giants trading up for this pick are now dying down. Considering where Tennessee sits at the game's most important position, the thought of them going in any other direction beyond selecting the class' QB1 seems foolhardy.
"Will Levis remains under contract for 2025," Parson said. "However, he has not demonstrated enough for the organization to bypass the opportunity to draft a quarterback, instead relying solely on his development.
"Miami's Cam Ward is an exciting prospect who will win from the pocket and off-script. Ward has the arm talent to attack every level of the defense vertically and horizontally. Head coach Brian Callahan can nurture the talented skill set Ward possesses into a more mature quarterback and franchise leader."
2. Cleveland Browns: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
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The Cleveland Browns have a plan at quarterback. Myles Garrett knows what the plan is after re-signing with the team. But neither is letting on exactly which direction the organization will go.
Kirk Cousins remains in play depending on what the Atlanta Falcons ultimately want. Russell Wilson shouldn't be completely ruled out, either.
As of now, though, the most logical solution is selecting a cost-controlled rookie quarterback, particularly with all of the flirtations from Colorado's Shedeur Sanders.
"Sanders is a great fit with head coach Kevin Stefanski's system," Parson said. "Sanders is a precise pocket passer with functional mobility. He is familiar with the pressure of the bright spotlights and the challenge of transforming a team's fortunes.
"The reigning Johnny Unitas Golden Arm winner will bring a point guard-style approach to quarterbacking, thus helping to stabilize Cleveland's passing offense in crucial moments."
3. New York Giants: CB Travis Hunter, Colorado
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If the New York Giants don't have a pathway toward acquiring the No. 1 overall pick and miss out on the class' top two quarterback prospects, the organization can still select the incoming No. 1 overall prospect in Colorado's Travis Hunter, with the move not coming across as a consolation prize.
The Giants lack pizzazz, especially after allowing Saquon Barkley to leave and win a Super Bowl with the rival Philadelphia Eagles.
Hunter is a superstar waiting to happen, whether he's primarily a cornerback or wide receiver.
"The Giants get excellent value with the reigning Heisman Trophy winner," Holder said. "Hunter is an upgrade over Deonte Banks, who has underperformed since being a first-round pick two years ago, and gives Big Blue's offense a good fourth receiver when needed.
"The Colorado product can be an immediate starter on defense and a contributor on offense. He's expressly stated he wants to play both."
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4. New England Patriots: Edge Abdul Carter, Penn State
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This potential lineup is too good to be true for the New England Patriots.
"While the temptation to add an offensive lineman will be there, it's going to be hard for head coach Mike Vrabel to pass up on the best pass-rusher in the draft," Holder said. "Harold Landry III and Abdul Carter form a great one-two punch off the edge, harassing quarterbacks in the AFC East for the next few years at least."
Vrabel is fortunate in that he joined a team with its franchise quarterback already in place. Drake Maye needs help, but skill-position prospects can be acquired later. Carter presents as much or more upside than any other individual counted among the incoming class.
The Penn State product is lighting quick off the edge, and he's still learning what it means to be a full-time pass-rusher. His potential is off the charts.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: DL Mason Graham, Michigan
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The Jacksonville Jaguars are coming off a humiliating season in which they had the highest of expectations only to win four games and earn a top-five draft pick. The silver lining is the franchise can simply stand pat and select whatever elite talent becomes available.
Michigan's Mason Graham is a rare defensive tackle prospect capable of dominating against the run and as a pass-rusher. The two-time first-team All-Big Ten honoree will complete a unit the organization invested heavily into and can now serve as the team's identity.
"A defensive line with Josh Allen-Hines, Travon Walker and Graham automatically makes Jacksonville a force in the trenches," Holder said. "The former Wolverine is an instant upgrade over last year's second-round pick Maason Smith and a better long-term solution than 31-year-old Arik Armstead."
6. Las Vegas Raiders: OT Will Campbell, LSU
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The Las Vegas Raiders' acquisition of quarterback Geno Smith shifted the equation in how to piece together the team's offseason.
With quarterback no longer at the forefront of every possible move, the Raiders can look to flesh out the roster with the addition of the best possible talent.
Las Vegas could go in various directions, though the opportunity to build a solid long-term foundation among the squad's front five remains a sound strategy.
"LSU's Will Campbell is the top-rated blocker on the board with an inside-out skill set who would most likely slot in at left guard for the Raiders," Thorn said. "Though right tackle is also a possibility.
"Campbell's polish in the run game, play-strength and overall demeanor instantly forms a foundational trio with Kolton Miller and Jackson Powers-Johnson over the next couple of years, and he'd have the potential to replace Miller at left tackle down the road."
7. New York Jets: OT Armand Membou, Missouri
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The New York Jets should keep pumping assets into their offensive line until they get it right.
Furthermore, Missouri's Armand Membou is the type of talent and physical presence to set the tone in the run game and make life easier on quarterback Justin Fields when he drops back to pass.
"The Jets have last year's first-round selection Olu Fashanu taking over at left tackle, with last year's starter at right tackle, Morgan Moses, now on the New England Patriots roster," Thorn said. "They also have Alijah Vera-Tucker in place at right guard, and he's been less effective when forced to bump out to right tackle.
"Membou is arguably the most physically gifted blocker in the class and is just 21-years old. He solidifies the right side and allows Vera-Tucker to remain at his best position while providing the O-line with three young building blocks."
8. Carolina Panthers: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
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Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan adds exactly what the Carolina Panthers offense is sorely missing: a true X-receiver and a security blanket for quarterback Bryce Young.
McMillan can step into the Panthers lineup and be their top target from Day 1. The 6'4", 219-pound playmaker will immediately create a cascading effect throughout the team's passing game, with Adam Thielen and Xavier Legette getting placed in more traditional roles where their skill sets are more effective.
"The Panthers do need a true WR1 to pair with their current cast of weapons," Parson said. "McMillan's big frame allows him to excel at the catch point. He immediately gives Young a talented possession receiver capable of managing high-volume targets from various positions within the offensive formation."
9. New Orleans Saints: CB Will Johnson, Michigan
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The New Orleans Saints need some special voodoo to somehow find their way out of the current setup. The organization is caught somewhere between a full rebuild and still trying to compete.
Basically, the roster could use upgrades at nearly every position group. The Saints' secondary did take a significant hit this offseason after Paulson Adebo signed a free-agent deal with the New York Giants. Alontae Taylor and Kool-Aid McKinstry remain on the roster, but Michigan's Will Johnson is a superior prospect.
"The Saints have plenty of needs heading into the draft, including corner after losing Week 1 starters Marshon Lattimore and Adebo over the last four months," Holder said. "Johnson is the class' second-best corner (behind Travis Hunter, who may primarily play wide receiver) and No. 6 player overall on B/R's board, making him a great value in addition to filling a need."
10. Chicago Bears: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
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The Chicago Bears have done a wonderful job building around quarterback Caleb Williams, specifically with how the front office addressed the offensive line.
With the trade acquisitions of guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson followed by the free-agent signing of center Drew Dalman, the Bears are leaps and bounds better in the trenches.
What else can help Williams and make the offense more potent? A strong ground game. The Bears finished among the league's bottom eight in rushing last season. Boise State's Ashton Jeanty immediately gives the squad a star ball-carrier.
"After retooling their O-line, the Bears don't have any major pressing needs," Parson said. "Jeanty will offer a bell-cow running back to build the running attack around Ben Johnson's offense.
"Jeanty's patience, vision, elite contact balance and fit for zone-blocking concepts will pair well alongside Williams. Jeanty will help elevate their play-action and RPO passing attacks, which is where Williams thrives."
11. San Francisco 49ers: LB Jalon Walker, Georgia
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The San Francisco 49ers will look drastically different in 2025, and they probably should after slipping to 6-11 overall.
The Super Bowl hangover proved to be real. At the same time, the Niners had an older roster, an older rosters tend to have more injury issues, which was another big reason for the letdown campaign. A mass exodus occurred this offseason, with the defense taking multiple hits.
Georgia's Jalon Walker adds the perfect piece because of his consistent presence around the ball and positional versatility.
"Linebacker Dre Greenlaw and edge-rusher Leonard Floyd were counted among San Francisco's key free-agent losses," Holder said. "Their departures should make Walker's skill set so intriguing to general manager John Lynch, as the former Bulldog has collegiate experience playing off-ball linebacker and rushing the passer."
Essentially, Walker replaces Greenlaw as the linebacker next to Fred Warner and then shifts to the edge when San Francisco employs sub-packages.
12. Dallas Cowboys: WR Matthew Golden, Texas
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CeeDee Lamb gets much-needed help with the Dallas Cowboys' selection of Texas' Matthew Golden.
Over the last two seasons, the Cowboys' quarterbacks targeted Lamb a league-high 333 times. The four-time Pro Bowl honoree is one of the league's best wide receivers, but Dallas lacks a legitimate secondary option.
Texas' Matthew Golden is the type of player, who transferred in from a smaller program, joined a highly regarded teammate at wide receiver in Isaiah Bond and still worked his way into being WR1.
"Golden automatically brings field-stretching natural speed and athleticism to the Cowboys offense," Parson said. "Golden's explosiveness and deep speed pair well with Lamb's do-it-all skill set.
"Quarterback Dak Prescott needs more help in the passing game; Golden has the speed, movement skills and ball skills to make defenses pay for bracketing Lamb."
13. Miami Dolphins: DL Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
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The Miami Dolphins defensive interior consists of Zach Sieler, Neil Farrell and Matt Dickerson. That's it. That's the entire group.
Needless to say, the Fins desperately require depth amid their defensive trenches.
"Outside of Zach Sieler, the position group lacks talent," Holder said. "Nolen automatically becomes an excellent fit based purely on need while helping to build a strong group alongside Sieler, Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb and Chop Robinson (depending on health, of course).
Nolen displays flashes of brilliance. At times, he's downright unblockable. But he needs to be more consistent, particularly at the point of attack and with his effort.
With Seiler being such a good run defender, Nolan provides a complementary skill set since he's more than capable of being a disruptive upfield presence as an interior pass-rusher.
14. Indianapolis Colts: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
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Typically, the Indianapolis Colts find excellent linebackers later in the process. However, general manager Chris Ballard has a type, and Alabama's Jihaad Campbell definitely fits.
Campbell is a highly athletic prospect, with the length the Colts prefer among their second-line of defense.
"E.J. Speed is currently a free agent, leaving the Colts to look for a new running mate for the ultra-productive Zaire Franklin," Holder said. "Campbell is the class' best true off-ball linebacker and sets off alarms only heard in the Colts' facility by earning a 9.87 RAS at the combine."
Indianapolis desperately needs a tight end. Still, the 21-year-old Campbell presents as much upside or more than any of the tight end prospects and helps renovate a defense that played poorly last season.
The linebacker recently revealed that he received offseason surgery on a torn labrum. If he were healthy, there would have been a strong argument to have him taken before this pick, as his stock has been soaring.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Edge Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
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The Atlanta Falcons' seemingly never-ending search to acquire a legitimate pass-rusher continues. Grady Jarrett's release didn't help matters.
"While adding Leonard Floyd in free agency helps, the Falcons could still use more pass-rushers, and Floyd is only under a one-year contract," Holder said. "Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart lacks first-round production, but he has great traits to rack up plenty of sacks in the NFL."
Stewart has the potential to be an elite edge-rusher. As Holder rightly stated, he's yet to provide the production as proof of concept. Still, the Falcons brought in similar developmental defensive line talents a year ago in Ruke Orhorhoro and Brandon Dorlus. Stewart falls in line with those investments, with much higher upside.
The former Aggie posted the third-highest relative athletic score among edge-defenders since trackable date became available, per Kent Lee Platte.
16. Arizona Cardinals: IOL Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
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If the Arizona Cardinals are looking to invest in their offensive line, higher-graded prospects than Texas' Kelvin Banks Jr. are available.
But rankings in a vacuum don't necessarily take into account team-specific needs. Banks may be ranked a little lower down the board, yet he's an ideal fit in this particular situation.
"Arizona has one of the more diverse running games in the league that incorporates a mix of gap and zone principles with extensive pullers, screens and misdirection," Thorn said. "Banks is coming out of a Texas offense that majored more in zone but had a similar emphasis on getting blockers in space, which is an area where he excels.
"While rough areas of Banks' game in terms of balance and recovery ability should be mentioned, his movement skills fit in well with this particular offensive scheme. Banks upgrades right tackle and/or one of the guard spots, giving the unit another young piece with pedigree and raw talent to develop into a reliable starter."
17. Cincinnati Bengals: IOL Tyler Booker, Alabama
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The Cincinnati Bengals definitely need defensive help.
::shrugs shoulders::
The team is clearly going all-in with its talent on offense, so why not continue to complete that unit?
The Bengals released right guard Alex Cappa this offseason. Alabama's Tyler Booker can slot into that role and give the Bengals yet another massive blocker to make sure the team maximizes its investments in quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
"Beyond the team's significant degree of financial investment in the quarterback and receivers, a clear need exists in Cincinnati to allocate significant draft resources to the line," Thorn said. "The Bengals have built one of the league's heaviest offensive fronts and have a clear slant toward a downhill run scheme, with a need to improve the firmness of the interior of the pocket.
"Booker checks the right boxes while bringing renowned leadership to the fold to instantly upgrade either guard spot."
18. Seattle Seahawks: IOL Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
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The Seattle Seahawks moved on from quarterback Geno Smith, as well as wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, in one offseason. Sam Darnold and Cooper Kupp signed as a free agents to replace two of those pieces. Otherwise, the Seahawks are basically back where they started by needing significant offensive interior investments.
North Dakota State's Grey Zabel is the class' most versatile offensive lineman and a instant upgrade at multiple positions.
"Seattle typically hasn't allocated many resources to their offensive line during the John Schneider era and they may continue that trend with Klint Kubiak's run-first, play-action-centered system," Thorn said, "but the cupboard is bare enough to necessitate a first-round splurge, especially if Zabel is available.
"It's difficult to ace an offseason more than Zabel has, with his outstanding Senior Bowl and combine performances. With very strong film across multiple positions during his career at NDSU, he checks all the boxes as an early starter at guard or center."
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Edge Mike Green, Marshall
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have done an excellent job with talent evaluation ever since Jason Licht became general manager.
Mike Green's evaluation is less about ability as it is with an organization being comfortable with his past, which makes his landing spot difficult to ascertain. Green revealed at the NFL Scouting Combine that he's been accused but never charged of sexual assault twice, once in high school and once at the University of Virginia before he transferred to Marshall.
On the field, Green is the second-most explosive pass-rusher in the class, behind Penn State's Abdul Carter.
"The Buccaneers got some pass-rushing help in free agency by adding Haason Reddick" Holder said, "but he's only on a one-year deal. Green should be on Tampa Bay's radar, and having a year where he can be a third-down rusher while bulking up to become an every-down player represents a good situation for the Marshall product."
20. Denver Broncos: RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
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Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime and Tyler Badie currently comprise the Denver Broncos' backfield. This trio of ball-carriers combined for 892 yards last season. Clearly, Denver's running back room lacks a true lead option.
North Carolina's Omarion Hampton immediately fixes the team's current situation while improving upon the Broncos' middling run game. Bo Nix's athleticism adds a certain dynamic to the offense, but he doesn't need to be Denver's second-highest returning rusher. Nix isn't exactly Lamar Jackson.
"Hampton steps in to take some pressure off Nix's shoulders," Parson said. "Hampton is a strong downhill runner, with a good burst/speed combination. He's a threat to gain chunk yardage anytime.
"The 221-pound Hampton will also bring a clock-draining power running style to this Broncos offense as a strong closer in the fourth quarter."
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: DL Derrick Harmon, Oregon
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Obviously, quarterback should come into play for the Pittsburgh Steelers, whether or not Aaron Rodgers joins the team.
Pittsburgh has no long-term plan at the game's most important position. At the same time, the organization remembers when it pulled the trigger too early on a prospect not worthy of a first-round pick.
Kenny Pickett is now on his third team in less than a year, and the Steelers are still searching for a signal-caller. Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart, Ohio State's Will Howard and Alabama's Jalen Milroe could and should be seen as reaches at this juncture.
Instead, Pittsburgh adheres to its identity and finds a high-level defensive prospect in Oregon's Derrick Harmon.
"Larry Ogunjobi left in free agency and soon-to-be 36-year-old Cam Heyward isn't getting any younger," Holder said. "Pittsburgh's defense could use a defensive tackle who can start right away and eventually take over for Heyward.
"Harmon fits to a tee after having a monster year for Oregon, where he showed he can be a force in both phases of the game."
22. Los Angeles Chargers: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
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In this scenario, the Los Angeles Chargers have their choice between the class' top two tight end prospects, Penn State's Tyler Warren and Michigan's Colston Loveland.
What are the odds that Jim Harbaugh will pass on the player he recruited to the Wolverines program?
Granted, a situation like this has happened before, with Pete Carroll famously passing on his former USC safety Taylor Mays for Earl Thomas. That move worked out quite well for the Seattle Seahawks.
In this particular case, a drastic difference in skill sets don't exist between the two prospects. Some will even argue in Loveland's favor.
"Loveland is the best pure receiving threat at the tight end position in the draft," Parson said. "He can align everywhere in the formation and be a difference-maker. Loveland is also a willing blocker who had an upper-body injury during the season, leading to a decline in his effectiveness as an in-line blocker.
"Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert needs a big-time playmaker to pair with Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston. Loveland is what this Greg Roman-led offense needs."
23. Green Bay Packers: CB Azareye'h Thomas, Florida State
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Fit is often discussed when matching prospects with NFL organizations. Azareye'h Thomas to the Green Bay Packers is all about scheme fit and what an organization likes.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley had been a heavy man-coverage play-caller at the collegiate level. But he switched it up a year ago to fit the personnel on Green Bay's roster. Thomas can give the team a little more flexibility in how to attack opposing pass games, which is exactly why he precedes names such as Texas' Jahdae Barron and Notre Dame's Benjamin Morrison.
"With Jaire Alexander's future up in the air, the Packers should be looking for cornerback help in the draft anyway," Holder said. "While there were higher-graded corners on B/R's big board available at this spot, Thomas fits Brian Gutekunst's type as a long-limbed corner."
24. Minnesota Vikings: S Malaki Starks, Georgia
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Harrison Smith is returning for his 14th season with the Minnesota Vikings, which is all the more reason to pair him with an elite safety prospect in an attempt to bridge the gap between the past and future.
Granted, the Vikings attempted this approach before, with Lewis Cine lasting only two seasons before Minnesota released the 2022 first-round pick.
Georgia's Malaki Starks presents a completely different skill set, though. The incoming Bulldog has the coverage skills to thrive in today's NFL.
"After losing Cam Bynum in free agency, the Vikings add the class' best pure safety prospect," Parson said. "Starks has the range, instincts and elite ball skills to play as a center-fielding free safety and the man-coverage ability to walk down into the nickel role.
"Defensive coordinator Brian Flores is the king of exotic defensive looks, and Starks will be like Thanos, adding the final infinity stone."
25. Houston Texans: OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
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The Houston Texans' decision to trade their best offensive lineman, left tackle Laremy Tunsil, has to be one of the offseason's most surprising moves, especially since the rest of the unit struggled immensely last season.
Houston responded by signing Cam Robinson to a one-year, $12 million free-agent contract, per The Athletic's Dianna Russini. His inclusion shouldn't stop the Texans from selecting Ohio State's Josh Simmons, particularly with the rookie coming off a torn patellar tendon.
"Simmons is in the running with Membou for being the class' most physically gifted pure tackle prospect," Thorn said. "Though the Ohio State blocker has lingering questions due to a knee injury that ended his 2024 season after just five games.
"Simmons' addition ensures the team has enough talent at tackle to field at least two serviceable starters, with the flexibility of potentially moving Tytus Howard back to guard where he has regularly filled in during his career."
26. Los Angeles Rams: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
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A legitimate threat at tight end could completely change Sean McVay's offense.
Tyler Higbee has never become the caliber of tight end the Los Angeles Rams hoped he would be. The 32-year-old veteran is now coming off a season in which he played in only three games because of multiple injuries. Colby Parkinson couldn't muster much, either, with only 30 receptions for 294 yards.
As creative as McVay is, he could have a blast game-planning opportunities for Penn State's Tyler Warren, who can play all over a formation.
"Warren is a clear upgrade for the Rams," Parson said. "Quarterback Matthew Stafford already has Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, while Warren will be the ruler between the hashes for the Rams.
"The tight end serves as an 'easy button' in the passing attack and McVay is the type of innovative, intelligent play-caller to place Warren in the most advantageous positions to create mismatches. The Rams offense will be an even bigger headache to prepare for with this selection."
27. Baltimore Ravens: CB Jahdae Barron, Texas
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If a top-notch prospect is slipping in the first round based on extenuating circumstances—be it fit, positional value, whatever—the Baltimore Ravens will be waiting to select that standout.
Case in point, Texas' Jahdae Barron is the B/R Scouting Department's 12th-ranked prospect. But he slid based on how the board fell.
Barron serves as a Swiss Army knife in the secondary, with the ability to play multiple positions at a relatively high level, which should fit in nicely among the Ravens' current group.
"The Ravens were in no hurry to bring back Brandon Stephens during free agency," Holder said, "but the defense could use some help at corner. Barron would be an excellent value pick and form a great trio with Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins."
28. Detroit Lions: Edge Mykel Williams, Georgia
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Aidan Hutchinson is expected back and fully healthy for the 2025 campaign after suffering a season-ending fractured tibia and fibula. Even so, the Detroit Lions still don't have a long-term running mate for their franchise player.
Georgia's Mykel Williams is a swing for the fences at this point in the draft. The 20-year-old is far from a polished pass-rusher. However, he can immediately help in the run game as he develops techniques to become a well-rounded edge-defender.
"While Marcus Davenport re-signed in free agency, Detroit released Za'Darius Smith and Davenport inked just a one-year deal," Holder said. "So the defense is still looking for that all-elusive bookend edge-defender. Williams fits the Lions' profile as a physical defensive end. Plus, Detroit presents a good situation for the Georgia prospect where he can be part of the rotation and doesn't need to be a top producer immediately."
29. Washington Commanders: S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
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The following statement isn't said lightly: South Carolina's Nick Emmanwori just may be the most athletically gifted safety to join Washington's roster since Sean Taylor.
To be clear, Emmanwori isn't the same caliber of tone-setter or elite playmaker as Taylor. Just from a physical standpoint, Emmanwori is rare. How so? His relative athletic score is the highest ever by a safety prospect, according to Kent Lee Platte.
For comparison, the incoming safety is two inches taller and seven pounds heavier than Laron Landry was when he was drafted sixth overall in the 2007 class. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn gets a chance to mold Emmanwori into a defensive weapon.
"Jeremy Chinn had a strong season with Quinn in the nation's capital," Parson said, "but he left in free agency. Emmanwori is a tall, long-limbed, explosive and versatile athlete.
"The incoming safety can fill Chinn's role, playing in multiple positions and impacting the short-to-intermediate passing game, thus placing Emmanwori in advantageous positions to read, react and play fast."
30. Buffalo Bills: DL Kenneth Grant, Michigan
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The Buffalo Bills fell short again in the playoffs, but the roster remains strong enough to compete at a high level.
However, the squad's defensive interior could use a little extra oomph at the point of attack. Michigan's Kenneth Grant is an athletic widebody who's yet to realize his full potential. Grant could become a game-wrecker in the right situation. Buffalo hopes so.
"The Bills did sign Larry Ogunjobi to help bolster their defensive tackle depth," Holder said, "but Ogunjobi will be suspended for six games of the 2025 season after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Also, DaQuan Jones is entering a contract year at 33 years old.
"Grant provides Buffalo with an immediate quality run defender along the interior and someone who has the athletic upside to develop into a quality pass-rusher down the line."
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Edge James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
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Super Bowl LIV showed the Kansas City Chiefs roster has obvious weak points that Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Chris Jones can't entirely cover up despite their greatness.
First and foremost, the Chiefs already addressed left tackle by signing Jaylon Moore. Whether Moore is the answer has yet to be determined, but he's going to get his shot. Left guard will be a competition after Joe Thuney's departure, with Kingsley Suamataia and Mike Caliendo vying for that spot.
From there, the Chiefs failed to hold up against the Philadelphia Eagles' awesome offensive line. Tennessee's James Pearce Jr. has the potential to be a big-time presence off the edge. The Chiefs locker room just might be the perfect landing spot for his immense upside.
"The Chiefs have had no issues taking players with character concerns in the past, and that seems to be the primary reason why Pearce has been sliding on draft boards recently," Holder said. "The former Volunteer could be the athletic pass-rusher Kansas City hoped it'd get when it spent a first-round pick on Felix Anudike-Uzomah two years ago."
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Edge Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
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As expected, both Milton Williams and Josh Sweat left the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency to join the New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals, respectively. Brandon Graham also retired.
It's time for the reigning Super Bowl champions to reload.
Texas A&M's Nic Scourton can serve as the unit's primary base end while bringing some juice as a pass-rusher.
"General manager Howie Roseman loves to stockpile defensive linemen in the draft, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him target an edge-rusher after the team's offseason losses," Holder said. "Scourton would be a solid replacement for Graham given the Texas A&M product's ability to play the run and win with power as a pass-rusher."
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