1 Prospect Each Team Must Avoid in 2025 NFL Draft
NFL draft evaluations shouldn't be done in a vacuum. Not every player—not matter how talented—fits in every situations. Only a rare handful of individuals truly supersede their surroundings.
As such, organizations are looking to select the prospect(s) that best fits their plans, which creates a significant difference between how those on the outside view the class and the direction decision-makers ultimately take.
Obviously, the first round drives the perception of a draft class. As such, the players choses as those to avoid primarily hover around that range.
To be clear, the usage of "avoid" as the key term isn't about whether a prospect is good or not. It's a look at those who likely aren't the best choices at a particular slot. The team being discussed should have better options for its specific needs. Furthermore, the selections are catered to that situation and doesn't extend beyond how everything falls around them.
As the 2025 NFL draft looms in less than a week, teams shouldn't be targeting the following options.
Arizona Cardinals: Edge Mykel Williams, Georgia
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The Arizona Cardinals could use a boost along the defensive line despite the investments they already made over the past year, including Josh Sweat, Dalvin Tomlinson, Calais Campbell, Darius Robinson, Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols.
Georgia's Mykel Williams doesn't bring anything new to the table when the Cardinals are on the board with the 16th overall pick.
Williams is a developmental edge-rusher, who spent the majority of his collegiate career as a interior defender. In a lot of ways, his skill set similar to Robinson, whom the franchise drafted with last year's 27th overall pick.
If the Cardinals are set on adding more juice off the edge, as indicated by looking at multiple defensive ends throughout this year's predraft process, Arizona should look elsewhere because Williams' status is based more on upside than actual on-field performance.
Atlanta Falcons: S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
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At this point, the Atlanta Falcons doing anything other than investing in a pass-rusher should be considered illegal.
As amazing as it sounds, the following needs to be repeated over and over again: The Falcons haven't fielded a 10-sack defender since Vic Beasley in 2016. Beasley turned into a first-round bust and hasn't played in the NFL since the 2020 campaign.
No one can deny the natural upside that South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori brings to the table. He's a 6'3", 220-pound defensive with an elite athleticism, who could a force working next to Jessie Bates III. He doesn't heal the festering wound currently found on Atlanta's defense, though.
This year's 15th overall pick needs to be spent on someone who can make the lives of opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable.
Baltimore Ravens: Edge Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
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There are two things the Baltimore Ravens just love to do during the NFL draft. First, the organization is probably the best at simply standing pat and letting a top talent come to them. Second, the front office enjoys drafting toolsy, developmental edge-rushers.
If Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart is available, he fits both criteria. Really, the Ravens need to resist.
Yes, Stewart presents tremendous upside. He's an elite athlete with the type of profile that signals a 10-sack-per-season career. But he's never been that prospect at the collegiate level. Furthermore, the Ravens don't have time to waste on waiting another three or four years hoping Stewart develops, as Odafe Oweh eventually did.
With Lamar Jackson playing at an MVP level on an annual basis, the Ravens need immediate impact additions.
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Buffalo Bills: Edge Landon Jackson, Arkansas
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The Buffalo Bills have a type at defensive end. The organization needs to get away from that type, not add another prospect with a similar skill set.
Typically, Buffalo likes big, long and powerful edge-defenders. They may not be able to corner all that well when trying to rush the passer, but that's OK in the organization's book.
Arkansas' Landon Jackson fits the Bills' current mold. He's a 6'6", 264-pound defensive end, who too often tries to win with power by working down the middle of a blocker instead of relying on his athleticism.
Granted, Von Miller is no longer on the roster, AJ Epenesa is a free agent after this season and the newly-signed Joey Bosa has an extensive history. But the Bills will be better served either A) addressing a weaker defensive interior or B) drafting a more explosive edge-rusher with the 30th overall pick.
Carolina Panthers: OT Armand Membou, Missouri
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The Carolina Panthers have reached the point where the team has a functional-to-good offensive line. Could it be upgraded in a couple of spots? Sure. Is Taylor Moton's long-term status create some concern? Of course.
At the same time, the Panthers can do more for Bryce Young this season by adding talent around the quarterback at the skill positions. Missouri's Armand Membou is an exceptional talent and could easily find himself among this year's top-six picks. But if he's still on the board at No. 9, the Panthers should be looking elsewhere.
Young's resurgence after being benched last season became a huge piece of the puzzle to this offseason. His resilience helped rekindle hope in building around the 2023 No. 1 overall pick. The Panthers can do so by adding talent specifically at wide receiver or tight end and give Young another option to keep the offense on track and moving in the right direction.
Chicago Bears: RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
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Boise State's Ashton Jeanty has become a popular projection to the Chicago Bears with this year's 10th overall pick. If Jeanty isn't available, the solution isn't to just take the next-best running back in North Carolina's Omarion Hampton.
The Bears shouldn't settle, particularly at a position which is so deep in this year's class. Hampton is a talented, powerful runner in his own right. But Jeanty is the clear RB1. His potential selection is as much about his special ability as a runner while also changing the Chicago's ground game.
Instead, Chicago can change gears and address its defensive front, left tackle or even tight end.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson does have a history of moving on from D'Andre Swift in his offense, but running back doesn't need to be addressed with this year's 10th overall pick.
Cincinnati Bengals: Edge James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
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This year's Cincinnati Bengals first-round selection becomes a philosophical discussion about whether to continue building on the team's strengths on offense or trying to fortify a defense that finished in the bottom 10 last season.
Clearly, the team's investments in quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins indicate a preference toward the offensive side of the ball. Cincinnati can use this year's 17th overall pick on an offensive lineman to help fortify the team's always suspect front five.
Even if the Bengals choose to go with a defensive player, Tennessee's James Pearce Jr. isn't an ideal fit. Pearce can generate pressure off the edge, but he'll be asked to replace the retired Sam Hubbard and the incoming rookie won't be nearly as effective on an every-down basis, particularly at the point of attack.
If all Cincinnati wants to do is pin its ears back on defense, Pearce makes sense. Otherwise, better alternatives exists.
Cleveland Browns: DL Mason Graham, Michigan
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Generally speaking, three prospects—Colorado's Travis Hunter, Penn State's Abdul Carter and Michigan's Mason Graham—are considered true blue-chip options in this year's draft class.
For the Cleveland Browns, only two of those names make sense with the second overall pick if the team ultimately decides a quarterback isn't in play with the selection.
Hunter and Carter are potential difference-makers for Cleveland, with the former likely being the team's WR1 from Day 1, while the latter will provide the Browns with a specific identity creating havoc opposite Myles Garrett.
Graham can come in and create an immediate impact, too. Cleveland is solid alogn the interior with veterans Maliek Collins and Shelby Harris, though a long-term option will be needed eventually. The Michigan product is simply the least-best option for the Browns based on where the team currently resides near the top of the draft order.
Dallas Cowboys: CB Will Johnson, Michigan
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Cornerback should definitely be in play for the Dallas Cowboys with Jourdan Lewis leaving in free agency, Trevon Diggs' extensive injury history and DaRon Bland being a free agent after the 2025 campaign.
This year's 12th overall pick might not be the right time to strike, though.
Michigan's Will Johnson is the best pure corner prospect in this year's draft class (depending on how a team views Colorado's Travis Hunter). He's also dealt with injuries this past year, starting with a Lisfranc issue, then a tweaked hamstring.
The Cowboys did acquire Kaiir Elam this offseason in hopes of unlocking the 2022 first-rounder's potential. Caelen Carson should also be in line for a bigger role during his second season.
Meanwhile, Dallas has plenty of work to do on offense, with potential target areas at wide receiver, running back and offensive line. The team can then double-back and grab a corner during the draft's second day.
Denver Broncos: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
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Entering the offseason, the Denver Broncos looked like a shoo-in to select a tight end with the 20th overall pick. The team mitigated the situation by signing veteran Evan Engram in free agency.
The position isn't settled, of course, but Broncos don't need to force it, either.
Michigan's Colston Loveland is the best all-around tight end in this year's class. He did require offseason shoulder surgery, though, and he's not necessarily the type of offensive weapon that Broncos head coach Sean Payton prefers. Penn State's Tyler Warren may not be as good in-line as Loveland, but he's more versatile from an alignment and receiving perspective.
Besides, the Broncos can add more impactful weapons at running back or wide receiver once they're on the clock in this year's first round.
Detroit Lions: CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
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Kentucky's Maxwell Hairston has has the profile to be a premium cover corner at the NFL, with his combination of speed, fluidity and downfield stickiness. Yet he's not a good fit for the Detroit Lions' culture.
Head coach Dan Campbell is well-known for his "biting kneecaps" comment at his introductory press conference. But he took what turned out to be meme-able content and instilled a level of toughness in the Lions organization that has helped the team grow into a legitimate Super Bowl contenders. The Lions now pride themselves on being on of the league's most physical squads.
Hairston has some Deion Sanders in him, in that playing physical and tackling are optional at times. Instead, general manager Brad Holmes is going to find which prospect best fits who the Lions are and select him near the back end of the first round.
Green Bay Packers: WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
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The Green Bay Packers could used another wide receiver even with all of the young talent the team currently fields. However, the squad truly needs a ball-winning X-receiver, who can work on the outside and win one-on-one matchups.
The organization thought it may have that type of target in Christian Watson. Unfortunately, the injury bug hasn't allowed Watson to realize his vast potential.
Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka may be the safest pick in this year's draft class. He's an outstanding route-runner, with a defined role the moment he walks into an NFL locker room. What he's not is the type of wide receiver that Green Bay needs at the moment.
Egbuka is a tailor-made slot receiver. Currently, the Packers' best receiver, Jayden Reed, served as the squad's primary slot over the last two seasons, which makes Egbuka redundant with the 23rd overall pick.
Houston Texans: OL Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
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Not long ago, the Houston Texans should have been jumping at the opportunity to select North Dakota State's Grey Zabel and address an offensive line in flux.
Since then, the Texans have put in a lot of work to make the unit passable. The organization brought in established veterans in left tackle Cam Robinson, right tackle Trent Brown and guards Laken Tomlinson and Ed Ingram. They can solidify the group and not pigeonhole the Texans into a specific position when they're on the clock.
Granted, Zabel has the profile to literally start at any of the five offensive line spots. But the Texans actually have some young developmental options as well in Blake Fisher, Juice Scruggs and Jarrett Patterson.
With the unit stabilized, Houston can look toward wide receiver, defensive tackle or cornerback with the 25th overall pick.
Indianapolis Colts: OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
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The idea of Ohio State's Josh Simmons to the Indianapolis Colts makes more sense in theory more than it does in practice.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard can look at his lineup and think Simmons can help solidify a front five that experienced some movement this offseason. Center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries are now with the Minnesota Vikings after signing in free agency. Simmons never played along the interior at Ohio State, though.
Maybe the thought is that the Colts can land an elite offensive tackle who's only available to them as he recovers from last season's torn patellar tendon. Then again, Bernhard Raimann has grown into an excellent left tackle and should get a contract extension after this season. Braden Smith is returning at right tackle as well, after a harrowing season where he had to deal with his mental health.
Indianapolis already has two young and promising potential starters in Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves. The team should concentrate on addressing tight end or linebacker with this year's 14th overall pick.
Jacksonville Jaguars: LB Jalon Walker, Georgia
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The Jacksonville Jaguars can continue being the Jags of old with the growing sentiment that they're interested in selecting Georgia's Jalon Walker with the fifth overall pick.
Walker shouldn't even in consideration when the team already invested heavily in edge-defenders Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. If the organization envisions the reigning Butkus Award winner primarily serving as an off-ball linebacker, it already made significant investments in Devin Lloyd and Foyesade Oluokun.
Furthermore, a potential opportunity to select Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham, who is graded higher and fits a bigger need, only to select Walker epitomizes poor evaluation practices. With that in mind, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is regularly viewed as a top talent if the team prefers to add a true bellcow to the offense and take some pressure off quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Kansas City Chiefs: OT Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon
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The Kansas City Chiefs shouldn't feel comfortable about their left tackle spot. At the same time, the organization shouldn't feel forced to select a specific position with the 31st overall pick, especially if it entails repeating a mistake.
First, Jaylon Moore is already in place after signing a two-year, $30 million contract. Moore has never been a full-time starter in the NFL, which creates some uncertainty despite the price tag. But the Chiefs felt comfortable enough to sign him.
Second, the Chiefs drafted a developmental left tackle prospect in Kingsley Suamataia in last year's second round. Suamataia opened the 2024 season as the Chiefs' starting left tackle only to be overwhelmed and benched. The sophomore blocker still presents significant upside, though his future home may end up at guard.
With Oregon's Josh Conerly Jr., the 21-year-old prospect remains a work-in-progress, too. He needs to improve his play-strength and become more patient when working against edge-defenders with legitimate pass-rush plans. Chiefs could find themselves rushing another left tackle into the starting lineup before he's ready.
Las Vegas Raiders: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
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Las Vegas Raiders faithful and possibly head coach Pete Carroll probably have dreams of adding Boise State's Ashton Jeanty with the sixth overall pick and him becoming their version of Marshawn Lynch to help lead the team toward success.
Jeanty may be a beast of a runner, but the team should quake at the idea of spending the sixth overall pick on the position. Anyone can guarantee with 100 percent certainty that this year's group of running backs will produce multiple productive runners at the NFL level. A team doesn't need to spend its most valuable asset to fill the position, not when other needs areas could be addressed with similarly-graded talents.
For example, Bleacher Report has Jeanty graded as the sixth overall prospect. However, the Raiders could invest in a premium position with a prospect like cornerback Will Johnson or offensive tackle Armand Membou and still get similar value. Las Vegas can then land a starting-caliber running back option on Day 2.
Los Angeles Chargers: DL Kenneth Grant, Michigan
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One of the more popular projections for this cycle is pairing Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh with one of his former Michigan players.
The addition of nose tackle Kenneth Grant makes sense considering the Chargers needs to get stronger along the defensive interior and the team doesn't have anyone at the position signed beyond this season.
But this year's nose tackle class is relatively deep and intriguing with names like Texas' Alfred Collins, Maryland's Jordan Phillips and Kentucky's Deone Walker, who are expected to be Day 2 selections.
Simply put, nose tackle doesn't hold a lot of value, unless a prospect is expected to grow into every-down player. Grant isn't Dexter Lawrence. He's closer to former collegiate teammate Mazi Smith, who has struggled to start his career.
The Chargers should look toward wide receiver or tight end during the opening frame and help continue to build around quarterback Justin Herbert.
Los Angeles Rams: QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama
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The Los Angeles Rams looking for a long-term option at quarterback makes perfect sense. Alabama's Jalen Milroe being that choice doesn't.
Matthew Stafford is now 37 years old. He's taken a beating physically throughout his 16-year career. Retirement is now a serious option each offseason. The Rams must prepare for the inevitable.
Alabama's Jalen Milroe had a predraft visit with the Rams. As a prospect, no quarterback in this class presents as much natural upside. Milroe is an elite athlete with a big arm. He arguably needs the most development among this year's top quarterback options.
The Rams don't need to rush Milroe into the lineup. Sean McVay is also one of the NFL's best offensive minds. At the same time, Milroe may never be efficient enough as a passer to maximize his coach's scheme. The Rams already showed with Jared Goff that they're not willing to put in time with a quarterback whose limitations hold the offense back.
Miami Dolphins: Edge Mike Green, Marshall
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The Miami Dolphins could look drastically different this fall compared to what everyone has previously seen during the Mike McDaniel era, and they'll need to draft accordingly.
Safety Jevon Holland, defensive lineman Calais Campbell, guard Robert Jones and running back Raheem Mostert left in free agency. Jalen Ramsey is on the trade block, while Tyreek Hill may be as well.
Fortifications are required all over the roster. Yet the organization may consider Marshall's Mike Green because he provides an instant boost to any squad's pass-rush arsenal. Miami's defense finished in the middle of the pack for sacks last season.
However, the team already invested too much among its pass-rushers to even consider Green. With Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips and Chop Robinson on the roster—even with the injury histories of the first two—another edge-rusher is not the way to go with this year's 13th overall pick.
Minnesota Vikings: DL Derrick Harmon, Oregon
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Prior to free agency, Oregon's Derrick Harmon should have been at the top of the Minnesota Vikings' draft wish list. He'd now be a luxury pick after what the team added to its defensive interior.
With Harrison Phillips already in place, the Vikings signed Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Allen and Hargrave are 30 or older, but both signed for longer than one year and can still perform at a relatively high level.
Harmon would enter the Vikings lineup as a rotational piece before taking over a starting spot a year or two down the road.
Whereas, the organization can immediately address the secondary or guard with quality prospects to fill immediate needs, while still maintaining excellent value. Obviously, depth will still be concern for the D-line, but that doesn't need to be addressed at the start of the draft class.
New England Patriots: WR Tetairoa McMillan
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A weird juxtaposition exists between what the New England Patriots should do and what they're more than likely to do.
The Patriots should prioritize getting quarterback Drake Maye an elite weapon to be the focal point of the offense. The team is far more likely to address the hole at left tackle to open its draft class.
To be fair, LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell and Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan share identical grades from the Bleacher Report Scouting Department. McMillan gets the nod here as the prospect to "avoid," because wide receiver is always a deep position, definitely more so than offensive tackle in this particular class.
Once the Patriots get into Day 2, they can then add a wide receiver with Ole Miss' Tre Harris, Washington State's Kyle Williams, Iowa State's Jaylin Noel, TCU's Jack Bech, etc. likely being available.
New Orleans Saints: QB Tyler Shough, Louisville
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The New Orleans Saints either need to be all in or completely out of this year's quarterback class. Half-measures won't get the job done.
With news of Derek Carr's shoulder injury, which threatens his status for the 2025 season, it's time for the Saints to be bold.
As owners of this year's ninth overall pick, a good chance exists that the team can make a strong play to acquire Colorado's Shedeur Sanders. With the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants expected to pass on the quarterback, Sanders will be available for the Saints. Maybe he falls to them with the ninth overall pick or general manager Mickey Loomis makes a play by trading up for his services.
If none of that occurs, the organization might as well leave sleeping dogs lie, because the Saints are not getting an immediate upgrade coupled with long-term potential.
Louisville's Tyler Shough is the most obvious example of prospect viewed as talented option but wouldn't serve the Saints purposes, as a soon-to-be 26-year-old rookie with an extensive injury history and one season as a full-time starter.
The Saints should basically be in Sanders-or-bust territory, with Spencer Rattler serving as the alternative if the pick doesn't happen.
New York Giants: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
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Colorado's Shedeur Sanders is listed here, even though he absolutely should be in the conversation for the New York Giants, who aren't completely settled at quarterback.
Why? Well, Sanders' potential selection at No. 3 would immediately signal a disconnect between ownership and the football side of the building.
General manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll are in win-now mode after the team progressively worsened over the last two seasons. Their standing is an excellent reason why the organization already went out and signed veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.
By adding Sanders to the mix, it will almost certainly be a decision from on-high. Meanwhile, Schoen and Daboll will be forced to deal with the media's constant questions about when Sanders will play, while dealing with a potentially combustible quarterback room.
Basically, Schoen and Daboll would very likely be trying to develop a quarterback for the franchise's next general manager and head coach.
New York Jets: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
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The New York Jets signed Justin Fields in free agency and should do everything in the organization's power to build around its new quarterback. The team must fully commit to the athletic quarterback and run game. While doing so, the front office shouldn't consider a marginal in-line option to be a big part of that plan.
Penn State's Tyler Warren is a future weapon in the NFL if deployed properly. He can be used all over the formation. At the same time, he wasn't nearly effective earlier in his career when used in a more traditional manner.
His potential selection with the seventh overall pick feels like a bit of reach and imperfect fit regarding the Jets. Besides, this tight end class is quite good as well.
Instead, the Jets can finish the offensive line by addressing right tackle or give new head coach Aaron Glenn a defensive difference-maker to be the foundational piece for culture.
Philadelphia Eagles: WR Luther Burden III, Missouri
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Most everyone expects the Philadelphia Eagles to select a defensive lineman, right? After all, general manager Howie Roseman has a long history of investing heavily in the trenches.
At the same time, interest in the wide receiver position shouldn't be overlooked to expand the team's offensive scheme, especially if the Eagles choose to move past tight end Dallas Goedert, who has been counted among Philadelphia's top three targets for six straight seasons.
Another wide receiver capable of threatening a defense is a smart play, but Missouri's Luther Burden III isn't quite the right fit. Burden thrived the last two seasons primarily playing from the slot. He can bump to the outside, but he and DeVonta Smith overlap to a degree.
Maybe the best path for the Eagles is trading out of the first round entirely with someone desperate to get ahead of the quarterback-starved Cleveland Browns, who open the Day 2 festivities, then consider grabbing a wide receiver or different tight end a little later in the process.
Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
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The Pittsburgh Steelers must come out of this year's draft with a quarterback prospect. They don't need to be desperate, especially by adding a developmental option who's likely not going to be ready to start anytime soon.
Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart has some natural throwing and playmaking ability. However, the Rebels' simplified offensive scheme isn't the most conducive when translating to the highest level of football.
With Aaron Rodgers eventually on the roster, the Steelers can wait on investing in a first-round quarterback. Without Rodgers, Pittsburgh needs to find someone who can start sooner rather than later. Dart doesn't need to be in the picture in either situation.
The Steelers organization made a mistake three years ago when forcing a pick with Kenny Pickett in the first round. Hopefully, it learned its lesson.
San Francisco 49ers: OL Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
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The San Francisco 49ers defense feels like it's been gutted this offseason. While that's not technically true, the likes of Charvarius Ward, Javon Hargrave, Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga left and signed elsewhere. The group will certainly look different this fall.
Yet the possibility of addressing the offense line remains in play, specifically improving upon the offensive interior. While guard Aaron Banks also left in free agency, Ben Bartch has 22 games of starting experience under his belt between his two stops with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Niners.
The idea of using this year's 11th overall pick on someone like Texas' Kelvin Banks Jr. is an overcorrection, when the Kyle Shanahan system is know for getting the most out of its blockers.
San Francisco's defensive front seven is in more need of upgrades than the offensive line is right now.
Seattle Seahawks: CB Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina
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The idea of the Seattle Seahawks selecting East Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. in the first round doesn't work on two levels.
First, the Seahawks would be putting the cart before the horse. Seattle already has three talented cornerbacks in Devon Witherspoon, Riq Woolen and Coby Bryant. Granted, the last two are free agents after this season, but one or both could re-sign.
Second, Revel may present first-round talent, but he's coming off a torn ACL without the chance to piece together a full workout for teams prior to the draft.
Despite these things, the cornerback did visit the Seahawks prior to the draft. Maybe the team is simply doing its due diligence. But the 18th overall pick is too early in this particular instance. Cornerback can be addressed later.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Matthew Golden, Texas
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers adding another wide receiver to an already stacked room should be described as a luxury pick with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan already on the roster.
Sure, the Bucs offense would be downright dangerous after draft the most explosive receiver in this year's class, Texas' Matthew Golden.
OK, the previous statement is even starting to sell B/R on making this happen. Let's shake that off for a moment.
Instead, the Buccaneers have legitimate needs at all three levels of their defense. As talented and tempting as Golden would be with the 19th overall pick, Tampa Bay should be in position to find comparable talent to address the other side of the ball when its on the clock. Alabama's Jihaad Campbell, Texas' Jahdae Barron and Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart immediately come to mind.
Tennessee Titans: CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
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Travis Hunter is simply a placeholder in this spot as the top-rated prospect among this year's draft class. He's every bit deserving of the No. 1 overall pick if the Tennessee Titans didn't have a more pressing need at quarterback.
Anyone other than Miami's Cam Ward would be a poor decision by the Titans organization.
Is Hunter a higher-rated prospect? Yes. Is he something truly unique that we haven't seen in the modern area? Also, yes. Could he help the Titans and improve the on-field product? Absolutely.
However, the NFL is a quarterback-driven league. If a team doesn't have a quality signal-caller, it's already operating at a deficit entering each and every contest. The longer a team waits to address the game's most important position, the further behind it gets.
Tennessee appears set on Ward as this year's top pick because it lacks a starting-caliber quarterback. The Miami product is graded as a top-10 talent. The math is rather simple here.
Washington Commanders: Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
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The Washington Commanders need far more juice along their defensive front. Currently, no one among the squad's projected starters along the defensive line managed more than five sacks last season.
Boston College's Donovan Ezeiruaku seems like a natural fit. Yes and no.
Ezeiruaku definitely knows how to harass opposing quarterbacks after finishing second in the FBS last season with 16.5 sacks, while averaging five pressures per contest, per The 33rd Team.
At the same time, the reigning Ted Hendricks Award winner should be viewed as an every-down defender. He'll likely struggle at the point of attack, with offenses looking to take advantage of that deficiency.
Basically, the Commanders could be investing in a part-time rotational defender with this year's first-round pick or look for another option. Someone like Ohio State's JT Tuimoloau may be a better alternative later in the first round.
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