Re-Drafting 2025 NFL Draft After Regular Season

Hindsight is 20/20, or so they say, and the NFL draft serves as the ultimate "what if?" setup.

What if the Cleveland Browns chose Tom Brady instead of Spergon Wynn during the sixth round of the 2000 class? What if the Los Angeles Chargers never traded Eli Manning? What if the Oakland Raiders didn't pass on Calvin Johnson, Joe Thomas and Adrian Peterson for Jamarcus Russell?

The landscape of professional football could look completely different today based on the butterfly effect from changing one major mistake along the way.

With the dust settled from the 2025 regular season, multiple franchises are likely questioning the draft moves they made eight months earlier. In retrospect, the class should have worked out quite differently based on how individuals responded upon joining the professional ranks and how each team's season unfolded.

An argument can and will be made that a draft class can't be accurately evaluated until four years down the road. NFL front offices don't have that luxury. They need to constantly respond based on the information as it stands, which is exactly what Bleacher Report will do when re-evaluating the picks from the most recent draft class.

1. Tennessee Titans: QB Jaxson Dart

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

The Tennessee Titans had to select the quarterback with last year's No. 1 overall pick. The approach won't change when looking back at how the season progressed.

Cam Ward flashed at times after being the top selection. Though the Titans go in a different direction since Dart's playmaking ability, when healthy, presented some wow moments.

Two things separated Dart from the rest of the quarterbacks in the most recent class.

First, he's a natural playmaker as a passer and runner. Granted, the latter placed him in some difficult positions during his first season, but Dart should learn to protect himself as his career progresses.

Second, he's a year younger than Ward and nearly four years younger than Tyler Shough, which gives him an edge to become the new No. 1 pick.

2. Cleveland Browns: QB Cam Ward

AP Photo/Stew Milne

The Cleveland Browns were believed to be enamored with Cam Ward during the predraft process, though any hope of selecting him faded as the Tennessee Titans became his obvious landing spot with the No. 1 overall pick.

Hindsight presents a different possibility. With Ward still on the board and the Browns still searching for a franchise quarterback, Cleveland does not make the trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars to move down three spots.

Instead, the Browns address the game's most important position, which could have placed the team in a very different spot this past season. Kevin Stefanski may even be the head coach if Ward started all 17 games for them.

Ward was forced to take on too much in Tennessee thanks to a subpar supporting cast. Cleveland would have been a better setup overall, with talented, young offensive weapons and a strong defense to support the rookie. As a result, Cleveland wouldn't be worrying about the quarterback position at this time.

3. New York Giants: QB Tyler Shough

AP Photo/Danny Karnik

Tyler Shough performed better than any rookie quarterback this past season.

A person can even argue he should have been the No. 1 overall pick when compared to his classmates. He slides to No. 3 based on one factor: upside.

Shough is already 26 years old. For the quarterback position, age doesn't matter as much. Still, a multiple-year difference between him and the two names slotted first and second overall is difficult to completely overlook.

Aside from age, he originally fell into the second round because of an extensive injury history throughout his collegiate career. He remained healthy in 2025, but that concern hasn't disappeared.

Finally, the Giants make their move here knowing they wouldn't get Dart later in the first round. New York needed a quarterback of the future and got one. It's just a different one upon a second look.

4. New England Patriots: OT Will Campbell

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

The New England Patriots' impressive turnaround between the 2024 and 2025 campaigns dictates the organization pursues the same path it originally followed. The idea of drafting the top offensive tackle prospect to protect Drake Maye remains sound. Will Campbell didn't disappoint, either.

Campbell had the right skill set and mentality for an organization being reset by head coach Mike Vrabel.

"I'm gonna fight and die to protect (Maye) with everything I've got," Campbell said directly after being drafted by the Patriots.

Unsurprisingly, Campbell emerged as the league's best pass-blocker among rookies, while protecting the blind side for one of the favorites to be named this season's MVP.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: CB/WR Travis Hunter

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

The Jacksonville Jaguars surrendered significant draft assets to trade up for the second overall pick and select Travis Hunter. The choice didn't quite work out the way the team had hoped during Hunter's rookie campaign, but the organization's belief in the class' top overall talent shouldn't be swayed.

"I think just his athleticism and his feel," quarterbacks coach Spencer Whipple said of Hunter in June. " ... His ball skills are noticeable right away. But I thought one of the things that separated him, that made him such a premier player was just his understanding of the game and the field around him and how to maneuver around the field to make those plays. That's both offensively and defensively. So tremendous athlete. But his skill to play the game of football, I think is something that you've seen right away as soon as you got on the field."

The excitement Hunter can bring to the Jaguars in 2026 after returning from a season-ending knee injury will only increase after how well the campaign has gone so far. Imagine what this roster can do with Hunter operating at full tilt, while adding another first-round talent in April since the team didn't need to trade an extra pick to acquire his services.

6. Las Vegas Raiders: WR Tetairoa McMillan

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

The Las Vegas Raiders were an absolute disaster in 2025, hence why the organization now owns the No. 1 overall pick in the '26 NFL draft.

Obviously, the Raiders need a franchise quarterback and have for some time. They're in the perfect position to do so this year. Looking back, they probably could have gone in a different direction than drafting a running back with a top-10 pick to become the offensive focal point.

To be fair, Ashton Jeanty really didn't have much of a chance during his rookie campaign due to atrocious offensive line play and a poor scheme. Still, his selection felt like a luxury for a team lacking in so many areas.

A running back could have been selected later. Instead, the Raiders now land a playmaker to open up the offense.

Tetairoa McMillan is the favorite to be the 2025 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after leading all first-year players with 1,014 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches.

7. New York Jets: Edge Abdul Carter

AP Photo/Jeff Lewis

Almost everything went wrong for the New York Jets in 2025, so the organization could go in nearly any direction with this particular pick.

Obviously, Justin Fields didn't work out at quarterback, though there's not a solid alternative available. Instead, Gang Green turns its attention to a disappointing defense that ranked among the league's bottom eight under the direction of head coach Aaron Glenn.

Keep in mind, the Jets finished third overall in total defense a season earlier.

Now, New York invests in the class' top defensive prospect. Carter led all rookies in pressures by a significant margin. While his consistent pressure didn't result in as many sacks as expected (only four), his explosiveness and presence were obvious.

Conversely, the Jets finished next-to-last with 26 total sacks and Will McDonald IV was the only one to finish with more than four.

8. Carolina Panthers: TE Tyler Warren

AP Photo/Stephen Brashear

The Carolina Panthers wanted an offensive weapon to help in quarterback Bryce Young's development and got one in Tetairoa McMillan. The wide receiver is no longer available in this scenario.

The Panthers' front office can take the same approach, albeit at a different position.

Aside from McMillan, multiple tight ends were among the rookie class' most prolific pass-catchers. Meanwhile, no tight end on the Panthers' roster managed more than 29 receptions or 249 receiving yards. The position did little to help the scheme.

Tyler Warren helped unlock the Indianapolis Colts' offense. Warren led all rookies with 72 receptions and first-year tight ends with 817 receiving yards. He did so despite Daniel Jones suffering an Achilles tear in Week 14.

Warren is a strong alternative as a versatile weapon in Carolina's offense and a security blanket for Young.

9. New Orleans Saints: OT Kelvin Banks Jr.

AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman

The New Orleans Saints could go in a different direction. Instead, they stand pat with the thought of building a strong foundation up front for whoever starts at quarterback.

Kelvin Banks showed some high-level play during his rookie campaign. Still, the Saints were viewed as having the league's worst roster entering this past season and Banks' selection served somewhat as a makeup pick after the organization whiffed on two previous first-round attempts to address left tackle.

But Banks was steady throughout the season and provided stability at a premium position, which can't be overlooked. He also didn't appear out of place as an NFL left tackle despite some predraft concerns that he may be forced to play guard.

A conversation can be had whether Banks remains the right choice among available offensive linemen. Although, Armand Membou is a natural right tackle and Josh Simmons wasn't always reliable as a rookie. So, no major reason exists to force a different move, particularly with quarterback Tyler Shough already off the board.

10. Chicago Bears: TE Colston Loveland

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

After a slow start due to a previous injury, the Chicago Bears loved what they saw from rookie tight end Colston Loveland.

Loveland caught three passes in September, while he bounced back from offseason shoulder surgery. The regular season ended and the rookie was the Bears' leading pass-catcher with 58 receptions, 713 yards and six touchdowns. He became the first tight end to lead Chicago in receiving yardage since Willie Gault in 1983, according to Larry Mayer of the team's official site.

The first-year tight end is a major factor in both the pass and run games as a blocker, too, which shouldn't be overlooked.

"He knows what to do," head coach Ben Johnson told reporters. "He's got outstanding hands. He works his tail off. He's usually the first one on the practice field. He's usually the last one to leave. There's been an immense trust level, and his route tree has grown accordingly."

11. San Francisco 49ers: Edge James Pearce Jr.

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The San Francisco 49ers were on the right track; they simply went in the wrong direction.

San Francisco knew it needed more juice for its pass rush, even before Nick Bosa suffered a season-ending torn ACL. So, the Niners front office used the 11th overall pick to select Mykel Williams.

Williams' campaign also came to an abrupt end due to a torn ACL. However, this flip isn't due to that outcome.

Prior to San Francisco's original selection, Williams was viewed as a significant project with significant upside as a pass-rusher. He had far more potential than production upon leaving the Georgia Bulldogs program.

Whereas, James Pearce Jr. was a far more natural pass-rusher, which became reality during his first NFL season. Pearce led all rookies with 10.5 sacks. He was particularly strong during the second half of the campaign with nine sacks during Atlanta's final eight games.

Questions about attitude plagued Pearce predraft, but he did exactly what he was supposed do to as rookie, which could have helped a Niners defense that finished dead last in sacks.

12. Dallas Cowboys: LB Carson Schwesinger

AP Photo/David Richard

Tyler Booker proved to be an excellent addition along the Dallas Cowboys' offensive line. Here's the problem: The Cowboys drastically needed defensive help then and even more so now.

The issue became magnified when Cowboys ownership couldn't agree to a contract extension with Micah Parsons and traded him prior to the start of the 2025 campaign.

A defensive upgrade of any kind should have been the goal, which the Cowboys failed to achieve.

Carson Schwesinger is the favorite to win the 2025 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. While off-ball linebacker isn't considered a premium position, hence why a pair of pass-rushers still went ahead of him in this redraft, Schwesinger's production speaks for itself.

The first-year linebacker led all rookies and finished sixth overall with 156 total tackles. Schwesinger displayed great instincts, made plays at or behind the line of scrimmage and didn't look out of place when working in space. He also quickly developed into the Browns' defensive field general.

The Cowboys sure could use a player like that on their defense.

13. Miami Dolphins: S Nick Emmanwori

AP Photo/Jeff Lewis

The Miami Dolphins' 2025 campaign ended in a way that no one could have predicted entering the season.

Owner Stephen Ross fired general manager Chris Grier midseason. Tyreek Hill suffered a season-ending injury, which likely served as his final time donning a Dolphins jersey. Finally, head coach Mike McDaniel benched quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

With all of that in mind, another quarterback is the obvious choice, but the top three options are already off the board and the Dolphins don't have a good alternative.

Furthermore, the team's actual first-round selection, Kenneth Grant, certainly didn't live up to expectations as the 13th overall pick. Though he deserves credit for playing better during the second half of his rookie season.

The Dolphins did need significant help along their defensive interior. The same can be said about their secondary at the time of the draft.

Nick Emmanwori emerged as a defensive weapon in the Seattle Seahawks' top-ranked scoring defense. He and Minkah Fitzpatrick could have been interchangeable pieces at safety, with the veteran also helping as Miami's primary nickel defender.

14. Indianapolis Colts: LB Jalon Walker

AP Photo/Danny Karnik

The Indianapolis Colts identified and targeted the tight end position as the primary goal with last year's first-round pick. However, more thought should have gone into the roster's defensive setup.

Tyler Warren absolutely helped unlock Shane Steichen's offensive scheme, but he's not available. Neither is Colston Loveland. Some thought went into slotting Harold Fannin Jr. here, because he also had an outstanding rookie campaign. However, the Colts' defense is what primarily led to the team ending the season on a seven-game losing streak and missing the playoffs.

Indianapolis couldn't muster much of a pass-rush and opponents tended to take advantage of its linebackers.

Jalon Walker's addition helps address two issues for the price of one. Walker is an athletic off-ball linebacker with excellent instincts. Indianapolis needed to sign veteran Germaine Pratt midseason to find a competent starter next to Zaire Franklin. Meanwhile, the Falcons utilized Walker as a defensive weapon. The rookie's 5.5 sacks would have finished second on the Colts without even being a full-time pass-rusher.

15. Atlanta Falcons: DL Mason Graham

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

The Atlanta Falcons made two first-round picks and neither remains available with their original selection, which indicates the team drafted relatively well despite the disappointment regarding the squad's overall performance.

Atlanta needed to boost its pass rush at the time, which is why the front office doubled down with the selections of Jalon Walker followed by James Pearce Jr. They certainly helped the situation. They can't in this one.

The Falcons' options among edge prospects aren't ideal at this juncture. Instead, the franchise turns its direction to collapsing the pocket.

Brandon Dorlus developed nicely in Year 2. He could be paired with Mason Graham to give the Falcons an explosive pair of defenders, who can simultaneously defend the run and provide interior pressure. In turn, life becomes easier for whomever is rushing off the edge.

Graham's stats may not be impressive, but he made multiple impact plays for the Cleveland Browns and showed he can be an every-down lineman.

16. Arizona Cardinals: OT Armand Membou

AP Photo/ Jeffrey T. Barnes

What don't the Arizona Cardinals need to address coming out of the 2025 campaign?

Owner Michael Bidwell fired head coach Jonathan Gannon. Quarterback is up in the air, with neither Kyler Murray nor Jacoby Brissett providing any answers. Running back James Conner played in only three games. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. didn't develop as expected. The offensive line endured multiple injuries. The defense drastically underachieved after the front office invested a lot on that side of the ball.

Any and all of those areas must be addressed. Based on who's still available and what can help Arizona the most, Armand Membou is the obvious answer.

Membou could have begun his professional career at guard. When Jonah Williams and Paris Johnson Jr. were placed on injured reserve, the rookie could have bumped out to offensive tackle, where he would likely stay for the rest of his career.

An offensive lineman is never a sexy pick, but it's a foundational decision for an organization that requires a near-complete reset.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: LB Jihaad Campbell

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

The Cincinnati Bengals defense was terrible once again. The situation wouldn't be as bad if it wasn't for the fact everyone knew they were going to be bad on that side of the ball.

Ultimately, the Bengals had a pair of rookies starting at linebacker in Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter. Both registered 106 total tackles. A different approach could have helped at linebacker, while also addressing some of the team's concern over its pass rush, hence the actual selection of Shemar Stewart.

Jihaad Campbell entered the NFL as a hybrid defender with experience working off the edge, as well as playing off-ball linebacker. As a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, Campbell was used off-ball more than utilizing his entire skill set. However, the Bengals could have tapped into that ability to do both and help a defensive unit in dire need of a playmaker.

Campbell's addition may have also allowed the Bengals to avoid a contract holdout, as Stewart employed, which ended two days after rookies reported for training camp.

18. Seattle Seahawks: OL Grey Zabel

AP Photo/Scot Tucker

The Seattle Seahawks don't need to change much, not when they own the NFC's No. 1 playoff seed and found a rookie in last year's first round who was a perfect fit to fill a previous need.

Some may look at how this projection continues to develop and think Tyler Booker is a better option than Zabel. They may be right. But Zabel is a different type of blocker compared to Booker, and only one does what Seattle needs them to do.

The Seahawks weaponized the collegiate left tackle by regularly pulling and allowing him to work in space as a lead blocker. As talented as Booker is, he's more of a downhill road-grader without the same caliber of movement skills.

In fact, general manager John Schneider told reporters after Zabel's selection that the team had him as the class' highest-graded interior lineman.

Seattle finds itself in a rare position where if something isn't broken, there's no reason to fix it.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Emeka Egbuka

AP Photo/Jason Behnken

Emeka Egbuka was the early frontrunner for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year until the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' late-season downturn.

Originally, Egbuka's selection was viewed as a luxury pick because of Tampa Bay's depth at wide receiver. But the rookie was spectacular to start the season, helping the Bucs overcome injuries to Chris Godwin and Mike Evans.

During Egbuka's first nine appearances, he caught 40 passes for 677 yards and six touchdowns. Over the final eight, the first-year target managed only 23 catches for 261 and no scores.

Issues stemmed from defenses adjusting, Evans and Godwin returning to the lineup and quarterback Baker Mayfield simply not playing as well.

The Buccaneers shouldn't be discouraged based on what happened to Egbuka during the second half of the campaign. Instead, the team should be hopeful that he can be a No. 1 target as the franchise moves past its veteran options.

20. Denver Broncos: CB Nohl Williams

AP Photo/Peter Aiken

The Denver Broncos targeted the right position but selected the wrong prospect.

In one way, Jahdae Barron and Nohl Williams had a similar rookie experience. Both were eased into the lineup and not asked to be full-time starters at the onset of their careers. However, Williams excelled during his opportunities, while Barron experienced the ups and downs of a typical rookie.

Barron entered the 2025 class as the proverbial Jack-of-all-trades yet master-of-none, which limited his effectiveness because the Broncos coaching staff didn't seem to have a fully realized plan of how to bring him along. Whereas, Williams shined in coverage, when blitzing and defending the run, while playing more snaps than his first-round counterpart.

If the Broncos had taken a slightly different approach, Riley Moss could have gotten a little more help this season to make an already good defense even better.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Luther Burden III

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The Pittsburgh Steelers traded for DK Metcalf with the intention of moving George Pickens, who was dealt to the Dallas Cowboys a week-and-a-half after the 2025 draft ended.

The Steelers were shopping Pickens during the event, which means the team knew it needed a second wide receiver. Instead, Pittsburgh inexplicably chose not to address the position during the draft with a plan to rely on Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson. As the season progressed, the Steelers brought in veterans Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Adam Thielen to bolster the lagging position group.

Pittsburgh's actual first-round pick, Derrick Harmon, may be a great fit for the Steelers defense. At the same time, it really doesn't matter when the team's passing attack is stagnant and the offense ranks among the league's bottom eight.

Luther Burden III was viewed as a top-10 talent entering the 2024 collegiate campaign. The two-time first-team All-SEC honoree didn't produce to the same level as the previous season, which caused him to slide into the second round. But the traits everyone originally saw remain evident. Burden could have added a completely different dynamic to Pittsburgh's offense thanks to his ability to create after the catch.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: RB TreVeyon Henderson

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

The Los Angeles Chargers stick with a running back but with a twist.

The offensive line has been the squad's biggest problem throughout the 2025 campaign. But the organization couldn't predict the amount of injuries and upheaval the group already endured, specifically the loss of both starting tackles.

Furthermore, the unit already featured three recent first-rounders and two free-agent signings, including guard Mekhi Becton this past offseason. Instead of throwing more at the problem, the Chargers take an alternative approach.

Los Angeles originally chose Omarion Hampton to be the hammer for Jim Harbaugh's beloved ground-and-pound attack. Hampton played well, but an ankle injury forced him into an injured reserve stint.

Whereas, TreVeyon Henderson provides a different skill set. Henderson is a home-run hitter. He led all rookie running backs with six carries of 20 or more yards and nine scores. As important, Henderson was the class' best blocking back to help protect on third downs. The Chargers could have used both elements to bolster their offense.

23. Green Bay Packers: OG Tyler Booker

AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr

Tyler Booker's addition to the Green Bay Packers roster may have felt like overkill during the offseason, but the team would love to have a guard of the rookie's caliber on the roster right now.

The organization thought it was set going into the 2025 campaign with Rasheed Walker, Aaron Banks, Elgton Jenkins, Sean Rhyan and Zach Tom across the front five.

One injury is all it takes for an offensive line to be thrown into upheaval. Jenkins suffered a broken leg and a ligament damage in Week 10, which caused the coaching staff to move Rhyan from right guard to center. Interior protection has been an issue since that point.

Furthermore, Rhyan could have been challenged for that starting right guard spot since he experienced his fair share of ups and downs during the 2024 campaign. Tyler Booker is an even more physical and powerful option, who entered the league as a tailor-made tone-setter for an offensive front.

24. Minnesota Vikings: RB Ashton Jeanty

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If the Minnesota Vikings could go back and do anything, the organization would likely choose to re-sign Sam Darnold as its starting quarterback while J.J. McCarthy waited his turn.

Instead, Minnesota's front office could have taken pressure off of McCarthy during his first season as a starter.

McCarthy played in a run-first offense at the collegiate level. The Vikings originally re-signed a 30-year-old Aaron Jones and thought he could repeat his 2024 performance. The team also traded for Jordan Mason after he ran for nearly 800 yards with the San Francisco 49ers. The Vikings still finished among the bottom 10 in rushing offense.

To be fair, the Vikings didn't expect Ashton Jeanty to be available during the draft. But other runners could have been. In this case, Jeanty is still on the board and gives Minnesota a legitimate workhorse.

Last year's sixth overall pick didn't have a chance in the Las Vegas Raiders' dysfunctional offense. He nearly managed 1,000 yards anyhow. He probably would have surpassed the plateau as part of the Vikings offense.

25. Houston Texans: OT Josh Simmons

AP Photo/Gareth Patterson

Since Jaxson Dart went No. 1 overall in this projection, the New York Giants aren't moving up to draft the quarterback with this pick. Thus, the Houston Texans are back on the clock.

The new scenario creates an opportunity. Considering the state of Houston's offensive line after the 2024 campaign, the Texans could have easily taken a chance on the class' most natural left tackle, Josh Simmons.

Simmons played well at the onset of his career after earning his status as Week 1 starter for the Kansas City Chiefs. He did miss four games due to a leave of absence due to a family matter. The rookie did not play as well upon his return before suffering a dislocated wrist.

However, his level of talent is well-worth taking a chance on, particularly for a team that desperately needed O-line upgrades. The Texans ended up with fellow rookie Aireontae Ersery as their left tackle after selecting the Minnesota product in the second round. Houston's front office could have easily double-dipped at offensive tackle and helped upgrade the entire unit.

26. Los Angeles Rams: TE Harold Fannin Jr.

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Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. does what he does: He catches a lot of passes.

Fannin led major college football during the 2024 campaign with 117 grabs. Unsurprisingly, he became a valuable target in the Cleveland Browns' passing game. The third-round selection ranked second among all rookies with 72 catches despite the Cleveland's merry-go-round approach to the quarterback position.

The MAC product wasn't viewed a top tight end prospect despite his production, because he didn't have a big frame or top-end athleticism. He simply knows how to get open and pluck the pigskin out of the air.

The Los Angeles Rams eventually chose tight end Terrance Ferguson in the second round after trading out of the first. However, the Atlanta Falcons won't make a trade this time since their target, James Pearce, heard his name called earlier.

Ferguson simply isn't the natural receiver that Fannin is. Despite seeing his usage increase as the season progressed, LA's rookie tight end caught only 11 passes. Sean McVay could have weaponized Fannin as yet another quality target in the Rams' top-ranked passing attack.

27. Baltimore Ravens: Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku

AP Photo/Jerome Miron

The Baltimore Ravens simply weren't the same in 2025, which ultimately cost head coach John Harbaugh his job after 18 seasons with the organization.

Plenty can be pinpointed as reasons why things went wrong. The squad's inconsistency and overall disappointment on defense certainly played a part.

Baltimore built a reputation on a ferocious defense capable of dictating games. That setup hasn't been the case in some time, with the unit finishing among the league's bottom 10 this season. The group also ranked among the five worst units in sack production, which is a drastic change after producing the second-most a year earlier.

The Ravens did trade Odafe Oweh midseason, but the unit could have used far more juice off the edge before then.

Donovan Ezeiruaku didn't become a starter for the Dallas Cowboys until the second half of the season, but he already had a knack for creating pressure because of a wide repertoire of moves and a plan of attack. Both would be welcome additions in Baltimore.

28. Detroit Lions: CB Jacob Parrish

AP Photo/Rusty Jones

The Detroit Lions improved their pass defense between the 2024 and '25 seasons. However, the squad's defensive back end still needs work.

The organization signed D.J. Reed in free agency to give the unit its CB1. From there, the secondary could have used more work, specifically at cornerback.

With Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson and Brian Branch returning, the Lions still have growth potential among the group. Though Arnold experienced his fair share of issues as a rookie, while Branch is a versatile piece that shouldn't be relied upon solely as a slot defender.

Jacob Parrish could have come in and provided significant depth, which was needed by the end of this past season since Arnold, Branch and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. finished the campaign on injured reserve.

Parrish played in every game as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' primary nickel corner. His natural fluidity in coverage, instincts, competitiveness and just enough length would have helped a Detroit defense with some inside-out versatility.

29. Washington Commanders: S Xavier Watts

AP Photo/Danny Karnik

Josh Conerly turned into a fine draft pick by the Washington Commanders as the team's long-term solution at right tackle. He could have easily been the selection once again, but the Commanders lacked playmakers on defense this past season.

Washington finished dead last in total defense, with bottom four efforts against the run and pass. The unit was one of 10 not to manage at least 10 interceptions.

Xavier Watts is the most instinctual defender among this year's rookie class. He has a knack for reading opposing quarterbacks and creating turnovers. The safety snagged 13 picks during his last two seasons on campus. He then led all rookies and tied for second overall with five during his first professional season.

The Commanders experienced the greatest amount of regression this past season. Washington went from playing in the NFC Championship Game to owning a top-seven draft pick. The team desperately needs performers capable of creating impact plays. Watts certainly can.

30. Buffalo Bills: WR Jayden Higgins

AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian

Jayden Higgins could have been everything the Buffalo Bills are still holding out hope that Keon Coleman can become.

After Coleman failed to impress as a rookie, the Bills should have made wide receiver a priority. They didn't.

Furthermore, Curtis Samuel was coming off an injury-plagued first season in Buffalo. Despite signing in free agency, Josh Palmer has yet to show he can be a consistent threat. The team also signed veterans Gabriel Davis and Brandin Cooks late in the process to provide a boost. Aside from Khalil Shakir, the Bills don't have a reliable wide receiver in their passing attack.

Higgins has the traits the Bills want in a WR1. He's actually slightly bigger (6'4", 214 lbs), longer and definitely faster than Coleman. As a rookie, he produced more as well. His 41 receptions would rank second on the Bills, with six touchdown grabs leading the way. Imagine playing in an offense where Josh Allen is throwing to him.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Chimere Dike

AP Photo/Jeff Lewis

Only one rookie, Chimere Dike, was named to the 2025 Pro Bowl. For the Kansas City Chiefs, they needed improvement in multiple areas, with Dike helping with two.

Since Josh Simmons is no longer available, the Chiefs would have gone into the season with Jaylon Moore as their starting left tackle. Aside from that concern, Kansas City clearly needed more at wide receiver.

Rashee Rice faced a league suspension, which turned out to be five games. Hollywood Brown previously missed the majority of the 2024 campaign with an injury. Tyquan Thornton accomplished little during his first three seasons. Finally, Xavier Worthy needed to do more after an up-and-down rookie year.

Due to the uncertainty, the Chiefs could have reinvested in yet another talented target.

Dike didn't produce at a huge clip while playing for two offensively challenged collegiate programs. But he was clearly an explosive threat, which emerged during his first season as a professional. As the season progressed, Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward trusted Dike more and more.

Plus, the fourth-round rookie was recognized for his abilities as a returner. Dike led the NFL in punt return average and scored a pair of touchdowns on special teams.

32. Philadelphia Eagles: Edge Nic Scourton

AP Photo/Gary McCullough

The Philadelphia Eagles had to rework their defensive line after winning Super Bowl LIX.

Milton Williams and Josh Sweat signed elsewhere in free agency, while Brandon Graham retired before returning midseason. Eventually, the Eagles traded Bryce Huff as well. To counter all of these losses, general manager Howie Roseman acquired Jaelan Phillips prior to the NFL's trade deadline.

The Eagles could have been more proactive in the draft. Technically, they were by trading up one pick to select linebacker Jihaad Campbell. They won't do so in this instance. Otherwise, the organization waited until its last draft pick to add an edge-defender.

With the final pick in this reimagined projection, the Eagles add to their defensive front by choosing Nic Scourton.

Scourton's only year with the Texas A&M Aggies didn't result in the breakout season many expected against SEC competition. Even so, he produced 15 sacks during his final two collegiate campaigns. His five sacks in 2025 ranked third among rookies and tied Phillips' output.