The 2025 NFL draft slides – maybe? – into its second and third rounds Friday night. But make no mistake, while there won’t be nearly as many recognizable names (Shedeur Sanders notwithstanding) called in Green Bay, Wisconsin, this is where the league’s 32 teams so often build the strength of their rosters – whether it’s undervalued depth or those underappreciated but often invaluable starters who often man positions like safety, guard, running back or off-ball linebacker.
USA TODAY Sports once again analyzed each pick, from the 33rd overall (at the top of Round 2) to No. 102, which concludes Round 3, as Friday night unfolded:
2025 NFL draft tracker: Second-round picks
33. Cleveland Browns – LB Carson Schwesinger, UCLA
One of the draft’s premier ‘backers and Butkus Award finalist despite not starting inside the first several weeks of the season – he still wound up with 136 tackles. At 6-3 and 242 pounds (with fantastic hair), he is a tackling machine and another nice addition to Cleveland’s defense following DT Mason Graham’s arrival Thursday. Schwesinger and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah should be a dynamic off-ball combination in Cleveland.
34. Houston Texans (from Giants) – WR Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
A large man (6-4, 214), he nevertheless ran a sub-4.5 40 at the combine. He was also highly productive for the Cyclones with 87 grabs for 1,183 yards and nine TDs in 2024. He, Nico Collins (a similar player to Higgins) and Christian Kirk should give third-year QB C.J. Stroud quite an arsenal in 2025.
35. Seattle Seahawks (from Titans) – S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
He’ll immediately remind Seattle fans of former ‘Legion of Boom’ mega safety Kam Chancellor, though Emmanwori is more athletic. An All-American in 2024, Emmanwori has size (6-3, 220) comparable to Chancellor’s – yet ridiculous physical metrics. After running a 4.38 40 and posting a vertical jump of 43 inches, he was one of the combine’s 2025 stars. And given that speed, maybe not a surprise he returned half of his four picks last season for TDs. The Seahawks defense is quickly rounding into the physical form second-year HC Mike Macdonald wants.
36. Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars) – RB Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
A 6-foot, 221-pound hammer for the reigning national champions’ offense, the Ole Miss transfer just bulldozes opposing tacklers. A 1,000-yard rusher in all three of his FBS seasons, Judkins has 4.48 speed and found the end zone 14 times last year. He remains in state to become the natural bellcow successor to departed Nick Chubb in Cleveland.
37. Miami Dolphins from (Raiders) – G Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona
The Fins move up for a 6-4, 324-pounder to safeguard QB Tua Tagovailoa (and Savaiinaea ran a sub-5 second 40-yard dash at the combine despite his size). As much as Liam Eichenberg has struggled, good chance Savaiinaea moves in as the starting left guard here.
38. New England Patriots – RB TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
Frequently compared to the Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs, the 5-10, 202-pound All-Big Ten performer is a lightning bolt out of the backfield – using his 4.4 speed to pace the conference with 7.1 yards per rush last season. And while Henderson can also catch the ball (77 receptions in four seasons) and averaged better than a TD per game in Columbus, he’s a renowned pass protector. He becomes another needed weapon for second-year QB Drake Maye and, even if Henderson doesn’t start, might well get more snaps than sledgehammer Rhamondre Stevenson, New England’s RB1 in recent years.
39. Chicago Bears (from Panthers) – WR Luther Burden III, Missouri
The 6-foot, 226-pounder has 4.4 speed and sublime ability to make plays after the catch. After an 86-catch, 1,212-yard season in 2023, Burden’s production and (likely) draft stock took a hit in 2024. But he should be a nifty weapon in Chicago’s revamped offense while working between WRs DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. Worth wondering, though, if the Bears whiffed a bit here by missing out on the Buckeyes RBs.
40. New Orleans Saints – QB Tyler Shough, Louisville
Big (6-5, 219), bright and with a huge arm, he could be the Saints’ starter next season depending on what happens with Derek Carr’s shoulder. But after seven seasons (and nearly 1,000 passes) in college, Shough definitely isn’t short on experience or adapting to new situations after playing for three schools (Oregon, Texas Tech). Already 25 and married – and having dealt with several injuries with the Red Raiders – Shough also comes with inherent life experience.
41. Buffalo Bills (from Bears) – DT T.J. Sanders, South Carolina
The perennial AFC East champs jump up for some interior beef. A second-team All-SEC selection in 2024, the 6-4, 297-pounder could quickly take snaps from 33-year-old DaQuan Jones. And with 8½ sacks and 35 hurries the past two years, Sanders and Ed Oliver should be quite a disruptive tandem inside.
42. New York Jets – TE Mason Taylor, LSU
After addressing the offensive line Thursday night, new HC Aaron Glenn continues following the Lions’ team-building philosophy by adding a tight end to help QB Justin Fields. Taylor is the son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, who played for the NYJ the last time they were in the playoffs … which was 2010. A great combo tight end, Mason Taylor (6-5, 251) should provide the physical aspect the new-look Jets are sure to value yet set an LSU tight end record with 55 catches in 2024. And he can move down the seams.
43. San Francisco 49ers – DT Alfred Collins, Texas
The Niners continue to rebuild their depleted D-line, addressing the interior with this massive pick. With 35 hurries since 2023, Collins (6-6, 332) and fellow rookie Mykel Williams can draw attention from DE Nick Bosa or capitalize on the blocking focus Bosa demands.
44. Dallas Cowboys – OLB/DE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
The 2024 ACC Defensive Player of the Year posted 16½ sacks (second most in FBS) and 20½ TFLs last season (third in FBS). And it’s not like a defense can ever have enough pass rushers, but it’s certainly nice to have a productive weapon opposite All-Pro DE Micah Parsons. The main knocks on Ezeiruaku are size (6-3, 248) and power.
45. Indianapolis Colts – DE JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State
Indy picks up a 6-4, 265-pounder who produced 12½ sacks and 22 TFLs on the Buckeyes’ run to the 2024 national title. All-Big Ten the past three seasons − he had 68 hurries in that span − Tuimoloau effectively replaces departed Dayo Odeyingbo and could form a nice duo with last year’s Round 1 choice, Laiatu Latu
46. Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons) – TE Terrance Ferguson, Oregon
He was the fastest tight end at the combine, posting a 4.63 40 despite his 6-5, 247-pound frame. Ferguson averaged 13.7 yards per catch last year and should nicely complement aging and battered TE1 Tyler Higbee.
47. Arizona Cardinals – CB Will Johnson, Michigan
He has prototypical corner size (6-2, 194) and ball skills, swiping nine passes (two of them pick-sixes) during three seasons with the Wolverines. A turf toe injury scuttled much of Johnson’s junior season in 2024 and a knee issue dropped him out of the first round after he was once projected as a top-10 pick. But could be steal for the Cards. Johnson hasn’t allowed a TD pass since 2022.
48. Houston Texans (from Dolphins via Raiders) – OT Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota
A 6-6, 331-pounder joins the Texans’ overhauled offensive line. A three-year starter at left tackle for the Golden Gophers, that could be the job Ersery is headed for in Houston with Laremy Tunsil gone and Cam Robinson currently a one-year stopgap.
49. Cincinnati Bengals – LB Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina
A defense in drastic need of improvement targets perhaps its most stable area, Germaine Pratt and Logan Wilson seemingly entrenched at off-ball linebacker … though Pratt asked for a trade in February. Knight (6-2, 235) played one season for the Gamecocks and made 82 tackles. He moves well (4.58 40) and could certainly displace Pratt.
50. Seattle Seahawks – TE Elijah Arroyo, Miami (Fla.)
A big play waiting to happen, Arroyo averaged better than 16 yards per catch in four seasons with the ‘Canes … when he was healthy enough to play, which wasn’t often before 2024 (though Cam Ward’s arrival helped).
51. Carolina Panthers (from Broncos) – OLB/DE Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
He had 17 sacks and 31 TFLs in three seasons spent between the Aggies and Purdue. Down to 6-3 and 257 pounds, Scourton will likely shift to outside linebacker for a Panthers team that needs more defensive juice. Jadeveon Clowney, 32, is the only player on this roster who generated more than a dozen pressures in 2024 – and just 22.
52. Tennessee Titans (from Steelers via Seahawks) – OLB/DE Oluwafemi Oladejo, UCLA
He had his most productive season in 2024 with 4½ sacks and 14 TFLs, the former off-ball LB converting to the edge. Should be an early opportunity to play in Nashville following the departure of OLB Harold Landry III.
53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
He picked off nine passes during his first two seasons with the Irish before a hip injury sidelined him in 2024. Now healthy, his ball skills, smarts and size (6 feet, 193 pounds) provided a safe landing in Round 2 and on a team that saw its secondary decimated by injuries in 2024.
54. Green Bay Packers – OT Anthony Belton, North Carolina State
A 6-6, 336-pounder, he might get a shot at the Pack’s left tackle job, 2024 first-rounder Jordan Morgan yet to nail it down. Belton played almost exclusively on the blind side for the Wolfpack.
55. Los Angeles Chargers – WR Tre Harris, Mississippi
The latest addition to the Bolts receiver corps, Harris (6-2, 205) averaged nearly 60 catches and 1,000 yards over the past two seasons for the Rebels. He should be a nice running mate for Ladd McConkey between towering outside WRs Mike Williams and Quentin Johnston, though Harris rarely operated from the slot.
56. Chicago Bears (from Vikings via Texans and Bills) – OT Ozzy Trapilo, Boston College
An imposing presence at 6-8 and 316 pounds and a very good pass protector. He’s not the greatest natural athlete but is a smart, high-motor player. Incumbent Bears LT Braxton Jones is entering a contract year after breaking his ankle in December.
57. Detroit Lions (from Rams via Panthers) – G Tate Ratledge, Georgia
A 6-7, 308-pounder somehow ran a sub-5 second 40-yard dash at the combine. His physical playing style and mullet would seem to make him an ideal Dan Campbell guy – particularly on an O-line that could use the interior reinforcements. Battle tested in Athens, Ratledge was a fixture at right guard for the Dawgs.
58. Las Vegas Raiders (from Texans) – WR Jack Bech, TCU
He’s became very well known after the death of his brother, Tiger Bech, formerly a wideout at Princeton, during the terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. But Jack Bech is a heckuva football player on merit, catching the winning TD pass in this year’s Senior Bowl. After playing with Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas at LSU, Bech transferred and really burst onto the scene for the Horned Frogs in 2024, catching 62 balls for 1,034 yards and nine TDs. Bech (6-1, 214) isn’t necessarily Raider fast, but he should be a great asset for a wideout corps that needs help.
59. Baltimore Ravens – OLB/DE Mike Green, Marshall
The Sun Belt’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, Green (6-3, 251) led the country with 17 sacks and, per the analytics website Pro Football Focus, had 32 hurries. Sexual assault allegations while at the University of Virginia – Green denied them – seem understandably responsible for Green’s plummet down the board. But he could fill a long-term need for Baltimore, the Ravens needing to plan ahead with OLBs Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh set to hit free agency in a year.
60. Denver Broncos (from Lions) – RB RJ Harvey, Central Florida
A compact player (5-8, 205) with 4.4 speed, Harvey can also rack up numbers – rushing for 1,577 yards (6.8 per carry) and 22 TDs last season. And a sputtering Broncos rushing attack certainly needed a new leading man.
61. Washington Commanders – CB Trey Amos, Mississippi
The Alabama transfer has nice size (6-1, 195) and only allowed a 54.5 QB rating when targeted in 2024. He’s a nice pivot after the departure of former first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes, who didn’t hold up physically here.
62. Chicago Bears (from Bills) – DT Shemar Turner, Texas A&M
He wasn’t nearly as productive while playing hurt in 2024, but produced six sacks and 11 TFLs from inside in 2023. He joins a Chicago line that already added DT Grady Jarrett and Odeyingbo last month.
63. Kansas City Chiefs – DT Omarr Norman-Lott, Tennessee
He had 9½ sacks and 10 TFLs working up the gut in the Vols’ D-line rotation. A 6-2, 291-pounder, Norman-Lott should make quite an inside tandem with Chris Jones in K.C.
64. Philadelphia Eagles – S Andrew Mukuba, Texas
Don’t forget, the champs traded C. J. Gardner-Johnson to Houston after the Super Bowl. Another versatile player, Mukuba can also operate in the box, slot or center field and could quickly slide into CJGJ’s void.
2025 NFL draft tracker: Third-round picks
65. New York Giants – DT Darius, Alexander, Toledo
Despite standing 6-4, 305 pounds, he ran a 4.95 40 at the combine. He averaged seven TFLs the past three years and could be part of a revitalized NASCAR package for Big Blue.
66. Kansas City Chiefs (from Titans) – DE Ashton Gillotte, Louisville
As much as the Chiefs’ O-line was abused in the Super Bowl, they were also dissected and mauled on the defensive side, which is being heavily resourced Friday. Gillotte led the ACC with 11 sacks two years ago and could be a nice edge bookend to George Karlaftis.
67. Cleveland Browns – TE Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green
An All-American, he was the MAC’s Player of the year after leading the country with 117 caches for 1,555 yards. At 6-3, 241 pounds, he managed a 4.7 40 at the combine. He could quickly find a role on a team that struggled in the passing game last year, in part due to TE David Njoku’s drop in production.
68. Las Vegas Raiders – CB Darien Porter, Iowa State
At 6-3, 195 pounds with 4.3 speed, he very much profiles as a Pete Carroll corner. Yet Porter only picked off three passes in six college seasons, all of them coming last year.
69. New England Patriots – WR Kyle Williams, Washington State
He racked up 1,198 receiving yards and 14 TDs in 2024, and his deep-threat potential is an attribute New England’s popgun offense badly needed.
70. Detroit Lions (from Jaguars) – WR Isaac TeSlaa, Arkansas
The 6-4, 214-pounder averaged nearly 20 yards per catch last season and provides a second home run threat alongside Jameson Williams … though TeSlaa might want to change his surname to Ford.
71. New Orleans Saints – DT Vernon Broughton, Texas
A big body (6-5, 311) who had four sacks and 39 tackles last season and should plug in nicely to the Saints’ new three-man front.
72. Buffalo Bills (from Bears) – DE Landon Jackson, Arkansas
A really big (6-6, 264) and fluid pass rusher who blew up the combine with a 4.68 40-yard dash, 40½-inch vertical leap and 10-foot, 9-inch broad jump. He also managed 16 sacks and 28 TFLs and should quickly earn a rotational role in Buffalo.
73. New York Jets – CB Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State
The Jets needed a new CB2 opposite Sauce Gardner following D.J. Reed’s free agency defection to Detroit. Thomas is big (6-2, 197) and athletic enough to break up 17 passes over the past two seasons.
74. Denver Broncos (from Panthers) – WR Pat Bryant, Illinois
He only had 54 catches in 2024, but averaged 18.2 yards per and 82 per game. At 6-2 and 204 pounds with 4.6 speed, he won’t terrify defenders, though his 37½-inch vertical enhances his ball skills. Bryant should be able to compete for snaps given Courtland Sutton currently appears the only entrenched starter here.
75. San Francisco 49ers – LB Nick Martin, Oklahoma State
He led the Big 12 with 83 tackles in 2023 before a knee injury ruined his 2024 campaign. But with Dre Greenlaw gone to Denver, Niners star LB Fred Warner needs a new Robin in Silicon Valley.
76. Dallas Cowboys – CB Shavon Revel Jr, East Carolina
Potentially first-round ability at third-round value, Revel drops here after suffering a torn ACL last year. But he was stellar in 2023 and could find an immediate role in nickel packages for Dallas.
77. Carolina Panthers (from Falcons via Patriots) – OLB Princely Umanmielen, Mississippi
The Panthers enlist a pass rusher who had 10½ sacks and 14 TFLs in 2024. At 6-4, 244 pounds, Umanmielen’s lean frame may relegate him to sub packages at first. He and Scourton are a nice tandem bound for Charlotte, where the Panthers gave up the most yards and points in the league last season.
78. Arizona Cardinals – DE Jordan Burch, Oregon
After taking Darius Robinson and Walter Nolen in Round 1 the past two drafts, the Cards continue to reinforce their defensive front – Burch breaking out for 8½ sacks in 2024.
79. Houston Texans (from Dolphins via Eagles and Commanders) – WR Jaylin Noel, Iowa State
He’s not huge (5-10, 194) but features sub-4.4 speed and very sticky hands that hauled in 80 passes for 1,194 yards in 2024. Houston’s receiver room is quickly filling up.
80. Indianapolis Colts – CB Justin Walley, Minnesota
They needed help on the outside, and the second-team All-Big Ten cover man broke up 10 passes last year. Good size (5-10, 190) and 4.4 speed.
81. Cincinnati Bengals – G Dylan Fairchild, Georgia
It makes too much sense to continue investing in the protection of QB Joe Burrow, who’s suffered nearly three sacks per game over the course of his NFL career. Pass blocking is Fairchild’s forte.
82. Tennessee Titans (from Seahawks) – S Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State
Good size (6-2, 215) but not much ball production or splash plays. Expect him to live in the box.
83. Pittsburgh Steelers – RB Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
An All-American in 2024 after rushing for 1,537 yards and 21 TDs, he’s a very big back (6-1, 224) with 4.57 speed. Opportunity here to step into the starting role vacated by departed Najee Harris.
84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – CB Jacob Parrish, Kansas State
The Bucs continue to amass depth in their secondary after taking Morrison in Round 2. Parrish had more INTs (5) than TDs allowed (4) the past two seasons.
85. Kansas City Chiefs (from Patriots) – CB Nohl Williams, California
An All-American last season, when he led the country with seven INTs, he could doubly help K.C.’s defense by allowing All-Pro CB Trent McDuffie to primarily go back into the slot.
86. Los Angeles Chargers – DT Jamaree Caldwell, Oregon
A beast at 6-2, 332 pounds, he addressed a need on a depleted Bolts D-line that lost Poona Ford and Morgan Fox to free agency.
87. Green Bay Packers – WR Savion Williams, TCU
He may not be quite the athlete Christian Watson is, but at 6-4 and 222 pounds with 4.48 speed, Williams may be filling injured Watson’s role. TCU also used him in the running game, where he averaged 6.3 yards per carry last season.
88. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Vikings) – CB Caleb Ransaw, Tulane
Big (5-11, 197) with 4.3 speed, the athleticism is apparent. But he only managed one pick and eight passes defensed in four seasons, ball production that clearly distinguishes from fellow Jags rookie Travs Hunter.
89. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Texans) – OL Wyatt Milum, West Virginia
A left tackle for the Mountaineers, he might live inside in the pros. Milum didn’t allow sack in Morgantown.
90. Los Angeles Rams – OLB Josaiah Stewart, Michigan
With 30 sacks and 48 TFLs in a four-year college career split between the Wolverines and Coastal Carolina, he could find an immediate role on sub packages on the Rams up-and-coming D.
91. Baltimore Ravens – OT Emery Jones Jr., LSU
A right tackle for the Tigers, he’ll add depth in Baltimore – or might even get a shot at one of the guard posts.
92. Seattle Seahawks (from Lions via Jets and Raiders) – QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama
A second-team All-SEC pick two years ago before regressing in 2024, he’s a compact (6-2, 217) but raw passer with questionable decision-making who’s absolutely an elite, explosive player when he’s running the ball. Accuracy and touch are issues, arm strength and toughness are not. Nick Saban’s final QB in Tuscaloosa, Milroe passed for 39 TDs and rushed for 32 over the past two seasons but was picked off 11 times in 2024. After playing for three offensive coordinators in college, some continuity and a mentor at the pro level, which Milroe welcomes, could really help – even if he accepts some kind of “Slash” role early on. But if his development accelerates, recently signed Sam Darnold is hardly an institution here … and Macdonald, after all, saw first-hand in Baltimore what a multi-threat QB like Lamar Jackson can do.
93. New Orleans Saints (from Commanders) – S Jonas Sanker, Virginia
A two-time All-ACC choice, he made 200 tackles and defended 15 passes over the past two seasons. His sub-4.5 speed can also lead to some big hits.
94. Cleveland Browns (from Bills) – QB Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
Hey, maybe he’s not physically impressive, but he’s a winner, accurate and accounted for 188 TDs and 63 QB starts, both FBS records. Now he goes into another situation with an unsettled situation behind center … just maybe a shot to thrive here.
95. New England Patriots – C Jared Wilson, Georgia
Impressive interior athlete, running a 4.84 40 at the combine at 6-3 and 310 pounds. Could immediately move into the pivot vacated by the release of longtime stalwart David Andrews.
96. Atlanta Falcons (from Eagles) – S Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
A ball hawk and field flipper on the back end, Watts swiped 13 passes and returned them for 273 yards over the past two seasons. However he can also be prone to surrendering big plays in coverage or by missing tackles.
x – 97. Houston Texans (from Vikings) – CB Jaylin Smith, USC
He seemed to thrive after moving outside last season, when he didn’t allow a TD pass. Smith was roasted in the slot the previous two years.
x – 98. Las Vegas Raiders (from Dolphins) – G Caleb Rogers, Texas Tech
His position flex is an asset, Rogers with extensive snaps at every O-line spot for the Red Raiders but center. But his short arms almost surely mean he’ll have to make his bones primarily at guard in the NFL.
x – 99. Las Vegas Raiders (from Giants via Texans) – OT Charles Grant, William & Mary
He’s got the wrestling background predictive of success for so many NFL O-linemen. Despite the small-school background with the Tribe, he’s got NFL size (6-5, 311) and lands with a team not exactly settled on the right side.
y – 100. San Francisco 49ers – CB Upton Stout, Western Kentucky
He’s small (5-9, 181) but quick enough to make a living in nickel and dime packages at the pro level.
y – 101. Denver Broncos (from Rams via Falcons and Eagles) – DE Sai’vion Jones, LSU
A high-motor guy with some decent production in Baton Rouge (11 ½ sacks the past 3 seasons), he’ll likely have to fight for a rotational role right now given the depth and quality of Denver’s D.
y – 102. Minnesota Vikings – WR Tai Felton, Maryland
He’s got 4.37 speed and hauled in 96 passes last season. But he may have to find a role in special teams early on given how hard it will be to find consistent snaps in the Vikes receiving corps.
x – compensatory selection
y – special compensatory selection
Sanders’ dramatic draft slide deeper than pure football?
USA TODAY Sports columnist Jarrett Bell opined Friday, regarding the free fall of Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders: ‘Given all of the negativity heaped on Sanders in the weeks leading up to the draft – including shots from anonymous sources who attacked him as arrogant and entitled – I’m having a hard time shaking the feeling that the snub went beyond football. Sure, nitpicking is allowed – and expected as part of the due diligence of talent evaluations – when it comes to breaking down prospects. But in Sanders’ case, even if his correctable flaw of holding onto the football too long can be fixed (like flaws that can be found with any given prospect), it strikes me as a culture pick, too. Or non-pick.’
Round 1 winners and losers
The draft is only 12% complete in terms of picks used. That doesn’t mean Thursday night’s wild first round didn’t dispense some immediate winners and losers … plus a pair of highly scrutinized teams that warrant a ‘TBD’ status.
First-round grades
Want report cards for Thursday night’s Round 1 proceedings? Draft expert Mike Middlehurst-Schwartz issued report cards for all 32 picks – and no one failed, but several teams will definitely need some improvement going into Day 2.
Green Bay drone show
The NFL will treat the hundreds of thousands of fans on hand Friday night to a unique drone show. Per the league: ‘(M)ore than 1,200 drones will light up the Green Bay skyline for the first time in the city’s storied history. The cutting-edge display, which will take place after the conclusion of the third round at approximately 11 p.m. CT, will feature the remote-controlled devices flying in choreographed formations above Lambeau Field, honoring the history of the Draft and the legacy of Packers football. The drone show was closely coordinated and approved by the NFL, the Green Bay Packers, the FAA, and local law enforcement. This is a limited and highly controlled exception to the otherwise tightly restricted airspace surrounding the Draft. Safety remains the NFL’s top priority.’
Neat.
EXCLUSIVE: Deion Sanders weighs in on criticism of son, QB Shedeur Sanders
USA TODAY Sports columnist Jarrett Bell recently went to Boulder, Colorado, and discussed several topics with Hall of Famer and University of Colorado football coach, Deion Sanders – among them the pre-draft criticism of his son, former Buffs QB Shedeur Sanders, who wasn’t picked in Round 1.
“It’s silly to us,” Deion told USA TODAY Sports during an expansive interview. “Most of it is laughable. What I told him, too, is, ‘Son, what I’ve learned in my life is when it don’t make sense, it’s God. Because some of this stuff is so stupid it don’t make sense. That means God is closing doors and opening doors to make sure you get to where you’re supposed to go.”
50* biggest NFL draft busts of last 50 years
The asterisk because I couldn’t limit this list of names, which will take you down memory lane, to just 50. One reason? Rewind four years to the 2021 draft, supposedly chock full of quarterback talent … that mostly has yet to materialize.
‘Flat-out loaded’ class of running backs?
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty could be the first running back selected in the top five picks since the Giants tabbed Saquon Barkley second overall in 2018. Yet while Jeanty may be the headliner of this year’s RB class, there’s quite a bit of talent – and depth – behind him. Longtime draft analyst Todd McShay USA TODAY Sports: “This class is just flat-out loaded with talent. In 25 years of doing this, I haven’t seen this much high-end talent.” How much and why?
NFL draft prospect rankings
NFL draft expert Mike Middlehurst-Schwartz has been evaluating and ranking players ahead of the 2025 NFL draft. Take a dive into his overall assessment plus those of the best offensive weapons:
Top 50 big board (Feb. 25) | Top 200 big board (April 24)
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