The 2025 Draft Thread

[Hail Raiser]

We already signed a physical freak with terrible production in Kinlaw. Not sure we'd draft another.

I'm becoming more and more doubtful a tradeback will even be an option and our choice will be either WR or CB. Which ever is running. I'd say there are more CBs at 29 that I like than WRs though.

I also think a lot of the Edge guys are going to drop. Carter and Green will go quickly(top 10), but that might be it.

I think some OTs, WRs and CBs are going to come up and of course QB. I still think we see 4+ in the first round and 5 wouldn't shock me, especially with the Carr news this week.

Are the Browns and Giants really going to skip on a QB? Raiders and Jets are maybes and I could see both looking to go for a weapon early, but why draft Jeanty at 5 when you can get some solid RBs on day two. Steelers and Rams are potential QB spots.

Maybe it's just being a fan of this team and watching us draft Chase over a QB and having learned that lesson, but I'd be shocked to see teams not come up for a QB.

Especially is the Browns or NYG draft Sanders, because then a bidding war for Dart begins. Steelers need to get in from of NO.

My guess for us is still CB or Egbuka.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Kiper was asked yesterday about late round trades happening and will there by movement, he guessed yes. Hopefully he's right.

 

[skinsinparadise]

We already signed a physical freak with terrible production in Kinlaw. Not sure we'd draft another.

I'm becoming more and more doubtful a tradeback will even be an option and our choice will be either WR or CB. Which ever is running. I'd say there are more CBs at 29 that I like than WRs though.

I also think a lot of the Edge guys are going to drop. Carter and Green will go quickly(top 10), but that might be it.

I think some OTs, WRs and CBs are going to come up and of course QB. I still think we see 4+ in the first round and 5 wouldn't shock me, especially with the Carr news this week.

Are the Browns and Giants really going to skip on a QB? Raiders and Jets are maybes and I could see both looking to go for a weapon early, but why draft Jeanty at 5 when you can get some solid RBs on day two. Steelers and Rams are potential QB spots.

Maybe it's just being a fan of this team and watching us draft Chase over a QB and having learned that lesson, but I'd be shocked to see teams not come up for a QB.

Especially is the Browns or NYG draft Sanders, because then a bidding war for Dart begins. Steelers need to get in from of NO.

My guess for us is still CB or Egbuka.

Milroe could be a trade target I hear. Feels like based on who they are talking to, a trade back is what they have in mind, but will see. It wouldn't shock me if they are giddy about a surprise faller and don't trade back even if they want to.

 

[philibusters]

The one thing we don't know though is did they met with him at the combine. By my count there are about 20 meetings and chnage that happened at the combine that we don't know about.

If Keim is saying there has been interest through the process in Hairston, am guessing it means they met him at the combine.

Sounds like maybe he is the corner to watch. I had been more focused on Revel and Amos, but Hairston seems to have the most smoke.

 

[philibusters]

Milroe could be a trade target I hear. Feels like based on who they are talking to, a trade back is what they have in mind, but will see. It wouldn't shock me if they are giddy about a surprise faller and don't trade back even if they want to.

In the first or second round. He is bad as a passer. Rocket arm, great wheels, I get taking a late second round flier on him if you are the Rams and Seahawks and will need a QB in 2 years, but a first just seems so rich for a guy who is not close to being ready to play. He is like a bigger Malik Willis.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Sounds like maybe he is the corner to watch. I had been more focused on Revel and Amos, but Hairston seems to have the most smoke.

If I recall they met with Amos at the combine so that means something. But definitely some smoke around Hairston. Here are what the scouts told McGinn about him.

Part 10, CB: The generational talent of Colorado's Travis Hunter

Where will the Heisman winner play most? WR or CB? Scouts are split. But they also see a Deion Sanders-, Charles Woodson-, Champ Bailey-like talent in Travis Hunter. Full CB analysis inside.

www.golongtd.com

3. MAXWELL HAIRSTON, Kentucky (5-11, 183, 4.27, 1): Fourth-year junior. “He’s really fast, really quick,” one scout said. “He’s not going to be fazed by tough competition. His style translates quickly to the NFL. Most guys have to learn to play without using their hands all the time. That’s how he already plays. You see so many flags on the young guys because they grab people all the time because of the college rules. This guy is really quick with his feet.” Clocked the fastest 40 at the combine to go with a vertical jump of 39 ½ inches and a 10-9 broad jump. “After Travis Hunter he might be the best athlete of all of them,” said a second scout. “He is electric as far as change of direction, movement, speed. He’s a thinner dude. Just elite cover athletic ability, awareness and confidence. He is a cocky little guy. Reminds me of Janoris Jenkins coming out of Florida (in 2012), but faster. The only thing is that size.” Redshirted in 2021, barely played in 2022 and started 20 games the past two years. Arms were 31. “There are some size and strength limitations,” a third scout said. “But he is quick, fast, feisty, aggressive and has good instincts. I just worry about the size and strength over the long haul. But it’s about instincts and speed. It’s hard to find that combo.” Finished with 89 tackles, six interceptions and 10 passes defensed. Forced three fumbles. Missed five games in 2024 with what was described as a nagging shoulder problem. “He had the unfortunate episode where he had I want to say a shoulder injury of some kind and he went to the hospital in Lexington and he got stuck with an infected needle, of all things,” said a fourth scout. “So he missed a good portion of the season and then came back at the end. Kentucky has a history of producing DBs the last eight, 10 years under Stoops because that was Mark’s position as a coach. Hairston’s the best one they’ve ever had, he really is. I think he’s definitely a first-rounder. Running that time at the combine solidified it.” Three-star recruit from West Bloomfield, Mich.

 

[Hail Raiser]

Milroe could be a trade target I hear. Feels like based on who they are talking to, a trade back is what they have in mind, but will see. It wouldn't shock me if they are giddy about a surprise faller and don't trade back even if they want to.

Maybe even a team like the Eagles at 32 wouldn't surprise me. He sits for two years and then the Eagles can trade Hurts for a bunch of picks and reload.

If Dart, Sanders and of course Ward go quickly, the value of Milroe and a few others just jumps through the roof.

As far as Hairston, I don't know if he gets by the Bills. Going against Hill and Wilson, possibly Hunter and of course Worthy in the playoffs, he makes the most sense.

There are a bunch of big, fast CBs that I like at 29 though. Golden might be the only guy I'd take personally over a CB there, judging from who might be there.

I love me some Sainristil, but the Legion of Boom requires 2 big CBs and we only have one.

I wouldn't hate Emmanwori playing single high FS for us either. That would be amazing.

 

[DWinzit]

Maybe even a team like the Eagles at 32 wouldn't surprise me. He sits for two years and then the Eagles can trade Hurts for a bunch of picks and reload.

If Dart, Sanders and of course Ward go quickly, the value of Milroe and a few others just jumps through the roof.

As far as Hairston, I don't know if he gets by the Bills. Going against Hill and Wilson, possibly Hunter and of course Worthy in the playoffs, he makes the most sense.

There are a bunch of big, fast CBs that I like at 29 though. Golden might be the only guy I'd take personally over a CB there, judging from who might be there.

I love me some Sainristil, but the Legion of Boom requires 2 big CBs and we only have one.

I wouldn't hate Emmanwori playing single high FS for us either. That would be amazing.

And Emmanwori is a Whitt/DQ type of player! and hits the "Commander" label.

I agree with you that it feels like the trade back feels less likely, especially without dropping far into the second round with our first selection. Also that DB, WR or maybe OL will be the first pick. with RB in the background.

There are a number of my favorite DBs that are returning from injury. It is going to be interesting to see how far it affects when their name is called

 

[Hail Raiser]

And Emmanwori is a Whitt/DQ type of player! and hits the "Commander" label.

I agree with you that it feels like the trade back feels less likely, especially without dropping far into the second round with our first selection. Also that DB, WR or maybe OL will be the first pick. with RB in the background.

There are a number of my favorite DBs that are returning from injury. It is going to be interesting to see how far it affects when their name is called

Yeah, a lot of questions about the second tier of CBs (honestly I have as many doubts about the top ones myself.)

Assuming Hunter and Johnson are long gone, I think I'd rank them Revel, Thomas, Morrison, Hairston, Barron, but that's really loose.

Going back to the LoB defense, Earl Thomas is what made that work and I think Emmanwori has those instincts. Definitely has that speed and at 6'3" 225 or whatever, that's a lot of fun to think about at FS.

 

[DWinzit]

Yeah, a lot of questions about the second tier of CBs (honestly I have as many doubts about the top ones myself.)

Assuming Hunter and Johnson are long gone, I think I'd rank them Revel, Thomas, Morrison, Hairston, Barron, but that's really loose.

Going back to the LoB defense, Earl Thomas is what made that work and I think Emmanwori has those instincts. Definitely has that speed and at 6'3" 225 or whatever, that's a lot of fun to think about at FS.

For sure. I have Baron bumped into the top tier and Hairston at the back end of the second tier behind Amos. If Revel wasn't returning from injury I'd have him in the first tier for sure.

I'd really rather have Emman roaming and being that guy OC's and QB's always need to be weary of.

 

[Hail Raiser]

For sure. I have Baron bumped into the top tier and Hairston at the back end of the second tier behind Amos. If Revel wasn't returning from injury I'd have him in the first tier for sure.

I'd really rather have Emman roaming and being that guy OC's and QB's always need to be weary of.

Maybe a little too Term Du Jour this offseason, But Emmanwori at FS is a force multiplier.

 

[skinsinparadise]

In the first or second round. He is bad as a passer. Rocket arm, great wheels, I get taking a late second round flier on him if you are the Rams and Seahawks and will need a QB in 2 years, but a first just seems so rich for a guy who is not close to being ready to play. He is like a bigger Malik Willis.

I've watched Milroe haven't studied him. But the rap about him, his rocket arm and elite wheels combined with intangibles through the roof, so there is some intrigue. He was invited to the draft, usually that means you are at least in play to go early.

 

[skinsinparadise]

I have to get to watching Nick, here are the scouts take. ditto on Amos.

Part 11, S: Why Malaki Starks, 'A+ across the board,' can run your defense

This isn't our father's safety position. Gone is the tone-setter. Yet? The position remains crucial to success. Starks, "one of the most valuable defensive players in this draft," leads the class.

www.golongtd.com

2. NICK EMMANWORI, South Carolina (6-3, 222, no 40, 1-2): Dominated at the combine with position-bests in the 40, vertical jump (43), broad jump (11-6) and bench press (20 reps). “Kind of a self-made kid from small-town South Carolina,” one scout said. “Some think he’s a little bit tight. He’s not the most fluid guy. I think he’s a notch below Derwin James. He can play man coverage. He can hit people. Had a nice year taking the football away (four interceptions, two touchdown returns). I don’t see how that guy fails.” Longest arms (32 ½) at the position. “He’s a big guy who runs well but he plays more like an old-school strong safety,” said a second scout. “He can run, there’s no question about that, but his style is coming downhill. If he plays for a team that will use him as a safety-linebacker he’ll be great in that role. I don’t see him doing it for a lot of teams because he doesn’t play going backward nearly the same as he does going forward.” Third-year junior with 36 starts. “There’s some inconsistency and possible character issues,” a third scout said. “More like football immaturity. I had him second or third round. He’s a giant safety. Strong, physical, he will strike. Above average in coverage, especially for a big man. Motor is a little disappointing in pursuit and when it’s not his play to make. Good, good football player.” Finished with 244 tackles, seven turnover plays and 11 passes defensed. “This guy’s a force of nature,” a third scout said. “They’ll probably try him at linebacker at some point if it doesn’t work out at safety.

He just is a rare breed. He’s naturally contrarian to most everything. He’s got top-20 talent but there’s some bells and whistles that come with him. Just be sure you know. He can probably fray some things. You’ve got to have somebody to deal with the personality. They say this guy is so strong-willed, if you get him onto your side he’ll save the world. If he is opposed to your views he’ll burn the world down.” From Irmo, S.C. “He just like some of those workout guys in the past,” a fourth scout said. “Isaiah Simmons. Obi Melifonwu. Those gigantic guys that work out. You just can’t play safety if you’re that damn big. I don’t like him as a player, and then the history of those guys … everybody was trying to find Kam Chancellor but he was one of a kind.” Compared by a fifth scout to ex-Packer Aaron Rouse. “Buyer beware,” said the scout. “The size and speed are outstanding but the change of direction is not great, which makes me worry about covering tight ends. I didn’t think he played with a lot of urgency. If you take him, you’re just betting on the ability and that he’ll keep improving.”

9. TREY AMOS, Mississippi (6-0 ½, 194, 4.45, 3): Played 34 games at Louisiana Lafayette from 2020-’22, 14 games (one start) at Alabama in 2023 and 13 games, all starts, at Ole Miss last year. “Alabama took him in the portal and then, ‘Well, this guy’s really not good enough,’” said one scout. “He really improved this year. He has worked himself to maybe third round and no later than the fourth. You can poke some holes in him but he’s a good corner.” Finished with 121 tackles, four picks and 31 passes defensed. “He reminds me of a poor man’s version of the kid that got drafted this year, Kool-Aid (McKinstry),” said a second scout. “Talented athlete, but when you have to put your head into the fray, will he do it? I’m not sold on him doing it. He’s quick, he’s long and can match up in man coverage. This year he played pretty solid and pretty consistent. The thing for him is to be a consistent tackler in space and improve his overall field awareness.” Arms were 31 ¼. From New Iberia, La. “Kind of struggles with change of direction,” said a third scout. “Got good zone feel. In run support, some feistiness but weak. Has enough talent to back up. Fourth-fifth round.”

 

[skinsinparadise]

Back and forth Yates-Kiper mock where they alternated picks. 3 round mock.

We trade downwith the Browns and end up with Ezeiruaku with the first pick in the 2nd round, then J. Parrish in the late 2nd, and Kaleb Johnson early 3rd.

J. Simmons, Scourton is the 2nd. Pearce mid 2nd, Landon Jackson late 2nd. Ratledge in the early 3rd.

 

[Commander Wraith]

Great, then we'd just need a Deiter upgrade for the OL and have excellent starters and depth!

I think that would be Allegretti? But, to your point, I’d still love to add a quality G/C type (though have my doubts we draft one this go round).

The one thing we don't know though is did they met with him at the combine. By my count there are about 20 meetings and chnage that happened at the combine that we don't know about.

If Keim is saying there has been interest through the process in Hairston, am guessing it means they met him at the combine.

Yeah, that’s my guess as well. And to your point, the formal Combine mtgs are the best data point we have. I do think it’s probably more generally about Peters and Quinn (along with other staff) getting one on one time with a prospect. But brass aren’t usually together for Pro Days (I know Quinn and Peters were at UCLA’s Pro Days, don’t recall if there were others as well), virtual mtgs aren’t as personal, and 30 visits often involve checking on red flags, selling UDFAs, etc. The Combine has most of the prospects together, and you have limited formal mtgs, so it makes sense that’s where they can best carry out that in-person vetting.

With that said, factoring in one on one style meeting, it looks like they’re honed in on certain positions (guys, or a group of guys at different levels in terms of draft slot):

OT - 1st or 2nd, or late:
Conerly, then Milum/Belton, then Jordan Williams/Christian-Lichtenhan

Corner - 1st or 3rd?:
Hairston/Amos, then Riley (and Fresch, though he seems like an UDFA?)

Edge - 1st-3rd:
Stewart (I think we heard there was interest?) and Jackson, then Tuimoloau, then Oladejo/Kennard/Walker. BJ Green is the only late rounder I know of.

Punt returning/ST wr - 2nd for Noel(?), then 5th+
Noel, Myles Price, and Arian Smith/Roc Taylor

LB (STer) - 6th+
Buchanan/Asante

RB - Mostly late rounder?
I’m blanking on early-mid round guys, aside from a private mtg w/ Skattebo and reported interest in Tuten, then we have late rounders - Marks/Hunter/Gordon/Croskey-Merrit/James/Etienne

And then of course the 2 kickers.

I’m sure I’m missing a bunch that have been reported, and of course a lot have not been reported to this point. And there are a couple outliers like Higgins and Bowman.

Broadly speaking though, looks to me like Edge, corner and OT in the early rounds, and then an emphasis on STs (kicker, returner, coverage). And we’ll almost certainly add a running back, probably late.
I’m also willing to bet we’ll add a late round draft pick or two. I think Peters would love to gain a mid round pick, but that’s gonna be tougher to pull off.

 

[method man]

Stewart didn't have mediocre production, he had borderline nonexistent production. 4.5 sacks and 12 TFL....over 3 seasons of play. Scourton is a guy with "mediocre" production: 17 sacks and 31 TFL over 3 seasons.

A physical specimen with such horrible production is a guy that teams would usually look to pick up in the mid to late rounds, not in the 1st. And like I said, in watching him I still don't see much other than a JAG who happens to be very athletic.

Stewart’s pressure rate was fine. What he needs to work on is keeping his balance post pressure and finishing. If he can do that, he will pile up sacks. The A&M system didn’t do Scourton or him favors

 

[Commander Wraith]

It does seem like they might consider CB at 29. I wouldn't mind a high upside CB at all. Our secondary was a ****ing mess for most of last season. As was our run defense. And, we generated an adequate number of sacks, but that was largely predicated on sending 5 pass rushers. Our 4 man rush was poor. You can't always fix everything in a season. If our run defense and secondary can be top 12, but our pass rush isn't improved, I still expect a significantly better defense.

Officials: Ex-LSU WR Lacy died in apparent suicide

Former LSU receiver Kyren Lacy, who was found dead Saturday night in Houston, died in an apparent suicide in his car while being pursued by authorities, according to a Harris County sheriff's report released Sunday.

www.espn.com

Apparently authorities were called because Lacy was arguing with a family member and discharged a firearm into the ground. They pursued him, he crashed, and before they could pull him out, he shot himself.

I “liked” this post, then thought better of it with the Lacy info on there. But I agree with your points. I think there’s a good chance we’ll wind up with a good corner and an interesting edge defender, so hopefully our D has improved competition, depth, and our FAs improve our run D (as you suggest).

 

[method man]

DQ has done well with Day 3 and UDFA CBs throughout his career - Bland, Sherman, Browner, etc,

CB is a position where you can consistently find good to great players Day 3. Heck, Brownlee and Still were both round 5 picks last year and started for their teams.

I hope we don’t take one early and find a gem round 4 or 5 instead

 

[skinsinparadise]

I think that would be Allegretti? But, to your point, I’d still love to add a quality G/C type (though have my doubts we draft one this go round).

Yeah, that’s my guess as well. And to your point, the formal Combine mtgs are the best data point we have. I do think it’s probably more generally about Peters and Quinn (along with other staff) getting one on one time with a prospect. But brass aren’t usually together for Pro Days (I know Quinn and Peters were at UCLA’s Pro Days, don’t recall if there were others as well), virtual mtgs aren’t as personal, and 30 visits often involve checking on red flags, selling UDFAs, etc. The Combine has most of the prospects together, and you have limited formal mtgs, so it makes sense that’s where they can best carry out that in-person vetting.

With that said, factoring in one on one style meeting, it looks like they’re honed in on certain positions (guys, or a group of guys at different levels in terms of draft slot):

OT - 1st or 2nd, or late:
Conerly, then Milum/Belton, then Jordan Williams/Christian-Lichtenhan

Corner - 1st or 3rd?:
Hairston/Amos, then Riley (and Fresch, though he seems like an UDFA?)

Edge - 1st-3rd:
Stewart (I think we heard there was interest?) and Jackson, then Tuimoloau, then Oladejo/Kennard/Walker. BJ Green is the only late rounder I know of.

Punt returning/ST wr - 2nd for Noel(?), then 5th+
Noel, Myles Price, and Arian Smith/Roc Taylor

LB (STer) - 6th+
Buchanan/Asante

RB - Mostly late rounder?
I’m blanking on early-mid round guys, aside from a private mtg w/ Skattebo and reported interest in Tuten, then we have late rounders - Marks/Hunter/Gordon/Croskey-Merrit/James/Etienne

And then of course the 2 kickers.

I’m sure I’m missing a bunch that have been reported, and of course a lot have not been reported to this point. And there are a couple outliers like Higgins and Bowman.

Broadly speaking though, looks to me like Edge, corner and OT in the early rounds, and then an emphasis on STs (kicker, returner, coverage). And we’ll almost certainly add a running back, probably late.
I’m also willing to bet we’ll add a late round draft pick or two. I think Peters would love to gain a mid round pick, but that’s gonna be tougher to pull off.

Standig has said they did meet with Henderson at the combine. They met with Jeanty too for whatever reason. Keim has implied Tuten.

I also noticed Keim has brought up Derrick Harmon now twice in recent podcasts in the context of a hypothetical. Keim's hypothetical examples of players usually have meaning. If so, I said this early on, Harmon would be a great get. I know its DT. But its a position we can always use more. It's a rotational spot. Newton hopefully takes it a step up this season. Payne seems like a B level player at best -- but hopefully in a season where his contract is on the line he picks it up. Payne wasn't shy the previous time his contract was up that money was a motivator. And Kinlaw is still a projection, as to whether he finally puts it together.

Harmon is a disrutpive player. In mocks he rarely falls to us but sometimes he does, but will see. Judging by McGinn's reports about the scouts takes -- they think Hamon can fall to the late first. Mock draft types tend to be higher on Harmon then Nolen. McGinn's scouts were higher on Nolen. I like them both but Harmon might be the higher floor player of the two.

 

[SilentThreat]

pretty refreshing that there isn't 500 tweets telling leading up to this with itemized lists.