The 2025 Draft Thread

[burgold]

The mock drafts are beginning to make me feel sorry for Shedur Sanders. Part of me now is thinking teams are going to make a mistake about him and he's going to be one of those hyper accurate, okay-armed QBs that torment the league for years.

In multiple drafts I'm seeing Sanders slip to the bottom half or out of the first round and I'm seeing Dart picked ahead of him. I don't know if Sanders comes with baggage, being Deion's son he probably does, but his fall seems extreme.

 

[burgold]

Wish the damn thing kicked off at 6 or so, Friday morning going to suck.

Yeah. And they really don't need ten minutes per pick in the first round. As explained, teams already have their boards set and have worked the phone to explore potential trades.

 

[The Chump Bailey]

The mock drafts are beginning to make me feel sorry for Shedur Sanders. Part of me now is thinking teams are going to make a mistake about him and he's going to be one of those hyper accurate, okay-armed QBs that torment the league for years.

In multiple drafts I'm seeing Sanders slip to the bottom half or out of the first round and I'm seeing Dart picked ahead of him. I don't know if Sanders comes with baggage, being Deion's son he probably does, but his fall seems extreme.

All Sanders's sons would be completely off my board if I were a HC/GM. No way I'm bringing that drama into the building.

 

[burgold]

Relatively random thought.

I wonder if Brian Robinson has any trade value? Could he net a 5th? A 6th? (I'd even be okay with a 2026 5th or 6th for him)

Rationale: Robinson has been a credible starter in the NFL. He has value. He's just not a star and probably never will be. He also has only one year left on his contract and based on player visits Peters seems willing to move on. So, maybe doing Robinson a solid and giving him a new home would benefit both sides. Problem is, it's a running back rich draft and Robinson is solid and not good or great. Then again, Alfred Morris and Perrine carved out pretty long careers so... maybe?

P.S. If someone offered me a second or third rounder for Payne I'd probably take it.

 

[burgold]

Morning brain thought the draft was tomorrow. Heck, for us it still might be.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Isn't Barron basically a pure slot corner? Feels like we have a 5 car pile up there already

Sainstrill played slot. Barron played mostly outside. He might be better suited to the slot but could be play either one. Think of having another Sainstrill but IMO a better version of Sainstrill -- I can't recall seeing a dude that level disruptive on the first level.

Sainstrill was one of my favs in the previous draft class. This dude IMO is a peg better maybe even two from how Sainstrill played in college.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Relatively random thought.

I wonder if Brian Robinson has any trade value? Could he net a 5th? A 6th? (I'd even be okay with a 2026 5th or 6th for him)

Rationale: Robinson has been a credible starter in the NFL. He has value. He's just not a star and probably never will be. He also has only one year left on his contract and based on player visits Peters seems willing to move on. So, maybe doing Robinson a solid and giving him a new home would benefit both sides. Problem is, it's a running back rich draft and Robinson is solid and not good or great. Then again, Alfred Morris and Perrine carved out pretty long careers so... maybe?

P.S. If someone offered me a second or third rounder for Payne I'd probably take it.

some beat guys speculated on it, most think he'd bring zero, some think maybe a conditional 7th. I'd guess nothing.

 

[skinsinparadise]

He was a top 15 pick all offseason and now I keep seeing him around us. I wonder why.

I'll start with it could be wrong. Main reason if he does fall is some think he's better suited to the slot or hybrid safety Brian Branch like. Dudes like that tend to fall. PFF right now ranks him as the 11th best player in the draft.

I didn't want to like him before watching him. I did want to love Starks. Like you am a big safety guy typically. And i am a bit bored with the slot hybrid type of CBs-Ss. But wow did Barron jump out watching him. Magnet to the ball. Plays with his hair on fire. I was a big Brach guy, i loved Barron more. He plays to me like a CB verson of the Honey Badger. Starks liked just OK to me, but maybe i picked the wrong games to watch.

 

[skinsinparadise]

I haven't watched much Jihad Campbell but will do so today. ditto Will Johnson who might drop.

Reading about both reason Jihad would drop is injuries and a series of people think he's a great ahtlete but has bad read and react instincts for the spot. With Will its injuries too and speed.

 

[method man]

Pauline’s mock had us take Barron, too. Ive talked him up some recently, Ii would love it. The dude is a baller

No way we pass on Mike Green in this scenario given how convinced Keim seems to be on how much they like him

 

[skinsinparadise]

Kiper-Yates did a predictive mock. Some picks relevant to our discussion.

22. Los Angeles Chargers​

Yates' pick prediction: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama

Few teams have a clearer identity than the Chargers, who believe strongly in being able to dominate in the trenches. Booker would help further cement that along the offensive line thanks to his power. The Chargers are a classic fit for Booker, who would likely leapfrog Zion Johnson into the starting lineup and pair with Mekhi Becton to form the league's largest guard duo.

Kiper's notes: Booker is definitely a hot name right now, as teams have gone back to his great tape. There are a few teams in the 20s that could use him on their offensive lines, including the Texans and Ravens. I've also been told to watch Kenneth Grant at this pick. He shares a Michigan connection with Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh, and as I mentioned, Grant is getting some mid-Round 1 love right now. He might not even reach Los Angeles'

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers​

Yates' pick prediction: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

Tampa Bay has made it clear that cornerback is a priority this offseason. Barron has elite instincts and is versatile. The Bucs tied for 26th in picks last season with seven, so

26. Los Angeles Rams​

Yates' pick prediction: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA

Schwesinger's range, versatility and processing skills will appeal to Los Angeles, which has a thin linebacker room at the moment. His 115 tackles ranked 14th in the country last season.

Kiper's notes: Schwesinger has been getting some late-Round 1 buzz recently, and he's a good pick at this stage. Alabama's Jihaad Campbell would also get some looks at the end of Day 1, despite the shoulder concerns. He could ultimately end up being a really good second-round pick for some team.

Projected Commanders-Browns trade​

Yates' trade projection: We're almost through Round 1, and Ward is still the only quarterback off the board. With a few QB-needy teams waiting at the top of Round 2, the Browns could pounce on the opportunity to move up to secure their guy. I have Cleveland trading Nos. 33 and 104 (a fourth-rounder) to Washington for No. 29. The Commanders have just five picks, so they could be looking to trade down.

Kiper's notes: The Commanders are in a good spot, having turned their roster around quickly. Moving down for another pick and still landing a good prospect at the top of the second round would be good business. My top three needs for them are edge rusher, cornerback and running back.

A few prospects who could fit the Commanders, whether they stay at No. 29 or ended up atop Round 2: Boston College edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku, Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston, Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson, Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos and Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr.

30. Buffalo Bills​

Yates' pick prediction: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

Buffalo is searching for another cornerback opposite Christian Benford, and Hairston is sticky in coverage with 4.28 speed and good ball skills. Buffalo is a zone-heavy team, which fits Hairston's skill set and what he saw in college.

32. Philadelphia Eagles​

Yates' pick prediction: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College


After 16.5 sacks in 2024, Ezeiruaku burst onto the first-round radar. He is long and instinctive, and he uses his physical tools and savviness to keep tackles on their heels. The Eagles are looking to replenish their edge depth after Josh Sweat left for Arizona in free agency.

2025 NFL mock draft: Yates' Round 1 predictions, Kiper's intel

Field Yates projects the first 32 draft picks one last time, and Mel Kiper Jr. breaks down what he's hearing heading into Round 1.

www.espn.com

 

[DWinzit]

This part to me is spot on. A big time guard should have a mutiplier effect.

A. IMO the way to get to Jayden is the same way to get to most Qbs. That is, interior pressure.
B. Arguably the two of the three best DTs in the league are in this division.
C. Allegreti is the weak link of this O line. Removing him should help both the run and pass game.
D. To defeat the Eagles, see the last SB, you can't let their guys, especially their interior guys, wreck the game

I am in agreement with all of this. The only question would be, do we already have that in Coleman. Meaning we need a real RT.

Either way, if we are able to bring in a top RT or G, Jayden can sit much more comfortably in the pocket. I can only imagine what that would mean to the other 31 poor defensive coordinators.

 

[Chris 44]

Kiper-Yates did a predictive mock. Some picks relevant to our discussion.

22. Los Angeles Chargers​

Yates' pick prediction: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama

Few teams have a clearer identity than the Chargers, who believe strongly in being able to dominate in the trenches. Booker would help further cement that along the offensive line thanks to his power. The Chargers are a classic fit for Booker, who would likely leapfrog Zion Johnson into the starting lineup and pair with Mekhi Becton to form the league's largest guard duo.

Kiper's notes: Booker is definitely a hot name right now, as teams have gone back to his great tape. There are a few teams in the 20s that could use him on their offensive lines, including the Texans and Ravens. I've also been told to watch Kenneth Grant at this pick. He shares a Michigan connection with Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh, and as I mentioned, Grant is getting some mid-Round 1 love right now. He might not even reach Los Angeles'

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers​

Yates' pick prediction: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

Tampa Bay has made it clear that cornerback is a priority this offseason. Barron has elite instincts and is versatile. The Bucs tied for 26th in picks last season with seven, so

26. Los Angeles Rams​

Yates' pick prediction: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA

Schwesinger's range, versatility and processing skills will appeal to Los Angeles, which has a thin linebacker room at the moment. His 115 tackles ranked 14th in the country last season.

Kiper's notes: Schwesinger has been getting some late-Round 1 buzz recently, and he's a good pick at this stage. Alabama's Jihaad Campbell would also get some looks at the end of Day 1, despite the shoulder concerns. He could ultimately end up being a really good second-round pick for some team.

Projected Commanders-Browns trade​

Yates' trade projection: We're almost through Round 1, and Ward is still the only quarterback off the board. With a few QB-needy teams waiting at the top of Round 2, the Browns could pounce on the opportunity to move up to secure their guy. I have Cleveland trading Nos. 33 and 104 (a fourth-rounder) to Washington for No. 29. The Commanders have just five picks, so they could be looking to trade down.

Kiper's notes: The Commanders are in a good spot, having turned their roster around quickly. Moving down for another pick and still landing a good prospect at the top of the second round would be good business. My top three needs for them are edge rusher, cornerback and running back.

A few prospects who could fit the Commanders, whether they stay at No. 29 or ended up atop Round 2: Boston College edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku, Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston, Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson, Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos and Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr.

30. Buffalo Bills​

Yates' pick prediction: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

Buffalo is searching for another cornerback opposite Christian Benford, and Hairston is sticky in coverage with 4.28 speed and good ball skills. Buffalo is a zone-heavy team, which fits Hairston's skill set and what he saw in college.

32. Philadelphia Eagles​

Yates' pick prediction: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College


After 16.5 sacks in 2024, Ezeiruaku burst onto the first-round radar. He is long and instinctive, and he uses his physical tools and savviness to keep tackles on their heels. The Eagles are looking to replenish their edge depth after Josh Sweat left for Arizona in free agency.

2025 NFL mock draft: Yates' Round 1 predictions, Kiper's intel

Field Yates projects the first 32 draft picks one last time, and Mel Kiper Jr. breaks down what he's hearing heading into Round 1.

www.espn.com

In this scenario, if only half of those players were available, a trade back into top portion of second would be awesome.

 

[skinsinparadise]

I am in agreement with all of this. The only question would be, do we already have that in Coleman. Meaning we need a real RT.

Either way, if we are able to bring in a top RT or G, Jayden can sit much more comfortably in the pocket. I can only imagine what that would mean to the other 31 poor defensive coordinators.

Don't know. But judgng by Keim, Booker is the dude they are infatuated with along with Green (Green I doubt drops). Kiper gave some hope that booker would fall to the 2nd, starting about 2 weeks or so ago. But his comments today along with looking at some other mocks makes me feel its unlikely.

Booker along with Egbuka are arguably the best leaders in this class. they woukd juice up a locker room that's already special. I see Egbuka as a riser in recent mocks from most, but Kiper has him in the 2nd today. If they traded down, I could see him being the pick.

Back to Booker, I watched him some more. He's a monster pass protector. If we had him and Tunsil on the left side. That's a wall of protection that's likely special. Teams would have to gear up to the right side to get to Jayden.

 

[Hailtoem]

Mike Green is sliding on most mock boards, if he is there at 29 we run to the podium

 

[skinsinparadise]

Mike Green is sliding on most mock boards, if he is there ar 29 we run at the podium

Have seen him somewhere between 10-18 in most mocks. You never know. McShay who says is talking to most teams thinks no shot he gets close to our pick. But if he did, I gather this team would pounce.

2025 NFL mock draft: Yates' Round 1 predictions, Kiper's intel

Field Yates projects the first 32 draft picks one last time, and Mel Kiper Jr. breaks down what he's hearing heading into Round 1.

www.espn.com

15. Atlanta Falcons​

Yates' pick prediction: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall

The Falcons had 31 sacks last season, second fewest in the NFL. They brought in Leonard Floyd in free agency, but there is still a lot of work to do on the pass rush. Green led all FBS players with 17 sacks last season and has the scheme versatility to play with a hand in the dirt as a 4-3 defensive end or standing up as an outside linebacker in a 3-4. Scouts from other teams took notice of Atlanta's significant contingent on hand at Green's pro day workout.

Kiper's notes: Atlanta is a tough one. Green makes sense. But Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant is gaining some late steam, and I've been told he could come off the board in the middle of the first round. Grant is explosive and instinctive, and he could slide into Grady Jarrett's vacated spot on the interior.

 

[DWinzit]

Don't know. But judgng by Keim, Booker is the dude they are infatuated with along with Green (Green I doubt drops). Kiper gave some hope that booker would fall to the 2nd, starting about 2 weeks or so ago. But his comments today along with looking at some other mocks makes me feel its unlikely.

Booker along with Egbuka are arguably the best leaders in this class. they woukd juice up a locker room that's already special. I see Egbuka as a riser in recent mocks from most, but Kiper has him in the 2nd today. If they traded down, I could see him being the pick.

Back to Booker, I watched him some more. He's a monster pass protector. If we had him and Tunsil on the left side. That's a wall of protection that's likely special. Teams would have to gear up to the right side to get to Jayden.

I am still a bit surprised they are in on Green do to any "iffiness" in his character. They must have fully debunked the questions if their interest is true.

However, it is hard not to really like him after seeing him play. He has high end talent.

Booker would be a stud if he fell to 29, something I didn't think possible until recently. Of course you and I are on the same page with Ratledge also in the second round when it comes to G

 

[Hail Raiser]

Green to the Falcons makes a lot of sense. If not, I doubt he slides past Cinci.

I'd be on board with Booker.

 

[Chris]

I’m excited for all of the discussion to move from who the team should draft to who the team should’ve drafted. 😎

 

[skinsinparadise]

No way we pass on Mike Green in this scenario given how convinced Keim seems to be on how much they like him

Yeah listening to Keim.

Feels like Green or Booker if they drop or trade down. Ezeirukau the runner up.

If they trade down: hard to tell who they'd get. I'd guess Harmon or Scourton would be their top targets if they are there. Maybe Landon Jackson, Schwesinger, Oladejo, Conerly, Belton. Going deeper maybe Amos, Tumoloau. He's been the most indirect about Harmon. He's mentioned his name a bunch of times without directly saying they are interested. He did mention Egbuka in a list of names he would have considered taking with his pick on the ESPN special where he was picking.

I don't know though, the wild card is what happens if an unexpected faller like Will Johnson, Golden, Jihad, etc falls into their lap?