Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said on Thursday that "there will be focus on the running back position" in next week's NFL draft. Payton also said that "it's a pretty good draft for running backs." While the Broncos did a bit more to upgrade an already strong defense in free agency this offseason, Payton suggested they'll be addressing their ground game through the draft. When scouting this year's deep class of RBs, Payton and general manager George Paton have been asking themselves "how do they add to what we do offensively." The Broncos have the 20th overall pick in the first round, and Payton said taking a RB in the first round works "if you have a real clear vision for how you want to use them." Specifically, Denver is likely to target a rookie RB that has the ability as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. North Carolina's Omarion Hampton or Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson make a lot of sense.
Apr 17, 2025 11:54 PM EST
SNY's Connor Hughes reports that it seems that the New York Giants are heading in the direction of taking the best player available with the No. 3 overall pick in the first round of next Thursday night's draft, despite their desperate need for a franchise quarterback. General manager Joe Schoen said the Giants aren't going to force the issue at QB, especially since they have veteran backup plans in Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston now. Everyone knows at this point the Tennessee Titans are going to take Miami QB Cam Ward at No. 1 overall, so now it's just a matter of the Giants taking one of Colorado receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter or Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter -- whoever the Cleveland Browns pass on at No. 2. Beyond Ward, none of this year's QB prospects are considered worthy of a top-five selection, as Colorado's Shedeur Sanders' draft stock has fallen considerably in recent weeks.
Apr 17, 2025 11:28 PM EST
According to ESPN Ravens reporter Jamison Hensley, the Baltimore Ravens have "invested countless hours" into scouring kickers ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. There is uncertainty surrounding All-Pro kicker Justin Tucker, given a slew of sexual misconduct accusations this offseason, so Baltimore is doing their homework at the position. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said he's open to picking a kicker at some point in next week's draft, but it is not a certainty. "It is worth [using a draft pick on a kicker] if you have the right kicker," DeCosta said.. "It just depends on the board, it depends on the player, it depends on who's there and it depends on how your coaches see him. And also it should be said that some of the greatest kickers of all time weren't drafted, right? So there's no blueprint for finding a kicker." While it remains to be seen who will kick for Baltimore in 2025, any kicker attached to the dynamic offense led by Lamar Jackson should have fantasy football value and upside.
Apr 16, 2025 3:46 PM EST
The New York Giants are holding private workouts for top quarterback prospects Shedeur Sanders, Jalen Milroe, and Tyler Shough, which suggests the team is interested in adding a late-Round 1 or early-Round 2 rookie signal-caller in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, general manager Joe Schoen says the Giants "don't think it's mandatory" to take a quarterback after the additions of veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. The organization is clearly doing late-process homework on the QBs who could slip into the back half of Round 1 or later, so their plans after the No. 3 overall pick remain a mystery. Wilson and Winston could provide better quarterback play than New York has seen since Eli Manning, but neither is a long-term solution for a head coach and general manager running out of time to rack up wins.
Apr 16, 2025 3:28 PM EST
According to Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan, the team is "open to trading back" from the No. 8 overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. "I think we're definitely open to trading back and acquiring more picks," Morgan said. "I think we're gonna be open for all possibilities. Let's put it that way." The Panthers have nine picks in next week's draft and are looking to build depth on both sides of the ball. The team is expected to have a defense-heavy draft after ranking last in total yards per game allowed a season ago. If a team wants to make a move for Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart or Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders in Round 1, Carolina could be a team interested in doing a deal.
Apr 15, 2025 2:34 PM EST
Both ESPN's Brady Henderson and Matt Miller believe that upgrading their offensive line will be a heavy emphasis for the Seattle Seahawks in the 2025 NFL draft. Specifically, Henderson thinks Seattle needs to find at least one difference-maker on the interior of the offensive line, although general manager John Schneider believes it will be hard to upgrade at center. In addition to offensive line, a speedy receiver, a safety and a nose tackle could be targets for the Seahawks in a few weeks. They have five picks in the top 100 this year, so they have the draft capital to aid in their current roster makeover. Miller mentions University of Arizona wide receiver Teairoa McMillan as a pass-catcher that they could look to target with the No. 18 overall pick in this first round after releasing Tyler Lockett and trading DK Metcalf this offseason.
Apr 13, 2025 1:51 PM EST
ESPN's Jordan Reid writes that after the lucrative extensions of wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins this offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals are expected to devote most of their six picks in the 2025 NFL draft to drafting and developing defensive players. It also makes plenty of sense with the uncertainty surrounding All-Pro pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson. Reid believes that edge rusher and defensive tackle will be the most likely targets for Cincy in the first round with the No. 17 overall pick. On Day 2, the Bengals could go for an offensive guard because they could use a starter there. Georgia's Tate Ratledge and LSU's Miles Frazier are two players that could do well in the Bengals' system. Cincy's offense can put up points with the best of them, but there defense is very suspect, which will only be compounded if they trade Hendrickson.
Apr 13, 2025 1:31 PM EST
ESPN's Josh Weinfuss thinks the Arizona Cardinals need to select a wide receiver in the first three rounds of the 2025 NFL draft. The Cardinals already have an unquestioned WR1 in Marvin Harrison Jr. and a No. 2 in Michael Wilson, but they could use another big three-down wideout to add to an offense that also includes tight end Trey McBride and running back James Conner. Opposing teams paid a lot of attention to Harrison last year, so it wouldn't be a surprise if they add to the receiver room to give quarterback Kyler Murray another option when Harrison is double-teamed. ESPN's Matt Miller was told that when Arizona is on the clock at No. 16 overall in the first round, they will likely go defense. They also have only six picks in this year's draft, so Miller wouldn't be surprised if the Cardinals trade back in Round 1 to accumulate more draft capital.
Apr 13, 2025 12:16 AM EST
Both ESPN's Marc Raimondi and Jordan Reid think that the Atlanta Falcons need to prioritize the defensive side of the ball in this year's NFL draft. Their pass rush and coverage are the two most glaring needs, as they had the second-fewest sacks (31) and allowed the second-most passing touchdowns (34) in 2024. Due to their salary-cap constraints, the Falcons weren't able to make an impact signing in free agency at those positions, making it even more vital that they hit on those positions in the draft. An AFC scout told Reid that they'd "be stunned if they don't take a defensive lineman." The Falcons hold the No. 15 overall pick, and there will be plenty of D-line options at that spot, including Marshall edge rusher Mike Green and Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart.
Apr 13, 2025 12:08 AM EST
ESPN's Matt Miller writes that tight end is the obvious first-round target for the Indianapolis Colts going into the 2025 NFL draft. The Colts had the fewest receptions from its tight ends in the league last year, so both Penn State's Tyler Warren and Michigan's Colston Loveland makes sense for Indy for both need and value at No. 14 overall. ESPN's Stephen Holder believes the Colts will build from the inside out in this draft after losing starting offensive linemen Ryan Kelly and Will Fries in free agency and edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo, who led the team's defensive line in snap counts in 2024. The Colts may go with a tight end with their first-round pick, but if they do, expect them to address the depth on both their offensive and defensive lines after that, starting with the No. 45 overall pick in the second round. The Colts definitely need a reliable target in the middle of the field for one of Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones at QB.
Apr 11, 2025 12:34 PM EST
ESPN's Nick Wagoner thinks that defensive line is the San Francisco 49ers' biggest priority heading into this year's NFL draft, and they arguably need three new starters on the defensive line next to edge rusher Nick Bosa. They need significant upgrades after releasing starting defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins and edge rusher Leonard Floyd this offseason. The good news is that this draft is deep on the defensive line, and it's why many pundits have San Fran projected to take Texas A&M defensive tackle Shemar Stewart early on. "This should be an all-trenches draft if [Kyle] Shanahan can resist picking skill players," said a rival NFC scout. It will be a pivotal draft for the Niners (they have 11 picks) after a disappointing and injury-riddled 2024 campaign that ended without a playoff berth.
Apr 11, 2025 12:18 PM EST
Despite the Chicago Bears being aggressive in acquiring offensive linemen this offseason, ESPN's Courtney Cronin isn't ruling out the team addressing their offensive line at No. 10 overall in this year's NFL draft, especially since incumbent starting left tackle Braxton Jones (ankle) is expected to be limited at the start of training camp this summer after having ankle surgery. It's unlikely that Kiran Amegadjie will be without legitimate competition at the position while Jones recovers. General manager Ryan Poles talked about "short-term versus long-term thinking" at the league meetings, potentially signaling Chicago will use their first-round pick on a left tackle to start grooming him for the future. After drafting quarterback Caleb Williams first overall last year, protecting him for the long term will be of utmost importance.
Apr 10, 2025 10:40 PM EST
ESPN New York's Rich Cimini thinks the chances are good that the New York Jets go offense with the No. 7 overall pick in this year's NFL draft, taking either a plug-and-play right tackle like Missouri's Armand Membou or a much-needed aerial target for new quarterback Justin Fields like Penn State tight end Tyler Warren. The Jets have holes on their offensive line and at receiver, as their only current dependable pass-catcher is Garrett Wilson. Receiver, right tackle and cornerback should be New York's primary focus on Days 1 and 2 of the draft. ESPN's Matt Miller says that there has been some chatter about the Jets potentially drafting a running back -- maybe Boise State's Ashton Jeanty if the Raiders pass on him at No. 6 -- but they definitely have more pressing needs.
Apr 10, 2025 10:24 PM EST
ESPN's Jordan Reid writes that cornerback could be a position that the Las Vegas Raiders target early in this year's NFL draft, especially if they trade down from No. 6 overall. University of Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron is an option for Vegas if they trade back, according to multiple league sources. ESPN's Ryan McFadden also wouldn't be surprised if the Raiders go with an offensive lineman or cornerback with their first-round selection. The most obvious pairing, though, is for the Raiders to take Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, the Heisman Trophy runner-up. Vegas could use another instant-impact offensive threat to pair with second-year tight end Brock Bowers, and new head coach Pete Carroll is no stranger to taking a RB in the first round -- Seattle took Rashaad Penny 27th overall in 2018. During Carroll's 14-year tenure in Seattle, he took six offensive players in the first round.
Apr 10, 2025 10:12 PM EST
ESPN's Jordan Reid writes that there seems to be three potential outcomes for the New York Giants at No. 3 overall in this year's NFL draft, assuming the Tennessee Titans take Miami quarterback Cam Ward at No. 1 overall. There three options are Colorado wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter, Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter, and Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders. The offseason additions of veteran quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston give the Giants flexibility to add the best player available when they are on the clock, and general manager Joe Schoen stressed at the league meetings recently that the team would only go with a signal-caller "if the value was right." Carter could help a lethal pass-rush trio with Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Hunter would give the G-Men intriguing possibilities on both offense and defense. As things currently stand, Sanders could be looking at all fall outside of the top three picks.
Apr 10, 2025 9:48 PM EST
The Carolina Panthers are continuing to evaluate quarterback Bryce Young, and adding high-caliber pass-catchers around him will be critical in that process. However, the team ranked last in total yards allowed per game (404.5) last season and is expected to use most of its nine picks in the 2025 NFL Draft to address that side of the ball. According to Panthers reporter David Newton, seven of the nine picks being used on defense is a fair estimate, and it's almost a guarantee Carolina will use its first-round pick on a front-seven defender. Georgia edge rushers Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker are potential targets in the top 10 of this month's draft. In a weak overall wide receiver class, Carolina could wait until the later rounds to address that need.
Apr 10, 2025 2:43 PM EST
The Cleveland Browns hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and despite the need at quarterback after the failed Deshaun Watson experience, the team is expected to take either Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter or Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter with the early selection. However, ESPN's Jordan Reid speculates that Cleveland could either trade back into the first round to select or quarterback or address the position in Round 2 with the No. 33 overall selection. Colorado's Shedeur Sanders or Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart are potential targets if a trade-up occurs, while Alabama's Jalen Milroe or Louisville's Tyler Shough would make sense at the start of Day 2. For now, Kenny Pickett is penciled in as Cleveland's starter, but the team will almost certainly select a quarterback at some point in late April's draft.
Apr 10, 2025 2:33 PM EST
The Tennessee Titans are overwhelmingly expected to pick Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Ward will give Tennessee its potential franchise quarterback, but the team still needs to address the wide receiver spot behind Calvin Ridley, who posted over 1,000 yards in his first year with the organization. According to ESPN's Matt Miller, Tennessee is expected to be aggressive in adding a wideout and could trade back into the first round to land Missouri's Luther Burden III or Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka. The two pass-catchers were all-conference performers in the SEC and Big Ten, respectively last season. That said, one or both wide receivers could be available with the Titans' No. 35 overall pick, so all options are on the table.
Apr 10, 2025 2:28 PM EST
University of Baylor wide receiver Hal Presley visited with the Denver Broncos this week, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Presley isn't one of the bigger names in the receiver draft class this year, but the Broncos could look to target the 6-foot-3, 210-pounder in the later rounds of this year's draft as they look to add weapons on offense for impressive young quarterback Bo Nix. Presley finished his senior year with Baylor in 2024 with 31 catches for 429 yards and three touchdowns. Denver currently has Courtland Sutton as their unquestioned WR1, but they could use additional depth at the position alongside Marvin Mims Jr., Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin. The Broncos also added tight end Evan Engram in free agency, and he could end up being one of the most targeted pass-catchers in 2025.
Apr 10, 2025 1:53 PM EST
The Jacksonville Jaguars have "no plans right now" to pick up linebacker Devin Lloyd's fifth-year option, according to head coach Liam Coen. According to NFL.com, the team is still working to get to know Lloyd before deciding on the 2022 first-round pick. Since being taken with the No. 27 overall pick, Lloyd has racked up 335 tackles (195 solo), two sacks, one forced fumble, four fumble recoveries, four interceptions, 19 pass deflections, and 22.5 run stuffs in 48 career games. The Jaguars are in the middle of a soft rebuild under a new regime, so the organization will continue to be meticulous with its personnel decisions.
Apr 9, 2025 2:30 PM EST
Copyright 2024 Fantasy Football Calculator | Image Source: Icon Sportswire. Not affiliated with the National Football League (NFL).
Stats powered by FantasyData.com.
