2025 NFL Draft News & Rumors

Broncos Pushing To Acquire Top-10 Pick

April 24th, 2025 at 7:14pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Broncos have been linked to moving up or down in the first round of tonight’s draft. It is clear a trade closer to the top of the board is the team’s goal at this point.

Denver is making an “aggressive push” to acquire a top-10 pick, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports. This runs counter to what came out — from both Russini and ESPN’s Adam Schefter over the past 24 hours — but the Broncos had been tied to potentially moving up earlier this week. As Denver plans appear fluid (or the messaging, or both), the team may well become the second tonight to trade up inside the top 10 — foll0wing Jacksonville’s blockbuster move.

The team has been tied to adding skill-position help. George Paton confirmed the Broncos will draft a running back, but it is worth wondering if the team would be ready to pull the trigger early. The Browns now sit at No. 5, having bailed on the Travis Hunter draft slot for a major haul. While Cleveland could use RB help post-Nick Chubb, Denver would make sense as an Ashton Jeanty suitor. Though, it would take a monster trade package to climb from No. 20 to Jeanty real estate.

Russini’s Wednesday offering indicated the Broncos were content at No. 20 and were not inclined to pay a trade-up price to climb up for a running back. ESPN.com’s Matt Miller also noted the Broncos viewed a wide receiver or tight end as a first-round priority over the much-mocked RB move. It might take a climb into the top 10 to land either Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland, and the Broncos lessened their need to upgrade there by giving Evan Engram a two-year, $23MM deal.

It would be interesting if the Broncos, who focused otherwise on defense during free agency, opted for a non-skill-position pick via a trade-up maneuver. The team re-signed D.J. Jones and added Talanoa Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw in March, fortifying a defense that ranked in the top five last season. Denver also has its five O-line starters returning, with all but center Luke Wattenberg signed beyond 2025. It will be interesting to see how this shakes out, as the Broncos could also use their No. 20 pick as a destination for clubs eyeing a vault in front of the QB-needy Steelers (No. 21). Rumored earlier today, this scenario might be Plan B for the AFC West team.

Bears Attempting To Trade Up; RB Ashton Jeanty Seen As Target

April 24th, 2025 at 7:04pm CST by Adam La Rose

7:04pm: In the event the Browns reach agreement on a trade for the No. 2 pick, they could move further down the order. Russini’s colleague Jeff Howe reports the Bears could see the fifth overall selection as a target to move up for Jeanty. Plenty of moving parts are still in play, but Chicago could become a team to watch soon.

4:25pm: As the countdown to the draft continues, movement near the top of the board remains something to watch for. The Bears could find themselves higher up the order than No. 10 shortly.

Chicago is among the teams attempting to pull of a trade-up maneuver, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports. The Browns and Giants have fielded calls for the second and third overall selections, but teams such as the Panthers (at No. 8) have made it clear they would be a willing trade partner. To little surprise, Russini adds the Bears’ ongoing efforts are aimed at putting them in range to draft Ashton Jeanty.

On more than one occasion, the Boise State running back has been named as a prospect Chicago is highly interested in. A trade up the board has long been considered necessary given Jeanty’s projected landing spots, though. The Raiders at No. 6 were reported as a logical destination, something general manager John Spytek has done nothing to dispel in the lead-in to the draft. More recently, however, the Jaguars have seen their links to Mason Graham fade in favor of Jeanty connections. As a result, the possibility of the latter being selected fifth overall is one to monitor.

Jeanty finished second in Heisman voting in 2024 off the back of his stellar campaign. The junior posted massive production during his time in college, establishing himself as the top prospect in what is considered a very strong running back class. He is expected to deliver an immediate impact in whichever backfield he finds himself in at the NFL level.

In the case of the Bears, that would consist of splitting time with D’Andre Swift. The 2024 free agent addition has two years remaining on his deal, including guarantees for the coming campaign. Swift’s security for the immediate future has led some to question the idea of Chicago pursuing a running back early in the draft, especially after Swift posted a new career high in scrimmage yards (1,345) in 2024. Other roster holes – such as left tackle, edge rush and defensive line – represent other likely priorities with respect to rookie additions.

Targeting a prospect at one of those spots could of course remain in play in the event the Bears are unable to work out a trade agreement. If teams like the Jags or Raiders are amenable to sliding to the back of the top-10 order, though, Jeanty could very well wind up in the Windy City to begin his pro career.

Draft Notes: Jets, Panthers, Warren, Cousins

April 24th, 2025 at 6:53pm CST by Adam La Rose

Set to select seventh overall, the Jets sit in an interesting position as things stand. A number of options will be available to the new regime of Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn, many of which have already been mentioned.

Another one has emerged as the countdown to the first round nears its end. SNY’s Connor Hughes reports receiver Tetairoa McMillan has specifically been named as a potential target. The Arizona product has seen his stock shift over the course of the pre-draft process, but hearing his name called early tonight remains a distinct possibility.

Glenn has been reported to be pushing a defensive addition on Day 1, but Hughes notes the selection of an offensive lineman or a skill-position player remains the focus of attention around the team. Right tackle represents a need, while selecting a receiver or tight end would add to an offense which has undergone plenty of changes this offseason. If McMillan is on the board at No. 7, it will be interesting to see how the team proceeds. A pursuit of running back Ashton Jeanty – the subject of trade-up efforts by the Bears – meanwhile, should not be expected, ESPN’s Rich Cimini adds.

Here are some other last-minute draft notes:

For now, at least, the Panthers are scheduled to select after the Jets. Trading down has long loomed as a possibility for general manager Dan Morgan, and that remains the case at this point. If Carolina stays at No. 8, The Athletic’s Joe Person reports Jalon Walker is still the “presumed pick” as things stand. That comes as no surprise given the long-running links to the Georgia linebacker/edge rusher. Otherwise, Person names Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham as an option, along with McMillan if the team is moved toward an offensive addition.
Tyler Warren is considered one of two first-round locks at the tight end spot. He is a strong candidate to be drafted in the top 10 as a result, but teams outside that range are interested as well. The Colts are among them, per Hughes. That comes as no surprise, given the constant connections made between Indianapolis and the team targeting a TE move with Warren or Michigan’s Colston Loveland. The Colts own pick No. 14, so a trade up the board would be required for Warren in particular.
Moves up and down the order have reportedly received consideration in the case of the Broncos. The latest update on that front comes from Person’s colleague Dianna Russini, who reports Denver is looking to trade up from No. 20. A running back or other skill-position player could be the target of such a move, depending on where in the order the team lands. Since the Broncos own the pick one spot before the Steelers (a potential QB landing spot), they will remain a team to watch closely in any event.
How things shake out at the quarterback position will be key as it pertains to Kirk Cousins. The veteran looms as an option for teams which are unable to select a rookie this weekend as he seeks a fresh start and starting opportunity. Underdog Fantasy’s James Palmer reports Cousins could waive his no-trade clause as early as tomorrow based on the QB landscape at that point. Day 2 looms as a time when many teams could add signal-callers, however, and Palmer adds a more likely scenario would be for the one-year Falcons passer to wait until after the first three rounds take place to decide on how he wants to proceed. Cousins, 36, wants to avoid a repeat of how Atlanta operated last offseason but by the end of the draft there could of course be few (if any) suitors left in need of a short-term addition under center.

Falcons Expected To Take Edge Rusher In 1st Round

April 24th, 2025 at 5:33pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

TODAY, 5:33pm: While the Falcons have interest in adding some pass-rush help, they may end up pivoting if the right trade comes around. According to Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda.com, the Falcons are willing to move down from No. 15 if they receive the “right offer.” The Falcons haven’t made a first-round trade since 2019, when they acquired No. 31 from the Rams in a move that landed them Kaleb McGary.

TODAY, 1:15pm: The Falcons are widely expected to target an edge rusher in the first round of tonight’s draft, with Tennessee’s James Pearce and Marshall’s Mike Green frequently listed as potential fits.

Atlanta swapped out veteran edge defenders this offseason, signing Leonard Floyd after letting Matt Judon hit free agency. Floyd is entering his age-33 season, so the team is likely looking for a long-term option to pair with 2022 second-rounder Arnold Ebiketie.

Pearce and Green – two of the class’ most athletic, productive edge rushers – have both been linked to the Falcons, per Diana Russini of The Athletic. Pearce had 17.5 sacks across his last two seasons at Tennessee and led all edge rushers with a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at the Combine. Green had 22.5 sacks in 2024 alone and posted elite agility numbers at his pro day.

However, both players have character flags that the team will need to evaluate, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. Green’s flags stem from multiple accusations of sexual assault in his past, which might take him off some teams’ boards altogether. More nebulous concerns about Pearce are connected to his maturity, so a team with confidence in their coaching staff and locker room culture may believe they can get the most out of him.

Both Pearce and Green were listed as primary options for the Falcons by ESPN’s Matt Miller, as well as Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart. Stewart has an even more appealing athletic profile than Pearce and Green, but lacked the same production in college. He has an NFL-ready frame with excellent explosiveness, but recorded only 1.5 sacks in each of his last three seasons at College Station.

The Falcons’ consistent links to Pearce and Green suggest they will prioritize the college production of Pearce and Green over Stewart’s upside. If none of the three are available, Atlanta may pivot to Georgia’s Mykel Williams, who is widely thought to be the next-best edge rusher in the class.

Jaguars Actively Seeking Trade-Up; Browns Aiming To Keep Round 2 Pick

April 24th, 2025 at 4:56pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Jaguars bailed on their GM plan late in their HC search process, and their solution (ex-Rams exec James Gladstone) is captivating interest ahead of his first draft at the controls. Jags trade-up rumors persist.

Mentioned earlier as a team exploring a trade-up, the Jags are now “actively trying” to move up from No. 5, The Athletic’s Jeff Howe notes. This came shortly after colleague Dianna Russini indicated teams in the top 10 expected Jacksonville to make a splash early.

Potentially trying to move as high as No. 2 overall, the Jaguars look to have Travis Hunter in their sights. It would not take a climb to 2 to acquire rumored target Ashton Jeanty, who has drawn Bears trade-up interest. The Browns are still believed to be dangling their No. 2 pick, but it would certainly take a haul to move them out of range for the two-way phenom.

Although a rumor circulated about the Browns attempting to trade back into the first round for a quarterback, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler adds they would prefer to hang onto their No. 33 overall pick due to the leverage of holding the top Day 2 choice. Multiple teams have shown interest in coming up, per Fowler. It is not known if a true bidding war is upon us just yet, but the Jags have certainly made it known they are serious about acquiring the Browns’ top pick.

The Jags are coming off a wildly disappointing season, one that came after the franchise authorized the three most lucrative contracts (for Trevor Lawrence, Josh Hines-Allen and Tyson Campbell) in its history. They fired Trent Baalke late into their HC search process, and that move preceded Liam Coen reconsidering his stance about signing on as the team’s HC. As a result, Coen leads the Jags; Gladstone, however, certainly has significant input as the new GM.

Hunter would quality as perhaps the splashiest draft move in team history, considering his two-way skills and high-end potential at wideout or cornerback. He would provide an elite complement to Campbell and/or Brian Thomas Jr. The Jags kept their cards close to the vest by not conducting any “30” visits this year, a sharp deviation from normal pre-draft protocol. During draft week, the Jeanty and Hunter buzz has leaked out. And we are moving close to time for the Browns to make a decision. Though, two hours remain for Cleveland to hear offers.

Rams, Saints, Steelers Showing Interest In Jaxson Dart

April 24th, 2025 at 4:48pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Brian Daboll–Jaxson Dart connections preceding a report that pegged Shedeur Sanders as the QB2 on the Giants’ big board illustrates where we are on the NFL calendar effectively. This is peak smokescreen season.

Dart, though, was among the QBs to gain momentum as the pre-draft process wore on. The chance he becomes this draft’s second QB chosen, over Sanders, is squarely on the radar, according to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe. While Ely Allen’s PFR mock placed Dart ahead of Sanders, the latter falling to the QB3 slot in this draft — after being viewed as close to Cam Ward late last year — would be a blow for the second-generation NFL prospect. Daniel Jeremiah’s final NFL.com big board places Sanders 20th and Dart 36th.

A Malik Willis-like fall seems unlikely for Sanders, given the number of teams looking for quarterbacks, but his stock has undeniably taken a hit during the pre-draft process. Dart would stand to benefit, with Howe adding the Saints, Steelers and Rams are showing interest in the Ole Miss product. All three hosted Dart on “30” visits.

A Rams-Tyler Shough connection also emerged this week, and while it seemed then like the team would not use its first-round pick (No. 26) on a Matthew Stafford successor (as opposed to arming the roster to help the aging QB), this Dart rumor gives such a decision some legs. Stafford is under contract for two more seasons, but his contract adjustment still has not been revealed.

The Saints were tied to Dart a few weeks ago, and they have certainly done plenty of work on the QB. PFR’s mock sent Dart to New Orleans, but the team is not expected to want to use its No. 9 overall pick for a passer. Of course, if the Saints balk, they run the risk of missing out on their preferred second-tier QB option in this draft. And they still do not have Derek Carr clarity.

If the Saints do delay their QB need at 9, the Steelers will become the team to watch. Clubs already look to be closely monitoring Pittsburgh for a QB pick, as Denver’s No. 20 selection has come up in trade rumors. The Steelers (No. 21) appear to be sending signals in all directions, as Mike Tomlin is believed to back Sanders. Dart has come up on multiple occasions here as well, and a trade-down rumor — as the Steelers initially did not expect Sanders to fall out of the top 10 — also emerged.

As Aaron Rodgers has continued to leave the Steelers hanging, they have a decision to make soon. If Carr is able to play in 2025, the Saints and Rams have starter-caliber options to deploy. The Steelers would have a basement-level option in Mason Rudolph, highlighting their high-stakes draft.

Walter Nolen Expected To Go In Top 15; 49ers Listed As Potential Fit

April 24th, 2025 at 4:12pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen could be taken earlier in the first round than expected, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. Some teams even have Nolen ranked higher than Michigan’s Mason Graham, the consensus DT1 in the class and an expected top-10 pick.

Nolen’s explosiveness and physicality give him the potential to be an impactful interior disruptor in the NFL, but he needs to improve the mental aspects of his game to reach that upside. Nolen has character concerns – specifically a perceived sense of entitlement and lack of maturity – but an organization like the 49ers with a strong culture and leaders in their defensive line room could bet on their ability to develop him as a player and a person.

Nolen’s late rise could even see him break into the first 10 picks with multiple links to the Panthers at No. 8, per ESPN’s Matt Miller. Carolina, however, has also been repeatedly connected to Georgia linebacker/edge rusher Jalon Walker, which would make Nolen a minor surprise.

Miller also listed the 49ers and the Cowboys as potential landing spots just outside of the top 10, though both teams may have other positional prioritize. Dallas seems poised to add a wide receiver or offensive lineman, and San Francisco is expected to take an edge rusher at 11, per The Athletic’s Diana Russini.

Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. could be target for the Cowboys at 12, according to Miller, but the 49ers are expected to add at least one guard in the draft, per Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. Banks played tackle in college, but 33.5-inch arms are on the short side for the position in the NFL. His elite movement skills could make him an excellent guard in San Francisco’s wide zone scheme right away as he trains to replace Trent Williams at left tackle in the long-term. The 11th pick was specifically mentioned as a floor for Banks by Breer, indicating that he’s in play for the 49ers’ first-rounder.

Browns, Texans Complete Pre-Draft Trade

April 24th, 2025 at 4:00pm CST by Sam Robinson

While we are still two hours away from a pick becoming official, the Browns and Texans are making a change to their draft hauls. The AFC teams have agreed on a swap involving Day 3 picks.

Cleveland will pick up a fifth-rounder in this draft and a fifth in 2027 in exchange for three later-round choices this year, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets. Here are the full terms of the swap:

Browns receive:

2025 fifth-round pick (No. 166)
2027 fifth-rounder

Texans receive:

2025 sixth-round pick (No. 179)
No. 216
No. 255

This trade does not check in on the level of Houston’s pre-draft exchange with Minnesota last year, as that involved a first-round pick going to the Vikings. But the Browns are still capitalizing on their 10-pick arsenal to move up on Day 3. Cleveland’s 2025 selection count will drop from 10 to eight via this trade, and while sixth- and seventh-round picks may not move the needle much, teams are high on this draft’s depth.

The No. 166 choice came from the Bills in last year’s Stefon Diggs trade, while each of the picks the Browns are sending the Texans’ way are their own selections. Houston will see its 2025 selection count jump from seven to nine, providing more opportunities for late-round fliers (or more trades). The Texans now have five picks between Rounds 6 and 7 this year.

Cleveland has been tied to using the No. 2 overall pick as a way to stockpile more draft ammo, with the storyline persisting over the past two days. It still looks more likely than not the Browns end up with Travis Hunter at 2, but the team subtracted some late-round capital for two 5s. GM Andrew Berry has also been connected to using the No. 34 overall pick as a vehicle to trade back into Round 1, giving the Browns a chance to draft Hunter and circle back to a quarterback hours later. A fifth-rounder this year would be an asset to use in that event. It will now be worth monitoring if higher-profile moves are on tap.

Browns Still Fielding Calls For No. 2; Jaguars Interested In Trading Up

April 24th, 2025 at 3:33pm CST by Sam Robinson

3:33pm: Andrew Berry has listened to offers, and Russini adds that many around the league believe the sixth-year Browns GM would be willing to slide down a few spots. This would line up with the Jaguars’ No. 5 draft slot, and it will be interesting to learn what kind of offer the AFC South team has made. Again, it will likely take a significant trade package to move the Browns off Hunter, but this storyline is not dying down as the draft nears.

1:23pm: Many moving parts exist for the Browns in this draft. They are not believed to view the available quarterbacks — assuming the Titans start the draft with Cam Ward, as they are expected to — as worth the No. 2 overall pick, which has prompted looks into coming back into Round 1 to address that spot. But other options may still be in play.

Cleveland is still having conversations about sliding down from No. 2 overall, with Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz classifying these as genuine rather than mere check-ins from teams. As the draft nears, we are moving past the check-in stage. The Browns are still listening for a trade that would stand to move them out of the Travis Hunter/Abdul Carter draft sector.

Hunter is viewed as the clubhouse leader to go second overall, even though Carter-to-Cleveland rumblings have emerged at multiple points this spring, and the Browns are still more likely than not to draft the Heisman winner at No. 2. A Wednesday report indicated the Browns would be “foolish” to not listen to offers, however, as the team is in need at the game’s premier position. The Browns adding significant ammo by dealing No. 2 could arm them for a QB trade-up this year or next; a year out, the 2026 passer class is believed to be stronger, though moving parts exist there as well.

The Browns have also still been tied to Kirk Cousins, a former Kevin Stefanski pupil who will not waive his no-trade clause before the draft, and he could conceivably be added as a stopgap. Though, Joe Flacco already coming in for that role would stand to diminish Cleveland’s interest in a Cousins-Stefanski reunion. If the Browns exit this draft with a plan to regroup in 2026 at QB, however, Cousins would stand to be back on the table — if the Falcons can convince the AFC North club to pay some of the aging arm’s 2025 salary.

As for who could come up for this pick, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports the Jaguars have expressed interest in moving up. They join the Raiders in that regard. Hunter is believed to be the player teams are aiming for with these trade-up inquiries, and Russini confirms an offensive player is on Jacksonville’s radar.

The Jags have now been closely tied to Ashton Jeanty at No. 5. They are unlikely to need a trade-up move to acquire the Boise State dynamo, but they certainly will to add Hunter. The Browns prefer Hunter at receiver, while the Titans and Giants have identified him as a corner first. The Jags’ stance is unclear — perhaps by design, as the team clouded its draft board by not conducting any “30” visits this year.

During a Rich Eisen Show appearance, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport did not view the No. 2 pick as off-limits, either. Interest still exists in the pick, and the Jags should be considered on the radar. Though, the Browns likely would charge a premium to pass on Hunter. Jags-Tetairoa McMillan connections have surfaced; Hunter would provide a flashier upgrade at receiver. While Hunter still appears Cleveland-bound, a blockbuster that makes him the centerpiece of a new Jacksonville regime’s offseason is not out of the question entirely.

Dolphins Eyeing Trade-Down Move; Team High On OL Armand Membou?

April 24th, 2025 at 3:19pm CST by Sam Robinson

Seeing another season marred by Tua Tagovailoa injury trouble, the Dolphins are at a crossroads. They enter the draft with Jalen Ramsey on the trade block, while Tyreek Hill trade murmurs persist. The seats are most likely warming in Miami.

Holding the No. 13 overall pick tonight, the Dolphins have discussed the prospect of trading down with multiple teams, the Miami Herald’s Omar Kelly notes. The Dolphins already hold 10 picks in this draft, but the 2025 class is viewed as one featuring stronger depth and weaker top-end talent. Teams are looking to move down, but there are not many players driving trade-up pursuits.

The Dolphins lost their fourth-round pick this year in an Eagles swap for backup running back Jaylen Wright, a player who should see more time post-Raheem Mostert. But Miami still has five picks between Rounds 3-5. That should allow Chris Grier good opportunities to stock his roster ahead of a pivotal year. This will be Grier’s seventh draft with full autonomy, though he has been in his GM chair since 2016.

If the Dolphins stick at No. 13, the prospect of a D-tackle investment has surfaced. An O-line move has also come up. Tied to Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. this week, Miami also is believed to be interested in Missouri’s Armand Membou, ESPN.com’s Matt Miller notes. Membou primarily played right tackle at Mizzou but is viewed as a guard by some teams. That could work against the prospect, as LTs are the priority adds early in the first round. But steady top-10 buzz has come Membou’s way. A fall to 13 could open a path to South Beach.

While Membou’s potential as a guard may work against him, it also could help him with Miami. The team likes his ability to play guard or tackle, per Miller. The Dolphins lost Robert Hunt to a $20MM-per-year Panthers offer in 2024 and replacement Robert Jones to a low-end Cowboys deal this year. Miami signed James Daniels from Pittsburgh and retained Liam Eichenberg, but the latter is on a one-year deal. Used across the formation during his rookie-contract years, Eichenberg could fall to the swing level if the Dolphins go with Membou or Banks in Round 1.

A tackle pick would be a bit more interesting, as the Dolphins have Patrick Paul positioned to replace Terron Armstead across from established RT starter Austin Jackson. The links to this draft’s tackle class, however, point to Miami exploring a reality in which one of those players does not start. Membou, though, could start early as a guard and then kick out to tackle down the road.

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