2025 NFL Draft - Pro Football Rumors

Panthers Acquire 77th Pick From Patriots, Select Princely Umanmielen

April 25th, 2025 at 9:10pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Panthers traded up with the Patriots to acquire the 77th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft and selected Ole Miss edge rusher Princely Umanmielen.

Carolina will send their third-rounder (No. 85 overall) and fifth-rounder (No. 146 overall) to New England, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

Umanmielen has a solid, NFL-ready frame but relies too much on speed and finesse to beat blocks with lackluster power and physicality. He started for two seasons at Florida before transferring to Ole Miss and recording 10.5 sacks in 2024, the second-most of any SEC defender. The 23-year-old will have to improve his ability to set the edge in the NFL, but his speed and bend off the edge will make him an effective pass-rusher. He also showed the ability to drop into coverage in college; while that’s not his strength, it does add some versatility to his game.

The Panthers were expected to take an EDGE with the No. 8 pick, but opted to add Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan instead. They then used their next two picks on edge rushers, selecting Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton at No. 51 and double-dipping with Umanmielen at 77.

Carolina has veteran players who will likely top the depth chart in 2025 in Jadeveon Clowney, D.J. Wonnum, and Patrick Jones, but Scourton and Umanmielen should play a role in the pass rush as rookies.

Jaguars Trade No. 70 To Lions

April 25th, 2025 at 8:41pm CST by Sam Robinson

For the second time tonight, the Lions have traded up. After their swap with the Broncos, the NFC North champions agreed to acquire No. 70 from the Jaguars.

Detroit made a major Day 3 sacrifice with its previous trade, giving up a fourth-rounder in a second-round swap that only brought back a Denver seventh. The Lions are adding wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa out of Arkansas.

Terms of this deal point to the Lions placing a high value on TeSlaa, as they are sending two 2026 third-round picks to the Jaguars in the swap. That will be the cost for Detroit to move up from No. 102 to 70. The Jags are also sending No. 182 and a 2026 sixth-rounder to the Lions.

This certainly represents a notable cost for Detroit to pay, as Jacksonville will drop 32 spots in this round in exchange for two more Day 2 selections in 2026. Some pressure will be on TeSlaa to justify this haul, but he will head back to Michigan — having transferred from Hillsdale College, a Division II school — after averaging 19.5 yards per catch with the Razorbacks last season. TeSlaa also played quarterback in high school, eventually shifting into the slot at Arkansas.

The 6-foot-4 target, who totaled 545 receiving yards and three TDs last season, will join a Lions team that just picked up Jameson Williams‘ fifth-year option. Detroit, which gave Amon-Ra St. Brown a lucrative extension last year, also re-signed Tim Patrick in March. TeSlaa will have a chance to learn from some veteran presences early, but Patrick is only on a one-year deal — in an age-32 season.

Ravens Select Mike Green With 59th Pick

April 25th, 2025 at 8:14pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Ravens have selected Marshall edge rusher Mike Green with the 59th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, ending the 21-year-old’s slide after an initial first-round projection.

Accusations of sexual assault have raised significant character concerns about Green, who racked up 17.0 sacks in 2024 and posted elite agility numbers at his pro day. He was linked to multiple teams in the first round, including the Falcons, but concerns about his past knocked him off of multiple teams’ boards, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Green’s selection by the Ravens will shine a spotlight on the allegations against him with the team already waiting for the results of a league investigation into Justin Tucker. Baltimore’s front office has historically prioritized high-character prospects in the draft, such as Malaki Starks, last night’s first-round selection. The team has largely avoided questions about Tucker this offseason, but drafting Green will put more attention on their approach to players with allegations of sexual misconduct off the field.

As a player, though, Green profiles as a complete edge rusher with the athleticism, bend, and violence to be a consistent sack-getter in the NFL. Against the run, he compensates for his lack of size with power and effort to set a hard edge. He played against lesser competition in the Sun Belt in college and will face a significant jump in the NFL, but his tape clearly shows the potential to be an elite pass-rusher in the pros.

Lions Acquire No. 57 From Broncos

April 25th, 2025 at 7:57pm CST by Adam La Rose

Shortly after moving down the No. 57, the Broncos have traded down once again. Denver has sent that pick and No. 230 to the the Lions for Nos. 60 and 130 (h/t Ian Rapoport of NFL Network).

With the newly-acquired selection, Detroit has added Tate Ratledge. The Georgia guard was the Lions’ pick in PFR’s first-round mock, and he is indeed headed to the Motor City. Ratledge will likely compete for a starting spot as a rookie.

Ratledge redshirted in 2020 and a foot injury limited him to only one game the following season. From that point on, he operated as a starter for the Bulldogs. Over the past two seasons, Ratledge earned first-team All-SEC acclaim; he added a first-team All-American nod in 2024.

The Lions have had one of the NFL’s top offensive lines for years. That is expected to remain the case moving forward, but the past two offseasons have seen guards Jonah Jackson and Kevin Zeitler depart in free agency. As a result, that position represented a logical target for an early draft addition on the part of Detroit.

The Lions addressed the line of scrimmage on the other side of the ball last night, adding defensive tackle Tyleik Williams at No. 28. That move did not involve a trade-up maneuver, but the fact this one did illustrates how highly-regarded Ratledge is in the organization. If he delivers on investment at the NFL level, Detroit’s offense will remain strong up front for years to come.

Broncos Deal No. 51 To Panthers In Eight-Pick Swap

April 25th, 2025 at 7:30pm CST by Sam Robinson

After entertaining trade-down options in Round 1, the Broncos stayed at No. 20. They are, however, moving down tonight. Denver will send No. 51 to Carolina.

This is an eight-pick trade, the largest of this draft thus far. The Panthers will pick up Nos. 51, 85, 122 and 208; the Broncos will obtain Nos. 57, 74, 111 and 230. With the pick, Carolina is choosing Texas A&M edge rusher Nic Scourton.

After Carolina eschewed its EDGE need by taking Tetairoa McMillan in Round 1, ex-Broncos DC Ejiro Evero will have a high-end piece to mold. The team did not do much to replace Brian Burns in 2024, but it has gotten back to work this offseason. Scourton joins ex-Vikings rotational rusher Patrick Jones as new Panthers additions at OLB.

A Purdue transfer, Scourton is coming off a five-sack season in College Station. With the Boilermakers in 2023, however, Scourton ripped off 10 sacks. Scourton still managed to remain consistent in backfield disruption, following a 15-TFL sophomore season with a 14-TFL junior slate. He will join a Panthers team coming off a last-place season defensively. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked Scourton as this draft class’ 12th-best EDGE prospect.

Carolina carried a dire EDGE need into the draft, after having addressed its D-line (via Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown) in free agency. The Broncos have not yet addressed their running back need, seeing two more potential targets (ex-Ohio State runners Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson) go off the board tonight. Denver, however, will move up in Rounds 3 and 4 via this trade.

Texans Acquire No. 48 From Raiders, Draft Aireontae Ersery

April 25th, 2025 at 7:21pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Raiders are trading down for the second time in the second round. After their Dolphins agreement, the Raiders will drop out of their No. 48 spot, sending the pick to the Texans.

Moving back up the board after its significant drop on Day 1, Houston will send Las Vegas Nos. 58 and 99 for 48, which they used on Minnesota offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery.

The Texans badly need help along the offensive line after moving on from Laremy Tunsil, Kenyon Green, and Shaq Mason this offseason. They were widely expected to use a first-round pick on an O-lineman and even explored trading up in Round 1 to land their preferred blocker. Such a deal never came to fruition, and the Texans instead traded their first-rounder (No. 24 overall) to the Giants in exchange for the 34th and 99th picks, as well as a 2026 third-rounder.

Houston even used the 34th pick on wide receiver Jayden Higgins, but they moved back up to bolster their offensive line with Ersery, a 6-foot-6, 331-pound offensive tackle who profiles as a long-term blindside blocker for C.J. Stroud. The Texans signed Cam Robinson to a one-year deal in March, so he’ll likely start at left tackle in 2025, giving Ersery time to develop his technique and consistency.

Cardinals Draft CB Will Johnson At No. 47

April 25th, 2025 at 7:18pm CST by Adam La Rose

Will Johnson‘s slide down the board has come to an end. The Cardinals used pick No. 47 on the Michigan cornerback.

Johnson was long seen as one of the top defenders in general and cover men in particular in the 2025 draft class. He was thus regarded as a first-round lock for much of the pre-draft process. However, concerns over a knee injury recently opened the door for Johnson needing to wait awhile to hear his name called.

A three-year contributor with the Wolverines, the junior faced high expectations entering the 2024 season. During Michigan’s title run the year before, Johnson proved to be a pivotal figure; the All-American earned Defensive MVP honors in the national championship game. Last year, however, he dealt with multiple injuries and was limited to just six games as a result.

Johnson faced questions about his long speed, and his decision to not run the 40-yard dash at the Combine or his Pro Day furthered concerns on that front. Nevertheless, the potential remains for him to operate as a starting boundary corner at the NFL level based on his footwork and football IQ. He will look to do so upon arrival in Arizona.

The Cardinals ranked mid-pack in terms of passing yards allowed last season. Still, plenty of room exists for upgrading in the secondary, especially after the team addressed the defensive front last night (Walter Nolen). Johnson will join a CB room led by Sean Murphy-Bunting along with recent draftees Garrett Williams, Elijah Jones and Max Melton.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported early today some teams see Johnson as a one-contract player due to his knee issue. The Cardinals are clearly not one of them, but it will be interesting to see how his early NFL career tenure plays out on the health front.

Bills Obtain No. 41 From Bears In Six-Pick Swap

April 25th, 2025 at 6:48pm CST by Adam La Rose

Buffalo will use one of its two second-round picks to move up the board. The Bills are acquiring No. 41 from the Bears in a six-pick trade.

The Bills will add Nos. 41, 72 and 240, while the Bears are picking up Nos. 56, 62 and 109. Chicago came into the draft with two second-rounders as well, holding an extra pick from the 2023 Bryce Young swap. Buffalo selected South Carolina defensive tackle T.J. Sanders.

Defensive tackle was seen as a roster need entering the draft for Buffalo. As a result, many pointed to the opening round as a time when adding along the D-line could be targeted. Instead, the Bills made a notable secondary addition by drafting cornerback Maxwell Hairston. Now, Sanders has been selected as a contender to see plenty of playing time right away.

Yet to turn 22, Sanders demonstrated plenty of potential over the course of his final two campaigns with the Gamecocks. He totaled 16.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks during that span. While concerns have been raised about his run defense, Sanders will be counted on to provide a pass-rush presence early and often in Buffalo. The team compiled 37 sacks last season, 21st in the NFL.

Ed Oliver remains attached to a $17MM-per-year contract, and he will be tasked with reprising his starting gig in 2025. Veteran DaQuan Jones and free agent addition Larry Ogunjobi are also in the fold, as is 2024 third-rounder DeWayne Carter. Plenty of snaps will be devoted to that group, but the Bills’ decision to trade up for Sanders indicates he should be involved as a rookie as well. If he develops as hoped, he will provide Buffalo with another long-term option along the defensive interior.

Patriots Select RB TreVeyon Henderson At No. 38

April 25th, 2025 at 6:37pm CST by Adam La Rose

After making an expected addition along the offensive line last night, the Patriots have targeted a backfield move in the second round. New England has drafted running back TreVeyon Henderson at No. 38.

The Ohio State product remained a key figure on offense during his four years with the program. That included a carer-best 7.1 yards per carry average in 2024 as he helped the Buckeyes to a national championship. Henderson also matched his personal best with 27 receptions last year, further demonstrating his two-way skillset.

Efficiency on the ground and through the air helped endear Pats offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to Henderson, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network notes. Strong work with respect to pass protection is always a solid path to playing time for young running backs as they enter the NFL. In this case, that should result in plenty of opportunities in New England for 2025.

The Patriots finished 31st in the league in total offense last season. While the team ranked in the top half of the NFL in terms of rushing totals, it comes as little surprise a rookie backfield addition has been made early in the draft. Henderson will now join veterans Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson at the RB spot with New England.

Stevenson was benched at times in 2024 due to fumbling issues, leaving Gibson in place as the team’s lead back. Both are on the books for multiple years, so they should remain in the fold for at least next season. However, Henderson should be able to carve out a role for himself on third downs given his strength in pass protection. It will be interesting to see if his workload expands beyond that early on.

Protecting quarterback Drake Maye was a priority on Thursday with the selection of offensive tackle Will Campbell fourth overall. That has remained a goal into Day 2 as New England looks to continue making changes on offense under head coach Mike Vrabel.

Dolphins Acquire No. 37 From Raiders

April 25th, 2025 at 6:26pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Dolphins are jumping up to No. 37, acquiring the pick from the Raiders. Miami will send Las Vegas Nos. 48, 98 and 135 for Nos. 37 and 143, NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo tweets.

Jonah Savaiinaea is heading to South Beach with the newly acquired pick. The Arizona O-lineman will help a Dolphins team that was linked to blockers in Round 1. Miami, however, went with Michigan DT Kenneth Grant. But it is circling back to an interior O-line need.

Losing Robert Hunt in free agency last year, the Dolphins are attacking their guard need this offseason by adding James Daniels (after his three-year Steelers stint) and now bringing in a second-round reinforcement. Savaiinaea profiles as a guard for the Dolphins, who had lost 2024 starter Robert Jones to the Cowboys in free agency. While Miami re-signed Liam Eichenberg, the former second-rounder profiles as more stopgap at this point. He is on a one-year deal.

A three-year Arizona starter, Savaiinaea only earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors last season — as the conference expanded significantly — and honorable mention All-Pac-12 acclaim in 2023. But he ranked highly during the pre-draft process. The powerful blocker checked in at 324 pounds and rated as the fourth-ranked guard in this class, per The Athletic’s Dane Brugler. Savaiinaea also saw extensive time at right tackle with the Wildcats, teaming with 2024 Packers first-rounder Jordan Morgan.

Miami has Austin Jackson signed for two more years at right tackle, and the former first-rounder has strung together two mostly healthy seasons. Savaiinaea, however, should have a clear path to start opposite Daniels at Miami’s other guard spot, as Aaron Brewer remains in place at center on a line that will feature 2024 second-rounder Patrick Paul stepping in for Terron Armstead at LT.

2025 NFL Draft News & Rumors