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2025 NFL Draft News & Rumors

Falcons Sign First-Round OLB Jalon Walker

May 9th, 2025 at 7:30pm CST by Ely Allen

The Falcons have one of the NFL’s smaller classes to sign after taking only five rookies in the 2025 NFL Draft, and they’ll open up their signings with their top draft selection, outside linebacker Jalon Walker. The versatile defender’s first NFL contract will be a four-year, $20.56MM deal.

For much of the pre-draft process Walker was considered a top prospect at both off-ball linebacker and pass rusher. The 21-year-old spent time all over the defense throughout his time at Georgia. His first two seasons in Athens saw him spend more time on the edge than in the box. His final year with the Bulldogs, though, saw him shift to more of an off-ball role, though he still spent about 40 percent of his time on the edge.

When Atlanta announced his selection two weeks ago, they intentionally labeled him as a “defensive end,” giving some insight into how he could be used at the next level. He and fellow first-round, former-SEC pass rusher James Pearce should push Leonard Floyd and Arnold Ebiketie for some starting snaps on the edge. Even if they can’t unseat the veterans, their presence still provides a significant improvement in the depth of the position for the Falcons.

While lacking ideal size, Walker has good length and speed to rush on the outside, and his eye for the ball and change of direction ability make him much more useful than just a pure pass rusher in the backfield. He works well through the mesh of blocks along the line, but when in a one-on-one matchup, he can often get erased. Still, his tenacity and room for growth make for a strong potential future in Atlanta.

The team announced later in the day that third-round Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts, fourth-round Oklahoma safety Billy Bowman Jr., and seventh-round Wisconsin tackle Jack Nelson all signed their rookie deals today, as well. After deciding not to bring Justin Simmons back, following a disappointing 2024 campaign for the veteran, Atlanta brought in two of the draft’s top-five safeties. Watts isn’t nearly as big as former teammate Kyle Hamilton, but he tries to play with a similar aggression that can cost him at times. Still, Watts was considered a fringe-Day 1 talent who projects to push free agent addition Jordan Fuller for a starting job soon.

Bowman seems to be a perfect complement to Watts. With his smaller size and quickness, Bowman excels where Watts can struggle: in the slot. He, too, can play a bit overaggressive, but when he gets the ball, he can be a danger to score. He’ll need to improve his tackling at the NFL level, but Bowman’s recognition and coverage ability could earn him a role as a nickelback early. Nelson is a typical, homegrown Wisconsin lineman. At 6-foot-7 and 318 pounds, Nelson looks like the usual product that the Badgers produce. He doesn’t excel in any one area, but he has a lot of good traits that good coaching and development could turn into a real steal of a pick.

With this being the team’s first draft pick signing of the class, here’s a look at the work they still have to do:

  • Round 1, No. 15: Jalon Walker (LB, Georgia) (signed)
  • Round 1, No. 26 (from Rams): James Pearce (DE, Tennessee)
  • Round 3, No. 96 (from Eagles): Xavier Watts (S, Notre Dame) (signed)
  • Round 4, No. 118: Billy Bowman Jr. (S, Oklahoma) (signed)
  • Round 7, No. 218 (from Browns through Chargers): Jack Nelson (T, Wisconsin) (signed)

Texans, Second-Round WR Jayden Higgins Reach Fully Guaranteed Deal

May 9th, 2025 at 4:36pm CST by Sam Robinson

In a move that will force the hands of at least one other team, the Texans will make draft history. Houston is fully guaranteeing Jayden Higgins‘ second-round contract, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports.

The first part of the Texans’ all-Iowa State receiver mission on Day 2 will bring an important distinction into the NFL. Higgins will become the first second-round pick to see his contract fully guaranteed.

The Texans have been known to provide friendly guarantee structures to their second-round picks, thus moving the NFL forward on this front, and their move for a player chosen 34th overall effectively boxes the Browns in while likely complicating negotiations for teams that made mid-30s selections in last month’s draft. The Texans added Higgins after trading down from No. 25 (via the Giants).

Cleveland chose Carson Schwesinger at No. 33; Houston’s decision will lead to the former UCLA linebacker’s camp mandating a fully guaranteed contract. Higgins’ will be worth $11.7MM over four years. This draft slot brought a near-full guarantee in 2024, with $9.19MM of Ladd McConkey‘s $9.99MM rookie deal locked in at signing. Even last year’s No. 33 overall choice (Bills wideout Keon Coleman) did not quite secure fully guaranteed terms, but second-rounders have been making inroads on this front for years.

It took until the 2022 draft for all first-round contracts to become guaranteed, so it makes sense the NFL has seen its second-rounders land locked-in deals. The league has come a long way in terms of guaranteed percentage for second-rounders. When the rookie scale debuted in 2011, that year’s No. 33 overall pick (the Patriots’ Ras-I Dowling) saw just $2.36MM of his $5.3MM rookie contract guaranteed. It will be interesting to see if the Seahawks (Nick Emmanwori) and Browns (Quinshon Judkins) move the full guarantee line beyond No. 34 this year.

Higgins and third-rounder Jaylin Noel, who also signed his rookie contract (per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson), will become the rare college receiver duo to each join the same NFL team in a draft. The Cyclones relied on their Jayden-Jaylin tandem last season, and after the Texans could not swing a trade-up to reunite C.J. Stroud and Emeka Egbuka in Round 1, they focused on the Big 12 program’s passing attack the following night.

The No. 46 player on Daniel Jeremiah’s NFL.com big board, Higgins broke through for 87 receptions, 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns last season. Standing 6-foot-4 and 214 pounds, Higgins will complement Noel’s slot skillset in Houston just as he did in Ames. The No. 79 overall pick, Noel (No. 50 on Jeremiah’s board) narrowly topped Higgins’ 2024 production by accumulating 1,194 yards last season — to go with eight TDs. Noel played four seasons at Iowa State, while Higgins transferred from Eastern Kentucky in 2023.

The Texans invested heavily at the receiver position after seeing Tank Dell suffer another major injury — this one threatening to sideline him throughout the 2025 season — and allowing Stefon Diggs to defect (to the Patriots) in free agency. Houston also lost complementary cog Robert Woods (to Pittsburgh). Even though it used a 2022 second-round pick on John Metchie, the team has not seen the Alabama product become a dependable piece yet. The ex-Cyclones will aim to become Nico Collins‘ top sidekicks this year.

Buccaneers Sign First-Round WR Emeka Egbuka, Four Other Draftees

May 9th, 2025 at 1:19pm CST by Adam La Rose

Five of the Buccaneers’ six draft picks are under contract. First-round wideout Emeka Egbuka is among the rookies who have signed their initial NFL pacts, per a team announcement.

Egbuka’s four-year contract is worth a total of $18.1MM, ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes. That figure is fully guaranteed, per standard operating procedure for Day 1 selections. Egbuka can be kept under team control through 2029 provided Tampa Bay exercises his fifth-year option.

The Ohio State product was surrounded by recent first-rounders (and wideouts who will no doubt be selected early in future drafts) throughout his four-year career. In spite of that, Egbuka’s 205 receptions are the most in school history and his 2,868 yards rank second. His route-running and other fundamentals made him one of the safest WR prospects in the 2025 class.

Given the Bucs’ needs at other positions, though, some eyebrows were raised when they selected Egbuka 19th overall. Tampa Bay’s effective tandem of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin is still intact, and 2024 third-rounder Jalen McMillan scored eight touchdowns as a rookie. Nevertheless, Egbuka is in position to compete for a rotational role early in his career with the potential to replace Godwin as a mainstay in the slot down the road.

Had the Buccaneers looked to move down the board, Egbuka would not have been available to them. The three-time All-Big Ten performer was the subject of trade interest from teams like the Texans and Rams, with the Broncos also eyeing him at pick No. 20. Given that level of interest, Egbuka will be expected to provide Tampa Bay with consistent production early and often in his pro career.

The Bucs have also signed cornerback Jacob Parrish (third round, Kansas State), edge rusher David Walker (fourth round, Central Arkansas), defensive lineman Elijah Roberts (fifth round, SMU) and receiver Tez Johnson (seventh round, Oregon) to their rookie deals. As a result, only second-round corner Benjamin Morrison has yet to ink his first NFL pact.

Colts Sign TE Tyler Warren, Six Other Draft Picks

May 9th, 2025 at 11:16am CST by Adam La Rose

Seven of the Colts’ nine draft picks are on the books. First-round tight end Tyler Warren is among the draftees who are officially under contract, the team announced on Friday.

Warren’s four-year pact is worth $20.96MM, as noted by Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz. That figure is guaranteed in full and it includes an $11.88MM signing bonus. Like all Day 1 selections, Warren will be eligible to have his 2029 fifth-year option picked up.

The Penn State product entered the 2024 campaign ranked by many behind Colston Loveland as the top tight end in this year’s draft class. Warren made a strong push to change that perspective over the course of the campaign, though, finding success in a number of capacities on offense. During the pre-draft process, a number of evaluators saw him as TE1 as a result.

Just like Loveland, Warren was regularly connected to the Colts. Indianapolis has long struggled to find a productive contributor at the tight end position, and the No. 14 pick represented a prime opportunity to make an addition at that spot. Loveland came off the board 10th overall, but Warren was available when the Colts were on the clock. The team had the opportunity to trade down but chose to stay in place and add the Mackey Award winner. Warren will be counted on to contribute in the run and pass games right away, and if he develops as hoped he will serve a key role for years to come.

Indianapolis has also agreed to terms with cornerback Justin Walley (third round, Minnesota), offensive tackle Jalen Travis (fourth round, Iowa State), running back DJ Giddens (fifth round, Kansas State), quarterback Riley Leonard (sixth round, Notre Dame), defensive tackle Tim Smith (sixth round, Alabama) and safety Hunter Wohler (seventh round, Wisconsin). As a result, only second-round edge rusher J.T. Tuimoloau and sixth-round quarterback Graham Mertz remain unsigned.

Panthers Sign WR Tetairoa McMillan, Five Other Draft Picks

May 9th, 2025 at 9:47am CST by Adam La Rose

Most of the Panthers’ draft class has been signed in advance of the team’s rookie minicamp. Six of the eight players selected during last month’s event have put pen to paper, per a team announcement.

The list of players now on the books includes Tetairoa McMillan. The No. 8 pick’s deal is four years in length, but like all first-round selections the fifth-year option will be in play for Carolina if the team wishes to keep him in place for 2029. Exercising the option would of course be a sign McMillan’s early years in the NFL have gone according to plan.

The Arizona product spent much of the pre-draft process viewed as the top receiver in the 2025 class (aside from two-way star Travis Hunter). Concerns about his top speed raised the possibility of a slide down the Day 1 order, but that did not prove to be the case. The Panthers – long thought to be targeting a defensive player with their top choice – took McMillan and by doing so added a first-round wideout for the second straight season under general manager Dan Morgan.

Quarterback Bryce Young advocated for the McMillan selection, one which should give him a sizable target early and often with the Panthers. McMillan totaled 2,721 yards and 18 touchdowns across the past two seasons, demonstrating his skillset as a contested catch specialist and red zone threat along the way. An All-American in 2024, he will be counted on to operate as a possession receiver for a Panthers team in need of improved play in the passing game moving forward.

Many expected Carolina to target an edge rusher at the No. 8 spot. Instead, the team waited to address that need on Day 2, preferring the depth amongst pass rushers compared to receivers in this year’s class. That resulted in the Panthers’ second- and third-round selections being used to help an edge rush group in need of increased production for 2025.

One of those new faces is third-rounder Princely Umanmielen. The Ole Miss product has inked his rookie deal, joining safety Lathan Ransom (fourth round, Ohio State), defensive tackle Cam Jackson (fifth round, Florida), tight end Mitchell Evans (fifth round, Notre Dame) and receiver Jimmy Horn (sixth round, Colorado) in that regard. Only two draftees – Nic Scourton and Trevor Etienne – are unsigned at this point.

Dolphins Sign First-Round DT Kenneth Grant, Six Others

May 9th, 2025 at 8:52am CST by Adam La Rose

Many teams around the NFL are busy inking draft picks to their rookie deals. In the case of the Dolphins, that includes their top selection now being on the books.

Kenneth Grant has signed his rookie deal, the team announced on Friday. The defensive tackle was one of several prospects at his position seen as a strong candidate to hear his name called during the first round. While it therefore came as little surprise he came off the board on Day 1, the No. 13 draft slot was seen by many as a slight reach.

Grant spent each of his three college seasons at Michigan, handling a notable role along the defensive interior alongside Mason Graham. Those two were both key contributors in the Wolverines’ national title in 2023 and they remained impactful players last year. Whereas Graham showcased plenty of potential against the pass, though, Grant has not developed as much in that area. Still, the latter will be counted on to be an impactful producer on early downs as he transitions to the pro game.

In 2024 – their first season following Christian Wilkins‘ free agent departure – the Dolphins ranked ninth against the run. That level of success is a testament in part to the team’s D-line, a unit which lost Calais Campbell this spring. Grant will compete for snaps alongside Zach Sieler and Benito Jones; Miami had Neil Farrell in the fold until yesterday, when he was among the veterans cut in anticipation of rookie minicamp beginning.

Now, Grant will join fellow rookies Jordan Phillips (fifth round, Maryland) and Zeek Biggers (seventh round, Georgia Tech) in vying for playing time along the defensive line. Both Phillips and Biggers have signed their respective four-year contracts. The same is also true of fifth-round cornerback Jason Marshall (Florida), fifth-round safety Dante Trader (Maryland), sixth-round running back Ollie Gordon (Oklahoma State) and seventh-round quarterback Quinn Ewers (Texas).

As a result, seven of the team’s eight draftees are on the books at this point. The lone exception is Arizona guard Jonah Savaiinaea, whom the Dolphins traded up to select in the second round.

Giants Made Draft-Day Attempt To Acquire No. 1 Pick

May 8th, 2025 at 10:15pm CST by Adam La Rose

To no surprise, the Giants were one of two teams which exited the opening night of this year’s draft with a quarterback, with the Titans being the other. Just before Cam Ward officially became the top pick, the teams discussed a trade.

Giants general manager Joe Schoen called counterpart Mike Borgonzi to discuss the first overall pick, as shown in the debut episode of the team’s Giants Life documentary (video link). The conversation proved to be rather brief, with Schoen remaining convinced the Titans turned aside the last-minute trade interest to select Ward. Minutes later, they did just that.

Moving out of the No. 1 slot was seen as a distinct possibility early in the offseason as a result of Tennessee’s myriad roster needs and the less-than-stellar nature of this year’s QB class. Over time, though, Ward distanced himself as the top option for signal-callers and a strong showing during the pre-draft process convinced the Titans to stand pat. That left suitors for the top selections – such as the Giants – to move in a different direction during the draft.

Just like Cleveland (which originally owned the second overall pick), New York (No. 3) showed interest well before the start of the draft in moving up to the top spot. A report from March linked both the Giants and Jets to pursuing a trade for the No. 1 pick, but by the start of April it appeared Schoen and Co. were convinced doing so would not be possible. That proved to be the case, albeit not without a last-minute attempt on the part of the Giants.

Schoen left the door open to a quarterback being selected third overall, although by the time edge rusher Abdul Carter heard his name called that move came as no surprise. After retaining the No. 3 selection, New York ultimately swung a deal to move back into the Day 1 order and select Jaxson Dart 25th overall. The Ole Miss product will spend his rookie season on a depth chart which also includes free agent additions Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.

Dart gained traction as a first-round prospect in the build-up to the draft, and he found himself the second passer to come off the board. Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll have their potential long-term answer under center in the fold as a result while their respective tenures remain a question after three years at the helm. It will be interesting to see how Dart’s New York tenure unfolds against the backdrop of the team’s continued efforts to acquire Ward prior to selecting him.

Bears Sign Colston Loveland, Four Other Draft Picks

May 8th, 2025 at 10:04pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Bears have signed five of their 2025 draft picks, including first-round tight end Colston Loveland, according to a team announcement.

Loveland, the No. 10 pick, will receive $26.64MM over four years with a $16.01MM signing bonus, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Like all contracts for first-round selections, his deal is fully guaranteed with a fifth-year option for the 2029 season.

The Bears have veteran tight end Cole Kmet under contract through 2027, but they thought highly enough of Loveland to draft him with a top-10 pick. That suggests that new head coach Ben Johnson plans to use plenty of two tight-end sets in 2025, which could lean into Loveland’s primary skillset. Kmet could play as an inline tight end with Loveland flexing out to the slot, which will highlight his receiving strengths and help compensate for his weaknesses as a blocker.

In the long term, though, Loveland profiles as a starting three-down tight end, especially since Kmet has no guaranteed money on his deal past 2025. He could become a trade or cut candidate after this season if Loveland lives up to his draft billing with a strong rookie year.

The Bears also signed all four of their Day 3 picks: fourth-rounder Ruben Hyppolite II (No. 132), fifth-rounder Zah Frazier (No. 148), sixth-rounder Luke Newman (No. 195), and seventh-rounder Kyle Monangai (No. 233).

Minor NFL Transactions: 5/8/25

May 8th, 2025 at 9:23pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Here are the latest minor moves from around the NFL:

Carolina Panthers

New York Giants

New York Jets

  • Waived (failed physical): LB Jimmy Ciarlo, WR Marcus Riley
  • Waived: WR Easop Winston

Granger is a former Division I basketball player attempting to convert to tight end under the tutelage of George Fant, who also played D-I basketball before embarking on his NFL career. A hamstring injury led to his release, according to ESPN’s David Newton.

Jets Sign First-Round T Armand Membou, Four Other Draftees

May 8th, 2025 at 9:04pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Jets have signed first-round offensive tackle Armand Membou to a four-year rookie contract worth $31.9MM, per a team announcement. Like all first-round picks, the deal is fully guaranteed and contains a fifth-year option for 2029.

Membou will likely take over the Jets’ starting right tackle job right away after Morgan Moses left New York in free agency this offseason. The Missouri product will face some competition from former Day 3 picks Carter Warren and Max Mitchell, but his three years of starting experience in the SEC and elite athleticism should help him adjust to the NFL quickly. With 2024 first-rounder Olu Fashanu set to take over at left tackle, the Jets are hoping they’ve found bookends to their offensive line for the foreseeable future.

The Jets also announced the signing of four other draft picks: third-rounder Azareye’h Thomas (No. 73), fourth-rounder Malachi Moore (No. 130) and fifth-rounders Francisco Mauigoa (No. 163) and Tyler Baron (No. 176).

Thomas brings even more talent to a Jets secondary that was already a team bright spot in 2024. The Florida State product is a long, physical corner who lacks elite athleticism or ball production. He doesn’t have slot versatility, so he will likely start behind Sauce Gardner and Brandon Stephens on the depth chart. Still, Thomas’ instincts and competitiveness will have him pushing for starting snaps quickly; in the meantime, his special teams experience will allow him to contribute from Day 1.

Moore brings plenty of experience in the slot from his time at Alabama, but he played some of his best football in 2024 as a free safety. He showed good range in coverage and a quick trigger against the run, though he has average size and athleticism. The Jets are set to start former UDFA Tony Adams and free agent signing Andre Cisco at safety in 2025, but neither are under contract past this season. Moore should be able to carve out a rotational role as a rookie with a clear shot at a starting job in 2026. Like Thomas, he has plenty of experience on special teams that will give him more opportunities to see the field.

Mauigoa led Miami’s defense in 2023 and 2024 and racked up 178 tackles (35 for loss). The 22-year-old is a durable, instinctive linebacker who will need to work on getting off blocks and consistently tackling ballcarriers in the NFL. He’ll have time to do that in an experienced Jets linebacker room while he plays special teams as a rookie.

Baron, who played with Mauigoa in 2024, is an explosive edge rusher with 21.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks across his final two college seasons. He has an enticing frame with long arms and a burgeoning understanding of how to use them to beat blocks. The NFL will test Baron’s ability to set the edge against the run and add more power to his game. The Jets’ pair of 2022 first-round edge defenders – Will McDonald and Jermaine Johnson – profile as the team’s starters for the foreseeable future, but Baron could grow into a rotational pass rusher with more potential if he grows as a run defender.

The Jets have two draft picks who have yet to sign their rookie contracts: second-round tight end Mason Taylor and fourth-round wide receiver Arian Smith. Here is a full list of their 2025 draft class:

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