HEADLINES

Month: April 2025

Raiders Add Two FCS Arms To QBs Room

April 26th, 2025 at 4:34pm CST by Ely Allen

The Raiders have seemingly moved on from Aidan O’Connell as a starter, reuniting Geno Smith with his former head coach, Pete Carroll. A pair of possibilities have been added to the mix, though, as Las Vegas has used pick Nos. 213 and 215 to draft Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott and North Dakota State quarterback Cam Miller, respectively.

Mellott was selected first, but Miller stands to have more impact potential as a quarterback. Over five years in Fargo, Miller started 56 of 67 contests, earning the starting role partway through his sophomore year. Playing the final eight games of the 2021 season, Miller helped the Bison win the FCS championship game, taking them back to a national title in 2023, as well. His senior saw him complete 73.5 percent of his passes for 33 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He’s also a threat as a rusher, totaling 1,821 yards and 40 touchdowns on the ground in his three full years as a starter.

Mellott’s career for the Bobcats was similar. After redshirting in 2020, he took over the starting job as a redshirt freshman just prior to the start of the playoffs. He became a full-time starter the following season, but like Miller, Mellott’s best numbers as a passer didn’t come till his final year, when he won the Walter Payton Award — the FCS equivalent to a Heisman Trophy. In 2024, Mellott threw for 31 touchdowns (his previous season high was 10) with only two interceptions. For his career, he threw 55 touchdowns to only eight interceptions in 49 games. Mellott was arguably most productive as a rusher in his career, surpassing 1,000 yards rushing in both seasons that saw him start the full year. For his career, he totaled 3,517 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns on the ground.

The Raiders are obviously taking some flyers here on two talented FCS arms (and legs). The team currently rosters Smith as QB1, O’Connell as QB2, and Carter Bradley, an undrafted rookie from last year, as QB3. Both athletic passers will compete with Bradley and each other as they jockey for a roster spot. Mellott may even have an additional route to a roster spot as some scouts and analysts projected him for a transition to wide receiver at the next level.

Rams Open To Reacquiring Jalen Ramsey

April 26th, 2025 at 4:12pm CST by Sam Robinson

APRIL 26: Although the Dolphins have not unloaded Ramsey during the draft, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport indicates a trade is still viewed as likely. McVay’s praise of Ramsey did not merely stem from the duo’s time together previously, as Rapoport adds the Rams are believed to be one of the interested teams.

APRIL 22: Joining Vic Fangio as 2023 Dolphins additions that will not lead to a long-term fit, Jalen Ramsey is on the trade block. Interested teams have a clear window to acquire the All-Pro cornerback — in what would be his third career trade — before and during the draft.

The Dolphins have let Ramsey seek a trade despite providing more guaranteed money — via a September 2024 extension (three years, $72.3MM) — soon after Patrick Surtain reset the cornerback market. A trade before June 1, however, would be pricey for the Dolphins, as $25.2MM in dead money (that is, if they do not eat any portion of Ramsey’s pay) would come their way. But the draft represents a natural trade window for the team to move off this recently authorized contract.

One potential suitor has emerged. Rams brass did not shut down the idea of reacquiring Ramsey two years after sending him to Miami.

“He’s a great player,” Sean McVay said, via The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue. “We know him very well … we know him intimately. You would certainly never rule out the possibility of that. … There’s a lot of layers that would need to be worked out with a player of his magnitude, and some of the different things that accompany that. But you would never eliminate the possibility of adding a total stud.”

Les Snead has discussed trade parameters with the Dolphins, per Rodrigue, though this is merely teams touching base on trade-up or trade-down maneuvers ahead of the draft. The Rams could conceivably include Ramsey in such a move, if a pick-swap deal is to be considered. The team obtained a 2023 third-round pick and backup tight end Hunter Long for Ramsey in 2023. That represents a light return for a player pointed toward the Hall of Fame, and the Dolphins may not be able to fetch that; Ramsey will turn 31 this year.

The Rams have shown a willingness to reunite with corners they previously parted with. L.A. brought Troy Hill back via a trade during the 2022 draft, and the team re-signed Darious Williams after the Jaguars cut him last year. A Ramsey reunion would be a much higher-profile move, considering the nine-year veteran’s stature and contract. The Rams have two veteran deals (for Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon) on their payroll, but their CB group is not particularly costly right now. Rookie-deal presences comprise the rest of L.A.’s cornerback contingent.

While on the back nine in his career, Ramsey remains an upper-echelon corner. He earned Pro Bowl honors in a 10-game Dolphins 2023 debut, and while Pro-Football-Reference’s coverage metrics did not churn out comparable numbers last season, Pro Football Focus slotted the boundary stopper 10th among CBs in 2024. Ramsey is also signed through 2028, via an extension that contains modest base salaries but option bonuses. Ramsey’s 2025 compensation is also guaranteed, complicating matters further for an acquiring team. Thus far, clubs are not open to paying the full Ramsey freight in 2025.

The Rams acquired Ramsey while building their Super Bowl LVI-winning nucleus, sending the Jaguars two first-round picks as he staged an in-season hold-in of sorts. That deal worked out for the Rams, who saw Ramsey earn back-to-back first-team All-Pro honors in his first two full seasons (2020, 2021) in L.A. The team gave him a five-year, $100MM extension before the 2020 season, but by 2023, it was looking to cut costs. Los Angeles sent that $20MM-AAV deal to Miami, as Ramsey sought more guaranteed money. Not only did the Dolphins eventually extend him, they approved a reworking that featured more guaranteed money upon initially trading for him.

Miami completed a similar reworking with Tyreek Hill‘s contract last summer, as the future elite speed merchant angled for a redone deal. Both players are now trade candidates, though both Mike McDaniel and Chris Grier have voiced expectations Hill will be back in 2025.

Texans Draft QB Graham Mertz At No. 197

April 26th, 2025 at 3:47pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Texans have made another move up the draft board. Sending picks 216 and 241 to the Broncos, Houston has acquired No. 197 and used it on Florida quarterback Graham Mertz.

Mertz’s college career began at Wisconsin in 2019. He did not start either of his two appearances that season, but for three years after that he operated as the Badgers’ QB1. That tenure was followed by a pair of seasons with the Gators, including a 2023 slate featuring a 20:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Last season, Mertz suffered an ACL injury. As a result, he was limited to only five games (during which time he remained highly efficient with a 76.6% completion percentage). The 24-year-old’s 8.4 yards per attempt average was the highest of his career, but the injury left him sidelined to close out the campaign. It also no doubt hindered his draft stock and helped influence his long wait to be selected on Day 3 of the draft.

Houston will once again be led by C.J. Stroud on offense next season. The former Offensive Rookie of the Year will play a crucial role in determining if the team is able to progress past the divisional round of the postseason. The Texans also have Davis Mills and 2024 UDFA Kedon Slovis on their quarterback depth chart.

Mertz will compete with those two for the backup or third-string gig during training camp. Depending on how that plays out, he could find himself on the back end of the roster or as a practice squad candidate.

Colts Draft QB Riley Leonard At No. 189

April 26th, 2025 at 3:22pm CST by Sam Robinson

The early-sixth-round run on quarterbacks continues. The Colts are set to select Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard at No. 189 overall. Leonard will follow his national championship game opponent (Will Howard) and Syracuse’s Kyle McCord off the board early in the round.

Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen had identified Leonard as a target early during the pre-draft process, per Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, coming into draft weekend high on the former Fighting Irish starter’s athleticism and processing ability. Leonard certainly showed dual-threat capabilities during Notre Dame’s run to the CFP title game, and he will join two mobile QBs — Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones — in Indianapolis.

Before heading to Notre Dame, Leonard spent three seasons at Duke, earning the starting job as a sophomore. With lesser surrounding talent on the Blue Devils, Leonard still won nine games, throwing 20 touchdowns to only six interceptions, while rushing for 13 more scores. His 2023 season, which preceded his move to the state of Indiana, was cut short by ankle and foot injuries, but he played in all 16 games for the Fighting Irish in 2024.

Leonard nearly reached 1,000 rushing yards last season, totaling 906 to go with 17 touchdowns on the ground. Suddenly, Jones is the third-best rushing threat in his new position group. Leonard posted a 66.7% completion rate, throwing 21 touchdown passes compared to eight interceptions during the team’s charge toward the Ohio State matchup. While Notre Dame was unable to overcome the favored Big Ten program, Leonard leading the team to that stage capped off a breakout season.

Not mentioned as a potential Shedeur Sanders team, the Colts using a sixth-round pick on a QB certainly points to the Richardson-Jones competition deciding the team’s Week 1 starter. Leonard will step into place as a developmental option for a Colts team that no longer rosters Sam Ehlinger. The former sixth-round Colts draftee is now with the Broncos. Jason Bean, a 2024 UDFA, entered draft weekend as the Colts’ third-string option.

Ely Allen contributed to this post.

Steelers Select QB Will Howard At 185

April 26th, 2025 at 3:10pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Steelers are the next team to make a Day 3 addition under center. Ohio State’s Will Howard has been selected 185th overall.

Pittsburgh was among the teams named as a suitor for a first-round QB pick, but the team did not take that route. As Day 2 progressed, it became known an Aaron Rodgers signing remains firmly on the Steelers’ radar. Owner Art Rooney II said on Friday the 41-year-old “wants” to play in Pittsburgh next season.

Rooney also made it clear any rookie brought into the fold would not be expected to see playing time right away. In Howard’s case, that means he will likely find himself competing for the backup spot this offseason on a depth chart which also features Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson.

During a four-year run at Kansas State, Howard made 28 starts. He transferred to Ohio State last year, taking the place of Kyle McCord (who was just drafted by the Eagles). Howard enjoyed by far his most productive campaign, racking up over 4,000 yards, a 35:10 touchdown-to-interception ratio and completing 73% of his passes. A third-team All-Big Ten performer, Howard was named the Offensive MVP of the national title game while helping lead the Buckeyes to the championship.

As things stand, Rudolph is still on track to operate as the Steelers’ starter for at least one season. He totaled 13 starts across his first Pittsburgh stint, but the expectation has remained during the offseason another move would be made in the wake of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields departing in free agency. It will be interesting to see if that turns out to be a one-year Rodgers arrangement after the draft is completed. In any case, Howard will look to secure at least the QB2 gig at the NFL level beginning in 2025.

Eagles Use No. 181 On QB Kyle McCord

April 26th, 2025 at 2:59pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Eagles traded Kenny Pickett to the Browns, clearing the way for Tanner McKee to become Jalen Hurts‘ backup, but the defending champs are adding another option in the sixth round.

Syracuse’s Kyle McCord is heading to Philly as the seventh quarterback off the board in 2025. The Ohio State transfer posted an ACC-record 4,779 passing yards, leading the NCAA, and set a Syracuse record with 34 TD passes during his one season in central New York. While the Eagles acquired Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the Pickett trade, the struggling UCLA alum now has competition for a roster spot.

Originally from a New Jersey city just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, McCord returns home after stops at Columbus and Syracuse. The main reason McCord failed to warrant the draft stock of the other passers with lesser passing numbers in this year’s class was a lack of athleticism. With a slow release, lack of improvisational ability, and statuesque qualities in the pocket, McCord could struggle with the increased pass rushing pressure from NFL defenses.

Though, he works best when throwing to programmed routes, his pre-snap analyses and diagnoses are top-notch. In terms of throwing talent, McCord doesn’t have the strongest arm, but he anticipates his throws well and puts the ball just where his receivers need them. He’s been lauded for his prep work off the field, which bodes well for a role as a backup quarterback to start his career.

Back home in Philly, McCord will compete with McKee and Thompson-Robinson for a backup role on the roster. Thompson-Robinson’s mobility fits better in the Eagles’ scheme as a potential replacement for Hurts, but McKee has his experience with the team over the last two years as his advantage. McCord will likely have to come in and try to show more worth than one of these two backups if he wants to make the roster as a rookie.

Ely Allen contributed to this post.

Jets Add No. 176, Draft DE Tyler Baron

April 26th, 2025 at 2:46pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Jets have moved up 10 spots in the order, swinging a deal with the Ravens in the process. New York has added pick No. 176 along with a 2026 sixth-round selection. Baltimore acquires No. 186 along with a fifth-rounder next year (h/t ESPN’s Jamison Hensley).

With pick No. 176, the Jets have selected Miami edge rusher Tyler Baron. The five-year senior spent the first four seasons of his college tenure at Tennessee. That stretch included a starting role in 2023 which resulted in a career-high six sacks.

Last year, Baron transferred to the Hurricanes and started nine of his 13 games with the team. The 23-year-old led Miami with 5.5 sacks and he set a new career-high with 11 tackles for loss. Those figures helped earn him honorable mention All-ACC honors.

As things stand, this selection represents the final pick of the draft for New York. The regime now led by general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn could of course add new picks for 2025, but for now the team has brought in seven rookies. Baron is the only one who will add depth along the defensive line.

The Jets have former first-rounders Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald in place along the edge. As expected the team will pick up Johnson’s 2026 fifth-year option ensuring that tandem remains in place for at least two more years. Baron will spend the offseason aiming to compete for a rotational role as part of New York’s edge rush group.

Lions Trade Up To No. 171 For G Miles Frazier

April 26th, 2025 at 2:31pm CST by Ely Allen

The Lions have traded up, exchanging places with the Patriots, in order to select LSU guard Miles Frazier. In order to acquire the pick, Detroit sent pick Nos. 182 and 228 to New England.

The Lions gained access to the 182nd pick, an early-sixth-rounder, from the Jaguars. The 228th pick, a seventh-rounder, was acquired from Dallas in a package that allowed Detroit to select cornerback Terrion Arnold last year.

It’s a bit shocking to see Frazier come off the board in the fifth round. The 23-year-old was projected to be a Day 2 pick after three years starting in Baton Rouge (and a year starting at FIU before that). Frazier played all over the offensive line in college, starting 28 games at right guard, 12 games at left tackle, nine games at left guard, and two games at right tackle. That kind of versatility made Frazier the 61st-best prospect in NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah‘s rankings.

Frazier is a mauler in the run game who can drive defenders backwards and refuses to release his blocks. He doesn’t do too much exceptionally in pass protection, which may have hurt his stock here. He struggles to move laterally in order to cover quick gap rushers, and when he does recognize the rush, his feet can get caught in quicksand, leaving him lunging off balance.

Guard was a perceived weakness in Detroit, and they already added a potential starter in the second round with Georgia’s Tate Ratledge. Graham Glasgow is slotted in at left guard, and despite a 2024 step back, he has proven reliable in the past. The other spot, vacated by Kevin Zeitler‘s departure in free agency, is up for competition between Kayode Awosika, Netane Muti, and Christian Mahogany, at the moment. Awosika started two games for the team last year, and Muti has logged only four starts in a five-year career; Mahogany flashed promising form in his one start and across limited backup time as a rookie last season. Frazier adds some depth, where Ratledge provides starting potential.

Chargers Acquire No. 165 From Eagles, Select TE Oronde Gadsden II

April 26th, 2025 at 2:16pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Chargers have moved up to acquire pick No. 165 late in the fifth-round order. Los Angeles will send selections 181 and 209 to the Eagles as a result.

The Bolts have selected Syracuse tight end Oronde Gadsden II with their newly-acquired pick. The son of a Super Bowl champion, he will look to follow in his father’s footsteps at the pro level. He will join a Chargers team which has now added three pass-catchers during this weekend’s draft (the first two being wideouts Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith).

A four-year contributor for the Orange, Gadsden showed plenty of potential during his sophomore year when he posted an FBS-leading (for tight ends) 969 yards on 61 receptions. The converted receiver was limited to only two games the following year, however, due to a foot injury. Nevertheless, 2024 allowed Gadsden to rebound in a notable way.

Finishing the year with a 73-934-7 statline, Gadsden earned first-team All-ACC honors last season. That helped his draft stock to a notable extent, although this year’s class has long been known to feature many highly-regarded tight end prospects. Now that his name has been called, the 21-year-old can turn his attention to competing for a roster spot in Los Angeles.

The Chargers saw Stone Smartt depart in free agency this spring, and Hayden Hurst remains unsigned at this point. The team added Tyler Conklin on the open market, however, and the veteran will be counted to play a regular role with his new team. Los Angeles still has Will Dissly and Tucker Fisk on the depth chart as well. Gadsden will have plenty of competition during training camp as a result, but he could serve as a depth pass-catching option at the pro level.

Chiefs Acquire No. 156, Select LB Jeffrey Bassa

April 26th, 2025 at 1:50pm CST by Ben Levine

The Chiefs are moving up eight spots in the draft. Kansas City has acquired pick No. 156 from the Steelers, per ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. In return, Pittsburgh will receive picks No. 164 and No. 226.

The Chiefs will use their upgraded pick on Oregon linebacker Jeffrey Bassa. This is the team’s fourth defensive selection through six picks.

Bassa is coming off four productive seasons at Oregon, where he collected 236 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and three interceptions in 55 appearances. His standout 2023 campaign culminated in him earning Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP honors, and his slight step back in 2024 may have contributed to his fifth-round selection.

A former safety, Bassa mostly served as a Mike linebacker during his time with the Ducks. His leadership and versatility should help him stick around the NFL, and improved consistency could eventually lead to a starting gig.

He lands in a great spot in Kansas City, although he may have to wait a bit to play a significant role. Nick Bolton is entrenched as the MLB, with Cam Jones serving as the backup. Perhaps Bassa could emerge as the main backup by the end of the 2025 campaign, but he’ll temporarily compete with Cole Christiansen and Shaun Bradley for third-string reps.

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