Broncos’ Dre Greenlaw Sustains Quad Injury

7:26pm: Denver was aware of the injury before the draft, per 9News’ Mike Klis. The team’s decision not to select another linebacker, despite Greenlaw now coming off two injuries and Singleton amid ACL rehab, reflects confidence Greenlaw will be ready to go. He is expected to be ready for training camp, Klis adds.

6:37pm: The Broncos may have dodged a bullet here. It is believed Greenlaw suffered a quad strain, according to KOA’s Benjamin Allbright, who adds the free agency addition is not expected to need surgery. This would place him on track to be ready for Denver’s opener.

6:09pm: After further strengthening their defense with first-round pick Jahdae Barron, the Broncos have the makings of a formidable unit. But one of their high-end free agency pieces might not be ready for the start of the season.

Coming to Denver after missing almost all of last season, Dre Greenlaw is believed to have suffered another injury. The former 49ers standout sustained a quadriceps tear while working out, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Jennifer Lee Chan reports. This stands to sideline Greenlaw for months, potentially making him unavailable to begin the season with his new team.

The fallout from the linebacker’s latest setback stands to hinge on surgery. If a procedure is required, Greenlaw could miss several months. If he is able to recover without surgery, that would put him on track for Denver’s season opener. This certainly represents a blow for Greenlaw, whose Super Bowl Achilles tear carried seismic ramifications for the 49ers that night and then kept the longtime Fred Warner sidekick off the field for three-plus months in 2024.

After seeing a groin injury lead to Greenlaw miss most of the 2021 season, the 49ers extended the talented defender in 2022. Greenlaw outplayed his $8MM-per-year contract in 2022 and ’23 but went down at a historically inopportune time, tumbling to the turf while trotting onto the field for a defensive possession. The Chiefs picked on Greenlaw’s primary replacement (Oren Burks), and the 49ers went through multiple plans (Eric Kendricks and De’Vondre Campbell) in 2024. Campbell’s refusal to enter a nationally televised Rams matchup came when Greenlaw returned, but that represented his only action of the season. Achilles soreness led to the 49ers shutting him down. Still, a nice market formed for the high-end linebacker.

The 49ers attempted to re-sign the linebacker, upping their offer at the 11th hour. They made that move, with John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan trekking to Greenlaw’s home in Texas, after he had committed to join the Broncos. Denver gave him a three-year, $31.5MM deal on Day 1 of the legal tampering period. Despite the 49ers surpassing the Broncos’ offer, the 27-year-old defender tuck with his initial pledge despite the late 49ers push. However, his injury past allowed the Broncos to sign him while only providing an $11.5MM at-signing guarantee. This injury could potentially play a significant role in Greenlaw’s post-2025 future in Denver.

It is not known when Greenlaw suffered the quad injury, but it can be assumed the Broncos did not know about it when they went through their draft. The team did not select an off-ball linebacker, leaving that group exposed. Their other projected three-down LB, Alex Singleton, is coming off an ACL tear. Singleton, 31, went down in Week 3 of the 2024 season. The Broncos let their top 2024 LB, Cody Barton, defect to the Titans while they pursued Greenlaw. While Singleton replacement Justin Strnad re-signed on a low-cost deal, a high-end Broncos defense appears vulnerable at linebacker. Denver did relocate Drew Sanders from edge rusher back to ILB; Sanders could be a key player to watch in the wake of Greenlaw’s setback.

A serious question about where Greenlaw went down also looms. He could be subject to the NFI list if the injury occurred while working out away from the team facility. The Broncos released RT Ja’Wuan James after he sustained an Achilles tear while working out away from the team in 2021. Greenlaw would not become a release candidate this year, but he would stand to land on the PUP list — if this injury proved serious enough for such a stash — if the injury occurred at the Denver facility. None of Greenlaw’s 2026 and ’27 salaries are guaranteed at signing; the seventh-year LB would collect a $2MM roster bonus if on the Broncos’ roster by Day 5 of the 2026 league year.

2025 NFL Draft Results By Round

From the No. 1 overall pick to Mr. Irrelevant (No. 257), here are the results from the 2025 NFL Draft:

Round 1

1) Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward (QB, Miami)
2) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Browns): Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado)
3) New York Giants: Abdul Carter (OLB, Penn State)
4) New England Patriots: Will Campbell (T, LSU)
5) Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars): Mason Graham (DT, Michigan)
6) Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State)
7) New York Jets: Armand Membou (T, Missouri)
8) Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona)
9) New Orleans Saints: Kelvin Banks Jr. (T, Texas)
10) Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan)
11) San Francisco 49ers: Mykel Williams (DE, Georgia)
12) Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Booker (G, Alabama)
13) Miami Dolphins: Kenneth Grant (DT, Michigan)
14) Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren (TE, Penn State)
15) Atlanta Falcons: Jalon Walker (LB, Georgia)
16) Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen (DT, Ole Miss)
17) Cincinnati Bengals: Shemar Stewart (DE, Texas A&M)
18) Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel (OL, North Dakota State)
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka (WR, Ohio State)
20) Denver Broncos: Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas)
21) Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon (DT, Oregon)
22) Los Angeles Chargers: Omarion Hampton (RB, North Carolina)
23) Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden (WR, Texas)
24) Minnesota Vikings: Donovan Jackson (G, Ohio State)
25) New York Giants (from Texans): Jaxson Dart, QB (Ole Miss)
26) Atlanta Falcons (from Rams): James Pearce (DE, Tennessee)
27) Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks (S, Georgia)
28) Detroit Lions: Tyleik Williams (DT, Ohio State)
29) Washington Commanders: Josh Conerly Jr. (T, Oregon)
30) Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston (CB, Kentucky)
31) Philadelphia Eagles (from Chiefs): Jihaad Campbell (LB, Alabama)
32) Kansas City Chiefs (from Eagles): Josh Simmons (T, Ohio State)

Round 2

33) Cleveland Browns: Carson Schwesinger (LB, UCLA)
34) Houston Texans (from Giants): Jayden Higgins (WR, Iowa State)
35) Seattle Seahawks (from Titans): Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina)
36) Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars): Quinshon Judkins (RB, Ohio State)
37) Miami Dolphins (from Raiders): Jonah Savaiinaea (G, Arizona)
38) New England Patriots: TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State)
39) Chicago Bears (from Panthers): Luther Burden (WR, Missouri)
40) New Orleans Saints: Tyler Shough (QB, Louisville)
41) Buffalo Bills (from Bears): T.J. Sanders (DT, South Carolina)
42) New York Jets: Mason Taylor (TE, LSU)
43) San Francisco 49ers: Alfred Collins (DT, Texas)
44) Dallas Cowboys: Donovan Ezeiruaku (DE, Boston College)
45) Indianapolis Colts: J.T. Tuimoloau (DE, Ohio State)
46) Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons): Terrance Ferguson (TE, Oregon)
47) Arizona Cardinals: Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)
48) Houston Texans (from Dolphins through Raiders): Aireontae Ersery (T, Minnesota)
49) Cincinnati Bengals: Demetrius Knight (LB, South Carolina)
50) Seattle Seahawks: Elijah Arroyo (TE, Miami)
51) Carolina Panthers (from Broncos): Nic Scourton (DE, Texas A&M)
52) Tennessee Titans (from Steelers through Seahawks): Femi Oladejo (OLB, UCLA)
53) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Benjamin Morrison (CB, Notre Dame)
54) Green Bay Packers: Anthony Belton, T (NC State)
55) Los Angeles Chargers: Tre Harris (WR, Ole Miss)
56) Chicago Bears (from Vikings through Texans and Bills): Ozzy Trapilo (T, Boston College)
57) Detroit Lions (from Panthers through Rams and Broncos): Tate Ratledge (G, Georgia)
58) Las Vegas Raiders (from Texans): Jack Bech (WR, TCU)
59) Baltimore Ravens: Mike Green (OLB, Marshall)
60) Denver Broncos (from Lions): R.J. Harvey (RB, Central Florida)
61) Washington Commanders: Trey Amos (CB, Ole Miss)
62) Chicago Bears (from Bills): Shemar Turner (DT, Texas A&M)
63) Kansas City Chiefs: Omarr Norman-Lott (DT, Tennessee)
64) Philadelphia Eagles: Andrew Mukuba (S, Texas)

Round 3

65) New York Giants: Darius Alexander (DT, Toledo)
66) Kansas City Chiefs (from Titans): Ashton Gillotte (DE, Louisville)
67) Cleveland Browns: Harold Fannin Jr. (TE, Bowling Green)
68) Las Vegas Raiders: Darien Porter (CB, Iowa State)
69) New England Patriots: Kyle Williams (WR, Washington State)
70) Detroit Lions (from Jaguars): Isaac TeSlaa (WR, Arkansas)
71) New Orleans Saints: Vernon Broughton (DT, Texas)
72) Buffalo Bills (from Bears): Landon Jackson (DE, Arkansas)
73) New York Jets: Azareye’h Thomas (CB, Florida State)
74) Denver Broncos (from Panthers): Pat Bryant (WR, Illinois)
75) San Francisco 49ers: Nick Martin (LB, Oklahoma State)
76) Dallas Cowboys: Shavon Revel (CB, East Carolina)
77) Carolina Panthers (from Patriots): Princely Umanmielen (OLB, Ole Miss)
78) Arizona Cardinals: Jordan Burch (OLB, Oregon)
79) Houston Texans (from Dolphins through Eagles via Commanders): Jaylin Noel (WR, Iowa State)
80) Indianapolis Colts: Justin Walley (CB, Minnesota)
81) Cincinnati Bengals: Dylan Fairchild (G, Georgia)
82) Tennessee Titans (from Seahawks): Kevin Winston (S, Penn State)
83) Pittsburgh Steelers: Kaleb Johnson (RB, Iowa)
84) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jacob Parrish (CB, Kansas State)
85) Kansas City Chiefs from Broncos through Panthers and Patriots): Nohl Williams (CB, Cal)
86) Los Angeles Chargers: Jamaree Caldwell (DT, Oregon)
87) Green Bay Packers: Savion Williams (WR, TCU)
88) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Vikings): Caleb Ransaw (CB, Tulane)
89) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Texans): Wyatt Milum (G, West Virginia)
90) Los Angeles Rams: Josaiah Stewart (OLB, Michigan)
91) Baltimore Ravens: Emery Jones (T, LSU)
92) Seattle Seahawks (from Lions through Jets via Raiders): Jalen Milroe (QB, Alabama)
93) New Orleans Saints (from Commanders): Jonas Sanker (S, Virginia)
94) Cleveland Browns (from Bills): Dillon Gabriel (QB, Oregon)
95) New England Patriots (from Chiefs): Jared Wilson (C, Georgia)
96) Atlanta Falcons (from Eagles): Xavier Watts (S, Notre Dame)
97) Houston Texans (from Vikings)*: Jaylin Smith (CB, USC)
98) Las Vegas Raiders (from Dolphins)*: Caleb Rogers (G, Texas Tech)
99) Las Vegas Raiders (from Giants through Texans)*: Charles Grant (T, William & Mary)
100) San Francisco 49ers*: Upton Stout (CB, Western Kentucky)
101) Denver Broncos (from Rams through Falcons and Eagles)*: Sai’Vion Jones (DE, LSU)
102) Minnesota Vikings (from Lions through Jaguars and Texans)*: Tai Felton (WR, Maryland)

Round 4

103) Tennessee Titans: Chimere Dike (WR, Florida)
104) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Browns): Bhayshul Tuten (RB, Virginia Tech)
105) New York Giants: Cameron Skattebo (RB, Arizona State)
106) New England Patriots: Craig Woodson (S, Cal)
107) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jack Kiser (LB, Notre Dame)
108) Las Vegas Raiders: Dont’e Thornton (WR, Tennessee)
109) Buffalo Bills (from Bears through Bills and Bears): Deone Walker (DT, Kentucky)
110) New York Jets: Arian Smith (WR, Georgia)
111) Philadelphia Eagles (from Panthers through Broncos): Ty Robinson (DT, Nebraska)
112) New Orleans Saints: Danny Stutsman (LB, Oklahoma)
113) San Francisco 49ers: CJ West (DT, Indiana)
114) Carolina Panthers (from Cowboys): Trevor Etienne (RB, Georgia)
115) Arizona Cardinals: Cody Simon (LB, Ohio State)
116) Houston Texans (from Dolphins): Woody Marks (RB, USC)
117) Los Angeles Rams (from Colts): Jarquez Hunter (RB, Arizona)
118) Atlanta Falcons: Billy Bowman (S, Oklahoma)
119) Cincinnati Bengals: Barrett Carter (LB, Clemson)
120) Tennessee Titans (from Seahawks): Gunnar Helm (TE, Texas)
121) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: David Walker (OLB, Central Arkansas)
122) Carolina Panthers (from Broncos): Lathan Ransom (S, Ohio State)
123) Pittsburgh Steelers: Jack Sawyer (OLB, Ohio State)
124) Green Bay Packers: Barryn Sorrell (DE, Texas)
125) Los Angeles Chargers: Kyle Kennard (OLB, South Carolina)
126) Cleveland Browns (from Vikings through Jaguars): Dylan Sampson (RB, Tennessee)
127) Indianapolis Colts (from Rams): Jalen Travis (T, Iowa State)
128) Washington Commanders (from Texans): Jaylin Lane (WR, Virginia Tech)
129) Baltimore Ravens: Teddye Buchanan (LB, Cal)
130) New York Jets (from Lions, Broncos and Eagles): Malachi Moore (S, Alabama)
131) New Orleans Saints (from Commanders): Quincy Riley (CB, Louisville)
132) Chicago Bears (from Bills): Ruban Hyppolite (LB, Maryland)
133) Kansas City Chiefs: Jalen Royals (WR, Utah State)
134) Denver Broncos (from Eagles through Lions and Eagles): Que Robinson (OLB, Alabama)
135) Las Vegas Raiders (from Dolphins)*: Tonka Hemingway (DT, South Carolina)
136) Tennessee Titans (from Ravens)*: Elic Ayomanor (WR, Stanford)
137) New England Patriots (from Seahawks)*: Joshua Farmer (DT, Florida State)
138) San Francisco 49ers*: Jordan Watkins (WR, Ole Miss)

Round 5

139) Minnesota Vikings (from Browns): Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (DT, Georgia)
140) Carolina Panthers (from Giants): Cam Jackson (DT, Florida)
141) Baltimore Ravens (from Titans): Carson Vinson (T, Alabama A&M)
142) Seattle Seahawks (from Jaguars through Texans and Vikings): Rylie Mills (DT, Notre Dame)
143) Miami Dolphins (from Raiders): Jordan Phillips (DT, Maryland)
144) Cleveland Browns (from Patriots through Seahawks): Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)
145) Philadelphia Eagles (from Jets): Mac McWilliams (CB, Central Florida)
146) New England Patriots (from Panthers): Bradyn Swinson (OLB, LSU)
147) San Francisco 49ers (from Saints through Commanders): Jordan James (RB, Oregon)
148) Los Angeles Rams (from Bears): Ty Hamilton (DT, Ohio State)
149) Dallas Cowboys: Jaydon Blue (RB, Texas)
150) Miami Dolphins: Jason Marshall (CB, Florida)
151) Indianapolis Colts: DJ Giddens (RB, Kansas State)
152) Dallas Cowboys (from Cardinals): Shemar James (LB, Florida)
153) Cincinnati Bengals: Jalen Rivers (T, Miami)
154) New York Giants (from Seahawks): Marcus Mbow (G, Purdue)
155) Miami Dolphins (from Broncos): Dante Trader (S, Maryland)
156) Kansas City Chiefs (from Steelers): Jeffrey Bassa (LB, Oregon)
157) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Elijah Roberts (OLB, SMU)
158) Los Angeles Chargers: KeAndre Lambert-Smith (WR, Auburn)
159) Green Bay Packers: Collin Oliver (DE, Oklahoma State)
160) San Francisco 49ers (from Vikings): Marques Sigle (S, Kansas State)
161) Philadelphia Eagles (from Texans): Smael Mondon (LB, Georgia)
162) New York Jets (from Rams through Steelers): Francisco Mauigoa (LB, Miami)
163) Carolina Panthers (from Ravens): Mitchell Evans (TE, Notre Dame)
164) Pittsburgh Steelers (from Lions through Browns, Eagles and Chiefs): Yahya Black (DE, Iowa)
165) Los Angeles Chargers (from Commanders through Eagles): Oronde Gadsden II (TE, Syracuse)
166) Seattle Seahawks (from Bills through Texans and Browns): Tory Horton (WR, Colorado State)
167) Tennessee Titans (from Chiefs): Jackson Slater (G, Sacramento State)
168) Philadelphia Eagles: Drew Kendall (C, Boston College)
169) Chicago Bears (from Bills)*: Zah Frazier (CB, Texas-San Antonio)
170) Buffalo Bills (from Cowboys)*: Jordan Hancock (CB, Ohio State)
171) Detroit Lions (from Cowboys through Patriots)*: Miles Frazier (G, LSU)
172) Los Angeles Rams (from Seahawks through Vikings)*: Chris Paul Jr. (LB, Ole Miss)
173) Buffalo Bills*: Jackson Hawes (TE, Georgia Tech)
174) Arizona Cardinals (from Cowboys)*: Denzel Burke (CB, Ohio State)
175) Seattle Seahawks*: Robbie Ouzts (TE, Alabama)
176) New York Jets (from Ravens)*: Tyler Baron (DE, Miami)

Round 6

177) Buffalo Bills (from Giants): Dorian Strong (CB, Virginia Tech)
178) Baltimore Ravens (from Titans): Bilhal Kone (CB, Western Michigan)
179) Miami Dolphins (from Browns through Texans): Ollie Gordon (RB, Oklahoma State)
180) Las Vegas Raiders: J.J. Pegues (DT, Ole Miss)
181) Philadelphia Eagles (from Patriots through Chargers): Kyle McCord (QB, Syracuse)
182) New England Patriots (from Jaguars through Lions): Andres Borregales (K, Miami)
183) Tennessee Titans (from Panthers through Ravens): Marcus Harris (CB, Cal)
184) New Orleans Saints (reacquired through Commanders): Devin Neal (RB, Kansas)
185) Pittsburgh Steelers (from Bears through Seahawks): Will Howard (QB, Ohio State)
186) Baltimore Ravens (from Jets): Tyler Loop (K, Arizona)
187) Houston Texans (from 49ers through Vikings): Jaylen Reed (S, Penn State)
188) Tennessee Titans (from Cowboys): Kalel Mullings (RB, Michigan)
189) Indianapolis Colts: Riley Leonard (QB, Notre Dame)
190) Indianapolis Colts (from Falcons through Rams): Tim Smith (DT, Alabama)
191) Philadelphia Eagles (from Cardinals through Broncos): Myles Hinton (OL, Michigan)
192) Seattle Seahawks (from Dolphins through Bears): Bryce Cabeldue (G, Kansas)
193) Cincinnati Bengals: Tahj Brooks (RB, Texas Tech)
194) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Seahawks): Jalen McLeod (LB, Auburn)
195) Chicago Bears (from Steelers and Rams): Luke Newman (G, Michigan State)
196) Detroit Lions (from Buccaneers): Ahmed Hassanein (OLB, Boise State)
197) Houston Texans (from Broncos): Graham Mertz (QB, Florida)
198) Green Bay Packers: Warren Brinson (DT, Georgia)
199) Los Angeles Chargers: Branson Taylor (G, Pittsburgh)
200) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Vikings through Browns): Rayuan Lane (S, Navy)
201) Minnesota Vikings (from Rams): Kobe King (LB, Penn State)
202) Minnesota Vikings (from Texans through Steelers, Bears and Rams): Gavin Bartholomew (TE, Pittsburgh)
203) Baltimore Ravens: LaJohntay Wester (WR, Colorado)
204) Dallas Cowboys (from Lions through Browns via Bills): Ajani Cornelius (G, Oregon)
205) Washington Commanders: Kain Medrano (LB, UCLA)
206) Buffalo Bills: Chase Lundt (T, UConn)
207) Philadelphia Eagles (from Chiefs): Cameron Williams (T, Texas)
208) Carolina Panthers (from Eagles through Broncos): Jimmy Horn (WR, Colorado)
209) Philadelphia Eagles (from Chargers)*: Antwaun Powell-Ryland (DE, Virginia Tech)
210) Baltimore Ravens*: Aeneas Peebles (DT, Virginia Tech)
211) Arizona Cardinals (from Cowboys)*: Hayden Conner (G, Texas)
212) Baltimore Ravens*: Robert Longerbeam (CB, Rutgers)
213) Las Vegas Raiders*: Tommy Mellott (QB/WR, Montana State)
214) Los Angeles Chargers*: R.J. Mickens (S, Clemson)
215) Las Vegas Raiders*: Cam Miller (QB, North Dakota State)
216) Denver Broncos (from Browns through Texans)*: Jeremy Crawshaw (P, Florida)

Round 7

217) Dallas Cowboys (from Titans through Patriots): Jay Toia (DT, UCLA)
218) Atlanta Falcons (from Browns through Chargers): Jack Nelson (T, Wisconsin)
219) New York Giants: Thomas Fidone III (TE, Nebraska)
220) New England Patriots: Marcus Bryant (T, Missouri)
221) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jonah Monheim (C, USC)
222) Las Vegas Raiders: Cody Lindenberg (LB, Minnesota)
223) Seattle Seahawks (from Saints through Eagles via Steelers): Damien Martinez (RB, Miami)
224) Houston Texans (from Bears through Texans): Kyonte Hamilton (DT, Rutgers)
225) Arizona Cardinals (from Jets through Chiefs): Kitan Crawford (S, Nevada)
226) Pittsburgh Steelers (from Panthers and Chiefs): Carson Bruener (LB, Washington)
227) San Francisco 49ers: Kurtis Rourke (QB, Indiana)
228) Kansas City Chiefs (from Cowboys through Lions via Patriots): Brashard Smith (RB, SMU)
229) Pittsburgh Steelers (from Falcons through Eagles): Donte Kent (CB, Central Michigan)
230) Detroit Lions (from Cardinals through Panthers and Broncos): Dan Jackson (S, Georgia)
231) Miami Dolphins: Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas)
232) Indianapolis Colts: Hunter Wohler (S, Wisconsin)
233) Chicago Bears (from Bengals): Kyle Monangai (RB, Rutgers)
234) Seattle Seahawks: Mason Richman (T, Iowa)
235) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tez Johnson (WR ,Oregon)
236) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Broncos through Eagles, Commanders and Texans): LeQuint Allen (RB, Syracuse)
237) Green Bay Packers (from Steelers): Micah Robinson (CB, Tulane)
238) Seattle Seahawks from Chargers through Patriots): Ricky White (WR, UNLV)
239) Dallas Cowboys (from Packers through Titans): Phil Mafah (RB, Clemson)
240) Buffalo Bills (from Vikings through Browns and Bears): Kaden Prather (WR, Maryland)
241) Denver Broncos (from Texans): Caleb Lohner (TE, Utah)
242) Los Angeles Rams (reacquired from Falcons): Konata Mumpfield (WR, Pittsburgh)
243) Baltimore Ravens: Garrett Dellinger (G, LSU)
244) Detroit Lions: Dominic Lovett (WR, Georgia)
245) Washington Commanders: Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB, Arizona)
246) New York Giants (from Bills): Korie Black (CB, Oklahoma State)
247) Dallas Cowboys (from Chiefs through Panthers): Tommy Akingbesote (DT, Maryland)
248) New Orleans Saints (from Eagles through Commanders): Moliki Matavao (TE, UCLA)
249) San Francisco 49ers*: Connor Colby (G, Iowa)
250) Green Bay Packers*: John Williams (G, Cincinnati)
251) New England Patriots (from Chiefs)*: Julian Ashby (LS, Vanderbilt)
252) San Francisco 49ers*: Junior Bergen (WR, Montana)
253) Miami Dolphins*: Zeek Biggers (DT, Georgia Tech)
254) New Orleans Saints*: Fadil Diggs (DE, Syracuse)
255) Houston Texans (from Browns)*: Luke Lachey (TE, Iowa)
256) Los Angeles Chargers*: Trikweze Bridges (CB, Florida)
257) New England Patriots (from Chiefs)* Kobee Minor (CB, Memphis)

* = compensatory pick

Rams Open To Reacquiring Jalen Ramsey

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.

Colts Draft QB Riley Leonard At No. 189

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.

Eagles Use No. 181 On QB Kyle McCord

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.

Browns To Give Dillon Gabriel Chance To Start

Perhaps the most surprising piece of Shedeur Sanders‘ fall — a tumble that has largely overshadowed the 2025 draft — came late Friday night, when the Browns circled back to their quarterback pick. Rather than Sanders, Cleveland went with Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel.

Ranked 148th on Daniel Jeremiah’s NFL.com big board (128 spots behind Sanders), Gabriel went to the Browns at No. 94. The former Ducks standout also checks in at 5-foot-11. Transferring from Central Florida to Oklahoma to Oregon in a six-year college run, Gabriel impressed the Browns to the point he will be given a chance to start, Kevin Stefanski said (via cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot).

The Browns went through multiple meetings with Gabriel over the past month, according to The Athletic’s Zac Jackson, who does not envision the undersized prospect making a strong case for the starting role. As it stands, the Browns will send a QB room of Gabriel, Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett into their offseason program. Although Deshaun Watson is technically still on the team, it would be borderline shocking if he threw another regular-season pass for the team that burned three first-round picks on him as part of what is likely the worst trade in NFL history.

Unlike No. 40 overall Saints pick Tyler Shough, Gabriel started throughout his lengthy college career. He posted three 30-touchdown pass seasons — one at Central Florida, one at Oklahoma, one at Oregon — and the Browns certainly saw scrutinized 2023 Ducks starter Bo Nix prove many wrong via a strong rookie season. Gabriel stepped into Nix’s place in Eugene and threw 30 TD passes during a season that saw him finish as the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year. Gabriel finished third in the Heisman voting — behind only Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty — but was not labeled as a comparable prospect heading into the draft.

Sanders was — for a while. The Colorado prospect went from being tabbed a potential No. 2 overall option for the Browns to being a fairly safe bet for a top-10 selection to falling out of Round 1 altogether. A tumble out of Round 1 came up as a possibility shortly before the draft, but no one foresaw the high-profile passer falling out of Round 3. The Browns made four picks Friday night, but their Gabriel move almost definitely will send Sanders elsewhere. GM Andrew Berry referred to Sanders as an “impressive young man,” but added (via the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram’s Scott Petrak) that “sometimes fit comes into play.” The Browns both used a “30” visit on Sanders and then worked him out.

As teams certainly appear to be shying away from Sanders due to his attitude and persona, deeming his play insufficient to negate those factors, the Browns did address their quarterback issue. The Steelers still have not. The Giants and Saints also found their younger options, in Jaxson Dart and Shough. The Browns passed on the latter twice to start Round 2, taking Carson Schwesinger and Quinshon Judkins. The Giants viewed the Browns as a threat for Dart, but after the Ole Miss QB went 25th overall, it took until No. 94 for Cleveland to bring a passer in.

The Browns will have a prime 2026 asset to potentially put toward an earlier QB investment, having acquired the Jaguars’ ’26 first-rounder in the Hunter swap. Cleveland’s own 2025 quarterback situation, Flacco’s 2023 form notwithstanding, does not create an enviable QB setup. It is quite possible Cleveland will carry two high picks in 2026, and while it is too early to project that, next year’s draft would be a clear gateway to the Browns finally moving on from Watson with a first-round investment at the position.

Latest On 49ers, TE George Kittle

TODAY, 8:55am: George Kittle was in the building yesterday for offseason conditioning, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The two sides are continuing to discuss an extension.

THURSDAY, 10:50am: While Ja’Marr Chase widened the gap between the wide receiver and tight end markets last month, the latter group has inched closer to the $20MM-per-year barrier via Trey McBride‘s $19MM-AAV Cardinals extension. A more accomplished player is likely targeting that deal.

George Kittle has moved past his early-career health issues, placing himself on the Hall of Fame radar by becoming an integral part of the 49ers’ offense — both as a pass catcher and blocker. Kittle is now a six-time Pro Bowler who has snared five All-Pro honors. The eight-year veteran’s resume is probably already Canton-worthy, and this year may serve as his last chance to capitalize on his top form.

The 49ers and Kittle are believed to be far apart on a third contract, and The Athletic’s Dianna Russini indicated Wednesday his recent absence from San Francisco’s offseason program relates to his desire to become the NFL’s highest-paid tight end. Kittle then countered by replying to a Russini tweet, saying this was not the case. Kittle said previously (via NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco) he usually does not show for voluntary workouts until on-field work begins. OTAs do not begin until May.

Russini, however, confirmed after more conversations with league figures (video link) Kittle’s early absence from team work is a contract-related situation. Kittle, 31, would not need to report until 49ers minicamp to avoid being fined. He did not hold out in 2020, and the 49ers hammered out a then-record five-year, $75MM extension during training camp. The former fifth-round pick has the chance to top that deal soon, considering where the cap now resides, and the 49ers likely have received an ask from the standout to eclipse McBride’s numbers.

The 49ers are believed to have made Kittle an offer that brought better guarantees, per Russini, compared to McBride’s extension. It is not known if that means total guarantees or fully guaranteed money. McBride secured $43MM in total and $32.5MM in signing. McBride has the age advantage on Kittle here, going into his age-26 season, but the ninth-year 49ers vet can certainly counter that he remains in peak form and has stayed healthy. An All-Pro in each of the past three seasons, Kittle added a fourth 1,000-yard year in 2024 and missed only two games. He has not missed more than three in a season since 2020.

San Francisco does not appear to have matched McBride’s $19MM-per-year number yet, and it will be interesting to see how far Kittle is willing to go to become the NFL’s first $20MM-per-year tight end. It can be argued tight ends are underpaid relative to their value, as team-friendly deals for Travis Kelce and Rob Gronkowski helped suppress the market over the past 13 years. Kittle can strike a blow for the position, but his extension talks come during the same offseason in which Brock Purdy joins him in a contract year. Purdy showed up for the start of 49ers workouts, and the sides are believed to be progressing on an extension.

After the 49ers traded Deebo Samuel, they are not expected to have Brandon Aiyuk to start the season. That situation could give Kittle leverage, should the decorated performer use it, as his contract year nears. Teams are monitoring this situation, per Russini, though no trade request — which helped shape the Samuel and Aiyuk negotiations — has come out.

Broncos Move Into Eagles’ No. 101 Spot

As this trade frenzy nears its conclusion tonight, the Eagles are moving back again. They are trading No. 101 to the Broncos, who will make their fourth selection of the draft.

Denver will send Philly Nos. 111, 130 and 191 for Nos. 101 and 134. The Broncos will take LSU edge rusher Sai’vion Jones with the selection. This is the Broncos’ second straight draft choosing an outside linebacker in Round 3; they chose rotational cog Jonah Elliss last year.

Philly had just moved back, via Atlanta, from No. 96. While no future pick is coming their way in this swap, the Broncos will cut down their selection count by one. They will do so for Jones, who will be in line to step in as a backup behind starters Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper.

At 283 pounds, however, Jones could also be ticketed for time up front in Denver’s 3-4 scheme, where Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers and Malcolm Roach are on expiring contracts. Bonitto is in a contract year (as a clear extension candidate), while Cooper’s extension runs through 2028. Jones will join the former seventh-round find in being signed for four seasons. The Broncos traded Baron Browning to the Cardinals before last year’s deadline, and former UDFA Dondrea Tillman operated as the team’s fourth rusher following that point.

Jones posted 4.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss last season; both were career-high numbers, as the SEC product is not Colorado-bound with an impressive statistical resume. Jones checked in 19th among edge defenders on Dane Brugler’s The Athletic big board, though it will be interesting to see if the Broncos give him time up front during the offseason program.

The defending champions are certainly known for draft maneuvering as their shifts out of 2024 draft slots — for 2025 picks — was among the more notable storylines during the final rounds last year. The Eagles have made two picks thus far — linebacker Jihaad Campbell and safety Andrew Mukuba. They will enter Day 3 with seven more picks. Conversely, Denver holds just two on Day 3.

Texans Flip No. 89 To Jaguars

While not as notable as the intra-AFC South Christian Kirk trade the Jaguars and Texans combined on, the two AFC South teams are making a third-round swap.

The Jaguars will now hold back-to-back third-round picks, taking No. 89 from the Texans. Jacksonville has No. 88 in its arsenal as well. After selecting cornerback Caleb Ransaw with the first of those picks, the Jags have followed it up with West Virginia offensive lineman Wyatt Milum.

Milum spent his first season with the Mountaineers operating at right tackle, serving as a starter for most of the campaign. After that, he moved to the blindside and remained a full-time starter and a key member of the team’s offense. In 2024, the 6-7, 313-pounder was named the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year.

That accolade came in addition to consensus first-team All-American honors, a sign of Milum’s level of play as a senior. Despite his size, a move inside to guard could be in order at the NFL level (something which would, of course, also help explain how he remained on the board this long). Upon arrival in Duval County, he will look to compete for immediate playing time.

The Jaguars have Walker Little and Anton Harrison in place at both tackle spots. They will be counted on to operate as starters in 2025 and beyond, but Milum could look to serve in a swing tackle role. Failing that, he could see time as a first-team option at guard.

Adam La Rose contributed to this post.

Patriots Deal No. 85 To Chiefs

The Chiefs already made a move for a cornerback this offseason, giving Kristian Fulton a two-year deal worth $20MM. But the AFC dynasty will keep going here.

New England dealt Kansas City No. 85, and the Chiefs took cornerback Nohl Williams out of Cal. The Chiefs will send the Pats No. 95 and a 2026 fourth-rounder.

Kansas City did not see its L’Jarius Sneed replacement cadre impress last season, though Jaylen Watson missed most of it due to a broken leg. The Eagles picked on him in Super Bowl LIX, however, likely contributing to the increased commitment this offseason. Kansas City also has Johnson and Joshua Williams in contract years. Trent McDuffie technically joins the 2022 draftees, but the All-Pro will see his fifth-year option exercised before the May 1 deadline.

McDuffie and Fulton are poised to start on the outside for the Chiefs, with McDuffie proving an elite slot stopper on occasion as well. Nohl Williams joins a somewhat crowded cadre of cogs vying for time behind the team’s top two cover men.

The younger of the Chiefs’ two CB Williamses will head to Missouri after displaying elite ball production in his final Cal season. Nohl grabbed seven interceptions, pacing Division I-FBS in 2024. He also served as the Golden Bears’ kick returner, taking one back for a score. Williams transferred from UNLV in 2023.