HEADLINES

Chargers Draft Omarion Hampton At No. 22

April 24th, 2025 at 9:36pm CST by Adam La Rose

The second running back has come off the board. North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton will go 22nd overall by the Chargers.

Hampton will join a new-look RB corps for the Chargers. Last year, the team navigated into the post-Austin Ekeler era. With Jim Harbaugh running the show, the Chargers relied on some of John Harbaugh’s former favorites in 2024.

J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards were plenty productive in their roles, especially the former. Dobbins returned from a lost 2023 campaign to have one of the best seasons of his career, finishing with 1,058 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns. However, both of the vets naturally missed time during the season, and the team was clearly valuing availability heading into the offseason.

That explains why the team opted for Najee Harris as their veteran addition. While the former Steelers RB never truly lived up to his draft billing, he’s about as reliable as you can get at the position. Harris topped 1,000 rushing yards in each of his four seasons in Pittsburgh, and he famously never missed a regular season game.

Now, the team can pair their veteran acquisition with a dynamic rookie RB. Hampton made a name for himself in three seasons at North Carolina. He had a breakout campaign in 2023 and followed that up with an even better 2024 season. Hampton finished last year with 2,033 yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns. He also hauled in a career-high 38 receptions, stats that bode well for his pass-catching prowess in the NFL.

The Chargers still have some worthy depth in Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal, so Hampton may not be handed an immediate role. However, the rookie possesses more upside than anyone on the depth chart, and there’s a good chance he’s leading the position in touches by the end of the 2025 campaign.

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

Steelers Draft DT Derrick Harmon At No. 21

April 24th, 2025 at 9:26pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Steelers have neither added a quarterback at No. 21 nor traded down. Pittsburgh has instead selected Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon.

As the shots of Shedeur Sanders created intrigue leading up to the pick, the Steelers went another way with their first-round choice. Harmon will bring a younger piece alongside Cam Heyward up front in Pittsburgh, which has tabled its much-publicized QB need.

A recent report also indicated the Steelers had placed a first-round grade on Jaxson Dart, but that same offering noted Harmon was a Round 1 target. Harmon relocated to Eugene after three years at Michigan State, using his Ducks stay to solidify first-round status. He had entered Thursday as a lock to go in Round 1, and the Steelers made him the fourth interior D-lineman off the board. The Steelers brought Harmon in on a “30” visit as well. Although he checked in as a lower-profile pick compared to Sanders, it is becoming clear the gap between Cam Ward and the other QB talents in this prospect pool is wide.

A three-star recruit, Harmon entered the transfer portal after the Spartans fired HC Mel Tucker. After briefly recommitting to Michigan State, he reentered and chose Oregon. With the Ducks, Harmon put up career-best numbers by registering five sacks, 11 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. The 311-pounder’s quickness and power make him a menace inside the tackles, but he also showed the ability to line up outside. This could give the Steelers options, as Heyward prepares to play an age-36 season after securing an extension last year.

The Steelers have been connected to Dart as recently as today, but they came into the draft not planning to use a first-round pick on a quarterback. They join the Browns, Giants and Saints to have punted on a QB need in Round 1, creating an interesting situation to close out the night. The Steelers are still courting Aaron Rodgers, after nearly two months, and could circle back to Kirk Cousins. Omar Khan and Co. wanted to make a QB investment in this draft or in 2026. The Steelers traded their second-round pick for D.K. Metcalf, however, limiting their options after the Harmon move.

Broncos Draft CB Jahdae Barron At No. 20

April 24th, 2025 at 9:22pm CST by Adam La Rose

After making calls related to moves up and down the board, the Broncos wound up staying put at No. 20. Instead of adding a skill-position prospect at that spot, Denver has selected Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron.

Barron was used all over the secondary in Austin, although he’s probably destined to be a cornerback in the NFL. Some pundits believe the prospect was the second-best CB (behind Travis Hunter) in this year’s draft, and he reinforced that sentiment with a strong showing during the 2024 campaign.

Despite dealing with a nagging ankle injury, Barron still appeared in all 16 games for Texas last season. He finished the year with five interceptions and 11 interceptions, earning him the Jim Thorpe Award, awarded to the top defensive back in college football. The Broncos had already invested in their secondary in free agency, signing Talanoa Hufanga. They will now pair Barron with a strong DB corps.

At 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, there’s a chance the rookie temporarily takes over as a nickelback while he builds up some NFL strength. The Broncos still have Patrick Surtain and Riley Moss on the outside, with Ja’Quan McMillian providing depth at any of the CB spots. With all those options, the Broncos could take advantage of the rookie’s versatility to assure he’s constantly on the field. Either way, Barron should see a significant role in 2025.

There was some speculation that the Broncos could look to add to their offense with this pick. After hitting on their Bo Nix selection, settling on their OL depth, and adding TE Evan Engram in free agency, the team really only had holes at running back and wide receiver. Instead, the front office decided to add to their defense, and they added one of the most versatile defensive backs in the draft. Barring a late reentry into the first round, the Broncos will have their Day 2 picks to help round out Nix’s weaponry cadre.

Ben Levine contributed to this report.

Giants Attempting To Trade Back Into First Round

April 24th, 2025 at 9:19pm CST by Sam Robinson

Abdul Carter‘s status as the clear-cut top prospect available to the Giants at No. 3 led to the team bolstering an area at which it already had made considerable investments. As a quarterback need remains, the team is following through on a previously rumored effort to attempt to move back into Round 1.

The Giants are indeed attempting to climb back into the first round, according to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz. It would stand to reason this effort is aimed at landing a quarterback. The Giants were unable to leapfrog the Steelers, however, though it is not known if they made a firm offer to climb in front of the QB-needy team.

Linked to both Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart today, the Giants have done extensive homework on both players. Both remain on the board, as the Steelers went with Oregon D-lineman Derrick Harmon. The Giants would have more avenues back into Round 1, obviously, and it will be interesting to see what they are willing to give up. New York holds the No. 34 overall pick. At this rate, one of Dart or Sanders could still be on the board by then.

Both might, but the Browns, Saints and Steelers stand to join them in the much-rumored derby to trade up for a passer. The Browns also have an extra second-round pick to use for such a purpose. Brian Daboll-Dart connections had emerged, but a Thursday report indicated Sanders sat second among QBs on the Giants’ big board. That being true would certainly point to a Sanders-based trade-up, but Dart rumors have been fairly steady here. And the Rams (No. 26) were connected to Dart — along with the Saints and Steelers — earlier today.

With Daboll and Joe Schoen on hot seats, the Giants may need to come out of this draft with a long-term hopeful. Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston do not inspire much confidence, even if Carter strengthens their pass rush. The second wave of QB options awaits, and the Giants are a key place to monitor.

Buccaneers Draft Emeka Egbuka At No. 19

April 24th, 2025 at 9:12pm CST by Adam La Rose

A number of defensive prospects were linked to the Buccaneers during the pre-draft process. Tampa Bay has instead added at the receiver position, though, selecting Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka. It’s the second time in as many years that the Bucs have added to the receiving corps with a Day 1 or 2 pick.

Playing alongside such NFL talents as Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. during his years in Columbus, it’s impressive that Egbuka shined as much as he did at all for the Buckeyes. The 22-year-old didn’t land in the NFL because of his electric speed, as evidenced by a 4.48-second 40-yard dash at his pro day. Working mostly out of the slot, Egbuka made his impact with savvy route-running and instincts to feel out gaps in coverage.

While lacking elite size and speed, Egbuka still found his way to making impacts in 2022 and 2024. Despite some missed time affecting his 2023 campaign, Egbuka was able to record 1,000-yard, 10-touchdown contributions in the surrounding seasons.

Last season, the Buccaneers utilized Mike Evans and rookie Jalen McMillan on the outsides while working Chris Godwin in the slot for much of the start of the year. Adding Egbuka should give Tampa Bay plenty of flexibility to move Godwin around and work Egbuka as the primary slot wideout. A three wide receiver offense should likely feature Evans, Godwin, and Egbuka more often than McMillan, but the increased number of looks the offense can utilize could be really beneficial for Baker Mayfield and company in 2025.

Ely Allen contributed to this post.

Seahawks Select OL Grey Zabel At No. 18

April 24th, 2025 at 9:07pm CST by Adam La Rose

Adding along the offensive line has long been seen as a need for the Seahawks, and Seattle has indeed gone that route in the opening round. North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel is headed to the Emerald City.

The Seahawks entertained calls about trading down, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reports. That will likely be the case for nearly every team left in the order, but Seattle elected to stay in place. Zabel had come up as a potential Seahawks target this week, and the Division I-FCS standout will indeed become the rare high-end Seahawks guard investment.

Zabel was billed as one of the draft’s top center prospects, but the prospect showed plenty of versatility throughout his college career. The player spent time at every position on the OL during his time at North Dakota State, and that should provide the Seahawks with some options as they draw up their offensive line in 2025 and beyond.

Perhaps guard will end up being the rookie’s landing spot, at least for next season. Laken Tomlinson is in Houston now, and the Seahawks other options consist of Anthony Bradford (ranked 72nd out of 77 guards in 2024, per PFF), Sataoa Laumea (77th out of 77), and Christian Haynes, a 2024 third-rounder who did not crack the starting lineup as a rookie.

The team’s going to already be relying on one of those underwhelming pieces, but now they have an intriguing first-round prospect to throw into the mix. With Sam Darnold now manning QB after inking a lucrative contract, the Seahawks are surely focused on keeping their investment upright.

While guard could be the rookie’s temporary landing spot, Zabel’s savviness means he could ultimately land at tackle…or perhaps he’ll realize his pre-draft reports and settle in as an elite center. There’s even a chance his role evolves through his rookie campaign. It’s a bit of an unknown, and that certainly provides a bit of intrigue to the selection. Seahawks fans will want to keep an eye on where Zabel lines up during rookie minicamp.

Ben Levine contributed to this report.

Bengals Draft DE Shemar Stewart At No. 17

April 24th, 2025 at 9:00pm CST by Adam La Rose

As uncertainty looms over the Trey Hendrickson situation, the Bengals have added to their edge rush in the first round. Cincinnati has selected Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart with the 17th pick. Stewart will be the latest experiment we see of a player with more potential than production at the collegiate level, and the Bengals need that potential to pan out.

A 25th-ranked defense in Cincinnati, highlighted by a pass rush that finished with the eighth-fewest sacks in the league last year, was a huge reason that the team missed the playoffs while players like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase has all-time great seasons. As Hendrickson’s future remains up in the air, Stewart’s development becomes a crucial component of the team’s success in the future.

Stewart, a former five-star recruit, failed to ever live up to his recruiting status in College Station. Over his three years at Texas A&M, Stewart didn’t become a full-time starter until 2024. Despite leading the Aggies in pressures (39) last year, he struggled to finish throughout his career, staying off the stat sheet for the most part. He totaled only 4.5 sacks in his three seasons of play, adding only 11.0 tackles for loss over that time.

New defensive coordinator Al Golden will need to tap into the potential Stewart has stored and will need to so quickly. Stewart will be expected to line up across from Hendrickson, for now. Should Hendrickson depart in any sort of fashion, Stewart will be expected to lead the edge rushing group. He’ll need to display that five-star, first-round potential as soon as possible in Cincinnati.

Ely Allen contributed to this post.

Cardinals Draft DT Walter Nolen At No. 16

April 24th, 2025 at 8:54pm CST by Adam La Rose

Walter Nolen is the next defensive lineman to come off the board. The Ole Miss product will join the Cardinals at No. 16.

N0len had a late rise up the draft rankings thanks to his explosiveness and physicality. There’s a belief the prospect can be an impactful interior disruptor in the NFL, and he’ll have every opportunity to prove his worth on Arizona’s defensive line.

The Ole Miss product also drew some criticism heading into the draft, perhaps explaining why he wasn’t able to make the jump into the top 10. Nolen reportedly struggles with some of the mental challenges of the game, and there have also been questions about his character (specifically a perceived sense of entitlement and lack of maturity). The Cardinals have dealt with similar before, including plenty of talk surrounding the mental tenacity of QB Kyler Murray.

Even if the organization was shy about these types of players, it clearly couldn’t deny Nolen’s talent. While Nolen was always ranked behind fellow DT Mason Graham, there was still a belief that the Ole Miss defensive lineman would be capable of breaking out in the NFL. Nolen continued to improve during his time in college, culminating in a 2024 campaign where he compiled 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss.

The Cardinals were busy adding to their front seven this offseason, with Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson representing some newfound size up front. Thanks to those veteran additions, it’s a bit of a question mark about where the rookie will specifically fit in, especially with 2024 first-round pick Darius Robinson taking one of the DE spots. Nolen rounds out a D-line group that should feature more bite in 2025, especially when EDGE Josh Sweat is factored into the equation.

Still, the Cardinals shouldn’t have any issues rotating four players through three positions, and Nolen should have plenty of chances to show his stuff during the 2025 campaign.

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

Falcons Draft Jalon Walker At No. 15

April 24th, 2025 at 8:48pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Falcons have long been connected to targeting an edge rush addition in the first round. To no surprise, then, hybrid Georgia linebacker/pass rusher Jalon Walker is heading to Atlanta. We’ve known for a while that Atlanta was eager to make improvements all over the defense, so they’ll have their chance to decide how to utilize him in the NFL, but they did announce Walker as a “defensive end” when making their selection.

During his time with the Bulldogs, Walker spent time all over the defense. Coming into his final year of collegiate play, Walker’s time as an edge rusher outweighed his time as an off-ball linebacker, but in 2024, he played in the box more than he did the edge. He has incredible potential at both positions, but it sounds like the Falcons intend to tap into his pass rushing potential.

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 with the Falcons.

In Atlanta, Walker should slot in across from another former Bulldog in Leonard Floyd. The Falcons finished with the second-lowest sack total in the NFL last year, so Walker’s abilities will be very welcome among the edge rushing group. He’ll work against Arnold Ebiketie for pass rushing snaps, but even if he fails to secure a starting role there, he has the potential to be an upgrade in the linebacking corps, as well.

The Falcons have plenty of time now to see just exactly where Walker can do the most good on their defense. Atlanta should feel extremely fortunate that a likely top 10 talent fell to them at 15th overall.

Ely Allen contributed to this post.

Colts Draft TE Tyler Warren At No. 14

April 24th, 2025 at 8:38pm CST by Sam Robinson

Without needing to trade up, the Colts have landed a prospect they have long been connected to. Indianapolis has selected Penn State tight end Tyler Warren.

Late Warren-Indianapolis rumors swirled this afternoon, but the Colts have been linked to bolstering their long-dormant tight end cadre for a while. The Colts have not churned out a 400-yard tight end receiving yardage season in the 2020s; they are now bringing in a player coming off a 1,200-yard campaign during his final college slate.

Indianapolis scheduled an early meeting with Warren, who shredded defenses last season to the tune of 104 catches, 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns. Although Warren posted a seven-touchdown 2023 season, last year was a full-on breakout showing for a dynamic player who played a central role in the Nittany Lions reaching the CFP semifinal round. The 6-foot-5 pass catcher will be expected to step in immediately to help Anthony Richardson (or Daniel Jones).

Warren-Bears ties emerged during the draft runup as well, but a late report indicated Chicago preferred Michigan’s Colston Loveland. That turned out to be accurate, as the NFC North team went with the ex-Wolverines contributor at No. 10. Despite Warren-Jets connections also coming out, the Colts did not need to trade up to address perhaps their biggest need.

With Jelani Woods missing the past two seasons, Colts tight ends have largely been M.I.A. Although the team brought back Mo Alie-Cox, Indy gave the ex-basketball player a pay cut upon re-signing him. The Colts simply have been unable to count on anyone at tight end this decade, but that should change with Warren.

The five-year Big Ten performer will join a host of rookie-contract wide receivers, players whose talents have largely been unable to boost Richardson. The wildly inaccurate passer is entering a crossroads season, with Jones representing real competition. Warren stands to serve as a key short- and mid-range option for Richardson and/or Jones, and the Colts predictably used Round 1 to check a rather important item off their offseason to-do list.

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