HEADLINES

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.

Dolphins Select DT Kenneth Grant At No. 13

April 24th, 2025 at 8:35pm CST by Ely Allen

The Dolphins are adding along the defensive interior with their top pick. Miami has selected Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant 13th overall. While teammate, and fellow first-round pick Mason Graham got much of the attention in the pre-draft runup, Grant has plenty to offer, as well, and he’ll take his talents to South Beach.

Unlike Graham, Grant worked more over center as a three-tech or one-tech lineman. Despite the large stature that makes him a perfect fit for such a role, Grant impressed with his mobility all over the field and his ability to chase down runners from sideline to sideline.

He doesn’t get into the quarterback’s lap too much, but he is a stout, immovable force in the middle of the line with quickness to move laterally down the line and stop the play. The Dolphins were connected to Grant earlier this week, having done a lot of work on the former national championship contributor. Miami will add a high-profile interior D-lineman a year after losing Christian Wilkins in free agency.

Miami already has one of the league’s best interior defenders in Zach Sieler, but without Wilkins, there isn’t much help around him on the defensive line. Enter: Grant. Grant should slot in immediately as a starter next to Sieler and, likely, Benito Jones. Grant occupying the middle should concentrate enough of the offensive line to free things up for a pass rush that finished with the sixth-fewest sacks in 2024.

Adam La Rose contributed to this post.

Cowboys Select G Tyler Booker At No. 12

April 24th, 2025 at 8:26pm CST by Adam La Rose

After losing Zack Martin to retirement this offseason, the Cowboys have made a first-round investment at guard to replace him. Alabama’s Tyler Booker is headed to Dallas.

Booker was a two-year starter at Alabama, earning a pair of first-team All-SEC nods and an All-American accolade over that span. At 6-foot-5 and 321 points, Booker was lauded for his surprising agility, and there’s a belief the prospect simply has to work on his consistency to emerge into a long-time starting offensive guard.

Considering his measurables and performance, Booker was considered the top offensive guard prospect in the draft. While Cowboys fans may have been hoping for a splashier selection, the rookie should instantly plug a hole for the squad while providing potential stability at the position for years to come.

Martin manned the RG spot for 11 years; his retirement left a major hole on the Cowboys offensive line. Booker will now step into the role and provide more youth to the already-young offensive line. 2022 first-round pick Tyler Smith will start on the opposite side at LG, while 2024 first-round pick Tyler Guyton mans LT and 2024 third-round pick Cooper Beebe is at center.

Booker should be a starter from Day 1, but the Cowboys did put in some effort to add interior OL depth this offseason. If the rookie isn’t immediately ready for a starting role, the team could turn to free agent addition Robert Jones. Still, considering the rookie’s college track record and his impressive scouting report, Booker will surely be in the lineup come Week 1.

After the Cowboys closed 2023 with Martin and Tyron Smith at their longtime roles, along with four-year starter Tyler Biadasz at center, they are now poised to have four rookie-contract starters up front. Though, Tyler Smith is a surefire extension candidate. Dallas rostering three rookie-scale O-line starters will certainly help the team cover the costs of the Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb deals, with a monstrous Micah Parsons payday also likely on tap this year.

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

49ers Select DE Mykel Williams At No. 11

April 24th, 2025 at 8:23pm CST by Sam Robinson

The 49ers have, unsurprisingly, added along the defensive front in the opening round of the draft. Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams is headed to San Francisco.

D-line loomed as a 49ers need for months heading up to the draft, and the NFC West franchise will make Williams the first Georgia defender taken in this draft. Jalon Walker had been expected to hold that honor, but the hybrid defender remained on the board at No. 11. San Francisco will go with Williams, a former top-10 national recruit who contributed for the Bulldogs across three seasons.

Williams took a “30” visit to the Bay Area to meet with 49ers brass, and the 49ers will take him with their highest pick since the 2021 Trey Lance misfire. Williams profiles as a bookend to Nick Bosa. The 49ers have gone with veterans in that slot in recent years, cycling through the likes of Samson Ebukam, Charles Omenihu, Arden Key and Leonard Floyd. San Francisco cut Floyd earlier this offseason, freeing up a spot opposite Bosa. Williams’ draft position points to a clear starter path, and the 49ers will line him up on a D-line that could still use some help up the middle.

Williams’ size (6-foot-5, 260 pounds) and athleticism gave him some of the highest upside amongst edge rushers in the 2025 class. He posted 4.5 sacks in each of his first two seasons with the Bulldogs, but a lingering ankle injury limited his production in 2024. Williams recorded five sacks and nine tackles for loss, figures short of what many other Day 1 prospects managed but enough for a second-team All-SEC nod. Williams joined Walker in participating in a late pro day this month in Athens, and the 49ers evidently liked the final returns from the one-time elite prospect.

Lingering injury concerns do not appear to exist with Williams, who also worked out at Georgia’s pro day. The 49ers had also been viewed as a potential landing spot for defensive tackle Walter Nolen, but they will take a player whose production did not quite match his recruiting profile in college. That said, the 49ers still employ well-regarded D-line coach Kris Kocurek. Rather than having a midlevel free agent to use opposite Bosa, the veteran assistant now has a high-profile prospect to develop.

Bears Draft TE Colston Loveland At No. 10

April 24th, 2025 at 8:15pm CST by Adam La Rose

Tight end is, to little surprise, the position the Bears have targeted with the 10th overall pick. Rather than Tyler Warren, however, Chicago has selected Michigan’s Colston Loveland.

The tight end if coming off a 2024 campaign where he took over as Michigan’s top receiving option. Despite failing to reach his yardage total from 2023, Loveland still led the team in receptions (56), receiving yards (582), and receiving touchdowns (5) by a wide margin.

Those numbers also aren’t near the production put up by some of the more productive tight ends in the NCAA, but he still found himself as one of the top-ranked players at his position heading into the 2025 draft. Loveland and Warren were competing to be the first player at their position off the board, and it is a bit surprising that the former was the one to hear his name called first.

Still, at 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, it’s easy to understand why the Bears opted for the player they did. The Bears were active last offseason as they added to rookie Caleb Williams‘ arsenal, and despite most of their offensive depth returning (Keenan Allen remains unsigned), the team is still investing on that side of the ball.

Tight end wasn’t necessarily a need for the Bears, and this selection could ultimately spell the end of Cole Kmet‘s tenure in Chicago. Kmet was handed a four-year, $50MM deal following his career year in 2023, although his numbers took an expected step back in 2024. With the addition of so many WRs, Kmet’s counting stats suffered, but he still finished the campaign with a career-high 70.9 percent success rate and 85.5 percent catching percentage.

The Bears surely won’t be in any rush to move on from Kmet, and the veteran could join his new rookie teammate as one of the league’s top TE duos. Still, with D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze around for the foreseeable future at receiver, there’s a chance Williams eventually settles on a trio of favorites, leaving Kmet on the outside looking in.

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

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