Giants Acquire No. 25, Select QB Jaxson Dart

There was some speculation about the Giants jumping back into the first round as they pursued a QB, and the front office has made that a reality. Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports that the team has acquired pick No. 25 from the Texans. The Giants will use their new pick to select Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart.

Full trade details:

Giants acquire:

  • 2025 first-round pick (No. 25)

Texans acquire:

  • 2025 second-round pick (No. 34)
  • 2025 third-round pick (No. 99)
  • 2026 third-round pick

With the Titans committed to Cam Ward at No. 1, holding there despite multiple Giants offers (one of which including the team’s 2026 first-round pick), Big Blue pivoted to the draft’s second wave of QBs. The team did extensive homework on some of the draft’s other top passing prospects. That included Dart, but it also included Shedeur Sanders, who was generally considered the second-best player at his position.

There was some speculation that a team could make a move up the draft board to select the Colorado product early in the first round, and there was some belief that the Giants could even ignore the draft’s blue chip prospects and simply use No. 3 on Sanders. Instead, Sanders — after a report the Giants were split on the two-year Colorado starter — ended up falling all the way to No. 25, and the Giants made the move…to select Dart.

It’s a pretty stunning development, but it may not be as much of an indictment on Sanders as it is a vote of confidence for Dart. The Ole Miss product recently came up as a player Brian Daboll liked, and the prospect quickly evolved from a potential Day 2 pick into a potential Day 1 pick throughout the pre-draft process. Daboll-Dart connections had developed for a bit leading up to the draft, and the fourth-year HC may well be staking his job on the SEC prospect — after Dave Gettleman-era draftee Daniel Jones defined the first three years of Daboll and GM Joe Schoen‘s tenure.

Dart had three strong seasons at Ole Miss, but he took it to another level in 2024. The prospect finished the campaign having completed 69.3 percent of his passes for 4,279 yards, 29 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. Dart also continued to show some ability on the ground, compiling 495 rushing yards on 124 carries. Thanks to an impressive showing at the Senior Bowl, Dart separated himself from the likes of Quinn Ewers and Jalen Milroe…and he apparently did enough to jump Sanders on the draft board.

Dart, 22 in May, will now join a Giants squad that was clearly hunting for a future signal caller. The Giants obviously believe in Dart’s ability considering the investment, but with Daboll and Schoen on the hot seat, leadership may not be inclined to immediately toss the rookie into the starting lineup.

The Jones era came to an end last season, and Tommy DeVito is the only holdover from the former QB grouping. Since free agency started, the team added a pair of notable veterans in Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, and both of those players will surely sit above their new rookie teammate on the depth chart. Wilson notably only inked a one-year contract with New York, and while Winston’s deal is for two seasons, Dart could have a pathway to a starting gig in 2026. Whether the current regime is around to see it remains to be seen.

Jaguars Acquire No. 2 Pick, Select WR/CB Travis Hunter

The Jaguars are making major moves up the draft board. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Jacksonville has acquired the No. 2 pick from the Browns. The Jaguars are using that second overall selection on Colorado’s Travis Hunter.

Full details of the trade:

Jaguars acquire:

  • 2025 first-round pick (No. 2)
  • 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 104)
  • 2025 sixth-round pick (No. 200)

Browns acquire:

  • 2025 first-round pick (No. 5)
  • 2025 second-round pick (No. 36)
  • 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 126)
  • Jaguars’ 2026 first-round pick

It’s a stunning development, although not completely unfounded. We heard earlier today that the Jaguars were sniffing around at a trade up the draft board, with their sights set on Hunter. There were occasional rumblings that the Browns would consider moving back, but it was assumed they’d stay put and select one of the draft’s few blue chip prospects.

Cleveland was a popular potential landing spot for Hunter, but instead the two-way threat will suddenly land in Jacksonville. The Heisman winner has remained insistent that he aims to continue playing at both receiver and cornerback as a pro. Hunter also indicated that teams were receptive to that idea, stating that the concept of playing on offense and defense in the NFL has not been an issue for the teams he has spoken with.

The Jaguars are coming off a disappointing season that led to sweeping changes in leadership. Liam Coen has been brought in as head coach, with ex-Rams exec James Gladstone guiding the front office. That duo is making an immediate swing that they’re hoping will turn around the fortunes of the organization.

On offense, Hunter would provide Trevor Lawrence with another dynamic option. 2024 first-round pick Brian Thomas was a hit, as the wideout finished his rookie campaign with 1,330 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns. Hunter and Thomas will form perhaps the best young receiver duo in the NFL, and there’s a belief the 2025 second-overall pick will ultimately settle into an offensive role.

The team may not feel as much urgency to use the rookie on the defensive side of the ball, although Hunter is also considered an elite prospect at cornerback. He split snaps nearly evenly during his Heisman-winning 2024 season. The team returns their top three CBs from 2024 (Tyson Campbell, Jarrian Jones, Montaric Brown) and they added Jourdan Lewis in free agency. That could allow Hunter to serve in a rotational role as he juggles playing both sides of the ball as a professional.

Hunter was considered one of the draft’s elite prospects following his headline-grabbing 2024 campaign. The Colorado star finished the season with 1,263 yards from scrimmage and 16 touchdowns, and he added another 36 tackles and four interceptions on defense. He beat out Ashton Jeanty narrowly for the Heisman and had been earmarked for the No. 2 draft slot for weeks.

After making a pre-draft trade with Houston involving Day 3 picks — including a fifth-rounder this year — Cleveland will now land the fifth overall pick, plus an early second and a future first. The Browns were often connected to Hunter or Abdul Carter, and it was expected that they’d resist trade inquiries and opt for the blue chip prospect. Instead, the Browns will turn to the second tier of draft options.

Issues Between Jalen Ramsey, Mike McDaniel Led To Trade Talks

Jalen Ramsey and the Dolphins continue to seek trade options that would send the star cornerback out of Miami. With the draft representing an opportunity for the two sides to finalize a divorce, we’re getting more details on how we even got here in the first place.

According to Armando Salguero of Outkick, issues between the two sides aren’t connected to finances. Instead, a potential Ramsey exit is because the player doesn’t “see eye to eye” with head coach Mike McDaniel. In fact, Salguero goes as far as describing the relationship between the two as “irreparably broken,” and he says it’s hard to envision the cornerback playing again for head coach.

This actually isn’t the first time we’ve heard of potential issues in the locker room, specifically on the defensive side of the ball. Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda.com reported earlier today that McDaniel has “rubbed a lot of the veterans the wrong way” following the coach’s strong start to his career. Many of those defensive players would prefer to play elsewhere vs. sticking in Miami, and Pauline hints that’s a big reason why the organization has struggled to re-sign players on that side of the ball (and recruit replacements).

The Dolphins have told Ramsey that they’ll work with him to find a favorable landing spot, and this is probably a big reason why Salguero notes that the player has “respect” for GM Chris Grier. The Rams have already been mentioned as a landing spot for their former All-Pro cornerback, and there’s a chance more teams emerge if a trade isn’t consummated during the draft.

It’s been assumed the two sides were seeking a separation after Ramsey refused a pay cut, although Salguero says that’s not the reason for the inevitable trade. Further, the front office seemingly placated the player when they handed him more guaranteed money — via a September 2024 extension (three years, $72.3MM) — soon after Patrick Surtain reset the cornerback market.

The current issue with a Ramsey trade is timing, as a pre-June 1 trade would cost the Dolphins $25.2MM in dead money. The draft could be the best opportunity for the organization to get an offer built on draft picks, but they may just prefer to wait for financial flexibility.

Either way, it appears there’s no chance of Ramsey reversing course and returning to Miami next season.

Chiefs Select T Josh Simmons At No. 32

To no surprise, the Chiefs have looked at the offensive tackle spot to close out the first round of the draft. Ohio State’s Josh Simmons is headed to Kansas City. With Simmons on the roster, the team now has plenty of bodies to work with on the line, if they can just figure out the right combination.

It’s a good thing the Chiefs have so many bodies, too, since Simmons could be a bit of a project in the NFL. After a redshirt season at San Diego State, Simmons started a season at right tackle before transferring to Columbus and switching to left tackle. As a redshirt junior, Simmons returned to start on the left side before suffering a season-ending knee injury. Still, the 22-year-old has displayed quickness off the line of scrimmage and impressive balance in his time as a starter.

Last year’s starting tackles for the Chiefs, Jawaan Taylor and Wanya Morris, were anything but impressive in 2024. The team still has last year’s second-round pick, Kingsley Suamataia, and free agent signing Jaylon Moore to work with, but plenty of question marks remain on the depth chart. Luckily, enough of those players can man the offensive line effectively until Simmons is recovered and ready to contribute.

Simmons certainly holds the potential to act as an improvement at tackle in Kansas City, but most of his impact in 2025 will depend on his injury outlook. If Simmons can recover quickly, he stands a chance of making a significant impact in the coming year. If not, the Chiefs will hope he can contribute in the near future.

Ely Allen contributed to this post.

Eagles Acquire No. 31, Draft Jihaad Campbell

The Eagles have pulled off a one-pick swap at the back of the first round. Philadelphia has acquired No. 31 from the Chiefs, sending Kansas City Nos. 32 and 164 (h/t ESPN’s Adam Schefter).

With the pick, the Eagles have selected Alabama linebacker Jihaad CampbellLingering as one of the best available prospects for an extended stretch tonight, Campbell will join the defending Super Bowl champions — after their trade with the team they walloped in February. As the Chiefs moved to draft tackle Josh Simmons at No. 32, the Eagles bolstered their linebacking corps with a rookie-scale asset.

Campbell established himself as a late-Day 1 or early-Day 2 pick following a strong showing in 2024. The Alabama linebacker finished the season with 117 tackles, five sacks, and 12 tackles for loss, a performance that earned him All-SEC honors.

Campbell drew praise for his coverage ability thanks to his athleticism and acceleration. Scouts weren’t as high on his run-stopping ability, although he lands in a good spot for his development in Philly. The prospect ultimately profiles as more of a middle linebacker, although he possesses the versatility and pass-rush prowess to also play on the edge.

The Eagles are apparently enamored with Campbell’s ability, as the team reportedly tried to trade up earlier in the first round to select the Alabama product. The player’s recovery from a shoulder injury may have slightly hurt his draft stock, a development that ended up working in Philly’s favor.

As Nakobe Dean recovers from a torn patellar tendon, Campbell could be called on to start at middle linebacker to begin the 2025 campaign. When the whole grouping is entirely healthy, Campbell may find himself in a rotational role playing behind Dean and Zack Baun. Campbell’s contract becomes critical now that the Eagles have paid Baun, who has gone from a one-year, $3.5MM deal to a three-year, $51MM pact after his first-team All-Pro season. With injuries marring Dean’s rookie contract, the Eagles paid up to make a more significant investment in a position they had recently devoted minimal resources to stocking.

Adam La Rose contributed to this post.

Bills Select CB Maxwell Hairston At No. 30

To no surprise, the Bills have gone the cornerback route with their top pick. Buffalo has selected Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston at No. 30 overall. A relatively new-look secondary will now feature the former Wildcat in 2025.

Hairston put himself on the map with a school-record three interceptions returned for touchdowns in 2023, but he followed up the five-pick campaign with only one interception and five passes defensed in an abbreviated 2024, though that singular pick was also returned for a score.

Hairston’s ball-skills draw the most attention, but he works with a keen awareness of how the defense around him is unfolding. Obviously, the shoulder injury that caused him to miss five games last year is something to watch moving forward, but as long as he stays healthy, the Bills have landed a playmaker on the outside.

Buffalo relied heavily on Christian Benford in 2024 as Rasul Douglas and Kaiir Elam — both since departed — returned middling campaigns. The team brought back a familiar face in free agency in Dane Jackson, but Jackson didn’t fare much better than Douglas and Elam during his time in Carolina. Hairston should be able to slide into a starting role as a rookie, but if he needs a bit of time to develop, another familiar, veteran face, Tre’Davious White, should be able to hold down the position to start 2025.

Ely Allen contributed to this post.

Commanders Draft Josh Conerly Jr. At No. 29

The Commanders have added further along the offensive line with their first-round pick. Washington has selected Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. at No. 29.

Following Oregon teammate Derrick Harmon off the board in the 20s, Conerly represents the second big swing the Commanders have taken at tackle this offseason. They traded for Laremy Tunsil on Day 1 of free agency; on Day 1 of the draft, they have likely landed their other tackle.

A Washington O-line investment came up this week, and Conerly had been rumored as a target. Rather than potentially replacing Nick Allegretti at guard, the Commanders appear prepared to displace Andrew Wylie at right tackle. Wylie is returning but doing so after accepting a pay cut. The team is prepared to slide Brandon Coleman to the right side, but the 2024 third-round pick — a 12-game LT starter as a rookie — now looks more likely to end up as the Commanders’ swing tackle. Wylie has a past as a guard, but his future in the nation’s capital suddenly looks foggy.

Conerly will head to D.C. after elevating his stock during the Ducks’ Big Ten debut. Working as Oregon’s left tackle, Conerly finished as a first-team all-conference pick for a team that advanced to the CFP quarterfinals. Tunsil has not played anywhere but left tackle since giving way to Branden Albert as a Dolphins rookie in 2016, when he played guard, so Conerly will need to shift to the right side. Most of the tackles chosen in last year’s first round flipped sides, and Conerly will have a full offseason program to develop at RT.

The Commanders had worked with a Day 2 pick and a stopgap (Cornelius Lucas) at LT last season, with a middling veteran (Wylie) on the right side. After Jayden Daniels dazzled as the runaway Offensive Rookie of the Year, the franchise is serious about upgrading their new star QB’s edge protection. Although Conerly has much to learn at the pro level, Daniels will be in line to be better protected in 2025.

Adam La Rose contributed to this post.

Lions Draft DT Tyleik Williams At No. 28

The Lions have continued a strong opening night along the defensive line. Detroit has selected Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams at No. 28.

Despite rostering D.J. Reader and extending Alim McNeill, the Lions were continually mentioned as a potential landing spot for defensive line prospects during the pre-draft process. The organization ultimately landed on Williams, who has garnered increased attention in the weeks leading up to the draft.

The Ohio State product is plenty familiar to Buckeyes fans, having appeared in 51 games across four seasons. He showed some top-end pass-rush ability as a freshman, finishing with five sacks. Since then, he’s only compiled 6.5 sacks, but he still did enough to draw the attention of NFL teams. Listed at six-foot-three and 330 pounds, there’s hope that Williams can command multiple blockers when he’s playing at his best.

There may not be an immediate role for Williams in Detroit, but the rookie will surely be counted on moving forward. In addition to Reader and McNeill, the Lions also signed Levi Onwuzurike to a one-year deal in March. That’s enough depth to temporarily bury the rookie on the depth chart.

Considering that depth, there was some speculation that the organization would pursue an Aidan Hutchinson wingman with their first-round selection. However, the organization also understood that Reader will turn 31 in July and McNeill is coming off an ACL tear. If either of those players see a drop off, the team already had a solution in their 2025 first-round pick.

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

Ravens Draft S Malaki Starks At No. 27

The first safety has come off the board. Georgia’s Malaki Starks has, to little surprise, been selected by the Ravens at No. 27 overall. A team whose biggest needs were in the trenches, Baltimore instead addresses the weakest part of their defense from the early part of the 2024 season.

Starks was praised during his time in Athens for his leadership ability, often taking responsibility for his teammates’ alignments as much as his own. Playing most of his time in the defensive backfield, Starks also found plenty of time in the box and nickel spots on the Bulldogs defense.

Though the Ravens brought him in to address a pass defense that was the second-worst in the league over the course of the 2024 season, Starks biggest strengths were in run defense, as he frequently allowed big plays on defense last year. Baltimore will hope that handing over green-dot duties to players like Kyle Hamilton and Roquan Smith will allow Starks to focus on his own assignments and let his instincts take over in coverage. The Ravens will hope to see the version of Starks from 2023 that limited big plays while logging 19 passes defensed and five interceptions in his first two seasons.

What’s interesting is that, after a Week 10 shootout with the Bengals, the Ravens pass defense became one of the best in the NFL, allowing just 172 passing yards per game and just five touchdowns to six interceptions over that time. The difference came when the team cut Eddie Jackson and permanently benched Marcus Williams, instead planting Hamilton back at safety alongside Ar’Darius Washington. With Washington recently signing his restricted free agent tender, both starters are set to return in 2025, so Starks fit in Baltimore becomes intriguing.

Because Starks showed a tendency to get beat over the top in 2024, when his eyes got caught in the offensive backfield or when he got mixed up by crossing intermediate routes, the team may continue using Hamilton and Washington in the defensive backfield, choosing to utilize Starks in the box or nickel role, though Marlon Humphrey has typically manned the slot lately. Regardless, Baltimore has an embarrassment of riches in the secondary, and they seem to be doing everything to make sure their pass defense doesn’t leak early in the year again in 2025.

Ely Allen contributed to this post.

Falcons Acquire No. 26, Draft James Pearce

The Falcons are the latest team to trade back into the first round. Atlanta has swapped picks 46 and 202, along with the team’s 2026 first-rounder, sending those to the Rams. In return, Los Angeles has sent Nos. 26 and 101 to Atlanta, per ESPN’s Field Yates.

[RELATED: Falcons Draft Jalon Walker At No. 15]

With the newly acquired 26th pick, the Falcons have drafted Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce. The team has thus double-dipped along the edge. The team already added Georgia linebacker/pass rusher Jalon Walker earlier this evening.

The Falcons were reportedly hot for pass rushers heading into tonight, with Pearce and Marshall’s Mike Green frequently listed as potential fits. Things obviously changed when Walker unexpectedly fell all the way to No. 15, but the organization was apparently so enamored with Pearce that it swung a significant trade to add its second pass rusher tonight.

This will go toward addressing one of the NFL’s longest-standing needs, as the Falcons have been unable to generate a consistent pass rush in many years. The team also parted with its top rush presence, 10-year starter Grady Jarrett, who became a cap casualty.

Pearce is certainly deserving of the investment. The Tennessee product broke out in 2023, finishing with 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss en route to an All-SEC nod. He earned that honor again in 2024, finishing with another 7.5 sacks while establishing himself as a sure-thing first-round pick.

There have been some concerns about Pearce’s maturity heading into the draft, which probably explains why the prospect ended up landing late in the first round. The Falcons clearly believe their staff can get the most out of the prospect, and the team is likely hoping Walker may also coax some effort out of their second first-round pick. This trade comes a year after the Falcons attempted to move back into Round 1 for a pass rusher, after their shocking Michael Penix Jr. investment at No. 8, but could not swing a deal. Atlanta’s pass rush suffered, and Pearce will be expected to make significant contributions next season.

The Falcons finished with the second-lowest sack total in the NFL last year, so the team will be relying on both rookies to turn around their pass-rush fortunes. Leonard Floyd will be penciled in for one of those OLB spots, and the two rooks will temporarily compete with former second-round pick Arnold Ebiketie for the other starting spot. For what was once a weak position for the Falcons, the team has quickly turned their OLB corps into a strength.

Ben Levine contributed to this post.