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Browns Still Fielding Calls For No. 2; Jaguars Interested In Trading Up

April 24th, 2025 at 3:33pm CST by Sam Robinson

3:33pm: Andrew Berry has listened to offers, and Russini adds that many around the league believe the sixth-year Browns GM would be willing to slide down a few spots. This would line up with the Jaguars’ No. 5 draft slot, and it will be interesting to learn what kind of offer the AFC South team has made. Again, it will likely take a significant trade package to move the Browns off Hunter, but this storyline is not dying down as the draft nears.

1:23pm: Many moving parts exist for the Browns in this draft. They are not believed to view the available quarterbacks — assuming the Titans start the draft with Cam Ward, as they are expected to — as worth the No. 2 overall pick, which has prompted looks into coming back into Round 1 to address that spot. But other options may still be in play.

Cleveland is still having conversations about sliding down from No. 2 overall, with Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz classifying these as genuine rather than mere check-ins from teams. As the draft nears, we are moving past the check-in stage. The Browns are still listening for a trade that would stand to move them out of the Travis Hunter/Abdul Carter draft sector.

Hunter is viewed as the clubhouse leader to go second overall, even though Carter-to-Cleveland rumblings have emerged at multiple points this spring, and the Browns are still more likely than not to draft the Heisman winner at No. 2. A Wednesday report indicated the Browns would be “foolish” to not listen to offers, however, as the team is in need at the game’s premier position. The Browns adding significant ammo by dealing No. 2 could arm them for a QB trade-up this year or next; a year out, the 2026 passer class is believed to be stronger, though moving parts exist there as well.

The Browns have also still been tied to Kirk Cousins, a former Kevin Stefanski pupil who will not waive his no-trade clause before the draft, and he could conceivably be added as a stopgap. Though, Joe Flacco already coming in for that role would stand to diminish Cleveland’s interest in a Cousins-Stefanski reunion. If the Browns exit this draft with a plan to regroup in 2026 at QB, however, Cousins would stand to be back on the table — if the Falcons can convince the AFC North club to pay some of the aging arm’s 2025 salary.

As for who could come up for this pick, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports the Jaguars have expressed interest in moving up. They join the Raiders in that regard. Hunter is believed to be the player teams are aiming for with these trade-up inquiries, and Russini confirms an offensive player is on Jacksonville’s radar.

The Jags have now been closely tied to Ashton Jeanty at No. 5. They are unlikely to need a trade-up move to acquire the Boise State dynamo, but they certainly will to add Hunter. The Browns prefer Hunter at receiver, while the Titans and Giants have identified him as a corner first. The Jags’ stance is unclear — perhaps by design, as the team clouded its draft board by not conducting any “30” visits this year.

During a Rich Eisen Show appearance, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport did not view the No. 2 pick as off-limits, either. Interest still exists in the pick, and the Jags should be considered on the radar. Though, the Browns likely would charge a premium to pass on Hunter. Jags-Tetairoa McMillan connections have surfaced; Hunter would provide a flashier upgrade at receiver. While Hunter still appears Cleveland-bound, a blockbuster that makes him the centerpiece of a new Jacksonville regime’s offseason is not out of the question entirely.

Dolphins Eyeing Trade-Down Move; Team High On OL Armand Membou?

April 24th, 2025 at 3:19pm CST by Sam Robinson

Seeing another season marred by Tua Tagovailoa injury trouble, the Dolphins are at a crossroads. They enter the draft with Jalen Ramsey on the trade block, while Tyreek Hill trade murmurs persist. The seats are most likely warming in Miami.

Holding the No. 13 overall pick tonight, the Dolphins have discussed the prospect of trading down with multiple teams, the Miami Herald’s Omar Kelly notes. The Dolphins already hold 10 picks in this draft, but the 2025 class is viewed as one featuring stronger depth and weaker top-end talent. Teams are looking to move down, but there are not many players driving trade-up pursuits.

The Dolphins lost their fourth-round pick this year in an Eagles swap for backup running back Jaylen Wright, a player who should see more time post-Raheem Mostert. But Miami still has five picks between Rounds 3-5. That should allow Chris Grier good opportunities to stock his roster ahead of a pivotal year. This will be Grier’s seventh draft with full autonomy, though he has been in his GM chair since 2016.

If the Dolphins stick at No. 13, the prospect of a D-tackle investment has surfaced. An O-line move has also come up. Tied to Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. this week, Miami also is believed to be interested in Missouri’s Armand Membou, ESPN.com’s Matt Miller notes. Membou primarily played right tackle at Mizzou but is viewed as a guard by some teams. That could work against the prospect, as LTs are the priority adds early in the first round. But steady top-10 buzz has come Membou’s way. A fall to 13 could open a path to South Beach.

While Membou’s potential as a guard may work against him, it also could help him with Miami. The team likes his ability to play guard or tackle, per Miller. The Dolphins lost Robert Hunt to a $20MM-per-year Panthers offer in 2024 and replacement Robert Jones to a low-end Cowboys deal this year. Miami signed James Daniels from Pittsburgh and retained Liam Eichenberg, but the latter is on a one-year deal. Used across the formation during his rookie-contract years, Eichenberg could fall to the swing level if the Dolphins go with Membou or Banks in Round 1.

A tackle pick would be a bit more interesting, as the Dolphins have Patrick Paul positioned to replace Terron Armstead across from established RT starter Austin Jackson. The links to this draft’s tackle class, however, point to Miami exploring a reality in which one of those players does not start. Membou, though, could start early as a guard and then kick out to tackle down the road.

Patriots Still Expected To Select Will Campbell At No. 4

April 24th, 2025 at 2:29pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Patriots were linked heavily to Travis Hunter in many early mock drafts with the potential of Shedeur Sanders being one of the first prospects to hear their names called. With that no longer the case, a top three order of Cam Ward (Titans), Hunter (Browns) and Abdul Carter (Giants) has emerged as the expectation for tonight.

If that plays out, the Patriots would be faced with the option of moving down the board from No. 4 overall or selecting from the remaining players. Connections to LSU’s Will Campbell have long been in place as a result, and that remains the case with the opening round hours away. Campbell is still widely seen as New England’s target, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports as well as ESPN’s Matt Miller report.

Interestingly, Schultz adds Campbell should still be expected to join the Patriots even in the event Carter is still on the board by that point. The Giants could take a signal-caller (such as Sanders) third overall or opt to move down the Day 1 order. Carter remaining available with New England still on the clock would come as a surprise, but it would certainly add intrigue to the team’s decision. Long seen in tandem with Hunter as a top-two talent, Carter could add considerably to the Pats’ pass rush in 2025 and for many years beyond that.

On the other hand, upgrading along the O-line has remained a major priority through the offseason for New England. The team’s free agency moves resulted in the arrivals of right tackle Morgan Moses and Garrett Bradbury, with the latter replacing David Andrews shortly after his release. The left tackle spot remains an area of need, though, and Campbell could solidify it (provided, of course, he receives the opportunity to operate on the blindside as he did in college despite concerns about his arm length). Miller confirms the consensus All-American would be tasked with left tackle duties in the event he wound up being selected by the Patriots.

Miller’s colleague Jeremy Fowler reports New England recently traveled to Louisiana to meet once again with Campbell. That marks another indication this team-player pairing will become official tonight. While Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker emerged as a name to watch on this front earlier this week, he remains an outside candidate to hear his name called fourth overall as things stand.

Giants Still Trying To Trade Up To No. 1; Shedeur Sanders QB2 On Team’s Board?

April 24th, 2025 at 2:17pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Titans are already believed to have rebuffed multiple Giants offers. A year after a failed Drake Maye trade pursuit — as the Patriots rejected Giants and Vikings proposals for No. 3 overall — New York appears shut out of the Cam Ward draft slot. Drew Lock‘s shootout win over the Colts in Week 17 set this chain of events in motion, bumping the Titans to No. 1 overall.

Although Tennessee has stood firm on No. 1, the New York Post’s Paul Schwartz notes the Giants are expected to make a final push for the pick. This would undoubtedly require a better offer. Thus far, all that has come out indicates a Giants third-round pick is part of the team’s trade package. Tennessee’s Ward interest would certainly require far more than that, and upping the price on a New York team carrying two hot-seated power brokers makes sense for a Titans team with leverage.

The Titans are not expected to go for any offer at this point, being sold on Ward as the player who can turn the team around. The Giants, then, are viewed as likely to have Abdul Carter ticketed for the Big Apple. The Browns (or another team) will have Travis Hunter to add. Positional needs would naturally make the Giants favor Hunter over Carter, but they are believed to view the Penn State linebacker-turned-EDGE as a prospect talented enough to table their QB need to later in the draft. On that note, the Giants have begun charting a potential path back into Round 1 for a passer, joining the Browns and Saints in this mix.

Brian Daboll-Jaxson Dart connections have emerged over the past several days, but Schwartz adds a notable update to the team’s QB hierarchy. Shedeur Sanders is the No. 2 QB on the team’s big board. While we are amid a leaguewide smokescreen avalanche, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler writes that an outside chance exists the Giants take Sanders at No. 3 to check off a box that has defined the Daboll-Joe Schoen regime’s tenure. Though, that is not the expectation for tonight, as Sanders is in danger of falling out of the first round.

The Giants have plenty of familiarity with Sanders. They spoke with the Colorado prospect at the Combine, hosted him on a “30” visit, dined with him before Colorado’s pro day and worked him out in Boulder last week. Darius Slayton‘s sister, Maleika, also serves as Colorado’s director of on-campus recruiting. The team, however, is believed to be split on Sanders after this eventful evaluation.

It should be considered likely he and Dart are the Nos. 2 and 3 options on Big Blue’s board, as the Post’s Ryan Dunleavy views Jalen Milroe as being a lower-ranked player for the team. With multiple Daboll-Dart connections surfacing, the rumor of a Daboll-Schoen schism is again relevant. Schwartz indicates the two decision-makers are aligned. Giants fans had better hope this is the case, as this is a pivotal draft after the team’s Daniel Jones journey lasted six years without much payoff.

Jones came to New York a year after the team chose Saquon Barkley over the likes of Sam Darnold and Josh Allen. It was believed at the time the Giants did not have a consensus on a QB in 2018. Pat Shurmur was believed to be higher on Allen, while Darnold support existed as well. John Mara was also believed to be an Allen fan at the time, according to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz. While revisionist-history alarm bells may be sounding here — as has been the case with other teams re: Patrick Mahomes‘ 2017 draft journey — Mara being high on the eventual Bills icon at the time and seeing his GM draft Barkley may prove relevant now that his franchise needs a quarterback again.

Mara did not fire his GM and HC, despite a 3-14 season, shouldering some of the blame for Jones’ continued employment. With Schoen and Daboll in-season firing candidates, Mara making an ownership call for a quarterback at No. 3 — or at any point during the early rounds — would be a seismic development, one that would point to little confidence remaining in his current power structure.

The Giants, however, view Carter as a player who would supplement Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Packages featuring the trio would be deployed, as Schwartz adds the Giants were intrigued by the ex-Nittany Lion off-ball linebacker’s versatility. Having seen another ex-Penn State pass rusher morph from ILB to dominant edge rusher (Micah Parsons) does not hurt. Barring something unexpected, another sequence in which the Giants strengthen a strength on the edge, reminding of the Mathias Kiwanuka and Jason Pierre-Paul picks, is on tap. What happens next will prove more interesting, as a glaring QB need would remain.

Christian McCaffrey Attending Offseason Workouts, Has No Physical Limitations

April 24th, 2025 at 1:20pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

49ers running back Christian McCaffrey was in attendance at the start of the team’s voluntary offseason workout program without any physical limitations, according to NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco.

That’s an encouraging sign for the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year after he was limited to just four games in 2024.

A nebulous lower-leg injury – later revealed to be Achilles tendinitis – sidelined McCaffrey at the beginning of the regular season and eventually landed him on injured reserve. He made his season debut in Week 10, but returned to IR with a PCL injury less than a month later.

McCaffrey’s injury woes raised questions about his high usage in the 49ers offense. After missing the first nine games of the season, he played 155 of the team’s 176 offensive snaps (88.1%) in his first three games before going down after just 12 snaps in his fourth. McCaffrey will be 29 once the 2025 season begins with more than 2,000 touches in his career, so such a high snap share may not be tenable moving forward.

As a result, head coach Kyle Shanahan may make a more concerted effort to distribute touches in 2025, though the team traded Jordan Mason and Deebo Samuel this offseason. That will give athletic 2024 draft picks Isaac Guerendo and Ricky Pearsall an opportunity to take some of the playmaking burden off McCaffrey’s shoulders. The 49ers could also add to their offense from a 2025 draft class that is especially strong at running back.

NFC Draft Rumors: Cardinals, Bears, Loveland, Commanders, Coleman, Panthers

April 24th, 2025 at 12:27pm CST by Sam Robinson

Pass rushers and guards have come up as early-round Cardinals targets, but the team also appears to be strongly considering using a first-round pick on a wide receiver for a second straight year. Arizona is believed to want to add an impact weapon to its receiving corps, per ESPN.com’s Matt Miller. Arizona did not come off No. 4 overall, despite trade interest, last year, leading to Marvin Harrison Jr. heading to the desert. The Cardinals have Michael Wilson as a capable auxiliary option, but Miller points to offensive “firepower” being the team’s top priority heading into the draft. This is not viewed as a strong wide receiver class; options will still be available to Arizona at No. 16. The Cowboys have been closely tied to Tetairoa McMillan at 12, but Matthew Golden (he of a 4.29-second 40 clocking), Luther Burden and ex-Harrison college teammate Emeka Egbuka could well be available.

Here is the latest from some NFC draft blueprints:

The Bears‘ interest in Ashton Jeanty is either a elaborate smokescreen or quite legitimate, but if the 2024 Heisman runner-up is not available, Chicago has also been tied to rounding out its skill-position corps with a tight end pick. As the Colts would seemingly monitor this draft slot closely (due to their reported interest in the position), Miller adds the Bears are believed to have Colston Loveland slotted higher than Tyler Warren on their big board. This does not appear a universal view, as SI.com’s Albert Breer sends Warren to Chicago in his final mock draft. The Chargers, at 22, are Loveland’s rumored floor. The Colts, at 14, are expected to have a major say in where the two Big Ten-developed TE prospects go.
Favored to become a Patriot, Will Campbell is unlikely to be available for Chicago at No. 10. But the Chicago Sun-Times’ Jason Lieser notes the team informed the LSU product he would play left tackle were he to wind up in the Windy City. This may not be relevant to the Bears’ No. 10 overall slot, but it seems pertinent to Braxton Jones‘ future. The three-year Bears LT starter is recovering from an ankle injury, one likely to prevent him from starting training camp on time, and entering a contract year.
Holding a pick two spots earlier, the Panthers are interested in trading down. In fact, Breer adds Carolina is “doing everything they can” to move down. The Panthers were mentioned as a team considering taking a less-than-ideal offer to move down from No. 8, as the team can still be classified as rebuilding — especially after circling back to Bryce Young following the September benching. While linked closely to Jalon Walker, Carolina sounds open for business — in a draft not featuring many teams angling to move into the top 10.
The Commanders added Laremy Tunsil and kept Andrew Wylie (via a pay-cut agreement), but they are still interested in bolstering their O-line in Round 1. The team is interested in adding a starter here, ESPN.com’s John Keim notes, indicating the team has shown interest in Alabama guard Tyler Booker and Oregon tackle Josh Conerly Jr. The team’s Tunsil addition will allow for a Brandon Coleman (12 rookie-year left tackle starts) move to right tackle, Keim adds, but the draft will determine the team’s strategy here. Washington has Wylie signed for one more season and has eight-figure-per-year interior linemen Sam Cosmi and Tyler Biadasz. Left guard and right tackle appear areas the team will explore upgrading, however.
If the Commanders do not like the blockers available at No. 29, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter connects them to UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger. Also a potential Bills target, Schwesinger profiles as a potential late first-rounder. The team re-signed Bobby Wagner and saw Frankie Luvu make significant contributions after signing in 2024. Wagner, however, will be 35 soon and is attached to another one-year contract.

Michigan CB Will Johnson’s Knee Issue Hurting Draft Stock

April 24th, 2025 at 12:09pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Michigan cornerback Will Johnson has been dealing with medical issues for the past several months, starting with a bout of turf toe that sidelined him for the second half of the 2024 college football season.

A hamstring strain then sidelined him at the Combine and, and he did not run a 40-yard dash at Michigan’s pro day. That has raised questions about Johnson’s long speed and longevity in the NFL.

Those concerns have been further substantiated by “a knee issue that’s been flagged,” per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. It’s not expected to hamper the former Wolverine’s rookie season, but could affect him over the course of his pro career.

Multiple teams have injury concerns regarding Johnson, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, leading to doubt about his eventual draft spot. His college tape largely shows an NFL-ready cornerback with All-Pro upside, making it possible he goes in the first 10 picks. However, the best ability is availability, and teams may not want to roll the dice on a player with medical questions so early in the draft.

Some teams are hoping that Johnson falls into the back half of the first round, where he could be a steal if he stays healthy. At least one executive doubts he will slip that far, per Fowler, arguing that he is too good of a prospect to ignore.

Indeed, Johnson has prototypical height, length, and coverage skills – both physical and mental – to be an early starter on the boundary with long-term potential as a lockdown corner. A healthier pre-draft process and even a respectable 40 time could have solidified his stock in the top 10; instead, he’ll have to hope that his body of work speaks for itself and still makes him a high first-round pick.

Teams Aren’t Concerned About Ohio State OT Josh Simmons’ Knee

April 24th, 2025 at 11:14am CST by Nikhil Mehta

Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons is widely considered to be a first-round talent, but a torn patellar tendon suffered last October has raised questions about his availability for the 2025 NFL season.

Most teams are already convinced of his talent and have been more focused on his knee during the pre-draft process. Multiple reports in March indicated that Simmons is “ahead of schedule” in his rehab; he even did a brief workout at Ohio State’s pro day.

Recent reports project growing confidence about Simmons’ knee, which has moved him up last-minute mock drafts.

“Teams don’t sound concerned about his long-term availability, as they anticipate he’ll be ready around the start of the regular season,” wrote The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, who mocked Simmons to the Bears with the 10th overall pick. Howe also mentioned some concerns about the 22-year-old’s maturity and passion for the game, but emphasized that he has the long-term upside to be a first-round pick.

Simmons was also projected to the Dolphins at No. 13 by CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones after medical rechecks cleared his knee.

However, the initial severity of Simmons’ injury has caused some doubt that he will be ready to play by the start of the regular season, according to Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline, who believes that November may be a more realistic timeframe for his return to the field.

Simmons’ draft slot will reveal how teams really feel about his knee. A top-15 pick would indicate confidence that he can contribute in 2025, while slipping to the end of the first round (or out of Day 1 entirely) will hint at a potential redshirt rookie year.

Browns Shopping CB Greg Newsome, DE Ogbo Okoronkwo?

April 24th, 2025 at 11:02am CST by Sam Robinson

Greg Newsome is going into a fifth-year option season. While the Browns fully guaranteed the 2021 first-round pick’s 2025 salary ($13.38MM), they had not begun extension talks this offseason. That could be telling.

Hours before the first round, the Browns are believed to be shopping Newsome and edge rusher Ogbo Okoronkwo, according to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz. Newsome saw his snap rate decline last season, after near-full-time usage from 2021-23, as Martin Emerson‘s role contributed to that. Okoronkwo is also going into a contract year.

Emerson has operated as Denzel Ward‘s perimeter complementary performer during his career, relegating Newsome to a slot role in sub-packages. Last season, that meant only three starts for Newsome, who described some frustration with his role during the winter. Ahead of his age-25 season, the Browns will see what they can land for the former No. 26 overall pick. Likely Browns draftee Travis Hunter would be expected to dabble at corner, giving the team a unique luxury, but GM Andrew Berry has consistently said the organization prefers him at WR.

These trade talks are not exactly out of the blue, as Newsome came up in trade conversations before last year’s deadline. As the Browns tumbled to a 1-6 start, they did unload Za’Darius Smith and Amari Cooper. But they stood pat in the secondary, keeping Ward, Newsome and Emerson. With Emerson becoming extension-eligible, Cleveland may be fine landing a cheaper corner to complement Ward and Emerson. On that note, the Browns may not be able to land a strong return due to Newsome’s fully guaranteed salary.

Cutting costs makes sense for a Browns team that still has Deshaun Watson‘s megadeal on its books, even though the quarterback has likely thrown his last pass with the team. An insurance measure could allow the team to save some money if/when Watson is released in 2026, but that is not certain. Trims elsewhere make sense in the meantime. Cleveland already carries 10 picks entering the draft, but it looks to be eyeing more.

Okoronkwo, 30 today, has worked mostly as a rotational rusher in Cleveland. Combining for 7.5 sacks in two seasons, the ex-Rams rusher has made five starts (all last season). Attached to a three-year deal worth $19MM, Okoronkwo teamed with Smith as Myles Garrett wingmen; he made his five starts after Smith’s move to Detroit. Trading Okoronkwo now would not bring any cap relief; the move would cost just more than $6MM in dead money. The Browns, however, appear to deem that worth a minor return.

Broncos Taking Calls On Moving Down From No. 20

April 24th, 2025 at 10:23am CST by Sam Robinson

Sean Payton has never traded down in the first round during his time as a head coach, but the Broncos have an interesting opportunity to do so tonight. As quarterback-needy teams circle — regarding a class not deemed to have a second passer worthy of a top-10 pick — Denver’s No. 20 overall draft slot represents a pivotal point.

The Steelers hold the No. 21 overall pick, and their lack of clarity on Aaron Rodgers certainly creates a perception a QB selection would be on tap. Pittsburgh is believed to want to make its long-term QB pick either this year or next, but with Rodgers not giving the team an indication of his plans — despite an offer being on the table for six weeks — the AFC North club is in a bind as the draft nears.

Although reports earlier this week pegged the Broncos as interested in trading up, ESPN’s Adam Schefter now notes the team is taking calls about moving down from 20. The Broncos could be the spot where the first non-Cam Ward QB strike — in what appears a fascinating trade derby — could be made.

The idea of Denver accumulating more draft capital is interesting, as the team has been light on high-value picks in recent years. It took two first-round picks and two seconds (along with four other assets) for the Broncos to pry Russell Wilson from the Seahawks. A year later, the team sent first- and third-round picks to the Saints for a second and Payton’s rights. While the Von Miller and Bradley Chubb trades armed the Broncos in that span, both assets acquired in those swaps went to securing Wilson and Payton. The team has not made first- and second-round picks in the same draft since 2021.

A Wednesday report from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini indicated the Broncos were high on this year’s running back class — just maybe not to the point a first-round pick was necessary. Denver has been regularly tied to North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton in mock drafts, but the team also could address its need for more Courtland Sutton supporting-casters — especially with the No. 1 receiver set to turn 30 this year. Denver moving down from 20 would run the risk of missing out on Hampton or a quality wide receiver prospect, but other RBs and wideouts would await in a draft higher on depth than blue-chip talent.

The Browns, Giants and Saints could have interest in leapfrogging the Steelers for a passer; Payton obviously has a good line into the Saints, having worked with Mickey Loomis for 16 years. The Rams and Dolphins have also been connected to QBs, though Miami is more likely to add one in the middle rounds. Options could be there for the Broncos, who may have a chance to add more Day 2 draft capital by sliding down the board tonight.

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