HEADLINES

Saints Making Calls On Path To QB Pick; Derek Carr Clarity Proving Elusive

April 24th, 2025 at 9:47am CST by Sam Robinson

Where the wave of second-tier quarterback prospects sends those players will be one of this draft’s top storylines, and teams are doing work on forging reasonable paths to securing QB real estate. This has involved the Browns and Giants discussing trades that involve using their early-second-round picks to climb back into Round 1. The Saints are at work on a similar route as well.

Mentioned a few times as less likely to use the No. 9 overall pick on a quarterback — in a much-maligned draft at the position (outside of Cam Ward) — New Orleans has begun to discuss trades with teams that would involve a move down from that point, Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reports. Additional pick(s) gained from a move down would, Schultz adds, likely be used in a trade package to come back into the first round for a passer.

[RELATED: Jalon Walker, Pass Catchers On Saints’ Round 1 Radar]

This draft’s lack of blue-chip talent, or a second QB deemed worthy of a top-10 pick, has made trading down from the top 10 rather difficult. Offers are not believed to be carrying full value, which would complicate a Saints odyssey down from 9. It depends on how serious New Orleans is about a plan to find a Derek Carr successor without using its first-round pick. The Saints hold No. 40 overall as well; that pick has been viewed as the franchise’s more likely centerpiece of a trade to acquire a long-term option.

The 2025 QB class is not viewed as the greatest talent array to land such a player, the Saints are nevertheless in this position due to Carr’s murky status. The team had hoped to have pre-draft clarity on Carr, per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, but no such answers — regarding a surgery that would impact the QB’s availability for 2025 — have emerged.

Seeing as we are nearing May, it is a bit odd this much mystery still clouds Carr’s future. The situation may offer reminders of Michael Thomas‘ unusual 2021, when he delayed a surgery the team viewed as necessary — only to suffer a setback and then miss all of that season. Carr is not certain to undergo surgery, but this issue has surprised some members of the Saints’ staff. His status has naturally hovered over the team entering the draft. Mickey Loomis refused to answer Carr-related questions at his pre-draft presser, but the 12th-year veteran’s availability certainly impacts how the Saints will proceed in the draft. Loomis has avoided trading down in Round 1, but he — as could be expected — did not dismiss the possibility this year.

Carr’s injury is believed to stem from a 2023 AC joint issue that did not heal properly. Carr sustained multiple concussions that year, and he ran into oblique and hand trouble in 2024. The Saints were not believed to have been caught off-guard by Carr’s shoulder trouble, having restructured the vet’s contract — making a 2026 separation more costly. But the team having anticipated more clarity by now is noteworthy, especially as the Saints join other clubs in preparing similar trade-up routes for QBs.

Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough and Jalen Milroe have checked in as potential options for this glut of QB-needy teams; all could be gone by Round 2. The Saints have done extensive work on each, as Kellen Moore prepares to take over. Our Ely Allen pegged Dart to go to New Orleans in his mock draft. The Giants are believed to be high on Dart, and the Saints will take a risk if they pass on a QB at 9. Should that happen, the race between this lot of teams eyeing longer-term solutions will be on.

Jets, Saints In Mix For Jalon Walker; Panthers Remain High On LB

April 24th, 2025 at 9:04am CST by Sam Robinson

Recovering from a quad injury during the pre-draft process, Jalon Walker‘s stock has been climbing since his recent belated pro day. The Georgia linebacker seems a safe bet to become a top-10 pick.

Mentioned as a potential Patriots wild-card pick at No. 4 overall, Walker has not received as much buzz about a Foxborough destination compared to LSU tackle Will Campbell. If the Pats do end up filling their LT need at 4, it should not be expected Walker falls far. A few other top-10 teams are closely monitoring Georgia’s top 2025 prospect.

While Ashton Jeanty seems a safe bet not to fall past No. 6, as a run of Jaguars and Raiders rumors have circulated, Las Vegas has also been connected to bolstering its O-line at No. 6. A hybrid player who has operated as an edge rusher and off-ball linebacker, Walker could conceivably be on the Raiders’ radar too. After all, this week represents is the smokescreen Super Bowl, but he is primarily being tied to the teams holding picks from Nos. 7-9.

The Panthers, who did not make a strong effort to replace Brian Burns last year, have probably been the team most closely linked to Walker. Although Carolina did not send a large contingent to Walker’s Athens pro day earlier this month, The Athletic’s Joe Person indicates NFL personnel believe Dan Morgan and Dave Canales remain high on the intriguing front-seven piece. It is possible, however, Walker fails to reach No. 8. The Jets have been tied to O-linemen or potentially Tyler Warren at No. 7, but ESPN.com’s Matt Miller projects them to draft Walker. While the team certainly needs more help on offense compared to defense, Miller points to the team eyeing an impact defender and culture fit — ahead of Aaron Glenn‘s first season in charge — in Round 1.

Considering the growing buzz on Walker, the Saints might need to look elsewhere at No. 9. But they are believed to be in on Walker as well, per NFL.com’s Jane Slater. New Orleans, however, has also done plenty of work on Michigan DT Mason Graham and Arizona wideout Tetairoa McMillan, Slater adds. Warren has also come up here, per Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz.

Graham no longer looks likely to go to the Jaguars at 5, and while Michigan alums are now running the Raiders (which is something to monitor re: a D-tackle pick at 6), the player who has long been viewed as this draft’s top interior presence could fall toward the lower end of the top 10.

The Saints picked up Chris Olave‘s fifth-year option Wednesday, and they have Rashid Shaheed coming back from injury to join the returning Brandin Cooks. New Orleans has been on the radar for a first-round receiver in recent years, however.

The team also doled out a $10.25MM-per-year deal to retain Juwan Johnson, while Foster Moreau and Taysom Hill remain rostered at tight end. Hill, of course, roves around the formation and is now going into an age-35 season (and coming off an injury). Warren coming off a 1,200-yard season also has enticed teams; the Penn State tight end should not need to wait too long tonight.

OL-Based Trade-Up On Texans’ Radar

April 24th, 2025 at 8:30am CST by Sam Robinson

The Texans enter draft weekend having already reshaped their offensive line. Laremy Tunsil relocated to Washington on Day 1 of free agency, fetching Houston four draft choices — including a 2025 third-rounder — while 2022 first-rounder Kenyon Green is now in Philadelphia.

Laken Tomlinson reunited with DeMeco Ryans, while Cam Robinson joined the team on a higher-end one-year deal. Houston also traded for ex-Minnesota second-round guard Ed Ingram, and GM Nick Caserio will reunite with ex-Patriot tackle Trent Brown in what amounts to a flier at this stage of his career. Although the Texans chose Blake Fisher in the 2024 second round, they are believed to be ready to make another splash move.

Caserio and Co. have made calls about moving up in the first round, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini and SI.com’s Albert Breer. The calls are believed to be based around adding a first-round O-linemen, Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz. Moving up from No. 25 does not stand to have the same impact as when Caserio climbed from No. 12 to No. 3 for Will Anderson Jr., but the fifth-year GM has displayed a willingness to move up early.

This draft has featured a host of teams potentially willing to move back into Round 1 for a quarterback, but non-QB-needy teams have not been closely tied to trading up. Teams holding top-10 picks have been more willing to trade down in this draft, but Schultz adds that lot is having a tougher time finding takers.

Ryans’ former boss, John Lynch, confirmed (via The Athletic’s Matt Barrows) most teams are eyeing trade-down moves to capitalize on this draft’s depth — as blue-chip talent is deemed rather scarce this year. The Texans have also explored moving down, per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, who adds the team is indeed interested in climbing up from 25. The Chiefs have also been linked to climbing for a tackle, with a recent report pointing to the defending AFC champs plotting to move ahead of the Texans for an edge protector.

Robinson, Tomlinson, Brown and Ingram are on expiring contracts, while Tytus Howard‘s through-2026 deal does not include guaranteed money beyond 2025. The Texans missed on Green and have seen injuries play a key role up front during C.J. Stroud‘s tenure. It appears they are certainly interested in seeing if they can further upgrade their QB’s situation — after he failed to build on an Offensive Rookie of the Year season, as WR injuries also piled up — ahead of what could be a final year of rookie-deal status.

Titans Rejected Giants’ Offer For No. 1 Overall; Cleveland, New York Discussing Trades Back Into Round 1

April 23rd, 2025 at 11:35pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Giants held the No. 1 overall pick going into Week 17, but a Drew Lock-led upset win over the Colts dropped them out of that slot and vaulted the Titans to pole position. Week 18 did not change Tennessee’s draft position, and the team now appears a day away from adding Cam Ward as its next franchise centerpiece.

Around the Combine, we heard the Giants as a team interested in acquiring the No. 1 pick. Even as Ward-Titans links emerged, the Giants took their shot. They called the Titans multiple times with trade offers for No. 1, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. New GM Mike Borgonzi confirmed Tuesday the Titans are staying at 1, with a Ward pick imminent.

Multiple offers emerged, per Russini, who describes the Giants as being the most aggressive team with regards to acquiring the pick. Although the Giants’ offer included at least their 2025 third-rounder (per ESPN’s Adam Schefter), the full trade package is unknown, but this push — presumably for Ward — reminds of their Drake Maye pursuit last year.

New York made a strong offer for New England’s No. 3 overall pick. The deal would have given the Patriots the Giants’ first- and second-round picks last year and first-rounder this year; instead, the Patriots took Maye. The Giants then passing on J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix and Bo Nix thrust them into their current predicament, holding a top pick without a quarterback deemed worthy of it.

Strongly linked to passing on a QB at No. 3 to take one of this draft’s top two talents — either Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter — the Giants look to be readying to trade back into Round 1 for a passer. They are in talks with teams with picks near the bottom of the first round, Russini adds. They join the Browns in that effort. Cleveland, New York and New Orleans appear in this boat, as the Saints have also been tied to tabling their QB need beyond their No. 9 overall pick.

Both the Browns and Giants added two veteran QBs apiece, which at least would send a capable starter for both teams into Week 1. But Joe Flacco and Russell Wilson are not enviable options for 2026; they are bottom-half options for 2025. Yet, each team has access to this draft’s best players. It is looking like the Browns and Giants’ trade-up efforts will need to be monitored after Hunter and Carter go off the board. The Giants may be split on Sanders, but more Jaxson Dart–Brian Daboll buzz is circulating. Chatter continues that Daboll likes the Ole Miss QB more than Sanders or any other non-Ward option, ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano notes.

Although the Browns have still been linked to Carter in recent days, Hunter looks more likely to be Cleveland-bound. When asked about his potential draft destination, Carter’s reply (via SNY) pointed to a New York landing. The Giants traded for Brian Burns last year and used a top-five pick on Kayvon Thibodeaux in 2022. The latter has not quite justified that investment, though he has not been a bust like 2022 No. 7 overall pick Evan Neal. Carter, however, could displace Thibodeaux in New York’s lineup. Then again, the team has a past (under John Mara) of adding on the edge (Mathias Kiwanuka, Jason Pierre-Paul) when it already possessed a strong group.

The Steelers‘ No. 21 overall pick has come up with regards to a trade-up spot, per Graziano. That information comes after an early-week report indicated Pittsburgh is interested in trading down. This would seemingly add the Steelers to the list of QB-needy teams who do not believe Shedeur Sanders or one of the other second-tier options is worthy of the pick. Mike Tomlin being a Sanders fan would stand to negate a trade-down move, but the Steelers were not originally planning to use No. 21 on a QB. A Sanders fall could change that, and that will be a Day 1 draft subplot to monitor.

Teams are also potentially leery of the Rams at No. 26, Graziano adds, with trade-up discussions appearing to factor Matthew Stafford‘s age into this equation. The Giants pursued Stafford aggressively in February, but the Super Bowl-winning QB regrouped and stayed with the Rams. It would seem unlikely the Rams would use their top draft asset on a QB in a maligned class, but the team is running short on time to add a Stafford heir apparent.

Lions Sign S Kerby Joseph To Record-Setting Extension

April 23rd, 2025 at 11:25pm CST by Ely Allen

Just before last year’s draft, the Lions secured their future by signing both offensive tackle Penei Sewell and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown to long-term extensions. This year, they’ve decided to do the same, rewarding a first-team All-Pro season by making Kerby Joseph the highest-paid safety in the NFL. Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Joseph and Detroit have agreed to a four-year, $86MM extension.

We don’t have any guaranteed numbers on the deal yet to stack against the current top deals in the league, but Joseph’s $86MM in total value is more that Antoine Winfield Jr.‘s $84.1MM. Winfield also held the highest average annual value at $21.03MM per year, which will be eclipsed by Joseph’s $21.5MM per annum.

We knew all the way back when the Lions got eliminated from the playoffs that they would be exploring an extension for their All-Pro safety this offseason. They reiterated those intentions earlier this month, as well, adding that star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson‘s expected extension was also on the docket.

The reason Joseph’s extension likely took priority over Hutchinson’s is because, unlike Hutchinson, Joseph was not a first-round pick. As a first-round selection, Hutchinson’s rookie contract includes a fifth-year option that the team can exercise to extend his obligations to the team for a year longer than the standard four-year rookie deal. Because of this, Hutchinson and the Lions will likely have plenty more time to work out an extension. Joesph, on the other hand, was headed into the final year of his rookie contract.

In just three years of play, Joseph has already established himself as one of the league’s best at the position. Not only did he lead the NFL with nine interceptions in 2024, but he also leads the league in interceptions since he entered the NFL in 2022 with 17. Add in 31 passes defensed and 247 tackles and Joseph has proven that he deserved to be awarded with an All-Pro selection and a record-setting extension this year.

The Lions will hope that securing Joseph will give them the league’s top defensive backfield duo in the NFL for years to come. Today’s extension ensures that Joseph will return alongside Brian Branch next year. Branch, a Pro Bowler last year with seven interceptions and 29 passes defensed in his first two seasons, was drafted in the second round a year after Joseph. Both safeties were ranked as top-five safeties per Pro Football Focus (subscription required) with Joseph notching the position’s highest overall and coverage grades and Branch notching the positions best run defense grade. Branch will likely be a target for extension himself in the next offseason.

For now, though, the Lions will rejoice in their securing of Joseph and the elimination of safety as a position of need in the draft. It was never considered a position that needed improvement, but with Joseph on a long-term deal, there’s no danger of needing to draft a safety to eventually take over for a free agent departure.

Browns, Steelers, Vikings Linked To Kirk Cousins; Saints In Mix For Falcons QB?

April 23rd, 2025 at 11:20pm CST by Sam Robinson

Although Shedeur Sanders probably enters the draft with the most compelling storyline, a player who came off the board on Day 3 13 years ago is pushing for a front-row spot. The Kirk Cousins situation remains foggy, even after the demoted Falcons quarterback reported on time for his team’s offseason program.

Cousins is still eyeing a way out of Atlanta, and teams continue to come up as interested parties. Even after their Joe Flacco addition — one that came after Cousins consideration — the Browns are being mentioned as a candidate to add Cousins. So are the Steelers and Vikings, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. How teams proceed in the draft will obviously play a central role in Cousins’ willingness to sign off on a trade, as he is not planning to waive his no-trade clause before the draft — in an effort to avoid a redux of his 2024 storyline.

Of the above-referenced trio, Russini points to the Vikings being the least likely to add Cousins — in what would be a quick reunion — due to J.J. McCarthy‘s presence. With McCarthy’s path to the Minnesota starting job clear enough the team has brushed off Aaron Rodgers, it would be understandable if Cousins — his production under Kevin O’Connell notwithstanding — would be leery of landing there again. Cousins would be against a trade that sends him to a team with a starter-level young passer, Russini adds. Considering the teams in this mix, that might be a difficult play.

Employing ex-Cousins Vikings OC Kevin Stefanski, the Browns are candidates to circle back to address their QB situation after making their first-round pick (likely Travis Hunter). The Giants, Saints, Rams and Dolphins join the Steelers in being linked to early-round QB investments. Cleveland already signing Flacco and adding Kenny Pickett via trade would stand to block a Cousins path — if a rookie is tabbed, at least. If the Browns somehow leave this draft without a QB, they could be in play to reunite Cousins and Stefanski, where a Flacco competition would stand to be on tap.

As odd as it would be to see the Falcons send their high-priced backup to their top rival, the Saints should also be considered on the Cousins radar, Sportskeeda.com’s Tony Pauline writes. Falcons GM Terry Fontenot came from the Saints, and Pauline adds the Falcons would consider dealing Cousins to any team willing to pay a sizable chunk of the QB’s 2025 money. Cousins’ 2025 base salary ($27.5MM) is guaranteed, giving the Falcons no incentive to move on without someone taking on part of the salary. We heard earlier this offseason that Atlanta wanted an acquiring team to pay at least $20MM of Cousins’ tab. That has seemed highly unlikely to occur.

Donovan McNabb and Drew Bledsoe were traded within their divisions this century, creating a precedent for Fontenot and Co. The Saints, however, want to leave this draft with a quarterback. Mickey Loomis evaded Derek Carr questions at his pre-draft presser today, further muddying this situation, one that has the veteran starter in danger of missing some (or all) of the 2025 season due to a shoulder injury. New Orleans has done extensive work on prospects but is viewed as less likely to spend its No. 9 overall pick on the position. This would send them into a battle royal of sorts with the lot of teams eyeing this draft’s second wave of passers.

The Steelers could be the spot teams eyeing a trade-up maneuver to target, though they are not certain to use their first-rounder (No. 21) on a QB, either. Mike Tomlin has said Mason Rudolph would be an acceptable starter, but Pittsburgh — recent doubts aside — is still pursuing Rodgers. It had been expected around the league, per Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, the Steelers would have an answer from the future Hall of Famer by the draft. With that not happening, the Steelers need to cover their bases. On that note, they have also done work on potential Day 3 options in Syracuse’s Kyle McCord and his Ohio State successor (Will Howard), per ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler.

More notably, Fowler adds the Steelers want to take a QB swing in one of the next two drafts. That could create the illusion of flexibility, though if Rodgers does not show in Pittsburgh, Rudolph would move to the front of the line if the Steelers do not make a first- or second-day addition. Cousins, then, would become insurance against Rodgers balking at a longstanding Pittsburgh offer. Would the Steelers make a preemptive play for the Falcons backup if they lose patience with Rodgers?

Offering a final wrinkle here, Schultz adds Arthur Blank could also opt to keep Cousins (after presumably not seeing other teams agree to take on much salary). Several sources inform Schultz that Cousins could be effectively held hostage (a well-paid hostage, but still) as Michael Penix Jr.‘s backup. Considering Penix’s injury past, the Falcons considering Fontenot’s previous decree to retain Cousins as QB2 has some merit.

This would drain a year from Cousins’ career, his age-37 season, while giving the Falcons insurance ahead of a smoother 2026 release. It would stand to reason we still have plenty of Cousins updates to come between now and this potential reality.

WR Tyler Lockett To Sign With Titans

April 23rd, 2025 at 10:42pm CST by Ely Allen

On the eve of the draft, the Titans have signed a new, veteran weapon for expected No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward. According to a post on X from Tyler Lockett himself, the 10-year veteran will be joining the Titans for the 2025 campaign. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Lockett will play on a one-year, $4MM deal that could be worth up to $6MM with incentives.

Despite playing in the NFL since 2015, this will be only the second team Lockett has played for during his professional tenure. The 32-year-old entered the league as a third-round pick out of Kansas State for the Seahawks and has been in Seattle ever since. In his early years, Lockett was an effective receiver, usually active as a third receiving option behind Doug Baldwin combined with either Jermaine Kearse, Jimmy Graham, or Paul Richardson, but he made his name (as well as his Pro Bowl and three All-Pro selections) as a top return man.

As a rookie, Lockett recorded an impressive 664 yards and six touchdowns receiving, but his return abilities, which resulted in touchdowns both on punt and kickoff returns, were what earned him Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro selections. Similarly, over the next two years, his receiving contributions came second to his return abilities, which garnered second-team All-Pro selections in both seasons. His 2017 campaign saw him lead the NFL with 949 kickoff return yards, as well as another touchdown.

In 2018, Baldwin’s chokehold on the WR1 role finally began to falter, along with his effectiveness, and in the veteran receiver’s final season, Lockett took over the top role as the No. 1 wide receiver for Russell Wilson with 965 yards and 10 touchdowns. This would be the last time Lockett would finish under 1,000 yards receiving until five years later when he would turn 31 years old. It also kicked off a streak of five straight seasons in which he would catch between 8-10 touchdowns. As his receiving role increased, though, his return roles decreased, and by 2020 the veteran was rarely, if ever, returning punts or kickoffs.

In 2023, two years after the departure of Wilson, Lockett’s effectiveness finally began to fall as he recorded a still impressive 894 yards and five touchdowns. Last year, a breakout season by second-year wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba saw Lockett return to WR3 on the depth chart and record his lowest receiving total (600 yards, two touchdowns) since 2017.

One would think that if Lockett was going to leave Seattle after 10 years and play for a new team, it would be to rejoin his former quarterback in New York or his former head coach in Las Vegas. Instead, he makes his way to Nashville, where he doesn’t appear to have any notable connections (except maybe Dre’Mont Jones?). Instead, it appears that he will join a receiving corps currently manned at the top by Calvin Ridley, Van Jefferson, and Treylon Burks. He’ll add experience, durability, and maturity to a group that will likely be receiving passes from a rookie starter in 2025.

Cowboys Likely To Target Skill Position In First Round

April 23rd, 2025 at 10:09pm CST by Ely Allen

With the 2025 NFL Draft coming tomorrow night, several teams are zoning in on where their draft focus will be in the first round. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, there are “many sources” who expect the Cowboys to target an offensive skill position (quarterback, running back, wide receiver, or tight end) with the No. 12 overall pick.

Considering the recent extension for quarterback Dak Prescott and the recent trade for backup passer Joe Milton, I believe we can safely dismiss any notions of quarterback being a target. The presence of two tight ends (Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker) still on their rookie deals, one of whom has a Pro Bowl to their name already, likely disqualifies that position, as well.

That leaves running back and wide receiver. Running back was certainly a weakness last year, but Dallas addressed the position in free agency this offseason, signing both Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. While the two aren’t exactly world-beaters, they’ve each shown an ability to carry the load as a starter in the past, giving the Cowboys a passable duo of rushers for 2025. That being said, if Ashton Jeanty were to fall to 12, it would likely be hard for the team to pass him up. Other options like Omarion Hampton, can’t likely be ruled out but would more likely be targeted in the second round or with a trade back in the first.

With that in mind, we can turn our attention, as Russini did, to wide receiver, specifically, Texas wideout Matthew Golden and Arizona receiver Tetairoa McMillan. NFL Network’s Jane Slater seconded this notion today, saying that, while the team needs an offensive lineman, they really want a wide receiver.

McMillan appears to be the most desired choice, but Slater reports concerns that he’ll go before Dallas gets a chance to take him (like to the Saints at No. 9 overall). That leaves Golden, whose speed (4.29 40-yard dash at the combine) gives the Cowboys what they’re looking for in a pass catcher to pair with CeeDee Lamb.

In his last second mock draft, ESPN’s Matt Miller also landed on McMillan, though he noted the team’s extensive work done on offensive linemen. This is evidenced by the recent update that Alabama offensive guard Tyler Booker was one of the most recent players to take a top-30 visit to Dallas, per Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News. Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. is another name Slater mentioned for the Cowboys, but there is a presumption that he will get selected before the Cowboys get to pick by the Jets at No. 7 overall.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated did a breakdown yesterday of each team’s biggest draft needs, and after mentioning McMillan and Golden (as well as Michigan cornerback Will Johnson) for the Cowboys, Breer turned his attention to versatile North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel. Zabel brings plenty of intrigue to the first round. Despite starting games at every position along the offensive line in college except center, Zabel has been projected as the draft class’s best center prospect. Regardless, he is certainly one of the draft’s top interior offensive linemen, and many are connecting him to Dallas.

Breer specifically mentions that Zabel won’t make it out of the teens, which Miller’s mock draft reflects, as well, sending him to the Seahawks at No. 18 overall. Per Miller, Zabel and McMillan are the two names that Seattle has focused in on. The team reportedly believes that the guard position is deeper than receiver in this draft, so McMillan would be the preference, but if either player is still around by the 18th pick, they may be headed to Seattle.

That might end up being possible, too, as Clarence Hill Jr. of All City DLLS seems to believe there is no chance of the Cowboys considering an offensive lineman in the first round, despite all the work they’ve done on the position. It seems like the only way they may land on an offensive lineman in the first round is if they trade back, which is certainly also a possibility. According to Jon Machota of The Athletic, Cowboys owner/president/general manager Jerry Jones claimed that the team is “actively looking at potential trades they could do before or after the draft.”

Other players that Slater listed as names the Cowboys are kicking around are Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen, Tennessee pass rusher James Pearce, and Virginia Tech running back Bhayshul Tuten. She notes that the team has character red flags for Pearce, so he shouldn’t be a Day 1 consideration for Dallas. She also believes that some of Jones’ trade ideas could lead the Cowboys into the late-second round, where they would target Tuten. We’re less than 24 hours away from getting to find out just how all of these ideas will finally play out in reality.

QB Will Levis Could Be On The Move During Draft

April 23rd, 2025 at 6:53pm CST by Ely Allen

It’s the 2025 NFL Draft’s worst-kept secret that the Titans are likely to have a new quarterback in the building soon. With Tennessee expected to use their No. 1 overall draft pick on Miami’s Cam Ward, incumbent passer Will Levis could be expendable. In fact, Dianna Russini of The Athletic seems to believe that he could be traded during this weekend’s draft.

It’s been two years since the Titans drafted Levis out of Kentucky as the first pick in the second round. He took over the starting job in Week 8 of his rookie year, going 3-6 as a starter as he took the job from Ryan Tannehill, though Tannehill continued pushing him for the job near the end of the season.

Levis retained the starting job over Mason Rudolph last year, but a rocky start and a shoulder joint led to Rudolph taking over for a few games. Levis took his job back after recovering, but in the middle of a Week 15 contest with the Bengals, the Titans benched him for Rudolph, who would start the next two games. The two would split time in the team’s season finale.

Levis has shown promise at times in his early career, but ultimately, a 5-16 record over two years, combined with a completion percentage of only 61 percent and 16 interceptions over 21 games, has convinced Tennessee to pursue a quarterback with their top overall pick. That doesn’t mean Levis doesn’t have value in the NFL, though, and plenty have suggested that the 25-year-old holds some trade value as he could contribute to another franchise.

Three and a half weeks ago, Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker refuted reports that trade talks had begun for Levis. With the draft 24 hours away, though, calls — incoming or outgoing — are likely to pick up and could result in a draft-day trade for the former second-rounder.

AFC Draft Rumors: Broncos, Chiefs, Chargers, Bills, Ravens, Titans, Jaguars

April 23rd, 2025 at 4:37pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Broncos have been connected to trading up, but a year after Sean Payton admitted he participated in a smokescreen operation surrounding a potential first-round move up the board, the team may be content staying at No. 20. A recent report pegged Denver as a team interested in trading up, but The Athletic’s Dianna Russini counters by indicating the team is comfortable staying at 20 or potentially moving back. It is important to note Payton’s teams have never traded back in the first round during his HC tenure, but the Broncos are known to be interested in adding a running back. A potential move down the board could allow the team to draft a starter-level RB while adding assets.

This could effectively serve as an announcement the Broncos’ No. 20 pick could be had by a team aiming to climb back into Round 1 — and there are believed to be many — for a quarterback. Though, ESPN.com’s Matt Miller adds the Broncos are believed to be more interested in adding a wideout or a tight end in Round 1 than addressing their RB need there.

A day out, here is the latest from around the draft:

  • Denver would be taking a risk by moving out of Round 1 altogether, as this is a loaded running back class. Another team that could be in the mix for a back: the Broncos’ top rival. The three-time reigning AFC champion Chiefs did some late work on TreVeyon Henderson, with ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler noting Andy Reid participated in a video call with the versatile Ohio State RB. The Chiefs hold the No. 31 overall pick and are not planning to extend Isiah Pacheco before the season, as the three-year starter missed much of last season with a broken leg. Henderson’s stock is on the rise, per Fowler, and his floor appears to be early in the second round.
  • Staying in the AFC West, the Chargers are believed to be eyeing an early-round upgrade to their edge-rushing corps, Miller adds. The Bolts re-signed Khalil Mack, but that came after the Joey Bosa release. Mack is also 34 and on a one-year deal. Bud Dupree is also in a contract year, even as two years remain on Tuli Tuipulotu‘s rookie pact.
  • Holding the No. 27 overall pick, the Ravens are believed to be interested in adding a safety — after multiple investments backfired at the position. As our Ely Allen pointed out in PFR’s mock draft, the shortcomings of Marcus Williams and Eddie Jackson restricted Kyle Hamilton last season. The Ravens want Hamilton to play a deep safety role, and Georgia’s Malaki Starks excelling in multiple areas would enable that and qualify as Baltimore’s “dream pick” in Round 1.
  • Bills ties to a first-round defensive tackle pick have emerged, but Miller indicates the five-time reigning AFC East champs have a higher opinion of Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos than the DTs expected to be available by No. 30 overall. Buffalo re-signed Tre’Davious White, but he profiles as more flier than true Rasul Douglas replacement. Amos would effectively qualify as a make-up call for the team’s Kaiir Elam miss.
  • Although Mike Borgonzi said the Titans are not planning to move off No. 1, despite some offers (most notably from the Giants), ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicates the team wants to add to its draft arsenal. Specifically, Tennessee wants to add a Day 2 pick. The team traded its third-rounder (No. 66) for L’Jarius Sneed last year, as Borgonzi was working for the Chiefs at that point.
  • Despite holding the No. 5 overall pick, the Jaguars threw a strange wrinkle into their pre-draft process. They did not conduct any “30” visits, Schultz adds. This has left teams guessing, though the odd plan also would stand to leave Jacksonville’s new regime with less intel on prospects down the board. Indeed, PFR’s Jaguars page lists no “30” visits, adding intrigue to the first Liam Coen–James Gladstone offseason blueprint.
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