The league promised to shock on the primary evening of the 2025 NFL Draft in Inexperienced Bay, Wisconsin. Mere minutes into Thursday’s festivities, it completely did not disappoint.
What began with each workforce holding its authentic decide within the first spherical shortly modified, because the Jacksonville Jaguars traded up from No. 5 to No. 2 to seize cornerback/vast receiver Travis Hunter, returning the Heisman winner to his dwelling state of Florida and throwing into query if he can actually grow to be the league’s first two-way starter — he is ok to begin at each positions on Jacksonville’s roster, however will he?
The surprises did not cease there, both. The Chicago Bears made Michigan’s Colston Loveland the primary tight finish off the board at No. 10. The internet hosting Inexperienced Bay Packers shocked their very own crowd by taking a large receiver within the first spherical. The Atlanta Falcons doubled up on edge rushers, although possibly overcompensating for wants ought to now come to be anticipated from Atlanta.
Oh, and the New York Giants traded again into the primary spherical at decide No. 25 and chosen Ole Miss‘ Jaxson Dart.
Shedeur Sanders‘ fall continued because the cameras saved reducing again to a lavish social gathering being held at Sanders’ Texas dwelling. The Colorado Buffaloes QB was all smiles regardless of the slide, even when he finally fell out of the primary spherical completely.
So, how far does Sanders fall on Day 2? Nicely, the Cleveland Browns, who traded out of the No. 2 total spot with Jacksonville and took defensive deal with Mason Graham with the fifth decide, personal Friday’s first decide.
With out additional ado, this is my mock of Spherical 2.
RELATED: 2025 NFL Draft: Shedeur Sanders among best players available on Day 2
Cleveland at the moment would not have a solution at quarterback, however taking one right here is not a certainty since there are nonetheless different choices (cough, Kirk Cousins, ought to he waive his no-trade clause). The QB void can be made extra attention-grabbing by the truth that the Browns have two picks shut collectively on the high of the second spherical and did not use their flexibility. Why not commerce again into the primary spherical utilizing one among these picks and a later-round decide to make sure the long run fifth-round choice if they’re finally going to draft a quarterback? Sanders would additionally should be the man in Cleveland, but when he is fallen this far, does the league belief he can do this immediately?
For the needs of this train, Cleveland would not preserve Sanders in suspense any longer, however I believe his choice right here is much from a positive factor.
34. Houston Texans (from Giants): Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Johnson fell out of the primary spherical resulting from damage issues, however he is obtained loads of expertise and Houston wants assist in the secondary reverse Derek Stingley Jr.
Although he is the product of a small faculty, Inexperienced is a starter that may immediately assist the Titans’ protection now that they’ve the quarterback query answered.
Now that they’ve a quarterback, the Browns use their subsequent decide to assist Sanders as a lot as doable immediately.
Ezeiruaku is a excessive soccer IQ man, and he is obtained dimension that may make the Raiders’ defensive position downright scary.
The Patriots nonetheless need assistance everywhere in the roster regardless of their free company spending spree. Emmanwori is the very best participant on the board.
The Bears sneakily want security assist and are most likely unhappy to see Emmanwori off the board. As an alternative, they get one other weapon for Ben Johnson’s new offense within the type of a nationwide champion.
The Saints have an enormous query mark at quarterback now with Derek Carr’s mysterious shoulder damage, however their protection can be not getting any youthful. They take greatest participant accessible at this level within the draft.
Ersery creates competitors on the left deal with place, which is the most important query mark on Chicago’s line. At worst, he turns into a swing deal with.
42. New York Jets: Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
The Jets have wanted a decent finish for a few years, they usually lastly get it with essentially the most bodily one on this draft. Taylor has been nothing however strong and dependable all through his faculty profession and is every part you need in a decent finish.
The 49ers most likely wished a crack at Mason Taylor with George Kittle’s contract in query, however they as a substitute proceed to get youthful defensively. They will want it in the event that they’re planning on paying Brock Purdy.
They did not do it within the first spherical, however the Cowboys lastly get somebody to run reverse CeeDee Lamb and cut up opposing defenses’ consideration.
Fortifying a protection to make issues simpler in your quarterback isn’t a nasty concept.
The UCLA child stays in L.A. and will get to work behind top-of-the-line defensive traces within the league.
The Cardinals nonetheless want reinforcements on protection, in order that they do what many thought they’d within the first spherical by taking an edge rusher.
The worth for offensive linemen at this level is not there, which is why it was so shocking seeing Miami cross on one within the first spherical. Right here, the Dolphins attempt to make up for the lack of Jevon Holland.
The Bengals obtained an edge rusher within the first spherical as insurance coverage in opposition to Trey Hendrickson probably departing, however they nonetheless want loads of assistance on protection. Amos is the very best accessible nook.
Mike Macdonald is itching to take a defensive participant after deciding on Grey Zabel within the first spherical (which was a wonderful resolution after Geno Smith was sacked as many instances as he was final 12 months).
The Broncos elected to cross on a defensive deal with with their first decide, however they do not let Alexander fall too far. Regardless of coming from a Group of 5 program, there’s lots to love in regards to the Toledo product — and there’s no higher place for him to study than as a part of Denver’s already dominant protection.
Again to offense for Seattle to make up for shedding a number of vast receivers this offseason.
The Bucs prioritized their subsequent era of vast receivers with their first decide, however they nonetheless want cross dashing assist. Swinson is from an SEC program and has dimension on his facet as the very best edge rusher left on the board.
54. Green Bay Packers: Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina
The Packers want insurance coverage in opposition to Jaire Alexander lacking time, whether or not for damage or in any other case.
Jim Harbaugh did his Jim Harbaugh factor and took a working again with the Chargers’ first decide, however there’s work to be completed on the defensive facet of the ball given a few of L.A.’s departures this offseason.
Simply give Josh Allen all of the weapons.
The Panthers have completed loads of work offensively and now have to focus their consideration on the protection to play complementary soccer.
Your complete Texans offense regressed due to how poorly the offensive line performed final 12 months. Houston must do one thing about that.
One other actually strong defender goes to the Ravens — what else is new?
Certain, the Lions took two corners with their first two picks final 12 months ,however did you see all these accidents final season?
The Commanders let Jonathan Allen stroll, and although they picked up Javon Kinlaw and Deatrich Wise, they may completely nonetheless use some assist alongside the defensive inside.
Skattebo in Buffalo is an issue for thus many causes, each on the sector and off.
Andy Reid’s offense is healthier with a dependable run sport. Sampson turns into insurance coverage.
The Eagles love the trenches, they usually have some getting older gamers alongside what’s often called top-of-the-line offensive traces within the league. Persevering with so as to add to it ensures it stays that approach.
Carmen Vitali is an NFL Reporter for FOX Sports activities. Carmen had earlier stops with The Draft Community and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. She spent six seasons with the Bucs, together with 2020, which added the title of Tremendous Bowl Champion (and boat-parade participant) to her résumé. You may comply with Carmen on Twitter at @CarmieV.
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