Race for the No. 1 Pick of the 2025 NFL Draft:
New York Giants:
The Giants lost to the Panthers in Germany, and that puts New York with the worst record in the NFC at 2-8. If New York lands the No.1 pick, they should take Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders to be their franchise quarterback and replace Daniel Jones.
Jacksonville Jaguars:
The Jaguars are 2-8 after losing a battle of backup quarterbacks to the Vikings. Jacksonville should not have given Trevor Lawrence a massive contract last offseason as they could have franchised him and waited another year to see if they should marry themselves with a huge second contract. But what’s done is done, and if the Jaguars land the top pick, they should move down and load up on picks for years to come.
Tennessee Titans:
The Titans fell to 2-7 on the season with a loss to the Chargers. Tennessee is a prime contender for the No. 1 pick with Will Levis or Mason Rudolph at quarterback.
Las Vegas Raiders:
The Raiders are 2-7 and are dealing with the ramifications of many terrible decisions by Mark Davis. Allowing the NFL league office to force him to fire Jon Gruden was a crucial mistake. Davis then followed it up by not keeping Rich Bisaccia after the Raiders went to the playoffs, and then Davis made the terrible move of hiring Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler and getting rid of Derek Carr. Las Vegas has a bad roster after the McDaniels-Ziegler years and needs a massive rebuild, including a true replacement for Carr.
Cleveland Browns:
Cleveland had a bye this week. In Week 9, the Browns were dropped to 2-7 as the Chargers cruised over Los Angeles. Cleveland’s offense has struggled all season, and the Browns roster has had a lot of injuries and attrition from the playoff unit of last year.
Miami Dolphins:
The 2-6 Dolphins play on Monday Night Football. Miami is in a difficult situation as they have to decide whether to add another quarterback or hope that Tua Tagovailoa can stay healthy next season. Tagovailoa being out of the lineup with a concussion killed the Dolphins 2024 season.
Top General Manager Candidates:
- Detroit Lions director of scouting development Mike Martin
- Detroit Lions assitant general manager Ray Agnew
- Atlanta Falcons vice president of player personnel Kyle Smith
- Indianapolis Colts chief personnel executive Morocco Brown
- Buffalo Bills director of player personnel Terrance Gray
- Tennessee Titans director of pro scouting Brian Gardner
- Philadelphia Eagles director of scouting Brandon Hunt
- Miami Dolphins assistant general manager Marvin Allen
- Washington director of pro scouting Eric Stokes
- New England Patriots executive Alonzo Highsmith
Top Head Coach Candidates:
- Super Bowl-winning head coach Jon Gruden
- Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson
- Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn
- Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley
- Green Bay Packers special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia
- Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen
- Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson
Head Coach Hot-Seat Tracker:
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Doug Pederson
- Dallas Cowboys: Mike McCarthy
- New York Giants: Brian Daboll
Let’s Play Matchmaker:
Carolina Panthers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State 
The Panthers got a win in Germany on Sunday with their defense leading the way. They intercepted Daniel Jones twice, and got a fumble out of Tyrone Tracy Jr. Carolina’s offense did not have a big game through the air, but Chuba Hubbard (28-153-1) was excellent. Regardless of whether it is Bryce Young or a different quarterback from their 2025 first-round pick, Carolina could use more receiving talent on day two to go with Xavier Legette.
In 2023, Egbuka had 47 catches for 577 yards and eight touchdowns. The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder turned in 74 receptions for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022. He emerged as a potential No. 1 receiver or really good No. 2 wideout. At other schools, Egbuka would have had an even bigger year, but he was the No. 2 receiver for Ohio State across from Marvin Harrison Jr. While injuries were a factor in 2023, Egbuka needs a bounce-back season in 2024 as he looked much faster in 2022 compared to his 2023 performance. Thus far in 2024, Egbuka has 43 catches for 546 yards and six touchdowns. He would be a nice second-round pick for the Buckeyes.
Minnesota Vikings: Jordan Burch, DT, Oregon 
The Vikings only managed 12 points, but that was enough to beat the hapless Jaguars. Sam Darnold and Mac Jones combined for five interceptions in a battle of backup quarterbacks. Next year Minnesota should have J.J. McCarthy under center, and that will allow them to add more talent to their defense in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Vikings could consider an interior rusher to let Brian Flores blitz less, and improve their inside run defense for when they are taking on Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Josh Jacobs, and D’Andre Swift.
Burch has been a talented player for years but inconsistent. In 2024, he seems to be putting it all together with 25 tackles, three passes batted, one forced fumble, and six sacks thus far. The 6-foot-6, 295-pounder has good height, length, quickness, and athleticism. In 2023, he had 34 tackles with three sacks. The previous season he had 60 tackles with 3.5 sacks. Burch would be an excellent pick to help the Vikings create interior rush and add a big body to defend the run.
San Francisco 49ers: Abdul Carter, LB, Penn State 
The 49ers got a narrow road win in Tampa Bay to get San Francisco over .500. Christian McCaffrey and Ricky Pearsall made their season debuts. San Francisco allowed Tampa Bay to run pretty well, but they shut down the depleted Buccaneer receivers playing without Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. The 49ers could use more edge rush talent to go across from Nick Bosa, and a linebacker to help their run defense as Bucky Irving ran well on San Francisco. Carter could help in both phases.
In 2024, Carter has 40 tackles with eight sacks, one forced fumble, and three passes broken up. Carter notched 49 tackles, 4.5 sacks, five passes defended, and one interception in 2023. In 2022, he made his presence felt as a freshman with 56 tackles, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and four passes defended. The 6-foot-3, 250-pounder has quickness and upside to develop. He is a dangerous speed rusher off the edge, but given his size, he will have to be Sam linebacker that rotates to rush off the edge in the sub package. Carter could make sense as a first-round pick for San Francisco.
Kansas City Chiefs: Jonah Savaiinaea, OT, Arizona 
The Chiefs were fortunate to stay undefeated as they almost lost to rookie quarterback Bo Nix, but a blocked field goal on the game’s final play ensured Kansas City remains undefeated. The defense and special teams saved the day, but the Chiefs managed only 16 points and allowed four sacks. If the Chiefs fall short of the Super Bowl this season, the pass protection may prove to be the critical the weakness.
Savaiinaea broke into the starting lineup at right tackle in 2022 and immediately was a solid contributor for the Wildcats. As a sophomore in 2023, Savaiinaea was even better teaming with Jordan Morgan to give Arizona an effective tackle tandem. Savaiinaea is a quick blocker with athleticism and agility on the edge. However, Savaiinaea needs to get stronger for the NFL and improve his punch at the point of attack. Savaiinaea might best fit in a zone-blocking system if he can’t add more functional power. He could be a late first-round candidate for the Chiefs.
New England Patriots: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Patriots pulled off an upset winning in Chicago to shock the Bears. New England’s defense held the Bears to a field goal and the Patriots offense produced four field goals to go with one touchdown pass from Drake Maye. Clearly, New England needs a true No. 1 receiver and a point producer for Maye. Taking one in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft would make a lot of sense for the Patriots.
In 2024, McMillan has 63 receptions for 1,066 yards and six touchdowns. To open the season, McMillan had an amazing performance with 10 catches for 304 yards and four touchdowns taking on New Mexico. Arizona had an impressive 2023 season while featuring a dangerous passing attack. Wide receiver Jacob Cowing was a known factor for 2023, but McMillan emerged as a playmaker that season. The sophomore caught 90 passes for 1,402 yards and 10 touchdowns. McMillan notched 39 catches for 702 yards and eight scores as a freshman. The 6-foot-5, 210-pounder McMillan has mismatch size for the NFL and he would be an outstanding first-round pick for New England.
New Orleans Saints: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan 
The Saints ended their losing streak with a home win over first place Atlanta. The recently signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling caught two touchdown passes, and New Orleans was aided by three missed field goals from Younghoe Koo. New Orleans traded away Marshon Lattimore, and they had some issues defending the Falcons receiving weapons. The Saints could use a new No. 1 corner for their defense.
In 2024, Johnson has recorded 14 tackles, two interceptions (both returned for touchdowns), and three passes defended. He returned 86 yards for a touchdown. Johnson played really well for the Wolverines in 2023 and provided very good coverage late in the year during their championship run. He totaled 27 tackles, four interceptions and four passes defended. In 2022, he recorded 27 tackles, three interceptions, and three passes broken up. The 6-foot-2, 202-pounder has a good skill set and upside. He would be an excellent first-round pick for the Saints.
Baltimore Ravens: Josaiah Stewart, OLB, Michigan
The Ravens were fortunate to hang to their win over the Bengals on Thursday Night Football as they had no answer for Ja’Marr Chase (11-264-3). All season, the Baltimore pass defense has beeh getting torhced through the air. Baltimore has some good talent in the secondary with recent first-round picks, but they could use more edge rush to help the back end. Nnamdi Madibuke had three sacks against Cincinnati, but they had zero sacks from their edge defenders. Adding more young pass rushers would help the Ravens next season.
In 2024, Stewart has 6.5 sacks with 30 tackles and two forced fumbles. Stewart (6-1, 245) has been a dangerous pass rusher for Michigan throughout his collegiate career. In 2021, he had a breakout season with 12.5 sacks, 43 tackles, and three forced fumbles. In 2022, he had 37 tackles with 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble. As a junior in 2023, Stewart had 38 tackles with 5.5 sacks. Stewart would fit best as a 3-4 outside linebacker edge rusher in the NFL. Stewart does not have the size to be a base end in a 4-3 defense. In a 4-3 scheme, he would have to be a Sam linebacker that rushes off the edge in the sub package. Stewart could make a lot of sense for Baltimore in the early rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.Team Draft Report:
In this section, we take a deeper look at specific teams and where they stand in regards to the 2025 NFL Draft.
Buffalo Bills:
Buffalo has been knocking on the door of the Super Bowl for years, and the 2024 season might be the year they break through. The Bills will have to get through some or all of the Chiefs, Ravens, Steelers, and Texans to make it through the AFC, but Buffalo has an elite quarterback, talent around him on offense, and a capable defense. Even if they fall short this year, the Bills are in a Super Bowl window that will extend far beyond this season with Allen in the prime years of his career. On both sides of the ball, the Bills could eye some draft help that puts them over the top next year. With a first-round pick and two second-round picks, Buffalo is in great position to upgrade their roster next April.
The 2025 NFL Draft could be a great year to add more interior defensive line talent next to Ed Oliver. In my latest mock 2025 NFL Draft, I have Bills taking Oregon defensive tackle Jordan Burch, and he would make a lot of sense for Buffalo. Burch would give them a big body at the point of attack in the ground game that can also provide some interior pass rush. Other options they could consider include Michigan’s Mason Graham, Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams, Tennessee’s Omar Norman-Lott, and Clemson’s DeMonte Capehart. Any of that group would be a nice addition for Buffalo.
Veteran pass rusher Von Miller was brought in to help get the Bills over the top and lead Buffalo to the Super Bowl. While Miller is back from injury, he is aging, and his best years are behind him. Gregory Rousseau has turned into a solid pro after being a first-round pick in 2021, but Rousseau did not step up and become an elite edge rusher while Miller was out. Hence, Buffalo could consider another end in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Some edge rushers they could consider include Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton, Florida State’s Patrick Payton, Penn State’s Abdul Carter, and LSU linebacker/edge rusher Harold Perkins. Scourton, in particular, may not make it to the Bills’ pick, but adding more pass rush has to be considered, given Miller’s age.
Buffalo could consider more talent for the offensive line. Keeping Josh Allen healthy is critical, and improving the run blocking would make James Cook even more potent. Late in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, some quality options could be considered, like Arizona’s Jonah Savaiinaea, LSU’s Emery Jones, Minnesota’s Aireontae Ersery, N.C. State’s Anthony Belton, Texas’ Kelvin Banks, or Georgia’s Earnest Greene. Some might go in the first round, but Buffalo should have some available early on the second night of the draft.
Even though the Bills traded for Amari Cooper, Buffalo also could consider some wide receiver help as Cooper is a free agent after this season. If Cooper is not re-signed that will open up a hole at receiver across from Keon Coleman. Perhaps Buffalo would have a shot at a receiver like Missouri’s Luther Burden III, but the Bills won’t pick high enough for Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan. Some late first-round or day-two receivers that could be good options to consider include Ole Miss’ Tre Harris, LSU’s Kyren Lacy, TCU’s Savion Williams, Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka, Oregon’s Evan Stewart, or Maryland’s Kaden Prather.
The Bills have a strong roster thanks to some strong runs through the draft and free agency led by general manager Brandon Beane. Another good draft might put the Bills over the top and lead them to claim a Lombardi Trophy.
New York Jets:
For most of the offseason, I projected the Jets to be picking in the teens, and I did not think New York would be a playoff contender. Late in the preseason, I moved New York to wild card status based on how well Aaron Rodgers was looking in training camp, but I felt that the Jets had holes on their roster and did not have a strong coaching staff. Those concerns have come true this season, and New York’s hopes of getting into the playoffs are on life support in the competitive AFC. This offseason, the Jets need to hire a legit head coach who can work with Rodgers and is capable of handling their locker room. Jon Gruden would be a great hire, but general manager Joe Douglas and ownership probably lack the courage to make that move. For many teams in the NFL, the public image seems to be more important than winning football games. Getting the head coach correct is of the utmost importance to have a shot at winning anything while they still have Rodgers on the roster.
In my latest mock 2025 NFL Draft, I have the Jets taking Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, and he would be a great addition. New York traded for Davante Adams, but his ridiculous contract will get him cut. Perhaps they can restructure or re-sign him to a new deal, but they need another receiving weapon to pair with Garrett Wilson. Douglas wasted some second-round picks on Elijah Moore and Denzel Mims, but he did better when taking an obvious stud in the first round (Wilson). McMillan would follow the first route as he is a similar prospect to Rome Odunze or Drake London. McMillan would be an immediate upgrade to the offense.
On defense, the Jets have quality talent in the front seven and at cornerback. The one spot they could consider targeting an upgrade would be safety. There are two excellent safety prospects they could have a shot at in the 2025 draft. South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori and Georgia’s Malachi Starks are worthy first-rounders, and either could be available at the Jets pick.
The Jets could take an offensive tackle for the second straight season. Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses are not long-term players at this point in their careers, and they could use a tackle to pair with Olu Fashanu in the long run. In the first round, a good option would be LSU’s Will Campbell. He or Fashanu could move to right tackle and give them a strong set of bookends on cheap contracts for many years.
Douglas has made many draft blunders, and he has provided proof for my mantra that one draft mistake leads to another. The Jets passed on Tristan Wirfs for Mekhi Becton. Douglas took Zach Wilson instead of Kyle Pitts, Jamarr Chase, and Penei Sewell. That blown selection on Becton and passing on Sewell led to Olu Fashanu being taken over Brock Bowers, but Bowers would not have been necessary if they had taken Pitts or Chase instead of Zach Wilson. Douglas has had some good draft picks like Garrett Wilson, Sauce Gardner, Jermaine Johnson, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Will McDonald. However, this draft is critical to have anything to show for the Rodgers years. The pressure is on Douglas and the Johnsons to finally make a good head coaching hire and avoid more draft busts.
