With free agency in the rearview, every NFL team’s needs are solidified, and we have a clearer picture of how each front office could attack the 2025 NFL Draft.
Some prospects are penciled in as first-round selections, while others could slide down the board and get taken on Day 2. Let’s take a look at one NFL Draft prospect that each team could target in Rounds 2 or 3 based on fit and team needs.
Arizona Cardinals
J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State
The Arizona Cardinals must get stronger in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Assuming they bolster the offensive line in Round 1, they should turn their attention to upgrading on the edge. Arizona made a splash by signing Josh Sweat in free agency. Darius Robinson missed 11 games as a rookie, and even if he bounces back, this unit lacks depth.
J.T. Tuimoloau has excellent speed and natural power, and if he can refine his technique, he can become a dangerous pass-rush threat in the NFL. He comes in with a big jump in production after leading the Big Ten in sacks last season (12.5).
Atlanta Falcons
Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
The Atlanta Falcons struggled to generate a consistent pass rush in 2024, finishing 31st in the NFL in sacks (31 sacks last season). They hoped to get more out of Matthew Judon, but now they’ll have to look to the draft for a potential game-changer.
Landon Jackson is a versatile defensive line prospect who wins with his rare combination of length and power. He has great technique and excels at setting the edge. He wasn’t an overly productive sack artist in college, but his physical traits and skill set suggest he could develop into a solid contributor in that department eventually.
Baltimore Ravens
Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
The Baltimore Ravens finished 2024 with a top-10 defense in our Defense+ metric, and they should look to re-enter the elite territory through the draft. Grabbing one of the top safeties in the draft could help them make that leap.
Xavier Watts re-joining his former college teammate, Kyle Hamilton, sounds enticing. Watts is an elite playmaker on the back end. He recorded 13 interceptions over his final two seasons in South Bend. He has the instincts and ball-hawking ability of an immediate impact starter, and his physicality just screams Ravens football.
Buffalo Bills
Dorian Strong, CB, Virginia Tech
The Buffalo Bills’ biggest needs heading into the draft are on the defensive side of the ball, including a notable hole at cornerback. Christian Benford is CB1, and Taron Johnson is one of the best slot corners in the league. However, they need another solid option on the outside.
Dorian Strong is a solid cover guy who can make plays in man or zone, but he truly excels in press coverage. He’s not the biggest corner, but his length and physicality make up for that disadvantage. He may not be a Day 1 starter, but if he can improve against the run, he has that kind of upside.
Carolina Panthers
Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
The Carolina Panthers have needs across the board. While they need to add defenders, they also need to add some more help for Bryce Young. With an aging Adam Thielen and relatively unproven receivers in Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker, Carolina should add talent to their WR room.
Jayden Higgins is coming off a season with 1,000-plus yards and nine touchdowns. He’s a big-bodied weapon who can operate inside or outside and find creative ways to get open despite lacking top-end speed.
Chicago Bears
Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
The Chicago Bears should continue to prioritize the trenches just as they have done throughout the offseason. Chicago added defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency, but they need to bolster this unit with some serious juice on the edge.
Donovan Ezeiruaku isn’t overly explosive, but he’s a smooth athlete with a relentless motor. He was highly productive as a senior, racking up 16.5 sacks, the 2nd-most in the country. It may take some time for him to offer three-down value, but he should immediately make an impact in pass-rushing situations.
Cincinnati Bengals
Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss
The Cincinnati Bengals lost Sam Hubbard to retirement this offseason, and the Trey Hendrickson situation is still up in the air. With so much uncertainty, they must address their need for edge rushers within the first three rounds.
Princely Umanmielen, a first-team All-SEC selection, lived up to the hype. His speed off the edge could be a massive boost to this unit. He has an explosive first step off the ball and the length to give opposing linemen fits. Umanmielen could make an early impact as a pass-rush specialist until he hopefully develops into a three-down difference-maker.
Cleveland Browns
Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
The Cleveland Browns desperately need to fix their quarterback situation. It’s the most obvious position of need on this roster. Since it seems they may select a generational talent in CB/WR Travis Hunter or EDGE Abdul Carter in Round 1, they seem like a lock to select a QB on Day 2 of the draft.
Jaxson Dart is a natural leader with the physical tools to succeed at the next level. He displays an ability to carve up defenses with his arm and make them pay with his legs. Dart has improved every year, which bodes well for a continued upward trajectory.
Dallas Cowboys
Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Cornerback became a greater position of need for the Dallas Cowboys after Trevon Diggs suffered his second season-ending knee injury. They also lost slot corner Jourdan Lewis in free agency.
Benjamin Morrison is one of the best in this class, and he has the potential to become an elite corner at the next level. Morrison has the size, length, and physicality to match up well on the outside. He excels in zone coverage, where he flexes his instincts and elite ball skills. He welcomes all challenges, and that’s the confidence Dallas needs to add to its secondary.
Denver Broncos
Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State
The Denver Broncos are a team trending upward, and they don’t have too many glaring holes on their roster after free agency. They could use more talent on offense to continue to support Bo Nix, though.
Jalen Royals played in the Mountain West, but he should be ready for the big stage. His ability to stretch the field, elite body control, and dangerous run after catch capability make him a true gamebreaker. He can beat defenses in multiple ways, and he could be a big-play target for Nix.
Detroit Lions
Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State
Jack Sawyer is the epitome of a Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes guy. He doesn’t have a high-level athletic profile, nor does he possess the speed and bend as some of the other top edge rushers in the class, but he packs a lot of power and has a high motor. He can make an instant impact as a run defender while he continues to develop as a pass rusher.
He’s not an elite sack artist, but he was still a highly productive edge rusher against elite college competition. His leadership and competitive spirit fit well within Detroit’s culture as well.
Green Bay Packers
T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina
The Green Bay Packers aren’t lacking in talent on the defensive line. However, the production in 2024 was underwhelming. Devonte Wyatt is a player on the rise, but three-time Pro Bowler Kenny Clark had one of the least productive seasons of his career.
Injecting T.J. Sanders into the rotation could give this unit a substantial boost. Sanders is explosive off the ball and uses violent hands to overwhelm his opponents. He’s crafty as a pass rusher but has plenty of room to grow as a run defender. Once he puts it all together, he could be a three-down impact player for Green Bay.
Houston Texans
Tate Ratledge, OG, Georgia
The Houston Texans made some puzzling moves in free agency, trading away Laremy Tunsil and Kenyon Green. They made a few additions on the offensive line, but none should be looked at as surefire starters next season. Strengthening the unit with their first couple of picks would be wise.
Tate Ratledge is as rock solid as it gets. He’s powerful in the ground game and can also be an anchor in pass protection. The Texans finished with an F grade in our OL+ metric. Not adding some stability early in the draft would be malpractice.
Indianapolis Colts
Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
The Indianapolis Colts moved on from E.J. Speed this offseason, and they haven’t added anyone else to their linebacker room. Day 2 could be a great opportunity for them to land an upgrade.
Carson Schwesinger, a former walk-on, transformed into an All-American at UCLA. He possesses elite instincts, and while he’s not an explosive athlete, he plays fast. Schwesinger projects as a WILL linebacker at the next level, and he should be able to step in and compete with Jaylon Carlies for the starting spot next to Zaire Franklin right away.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Shavon Revel Jr, CB, East Carolina
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ pass defense came on strong towards the end of the season, but they ranked 31st in pass defense success rate for much of the year. They added Jourdan Lewis as the slot corner, but Shavon Revel Jr. is the type of player who can elevate this unit and push Tyson Campbell and the rising Jarrian Jones.
An ACL tear cut his senior season short, but Revel has the size, speed, physicality, and IQ to develop into a lockdown cornerback at the next level.
Kansas City Chiefs
Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo
The Kansas City Chiefs’ three-peat attempt was unsuccessful, but they’re not going away. The draft is where they re-tool, and they must do so in the trenches. After losing Tershawn Wharton and Derrick Nnadi in free agency, Kansas City needs to add talent next to Chris Jones on the interior of the defensive line.
Darius Alexander is built like a tank, and fires off the ball like one, too. He has some issues with technique, but he has raw power and an explosive first step. Playing next to Jones, he can learn from arguably the best in the game and reach his full potential.
Las Vegas Raiders
Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
The Las Vegas Raiders had one of the worst offenses in the NFL last season, according to our Offense+ metric (D). Upgrading talent on that side of the ball early would be wise. After trading for quarterback Geno Smith this offseason, the next step is surrounding him with weapons.
Tre Harris is an imposing physical presence with elite hands at the catch point. He’s a dangerous threat in the red zone (15 touchdowns across two seasons at Ole Miss). Harris gives the Raiders a legit X-receiver to pair with Brock Bowers.
Los Angeles Chargers
Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
The Los Angeles Chargers found a gem in wide receiver Ladd McConkey in last year’s draft. However, Justin Herbert needs more reliable offensive weapons at his disposal. Los Angeles added Tyler Conklin to join Will Dissly, but both options lack legitimate playmaking skills.
Mason Taylor, son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, is a smooth athlete with soft hands. He wasn’t highly productive in college, but he has the physical tools to be a playmaker with more opportunities. Taylor is also a competitive blocker, though he won’t be confused for a mauler.
Los Angeles Rams
Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
The Los Angeles Rams lack depth in the secondary heading into the 2025 season. Veterans Darious Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon lead the cornerback room, which is an ideal scenario for bringing some young talent into the fold.
Denzel Burke is as experienced as it gets in this draft class. A four-year starter at Ohio State, Burke has a bit of an injury history, but he also has the high-end tools to make an impact in Year 1. His versatility to make plays in different schemes gives him plenty of upside.
Miami Dolphins
Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
The Miami Dolphins desperately need to add starter-level talent to the interior of their defensive line. With Calais Campbell gone, Tyleik Williams could join Zach Sieler as an imposing presence in the middle.
Williams is a rare athlete for the position. He has the power and quickness to be an impact run defender right out of the gates. His explosiveness and good hands suggest he has the potential to develop into a solid interior pass rusher as well. His athleticism and raw tools should have Miami salivating.
Minnesota Vikings
Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
The Minnesota Vikings’ secondary will look different in 2025. Cam Bynum is gone. They retained Byron Murphy and added Isaiah Rodgers, but there’s a possibility that neither Stephon Gilmore nor Shaquil Griffin will return.
Darien Porter is a physical specimen who possesses elite height and length for the cornerback position. Porter dominated in coverage last season, allowing a completion percentage of just 29.4% and a passer rating of 4.7 when targeted. He was a shutdown defender in coverage, allowing just five receptions on 17 targets in 12 games. He could slot in as a legitimate CB2 across from Murphy in Year 1.
New England Patriots
Josh Conerly, OT, Oregon
The New England Patriots have to upgrade talent across their offensive line, particularly at left tackle, where Vederian Lowe struggled a season ago.
Josh Conerly is a prospect with massive potential who has shown flashes that suggest he could be a high-level starter in the NFL. He’s young (21) and isn’t the most polished prospect. However, he moves really well and excels in pass protection. The Patriots must protect Drake Maye’s blindside, and Conerly has the traits to do just that.
New Orleans Saints
Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
The New Orleans Saints’ defense was a major disappointment in 2024, so it would be smart for them to continue to attack that side of the ball early. Cam Jordan will be 36 when the new season begins, and the Saints lack pass-rushing juice outside of Chase Young and Carl Granderson.
Nic Scourton is a physical presence on the edge who used his size and explosiveness to wreak havoc on SEC opponents. He has the traits to develop into a three-down player and help stop the run, which New Orleans struggled to do last season (30th in EPA per rush and run defense success rate).
New York Giants
Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State
The New York Giants will likely look to add their quarterback of the future during the 2025 NFL Draft, even after signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency. Regardless of who’s under center, the offensive line continues to be a need for New York.
Donovan Jackson was a three-year starter for Ohio State. He has a massive frame and is a nasty finisher. He may have to improve his technique, but he showed up against top competition and has plenty of upside. The Giants have struck out a few times on offensive linemen – they have to get this right.
New York Jets
Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
The New York Jets’ offensive line had an up-and-down season, but the unit was largely underwhelming. They were bad in the run game, and their pass protection numbers were likely inflated by Aaron Rodgers getting rid of the ball quickly.
Aireontae Ersery is a mountain of a man who can impact the game in both areas. At 6’6″, 330 pounds, he possesses devastating power as a run blocker. He also has the prototypical size and length to contend with NFL-sized pass-rushers on the edge. Ersery has the physical traits to pair with last year’s first-rounder Olu Fashanu and form a promising tackle duo.
Philadelphia Eagles
Marcus Mbow, OL, Purdue
The Philadelphia Eagles dominated opposing teams in the trenches in 2024, and they need to continue to strengthen their line in order to have a repeat performance next season. They lost Mekhi Becton in free agency and could bring in someone to compete with Tyler Steen for the starting right guard spot.
Marcus Mbow is an intriguing prospect because he lacks ideal length for a tackle, but he’s a great athlete with advanced technique in pass protection. Mbow’s positional versatility is a valuable asset when the inevitable injuries strike.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
The Pittsburgh Steelers seem content waiting on Aaron Rodgers. Even if they want him to play quarterback in 2025, there’s no telling if he’d be in Pittsburgh beyond next season. This is a pick based on potential, as Jalen Milroe is one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the class.
Milroe is a dynamic dual-threat playmaker with breakaway speed and a strong arm. There’s work to be done with his accuracy and processing, but his rushing ability has to be enticing for a team historically known for running the football.
San Francisco 49ers
Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
The San Francisco 49ers haven’t had a consistent disruptive presence on the interior of the defensive line since DeForest Buckner left after the 2019 season. San Francisco struggled against the run a season ago, ranking 28th in EPA per rush and 25th in run defense success rate.
Kenneth Grant is a freakish athlete for his size, and he possesses the power and quickness to become a true game-wrecker as a run stuffer and pass rusher. His performance against elite competition suggests he’s ready to come in and be a Day 1 contributor and offer three-down value.
Seattle Seahawks
Wyatt Milum, OL, West Virginia
The Seattle Seahawks changed quarterbacks from Geno Smith to Sam Darnold this offseason. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they need to upgrade the trenches.
Wyatt Milum is a powerful blocker who offers positional versatility. He may project best at guard in the NFL due to his short arms, but he excelled in pass protection throughout his collegiate career. Milum also has the tools and technique to be an anchor in the run game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ pass defense improved during the latter part of the season, but the season-long numbers show a bottom-10 pass defense. They have some talented young pieces in Zyon McCollum and Tykee Smith, but they need more.
Azareye’h Thomas is a tantalizing prospect because he has the physicality and swagger you want at the cornerback position. His technique needs improvement, and he can get overly aggressive at times, but he has a dog mentality that you simply can’t teach.
Tennessee Titans
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
If the Tennessee Titans are going to take Cam Ward at No. 1 overall, they must put him in a position to succeed. They can start by getting their potential franchise quarterback some weapons other than Calvin Ridley.
Luther Burden III is an elite playmaker with the ball in his hands. He creates instant separation and can rack up yards after the catch in bunches. With Ward and Burden, some excitement could be building around Tennessee’s offense.
Washington Commanders
Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
The Washington Commanders’ offense shot out of a cannon in 2024 thanks to the addition of Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels. Washington finished with a top-10 offense, and they could get even better in 2025. They acquired Deebo Samuel Sr. via trade to pair with Terry McLaurin. After losing Dyami Brown and Olamide Zaccheaus, the Commanders should add another playmaker to WR room.
Isaiah Bond, respectfully, comes with more upside than either of those guys. Bond’s elite speed and change of direction make him a legit home run threat, and he’s also improved as a route runner.