As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, analysts Jeremy Fowler, Dan Graziano, and Adam Rittenberg have gathered insights from various sources around the league and college football. The entire draft begins with Round 1 this Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET. Follow along as it unfolds live on ESPN and ABC! Teams are finalizing their strategies, particularly concerning quarterback positions and potential trades.
Brian Daboll, head coach of the New York Giants, reportedly favors quarterback Drake Maye over other prospects, including Shedeur Sanders and non-Cam Ward passers. This newfound preference would create a very interesting dynamic to their decision-making process as they figure out how badly they need a quarterback. The idea that Maye is a top-five lock and a potential first-round pick is media-driven fiction, according to these analysts.
Other than Richardson, teams are monitoring the progress of Desmond Watson, a 464-pound defensive tackle. He is busy losing weight and getting into shape to extend his career in the league. Even more sources indicate he’d be a significant attraction on Day 3 of the draft. Which means some of these teams will even trade up to go get him!
A veteran NFL personnel man noted that Caleb Williams faced significant pressure last season, being sacked 90 times, which raises questions about his durability and readiness for the NFL. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to draft a quarterback in one of the next two drafts, viewing next year’s class as stronger.
On top of that, this year’s draft class has a historic group of edge rushers and pass-rushing defensive tackles. Jacksonville is exploring options for offensive playmakers at the No. 26 pick, considering talents like Jeanty, McMillan, or Tyler Warren. There is talk that Brian Thomas Jr. could be paired with another receiver in the first round to bolster Jacksonville’s offense.
Several teams have formed speculative links to Sanders already, notably the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams. Looking ahead as clubs consider their next moves, executives are already signaling they’re not sure what players will be available. One stated, “I don’t expect it, but I wouldn’t be surprised,” reflecting the unpredictable nature of the draft.
Walker has attracted attention after earning All-SEC honors for three consecutive seasons while playing through a fractured back in 2024. His combination of resilience, sustainability and performance have made him an ideally picturesque as well as improbable candidate this year.
Tyler Shough has the potential to be a Day 1 difference maker. One NFL general manager even told me that he wouldn’t be surprised if Shough goes early in the draft. In Howard, Dave Canales gets his ideal mid-round backup, with the talent to start when needed.
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