psteezie
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An updated look at the first 2 rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, post-Combine and with free agency frenzy winding down. Some trades I find intriguing or possible are included - including LV/NE, DAL/CAR and DEN/ATL.
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Round 1
Titans:
Cam Ward, QB, Miami 
Full disclosure: I'm a Giants fan. And I think the chatter about NY trading up for #1 is pretty one-sided -- what do the Titans have to gain? They can't be sure Cleveland won't take Abdul Carter at #2. If they do, then Tennessee is left without their top QB or EDGE option.
The Titans' inaction in pursuing a FA quarterback tells me they're in on Cam Ward at #1 overall. No trade, just stick and pick.
Browns:
Abdul Carter, OLB, Penn State 
I'll be honest again: I like Travis Hunter to Cleveland more than Carter. He offers a WR threat, AND imagine the pairing of Denzel Ward and Hunter at CB? Nasty, filthy, disgusting.
But the pairing of Carter with Myles Garrett is equally scary for AFC North quarterbacks. And the $9.8M average annual salary associated with the #2 overall pick suggests edge rusher over CB.
Giants:
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado 
The Giants picked up Jameis Winston. This is a clear signal they don't expect to land Aaron Rodgers (good), and they're unclear on Russell Wilson. Shedeur Sanders provides a long-term future at QB none of these players offers.
I'm imagining the sheer swag of a QB room with Winston and Shedeur in it. I'm not sure if it's good swag, but it's swag nonetheless.
Raiders:
Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
TRADE! LV gets #4 & #144 picks, 2025 draft
NE gets #6 & #68 picks, 2025 draft
A trade that makes sense for both sides. NE trades down and still gets a premium LT for Drake Maye, plus turns their 5th round pick into a 3rd.
Meanwhile, LV addresses a need at both CB and WR with the most interesting player in this draft class. As for Ashton Jeanty? Pete Carroll just doesn't draft skill position players in the first round (only did it once w/ Seattle - Rashaad Penny at #27).
Jaguars:
Mason Graham, DT, Michigan 
Why mess with a good thing? Mason Graham to Jacksonville is an excellent marriage of fit, need and talent. I have him in my top 3 overall players in this draft class -- possibly #2. Wouldn't be at all surprised to see him win DPOY honors.
The only way I don't see this pick happening is if Travis Hunter somehow lands in Jacksonville's lap.
Patriots:
Will Campbell, OT, LSU 
(from LV in trade for #4 pick)
A win-win for the Patriots. Another 3rd round pick, plus the OT1 of this draft class that they'd likely take at #4. Campbell's polish and dependability put him above Armand Membou for this Patriots franchise, who need a Week 1 starter at LT to protect Drake Maye. The #68 pick is easily used on a skill position player or a DT.
Jets:
Armand Membou, OT, Missouri 
I toyed with Tyler Warren here - the Jets haven't had a really good TE since the mid-80s. But Membou addresses a more pressing need and turns a question mark into a strength.
Right tackle has been a sore spot for the Jets for years. Now,, the combination of Membou and Olu Fashanu gives Gang Green a set of bookend OTs that should last a decade.
Cowboys:
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona 
TRADE! DAL gets #8 pick, 2025 draft
CAR gets #12 & #76 picks, 2025 draft
The Cowboys jump the line, but not for Jeanty (there are a few other RB1 candidates in this class). Instead, Jerry Jones can't resist pairing CeeDee Lamb with a 6'5" beast in Tetairoa McMillan on the outside.
The result? As much as I hate to say it, this may be the scariest 1-2 WR combination in the entire NFL. Big swing. Meanwhile, Carolina now has 4 picks in the top 76.
Saints:
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Saints will be thrilled to see Will Johnson available at #9. The best pure cover corner in this draft class goes to a team with a gaping hole at the position. Johnson starts Week 1 against the opposition's best WR and will be asked to contribute at a high level immediately. I don't think he'll shy away from that.
Bears:
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State 
The choice at #10 came down to 3 names for me - Jeanty, Tyler Warren and Mykel Williams. While the others offer really fun scheme options, nobody changes the entire tone of Chicago's offense quite like Ashton Jeanty.
The Bears heavily invested in the O-line during free agency. With Jeanty in the backfield to take pressure off Caleb Williams, I'd expect a big jump from the second year QB.
49ers:
Jalon Walker, OLB, Georgia 
The 49ers have a ton of work to do on defense after free agency (and offense, for that matter). They're tied for the most draft picks this year, with 11 - so that helps. So does starting with the dynamic, versatile Jalon Walker at #11.
Walker offers conventional, high-quality LB play on early downs, plus the ability to line up at DE and rush the passer in 3rd down situations. The 49ers are at their best defensively when they have great linebackers.
Panthers:
Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia
(from DAL in trade for #8 pick)
The Panthers must upgrade the worst scoring defense in NFL history. Mykel Williams is a name they would target at #8, and they'll happily draft him 4 picks later.
Williams offers dynamic pass rush ability and above-average run defense. He adds a jolt of youth and athleticism to a Carolina front seven that must improve this year.
Dolphins:
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina 
IOL is a need here, and Tyler Booker was a real consideration. But replacing Jevon Holland with the freakishly gifted Nick Emmanwori is a high-value choice for Miami here. Emmanwori tested off the charts at the Combine, and his 6'3", 220 lb frame allows him to cover as well as step up into the box.
Colts:
Kelvin Banks, OT/G, Texas 
Hear me out - I know Tyler Warren is the conventional pick here. But the Colts' O-line is 12 months from armageddon - they need a RG right now, and both OTs are free agents after the 2025-26 season.
Kelvin Banks starts immediately at RG for Indy, with the potential to kick out to RT in a year. Worst case scenario, Banks holds down the RG fort for a decade -- he pairs with Quenton Nelson as a formidable OG duo.
Broncos:
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
TRADE! DEN gets #15 pick, 2025 draft
ATL gets #20 & #85 picks, 2025 draft; 2026 5th rd pick
Atlanta MUST trade down. They have 5 picks this year, and 2 of them are 7th rounders. Dropping 5 slots still leaves them in position to get a pass rusher they'd consider at #15.
Meanwhile, Indy passing on Tyler Warren leaves the door open for Denver to jump up and scoop him. He adds a dynamic TE option for Bo Nix. Yes, Denver signed Evan Engram. Yes, Engram is 31 with an injury history. Best case scenario, a 2-TE personnel that scares the daylights out of people.
Cardinals:
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
IOL is a need here, but so is a burner at WR next to Marvin Harrison Jr. Matthew Golden and his 4.29 40-yd time will do just fine in that department. He's a ready-made WR2 with big potential - he's challenging McMillan for WR1 in this class.
Kyler Murray says please and thank you.