NFL session 2025 / 2026

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NFL Draft 2025: Sleeper picks to look out for on Draft Day 24 April​

RB Croskey-Merritt, DE Walker, WR TeSlaa headline 2025 NFL Draft sleepers list with high upside beyond early rounds.

Sports Desk
April 15, 2025

Finding true sleepers in the 2025 NFL Draft has become more difficult in the modern scouting era, but every year produces overlooked talents who rise quickly.

Despite expanded media coverage and shifting college eligibility dynamics, players like Bucky Irving and Tarheeb Still have proven that value can be found well beyond Round 1.

With the draft fast approaching on April 24, several prospects stand out as potential late-round gems poised to make early impacts at the professional level.

RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Arizona
Limited to just one game last season and snubbed from the combine, Croskey-Merritt has flown under the radar. But after dominating the East-West Shrine Bowl and posting standout pro day numbers—including a 4.45-second 40-yard dash and 41.5-inch vertical—the 5-10, 206-pound back showed off elite athleticism. His decisive cuts and tackle-breaking ability stand out, though ball security and pass protection remain areas of concern.

RB Jaydon Blue, Texas
Blue’s elite speed makes him dangerous in space. At 5-9 and 196 pounds, he's a threat on the perimeter and as a receiver, although his effectiveness drops in crowded lanes.

WR Dont’e Thornton Jr., Tennessee
Thornton brings downfield firepower, averaging 25.4 yards per catch in 2024. His 6-5 frame and speed give him vertical value, though he lacks refined route-running skills.

WR Isaac TeSlaa, Arkansas
Formerly at Hillsdale College, the 6-4, 214-pound TeSlaa offers size and reliable hands. He faces challenges creating separation but has upside as a big slot or red-zone target.

OT Logan Brown, Kansas
A former five-star recruit who revived his career after injury and dismissal, Brown has the size and mobility for tackle duties but needs refinement in technique and leverage.

DT Jamaree Caldwell, Oregon
A 6-2, 332-pound interior lineman, Caldwell draws double teams and displays surprising agility. He fits best in schemes needing interior disruption, though his play can lack control.

DE Bradyn Swinson, LSU
Swinson could sneak into Day 2, offering speed and flexibility off the edge. At 6-4 and 255 pounds, he needs to improve block shedding and add strength to reach full potential.

DE/OLB David Walker, Central Arkansas
Walker dominated at the FCS level with 31 sacks and 63 tackles for loss. Though undersized at 6-1, 263 pounds, his leverage and strength suggest disruptive potential in the NFL.

LB Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia
Despite a strong Georgia pedigree, Mondon didn’t receive top billing. A versatile 6-2, 224-pound linebacker, he can cover and play the run but must improve consistency and awareness.

LB Collin Oliver, Oklahoma State
Oliver impressed as a freshman in 2021 but missed most of 2024. A 6-2, 240-pound pass rush specialist, his tweener build may limit his role but not his impact.

LB Nick Martin, Oklahoma State
Though small at 6-0, Martin excels in pursuit and coverage. His ability to close space quickly makes him a viable sub-package linebacker.

CB Tommi Hill, Nebraska
Hill brings size (6-1, 213 pounds) and speed but lacks fluidity. His value lies in matchups with bigger receivers if he can improve technique and stay healthy.

CB Upton Stout, Western Kentucky
At 5-9, Stout brings physicality and instincts to the slot corner role. His size limits his outside potential, but he could become a reliable nickel defender.

S Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma
Bowman recorded 11 interceptions in three seasons and excels in coverage. At 5-10, 192 pounds, his size is a concern, but his range and awareness could keep him on the field.

From dynamic runners to hard-hitting defenders, these prospects could become surprise contributors in the NFL—despite being projected outside the early rounds.

 

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2025 NFL Mock Draft: Jaguars eye WR at no. 5, Saints skip QB for OL​

Jaguars grab top WR at No. 5, Saints boost O-line at No. 9 in mock draft shaking up QB picks and top defensive names.

Sports Desk
April 21, 2025

With just three days remaining before the 2025 NFL Draft, a new mock draft projects bold decisions from top franchises. Jacksonville moves early to bolster its receiving corps, while New Orleans bypasses a quarterback to address offensive line concerns.

Various sports analysts have been releasing their mock NFL draft with a twist—forecasting what NFL teams should do instead of what they will do.

The first-round breakdown features bold calls, notable slides, and a few surprise rises.

At No. 5 overall, the Jacksonville Jaguars select Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, providing quarterback Trevor Lawrence with a much-needed weapon. McMillan, who tallied 84 catches for 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns last season, ranks as the top receiver in this projection.

The pick prioritises offensive firepower over defensive needs in a draft class deep at the line positions.

Further down at No. 9, the New Orleans Saints pass on quarterback Shedeur Sanders, despite speculation linking them to a long-term successor under centre.

Instead, the Saints opt for Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., citing the retirement of Ryan Ramczyk and struggles with Trevor Penning.

Banks, a top-ranked offensive tackle, is expected to stabilise a unit crucial to New Orleans’ playoff aspirations. Notably, Sanders falls to No. 21, landing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who opt for value and scheme fit.

The mock draft also sees Mason Graham, Michigan’s highly rated defensive lineman, slide to No. 11 with the San Francisco 49ers, while Travis Hunter goes No. 2 overall to Cleveland as a rare two-way star.

The Las Vegas Raiders make waves by selecting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty at No. 6, valuing explosiveness in the backfield over defensive upgrades.

The New York Jets reinforce their offensive line at No. 7 with Missouri’s Armand Membou, while Georgia’s Jalon Walker boosts the Panthers’ edge at No. 8.

Elsewhere, the Dallas Cowboys grab Alabama’s Tyler Booker to bolster the interior offensive line, and the Indianapolis Colts secure Penn State tight end Tyler Warren as a security blanket for quarterback Anthony Richardson.

Rounding out the first half of the round, Texas wideout Matthew Golden and Georgia pass rusher Mykel Williams go to Arizona and Cincinnati, respectively, while Nick Emmanwori, a versatile safety from South Carolina, lands in Seattle.

The full NFL mock draft provides in-depth insight into potential draft strategies and player evaluations ahead of Thursday’s opening round.

 

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2025 NFL Draft buzz:​

Latest league news, rumors from Tuesday ahead of Thursday's Round 1​

Apr 22, 2025

Around the NFL Staff
NFL.com

After months of speculation, the Tennessee Titans have made a decision to stick and pick with the No. 1 overall selection of the 2025 NFL Draft.

"We've come to a consensus, the entire organization, is to stay at the pick," Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi said at Tuesday's pre-draft news conference -- two days before the draft kicks off in Green Bay, Wisconsin. "Guess you'll find out Thursday night who we pick."

Borgonzi's declaration came not long after NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported the Titans would indeed select a player rather than trade the pick.

Rapoport reported on Feb. 9 that the Titans were open to the idea of trading the first-overall selection and Borgonzi maintained that stance as recently as four weeks ago, saying, "everything is still on the table."

Rapoport added that the Titans garnered real trade interest for the No. 1 overall pick, but as one club said, "they never opened the door."

As for waiting until Thursday to find out who the Titans are taking, the general consensus among NFL draft prognosticators is that Tennessee will make Miami quarterback Cam Ward the the No. 1 overall pick.


The Titans showed great interest in the Miami quarterback throughout the process, from bringing a heavy presence to Ward's pro day to getting a closer look at a private workout with the 22-year-old prospect later that week.

Tennessee isn't unfamiliar with selecting a potential franchise QB with a top-five pick. Come Thursday night, it will be nearly 10 years to the day since the franchise chose Marcus Mariota with the No. 2 pick, 19 years since Vince Young (No. 3) was taken and 30 years after franchise great Steve McNair (No. 3) was picked just ahead of the franchise's move to Nashville.

Selecting No. 1 overall, however, is something that hasn't been done in Tennessee Titans lore. In 2016, the club opted out of that spot by trading the No. 1 pick to the Los Angeles Rams ahead of the draft. Thursday night will mark the first time the franchise will use the No. 1 overall selection since 1978, when the Houston Oilers chose Hall of Fame running back Earl Campbell.

Ward seems destined to have his name called, but, of course, nothing's official until Commission Roger Goodell announces it.

Here's what else we're monitoring on Tuesday ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, which kicks off Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET:

• Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones didn't shy away from offering up some intrigue during his club's pre-draft news conference Tuesday, saying he has more than one trade he is trying to work out. "We're looking at two things that could happen before or after the draft," Jones said, via the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Nick Harris. "Two pretty substantive trades. Been working on today." The Cowboys currently own the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, with a plethora of needs such as wide receiver, running back, cornerback and more. Whether those trades involve No. 12 or not remains to be seen.
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• However, one of those trades does not involve acquiring Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Rumblings of such a deal populated social media, but NFL Network Jane Slater reported it was "fake news," per a source. Moreso, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore -- a former Cowboy -- wasn't imminently signing with the team, despite being in attendance at the presser. There's rarely a shortage of buzz in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and there surely isn't ahead of the draft.

• Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah's No. 12 ranked prospect, is expected to be ready for training camp after recovering from a torn labrum, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. Campbell is one of 15 players who will attend the draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

• The overall depth of prospects in his year's class could make for a "wild" 2025 NFL Draft in terms of movement, according to Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles. "I think this one is gonna be a little wild," Poles said on Tuesday, via ESPN.com, "but we're going to be prepared for the scenarios that pop up." Asked if that could make it tough for the Bears to trade down from No. 10 overall, Poles said, "Potentially. Potentially. There are a lot of phone calls going on right now. So it's hard to tell."

 

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2025 NFL Draft: Five biggest roster needs for all 32 teams​

Apr 21, 2025 at 10:37 AM

Dan Parr
Original Content Editor, Draft Strategy

• 2025 Draft: Round-by-round order
• Team-by-team picks
• Needs for all 32 teams

With most of the dust settling from the free agency frenzy, teams' roster needs for the 2025 NFL Draft (April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin) are coming into focus. Here's the current order for Round 1, along with the top five needs for each franchise.
Pick
1

Tennessee Titans
3-14 · .522 (strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: QB, Edge, WR, LB, S

As the Titans’ search for a franchise quarterback continues, the hunt to find a long-term replacement for Harold Landry off the edge is just beginning. Whoever ends up playing QB for Tennessee would benefit from enhanced weaponry at wide receiver.
Pick
2

Cleveland Browns
3-14 · .536
Biggest needs: QB, OL, Edge, RB, WR

Cleveland’s quest to find an answer at quarterback starts fresh, with trade acquisition Kenny Pickett fitting best as a backup. The offensive makeover could use reinforcements for the front line and a new RB1, as well. On defense, pairing Myles Garrett with another stud pass rusher could take the group to a whole new level.
Pick
3

New York Giants
3-14 · .554
Biggest needs: QB, OL, DL, LB, WR

The Giants still have to find a long-term solution to their quarterback problem after signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. Beyond completing that mission, they can afford upgrades on the offensive and defensive lines. They really need more playmaking ability on both sides of the ball.
Pick
4

New England Patriots
4-13 · .471
Biggest needs: OL, DL, WR, RB, TE

Drake Maye impressed in his rookie season despite playing behind what Pro Football Focus categorized as the worst offensive line in the NFL, so it would be fun to see what the young passer could do behind a group closer to league average. New England should be all about building a supporting cast for Maye, who would also benefit from better weaponry at the skill positions.
Pick
5

Jacksonville Jaguars
4-13 · .478
Biggest needs: DL, CB, S, OL, WR

New GM James Gladstone comes from the Rams, where they have a clear understanding of what a disruptive interior defensive lineman can do for a team. The Jaguars have made free-agent investments in their other areas of need, but there’s still room to add on at each spot, with receiver and offensive line depth essential to giving Trevor Lawrence a chance to put together a complete season.

Pick
6

Las Vegas Raiders
4-13 · .540
Biggest needs: RB, WR, CB, OL, LB

There are plenty of needs to address for the new regime in Las Vegas, even after filling the hole at quarterback with Geno Smith. Giving the Raiders’ QB1 an RB1 and/or WR1 would be a fine place to start. Meanwhile, the secondary and linebacker were hit hard by free-agent departures.
Pick
7

New York Jets
5-12 · .495
Biggest needs: OL, WR, TE, S, DL

There are areas to tighten up on defense, but, as is often the case for the Jets, the offense is home to the roster’s most pressing needs. It’s not clear who will be starting at right tackle, and it would make plenty of sense to help new QB Justin Fields by adding complementary playmakers at wide receiver and a tight end with some juice.
Pick
8

Carolina Panthers
5-12 · .498
Biggest needs: Edge, S, CB, WR, DL

It would undoubtedly be nice to give Bryce Young some shiny new toys on offense, but for Carolina, the first order of business should be fixing a defense that ranked dead last in points and yards allowed. (In fact, the Panthers gave up the most points in a single season in NFL history.) Dan Morgan and Co. can start with beefing up a pass rush that produced the league’s lowest QB pressure rate in 2024 (25.5%, per Next Gen Stats).
Pick
9

New Orleans Saints
5-12 · .505
Biggest needs: QB, CB, OL, WR, DL

It’s fair to wonder how tempted the Saints will be to bring in some life for the offense if the opportunity to draft a potentially franchise-altering QB presents itself, especially given the uncertainty around Derek Carr's health. Cornerback remains a major need, even after bringing back Isaac Yiadom, who started eight games for them in 2023. Adding a complementary playmaker at receiver and/or tightening up the offensive line, especially at left guard, would be sensible.
Pick
10

Chicago Bears
5-12 · .554
Biggest needs: OL, DL, RB, S, TE

The Bears’ moves in free agency did indeed open the whole board to the team in the draft, as GM Ryan Poles has said. There’s still the matter of identifying a long-term solution at left tackle (Braxton Jones is in a contract year), finding a back to pair with D’Andre Swift and adding another disruptor who can provide big-time production on the defensive line, whether it's off the edge or inside.
Pick
11

San Francisco 49ers
6-11 · .564
Biggest needs: DL, Edge, OL, RB, CB

The free agency exodus has the 49ers looking thin on both the offensive and defensive lines. Defensive tackle is the leanest of the areas of need, but the matter of finding an heir apparent to Trent Williams, who is heading into his age-37 season, demands attention -- as does the edge-rusher spot opposite Nick Bosa. Running back depth shouldn’t be overlooked, given the way injuries chewed through the position during a disappointing 2024 season for San Francisco.
Pick
12

Dallas Cowboys
7-10 · .522
Biggest needs: WR, RB, CB, LB, DL

Outside of CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys don't have a consistent threat at wide receiver. They can’t afford to stop there on offense, though. Free-agent signees Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders fit as complementary pieces, but Dallas still should be targeting an RB1 in this year’s draft. This squad has its share of needs on defense, too, thanks to a combination of injuries and free-agent departures.
Pick
13

Miami Dolphins
8-9 · .419
Biggest needs: OL, DL, CB, S, TE

Dolphins GM Chris Grier’s main task in the draft is building a tougher unit on both the offensive and defensive lines, with the O-line charging out of the gate as the most pressing need of all given Terron Armstead’s retirement. Cornerback shouldn't be ignored with Jalen Ramsey potentially on the way out of Miami, and replacing Jevon Holland at safety is another item on the to-do list.

Pick
14

Indianapolis Colts
8-9 · .457
Biggest needs: TE, OL, LB, Edge, RB

Protecting the QB -- whether it’s Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones -- and giving him a safety valve in the form of a talented young tight end should be top of mind for GM Chris Ballard. The Colts need a new starting right guard and their starters at both offensive tackle spots are a year away from hitting free agency.

 

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Pick
15

Atlanta Falcons
8-9 · .519
Biggest needs: Edge, DL, CB, OL, S

No, it’s not their only area of need, but at some point, the Falcons have to find a way to turn things around for their pass rush, and it starts with the players up front on defense. Every other team has at least 198 sacks since 2019 (the Steelers lead all squads with 292!), while the Falcons have 169 in that span and rank last in QB pressure rate over that same stretch.
Pick
16

Arizona Cardinals
8-9 · .536
Biggest needs: OL, WR, Edge, DL, CB

Arizona is at least one more quality starter away from having its offensive line go from OK to good, and a burner at receiver could also play a key role in pushing the offense to the next level. The Cardinals made their bigger free-agent moves on defense, but there are still spots to shore up on that side of the ball.
Pick
17

Cincinnati Bengals
9-8 · .478
Biggest needs: Edge, S, LB, OL, CB

We might be looking at an all-defense draft by the Bengals, who made big investments to keep their star wide receivers in place. Even if the team is able to work things out with Trey Hendrickson, finding him a pass-rushing complement has to be a top priority. That said, the second and third levels of the defense should not be ignored, either.
Pick
18

Seattle Seahawks
10-7 · .498
Biggest needs: OL, WR, CB, S, DL

It’s no secret the Seahawks need to be better along the offensive line, particularly on the interior, and the rebuilding at wide receiver shouldn’t end with the signings of Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who have both already celebrated their 30th birthdays. On defense, Devon Witherspoon is Seattle’s only starting-caliber cornerback signed beyond the 2025 season.
Pick
19

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
10-7 · .502
Biggest needs: LB, CB, Edge, S, OL

Lavonte David has been a foundational piece in Tampa for more than a decade, but it’s time for the Bucs to think of the long-term future at off-ball linebacker. It could be a defense-heavy draft for the franchise, which should be shopping for potential starters at all three levels.
Pick
20

Denver Broncos
10-7 · .502
Biggest needs: RB, WR, CB, TE, DL

The Broncos have put themselves in a position where they can focus on strengthening the supporting cast around Bo Nix after his highly encouraging first season with the team. RB1 is the need that stands out most, but receiver is another spot to target with Courtland Sutton’s contract expiring after the 2025 campaign. Denver could improve the depth on defense, especially at cornerback and on the front line, but the roster looks to be in pretty good shape on that side of the ball.
Pick
21

Pittsburgh Steelers
10-7 · .502
Biggest needs: QB, RB, DL, WR, OL

Three seasons have passed since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, but Pittsburgh is still looking for a legit replacement at quarterback. Elsewhere, the Steelers need a new running back after the departure of Najee Harris and could opt to get younger on the interior defensive line with Cam Heyward heading into his age-36 season.

Pick
22

Los Angeles Chargers
11-6 · .467
Biggest needs: TE, WR, DL, RB, Edge

Using the draft to inject a jolt -- or a few jolts -- of offensive firepower would make plenty of sense for a Chargers team that was held to 17 points or fewer seven times (including the playoffs) last season. The signings of RB Najee Harris and WR Mike Williams are not nearly enough. On defense, the Bolts should be looking to add competition on the interior and off the edge. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see them bolster the interior offensive line, either.
Pick
23

Green Bay Packers
11-6 · .533
Biggest needs: CB, WR, Edge, DL, OL

It doesn’t appear Jaire Alexander is long for the Packers’ roster, which brings cornerback to the forefront of draft priorities. Adding some deep speed at receiver could be critical with Christian Watson’s 2025 season in question as he rehabs from an ACL tear, and Matt LaFleur has made it clear that the pass rush must be better if Green Bay is going to make a deeper playoff run.
Pick
24

Minnesota Vikings
14-3 · .474
Biggest needs: CB, OL, S, LB, DL

Minnesota holds just four picks in the 2025 draft, so it won’t have much flexibility to address needs. The good news is the team was able to get a lot of good work done in free agency, leaving the board fairly wide open. The Vikings could still use starting-caliber players at left guard and cornerback, while finding a safety who can eventually take the baton from 36-year-old Harrison Smith should be on the radar.
Pick
25

Houston Texans
10-7 · .481
Biggest needs: OL, WR, DL, CB, S

Houston’s moves this offseason, including trading away Laremy Tunsil, put the offensive line front and center on the needs list heading into the draft. They should be eyeing both tackle and interior help to protect franchise QB C.J. Stroud, who also could use more dependability opposite Nico Collins at receiver.
Pick
26

Los Angeles Rams
10-7 · .505
Biggest needs: LB, CB, OL, TE, WR

Most glaring among the Rams’ needs: off-ball linebacker, a spot they traditionally have not made significant investments in. They could use at least one more starter at the position. Three of their top defensive backs and the starting right tackle are a year away from free agency. It’s a similar story at tight end.
Pick
27

Baltimore Ravens
12-5 · .529
Biggest needs: OL, CB, S, DL, Edge

There’s a case to be made for each of the Ravens’ five biggest needs to be No. 1 on the priority list. Baltimore re-signed Ronnie Stanley to play left tackle, but shoring up the guard position should be high on GM Eric DeCosta’s agenda. Cornerback and the interior defensive line took hits this offseason, and the team is a year away from potentially losing some very valuable players in free agency.

Pick
28

Detroit Lions
15-2 · .516
Biggest needs: Edge, OL, S, DL, WR

For now, the top option opposite Aidan Hutchinson off the edge is Marcus Davenport, who is heading into Year 8 and has yet to put together a complete season. The Lions should also be shopping for a potential starter at right guard and depth at a few spots, especially in the secondary.

Pick
29

Washington Commanders
12-5 · .436
Biggest needs: Edge, CB, WR, S, OL

The largest void to fill is off the edge, as free-agent departure Dante Fowler Jr. led Washington with 10.5 sacks last season. Adding competition and security through depth in the secondary would be wise, too. On offense, Commanders GM Adam Peters has four of his top wide receivers playing on expiring deals, including Terry McLaurin and trade acquisition Deebo Samuel.
Pick
30

Buffalo Bills
13-4 · .467
Biggest needs: CB, DL, WR, Edge, S

Depth at cornerback is still looking shaky with former first-round pick Kaiir Elam being dealt away. There are similar issues on the interior defensive line and at edge rusher with free-agent signings Larry Ogunjobi and Michael Hoecht facing six-game suspensions. Plus, Ogunjobi, DaQuan Jones, A.J. Epenesa and Joey Bosa are playing on deals that expire after the 2025 season.
Pick
31

Kansas City Chiefs
15-2 · .488
Biggest needs: DL, OL, Edge, S, WR

Kansas City was no match for Philadelphia in the trenches when the title was on the line last season, so it should not be a surprise to see the offensive and defensive lines leading the priority list. The Chiefs are going to need more explosiveness and production off the edge, too. Replacing starters at receiver (DeAndre Hopkins) and safety (Justin Reid) rounds out the to-do list.
Pick
32

Philadelphia Eagles
14-3 · .453
Biggest needs: S, DL, CB, Edge, OL

Screaming needs don’t exist in Philadelphia like they do for lesser squads, but there are some holes to fill on defense after the departures of DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson, DL Milton Williams and edge rusher Josh Sweat. There’s much to be excited about at cornerback after the standout rookie seasons of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, but the Eagles could use another long-term building block at the position.