Articles by Joseph Acosta

The NFL Draft is mere days away, and with all the attention beginning to circle around Lambeau Field in Green Bay, the cameras are going to be on the players. We all know the shot: the player who gets invited to the NFL Draft and then has the longest wait of all time before getting picked in the second round. It seems like this year, players and their representatives are being a lot smarter about that, and with the updated list of NFL Draft attendees, we see a few guys drop out.
Most notable among the dropouts is Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart, who was a surprising add to the list in the first place. Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders is also not listed among those attending the draft, but earlier this year he said that he was going to spend the draft with his family at home.
So, who all is attending the 2025 NFL Draft? According to Boston Globe’s senior NFL writer Ben Volin, here is the list:

Tyler Booker, G, Alabama: I’ve seen Booker mocked late first round to early second, so I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the guy that ends up on your tv screen falling out of R1. Either way, Booker is a powerful guard with heavyweight boxer hands.

Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama: Campbell is one of my favorite prospects in this draft. A true three down LB with versatility.

Will Campbell, T, LSU: Despite concerns about arm length, Campbell is one of the safest prospects in the class. Can play tackle or guard.

Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State: Carter is a terrifying blend of speed and violence who should go within the top four picks.

Matthew Golden, WR, Texas: Golden is a fast riser in this draft process, a quick receiver who plays above the rim well for his size.

Mason Graham, DT, Michigan: One of the safer prospects in this class, nice blend of technique and nonstop motor.

Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky: The fastest man at the NFL Combine this year, Hairston is a late add who could end up going higher than people think.

Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado: The best player in this class. Won’t be on the board past 5.

Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State: One of the most incredible RBs I’ve seen on tape in my time scouting. His range is wide, however.

Will Johnson, CB, Michigan: Despite not having testing numbers, Johnson is still my CB2 and could end up sliding to the perfect spot.

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona: Potentially the second receiver off the board after Hunter, McMillan is a smooth mover for a guy his size.

Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama: The biggest wild card of this entire draft class, Milroe has elite tools. He has to be in the right system, however.

Josh Simmons, T, Ohio State: Probably would’ve been the top tackle in the draft if he didn’t tear his patellar tendon. Smooth mover.

Malaki Starks, S, Georgia: Don’t worry about the testing scores (which weren’t even bad). Starks is a gamer who can wear many hats for a defense.

Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M: A terrifying blend of athleticism and power, but lacks production.

Cam Ward, QB, Miami: The presumptive first overall pick. He won’t be in the green room for long. […]

There’s less than a week left until the 2025 NFL Draft, and to this point we know … maybe a few things. This class has become so unpredictable that trying to put together a mock draft gets a little tricky. But that’s what makes this so fun, gaming out all of the potential possibilities that may happen come Thursday night.
We know one thing for sure: Miami QB Cam Ward is going first overall to the Tennessee Titans. Ward is already hyping up Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears on streams, he knows what the vibe is. After that, it’s anyone’s guess. So here’s what we’re going to do. This mock draft is gaming out some of the different possibilities, outside of trades up and down the board. So let’s dive in and see what we can do.

2025 Mock Draft 7.0

Pick

Team

Player

Position

College

Year

Pick

Team

Player

Position

College

Year

1

Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward

QB

Miami

Senior

2

Cleveland Browns

Travis Hunter

WR/DB

Colorado

Junior

3

New York Giants

Abdul Carter

EDGE

Penn State

Junior

4

New England Patriots

Armand Membou

OT

Missouri

Junior

5

Jacksonville Jaguars

Ashton Jeanty

RB

Boise State

Junior

6

Las Vegas Raiders

Will Campbell

OL

LSU

Junior

7

New York Jets

Mason Graham

DT

Michigan

Junior

8

Carolina Panthers

Jalon Walker

EDGE

Georgia

Junior

9

New Orleans Saints

Tyler Warren

WR

Arizona

Junior

10

Chicago Bears

Mykel Williams

EDGE

Georgia

Junior

11

San Francisco 49ers

Shemar Stewart

EDGE

Texas A&M

Junior

12

Dallas Cowboys

Tetairoa McMillan

WR

Arizona

Junior

13

Miami Dolphins

Jahdae Barron

CB

Texas

Junior

14

Indianapolis Colts

Jihaad Campbell

LB

Alabama

Junior

15

Atlanta Falcons

Mike Green

EDGE

Marshall

Junior

16

Arizona Cardinals

Kenneth Grant

DT

Michigan

Junior

17

Cincinnati Bengals

Derrick Harmon

DT

Oregon

Senior

18

Seattle Seahawks

Colston Loveland

TE

Michigan

Junior

19

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Grey Zabel

OL

North Dakota State

Senior

20

Denver Broncos

Omarion Hampton

RB

North Carolina

Junior

21

Pittsburgh Steelers

Shedeur Sanders

QB

Colorado

Senior

22

Los Angeles Chargers

Will Johnson

CB

Michigan

Junior

23

Green Bay Packers

Emeka Egbuka

WR

Ohio State

Senior

24

Minnesota Vikings

Shavon Revel Jr.

CB

East Carolina

Junior

25

Houston Texans

Josh Simmons

OT

Ohio State

Junior

26

Los Angeles Rams

Luther Burden III

WR

Missouri

Junior

27

Baltimore Ravens

Nick Emmanwori

S

South Carolina

Junior

28

Detroit Lions

Kelvin Banks

OL

Texas

Junior

29

Washington Commanders

Donovan Ezeiruaku

EDGE

Boston College

Senior

30

Buffalo Bills

Malaki Starks

S

Georgia

Junior

31

Kansas City Chiefs

Walter Nolen

DT

Ole Miss

Junior

32

Philadelphia Eagles

Donovan Jackson

OL

Ohio State

Senior

1 . Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
You can pretty much write this one in stone. Ward makes me a little bit hesitant sometimes with his reckless play, but his feel for space and flair for the dramatic give him a high ceiling.
2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Browns’ GM Andrew Berry compared Hunter to Shohei Ohtani. You don’t pass on guys you compare to Shohei Ohtani.
3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The first curveball of the draft gets thrown here with Abdul Carter going to New York. The Giants don’t inherently have a need for another EDGE defender, but Carter gives them a burst of speed and physicality up front. Look for EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux to be on his way out if this does happen.
4. New England Patriots: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
With Carter and Hunter off the board, the Pats flip to the other side of the ball and take Membou here. He’d be going from the right side to the left, but his natural athleticism and footwork in pass protection give him a really high ceiling.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The Jaguars could go anywhere with this pick outside of QB and special teamer and I would see the vision. Jeanty’s odds to be picked here keep getting higher, and his multi-level ability as a runner or receiver would make him an instant-impact player in the Jags new offense.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Will Campbell, OL, LSU
With current Raiders’ left tackle Kolton Miller and the team not seeing eye to eye on a contract extension, I wonder if the Raiders opt to take his eventual replacement in Campbell and try to find a new team for Miller. Campbell’s technique and unique core flexibility give him the chance to be a good tackle, but could also be a phenomenal guard if he moves.
7. New York Jets: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Graham takes a little bit of a slide here, but stops at New York to form a fearsome duo with Quinnen Williams. His leverage and nonstop motor will play really well in a loaded Jets’ defensive front.
8. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Walker is undersized, yes, but his explosiveness and ability to win as a blitzer off the edge and up the middle of the defense make him an intriguing option in Ejiro Evero’s defense.
9. New Orleans Saints: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
I think this could be a spot for QB Shedeur Sanders if he continues to slide. However, in this exercise I’m sending new Saints’ head coach Kellen Moore an offensive weapon he can work with. Warren is a monster after the catch, and a competitive enough blocker to warrant being the pick this early.
10. Chicago Bears: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Williams is a dream fit for Dennis Allen’s defense, a monstrous defensive end who is the best run defender in the entire class at the position. He’s a bit stiff as a pass rusher, but his ceiling is extremely high–he won’t be 21 until after the draft.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Stewart is another defensive lineman who looks like he was created to be a top tier EDGE. He’s got a terrifying blend of power and flexibility, and I think his pass rush plan is a bit more developed than people give him credit for, while also having more room for growth. Sending him to San Francisco and DL coach Kris Kocurek could help get the best out of him.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Cowboys find themselves in a great spot with McMillan falling to them at 12. Despite some inconsistencies with focus drops, McMillan is a smooth a fluid mover for a bigger receiver, and should be a really good complement to CeeDee Lamb in the Cowboys’ offense.
13. Miami Dolphins: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Barron is having a monster draft cycle, and it ends with him being picked in the top 15. He’s a feisty corner who might be at his best at nickel, but in the worst case scenario he offers the Dolphins positional versatility and the ability to play the ball using his instincts in short areas.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
With Tyler Warren off the board, the Colts opt to go with one of my favorite prospects in this class, Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell. Campbell is a versatile LB prospect with the range to be a factor in coverage and the instincts to play the run, making him the perfect linebacker in the modern NFL.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
Mike Green is a blur off the edge who plays hard on every snap, and when he got the chance to play against higher competition he stood out. I wonder how consistently he carries his weight and he has some off-field issues, but he’ll be a great add to a Falcons’ defense that couldn’t get any pressure at all in 2024.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
The Cardinals need some size up front, and Grant is one of the best in the entire class. I worry about his pad level at times, but when he’s locked in he can be a force against the run and pass. Arizona gets a big man to help free some lanes up for their defense.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
The Bengals would sprint up to the podium with the card in this scenario. Harmon is a long, strong defensive tackle who has a nice set of pass rush tools in his arsenal. The Bengals knock out two birds with one stone here, getting an impactful front defender who can be a complement to Trey Hendrickson.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
This would be a home run pick for Seattle, adding a vertical element to their offense as well as someone who’s best days as a blocker are ahead of him. Loveland is a smooth route runner who didn’t fully get to show off his tools as a blocker due to an AC joint injury in 2024. The Seahawks need pass catchers, and get a really good one in Loveland.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
Zabel is an outside the box pick here for Tampa, but he also fits the mold of guys that they like up front. Zabel is really athletic and has nice movement skills, but his play strength and shorter arms might be best fit for center or guard. That’s where he’ll play in Tampa, with Graham Barton potentially moving to guard.
20. Denver Broncos: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
I wouldn’t be surprised if this ends up being a guy like Ohio State’s Treyveon Henderson (he could even go at 10, if we’re being honest), but with Hampton here on the board I would still go with the back from UNC. He’s a stick of dynamite with the ball in his hands, being able to break tackles and win between the tackles. The Broncos need an impactful player in their backfield who can be a good runner and receiver, and Hampton makes the most sense here.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The Sanders slide stops in Pittsburgh, where the Steelers finally get the QB they’ve been wanting for a long time. I think if Sanders continues to slide like he does here, the Steelers could end up making a small jump up for him, but they get him at 21 here. Sanders is a precise passer who throws with incredible touch and timing, who might just need a little bit more help around him to truly reach his potential.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Johnson’s slide stops with his former head coach at Michigan Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers. Johnson’s speed has been raked over the coals this offseason, but when you watch him play he has such good instincts and ball skills in quarters and Cover 2 styles of defenses…which happens to be the same defense he starred at in 2023 with current Chargers’ DC Jesse Minter coaching the Wolverines’ defense.
23. Green Bay Packers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
I’m going to be completely honest: I have no clue where the Packers go with this pick. If they were to go cornerback here with CB Jaire Alexander potentially being on his way out, I could completely understand it. If they go defensive line to help boost their pass rush, it would make a lot of sense. Ultimately, I went best player available, and Egbuka would be the best player available here. He’s a professional route runner who shreds zone coverage and blocks his butt off, making him a perfect fit for the Packers’ offense.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
If the Vikings aren’t too worried about Revel’s knee injury, he feels like the perfect Brian Flores cornerback. He’s tall and got long arms, and really wants to beat the hell out of receivers at the line of scrimmage. Even after re-signing Byron Murphy Jr., the Vikings still need impact players in the secondary. Revel has a really high ceiling.
25. Houston Texans: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
If Simmons didn’t tear his patellar tendon during the college football season, he could’ve ended up going much higher. But he falls to a team that desperately needs him. He’s agile, got long arms and the disposition to finish plays in the run and passing game, and the athletic upside to be a potential monster of a left tackle for the Texans.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Despite adding WR Davante Adams in free agency, I’m giving them Burden here to give the offense a shot of explosiveness downfield. The Rams offense was incredibly slow last season, and Burden gives them speed downfield and with the ball in his hands. He can move around the formation and allow Puka Nacua to be the power slot, and get some more productive years out of QB Matthew Stafford.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
You thought only one jumbo jet-sized safety would be enough? Think again! Emmanwori is a big safety, but doesn’t really play that well as a tackler close to the box. Where he’s at his best is using his speed and range to fly across the field and intercept passes. The Ravens picking Emmanwori and moving Hamilton back to the nickel spot could get the best out of everyone on the roster. Don’t be surprised if they try to add competition at guard here either.
28. Detroit Lions: Kelvin Banks, OL, Texas
The Lions could look to find more depth for their offensive line, and Banks fits their bill. I think he’s going to be much better inside than outside, where his wide base and strong punch works better at guard. Graham Glasgow is going to be 33 before the season starts, so Banks could play guard for Glasgow on the left or eventually replace Taylor Decker at left tackle.
29. Washington Commanders: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
The Commanders need to turn up their pass rush, especially with Dante Fowler Jr and Jonathan Allen both gone. Ezeiruaku is a violent player with speed and burst around the edge, but has long arms and the disposition to play the run as well.
30. Buffalo Bills: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Somehow, the Bills get one of the best players in this entire class with the 30th pick. Starks is instinctive and versatile, giving the Bills’ safety room a much needed shot of athleticism and playmaking on the back end.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
If Nolen slides this far, don’t be surprised if the Eagles trade up ahead of Kansas City to draft Nolen, but here he ends up with the Chiefs. Nolen has to be more consistent as a run defender, but he’s got the athleticism and violence to be an impactful complementary pass rusher to Chris Jones.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State
Jackson is one of the most fascinating prospects in the class, a guard who played his best football at tackle. He ends up in Philly to replace Mekhi Becton at right guard, but he could truly play guard or tackle at the next level. […]

As we get closer to the 2025 NFL Draft, the pressure and scrutiny of being an NFL Draft prospect get turned up to a thousand. Everyone wants to know who you’ve talked with, where you see yourself playing, and other questions along that line of thinking. For Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty, he’s taking some stress off by playing Call of Duty: Mobile. Jeanty played Call of Duty: Mobile against other prospects at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
Ahead of the NFL Draft, Jeanty is going to be streaming on Youtuber Bobby Plays’ channel on Wednesday, April 23 and spoke to me about Call of Duty, how he trains and more.
JA: What’s been your favorite part of the draft process so far?
AJ: I think it’s just getting to travel. I get to see a lot of places that I haven’t seen before, and then being able to meet all the different teams, players and all types of people.
JA: Outside of the actual building and team, which city has been your favorite so far?
AJ: I’m going to say Louisiana, because of all the food.
JA: What was your favorite meal that you had?
AJ: I had this fried catfish over rice with etouffee. I forgot what else was in there, but it was a loaded, loaded dish.
JA: So at Boise State this season, you had over 1,700 yards after contact. I was wondering how you train your body to take all these hits and make guys miss without losing steam.
AJ: Yeah, I mean a lot of it is just God given talent that I’ve been blessed with, but there’s a lot of work that goes into it. A lot of lower body workouts, you know, making your lower body strong, because that’s where your power really comes from. Then a strong upper body and core to keep your stability. Also working on your balance is crucial and how I’m able to not fall and make big plays.
JA: With all the access to NIL and the transfer portal, you’re one of the few that stayed at a G5 school for their entire career. What made you stay?
AJ: I think, when it comes on the field in terms of football, right, I had a great group of teammates and coaches, connections and relationships I already built. Then the new hiring of Coach [Spencer] Danielson, you know, I knew he was going to be a great coach, the right fit for the program, the person who could lead us the right way and bring us where we need to be.
Off the field, all the relationships, connections I built with the guys, people around the city. I wanted to keep all of those and continue growing and develop. That’s the most important thing, you know, when you commit to a school, right. You wanna go to the school that’s gonna develop you into the player that you want to be. And I knew Boise was the right place for me to be.
JA: If you were scouting yourself and had to say, “here’s everything I’m good at, and here are things I need to improve on,” what would you say is your most underrated trait, the thing you don’t think you get enough credit for?
AJ: I think it’s my receiving ability. Even though I didn’t get to show it as much last year, but in my sophomore year I led all backs in receiving (573 receiving yards in 2023, led all RBs in the nation). So I do have that ability and then in my junior year of high school I played slot receiver and put up numbers. So yeah, I think that’s a bit overlooked, man.
JA: If you could run one run concept or scheme for the rest of your life, what are you choosing?
AJ: I’m gonna choose inside zone, man. Especially this past season we ran a lot of that, and we ran it a lot in high school. So I’ve just gotten really good at running that scheme.
JA: Do you have a favorite touchdown or favorite plays from across your entire career? One that you’ll look back on fondly.
AJ: Over the entire career? There’s two for me. Nobody’s really asked over my entire career so there’s two that stand out. I’m gonna say my freshman year against San Diego State. That was my first career touchdown as a college athlete, so that one’s just special because I didn’t really get touches like that before that game, then I get the ball and do that.
The next one is Washington State, for sure. Breaking a bunch of tackles and just making a crazy run. A real highlight reel type of run.
J.P. Acosta (JA): What are you doing with Call of Duty: Mobile?
Ashton Jeanty (AJ): Yeah, so I’ve always been a huge fan of the Call of Duty franchise. Playing mobile is perfect for my schedule, I played it back at the Combine with a few different guys and now leading into the draft I’ll be playing it on a livestream so that’ll be fun.
JA: Who is the best Call of Duty: Mobile guy you played with at the Combine? Like if you’re playing at the crib who are you trying to play with?
AJ: Honestly, I don’t really know. I’m gonna have to play with those guys again and reassess their abilities.
JA: Now how did playing Call of Duty help you bond with your teammates off the field?
AJ: I mean, it’s just a great way to connect. Obviously, you’re playing the game, that’s a lot of fun, but more than anything you’re just able to talk, catch up and spend time around guys that you may not be around every single day.
JA: What’s your favorite map in Call of Duty?
AJ: Oh it’s gotta be Nuketown, for sure. Gotta go with the OG. […]

The unraveling of the Miami Dolphins continues.
After the retirement of left tackle Terron Armstead and the ongoing saga around wideout Tyreek Hill, star cornerback Jalen Ramsey added another layer of tumult by reportedly agreeing to work with Miami on a potential trade.
This is a huge blow for the Dolphins. After cutting Kendall Fuller in the offseason, moving Ramsey would make the secondary a land of miscast toys. Safety Jevon Holland is a New York Giant now, and that would leave Storm Duck, Kader Kohou and Ethan Bonner as the first three names up at cornerback. Not exactly a confidence-boosting unit for a franchise that needs to start winning big games. Add on top of that the lack of depth up front on both sides of the ball, a potential Tyreek Hill trade and just general anxiety surrounding the team and … yeah not a great outlook for 2025 in South Beach.
For Ramsey, I’m curious what his market will be. He’s taken a step back athletically, but he’s still physical enough to come up and tackle and one of the smartest DBs in the game. However, the contract would also be an issue, taking on over $20 million per year for the duration of his contract.

Trading CB Jalen RamseyNew Team Acquires2025: $21.1M (GTD)2026: $21M2027: $21.7M2028: $24M#Dolphins Dead CapPre-June 1st2025: $29.2M($12.5M cap loss)Post-June 1st2025: $10.8M2026: $18.4M($5.9M cap savings)https://t.co/ryLgI0f15D— Spotrac (@spotrac) April 15, 2025

What teams can, and should make a deal for Ramsey at this point?
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have more than enough cap space to facilitate a trade like this, and I think it makes sense for them as well. With Pete Carroll as their head coach, they could be looking to win serious football games sooner rather than later, and I think Ramsey is still a winning football player. The Raiders’ depth chart at corner gets really dire since they released Jack Jones, and Ramsey gives them a quality starter in a lot of areas. The Raiders secondary has some solid names, but most of them are unproven in a division where you have to play Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert twice a year. A trade for Ramsey feels really likely for Vegas.
San Francisco 49ers
I’m curious on what the Niners do with the 11th pick in the draft, but if they opt to pick a defensive linemen like I think they will, a trade for Ramsey could be intriguing. Adding Ramsey would allow the Niners to get versatile with their other two DBs; Deommodore Lenoir can either play nickel or outside, and Renardo Green could play opposite of Ramsey or Lenoir. Or, if they want to move Ramsey back to safety, I think he could play well next to Malik Mustapha. Either way, I think the Niners could add some more veteran experience to the group as they begin to retool.
Arizona Cardinals
Would this be considered a luxury for the Cardinals? Possibly, but I wouldn’t rule out their possible need for another vet at the position. Max Melton had his moments on the outside, but Sean Murphy-Bunting can be replaced. Ramsey could get his shot with a team that’s on the brink of the playoffs, providing veteran leadership and stability among a young group of corners. The Cardinals have the cap space to facilitate a trade like this, and I think it’s something they should consider.
Jacksonville Jaguars
There’s always time to come home. Ramsey started his career in Jacksonville, and I think it could make sense for both sides to reunite. Whether they play him at outside cornerback or safety, Ramsey fills a need for another impact player next to Tyson Campbell and Jourdan Lewis, or if the team believes in rookie Jarrian Jones, they can play Ramsey at safety. For a team that uses veterans to raise the floor of their roster, a Ramsey acquisition would be a hell of a floor raising move. Would Ramsey want to return to Duval County is the biggest question.
Who do you think should trade for Jalen Ramsey? […]

National Anime Day is on April 15, and in honor of the third greatest day of the year (the first two are my girlfriend’s birthday and Christmas), I figured it’s time we return to the land of the 2025 NFL Draft, and compare them to exclusively anime characters. Previously, I made comparisons to things that had nothing to do with football, but now we’re going to specifically take our comparisons from the world of anime. So charge up your ki and let’s do this!
Arizona State RB Cam Skattebo: Inosuke Hashibira, Demon Slayer
The wild boar with Beast breathing from Demon Slayer perfectly fits Skattebo, with both being unique talents who use their special tools in different ways. Skattebo isn’t fast by any means, but where he lacks in speed he makes up for in being one of the toughest guys to tackle in this draft class. He’s got a strong lower body and surprisingly quick feet, which help him make up for his lack of speed. Just like how Hashibira lacks some of the refinement of other demon slayers, he makes up for it with his unique breathing and flexibility that rivals many characters in his universe.
What really sells this for me is the relentless nature, though. Inosuke survived being stabbed in the chest by a poisonous sickle to help beat Gyutaro and Daki in the Entertainment District, and never gives up on any fight. Skattebo doesn’t give up on any run, and always wants to fall forward. While it can be a hindrance at times, you always want those guys on your team.

Miami QB Cam Ward: Vash the Stampede, Trigun
Ward is an exceptionally creative QB who sometimes lets his creativity get in the way of his mechanics, very similarly to Vash. However, something that I think people in the show mistook Vash for is being aloof. When it comes to Ward, I think he gets mistaken for a guy that doesn’t want to stay in the pocket and does all his work outside of it. Ward can play in the pocket, and more often than not wants to be in the pocket, where he can use his spatial awareness to win, as well as his right arm that he uses to access different arm angles and types of throws most QBs only dream of.
There are some mechanical issues, and Ward sometimes has his brain fart moments, but like Vash he has the power to take his opponents down with the cybernetic arm and pinpoint accuracy.

Georgia EDGE Mykel Williams: King, One Piece
Frightening ability to destroy anything in their path, King and Williams share a lot of similarities. For one, the length and wingspan of both characters is massive. Williams sports an 86th percentile wingspan and almost 35 inch arms, and King…well…he literally has wings. Where this comparison really starts to align is in how they’re used. King is Kaido’s right hand man; he does most of the dirty work for one of the former Emperors of the Sea and Williams did the dirty work for a Georgia defense that dominated college football. While it helped the Dawgs reach a lot of success, Williams probably won’t be playing 4i in the NFL. With his arm length and discipline in the run game, Williams makes himself a high floor prospect, but like King, if he goes all out, we’ve seen what he can do as a pass rusher.

Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter: Thorfinn, Vinland Saga season 1 specifically
Ok so walk with me on this one. The biggest thing that stands out with Abdul Carter is the speed and the violence that he plays with. A former off ball LB, Carter is so quick off the ball, but it’s the urgency that he makes his moves with, the force that he rips through with that really stands out. If generating speed to power is the go to for most young pass rushers, Carter turns his speed into force without using a bullrush. Much like early season Thorfinn, there’s still some times where he’s rough around the edges, but most people can tell the potential both have for being the strongest in their respective universes.

LSU OL Will Campbell: Ichiro Miyata, Hajime no Ippo
Miyata doesn’t have the size of guys like Takamura, or the power of someone like Ippo, but pound for pound he might be the best counter boxer in the entire show. He’s so quick and has a lot of experience due to his father being a former pro boxer, that he’s able to win with his mind as well as his athletic tools. LSU OL Will Campbell doesn’t have long arms, but he mitigates that with tidy hand placement, incredible core flexibility and the ability to just torque his opponents out of gaps. His flaws might be nullified with a move inside to guard, but even if he stayed at tackle he could be good. […]

With the overall consensus around this draft class being that it’s not as strong as previous years, there’s bound to be some excitement surrounding the first round of the NFL Draft. Come April 24, there could be a dozen different mock drafts with a dozen different outcomes in them, leading for a chaotic first round potentially full of trades.
But which teams are the most primed to trade back and stockpile Day 2 picks? Here are four teams that probably won’t be making a pick at their designated slot next Thursday night.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings currently have their own first round pick (24th). Their next pick lands at No. 97, in round 3. Due to the lasting effects of trading their second, third, and fourth round picks to select outside linebacker Dallas Turner in 2024, the Vikings only have four picks to work with in this entire draft class. With a few holes still left to fill on the defensive side of the ball, I think the Vikings are in a prime spot to trade back and acquire some more picks so they can stockpile the back part of their defense. Vikings’ GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah isn’t afraid to make deals up and down the board, so don’t be surprised if the Vikings make their move down the board.
The Vikings’ only selections in this draft are No. 24, No. 97, No. 139, and No. 187. That’s not good enough. Look for the Vikings to trade back if the opportunity presents itself.
Los Angeles Rams
Although they have two picks in Round 3, I still think the Rams could end up punting their first rounder to someone else in order to stockpile value. The Rams are well-known for their ability to scout and find talent later in the draft, and if a team does end up ringing their line to move up or back into the first round I could see them moving down the board. Their offensive line is pretty much set, and after adding WR Davante Adams, I think they use their picks on the defensive side of the ball early. Don’t be surprised if the Rams move back at all.
The Rams currently have picks No. 26, No. 90, No. 101, No. 127, No. 190, No. 194, No. 201, and No. 202. They would love to get into the second round if possible, because a lot of these picks are very late.
New York Giants
So, remember this happening last week?

The #Saints suddenly have a major QB question: Starter Derek Carr is now dealing with a shoulder injury that threatens his availability for this season, sources say. Carr is weighing options, including the possibility of surgery. pic.twitter.com/QNdc9ipE8P— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 11, 2025

Everything is going to Giants’ GM Joe Schoen’s plan. New York might not want to take QB Shedeur Sanders if he falls to No. 3, and despite Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter being very good, the question of where you play him does pop into the mind. The Giants could use this news of Carr potentially being out for the season to leverage their way into trading out of the third overall pick with a team that’s either desperate for a QB or a team that really wants that EDGE rusher (cough cough, Carolina). It feels like the draft really starts at New York, and the Giants could end up moving back in the top ten.
Kansas City Chiefs
It always seems like the Chiefs could end up trading back in the first round. More often than not, it’s because they’re picking at 31 or 32, but this year I think it would make sense for KC to trade back. If there’s a run on defensive tackles or offensive linemen early on in the draft (two of the stronger parts of this class), Kansas City could end up moving back and trying to stockpile Day 2 picks so they can bolster a roster that is aging rapidly. In addition, if a team really wants a QB (Cleveland) and wants to get the fifth-year option on their guy, Kansas City moving from 31 to 33 doesn’t seem like bad business at all.
Who do you think ends up trading back on Day 1 of the NFL Draft? […]

The University of Tennessee football team and starting QB Nico Iamaleava are at a bit of an impasse.
After rumblings of a rift between the Volunteers’ starter and the team began a few months ago, the first public shot has been fired, with Iamaleava holding himself out of Tennessee’s spring practice session on Friday until he gets a new name, image and likeness (NIL) deal, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Sources: Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava did not attend Tennessee spring practice today. He’s been in conversations with Tennessee about a new contract. The no-show of practice came as a surprise. pic.twitter.com/VXsXTPDZpu— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 11, 2025

As Thamel stated, this holdout was unexpected by the Vols, and is the first prominent example of a player holding out at the college level.
So, how did we get here, and where will this go?
How did we get to this point?
Iamaleava had been in talks with Tennessee about a renegotiated NIL deal since the middle of December. The QB’s current deal was for about $2.4 million, sources told ESPN. After the season ended, Iamaleava and Tennessee went to the negotiating table for a reworked contract. It was reported by On3 that Iamaleava’s representatives were looking for an increase to the $4 million range for his deal but the Vols wouldn’t budge on their stance. According to On3, the two sides met Thursday in regards to a reworked deal, but nothing else came from it. Iamaleava’s holdout on Friday came as a “surprise” to the team. This is from ESPN’s Chris Low:

Iamaleava’s reps were adamant Thursday to news outlets that there was no NIL renegotiation going on. But sources tell ESPN there has been growing frustration among the administration and players about the situation, especially when Iamaleava didn’t show for practice.— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) April 11, 2025

When Iamaleava first committed to Tennessee, his deal was unprecedented at the time for a high school recruit, paying him over $8 million across the span of his career. That math works out to about the $2.4 million we discussed earlier, and Iamaleava wants to add more to it.
What other QBs have gotten big NIL deals this offseason?
When Carson Beck transferred to Miami and Darian Mensah transferred to Duke, both QBs earned “significantly more” money than Iamaleava was set to make this upcoming season, according to ESPN. There’s been no reports that Iamaleava wants a deal around those numbers, but a $4 million tag seems about right.
What are the important dates to know in this case?
Tennessee’s spring game is on Saturday, but the bigger date comes next Wednesday, April 16. That is when the transfer portal opens for the football spring window. Hypothetically, if Iamaleava doesn’t get the deal that he’s looking for, he could enter the portal and test the waters there. Tennessee might also be feeling the pressure here as well, because they would end up in a scramble for a starting QB who can at least be SEC competitive.
How good is Nico Iamaleava?
Well … it’s complicated.
Iamaleava finished the season with 19 touchdowns and five interceptions, but eight of those touchdowns came in games against Chattanooga, Kent State, and UTEP. Against SEC competition, Iamaleava looked overmatched and the Tennessee offense which is notoriously Mickey Mouse-caliber ended up looking even more watered down than before. This culminated in a disheartening 42-17 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff where Iamaleava went 14-for-31, didn’t throw any touchdowns and was sacked four times.
However, he was a top recruit coming out of high school, with some scouting sites comparing him to Chargers’ QB Justin Herbert. The potential might be there, but the production and tape hasn’t shown so far.
Who has the leverage here?
Honestly, it’s Tennessee. With Iamaleava’s performance leaving a lot of fans and media uninspired, the Vols could let the QB walk and enter the portal, taking a risk at finding someone who can produce better in the offense. If Iamaleava doesn’t want to leave, he’s gotta take that same NIL deal and bear it until the end of the 2025 season, or he’s SOL.
However, the thing that’s working in Iamaleava’s favor is time. With the spring portal opening, Iamaleava could leave and force Tennessee to scramble for a QB with four months until fall practice begins. That might not be enough time for a QB to come in and learn the ins and outs of the offense, so if Iamaleava wants to push this, time is working with him.
Who could get Iamaleava out of the portal, if he entered?
Iamaleava is from California, so USC seems like a leading candidate. They didn’t portal in any QB and last year’s starter, Miller Moss, is now at Louisville. They might have some faith in QB Jayden Maiava, who transferred in from UNLV, but Iamaleava would give them someone with much more potential. Staying in California, UCLA added former App State QB Joey Aguilar in the portal, but could make a move for Iamaleava if they wanted to.
What happens next?
Now, we have to play the waiting game. Tennessee and Iamaleava’s reps have under a week before the transfer portal opens to figure this out, or they risk losing their starting QB to the portal. With the frustration growing and time running out, it would be surprising to me if they got a deal done.
I don’t think this is going to lead to more high-profile names holding out for better deals, but I also think it’s dependent on the outcome of this holdout. It feels like a cop out answer, but if more players see this holdout go poorly for Iamaleava, not many will feel bold enough to take that risk again. However, if Tennessee folds and gives the QB what he wants, I think more players will have the power to ask for more money, applying the pressure on the university.
Either way, this holdout could have major implications for the future of college football. […]

Ever since the Dallas Mavericks traded franchise superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, everyone has tried to find a valid reason for making the move.
And every time a somewhat reasonable explanation comes up, another fact about the trade makes it look like the single worst move in NBA history.
On top of making fans mad to the point that they’re chanting “Fire Nico” in reference to Mavs GM Nico Harrison less than a minute into Doncic’s return to Dallas, the ramifications from trading Doncic could have a lasting effect on the Mavs’ bottom line as well. According to ESPN’s Tim McMahon, team sources said that the trade will cost the Mavs “nine figures” over the next several years and “dozens of millions” in revenue this season. Here’s the latest from McMahon on how the Doncic trade is impacting the Mavs’ financial situation:
“It’s a decision, team sources told ESPN, that probably will cost the franchise nine figures over the next several years, as the Mavs are projected to lose dozens of millions in revenue this season due to dwindling crowds, plummeting merchandise sales and sponsors severing ties with the franchise in the wake of the trade. So many fans canceled season tickets in the days after the trade that the Mavs attempted to generate some goodwill by offering limited refunds.”
Fans are tuning the team out, causing home crowds to shrink, merchandise sales to drop and sponsors severing ties with the franchise. According to McMahon, so many fans canceled their season tickets after the trade that the Mavericks tried offering limited refunds to get some goodwill back.
Everything that has happened post-trade just makes Nico Harrison look like the dumbest man alive. Not only have the Mavericks dropped to the Play-In after BEING IN THE NBA FINALS LAST YEAR with Doncic, but all the fans have turned on the team. The fact that Anthony Davis immediately got hurt and Kyrie Irving tore his ACL after the Doncic trade means we never even got to see Harrison defend his vision for the team. It’s a terrible situation all the way around.
In the Mavericks game against Doncic’s Lakers, the fans were cheering for Los Angeles … at a Mavericks home game. That’s insane for any crowd to turn on their own team, and it’s the Mavs’ front office’s fault. Doncic wanted to remain a Maverick forever, but Harrison took that from him. Now, they have to pay the toll, both on and off the court. […]

If there’s any player in the 2025 NFL Draft consensus big board that I absolutely love, it’s Georgia’s Jalon Walker. An EDGE/LB hybrid, Walker turned his one year starting at Georgia into a season worthy of the Butkus award, notching 6.5 sacks and being the fulcrum of a Georgia defense that could stem fronts and change the picture a lot. Now, Walker enters the NFL as one of the most coveted prospects in the class. In my post-Combine big board he was the 7th ranked player, and will more than likely finish as a top-10 player in this entire draft class.
Entering the draft, It’s not a question of how talented Walker is, but where you play him. Versatility can be such a good thing in the NFL, but if you don’t have an established position, the path to being a player like Isaiah Simmons is quick. Walker is less of a positionless player, and more of a player who has an established position, but can line up in different alignments.
Let’s go ahead and say this up front: Jalon Walker is an EDGE. He’s an EDGE because if you watch him play and where he’s at his best, he’s aligned out over a tackle or a guard, and running forward instead of dropping into coverage. Georgia didn’t ask him to do many diverse things dropping back, often leaving that to LBs Smael Mondon Jr and CJ Allen, due to some of Walker’s discomfort and stiffness in coverage. Walker only had 183 coverage snaps this season, which is over 100 less than most of the other top linebackers in this class. On top of that, Walker didn’t really have much responsibilities in coverage, dropping to the weak flat or hook area where less pass targets were. I think deploying him as a stack linebacker would be a poor use of his tools, and limit the creativity that he brings to the table.
He’s a really solidly built player at 6’1 and 243 pounds, but one of his drawbacks is his 32-inch arms. According to Mockdraftable, he would be below the 33.5 inch mark of the average EDGE that attended the Combine. However, I think he uses his lack of length rather well compared to other undersized EDGE defenders. Against the run, he can get a little nosey on the edge, peeking his head inside when he’s supposed to set the edge, but when he’s on the line of scrimmage he doesn’t stay blocked. You can’t block him with tight ends, because he’ll just dodge around them on split flow blocks and make plays in the backfield.

He’s an instinctual run defender, which will lead to him sometimes guessing wrong on the edge but when he’s right he causes havoc in the backfield. When used as a stack linebacker, Walker is a hammer coming forward in the run game, and his relentless nature gives him a lot of splash as a run defender.
As a pass rusher, he’s unique … but in a good way! He’s got shorter arms, but his hands are in the 90th percentile and heavy as SHIT. When he’s able to get his hands into a linemen’s chest, he can win a lot of reps, which is surprising for a guy that’s an undersized pass rusher. His go-to outside pass rush is one where he puts his inside hand in the linemen’s chest, but uses his outside hand to grab the wrist of the offensive lineman, clearing up his path to the outside. His powerful and strong hands combined with a great get off give him so much more of a pathway to win, and it shows on tape and in the advanced metrics. This is a nice example of it against Notre Dame. The right tackle puts his outside hand out, but Walker grabs it and creates his own lane through sheer force and will, and gets a pressure that forces an incompletion.

He does it against Texas as well, but this is where his counters start to come in. He grabs the outside hand of the right tackle, but instead of forcing his way to the edge, he dips back inside and forces the QB to move off his spot.

Staying out on the edge, Walker also can use an inside rip counter that really shows off his explosion and urgency on the outside. It’s not always consistent, but Walker has shown the pass rush potential on the outside and inside to really be impactful as a full time pass rusher.

Let’s talk about the word “versatility” along with Jalon Walker. Like I said up top, for every Zack Baun, you get an Isaiah Simmons, guys without established positions who end up floating around trying to find a sticking point. For success stories like Baun this past year, it happened because of giving him a solidified role at linebacker, while being able to move him along the edge to change the fronts and create different looks.
For Walker, he has an established role as an EDGE defender–and a good one at that. However, he becomes more valuable when you have the option to use him as a spinner to unlock favorable matchups for him or create opportunities for others on defense. In the world that we live in defensively, simulated pressures and having guys who can line up in different alignments while not having to sacrifice bodies to defend the pass is a good thing, and Walker can be the engine of a pass defense in that style. As a blitzer, you can line him up over guards and he can create havoc that way, as he does with this quick inside move that forces the QB to step into a sack:

Or he can be the spy on mobile QBs, as he did against many of Georgia’s opponents:

Georgia often used Jalon Walker as a spy on the QB and when you watch how quickly he can close on ball carriers in space, you understand why. pic.twitter.com/eyumbeqHCI— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) April 3, 2025

If he’s going forward, Walker can be a monster defender for a creative defensive coordinator.
Overall, if we’re asking the question of what to do with Jalon Walker, I think Walker answered it himself:

Georgia LB Jalon Walker was obviously asked about his future position in the league. Said both he and many teams want him to be a defensive chess piece (off-ball, edge, nickel defender)Later said “I’m a ball player. My favorite position is being on the field.” pic.twitter.com/4FK5LB8BSX— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) February 26, 2025

Walker is a damn good football player, but as an EDGE defender he can be everything that a modern defense wants to be. […]

Just like we did for the offensive side of the ball, the All-JP team is back for the defensive side of the ball. This class actually was really fun to scout, especially up front. Despite not having many absolute superstars, I think there are a lot of guys who will be contributors on NFL teams that you can get on days two and three.
You can find my offensive All-JP team here, but for now, let’s dig into my favorite defensive players in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Defensive Tackle: CJ West, Indiana
CJ West was the heartbeat of an Indiana defense that helped guide the Hoosiers to their best season in program history, and West enters the draft as one of my favorite glass eaters against the run. He’s sawed off at 6’1 and 31 1⁄2 inch arms, but he’s one of the most productive run defenders in this draft class.

Here’s a fun CJ West stat for you.Indiana’s average depth on tackle against A-gap runs last season was just 2.11 yards. The next closest team was 2.75.Indiana faced only 85 such runs, which was 104th in the country, but had 29 TFLs or no gains. That was 4th-most!CJ West.— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) April 3, 2025

His ability to work to the backside on run plays with his quickness but also hold his own weight against double teams is really impressive, and could help him find a role as a run-stopping nose tackle or 1-technique. His pass rush is still a bit lacking, but he can come in and fill a specific role immediately.

Defensive Tackle: Omarr Norman-Lott, Tennessee
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum from West lies Omarr Norman-Lott, who is not a run defender by any means, but what he can do is get after the passer. He’s undersized at 6’1 and 291 pounds, but his burst and quickness off the ball is mind-blowing for a guy his size. He wins by crossing the face of guards and works his hands really well, using his 10 3⁄4 inch hands to displace linemen before hitting your QB. Again, he’s a bit limited by his size, but as an interior designated pass rusher he can be extremely valuable.

Defensive Tackle: Darius Alexander, Toledo
I first got introduced to Alexander at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, where he was the best defensive linemen there for three days straight. He was giving linemen the blues from various alignments with speed, fast hands and then power to supplant as well. He’s an older prospect, but man he just knows how to ball. An incredibly productive player at Toledo, Alexander constantly got better during his time at Toledo and now enters the draft as another very good 3-technique. His pad level can cause him some problems in the run game, but the dude can get after the passer and has some nice flashes in the run game. Sign me up.

Defensive Tackle: Jamaree Caldwell, Oregon
If you thought I could just have three DTs from this sick class on here, you thought wrong! Caldwell was on my initial top 50 big board after the NFL Combine, and although he’s dropped a bit, I’m still a big fan of the player. He transferred over from Houston where he spent time rushing on the edge, but he’s got a lot of juice as a nose tackle. He can chase down plays on the backside, drop his weight in the run game and has shown that he has some upside as a pass rusher. Whether that upside gets realized or not depends on where he goes, but for a team that needs a nose tackle Caldwell is going to be a really nice option on Day 2 or 3.

Jamaree Caldwell is a 340-lb nose tackle who can:- hold the point in the A-gap- split double teams- win with power- win with speed- chase screens/stretch runs to the sidelineSurprised he doesn’t have more hype pic.twitter.com/htXTbGKZUp— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) February 9, 2025

EDGE: David Walker, Central Arkansas
Another one of those positional outliers at 6’0 and just under 32 inch arms, Walker doesn’t play like an undersized EDGE defender at all. Really, what he wants to do is run through a MFers face like Marshawn Lynch. Walker is an explosive player through the opponent’s chest, getting underneath linemen and blowing by them with a bullrush. He does have some pretty sick counters to that power, though. At the Senior Bowl he was able to show some nice bend around the corner and use rip throughs to help counter his power. His ceiling is limited because of that lack of size, but I can see a team finding a nice role for Walker in the NFL.

EDGE: Oluwafemi Oladejo, UCLA
For a guy that was playing MIKE linebacker until the third game of 2024 at UCLA, Oladejo has some really impressive tools to work with as a developmental pass rusher. At 6’3 and 259 pounds, Oladejo also has a massive wingspan (76th percentile among EDGES according to Mockdraftable) and the explosiveness to elevate his ceiling (36 inch vertical jump is 82nd percentile among EDGES). What actually stands out about Oladejo is that he’s more impressive right now as a run defender than a pass rusher. You can’t leave him unblocked on the backside because he’ll track down the ballcarrier, and can use speed and power to displace edge defenders. Being a new player to the position comes with some growing pains (he’ll run himself out of plays and still has a ways to go when it comes to hand usage as a pass rusher), but he reminds me a lot of Philadelphia Eagles’ rookie EDGE Jalyx Hunt, who was taken in Round 3 and that’s where I expect Oladejo to go.

I’m pretty intrigued by UCLA’s Oluwafemi Oladejo. Gonna be at the Senior Bowl, moved from LB to EDGE this season. His burst and motor in the run game are really nice pic.twitter.com/KuWubOb941— JP Acosta (@acosta32_jp) January 24, 2025

EDGE: Josaiah Stewart, Michigan
You’re not going to find many edge defenders who are undersized like Stewart (6’1 and 249 pounds, under 32 inch arms) and my first comment on the scouting report is “beast against the run”, but here we are! Stewart is a strong run defender who can drop his weight in the run game and really thud up pullers coming his way. He’ll get swallowed up sometimes at the point of attack, but that’ll happen when you’re 6’1. Stewart is explosive, but not bendy as a pass rusher, winning within the first 3 steps against overmatched tackles. Despite his size, I think he could carve out a role potentially as a starting SAM linebacker in a 3-4 defense. He can drop into coverage at times and does a little bit of everything.

Linebacker: Chris Paul Jr, Ole Miss
The thing I love the most about Chris Paul Jr. is his instincts. He’s quick to trigger downhill in the run game, and his experience has shown him a lot of different route combinations so he can drop right into throwing windows in the middle of the field. Despite having only middling athleticism, Paul’s eyes lead him to the ball a large majority of the time. While that lack of overwhelming athleticism will show up at times, Paul’s instincts are among the best in the class.

Linebacker: Carson Schwesinger, UCLA
While I’m not buying the dip on Schwesinger being a first rounder, I’m a big fan of his game. He’s got insane range and instincts as a pass defender, wearing multiple hats in man coverage and can also be the pole runner in various Tampa 2 coverages (what Brian Urlacher made famous). Schwesinger looks like a blur out there on the field, filling lanes in a hurry with his speed and sure tackling ability. He weighed in at 242 pounds at the Combine, but his playing weight was more around 220, which gives me some concern because his play strength isn’t there to take on blocks. However, as a WILL LB and sub package pass defender, he offers a lot of upside.

Then there’s his teammate, LB Carson Schwesinger (#49). Speed and range really stand out for him, dude can fly. Probably best as a WILL LB so he doesn’t have to play many blocks but a really talented player pic.twitter.com/Dolg1Hx0Rr— JP Acosta (@acosta32_jp) January 24, 2025

Linebacker: Demetrius Knight Jr, South Carolina
Big, fast and mean as hell. That’s the elevator pitch for Knight Jr, who started his career at Charlotte before ending up with the Gamecocks. He’s lightning quick to the ball and can close ground as a run defender and a blitzer really quickly, giving him some value on early downs. He kinda guesses in coverage and his best bet is to stay out of those situations, but Knight is going to be really useful for teams that lack physicality in the middle and want an explosive element from their off ball linebackers.

Cornerback: Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State
Look, I know he didn’t run the fastest 40 time at his pro day, but when you watch Thomas’ tape, you see a guy who has some of the best traits for man coverage in the draft. He’s tall (6’1 1/2), long (78 inch wingspan), young (20 years old) and physical at the line of scrimmage which gives him a lot of advantages over guys on the outside. He can panic sometimes vertically and the ball production is a bit of an issue, but he’s got a lot of tools and should be on a lot of teams’ boards that need a man coverage cornerback.

Cornerback: Trey Amos, Ole Miss
I came around to Amos a bit later in this draft, but I really like his fit in quarters and Tampa 2 heavy teams. He’s got great instincts working downhill, being able to drive on the ball and create PBUs in the flat. He’s physical enough to get involved in the run game, and is a willing tackler as well. He ran a 4.43 at the combine, but I sometimes worry about his long speed and ball skills on vertical targets. Despite that, as the NFL turns to more two-high shells, Amos fits what a lot of teams need.

Cornerback: Quincy Riley, Louisville
There’s no quantifiable metric that measures DAWG in him, but if there were, Riley would be near the top of the list for this draft class. He’s undersized at 5’10, which makes me think he would be better off on the inside, but he lived on the outside at Louisville and gave a lot of receivers fits. He’s feisty at the catch point and can mirror really well. The long speed might be a bit of a question mark and his age will knock him down some draft boards, but someone will get a steal in Riley.

Safety: Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma
When you look up the definition of playing with your hair on fire, a photo of Billy Bowman Jr. comes up. He wore a lot of hats for a Brent Venables defense that really came around towards the end of last season, but what stands out are his instincts and closing speed. You can play him at nickel, you can play him on the roof of your defense or you can have him blitz and he’s going to make a play. For teams that just want a safety who can go out and just do shit (complimentary) Bowman Jr. is the perfect pick on Day 2.

#Oklahoma DB Billy Bowman Jr (# 2). 5’10 195.Read and react playmaker with high football IQ & instincts. Smooth hips and good acceleration. Good tackler in space. 63 tackles, 6 INT’s, 4 PBU’s, 3 TD’s, & 3 TFL’s in 2023. pic.twitter.com/SJjvkNckOV— Kyron Samuels (@kyronsamuels) June 29, 2024

Safety: Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
Watts is another guy who is similar to Paul Jr. in the fact that they’re both probably middling athletes for their respective position, but win with instincts and are just guys you absolutely want on your team. You can’t fake production, and Watts has been one of the most productive safeties in college football, coming up with nine tackles for loss, 13 interceptions and 188 tackles in three years at safety for the Irish. He’s at his best in Cover 2 or quarters defenses, where he can come off the roof and break on the ball quickly or make tackles from depth. His lack of athleticism will show up at times, but he can create chaotic plays for the defense, something that’s incredibly valuable. […]