The 2025 NFL draft wrapped up Saturday in Inexperienced Bay, Wisconsin. The three-day occasion noticed a document 30 defensive tackles chosen — probably the most for a seven-round draft (i.e., since 1994) — and one of the vital stunning draft slides in historical past when Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders — the No. 1 QB prospect on ESPN draft analyst’s Mel Kiper’s board — fell to the Cleveland Browns within the fifth spherical.
There are 257 new faces becoming a member of the league, however will they assist clear up groups’ woes? What questions linger after the three-day participant choice extravaganza, and what comes subsequent?
We requested our NFL Nation reporters to inform us probably the most urgent query dealing with the groups they cowl popping out of this weekend. Learn their postdraft insights beneath.
Take a look at ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper’s grades for all 32 draft courses (ESPN+) and analysts Jordan Reid and Matt Miller’s postdraft superlatives (ESPN+) for extra perception into all seven rounds of the draft.
Bounce to a crew:ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CINCLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | INDJAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MINNE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SFSEA | TB | TEN | WSH
AFC EAST
Did they do sufficient to assist quarterback Josh Allen?
The Payments waited till the seventh spherical so as to add a large receiver, with normal supervisor Brandon Beane emphasizing afterward that the crew prioritized sticking to its plan of selecting the right participant on the crew’s board. That resulted within the Payments taking defensive gamers with their first 5 picks for the second time within the frequent draft period (additionally 2006), and whereas addressing receiver earlier might need been sensible, bettering Buffalo’s protection, particularly the line of defense, is a type of supporting Allen. The Payments are displaying confidence in reproducing final yr’s success — the crew additionally signed wideout Joshua Palmer in free company — and have a historical past of continuous so as to add free brokers after the draft. — Alaina Getzenberg
What’s the plan at cornerback?
Miami entered the draft with wants at defensive deal with, offensive guard and cornerback. It addressed the trenches within the first two rounds however did not take a cornerback till Spherical 5. If the Dolphins commerce cornerback Jalen Ramsey — which they’re attempting to do — they’re going to must introduce two new beginning corners earlier than the season begins. GM Chris Grier has prompt the crew will look to the veteran free agent pool to fill its remaining wants — it is only a matter of which gamers are eager about signing. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Editor’s Picks
2 Associated
How does the logjam at extensive receiver shake out?
After signing veterans Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins in free company, and drafting Washington State’s Kyle Williams within the third spherical, the Patriots have revamped their extensive receivers room. Third-year slot DeMario Douglas might be secure, which suggests veteran Kendrick Bourne, third-year participant Kayshon Boutte and 2024 draft picks Ja’Lynn Polk (second spherical) and Javon Baker (fourth spherical) are amongst these vying for a job in a immediately crowded place group. — Mike Reiss
Did they go away themselves weak in the course of their protection?
A complete of 30 defensive tackles have been drafted over the weekend, and, surprisingly, not one was picked by the Jets, who will depend on a trio of low-cost veteran additions to man the spot subsequent to Quinnen Williams. It is a dangerous transfer for a crew that struggled towards the run final season. New York hopes to squeeze some manufacturing out of Derrick Nnadi, Byron Cowart and Jay Tufele. Possibly second-year DT Leonard Taylor III could make a large leap. — Wealthy Cimini
AFC NORTH
Does drafting a kicker sign the top for Justin Tucker?
A month in the past, Ravens president Sashi Brown stated the crew would anticipate the NFL to complete its investigation on the allegations of sexual misconduct towards Tucker earlier than figuring out his future in Baltimore. However the Ravens made a momentous transfer Saturday after they drafted a kicker for the primary time of their 30-year historical past. When the Ravens chosen Tyler Loop within the sixth spherical, it was the primary signal that Baltimore is making ready for all times after Tucker. — Jamison Hensley
What does the draft imply for DE Trey Hendrickson?
The Bengals didn’t commerce Hendrickson on draft weekend. And a few picks may give Cincinnati additional cap room that may assist if it needs to offer Hendrickson the long-term deal he is in search of. If second-round linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. supplants Germaine Pratt, who has already requested a commerce, and third-rounder Dylan Fairchild begins over Cordell Volson at left guard, Pratt and Volson turn out to be extra expendable. Reducing the 2 veterans would give Cincinnati $8.9 million in further cap house for this season and extra monetary flexibility in 2025. Cincinnati presently has $23.3 million in cap house, per OverTheCap.com. — Ben Child
Who will rise from a immediately crowded quarterback room?
The shock created by Cleveland’s choose of quarterback Dillon Gabriel over Shedeur Sanders within the third spherical was quickly surpassed when the crew traded as much as choose Sanders two rounds later. They now be part of a quarterbacks room that additionally consists of new additions Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett (Deshaun Watson is anticipated to overlook a good portion of the 2025 season due to a proper Achilles harm). Coach Kevin Stefanski stated each participant added to the quarterbacks room will likely be anticipated to compete for a beginning alternative, and every contender has traits that would result in him rising as QB1 this fall. — Daniel Oyefusi
Will Aaron Rodgers signal with the Steelers?
The Steelers have been disciplined of their strategy to the draft, filling their most urgent wants with good worth picks that may reinforce the crew’s bodily id. In making these picks, the Steelers handed on different quarterback choices and waited to pick Ohio State’s Will Howard within the sixth spherical. That transfer clearly pays off if Rodgers fills the ultimate quarterback spot, but when he does not, the Steelers would possibly remorse the choice to attend till Day 3 to take a signal-caller. — Brooke Pryor
AFC SOUTH
Is the offensive line adequate?
Houston did not go heavy on the offensive line within the draft, as an alternative selecting so as to add solely Minnesota left deal with Aireontae Ersery within the second spherical. However is the revamped group — led by tackles Cam Robinson, Blake Fisher, Ersery and versatile Tytus Howard, together with inside linemen Laken Tomlinson, Juice Scruggs and Jarrett Patterson — adequate to guard quarterback C.J. Stroud? The following few months — because the group begins taking part in collectively — will likely be key. — DJ Bien-Aime
Have they carried out sufficient at linebacker?
Weakside starter E.J. Velocity left for the Texans in free company, leaving center linebacker Zaire Franklin as the one participant within the unit with greater than two profession begins. Nonetheless, the Colts waited till the seventh spherical to draft Wisconsin’s Hunter Wohler, who’s a security the Colts intend to transform to linebacker. It is a weak space for the Colts, who already had challenges in protection down the center of the sector final season. — Stephen Holder
What to know from the 2025 NFL draft
• See all 257 picks | Decide-by-pick evaluation• Kiper’s grades | Judging overreactions• Kiper’s Day 1 winners | Day 2 winners• Sanders to Browns | Hunter to Jaguars• Spherical 1 spin | Yates’ favourite picks
Why did not they draft a defensive deal with?
The Jaguars gave up 5.9 yards per play (thirty first within the NFL) and have been final in move yards allowed and turnovers pressured (9), and a serious challenge was the play of the inside line of defense towards the run and when speeding the passer. GM James Gladstone stated the crew did not need to attain for a participant on the place. However it’s additionally an indication the brand new regime feels adequate about younger DTs Maason Smith and Jordan Jefferson bettering in 12 months 2, in addition to the enhance it hopes to obtain from shifting Arik Armstead again inside from finish. It is perhaps a big gamble, however Smith did come on robust on the finish of final season (two sacks and three tackles for loss over the ultimate three video games) and Jacksonville hopes he can present extra inside rush to assist out ends Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. — Michael DiRocco
Does Cam Ward have sufficient weapons to reach 12 months 1?
The Titans didn’t do a lot to offer Ward a scary group of receivers. They waited till the fourth spherical to pick extensive receivers Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor after remaining quiet in free company exterior of signing veteran wideout Tyler Lockett days earlier than the draft. Lockett and Calvin Ridley are the one confirmed move catchers on the roster, however maybe one of the best favor Tennessee did for Ward was signal undrafted free agent Xavier Restrepo — his prime receiver on the College of Miami. — Turron Davenport
AFC WEST
Have the Broncos carried out sufficient at tight finish?
Denver’s tight finish group lacked manufacturing in 2024, with Lucas Krull main the group with 19 catches. The Broncos wined, dined and signed Evan Engram in free company, however he’ll flip 31 earlier than the season begins, and accidents (he sat out eight video games final season) and his capacity after the catch are issues regardless of being a 100-catch participant in 2023. If Engram is injured this season, the Broncos are largely again to the identical forged as final season. They waited till the seventh spherical to lastly add a participant on the place — a developmental choose in Caleb Lohner, who was a basketball participant at Baylor, BYU and Utah who had 4 catches (4 TDs) in a single yr of soccer. — Jeff Legwold
Did Kansas Metropolis clear up its long-standing downside at left deal with?
Kansas Metropolis has tried to deal with its want on the place, signing Jaylon Moore in free company and drafting Ohio State’s Josh Simmons within the first spherical. However every comes with questions. Moore has been a profession backup, so can he be a better-than-adequate starter? Simmons is coming off a torn patella, so can he overcome the harm to have an extended and productive NFL profession? If the reply to each of these questions is destructive, will probably be troublesome for the Chiefs to proceed overcoming a legal responsibility at a essential place. — Adam Teicher
How will the Raiders tackle the nickel cornerback spot?
After the draft, nickel cornerback stays a gap in Las Vegas’ protection. The Raiders have Darnay Holmes, however he has began in 12 of 70 profession video games and made just one begin for the Raiders final season. In the meantime, Darien Porter — Las Vegas’ third-round choose — was a starter for one season and performed totally on the skin. The Raiders most likely must lean on free company to deal with this want. Veteran slot cornerback Mike Hilton, who spent the previous 4 seasons in Cincinnati, could possibly be a possible possibility. He has began in 23 video games since 2023. — Ryan McFadden
Why did not they prioritize the offensive line?
The Chargers’ inside offensive line was a serious challenge final season; their guards ranked twenty second within the NFL in run block win charge, hampering the speeding assault coach Jim Harbaugh promised to construct in L.A. The Chargers upgraded at proper guard with Mekhi Becton however haven’t got clear solutions at left guard or heart. L.A. drafted just one lineman, Pitt’s Branson Taylor, within the sixth spherical. The Chargers may look to make a commerce for an inside lineman forward of the season; for now, their points up entrance seem the identical after the draft. — Kris Rhim
NFC EAST
Do not they want receiver assist?
The Cowboys have been ready to pick Arizona wideout Tetairoa McMillan within the first spherical earlier than he went off the board to the Carolina Panthers. They didn’t draft a receiver after that. They are saying they like what they’ve available already — from Jalen Tolbert’s development, KaVontae Turpin’s big-play capacity, the potential of Jalen Brooks and Ryan Flournoy, and a full offseason of Jonathan Mingo, who was picked up in a commerce final season. CeeDee Lamb nonetheless put up big-time numbers final season, however Dallas must make his life simpler by including extra receivers to deflect at the least some consideration. The Cowboys understand it, however now they’ve to point out it with a commerce or a free agent addition. — Todd Archer
What’s subsequent for Jaxson Dart and the Giants’ quarterback place?
The Giants drafted Dart within the first spherical and appear OK with him sitting and studying for a yr. Coach Brian Daboll talked about how Dart will get largely third-team reps all through the spring and summer season. There will likely be a developmental plan just like what they did with Josh Allen in Buffalo. Within the meantime, Russell Wilson is the starter and Jameis Winston is the possible backup, with Tommy DeVito — the veteran who is aware of the offense greatest — getting into his third season to offer assist. — Jordan Raanan
Will tight finish Dallas Goedert be an Eagle this season?
Goedert, the crew’s main receiver within the 2025 postseason, has been the topic of commerce talks this offseason. On the conclusion of the draft, GM Howie Roseman stopped nicely in need of making certain Goedert is within the crew’s future plans. “Dallas is a part of the crew as we converse,” he stated. “Clearly, as we go ahead, we will proceed to deal with issues on this crew, and proper now nothing additional.” Philadelphia didn’t take a decent finish within the draft. Grant Calcaterra is the highest possibility on the present roster exterior of Goedert. — Tim McManus
Will the Commanders signal an edge rusher?
None of Washington’s present edge rushers recorded greater than 5.5 sacks final season after the Commanders let Dante Fowler Jr., and his 10.5 sacks, exit in free company. However they did not draft an edge rusher. Washington likes its depth on the place and beefed up its entrance to deal with the run — a much bigger challenge than the move rush in 2024 — however the Commanders additionally have been eager about DeMarcus Lawrence and Joey Bosa in free company. So, they might nonetheless search extra assist, with veterans reminiscent of Za’Darius Smith and Von Miller, amongst others, nonetheless obtainable. — John Keim
NFC NORTH
Have the Bears answered all of their offensive line questions?
After flipping the inside of their offensive line in free company, the Bears went again to the trenches within the second spherical and drafted Boston School offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo. The 6-foot-8 deal with initiatives greatest with no consideration deal with regardless that Darnell Wright has held down that spot the previous two seasons. Chicago says that Wright has the flexibility to play on each side of the road and that the crew is open to shifting him to left deal with this offseason. If Wright supplants Braxton Jones at left deal with and Trapilo wins a job as a rookie, the Bears may have 5 new starters alongside the O-line getting into Caleb Williams’ second season at quarterback. — Courtney Cronin
Better of NFL Nation
• Giants construct defense-first id in draft• Saints embrace Shough’s distinctive journey• Can Chargers nonetheless fill holes on O-line?• Loveland brings ‘Idaho robust’ to Bears• Ramsey again to Rams? Rams want CB post-draft
Why did not the Lions prioritize drafting an edge rusher?
The Lions drafted an edge rusher, however it did not occur till the sixth spherical, when Detroit took Boise State’s Ahmed Hassanein. Lions GM Brad Holmes prioritized selecting the right obtainable gamers over drafting for positional wants and got here away with a powerful crop of gamers with the flexibility to contribute instantly on each side of the ball. However that hasn’t happy these questioning whether or not the Lions will convey in additional assist at defensive finish. Though Professional Bowl participant Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport are getting back from season-ending accidents, this yr’s draft class was seen as a deep one for ends, and Detroit did not land one till Day 3. — Eric Woodyard
What is going on on within the cornerbacks room?
Jaire Alexander stays on the roster, however GM Brian Gutekunst wouldn’t go as far as to say the previous two-time All-Professional can be on the crew at the beginning of the season. “No,” Gutekunst stated after the draft. “I am simply saying nothing’s modified. No updates. We’ll proceed as we go for proper now, and we’ll see the way it goes.” Earlier this offseason, sources stated the crew had determined to maneuver on from Alexander, and even Gutekunst stated publicly that he hoped to get one thing in return for Alexander if he is not going to be on the crew. Although Gutekunst signed Nate Hobbs in free company, he didn’t draft a cornerback till the seventh spherical, when the Packers took Tulane’s Micah Robinson. Whether or not the dearth of additives modifications something with Alexander’s scenario stays to be seen. — Rob Demovsky
Is J.J. McCarthy able to take over because the beginning quarterback?
The Vikings have spent the offseason constructing a championship-caliber crew round their younger quarterback, who has recovered from a torn proper meniscus that sidelined him for his rookie season. They spent $106 million so as to add new heart Ryan Kelly and proper guard Will Fries, whereas drafting new left guard Donovan Jackson within the first spherical. Additionally they re-signed working again Aaron Jones and traded for a powerful No. 2 runner in Jordan Mason. All that is left now’s to search out out, by way of OTAs and minicamp, whether or not McCarthy can lock down the beginning job heading into coaching camp. — Kevin Seifert
NFC SOUTH
Will quarterback Kirk Cousins stay in Atlanta?
The Falcons received what they wished out of the draft, boosting their protection with a pair of extremely rated edge rushers in Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., in addition to security Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Jr., who will likely be a nickel nook in Atlanta. However what the crew didn’t do is transfer Cousins, which some had anticipated. After the draft and its quarterback machinations, there does not appear to be a pure touchdown place for him at this second, and it appears lifelike he’ll proceed being Michael Penix Jr.’s backup by means of the offseason. — Marc Raimondi
Did the Panthers enhance sufficient to make the playoffs?
After seven straight shedding seasons, it is the query most followers need to know, notably for a crew taking part in in a division that seems up for grabs. Including a dynamic weapon for quarterback Bryce Younger within the first spherical (extensive receiver Tetairoa McMillan) ought to make an offense that completed 2024 robust extra explosive. The improve at edge rusher within the draft (Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen) to go along with enhancements in free company ought to make the league’s worst protection in 2024 at the least a prime 20-25 unit. That is perhaps sufficient to make a run regardless of a younger roster and ending 5-12 in 2024, however the full rebuild stays a yr away. — David Newton
Who’s the Saints’ beginning quarterback in September?
Saints GM Mickey Loomis stated there was going to be a contest at quarterback. However when requested to make clear whether or not that included 2024 starter Derek Carr if he is wholesome, he stated that Carr is the beginning quarterback. The quarterback story will comply with the Saints all summer season: Will Carr, who has a shoulder harm, play once more for the Saints? And if not, will there be a real competitors between the remaining quarterbacks, together with rookie Tyler Shough, who was chosen with the fortieth choose, and Spencer Rattler, who was a fifth-round choice final yr. — Katherine Terrell
Did the Bucs do sufficient to deal with their wants on protection?
The Bucs properly doubled up on cornerbacks and move rushers, however they weren’t capable of tackle inside linebacker. It wasn’t a fantastic draft class at that place, however the position is a crucial one in Todd Bowles’ protection. SirVocea Dennis is coming off shoulder surgical procedure, and 2025 could possibly be veteran Lavonte David’s last season. They did signal Anthony Walker Jr. in free company, they usually introduced again former Professional Bowl participant Deion Jones, who got here on late within the season. — Jenna Laine
NFC WEST
Will the offense have sufficient firepower to make a major bounce in 2025?
The entrance workplace appears to assume so, regardless of drafting just one offensive participant — a lineman — over the weekend. Arizona would possibly add a free agent right here or there, however after six of the Cardinals’ seven picks have been on the defensive aspect of the ball, the Cardinals head into OTAs and minicamp with largely the identical offense as final season. GM Monti Ossenfort stated the choice to draft just one offensive participant (guard Hayden Conner) was a product of how the Cardinals’ draft board fell. And whereas Arizona’s protection improved considerably, the draft nonetheless leaves the Cardinals with holes on offense — particularly an alternative choice at receiver and proper deal with — that filling may’ve helped of their quest to turn out to be a contender to achieve the postseason. — Josh Weinfuss
Will the Rams add to the secondary after not drafting a cornerback?
After not signing an outdoor free agent at cornerback, the Rams didn’t tackle the place within the draft both. One possibility so as to add to the place could possibly be a reunion with cornerback Jalen Ramsey, whom the Rams traded to the Dolphins in March 2023. In his predraft information convention, GM Les Snead stated that he had talked with Miami about buying and selling for Ramsey however that the 2 sides “mentioned getting by means of the draft.”
“There are plenty of layers that may should be labored out with a participant of his magnitude and a number of the various things that accompany that, however you’ll by no means eradicate the potential of including a complete stud and a man that may do plenty of various things,” coach Sean McVay stated. — Sarah Barshop
How shut are the 49ers and quarterback Brock Purdy to a contract extension?
That is the query that has loomed all offseason. However it appears, at the least for now, {that a} decision is perhaps coming comparatively quickly. Niners GM John Lynch typically prefers to not give incremental updates throughout contract negotiations, which is why it was notable when he stated final week that there have been “substantive talks” and that issues are “moving into a great route.” With the draft now over, it would not be a shock if one thing will get carried out by the point the Niners start OTAs close to the top of Could. — Nick Wagoner
Have the Seahawks improved their O-line sufficient?
Probably the most fretted-over place group amongst Seahawks followers acquired the improve it wanted when GM John Schneider took guard Gray Zabel with the No. 18 choose. Seattle added one other guard (Bryce Cabeldue) within the sixth spherical and a deal with (Mason Richman) within the seventh. Zabel appears to be like like a possible difference-maker, however he is the one one the Seahawks have added to what was a questionable inside. Barring the addition of a veteran cap casualty, they’re ready to let their in-house choices battle it out at heart and the opposite guard spot with the hope that new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s scheme may help all the line in ways in which earlier OC Ryan Grubb’s didn’t. — Brady Henderson
