PFF/Scouting Megathread

[Finsup1981]

You really think he is going to fall that far? I have seen his stock dropping from the 40s a few weeks ago to the 70s now.

I don't think he is there at 98.

What I would really like to do is trade down from 13 and acquire an extra mid 3rd round pick and draft Milum there.

Take Grant or Harmon in the late teens to around 20.

Draft a DB at 48 or maybe even trade up if Amos were to fall a bit.

Then take Milum in the mid 3rd.

Then Mukuba at 98.

That would be a home run draft addressing all of our major needs.

I’ve been seeing him mocked early 2nd to late 4th so who knows lol…I am a big fan of trading down to grab another 2nd or 3rd, there’s tremendous value in the top 100 or so in this draft .

I’d be more than ok with this since I wanted Mukuba at 116, but the first 4 picks have to be what you said in whatever order: OL DL CB and S .
After that, draft for depth and double down on weakest positions like DT/NT, think we will need 3 between the draft and UDFA to fill out the DL rotation

 

[VAFinsfan72]

I’ve been seeing him mocked early 2nd to late 4th so who knows lol…I am a big fan of trading down to grab another 2nd or 3rd, there’s tremendous value in the top 100 or so in this draft .

I’d be more than ok with this since I wanted Mukuba at 116, but the first 4 picks have to be what you said in whatever order: OL DL CB and S .
After that, draft for depth and double down on weakest positions like DT/NT, think we will need 3 between the draft and UDFA to fill out the DL rotation

I agree there will be good value in the top 100.

Imagine if Grier didn't trade away pick 79 for Wright last year.

And if Wilkins had played one more game our second comp pick would be 99 instead of 135.

That would be 5 picks in the top 100 instead of 3.

If we don't like our options at 13 we should really trade down even if we don't get the best value as long as we acquire an extra day 2 draft pick.

 

[Finsup1981]

They had one for Mo Kamara as well

12. MOHAMED KAMARA, Colorado State (6-1 ½, 249, 4.59, 3-4): Two-year starter had 13 sacks in 2023. “Hard ass, inner city, beat your ass, got a great takeoff,” said one scout. “That’s how he’s gonna win.” Shortest of the top 25 edge rushers and also has the smallest hands (8 5/8). “Maybe the fastest, most active hands in the whole draft,” said another scout. “His hands are lightning, and he knows how to use ‘em. I do think his role right out of the gate is just rolling him on the field in sub and tell him to go rush the quarterback. He may latch onto a DPR (designated pass rusher) role for a long time. The NFL’s 70% sub, anyways.” Started 33 of 49 games over five seasons, finishing with 179 tackles (45 ½ for loss) and 30 ½ sacks. “He’ll end up being a good pro,” a third scout said. “He might get overlooked in the draft. He may not have ideal size or whatever but he just knows how to rush the passer.” From Newark, N.J.

 

[Finsup1981]

So reading some of his older stuff when he used to actually quote the scouts by name, heres one on Jack Campbell...so this guy has sources from direct scouts in our org

“He is the best guy I’ve seen in probably two or three years at stepping up and just crushing a guard or a fullback,” said Jeff Smith, the Central Plains scout for the Miami Dolphins. “He can buckle their knees and freeze them in a hole. His problem is, he’s still hung up on them when the back goes up.”

 

[Finsup1981]

Todd McShay article someone pls forward this to Grier.

How to Build Through the Trenches in the 2025 NFL Draft​

Todd McShay
April 14, 2025
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Mason Graham, Michigan​

NFL comp: Quinnen Williams, Jets
Graham is a game wrecker who looks unblockable on tape for long stretches of games. Yes, he has shorter arms and might not look the part of a top-five pick, but his tape should make defensive line coaches across the country cry tears of joy. He’s the Picasso of ferocity, hand-to-hand combat, leverage, ball location, and fierce finishes. An absolute thing of beauty.

Top Traits

- Ferocity: Fires off the snap, gets into offensive linemen’s pads, locates the ball while stacking, and then disengages. Plus, I almost never see this dude on the ground.
- Leverage: When he’s asked to drop his anchor, his size and strength make it tough to move him off the ball. He can occupy double-teams without giving up much ground.
- Instincts: He pushes the pocket, tracks the quarterback, and gets off blocks late. He has an uncanny awareness of where the football is.

Derrick Harmon, Oregon​

NFL comp: Bryan Bresee, Saints
Harmon still has room to improve but is skilled enough to start immediately. He’s better against the pass than the run—where he’s still impactful but not rock solid—and flashes elite traits for the position. Worst-case scenario, he’ll serve in a rotation and play on a higher percentage of pass-heavy downs. Regardless, he’s a difference-making 3-technique defensive tackle who will carry a first-round grade for one-gap-heavy defensive teams.

Top Traits

- Movement: He doesn’t have a devastating first step, but he uses his long arms to keep blockers off his pads and does a great job of advancing the rush while engaged. His feet are always moving. He carries his 313-pound weight so damn well. He changes direction smoothly and has very good closing burst for a defensive tackle.
- Frame: Tall and long, with a vastly improved physique from earlier in his career at Michigan State. His arm length and hand span are elite.
- Slipperiness: Does an excellent job of slipping away from blocks, locating the ball, and making the short chase. His pass rush win rate (per PFF) was in the 99th percentile.
- Ball tracking: Locates the ball quickly against both the run and the pass.

Walter Nolen, Ole Miss​

NFL comp: Milton Williams, Patriots
Nolen was a Texas A&M transfer who got better every year and wound up with a career-high 14 tackles for loss in 13 games in his only season at Ole Miss. There’s no issue with his motor, and he’s a menace against the run.
But here’s the deal: While on tape he’s one of the most physically gifted interior defensive linemen in the class and he has plenty of college experience at big-time programs, he has yet to develop high-level pass rush moves, and far too often, he appears not to have a plan. If he gets with the right veteran group and has a great teacher as a defensive line coach, he has a chance to be a hit. A lot of untapped stuff here!

Top Traits

- Quickness: Quick hands to slip away from blocks. Quick first step to split blockers. Quick in getting down the line.
- Strength: Can simply power his way off blocks at times. But he needs to play with leverage because he isn’t massive for the position.
- Versatility: Is a 3-technique but can also play the 5-technique and other spots along the defensive line.

Kenneth Grant, Michigan​

NFL comp: Jordan Davis-lite, Eagles
Grant is a massive nose tackle prospect. He eats up a lot of space, but he has the traits to become a lot more than that. He has a lot of high-impact snaps, but there are also a whole lot of snaps when it feels like he’s just going through the motions—he needs more determination and consistency. At worst, he could be a monster in the middle of a run defense. At best, he could refine his skills and become an elite run defender and an occasional factor as a pass rusher.

Top Traits

- Strength: Massive space eater. Extremely difficult to move when he drops his anchor and maintains leverage, although his pad level and ferocity can vary from one down to the next.
- Speed: When he’s going 100 mph, he can do things that most others in his weight class are incapable of. There are snaps when he chases down RBs and cuts them off before they turn the corner.
- Instincts: Does a nice job of keeping his eyes in the backfield when he knows he’s not getting home and gets his hands up in time to disrupt the passing window (10 deflected passes in the past two seasons).

Darius Alexander, Toledo​

NFL comp: Grover Stewart, Colts
Alexander may need a year to sharpen his blades, but he grades out as a future high-impact starter as a 3-technique. He’s an ascending player who put his traits on display at the Senior Bowl—showcasing great length, first-step suddenness, power, and versatility. He needs the right coaching to tap into his potential as a pass rusher, but it’s there.

Top Traits

- Power: Sudden penetrator with major snap in his hands and a powerful core. Jolts blockers when they’re on the move or if he simply gets a clean shot.
- Burst: Explosive first-step quickness and initial power. Also strong enough to convert speed to power.
- Frame: Has prototypical height and carries his weight beautifully. Also has long arms and big hands.
- Athleticism: Ran a 4.95-second 40-yard dash (tied for fifth), a 1.72-second 10-yard split (fourth), and a 7.60-second three-cone (fourth). His jumps were solid but not elite—31.5-inch vertical jump and 9-foot-3 broad jump (tied for 10th).

Tyleik Williams, Ohio State​

NFL comp: D.J. Reader, Lions
Despite his massive frame, Williams is best suited to play nose tackle in a one-gap-heavy defensive scheme and could also work as a 3-technique. His good is really damn good. But he will need to work in a rotation to stay fresh and effective. And his countermoves and overall pass rush plan need to be crafted well so that he can offer more as a pass rusher.
Williams is worth a Round 2 pick for a team with veteran leadership and strong defensive coaching. In the right situation and used properly, he could be a high-impact player. These big, strong, balanced, and mobile GROWN-ASS MEN typically translate well to the NFL! But for every D.J. Reader and Da’Ron Payne, there can be a Mazi Smith.

Top Traits

- Burst: Quick first step for his size. When dialed in, he fires out of his stance, stacks blockers in a flash, locates the ball, and sheds blocks in time to make the play. Generates a lot of tackles for loss and forces ballcarriers off course even more frequently.
- Athleticism: He did not run a 40-yard dash at the combine, but his jaw-dropping on-field drills (he’s 334 pounds) were a topic of conversation for personnel folks.

Shemar Turner, Texas A&M​

NFL comp: Nnamdi Madubuike, Ravens
Turner played in multiple spots at A&M but is very clearly suited to be a one-gap penetrator as a 1-technique (firing through the A gap) and 3-technique (firing through the B gap). He has a slight frame and won’t hold his ground enough against double-teams, but his combination of lightning-quick hands, fast eyes to locate the ball, long arms, big hands for his frame, and relentless motor will be appealing for a one-gap-heavy defensive scheme. I really like this guy in the correct scheme fit!

Top Traits

- Fluidity: Very quick and sudden. Smooth mover for the position.
- Instincts: Does a great job with his eyes. Locates, is patient, knows when to disengage, and then has great short-area closing burst as a tackler.
- Motor: Chases no matter the situation (watch his effort when Texas A&M beat Missouri 41-10).

Joshua Farmer, Florida State​

NFL comp: Kris Jenkins Jr., Bengals
I could see Farmer as a 3-technique or 5-technique, depending on the scheme. His greatest assets are his length, leverage, and power, which is why I think he could make a good 5-technique. But he can also be very disruptive at times along the interior. He grades out as a rotating backup as a rookie and has enough potential to develop into a solid starter if he makes strides with his pass rush plan and moves.

Top Traits

- Leverage: Good pad level. Fires out low and with some heaviness behind him. Gets into blockers’ pads quickly.
- Frame: Exceptionally long (35-inch) arms. Uses his arms to lock out and control blocks and then disengages at the last second to finish in tight quarters.
- Power: He’s much more effective when he plays a sudden stick-and-move brand of ball. Good initial power to knock offensive linemen back.

Omarr Norman-Lott, Tennessee​

NFL comp: Kobie Turner, Rams
It’s difficult to evaluate Norman-Lott; he played fewer than half as many snaps as the guys ranked above him because of Tennessee’s extraordinary depth along the defensive line. That helps explain his substandard stat line, but it also allowed him to play with fresh legs most of the time.
Regardless, Norman-Lott has athletic traits and the power to succeed in the NFL as a 3-technique, and I like the energy he brings to the field (his desire to learn and attention to detail at Senior Bowl practices really stood out to me as well). Yes, he’s undersized and gets knocked off his feet too often. Yes, he needs to broaden his pass rush arsenal. But put him in a rotation in a one-gap scheme and help him sharpen his tools, and you might just have a Kobie Turner on your hands.

Top Traits

- Quickness: Wins with his first step and explosive pop. At his best when firing upfield and when on the move.
- Hustle: Legs and hands are always working. Active, active, active!

Alfred Collins, Texas​

NFL comp: A’Shawn Robinson, Panthers
Collins is a tall, big, long, and strong interior defensive lineman with experience at 0-technique (over center), at 3-technique (outside shoulder of guard), and all the way out to 5-technique (over the tackle). He’s a handful as a run defender and can be disruptive when fresh as a pass rusher, but he does not project as consistently effective against the pass in the NFL. He grades out as a rotation run plugger as a rookie and could develop into a starting run stuffer on early downs in year two.

Top Traits

- Ferocity: Fires off the snap, gets into offensive linemen’s pads, locates the ball while stacking, and then disengages. Plus, I almost never see this dude on the ground.
- Leverage: When he’s asked to drop his anchor, his size and strength make it tough to move him off the ball. He can occupy double-teams without giving up much ground.
- Instincts: He pushes the pocket, tracks the quarterback, and gets off blocks late. He has an uncanny awareness of where the football is.

T.J. Sanders, South Carolina​

NFL comp: Jordan Elliott, 49ers
Sanders could be a 3-technique all day long in the NFL, although he did play a lot of 1-technique at South Carolina, too. He’s an active disruptor with impressive movement skills. He has the height, frame, arm length, hand size, and agility you look for at that position. His hand technique needs refinement, and he gets pushed around when forced to drop his anchor. In the best case, he’ll sharpen his tools and become a disruptive starter. In the worst case, he’ll be a really good rotation player on a one-gap-heavy defensive front.

Top Traits

- Burst: Quick first step to get into offensive linemen’s pads. Engages quickly and disengages even more quickly.
- Motor: Not an elite penetrator, but he stays active with his feet, long arms, and hands.
- Movement: Moves well laterally. At his best when he can keep on the move and use his athleticism to disrupt.

How to Build Through the Trenches in the 2025 NFL Draft

mcshay-report.beehiiv.com

 

[Finsup1981]

Armand Membou, Missouri​

NFL comp: Darnell Wright, Bears
Membou might be the most talented offensive lineman in this class. While he could possibly play left tackle in the pros, he’s best suited for right tackle. He’s a bit unpolished and may take a little time, but he will grow into a really good all-around right tackle early in his career.

Top Traits

- Balance: He’s light on his feet, and he keeps his base. Excellent natural bend, never on the ground.
- Sturdy: Thick in the trunk and strong lower body. Can drive defenders off the line.
- Athleticism: His 4.91-second 40-yard dash at the combine was fastest among offensive linemen. He had 31 reps on the bench press (second most), a 9-foot-7 broad jump (best), and a 34-inch vertical jump (fourth).
- Movement: His feet and range are excellent for his size. It’s easy to forget that he’s 332 pounds when watching his tape.

Will Campbell, LSU​

NFL comp: Jake Matthews, Falcons
My money is on Campbell thriving as a left tackle in a zone-heavy scheme. Some scouts believe that he’ll be a right tackle, while others believe that he’ll kick inside to guard. He may never be a dominant left tackle in the echelon of Jordan Mailata, Trent Williams, or Tristan Wirfs, but his outstanding movement skills, combined with his elite football intelligence and technique, will make him a damn good starting left tackle for many years.

Top Traits

- Intelligence: Elite, elite football intelligence and communication skills. Will walk into his OL room in the NFL and immediately take over as a (or the) leader.
- Frame: Tall, well-proportioned frame and so damn light on his feet and athletic. He has the size and strength to wall off defenders in the run game.
- Movement: Smooth when getting set, and he rarely loses once locked on in pass protection.

Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota​

NFL comp: Orlando Brown Jr., Bengals
Ersery didn’t start playing football until his junior year of high school, and he’s still developing his technique and feel. But he’s come a long way in a short period of time, and he has the tools to develop into a quality starting left tackle (despite people’s natural inclination to say that he’ll be a right tackle because of his size). I really think that this guy is quick, balanced, and smooth moving enough to stick on the left side. Vastly underrated. Big guys that move like this don’t fail.

Top Traits

- Quickness: Really good quickness and knee bend in his set … that really surprised me on tape!
- Strength: Can drop the anchor when his technique is sound.
- Frame: Massive. Engulfs defenders in the run game.
- Movement: He is smooth when combo blocking to the second level. He moves well laterally and can seal edge defenders.

Josh Simmons, Ohio State​

NFL comp: Broderick Jones, Steelers
Simmons is the most talented tackle in the class—and it’s not close. But there is big-time boom-or-bust potential here. Multiple NFL sources have warned me about immaturity and concerning work habits. He could be a starter at left tackle if he continues to develop at the clip seen early in his 2024 tape. But reports about poor fundamentals and football character raise questions about whether he will put in the work required to become the high-end level blindside protector in the NFL that his traits indicate he can be.

Top Traits

- Movement: Easy mover. From a size, movement, and balance standpoint, he’s exactly what you look for in a left tackle. He’s smooth when getting set in pass protection.
- Range: I really like his ability to latch on in space and sustain.
- Burst: He fires off the ball and gets good initial pop in the run game. He’s strong enough to generate some push.

Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas​

NFL comp: Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jets
Banks is a left tackle prospect, but he could move over to right tackle or kick inside to guard if necessary. He just isn’t a finished product yet, which is somewhat surprising considering he has started 42 games at that position at the highest level of college football. You have to really believe in your offensive line coach and his ability to get Banks ready for Week 1 of the NFL season if you elect to use a first-round pick on him.

Top Traits

- Balance: He has the quickness, foot speed, and strength to develop into a high-end pass protector. He also mirrors well.
- Movement: He has the lateral quickness to seal the front side and cut off backside defenders in the run game. He has the range to reach second-level defenders and the powerful punch to knock linebackers off course.

Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon​

NFL comp: Less technically sound Rashawn Slater, Chargers
Conerly is the best pure left tackle in the class, and he’d fit beautifully in a zone-heavy scheme. He’s not quite strong enough yet, but he should get there pretty quickly in the NFL—he’s still just 21 years old. I’m betting on this guy! Great intangibles, too.

Top Traits

- Footwork: Ultra-quick feet. Agile. Mirrors and slides with ease. Keeps his feet under him.
- Burst: Has some snap in his hands in his initial contact as a run blocker.

Marcus Mbow, Purdue​

NFL comp: Zach Tom, Packers
Mbow is an outstanding athlete, but he’s still a work in progress at this point. He’s a lean-framed offensive lineman who spent most of his time at guard and right tackle in college. Center could wind up being his best pro fit, but he is determined to play left tackle—and many teams are looking at him as a left tackle whom they can move to guard if he doesn’t work on the perimeter.
His core strength is noticeably lacking on tape. However, his natural agility and movement skills are tough to find. He fits into only a zone-heavy scheme offense, but in that scheme, he has a lot of potential. Mbow could struggle as a rookie while still getting stronger and working to improve his hand usage, but if coached and developed properly, he can emerge as a very good starter in the NFL.

Top Traits

- Athleticism: Excellent athlete for the position. Sets quickly in pass pro and has no trouble cutting off the edge against high-end speed rushers.
- Movement: Elite movement skills as a puller and second-level blocker. Agile and quick and takes great angles. Excellent range in the run game.
- Temperament: He’ll surprise you with his nasty streak. Not big or overly strong, but boy, can he finish! Very competitive. Fights through the whistle.

Ozzy Trapilo, Boston College​

NFL comp: Roger Rosengarten, Ravens
Trapilo is tall and narrow framed with below-average arm length, but he would be a plug-and-play right tackle in the NFL. He should be a very good, if never elite, player. Top-shelf speed is a challenge for him, but otherwise, he is a very smart player who takes great angles and shows a high-end understanding of concepts and situations. He had a strong week at the Senior Bowl.

Top Traits

- Intelligent: Excellent character. Will be a great addition to an offensive line room. Hardworking. Three-time All-Conference academic selection.
- Balance: Really good body control, rarely leaves his feet.

Grey Zabel, North Dakota State​

NFL comp: Dominick Puni, 49ers
Zabel possesses standout strength, bend, experience, and temperament. His versatility is highly coveted. I think that he should be a starting guard or center from day one, but the fact that he can play all five offensive line spots should be enticing for NFL teams. I see him as next in the line of small-school Senior Bowl standouts who succeed in the NFL—Terron Armstead (Arkansas–Pine Bluff), Ali Marpet (Hobart and William Smith), Cody Mauch (NDSU), Dillon Radunz (NDSU), and Quinn Meinerz (UW-Whitewater) come to mind.

Top Traits

- Lateral movement: Mirrors and slides with ease and can handle outside-in moves. Just moves differently than other guards in this class (Tyler Booker and Donovan Jackson).
- Power: Good sting in his punch. Also does a plus job versus bull-rushers (I saw just one bad rep in 2024, and that came when his feet crossed with his guard’s).
- Temperament: Tough and physical, takes great angles, has excellent leverage, and is a flat-out grinder!
- Versatility: Started 16 games at left tackle in 2024 but started at every position except for center during his five-year career. Played some center at the Senior Bowl and excelled.

Tyler Booker, Alabama​

NFL comp: Steve Avila, Rams
Booker should be a good starting guard in the NFL for more than a decade. He lacks the athletic traits of elite guards in the league, but he’s so damn consistent, powerful, and smart. He’s one of the “safest” players in the entire 2025 class.

Top Traits

- Temperament: Under Armour All-America staff rave about his competitiveness and work ethic. Alabama coaches talk about his character, saying he’s among the top 1 percent of guys they’ve had (in Nick Saban’s group). NFL personnel I spoke with said he had the best interview of the combine
- Frame: Elite arm length (34 1/2 inches) and massive hands (11 inches).
- Power: Fires out low and has great leverage as a gap blocker in the run game. Squares up and rarely loses once he gets into a defensive lineman’s pads.

Donovan Jackson, Ohio State​

NFL comp: Tyler Smith, Cowboys
Jackson is ideally suited for power or gap schemes but is capable of playing at a high enough level in an outside zone-heavy scheme. Regardless, he’s a day one starter at guard. He’ll be an elite run blocker right away and should hold his own in pass pro as a rookie. He can even swing out to tackle in a pinch, as he did when he moved to left tackle after Josh Simmons’s injury in 2024. He has All-Pro potential.

Top Traits

- Run blocking: Elite, elite run blocker. Fires out and latches on. Does a better job of keeping his hands inside as a run blocker than he does in pass protection.
- Power: Tough, physical player who consistently moves the line of scrimmage.
- Smarts: Very good job with first-step angles.

Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona​

NFL comp: Kingsley Suamataia, Chiefs
Savaiinaea is a thickly built, heavy-handed tough guy with the type of power and nastiness that you look for in a starting guard in the NFL. He also held up really well in pass pro at right tackle. I love his versatility. As a plug-and-play starter at guard who can also kick out to tackle in a pinch, he’s a vastly underrated prospect.

Top Traits

- Versatility: Five starts at left tackle, 16 starts at right tackle, 15 starts at right guard.
- Athleticism: Ran a sub-5.0-second 40-yard dash at 324 pounds (third fastest, behind Jared Wilson and Armand Membou).
- Pass protection: Bends pretty well for his size and has a powerful core.

Jared Wilson, Georgia​

NFL comp: Zach Frazier, Steelers
Wilson is a high-character hard worker with good size and length for the position. He’s smart and can play in both zone and gap schemes. He has excellent intangibles and the versatility to push for a starting center job in the NFL, but he can also be a backup at guard.

Top Traits

- Athleticism: Elite combine workout: 4.84-second 40-yard dash (fastest of all offensive linemen), 1.72-second 10-yard split (T-second), 32-inch vertical (tied for eighth, second best for centers), 9-foot-4 broad jump (tied for fourth among offensive linemen), 4.56-second 20-shuttle (tied for fourth among offensive linement).
- Frame: Longest arms and hands of the centers. Natural knee bender.
- Movement: Really good moving in space. Gets out quickly, takes good angles, and plays under control. Good athlete.
- Leverage: Has some initial pop and moves defenders enough in the run game. Really good job of using angles against defenders.

 

[The Goat]

This is fantastic. Nice work.

 

[Finsup1981]

McShays New Mock

1. Tennessee Titans: QB Cam Ward, Miami​

The decision is final from where I sit. When the Titans canceled private workouts with Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, it showed that they have no intention of trading back. And after upgrading the offensive line in free agency, the team is in a better position to support a rookie quarterback.
When Ward is in rhythm and decisive in the pocket, he’s surgical. His quick release, ability to layer the ball to different levels of the field, and ball placement—on and off platform—are a few of the reasons why Tennessee will almost surely make him the no. 1 pick. If Brian Callahan can impart some of his wisdom and get Ward to play more in structure—as he did with Joe Burrow in Cincinnati—the Titans will have a pretty special quarterback on their hands.

2. Cleveland Browns: WR/CB Travis Hunter, Colorado​

On Saturday, I posted on X that “I’m starting to hear more and more about Hunter to Cleveland at No. 2.” Since then, the rumor mill has gone into overdrive. I want to warn folks that Andrew Berry is notorious in NFL circles for keeping his decisions in a vault, so I’m still not ruling out Abdul Carter here. But Hunter just makes too much sense for an organization with an excellent defense but not a lot of offensive firepower.
Notice that I listed Hunter as WR/CB, not the other way around. I get the strong sense that that’s how Berry and Kevin Stefanski will view Hunter in Cleveland—he will play an important role on both sides of the ball, but contributing as an offensive playmaker will be the top priority.

3. New York Giants: Edge Abdul Carter, Penn State​

The reason the Giants can’t reach for a quarterback here—like Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart—is because Carter is available. It’s that simple. You can’t pass up on a “tier 1” or “blue chip” talent for a quarterback who doesn’t carry that type of grade.
I view this as a huge win for the Giants, though. They get arguably the best player in the class—whose positional value is considered by most as second only to quarterback—at pick no. 3. Carter’s versatility will allow defensive coordinator Shane Bowen to drive opposing quarterbacks wild. Just imagine a third-and-long with Carter, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux stalking around before the snap, getting ready to hunt.

4. New England Patriots: OT Will Campbell, LSU​

It ain’t sexy, but it’s safe and smart. New England’s offensive front has more questions than answers at this point, which is a frightening proposition for a team with a star quarterback entering his second season. Left tackle is the most glaring hole, with returning starter Vederian Lowe ranking 49th in the NFL in pass block win rate last year, according to PFF.
Campbell is a career left tackle with excellent movement skills to go along with his uncanny feel for the game and leadership qualities. He would walk in on day one in Foxborough and become the leader in that OL room. I think that Mike Vrabel is looking for that kind of guy with this pick.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Edge Jalon Walker, Georgia​

Mason Graham is the popular pick here, and I’m not saying it won’t happen, but the longer I study the Jaguars roster and evaluate new GM James Gladstone’s background, the more I believe Walker could be the pick here—and I would applaud the decision. Gladstone will place a premium on premium positions with this pick. When the Rams finally had a first-round pick last season, he played a role in drafting edge rusher Jared Verse. That turned out pretty well.
The Jaguars ranked dead last in pass defense last season. They have some big, stout dudes up front, but they’re missing an explosive edge rusher to create problems for opponents and help free up guys like Travon Walker, who could kick inside on obvious pass downs. Travon and Josh Hines-Allen combined for 18.5 sacks last year. Nobody else on the roster had more than three. I just think Jalon is a bigger missing piece for this defense than an interior defensive lineman.

6. Las Vegas Raiders: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State​

Jeanty is one of the five highest-graded football players in this draft, and Pete Carroll would love to have a more modern Raiders version of Beast Mode. Every team I’ve talked to has given Jeanty a top-six grade in this class—and many have him in the top three. His ability to generate yards on his own as a runner is well-documented and nothing short of remarkable. But I also see shades of Alvin Kamara when studying Jeanty’s receiving tape. He has soft hands and can transition upfield in a flash on outlets, screens, and swings. A true every-down dynamic player to pair in the backfield with new quarterback Geno Smith would give this Raiders offense a desperately needed shot in the arm.

7. New York Jets: OT Armand Membou, Missouri​

There is love for Jaxson Dart in the building in New York, but for now I have them going with a tackle here. It’s hard to find offensive tackles with the traits Membou possesses. At 6-foot-4 1/4 and 332 pounds, Membou is a physically imposing blocker with highly impressive movement skills on tape. His combine workout, featuring a 4.91-second 40-yard dash (fastest of all offensive linemen), matched up with the tape. He’s just 21 years old, so his best football is still ahead of him. Membou could be the final piece to an offensive line rebuild that has been going on for three general managers now. Plug him in at right tackle opposite Olu Fashanu and alongside right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker.

8. Carolina Panthers: DT Mason Graham, Michigan​

With Shedeur Sanders falling, this could become a hot spot for a trade. And I think that general manager Dan Morgan would jump at the opportunity. However, if there’s no trade to be made, Graham would make sense for a couple of reasons. First off, he’s one of the top three or four players on most teams’ draft boards, so he’s a great value pick at no. 8. Second, Carolina’s run defense ranked last in the league last year (179.8 yards per game, which was 38.4 yards worse than the Saints at 31st).
Graham, paired with Derrick Brown, would not only strengthen the Panthers’ run defense but also give the team another legitimate interior pass rusher to deploy.

9. New Orleans Saints: QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss​

New Saints head coach Kellen Moore has served as offensive coordinator with the Cowboys, Chargers, and Eagles—coaching Dak Prescott, Justin Herbert, and Jalen Hurts. Those passers are far from identical, but all three have mobility and stronger arms, two qualities possessed by Dart, not Shedeur Sanders. And the comp a lot of people have given on Dart is Hurts, and I see similarities as well. Moore also attended Dart’s pro day, but did not attend Colorado’s showcase. That doesn’t preclude him from drafting Shedeur, but could be an indication of intentions for a first-time NFL head coach whose time needs to be invested wisely given the new and increased responsibilities.
Dart needs time since he’s coming from an offense where Lane Kiffin did a masterful job of simplifying his reads and predetermining his options. But I would argue that Dart’s tape shows more energy on the football and functional mobility to extend and advance the offense with his feet than Sanders’s. And Dart’s tape against pressure last year was far superior to that of all the other quarterback prospects in this year’s draft class.

10. Chicago Bears: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State​

With Will Campbell and Ashton Jeanty gone and no reason to believe that Chicago will get an enticing trade offer in this scenario, why not add the best pass catching target this class has to offer? Warren is such a versatile offensive playmaker. He would be a huge target for Caleb Williams to rely on, and his run-after-the-catch ability reminds me a lot of a young Rob Gronkowski. I think that Penn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki did a brilliant job of maximizing Warren’s unique blend of size and skill last year. No offense to Kotelnicki, but can you imagine what Ben Johnson would cook up with this guy? Providing Williams with the tight end tandem of Cole Kmet and Warren could be a brilliant personnel move to help with his development in year two.

11. San Francisco 49ers: CB Will Johnson, Michigan​

With Charvarius Ward’s departure, this makes sense. My comp for Johnson actually is Ward because of the man-zone flexibility they each provide. Johnson brings size, instincts, and ball skills and is a day one starter for San Francisco. He’s at his best in off-coverage and has exceptional instincts when reading the quarterback’s eyes and breaking on the ball in front of him.
Johnson has reportedly healed enough from a hamstring injury he suffered in February to work out for teams next week. A strong showing could help him lock down a spot in the top 15 picks.

12. Dallas Cowboys: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona​

The Cowboys need a playmaker for Dak Prescott opposite CeeDee Lamb. I have Matthew Golden graded higher, but I’m hearing some buzz about the Cowboys’ interest in the 6-foot-4, 219-pound wideout. As an outside receiver with the ability to win one-on-ones because of his length and acrobatic downfield catching prowess, McMillan would complement Lamb well.

13. Miami Dolphins: Edge Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M​

Terron Armstead’s retirement places a priority on offensive tackle, but there isn’t one worth drafting at this spot, so the Dolphins should instead look to the defense. Stewart is simply too talented to pass on here. I know he had just 1.5 sacks last year, but his pass rush win rate and his pressures are really, really good. And his talent is even better. Stewart had top-five results in his 40-yard time (4.59 seconds, fourth), 10-yard split (1.58 seconds, third), broad jump (10 feet, 11 inches, best), and vertical jump (40 inches, second)—and it needs to be emphasized that he did that all at 6-foot-5 and 267 pounds, with the arm length (34 1/8 inches) of an NFL left tackle. He doesn’t turn 22 until November, and he’s just scratching the surface.
Miami brought Stewart in for a top-30 visit and he’s a unique talent. Calais Campbell is gone. The Dolphins need difference makers up front defensively and Stewart fits their system.

14. Indianapolis Colts: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan​

The Colts are starved for a difference maker at this position—whether it's for Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones. Loveland is just a tick behind where record-breaking rookie TE Brock Bowers was out of Georgia in terms of his route-running and separation skills. His hand-eye coordination is outstanding, and he will serve as a much-needed reliable target—he dropped only two passes all of last season—and yards generator after the catch.

Trade: The Browns send picks 33, 67, and a 2026 second-rounder to the Falcons for pick 15.

15. Cleveland Browns: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado​

If the Browns have already decided on Hunter at no. 2, they could start making calls this week to see what it would take to move up and pair him with his college quarterback. If next year’s first is required to make a deal, it doesn’t make sense—they would’ve just taken Sanders at no. 2 if they liked him that much. But a third-rounder this year and a second next year is reasonable, especially since they have an extra third (94th overall). It’s going to come down to cost analysis for Browns GM Andrew Berry.

Mock Draft 3.0: Jaxson Dart Leapfrogs Shedeur Sanders

mcshay-report.beehiiv.com

 

[Finsup1981]

16. Arizona Cardinals: WR Matthew Golden, Texas​

Arizona made some significant moves on the defensive side of the ball in free agency, so I expect the team to address the offense with this pick, either at wide receiver or along the offensive line. Adding a burner like Golden, whose 4.29-second 40-yard dash was the fastest among WRs and second fastest among all players, would give Kyler Murray a much-needed playmaker to stretch the offense out and take some defensive focus off Marvin Harrison Jr. and the recently extended tight end Trey McBride. Taking a first-round wide receiver in back-to-back drafts isn’t ideal, but in this case, it would be justified.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Edge Mike Green, Marshall​

The safest bet in the 2025 NFL draft is that the Bengals will go defense with this pick after backing up the truck for Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The Trey Hendrickson saga should be monitored, but I think the team should draft an edge defender here regardless of whether Hendrickson returns. Green is an NFL-ready, explosively quick, and surprisingly powerful edge rusher. Green would give the Bengals an elite one-two punch if paired with Hendrickson, or would be a great insurance policy if Hendrickson departs.

18. Seattle Seahawks: OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas​

I’m not as high on Banks as some, but this pick would make sense to me. Banks would immediately provide an upgrade at guard while being developed to become the starting right tackle. He mirrors well and shows good power when he lands his punches. It’s surprising that after 42 starts at Texas, he still needs as much work as he does with his hands and balance, but he would be protected inside for a year while sharpening his tools.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama​

Longtime standout linebacker Lavonte David recently signed a one-year deal to return in 2025 after contemplating retirement. This seems like the perfect time to draft his successor in Campbell, who can contribute in multiple roles as a rookie, including as a designated pass rusher (five sacks in 2024). He’s a former defensive end with a unique blend of length, acceleration, and bend.

20. Denver Broncos: RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina​

The Broncos could go wide receiver or defense with this pick (and history tells us Sean Payton may look for defense here, believing he can find what he needs for his scheme in later rounds). But Hampton would be a steal for a team in need of a difference maker in the backfield with Bo Nix. Hampton is a powerful runner who is also light on his feet, he has blazing north-south speed for his size, and his pass catching prowess would align perfectly with Payton’s offensive scheme (Hampton was in the 96th percentile in missed tackles forced as a receiver, according to PFF).

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: DS Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina​

I’m convinced that Aaron Rodgers will be a Steeler by the time the commissioner opens the 2025 NFL draft in Green Bay. But if Shedeur Sanders were to slide here, he could be in play as a pick for the future. With Sanders and Jaxson Dart off the board, though, I don’t see Pittsburgh taking Jalen Milroe or any other quarterback.
I put DT Derrick Harmon here in Mock 2.0, and it makes sense in terms of need. But don’t be surprised if Emmanwori is the pick. In this division, you need great safety play to deal with the offensive attacks of Cincinnati and Baltimore. Emmanwori is a uniquely long, explosive talent with a versatile set of skills—and I think Mike Tomlin would love to develop a guy like this. Oh, and Emmanwori just visited the Steelers on April 4—and there aren’t many first-round guys on their “30 visits” list. The Steelers don’t draft many guys in the early rounds that they haven’t had for visits or worked out at pro day or privately. Just call it a hunch.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College​

There’s no pass catcher still on the board who is worth this selection. So look back at general manager Joe Hortiz’s history with the Ravens. They love drafting versatile players along the defensive front seven early on. Ezeiruaku fits that mold. Khalil Mack was re-signed, but only for one year, and the Chargers need a wealth of pass rushing “closers” for when Justin Herbert gets them a lead in the fourth quarter. Ezeiruaku has long 34-inch arms, he had the fastest three-cone drill (6.94 seconds) of the edge defenders at the combine (faster than a handful of wide receivers), and he led the nation with 1.38 sacks per game last year.

23. Green Bay Packers: Edge Mykel Williams, Georgia​

The Packers like to do their wide receiver business in Round 2, so this pick is most likely to be used on pass rush or cornerback (especially given the Jaire Alexander situation). Mykel Williams had a top-30 visit with Green Bay. He’s a value here and the Packers will like his size, run-stopping ability, and pass-rushing potential. Williams was hindered by an ankle injury in 2024 and his production left a lot to be desired, but I’m betting on this guy’s traits and future development. He’s 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds with the third-longest wingspan (82 7/8 inches) among edge defenders at the combine. And he recently ran in the low 4.7s at his pro day.

Trade: The Giants send picks 34 and 65 to the Vikings for pick 24.

24. New York Giants: QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama​

I don’t have a Round 1 grade on Jalen Milroe, and none of the evaluators I’ve spoken with in the NFL do, either. But it takes only one. And mock drafts aren’t about my rankings; they’re about the intel. The NFL has made it abundantly clear that it does not want another Aaron Rodgers, Brady Quinn, or even Will Levis green-room situation on its hands. Thirteen players accepted invites to last year’s draft—all 13 were selected in the top 27. This year, the messaging has been that only eight to 10 players will be present in Green Bay for the draft. So I have no choice but to interpret Milroe's invitation to draft night as a sign that he'll be taken in the first round.
With Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in the building, there is no pressure for Milroe to play right away. Milroe’s physical traits can’t be taught, but he can be coached up similarly to how Josh Allen was when he entered the NFL. Give Brian Daboll an elite athlete and see what he can do with him over time.

25. Houston Texans: IOL Grey Zabel, North Dakota State​

The Texans moved on from left tackle Laremy Tunsil and desperately need to rebuild their offensive line. Zabel is a day one starter with a tantalizing combination of strength, bend, experience, and temperament. His versatility would bring a lot of value to the Texans, and I think he’d start at guard or center right away. Head coach Demeco Ryans has talked a lot this offseason about the culture of that offensive line group, and Zabel has the perfect makeup to meet those standards.

26. Los Angeles Rams: CB Jahdae Barron, Texas​

Barron is my 11th-ranked player. It pains me to put him here, and hopefully he won’t slip this far on draft night. But cornerbacks did slide a year ago—Quinyon Mitchell was my 12th-ranked player and fell to Philly at 22.
He has a shorter frame and shorter arms and lacks ideal deep-recovery speed on tape. But Barron’s an absolute terror in zone coverage and in run support. His instincts are sensational, and he is always around the football. A playmaker like Barron could really thrive behind the vicious front that Les Snead and his scouting staff have assembled.

27. Baltimore Ravens: DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon​

The Ravens are almost always patient. They wait for other teams to reach for their needs and allow a highly ranked player to fall. That would be the case in this scenario, where the Ravens could have their pick of top-20 talents in Harmon, safety Malaki Starks, or edge rusher James Pearce.
Harmon is an athletically gifted interior pass rusher (43 hurries and five sacks in 2024) in a 5-technique frame (he’s 6-foot-4 and 313 pounds, with 34 3/8-inch arms). His ability to rush the quarterback could provide a spark along this defensive front and limit the number of big plays allowed on the back end (the Ravens allowed 58 plays of 20-plus yards last year, third most in the NFL).

28. Detroit Lions: Edge James Pearce Jr., Tennessee​

The Lions were aided by the in-season acquisition of Za’Darius Smith (four sacks in eight games), and now Aidan Hutchinson is returning. But Detroit needs another “closer” opposite Hutchinson, and Pearce would be a steal this late in the first. The “football character” issues with Pearce are real and they’re bad. However, Detroit has the type of culture and veteran leadership to get the best version of him, and the best version of Pearce is a top-10 talent in this draft class—and a potential double-digit sack guy in the NFL.

29. Washington Commanders: DS Malaki Starks, Georgia​

I’m surprised Starks lasted this long. Still, with four QBs and a slew of defensive linemen littering the top 25 picks, there are a few steals left on this board. Starks is right up there. The Commanders would like to find an impact edge defender here, but they’ll cash in on Starks falling. His combine workout was a major disappointment, but his tape is too good to ignore. Dan Quinn has worked creative magic with safeties throughout his career, and he would love to bring in a smooth-moving, highly instinctive ballhawk like Starks to compete right away with veteran signee Will Harris for the starting job vacated by free agent departure Jeremy Chinn.

30. Buffalo Bills: CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky​

I’m higher on Hairston than most (he’s ranked 15th on my board). But, like Barron this year and guys like Mitchell and Terrion Arnold a year ago, don’t be shocked if a run on cornerbacks starts a bit later than expected—especially with so much defensive line talent in Round 1.
Hairston lacks ideal size and needs to clean up his tackling. Still, you can’t coach his elite speed, athletic traits, and confidence when the ball is in the air. This guy is in the elite class of athletes this draft, and he plays with the confidence of someone who flat-out knows it. He can play man-to-man and zone with equal effectiveness. He won’t back down against bigger receivers and he has a 39-inch vertical to help climb the ladder. He’s gonna take away a lot of balls during his NFL career.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: IDL Walter Nolen, Ole Miss​

The offensive line will be an early priority for Kansas City, but the value might not match the pick at no. 31—given the talent available at other positions of importance. There are questions about Nolen’s motivations and what drives him. But he plays his ass off on the field and there’s no doubt in my mind he’s the second-most talented interior defensive lineman in this class. The Chiefs could cash in on a difference maker to pair with Chris Jones moving forward.

32. Philadelphia Eagles: DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan​

Something tells me that Howie Roseman won’t be able to sit still and let the draft just come to him at pick no. 32. But in this scenario, that’s exactly what he did, and his patience was rewarded with yet another athletically gifted big fella along the interior defensive front. Grant tends to pick his spots to turn it loose, but it’s a sight to be seen when he does. He’ll benefit from staying fresh in a rotation like the one in Philly.

33. Atlanta Falcons (from CLE): OT Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon​

After trading back, Atlanta would hope for an edge rusher to fall. But Conerly is good value at pick 33. They brought him in for a top-30 visit (and it's worth noting they recently had a private workout with Texas OT Kelvin Banks Jr.) and he has starting potential at left tackle and/or guard once he improves his core strength. With veteran left tackle Jake Mathews recently restructuring his contract to free up cap space, this would be GM Terry Fontenot creating depth and securing the future of an offensive line that needs to protect its new young starting QB Michael Penix Jr. for many years.

34. Minnesota Vikings (from NYG): CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame​

The Vikings cleaned up in free agency and haven’t been left with many needs. They currently have only four picks in the draft, which is why I have them trading down with the Giants above. In this scenario, Minnesota will still wind up with a first-round talent if Morrison makes a full recovery from his hip injury.
Minnesota’s biggest need is a corner who can fit their Cover-2- and Cover-4-heavy scheme. Morrison was playing his way toward a first-round pick before the hip injury, which required his second hip surgery since high school. But the medical reports have been good, and his interviews have been sensational. As a zone corner with excellent instincts and ball skills (18 pass breakups and nine interceptions in 26 starts), he fits what the Vikings are looking for to a tee.

 

[Finsup1981]

McShay put out a good piece of prospects hes higher on than the consensus

Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina​

If you’ve read this newsletter this month or listened to The McShay Show, you know of my love for Hampton. He’d have been a top-three pick in the 1990s. We’re in a different era of the NFL now, but Hampton is still an excellent player. He just has a unique blend of size, power, agility, and contact balance as a runner that allows him to regularly turn what should be 1-yard gains into 4-yard ones. I’ve said before that I think the gap between Ashton Jeanty—my no. 1 RB—and Hampton is smaller than the one between Hampton and the rest of the class.
The consensus has Hampton as a fringe first-rounder. I have him in my top 15.

Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M​

I have two pro comparisons for Stewart. One is Danielle Hunter, who was a third-round pick in 2015 in part because he had poor production in college despite stellar athletic traits. The other is Travon Walker, the no. 1 pick in 2022. Stewart has nearly identical measurables to Walker but is bendier. He also has more upside as a pass rusher.
Stewart has exceptional traits. He possesses prototypical height and bulk with excellent arm length, plus top-end speed that is rare for his size. His torso flexibility and power in his base are special. Not many guys can fight through contact the way he can because of those two traits.
With just 1.5 sacks in 2024, Stewart has a frightening lack of production. But he was a disruptive player and has huge potential—he just needs development. Stewart flashes an elite speed-to-power technique but needs to learn how to set it up and mix it in with other pass-rush routes to keep tackles guessing more. Stewart just doesn’t know how to set blockers up, how to counter if initially reached, or simply how to get home. But he doesn’t turn 22 until November and is just scratching the surface as a pass rusher.

Matthew Golden, WR, Texas​

Do not think of Golden as just a speedster. He’s fast, yes—the fastest receiver at this year’s scouting combine. But he’s also a crisp route runner with an elite stop-start ability. Give him an opening, and he’s gone. I’ve compared him to Tyreek Hill before, and it’s important to note that he’s the only player in the draft who can move like that.
The consensus big board has Golden as the 23rd-best player in the draft and the WR3 overall after Tetairoa McMillan and Luther Burden III. But I have Golden as my top-ranked wideout because I see him quickly establishing himself as a no. 2 as a rookie, with the ability to become a true no. 1 with some development. He’s also in my top 20.

Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss​

He was in my top 32 earlier in March—already well above consensus, which has him in the late 50s. But this week, I have him moving up the board. I actually have the same grade on Dart as I have on Shedeur Sanders, and I think Dart could provide massive value to any team with a quarterback need—especially one in the top three, which may be best served taking one of the blue-chip players with its top pick and then grabbing a QB elsewhere in the draft (looking at you, Joe Schoen).
Maybe it’s because Lane Kiffin’s system at Ole Miss featured too many predetermined reads, obscuring how Dart’s game will transfer to the NFL. I do think he will need a year to adjust to the intricacies of the pro game. But I’ve said before that Dart has some Josh Allen in his game, and I’ve meant it—his suddenness in the pocket and ability to make throws under pressure could make him special.

TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State​

My pro comparison for Henderson is Jahmyr Gibbs. Henderson is an explosive runner and receiver who should excel in a Gibbs-like role in the NFL—and we’ve seen how valuable that type of playmaker can be.
To be clear, I have a late Round 1 to early Round 2 grade on Henderson. I don’t think he should be taken as high as no. 12 overall, where the Lions selected Gibbs, in this draft. But his explosive initial acceleration, quick feet, and surprising power—thanks to the elite downhill momentum he can generate—give him the ability to explode upfield and make defenders miss. The sky is the limit.

Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami​

With this latest update, I’ve moved Arroyo ahead of Mason Taylor to make him my no. 3 tight end in the draft. He falls just outside my top 32 players, though I was close to giving him a first-round grade. That’s quite a bit higher than most other analysts.
Arroyo is arguably the most naturally athletic receiver at the tight end position in this class. A torn ACL stunted his college production (and his medical evaluation before the draft will be important), but he’s coming off a healthy 2024 season, and he shined at the Senior Bowl. He’s a big target with a huge catch radius and unique flexibility at the position that allows him to reach balls that would be impossible to grab for most other tight ends. He also has the speed and loose hips to challenge defenses vertically and make defenders miss after the catch.
Plus, while Arroyo isn’t a great blocker, he gets in position and fights hard on tape. I appreciate his toughness and physicality, even though he’s never going to be an in-line asset as a blocker in the NFL. He’s actually a lot more physical and aggressive than guys like Colston Loveland and Terrance Ferguson. For a team in the market for a chess-piece player in the passing game, Arroyo will be worth the gamble in Round 2.

Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville​

Shough is being underrated because of concerns about his age and durability. The consensus sees Shough as a fringe day-two pick, but I think he should be solidly in Round 2 consideration for teams that want a battle-tested passer who is ready to go when it comes to understanding pro-level concepts and verbiage. He’s pro-ready.
Shough is aggressive as a passer, processes well, and understands NFL defenses. He has great physical traits (he’s the tallest QB in the draft and also has the biggest hands), has a live arm, and is a good runner. His straight-line speed is the best of the top four QBs in the draft. The Louisville offense averaged 36.5 points in 2024 as Shough went 8-4 as a starter.

Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State​

Yes, Noel is a slot receiver. But he’s a damn good one—I have Ladd McConkey as my pro comparison for him and would consider him starting at the end of Round 1. That’s way higher than the consensus that sees Noel as outside of Round 2.
Noel has elite separation skills. He’s got it all: tempo, leverage, speed outs, body control, and no wasted movement. He gets in and out of his breaks in a flash. Plus, he has no fear over the middle. Noel is tough as nails.
Noel was a three-year starter in college and had an exceptional workout at the NFL combine. He also plays faster on tape than he’s credited with and can threaten defenses vertically. Just like McConkey overperformed compared to his draft slot, I expect Noel to do the same.

Omarr Norman-Lott, IDL, Tennessee​

Norman-Lott is a different evaluation because he played fewer than half of the snaps that the guys ranked above him did due to Tennessee’s extraordinary depth along its defensive line. Mason Graham (548), Kenneth Grant (547), Derrick Harmon (591), Walter Nolen (587), Darius Alexander (630), Tyleik Williams (586), and Joshua Farmer (513) all played more than twice as many snaps as Norman-Lott (225) in 2024—it helps explain his substandard stat line, but it also allowed him to play with fresh legs most of the time.
Regardless, Norman-Lott has athletic traits and the power to succeed in the NFL as a three technique, and I like the energy he brings to the field (his desire to learn and attention to detail at Senior Bowl practices really stood out to me). He’s undersized, gets knocked off his feet too often, and needs to broaden his pass-rush arsenal. But put him in a one-gap scheme as a starter with a rotation and help him sharpen his tools as a pass rusher, and you might just have a Kobie Turner on your hands.
The consensus has Norman-Lott going in the third round, but I have a Round 2 grade on him.

Oluwafemi Oladejo, Edge, UCLA​

Oladejo is a developmental project as a converted off-ball linebacker. But he’s strong versus the run and has enough speed, strength, and motor to develop into an effective edge rusher. He’ll fit well as a 3-4 OLB in a scheme that is looking for power in its edge rusher (think Eagles, Steelers, Panthers, Rams, etc.). Oladejo brings good positional versatility to the table as well. He’s comfortable rushing on and off the line.
He already does a great job of getting under the pads of offensive tackles and standing them up. When he learns how to exploit those off-balance OTs with his hands and countermoves, he’ll become an effective NFL pass rusher.
The consensus would have Oladejo on the verge of slipping past day two of the draft, but I have a Round 2-3 grade on him.

10 Draft Prospects I’m Higher Than Consensus On

mcshay-report.beehiiv.com

 

[Finsup1981]

@hoops your favorite, player comps lol…also McShays top 150 big board

24 edge, 18 DL, 15 CB 8 S and 11 OG not counting tackles that can convert which is probably another 10 in his top 150

Absolutely no reason for Grier not to fill all our biggest needs

​

Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State​

Top 150 Rank: 4
Position Rank: 1
NFL Comp: Alvin Kamara, Saints

I can’t unsee this comparison, especially after I rewatched Kamara’s college tape from Tennessee. His first few touches in Tennessee’s game against Vanderbilt were ridiculous. On one play, he caught a screen pass, exploded upfield, and exhibited every quality that has made him such a good pro: contact balance, sharp cuts, elusiveness—everything so sudden, yet under control.
NFL teams had concerns about Kamara’s character entering the 2017 draft, so he fell to the third round. Otherwise, he’d have been a top-20 pick. There are no such concerns about Jeanty. He’s not quite as sudden as Kamara, but he’s damn close. When it comes to their tape, it’s their running style that sticks out most to me. They create in tight quarters, through contact, and are both deadly in space. Watch some of their highlights side-by-side and tell me you don’t see the similarities.

Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M​

Top 150 Rank: 15
Position Rank: 4
NFL Comp: Danielle Hunter, Texans
I’ve said it many times on The McShay Show: Stewart is the ultimate test case of production vs. projection. He has exceptional traits and rare top-end speed. He’s an outstanding run defender, and few pass rushers fight through contact like him. But he had just 1.5 sacks last season. I’m less concerned than others about the lack of production because I think he’ll develop well in the right situation. A lot of what I see on tape is more about refinement. He needs a plan when rushing the passer: how to set up blockers, counter, and simply get home!
That’s why my NFL comp is former LSU edge Danielle Hunter. He had similar traits as Stewart and wasn’t as productive as you’d have liked him to be in college with just 1.5 sacks and eight QB hurries in his final season (Stewart had 33 QBH). Hunter, a third-round pick in 2015, remains a very productive NFL pass rusher who started every game last season for the Texans and contributed 12 sacks.

Derrick Harmon, IDL, Oregon​

Top 150 Rank: 22
Position Rank: 2
NFL Comp: Bryan Bresee, Saints
Harmon was a productive player at Michigan State and Oregon who possesses some elite traits that augur success in the NFL, including his arm length, hand span, and 4.95-second 40-yard dash, an impressive time for a 6-foot-4, 313-pound interior lineman. He still has room to improve, but I think he’s skilled enough to start immediately. At the least, he should be a rotation player as a rookie, particularly on passing downs where he’s much more advanced. He finished in the 99th percentile in PFF’s pass rush win rate last season.
I like Bryan Bresee as a comp for Harmon. Bresee is slightly taller and leaner, but they both carry their weight well and display smooth athleticism. Injuries hindered Bresee’s college career at Clemson, but he was still talented enough to warrant a first-round selection by the Saints in 2023. Bresee’s sack total jumped from 4.5 as a rookie to 7.5 in 2024. I could see Harmon with a similar early-career production arc.

Bradyn Swinson, Edge, LSU​

Top 150 Rank: 60
Position Rank: 8
NFL Comp: Kyle Van Noy, Ravens
Swinson had a breakout season in 2024, playing in all of LSU’s 13 games while finishing with 58 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks. He has average height and bulk but longer arms and very good hands.
Swinson is a pass rusher first and foremost. And that’s exactly how I would describe Kyle Van Noy. They have similar frames, but Swinson is actually bigger than Van Noy (who weighed 243 pounds coming out of BYU), and his arms are 2 inches longer. On tape, they have a similar slipperiness, and Swinson can develop some of the same hand-leverage combinations that helped Van Noy rack up 53 sacks during his past eight NFL seasons. He fits best as a 3-4 OLB.

Oluwafemi Oladejo, Edge, UCLA​

Top 150 Rank: 77
Position Rank: 13
NFL Comp: Jalyx Hunt, Eagles
Oladejo has a nonstop motor and does a great job of getting underneath an offensive tackle’s pads and standing them up at the point of contact. His pass rush still needs some refinement but once he learns how to exploit off-balance blockers with his hands and countermoves, he’ll likely develop into an effective NFL pass rusher.
I compare him to Jalyx Hunt, who the Eagles selected with the 94th overall pick last year because both are developmental prospects as edge rushers. Oladejo started his college career as an off-ball linebacker before moving to edge last season.

RJ Harvey, RB, UCF​

Top 150 Rank: 78
Position Rank: 7
NFL Comp: Aaron Jones, Vikings
Harvey is an undersized but explosive back with versatility. I love his feet: He’s an electric pick-and-slide runner with good patience and vision. He’s not an overpowering runner and is too often overwhelmed at the point of attack, but I don’t question his toughness or effort. He’s a comfortable route runner and can make a difference in the passing game. Sound familiar? When I watch Harvey at UCF, it’s like watching Aaron Jones carving up NFL defenses with his jitterbug lateral agility. Both are tough and use impressive contact balance for their size to advance runs in traffic. Two more similarities: They both excel in zone-heavy schemes, and they’re gonna leave it all on the field. Harvey's work ethic and leadership are legendary at UCF.

Gunnar Helm, TE, Texas​

Top 150 Rank: 91
Position Rank: 7
NFL Comp: Jake Ferguson, Cowboys
Helm injured his ankle running his 40 at the combine, but we can throw out the numbers for this comp. Helm reminds me of Jake Ferguson because of their underwhelming measurables, and I think both are better football players than testers. Ferguson was a fourth-round pick in 2022 but has become a reliable and productive NFL tight end. Helm, like Ferguson, knows how to get open and create after the catch. He projects as a tight end 2 as a rookie with starting potential if he can become stronger and better as a blocker.

Demetrius Knight II, ILB, South Carolina​

Top 150 Rank: 97
Position Rank: 3
NFL Comp: Bobby Okereke, Giants
Knight was a six-year college player at Georgia Tech, Charlotte, and South Carolina. He projects as a 4-3 off-ball ILB who excels against the run and has good enough instincts and speed to hold up in coverage, though he’ll be limited in man-to-man situations in the NFL. I compare him to Bobby Okereke, the Colts’ 2019 third-round pick who is now with the Giants. Knight and Okereke had very similar measurables coming out of college, including identical 40 times (4.58).

Chimere Dike, WR, Florida​

Top 150 Rank: 115
Position Rank: 15
NFL Comp: Darius Slayton, Giants
Dike has an intriguing blend of skills. He’s an explosive runner, but NFL teams will have to unlock his potential as a route runner given Florida’s elementary offense. Slayton, a fifth-round pick in 2019, had similar measurables and also played in a remedial offense at Auburn. At the time, I projected Slayton as having explosive traits, untapped potential, and inconsistent ball skills. In six years as a pro, Slayton is averaging 48 catches per season and 15 yards per catch. That’s not bad for the 171st overall pick.

Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa​

Top 150 Rank: 143
Position Rank: 9
NFL Comp: Tyler Higbee, Rams
Lachey is a big and athletic tight end who was held back last season by an ankle injury and poor QB play at Iowa. He’s not strong enough as a blocker yet, but he’s been well-coached and has upside as long as he continues to get stronger. Tyler Higbee had nearly identical height and weight measurables coming out of Western Kentucky. A knee injury cut short Higbee’s final college season, and he was taken in the fourth round (no. 110 overall) in 2016 by the Rams. He became a productive piece of the L.A. passing game (353 catches in his first eight seasons) and also got stronger as a blocker. Lachey should come off the board in a similar range, and it won’t surprise me a bit if he matches or exceeds Higbee’s career production to date.

My Favorite NFL Comps From My Top 150 Big Board

mcshay-report.beehiiv.com

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

Thanks for posting these.

I still think defensive line 1-2, would be the best way to go. Harmon and Collins, something along those lines. That would dramatically improve the defensive line.

But, Zabel with a slight trade down, followed by a defensive tackle could work.

Miami's been looking at a lot of middle round corners. I think that's where they go there.

 

[Finsup1981]

Thanks for posting these.

I still think defensive line 1-2, would be the best way to go. Harmon and Collins, something along those lines. That would dramatically improve the defensive line.

But, Zabel with a slight trade down, followed by a defensive tackle could work.

Miami's been looking at s lit of middle round corners. I think that's where they go there.

Yea I'd really love to trade down, my main concern is Indianapolis at 14, Arizona at 16, Cincinnati at 17 and Seattle at 18 are looking for offesive lineman just as bad as us, so in the scenario that Campbell/Banks/Membou are off the board and we have the option to trade down, its really gonna be a big risk that all of those teams take an olineman and we are left with the scraps if theres a run on lineman...we have to come out of this draft with a starter at guard, there is no way we can rely on the dream team of Eichenberg and Borom.

But yea, I'd really love to trade down and grab another top 100 pick in this draft where we can find quality starters that can start this year all the way up to the 4th round imo

 

[Finsup1981]

Louis Riddicks favorites and sleepers:

My 2023 list had C.J. Stroud and Jayden Reed, and my 2024 list called out Jayden Daniels, Edgerrin Cooperand Quinyon Mitchell. This year's list begins with the quarterback expected to go No. 1 overall and ends with a safety who might have to wait until later in Day 2 to get picked; I tried to hit a little bit of everything. Let's get to it.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2025/...ts-class-sleepers-ward-hunter-carter#sleepers

Five can't-miss Day 1 prospects​

Cam Ward, QB, Miami​

Ward has gone from zero-star recruit to Incarnate Word (FCS) to Washington State to Miami. And now he seems destined to be the No. 1 pick after throwing for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns last season. It's an incredible journey, and it's a testament to his determination and resilience.

He is totally deserving of being the top selection for the Titans. Ward blends competitiveness, high football IQ, leadership traits and impressive physical skills. I love his command at the line of scrimmage and the way he recognizes coverage rotations after the snap. His overall arm strength and lightning-quick release make opponents defend every blade of grass. There's so much horsepower in his right arm. And Ward (6-foot-2, 219 pounds) is mobile enough to throw on the move from different platforms and creative enough to let it fly from different arm angles.

I just don't see many limitations. Ward has all the traits you want in a modern NFL quarterback.

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Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State​

Think Emmitt Smith with breakaway home-run speed. That's Jeanty. He has it all:

• Great vision and instincts to find rushing lanes
• A low center of gravity and supernatural strength in his lower body and core to break arm tackles with ease
• Impressive foot quickness and flexibility at 5-foot-9, 211 pounds to jump cut, accelerate and get to the third level
• A big-play mentality and competitiveness that screams, "I'm a threat to go the distance at any time"
• Good hands out of the backfield as a receiver and a willingness to step up as a blocker

Jeanty will be a superstar the second he touches the field in the NFL. He ran for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns last season. He forced 126 missed tackles. He even caught 23 passes. The potential fit with the Raiders at No. 6 would be fantastic; Las Vegas had a rough ground game last season. But he would also be tremendous with the Bears at No. 10.

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Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado​

Hunter is one of the best athletes to ever play college football. If you don't believe me, go ask his coach, Deion Sanders -- who has his own case for that distinction. Hunter played an incredible 1,458 snaps last season, and he dominated on both sides of the ball. Consider that he was fifth in receiving yards (1,258) and tied for second in receiving TDs (15) in the FBS last season on offense, and he also had four interceptions and 10 pass breakups on

I originally believed Hunter should begin his NFL career as a cornerback -- where he could be an All Pro in Year 1 -- and gradually increase his role as a receiver. But I might be changing my mind. He has some of the most natural hands and ball-tracking skills I have ever seen. Hunter is smooth and as fluid as water in the way he glides through routes. And he is always under control and can adjust his 6-foot, 188-pound body to make incredibly difficult catches look routine.

Hunter is tough and better conditioned than anyone in this class. He wants to be great, and he has the skill set to do it. He is the very definition of a unicorn prospect. I love the potential of him in Cleveland, where he could improve that offense and help lift the defense.

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Will Campbell, OT, LSU​

Campbell has smooth and efficient movement traits which allow him to handle speed (and speed-to-power) off the edge. He is 6-foot-6, 319 pounds, but he moves like a 255-pound defensive end. I see flexibility, quickness and fluidity on tape, and he can get out in space to make blocks on screens.

But Campbell also displays brute strength and a nasty play mentality. He has the leverage and strength to be a force in the power-run game.

I believe Campbell -- who has 38 starts of experience -- is one of the top players in this class, regardless of position. Much has been made of his lack of ideal arm length (32⅝ inches), but I don't see it as an issue. This guy has sledgehammers for hands when he lands his punches, and he can sink and anchor to control any kind of pass rusher that opponents send his way. If New England picks him at No. 4, he'd immediately help the pass protection in front of Drake Maye.

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Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State​

Before the 2024 season began, Carter asked the Penn State coaching staff to be moved from off-ball linebacker to the edge. It sure seems like it was a very smart thing to do. Carter dominated last season with 12 sacks, 23.5 tackles for loss and 61 pressures. Those numbers all ranked in the top 10 in the FBS.

His Von Miller-like get-off quickness and bend as a pure speed rusher really stand out. NFL teams will drool over his pass-rush tools -- the cat-like quickness to counter inside with a spin move, or the ability to win with an up-and-under move. At 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, Carter also has a speed-to-power move that will get better as he gets stronger, and he will continue to improve in setting the edge in the run game and getting off blocks. Again, he just moved to the edge full-time last season; there's still untapped potential.

That positional versatility is the cherry on top of his evaluation, and the team that drafts him could deploy him like Micah Parsons in Dallas. The Giants have a strong pass-rush depth chart, but I keep thinking Carter would be great on that defense at No. 3.

Five sleepers outside Round 1​

RJ Harvey, RB, UCF​

If you want explosive plays, this is your guy. Harvey is lightning in a bottle at 5-foot-8 and 205 pounds, with 4.4 speed in the 40 and really solid vision and instincts as a runner. He has instant juice, able to go zero to full speed in the blink of an eye. His 54 rushes for 10 or more yards tied for second in the nation behind Jeanty last season. In all, he had 1,577 yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground. Harvey shows patience and decisiveness to exploit any creases, and he runs right through arm tackles. He can make multiple defenders miss in a phone booth.

Harvey also has good hands out of the backfield, with three TD catches last season. He will compete in pass pro, too, with improving technique and toughness. Teams can use him on all three downs, and someone could get an impact rusher early in Round 3.

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Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Arkansas​

TeSlaa is going to be a problem for opponents as a slot receiver at the next level. His size (6-foot-3, 214 pounds), speed (4.43) and explosive movement traits make him a matchup nightmare in the middle of the field. Despite his bigger frame, he can get off the line with good foot quickness, hits another gear when he gets to the third level and tracks the deep ball well. TeSlaa also shows the body control in the short/intermediate pass game to get separation against man coverage, along with the instincts to uncover when facing zone.

He ultimately finished last season with 28 catches for 546 yards and three scores. But with size, speed, hands, after-the-catch upside and the ability to put defenders on the ground as a blocker, the lack of big-time production doesn't phase me. I like his skill set a lot, and I'm watching for TeSlaa to come off the board by the end of Round 2.

Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green​

His measureables won't blow you away, at 6-foot-3 and 241 pounds with 4.71 speed. But Fannin's fundamentals, production and competitiveness are outstanding. He caught 117 passes for 1,555 yards last season -- both No. 1 in the FBS -- and scored 11 scrimmage touchdowns.

Fannin can align as a Y or flex out in the slot, showing good release quickness, vertical push and body control. And I see exceptional courage and concentration when catching in traffic. Fannin is as tough as they come after the catch as a runner, and he's effective in that department. His vision, elusiveness and play speed led to huge gains and an FBS-high 882 yards after the catch last season.

If you like pure football players, you will love this prospect. I have him circled near the top of Round 3.

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Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville​

There is a premium placed on turnovers in the NFL, and Riley has a knack for producing them. He has 15 interceptions over his 55 career games at Middle Tennessee and Louisville. He also added 39 pass breakups and a forced fumble over that time.

Riley is a former high school state champion in the 100- and 200-meter track events, and he ran a 4.48-second 40-yard dash at the combine. At 5-foot-11, 194 pounds, he has the physical tools to play anywhere -- outside on the perimeter or inside in the slot, and in man, zone, press or off-coverage. You name it, he can do it. The exclamation point on his evaluation is that he is tough and will set the edge against the run in Cover 2, which we know is uncommon for players at his position. Riley would be a good pick at the bottom of Round 2.

Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas​

Pound for pound, play for play, Mukuba is the toughest player in this class. He has an incredible competitive spirit. He landed one of the hardest hitsthat I have ever seen in college football, knocking Georgia QB Gunner Stockton's helmet off in the SEC Championship. He is a heat-seeking missile with 4.45 speed.

Mukuba also has excellent man cover skills, positional versatility and range. He has the instincts to make plays in the deep middle part of the field or in half-field zone looks, as seen by his five interceptions last season. All he lacks is ideal size -- he's 5-foot-11,186 pounds -- which will come into play if his tackling technique is not sound against bigger running backs and tight ends.

I'd want this guy on my team. No doubt. He could be an awesome pick at the bottom of Round 3

 

[Finsup1981]

Jordan Reid’s strength and weaknesses for top 12 qbs… I didnt include the top 3 because there’s no way Grier is dumb enough to draft a QB in round 1 with all our holes right? Right??!?!

Has the Fins as the best landing spot for Dillon Gabriel

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4. Jalen Milroe, Alabama​

Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 217 pounds
Class: Junior | Projected range: Mid-to-late Day 2

Best team fit: Cleveland Browns

Where he excels: Milroe was the quarterback I was most impressed with from the pro day circuit. While he had a 65-pass throwing session, the highlight of his workout was his 40-yard dash. Scouts that I talked to had him running as fast as 4.41 seconds, and he will be one of the NFL's most dynamic quarterbacks from a mobility perspective. He also has a powerful arm which he has displayed during the predraft circuit.

Milroe found open targets in Alabama's system and could excel in an NFL offense that uses his running skills. He showed more patience from the pocket this past season, slowing down his internal clock and not scrambling as soon as pressure hits. He is a tremendously competitive runner who developed into one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. In 13 games, he threw for 2,844 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He added 726 yards and another 20 scores on the ground, and his 78.4 Total QBR ranked eighth in the FBS.

I was in attendance for Milroe's performance against LSU, when he finished with 109 passing yards and 185 rushing yards with four touchdowns in a blowout victory. Multiple scouts that I talked to are intrigued by the former Alabama QB not only because of his unique traits, but also the potential of molding his game around them.

"He has so much potential, but it's going to take patience and true development over time to eventually see the end product," an NFC personnel director said. "There's no way he gets outside of the second round because of the traits, and someone with time on their side will love the challenge of developing him, especially in this QB class."

Where he needs work: Milroe's accuracy and feel in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field and throwing from all pre-snap platforms aren't quite developed, and he was inconsistent at the Senior Bowl and the combine. His rhythm and timing were thrown off by taking snaps under center, something he didn't often do at Alabama. He still needs a lot of refinement as a passer and the pre-snap mechanics of playing from different platforms will be an adjustment. Milroe also struggled with seeing defenders sinking into windows on shorter passes.

He also takes too long to get the ball out on throws in which he's asked to make pre-snap reads and execute. Milroe's 2.86-second time to throw ranked 92nd in the country, as Alabama's offense consisted primarily of deeper throws downfield. Another area in which he has struggled is throws against man coverage, with a 40.1 QBR that ranked 109th.


He's likely a couple of seasons away from being a full-time contributor. There have been flashes during the predraft process, but there's still a lot of inconsistency sprinkled in. The team that drafts Milroe will have to have patience and a clear plan that enables his development to play out long-term. He can likely be utilized in various packages as a periodic passer or on designed QB runs while he develops.

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5. Kyle McCord, Syracuse​

Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 218 pounds
Class: Senior | Projected range: Late Day 2 to Early Day 3

Best team fit: New York Jets

Where he excels: Many evaluators have been complimentary of McCord throughout the predraft process. "He was the best QB at the Shrine Game and it wasn't even close," an NFC North area scout said.

He carried that over to the combine with a steady throwing session. He shined with his ball placement, showing anticipation by throwing the ball to spots where his receivers could easily grab it. His physical traits aren't as gaudy as some of his counterparts, though his arm is stronger than I thought after watching him in person.

His performance on the predraft circuit is a continuation of the growth he showed at Syracuse. McCord had solid stats at Ohio State in 2023 (3,170 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions) but didn't show high-upside, pro-ready attributes. But when I visited Syracuse practices during preseason camp, it was clear he looked more comfortable in first-year coach Fran Brown's scheme. The move paid off, as McCord had an FBS-leading 4,779 passing yards, 34 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last season.

McCord displayed quick decision-making, getting rid of the ball in 2.46 seconds on average, the seventh-fastest rate in the FBS. He understands his limitations and plays in structure, immediately taking what's available early in his progressions. But he also showed the ability to push the ball down the field, as his 36 completions on passes of 20 or more air yards led the FBS. I have a Round 4 grade on McCord, but he could hear his name called as early as the end of Day 2.

Where he needs work: While he showed drastic improvement at the combine, McCord still has room for growth in ball placement. He's effective at getting the ball to the correct spots on his reads, but locations within the strike zone tend to be unpredictable. His 11% off-target rate ranked 48th in the FBS.

"It's clear that he knows where to go with it, but receivers still have to work way too hard to catch it at times," an AFC national scout said during the season.

A nightmare five-interception performance against Pittsburgh in October highlighted many of McCord's flaws. Head-scratching decision-making when facing early pressure forced him into the worst game of his career. And his 12 interceptions were tied for fifth most in the FBS.

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6. Tyler Shough, Louisville​

Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 219 pounds
Class: Senior | Projected range: Late Day 2 to Early Day 3

Best team fit: Pittsburgh Steelers

Where he excels: Shough has traveled a long road, starting at Oregon in 2018, where he spent his first two seasons as a backup behind current Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. He transferred to Texas Tech after the 2020 season, then again to Louisville before the 2024 season. Shough set career highs in passing yards (3,195) and touchdown passes (23) this past season along with six interceptions. He is a tall pocket passer and an accurate distributor.

He has clean footwork and drop timing and can execute multiple pre-snap mechanics. Shough can play from under center and out of the shotgun and isn't hesitant to test the deeper parts of the field, yet he shows a feathery downfield touch. His 21 completions on passes of 20 yards or more downfield ranked 23rd in FBS.

Shough's name is trending throughout the league, and many scouts have discussed him with me since the conclusion of the season. He has been praised for his perseverance and toughness as he battled back from multiple injuries in his career to emerge as one of the more intriguing options outside the early rounds.

Where he needs work: Even though he played seven seasons of college football, Shough hasn't mastered getting rid of the ball quickly. His 2.99 seconds to throw ranked 114th in the FBS. He must make quicker decisions and trust what he sees, especially in the intermediate areas of the field.

And speaking of experience, Shough turns 26 in September. Though he'll be one of the oldest prospects in the class, many teams I've spoken to see that experience as a positive. Don't be surprised to hear Shough's name called as early as Round 2 or 3.

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7. Quinn Ewers, Texas​

Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 214 pounds
Class: Senior | Projected range: Early-to-mid Day 3

Best team fit: San Francisco 49ers

Where he excels: Ewers threw for 2,665 yards, 31 touchdowns and 12 interceptions this past season, and his completion percentage of 65.8% ranked 26th in the nation. He played well against major opponents, with his best game of this past season coming in Week 2against Michigan, when he finished with 246 passing yards and three touchdowns. Another moment that scouts frequently bring up is his game-saving throw on fourth-and-13 in overtime of the College Football Playoff quarterfinal against Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. Multiple evaluators have applauded Ewers' tremendous poise in such a heightened moment.

Ewers sat out two games early in the season because of an abdominal strain before returning against Oklahoma in Week 7, throwing for 199 yards with a touchdown and an interception in a 34-3 win. He also had to deal with adversity beyond the injury. He was benched in the first half of Texas' Week 8 loss to Georgia for redshirt freshman Arch Manning, but returned after halftime to throw two touchdown passes.

"He's tough as nails mentally because all of the background noise is impossible to ignore," an AFC area scout said.

Ewers completed a 60-pass script at a heavily attended Texas pro day on March 25. As expected, his ball placement on underneath throws shined. But his most comfortable throws came off play-action, as Ewers excels when executing concepts that start with quick fakes out of the shotgun or play-action from under center. A scheme that incorporates those types of passes mixed with run-pass options will maximize his strengths.

Where he needs work: Texas' offense mostly shifted away from deep passes in 2024, going for more of a quick passing attack. Ewers threw a higher percentage of passes at or behind the line of scrimmage (34.2%) than all but seven of 129 qualified passers, and his 7.1 yards per attempt ranked 110th. Texas' downfield passing game was mostly nonexistent last season, depriving scouts of opportunities to see whether Ewers' downfield touch and accuracy had improved in games.

Ewers looked more comfortable at the combine with these types of passes, as he was able to connect frequently down the field. But he had some inconsistent moments during his pro day session pushing the ball down the field or moving off the original launch point.

Scouts have also flagged Ewers' tendency to panic when under duress. His 12.0 QBR when facing pressure ranked 83rd in the country, as he didn't show the awareness and suddenness to consistently escape a collapsing pocket. Durability is also another area NFL evaluators question; he sat out seven games because of injuries over the past three seasons.

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Reid's final NFL draft QB Hot Board: Strengths, weaknesses for top 12 passers

Who are the best quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL draft class? We ranked the top 12 who could get selected.

www.espn.com