2025 NFL mock draft: Chiefs, Cowboys trade into top 10, plus should we be concerned with Ashton Jeanty’s size?
Ashton Jeanty is the consensus top running back in the 2025 NFL Draft class. I’m not going to argue against it. As somebody who has followed Jeanty’s entire college career and included him on my Heisman ballot (though behind Travis Hunter), I do not need to be convinced about how good a player Jeanty is.
However, I do wonder if we’re all a little too sure.
Saquon Barkley just got paid, and we’re in a bit of a “Running backs are BACK!” narrative cycle. Is the success of the NFL’s top running backs having too much of an influence on how we view all running backs in the draft again? It’s possible, and it could be leading to there being too much stock put into the possibility of Jeanty being a high pick, but there’s another part of Jeanty’s profile I believe is being ignored a little too easily.
Jeanty didn’t compete in any drills at the NFL Scouting Combine, but he was measured. He came in at 5-feet-8 and 211 pounds. Here is a list of NFL running backs who were 5-feet-8 or shorter to amass at least 4,500 rushing yards in their career.
Barry Sanders
15,269
Third overall (1989)
Maurice Jones-Drew
8,167
60th overall (2006)
Joe Morris
5,585
45th overall (1982)
Devonta Freeman
4,720
103rd overall (2014)
That’s it. That’s the entire list. Four guys. Granted, one of them, Barry Sanders, may be the greatest running back of all-time. Then there’s Maurice Jones-Drew, who had an excellent career in his own right. But Barry Sanders was Barry Sanders. We throw the word generational around a lot, but Sanders truly met the criteria. As for MJD, he’s a much better comp for Jeanty because while he was an inch shorter, he weighed the same.
If you use a top-10 pick on Jeanty and get MJD, you’re probably happy with the pick. But would you be happy with it if you got Devonta Freeman’s career? What if you get Devin Singletary (74th overall, 2019), who is at 4,486 yards right now but has bounced around between three different teams?
I’m not here to tell you Jeanty will be a bust because I don’t believe that to be the case. All I’m trying to say is that if he isn’t, he’ll be an outlier. There’s far more risk here than we all seem to realize.
For more draft coverage, you can hear in-depth analysis twice a week on “With the First Pick” — our year-round NFL Draft podcast with analyst Ryan Wilson. You can find “With the First Pick” wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, etc. Listen to the latest episode below!
The 2024 NFL Draft will take place from April 25-27 in Detroit. More draft coverage can be found at CBSSports.com, including the weekly updated draft order and a regularly available look at the eligible prospects.
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| Running backs 5-feet-8 and shorter | Career rushing yards | Drafted |
|---|---|---|
|
Barry Sanders |
15,269 |
Third overall (1989) |
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Maurice Jones-Drew |
8,167 |
60th overall (2006) |
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Joe Morris |
5,585 |
45th overall (1982) |
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Devonta Freeman |
4,720 |
103rd overall (2014) |
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Round 1 – Pick 1
Maybe the injury concerns cause Abdul Carter to slide in the first round, but for now, I have a hard time seeing the Titans go in another direction that doesn’t involve trading out of this pick.
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Round 1 – Pick 2
The more tape I watch, the more convinced I become that Cam Ward is the only quarterback in the class I’m comfortable using a first-round pick on. Cleveland gets the reset it needs.
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Round 1 – Pick 3
My gut tells me the Giants will end up going the veteran QB route because there’s pressure to win now, so instead of reaching for a QB, they go with the guy who may be the best talent in the class. Having Travis Hunter primarily play corner, but mix him in on offense alongside Malik Nabers, would be a lot of fun.
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Round 1 – Pick 4
I’m not going to tell you arm length doesn’t matter at tackle, but I do wonder if we get too caught up in these measurements. Will Campbell’s arms handled life just fine in the SEC against a lot of guys who will be drafted behind him, and if it doesn’t work out in the long run, you’ll have to live with an All-Pro guard. Either way, the Pats need to invest in protecting Drake Maye.
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Round 1 – Pick 5
The weight issue is interesting, as Mason Graham measured in at 296 pounds in Indianapolis after being listed at 320 by Michigan. But is it interesting enough to hurt his draft stock given what he’s put on tape through his entire career? I doubt it.
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Round 1 – Pick 6
I do not believe this to be an impressive WR class overall, but Tetairoa McMillan is a very intriguing prospect given his size and athleticism. I compare him to Tee Higgins, as he has the ability to be a true No. 1, which the Raiders can certainly use.
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Round 1 – Pick 7
Nothing about what Shemar Stewart did at the combine surprised me. He’s an athletic freak. Here’s the question: Can the Jets tap into the incredible athleticism and turn him into a player whose production matches his ability?
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Mock Trade from
Carolina Panthers
Round 1 – Pick 8
The Chiefs have serious issues at tackle and cash in a lot of chips to move up and address the issue with Armand Membou. Their championship window will be open as long as they have Patrick Mahomes, but with Travis Kelce coming back, this is something of an “all-in” move for the current roster.
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Mock Trade from
New Orleans Saints
Round 1 – Pick 9
Clearly the Cowboys aren’t concerned about his size in this mock! I don’t know. The Cowboys have been way too quiet this offseason and it feels like they’re due to do something big. Trading up to get Ashton Jeanty would qualify, particularly for a sports city that could use something to be happy about.
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Round 1 – Pick 10
The Bears have already addressed both starting guard spots through trades, and I’m not convinced they feel they need to make a move at tackle, though they might. However, here I have them addressing a pass rush that was a major problem for them last season.
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Round 1 – Pick 11
Truth be told, I like Walter Nolen better than Darius Alexander, but I had Nolen here in my last mock, so I’m switching it up a bit! Alexander had a very impressive combine, and I know there are some teams who are extremely high on him.
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Mock Trade from
Dallas Cowboys
Round 1 – Pick 12
The Saints move down from the top 10, pick up additional assets and then address their pass rush with Jalon Walker. It’s a team with a lot of needs, though, so they could go any number of directions.
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Round 1 – Pick 13
I have to imagine the Dolphins would be pretty happy if this scenario plays out and Kelvin Banks Jr. falls into their laps. I have questions about his ability as a run-blocker, but a lot of what Banks did with the Longhorns meshes with what he’ll be asked to do in Miami.
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Round 1 – Pick 14
If Will Johnson had played the entire 2024 season, I’m convinced his stock would be much higher than it is. If I’m the Colts and he’s still on the board, I’m picking up the phone very quickly.
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Round 1 – Pick 15
When James Pearce Jr. ran the 40-yard dash in a hoodie because he forgot his workout shirt in his hotel room, I received a text from somebody familiar with Pearce that “neither his performance or forgetting his shirt is a surprise.” The Falcons desperately need help in their pass rush, so they take someone extremely qualified to help, and perhaps they can show Pearce how to put reminders in his phone.
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Round 1 – Pick 16
If I were basing my mocks off nothing but my personal draft board, Walter Nolen would be a top-10 pick. I might even have him go on the top five. I’m that high on him. So congratulations to Arizona for this pretend pick. You’ve hit a home run here.
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Round 1 – Pick 17
I certainly understand what it is about Derrick Harmon that teams like, but I’m a bit underwhelmed when I watch the tape. Still, everything I hear from people more connected than I am suggests NFL front offices feel a lot differently, so I’ll continue mocking him in the first until I hear otherwise.
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Round 1 – Pick 18
The intel I’ve heard in recent weeks is that teams who were high on this tackle class coming into the spring have found themselves souring on it overall. That said, it’s still an important position, and we’ll see players go in the first round. But perhaps we’ll see more variance in who is selected than mocks suggest, and Aireontae is a prospect I can see a team falling for.
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Round 1 – Pick 19
Jahdae Barron is a good corner, but the knock on him will be his size. He isn’t tall, and he doesn’t have great length. You don’t see many corners with his profile going much earlier than this in the first round lately.
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Round 1 – Pick 20
I think Tyler Warren’s draft position could vary wildly. I won’t be shocked if he goes in the top 10, but if he doesn’t, I can see him falling, too. But falling past 20? Given what I know of Sean Payton, I doubt it.
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Round 1 – Pick 21
As mentioned earlier, Cam Ward is the lone QB in this class I think is worth a first-round pick, but it’s not a knock on Shedeur Sanders. I believe he’s is the most NFL-ready prospect in the class. What I don’t know is how much room for growth is left here?
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Round 1 – Pick 22
Jim Harbaugh will have plenty of familiarity with Kenneth Grant, who is an excellent athlete and productive player at a position of need for the Chargers.
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Round 1 – Pick 23
The Packers have talent at WR, but how many truly reliable players do they have at the position? Luther Burden III would be tremendous value for Green Bay here.
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Round 1 – Pick 24
Malaki Starks did not have a great performance at the combine, and it could work to Minnesota’s benefit here. There are some positions where you want an incredible athlete, and there are others where you want smart football players who might only be very good athletes. Safety falls into the latter for me.
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Round 1 – Pick 25
I have a crush on Tyler Booker, and I won’t apologize for it. He isn’t an athletic freak, but he’s an absolute mauler who plays without fear and never takes a play off. A good player and culture guy.
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Round 1 – Pick 26
Now that we know Matthew Stafford will be back, the Rams move on to making sure he has the requisite weapons to succeed, and Colston Loveland is the type of tight end Sean McVay could have a lot of fun with.
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Round 1 – Pick 27
As a Chicago Bears fan, I had long hoped Landon Jackson would be somebody they could take early in the second round, but the combine may have crushed those hopes. He’s big, long and a tremendous athlete. He was also productive in college. He’s everything you look for in an edge prospect and should be a first-round pick.
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Round 1 – Pick 28
OK, so I’ve had Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer here in each of my first two mocks because it seems like a match made in heaven, but Mike Green has a higher ceiling and would be the better value late in the first for a Detroit team that needs a second pass-rusher.
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Round 1 – Pick 29
Trading for Deebo Samuel pushes wide receiver down the list of Washington’s needs, and while offensive line makes sense here, too, Revel is a great corner prospect who saw his 2024 season cut short due to an ACL injury. But he should be ready for the 2025 season, and Washington needs help in the secondary.
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Round 1 – Pick 30
Jihaad Campbell was my top linebacker in the class going into the combine, and that ranking was only solidified by his performance in Indianapolis. He would make a lot of sense for the Buffalo defense.
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Mock Trade from
Kansas City Chiefs
Round 1 – Pick 31
The Panthers got plenty of additional assets by trading with the Chiefs, and will use those picks to build around a young team. One way to help Bryce Young would be surrounding him with weapons, and Emeka Egbuka is the epitome of a winning football player.
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Round 1 – Pick 32
Continuously adding monsters to the lines of scrimmage seems to be Philadelphia’s motto. Donovan Ezeiruaku is a bit undersized, but it’s mitigated by his length and athleticism.
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Mike Clay’s fantasy football rookie rankings for 2025
With the NFL combine behind us and the draft quickly approaching, it’s time to look at the fantasy football outlook for the 2025 crop of incoming rookies.
The rankings will change a bit once these players find an NFL home, but I’ve done an initial ranking of these the prospects based on my observations from their college careers. This pre-draft analysis will help you get a leg up on scouting the incoming talent.
Below is a ranking of the top 80 players who attended March’s combine at the four fantasy-relevant positions (QB, RB, WR, TE).
(Note: References to where a player ranks in a statistical category relative to this year’s class is referring to a sample that includes only players invited to the combine.)
1. (RB1) Ashton Jeanty, Boise State (5-foot-8/211 pounds): Jeanty is the No. 1 fantasy prospect in this rookie class following a dominant tenure at Boise State. Incredibly, he ranked first in this class in YAC and forced missed tackle rate both last season and over his collegiate career. Jeanty’s elite playmaking ability, coupled with a three-down skillset, supply him with the upside to be the next elite NFL running back.
2. (RB2) Omarion Hampton, North Carolina (5-11/221): Hampton is a big, tough back whose career 3.85 YAC is fourth best in this class. He’s more downhill than he is agile, but he impressed in the 40, vertical and broad jump at the combine. Hampton is a capable pass-catcher and figures to land a three-down role in the pros.
3. (WR1) Travis Hunter, Colorado (6-0/188): Hunter is one of the biggest wild cards in quite some time, as it’s unclear how he’ll split his time between wide receiver and cornerback in the NFL. Determining that ratio will drive where he will end up in fantasy rankings, but if he’s mainly a WR, he has elite upside and should be one of the first three players off the board in rookie drafts. Granted, he didn’t get deep very much, but Hunter caught an absurd and class-high 94% (96 of 102) of his catchable targets last season and 93% (153 of 164) for his collegiate career.
4. (WR2) Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona (6-4/219): At 6-foot-4, 219 pounds, McMillian is one of the biggest WRs in this class. and his game has led to many Drake London comps. He handled a massive 34% target share and class-high 52% air-yard share last season. McMillian’s elite size and ball skills give him big-time fantasy upside.
5. (TE1) Tyler Warren, Penn State (6-5/256): Much like Brock Bowers one year ago, Warren is an elite tight end prospect who could quickly emerge as one of the best in the game. He handled a 32% target share last season, producing a 104-1,233-8 receiving line in 16 games. His 2.84 YPRR was second best in this TE class, and he added 26-218-4 as a rusher. He has the size, athleticism and receiving ability to post top-end receiving numbers and emerge as a fantasy star.
6. (WR3) Luther Burden III, Missouri (6-0/206): Burden is a bit undersized (his 8.5-inch hands tied for smallest in this class), but he’s one of the youngest WRs in this class (21) and was highly relied on and productive during three seasons at Missouri. He’s fast, has terrific playmaking ability and can align all over the formation.
7. (WR4) Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State (6-0/202): Whether its size, age, 40 time or collegiate usage and efficiency, Egbuka falls right in the middle of basically every category relative to the rest of this WR class. The OSU product was primarily a slot (73%), short-range (8.6 aDOT) target in college, but he was productive, catching 72% of his targets and posting a strong 2.64 YPRR. Also a rushing and return threat, Egbuka has a path to a sizable NFL role.
8. (WR5) Matthew Golden, Texas (5-11/191): Golden impressed at the combine with a 4.29 40 and 1.49 10 (both best among WRs). He’s a bit on the small side and his 1.86 YPRR across 36 collegiate games isn’t very good, but he did make a big leap in 2024 (his lone year at Texas), posting a 58-987-9 receiving line. He can work all over the formation and is a plus kick returner.
9. (RB3) TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State (5-10/202): Henderson paced this RB class with a 7.1 YPC last season and was effective as both a rusher and receiver throughout this OSU tenure. His size could limit his carry total a bit in the pros, but his elite pass-blocking skills and three-down ability will make him a terrific fit in the modern NFL. He impressed across the board athletically at the combine.
10. (TE2) Colston Loveland, Michigan (6-5/248): Loveland is a young, productive tight end with big-time statistical upside. When active last season, he handled 37% of Michigan’s targets and a class-high 40% of the air yards. He may not quite be at Tyler Warren’s level, but he’s also nearly two full years younger. Loveland is very likely a future fantasy TE1.
11. (RB4) Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State (5-11/221): Judkins is a big, tough runner who showed well at the combine, including an RB-best 132-inch broad jump and a 4.48 40 at 221 pounds. He figures to be busy near the goal line in the pros, as he was in college (16-plus TDs in all three seasons). He can catch the ball a bit, but he wasn’t overly impressive in that area at Ole Miss and OSU.
12. (WR6) Tre Harris, Mississippi (6-2/205): Harris is a tall, fast, perimeter WR whose absurd 5.20 YPRR last season was more than a yard higher than any other WR in this class. His 3.04 career mark also topped this class and came on a hefty 1,164 routes across 51 games.
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13. (WR7) Elic Ayomanor, Stanford (6-1/206): Ayomanor sports a solid size/speed combo, though he lacks some short-area burst (as shown by his class-worst 1.58 10-yard split at the combine). That didn’t slow him from a huge workload at Stanford, as he handled a 32% target share and 47% air-yard share (second highest in this class) last season. His efficiency was mostly below average, but there’s potential here.
14. (WR8) Jayden Higgins, Iowa State (6-4/214): Higgins is one of the biggest receivers in this class at 6-foot-4, 214 pounds with an 80-inch wingspan. He tested well athletically at the combine and his 2.86 career YPRR ranked third best in this WR class. He handled a big-time target share at Iowa State and was a machine at converting catches into first downs (class-best 74% rate).
15. (WR9) Isaiah Bond, Texas (5-10/180): Bond is one of the youngest WRs in this class, which is somewhat important considering his limited body of work at Alabama and Texas. Bond failed to clear 48 catches, 668 yards or five TDs in any of his three campaigns. In fact, his 11% target share last season was one of the lowest in this WR class. His efficiency wasn’t particularly inspiring (1.74 YPRR), nor was his size/speed combo at the combine (8.5-inch hands and a 4.39 40 at 180 pounds). Bond requires development, but there’s a lot of potential here.
16. (QB1) Cam Ward, Miami (6-1/219): Ward tossed a class-high 39 TDs and his 88.7 QBR trailed only Will Howard last season. He didn’t run a ton, but he was effective when he did (class-best 9.1 YPC, and a ridiculous 79% of his 38 carries went for 5-plus yards).
17. (QB2) Shedeur Sanders, Colorado (6-1/212): Sanders completed a class-best 72% of his passes and avoided INTs (1.43%) in his collegiate years (24 starts), though it’s worth noting that he was conservative (7.4 aDOT is third lowest in this class) and took a ton of sacks (8.64% was second highest). He adds a bit with his legs (career 117-687-8 line in 24 starts).
18. (RB5) Dylan Sampson, Tennessee (5-8/200): Sampson is one of the smallest and youngest RBs in this class. He was an effective collegiate rusher (5.9 YPC, 12% negative run rate), but wasn’t used much in the pass game (1.5 targets per game). He’s tough and makes plays, but his size could limit his touch ceiling.
19. (RB6) Cam Skattebo, Arizona State (5-9/219): Skattebo is one of the oldest RBs in this class (23), but that’s not enough to offset his elite efficiency during his two seasons at Arizona State. Skattebo’s 3.1 forced missed tackle rate last season was best in this class (his career rate ranked second), as was his 15% target share and 11.1 yards per target. He’s not super fast, but has good size and a three-down skillset, which supplies him with a solid fantasy outlook.
20. (RB7) Trevor Etienne, Georgia (5-8/198): Travis’ brother was effective as both a rusher and receiver (3.46 YAC, 3.8 forced missed tackle rate and class-best 91% catch rate) during his three seasons at Florida and Georgia. Size could limit his NFL workload ceiling, but Etienne has a three-down skillset and is one of the youngest backs in this class.
21. (RB8) Kaleb Johnson, Iowa (6-1/224): Johnson isn’t super fast (4.57 40) or quick (1.62 10), which limited his output at Iowa (only 34% of runs went for 5-plus yards), but he’s one of the biggest backs in this class. He’s seemingly a capable receiver, but he didn’t serve that role much in college (38 targets) and needs work as a pass blocker, so his fantasy ceiling might be a bit limited.
22. (WR10) Savion Williams, TCU (6-3/222): Williams is the heaviest WR in this class, has big hands (10.3 inches) and plays mostly on the perimeter (82% of routes), but he’s a short-range target, as shown by his 6.4 aDOT (second lowest in this WR class) and 10.2 YPR (lowest) last season. In addition to his 87 targets, Williams posted a 51-322-6 rushing line in 2024. He ran a strong 4.48 40 and has the potential to emerge as a multi-faceted (rusher, receiver, returner) asset in the pros.
23. (WR11) Jaylin Noel, Iowa State (5-10/194): Noel has a below-average frame with small hands and short arms, but that didn’t stop him from showing well at the combine, where he tied for the highest vertical (41.5) and posted the longest broad jump (131). Primarily a short-range (8.0 aDOT), slot receiver (71%), Noel also worked as a kick and punt returner at Iowa State.
24. (WR12) Jack Bech, TCU (6-1/214): Bech is a bigger receiver who was used sparingly for much of his first three collegiate seasons prior to busting out with a 62-1,034-9 showing in 2024. He can align all over the formation and figures to do most of his damage in the short to intermediate range.
25. (RB9) Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech (5-9/206): Tuten struggled with negative runs (22%) and fumbles (class-high 2.5% rate) during his 24 games at Virginia Tech, but his efficiency was elite, as he ranked third in both YAC and forced missed tackle rate. He dominated the combine, posting RB-best marks in the 40 (4.32), speed score (118) and vertical (40.5). Tuten is very fast, tough and has three-down ability.
26. (TE3) Mason Taylor, LSU (6-5/251): Taylor is one of the youngest tight ends in this class and might require some development. He posted poor marks in YPT (7.2) and YPRR (1.20) across his 38 collegiate games, but Jason’s son did catch 36-plus passes all three seasons. Taylor has receiving upside, so he’s a name to monitor.
27. (QB3) Jaxson Dart, Mississippi (6-2/223): Dart paced this rookie class in aDOT (11.1), YPA (10.8) and efficiency rating (181) last season despite dealing with a class-high 5.8% drop rate. A factor with his legs, his 9.6% scramble rate ranked second last season and he ran for 2,009 yards in 45 collegiate games.
28. (WR13) Jalen Royals, Utah State (6-0/205): Royals has an average frame, but he moves well, as shown by a solid 4.42 40, which included a class-best 1.49 10-yard split. He’s a perimeter receiver who primarily works in the short area and lived on hook routes at Utah State.
29. (WR14) Xavier Restrepo, Miami (5-9/209): Restrepo is a small, quick, tough, slot WR who stands 5-foot-9 and checked in with the smallest wingspan at the combine. He aligned inside on 87% of his routes at Miami and his efficiency was pretty good, including a 2.47 YPRR.
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30. (WR15) Tez Johnson, Oregon (5-9/154): Johnson paced this WR class with an 81% catch rate last season, though a class-low 5.9 aDOT was a big factor there. He was utilized as a short-range target throughout his collegiate career and ended up with a class-high 3,889 receiving yards in 62 games. His 2.89 YPRR during the span ranked second best in this WR class. Johnson’s 4.51 40 (74 speed score) was a big red flag, as he’s the tiniest WR in this class. He’ll look to lock down a role as a slot receiver (84% in college) and punt returner.
31. (WR16) Tory Horton, Colorado State (6-2/196): Horton busted out with 71-1,131-8 and 96-11,36-8 receiving lines in 2022 and 2023, respectively, before missing all but six games last season due to a knee injury. He has decent size, tested solid in Indy and posted good collegiate numbers in terms of raw totals (265-3,615-27 receiving) and efficiency (2.49 YPRR, 69% catch rate).
32. (WR17) Kyle Williams, Washington State (5-10/190): Williams is an undersized receiver who soaked up a ton of work in college, totaling a 248-3,608-29 receiving line. When active, he handled 25% of the targets and 31% of the air yards during his five seasons. Drops were an issue, but he used his speed to produce well after the catch (6.4 RAC).
33. (WR18) Nick Nash, San Jose State (6-2/203): Nash led this WR class in targets (176), catches (104), receiving yards (1382) and TD catches (16) last season. It’s an incredible feat when you consider he began his collegiate career as a quarterback. Having played at the collegiate level for six seasons, Nash is a bit older, but he’s obviously still developing as a receiver. He tested a little below average in all drills at the combine, including a 4.57 40.
34. (RB10) Devin Neal, Kansas (5-11/213): Neal isn’t super fast (4.58 40, 1.59 10), but has decent size and was a solid producer during four seasons at KU. That tenure included 760 carries (second most in this class), the second-best elusiveness rating and solid receiving efficiency on 102 targets.
35. (RB11) Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State (6-1/226): Gordon is one of the largest RBs in this class (6-1/226 and a class-high 80-inch wingspan). He had a rough 2024 in tough circumstances (4.63 YPC, third worst in this class), but was much better as a rusher and receiver during a productive 2023 campaign. He’s not super fast or dynamic, but he’s young and a solid producer.
36. (TE4) Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green (6-3/241): The 2024 Bowling Green offense ran through Fannin, as he handled a massive 39% of the targets and air yards. That allowed him a 117-1,555-10 receiving line on 155 targets, as well as a 3.83 YPRR. Every stat I’ve listed so far was best among TEs in this class. He showed decent speed and athleticism at the combine, so combined with his good hands, Fannin could emerge as a pass-catching threat in the pros.
37. (TE5) Elijah Arroyo, Miami (6-5/250): A seam stretcher, Arroyo’s 10.0 aDOT ranked second and his 16.9 YPR and 12.6 YPT first in this TE class last season. He also led this class in YPR, YPT, RAC and adjusted catch rate for his career. Incredibly, Arroyo is charted as having zero career drops. The important context here is that Arroyo was a rarely-used target (61 in 34 games, 47 of which came in 2024).
38. (RB12) Damien Martinez, Miami (5-11/217): Martinez is a big, power back who is effective as a rusher — his 4.48 YAC last season trailed only Ashton Jeanty, and the same goes for his 3.88 career rate — but he might not do much as a receiver in the pros.
39. (RB13) DJ Giddens, Kansas State (6-0/212): Giddens has a solid frame and showed well at the combine, with a 4.43 40, 39.5-inch vertical (second best among RBs) and 130-inch broad (second best). He was solid efficiency wise as a collegiate rusher but struggled with drops and might cap out as an early-down option.
40. (RB14) Jarquez Hunter, Auburn (5-9/204): Hunter ranked top four in this class in both YAC (4.06) and forced missed tackle rate (3.2) last season and was top six in both categories for his career. He didn’t stand out as a receiver or at the combine, however, and could be limited to a two-down (and returner) role in the pros.
41. (RB15) RJ Harvey, UCF (5-8/205): Harvey is on the small side, but he plays tough and is productive, having run for 10-plus yards on a class-best 23% of his carries last season. Size and age (24) concerns aside, he showed well at the combine, including a 4.40 40, 38-inch vertical and 127-inch broad jump.
42. (RB16) LeQuint Allen, Syracuse (6-0/204): Allen’s rushing efficiency at Syracuse is concerning (class-low 4.5 YPC), but he has the biggest hands in this RB class and his 83 targets and 64 receptions last season were tops in this RB class. He’ll look to carve out a third-down role in the pros.
43. (TE6) Gunnar Helm, Texas (6-5/241): Helm’s career 80% catch rate is best in this class (min. 25 targets), but he wasn’t used a ton (99 targets and a 6% share in 55 games) in a good Texas offense. He underwhelmed at the combine, running a 4.84 40 at 241 pounds and posting a class-low 30-inch vertical.
44. (WR19) Pat Bryant, Illinois (6-2/204): Bryant has decent size, but his lack of speed showed up at the combine (4.61 40, 1.56 10) and his collegiate efficiency was fairly pedestrian. He peaked with a 54-984-10 receiving line in 2024.
45. (WR20) Tai Felton, Maryland (6-1/183): Felton is a thin 183-pound receiver with a small wingspan, but he has solid speed (4.37 40) and athletic ability (40-inch vertical, 130-inch broad jump). He had a huge 2024 (96-1,124-9 receiving line, 31% target share), but his efficiency was average, at best, both last season and for his career. He’ll battle for a backup role.
46. (WR21) Kobe Hudson, UCF (6-0/193): Hudson was a consistent producer during his last four collegiate seasons (one at Auburn, three at UCF), falling in the 39-to-47 catch, 580-to-900 yard and 4-to-8 TD range all four years. His efficiency was solid, though he checked in a bit undersized at the combine and was below average in the vertical and broad jumps.
47. (WR22) Ricky White III, UNLV (6-1/184): White was a target machine last season, as his 41% target share was easily highest in this WR class (next closest was 34%). He ended up with a 79-1,041-11 receiving line, and his 2023 usage wasn’t much different (88-1,483-8 with a 34% target share). White posted a strong 2.68 YPRR for his career while aligning all over the formation. He didn’t help himself at the combine, running a 4.61 40 at 184 pounds (81 speed score).
48. (QB4) Jalen Milroe, Alabama (6-1/217): Milroe threw only 16 TD passes in 13 games last season, and his 3.45% INT rate was easily worst in this class. Some of the latter can be traced to an aggressive game, as his career 10.2 aDOT tops this class. His career 79.6 QBR is second best in this class. There are accuracy concerns, but he has a good arm and is a terrific athlete, having posted elite rushing numbers last season (145-906-20).
49. (RB17) Jaydon Blue, Texas (5-9/196): Blue’s workload was limited in crowded Texas RB rooms (214 carries in three years), but he was an effective rusher (his 3.83 career YAC is fifth best in this class) and he showed his receiving chops with a 42-368-6 receiving line in 2024. He’s a bit on the small size and has had fumble issues, but he ran a strong 4.38 40 at the combine.
50. (RB18) Brashard Smith, SMU (5-9/194): Smith is one of the smallest RBs in this class and, while he ran a solid 4.39 40 at the combine, he showed poorly in the vertical (32.5) and broad jumps (117). A converted WR, Smith was elusive but otherwise pedestrian as a rusher in his lone season as a collegiate RB. He may settle in as a kick returner/reserve in the pros.
51. (WR23) Dominic Lovett, Georgia (5-10/185): Lovett is an undersized, short area/slot target who averaged 11.5 YPR and 7.7 aDOT during his 53 collegiate games. He saw 276 career targets, 14.6% of which were screens (second highest in this WR class). He has the look of a depth receiver and special teamer.
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52. (WR24) Dont’e Thornton Jr., Tennessee (6-4/205): Thornton is a vertical threat who ranked at or near the top of this WR class in YPR (25.4), YPT (18.9), aDOT (16.4) and RAC (10.7) last season, albeit in a situational role (35 targets, 9% share). In fact, Thornton was used sparingly throughout his four collegiate seasons, totaling a 6.1% target share (second lowest in this WR class) and 65-1,426-10 receiving line on 96 targets. Thornton posted the best speed score (120) among WRs at the combine (4.30 40 at 6-foot-4, 205 pounds). He’s likely headed for a situational deep-threat role.
53. (TE7) Terrance Ferguson, Oregon (6-5/247): Ferguson is a pass-catching TE who posted a 134-1,537-16 receiving line across 53 games at Oregon. He ran a TE-best 4.63 40 (107 speed score) at the combine.
54. (TE8) Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame (6-5/258): Evans is a capable two-way tight end who peaked as a receiver with a 43-421-3 receiving line in 2024. It was a solid rebound after substantial missed action in 2022 (broken foot) and 2023 (torn ACL). Evans ran a solid 4.74 40 at 258 pounds at the combine.
55. (TE9) Jake Briningstool, Clemson (6-5/241): Briningstool aligned in the slot on a hefty 64% of his collegiate routes and, while his efficiency was weak (class-low 7.0 YPT), he collected raw stats (127-1,380-17 receiving line in 48 games). He’s a bit on the lighter side and has the smallest hands in this TE class.
56. (TE10) Thomas Fidone II, Nebraska (6-5/243): Fidone has the biggest hands and longest arms in this TE class. He shined at the combine with excellent showings in the broad jump (126), three cone (7.01) and short shuttle (4.29). His collegiate receiving efficiency wasn’t especially good (career 7.0 YPR and 3.9 RAC), but he has some abilities in that area. He has potential as a two-way TE in the pros.
57. (QB5) Quinn Ewers, Texas (6-2/214): Ewers has a good arm, but his 2024 and career passing efficiency was underwhelming across the board. He finished his career (36 starts) with below-average marks relative to this class despite a conservative 7.8 aDOT and having rarely seen pressure (class-low 24% rate). Ewers was not a factor with his legs (2.0 carries per start in his career).
58. (QB6) Tyler Shough, Louisville (6-4/219): Shough is the oldest QB in this class (25), having spent his seven collegiate seasons at Oregon, Texas Tech and Louisville. He completed only 63% of his passes last season and for his career, but he has a big frame, good arm and adds some value with his legs (career 196-1109-11 line).
59. (WR25) Antwane Wells Jr., Mississippi (6-0/201): Wells is a vertical target whose 16.7 aDOT topped this WR class last season, though the efficiency was lacking, as he caught 47% and dropped 11.9% of his targets — both worst in class. He measured in with small hands and was slow in the 40 (4.58) at the combine.
60. (WR26) Ja’Corey Brooks, Louisville (6-2/184): Brooks is a tall, thin perimeter receiver who, after failing to ascend during three seasons at Alabama, had a career year at Louisville in 2024 (61-1,013-9 receiving line). He’ll look to lock down a situational role and also has some return experience.
61. (WR27) Chimere Dike, Florida (6-0/196): Dike is a vertical target (12.7 aDOT) and return man whose collegiate receiving usage and efficiency was nothing spectacular, including a 1.74 YPRR and 56% catch rate. He can align all over the formation and showed well at the combine (4.34 40), but may be destined for backup WR and special teams work.
62. (WR28) Kaden Prather, Maryland (6-3/204): Prather is a perimeter receiver (87%) who posted a class-low 1.26 YPRR last season and didn’t help his cause at the combine, having managed WR-worst showings in the vertical (30) and broad jumps (114).
63. (WR29) Elijhah Badger, Florida (6-1/200): Badger was a solid, short-to-midrange target at Arizona State and Florida who ended up with a respectable 20% target share and 2.26 YPRR during his 47-game career. He was one of two WRs in this class without a single drop last season and tested about average across the board at the combine.
64. (QB7) Will Howard, Ohio State (6-4/236): The biggest QB in this class (small hands aside), Howard made a big leap last season, impressing in 16 games at Ohio State with class-best marks in QBR (89.6) and sack rate (3.1%). That was a major improvement from his underwhelming efficiency during four seasons at Kansas State. Howard didn’t scramble much but still averaged a solid 6.6 carries per start in his career, which worked out to a 284-1,466-26 rushing line.
65. (QB8) Dillon Gabriel, Oregon (5-11/205): Gabriel’s 6.5 aDOT was easily lowest in this class last season, but he made it work, completing 73% of his passes while being off target on a class-low 6.0% of his aimed throws. He was way more aggressive during multi-year stints at Oklahoma and UCF, and his overall collegiate efficiency is terrific, including QB rating (class-best 161) and QBR (78.8). He’s an old prospect and undersized, but he adds some value with his legs (career 311-1.895-33 line).
66. (RB19) Jordan James, Oregon (5-9/205): James’ collegiate efficiency was all over the map, including a below-average YAC (2.97), but also a class-low 11% negative run rate and a class-best 49% 5-plus yard run rate. He was also limited as a receiver and underwhelmed at the combine, including a 4.55 40, 1.62 10 and 117-inch broad jump (the latter two tied for worst in this RB class).
67. (TE11) Luke Lachey, Iowa (6-5/251): Lachey has good size and is capable as a receiver and blocker. He didn’t do much of the former at Iowa, however, peaking at 42 targets, 28 receptions and 398 yards. All four of his career TDs came in 2022.
68. (TE12) Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse (6-4/243): A converted receiver (the position his father played in the pros), Gadsden had two highly productive campaigns, having posted a 61-969-6 receiving line in 2022 and a 73-934-7 showing in 2024. He handled 20% of the Orange’s targets during the 36 games he was active, and his career 10.76 aDOT was second highest in this TE class. He’s more of a receiver than blocker, which means perhaps there’s some fantasy upside here.
69. (WR30) LaJohntay Wester, Colorado (5-9/163): Wester is one of the smallest WRs in this class, but he was productive. He hauled in a class-high 326 receptions and 31 TD catches while also posting a class-low 11.1 YPR during his collegiate tenure (58 games). He aligned in the slot 80% of the time and also contributed as a kick and punt returner. Wester underwhelmed with a 4.46 40-yard dash at 163 pounds (82 speed score) at the combine.
70. (QB9) Kyle McCord, Syracuse (6-3/218): McCord is a pocket quarterback (career 64-223-3 rushing line, which includes 3.5 YPC and a class-low 2.3% scramble rate), but he was an efficient passer (class-best career 79.7 QBR) during stints at Ohio State and Syracuse.
71. (QB10) Kurtis Rourke, Indiana (6-4/220): Rourke’s 85.5 QBR last season (his lone campaign at Indiana) was fourth best in this class and came while playing through a torn ACL. That was a big improvement from his pedestrian efficiency during five years at Ohio. Rourke adds a little bit with his legs (4.6 carries per start in his career).
72. (QB11) Riley Leonard, Notre Dame (6-3/216): Leonard’s passing needs work (7.1 YPA last season is second worst in this class, and he completed 64% of his career passes despite a low 7.3 aDOT), but he’s a big-time rusher (164-1,011-17 last season, including a class-high 10.6% scramble rate).
73. (RB20) Kyle Monangai, Rutgers (5-8/211): Monangai is 5-foot-8 with the shortest arms in this RB class and didn’t show too well at the combine, running a 4.60 40 and tying for the shortest broad jump (117). His collegiate stats are underwhelming for the most part, though some of that seems to be team-related, as his 1.52 yards before contact across 47 games is lowest in this class, whereas he was solid in YAC (3.30) and forced missed tackle rate (4.2).
74. (RB21) Woody Marks, USC (5-10/207): Marks was a pass-catching machine during his collegiate career, posting a 261-1,546-5 receiving line on 317 targets, more than doubling the next-closest back in routes, targets and catches. On the other hand, he ranked near the bottom of this RB class in YAC and forced missed tackle rate last season and over his career, including a career 2.41 YAC, which is easily worst in this class. Marks underwhelmed across the board at the combine, including a 4.54 40.
75. (WR31) Isaac TeSlaa, Arkansas (6-3/214): TeSlaa is the only WR in this class who had zero recorded drops during his D1 tenure, though his 1.48 YPRR while at Arkansas is lowest among all WRs in this class. He showed well at the combine, though, including a 4.43 40 at 214 pounds.
76. (TE13) Jackson Hawes, Georgia Tech (6-4/253): Hawes did a lot of blocking and only produced 16-195-0 receiving in 12 games (5% target share) last season, his lone campaign at Georgia Tech. He’s unlikely to emerge as a consistent pass catcher in the pros.
77. (QB12) Brady Cook, Missouri (6-2/214): Cook has a good arm, but accuracy is a big concern. He finished worst in this QB class in completion rate (63%), catchable ball rate (74%) and off-target rate (15.3%) last season. On the plus side, he did well to avoid INTs in his career (class-low 1.32%) and is a big factor as a rusher (career 283-1,696-20 line).
78. (QB13) Max Brosmer, Minnesota (6-1/217): After five years at New Hampshire, Brosmer transferred to Minnesota last season. His 7.0 YPA ranked dead last in this class and he offered the bare minimum with his legs (45-138-5 rushing line).
79. (QB14) Graham Mertz, Florida (6-3/212): Mertz’s career efficiency is unimpressive, including a class-worst 60.6 QBR. He’s not a factor with his legs, having posted a 121-522-13 line in 50 games. He’s one of the oldest QBs in the class and is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in October of 2024.
80. (QB15) Seth Henigan, Memphis (6-3/215): Henigan’s 60.4 QBR was worst in this class last season, but he put up big counting stats in 50 games at Memphis, totaling 104 pass TDs and a 304-1,444-10 rushing line.
An upbeat Shedeur Sanders talks with Laura Rutledge at the NFL combine and says his “work ethic” is why he should be drafted at No. 1. (1:41)
With the NFL combine wrapping up over the weekend and pro days on campuses up next, we are still pretty early in the draft process. However, it’s a good time to start focusing on prospects who could play productive roles next season in your fantasy lineups.
Yes, we won’t know the team fits until the draft in late April. That matters. And some of the top prospects didn’t run or work out at the combine. I get that, too. But I’ve watched the tape and have a good feel for the traits and skills needed to make plays in the league.
Let’s look at 15 prospects at the offensive skill positions to put on your fantasy radar, starting with a deep class of running backs.
Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Jeanty will run and work out at his pro day, so we don’t have any times on the Boise State product yet. But on tape he’s a home run hitter with the vision and contact balance to produce in any NFL scheme. Jeanty’s compact frame (5-foot-9, 211 pounds), power and quickness helped him to a nation-best 126 forced missed tackles in 2024. He can also be deployed on screens and receiving targets out of the backfield. He should be viewed as a potential RB1 as a rookie.
Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
I’m in on Hampton after his workout, because it meshes with what he showed on the college tape. At 6 feet, 221 pounds, Hampton ran a 4.46 40-yard dash and had a 38-inch vertical and 10-foot, 10-inch broad jump. Those are explosive numbers, and we see that in his game. Get Hampton on a downhill track, he’s decisive and physical there. He can also use his lateral quickness to shake defenders, and he made a bunch of big plays in the pass game as a screen/underneath target. Hampton has the makeup of an RB2 who commands rushing volume on early downs.
TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
A slasher in the run game with the ability to run the full backfield route tree and flex wide as a receiver, Henderson has the skills to develop into a three-down player. Henderson dropped a 4.43 40-yard dash time at 5-foot-10, 202 pounds. He can scoot. Plus, I see the rapid acceleration on the tape when he attacks daylight. But I still go back to the pass-catching ability, as that will get him on the field early as a change-of-pace runner who can also produce on third downs. Keep him on your radar as a potential PPR flex.
Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
The urgency really pops when Judkins runs the ball. There’s juice here. It’s the pad level, the physical demeanor … he’s a hammer at the point of attack. At 6 feet, 221 pounds, with explosive jumps (38.5-inch vertical, 11-foot broad jump), Judkins has the profile of a lead back in a run-heavy NFL offense. And he will step up in pass protection, which leads to more receiving reps. He’s one of my favorites to watch on tape, and there’s an old-school feel to his game. Don’t be surprised if Judkins locks down a role early as a rookie and produces RB2 numbers.
Dylan Sampson, Tennessee
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A dynamic mover with a disciplined approach to the run game, Sampson can create for himself or ride the running track in both gap and zone schemes. Sampson has a smaller frame at 5-foot-8, 200 pounds, but the ability to bounce off SEC tacklers is all over the tape. He can get loose in tight quarters, too, and that spin move is pretty nasty. Plus, he can find the end zone on goal-line carries. With more usage in a pro passing game, Sampson has an RB2/flex ceiling this season.
Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
Johnson (6-foot-1, 224 pounds) ran a 4.57 40-yard dash, and that’s what I see on the tape. Johnson is a linear glider, with build-up speed on the perimeter and in the open field. He’s got big-play ability and receiving upside, too. I think Johnson would be a really good fit in an outside zone scheme as a pro. Press or bend the ball. Get north/south. If Johnson lands with a team that gives him first- and second-down volume, he could quickly emerge as a lower-tier RB2/flex.
Cam Ward pitches why teams should be looking to select him as the first quarterback in the upcoming NFL draft.
Cam Ward, Miami
Ward didn’t throw or test in Indianapolis, but the tape and pro traits tell the story here. At 6-foot-2, 219 pounds, Ward sees things fast from the pocket, and he’s a high-RPM thrower to all levels of the field. He can drive the ball. With his quick release, Ward can operate in the three-step passing game and produce on RPOs, too. Plus, Ward has the movement skills to create outside of structure as a thrower while also using his legs (when necessary) on scrambles. Those rushing yards are free money for fantasy managers. Ward fits in multiple schemes, and he has the potential to be a Week 1 starter, which puts him on my radar as an upside QB2.
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Like Ward, Sanders didn’t work out at the combine. After watching his tape, however, I see him as a timing-and-rhythm thrower in the league, a quarterback who can diagnose coverages and play with poise in the pocket. Plus, Sanders throws with accuracy and location (74% completion rate in 2024). Those are critical traits to playing the position as a pro. Yes, Sanders isn’t an elite mover, but he has enough mobility to get to the edges on boot, and he can reset his throwing window when the walls begin to close. The team fit will matter here for Sanders, and he could be in the mix early in the season as a starter in 2QB/superflex formats.
Stephen A. Smith and the “First Take” crew debate whether NFL teams should want Travis Hunter to play both wide receiver and cornerback.
Travis Hunter, Colorado
I know Hunter projects as an upper-tier corner, but for the purposes of this column let’s focus on the two-way star from Colorado as an offensive playmaker. Hunter didn’t run at the combine, but do we really need a 40 time here? Nope. Let the tape talk on Hunter, who has elite ball skills and the ability to go high above the rim to finish plays. Yes, the route traits can develop, and that will be coached in the league. But his burst, speed and ability to slip past defenders give Hunter an edge at every level of the route tree. If he plays on offense, Hunter will have a chance to create big plays and jump into the WR2 mix.
Luther Burden III, Missouri
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I see Burden (6-foot, 206 pounds) as an electric talent who can be deployed both horizontally and vertically in a pro offense. With his high-end catch-and-run traits, Burden can get loose on screens, fly sweeps and crossers, hit the gas and go in the open field. Plus, Burden ran a 4.42 at the combine. Schemed deep-ball throws and slot fades work here. In the right system, Burden could flash early as a WR3.
Matthew Golden, Texas
An easy mover with big-time speed (4.29 40-yard dash time), Golden is going to climb draft boards. He can press down the field to attack on third-level throws, plus he has the sudden footwork to separate at the break point. Golden is a three-level target who can play on the perimeter or work inside. At 5-foot-11, 191 pounds, Golden should project as a WR3 based on his team fit.
Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
McMillan didn’t run, which leaves some questions about his speed. But at 6-foot-4, 219 pounds with the ball skills and catch radius to make plays in traffic or down the field, he has the profile of a boundary X receiver who could also create interior matchups from the slot. McMillan could enter the WR3 discussion during his rookie season, especially if he is targeted in the red zone with that frame.
Tyler Warren, Penn State
Warren’s game reminds me of George Kittle’s because of his overall on-the-field demeanor and physical traits. Warren can play inline to work the middle of the field or flex to outside alignments. At 6-foot-5, 256 pounds, Warren has the foot speed to uncover versus linebackers and safeties, and his awareness shows on the tape when he finds open grass versus zone. An ultra-competitive prospect, Warren has TE1 upside as a volume target.
Colston Loveland, Michigan
Loveland (6-foot-6, 248 pounds) has the seam-stretching ability to attack today’s split-safety pro defenses and the body control to adjust to the ball. He’s a route runner who can work multiple levels and also tack on numbers after the catch in NFL boot concepts. I expect Loveland to produce quickly, which makes him an upper-tier TE2 target.
Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green
I’m intrigued by Fannin, but the team fit has to be there. At 6-foot-3, 241 pounds, he doesn’t have the lower-body flexibility of a Jonnu Smith, but can he be utilized the same way in a pro offense? Think of Fannin as a versatile H-back who can see targets on screens and unders due to his physical style after the catch, in addition to the second- and third-level throws. Fannin is a prospect who could develop into a streaming option in his first season.
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2025 NFL free agency best fits: Landing spots for top free agents on offense
The NFL free agency frenzy is about to begin.
Teams can begin negotiating with free agents during the legal tampering period, which starts on March 10 at 12 p.m. ET. Free agents can officially sign with clubs when the new league year kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on March 12.
Davante Adams, Chris Godwin and Sam Darnold are three of the most high-profile free agents available on the offensive side of the football. Where will Adams, Godwin, Darnold and other standout free agents land?
USA TODAY Sports examines the best landing spots for 10 of the top free agents on offense:
Best: fit: San Francisco 49ers
Adams immediately vaulted to the No. 1 offensive free agent when the Jets released him.
The 32-year-old wideout has six straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons. He might not be the receiver he once was, but he’s not too far removed from being considered the best wideout in the league.
There are rumors that Adams prefers to play on the West Coast. He is originally from the Bay Area. The Chargers are a team that could use a No. 1 wideout like Adams if they lose out on the DK Metcalf sweepstakes. But the 49ers just shipped Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders.
Adams isn’t the yards-after-catch machine Samuel is, but he’s a superior route runner. The route-running ability of Adams combined with Brandon Aiyuk’s skills would be scary in Kyle Shanahan’s West Coast offense.
Best fit: Pittsburgh Steelers
Godwin suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 7 but was one of the NFL’s leading receivers before then. The wideout was on pace for 121 catches, 1,399 yards and 12 touchdowns over a 17-game season.
Godwin is a good possession receiver who can keep the chains moving. The veteran pass catcher knows how to play alongside another standout wide receiver. He spent his entire career in Tampa Bay with Mike Evans.
The Steelers need a wide receiver to pair alongside George Pickens. Furthermore, Godwin would be a good mentor for the mercurial wideout. Pickens was Pittsburgh’s only wide receiver with over 40 catches last season.
Best fit: Houston Texans
Diggs compiled 47 catches, 496 receiving yards and three touchdowns but a knee injury cut his first campaign in Houston to just eight games.
Tank Dell’s gruesome knee injury creates a hole in the Texans’ wide receiver room despite the team trading for wideout Christian Kirk to help fill the void.
Diggs proved last year that he’s comfortable as a No. 2 wide receiver behind Nico Collins. There are enough opportunities for Collins, Diggs and Kirk to succeed, especially with C.J. Stroud throwing the football. The trio is necessary for Houston to remain in contention.
Best fit: Arizona Cardinals
Cooper didn’t quite live up to expectations after the Bills traded for him in October. He tallied 20 receptions, 297 receiving yards and two touchdowns in eight regular-season games in Buffalo.
The 30-year-old receiver is still a good route runner, but he’s not a No. 1 option at this point of his career. Cooper’s veteran leadership and presence on the field would be advantageous for a player like Marvin Harrison Jr. and the Cardinals’ pass offense. Arizona needs more weapons around Kyler Murray.
Best fit: New York Giants
Is Darnold the quarterback who helped lead the Vikings to a 14-2 record through 17 weeks or the QB who withered down the stretch?
It’s likely somewhere in the middle.
Darnold enjoyed career-highs in every significant statistical quarterback category in 2024, including yards (4,319), touchdowns (35) and passer rating (102.5). However, he regressed in Week 18 and during Minnesota’s wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams. He had a 55.5 passer rating in the regular-season finale and followed that performance up with an interception, a fumble and indecisive play in the postseason.
In totality, Darnold’s 2024 season was much improved from what we’ve previously seen from the journeyman. Darnold has options. The Vikings could re-sign him, Seattle is rumored to be interested or maybe even the Giants.
I believe Darnold should return to New York, but this time in a blue uniform.
Best fit: Seattle Seahawks
Rodgers, 41, is set to be a free agent. He doesn’t perform at the four-time MVP level he once did, but he’s still a starting-caliber QB. He started to play better during the latter portion of last season. He had a passer rating of at least 90 in four of his final five starts in New York.
Seahawks general manager John Schneider was the Packers’ personnel analyst to the general manager (2002-2007) and was promoted to director of football operations (2008-2009) while Rodgers was in Green Bay.
The Seahawks don’t have a starting-caliber quarterback on their roster after trading away Geno Smith. Rodgers would be a solid bridge while Seattle searches for its quarterback of the future. The Seahawks have a pair of rising stars in wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Kenneth Walker III in the backfield. However, the Seahawks’ O-line needs to improve, and Metcalf wants out.
Best fit: Minnesota Vikings
Jones amassed a career-high 1,138 rushing yards in his first season in Minnesota. He also caught 51 balls for 408 yards. He totaled seven touchdowns from scrimmage. Despite being on the other side of 30, Jones remains a starting-caliber running back. He was a valuable piece for the Vikings during their 14-3 regular season.
Whether the Vikings hand the quarterback keys to J.J. McCarthy or decide to bring back Sam Darnold for another go-round, the team should retain Jones. Jones is the type of running back who can expedite McCarthy’s learning curve, and he’s already shown that he fits in with Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
Best fit: Kansas City Chiefs
There were games in which Hopkins played like Kansas City’s best wide receiver, such as a Week 9 performance where he tallied eight catches and two touchdowns. However, Hopkins wasn’t productive during Kansas City’s run to Super Bowl 59. He had just three catches, 29 receiving yards and one touchdown in three playoff games.
Chiefs wide receivers praised Hopkins for the leadership he brought to the receiver room.
Rashee Rice (knee) is expected to return to the field in 2025 and Xavier Worthy showed plenty of promise during his rookie season. Hopkins can serve as the underneath threat in Kansas City. He wants to play for a contender at this stage of his career.
Best fit: Los Angeles Rams
At the start of next season, Allen will be 33 years old and saw his numbers decline during his first year in Chicago. Is that a sign of things to come, or was it a byproduct of Caleb Williams’ up-and-down rookie season with the Bears? It’s probably both, but Allen remains a savvy route runner.
The veteran wideout operates best out of the slot. Allen’s expertise in the middle makes him a perfect fit for the Rams who are planning to part ways with slot man Cooper Kupp. Allen is a cheaper option than Kupp and can run similar route concepts.
Best fit: Pittsburgh Steelers
Wilson helped the Steelers get into the playoffs, but the team’s passing offense never really got going. He averaged 225 passing yards per game for a Steelers club with the 23rd-ranked offense in the league. He still throws a pretty deep ball but has a propensity to turn down intermediate passes. The 36-year-old QB can still be a capable starter in the right situation.
The veteran quarterback will have more continuity in Arthur Smith’s scheme if he returns to Pittsburgh.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
