Day 2 of the 2025 NFL draft kept the drama running in high gear.

While the stakes are inherently lower with the overwhelming bulk of top players already accounted for, Friday’s action in Green Bay, Wisconsin, proved plenty compelling on its own. The shocking slide of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders pushed to a point almost no one could have seen coming, with three more quarterbacks being taken ahead of him. Meanwhile, several teams scrambled to address needs that were overlooked on Thursday, and others turned their attention to supporting key veterans and their existing infrastructure.

Here are the biggest winners and losers of Day 2 of the NFL draft:

NFL draft winners of Day 2

Tyler Shough

Being a college football nomad is no longer disqualifying for quarterbacks, especially with Cam Ward leveraging his journey from Incarnate Word to Miami (Fla.) into the No. 1 draft slot. But Shough’s journey that traversed three schools was more winding than that of Ward, who continued to raise his game at each stop. It seems unfathomable, then, that a passer who will turn 26 as a rookie and endured three significant injuries in his previous stops at Oregon and Texas Tech could leapfrog the likes of Sanders to become the No. 40 overall pick by the New Orleans Saints.

Best of all for Shough: With Derek Carr’s health outlook uncertain, there’s a good chance that Shough gets an extensive runway this season to show whether he’s up for the task of holding down the starting spot. Staying cool under pressure could be an issue for the 6-5, 219-pounder signal-caller, who also will have to not draw Kellen Moore’s ire by putting the ball up for grabs too often. But he’ll get a shot to show his stuff while working for a coach in Kellen Moore who can take the long view with his development.

Caleb Williams

No one could question the Chicago Bears’ commitment to lifting up last year’s No. 1 pick after a series of offseason moves that centered on that desire. But hiring widely celebrated playcaller Ben Johnson as head coach and revamping the interior of the offensive line didn’t constitute the full extent of the organization’s plan to help its quarterback. After taking tight end Colston Loveland in the first round Thursday as a seam-stretcher, general manager Ryan Poles circled back for more help in the receiving corps with second-rounder Luther Burden III. A firecracker in the Deebo Samuel Sr. mold, the Missouri product can own the short area with schemed touches and run-after-catch opportunities as others work deep. And the front got even more help with third-round offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo, who can offer a fallback plan if left tackle Braxton Jones has any trouble in his return from a fractured ankle.

Drake Maye

Williams wasn’t the only second-year signal-caller whose team made a theme of building out around him. While the New England Patriots’ first-round selection of left tackle Will Campbell didn’t generate much buzz, the additions of second-round running back TreVeyon Henderson and third-round wide receiver Kyle Williams immediately ratcheted up the big-play potential of what had been one of the league’s most stagnant attacks. And don’t underestimate how important third-round center Jared Wilson could be if his rapid growth allows him to take over for Garrett Bradbury sooner rather than later.

C.J. Stroud

Noticing a trend here? The Houston Texans also reached a breaking point this offseason with the subpar support for their star behind center, firing offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and blowing up the offensive line. After dealing out of the first round Thursday, the Texans turned their focus to boosting their receiving corps. Former Iowa State teammates Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel bring wildly disparate styles and skill sets to their surroundings, with the former figuring to threaten defenses with his supersized frame as the latter creates separation with quick-twitch moves. There’s an element of duplication here with Higgins drawing comparisons to Nico Collins and Noel being likened to Christian Kirk, but Houston clearly knows what it likes in its receivers – and Stroud should have a strong affinity for them, too.

Jerry Jones

Time to give one of the draft’s more maligned decision-makers his due. Jones drew heavy scrutiny for utilizing the No. 12 overall pick on offensive guard Tyler Booker despite the Dallas Cowboys’ foreboding outlook at receiver. But on Friday, he scooped up two of arguably the best prospects available after Day 1 in edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku and cornerback Shavon Revel Jr.

As one of the draft’s most polished and crafty pass rushers, Ezeiruaku should be able to wield his extensive arsenal of moves into an early impact opposite Micah Parsons. Revel, meanwhile, has the length and playmaking prowess of a first-rounder, but a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in September likely weighed down his stock. With those two in tow, Jones found a happy medium between embracing coach Brian Schottenheimer’s desire to build outside in and maintaining a true best player available mentality.

Instant-impact running backs

Thursday was a good day for ball carriers, with Ashton Jeanty (No. 6 to the Las Vegas Raiders) and Omarion Hampton (No. 22 to the Los Angeles Chargers) powering the way at the position. Friday, however, might have been even better. While only four more players came off the board, three were selected in the second round – and all of them could make a quick mark with their new teams.

Quinshon Judkins figures to take on a heavy workload for a Cleveland Browns backfield that offers few other weapons, while the aforementioned Henderson will be counted on to ignite big gains as both a runner and receiver. The more intriguing selections, however, were the final two. The Broncos surprised many by taking the quick-cutting RJ Harvey, who joins an offense readymade for a dynamic all-purpose threat. And while many were counting on the Pittsburgh Steelers to take a quarterback in the third round, the team addressed their backfield in a different route with the ever-patient Kaleb Johnson. Whether you’re looking for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year darkhorses or merely doing early prep work for your fantasy draft, make sure not to forget these names.

Jalen Milroe

Lasting until the third round might be somewhat of a letdown for Milroe, especially amid speculation a team could mount a push for him in the late first or early second. But with only so many teams shaping up as buyers at quarterback entering this draft, the uber-athletic Alabama signal-caller was fortunate to find a place with a franchise that looks eager to harness his singular abilities. Coach Mike Macdonald knows the value of a game-changing runner after working alongside Lamar Jackson during his stint as defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens, and Milroe is comfortable breaking away from defenders or running them over en route the end zone. The polish and precision in his passing aren’t there yet for him to take starter reps anytime soon, but Macdonald indicated after the selection that Seattle would find a way to work him into action to leverage his distinct explosiveness.

NFL draft losers of Day 2

Shedeur Sanders

Sanders’ tumble out of the first round was met with plenty of explanations of why the touted signal-caller might have been mischaracterized during the pre-draft process as a likely first-rounder. By the end of Friday night, widespread bewilderment was the only appropriate response to an outcome that felt unfathomable just days ago. This range puts Sanders even out of the trial mode or developmental territory, where Shough and Milroe comfortably landed. The most critical element for his development remains landing with a staff that will buy into his skill set and provide him a legitimate path forward. But given the gulf between the public’s expectations and the eventual reality, this has gone from a commonplace draft redemption arc to an all-time stunner.

Cleveland Browns

For a franchise that is giving off every signal that it is focused on launching its rebuild in earnest in 2026, the Browns took some odd steps in their search for building blocks. While Carson Schwesinger exhibits an impressive knack for finding the ball, using the first pick of the second round on an off-ball linebacker constitutes a questionable use of resources. So, too, does taking a running back in the top 40 given the moribund state of the aerial attack. But the ultimate puzzler was the third-round choice of quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Putting aside the Sanders question, it’s difficult to suss out what more Cleveland thinks it can squeeze out of a 5-11 signal-caller who might be tapped out developmentally after making 63 starts in college. If the Browns are set on taking a quarterback next season, just continue to take more shots at other major areas of concern.

San Francisco 49ers

Putting powerful second-round defensive tackle Alfred Collins in between Nick Bosa and first-round edge rusher Mykel Williams was a nice stroke by John Lynch to push a dilapidated defensive front closer to its former glory. But in the third round, San Francisco then opted for two undersized and frequently out of control defenders in linebacker Nick Martin and nickel corner Upton Stout. Each one faces some limitations stemming from their frames, and neither immediately sizes up as a surefire staple for a team that has a lot of work to do as it reloads.

Dak Prescott

As stated earlier, it’s hard to fault Dallas’ thought process here, as Jones extracted excellent value by netting arguably the best player available at premium positions. But the shortage of skill-position talent is glaring. Dallas is still within reach of a running back who can either shoulder a heavy load – think Damien Martinez of Miami (Fla.) or Devin Neal of Kansas – or ignite big plays – perhaps Virginia Tech’s Bhayshul Tuten or Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson. But beyond Stanford’s Elic Ayomanor and Colorado State’s Tory Horton, there aren’t a ton of promising options at receiver who can ease the burden on CeeDee Lamb.

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov is playing in Game 3 on Saturday, less than 48 hours after he was forced out of Thursday’s game by a hard hit.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel hit Barkov midway through the third period in Game 2, sending him off the ice for the rest of the game. Hagel was suspended for one game by the NHL Player Safety department on Friday for interference.

Barkov, who had three assists in the first two playoff games, is one of the Panthers’ top scorers. He has won the Selke Trophy twice as the NHL’s top defensive forward.

The Panthers, who also got defenseman Aaron Ekblad back from a 20-game PED suspension, entered Saturday with a 2-0 lead in their first-round series against their division rival.

Here’s the latest on Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov:

Aleksander Barkov injury update

Barkov had recovered enough from Thursday’s hard hit to play in Game 3. He was skating on his usual line with Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart.

Aleksander Barkov stats

Barkov had 71 points in 67 games to finish second on the Panthers in scoring in the regular season. He has three points (all assists) in the playoffs heading into Saturday’s game.

Hagel hit on Barkov

The veteran superstar scored his 35th point in Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves on a 3-pointer midway through the fourth quarter, producing the highest scoring performance by a 40-year-old player in an NBA playoff game. He finished with 38.

James scored 22 points in the first half. It was his 100th career 20-point half in the postseason. The Timberwolves beat the Lakers 116-104.

Lakers great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar previously held the record, after scoring 32 points in Game 6 of the 1987 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. Former Laker Karl Malone scored 30 points against the Houston Rockets on April 25, 2004.

Who are the oldest players to play in the NBA playoffs?

LeBron James is not the oldest player to play in the NBA’s postseason. Here are other players who have played beyond the age of 40.

43 years, 254 days — Robert Parish (May 11, 1997, Chicago at Atlanta) 
42 years, 363 days — Udonis Haslem (June 7, 2023, Miami vs. Denver) 
42 years, 300 days — Dikembe Mutombo (April 21, 2009, Houston at Portland)
42 years, 58 days — Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (June 13, 1989, Los Angeles vs. Detroit)

LeBron James stats Friday vs. Timberwolves

Points: 38
FG: 13-for-21
3PTs: 5-for-9
FTs: 7-for-10
Rebounds: 10
Assists: 4
Steals: 2
Blocks: 2
Turnovers: 1
Fouls: 0
Minutes played: 41

Lakers’ next game

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers will play against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of the Western Conference first-round series on Sunday (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC)

The scale stared back.

Watson, a defensive lineman out of Florida who on Saturday could become the heaviest player ever to be picked in the NFL draft, saw the digital numbers flash before settling: 437.2 pounds.

EJ Gonzalez, Watson’s agent, documented the weigh-in with two “live’’ photos. He said he sent them to 25 NFL teams and planned to do so for the remaining seven teams.

‘New meal plan, sleep advice, trying to get him to change his habits,’ Gonzalez said of Watson, who’s from Plant City, Florida.

The current unofficial record for a heavyweight draft pick is 400 pounds. But Watson, 22, has lost about 26 pounds since Florida’s pro day on March 27, when he reportedly impressed NFL personnel with a performance that included: bench pressing 225 pounds an astounding 36 times; running the 40-yard dash in 5.86 seconds, about the same time clocked by eventual Pro Bowler Orlando Brown at the 2018 NFL combine; and displaying exceptional athleticism.

Then, he was carrying 464 pounds on his 6-foot-5 frame, before embarking on his current effort to lose weight.

“There (are) times where I do basically starving and stuff like that,’ Watson told USA TODAY Sports. “And I would drop weight, of course, but I didn’t feel confident that way. I didn’t feel strong, I didn’t feel fast. I feel like right now is the best I felt with the process of losing weight.’

He’s got more to go.

Gonzalez said all NFL teams want Watson to weigh under 410 pounds and some want him considerably lighter.

In 51 games, he had 63 tackles, including four tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. He also forced a fumble, recovered it and returned it eight yards before fumbling it back. And in crowd-pleasing moment, he carried the ball once, gaining a yard and conjuring up images of William (The Refrigerator) Perry.

With feedback from NFL teams, Watson said, he knows he must take weight loss seriously. Recently, he started working with Danny Martoe, a former NFL agent who now works as a “deep health” performance coach.

“I had to give up basically sugar, all sugars, starches and everything like that,’ Watson told USA TODAY Sports. “Now I eat a lot of peas, a lot of beans are basically my big intake. I eat a lot of chili or spinach and soups and things like that.’

Watson also sends photos of his meals to a WhatsApp group chat that includes his mother, girlfriend and agent.

‘I feel like it’s taking my accountability up to a whole ‘nother level,’ he said.

Lifestyle changes will be key

After working with Watson for about a month, the deep health performance coach made a startling proclamation. ‘There’s no reason that he is not capable of shedding 100 pounds,’ Martoe told USA TODAY Sports. ‘I want to be careful, but before the year is out.’

Asked if he thinks it’s possible to lose 100 pounds, Watson said, ‘I do. Obviously I have it to lose, but it’s possible.’’

Martoe said the weight loss wouldn’t involve GLP-1 medications like Ozempic.

‘Here’s the thing with GLP, whether you do it or not, you still have to make therapeutic lifestyle changes,’ he said.

A premium is put on low-glycemic foods, which help regulate the rise in blood sugar, according to Martoe.

‘I don’t have him weigh in every day,’ Martoe said. ‘While the weight is definitely a focus, it’s more of the lifestyle. Because when you become over-obsessed with a specific goal or an outcome such as a weight, then once you get it, it’s like. … I’ve got here and now I can go back.’

Some of Martoe’s tips: Put utensils down between bites; slow down; stop when you’re 80% full.

“I’m doing pretty good now,’’ Watson said, adding he’s focused on improving his health for more than football. ‘When I’m older, I don’t want to be bedridden the whole time. I feel like that’s a miserable life. I think before it gets to that or even close to it, I take care of myself right now.’

In 2017, tragedy struck his family when Watson’s younger brother Dyson, then 5, had a stroke, said Watson’s mother, Deonzia Woullard.

‘Instead of running up and down the field scoring touchdowns, tackling, he’s left now in a wheelchair,’ Woullard said. ‘He eats through a G-tube, he’s nonverbal.’

Watson, then a freshman in high school, felt the impact, Woullard said. ‘Mentally, it just was a big strain,’ she said. ‘Things just changed, and I don’t think he coped with it well, either.”

‘I’m so impressed with him and how he’s just taken over himself,’ she added. ‘And it’s still work to be done, but he’s doing a great job. And I can’t wait to see where his ending result is going to be.’

INGLEWOOD, Calif. − The Los Angeles Clippers’ elite defensive play was on display while the team secured its first playoff win at the Intuit Dome on Thursday night.

As a result, the Clippers have taken the Western Conference first-round series lead 2-1 against the Denver Nuggets.

The Clippers finished the regular season with the third-highest defensive rating (109.4), trailing the Oklahoma City Thunder (106.6) and the Orlando Magic (109.1). After three games in the playoffs, the Clippers are third (104.6) behind the Thunder (92.2) and the Houston Rockets (102.2).

The Clippers finished 16th (114.6) at the end of the 2023-24 regular season but the dramatic shift has been credited in part to the addition of assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy during the offseason.

The Clippers’ defense also ranked first in rebounding percentage (73.4) during the regular season, which was a drastic improvement from the 70.5 that had L.A. ranked 24th overall at the conclusion of the 2023-24 regular season.

Head coach Tyronn Lue and the Clippers have spoken highly about the addition of Van Gundy throughout the season.

Lue mentioned that Van Gundy deserves “all the credit” for the defensive performance during the postgame news conference on Thursday that followed the 117-83 victory over the Nuggets.

Van Gundy previously served as a head coach for the New York Knicks (1995-2002) and the Houston Rockets (2003-07) before joining ESPN as an NBA broadcast analyst. He spent 16 years with the sports network, including time as a member of ESPN’s top NBA broadcasting crew along with Mike Breen and Mark Jackson.

“I just have to give credit to my coaching staff, starting with JVG being focused on that end and coming in with a passion and an aggressive mindset for us all,” said Kawhi Leonard, a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year award winner. “It trickles down to us from there. There are guys on the floor who want to guard (the opposing team’s best players) and they aren’t just pointing at me and telling me to take them.”

Leonard draws motivation from watching teammates such as guard Kris Dunn, forward Derrick Jones Jr. and center Ivica Zubac.

“These guys will look the opponent in the eye and say ‘I want them,’ ” Leonard said. “They motivate me defensively … with how they want to play. They just motivate me to want to play. I think that’s where it comes from, you just see other guys digging in deep and wanting to guard and it just trickles down to everybody on the floor.”

Zubac has raised the level of his game this season and has become a focal point of opposing teams’ game plans.

The Clippers made a push for Zubac as a Defensive Player of the Year nominee in the final weeks of the season before Cleveland Cavaliers forward-center Evan Mobley was named the recipient Thursday. Zubac finished sixth in the voting.

Zubac is a finalist for the Most Improved Player of the Year award alongside Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham and Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels. Daniels finished second in the DPOY voting.

The Clippers’ big man saw an increase from 11.7 points per game in 68 games played during the 2023-24 season to 16.8 per game in 80 games played this season. He also had an increase in total rebounds from 9.2 to 12.6.

Zubac is typically tasked with guarding Nikola Jokic – the Nuggets’ best player and a finalist for MVP – a challenge from Van Gundy and the Clippers that Zubac has accepted.

“(Jokic’s) basketball IQ is great,” Zubac said. “He can play in the post, he can shoot it, he can play the pick and roll. He can face up. He can do a bunch of stuff. It’s a pick-your-poison with him. You just have to be physical and play hard.”

Jokic, who led the Nuggets to the NBA title in 2023, finished Game 3 with his 36th triple-double this season. He tied a team-high with 23 points to go with 13 rebounds and 13 assists in 37 minutes played.

While Zubac can make the three-time MVP work for his scoring opportunities in isolation situations, the Clippers will provide help with a double-team strategy that will involve someone like Leonard.

Guard Jamal Murray also produced 23 points in Game 3, but he was held to just five points in the first quarter and just two in the fourth quarter after the game was already out of reach.

Despite the win, the Clippers aren’t willing to overlook the Nuggets in Game 4 on Saturday.

“Just take this win tonight and circle back and get as much rest, knowing the job isn’t complete,” Leonard said. “This is a great basketball team that we are playing against with great players, with Jokic being MVP and (Murray) always playing great in the playoffs. … We just have to have that mindset to come in and do it again and stay focused. We are playing a hungry team.”

When is Game 4 between the Clippers and Nuggets?

The Clippers will host the Nuggets for Game 4 of the Western Conference first-round series at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday. The game is scheduled to air on TNT and stream on Fubo.

The 2025 NFL draft slides – maybe? – into its second and third rounds Friday night. But make no mistake, while there won’t be nearly as many recognizable names (Shedeur Sanders notwithstanding) called in Green Bay, Wisconsin, this is where the league’s 32 teams so often build the strength of their rosters – whether it’s undervalued depth or those underappreciated but often invaluable starters who often man positions like safety, guard, running back or off-ball linebacker.

USA TODAY Sports once again analyzed each pick, from the 33rd overall (at the top of Round 2) to No. 102, which concludes Round 3, as Friday night unfolded:

2025 NFL draft tracker: Second-round picks

33. Cleveland Browns – LB Carson Schwesinger, UCLA

One of the draft’s premier ‘backers and Butkus Award finalist despite not starting inside the first several weeks of the season – he still wound up with 136 tackles. At 6-3 and 242 pounds (with fantastic hair), he is a tackling machine and another nice addition to Cleveland’s defense following DT Mason Graham’s arrival Thursday. Schwesinger and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah should be a dynamic off-ball combination in Cleveland.

34. Houston Texans (from Giants) – WR Jayden Higgins, Iowa State

A large man (6-4, 214), he nevertheless ran a sub-4.5 40 at the combine. He was also highly productive for the Cyclones with 87 grabs for 1,183 yards and nine TDs in 2024. He, Nico Collins (a similar player to Higgins) and Christian Kirk should give third-year QB C.J. Stroud quite an arsenal in 2025.

35. Seattle Seahawks (from Titans) – S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina

He’ll immediately remind Seattle fans of former ‘Legion of Boom’ mega safety Kam Chancellor, though Emmanwori is more athletic. An All-American in 2024, Emmanwori has size (6-3, 220) comparable to Chancellor’s – yet ridiculous physical metrics. After running a 4.38 40 and posting a vertical jump of 43 inches, he was one of the combine’s 2025 stars. And given that speed, maybe not a surprise he returned half of his four picks last season for TDs. The Seahawks defense is quickly rounding into the physical form second-year HC Mike Macdonald wants.

36. Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars) – RB Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State

A 6-foot, 221-pound hammer for the reigning national champions’ offense, the Ole Miss transfer just bulldozes opposing tacklers. A 1,000-yard rusher in all three of his FBS seasons, Judkins has 4.48 speed and found the end zone 14 times last year. He remains in state to become the natural bellcow successor to departed Nick Chubb in Cleveland.

37. Miami Dolphins from (Raiders) – G Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona

The Fins move up for a 6-4, 324-pounder to safeguard QB Tua Tagovailoa (and Savaiinaea ran a sub-5 second 40-yard dash at the combine despite his size). As much as Liam Eichenberg has struggled, good chance Savaiinaea moves in as the starting left guard here.

38. New England Patriots – RB TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State

Frequently compared to the Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs, the 5-10, 202-pound All-Big Ten performer is a lightning bolt out of the backfield – using his 4.4 speed to pace the conference with 7.1 yards per rush last season. And while Henderson can also catch the ball (77 receptions in four seasons) and averaged better than a TD per game in Columbus, he’s a renowned pass protector. He becomes another needed weapon for second-year QB Drake Maye and, even if Henderson doesn’t start, might well get more snaps than sledgehammer Rhamondre Stevenson, New England’s RB1 in recent years.

39. Chicago Bears (from Panthers) – WR Luther Burden III, Missouri

The 6-foot, 226-pounder has 4.4 speed and sublime ability to make plays after the catch. After an 86-catch, 1,212-yard season in 2023, Burden’s production and (likely) draft stock took a hit in 2024. But he should be a nifty weapon in Chicago’s revamped offense while working between WRs DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. Worth wondering, though, if the Bears whiffed a bit here by missing out on the Buckeyes RBs.

40. New Orleans Saints – QB Tyler Shough, Louisville

Big (6-5, 219), bright and with a huge arm, he could be the Saints’ starter next season depending on what happens with Derek Carr’s shoulder. But after seven seasons (and nearly 1,000 passes) in college, Shough definitely isn’t short on experience or adapting to new situations after playing for three schools (Oregon, Texas Tech). Already 25 and married – and having dealt with several injuries with the Red Raiders – Shough also comes with inherent life experience.

41. Buffalo Bills (from Bears) – DT T.J. Sanders, South Carolina

The perennial AFC East champs jump up for some interior beef. A second-team All-SEC selection in 2024, the 6-4, 297-pounder could quickly take snaps from 33-year-old DaQuan Jones. And with 8½ sacks and 35 hurries the past two years, Sanders and Ed Oliver should be quite a disruptive tandem inside.

42. New York Jets – TE Mason Taylor, LSU

After addressing the offensive line Thursday night, new HC Aaron Glenn continues following the Lions’ team-building philosophy by adding a tight end to help QB Justin Fields. Taylor is the son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, who played for the NYJ the last time they were in the playoffs … which was 2010. A great combo tight end, Mason Taylor (6-5, 251) should provide the physical aspect the new-look Jets are sure to value yet set an LSU tight end record with 55 catches in 2024. And he can move down the seams.

43. San Francisco 49ers – DT Alfred Collins, Texas

The Niners continue to rebuild their depleted D-line, addressing the interior with this massive pick. With 35 hurries since 2023, Collins (6-6, 332) and fellow rookie Mykel Williams can draw attention from DE Nick Bosa or capitalize on the blocking focus Bosa demands.

44. Dallas Cowboys – OLB/DE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College

The 2024 ACC Defensive Player of the Year posted 16½ sacks (second most in FBS) and 20½ TFLs last season (third in FBS). And it’s not like a defense can ever have enough pass rushers, but it’s certainly nice to have a productive weapon opposite All-Pro DE Micah Parsons. The main knocks on Ezeiruaku are size (6-3, 248) and power.

45. Indianapolis Colts – DE JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State

Indy picks up a 6-4, 265-pounder who produced 12½ sacks and 22 TFLs on the Buckeyes’ run to the 2024 national title. All-Big Ten the past three seasons − he had 68 hurries in that span − Tuimoloau effectively replaces departed Dayo Odeyingbo and could form a nice duo with last year’s Round 1 choice, Laiatu Latu

46. Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons) – TE Terrance Ferguson, Oregon

He was the fastest tight end at the combine, posting a 4.63 40 despite his 6-5, 247-pound frame. Ferguson averaged 13.7 yards per catch last year and should nicely complement aging and battered TE1 Tyler Higbee.

47. Arizona Cardinals – CB Will Johnson, Michigan

He has prototypical corner size (6-2, 194) and ball skills, swiping nine passes (two of them pick-sixes) during three seasons with the Wolverines. A turf toe injury scuttled much of Johnson’s junior season in 2024 and a knee issue dropped him out of the first round after he was once projected as a top-10 pick. But could be steal for the Cards. Johnson hasn’t allowed a TD pass since 2022.

48. Houston Texans (from Dolphins via Raiders) – OT Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota

A 6-6, 331-pounder joins the Texans’ overhauled offensive line. A three-year starter at left tackle for the Golden Gophers, that could be the job Ersery is headed for in Houston with Laremy Tunsil gone and Cam Robinson currently a one-year stopgap.

49. Cincinnati Bengals – LB Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina

A defense in drastic need of improvement targets perhaps its most stable area, Germaine Pratt and Logan Wilson seemingly entrenched at off-ball linebacker … though Pratt asked for a trade in February. Knight (6-2, 235) played one season for the Gamecocks and made 82 tackles. He moves well (4.58 40) and could certainly displace Pratt.

50. Seattle Seahawks – TE Elijah Arroyo, Miami (Fla.)

A big play waiting to happen, Arroyo averaged better than 16 yards per catch in four seasons with the ‘Canes … when he was healthy enough to play, which wasn’t often before 2024 (though Cam Ward’s arrival helped).

51. Carolina Panthers (from Broncos) – OLB/DE Nic Scourton, Texas A&M

He had 17 sacks and 31 TFLs in three seasons spent between the Aggies and Purdue. Down to 6-3 and 257 pounds, Scourton will likely shift to outside linebacker for a Panthers team that needs more defensive juice. Jadeveon Clowney, 32, is the only player on this roster who generated more than a dozen pressures in 2024 – and just 22.

52. Tennessee Titans (from Steelers via Seahawks) – OLB/DE Oluwafemi Oladejo, UCLA

He had his most productive season in 2024 with 4½ sacks and 14 TFLs, the former off-ball LB converting to the edge. Should be an early opportunity to play in Nashville following the departure of OLB Harold Landry III.

53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame

He picked off nine passes during his first two seasons with the Irish before a hip injury sidelined him in 2024. Now healthy, his ball skills, smarts and size (6 feet, 193 pounds) provided a safe landing in Round 2 and on a team that saw its secondary decimated by injuries in 2024.

54. Green Bay Packers – OT Anthony Belton, North Carolina State

A 6-6, 336-pounder, he might get a shot at the Pack’s left tackle job, 2024 first-rounder Jordan Morgan yet to nail it down. Belton played almost exclusively on the blind side for the Wolfpack.

55. Los Angeles Chargers – WR Tre Harris, Mississippi

The latest addition to the Bolts receiver corps, Harris (6-2, 205) averaged nearly 60 catches and 1,000 yards over the past two seasons for the Rebels. He should be a nice running mate for Ladd McConkey between towering outside WRs Mike Williams and Quentin Johnston, though Harris rarely operated from the slot.

56. Chicago Bears (from Vikings via Texans and Bills) – OT Ozzy Trapilo, Boston College

An imposing presence at 6-8 and 316 pounds and a very good pass protector. He’s not the greatest natural athlete but is a smart, high-motor player. Incumbent Bears LT Braxton Jones is entering a contract year after breaking his ankle in December.

57. Detroit Lions (from Rams via Panthers) – G Tate Ratledge, Georgia

A 6-7, 308-pounder somehow ran a sub-5 second 40-yard dash at the combine. His physical playing style and mullet would seem to make him an ideal Dan Campbell guy – particularly on an O-line that could use the interior reinforcements. Battle tested in Athens, Ratledge was a fixture at right guard for the Dawgs.

58. Las Vegas Raiders (from Texans) – WR Jack Bech, TCU

He’s became very well known after the death of his brother, Tiger Bech, formerly a wideout at Princeton, during the terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. But Jack Bech is a heckuva football player on merit, catching the winning TD pass in this year’s Senior Bowl. After playing with Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas at LSU, Bech transferred and really burst onto the scene for the Horned Frogs in 2024, catching 62 balls for 1,034 yards and nine TDs. Bech (6-1, 214) isn’t necessarily Raider fast, but he should be a great asset for a wideout corps that needs help.

59. Baltimore Ravens – OLB/DE Mike Green, Marshall

The Sun Belt’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, Green (6-3, 251) led the country with 17 sacks and, per the analytics website Pro Football Focus, had 32 hurries. Sexual assault allegations while at the University of Virginia – Green denied them – seem understandably responsible for Green’s plummet down the board. But he could fill a long-term need for Baltimore, the Ravens needing to plan ahead with OLBs Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh set to hit free agency in a year.

60. Denver Broncos (from Lions) – RB RJ Harvey, Central Florida

A compact player (5-8, 205) with 4.4 speed, Harvey can also rack up numbers – rushing for 1,577 yards (6.8 per carry) and 22 TDs last season. And a sputtering Broncos rushing attack certainly needed a new leading man.

61. Washington Commanders – CB Trey Amos, Mississippi

The Alabama transfer has nice size (6-1, 195) and only allowed a 54.5 QB rating when targeted in 2024. He’s a nice pivot after the departure of former first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes, who didn’t hold up physically here.

62. Chicago Bears (from Bills) – DT Shemar Turner, Texas A&M

He wasn’t nearly as productive while playing hurt in 2024, but produced six sacks and 11 TFLs from inside in 2023. He joins a Chicago line that already added DT Grady Jarrett and Odeyingbo last month.

63. Kansas City Chiefs – DT Omarr Norman-Lott, Tennessee

He had 9½ sacks and 10 TFLs working up the gut in the Vols’ D-line rotation. A 6-2, 291-pounder, Norman-Lott should make quite an inside tandem with Chris Jones in K.C.

64. Philadelphia Eagles – S Andrew Mukuba, Texas

Don’t forget, the champs traded C. J. Gardner-Johnson to Houston after the Super Bowl. Another versatile player, Mukuba can also operate in the box, slot or center field and could quickly slide into CJGJ’s void.

2025 NFL draft tracker: Third-round picks

65. New York Giants – DT Darius, Alexander, Toledo

Despite standing 6-4, 305 pounds, he ran a 4.95 40 at the combine. He averaged seven TFLs the past three years and could be part of a revitalized NASCAR package for Big Blue.

66. Kansas City Chiefs (from Titans) – DE Ashton Gillotte, Louisville

As much as the Chiefs’ O-line was abused in the Super Bowl, they were also dissected and mauled on the defensive side, which is being heavily resourced Friday. Gillotte led the ACC with 11 sacks two years ago and could be a nice edge bookend to George Karlaftis.

67. Cleveland Browns – TE Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green

An All-American, he was the MAC’s Player of the year after leading the country with 117 caches for 1,555 yards. At 6-3, 241 pounds, he managed a 4.7 40 at the combine. He could quickly find a role on a team that struggled in the passing game last year, in part due to TE David Njoku’s drop in production.

68. Las Vegas Raiders – CB Darien Porter, Iowa State

At 6-3, 195 pounds with 4.3 speed, he very much profiles as a Pete Carroll corner. Yet Porter only picked off three passes in six college seasons, all of them coming last year.

69. New England Patriots – WR Kyle Williams, Washington State

He racked up 1,198 receiving yards and 14 TDs in 2024, and his deep-threat potential is an attribute New England’s popgun offense badly needed.

70. Detroit Lions (from Jaguars) – WR Isaac TeSlaa, Arkansas

The 6-4, 214-pounder averaged nearly 20 yards per catch last season and provides a second home run threat alongside Jameson Williams … though TeSlaa might want to change his surname to Ford.

71. New Orleans Saints – DT Vernon Broughton, Texas

A big body (6-5, 311) who had four sacks and 39 tackles last season and should plug in nicely to the Saints’ new three-man front.

72. Buffalo Bills (from Bears) – DE Landon Jackson, Arkansas

A really big (6-6, 264) and fluid pass rusher who blew up the combine with a 4.68 40-yard dash, 40½-inch vertical leap and 10-foot, 9-inch broad jump. He also managed 16 sacks and 28 TFLs and should quickly earn a rotational role in Buffalo.

73. New York Jets – CB Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State

The Jets needed a new CB2 opposite Sauce Gardner following D.J. Reed’s free agency defection to Detroit. Thomas is big (6-2, 197) and athletic enough to break up 17 passes over the past two seasons. 

74. Denver Broncos (from Panthers) – WR Pat Bryant, Illinois

He only had 54 catches in 2024, but averaged 18.2 yards per and 82 per game. At 6-2 and 204 pounds with 4.6 speed, he won’t terrify defenders, though his 37½-inch vertical enhances his ball skills. Bryant should be able to compete for snaps given Courtland Sutton currently appears the only entrenched starter here.

75. San Francisco 49ers – LB Nick Martin, Oklahoma State

He led the Big 12 with 83 tackles in 2023 before a knee injury ruined his 2024 campaign. But with Dre Greenlaw gone to Denver, Niners star LB Fred Warner needs a new Robin in Silicon Valley.

76. Dallas Cowboys – CB Shavon Revel Jr, East Carolina

Potentially first-round ability at third-round value, Revel drops here after suffering a torn ACL last year. But he was stellar in 2023 and could find an immediate role in nickel packages for Dallas.

77. Carolina Panthers (from Falcons via Patriots) – OLB Princely Umanmielen, Mississippi

The Panthers enlist a pass rusher who had 10½ sacks and 14 TFLs in 2024. At 6-4, 244 pounds, Umanmielen’s lean frame may relegate him to sub packages at first. He and Scourton are a nice tandem bound for Charlotte, where the Panthers gave up the most yards and points in the league last season.

78. Arizona Cardinals – DE Jordan Burch, Oregon

After taking Darius Robinson and Walter Nolen in Round 1 the past two drafts, the Cards continue to reinforce their defensive front – Burch breaking out for 8½ sacks in 2024.

79. Houston Texans (from Dolphins via Eagles and Commanders) – WR Jaylin Noel, Iowa State

He’s not huge (5-10, 194) but features sub-4.4 speed and very sticky hands that hauled in 80 passes for 1,194 yards in 2024. Houston’s receiver room is quickly filling up.

80. Indianapolis Colts – CB Justin Walley, Minnesota

They needed help on the outside, and the second-team All-Big Ten cover man broke up 10 passes last year. Good size (5-10, 190) and 4.4 speed.

81. Cincinnati Bengals – G Dylan Fairchild, Georgia

It makes too much sense to continue investing in the protection of QB Joe Burrow, who’s suffered nearly three sacks per game over the course of his NFL career. Pass blocking is Fairchild’s forte.

82. Tennessee Titans (from Seahawks) – S Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State

Good size (6-2, 215) but not much ball production or splash plays. Expect him to live in the box.

83. Pittsburgh Steelers – RB Kaleb Johnson, Iowa

An All-American in 2024 after rushing for 1,537 yards and 21 TDs, he’s a very big back (6-1, 224) with 4.57 speed. Opportunity here to step into the starting role vacated by departed Najee Harris.

84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – CB Jacob Parrish, Kansas State

The Bucs continue to amass depth in their secondary after taking Morrison in Round 2. Parrish had more INTs (5) than TDs allowed (4) the past two seasons.

85. Kansas City Chiefs (from Patriots) – CB Nohl Williams, California

An All-American last season, when he led the country with seven INTs, he could doubly help K.C.’s defense by allowing All-Pro CB Trent McDuffie to primarily go back into the slot.

86. Los Angeles Chargers – DT Jamaree Caldwell, Oregon

A beast at 6-2, 332 pounds, he addressed a need on a depleted Bolts D-line that lost Poona Ford and Morgan Fox to free agency.

87. Green Bay Packers – WR Savion Williams, TCU

He may not be quite the athlete Christian Watson is, but at 6-4 and 222 pounds with 4.48 speed, Williams may be filling injured Watson’s role. TCU also used him in the running game, where he averaged 6.3 yards per carry last season.

88. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Vikings) – CB Caleb Ransaw, Tulane

Big (5-11, 197) with 4.3 speed, the athleticism is apparent. But he only managed one pick and eight passes defensed in four seasons, ball production that clearly distinguishes from fellow Jags rookie Travs Hunter.

89. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Texans) – OL Wyatt Milum, West Virginia

A left tackle for the Mountaineers, he might live inside in the pros. Milum didn’t allow sack in Morgantown.

90. Los Angeles Rams – OLB Josaiah Stewart, Michigan

With 30 sacks and 48 TFLs in a four-year college career split between the Wolverines and Coastal Carolina, he could find an immediate role on sub packages on the Rams up-and-coming D.

91. Baltimore Ravens – OT Emery Jones Jr., LSU

A right tackle for the Tigers, he’ll add depth in Baltimore – or might even get a shot at one of the guard posts.

92. Seattle Seahawks (from Lions via Jets and Raiders) – QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama

A second-team All-SEC pick two years ago before regressing in 2024, he’s a compact (6-2, 217) but raw passer with questionable decision-making who’s absolutely an elite, explosive player when he’s running the ball. Accuracy and touch are issues, arm strength and toughness are not. Nick Saban’s final QB in Tuscaloosa, Milroe passed for 39 TDs and rushed for 32 over the past two seasons but was picked off 11 times in 2024. After playing for three offensive coordinators in college, some continuity and a mentor at the pro level, which Milroe welcomes, could really help – even if he accepts some kind of “Slash” role early on. But if his development accelerates, recently signed Sam Darnold is hardly an institution here … and Macdonald, after all, saw first-hand in Baltimore what a multi-threat QB like Lamar Jackson can do.

93. New Orleans Saints (from Commanders) – S Jonas Sanker, Virginia

A two-time All-ACC choice, he made 200 tackles and defended 15 passes over the past two seasons. His sub-4.5 speed can also lead to some big hits.

94. Cleveland Browns (from Bills) – QB Dillon Gabriel, Oregon

Hey, maybe he’s not physically impressive, but he’s a winner, accurate and accounted for 188 TDs and 63 QB starts, both FBS records. Now he goes into another situation with an unsettled situation behind center … just maybe a shot to thrive here.

95. New England Patriots – C Jared Wilson, Georgia

Impressive interior athlete, running a 4.84 40 at the combine at 6-3 and 310 pounds. Could immediately move into the pivot vacated by the release of longtime stalwart David Andrews.

96. Atlanta Falcons (from Eagles) – S Xavier Watts, Notre Dame

A ball hawk and field flipper on the back end, Watts swiped 13 passes and returned them for 273 yards over the past two seasons. However he can also be prone to surrendering big plays in coverage or by missing tackles.

x – 97. Houston Texans (from Vikings) – CB Jaylin Smith, USC

He seemed to thrive after moving outside last season, when he didn’t allow a TD pass. Smith was roasted in the slot the previous two years.

x – 98. Las Vegas Raiders (from Dolphins) – G Caleb Rogers, Texas Tech

His position flex is an asset, Rogers with extensive snaps at every O-line spot for the Red Raiders but center. But his short arms almost surely mean he’ll have to make his bones primarily at guard in the NFL.

x – 99. Las Vegas Raiders (from Giants via Texans) – OT Charles Grant, William & Mary

He’s got the wrestling background predictive of success for so many NFL O-linemen. Despite the small-school background with the Tribe, he’s got NFL size (6-5, 311) and lands with a team not exactly settled on the right side.

y – 100. San Francisco 49ers – CB Upton Stout, Western Kentucky

He’s small (5-9, 181) but quick enough to make a living in nickel and dime packages at the pro level.

y – 101. Denver Broncos (from Rams via Falcons and Eagles) – DE Sai’vion Jones, LSU

A high-motor guy with some decent production in Baton Rouge (11 ½ sacks the past 3 seasons), he’ll likely have to fight for a rotational role right now given the depth and quality of Denver’s D.

y – 102. Minnesota Vikings – WR Tai Felton, Maryland

He’s got 4.37 speed and hauled in 96 passes last season. But he may have to find a role in special teams early on given how hard it will be to find consistent snaps in the Vikes receiving corps.

x – compensatory selection

y – special compensatory selection

Sanders’ dramatic draft slide deeper than pure football?

USA TODAY Sports columnist Jarrett Bell opined Friday, regarding the free fall of Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders: ‘Given all of the negativity heaped on Sanders in the weeks leading up to the draft – including shots from anonymous sources who attacked him as arrogant and entitled – I’m having a hard time shaking the feeling that the snub went beyond football. Sure, nitpicking is allowed – and expected as part of the due diligence of talent evaluations – when it comes to breaking down prospects. But in Sanders’ case, even if his correctable flaw of holding onto the football too long can be fixed (like flaws that can be found with any given prospect), it strikes me as a culture pick, too. Or non-pick.’

Round 1 winners and losers

The draft is only 12% complete in terms of picks used. That doesn’t mean Thursday night’s wild first round didn’t dispense some immediate winners and losers … plus a pair of highly scrutinized teams that warrant a ‘TBD’ status.

First-round grades

Want report cards for Thursday night’s Round 1 proceedings? Draft expert Mike Middlehurst-Schwartz issued report cards for all 32 picks – and no one failed, but several teams will definitely need some improvement going into Day 2.

Green Bay drone show

The NFL will treat the hundreds of thousands of fans on hand Friday night to a unique drone show. Per the league: ‘(M)ore than 1,200 drones will light up the Green Bay skyline for the first time in the city’s storied history. The cutting-edge display, which will take place after the conclusion of the third round at approximately 11 p.m. CT, will feature the remote-controlled devices flying in choreographed formations above Lambeau Field, honoring the history of the Draft and the legacy of Packers football. The drone show was closely coordinated and approved by the NFL, the Green Bay Packers, the FAA, and local law enforcement. This is a limited and highly controlled exception to the otherwise tightly restricted airspace surrounding the Draft. Safety remains the NFL’s top priority.’

Neat.

EXCLUSIVE: Deion Sanders weighs in on criticism of son, QB Shedeur Sanders

USA TODAY Sports columnist Jarrett Bell recently went to Boulder, Colorado, and discussed several topics with Hall of Famer and University of Colorado football coach, Deion Sanders – among them the pre-draft criticism of his son, former Buffs QB Shedeur Sanders, who wasn’t picked in Round 1.

“It’s silly to us,” Deion told USA TODAY Sports during an expansive interview. “Most of it is laughable. What I told him, too, is, ‘Son, what I’ve learned in my life is when it don’t make sense, it’s God. Because some of this stuff is so stupid it don’t make sense. That means God is closing doors and opening doors to make sure you get to where you’re supposed to go.”

50* biggest NFL draft busts of last 50 years

The asterisk because I couldn’t limit this list of names, which will take you down memory lane, to just 50. One reason? Rewind four years to the 2021 draft, supposedly chock full of quarterback talent … that mostly has yet to materialize.

‘Flat-out loaded’ class of running backs?

Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty could be the first running back selected in the top five picks since the Giants tabbed Saquon Barkley second overall in 2018. Yet while Jeanty may be the headliner of this year’s RB class, there’s quite a bit of talent – and depth – behind him. Longtime draft analyst Todd McShay USA TODAY Sports: “This class is just flat-out loaded with talent. In 25 years of doing this, I haven’t seen this much high-end talent.” How much and why?

NFL draft prospect rankings

NFL draft expert Mike Middlehurst-Schwartz has been evaluating and ranking players ahead of the 2025 NFL draft. Take a dive into his overall assessment plus those of the best offensive weapons:

Top 50 big board (Feb. 25) | Top 200 big board (April 24)

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