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