ALLEN PARK — We’re roughly a month and some change away from the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, and last week’s combine provided a bit of clarity — and maybe a shift in plans — for how some teams may approach the board.
The combine saw a few players solidify their status as top prospects, while others boosted their stock with strong performances.
After returning from Indianapolis, MLive’s Kory Woods made some adjustments to his big board, factoring in standout showings at the combine and roster moves teams are considering ahead of free agency.
No. 1: Tennessee Titans — Miami (Fla.) QB Cam Ward
The worst thing the Titans can do in this scenario is overthink the pick. Cam Ward is hands down the best quarterback in this year’s class. He also becomes the Titans’ best athlete under center since Vince Young. Make the smart move—draft your franchise cornerstone.
No. 2: Cleveland Browns — Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter
It would make sense for the Browns to take a page out of the Titans’ playbook and select their franchise quarterback in Shedeur Sanders. However, with veteran options available in free agency and a Myles Garrett situation likely resolved by a trade, Abdul Carter makes perfect sense. He’ll be ready to go by the season opener and can be a new defensive staple moving forward.
No. 3: New York Giants — WR/CB Travis Hunter, Colorado
With reports of the Giants exploring Aaron Rodgers in free agency, taking the best player available—Travis Hunter—is ideal. His two-way versatility makes for an exciting pick for a fan base that’s been reeling in recent years.
No. 4: New England Patriots — Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan
If the Patriots believe Drake Maye is their future, getting him a high-end target like Tetairoa McMillan is a smart show of faith. Big-bodied, deep-threat receivers at 6-foot-5 with his skill set don’t grow on trees.
No. 5: Jacksonville Jaguars — Michigan DL Mason Graham
Mason Graham is an absolute beast on the defensive line. Adding him allows the Jaguars to build an identity on defense while figuring everything else out. Passing on an athlete like Graham seems unlikely.
No. 6: Las Vegas Raiders — Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders
The Raiders seem like a potential landing spot for Russell Wilson due to his connection with Pete Carroll, but Wilson won’t play forever. Drafting Shedeur Sanders and letting him learn behind a 10-time Pro Bowler is a dream scenario. They need him for the future, not next season.
No. 7: New York Jets — Michigan CB Will Johnson
After hearing him speak at the NFL combine, I’m sold. Will Johnson is one of the top two cornerbacks in this class—a lockdown defender. It’d be hard for Aaron Glenn to pass on adding swagger and playmaking to the secondary alongside Sauce Gardner.
No. 8: Carolina Panthers — Michigan DT Kenneth Grant
Two Michigan standouts go back-to-back. Talking with fellow writers at the combine made it clear: The Panthers need front-seven help. Kenneth Grant is a massive force who will boost Carolina’s run defense.
No. 9: New Orleans Saints — Missouri WR Luther Burden III
What’s better than having one dynamic playmaker in space? Two. Luther Burden III is a sure-handed, electric wideout. Regardless of their quarterback situation, having a weapon like Burden is invaluable.
No. 10: Chicago Bears — Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty
Adding an explosive back like Jeanty made sense even before the Bears upgraded their offensive line. Now? It’s a no-brainer.
No. 11: San Francisco 49ers — Marshall EDGE Mike Green
With Robert Saleh back as defensive coordinator, the 49ers need to regain their defensive identity. Green’s Pro Football Focus pass rush and run defense grades are off the charts. A perfect project for Saleh.
No. 12: Dallas Cowboys — LSU T Will Campbell
The Cowboys need more protection for Dak Prescott and whoever lines up in their backfield. Investing in Prescott’s protection is the smartest move.
No. 13: Miami Dolphins — Georgia S Malaki Starks
Ideally, the Dolphins should improve protection for Tua Tagovailoa, but Malaki Starks is a clear upgrade over Jevon Holland with his coverage and playmaking skills. That secondary needs help.
No. 14: Indianapolis Colts — Penn State TE Tyler Warren
Anthony Richardson needs a playmaker. Warren’s 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns last season make him the best tight end in the nation—and the right fit.
No. 15: Atlanta Falcons — Georgia LB Jalon Walker
Pass rush help is a must for Atlanta, and Jalon Walker checks those boxes. He may need development, but he’s too good to pass up.
No. 16: Arizona Cardinals — Missouri T Armand Membou
In any other draft, Membou is a top-10 pick. The Cardinals landing him at No. 16 is an absolute steal.
No. 17: Cincinnati Bengals — Oregon DL Derrick Harmon
Losing D.J. Reader and potentially Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals must address the defensive line. Harmon was my last pick for Cincinnati, and it makes even more sense now.
No. 18: Seattle Seahawks — Texas A&M EDGE Shemar Stewart
Stewart was already raw, but his combine performance skyrocketed his stock. Seattle needs a defensive playmaker, and passing on Stewart would be a mistake.
No. 19: Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell
Simply put: Jihaad Campbell in a Todd Bowles defense is scary. He’s the best linebacker in the draft.
No. 20: Denver Broncos — Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka
Still a no-brainer. Outside of McMillan and Burden, Egbuka is the best receiver in this class. Bo Nix needs a playmaker.
No. 21: Pittsburgh Steelers — Texas CB Jahdae Barron
The Steelers could reach for Jaxson Dart here or take Matthew Golden — two players who would fill voids. But they need to strengthen their defense, and Pro Football Focus gave Barron one of the top grades among cornerbacks in this class. Pittsburgh can address quarterback and wide receiver in free agency. Take the smart pick now.
No. 22: Los Angeles Chargers — Michigan TE Colston Loveland
Alexa, play Reunited by Peaches & Herb — because this pick just “feels so good.” Colston Loveland and Jim Harbaugh together again at the pro level isn’t just about familiarity; the Chargers need a tight end, and Loveland fills that void.
No. 23: Green Bay Packers — Boston College EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku
Ezeiruaku excels against both the pass and the run, filling a major need for the Packers in a competitive NFC North. Green Bay lands one of the best pass rushers in the draft.
No. 24: Minnesota Vikings — East Carolina CB Shavon Revel Jr.
Despite not working out at the combine, Revel has the measurables to be a difference-maker in the Vikings’ secondary. His athleticism and playmaking ability make him a strong addition.
No. 25: Houston Texans — Texas T Kelvin Banks
The Texans need help on the offensive line, and Banks has proven he can be effective at both guard and tackle. This pick is all about protecting C.J. Stroud.
No. 26: Los Angeles Rams — North Dakota State T Grey Zabel
Matthew Stafford isn’t going anywhere, and keeping him upright should be a priority as he ages. Pro Football Focus gave Zabel a 93.1 pass-blocking grade, making him a smart addition. With Shavon Revel off the board, there’s no top-tier corner left at this stage—so adding to the trenches makes the most sense.
No. 27: Baltimore Ravens — Tennessee EDGE James Pearce Jr.
The Ravens could use help on the offensive line, but Pearce is a quality pass rusher who could step in as a Day 1 starter.
No. 28: Detroit Lions — Ohio State EDGE JT Tuimoloau
Expect the Lions to enter — and win — the Myles Garrett sweepstakes. Regardless, adding more pass rushers is a must, and Tuimoloau is a stud.
The 6-foot-5, 269-pounder recorded 61 tackles — 35 solo — along with 12.5 sacks and three passes defended. He’s a versatile pass rusher with an elite blend of size, strength, quickness and football IQ.
Tuimoloau sets hard edges against the run, preventing backs from bouncing outside. He has room to grow as a pass rusher, but working with Lions defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers could help him refine his technique, particularly in using his wingspan and power against blockers.
It’s unclear what scheme new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard will implement, but Tuimoloau thrives in a traditional 4-3 set—making for a seamless transition in Detroit. His athleticism also allows him to drop into zone coverage when needed.
Beyond his skill set, speaking with him at the combine reinforced that he fits the Lions’ locker room culture. He simply wants to play football, contribute however he can, and be part of a team.
He checks a lot of boxes for a Lions defense that needs another playmaker alongside Aidan Hutchinson.
No. 29: Washington Commanders — Ohio State T Josh Simmons
The Commanders could take Omarion Hampton to solidify the offense, but protecting Jayden Daniels has to be the priority. If he goes down, the whole operation falls apart.
No. 30: Buffalo Bills — Ole Miss DL Walter Nolen
Buffalo needs help on the defensive line, and Nolen is the best available. This is a no-brainer pick that fills a clear need.
No. 31: Kansas City Chiefs — Minnesota T Aireontae Ersery
Anyone who watched the Super Bowl knows the Chiefs must upgrade their offensive line. Ersery is 6-foot-6, 331 pounds of trouble for defenders. Keeping a generational quarterback upright— one already in GOAT conversations — has to be the priority.
No. 32: Philadelphia Eagles — Georgia EDGE Mykel Williams
A Georgia edge rusher landing with the Eagles? How many times have we seen this before? Beyond Howie Roseman’s affinity for drafting Bulldogs, Williams is a force and a potential Josh Sweat replacement.