Should Travis Hunter play both sides of the ball in NFL? Gronk weighs in
Rob Gronkowski gives his two cents on where Travis Hunter should play on the field when he gets drafted into the NFL.
Sports Seriously
The Senior Bowl is in the books and we’re one step closer to the 2025 NFL draft. A week of practices and a game featuring some of the top talent in the draft class in Mobile, Ala. gave evaluators and experts even more information to work with on prospects.
It confirmed what many thought — the 2025 NFL draft’s deepest position is defensive line. Top talent at edge rusher and interior defensive line make it a good year to need help in the trenches on defense.
This year lacks the star power on offense overall that we saw in 2024 but there are plenty of good players on that side of the ball that will go in the first round. The 2025 wide receiver class isn’t very deep so teams could reach for one in the first 32 picks rather than wait and see who is available in later rounds.
There’s still two and a half months to go until the 2025 NFL draft in Green Bay, Wis. but that doesn’t stop the speculation from evolving. Experts at ESPN, NFL.com, FTN Fantasy and Pro Football Network are among the latest to give updated predictions on what will happen in the first round.
Here’s a roundup of their predictions for the first round of the 2025 NFL draft.
Picks No. 31 and 32 will be finalized after the Super Bowl.
ESPN: “After showing situational pass-rush ability in his first two seasons, Penn State made him a full-time edge rusher in 2024. Carter turned in a dominant performance with 12 sacks, 61 hurries and an FBS-best edge pressure percentage of 19.6%. If that sounds like Micah Parsons … well, it should. Like Parsons, Carter is a player you can build a defense around. And while Tennessee has needs at quarterback and right tackle, this might be a case where it’s better to draft the best player on the board versus reaching for need.”
FTN Fantasy: “Yes, the Titans have need at quarterback, but the organization’s recent comments about selecting a generational talent with this pick suggest they’ll pass on a signal caller in this spot. Hunter is as unique a prospect as we’ve seen in recent memory. At this point, we don’t know if NFL teams will view him as a corner, a wideout, or both. However, that versatility plus his high-end play on both sides of the ball make him very appealing.”
NFL.com: “The top two teams picking in this draft both need a quarterback, but I still suspect the Titans and Browns will take a similar approach: grab the best player available. There are other ways to find a QB, but there is only one Hunter.”
FTN Fantasy: “It’s time for the Browns to wipe the slate clean of the Deshaun Watson era. In Ward, they get a high-ceiling option who has an ideal skillset for the modern era of football. He’s mobile and has no issue throwing the ball around the yard.”
ESPN: “Ward has a big-time arm, excels at finding passing windows and can create with his feet. He led the FBS with 39 touchdown passes in 2024 and was second in QBR (88.7). The Giants — who were 28th in QBR this season at 44.9 — need a quarterback who can move in the pocket and has the arm talent to maximize Nabers’ special skills. Ward is that quarterback and can help turn things around for this offense.”
Pro Football Network: “With his effortless arm strength and his improvisational skills, Cam Ward stakes a strong claim to being the top quarterback in this year’s class. How he compares to prospects at his position from the 2024 NFL Draft is another discussion, but you have to shoot as high as you can at the quarterback position. Ward has arguably the highest ceiling of the quarterbacks in the 2025 class.”
NFL.com: “Bigger holes elsewhere, perhaps, but I suspect the Patriots address many of those in free agency and come into the draft less burdened by need. Graham feels like a foundational piece for Mike Vrabel.”
Pro Football Network: “It seems like the Patriots have their guy at quarterback in Drake Maye. Now that they’ve gotten the hardest part of finding a quarterback out of the way, the next step is to protect him.”
ESPN: “While new coach Liam Coen has an offensive background and might want to beef up the O-line or add another pass catcher, Jacksonville has to find some defensive playmakers. It forced an NFL-worst nine turnovers in 2024, making Johnson — who had two pick-sixes this past season — the right selection here. He could line up opposite Tyson Campbell.”
NFL.com: “We’re still waiting to see who’ll take the GM reins in Jacksonville, but I can imagine new head coach Liam Coen wanting to support Trevor Lawrence with a do-it-all threat at tight end, even if selecting Warren in the top five feels a tad rich to me.”
NFL.com: “Pete Carroll blows up the draft! Why not? When everyone else is having trouble slotting Jeanty lower, I’ll give him to the coach he was meant to play for.”
Pro Football Network: “The marriage of Shedeur Sanders to the Raiders feels too good to be true. If the Titans pass on a quarterback at No. 1, though, there’s a chance Las Vegas could select its quarterback of the future without having to mortgage the future.”
ESPN: “There are questions about Campbell’s shorter arms — I’ve been told scouts measured them under 33 inches this past summer — but his quick feet and understanding of angles served him well as a three-year starter. New York could try Campbell at tackle first, where he has the tools to be an impact starter, and then shift him to guard if necessary. Regardless, he gives the Jets another young, talented offensive lineman to build around.”
Pro Football Network: “When compared to Will Campbell — the other consensus top tackle in this year’s class — Kelvin Banks Jr. may not have as polished of technique, but he arguably surpasses him in terms of flexibility and physical upside. If they both pan out, both Banks and [Olu] Fashanu would give the Jets a formidable long-term tackle duo.”
NFL.com: “Bryce Young needs weapons, true, but Walker’s burst, bend and play style are perfect for a defense that regressed in 2024 and could use more juice up front.”
FTN Fantasy: “The Panthers need an upgrade along the edge and get just that in Pearce. He’s a long and explosive player who is capable of winning in multiple ways as a pass rusher.”
ESPN: “Chris Olave is great when healthy (he played only eight games this past season), but the Saints lack impact receivers beyond him. That’s why the 6-foot-5 McMillan could fit. He can win deep down the field and gain even more yards after the catch. His range and ability to win 50-50 balls reminds me of the Falcons’ Drake London, who was a first-round pick in 2022.”
FTN Fantasy: “With a less-than-ideal cap situation and a new head coaching hire looming, the New Orleans can use all the talent it can get, regardless of position. Tetairoa McMillan is a supersized wide receiver with top-notch hands and ball skills competing above the rim. He’s especially fluid for his size and can create separation with pure physical attributes. The Saints have been unfortunate enough to compete against Mike Evans for over a decade; this would be their chance to get a player with a similar style.”
NFL.com: “He might get dinged for the arm-length thing. I couldn’t care less. I’d love to see Campbell at tackle, but he could be a four-position starter as a rookie.”
Pro Football Network: “Much will be said about Mason Graham’s athleticism and quick hands giving him significant pass-rushing value as a defensive tackle. That said, I’m an even bigger fan of his pad level, anchor strength, and spatial awareness in run support. He looks the part of an immediate contributor with Pro Bowl potential.”
CBS Sports: “Christian McCaffrey’s injury issues were the headline for the 49ers’ offensive woes this season, yet their offensive line was a mess and will be a priority fix for general manager John Lynch. The 49ers made a great selection on guard Dominick Puni in the third round of the 2024 draft, but a plug-and-play right tackle who could eventually take over for All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams could be the next step. Simmons is recovering from a torn ACL suffered Oct. 12, but he was in the mix to be the first tackle off the board prior to getting hurt.”
NFL.com: “It’s too bad we didn’t get to see him at the Senior Bowl; for a snapshot of Membou’s talent, throw on the South Carolina game. He controlled some excellent defensive linemen in that November tilt.”
ESPN: “Golden is a surging prospect. He started the season as Texas’ No. 2 receiver but became its go-to target late in the season and in the College Football Playoff, finishing with 58 receptions for 987 yards and nine touchdowns. His yards-after-catch ability and speed would provide a perfect complement to CeeDee Lamb.”
NFL.com: “This might not get Cowboys fans jazzed, but Dallas could have to move forward without longtime cornerstone Zack Martin. The team has enjoyed success finding draft replacements on the line.”
FTN Fantasy: “The Dolphins grab the third offensive lineman in the last four picks. Terron Armstead is heading into his age-34 season and Isaiah Wynn is a potential free agent. In Banks, they get the Outland Trophy winner who allowed a pressure on just 1.9% of his career pass-blocking snaps.”
Pro Football Network: “Those who have watched Missouri over the years know that Armand Membou has always been a physical specimen. His length, agility, and power have been apparent throughout his time in college. It was in 2024, though, that his technique took a big leap to match his physical tools.”
NFL.com: “I love Emmanwori’s game and think he can rise through the draft process, even if he might be asked about the “miscommunication” over exiting the Gamecocks’ bowl game at halftime.”
FTN Fantasy: “He may not be Brock Bowers, but Warren isn’t that far off. Warren is the best tight end prospect in a fairly loaded class. He can do it all on the field and is especially effective in the passing game.”
ESPN: “Williams is right in the team’s backyard at Georgia and flashes the power, speed and production that generally excites front offices. Georgia’s two games against Texas this past season showcased Williams at his best, as he registered four combined sacks in those matchups. But he had only one sack in the remaining nine games he played in. Williams is an upside player who could be a double-digit sack-getter with some development.”
NFL.com: “With Matthew Judon and Lorenzo Carter set to hit free agency, a screaming need becomes even more necessary in Atlanta. Stewart isn’t a true edge bender, but he’s a long, strong, athletically blessed pressure player to aid the front.”
ESPN: “Barron took home the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s best defensive back after making a move from slot cornerback to the outside before the 2024 season. He had five interceptions and 10 pass breakups, and he boosted his profile from a Day 3 pick to one of my top 15 players in the class. Some teams might view him as an inside corner, while others like Barron’s tape on the outside. Playing him on the inside with Budda Baker gives the Cardinals instant improvement on the back end.”
FTN Fantasy: “Jonathan Gannon continues to build his defense and address a major need in the interior. While Grant is slightly overshadowed by Mason Grant at Michigan, he’s no slouch. A mountain of a man, Grant has freakish athleticism for his size.”
NFL.com: “It would be a hollow gesture to fire the defensive coordinator and then not help out his replacement with more armaments, especially up front. If Ezeiruaku keeps acing the pre-draft process, I could see him possibly going this high.”
Pro Football Network: “Kenneth Grant is a sturdy anchor at defensive tackle who can draw double-team blocks and has the raw power and leverage to stand his ground. When you factor in elite size-adjusted athleticism that should be reflected in his testing numbers, you have a player who should be at least a top-20 pick.”
NFL.com: “Mike Macdonald had a very LB-dependent system in Baltimore and could be fascinated by this versatile playmaker’s toolbox of skills. Campbell, who will be 21 for his entire rookie season, has a high, high ceiling.”
FTN Fantasy: “Mike Macdonald adds a height-weight-speed edge rusher in Stewart. While he didn’t put up gawdy numbers in college, Stewart has the intangible traits you’re looking for in a potential starting-caliber pass rusher.”
FTN Fantasy: “Given his talent, yes this is pretty low for Starks. However, safety is a tricky position in the first round. There were zero safeties selected in the first-round last year, but Kyle Hamilton was a first-rounder in 2022. Despite being one of the most impressive players in the class, Hamilton didn’t come off the board until pick 14.”
Pro Football Network: “Outside of edge rusher YaYa Diaby, though, their draft picks haven’t lived up to their respective billings just yet. That could push them to pursue a defender up front in the 2025 NFL Draft. Nic Scourton is a powerful edge rusher with a muscular, heavy build that carries his listed 285 pounds very well. He has some of the most refined hand usage you’ll see in an edge rusher in this draft class, and his short-area quickness is better than you’d expect for a man of his size.”
ESPN: “Loveland, who battled through injuries in 2024, can line up all over the formation but is at his best as a flex tight end. He ran the full route tree at Michigan and has the grace of a wide receiver at 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds. The Broncos are a team in transition as the front office starts adding more playmakers around Nix. Finding him a young safety valve to grow with is the best roster-building move and would open up the middle of the field in the passing game.”
Pro Football Network: “Luther Burden III’s production dropped in 2024 compared to his All-American 2023 season, but the tools are all still there. He’s elite after the catch with the ball-carrier vision, contact balance, and lateral quickness needed to make him a home-run hitter on any given play. If he continues to develop as a route runner, the sky’s the limit for the Missouri product.”
ESPN: “Egbuka does it all as a slant-route king. He is a heck of a punt returner and one of the best blocking wide receivers, too. He doesn’t flash elite speed or size at 6-foot and 203 pounds, but he’s a smart route runner with solid hands (a drop rate of just 2.8%) and an all-out effort on every snap… The Steelers need to start thinking about rebuilding their wide receiver room if George Pickens doesn’t return after his rookie deal expires before the 2026 season.”
Pro Football Network: “Had it not been for a season-ending injury, Benjamin Morrison would likely find himself selected in the top half of the first round. Assuming the medicals clear out, an NFL team picking into the 20s could land themselves a potential steal in the physical, athletic, and intelligent cover corner.”
NFL.com: “Ashton Jeanty isn’t the only enticing RB in this class. I think Johnson could be a warhorse in Greg Roman’s offense eventually, assuming the Chargers will seek more reliable backfield options, with J.K. Dobbins hitting the market this offseason. Dobbins had his moments in 2024, but health will always be a question for him.”
FTN Fantasy: “J.K. Dobbins could walk in free agency, which would leave a big hole in the Chargers offense. Fortunately, this is a very good running back class. Hampton is second in FBS rushing yards over the last two seasons (3,164) behind only Ashton Jeanty.”
ESPN: “The Packers love to invest first-round picks in the trenches, and they can pluck one of my favorite tackles off the board to be their future on the blind side. Conerly was a high school running back until outgrowing the position. Despite still adding play power to his frame in 2024, he had his best season yet, allowing only one sack and seven pressures in the Big Ten. Getting Conerly at No. 23 would be great value for Green Bay, and the need matches up, too.“
FTN Fantasy: “The Packers address a need and grab a player who is capable of playing multiple positions in the secondary. His physicality is especially a plus against the run.”
ESPN: “Filling gaps on both lines will be a major focus of the Vikings’ offseason regardless of their decision at quarterback, and Nolen is too great a fit to bypass here. Senior Bowl week was huge for him. Nolen showed scouts his trademark speed and gap-splitting ability but also mixed in a dose of power that wasn’t always on his game tape. The Vikings could be big spenders in free agency to lock up a 3-technique, but Nolen is a plug-and-play fit in Brian Flores’ defense if that money is diverted elsewhere.”
NFL.com: “Another high-energy disruptor would only make Brian Flores’ defense more dangerous. The Vikings could use more depth up front.”
NFL.com: “The Texans should add multiple blockers this offseason, and Zabel — who played all over the offensive line for the Bison — showed at the Senior Bowl that he can be a strong anchor, likely inside.”
FTN Fantasy: “Keeping C.J. Stroud clean is the mission statement for the Texans. Membou will help them on that front and has the versatility to play guard or right tackle.”
ESPN: “Thomas is a press cornerback with easy movement ability and the reach at 6-foot-2 to line up across from WR1 types. He had one interception this season, but he also allowed only 12 receptions and 94 yards in coverage. Plus, Thomas was the best cornerback during practices at the Senior Bowl, showing off his press coverage ability and answering any questions scouts had about his ability to run with receivers down the field.”
Pro Football Network: “A behemoth of an offensive tackle with a nasty demeanor, Aireontae Ersery is capable of dominating edge rushers at the point of attack. His size-adjusted athleticism is also impressive, and once he gets his hands right, it’s very tough for opposing defenders to disengage.”
NFL.com: “I could see Savaiinaea stepping in at either guard or tackle if the Ravens can’t keep the O-line intact this offseason. He has heavy hands, elite mass and a pretty high floor as a prospect.”
FTN Fantasy: “This is probably too low on Green, who led the nation in sacks last season with 17.0, but don’t the Ravens always seem to find value in the first round? Green is typically labeled as a speed rusher, but he showed he can also win with power during the Senior Bowl practices.”
ESPN: “Harmon would be a perfect replacement (for free agent DT Levi Onwuzurike) or even work well in tandem. The Michigan State transfer had six sacks and 35 pressures for the Ducks, with the right build at 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds to play in a 3-technique or shade the center. His power to handle double-teams in the run game — plus his ability to command attention away from Aidan Hutchinson — would make this a slam-dunk pick.”
FTN Fantasy: “The Lions will have Aidan Hutchinson back next season, but they do need more firepower on the edge. Sawyer would give them just that. He’s a plus-level run defender, but Sawyer doesn’t offer a high ceiling as a pass rusher.”
NFL.com: “Washington needs as many impact defenders as it can find, and edge rusher is high on the priority list. Pearce is a leggy, loose rusher with some burst.”
Pro Football Network: “Jayden Daniels, Dan Quinn, and the Commanders as a whole surpassed expectations in a major way in 2024. Though they fell a game short of the Super Bowl, a few more smart moves this offseason could help them get over the hump. Emeka Egbuka is a sturdy, reliable receiver with good hands and quick lateral movements as both a route runner and a ball carrier. Don’t let the hype around his past and current Buckeye teammates fool you; Egbuka’s tape looks the part of a future NFL starting wide receiver.”
The Athletic: “Getting more skill-position options for quarterback Josh Allen will be a heavy consideration for Buffalo after it fell short of the Super Bowl again, but it also has to address a secondary that is too often out of place. Emmanwori is a player scouts rave about once they see him in person. At 6-foot-3 and 227 pounds, he has rare speed and range at deep safety, with the power to charge downhill and erase running backs or mobile quarterbacks. He had four interceptions, including one pick-six, and allowed a QBR of just 28.6 this past season.”
FTN Fantasy: “With Rasul Douglas headed potentially toward free agency, the Bills could have a big gap to fill in their secondary. In Amos, they’d land a physical and athletic corner who is at home in press coverage.”
FTN Fantasy: “The Eagles could end up losing Josh Sweat in free agency, so Howie Roseman continues to add to the pipeline with Scourton.”
Pro Football Network: “There’s a chance Texas has two offensive tackles selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Cameron Williams isn’t as consistent as his teammate Kelvin Banks, but he possesses superior size and still has the length, power, and freakish movement skills to give him a very high ceiling at the next level.”
NFL.com: “Thomas created a little buzz on Day 1 in Mobile and fits the mold of a corner who can thrive in Steve Spagnuolo’s press-man-heavy system.”
FTN Fantasy: “Andy Reid and company don’t have a lot of holes to fill, so why not add talent to their offensive line room? Milum is a four-year starter who excels as a run blocker and is more than capable in pass protection.”
*Super Bowl will determine order
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