The NFL draft 2025 featured plenty of big-play talent, especially in the first two rounds. There was also an intriguing mix of prospects who have the potential to fill in at key positions on defense and offense.
The Rams redeemed themselves in Round 2 after a disastrous Day 1, starting with TE Jared Richardson, who has ideal 6-foot-5, 235-pound size and a rocket arm. Then they added a rangy edge rusher in Josiah Stewart, who could add a dynamic element to Byron Young and Jared Verse. They also bolstered their interior with Emery Jones Jr and Carson Vinson, who both have the potential to develop into starters.
There was a good amount of value in the later rounds as well, with Shedeur Sanders landing in Round 3 for the Saints, who haven’t had a reliable running back in years, and Jalen Milroe joining the Seahawks to complement Sam Darnold’s mobility. Rounds 5 through 7 also saw a few solid fliers, including a talented left tackle in Brandon Parker and a speedy cornerback in Bilhal Kone.
The Patriots may have been disappointed that James Pearce didn’t work out, but they still managed to find a promising prospect in Parker, who offers the kind of pass-rushing nuance New England hasn’t seen at the position for a while. He can align on the edge or in the slot, and he shows excellent ball skills and coverage ability. He’s an instant-impact prospect who will help to shore up a secondary that was 29th in points allowed last year.