2025 ACR NFL Draft Guide

Methods: I started doing this long before there was any service that can cut up clips, etc., so my methods could probably be considered low-fi if not antiquated.

My method is to review mostly a player’s highlights, not looking so much for plays they made as much as 1) how they made them, 2) whether there are noticeable flaws in what they do even in their good tape (happens a lot), but most importantly – 3) does the player show special traits on-field? If they don’t show those traits in what are considered their ‘highlights,’ then I don’t think there is time worth wasting on their bad plays until later.

I will also watch one player’s highlights and focus on a teammate who’s also a prospect but not part of the highlight package I’m actually watching.

Do they excel doing things in college they will have to do as a pro? If the player shows no elite traits, even while posting big numbers, I am often not interested. Conversely, if they show elite traits and get absolutely nothing done on the field, I am almost equally disinterested though am more apt to dig deeper than on the player who clearly can’t do the same thing in the NFL he’s doing in college. 

The greatest limitation I have found with my methods are in understanding a player’s intelligence and system adaptability, which can undermine any skills shown on tape. If I had all-22s to watch, I imagine it may help that but still would be watching without knowing specific scheme breakdown from the player/coach perspective. I feel like I have had success doing it the way I’m doing it so why muck it up.

Notably, again to be clear, I do not utilize any other list, scouting service, expert/pundit mock draft or the opinions of media draft experts. I therefore I have a relatively high number of takes that go directly against the opinions of what’s commonly held and reported in the news or online. I do utilize Pro Football Focus at times for its breakdown of snaps, in full disclosure.

Lastly, I take my notes in somewhat of a shorthand. So apologies first to the players I scout if they happen to come across this – I am not looking to bash anybody by not writing full profiles on each potential draftee. I simply don’t have the resources or time. And as the header says, my focus when looking at a draftee is not necessarily their overall viability as much as their fit for the Miami Dolphins and their needs. (e.g. I may ‘DNW’ a player simply because a similar one is already on the roster. 

Key: DNW (Do Not Want. This can be DNW overall or that I do not want them compared to other players where they are projected or even close. Sometimes I note DNW before Rx, meaning I would take them if they fell)  

R#  (Round I feel MIA should select them; if rated or drafted much higher, I DNW them in many cases; e.g. players rated by most to go in R2, I place R5 grade basically saying if they somehow slip that far, I would take them; my draft grades are not in any way an exact science or meant to represent where players will really go. The later the draft goes, the less of an idea I have)  

⭐ (Denotes my personal favorite players in the draft. If, for example, that star is placed on a R5-graded player, that means I feel that way about the player assuming they are drafted in that round or close to it. But overall, it denotes players I think have a chance to be very good pros respective of where they are drafted)

Total Number of Draft Prospects Listed – 178

QUARTERBACKS (10)

QB Cam Ward, Miami: wouldn’t otherwise write about him because he’s going No 1 overall and MIA is not moving up; want to put on the record that his nonchalance with the football reminds me in a big way of Jameis Winston & I am guessing Ward will have similar highs and lows in the NFL, despite looking very good in his year at Miami (R1/DNW)

QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss: though his arm isn’t a rocket, can make all the throws; stands in the pocket in the face of pressure, even though he’s a vg runner; quick release; throws well on the run; numbers for better every year; worked in QB friendly offense that’s produced fools gold before; could need work w to read prog; feels a lot like a hit or miss QB plus the Ole Miss QB ‘jinx;’ (R2)

QB Will Howard, Ohio State: 6-4 235; strong enough arm but works middle of the field much better than outside; a little slow in his setup & an odd motion but delivers strikes over the middle, esp. deep; can buy time in pocket & throw on the run; can’t be ignored by defenses as a runner; could start someday (R5/DNW)

QB Kyle McCord, Syracuse: pocket passer; nothing flashy or exciting but accurate & the ball comes out v quick; bigger w stronger arm than Tua; Cousins clone (R4/5 DNW)

QB Quinn Ewers, Texas: looks sloppy in the pocket at times but watching more makes it look like its just his style to seem relaxed; seems to be able to throw it when he wants to but relies a lot more on touch, which some complain about; played in same offense as Miami and was huge in big games in a big time conference; good fit for MIA offense (D3)

QB Graham Mertz, Florida: Mertz never lived up to his lofty prep status at Wisconsin & got disregarded more than he likely deserves; problem at Florida was injury; was a real good player on a bad, poorly-led Florida team in ’23 (3rd in the FBS with 72.9 comp % (261-358, 2,903 yards, 20 TD, 3 int.; 4 rushing TDs); threw school-record 239 passes without an int;  solid practice squad QB minimum (UDFA)

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QB Shadeur Sanders, Colorado: will keep it short – don’t want him even if he drops to MIA because of the show that comes with him and it doesn’t make sense after Wilson signing; would not be a good backup for this team (DNW)

QB/ATH Jalen Milroe, Alabama: vg runner; strong arm; strange throwing motion; shaky under pressure; I get what’s likable about him & he seems like a good kid; could play RB imo; ran 4.37 at Pro Day, built like a brick sh**house; low confidence in his ability to develop as a passer; will go before I would be willing to take him; has a better chance as an RB imo (DNW)

QB Dillon Gabriel, Oregon: watched Gabriel more than any of the other QBs while at UCF; is, in fact, a Tua clone BUT with a little less of everything – a little smaller, a little less arm, a little less accurate; struggled mightily in games that UCF got behind; very good college QB but lacking too many traits to consider in NFL, despite popular similarities to current starter (DNW)

QB Tyler Shough, Louisville: is old; I see the attraction – in his 3rd yr in college (2020), was J. Herbert’s replacement (!) & was very good; is 6-5 and a good passer; left Oregon for Texas Tech & proceeded to play 4 (2021 – broken collarbone), 7 (‘shoulder’ injury) and 4 games (broken leg); can’t do it (DNW)

RUNNING BACKS (16)

RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State: I can’t write anything that hasn’t already been written, it’s all true; top skill weapon in this draft hands down; Ricky Williams style, a little smaller with more top end speed; if he’s there, you have to seriously consider; don’t see him getting past Dallas (R1⭐)

RB DJ Giddens, Kansas State: a player I feel deserves more attention; 6-0, 212, 4.43, 39.5” vert++; 10-10 broad++; posted over 1,200 yards at a 5.5 yard clip as a sophomore in 2023; ran for 1,353 yards and a school-record 6.55 ypc (8th best in FBS) in ’24; complaints are that he’s big and plays finesse but he breaks tackles, finds the hash then the sideline and slides between tacklers; could get stronger and become more of a power back but at present, he is very good; runs with patience and great lane vision; has good hands as a receiver & should be a good pro (R3/4)

RB RJ Harvey, UCF: Gus Malzahn tried to run him into the ground but it never happened; HS QB who runs with some power, burst & breakaway speed; vg receiver; all around back; great testing #s; 4.40 40, 38” vert, 10-8 broad & 16 reps at 5-8 205; a complete back; good contact balance which compliments his power, which is solid; underrated player (R3)

RB Bhaysul Tuten, Va Tech: update (4/10) the closer we get to the draft, the less ridiculous I think it would be to take this guy; have a feeling every team who passes will regret it; 5-9 206, has good patience, runs inside well & then boom, he hits open space and nobody gets close to him; hash to numbers to sideline; combine #s match play in all the explosion categories (4.32/40.5”/10-10); had fumble issues; he looks like a dangerous, breakaway back to me, esp in OZ; not what MIA needs but if they trade down from 13 for more picks, this becomes a target for me (R5⭐)

RB Brashard Smith, SMU: converted from WR last yr; only 195 lbs but runs hard; reminds me of fmr Fin Bobby Humphrey; explosive; 4.39 at combine, 32.5 vert; brings versatility except in obvious short ydg situations; can get bigger (R5)

RB Tahj Brooks, TTU: thick & dares you to hit him; plays with power, balance & surprising vision w the ability to cut; good hands as a rec; would solve every 3rd & 1 by himself; 5.3 career avg; 4.56 at combine; great blocker; good match for our roster needs++ (R5/6⭐)

RB Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma St: 6-2 225. Lacks top-end speed (4.6 at combine) but does have vg feet for his size; sees holes; good receiver; breaks tackles & hurdles tacklers; Doak winner in ’23 when he played lighter and looked quicker (R7)

RB Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State: was Buckeyes leading back despite perception; good power runner; good receiver; 6-0 221 4.48, 38.5”, 11-0; combine speed does not show on tape; tough for me to tell pro capabilities; good short ydg back at minimum (R6)

RB Jalen White, Georgia Southern: 6-1 220 with a reported 4.55 40 time; is a beast; thick in the right places; pure power back with a good jab step; invites contact & has good balance; Ga Sou runs OZ so is familiar with scheme (UDFA)

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RB TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State: he looks more like a gap scheme runner than OZ but if MIA coaches think otherwise, he’s prob good; lacks foot quickness but gets up to full speed quickly; not a tackle breaker so much at low speeds but flies through them with ease at high speed; good hands; smart unselfish player (watch end of IU game); vg in pass pro (R2/like but DNW)

RB Omarion Hampton, UNC: Ran 4.49 at 221 lbs at combine; runs with power; not sure he has the elusive or instinctive traits to merit him being considered the #2 back in this draft; a crusher in pass pro; lack of shake is concerning as he isn’t 250 lbs like Derrick Henry; he’ll go higher than I would ever take him (DNW)

RB Cam Skattebo, Arizona State: hard not to like the way he runs; I just think that he’s a gap scheme-runner and lacks the speed to be successful in Miami’s offense; not the type player you like counting out, but just lacks traits imo; could work out, I just like other backs better (DNW)

RB Kalen Johnson, Iowa: big back who sometimes runs like he’s not; braces for tackles at times instead of power through them; one cut & go style runner; good receiver; questionable vision (D2/DNW)

RB Kyle Monangai, Rutgers: productive college back; short but his game is power; not super quick & not fast (4.60 at combine) but changes speeds on defenders for elusiveness; concern of traits vs NFL game; concern for MIA need fit (DNW)

RB Jaydon Blue, Texas: fast/quick player who has zero power element in his game; don’t see him making it in NFL (DNW)

RB Jarquez Hunter, Auburn: No special traits (DNW)

WIDE RECEIVERS (22)

WR Matthew Golden, Texas: avg size (5-11 191) and though he has great speed (4.29) it doesn’t always show; regardless, amazing route running; quick & tough; a baller; could play any WR spot; love the kid but will go to high considering MIA needs (R1)

WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona: Huge w good hands; wins contested balls & high points; not too much flash or burst of speed; Could be Mike Evans or could be Devante Parker; will convert 1st downs & score TDs regardless; solid receiver in a bad class; too high for MIA to take a receiver (R1)

WR Jalen Royals, Utah State: very good player on a bad team w a bad offense; former high jumper; 6-0 205; vg hands; good at eluding tacklers in space; great first step; has the burst of a receiver but RAC on balls over the middle like he’s a big RB++; 834 yards (15.2) w/ 7 TDs in 7 games (foot injury); averaged 15.2 ypc in his two years; of 126 career catches, 75 for 1st down+++; 4.42 40 at the combine with 13 reps (posted #s reportedly still not 100%); great offensive fit (R2⭐)

WR Jayden Higgins, Iowa State: 6-4, 214 4.47 40 & 39” vert at Combine++; speed & height show up on tape; resembles Christian Watson; didn’t see a lot of crisp route running; learning system intricacies might be an issue; has good stop/start ability to throw defenders off; good Miami fit (R2)

WR Kyle Williams, Washington State: 5-11, 190, is one of the rare players who can run through tackles and run away from people; 4.40 at combine w 36.5-inch vert; can turn a short throw into a long gain; good MIA fit (R3)

WR Tory Horton, Colo State: 6-2.5, 196, 4.41, 36.5; coming off knee inj but part in combine; C Chambers clone; great hands; vg high point; vg team fit; runs well after catch & over the middle; fights off press effectively w his hands; big fan (R5⭐)

WR Tai Felton, Maryland: 6-2, plays fast, is fast (4.38 combine), great hands, wins contested balls; will work over the middle & outside; a deep threat; fights off defenders w his hands; could prove to be a great value pick; deep threat (15.1 ypc, 6 TDs) when his team had a good passer (Tagovailoa ’23) and more possession receiver (96 rec., 1,124 yds., 9 TDs) w/ sub-par QB play in ’24; 2nd in the nation in WR targets in ’24 with 149 (R4⭐)

WR Savion Williams, TCU: unique traits are his size (6-4), hand size (10.25”) and versatility; he’s a good runner & receiver; good hands; despite 4.48, lacks explosion on field imo; more third option to me than Deebo type material but could be used to help disguise looks (D2/DNW before D3)

WR Jaylin Noel, Iowa State: if MIA needed a small slot, this guy might be my pick; track fast (4.36), plays fast; quick feet & vg after the catch & given a little space; explosive player (DNW before D3)

WR Isaiah Neyor, Nebraska: played half a season after getting hurt before last yr; has never had a super productive season which is why his draft status is in limbo; from a physical standpoint, might have the most elite traits in the draft; 6-4 218, 4.40 at combine, 38” vert at pro day, 34 3/8” arms+++; hands aren’t the greatest; plays more quick than fast; thrives in traffic and over the middle; breaks tackles; NEB pass offense was one of worst in CFB in ’24 (R6)

WR Kaden Prather, Maryland: 6-4, 204 and ran a better-than-expected 4.46 at the combine; plays physical & his size is a problem for corners; does well in contested catch situations; break tackles after the catch; played all of his snaps outside in college; underperformer but played better with Tagovailoa at QB in ’23 (15.9 ypc) (R6)

WR Daniel Jackson, Minnesota: 6-0 195; catches anything in the vicinity, even if he’s getting lit up; breaks tackles for short extra gains & excels at back shoulder catches; comes off on film looking polished/sharp route runner; a talented ball tracker, positioning himself to make plays even in tight windows; could provide a short-yardage receiving option with 38.5-inch vertical (R6-UDFA)

WR Xavier Restrepo, Miami: one of my favorite WRs during 2024 for what he does on-field; sadly a 4.83 40 time when you have 1/3 of a year to prepare for it can’t be overlooked; 4.8 WRs don’t make the NFL; good hands, good route running, vg vision as a runner; somehow managed 16.3 ypc in ’24; cant offer much in ST with that speed so will have to make it somehow as a slow slot (R7/UDFA)

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WR Isaiah Bond, Texas: Trouble. (DNW)

WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio St: has decent size (6-1 190) & got open in college; good rt runner; no easily identifiable special traits; a reliable receiver but leaves too many yards out there that better players turn into TDs (DNW)

WR Luther Burden III, Mizzou: could be 3rd WR taken bc it’s a bad class at the top; slot only; quick & pretty strong; good jab step; 4.42 at combine; has drop issues and doesn’t produce the way you would expect; gives me Kadarius Toney flashbacks (DNW)

WR Jack Bech, TCU: I don’t see the fascination stone pundits have, but he is solid all the way around; smart player w great hands; doesn’t look super speedy on field (DNW)

WR Elic Ayomayor, Stanford: big with real good hands; doesn’t seem to get a ton of separation; very little YAC; is a slow 4.44 somehow on tape (DNW)

WR Arian Smith, Georgia: burner (4.36) w 36 in vert; too slight at 179 to play in middle of the field regularly; could struggle with press; has a good first move/jab step before go route; looks like DeVontae Smith; like don’t love; not good fit for current MIA roster (DNW)

WR Tez Johnson, Oregon: I love the kid but we can’t take on another guy so small (5-9 ⅞, 154); good hands, balance, fights for every yard, quick in small spaces and glides in the open field but had a bad combine, esp at his size; Desean Jackson-like in college (DNW)

WR Ja’Corey Brooks, Louisville: Alabama transfer; 6-3 with a lot of talent as a runner but soft (DNW)

WR Josh Kelly, Texas Tech: vg college numbers; has NFL frame & straight line speed but does not have NFL feet; will struggle to get off the line & open imo (DNW)

TIGHT ENDS (12)

TE Tyler Warren, Penn State: will be an offensive weapon in the NFL; runs well in space as well as battles for the extra yard; will need to refine blocking but is pretty good … good enough to give offense what it wants in terms of multiple looks/options; red zone++ at 6-5 w vg hands (R1)

TE Mason Taylor, LSU: 6-5 251; maybe the best bet to get a complete TE in this draft; good receiver w big hands; runs well (4.65 at LSU Pro Day) in open space and is a natural runner; no discernible elite traits but good at everything; needs to improve blocking but it’s more do-able than most prospects in this draft; prob best TE in the class as far as MIA need fit (R3)

TE Terrance Ferguson, Oregon: player who needs work but could end up being good; good hands; good back shoulder; runs real well in space & unlike others in this class, will put his head down for a few yards after that; not a great high point guy at present despite 39” vert at combine; combine: 6-5 247, 4.63 40, 10-2 broad; lined up half his snaps inline; needs coaching & upper body strength work but looks like a guy who could do both (R3-4)

TE Gunnar Helm, Texas: 6-5, 250 and has better blocking skills than most TE in this class; has real good hands; not a very athletic player but he does run well with the ball after catch; does not really break tackles; gets good separation seemingly due to his feel for space; not too much of a deep threat to a defense as a receiver; value comes in possibility for growth in both areas (R5)

TE Elijah Arroyo, Miami: has combination of things I like and things I don’t; size is good but he can’t block; played most snaps in slot; good hands & if he hits open space, can accelerate beyond what typical TE can & dust DBs; one dimensional game is the problem, if he could block, would poss be my TE1 (R5)

TE Luke Lachey, Iowa: briefly on Lachey, loved his tape from the start of ’23; looked like typical Iowa two-way TE who could run through tackles; injured ankle in ’23 and came back in ’24 where he was expected to probably leave originally; looked sluggish and not like the same guy in ’24; IF he can come back stronger, he did have those qualities, he does have the size (6-6, 251) and real good hands; you know he can block as a) Iowa b) he is the son of Jim Lachey HOF; he is just exceptionally slow, unless something improves (R6/R7)

TE Jalin Conyers, Texas Tech: runs pretty good for a large guy (6-3, 260 lbs); 4.74, 35.5” at Combine; tough to evaluate because he could only be an inline TE in the pros yet mostly played in the slot in college; practice squad/developmental player; similar to Warren, has run Wildcat (R7)

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TE Colston Loveland, Michigan: seems like a decent blocker, not sure, but more of a speed/runner type in the pass game than a power guy; vg w ball in open space (R1/DNW)

TE Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green: runs real well after the catch; 6-3 241 w/ 4.71 40 at combine; has better feet than he has fast feet (they actually look clumsily large at times); likely to be a successful TE in the mold of Jonnu Smith, which is why it would be a redundant pick for the Dolphins; still like his skill set and he does have excellent hands; 2nd most targets of any player in NCAA in ’24; unsure of him as a blocker; effort to bulk up for combine likely led to inflated 40 time; did well in agility drills & it shows on game film (R2/DNW)

TE Carter Runyon, Towson: 6-6, runs well w good hands but is currently too light (235) to play inline & he doesn’t break many tackles (DNW)

TE Joshua Simon, So Car: posted great combine numbers, 4.55, 38” vert; has long arms and big hands; runs pretty well after catch but looks awkward; rarely inline except to chip a pass rusher then run route; not an NFL blocker (DNW)

TE Jake Briningstool, Clemson: Gesicki clone (DNW)

OFFENSIVE LINE (26)

Note: regardless of pos. in college, almost every lineman I am scouting in 2025 is intended to play G for MIA as a rookie at a minimum

OT Armand Membou, Missouri: 6-4, 332; ppl are fascinated w him because this draft is lacking at the position; will likely be a successful OT due to movement skills; would be an all-timer at G imo based on his full athletic profile (33.5-inch arms; 332 lbs., 4.91 40, 34-in vert++, 31 reps+; not likely avail. for MIA but possible, would be an outstanding fit in OZ; strong, agile and powerful; only 21 yo (R1)

OT Kelvin Banks, Texas: 6-5, 314; one of only 2 OL pick deserving of 13 imo; very athletic & explosive, esp in run game; resembles A Jackson; would play at LG & use ICE at tackle or if things don’t work out for Paul; 32 inch vert at combine (90th pctile)+++; 33.5” arms (R1)

G Donovan Jackson, Ohio State; LG who shifted to LT when starter J. Simmons went down early in ‘24; good feet; arms seem long; good in OZ ready; thick, good G size; has good punch; looks to finish defenders; like him a lot; good MIA fit (R2)

OL Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona: mauler; OT at Arizona but move to guard; 1.77 10y split (4.95 40) at 6-4 324; plays with combo of good movement and power; big fan (R2)

OT/G Josh Simmons, Ohio State: 1st round talent likely to go later; inj hx (knee); 1.5 yrs PT after transfer from SDSU; shorter arms; moves great; vg pass pro; great in recovery; shows physicality in run game with great movement skills; nothing really lacking in his game; definite D1 pick w/o inj hx; it is not out of the realm of possibility that he ends up being the best tackle of the class when its all said and done (R2)

C Jared Wilson, Georgia: one-year starter who looks real good; still has room for improvement with punch and hand usage, but his feet are great; resets a play with ease when he’s knocked off his original spot; good in pass protection; excellent in the run game; played youth soccer (good feet); 6-3, 310, 4.84 40-yard dash, 32-inch vert; have no doubt he can start at guard and move to C after Brewer’s contract or if injured (R3⭐)

G Grey Zabel, NDSU: got a lot of hype out of his 1v1 sessions at Sr Bowl; moves well & is best in run game; good at picking up/switching to unblocked defenders; gets bent back sometimes in pass pro; was a LT; 36.5 vert at combine; better going fwd than back; short arms; needs to get stronger (R2)

OT Aireontae Ersery, Minn: super strong; 6-6, 340; locks onto a pass rusher & they’reimmobilized; big time run blocker; needs coaching and work, particularly in pass pro against speed rushers; leans/whiffs sometimes; might be too long to move to guard; utilizes a strong single-armed punch++ (R2)

OT Cameron Williams, Texas: R1 talent size wise & athletically; move to G; has 34” arms w vice grips for hands; one year as a starter; ton of penalties; effort is not a problem; big time smash mouth run blocker who can move; nevertheless, comes w risk & needs a ton of work (R3/4)

G Tate Ratledge, Georgia: has injury concerns but offers the size and athleticism the Dolphins would seek for outside zone; athleticism score ranked first among linemen at the NFL Combine; plays with a major nasty streak; a little tall (6-6) and needs to work on pad level, but looks great in the run game (R2)

OL Chase Lundt, UConn: needs to add some size & upper body strength but core strength seems vg for player so tall (6-7.5); didn’t do much testing at combine but prob should have, movement skills are unbelievable; shorter arms but his feet are so good he seems okay; perfect for OZ; gets after it & plays a little nasty; all snaps came at RT (R4)

G Charles Grant, W&M: played tackle in college but would be a good OZ guard; 6-4 311 w almost 35-inch arms++; needs to get stronger; good in pass pro; good switching defenders; ascending player & good fit; gets his power from the best spot (low) (R3)

G Luke Kandra, Cincinnati: two yr starter who went from 4 sacks allowed in ’23 to none in ’24; really good run OZ run blocker; good in pass pro when he knows what’s coming; when he gets in trouble instead of using his feet to get him out of it, he leans to defender (not good); has elite power/explosion numbers in testing but has short arms (~31″); good backup to average starter (R6)

OT Caleb Etienne, BYU: if MIA wants a Patrick Paul to learn from Patrick Paul, draft this guy; 6-7, 329 with 36-inch (!!!) arms; benched 27 reps at BYU Pro Day and ran a 5.01 40++; can get away with flaws because of his long, strong arms that he most effectively uses to grip and rip; throws some defenders face down; not too good in run game & will need a lot of work; OT only; does not play to whistle, a concern; excellent project if you can get him late; RAS score ranked 104th of 1,419 OT rated since 1987 (R7-UDFA)

G Thomas Perry, Middlebury (DIII): if he was at a bigger school, I’d say he looks like a R2/Day 2 guard; good size, physical, smart, moves real well; one of the strongest players in the draft; 38 reps; mirrors well; impressed at EW Shrine game (Rd 7/UDFA⭐)

G Nash Jones, Texas State: switched to LG after two years at LT; definitely a project and a player who needs his body to mature in an NFL way; is thick in the right places and plays with power; 6-4, 320; moves pretty well but needs a good deal of refining; handled himself well in 1v1 at EW Shrine (UDFA)

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OT Will Campbell, LSU: I might have to fall on my sword later but this is one of the most overrated players I’ve ever seen if mocks are correct; no real elite traits; short arms; gave up 11 hurries, 5 QB hits & 2 sacks last year; run blocking is good not great; is good not great at everything, not top half of the first round good (DNW)

G Tyler Booker, Alabama: Big, strong & physical LG; looks like he moves okay but there’s not much tape of him in space & what’s there is not good at all; looks lazy at times; a lot of his blocks seem to be double teams w the LT; pretty sure he’s a gap scheme guard; awful testing numbers at combine; I honestly think it’s a totally lazy take to have him in the 1st rd (DNW)

OT Ozzy Trapilo, BC: 6-8 and not super strong; good in pass protection but borderline at run blocking at this stage; uses hands well; arms not exceedingly long given height; reserve swing OT at best w no position versatility (DNW)

OT Marcus Mbow, Purdue: great feet but too small to play tackle and too weak to play G; lack of play strength shows in college so likely not realistic pro imo; confused how he makes so many people’s list (DNW)

OT Wyatt Milum, WVU: long and strong and slow; not suited for OZ (DNW)

G Willie Lampkin, UNC: Given the size deficiencies MIA has already saddled itself in Brewer at C, I can’t justify drafting a 5-11 guard; he has his technique and is a good player but this is the NFL (DNW)

OT Logan Brown, Kansas: based on physical profile, should be a good G but does a lot wrong; plays a little soft; first move on attacking defender always seems to be his arms on the outside, no punch (DNW)

OT Jalen Rivers, Miami: lack of athleticism shows horribly in any run blocking play in space; position versatility but not NFL player imo (DNW)

OT Josh Conerly, Oregon: No interest at all; powerful but leans and whiffs too much; doesn’t have elite traits where he can overcome it at next level (DNW)

OT Carson Vinson, Alabama A&M: Sr Bowl invite with good size and good feet but looks super soft & he’ll get destroyed as a pro (DNW)

DEFENSIVE TACKLES (22)

DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan; a huge force; gets double teamed & eats them up; perfect for Ravens style D; 330+ lbs but athletic & can run; has long arms & uses them effectively to help get past blocks; power comes from lower half & he could still stand to b get stronger w his upper body; less consistent than his teammate Graham but his style game did more to help Graham than vice versa; his floor is to be an outstanding interior run defender; his ceiling is as high as any player in this draft which is why he’s my personal top DT pick; perfect fit for current MIA scheme w major upside (R1⭐)

DT Mason Graham, Michigan: a football player; fmr wrestler+; looks smaller to me than listed (he was – came in 24 lbs light at combine, didn’t run, then was 10 lbs heavier at UM pro day, didn’t run) – is clearly concerned about what teams think about his weight and it could matter; high motor; a lot like B. Fiske last yr (who had a good year with Rams) but not as athletic or physical; benefactor of a lot of double teams on his teammate DT K Grant (R1)

DT Derrick Harmon, MSU >> Oregon; Tall, powerful & moves well; power in (long) arms/hands; quick, strong burst then fights off blocks w arms; doesn’t lose ground to 2b teams despite playing a little high; room to get thicker/develop; vg player (R1)

DT C.J. West, Indiana; 6-2 317 stout chest, thick ass; handles double teams easy; quick off the ball & stays active; months great; showed dominant play against B1G comp., esp Michigan (9 tackles); could end up being a beast; makes plays at the line or in the backfield, not four yards downfield; Wilkins-like (R3⭐)

DT Tyleik Williams, Ohio State: classic 3 technique; plays physical but can get stronger; moves very well; play’s never dead for him++; makes a lot of plays fighting off initially being blocked; uses arms well (R3-4)

DT Omarr Norman-Lott, Tennessee: a little undersized (6-2, 291) but shows some explosiveness; speed to power is his game & pretty much all he has, but it does result in good interior pass rush; can overpower guards & earn double teams; w pro game coaching could be solid “& long” pass rushing DT; 33.5-inch arms and huge hands (R3-R4)

DT T.J. Sanders, So Carolina: exceptional burst at the snap; landing first punch most of the time; strong arms and huge hands (10.25”) he uses well to shoot past blockers; lower half is kind of weak; can’t hold up vs run; could be good if he can build a better base; rn prob only 3rd down rusher unless he can convert be used some at DE; plays a little upright; quick off the ball, prob his greatest attribute; had good athletic testing scores; not handling double teams at this stage in his dev (R3-R4)

DT Jared Harrison-Hunte, SMU: 4.86 in 40 & 32-in vert at 6-3 290 at the combine++; not exceptionally long or strong but the speed does show up on tape; plays smart; handles 2b teams well for his size by getting low early; could be a good player if he gets stronger, esp with arms in shedding, otherwise could struggle (R6)

DT Jordan Phillips, Maryland: he’s smaller (6-2, 302) but you see him drive lineman backward in embarrassing ways at times; unbelievable power; has a nice sidestep & moves well; split almost 50-50 between 0 tech and 3 tech; hard to rectify lack of production (0 sacks in 2 yrs); needs a finisher and some refinement; high effort/hard worker (R6)

NT Zeek Biggers, Ga Tech: movement isn’t really his game but can power his way to effectiveness in short areas; has long arms; blocked 2 FGs & will bat down passes; might be a combination of too tall and not strong enough in his base (R7)

DT Darius Alexander, Toledo: 6-4 305, 31.5” vert, 28 reps at combine; 34” arms he uses well, great swim move; gets swallowed by 2b teams straight up but sometimes finds his way out to make plays; could be rotational player (R6)

DT Ty Robinson, Nebraska: 310 lb; played a lot; not a lot of nuance – a bullrusher; 11 tfl/6 sacks in ‘24; could be NFL backup; posted good numbers at combine but dropped 22 lbs to do it (R6-R7)

NT Desmond Watson, Florida: at 6-5, 464, would be the heaviest player in NFL history by 84 lbs.; bench 520 squats 720; 225 x 38 reps at Pro Day (+5 over L Kandra at Combine); isn’t just bulge; moves surprisingly well; hands unbelievably strong; athletic enough to have played FB & RB in short yardage for UF; project who is a scheme fit (UDFA)

DT Kyonte Hamilton, Rutgers: 6-3, 305, 4.95 40 and 29 reps at Rutgers Pro Day; 36 tackles, team-high 4 sacks in ’24; played 0, 3 & 5 technique; thing that makes him of interest to me, if not MIA – was national champion prep wrestler in the 220-lb. weight class & did wrestle some his freshman year at Rutgers (UDFA)

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DT Walter Nolen III, Ole Miss: this year’s Byron Murphy; looks better than he plays; will get drafted in first 50; gets pushed back way too much for a DT, can’t handle 2b teams (DNW)

DT Alfred Collins, Texas: you can show me every piece of tape of him doing something great & I’ll never draft a guy with such a low motor; lazy and I can’t believe people’s positive takes on this guy (DNW)

DT Shemar Turner, Texas A&M: projected much higher (D2) than I think he deserves; he’s a hold-the-line DT whose lack of size even showed on college tape thanks to SEC comp; quickness and hand strength are top traits, strength an issue (DNW)

DT Joshua Farmer, FSU: don’t love or hate him; no special traits & game needs some nuance but he’s good at going fwd, shedding blockers & disrupting plays some in the pass game; not too stout in run game, which is kind of essential (DNW)

DT Deone Walker, Kentucky: huge guy with the weight in the wrong places (high); almost comical – he wins with swim moves, spin moves (!) & w ridic quick feet; lower half is awful strength-wise; can’t anchor; has no effect of 2b teams (DNW)

DT Vernon Broughton, Texas: seems like he makes plays only one of two ways – either it comes straight to him or the other teams play broke down & took too long; never a burst into the backfield (DNW)

DI Jahvaree Ritzie, UNC: physically looks the part & had 6.5 sacks and a pick 6 in ‘24 but ALL plays come to him; he’s not forceful, not a worker; holds the line (DNW)

NT Jamaree Caldwell, Oregon: short and stout but not a guy built for a 4-man front (DNW)

EDGE (13)

EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State: freakishly athletic & it shows on the field; won’t make it out of the top 5; I do not agree with the Micah Parsons comp…different players (R1)

DE/DT Ashton Gilotte, Louisville: tweener 6-3, 275 but seems in right situation that could translate as DT/DE versatility; long arms; high motor; 4.5 sacks in ‘24, 10 in ‘23; v strong; hammer throw in college; v strong hands; 41 hurries in ‘24 (R3)

EDGE Jordan Burch, Oregon: not really into taking another edge until D3 but if he’s there at the end of R3, have to consider; 4.67 40 at 6-4 279 at combine; missed games due to knee but still had 11 TFLs with 8.5 sacks, 5 PBUs, FF (R3)

DE/EDGE Jared Ivey, Ole Miss: not sure why I don’t see him mentioned more; 6-6 274 moves real good; good pass rusher & setting edge against run; explosive at the snap; uses punch well and has both inside and outside moves that are effective against blockers; 8 sacks, 31 hurries; could end up being a stud (R3)

EDGE/LB Que Robinson, Alabama: Robinson had his best season as a defender in 2024, playing in 9 games with 5 starts while logging 23 tackles, seven TFLs & 4 sacks before missing the end of season with an elbow injury; 2nd in the nation in pass rush win rate; Nick Saban called him the best core special teams player he ever coached; logged over 230 snaps in his career covering kicks and punts; currently too light (6-4, 243) to line up every down as an EDGE rusher in the NFL; could possibly transition to off ball but that likelihood is probably low; not a current MIA need except on ST (R4, 2nd pick)

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EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia: great build and physical skills; will take time to develop; lack of pass rush game, sometimes looks lost; stats plus developmental needs don’t match lofty draft status (R1/DNW)

EDGE Jack Sawyer, Ohio State: higher floor lower ceiling guy; uses hands well; worker; playmaker in college in the biggest games; not very athletic; could get dominated by pro tackles due to short arms & lack of elite traits (R5/DNW)

EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College: another smallish EDGE rusher except he lacks some of the power Chop can generate; a redundant player at a position of lesser need (DNW)

EDGE Shemar Stewart, TAMU: measures & tests out like Myles Garrett; 4.6/40 in vert, 6-5, 270; too many +++ traits not to go in top 15; does not look like a natural FB player to me; low production; can be neutralized by a single blocker; barely any sacks in conference play his last three seasons; not a fan (DNW)

EDGE Landon Jackson, Arkansas: has Jason Taylor size with more athletic testing numbers; does not, however, possess the bend & his long, relatively thin frame only serves to get him bounced around or pushed wide of a play that a player w better bend would be able to close (DNW)

EDGE James Pearce Jr., Tenn.: unbelievably fast (4.47) & beats blocks with pure speed; is good at converting speed to power when he can get a tackle moving backward; has zero bend; 1st rd talent, easy; well-documented he’s a big time head case, not even liked by his college teammates (DNW)

EDGE Mike Green, Marshall: 6-3, 250; small speed rusher; fmr wrestler; redundant for MIA (DNW)

EDGE Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss: to me, he was a product of a stacked defensive line and if not, he would be a redundant player similar to other players I would not select this year (built like Chop); small speed rushers (DNW)

OFF BALL LINEBACKERS (8*)

LB Jalon Walker, Georgia: plays with an unbelievable burst & play speed to match; for MIA prob has desired pos versatility between ILB & EDGE; if EDGE only, would just replicate Chop selection, & is too short imo; from ILB, could be special, esp mixing in inside pass rush with occasional on ball; could get pushed downhill if on ball; Weaver would love this chess piece; could be gone (R1⭐)

LB Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma: a little light at 6-3, 233, but gets to the ball and bangs w the best of them; 4.52 40 & 34-inch vert at combine; athleticism shows on tape; can’t help being reminded somewhat of ZT; does well reading plays then fighting off blocks to get to the ball; wood be perfect behind big DTs (R3/4)

LB Carson Schwesinger, UCLA: play speed comes from instincts and recognition++; would have to play WLB imo; looks light at times when taking on guards; is slippery getting to ball carriers; may struggle covering athletic TEs (R3/4)

LB Teddye Buchanan, Cal: Mike LB who made plays (1st team All-ACC in ‘24) & has the athletic profile (6-2 234 4.60/40”/10-5); explosiveness & power shows is short spaces; issue is whether he struggles reading plays (R5-6)

LB Barrett Carter, Clemson: Instinctive; playmaker; too small (6-1, 230) rn for the position as a pro; needs more bulk to play WLB imo; prob good ST player/backup (R6)

LB Ethan Barr, UCF: 6-3 235, ILB who is instinctive and plays big; lacks speed to probably when he drafted but a good enough player to pick up & see if he can manage anyway; spent early part of his career at Vandy (UDFA)

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LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama: May check every box but I see a stiff player who lacks instincts; doesn’t miss tackles when they come to him & would have position versatility, but he’ll go to high for what he offers imo; is good at limiting gains when in coverage and good as a free blitzer; shoulder injury on an LB not ideal (DNW)

LB Harold Perkins, LSU: 6-1, 225. Safety size. (DNW)

LB Lander Barton, Utah: Needs to add weight but looks instinctive & physical as hell: 6-4 w long arm; fights off blocks w what seem to be strong hands; AVG-like (R3/4) (ANNOUNCED RETURNING TO SCHOOL)

CORNERBACKS (22*)

CB Travis Hunter, Colorado: best player in the draft, no chance we get him, end of story (yes, CB-first); great, instinctive football player; future All-Pro (R1)

CB Jahdae Barron, Texas: at times looks more like a SS than a corner to me; played inside every year except his ‘24 season; good tackler, man coverage is not at NFL level rn; could be vg outside corner with improved press skills, but does not currently possess; 4.39 at combine; likely a vg player inside in the NFL; MIA needs a corner but I prefer this not be the pick, though he is deserving (R1)

CB Trey Amos, Ole Miss: 6-1 w long arms & can run (4.44 at combine); best trait is prob his awareness/instincts w the ball in the air; seems to be smart in zone; is going to make a lot of plays as an outside CB for somebody; perfect CB build; good tackler; occasionally face guards but seems to get away with a PBU; my CB1 in this draft for MIA, all things considered (R1/2⭐)

CB Shavon Revel, East Carolina: can’t take him in R1 for same reason as Johnson (inj.) but could be best CB in draft; 32 5/8” arms++; great tackler, good blitzer; physical & instinctive; play speed is high; runs 4.40 (u); seems to be ready to make a play in any circumstance; best player on the field in most games; tape against Michigan+++; if he was completely healthy, D1 starter & my top CB in this draft (R2⭐)

CB Will Johnson, Michigan: has great tape from ’22 & ’23 showing high-end instincts, anticipation and feel for the game; if healthy, def a R1 CB; plays off receivers to an extent I have concerns about his speed; play speed is high but is he NFL fast?; tends to lack physicality with larger receivers; if he ran in the 4.4s, would take him at 13 out of need; inability to even get healthy for combine then pulling a hamstring before Michigan Pro Day is too much to overlook; is he mature enough to take care of his body? (DNW in R1)

CB Darien Porter, Iowa State: Long (6-2), fluid, vg w/ball in the air; ST ace (blocks pk/punts); not strong; not a strong tackler; needs time, weight room but should be good in coverage right away; 4.30 at combine; big fan, esp if he can improve strength between rookie & 2nd year (R2)

CB Azereye’h Thomas, FSU: press corner; plays very physical; uses stiff punch to disrupt WR routes; 6-1.5 197; doesn’t look super fast but played outside and didn’t give up a TD in ‘24: seems like intelligent player; handsy, could get in PI trouble; long arms (32 ⅜”) help in press & defending; low career int #s; good blitzer (R2)

CB Jacob Parrish, Kansas State: prob too small to be an outside cb in the NFL but sticky in coverage & a real good tackler, despite being smaller; 4.36 at combine; good player, immediate contributor (R2/3⭐)

CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame: 6-0, 193 but plays big, but isn’t strong enough to play press in the NFL rn; real good when the play is in front of him, suggesting he may be better in zone though most snaps were in man; recognition when the ball is in the air isn’t the best; played very well as a freshman and soph; could slip a little due to injury (R3-4)

CB Tacario Davis, Arizona: 6-4 and does a good job in coverage both press & downfield in turning to the ball; is by in short spaces & effectively uses his size to smother receivers; high forced incompletion rate; lacks long speed (4.51) but changes direction vg for size (R3/4) (ANNOUNCED RETURNING TO SCHOOL)

CB Nohl Williams, Cal: played press outside; 6-0 199; more sticky than in your face but always looking for the ball+; 14 career int; 4.50, 20 reps at combine; good tackler; also KR (R4⭐)

CB Zah Frazier, UTSA: 6-3, 4.36 40, 36.5” vert at combine; potential outside CB; 6 int 15 pbu in ‘24; finds ball; sick closing speed; 25 yo (R5)

CB Mello Dotson, Kansas: really like his tape; productive, instinctive player; can definitely survive in zone but too slow to consider outside; 4.60 at combine (R7)

CB Robert Longerbeam, Rutgers: slight at 5-11, 175 but can play field, outside or nickel as he plays bigger than his size; super aggressive player & tackler despite size; 2 int 11 pbu in ‘24; is fast plays fast; 4.39 40, 36.5 vert, 11.2 broad jump (R5-6)

CB Melvin Smith Jr, So Arkansas: (4.38 38.5″ vert at Pro Day) vg coverage skills; always turned to play the ball; a very willing tackler in run support; seems like an instinctive player; 5 int in ’24; also handled kickoff return duties, posting 7 returns for 194 yards (27.7 avg.) with a 99-yard TD (R6)

CB Jason Marshall Jr., Florida: 6-0, 194, ran a 4.48 forty, posted a 37.5-inch vertical and a 10-05 broad jump at UF’s Pro Day; better in man than zone; good tackler; UF used him a good bit as a blitzer; 402 of his 447 snaps last yr in outside coverage; plays the ball well when he’s engaged; concerns his head is sometimes not in the game, likely due to tackling inconsistencies and a few costly misreads; tore his labrum and required surgery in late October (R6-7)

CB Andrew Pitts, Angelo State: elite instincts, elite ball skills, vg hands, strong tackler, poor competition; slot/zone corner; short, not super fast (UDFA)

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CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky: has great anticipatory skills w the play in front of him; at worst, will be a good nickel/dime cb; isn’t too small but plays too small to play outside; liability in run support; 4.29 at combine; like don’t love (DNW)

CB Cobee Bryant, Kansas: is the more slender and slightly faster (4.53) of the two solid KU CBs in this draft; likes seeking the ball but gives up a high percentage of balls in his area, and for a pretty high average per catch; could be good in zone but would not fare well against stronger WRs; wouldn’t be upset getting him but not until R5-6 (DNW)

CB Denzel Burke, Ohio St: physical; vg tackler; has his hands all over receivers; face guards; might end up vg press CB but I see a lot of penalties (DNW)

CB Quincy Riley, Louisville: 4.48 at combine; plays fine with the ball in front of him, looks lost at times otherwise; most big plays seem to come from a bad play by offense as opposed to Riley making a play (DNW)

CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame: has a good physical skill set but looks like he’s always playing catch up w whoever he’s covering; Injured hip in Oct ‘24 (DNW)

CB Bihlal Kone, Western Michigan: ran 4.43 at combine, 6-1, 190; vg tackler; likes to show press; 70 tkl, 7 pbu, 1 int in ‘24; too much face guarding and seems to lack instincts in pass game; just not sure, despite some pos traits (DNW)

CB Mansoor Delane, Va Tech: in short, the plays he made seemed to come to him, not the other way around; don’t think he can cover pro WRs effectively (DNW)

SAFETIES (16)

S Nick Emmanwori, So Carolina: is big plays big, is fast plays fast; don’t usually go for R1 safeties but could be a diff maker, could fill role similar to Derwin James; better in coverage than you would imagine; hits hard; big enough to play WLB if S doesn’t work; 4.38 40, 43-in vert (R1/2)

S Xavier Watts, Notre Dame: relatively average physical skills but off the chart instinctive skills; needs to get stronger; not likely built to play in the box regularly; does a great job reading WRs w ball in the air; ballhawk++; week 1 NFL starter; allowed 0 TDs in coverage area and had 6 ints in ’24 (R2)

S Andrew Mukuba, Texas: is a little small but I love the way he plays; 4.43 at combine; very good in coverage and would take the deep safety role; worth moving up in R3 imo; despite size, is a hitter; can improve on missed tackles in run game; outstanding recognition in pass game, cutting off pass lanes; takes great angles; will create turnovers at the next level; seemingly at his best in big games (R3⭐)

S Jonas Sanker, Virginia: if you draft him, this is your box safety; 6-1, 210, runs real well (4.48/36.5”) and really hits; can blitz him and he covers better than most underneath safeties; Uva used him on all coverage teams, a gunner for punt coverage; has burst and closes quickly on ball carriers; no real flaws to his game that I can see (R3)

S Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma: plenty athletic enough, plays with good speed and is a ball hawk; size is primary concern (5-10, 192); similar player profile to recent addition Ashtyn Davis, might be a little better (D3)

S Hunter Wohler, Wisconsin: lights people up; 6-1 217, not super fast (4.5) but good in coverage; great tackler; would play at SS or nickel safety, not FS; baller (R6)

S Malachi Moore, Alabama: 5-11, 196 with short arms; ran a slow 4.57 at Bama Pro Day; 36-inch vert, 10-6 broad jump; crazy thing is when you watch film, you see a guy who can cover and when he comes up in run support, he really hits; Aside from his size and speed on paper, I see nothing that suggests he cant be a box safety; played every safety position for Alabama in ’24; he had a stacked stat line suggesting he’s just a baller (R6)

DB Kitan Crawford, Nevada: Texas transfer; listed at S but is suited to be a big nickel & special teams ace bc height (5-11); does well in coverage, showing instincts & breaks well when recognizing play; not a good enough tackler to be your SS; blew lid off combine – 4.41/41.5”/10-8/18 reps (R6)

S Marquis Sigle, Kansas State good in run support, lining up primarily at slot & box safety; blew up the combine, 4.37 in the 40 (1.5 second 10-yard split), a 38-inch vert & a 10-10 broad jump; is fast, but sometimes slow to react; may struggle to find the field on defense but could excel at ST (R6-7)

S Keondre Jackson, Illinois State: 6-3, 215; looks to destroy every ball carrier; does not miss tackles; has good range but would definitely play in the box; good ST player; used in blitz packages (R6-7)

S Craig Woodson, Cal: looks like a solid player & comes diving in on run support+, but his frame seems a little small to play that way in NFL (R6/7)

S CJ Baskerville, Texas Tech: good tackler, good instincts; good hands for a DB; lacks ideal speed; could play the nickel or SS-type role (UDFA)

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S Kevin Winston Jr, Penn State: not a fan unless he goes on day 3; big safety, good in run support but could not cover a lot of today’s NFL tight ends imo; played more high safety than anything at PSU but I don’t think he is equipped for that; cant overstate that he is a very good tackler & physical player, but ’24 ACL injury plus coverage questions are issues (DNW)

S Malik Verdon, Iowa State: looks slow w suspect coverage skills for NFL; elite tackler, nose for ball; def a SS, poss a LB?; no way he can match NFL WR in cvg; seems to give a lot of space poss due to deficient recovery skills (DNW)

S Dante Trader, Maryland: (ORIG REVIEW) good tackler but no special traits (DNW) … (POST DRAFT REVIEW) still don’t see a ton of special traits; is versatile even though he’s a little slow; shows instincts and apparently did a lot more than I can see on tape because his team named him DPOTY

SPECIALISTS (1)

K Ryan Fitzgerald, Florida State: between 2020-22, Fitzgerald was a miserable 26-of-40 on field goals (65%). In his final two seasons, however, he was 32-of-34 and 13-of-13 last season with all five of his attempts from 50+ yards finding the mark and a long of 59 against Oklahoma. He has thrived under pressure and is an outstanding kickoff specialist with a huge leg who averaged 64.3 yards with an 81% touchback rate (34-of-42) in 2024. He even posted impressive games in cold weather at Notre Dame and Boston College. In addition, he can serve as a backup punter.

 

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