Post Draft Headlines

The 2025 NFL Draft has officially been over for over a week now, but there were quite a few headlines involved in this draft. I’m going to look at some of the big talking points of this draft and see what all the buzz is about. Sidenote, I’m working on a couple other big projects for the following weeks, one being a longer article I will stretch over the season, and the other may come in a different form of media. Stay tuned. Now, let’s see what everyone’s chatting about.

Shedeur Sanders:

Let’s start with the headline that no media outlet, especially Mel Kiper Jr., can seem to let go of. Shedeur Sanders had been touted as a first-round draft pick before even making a start at Jackson State. Every “too early mock draft” had him going top 5. So why didn’t he go top 5? A couple reasons. For one, Sanders was not a prospect that jumped off the highlight reel. Completion percentage aside, which let’s be honest, the guy threw a lot of checkdowns and to wide open receivers in shorter yardage, he was only 47% on passes 20+ yards. The average for most QBs at that range is 58%. On top of that, he doesn’t have great arm strength, mobility, or the ability to release the ball when needed. He tends to throw to guys with larger open windows and won’t release until they’re open. That will be problematic. Finally, there is the issue of character with Sanders. Whether it be the old Colorado players getting the boot during Sanders’ first year as HC, and Shedeur openly mocking them on Twitter, or to not show up for a pre-planned production meetings in college, or failed preparation for the draft. There is just too much baggage for mediocre talent. Maybe if he didn’t blow off Ross Tucker for a production meeting before the Colorado St. game during college to go hang out with friends, or if he didn’t snap back at NYG HC Brian Daboll for calling him out for being unprepared, or for not participating in the combine or doing team meetings at the combine. If half of these things are true, I can see how he slid to the 5th round without an issue.

Shedeur Sanders is more entitled and self-proclaiming than anyone I’ve seen in a while, and that is kind of a norm in the NFL. Cockiness and confidence are two different things you see a lot in this league, but when you went 12-13 at a school for two years, don’t win a bowl or playoff game, and have your jersey retired for literally nothing other than your last name, it kind of shows where your importance lies. He got his jersey retired because he is Deion’s son. Nothing else. The school doesn’t even permit that until after graduation. But Shedeur was so legendary, they just had to do it before. What about Darian Hagan? Eric Bieniemy? And if you don’t know the history they left at Colorado, I suggest you do some research, because NEITHER guy has his jersey retired. Sanders is more worried about the media attention than anything else. But hey, that’s why they took Dillon Gabriel in the 3rd round, and waited until the 5th to go get Shedeur. Maybe he will pan out and be as great as he thinks he is. Maybe he won't. I think it can be agreed upon that he talks way too much for the talent he puts on tape.

New York Giants:

The Giants had a good draft, and it is shocking all Giants fans far and wide. They took Abdul Carter early, adding to their already strong defensive front. They then traded up in the first round to go get their future starting QB Jaxson Dart, who I believe with the right time and direction, could be special. There will be lots to work through, but sitting behind Jameis Winston and SB winning QB Russell Wilson, you’re bound to pick up a couple nuggets of information. Brian Daboll gets to develop a QB from the jump, which is what he was brought on to do. They also got some key pieces later in the draft in Marcus Mbow and Darius Alexander, too guys for high value where they selected them. Both are gritty, tough players, which seemed to be the theme of the Giants draft. I actually am happy for Giants fans, as they needed a good draft, and Joe Schoen and John Mara delivered. Now, let’s hope they all pan out.

Trade Ups:

There were some interesting trade ups in this draft. We won’t touch on all of them, but just the ones that seemed pretty big in my eyes. The first was obviously Jacksonville trading up for Travis Hunter. I was a little shocked and still wary of this move, but the Jaguars feel like they got a culture guy. Someone to drive home success for this franchise. The Giants also traded for Jaxson Dart, and as mentioned prior, I really love this move for them. He won’t sniff the field for at least a year, so that will just increase his odds of success. The Browns trading up for Shedeur with 4 QBs already on their roster was…interesting. I guess they really liked Shedeur, but why take a 5th QB when you already took Dillon Gabriel? Yes, there is capital that was acquired, but they have to hit on those picks. Finally, the Eagles did Eagles things and traded up to get a stud LB in Jihaad Campbell. Who keeps letting the Eagles get away with this? It’s starting to annoy me. All jokes aside, another great draft from Philly, and Campbell was the start.

Cleveland Browns:

I already sort of talked about it, but it’s so wild it needed its own section. I just can’t understand it. You have the second pick to get Travis Hunter, who the Cleveland front office couldn’t’ stop gushing over since his Pro Day. Then you trade for more picks later. OK, but your team needs help now. And if you were securing more picks for next year’s QB class, why take 2 QBs this year?? They could’ve paired Abdul Carter with Myles Garrett. That would’ve been insane. Mason Graham is still a great pick, but this strategy from the Browns just seemed all over the place. Not exactly a direct line to organizational success, but if they believe as the crow flies, this is the quickest way to success. Let’s hope they’re right, for the sanity of Browns fans.

Chicago Bears:

Let’s end a little more positively. The Chicago Bears did everything they needed to make their team into one that teams tread more carefully around next season. They added some key OL pieces for Caleb Williams, as he was constantly dodging pressure last year, and they made some nice pickups at receiver between Luther Burden JR. and TE Colston Loveland. Two very solid pass catchers. They also picked up a couple more guards and tackles between free agency and the draft, so Chicago will be looking to make a splash this season. Big ups for the Bears.