Tag: draft

Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Dolphins lose, Saints gain compensatory NFL draft pick

Posted on | by Field Level Media

After review by the NFL Management Council, the Miami Dolphins lost one of the compensatory picks for the 2025 NFL Draft that the team was awarded earlier this week.

The Dolphins initially were awarded four compensatory picks but on Friday, the league announced a seventh-round pick was taken from Miami and awarded to the New Orleans Saints instead.

That leaves the Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers leading the way with four additional compensatory picks apiece.

As a result of the shift, the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Chargers saw their seventh-round compensatory picks moved back by one selection.

In all, 35 compensatory picks were awarded to 16 teams for the draft.

Compensatory draft picks are given when a team is deemed to have lost more or better “compensatory free agents” than it acquired in the previous year. All awarded picks are positioned between the third and seventh rounds based on the value of the compensatory free agents, or CFAs, lost.

2025 COMPENSATORY DRAFT PICKS
THIRD ROUND
Minnesota Vikings (97th Overall)
Miami Dolphins (98)
New York Giants (99)
San Francisco 49ers (100)*
Los Angeles Rams (101)*
Detroit Lions (102)*

FOURTH ROUND
Miami Dolphins (135)
Baltimore Ravens (136)
Seattle Seahawks (137)
San Francisco 49ers (138)

FIFTH ROUND
Buffalo Bills (169)
Dallas Cowboys (170)
Dallas Cowboys (171)
Seattle Seahawks (172)
Buffalo Bills (173)
Dallas Cowboys (174)
Seattle Seahawks (175)
Baltimore Ravens (176)

SIXTH ROUND
Los Angeles Chargers (209)
Baltimore Ravens (210)
Dallas Cowboys (211)
Baltimore Ravens (212)
Las Vegas Raiders (213)
Los Angeles Chargers (214)
Las Vegas Raiders (215)
Cleveland Browns (216)

SEVENTH ROUND
San Francisco 49ers (249)
Green Bay Packers (250)
Kansas City Chiefs (251)
San Francisco 49ers (252)
Miami Dolphins (253)
New Orleans Saints (254)
Cleveland Browns (255)
Los Angeles Chargers (256)
Kansas City Chiefs (257)
*Special Compensatory Selection

The CFAs are determined by a formula created by the NFL Management Council that takes into account salary, playing time and postseason honors. The goal is to determine the net loss teams suffer from CFAs during the previous free agent signing period. The formula does not include every free agent lost or signed by a team.

There were 32 compensatory selections awarded under the net loss formula.

2025 NFL COMPENSATORY PICKS
Baltimore (4)
Dallas (4)
Los Angeles Chargers (3)
Miami (3)
San Francisco (3)
Seattle (3)
Buffalo (2)
Cleveland (2)
Kansas City (2)
Las Vegas (2)
Green Bay (1)
Minnesota (1)
New Orleans (1)
New York Giants (1)

The 49ers, Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions each were awarded a selection under a 2020 amendment to the collective bargaining agreement to promote equal employment opportunities and an inclusive workforce within NFL clubs.

Teams that have a minority employee hired by another club as its head coach or general manager receive a special compensatory draft selection in the third round of each of the next two drafts. If a team has two former minority employees hired into one of those two roles elsewhere, a third year is added.

CFAs LOST/GAINED IN 2024
BALTIMORE
Lost: Jadeveon Clowney, Ronald Darby, Devin Duvernay, Gus Edwards, Patrick Queen, John Simpson, Geno Stone, Kevin Zeitler
Gained: Derrick Henry

BUFFALO
Lost: Gabe Davis, Tyrel Dodson, Leonard Floyd, Dane Jackson, Tim Settle
Gained: Mack Hollins, Austin Johnson, Curtis Samuel

CLEVELAND
Lost: Harrison Bryant, Jordan Elliott, Joe Flacco, Sione Takitaki
Gained: Jordan Hicks, Quinton Jefferson

DALLAS
Lost: Dorance Armstrong, Tyler Biadasz, Dante Fowler, Tony Pollard, Tyron Smith
Gained: None

GREEN BAY
Lost: Yosuah Nijman, Jon Runyan, Darnell Savage
Gained: Josh Jacobs, Xavier McKinney

KANSAS CITY
Lost: Nick Allegretti, Willie Gay, Tommy Townsend
Gained: Marquise Brown

LAS VEGAS
Lost: Jermaine Eluemunor, Austin Hooper, Josh Jacobs, Bilal Nichols, Amik Robertson
Gained: Harrison Bryant, Gardner Minshew, Christian Wilkins

L.A. CHARGERS
Lost: Michael Davis, Austin Ekeler, Gerald Everett, Austin Johnson, Kenneth Murray
Gained: Gus Edwards, Kristian Fulton

MIAMI
Lost: Raekwon Davis, DeShon Elliott, Robert Hunt, Brandon Jones, Andrew Van Ginkel, Christian Wilkins, Cedrick Wilson
Gained: Aaron Brewer, Jordyn Brooks, Kendall Fuller

MINNESOTA
Lost: Kirk Cousins, Danielle Hunter, Marcus Davenport, Jordan Hicks, K.J. Osborn, D.J. Wonnum
Gained: Blake Cashman, Sam Darnold, Jonathan Greenard, Shaquill Griffin, Andrew Van Ginkel

N.Y. GIANTS
Lost: Saquon Barkley, Ben Bredeson, Xavier McKinney, A’Shawn Robinson, Tyrod Taylor
Gained: Jermaine Eluemunor, Drew Lock, Jon Runyan, Devin Singletary

SEATTLE
Lost: Jordyn Brooks, Evan Brown, Damien Lewis, Drew Lock, Colby Parkinson, Bobby Wagner
Gained: Pharaoh Brown, Tyrel Dodson, George Fant

SAN FRANCISCO
Lost: Sam Darnold, Clelin Ferrell, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Javon Kinlaw, Ray-Ray McCloud, Charlie Woerner, Chase Young
Gained: Elliott Jordan, Yetur Gross-Matos, Leonard Floyd, Isaac Yiadom

Since the CFA formula was implemented in 1994, a total of 1,005 compensatory picks have been awarded, with Baltimore leading the way with 60.

2025 NFL COMPENSATORY PICKS 1994-2025
Baltimore (60)
Dallas (58)
Green Bay (53)
Los Angeles Rams (51)
New England (48)
San Francisco (46)
Philadelphia (41)
Cincinnati (37)
Pittsburgh (35)
Seattle (35)
Tennessee (33)
Kansas City (33)
Arizona (32)
New York Giants (31)
Buffalo (31)
Minnesota (29)
Los Angeles Chargers (29)
Miami (26)
Atlanta (25)
Indianapolis (25)
Tampa Bay (25)
Las Vegas (25)
Denver (24)
Detroit (24)
Chicago (21)
Jacksonville (21)
Carolina (20)
Houston (19)
Washington (19)
New Orleans (17)
New York Jets (17)
Cleveland (15)
*Not including special compensatory selections

–Field Level Media

Jan 27, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones speaks to the media at a press conference at the Star. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Four teams gain 4 additional picks for 2025 NFL Draft

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins each gained a league-high four additional selections in the 2025 NFL Draft based on their losses and signings in last year’s free agency period.

The San Francisco 49ers also received four picks, three of which came through the free agency formula and one for developing DeMeco Ryans as a head coach. The NFL on Tuesday announced the 35 total compensatory picks awarded to 15 teams for the draft.

Compensatory draft picks are awarded when a team is deemed to have lost more or better compensatory free agents (“CFA”) than it acquired in the previous year. All awarded picks are positioned between the third and seventh rounds based on the value of the compensatory free agents lost.

2025 COMPENSATORY DRAFT PICKS
THIRD ROUND
Minnesota Vikings (97th Overall)
Miami Dolphins (98)
New York Giants (99)
San Francisco 49ers (100)*
Los Angeles Rams (101)*
Detroit Lions (102)*

FOURTH ROUND
Miami Dolphins (135)
Baltimore Ravens (136)
Seattle Seahawks (137)
San Francisco 49ers (138)

FIFTH ROUND
Buffalo Bills (169)
Dallas Cowboys (170)
Dallas Cowboys (171)
Seattle Seahawks (172)
Buffalo Bills (173)
Dallas Cowboys (174)
Seattle Seahawks (175)
Baltimore Ravens (176)

SIXTH ROUND
Los Angeles Chargers (209)
Baltimore Ravens (210)
Dallas Cowboys (211)
Baltimore Ravens (212)
Las Vegas Raiders (213)
Los Angeles Chargers (214)
Las Vegas Raiders (215)
Cleveland Browns (216)

SEVENTH ROUND
San Francisco 49ers (249)
Green Bay Packers (250)
Kansas City Chiefs (251)
San Francisco 49ers (252)
Miami Dolphins (253)
Cleveland Browns (254)
Los Angeles Chargers (255)
Miami Dolphins (256)
Kansas City Chiefs (257)
*Special Compensatory Selection

The CFAs are determined by a formula created by the NFL Management Council that takes into account salary, playing time and postseason honors. The goal is to determine the net loss teams suffer from CFAs during the previous free agent signing period. The formula does not include every free agent lost or signed by a team.

There were 32 compensatory selections awarded under the net loss formula.

2025 NFL COMPENSATORY PICKS
Baltimore (4)
Dallas (4)
Miami (4)
Los Angeles Chargers (3)
San Francisco (3)
Seattle (3)
Buffalo (2)
Cleveland (2)
Kansas City (2)
Las Vegas (2)
Green Bay (1)
Minnesota (1)
New York Giants (1)

The 49ers, Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions were each awarded a selection under a 2020 amendment to the collective bargaining agreement to promote equal employment opportunities and an inclusive workforce within NFL clubs.

Teams that have a minority employee hired by another club as its head coach or general manager receive a special compensatory draft selection in the third round of each of the next two drafts. If a team has two former minority employees hired into one of those two roles elsewhere, a third year is added.

CFAs LOST/GAINED IN 2024
BALTIMORE
Lost: Jadeveon Clowney, Ronald Darby, Devin Duvernay, Gus Edwards, Patrick Queen, John Simpson, Geno Stone, Kevin Zeitler
Gained: Derrick Henry

BUFFALO
Lost: Gabe Davis, Tyrel Dodson, Leonard Floyd, Dane Jackson, Tim Settle
Gained: Mack Hollins, Austin Johnson, Curtis Samuel

CLEVELAND
Lost: Harrison Bryant, Jordan Elliott, Joe Flacco, Sione Takitaki
Gained: Jordan Hicks, Quinton Jefferson

DALLAS
Lost: Dorance Armstrong, Tyler Biadasz, Dante Fowler, Tony Pollard, Tyron Smith
Gained: None

GREEN BAY
Lost: Yosuah Nijman, Jon Runyan, Darnell Savage
Gained: Josh Jacobs, Xavier McKinney

KANSAS CITY
Lost: Nick Allegretti, Willie Gay, Tommy Townsend
Gained: Marquise Brown

LAS VEGAS
Lost: Jermaine Eluemunor, Austin Hooper, Josh Jacobs, Bilal Nichols, Amik Robertson
Gained: Harrison Bryant, Gardner Minshew, Christian Wilkins

L.A. CHARGERS
Lost: Michael Davis, Austin Ekeler, Gerald Everett, Austin Johnson, Kenneth Murray
Gained: Gus Edwards, Kristian Fulton

MIAMI
Lost: Raekwon Davis, DeShon Elliott, Robert Hunt, Brandon Jones, Andrew Van Ginkel, Christian Wilkins, Cedrick Wilson
Gained: Aaron Brewer, Jordyn Brooks, Kendall Fuller

MINNESOTA
Lost: Kirk Cousins, Danielle Hunter, Marcus Davenport, Jordan Hicks, K.J. Osborn, D.J. Wonnum
Gained: Blake Cashman, Sam Darnold, Jonathan Greenard, Shaquill Griffin, Andrew Van Ginkel

N.Y. GIANTS
Lost: Saquon Barkley, Ben Bredeson, Xavier McKinney, A’Shawn Robinson, Tyrod Taylor
Gained: Jermaine Eluemunor, Drew Lock, Jon Runyan, Devin Singletary

SEATTLE
Lost: Jordyn Brooks, Evan Brown, Damien Lewis, Drew Lock, Colby Parkinson, Bobby Wagner
Gained: Pharaoh Brown, Tyrel Dodson, George Fant

SAN FRANCISCO
Lost: Sam Darnold, Clelin Ferrell, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Javon Kinlaw, Ray-Ray McCloud, Charlie Woerner, Chase Young
Gained: Elliott Jordan, Yetur Gross-Matos, Leonard Floyd, Isaac Yiadom

Since the CFA formula was implemented in 1994, a total of 1,005 compensatory picks have been awarded, with Baltimore leading the way with 60.

2025 NFL COMPENSATORY PICKS 1994-2025
Baltimore (60)
Dallas (58)
Green Bay (53)
Los Angeles Rams (51)
New England (48)
San Francisco (46)
Philadelphia (41)
Cincinnati (37)
Pittsburgh (35)
Seattle (35)
Tennessee (33)
Kansas City (33)
Arizona (32)
New York Giants (31)
Buffalo (31)
Minnesota (29)
Los Angeles Chargers (29)
Miami (26)
Atlanta (25)
Indianapolis (25)
Tampa Bay (25)
Las Vegas (25)
Denver (24)
Detroit (24)
Chicago (21)
Jacksonville (21)
Carolina (20)
Houston (19)
Washington (19)
New Orleans (17)
New York Jets (17)
Cleveland (15)
*Not including special compensatory selections

–Field Level Media

Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) warms up before the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Shedeur Sanders’ No. 1 pick odds plummet amid reports

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Shedeur Sanders’ status as the most polarizing prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft has been firmly cemented.

Reports surfaced this week that multiple teams felt the former Colorado quarterback didn’t take his interviews at the scouting combine seriously. Combined with the questions many scouts have as to whether Sanders truly warrants elite prospect status, and his odds of being the No. 1 overall pick next month have steadily plummeted.

Offered at +350 by BetMGM to go No. 1 overall in January, Sanders was behind only former Miami quarterback Cam Ward (+100) and former Colorado teammate Travis Hunter (+150). However, he has since slid to a +1500 longshot behind Ward (-225), Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter (+185) and Hunter (+1100).

The months leading up to the draft are chock full of smoke screens thrown up by coaches and front office personnel to mask their draft day intentions. But the concerns around Sanders may have some lasting power, as scouts question his 6-foot-1 frame, average arm strength and overall athleticism.

A contributing factor for some teams may include his Hall of Fame father, Deion, who has long wielded a strong influence in the football careers of his sons.

Sanders’ perceived slide down draft boards — or at least out of the No. 1 pick equation — would be a win for sportsbooks. Sanders being the first name on the board has drawn 18.7 percent of the bets and 18.4 percent of the money at BetRivers, making him the book’s second-biggest liability behind Hunter and ahead of Ward.

Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner, has been backed by 29.2 percent of the total bets, while Ward leads with 44.4 percent of the money wagered while emerging as the prohibitive favorite seven weeks out.

The action has been similar at DraftKings, where Ward leads with 28 percent of the money at -230, while Hunter has drawn 22 percent of the money and 25 percent of all bets at +600.

There remains plenty of time and opportunity for the odds to shift, starting with who ultimately holds the No. 1 overall pick come April 24.

Tennessee currently possesses the pick and is the -150 favorite to hold onto it. However, the New York Giants have garnered 57 percent of the money wagered at +200 at DraftKings to acquire the pick. The Giants, who released former first-round pick Daniel Jones midseason last year, have also been tied to available free agent quarterbacks including Aaron Rodgers.

Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi said the team will not pass on a “generational talent.” The question is, do they view Ward, Hunter or any of this year’s prospect in that regard?

The top three teams in the current draft order — Tennessee, Cleveland and the Giants — all figure to be strongly considering a quarterback. However, Sanders could slide a bit if he falls out of the top three spots, which are followed by New England (who have Drake Maye) and Jacksonville (Trevor Lawrence).

The Las Vegas Raiders at No. 6 are believed to be in the market for a veteran free agent or top rookie quarterback, and are followed by the Jets at No. 7.

Sanders declined to participate in the East-West Shrine Game or work out at the combine, preferring to wait for Colorado’s turn at the Big 12 Pro Day on March 18-21 in Frisco, Texas.

NFL draft analyst Todd McShay reported this week that multiple teams were disappointed in Sanders’ interviews at the combine, and that he did not take a “professional approach.” However, that was in stark contrast to what Titans coach Brian Callahan told the team’s website in January.

“You can tell he’s been raised right,” Callahan said. “He’s mature, he has a really poised way about him, and he seems like a really good kid. I enjoyed talking to him. And, you could tell he’s a guy who has been in the spotlight. He knows how to handle himself, he’s been paid money, so he has a financial perspective.

“It was a really good first impression.”

Thus far, Sanders’ status as the No. 2 quarterback in the class behind Ward appears to remain solid. Most analysts have him followed by Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart.

NO. 1 OVERALL PICK ODDS*
PLAYER, POS, TEAM (JAN. ODDS/NOW)
Cam Ward, QB, Miami (+100-225)
Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State (+900/+185)
Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado (+150/+1100)
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado (+350/+1500)
Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss (+5000)
*BetMGM

The Titans remain the tip of the iceberg in the draft. They currently have third-year quarterback Will Levis atop the depth chart, although he was benched late in the season for journeyman Mason Rudolph. Will Tennessee keep that pick and, if it does, will Borgonzi opt for Ward or someone who can get after the opposing quarterback such as Carter?

“The quarterback is the most important position, arguably in sports,” Borgonzi said in January. “So you have to solidify the quarterback position. We’re going to be relentless attacking this until we find the answer.”

–Field Level Media

Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penn State defensive lineman Abdul Carter (DL44) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Titans narrow field at No. 1, invite top prospects to Nashville

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Decision day for the Tennessee Titans might come sooner than many expect with the 2025 NFL Draft seven weeks away.

Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi said at the NFL Scouting Combine he is fielding calls about trading the No. 1 pick, but the franchise is not willing to pass on any prospect they rate as a “generational talent.”

Part of their process in evaluating that distinction is continued face time with top-ranked prospects, including Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter, Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter and two quarterbacks: Cam Ward of Miami and Shedeur Sanders of Colorado. All four met last week with the Titans in Indianapolis, when teams are permitted 15-minute interviews during the NFL Scouting Combine, and are scheduled to visit the Titans’ team facility this month.

Carter will be the first to visit with a scheduled session on Thursday, NFL Network reported. Carter did not work out at the combine last week and team doctors might have more questions about shoulder and foot injuries.

If the Titans rank all four prospects with a similar grade, they could opt to slide back a few spots to be in position to guarantee getting one of the players in the “blue-chip” grading area while accumulating additional picks. Since making a change at general manager, the Titans have repeated that their focus is to attain “as many top 100 picks as possible.”

Hunter was described as a “special” talent by Borgonzi, who stopped short of the “generational talent” label for the Heisman Trophy winner.

Tennessee indicated it will hold onto incumbent starting quarterback Will Levis for now, but clearly the position has been underscored as a need by the new personnel staff.

Ward and Sanders met with the Titans but did not work out with quarterbacks at the combine.

–Field Level Media

Jan 30, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; National team quarterback Dillon Gabriel of Oregon (8) works through drills during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Short on height, QB Dillon Gabriel invites NFL to measure results

Posted on | by Field Level Media

INDIANAPOLIS — Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel stands on his experience, results and reputation as a winner as NFL doubters point to a glaring shortcoming compared to other pro prospects: height.

Measured at 5-foot-11, Gabriel said he watches a lot of Baker Mayfield film and compares his play to 49ers starter Brock Purdy and Dolphins starter Tua Tagovailoa.

“I’m not for everyone,” Gabriel said. “I challenge everyone just to watch the tape, you see the evolution 2019 until now, the growth I’ve made physically and mentally. Even my throwing motion — you see how polished and how detailed it has been. I’m confident in my tape, whether it’s good or bad, I think you can learn from that and most importantly how I’ve responded.”

Gabriel has been a starting quarterback since he was a freshman at Mililani (Hawaii) High School and in successful college stops at UCF, Oklahoma and Oregon with five seasons of 25-plus TD passes and 3,000-plus passing yards. He had 105 TD passes in four seasons as the varsity starter in high school and was Gatorade National Player of the Year with 38 TD passes as a senior.

“I’m a leader. I’m a winner. I’ve won at all three spots, and I’ve done it in big games,” said Gabriel, a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2024 who had 60 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions in his final two college seasons.

“I want teams to believe I can go out there and win games,” he said. “If a team wants a winner, a franchise leader, they know who to call.”

A Pro Bowl selection coming off of a career year with the Buccaneers in 2024, Mayfield measured 6-0 5/8 at the combine and was the No. 1 pick in the 2018 draft. Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray went No. 1 in 2019 despite measuring 5-10 1/8 at the combine.

Gabriel, 24, said he had interviews this week with the Dolphins, Cowboys and Raiders in Indianapolis and has been encouraged with the NFL feedback he has received.

–Field Level Media

Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) drops back to pass against the Iowa State Cyclones in the first quarter during the Pop Tarts bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Miami QB Cam Ward not taking field at combine, will throw March 24

Posted on | by Field Level Media

INDIANAPOLIS — Top-ranked quarterback Cam Ward came to the NFL Scouting Combine to interview with teams but will not participate in on-field workouts with the position group on Saturday.

Ward could be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and met with the Tennessee Titans this week. Tennessee has the first overall pick but general manager Mike Borgonzi said the franchise is interested in trading the selection to accumulate draft picks in the top 100.

“Whether I go first round or second round, at the end of the day, that draft pick doesn’t mean nothing,” Ward said. “It’s all about establishing yourself once you get the opportunity.”

Ward plans to throw for scouts at the Miami pro day on March 24.

Ward threw an NCAA-record 158 touchdown passes. He had a total of 18,184 yards in five seasons at three different schools. He started his career at FCS program Incarnate Word (2020-21), transferred to Washington State (2022-23), then headed to Miami (2024).

“It’s a positive that he has that grit and determination to prove other people wrong,” Borgonzi said. “Every place he was at, he performed at a high level — that’s something you certainly take into account when you see someone that plays with that chip on their shoulder.”

Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders is another contender to be the top quarterback selected in the 2025 draft. The Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2024, he threw 37 touchdowns and completed 74 percent of his passes. He also won’t throw for scouts and coaches in Indianapolis this weekend.

Ward, 22, said he had nothing to gain taking the field at the Scouting Combine. His five seasons of production in college tell teams everything they need to know about him as a player, he said.

“The tape says everything,” he said. “I think just what separates me from everybody is the way I approach it, the mindset I have going onto the field each and every game.”

Ward said he watched multiple Titans games last season and found the route concepts and general framework of the offense to be so familiar that he believes he’s a “plug and play” fit for Tennessee.

“They’ve got unbelievable players. So I just hope that God puts me, you know, in the situation,” Ward said.

Sanders, 23, made two college stops and won big at Jackson State and Colorado playing for his dad, Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders. He said NFL teams know he was a driving force in turnarounds at both college programs and should not hesitate to invest in him to do the same at the next level.

“I’ve done it over and over and over, so it should be no question why an NFL franchise should pick me,” he said Friday.

Overall, Sanders was 36-15 as a starter — 13-12 at Colorado — with 64 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He said he respects all of the quarterbacks in this draft class but views himself as the best option, even if NFL teams see it differently.

“The number where you (are picked in the draft) don’t matter,” Sanders said. “I reference Tom Brady, because he is the best of the best in all categories. He ain’t go first. So, the number you get picked don’t matter. I wasn’t the top-rated quarterback coming out of high school, because there are a lot of things that people will like and don’t like about me. I’m realistic, and I’m realistic about my family and everything that people say that comes with it.”

–Field Level Media

Michigan defensive back Will Johnson (2) celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown against Fresno State during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.

Report: Michigan duo won’t work out at Combine

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Michigan cornerback Will Johnson and defensive tackle Kenneth Grant will not work out at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, ESPN and NFL Network reported Thursday.

Both projected first-round picks are instead expected to be full participants in the Wolverines’ Pro Day on March 21.

Johnson intercepted nine passes in three seasons at Michigan, returning three of them for touchdowns. He added 68 tackles in 32 games.

A national champion in 2023 and a two-time All-Big Ten selection, Johnson was a first-team All-American in 2023 and earned second-team recognition in 2024 despite shoulder and foot injuries that limited him to six games.

Johnson was named the defensive MVP in Michigan’s College Football Playoff national championship game victory against Washington on Jan. 8, 2024. He had four tackles and an interception in the 34-13 win.

Combine medical evaluations revealed a hamstring strain for Grant, who had been planning to participate in on-field drills Thursday. The nose tackle said on Wednesday that he dropped more than 15 pounds to get his weight to 332 with a goal of running a 40-yard dash time in the 4.8-second range. The Indiana native also expected to see a slew of family and familiar faces in the stands at Lucas Oil Stadium for workouts.

Grant had 69 tackles (12 for losses) with 6.5 sacks, 10 passes defensed, one interception and three fumble recoveries in 41 games over three seasons in Ann Arbor.

Grant was a second-team All-Big Ten selection in both 2023 and 2024 and a third-team All-American last season.

–Field Level Media

Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham (55) celebrates a play against Ohio State during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

Michigan DT duo out to prove first-round status at Scouting Combine

Posted on | by Field Level Media

INDIANAPOLIS — When NFL teams ask Mason Graham for a game film from his college career that defines him as a prospect, the Michigan man has plenty to choose from.

But he also has a favorite.

“I mean, I feel like just rolling that Ohio State film. That’s all you need to see, really,” Graham said Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine.

A top-five prospect departing Ann Arbor with a national title and All-American status, Graham angles for position at the top of a loaded defensive line class in the 2025 NFL Draft. He entered the draft after three college seasons and was described by his former college coach, Jim Harbaugh, as one of the best players he ever coached.

He’s an interior defensive lineman with the body and burst to stop the run and penetrate to collapse the pocket.

“I feel like I affect every snap, run or pass,” Graham said. “I feel like one of the most dominant players in this class.”

One position the Tennessee Titans might not need is defensive tackle, which means Graham is unlikely to be picked first overall. But the rest of the top 10 could be in the market for a player who can impact the defense on every down. Three of those teams were already checked off his list of interviews in Indianapolis with others on the docket Wednesday.

Graham said in meetings with the Patriots — New England holds the No. 4 overall pick — and Raiders (sixth), both teams focused on what makes Graham tick.

His response?

“How hard I work. No off-the-field stuff. I’m all about business,” Graham said. “I’m not a mysterious guy. You don’t need to look deep to find out about me. Everything is out there. Nothing to hide.”

Wolverines teammate Kenneth Grant is also viewed as a first-round prospect as a traditional nose tackle. A native of Merrillville, Ind., he said his parents, sisters and nieces and nephews are planning to be on hand for his workout this weekend.

Grant also met with the Patriots on his first night in Indianapolis in addition to sessions with the Lions, Bills and Cowboys.

Trimmed down from 347 to 332, Grant has worked double-time to put on a show in his position workout. His goal is 30-plus bench-press reps and a 40-yard dash in the 4.8-second range.

He said there is one aspect of his game that will stand out.

“Definitely my power. Just working on my power. Watching (Giants All-Pro) Dexter Lawrence, Vita Vea, how those guys use their power and body size,” Grant said.

–Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media

Ohio State Buckeyes running back Quinshon Judkins (1) gets away from the Notre Dame Fighting Irish defense for a long run in the third quarter during the College Football Playoff championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.

Ohio State RB Quinshon Judkins to declare for draft

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Running back Quinshon Judkins is leaving national champion Ohio State for the NFL draft, he said Friday.

Judkins, who transferred from Ole Miss before the 2024 season, announced his decision to give up his senior season on Instagram.

“To Buckeye nation, thank you for taking in a kid from Alabama and continually showing your support,” he wrote. “I am forever a Buckeye and will carry my time spent on campus and playing at The Shoe with me for a lifetime. Winning a national championship was the best way to end this journey.”

Judkins was a three-star prospect, as ranked by 247Sports, when he landed in 2022 recruiting class at Ole Miss. He spent two seasons there, running for 2,725 yards and 31 touchdowns, and entered the transfer portal last January.

In 16 games with the Buckeyes, he rushed 194 times for 1,060 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. He caught 22 passes for 161 yards and two scores.

Judkins’ star shined the brightest, however, on Monday in the 34-23 win over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff title game in Atlanta. He scored two rushing touchdowns and caught a pass for another as Ohio State built its lead from 7-7 to 28-7 and gained 121 yards from scrimmage.

“My time here at Ohio State was like no other,” Judkins told ESPN in a phone interview. “It was like no other place I’ve ever been. I enjoyed my time here so much. I’m ready to take the next step in my journey and prove I’m best running back in the draft class.”

–Field Level Media

Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison addresses media after a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, in South Bend.

Notre Dame CB Benjamin Morrison to declare for draft

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison plans to enter the 2025 NFL Draft, he announced Thursday on social media.

The 6-foot, 190-pound junior underwent season-ending hip surgery in October but still is considered a first-round pick.

ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr., in his mock draft issued Thursday, projected Morrison to be selected by the Minnesota Vikings, who have the No. 24 pick.

“After much prayer and conversations with my loved ones, I’ve decided to forego my final year of eligibility at Notre Dame and declare for the 2025 NFL Draft,” Morrison posted to Instagram.

“This is not just the end of one chapter — it’s the beginning of another. I’ll carry the lessons, memories and love from Notre Dame with me every step of the way. Thank you for making these years unforgettable and allowing me to live out my dreams.”

A four-star prospect from Phoenix in the Class of 2022, Morrison appeared in 31 games (26 starts) for the Irish. A team captain, he had 84 career tackles, 27 passes defensed, nine interceptions and a touchdown. He was limited to six games in 2024 because of the hip injury.

Also Thursday, 247Sports reported a trio of Notre Dame offensive linemen — Ty Chan and starters Rocco Spindler and Pat Coogan — had entered the transfer portal.

That represents a huge loss of experience for the Irish, who lost 34-23 to Ohio State in that College Football Playoff title game on Monday night.

Combined, the three played 84 games for Notre Dame, including 44 games in the 2024 season for the 14-2 Irish.

–Field Level Media