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FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

Panthers 2025 NFL draft needs, picks, best fits, history

Thu Apr 17 1:50pm ET
Field Level Media

Panthers general manager Dan Morgan would do backflips for a shot at drafting Penn State edge Abdul Carter, but to hear him tell it this week, Carolina is out of the business of trading up for talent.

Morgan's most pressing roster weakness is the pass rush, but with Derrick Brown returning from a season-ending injury and reinforcements added in free agency -- Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III -- Carolina can attack the outside linebacker and defensive end spots.

With Carter expected to be off the board in the top three, the Panthers can gear up for one of Georgia's edge players or take a look at the best offensive playmakers available.

Depending on how the board falls in front of Morgan, he's publicly declared the No. 8 pick is available for the right price.

Should Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty or one of the prospects the Panthers rate 1-5 on their board make it through the first seven picks without hearing their name called, Carolina can't risk the missed opportunity of a blue-chip player.

--Team needs

Edge: Signing Pat Jones (Vikings) in free agency only slightly diminishes Carolina's desperation at the position. Jadeveon Clowney, 32, has reached the stage in his career where he would be best in a rotation. Georgia's Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker are priority prospects who've had visits with the Panthers. Williams is 20 pounds shy of Julius Peppers but the 20-year-old is still imposing at 6-5, 260 and only beginning to realize his immense potential.

Wide receiver: We aren't connecting the dots on Morgan's assertion the Panthers are good to go at wideout given Adam Thielen's age (34) and injury history and Xavier Legette still has a lot to prove. From past coaching stints with the Seahawks and Buccaneers, Panthers head coach Dave Canales grasps the benefits of surrounding a quarterback with three or more talented pass catchers.

--Best prospect fits

OLB Mykel Williams, Georgia

OLB Jalon Walker, Georgia

TE Tyler Warren, Penn State

OLB James Pearce, Tennessee

OLB Mike Green, Marshall

OLB Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College

OLB Nic Scourton, Texas A&M

WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona

WR Matthew Golden, Texas

WR Tre Harris, Ole Miss

--2025 draft picks by round

Total picks:

By round (pick in round, overall pick)

1: 8, 8

2: 25, 57 (from Los Angeles Rams)

3: 10, 74

4: 9, 111

4: 12, 114 (from Dallas Cowboys)

5: 2, 140 (from NY Giants)

5: 8, 146

5: 25, 163 (from Baltimore Ravens)

7: 14, 230 (from Arizona Cardinals)

--History Lesson

--Carolina selected No. 8 in 2021 and drafted South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn. In 2017, the Panthers picked Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey eighth.

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Player Notes
Stanley Morgan Apr 17 12:30pm CT
Stanley Morgan

The Tennessee Titans waived/released wide receiver Stanley Morgan Jr., linebacker Curtis Bolton, defensive tackles McTelvin Agim and Isaiah Iton, defensive back Gervarrius Owens and offensive guard Logan Bruss on Wednesday. Their roster currently sits at 65 players after the cuts. Morgan, 28, has not played in an NFL game since 2023 with the Cincinnati Bengals, when he played in just three games and didn't see a single target on offense. In fact, he hasn't caught a pass in the NFL since 2021 and has only five receptions on 15 targets for 29 yards and no touchdowns in 51 games (one start) over his five seasons with the Bengals since entering the league as an undrafted free agent out of Nebraska. The Titans had signed Morgan to a Reserve/Futures deal after he spent time on their practice squad in 2024. He'll be hoping to latch on with another team before training camp this summer.

From RotoBaller

Shedeur Sanders Apr 17 12:20pm CT
Shedeur Sanders

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry said that he thinks University of Colorado wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter's skill set is best suited as a receiver, and he won't put a limit on him possibly playing both sides of the ball if he lands with the Browns. Berry also said he doesn't think Hunter needs to play both sides of the ball to be worth the No. 2 overall selection in this year's NFL draft. The Tennessee Titans are expected to take Miami quarterback Cam Ward at No. 1 overall, with the Browns now leaning toward taking Hunter over Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders or Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter. Hunter recently said he wouldn't want to play football in the NFL if he's not allowed to be a two-way player. The 21-year-old seems likely to be an every-down defensive player before he makes his mark on offense, but the Browns definitely need more playmakers alongside Jerry Jeudy.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Milroe Apr 17 12:20pm CT
Jalen Milroe

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry has been impressed with Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe. "Rare physical talent...maybe the only quarterback who's faster than Lamar," Berry said. The Browns were originally believed to be a lock to take a signal-caller with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, but that sentiment has now changed now that it's fully expected that the Tennessee Titans will take Miami QB Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick. Cleveland isn't sold on Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders and are now expected to take Colorado receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter with the second selection next Thursday night. Cleveland will certainly take a young QB in this year's draft, as veteran Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett are currently atop their depth chart. They have the No. 33 overall pick in the second round, but they could package that pick to move back into the first round to take Milroe.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Apr 17 12:10pm CT
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert is a name to watch on the trade market as the 2025 NFL draft approaches, sources tell FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Interested teams think that the Eagles would be open to future draft picks in exchange for Goedert if they don't receive any 2025 draft capital. The 30-year-old veteran is heading into the final year of his deal in 2025 and could be looking for a new contract. Goedert helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl over the Kansas City Chiefs in convincing fashion, but he had only 42 receptions on 52 targets for 496 yards and two touchdowns in 10 regular-season games in 2024 while missing time with hamstring and knee injuries. His 496 receiving yards were his fewest since his rookie season in 2018. Goedert has been a borderline TE1/2 in fantasy, but a trade away from Philly could actually benefit him.

From RotoBaller

Cam Ward Apr 16 11:30pm CT
Cam Ward

TitansInsider.com Terry McCormick writes that the Tennessee Titans have become sold on taking Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in next Thursday night's 2025 NFL draft. Although this year's QB class is widely regarded as weak across the board, the Titans entered the offseason fully expected to give former second-rounder Will Levis competition after he flopped in 2024. Initially, Ward was a wild-card in the Titans' evaluations and it looked like Colorado's Shedeur Sanders would be a better fit for head coach Brian Callahan's offense. However, an 18-minute conversation with Ward at the combine in February may have been what really sold the Titans on him. The 22-year-old then "knocked it out of the park" in his official top-30 visit on March 7. Tennessee came away even more impressed with Ward after his Pro Day workout on March 24, and he's likely going to be their starter under center come Week 1 in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Shedeur Sanders Apr 16 11:10pm CT
Shedeur Sanders

University of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders' draft stock has taken a tumble over the last several weeks. He was originally expected to be the No. 1 overall pick, but a lot has changed since then, and the Tennessee Titans are now fully expected to take Miami QB Cam Ward with the first pick in the 2025 NFL draft next Thursday. Sanders isn't a lock to go to the Cleveland Browns or New York Giants at No. 2 and 3, respectively, either. "I don't care what the route is. At the end of the day it doesn't matter to me. I just want the opportunity," Sanders said when asked about the possibility of falling out of the top three picks. If the 21-year-old falls in the top 10 picks, the New Orleans Saints (at No. 9) might be the best landing spot, considering that current starter Derek Carr (shoulder) might not be ready for Week 1 this fall. If Sanders falls even further, the Pittsburgh Steelers (at No. 21) could also be a great fit.

From RotoBaller

Jaxson Dart Apr 16 11:00pm CT
Jaxson Dart

Several sources told FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz that Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart won't fall out of the first round, so if the New York Giants elect to take either Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter or Colorado wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter at No. 3 overall next Thursday night in the NFL draft, they might be inclined to move up from No. 34 overall in the second round to take Dart. Schultz writes that Dart's swashbuckling style and flair for the dramatic seem tailor-made for New York, and sources indicate that Giants head coach Brian Daboll likes him. Although the G-Men have done their homework on Dart, Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, Alabama's Jalen Milroe and Louisville's Tyler Shough, they aren't completely desperate at the position after adding both Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Edwards Apr 16 10:50pm CT
T.J. Edwards

The Chicago Bears locked up a key piece of their defense on Wednesday by agreeing to a two-year, $20 million contract extension with linebacker T.J. Edwards that includes $16.6 million fully guaranteed, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Edwards was heading into the final season of a three-year, $19.5 million deal but will now stick around in the Windy City through 2027. The 28-year-old tackling machine finished as the No. 11 linebacker in IDP fantasy leagues in 2024 while recording 129 tackles (79 solo), a career-high four sacks, 12 tackles for loss, six QB hits, an interception, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in 17 starts. He has now started 17 regular-season games in three straight years and has 100-plus total tackles in four straight seasons. Edwards should once again be an every-week starting IDP linebacker in 2025 as long as he stays healthy.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Apr 16 9:03pm CT
Aaron Rodgers

Free-agent QB Aaron Rodgers (Jets) 'is not going to play just for the sake of playing,' according to Aditi Kinkhabwala of CBS Sports.

From TheHuddle

Dallas Goedert Apr 16 4:03pm CT
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert has received some trade interest from the New York Giants, according to ESPN.com's Jordan Raanan.

Fantasy Spin: It seems like Goedert will not be with the Eagles next season, so the Giants seemed to check on his availability. The Giants likely will be going with Theo Johnson as their starting tight end next season, but Goedert probably would have a role if he joined the team. Fantasy players should monitor Goedert's situation over the next few months because he could be a low-end No. 1 tight end in some leagues.

From TheHuddle

Trevor Etienne Apr 16 3:20pm CT
Trevor Etienne

Former Florida and Georgia running back Trevor Etienne is visiting with the New England Patriots on Wednesday, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The 20-year-old rushed for a career-low 609 yards and averaged 5.0 yards per carry in his lone season with the Bulldogs, but dealt with injuries for most of the 2024 season. However, his overall productive profile is impressive, with 371 carries for 2,081 yards and 23 rushing touchdowns in 34 career games. He added 62 receptions for 432 yards and one score through the air. The brother of Travis Etienne is expected to be a Day 3 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the Patriots could be interested in adding a rookie to their running back room to compete with Antonio Gibson and Rhamondre Stevenson.

From RotoBaller

Colston Loveland Apr 16 3:00pm CT
Colston Loveland

Former University of Michigan tight end Colston Loveland has taken a backseat to former Penn State tight end prospect Tyler Warren during offseason NFL Draft buzz, but the former College Football Playoff National Champion is expected to be a first-round pick, and NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports he could go in the 10-22 overall range. "A f---ing awesome football player man," an NFL college scouting director told Schultz. "Does it all. Day 1 mismatch, Day 1 star." Over his final two collegiate seasons, Loveland caught 101 passes for 1,231 yards and nine touchdowns despite playing in a run-heavy offense. While most tight ends take time to develop in the NFL, we've seen Sam LaPorta and Brock Bowers deliver TE1 campaigns as rookies. If Loveland lands in the right offense, he could have immediate fantasy football upside.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Bond Apr 16 2:50pm CT
Isaiah Bond

Former Texas wide receiver and 2025 NFL Draft prospect Isaiah Bond, who surrendered on a sexual assault warrant last week before posting bond and being released, is filing a complaint against his accuser. The 21-year-old's agent, Damien Butler, released a statement on Wednesday calling the allegations false. "Earlier this evening, Isaiah's attorneys at Nesenhoff & Miltenberg, LLP filed the attached complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas in response to the false allegation of sexual assault and defamatory statements made against him. Unlike the false narrative that has been amplified, the truth, once revealed in its entirety, will show that he was targeted by a woman eight years his senior, relentlessly pursued, enticed by explicit photos & videos and ultimately setup for financial gain." Needless to say, this is a situation worth monitoring with just eight days to go before the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off. Bond caught 54 passes for 540 yards and three touchdowns in his lone season at Texas after transferring from Alabama.

From RotoBaller

Shedeur Sanders Apr 16 2:40pm CT
Shedeur Sanders

The New York Giants are holding private workouts for top quarterback prospects Shedeur Sanders, Jalen Milroe, and Tyler Shough, which suggests the team is interested in adding a late-Round 1 or early-Round 2 rookie signal-caller in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, general manager Joe Schoen says the Giants "don't think it's mandatory" to take a quarterback after the additions of veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. The organization is clearly doing late-process homework on the QBs who could slip into the back half of Round 1 or later, so their plans after the No. 3 overall pick remain a mystery. Wilson and Winston could provide better quarterback play than New York has seen since Eli Manning, but neither is a long-term solution for a head coach and general manager running out of time to rack up wins.

From RotoBaller

Logan Woodside Apr 16 2:40pm CT
Logan Woodside

The Cincinnati Bengals have signed veteran backup quarterback Logan Woodside to a one-year deal, according to NFL.com. The 30-year-old was signed by the Bengals last offseason and spent most of the 2024 campaign on the practice squad. Woodside, a former seventh-round pick by the Bengals out of Toledo, has completed four of his seven career passing attempts for 34 yards and one interception in 12 games with the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons. At best, he'll likely stick around on the practice squad once again in 2025, but he could face an uphill battle to make the roster in any form.

From RotoBaller

Montez Sweat Apr 16 12:40pm CT
Montez Sweat

Texas A&M defensive tackle Shemar Stewart visited with the Chicago Bears on Monday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. The Bears definitely need help with their pass rush despite adding Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency to pair with Montez Sweat. The Bears hold the 10th overall pick in the first round of next week's NFL draft, but Stewart could be in play later in the round if they trade back. The 21-year-old's physical attributes jump off the page, but his production with the Aggies didn't exactly match up, as Stewart had only 31 tackles (six for loss), 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and two pass breakups in 12 games last year at Texas A&M. He wasn't a full-time starter until last year, but he has been rising up draft boards since a dominating performance at the Senior Bowl. Among others, he's also visited with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots.

From RotoBaller

Kyle McCord Apr 16 12:30pm CT
Kyle McCord

Several NFL teams told FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz that Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord is one of the more undervalued players in the entire 2025 NFL draft. McCord visited with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday and with the New York Giants on Tuesday, according to sources. The 22-year-old led the nation in passing in 2024 and has acquitted himself well throughout the draft process with good interviews and impressive on-the-board work. McCord has prototypical NFL size, a winning pedigree and capacity to read coverage. He's currently being considered a sleeper in what is a weak draft class at the quarterback position in 2025. Both the Steelers and Giants are two of the most QB-needy teams in terms of long-term investments, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see either of them go after McCord on Day 2 or 3 of this year's draft.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Shough Apr 16 12:20pm CT
Tyler Shough

The Athletic's Dianna Russini says that the quarterback she's heard being discussed in NFL circles more than anyone else lately is University of Louisville QB Tyler Shough. Because of his rising draft stock and the fact that there are plenty of teams desperate for a franchise signal-caller, there is a chance that the 25-year-old QB is taken in the first round next Thursday night. Russini said an NFL head coach told her that he believes Shough is the best quarterback prospect in this year's draft class, including Miami's Cam Ward. Shough is old for a rookie QB, but his experience (seven years in college) certainly could give him the leg up in terms of being pro-ready the fastest in a QB draft class that is considered pretty weak. In his final season at Louisville, Shough threw for 3,200 yards, 23 touchdowns and six interceptions. Don't be surprised if a team trades back into the back half of the first round to select him next week.

From RotoBaller

Travis Hunter Apr 16 12:10pm CT
Travis Hunter

The New York Giants hold the third overall pick in next week's NFL draft, and University of Colorado wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter would seem to be in serious consideration at that spot if he's still available, according to ESPN New York's Jordan Raanan. "I would not be afraid to play him on both sides. Physically, I wouldn't doubt the kid," general manager Joe Schoen said. Hunter said recently he wouldn't play football if an NFL team denied him the chance to play on both sides of the ball. The 21-year-old Heisman Trophy winner has the physical ability to be a generational talent in the NFL as a two-way player, but it's more likely that he'll become a full-time player as a defender than as a piece on offense. The Tennessee Titans are widely expected to take Miami quarterback at No. 1 overall, with the Cleveland Browns leaning toward taking Hunter at No. 2. Because he'll be a two-way player, it's hard to imagine Hunter being a huge fantasy factor in his rookie season in 2025.

From RotoBaller

TreVeyon Henderson Apr 16 12:10pm CT
TreVeyon Henderson

The Denver Broncos are visiting with Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson on Wednesday, according to 9 News' Mike Klis. Many mock drafters think that Henderson would be an ideal fit for head coach Sean Payton's offensive system as both a rushing and receiving threat out of the backfield. Henderson had two 1,000-plus rushing yard and 27-catch seasons with the Buckeyes, and the Broncos are certainly looking to bolster what was a below-average rushing attack last year, especially after Javonte Williams departed in free agency. On Tuesday, Henderson visited with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who pick one slot after the Broncos in next week's NFL draft at No. 21. Henderson excels in pass protection as well, which is something most NFL teams put a ton of value in, especially for young backs. If Denver takes the 22-year-old in the first round, he'd likely lead the backfield in touches in 2025.

From RotoBaller