The tension building up to the 2025 NFL Draft is palpable as teams ramp up their preparations to secure crucial positions on their rosters. Among them, the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, and various college prospects are all under the spotlight as they strategize their next moves. As fans look forward to the draft, key players have emerged as potential targets based on their college performances and pro day results.
The Kansas City Chiefs are pondering the future of their tight end position. Following uncertain offseason discussions around Travis Kelce’s potential retirement, attention has turned to measuring his successor. Among the top contenders, Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has emerged as a favorite among Chiefs fans. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 241 pounds, Fannin is coming off a record-breaking season where he led the nation with 117 receptions and 1,555 receiving yards—both setting single-season FBS records. Recognized as a First-Team AP All-American in 2024, Fannin demonstrates unmatched hands and rapid acceleration, posing a significant threat in the middle of the field. "If you throw him the football, Fannin will almost always come down with the catch," notes an NFL source.
While his skills shine predominantly as a receiver, challenges remain regarding his blocking capabilities, leading scouts to label him as more receiver than blocker. Teams evaluating him will need to consider his limitations. Despite this, analysts have placed his draft grade around the third round, with many expecting him to land as a Day 2 pick.
Shifting gears to the New York Giants, general manager Joe Schoen enters the offseason keen on finding a permanent solution for the right guard position. After missing top free-agent targets, Schoen opted to bring back veterans Greg Van Roten and Aaron Stinnie while keeping an eye on the draft. One name in contention is Arizona's Jonah Savaiinaea, a 6-foot-4, 324-pound three-year starter who brings versatility and experience to the offensive line. "Savaiinaea is willing to play anywhere on the line he is needed. Got to catch up with him at the Big 12 Pro Day, and I loved his mindset," shared reporter Marshall Green, who highlighted Savaiinaea’s explosive playing style and adaptability.
The Giants hold four selections within the first three rounds of the draft, providing them with ample opportunities to bolster their offensive line with a mix of depth and talent.
Meanwhile, as the offseason proceeds, other college prospects are gaining attention. For instance, Donovan Ezeiruaku, an edge rusher from Boston College, is being mentioned as a strong first-round prospect. Winning the Ted Hendricks Award, he recorded 16.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss this past season. Ezeiruaku has displayed impressive agility throughout the combine, leading all edge rushers in agility drills. Teams will be eager to monitor his Pro Day, which is slated for Monday, March 24, 2025.
On March 26, Boise State will feature Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty at their pro day. Following a stellar 2024 season, Jeanty’s performance will be crucial to his chances of solidifying a top 10 draft selection. Another significant name is Mason Taylor from LSU, who will also showcase his skills, as he is widely considered the third-best tight end in the draft class due to his record of over 100 receptions and 1,000 yards while at LSU.
As teams consider their needs, the Carolina Panthers are looking to improve their pass rush, having managed only 32 sacks in 2024, tied for the third-fewest in the league. Notably, they have the eighth overall pick in the upcoming draft. Comparisons have emerged for both Jalon Walker, a linebacker from Georgia, to former Panthers linebacker Frank Luvu, and James Pearce Jr., a former Volunteer edge rusher, has been likened to former Panther Brian Burns. Both players present options that could bolster Carolina’s defensive unit as the organization looks to improve on previous performances.
Farrar of Athlon Sports summed up the Panthers’ situation: "Walker will be prized by NFL teams for his versatility, fitting the model of the modern linebacker just like Luvu did, while Pearce’s explosiveness off the snap makes him an enticing edge rusher to consider as the eighth pick in the draft."
This year’s NFL Draft is poised to bring a plethora of talent as teams shuffle their rosters to compete in the upcoming season. With many decisions still to be made, interest in the futures of players like Fannin, Savaiinaea, Ezeiruaku, and others will undoubtedly propel narratives leading into the draft and beyond. Each team has its sights set on improvement, looking to harness these prospects’ abilities to leave their marks in the league as new stars emerge in pursuit of greatness.
