NFL Draft Daily Dish: Who fills the Davante Adams void in Vegas - plus top 5 edge prospects

Yesterday saw several notable trades, with the biggest move being the Las Vegas Raiders sending Davante Adams to the New York Jets. This trade leaves a big question for the Raiders: who will step in to replace Adams? The likely answer will come from the 2025 NFL Draft. In today’s NFL Draft Daily Dish, we’ll explore potential replacements for Adams and preview the strong 2025 draft class.

Tre Harris a possible replacement for  Davante Adams

The Las Vegas Raiders made headlines this week by trading Davante Adams to the New York Jets for a conditional third-round pick, which could turn into a second-round pick if Adams achieves first- or second-team All-Pro status or remains on the active roster for the AFC Championship Game or Super Bowl.

This move creates an offseason need for the Raiders at wide receiver, with Jakobi Meyers now the only proven starter left on the roster. Interestingly, Meyers has outperformed Adams this season, but the team is not expected to use its first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on a receiver. Instead, their top priority will be selecting a franchise quarterback, such as Cameron Ward, with what is expected to be a top-10 pick. The receiver position will likely be addressed on Day 2 of the draft.

A strong candidate for the Raiders in the second round is Ole Miss wide receiver Tre Harris. Harris has been highly productive, leading all Power Four receivers in receptions and receiving yards by a significant margin. He is also ranked sixth nationally among Power Four receivers with six touchdown catches. On top of those stats, Harris has accumulated 462 yards after the catch and holds a 90.1 receiving grade from Pro Football Focus, the highest among Power Four receivers.

Harris brings good size and strength after the catch which has forced 10 missed tackles this season. His combination of agility and a large catch radius makes him an appealing target for whoever becomes the Raiders’ next quarterback.

If the Raiders draft Harris, he would likely be the team’s third option behind tight end Brock Bowers, a future All-Pro, and Meyers. Additionally, Harris could potentially replace Meyers after the 2025 season, as Meyers will be entering the final year of his contract.

Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. leads a talented edge rusher class

One of the strongest positions in the 2025 NFL Draft is edge rusher, with five players currently projected to go in the first round. Headlining this group are the ultra-athletic James Pearce Jr. and Abdul Carter. Some edge defenders, like Nic Scourton, are especially skilled at stopping the run, adding to the overall depth of this class.

Top Five Edge Players in the 2025 NFL Draft

1. James Pearce Jr., Tennessee

The 2024 season has been a bit disappointing for James Pearce Jr., who has only recorded two sacks so far, a notable decline from his 10-sack performance last year. Despite the dip in production, Pearce remains one of the most promising edge prospects in the draft, thanks to his incredible flexibility and ability to challenge offensive tackles consistently. His speed off the edge is a major asset, but NFL scouts are concerned about his reduced production and occasional missed tackles, often due to playing too aggressively.

2. Abdul Carter, Penn State

If Pearce's struggles continue, look for Penn State’s Abdul Carter to rise as the top defensive end in the 2025 draft. Carter, who transitioned to a traditional edge rusher role this season, has seen his production soar. He’s already surpassed last year's tackles for loss and is only half a sack away from matching his previous totals. Like Pearce, Carter is an explosive athlete who will impress scouts with his physical traits. Expect both Carter and Pearce to be top-15 picks in the draft.

3. Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss

Ole Miss defensive end Princely Umanmielen is a player who could go anywhere from the second round to as high as second overall, depending on how his season finishes. NFL Mocks currently projects him as a mid-to-late first-round pick. Umanmielen brings a well-rounded game, ranking fourth among Power Five edge defenders in pass-rush win rate last season, according to Pro Football Focus. He’s also more effective against the run than both Pearce and Carter, making him one of the more complete players at the position.

4. Mykel Williams, Georgia

Mykel Williams has been limited this season due to an ankle injury suffered in Georgia’s opener against Clemson, playing just 42 snaps over the last five games. Despite the setback, Williams has proven to be one of the SEC’s top defensive ends when healthy, earning second-team All-SEC honors last year with 6.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. His athleticism, power, and versatility make him an intriguing prospect who could develop into a high-level starter in the NFL.

5. Nic Scourton, Texas A&M

Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton rounds out the top five edge rushers with a first-round grade. A key part of the Aggies’ top-15 defense, Scourton excels at stopping the run with his impressive 6-foot-4, 285-pound frame. His 25 run-defense stops last season tied for third among Power Five defenders. Given his size and strength, Scourton could be used as a defensive end on early downs and shift inside to tackle in pass-rushing situations, making him a versatile option for NFL teams.