It’s hard to believe the 2025 NFL Draft is less than a week away. As teams put the finishing touches on their draft boards, it’s the perfect time to dive into the latest buzz. In this week’s notebook, we break down why cornerback is now an even bigger priority for the Dolphins, a linebacker who’s quickly becoming a favorite in Carolina, a draft argument that doesn’t hold water, and a few intriguing fits to watch on draft weekend.
NFL Draft latest news and notes
Cornerback is an even bigger need for Miami
Earlier this week, I wrote that the Miami Dolphins should strongly consider drafting Michigan cornerback Will Johnson in the first round to pair with Jalen Ramsey. However, that need has now become even more urgent. General Manager Chris Grier has confirmed that the team is actively exploring a trade involving Ramsey. Losing the seven-time Pro Bowler would be a major blow to the secondary and raises a serious question: is Miami shifting its focus toward a rebuilding year?
Walker’s fit in Carolina
It’s becoming increasingly likely that the Carolina Panthers have their sights set on Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker with the 8th overall pick — a move that NFL Mock projections have been predicting since February. Walker would bring a much-needed boost to a Panthers defense that ranked 31st in pass rush win rate last season (28.1%). The Butkus Award winner has totaled 11.5 sacks over the past two years and stands out as one of the most versatile defenders in this draft class, with the ability to line up at either inside or outside linebacker at the next level.
"He’s a great kid. He’s super smart. He’s been around football his whole life."Carolina GM Dan Morgan on Jalon Walker
Questionable logic
One argument I really don’t understand—especially from people like Tony Pauline—is that because the Colts took Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe is also worth a first-round selection. That logic just doesn’t add up. Richardson has struggled so far in the NFL and could very well lose his starting job. So why repeat the same mistake with Milroe? Like Richardson, he’s a phenomenal athlete, but he still has major question marks as a passer.
Porter could be a good fit in Arizona
One of the Cardinals' biggest needs heading into the 2025 NFL Draft is cornerback, and Iowa State’s Darien Porter could be an ideal fit in the second round. Porter boasts elite measurables at 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, with a blazing 4.3-second 40-yard dash. He also earned a 9.99 Relative Athletic Score, ranking 4th out of more than 2,500 cornerbacks from 1987 to 2025. On the field, he was just as impressive—allowing only five receptions all of last season.
49ers late-round draft target
One player the San Francisco 49ers have brought in for a workout is UCLA’s speedy linebacker Kain Medrano. Medrano could be a strong addition to the roster thanks to his elite athleticism and speed, highlighted by posting the top 40-yard dash time among linebackers. A former defensive back at Pueblo East, he also excels in coverage and brings versatility to the position. Another plus is his potential to be a high-impact special teams contributor, thanks to his quickness and overall agility. Don’t be surprised if the 49ers use one of their three seventh-round picks on Medrano.
Scouts agree with NFL Mocks
Back in February, I named LSU tight end Mason Taylor as the tight end I’d stand on the table for, even as outlets like CBS Sports gave him a third-round grade. One of the main reasons for my high praise was his reliable hands, rarely dropping a pass, and his versatility to line up both in-line and flexed out wide. Now, NFL scouts seem to be on the same page. According to ESPN, scouts they spoke with are projecting Taylor as a player who could sneak into day two of the draft and make a significant impact as a rookie.
Top pass blocking back
One of the most overlooked traits by fans when evaluating running backs in the NFL Draft is their pass-blocking ability, but NFL decision-makers certainly don’t overlook it. This year, Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson stands out as the best in this area, showcasing elite power and aggressiveness when asked to block. The fact that he’s such a reliable blocker, in addition to catching 27 passes last season, demonstrates his ability to be a three-down back in the NFL, which will only boost his draft stock.