Top NFL Draft Storylines, Week 2: Panthers & Colts QB needs; Tyreek Hill to Chiefs?

As we enter the second Sunday of the 2025 NFL season, several storylines tie directly into the NFL Draft. The Carolina Panthers may already need to move on from Bryce Young, Daniel Jones might be saving the Colts from spending a first-rounder on a quarterback, and the Dolphins could be facing a decision on Tyreek Hill’s future. Add in rookies like Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty, plus early concerns in Chicago and Cincinnati, and there’s no shortage of draft implications this week.

Can Bryce Young bounce back

Last season, former number one overall pick Bryce Young was benched after Week 2 following a rough start. Unfortunately, this year isn’t looking much better. In the Panthers’ 26–10 loss to the Jaguars, Young completed just 51% of his passes for 154 yards and threw two interceptions. If his struggles continue, Carolina could be forced to explore quarterbacks like Garrett Nussmeier or Fernando Mendoza in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Travis Hunter to get more snaps

Jacksonville rookie Travis Hunter is expected to see more defensive snaps this week against Cincinnati after logging just six against Carolina. The move makes sense with the Bengals’ explosive passing game presenting a much bigger threat than the Panthers’ bottom-tier attack. Still, there are questions about the Jaguars’ long-term plan. Hunter was quiet as a receiver in Week 1, finishing with six catches for 33 yards, and splitting his workload risks making him average at both spots instead of elite at one. At some point, the team needs to decide whether this is a true developmental plan or just a publicity stunt.

Can the Raiders block for Ashton Jeanty

Las Vegas’ first-round pick Ashton Jeanty rushed for only 38 yards on 19 carries in his debut, but the numbers don’t tell the full story. He gained 44 yards after contact, exposing the offensive line’s struggles. RT DJ Glaze was the biggest issue, posting a 53.4 run-blocking grade from PFF. If he doesn’t improve soon, right tackle will quickly become one of the Raiders’ top needs.

Will Daniel Jones make quarterback less of a need for the Colts?

Heading into the 2025 season, most projections had Indianapolis targeting a quarterback in the first round, with outlets like NFL Spin Zone mocking them someone like Arch Manning inside the top ten. But Daniel Jones might have other plans. In his Colts debut, the veteran signal-caller completed 22 of 29 passes for 272 yards and three total touchdowns. He also led Indianapolis to score on every possession in a 33-8 win, making them the first team since 1978 to do so, according to ESPN Research.

If Jones continues at this level, it will be hard to justify spending a first-round pick on a quarterback. Instead, the Colts could turn their attention to adding a top receiver such as Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson with their likely mid-first-round selection.

If the Dolphins struggle again, will they look to move Tyreek Hill

In this week’s Draft Notebook, I noted how the Dolphins were the NFL’s most disappointing team after their blowout loss to the Colts. If Miami follows that up with another embarrassing defeat to a struggling Patriots squad, it may be time to consider a rebuild. The first piece to go would almost certainly be Tyreek Hill. His production has dipped, frustration is growing, and his fit in Miami looks shaky. Moving him soon could net a third- or fourth-round pick—an asset the Dolphins might need if they decide to reset.

Could the Chiefs be a landing spot for Hill

If Tyreek Hill is moved, a logical destination could be Kansas City, provided the Chiefs can rework his contract into a more team-friendly deal. With deep threat Xavier Worthy injured and not yet proving he can scare defenses, Hill would give Patrick Mahomes a proven playmaker who brings both speed and strength. He’s still the type of receiver who can turn a short slant into a 90-yard touchdown. With Travis Kelce and Andy Reid likely nearing the end of their runs, giving up a fourth-round pick to reunite with Hill would make plenty of sense.

Bengals' poor run game

One of the biggest concerns from Cincinnati’s opener against Cleveland was the complete lack of a running game. The Bengals managed just 46 rushing yards, and much of the blame falls on the offensive line. Starting back Chase Brown averaged minus-0.33 yards before contact, showing he was consistently met in the backfield. Left guard Dalton Risner had a rough outing, and if his struggles continue against Jacksonville this week, rookie Jalen Rivers could get a chance to step in.

Bears' lack of production from second-rounders

One rookie class already showing signs of disappointment is the Chicago Bears, especially their second-round picks. Receiver Luther Burden managed just one catch for minus-three yards in the opener. Offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo and defensive tackle Shemar Turner didn’t log a single snap on offense or defense against Minnesota. It is still early in the season, but the lack of impact from this group only adds to the growing concerns about GM Ryan Poles’ ability to evaluate talent.