Just ahead of the Super Bowl, two NFL stars, Myles Garrett and Deebo Samuel, stirred up excitement by requesting trades from their respective teams. This offseason could see both players on the move, which may cost their teams significant draft capital. While Samuel has expressed a desire to leave before, Garrett’s push to exit Cleveland is a fresh development that has caught many by surprise.
Super Bowl Success and Draft Implications
The Philadelphia Eagles celebrated their Super Bowl victory, which also set the stage for the 2025 NFL Draft order. Following the championship game, PFF’s Trevor Sikkema released his latest mock draft, covering the entire first round and offering insights into potential trades that could reshape team rosters.
Sikkema’s mock draft includes projections for Garrett and Samuel, suggesting a swap between conferences. Additionally, he outlines several in-draft trades that could further impact the draft landscape. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these potential moves will unfold.
Potential Trades Shaking Up the NFL
One of the most intriguing scenarios involves a trade that could send Deebo Samuel to Jacksonville. This move would allow San Francisco to secure a top-five pick and select Mason Graham, a player who is projected to be an elite interior defensive lineman. The 49ers have previously explored trading Samuel, making this scenario feel increasingly plausible.
PFF notes, “This isn’t the first time (the 49ers) explored trading Samuel, so it seems more likely to go through this time. Here, they do a pick swap with Jacksonville (about a second-round trade value) to jump up and get one of the top defensive linemen in the draft.”
Quarterback Needs and Rising Stars
As teams look to fill critical gaps, the quarterback position remains a hot topic. The New York Giants, for instance, are in dire need of a quarterback following the departure of Daniel Jones. PFF believes that Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders will be the first quarterback off the board, potentially pairing him with rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers.
PFF explains, “I am all about not passing on better football players to force immediate needs, but mock drafts are also done to predict rather than to copy big board rankings. It feels like the stars are aligning for Sanders to end up in New York, injecting some hope into the Giants’ building.”
Another team looking to secure its future at quarterback is New England. With the fourth overall pick, they aim to protect Drake Maye for the next decade. PFF anticipates that debates will rage until draft night over who the top offensive tackle is, but they project Olumuyiwa Fashanu as the best fit for the Patriots.
Defensive Reinforcements on the Horizon
Cleveland is expected to undergo significant changes this offseason, with acquiring talent at the forefront of their priorities. One standout in the draft class is Travis Hunter, a versatile player who could make a substantial impact. PFF states, “If any player will challenge Carter as the top prospect in this class, it’s the versatile Hunter, who I view as a full-time cornerback with the ability to play a handful of receiver snaps each week.”
The Browns could secure two top talents in the first round, with their second top-10 pick coming from the trade involving Garrett. This pick could be used on Kelvin Banks, a potential franchise left tackle from Texas. PFF emphasizes, “By drafting Hunter at No. 2 and Banks at No. 10, (the Browns) would secure two very talented players at impactful positions for their upcoming rebuild.”
Defensive Line Upgrades for Carolina
The Carolina Panthers are also looking to bolster their defensive line. Mike Green, who made a name for himself at the Senior Bowl, is projected to be a significant addition. PFF highlights that the Panthers had one of the least productive defensive lines in the league last season, and adding Green would provide a much-needed boost.
PFF notes, “Green was a monster as a pass-rusher and a run defender this past season, and it was just more of the same at the Senior Bowl.”
New Orleans and the Offensive Line Focus
With the Saints set to hire Kellen Moore after their Super Bowl win, an offensive pick seems likely. PFF suggests that selecting a right tackle like Javon Membou could allow the Saints to experiment with Trevor Penning at guard, enhancing their offensive line for the upcoming season.
PFF states, “I am intrigued by the idea of (the Saints) prioritizing the offensive line at the top of the draft, and adding a right tackle like Membou could allow them to try Penning at guard for the 2025 season before committing to him as a starter for the long term.”
PFF’s Post-Super Bowl Mock Draft: Picks No. 11-32
As the draft approaches, excitement continues to build. Here are the projected picks from 11 to 32:
11. Jacksonville Jaguars (via SF): Michigan CB Will Johnson
12. Dallas Cowboys: Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty
13. Miami Dolphins: Georgia S Malaki Starks
14. Los Angeles Chargers (via IND): Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan
15. Atlanta Falcons: Missouri WR Luther Burden III
16. Arizona Cardinals: Tennessee EDGE James Pearce
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Ole Miss DL Walter Nolen
18. Seattle Seahawks: Texas A&M EDGE Shemar Stewart
19. Washington Commanders (via TB): Georgia EDGE Mykel Williams
20. Denver Broncos: Michigan TE Colston Loveland
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Texas CB Jahdae Barron
22. Indianapolis Colts (via LAC): East Carolina CB Shavon Revel
23. Green Bay Packers: Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka
24. Minnesota Vikings: Alabama OG Tyler Booker
25. New England Patriots (via HOU): Texas WR Matthew Golden
26. Los Angeles Rams: Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell
27. Baltimore Ravens: Oregon OT Josh Conerly
28. Detroit Lions: Georgia LB Jalon Walker
29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via WAS): North Dakota State IOL Grey Zabel
30. Buffalo Bills: Michigan DT Kenneth Grant
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Oregon DL Derrick Harmon
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton
With the draft just around the corner, fans are buzzing with anticipation about how these trades and selections will shape the future of their favorite teams. The excitement is palpable, and the possibilities are endless!