Cleveland, Ohio — The NFL draft often features moments of excitement and drama, but it is the selections made beyond the first round that can shape the futures of teams and players alike. As the event progressed to Days 2 and 3, a host of standout talents found new homes, with several players projected to make a significant impact in the coming seasons.
The running back class of this draft demonstrated remarkable depth and upside. Among the notable selections, the Cleveland Browns opted for Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins at No. 36, hoping to find a suitable replacement for star back Nick Chubb. Judkins emerges as a promising option with the ability to thrive in Kevin Stefanski’s physical running scheme, drawing favorable comparisons to established players. Other running backs also caught attention, including TreVeyon Henderson, who went to the New England Patriots at No. 38 after a standout career at Ohio State.
Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos surprised many by selecting UCF’s RJ Harvey at No. 60. Known for his speed and versatility as a pass-catcher, Harvey’s ability to break off big plays makes him a valuable addition for head coach Sean Payton. The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to address their running game by drafting Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson, who aims to complement Najee Harris and can fill a critical role in their offense.
The tight end position also saw significant investments, with three offensive prospects chosen in the second round. The New York Jets acquired Mason Taylor, a promising player from LSU, as they aimed to bolster their roster with a talent that could become vital for quarterback Justin Fields. The Rams followed suit, selecting Terrance Ferguson from Oregon, while the Seattle Seahawks tapped into the potential of Miami’s Elijah Arroyo, signaling a trend of teams pursuing tight ends with a greater ceiling.
The edge rusher class proved to be another highlight, as teams made strategic choices to enhance their defensive lines. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were thrilled to select David Walker, whose collegiate performance indicates considerable upside. Similarly, the Carolina Panthers added Prince Umanmielen to address their pass-rushing needs, while the Dallas Cowboys secured a talented prospect, Donovan Ezeiruaku, who has the potential to excel in their defensive scheme.
Amid the excitement, a prank call involving prospect Shedeur Sanders served as a reminder of humility in the high-stakes environment of the draft. The 21-year-old son of Falcons officials was reported to have playfully impersonated Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis during a call to Sanders, who had prepared meticulously for the event. This misstep led to public apologies and highlighted the pressures faced by young athletes amid the draft frenzy.
Sanders himself experienced a surprise sliding situation during the draft. Once considered a top prospect, he was ultimately selected by the Browns at a much later point than anticipated, raising questions about draft evaluations and the unpredictability of the selection process.
Within the broader context of the draft results, numbers tell a striking tale. Shedeur Sanders’ rookie salary stands at $952,000, representing a minimal risk for the Browns, while the Jaguars had a long wait between their first and second picks after taking a calculated gamble on Travis Hunter. Meanwhile, the Ravens’ second-round choice of edge rusher Mike Green drew scrutiny amid ongoing allegations, illustrating the complex intersections of talent assessment and off-field issues in professional sports.
As teams grade their performances and look forward to next season, the implications of this year’s draft will shape the NFL’s landscape for years to come.