April twelfth, 2025 at 12:55pm CST by Sam Robinson
Although Abdul Carter‘s foot injury created some early-offseason concern, the Penn State prospect has not run into any real hurdles toward becoming a surefire top-four pick. The sting defender didn’t see any emerge during a Mix medical recheck, either, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes Carter’s foot is improving and no surgery shall be needed. The stress response Carter suffered kept him out of drills on the Nittany Lions’ pro day, however the potential Browns goal has still built up enough capital pre-draft to show down visit requests for teams holding picks outside the highest 4. He has met with the Browns and Titans and can stop his visits after the Giants (No. 3) and Patriots (No. 4).
Here is the newest from the draft:
- Considered one of the highest non-Carter edge players on this prospect crop, James Pearce Jr. is continuous his visit schedule. The Tennessee product conducted recent visits with the Bengals, Colts, Cowboys and Falcons, in line with NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. Pearce has already met with the Cardinals, and a report of Saints interest emerged. The Colts got here up as a team involved in D-line augmentation, while the Falcons are prioritizing defense on this draft after their Michael Penix Jr. pick last yr. The Bengals are still in an uncertain place with Trey Hendrickson, and Sam Hubbard retired.
- Skill players have come up regarding the Broncos‘ first-round draft slot (No. 20), because the team added Talanoa Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw on defense — after re-signing D.J. Jones. But strengthening a strength mustn’t be ruled out here, per ESPN.com’s Jordan Reid. Viewing this running back class as deep enough the RB-seeking team can wait until after Round 1 to make that play, Reid mentions safety Nick Emmanwori as a wild-card option to look at. The No. 15 prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s NFL.com big board, Emmanwori is a South Carolina product who could shift into the box in sub packages. The Broncos have Hufanga, Brandon Jones and P.J. Locke at safety; they’re thinner at linebacker, with each Greenlaw and 31-year-old Alex Singleton coming off injuries.
- Denver hosted Mizzou receiver Luther Burden, and it is feasible the SEC pass catcher shall be available on Day 2. Burden is prone to fall out of the primary round, per ESPN.com’s Matt Miller, however the longtime draft expert views him as a first-round talent. A former top recruit, Burden fared significantly better as a sophomore in 2023 (1,212 yards, nine touchdown receptions) than 2024 (676/6), contributing to his potential second-round status. While Jeremiah labels Burden a slot player, Miller classifies the 5-foot-11 talent as someone who could make an impact outside.
- One other player who may find yourself sliding a bit, Jihaad Campbell has seen a post-Mix shoulder surgery change his draft trajectory. Teams are gathering intel on the Alabama linebacker, per ESPN.com’s Field Yates, who indicates it might not surprise to see a top-20 talent on this draft fall toward the tip of Round 1 or into the second round.
- Mentioned as a team high on Ashton Jeanty, the Bears have more pressing needs than running back. Specifically, the team views defensive tackle as an even bigger need than defensive end, Miller adds. This doesn’t surprise, considering the team’s Dayo Odeyingbo deal. Despite the ex-Colt’s ability to rush from inside and the following Grady Jarrett pickup, the Bears appear to have a transparent interest in upgrading here. Miller ESPN colleague Courtney Cronin ponders a possible long-term play at left tackle, as Braxton Jones is in a contract yr, in the primary round as well.
- Still in place as a top cornerback prospect despite missing last season with an ACL tear, Shavon Revel continues to satisfy with teams involved in his rebound effort. The Bills, Colts and Vikings met with the East Carolina CB this week, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero tweets. Buffalo is in need of a corner to interchange Rasul Douglas, who stays in free agency, while Indianapolis should still be involved in adding despite giving Charvarius Ward $18MM per yr. Minnesota added Isaiah Rodgers to go along with Byron Murphy but could actually profit from a higher-level investment.
