Eli Manning Named Semifinalist for 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class

Manning Tops the List of HOF Nominees
Veterans, Jared Allen & Antonio Gates Head Class
Luke Kuechly & Terrell Suggs First Time Defenders

Legendary New York Giants QB Eli Manning was one of 25 players named semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2025 this week.

List of modern-era Semifinalists
Eric Allen, CB
Jared Allen, DE
Willie Anderson, OT
Anquan Boldin, WR
Jahri Evans, OG
Antonio Gates, TE
James Harrison, Edge
Rodney Harrison, S
Torry Holt, WR
Luke Kuechly, LB
Eli Manning, QB
Robert Mathis, Edge
Steve Smith Sr., WR
Terrell Suggs, Edge
Fred Taylor, RB
Earl Thomas, S
Adam Vinatieri, PK
Hines Ward, WR
Ricky Watters, RB
Reggie Wayne, WR
Richmond Webb, OT
Vince Wilfork, DT
Steve Wisniewski, OG
Darren Woodson, S
Marshal Yanda, OG

This list will be a cut to 15 Finalists in December

Manning is the only QB among the semifinalists and one of just six first year nominees. He hopes to join his brother Peyton in the Hall with a first year selection. He spent his entire 16-year NFL career with the New York Giants, as one of the greatest Ironman and clutch performers at the position in league history.

He is the son of longtime New Orleans Saints star QB Archie Manning and was selected the 1st overall in the 2004 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. He was traded to the Giants on draft day by NY GM Ernie Accorsi.

He went on to become their best QB in franchise history and won a pair of Super Bowls, beating Tom Brady and the New England Patriots twice. He earned Super Bowl MVP honors in each game. He made some of the greatest clutch throws in the annals of the Super Bowl which were pivotal on the Giants SB titles. He ranks 11th in NFL history in passing yardage (57,023), passing TDs (366) and completions (4,895).

This HOF group was reduced from an initial group of 167 nominees who were announced back in September. The Selection Committee will reduce this group again to 15 finalists, who will be announced in December. In all, 20 finalists (15 modern-era players, three seniors, one coach, and one contributor) will be presented to the committee in the lead-up to Super Bowl LIX.

NFL Trade Deadline Deals

‘Word on the Street’

Column for Subscribers thru NFL Draft 2025

Draft Insiders’ – Frank Coyle / Head scout
www.draftinsiders.com

Updated – Nov. 6, 2024 – 10 am

NFL Trade Deadline Deals
Traded Selections 2025-2026

NFL 2025 Trade Period – starts March 12, 2025

Commanders Aquire Saints CB Marshon Lattimore
Lions Acquire Edge ZaDarius Smith
Cowboys Deal for Wideout Jonathan Mingo

The NFL trade deadline has closed after a rush of moves by General Managers mostly from contenders to strengthen rosters for the playoff push. There has been the expected active period over recent weeks which could finish with  several deals which can have huge effects on the NFL playoff picture. The incumbent KC Chiefs have already benefited from their major addition of wideout DeAndre Hopkins who has provided scoring impact in his first games.

The Jets added receiver Davante Adams has connected with former teammate QB Aaron Rodgers to score the winning TD in their victory over the Texans.

Other veteran receivers like Chris Olave, Darius Slayton, Christian Kirk, Calvin Ridley, Treylon Burks, Kendrick Bourne, Brandin Cooks, Michael Thomas, Adam Thielen and Eli Moore drew interest in the final days, though were not moved by their current clubs. Olave and Kirk sustained recent injuries which may eliminate them from deals. Teams like the Bucs, Bills, Chargers, Steelers, Eagles, Commanders and Texans will entertain receivers for the stretch run in competitive conferences where every win makes a difference for a postseason berth.

Receivers DeAndre Hopkins, Davante Adams, Diontae Johnson and Jonathan Mingo have changed uniforms in hope of becoming playmakers. Hopkins and Adams have provided short term impact to the Chiefs, Jets and Ravens offense that were all in need for new playmakers.

Veteran defensive players like edge defenders Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, and Baron Browning were traded for late selections within the last 24 hours, hoping to provide pass pressure in their contending team’s pursuit of the postseason.

Many of these veterans are high priced players and possible free agents this postseason. Playoff clubs will be limited to the waiver wire and practice squads to add new players through the NFL 2024 season.

2025 NFL Traded Selections

Updated – Nov. 6, 2024 – 10 am

Second Round
Chicago from Carolina (2023 draft trade/WR DJ Moore)
Buffalo from Houston-Minnesota (WR Stefon Diggs)
Carolina from LA Rams (2024 draft trade)

Third Round
Kansas City from Tennessee (CB L’Jarius Sneed)
Philadelphia from Miami (2024 draft trade)
NY Jets from Detroit (2024 draft trade)
Jacksonville from Minnesota (2024 draft trade)
New England from Atlanta (Edge Matthew Judon)
Washington from Philadelphia (WR Jahan Dotson)
San Francisco – minority hire comp pick (Houston HC DeMeco Ryans)
LA Rams – minority hiring comp pick (Atlanta HC Raheem Morris)
Cleveland from Buffalo – WR Amari Cooper
Las Vegas from NY Jets – WR Davante Adams (could escalate to a #2 pick on
performance/production)
New Orleans from Washington (CB Marshon Lattimore)

Fourth Round
Detroit from Philadelphia (RB D’Andre Swift)
Philadelphia from Detroit (2024 draft trade)
Jacksonville from Minnesota (2024 draft trade)
Tennessee from Seattle + LB Jerome Baker (LB Ernest Jones)
Carolina from Dallas (WR Jonathan Mingo)
New Orleans from Washington (CB Marshon Lattimore)

Fifth Round
San Francisco from Miami (RB Jeff Wilson)
Miami from Denver (Edge Bradley Chubb)
Pittsburgh from the LA Rams (OG Kevin Dotson)
Minnesota from Cleveland (Edge Za’darius Smith)
Chicago from Miami (WR Chase Claypool)
NY Giants from Seattle (DT Leo Williams)
Carolina from the NY Giants (Edge Brian Burns)
Houston from Buffalo (WR Stefon Diggs)
Philadelphia from Houston (2024 draft trade)
Philadelphia from Washington (WR Jahan Dotson)
Carolina from Baltimore (WR Diontae Johnson)
Tennessee from Kansas City (WR DeAndre Hopkins – could be a #4 based on time)
Atlanta – forfeited Selection (QB Kirk Cousins tampering)
San Francisco – forfeited Selection (payroll clerical error)
Denver from Arizona (LB Baron Browning)
Cleveland from Detroit (Edge ZaDarius Smith)
Washington from New Orleans (CB Marshon Lattimore)
New York Jets from Pittsburgh (WR Mike Williams)

Sixth Round
Cleveland from Minnesota (Edge Za’Darius Smith)
LA Rams from Pittsburgh (OG Kevin Dotson)
Denver from Philadelphia (TE Albert Ogwuebunam)
LA Chargers from New England (CB JC Jackson)
Miami from Chicago (WR Chase Claypool)
LA Rams from Atlanta (WR Van Jefferson)
NY Jets from Kansas City (WR Mecole Hardman)
Cleveland from Detroit (WR Donovan Peoples-Jones)
Detroit from Tampa Bay (CB Carlton Davis)
Cleveland from Chicago (DT Chris Williams)
Jacksonville from Seattle (Edge Trevis Gipson)
Washington from New Orleans (DT John Ridgeway)
Chicago – conditional pick from Pittsburgh (QB Justin Fields – could escalate based on time)
Washington – conditional pick from Pittsburgh (CB William Jackson)
Seattle from Chicago (LB Darrell Taylor)
Buffalo from Cleveland  (WR Amari Cooper)
Baltimore from Carolina (WR Diontae Johnson)
New Orleans from Washington (CB Marshon Lattimore)

Seventh Round
Pittsburgh – two #7 picks from Philadelphia (QB Kenny Pickett)
Washington – two #7 picks from Philadelphia (WR Jahan Dotson)
Philadelphia from New Orleans (S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson)
Carolina from Arizona (WR Robby Anderson)
Cleveland from Minnesota (Edge Za’Darius Smith)
LA Chargers from Cleveland (PK Dustin Hopkins)
New England from Tennessee (PK Nick Folk)
New England from LA Chargers (CB JC Jackson)
Atlanta from LA Rams (WR Van Jefferson)
Kansas City from NY Jets (WR Mecole Hardman)
Atlanta from Philadelphia (DT Kentavius Sweet)
Chicago from Cleveland (DT Chris Williams)
Tennessee from Green Bay (QB Malik Willis)
Arizona from Kansas City (LB Cam Thomas)
New Orleans from Washington (DT John Ridgeway)
Carolina & Kansas City to flip 7th round picks (WR Ihmer Smith-Marsette)
Minnesota – conditional pick from Pittsburgh (OG Jesse Davis)
Pittsburgh – conditional pick from Washington (CB William Jackson)
Cleveland  – conditional pick from Washington (PK Cade York)
Chicago from Cincinnati (RB Khalil Herbert)
Dallas from Carolina (WR Jonathan Mingo)
Green Bay from Pittsburgh (Edge Preston Smith)

2026 Traded Selections

Third Round
Philadelphia – conditional pick from NY Jets (Edge Hassan Reddick – can become a #2 if he plays 67.5% of the defensive snaps and records 10 sacks.)

Fifth Round
LA Rams from Tennessee (LB Ernest Jones)
Seattle traded pick and LB Jerome Baker (LB Ernest Jones)
Jacksonville conditional pick from Minnesota (OT Cam Robinson -could escalate to a #4 based on time)

Sixth Round
Denver from NY Jets (DE John Franklin-Myers)
LA Rams from Houston (TE Ben Skowronek)
Seattle from Cleveland (C Nick Harris)
Tennessee from LA Rams (LB Ernest Jones)
NY Giants from Dallas (DT Jordan Phillips)
NY Jets from Buffalo (DB/RS Brandon Codrington)
Minnesota – conditional pick from LA Rams (RB Cam Akers)
Houston from Minnesota (RB Cam Akers)
Jacksonville from Seattle (Roy Robertson-Harris)
New England from Kansas City (Edge Josh Uche)
Cleveland from Detroit (Edge ZaDarius Smith)

Seventh Round
Houston from LA Rams (TE Ben Skowronek)
Cleveland from Seattle (C Nick Harris)
Dallas from NY Giants (DT Jordan Phillips)
Buffalo from NY Jets (DB/RS Brandon Codrington)
Jacksonville – conditional pick from Detroit (PK Riley Patterson)
Minnesota – conditional pick from LA Rams (RB Cam Akers)
Minnesota from Houston (RB Cam Akers)
Cleveland from Buffalo (WR Amari Cooper)
Minnesota conditional pick from Jacksonville (OT Cam Robinson – could be voided if time not achieved)
Detroit from Cleveland (Edge ZaDarius Smith)
Houston from San Fran (DT Khalil Davis)
Los Angeles Rams from Baltimore (CB Tre’Davious White)

2027 Traded Selections

Baltimore from Los Angeles Rams (CB Tre’Davious White)

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 30+ years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS, ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, USA Today, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites.

NFL Draft Trade Deadline and Traded Selections

Draft Insiders’ – Frank Coyle / Head scout
www.draftinsiders.com

The NFL trade deadline is fast approaching – three weeks until Nov. 5th date. There is an expected active period over the ensuing days. As clubs fall from contention of the postseason – many high priced veterans will interest playoff clubs. Wide receivers will be in high demand and several are expected to move to most likely contenders. Veteran starters like Davante Adams, DK Metcalf, Cooper Kupp, DeAndre Hopkins, Amari Cooper, Darius Slayton, Calvin Ridley, Treylon Burks, Brandin Cooks, Adam Thielen and Eli Moore will all draw interest in the upcoming days. The playoff status of their clubs may determine how willing their current team will entertain offers. Most of the receivers are high priced veterans and possible free agents this postseason. Playoff clubs looking for impact from a veteran playmaker who can be the difference to  help them earn a postseason berth or watching on TV.  We will have an NFL Trade article prior to the deadline as clubs define their 2024 playoff possibilities.

2025 Traded Selections

Updated – Oct. 15. 2024

Second Round
Chicago from Carolina (2023 draft trade/WR DJ Moore)
Buffalo from Houston-Minnesota (WR Stefon Diggs)
Carolina from LA Rams (2024 draft trade)

Third Round
Kansas City from Tennessee (CB L’Jarius Sneed)
Philadelphia from Miami (2024 draft trade)
NY Jets from Detroit (2024 draft trade)
Jacksonville from Minnesota (2024 draft trade)
New England from Atlanta (Edge Matthew Judon)
Washington from Philadelphia (WR Jahan Dotson)
San Francisco – minority hire comp pick (Houston HC DeMeco Ryans)
LA Rams – minority hiring comp pick (Atlanta HC Raheem Morris)
 
Fourth Round
Detroit from Philadelphia (RB D’Andre Swift)
Philadelphia from Detroit (2024 draft trade)
Jacksonville from Minnesota (2024 draft trade)

Fifth Round
San Francisco from Miami (RB Jeff Wilson)
Miami from Denver (Edge Bradley Chubb)
Pittsburgh from the LA Rams (OG Kevin Dotson)
Minnesota from Cleveland (Edge Za’darius Smith)
Chicago from Miami (WR Chase Claypool)
NY Giants from Seattle (DT Leo Williams)
Carolina from the NY Giants (Edge Brian Burns)
Houston from Buffalo (WR Stefon Diggs)
Philadelphia from Houston (2024 draft trade)
Philadelphia from Washington (WR Jahan Dotson)
Atlanta – forfeited Selection (QB Kirk Cousins tampering)
San Francisco – forfeited Selection (payroll clerical error)

Sixth Round
Cleveland from Minnesota (Edge Za’Darius Smith)
LA Rams from Pittsburgh (OG Kevin Dotson)
Denver from Philadelphia (TE Albert Ogwuebunam)
LA Chargers from New England (CB JC Jackson)
Miami from Chicago (WR Chase Claypool)
LA Rams from Atlanta (WR Van Jefferson)
NY Jets from Kansas City (WR Mecole Hardman)
Cleveland from Detroit (WR Donovan Peoples-Jones)
Detroit from Tampa Bay (CB Carlton Davis)
Cleveland from Chicago (DT Chris Williams)
Jacksonville from Seattle (Edge Trevis Gipson)
Washington from New Orleans (DT John Ridgeway)
Chicago – conditional pick from Pittsburgh (QB Justin Fields/pick could escalate higher based on time)
Washington – conditional pick from Pittsburgh (CB William Jackson)

Seventh Round
Pittsburgh – two #7 picks from Philadelphia (QB Kenny Pickett)
Washington – two #7 picks from Philadelphia (WR Jahan Dotson)
Philadelphia from New Orleans (S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson)
Carolina from Arizona (WR Robby Anderson)
Cleveland from Minnesota (Edge Za’Darius Smith)
LA Chargers from Cleveland (PK Dustin Hopkins)
New England from Tennessee (PK Nick Folk)
New England from LA Chargers (CB JC Jackson)
Atlanta from LA Rams (WR Van Jefferson)
Kansas City from NY Jets (WR Mecole Hardman)
Atlanta from Philadelphia (DT Kentavius Sweet)
Chicago from Cleveland (DT Chris Williams)
Tennessee from Green Bay (QB Malik Willis)
Arizona from Kansas City (LB Cam Thomas)
New Orleans from Washington (DT John Ridgeway)
Carolina & Kansas City to flip 7th round picks (WR Ihmer Smith-Marsette)
Minnesota – conditional pick from Pittsburgh (OG Jesse Davis)
Pittsburgh – conditional pick from Washington (CB William Jackson)
Cleveland  – conditional pick from Washington (PK Cade York)
2026 Traded Selections

Third Round
Philadelphia – conditional pick from NY Jets (Edge Hassan Reddick – can become a #2 if he plays
67.5% of the defensive snaps and records 10 sacks.)

Fifth Round
LA Rams from Tennessee (LB Earnest Jones)

Sixth Round
Denver from NY Jets (DE John Franklin-Myers)
LA Rams from Houston (TE Ben Skowronek)
Seattle from Cleveland (C Nick Harris)
Tennessee from LA Rams (LB Earnest Jones)
NY Giants from Dallas (DT Jordan Phillips)
NY Jets from Buffalo (DB/RS Brandon Codrington)
Minnesota – conditional pick from LA Rams (RB Cam Akers)

Seventh Round
Houston from LA Rams (TE Ben Skowronek)
Cleveland from Seattle (C Nick Harris)
Dallas from NY Giants (DT Jordan Phillips)
Buffalo from NY Jets (DB/RS Brandon Codrington)
Jacksonville – conditional pick from Detroit (PK Riley Patterson)
Minnesota – conditional pick from LA Rams (RB Cam Akers)

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 30+ years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS, ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, USA Today, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites.

Draft Insiders’ NFL Power Poll – 2024

Frank Coyle / Head scout
www.draftinsiders.com

Teams of the Week 
  Falcons over Bucs, 36-30 OT
  Ravens over the Bengals, 43-38 OT
  Vikings over Jets, 23-17
 
Upset of the Week
 Arizona Cardinal Beat San Fran 49ers, 24-23
 
Players of the Week
  Offense – QB Kirk Cousins – Falcons    
  Defense – CB Patrick Surtain – Broncos
 
Rookies of Week
    Offense – RB Tyrone Tracy – Giants
    Defense – S Evan Williams – Packers

Games of Week Six  
Washington Commanders (4-1) @ Baltimore Ravens (3-2) – Sunday 1 pm
Detroit Lions (3-1) @ Dallas Cowboys (3-2) – Sunday 4:25 pm

 Bye Week – Chiefs, Dolphins, Rams and Vikings

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 6
Frank Coyle

NFL Team Poll
Ranking /Record /Team

#1 – 5-0 Chiefs
Chiefs keep rolling along despite injuries. Defense among the best in the game. Get bye week.

#2 – 5-0 Vikings
Vikings’ QB Sam Darnold got his revenge on the Jets to maintain Vikes perfect record. Bye week to celebrate their strong start and prepare for long stretch run.

#3 – 3-2 Ravens
Ravens beat the Bengals in OT for an important AFC North victory. Host the Commanders in a tough interconference matchup.

#4 – 4-1 Texans
Young Texans won a key AFC matchup vs the Bills. Travel to NE for an expected defensive battle.

#5 – 3-2 Bills
Bills fell short vs the Texans for their second consecutive loss. Travel to MetLife for Monday night matchup with the Jets.

#6 – 3-2 Steelers
Steelers defense fell short again this time vs the Cowboys late. Travel to Las Vegas in an old AFC rivalry matchup.

#7 – 3-1 Lions
Lions are well rested coming off their bye week. Travel to Big D to face Cowboys in a huge NFC contest where the outcome can play a big role for the postseason.

#8 – 3-2 Falcons
Falcons came back again behind QB Kirk Cousins heroics to beat rival, the Bucs. Travel to Carolina for another NFC South matchup to determine AFC South leadership.

#9 – 3-2 Bucs
Bucs lost in OT vs the Falcons. Travel to New Orleans for another major NFC South matchup.

#10 – 4-1 Redskins
The Redskins continue to ride the hot hand of rookie QB Jayden Daniels. Travel to Baltimore for huge test for this young club.

#11 – 3-2 Cowboys
The Cowboys QB Dak Prescott came up big in crunch time and beat the Steelers. Host the rested Lions this week in a contest which effects both divisions.

#12 – 2-2 Eagles
The Eagles regrouped during their bye week. Host the struggling Browns this Sunday.

#13 – 2-2 Chargers
Chargers come off their bye week, hoping they fixed their struggling offense. Travel to Denver in an important AFC West matchup

#14 – 3-2 Seahawks
Seahawks fell to the GMen for 2^nd consecutive loss, though held NFC West leadership. Host the struggling 49ers in a huge NFC West battle in a wide-open race for first place.

#15 – 2-3 Colts
Veteran Joe Flacco continues to work his magic, but the Colts defense failed in big spots vs the Jaguars.
Face the Bears in London in a matchup that may separate contenders from pretenders.

#16 – 3-2 Packers
The Packers edged the Rams in tough contest. Host the Cardinals in an important matchup for both clubs in a competitive NFC.

#17 – 3-2 Broncos
Broncos are playing well especially on defense where corner Patrick Surtain is a game changer. Rookie Bo Nix is playing well. Hosting the Chargers in another key AFC West matchup.

#18 – 2-3 49ers
The 49ers fell to the Cardinals on a last second FG. Travel to Seattle for a huge NFC West matchup for divisional leadership.

#19 – 3-2 Bears
The Bears blasted the Panthers in a top performance by rookie QB Caleb Williams. Travel to London to face the Jaguars in an important matchup to stay in contention.

#20 – 2-3 Giants
The Giants came up big vs the Seahawks especially QB Daniel Jones. Host the Bengals in a critical Sunday night game which can put them into contention with another key victory.

#21 – 2-3 Jets
Jets fire HC Robert Saleh after another debacle. Host the Bills on Monday night in a key AFC East and must win in a collapsing situation.

#22 – 2-3 Dolphins
Dolphins beat the Patriots in low scoring matchup dominated by the defenses. Dolphins get their bye week in hopes of getting close to the return of QB Tua.

#23 – 2-3 Saints
Saints came up short vs the Chiefs on Monday night. Host the Bucs on Sunday lost another close game this time to the Falcons and without starting QB Derek Carr.

#24 – 2-3 Raiders
The Raiders got spanked by the Broncos in a key AFC game. Host the Steelers on Sunday in a must win situation to stay in contention in the wide open AFC.

#25 – 2-3 Cardinals
Cardinals won a dramatic game vs the 49ers. Travel to Titletown to face the Packers hoping to get to the .500 mark.

#26 – 1-4 Bengals
The Bengals lost a heartbreaker vs the Ravens. Travel to MetLife to face the GMen on Sunday night in a must win situation.

#27 – 1-4 Jaguars
Jaguars outlasted the Colts for their first win. Face the Bears in London in another must win situation to get into the competitive AFC playoff chase.

#28 – 1-4 Rams
Rams lost to the Packers in another poor performance. Get their bye week hoping to get it right, especially on their struggling defense.

#29 – 1-4 Patriots
The Pats lost a tight yawner vs the Dolphins. They start rookie QB Derek Maye which they hope begins a new era, starting with hosting the Texans on Sunday.

#30 – 1-3 Titans
The Titans are coming off their bye week and host the Colts in a key AFC South matchup. They need to cut down on turnovers to win late close games.

#31 – 1-4 Browns
Browns are a mess and they need to bench veteran QB Deshaun Watson if he does not turn it around in the next few games. Travel to Philly in an early acid test to determine their direction.

#32 – 1-3 Panthers
Panthers were taken to the woodshed by the Bears. Host the Falcons who is coming off huge wins which has them at the top of the NFC South.

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 30+ years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS, ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, USA Today, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites.

NFL Calendar & Dates – 2025

2025 Dates

January

Jan 6     Clubs may begin signing free agent players for the 2025 season, including players from the CFL.
Earliest permissible date for clubs to renegotiate or extend the Rookie Contract of a Drafted Rookie who was selected in any round of the 2022 College Draft or any Undrafted Rookie who signed in 2023. Any permissible renegotiated or extended Player Contract will not be considered a Rookie Contract and will not be subject to the rules that limit Rookie Contracts.

Clubs may exercise fifth-year options for players selected in the first round of the 2022 Draft.

Jan 8    Beginning at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the Wednesday following the final regular season weekend, rosters are frozen for clubs participating in the postseason with limited exceptions.

January 11-13    Super Wild Card Weekend

January  15 – Deadline for college players who are underclassmen to apply for Special Eligibility.
  Players have until Jan. 20th to rescind their decision. 

January 24 Deadline for College Playoff team players to declare for the NFL Draft 2025

January 18-19    Divisional Playoff Games

Jan 20   NCAA National Championship Game (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia)

Jan 26   AFC & NFC Championship Games

Jan 30  East-West Shrine Bowl

February

Feb 1     Senior Bowl (Hancock-Whitney Stadium, Mobile, Alabama)

Feb 2     Pro Bowl Games

Feb 9    Super Bowl LIX (Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana)

Feb 18 – Beginning this date through at 4:00 p.m., New York time on March 4, clubs may designate Franchise or Transition Players.

February 24 – March 3   NFL Scouting Combine (Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana)

March

Mar 4    Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

March 10-12      Negotiation Period. During the period beginning at 12:00 noon, New York time, on March 10 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 12, clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2024 Player Contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 12.

During the above two-day negotiating period, a prospective UFA who is not represented by an NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor (“Unrepresented Player”) is permitted to communicate directly with a new club’s front office officials (excluding the Head Coach and other members of the club’s coaching staff) regarding contract negotiations. The club is responsible for confirming the player’s status as an Unrepresented Player.

No prospective Unrestricted Free Agent is permitted to execute a contract with a new club until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 12.

Mar 12 – The 2025 League Year and Free Agency signing period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time.
Trading period for 2025. Trading begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time, after expiration of all 2024 contracts.

The first day of the 2025 League Year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 12. Clubs will receive a Personnel Notice that will include all transactions submitted to the league office during the period between 4:00 p.m., New York time, and 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 12.

March 30-April 2 – Annual League Meeting (The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida)

Mar 31 Deadline for clubs to meet 2025 funding requirements for guaranteed or deferred compensation in NFL Player Contracts and contracts for non-player Club employees.

April

Apr 7     Clubs that hired a new Head Coach after the end of the 2024 regular season may begin offseason workout programs.

Apr 16 Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview, or conduct a physical examination with a draft-eligible player at its club facility.

Apr 18 Deadline for Restricted Free Agents to sign Offer Sheets.

Apr 21 Clubs with returning Head Coaches may begin offseason workout programs.

Apr 23 Deadline for Prior Club to exercise Right of First Refusal to Restricted Free Agents who signed offer sheets.

Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview (including video and phone calls), or conduct a physical examination with a draft-eligible player at any location.

April 24-26          Annual Selection Meeting/NFL Draft (Green Bay, Wisconsin)
                                 NFL Draft 2025

May

1-May   Deadline for Clubs to exercise Fifth-Year Option for players selected in the first round of the 2022 Draft.

May 2-5 or          Clubs may elect to hold their one three-day post-Draft rookie minicamp from Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday on one of the two weekends following the Draft.

May 9-12

May 12                Rookie Football Development Programs begin.

May 20-21          Spring League Meeting/Coach Accelerator (Omni Viking Lakes Hotel, Minneapolis, Minnesota)

NFL Power Poll 2024

Frank Coyle / Head scout
www.draftinsiders.com

Team of the Week
Bucs Edge Lions, 20-16

Upset of the Week
Vikings Beat 49ers, 23-17
 
Players of the Week
  Offense – QB Kirk Cousins – Falcons    
  Defense – Edge Maxx Crosby – Raiders
 
Rookies of Week
    Offense – WR Marvin Harrison – Cardinals
    Defense – S Evan Williams – Packers

Game of Week Three   
Baltimore Ravens at Dallas Cowboys

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 3

Frank Coyle

NFL Team Poll

NFL Ranking /Record /Team

#1 – 2-0 Chiefs
Chiefs edged the Bengals in another thrilling victory.

#2 – 2-0 Bucs
Who gave up on QB Baker Mayfield? He has the Bucs atop the NFC South again.

#3 – 2-0 Texans
Texans are learning how to win close games. Travel to Minnesota in a battle of the unbeatens.

#4 – 2-0 Saints
Saints’ QB Derek Carr has a hot hand in early games.

#5 – 2-0 Seahawks
Seahawks making big plays at key moments. Host the Dolphins this week.

#6 – 2-0 Chargers
Chargers drilled the Panthers last week. Travel to Pittsburgh for key AFC matchup.

#7 – 1-1 Bills
Bills smashed the Dolphins for first victory. Host the Jaguars in key AFC contest.

#8 – 1-1 49ers
The 49ers were surprised by the Vikings last week. Face arch rival the Rams in LA this Sunday.

#9 – 1-1 Raiders
The Raiders are playing aggressively and edged the Ravens in tough matchup. Host the downtrodden Panthers at home this week.

#10 – 2-0 Steelers
Steelers are finding ways to win on defense and a developing Justin Fields. Host the tough Chargers this week in a game of the week.

#11 – 2-0 Vikings
Vikings took it to the 49ers last week. Host the Texans in a battle of unbeatens.

#12 – 1-1 Falcons
Falcons won a thriller with some great play by QB Kirk Cousins in crunch time.  Host the Chiefs in a Sunday night marquee matchup.

#13 – 1-1 Lions
Lions struggled to put a consistent offense together vs the Bucs. Travel to the desert to face an emerging Cardinal club with a potent attack.

#14 – 1-1 Eagles
The Eagles defense failed in key areas in their Monday night collapse. Travel to New Orleans to face a hungry Saints club who are playing very well.

#15 – 1-1 Cowboys
The Cowboys were drilled by the Saints last week. Host the desperate Ravens this Sunday in an excellent matchup.

#16 – 1-1 Jets
Jets beat the winless Titans. Face arch rival the Patriots this Sunday night.

#17 – 1-1 Rams
Rams were shocked by the Cardinals last week. Host the 49ers in a key NFC West contest.

#18 – 1-1 Dolphins
Dolphins got smashed by the Bills and lost QB Tua for at least the next month.

#19 – 0-2 Ravens
Ravens lost a second nailbiter to the Raiders. Travel to Big D to vital matchup with the Boys.

#20 – 1-1 Packers
The Packers edged the Colts, though QB Jordan Love was injured and out for the next month.

#21 – 0-2 Bengals
The Bengals lost a heartbreaker to the Chiefs. Host the Commanders on Monday night in must win contest.

#22 – 1-1 Cardinals
Cardinals’ offense behind Kyler Murray smoked the Rams last week. Host the Lions Sunday.

#23 – 1-1 Browns
Browns hung tough in win over the Jaguars. Host Giants in key game to get into contention.

#24 – 0-2 Colts
The Colts continue to fail in key situations. Host the Bears in huge matchup to stay in contention.

#25 – 1-1 Broncos
Broncos’ offense struggling to score. Travel to Tampa Bay in key spot.

#26 – 0-2 Jaguars
Jaguars are struggling in several areas. Face an early must win situation in Buffalo on Monday night.

#27 – 1-1 Patriots
The competitive Pats loss in OT. Face divisional rival the Jets on Thursday night.

#28 – 1-1 Commanders
The Redskins rookie top pick QB Jayden Daniels gets his first victory. They travel to Cincinnati for major test.

#29 – 1-1 Bears
The Bears are going through growing pains with young QB and huge roster turnover.

#30 – 0-2 Giants
The Giants finding ways to lose in big spots. Travel to Cleveland this week before a very difficult stretch of the schedule.

#31 – 0-2 Titans
The Titans make too many mistakes to win in crunch time. Host the banged up Packers this Sunday.

#32 – 0-2 Panthers
Panthers benched QB Bryce Young after another horrible performance. Andy Dalton directs this attack vs the Raiders.

 Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 30 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS, ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, USA Today, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites

NFL Supplemental Draft 2024 Cancelled

NFL tells teams it won’t hold Supplemental Draft this year.

The NFL informed its teams last week that it will not be holding a Supplemental Draft this year. It’s the fourth year out of the past five in which the league has elected not to hold a supplemental draft, which is the league’s right under the collective bargaining agreement.

Last year, the league broke a three-year run of not holding the supplemental draft, only two players were eligible, and neither was selected. The last player selected in the supplemental draft was Jalen Thompson by the Arizona Cardinals in the fifth round in 2019.

The supplemental draft, when it occurs is held for players who for one reason or another were not eligible when the April draft was held. It runs for seven rounds, and any team making a selection forfeits its pick from the corresponding round in the next year’s April draft.

Bernie Kosar, Dave Brown, Cris Carter, Rob Moore, Terrelle Pryor and Josh Gordon are among the NFL players who have entered the league via the supplemental draft. Recent years have seen different routes to the NFL with players having options to add additional seasons (Covid), easy transfer and NIL payment. These conditions may negated the supplemental draft with players having multiple options.

The NFL Supplemental Draft will probably be dropped in the future collective bargaining agreement.

NFL Hall of Fame Game 2024 – Bears vs Texans – August 1st

NFL Mini Camp Dates & OTA Workout Schedule by Team

The NFL’s 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game will feature the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans, the Hall announced on Thursday August 1st.

Devin Hester, Steve McMichael and Julius Peppers of the Bears and Andre Johnson from the Texans are among the former players who will be enshrined as members of the Class of 2024.

The game will kick off at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 1, during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week in Canton, Ohio.

The other inductees in this year’s class are Dwight Freeney, Randy Gradishar and Patrick Willis. The Hall of Fame ceremony will take place on Saturday, Aug. 3.

NFL Mini Camp Dates & OTA Workout Schedule by Team

Team                                        OTA offseason workouts                Mandatory Minicamp

Arizona Cardinals                      May 20-22, 28-30, June 3-6                       June 11-13

Atlanta Falcons                         May 13-14, 16, 20-21, June 3-4, 6                June 10-12

Baltimore Ravens                      May 20, 22-23, 28, 30-31, June 3-4, 6-7   June 11-13

Buffalo Bills                               May 20-21, 23, 28-30, June 3-4, 6             June 11-13

Carolina Panthers                      May 20-21, 23, 28-29, 31, June 3-4, 6      June 11-13

Chicago Bears                          May 20-21, 23, 28-29, 31                              June 4-6

Cincinnati Bengals                     May 28-30, June 3-6                                 June 11-13

Cleveland Browns                      May 21-23, 28-30, June 3-6                     June 11-13

Dallas Cowboys                         May 21-23, 29-31                                         June 4-6

Denver Broncos                         May 21-23, 28-30, June 3-6                    June 11-13

Detroit Lions                              May 21-23, 29-31, June 10-12                  June 4-6

Green Bay Packers                   May 20-21, 23, 28-29, 31, June 3-4, 6     June 11-13

Houston Texans                         May 20-21, 23, 29-31                                 June 4-6

Indianapolis Colts                      May 21-23, 29-31                                        June 4-6

Jacksonville Jaguars                  May 20-21, 23, 28-29, 31, June 3-6        June 10-12

Kansas City Chiefs                    May 20-22, 28-30, June 4-7                      June 11-13

Las Vegas Raiders                     May 20-21, 23, 28-29, 31, June 3-6         June 11-13

Los Angeles Chargers                May 20-21, 23, 29-31, June 4-7                June 11-13

Los Angeles Rams                     May 20-21, 23, 28-29, 31, June 3-6         June 10-12

Miami Dolphins                          May 20-21, 23, 28-29, 31                           June 4-6

Minnesota Vikings                     May 20-21, 23, 28-29, 31, June 10-13      June 4-6

New England Patriots                May 20-21, 23, 29-31, June 3-6                June 11-13

New Orleans Saints                   May 21-23, 28-30, June 3-6                        June 11-13

New York Giants                        May 20-21, 23, 28-29, 31, June 3-4, 6-7    June 11-13

New York Jets                           May 20-21, 23, 28-29, 31, June 3-4, 6-7     June 11-13

Philadelphia Eagles                   May 20, 22-23, 28, 30-31                            June 4-6

Pittsburgh Steelers                    May 21-23, 28-30, June 3-6                       June 11-13

San Francisco 49ers                  May 20-21, 23, 28-29, 31                            June 4-6

Seattle Seahawks                      May 20, 22-23, 28, 30-31, June 3-4, 6-7   June 11-13

Tampa Bay Buccaneers             May 21-23, 28-30, June 4-6                       June 11-13

Tennessee Titans                      May 20-21, 23, 28-29, 31, June 10-13         June 4-6

Washington Commanders          May 14-15, 17, 21-22, 24, June 4-5, 7      June 11-13

July 17: Franchise tag deadline for players to sign long-term contracts

Late July: Training camps open

Hall of Fame Game – Aug. 1, 2024 – Chicago Bears vs Houston Texans

August: Preseason Games (3 per team)

First Round Mock Draft for the NFL Draft 2024   

    Final Mock Draft

  Frank Coyle/ Head scout

 First Round

#    Team           Position       Player     School
1 Chicago (Carolina)    QB       Caleb Williams          Southern Cal
2 Washington                 QB        Jayden Daniels           LSU
3 New England            QB        Drake Maye               North Carolina
4 Arizona                     WR        Marvin Harrison Jr     Ohio State
5 LA Chargers              WR                   Rome Odunze             Washington
6 NY Giants                  WR                   Malik Nabers                 LSU
7 Tennessee                  OT                    Joe Alt                             Notre Dame
8 Atlanta                       Edge                Dallas Turner                 Alabama
9 Chicago                       OT                    Olu Fashanu                  Penn State
10 NY Jets                      TE                    Brock Bowers                Georgia
11 Minnesota                 QB                   JJ McCarthy                  Michigan
12 Denver                       Edge                Laiatu Latu                    UCLA
13 Las Vegas                  OT                    Taliese Fuaga               Oregon State
14 New Orleans             WR                   Brian Thomas               LSU
15 Indianapolis              CB                    Quinyon Mitchell            Toledo
16 Seattle                        Edge                Chop Robinson             Penn State
17 Jacksonville              CB                    Terrion Arnold               Alabama
18 Cincinnati                  OT                    JC Latham                    Alabama
19 LA Rams                    OT                    Troy Fautanu                Washington
20 Pittsburgh                 DB                    Cooper DeJean             Iowa
21 Miami                          OL                    Graham Barton             Duke
22 Philadelphia              CB                    Nate Wiggins                Clemson
23 Minn (Hous-Cleve)     DL                    Byron Murphy               Texas
24 Dallas                           C                      Jackson Powers-Johnson  Oregon
25 Green Bay                   Edge                Jared Verse                  Florida State
26 Tampa Bay                 CB                    Ennis Rakestraw           Missouri
27 Arizona (Houston)      OT                    Amarius Mims               Georgia
28 Buffalo                        WR                   Ladd McConkey            Georgia
29 Detroit                        WR                   Adonai Mitchell             Texas
30 Baltimore                   CB                    Kool-Aid McKinstry        Alabama
31 San Francisco            DL                    Jer’Zhan Newton           Illinois
32 Kansas City                WR                   Xavier Worthy               Texas

NFL Draft 2024 – Wide Receivers

Draft Insiders’ –  Top Prospects

      Frank Coyle/ Publisher

 Marvin Harrison heads an amazing receiving class which features several blue chips prospects at the top and incredible depth into the late rounds. Harrison is a generational prospect with NFL ready skills to provide an impact to an offense. Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze will come off the board between the 5th and 10th selections. Both are highly developed and checked all the boxes in the postseason to be rookie starters in September.

At least 6 or 7 receivers could come off the board in the first round and as many as 10-12 in the first two rounds. Expect 15-18 in the top 100 with as many chosen in the 3rd day along with countless rookie free agents. This position provides the most draft selections annually and this year should also rank as the #1 position NFL front offices select over the seven rounds.

 Here are Draft Insiders’ top 6 Prospects scouting reports, top rankings and positional overview.

Order Deluxe Package – NFL Draft Yearbook
250+ Scouting Reports – available
   NFL Team Report (35 pages) – available Now

Wide Receivers – Grade: A+                                             

    NFL Teams need:

1. Chiefs             5. Titans         
2. Giants            6. Bears
3. Bills                7. Cardinals
4. Panthers       8. Ravens

 Positional Overview:  With the evolution of the expanded NFL passing game over the past decade, receivers have become the dominant performers in a pro-offense. At this year’s NFL Combine, another record of receivers ran sub 4.4 and 4.5 forty times. Xavier Worthy set a new NFL Combine record with an amazing 4,21 sprint. Several other players ran a sub 4.3 time as training produces new manufactured speed.  This year’s group is an exceptionally deep and quality class which may rival the best of classes of all time. This is a very strong group from the top ten through the middle rounds. This is a very deep class with a many blue and red chip prospects. This class has the talent and depth at the position to be a bumper crop which produces many NFL starters and a record number of selections. This position could provide many playmakers with as many as 5-6 1st round choices. The top three prospects Marvin Harrison, Rome Odunze and Malik are true blue playmakers at a high level of development to provide rookie impact.  Brian Thomas, AD Mitchell and Xavier Worthy are each rated as first round receivers. Other receivers, Ladd McConkey, Xavier Leggette, Troy Franklin, Roman Wilson and Malachi Corley all figure in the mid-2nd day. The top 100 could provide a new record of prospects with 15+ chosen. Unheralded prospects, Jermaine Burton, Ricky Piersall, Keon Coleman and Javon Baker are all potential early NFL starters with above average speed and developed skills. Probably 35+ receivers could go over the seven-round event. The underclassmen will once again play a huge factor here. There are a few fast-rising prospects like Ladd McConkey who is moving up quickly off an impressive postseason. There will be many rookie free agents who carry make it grades entering camp. They most likely become practice squad members with most clubs carrying at least two-three receivers for depth.

   NFL Premier Player – Justin Jefferson
Blue Chip – Marvin Harrison
Blue Chip – Rome Odunze
Blue Chip – Malik Nabers
Rising – Ladd McConkey
Falling – Johnny Wilson
Underrated – Jermaine Burton
Overrated – Tez Walker
Sleeper – Ryan Flournay
Boom/Bust – Troy Franklin
Hidden Gem – Ricky Pearsall

       Positional Traits
Best Athlete – Marvin Harrison
Best Hands – Ladd McConkey
Fastest – Xavier Worthy
Quickest – Malik Nabers
Run After Catch – Malachi Corley
Route Runner – Ladd McConkey
Deep Threat – Brian Thomas
Catch In Traffic – Rome Odunze
Blocker – Xavier Legette
Adjustments /Routes – Marvin Harrison
Long term Gem – Roman Wilson
Red Zone jump balls – Ricky Pearsall
Strongest – Rome Odunze

     Wide Receiver Rankings

1 Marvin Harrison                    Ohio State
2 Malik Nabers                        LSU
3 Rome Odunze                      Washington
4 Brian Thomas                       LSU
5 AD Mitchell                           Texas
6 Xavier Worthy                       Texas
7 Ladd McConkey                   Georgia
8 Troy Franklin                        Oregon
9 Xavier Legette                      South Carolina
10 Keon Coleman                      Florida State
11 Roman Wilson                      Michigan
12 Malachi Corley                      Western Kentucky
13 Jermaine Burton                   Alabama
14 Ricky Pearsall                       Florida
15 Javon Baker                         UCF
16 Jalen McMillan                      Washington
17 Tez Walker                           North Carolina
18 Brenden Rice                       Southern Cal
19 Johnny Wilson                      Florida State
20 Luke McCaffrey                    Rice

Wide Receiver Scouting Reports

1 Marvin Harrison #18 – 6-4, 205                       Ohio State – Sp. 4.40   
NFL Comparison: Justin Jefferson                 Rating 93
Gazelle like playmaker has excelled since starting in the Buckeyes’ passing game, totaling over 2600 yards receiving and 31 TDs in just three seasons. Earned annual All-American and Big Ten honors.  Son of HOF receiver Marvin Harrison. Twitchy athlete with the skill set to be a true #1 receiver. Great length and leaping skills create a very difficult single matchup. Excellent body control and hands to make the tough catch and win most 50/50 balls. Rare lower body flexibility to change directions and retain his speed, comparable to a 180 lb. athlete. Keyed on by defenses weekly and challenged by NFL type corners and was still a dominant weapon in the potent OSU attack. age. Developed the full route tree with impact both inside and outside. Natural soft hands with huge receiving radius to be a very tough matchup for contested passes. Reads coverage quickly and makes fast adjustments to provide a reliable target. Deadly on the crossing patterns and red zone plays where his quickness, length, instincts and separation speed make him a very difficult matchup. Generational receiver with All-Pro skill set. Top 3-4 prospect. Impact weapon for the club which has components in place. Demands special attention in every key situation.
                                                             Draft Projection: 1st Round

2 Malik Nabers #8 – 6-0, 195                             LSU – Sp. 4.40 
            NFL Comparison: Odell Beckham                   Rating 92
Elusive playmaker declared for the NFL Draft after a dominant performance in the SEC, earning first team honors. Athletic receiver combines excellent quickness and the ability to retain his speed at the breakpoint to separate consistently. Freshman All-American and put 1000 yard receiving years together his final two seasons. Exceptionally quick feet translate very well to route running and separating in coverage. Soft hands and natural running talent to break plays regularly. Very good speed with the burst to separate in the deep game and hit the big play. Keen understanding of coverage with the quickness to retain his speed in his breaks and provide a very dependable target especially through the middle zones. Plays both inside and outside, though best suited for the slot where his ability to get movement and many single matchups makes him exceptionally dangerous. Smooth weapon and capable of providing immediate impact in a passing game. Top 5-8 prospect with rookie starting talent to become a fixture in offense.
                                                              Draft Projection: 1st Round
 
3 Rome Odunze #1 – 6-3, 210                           Washington – Sp. 4.45 
            NFL Comparison: A.J. Brown                          Rating 92
Strong sure handed playmaker was the most dominant receiver in the nation in 2023. Earned first team All-American and Pac 12 honors working with QB Michael Pennix. Prototypical athlete for the position with big strong frame, soft hands and large receiving radius to make contested catches. Moves easy in his routes with the speed and tackle breaking ability to make big plays. Totaled over 3200 career receiving yards with 214 receptions, 24 TDs and 15.3-yard average. Shows natural receiving skills with crisp routes, good body control and sound coverage reads to provide a well-developed target and finished prospect for the pro game. High level of development with the mental toughness and preparation to start as a rookie. Blue-chip prospect with high level of production despite special attention weekly. Probable Pro Bowl receiver in the right setting and working with a quality veteran. Great work ethic and attitude with the special athleticism to put it all together. Top 5 prospect with skill set to hit the ground quickly and become a major addition to an offense. Imposing physical specimen and NFL ready. Ideal for the Chargers or Giants.
                                                                    Draft Projection: 1st Round

4 Brian Thomas #11 – 6-3, 210                         LSU – Sp. 4.35 
            NFL Comparison: Tee Higgins                        Rating 90
Big body wideout complete a breakout performance in 2023, earning first team SEC honors. Coupled with star QB Jayden Daniels to form an amazing tandem with receiver Malik Nabers. Thomas totaled 17 receiving TDs for over 1100 yards and a 17.3 yard average per catch. Large strong frame to fight off coverage and tacklers, though the burst to separate quickly and get deep consistently. At the NFL Combine, he ran a 4.33 time with a 1.50 ten-yard split. That speed translated very well to the field and his initial burst is very deceptive to create early on the play. Strong body allows him to post up cover men, along with the burst off the line to be a threat in the deep game. His speed presses coverage where his size also becomes a matchup problem. Dangerous on the go and intermediate routes. At times, he can also gather too much at the breakpoint. Shows strong reliable hands with a big radius to win contested balls. Makes yardage after the catch with good tackle breaking power. Prototypical starter with big play ability. TD ratio of 1 for every reception is exceptional. Explosiveness, speed and size create intriguing potential. Must refine route running to be ready for starting duty. Very impressive 2023 season with probably earn him a mid first round grade, though needs to refine his game.
                                                                        Draft Projection: 1st Round

5 AD Mitchell #5 – 6-2, 200                                Texas   – Sp. 4.35         
NFL Comparison: CeeDee Lamb                     Rating 89
Athletic strong receiver completed an impressive final season with Texas after transferring from Georgia. Big framed smooth prospect played in two very deep receiving corps which limited his touches in college. Shows top speed (4.34) with a quick initial burst which allows him to separate consistently from cover men. Long frame and tough over the middle and in any 50/50 ball situations. Earned invitation to the NFL Combine and was very impressive with 39” VL and 11’4” BJ along with 4.34 sprint. Prototypical skill set and his ability translates well to the field. Top leaper with potential #1 receiver talent, though not completely developed after two stops and limited reps. Needs work on refining his route running and defensive recognition. Learning to use his big frame more effective on contested passes to secure the ball consistently. Though at a nice LOD, he has further refinement before ready to earn starting time. Type with big ceiling, though faces an early learning curve. Possible surprise #1 pick, though more a good 2nd round value who can pay big dividends in time. Top 40 prospect with impact ability in the right setting and alignment.
                                                          Draft Projection: 1st-2nd Round

6 Ladd McConkey #84 – 5-11, 187                     Georgia – Sp. 4.40       
            NFL Comparison: Julian Edelman                   Rating 89
Savvy speedy playmaker completed an unheralded, though productive career in the deep Bulldog receiving corps. Despite limited reps, he is very developed in all receiving skills, especially route running, defense recognition and pass catching. His ability to separate in coverage rivals cagey veterans. He is exceptionally quick at the breakpoint with crisp footwork to separate very well to provide a sure target. Soft natural hands with the ability to extend and make the tough catch. Explosive on the snap to pressure coverage and eat up the cushion with sharp cutting skills. He retains his 4.4 speed and it translates well to the field. His quick footwork beats man coverage regularly especially if he comes clean off the line. Expanded receiving game and runs a complete route tree from different positions. Good running skills with the instant acceleration to hit a seam and break a long gainer. Must continue to get stronger to win contested balls and break tackles. Type with the deceptive speed to surprise secondaries. Capable of working the slot and outside with a very high level of development to help day one. Needs improved strength to prove durable in the NFL, though played 39 games over short three seasons. Impact weapon gives a passer an uncanny target to move the chains and make the critical play. Highly developed to provide rookie impact for a smart play caller to move him around in formations. Gem with big time play making skills.
                                                            Draft Projection: 1st-2nd Round