This past NFL free agency has been one to remember. Many players have changed their homes and fans are excited to see them in new uniforms. This year’s draft is also highly anticipated, and fans are anxious to see who will be coming to their team. Experts have predictions for this year’s draft, but no one has a definite answer. Teams that didn’t have a great 2024-25 season are looking to take a step forward in the draft. Many fans were surprised where some of the biggest names decided to move to this offseason, changing the landscape of the NFL.
To start the offseason, many teams came out of the gates making moves. Early on, the Seattle Seahawks acquired former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, who signed with the Seahawks for three years and $100 million. This shocked many fans after he had the best year of his career with the Vikings, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns.
Another signing during the frenzy was the defensive tackle Milton Williams. The lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles had the best year of his career last year, posting seven sacks. The 25-year-old signed with the New England Patriots, a much needed addition to the defensive line.
Another signing was edge rusher Josh Sweat to the Arizona Cardinals from the Super Bowl winning Eagles. He signed a max contract for four years and $76.4 million. Some other notable signings this offseason were D.J. Reed to the Detroit Lions, Jevon Holland to the New York Giants, and center Drew Dalman to the Chicago Bears.
Reed came off of one of his best seasons yet having 11 pass deflections. He had some issues with penalties, but was able to solidify himself as one of the best corners in the game. Holland, another defensive back, signed a three year deal for $45 million with the Giants to boost their secondary.
“I think Holland was a great signing and I think it will improve the Giants secondary a lot,” said freshman Gabe Nash.
Dalman will help the Bears after their rookie quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked 68 times. The Bears became upset with putting their future at risk so they decided to take a step in the right direction and bring in the veteran Dalman. As one of the top centers in the league last year, he only allowed two sacks with the Falcons.
Many teams managed to retain their players as well. Some guys who came back this offseason were Tee Higgins, Zack Baun, and Chris Godwin. Higgins has been chasing free agency the last couple years but finally met a deal with the Cincinnati Bengals after having 900 yards and ten touchdowns. Higgins and Jamaar Chase being extended means the Bengals will be scary for years to come.
On the defensive side of things, Baun became one of the best linebackers in the league last year and got paid accordingly, resigning with the Eagles on a three year $51 million deal. Godwin, known as one of the best receivers in the league, will continue his great career in Tampa after re-signing.
With the draft coming up, many have created predictions for this year’s event. Many believe that quarterback Cam Ward is going to the Tennessee Titans with the number one overall pick.
However, the best raw prospect in this class has to be Abdul Carter, the defensive end from Penn State who is small for his position but has great power and speed to avoid blockers, drawing comparisons to fellow Penn State alum and current Dallas Cowboy Micah Parsons.
The most exciting player in this class is the dual-threat receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter from Colorado. His athleticism puts him above many of the other prospects. There are rumors of him going third overall to the Giants. He could be paired with young superstar wide receiver Malik Nabers while also helping out the secondary.
“I think Hunter being drafted by the Giants would be a good pick because they can get a quarterback elsewhere. He is a generational player in a position that we need,” said freshman Leo Raber.
Some other exciting players in this class are Tyler Warren, Tetairoa McMillan, and Mason Graham. Warren, the tight end from Penn State, is quick like a receiver, while being able to block like a tackle. This has allowed Warren to rise in many mock drafts and is projected to go to the Indianapolis Colts, who are lacking at tight end. McMillan, other than Hunter, is the best receiver in the class with his ability to go get jump balls. He is projected to go seventh overall to the New York Jets who are desperate for a second receiver.
Defensively, Graham from Michigan brings strength and is known to bull doze any blockers in front of him. Being one of the best prospects this year, the standout defensive lineman is projected to go fifth to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“I think there are at least two better options for the Jets besides McMillan at spot seven. Tyler Warren and Armand Membou would both be A plus picks and day one impact starters. McMillan has more of a chance to be a bust, because of his low end speed,” said freshman Nathan Schiffer.
This draft has a lot of potential and could have many future superstars. All these signings and the prospective draft picks will surely bring excitement to the 2025-26 NFL season.