By Clay Burnett 
Day 1 of the NFL Draft is in the books, as teams added 32 players who they hope will lead their franchise to the ultimate goal. With six more rounds to go, plenty of talent still remains on the board. Let’s take a look at the top remaining players available entering Round 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft:
QB Shedeur Sanders (Colorado)
Sanders slipping down the board was the story of Day 1 of the NFL Draft. At one point, he was projected to be a top-5 pick. When the Giants moved up to draft Jaxson Dart, it became apparent that Sanders was going to end up being a second round pick based on the teams left to pick. Sanders is an accurate passer and poised under pressure, but teams are worried about his arm strength and pocket awareness. The Browns opted not to take a QB in Round 1, and hold the 1st and 4th picks in Round 2. Sanders could be headed to Cleveland if the front office decides to move in that direction.
CB Will Johnson (Michigan)
Will Johnson was viewed by many as the best pure corner in the class. Falling into the second round did not seem possible, even with his checkered injury history. Clearly teams became wary after scanning his health records. Johnson has ideal size for an outside cornerback — 6-foot-2, 194 pounds — and has the versatility to play both man and zone coverage effectively. If a team is willing to take a risk on his health, they could be getting an All-Pro at a premium position.
WR Luther Burden (Missouri)
You could sense Burden’s stock dropping over the last few months. Once regarded as the top receiver in the class, Burden watched as three WRs had their names called on Thursday. The Missouri product is coming off a down season in which his numbers decreased across the board. His statisical falloff can partly be attributed to poor QB play. Two years ago, he was absolutely sensational. At his best, Burden is a complete receiver who is explosive after the catch. The Titans pick third on Friday and could potentially pair Burden with No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward.
DE Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College)
There was never a run on pass rushers like many expected. The Falcons took two, but there are still quality options on the board for Friday. Boston College’s Donovan Ezeirukau is adept at getting after the quarterback. While he’s a bit undersized, Ezeiruaku will immediately impact games on passing downs. The Patriots at No. 38 would be a tremendous fit after building up their offensive line with OT Will Campbell in Round 1.
S Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina)
Emmanwori is a jaw-dropping athlete. Standing at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, Emmanwori put on a legendary performance at the combine. He uses his speed, power, and explosiveness to fly around the field and make plays. The only safety to go in Round 1 was Georgia’s Malaki Starks — a more polished prospect. Whichever team ends up drafting Emmanwori will need to be patient. His fundamentals in terms of tackling and coverage need work. However, his upside is off the charts.
EDGE Mike Green (Marshall)
One of the most productive defenders in college football is surprisingly still on the board. Some Mock Drafts had Marshall’s Mike Green as a top-20 pick. Now, he may end up going outside of the top-40. A shocking turn of events for a guy who registered 17 sacks last season. Green is a refined pass rusher with an excellent motor. At this point, whoever drafts Green is getting a major steal.
RB TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State)
With two running backs already off the board, the next one to soon follow will likely be Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson. Entering this year’s draft, Henderson was widely considered the No. 3 back in the class – behind Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton. He was extremely impressive at the NFL Combine, and has the production numbers to match. Henderson will go early on Day 2.
CB Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina)
Had a season-ending injury not ended his 2024 campaign, Revel likely would have been a Day 1 pick. Now, a team could be getting a steal in the second round. Revel has the prototypical build of a boundary cornerback at 6-foot-2, 195 pounds. He excels in man coverage and has the speed to run with NFL wideouts. With outside corners being a premium position in a pass-happy league, expect Revel to be scooped up in one of the first few picks Friday.
TE Elijah Arroyo (Miami)
Draft pundits knew this class was stacked at TE. Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland were the clear top-two, but other teams looking to cement the position will have plenty of options on Day 2. Elijah Arroyo could have easily been a first-round pick. The Miami product is a superb athlete who shined as one of Cam Ward’s main targets in ’24. His size, speed, and run after catch ability will make an intriguing option on Day 2.
WR Jayden Higgins (Iowa State)
Higgins’ strong 2024 wasn’t enough to push him into the first round. Despite being 6-foot-4 with good speed and putting up 87 receptions for 1,1183 yards and 9 TDs as a senior, Higgins will have to wait until Friday evening to have his name called. But, he won’t have to wait long until he hears his name called. While he’s not a polished route runner, Higgins uses his huge frame to box out defenders and make contested catches. A team will take the chance on his raw talent.
OT Aireontae Ersery (Minnesota)
Teams made a run on tackles on Thursday because there’s a belief that the depth falls off in the middle rounds. For those who chose not to address their offensive line, Minnesota’s Aireontae Ersery might have the highest upside left on the board. The 6-foot-6, 330-pound mammoth of a tackle is a gifted athlete, but will need some fine-tuning. He might not be ready to start in Week 1, but Ersery has the power and quick feet necessary to eventually become a franchise tackle.
WR Jaylin Noel (Iowa State)
Iowa State’s Noel is a smooth route runner who is reminiscent of Chargers WR Ladd McConkey. Like McConkey, Noel will likely be a gift for a team that uses a Day 2 pick on him. Modern offenses are starving for players like Noel. The Cyclone can get open, run past defenders, and make catches in traffic. His size makes him not an ideal No. 1 option. However, put him on a team with true star already at receiver and watch Noel flourish as a No. 2.
QB Tyler Shough (Louisville)
Shough was a late riser during the draft process. Had he been a few years younger, Shough likely would have been a first-round pick. Several QB-needy teams were linked to him leading up to the draft, but there are concerns about his profile. Injuries, age, and a lack of overall production outside of last season were the likely cause of him falling into Day 2. However, it’s unlikely he makes it out of the second round. Look for one of the teams that didn’t take a QB to take a shot on Shough’s potential.
DE Jack Sawyer (Ohio State)
Jack Sawyer is the classic case of teams overvaluing combine numbers and measurables. Sawyer isn’t elite athletically, and lacks the burst teams look for in a top edge defender. However, he was an impact player for one of the best programs in college football. Sawyer has a tremendous motor and plays with energy on every down. He’s going to make a general manager look very smart in a few years.
S Xavier Watts (Notre Dame)
Safety wasn’t viewed as a premier position in this class. Xavier Watts was widely considered one of the top options, and will likely be a Week 1 starter for whichever team lands him. Watts is a ball hawk who collected 13 INTs over the last two seasons. He tested average athletically at the combine – which is why he’s still available – but he’s an instinctual defender with proven production. Watts could become a multiple time Pro Bowler with his elite ball skills.
QB Jalen Milroe (Alabama)
Milroe’s range varies based on the team. Someone might take a chance on his elite talent in the second round. He also could fall further — though no one can question his combination of arm strength and athleticism. Milroe played at a high level in the SEC and there’s something to be said about that. His best chance at succeeding with a scheme-dependent team that can get the best out of his skillset. Being utilized similarly to Jalen Hurts could result in some real production.
LB Carson Schwesinger (UCLA)
Schwesinger is a great story. He went from being a walk-on to developing into the best linebacker within the Big Ten. He’s got elite sideline-to-sideline skills with terrific first-step quickness and a real nose for the football. Schwesinger seemingly can fit into any scheme. He diagnoses plays exceptionally well, and his functional athleticism is quite good. Think poor man’s Luke Kuechly.
EDGE Femi Oladejo (UCLA)
Oladejo is skyrocketing up draft boards. Initially a middle linebacker, he transitioned to becoming edge rusher. He’s a fast-twitch athlete with legitimate physicality and high football I.Q. With Oladejo’s positional versatility, a host of teams would love to utilize him in a way which accentuates what he does best: getting after the quarterback.
RB Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State)
Judkins is a sub-4.5 guy at 221 pounds. He’s played high-level football at both Ole Miss and Ohio State. Splitting carries with TreVeyon Henderson, there’s some unrealized potential here. Judkins doesn’t have as much wear and tear as some of the other running backs in this draft. Judkins is a physical, aggressive running back with the ability to come in and be a Day 1 starter this year.
CB Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame)
Morrison is a very savvy, well-coached player. At 6-feet tall, he’s got great size for the corner position. Morrison has shown throughout his collegiate career that he’s got very good ball skills. He sometimes struggles when flipping his hips and running in coverage. However, Morrison’s hand-eye coordination when the ball is in the air is among the best in this draft for secondary players.
EDGE JT Tuimoloau (Ohio State)
Tuimoloau was a decorated prospect from the state of Washington. He spurned multiple West Coast powers to play at Ohio State. While his production/consistency level wasn’t always the best, Tuimoloau is a player with real talent. He’s a great fit as a 3-4 defensive end, and there’s a world where he figures things out and outperforms his draft slot. Tuimoloau at worst is a starter-level defensive end that can be a rotation piece.
TE Mason Taylor (LSU)
Possessing pedigree is a real thing with NFL players. Mason is the son of former Miami Dolphins star defender Jason Taylor and the nephew of ex-NFL linebacker Zach Thomas. Ironically, the younger Taylor was a tight end for LSU most recently. Taylor has the ceiling of a Pro Bowl player. He’s an above-average athlete, and was recognized as an All-SEC player this past season. As a vertical threat, Taylor is among the better tight ends in this class.
DT Omarr Norman-Lott (Tennessee)
The former Arizona State defensive tackle is a disruptive player. Norman-Lott proved he can produce versus high-level competition within the SEC. He’s a bit undersized for the position — though Norman-Lott plays with visible passion and effort. He disengages very well with powerful, quick hands. If bigger guards latch onto him, he trends to struggle — though Norman-Lott profiles as a nice pass-rushing interior lineman option.
QB Quinn Ewers (Texas)
Can Ewers be a starting quarterback in this league? Before the year began, some pegged him as the possible No. 1 Overall pick. Now, he’s getting third-round grades across the board. Ewers can get a bit wonky with this throwing mechanics. It stems from footwork that must improve. Ewers is a competitive guy, and he does have an above-average arm. He plays hard and has the ‘game’ moniker. Can he be a Gardner Minshew-type? It’s quite possible.
Angel Atienza-Romero