Top Prospects Available After Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft

Entering Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, a select group of high-impact players remain on the draft board. Teams will be looking to bolster their rosters and have the opportunity to land significant athletes. Here are the standout prospects and their likely landing spots:

1. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

• Projected Pick: Cleveland Browns, No. 33 overall
• Sanders was projected as a first-round talent but slipped due to questions around decision-making speed and attitude. However, his pinpoint accuracy (71.8% completion) and impressive collegiate record make him an attractive choice for the Steelers, who could develop him behind their current starter and strengthen their quarterback depth.

2. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

• Projected Pick: Houston Texans, No. 34 overall
• Burden’s dynamic playmaking ability after the catch makes him an ideal fit for Houston, adding explosiveness and reliability to their offensive lineup. He’s a receiver who thrives in open space and has the versatility to line up both in the slot and outside. Pairing him with C.J. Stroud would give the Texans another dangerous weapon to stretch the field and improve their short-to-intermediate passing game.

3. Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

• Projected Pick: Philadelphia Eagles, No. 40 overall (Trade with New Orleans) 
• Philadelphia is known for making bold moves during the NFL draft, and general manager Howie Roseman is likely to make another splash by trading up and selecting Emmanwori. With his remarkable speed, elite athleticism, and versatile skill set, Emmanwori perfectly complements the Eagles’ defensive scheme, significantly upgrading their secondary and providing the defense with much-needed flexibility.

4.  Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

• Projected Pick: New York Jets, No. 42 overall
• Ersery, the 2024 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, is a massive, athletic blocker with the ability to dominate at the point of attack. His footwork and balance in pass protection make him a reliable option against elite edge rushers. For the Jets, who are investing heavily in protecting their quarterback, Ersery provides both immediate depth and long-term upside as a starting tackle..

5. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State

• Projected Pick: Dallas Cowboys, No. 44 overall
• A powerful and agile runner, Henderson would immediately enhance the Cowboys’ rushing attack. He has home-run ability on any carry, excellent vision between the tackles, and solid pass-catching skills. With Dallas looking to reestablish their ground game, Henderson could take on a significant role right away in both the rushing and passing game.

6. Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

• Projected Pick: Seattle Seahawks, No. 50 overall
• Green’s relentless motor and explosiveness off the edge make him a high-upside addition for the Seahawks. He racked up double-digit sacks in each of the last two seasons and has the versatility to play in both 3-4 and 4-3 schemes. With Seattle needing more consistency from their pass rush, Green could become a rotational weapon with starter potential by midseason.

7. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

• Projected Pick: Detroit Lions, No. 60 overall
• Johnson’s lockdown coverage skills and outstanding collegiate performance would provide a significant upgrade to Detroit’s secondary. He has ideal size and instincts, often shadowing the opposing team’s top receiver with poise and confidence. As the Lions continue to build a playoff-caliber defense, adding a true outside corner like Johnson could prove to be a steal this late in the draft.

As the second round begins, NFL teams find themselves in advantageous positions, having the opportunity to address specific needs with premium talent. Players like Sanders and Burden can immediately energize offenses, providing depth and star power at crucial skill positions. Meanwhile, defensive prospects such as Green, Emmanwori, and Johnson offer teams a chance to solidify their defensive cores and elevate their overall competitiveness. Each pick made today carries significant potential to shape team fortunes, making Day 2 a critical turning point for franchises eager to build toward playoff contention. The decisions made here will resonate throughout the upcoming season and beyond, as these players aim to make lasting impacts on their new teams.