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NFL Draft 2025: Day 2 Promises Intrigue as Shedeur Sanders, Defensive Talents Headline Round 2
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Following a Day 1 of unexpected twists and turns,the 2025 NFL draft resumes Friday night with Rounds 2 and 3,offering teams a chance to address remaining needs and capitalize on sliding talent. quarterback Shedeur Sanders of Colorado,along with a host of highly-rated defensive players,are expected to be early focal points.
The Cleveland Browns, armed with additional draft capital acquired through trades, hold the first pick of the second round (33rd overall). Mock drafts and analysts had widely speculated on their potential selection, and now forecasts appear to be coming to fruition.
Quarterback Carousel Continues
The Browns are predicted to select Shedeur Sanders with the 33rd pick. “it should not come as a shock to people who paid close attention that Sanders fell out of the first round,” one expert noted, “nor that Jaxson Dart was selected ahead of him.” The analysis continued, emphasizing the closeness of the prospects: “That saeid, Sanders and Dart were very close with regard to the QB2/QB3 discussion. If Cleveland can use the extra picks it acquired Thursday to fortify its rebuild and give Sanders time to grow, this could be a great fit.”
Sanders’ arm talent and pedigree – his father is NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders – are undeniable. However, questions about his decision-making under pressure and the quality of Colorado’s offensive line contributed to his slide out of the first round.
wide Receiver Value Emerges
The Houston Texans, after trading out of the first round, are projected to grab Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III with the 34th pick. “C.J. Stroud needs protection up front, so offensive tackle could be an option for the Texans,” an analyst observed, before adding, “But adding a legit playmaker who gives off Deebo samuel vibes feels like great value.” Burden’s versatility and physicality make him an attractive target for Stroud, who is looking for a reliable weapon to complement his existing receiving corps. (See case study: The Impact of a WR1: How Ja’Marr Chase Elevated Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals Offense).
Defensive Gems available
Several defensive players who were projected as potential first-round picks find themselves available on day 2. marshall edge rusher Mike Green,despite “off-field concerns,” is expected to be selected by the Tennessee Titans with the 35th overall pick. According to one scouting report, Green is a “top-15 prospect on several boards.” Though, the report cautioned that “It’s not unachievable that he slides even further if teams aren’t comfortable with his situation, but he could be an elite value pick.”
Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, lauded for his size and ball skills, is predicted to land with the Las Vegas Raiders at pick 37. “Johnson slid out of the first round for a few reasons, including speed and injury concerns,” one source noted. “When healthy, though, he’s one of the best defensive players in this class. This could be a steal.”
Running Backs in demand
The second round is also expected to see a run on running backs. Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson (Cleveland Browns), Iowa’s kaleb Johnson (Dallas Cowboys), and Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins (Denver Broncos) are all projected to be selected early. The evolving role of the running back in the modern NFL – with an emphasis on pass-catching ability and versatility – makes these prospects highly coveted.
Other Notable Projections:
New England Patriots (38): jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State. “One of two terrific Iowa State wideouts likely to be picked on Day 2 (Jayden Higgins being the other), Noel (5-foot-10, 194 pounds) ran a blazing 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine and plays without fear. He is outstanding in the air and can contort his body to bad throws. He could be a great weapon for Drake Maye.”
Chicago Bears (39): Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota. “In Round 1,the Bears landed Colston Loveland,a perfect fit for ben Johnson’s offense. On Friday, chicago has a chance to get tougher up front. The hulking 6-6, 331-pound Ersery could be a long-term answer on the left side.”
New Orleans Saints (40): Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville. “Whether or not Derek Carr is healthy this season, the Saints need a long-term answer at quarterback. Shough — a much better athlete than people realize — had outstanding flashes last season in Jeff Brohm’s offense. He possesses the frame (6-5, 219) and arm talent to be a potential NFL starter.”
New York Jets (42): Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama. “Maybe Justin Fields cashes in on his prove-it contract and becomes the Jets’ quarterback of the future.Maybe not.Either way,being able to stash and develop an elite athlete with immense potential such as Milroe — in an offense that will use its QB in the run game — feels like a terrific fit.”
Counterargument: The Risk of Overvaluing Potential
While many of these Day 2 prospects possess undeniable talent, some analysts caution against teams overvaluing potential over proven production. The NFL is littered with examples of players who excelled in college but failed to translate their skills to the professional level. Teams must carefully weigh the risks and rewards of selecting players with question marks,particularly in the early rounds.
Round 3 Overview:
round 3 is forecast to be rich with offensive and defensive linemen, plus the usual smattering of developmental quarterbacks, safeties, and linebackers. Keep an eye on Kansas City’s back-to-back picks at #65 and #66 overall.
FAQ: 2025 NFL draft – Day 2
Q: What time does Day 2 of the NFL Draft start?
A: Day 2 of the 2025 NFL draft begins at 7:00 PM EST.Q: How many rounds are there on Day 2 of the NFL Draft?
A: There are two rounds on Day 2: Round 2 and Round 3.
Q: Where can I watch the NFL Draft?
A: The NFL Draft will be broadcast on ESPN, NFL Network, and ABC. It can also be streamed through various online platforms.Q: What is a compensatory pick and how does it work?
A: Compensatory picks are extra draft choices awarded to teams that loose more valuable free agents than they sign. They are typically positioned at the end of Rounds 3 through 7.