In addition to the second overall pick, which they used to select the 2024 Heisman winner, the Jaguars also received a fourth-round pick and sixth-round pick. The Browns received the No. 5 overall pick and selected Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham. Cleveland also received second- and fourth-round picks this year, and a first-round pick in 2026.

Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi said the franchise was almost certain Ward would be the pick before the NFL Scouting Combine in February even before meeting the person because of what they saw from him as a player.

"We pretty much had all the questions answered probably three weeks (before) the draft," he said.

At No. 3, the New York Giants selected Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter and the New England Patriots followed by making a promised upgrade to the offensive line in front of 2024 No. 3 pick Drake Maye. The Patriots welcomed LSU left tackle Will Campbell at No. 4.

Despite speculation other teams were angling to move ahead of the Raiders, Las Vegas held onto the No. 6 pick and went with Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024. The Raiders were No. 32 in the league in rushing with 1,357 total yards and no ballcarrier with more than 420 yards.

Ward passed for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns, both single-season school records, last season at Miami, being named ACC Player of the Year. He began his collegiate career with two seasons at FCS Incarnate Word before transferring to Washington State, where he played two more seasons, before his final season at Miami.

Hunter, who followed coach Deion Sanders from Jackson State to Colorado, had 96 receptions last season for 1,258 yards, averaging 13.1 per catch with 15 touchdowns.

Jeanty finished his college career with 4,769 rushing yards and 50 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 80 passes in his career with six scores.

We're slapping letter grades on each pick in the first round with a summary of what we love, dislike and all things in between.

Let's start at the top:

1. Tennessee Titans: QB Cam Ward, Miami

Picking atop the draft for the first time since 1978 when the Houston Oilers selected Earl Campbell, the Titans get the only QB in this class worthy of a first-round pick. Ward might not bring the cachet of Caleb Williams (No. 1 in 2024) or the fanfare of Heisman winner Travis Hunter, but he's the right pick for a franchise mired in mediocrity with no clear answer in place at the NFL's most important position.

Grade: A-

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (via trade with Cleveland Browns): WR-CB Travis Hunter, Colorado

First-time GM James Gladstone, running his first draft at the ripe old age of 34, was raised in scouting under the close watch of gambling GM Les Snead with the Rams, where the franchise lived for years on the premise no price was too steep for premier talent. No matter how many snaps Hunter gives the Jaguars, he's an upgrade at multiple positions because of playmaking skills and gamebreaking ability. Hunter chatted with Jacksonville's offensive and defensive coordinator on Thursday night when the pick was made, further the notion he will be one of the most fascinating stories to watch during the 2025 season.

Grade: A+

3. New York Giants: OLB Abdul Carter, Penn State

With Brian Burns on one side and Carter on the other and NT Dexter Lawrence in between, the Giants are building an unblockable front. Carter is a relentless pass rusher who lives in the backfield and gives the Giants their version of Micah Parsons.

Grade: A

4. New England Patriots: OT Will Campbell, LSU

The devil's advocate problem here is all about prototypes. Campbell's wingspan is under 78 inches and the smallest reach taken at the NFL Scouting Combine in more than 15 years. He's an exceptional athlete, with a dancer's feet and lateral agility, and power is an asset. Maybe he winds up at guard, and that "if" is massive considering the stakes at No. 4. Not only this investment, but the insurance policy he represents for 2024 No. 3 pick Drake Maye.

Grade: B-

5. Cleveland Browns (via trade with Jacksonville Jaguars): DT Mason Graham, Michigan

Active inside with Myles Garrett on the edge, Graham has the motor to make an impact. But he's undersized and his overall production at the position is lacking. The refuse-to-lose mentality is well-suited with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, but the value at this point in the draft leaves us wondering what could have been in Cleveland. We'll be marking this moment for hindsight comparison to Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen and Oregon DT Derrick Harmon. We would go lower with this grade if the trade compensation with the Jaguars, including a future first-rounder, wasn't a consideration.

Grade: C+

6. Las Vegas Raiders: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State

A perfect match for the Pete Carroll plan, Jeanty defines the idea of bell-cow back and becomes the Raiders' version of Marshawn Lynch. Las Vegas had nothing at the position last year and finished 32nd in the league in rushing. This pick represents an enormous depth-chart upgrade. Good luck finding one bigger in a year-over-year comparison.

Grade: A+

The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner plans to play both wide receiver and cornerback in the NFL.

The Jaguars moved up three spots from No. 5 overall. Per reports, they also sent the Browns second- and fourth-round picks in the 2025 draft and their first-round selection in 2026. Jacksonville will also receive 2025 fourth- and sixth-round picks from Cleveland.

In 2024, Hunter hauled in 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns, adding one rushing touchdown. On defense, he recorded four interceptions, 11 pass breakups and 36 tackles.

At Miami last season, Ward passed for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns, both single-season school records, en route to being selected the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year.

Ward began his collegiate career with two seasons at FCS Incarnate Word before transferring to Washington State, where he played two more seasons ahead of his final season at Miami.

In his second year at Incarnate Word, he passed for 4,648 yards and 47 touchdowns. In 25 games at Washington State, he threw for 6,963 yards and 48 touchdowns with 16 interceptions. He completed 65.5 percent of his passes (644-for-983) with the Cougars.

Last season for the Hurricanes, he connected on 67.2 percent of his passes and was intercepted just seven times.

Will Levis started 12 games for the Titans last season, throwing for 2,091 yards and completing 63.1 percent of his passes with 13 touchdowns and 12 picks.

The Titans provided Ward with another target, signing former Seattle Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett to a one-year deal on Wednesday.

Sharpe was the subject of a $50 million lawsuit in Nevada earlier this week, with a woman accusing him of sexually assaulting her, battering her and using his fame to control and subjugate her while they were in a relationship.

"My statement is found here and this is the truth," Sharpe said Thursday in what appeared to be a screenshot of a text message posted to social media. "The relationship in question was 100% consensual.

"At this juncture I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties.

"I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me. I plan to return to ESPN at the start of the NFL preseason.

"I sincerely appreciate the overwhelming and ongoing support I have received from my family, fans, friends and colleagues."

The Pro Football Hall of Famer began appearing on ESPN's "First Take" in September 2023. He signed a multi-year contract extension with the company last summer.

Buzbee and his client shared an audio call that is alleged to feature Sharpe threatening to "choke the (expletive) out of" her. The female voice in the call replied, "I don't wanna be choked," and the voice purported to be Sharpe said, "Yes, you do. I don't think you have a choice in the matter."

Sharpe's attorney Lanny Davis said his client and the plaintiff were engaged in "a consensual, adult relationship that included role-playing, sexual language and fantasy scenarios." He also said that Sharpe didn't mean the words literally.

In a previous statement, Sharpe claimed the lawsuit is filled with "lies, distortions and misrepresentations." He also took aim at attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents the plaintiff, saying Buzbee "targets" Black men.

Also on Thursday, Front Office Sports reported that when Sharpe worked for Fox as the co-host of FS1's "Undisputed," he was accused of choking a female production assistant in the workplace.

Per the report, Sharpe was not sued in the case, and he and Fox settled with the woman for several hundred thousand dollars.

"There was no incident of choking involving Shannon on the FS1 set," a representative of Sharpe's said in a statement to Front Office Sports. "On one occasion, he and a few colleagues were involved in some light physical interaction in a playful context. Fox Sports later chose to resolve the matter privately."

Everything beyond that remains in flux, leaving sportsbooks adjusting odds based off breaking news and reports of teams interested in moving up or down within the top 10.

Travis Hunter has emerged as the strong favorite to go No. 2 overall. Whether the Cleveland Browns keep the pick or deal it, Colorado's two-way star moved from -1800 at DraftKings on Thursday morning to -2500 to go second overall by the afternoon. Hunter also is the -5000 favorite to go No. 2 overall at BetMGM.

The momentum for Hunter also has impacted Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter. He is now the -1600 favorite at DraftKings and -2000 at BetMGM to go No. 3 overall -- a pick currently held by the New York Giants.

The teams that ultimately hold the second and third picks is part of the drama building up to Thursday's first round. That's followed by plenty of uncertainty from the fourth pick on.

LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell is the heavy -475 favorite at DraftKings to go No. 4 where the New England Patriots currently sit.

Running back Ashton Jeanty has emerged as the -250 favorite at DraftKings and -300 at BetMGM to go No. 5. That pick is currently owned by Jacksonville, which would appear to have bigger needs than at running back. But the former Boise State star reportedly is coveted by a number of teams that may be looking to move up, including Chicago at No. 10.

As of Thursday morning, Jeanty had been backed by the most total bets at BetMGM to go No. 4 with 12.7 percent, despite Campbell being the heavy favorite. Jeanty is the favorite to go No. 5, and has been backed by the most money to do so with 31.5 percent.

Others in the mix with the fifth overall pick include Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham (+350 at DraftKings, +360 at BetMGM) and Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.

"The NFL Draft brings in lots of attention from bettors," BetMGM trading manager Christian Cipollini said. "Trades, breaking news, and other factors can alter the draft in a moments notice. BetMGM is hoping Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty falls out of the top 5, but besides that every pick is a case by case situation."

One of the most rapidly evolving "situations" is that of Hunter's former teammate, quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Once in the mix to be the No. 1 overall pick and long thought to be the certain second quarterback off the board, reports have surfaced about a potential slide completely out of the top 10.

As of Thursday afternoon, Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart had emerged at +300 at DraftKings to go No. 9 overall, where New Orleans is believed to be considering a quarterback with Derek Carr's status for 2025 uncertain. Meanwhile, Sanders was +2200 to go ninth overall.

The son of Colorado coach and Pro Football Hall of Fame member Deion Sanders, where Shedeur Sanders winds up is one of this draft's biggest question marks. His shortest odds within the top 10 at DraftKings was +1200 at No. 3, although that's widely believed to be where Carter will go.

The story was similar at BetMGM, where Sanders was +1200 to go No. 3, but his only other odds shorter than -3000 to go in the top 10 was +1200 at No. 9 overall.

The team with the shortest odds to select Sanders was Pittsburgh at -145. The Steelers, who have remained in communication with Aaron Rodgers this offseason, currently hold the 21st overall pick.

Cleveland was +220 to select Sanders, followed by the New York Giants (+450), New Orleans (+1000) Las Vegas (+1200) and the Los Angeles Rams (+1500). No other team had shorter odds to select Sanders than the New York Jets at +2500.

The Browns are considered a candidate to trade into the second half of the first round to target a quarterback. The Raidders hold the Nos. 6 and 37 overall picks, the Saints Nos. 9 and 40. The Rams own the 26th overall pick, but no others until the 26th pick of the third round.

Terms of a potential new deal were not reported.

The first round of this year's draft is set to take place Thursday from Green Bay, Wisc., and will air on ESPN for the 46th consecutive year. NFL Network also televises the league's draft.

The NFL draft has turned into a three-day event with the second and third rounds set to take place Friday, while rounds four through seven are completed Saturday.

The Tennessee Titans have the first overall draft pick and are expected to kick off the festivities by selecting quarterback Cam Ward from Miami.

Entering the draft with the No. 10 pick, Bears general manager Ryan Poles indicated he might have something up his sleeve before the start of the 2025 NFL Draft.

"I think this one is going to be a little wild," Poles said.

Getting their hands on the top running back in the draft might require the Bears to make a trade. Chicago has four of the top 72 overall picks in the draft.

FanDuel and other sportsbooks sent a strong signal that they have a read on Poles when they made the Bears the favorites at -180 to draft Jeanty. They were +340 behind the Jaguars and Raiders at sunrise.

Jacksonville was still -125 ahead of the Bears at -100 to draft Jeanty at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Noon CT on draft day. The Bears started the day at +300 via DraftKings.

New Bears head coach Ben Johnson and Poles made wholesale changes to the offensive line in the offseason and have indicated a stronger emphasis on the running game was in the offing. It appears Poles took Jeanty's open letter to NFL decision-makers to heart.

Jeanty, the runner-up in Heisman Trophy voting to Travis Hunter Jr., shared these thoughts with GMs in his note last week: "It's tackle football ... you know what I'm saying? I'd draft the guy they can't tackle. Thank you for your time."

Jeanty rushed for 2,601 yards with 29 touchdowns in 2024 and had more than 1,733 yards after first contact, which would have still led the FBS. Arizona State battering ram Cam Skattebo was second to Jeanty in rushing with 1,711 yards.

The Bears signed running back D'Andre Swift as a free agent prior to the 2024 season. Swift would likely still be part of the RB pecking order given his past with Johnson when they were both in Detroit.

Might the New Orleans Saints be preparing a similar tune Thursday night with the No. 9 pick in the draft?

According to CBS Sports, Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart is the preferred prospect for the Saints. Few media pundits, even those converted from NFL scouting roles, mentioned Dart as the QB2 behind Cam Ward, the presumptive No. 1 pick of the Tennessee Titans. Most didn't consider Dart an option until very late in the first round.

Insider Aditi Kinkhabwala reported Thursday that "Dart won't fall past the No. 9 pick and the Saints," citing sources who were adamant the Rebels' all-time passing leader would be selected ahead of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

ESPN reported the Saints might not be the only team ready to hitch their wagon to Dart.

The New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers favor Dart as the QB2 in the draft, per the report, which said the Giants met with Dart several times and made additional trips to campus to learn more about Dart as a person.

It wouldn't be the first time the Giants went the Ole Miss route to find a franchise quarterback. Longtime Giants quarterback Eli Manning, acquired in a trade for Philip Rivers involving the Chargers in 2004, has already publicly endorsed the fellow Rebels product.

"I like Jaxson Dart," Manning said in January of the QB class. "I've probably watched him more than anybody, just from watching Ole Miss games. I've been around him and (he's) been a great kid, been in the same offense for three years and been successful. Seen him grow and progress and seems to be able to make all the throws."

Dart attended the Manning Academy passing camp in high school and has remained close to several in the Manning family. He said his transition to the Giants and their offense would be "smooth" based on similar concepts employed by head coach Lane Kiffin.

New Orleans' draft history at quarterback is thin with one bold exception, who just so happens to be another Manning via Ole Miss. Archie Manning was the No. 2 pick in the 1971 draft by the Saints, who have never picked another passer in the first round.

The Saints are a team in transition under first-year head coach Kellen Moore with uncertainty around the health of starter Derek Carr. General manager Mickey Loomis said in a pre-draft press conference on Wednesday that the Saints might not have full clarity on Carr's shoulder injury or a timeframe for his return to the field before the draft.

Dart led the SEC with 4,279 passing yards and had 29 touchdown passes and six interceptions in 2024. He passed for a career total of 10,617 yards in three seasons with Ole Miss and one at Southern California. He was first in the nation in yards per attempt with 10.8, making him a candidate to employ Moore's play-action, deep-ball dependent scheme.

"I'm excited to be a Tennessee Titan!!" the longtime Seattle Seahawks receiver posted Wednesday night on X. "I'm super thankful and grateful. Let's get it!! God you get all the glory!!"

The deal is for $4 million and worth up to $6 million with incentives, ESPN reported.

The Seahawks parted ways with Lockett, 32, on March 5 after 10 seasons. Seattle saved $17 million, including a $5.3 million roster bonus that was due March 16.

Lockett finished with 49 catches for 600 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games (14 starts) last season.

A one-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection, Lockett has 661 receptions for 8,594 receiving yards and 61 touchdowns in his career. Each total ranks second only to Hall of Famer Steve Largent in Seattle history.

Lockett was selected by the Seahawks in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Kansas State.

The Titans and Seahawks are scheduled to meet in Nashville during the 2025 season. The NFL schedule will be released in mid-May.

Nicknamed "Mongo" and known as a colorful character both on and off the field for the Bears, McMichael succumbed to a long battle with ALS on Wednesday, dying in hospice surrounded by friends and family.

Jarrett Payton, a longtime family friend, spokesman and son of McMichael's former teammate Walter Payton, expressed his condolences and described his final moments on social media.

A two-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, McMichael enjoyed a 15-year career in the NFL as a defensive lineman. Originally drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 1980 NFL Draft, McMichael spent the next 13 years in Chicago, where he rose to stardom, becoming a regular starter in 1983.

He set a Bears record by playing in 191 consecutive games from 1981 to 1993.

Born in Houston in 1957, McMichael starred at the University of Texas, where he became a consensus All-American.

In the pros, as McMichael's production and impact became more significant, the Bears also ascended, culminating in a Super Bowl championship in the 1985 season, the same year McMichael was first named an All-Pro.

McMichael followed that up with back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons as a remarkably productive defensive tackle, never racking up fewer than 40 tackles (including a 108-tackle season in 1989) until his final year with the Green Bay Packers in 1994.

He finished his career with 847 tackles and 95 sacks to go along with two interceptions, 13 forced fumbles and 17 fumble recoveries.

Even following his retirement, McMichael was never far from the limelight, enjoying a brief professional wrestling career, doing radio and TV work and also becoming the head coach of an arena football team, the Chicago Slaughter.

"The world just lost the incredible Steve "Mongo" McMichael!" former wrestler Ric Flair posted on social media. "He was my best friend through it all! An amazing athlete and human being!"

"Mongo" made his battle with ALS public in 2021, earning an ALS Courage Award shortly thereafter.

McMichael was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024 after he and his family publicly pushed for his induction to attempt to get McMichael in before his eventual death.

That campaign was successful, but McMichael was unable to attend his induction in person, instead receiving his bust and gold jacket at his home in Illinois.

"Steve McMichael told everyone he would fight ALS with the same tenacity he showed for 15 seasons in the National Football League. And he did just that," Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said in a statement.

Recent reports, including one by The Athletic on Wednesday, have indicated Kittle is seeking a new contract to become the highest-paid tight end in the NFL. Kittle is entering the final year of a five-year, $75 million deal he signed in 2020 and reportedly has a hefty $22 million salary cap figure.

While his current deal made him the highest-paid tight end when he signed it, its $15 million AAV now is the fourth-highest at the position, per OverTheCap. The Arizona Cardinals' Trey McBride is the highest paid, having signed a four-year, $76 million deal earlier this month.

The Athletic reported that, per a league source, the Niners' extension offers to Kittle have thus far been declined. The report added that no trade request has been made, but other teams are tracking the situation.

Kittle, 31, was a Pro Bowl selection and named a second-team All-Pro last year, when he caught 78 passes for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns. It was the second-most receiving yards he had posted in a season in his eight-year career. His 31 touchdowns over the past four seasons are tied for the most among tight ends, along with the Baltimore Ravens' Mark Andrews.

Loomis confirmed that Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury, but also that the team is hoping to gain further clarity about the severity. He then shut down follow-up questions, saying, "I'm not going to answer any more questions about Derek."

Reports broke earlier this month that Carr was dealing with a shoulder injury and mulling surgery, putting his availability for 2025 in question. The Saints had previously opted not to release or trade Carr this offseason, restructuring his contract instead.

Carr's injury news has led to additional speculation that the Saints could add a quarterback to bolster the position, potentially through the NFL draft this weekend.

The Saints hold the rights to the No. 9 overall selection and have been connected to quarterback prospects Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) and Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss).

For his part, Loomis said the team's draft strategy would be unaffected by Carr's injury, saying the position was an important one for the team to do thorough research on regardless.

Still, when asked whether the Saints' 2025 starter at the position is currently on the roster, Loomis immediately brushed aside that line of questioning.

"I'm not going to answer that right now because that will lead to a lot of speculation one way or the other."

The Saints return Spencer Rattler, who started six games as a rookie last fall, as well as third-year veteran Jake Haener, who earned one start a season ago. Neither had a passer rating above 70.4. Rattler was sacked 22 times.

Adding to the bad news, Loomis also suggested that the team could be without reserve tight end/quarterback Taysom Hill for some time following the player's serious knee injury (ACL tear) late last year.

Observers shouldn't necessarily count on the Saints adding a quarterback early in the draft, however, as Loomis noted that he and head coach Kellen Moore are "aligned" on a commitment to building the offensive and defensive lines first.

Carr, 34, is 14-13 as the starter in New Orleans over two seasons, though he was limited to 10 games in 2024 due to injuries.

Carr has thrown for 41,245 yards and 257 touchdowns against 112 interceptions for the Raiders (2014-22) and Saints. He's a four-time Pro Bowl selection, though not with the Saints, as he last made a Pro Bowl in 2022.

Loomis also announced that the Saints will be exercising the fifth-year option on wide receiver Chris Olave, but declining the option on offensive tackle Trevor Penning. That will extend Olave through 2026 at a salary of $15.49 million but allow Penning, who would be due $16.69 million, to depart at the end of this season.

Joseph was scheduled to make $3.621 million in base salary in 2025, the last year of his rookie contract. Now his $21.5 million annual salary and total value of $86 million are both more than Tampa Bay is paying safety Antoine Winfield Jr. ($21.025 million annually, $84.1 million total).

Joseph, 24, was voted first-team All-Pro last season after posting a league-best nine interceptions -- including one returned for a touchdown -- as well as 83 tackles and 12 passes defensed in 17 regular-season games (all starts).

Detroit selected Joseph in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Illinois. He has 17 interceptions, 247 tackles, 31 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one return touchdown in 49 games (46 starts).

General manager Mickey Loomis confirmed the moves during Wednesday's pre-draft press conference and also provided an update on quarterback Derek Carr's health.

"He does have an issue with his shoulder," Loomis said. "We're hoping to get some resolution and some clarity on that in the near future. And when we do, I'll report back to you. Otherwise, I don't have anything more on Derek."

Carr, 34, has not been seen around the team facility since news of his shoulder injury broke on April 11, three days before the start of voluntary offseason workouts.

The Saints selected Olave with the 11th overall pick and Penning with the 19th in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Olave, 24, began his career with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons before missing nine games in 2024 with multiple concussions. He has 191 catches for 2,565 yards and 10 touchdowns in 39 games (28 starts).

Olave will earn $15.49 million in 2026 under the fifth-year option.

Penning, who turns 26 next month, started all 17 games last season and has started 23 of 40 games overall.

With the Saints declining his $16.69 million option for 2026, Penning will play the final season of his rookie deal in 2025.

Ahead of the opening round of the draft kicking off in Green Bay, we're taking one last swing at a few predictions.

--Bold moves, and trades, define first round

Phones are ringing, and if there's a deal to be had, the Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys are our picks to pounce.

Consider Sean Payton's history: Who has ever loved an electric "special package" player more than this guy? The Broncos head coach already stands enamored with Travis Hunter's football wiring, and no doubt they've spent time trying to engineer a way to get him the ball in the open field as a receiver and use him as a No. 2 cover man to All-Pro Patrick Surtain II.

Payton lives for a matchups advantage -- he's chess more than checkers -- and that pursuit would span beyond trying to keep Colorado product Hunter in the state for his pro career. A dynamic running back (Ashton Jeanty), versatile tight end (Tyler Warren) or exceptionally athletic offensive lineman (Missouri's Armand Membou) all seem to be fits for Payton's aggressive draft-day thinking and in-season play-calling approach.

The Eagles are constantly in pursuit of playmakers and have never met a Georgia product they don't like. Safety Malaki Starks and edge Jalon Walker are potential targets for Philly.

Some suspect Jerry Jones is set to swap picks in Dallas for 30-year-old cornerback Jalen Ramsey (Dolphins). And who can blame the Dolphins for targeting the front office with a serious history of overpaying in trades? Jeanty, an elite offensive tackle or a number of front four options would make more sense for the Cowboys.

--Four first-round running backs

Boise State's Jeanty won't last long, and the consensus opinion on who might be the next player drafted at the position splits North Carolina's Omarion Hampton and TreVeyon Henderson of Ohio State.

Opinions vary on whether running backs are, in fact, back in vogue following Saquon Barkley's wrecking-ball season for the Super Bowl champion Eagles. But a season after Christian McCaffrey cleared 2,000 yards from scrimmage, the evidence is pretty clear what a Grade A bell-cow can do for you. Isn't that right, Baltimore Ravens (Derrick Henry)?

The 2018 draft flirted with four first-round RBs. Nick Chubb (Cleveland Browns) was fourth off the board at No. 35. Rashaad Penny (27, Seattle Seahawks) and Sony Michel (31, New England Patriots) were picked after Barkley went No. 2 in the first round. And the fourth back picked in 2010 (Dexter McCluster, Kansas City Chiefs) went No. 36.

For the 2025 class to get a four-pack RB, a needy team prioritizing power might push for Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State) or roll the dice on Tennessee's Dylan Sampson.

--Michigan defenders fall out of top 10

Michigan DT Mason Graham was projected as high as No. 3 overall in prime mock draft season. His performance as a hyperactive three-technique interior defensive lineman isn't a question, but there are teams not entirely convinced he'll replicate his All-America-level billing in the NFL because of fluctuating weight and shorter-than-ideal arm length. There are plenty of prospects who went on to All-Pro careers after shaking the too-small label -- Aaron Donald, anyone? -- but his draft slot -- No. 13 in 2014 -- is a more accurate measure of where Graham could go.

Cornerback Will Johnson could easily be gone before Graham in a scenario not surfaced by many draft pundits.

He's a target of the 49ers at No. 11, but if a premium pass rusher is surprisingly around at this spot, GM John Lynch has shown he values line play over all else.

--Cleveland Browns get their quarterback. And he turns 37 in August.

So as Tim Couch (Browns' No. 1 overall pick, 1999) approaches his 48th birthday, we're rejecting the idea of a reviving the old-man QB draft thoughts the Browns might have about trading into the 20-26 draft-pick range for Louisville QB Tyler Shough -- he turns 26 in September -- for something in the next aisle.

Kirk Cousins surprised the Falcons by showing up for voluntary workouts this week, but he won't be around for a full season as a backup in Atlanta. Yes, Cousins is richly compensated. Yes, he has a history of bowing out of the playoffs. And, of course, he's 36 and less than two years removed from Achilles surgery.

This is a no-cost reminder the alternatives already on the roster are Joe Flacco (40) and Kenny Pickett (third team in 13 months and the QB-less Steelers punted him).

Unwilling to risk waiving his no-trade clause only to have another team promise him the future then draft his heir apparent, Cousins can sign off on a trade to Cleveland by Friday night. He is familiar with head coach Kevin Stefanski from their overlap with the Minnesota Vikings. With any luck, he'll still have the Browns in contention on Weeden's 42nd birthday (Oct. 14).

Antonio Gates, who spent his entire career as a tight end with the Chargers (2003-2018), is among the enshrinees to the 2025 class.

The game will be played in Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton and televised by NBC Sports. The Lions will serve as the home team.

"This game features two teams that can be considered legitimate contenders to reach Super Bowl LX next February," said Jim Porter, president and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. "For them to face each other right out of the gate in Canton, Ohio, should create a dynamic opening to another spectacular NFL season."

This will be the fourth appearance in the exhibition game for the Lions and the third for the Chargers, but the first for both since 1994.

Gates is expected to be joined at the game by fellow Class of 2025 members Eric Allen, Jared Allen and Sterling Sharpe.

On the clock since the final game of the regular season in January, the Tennessee Titans resisted trade overtures and are committed to keeping the No. 1 pick in hopes of reversing recent fortunes in Nashville.

Miami quarterback Cam Ward has been the primary prospect under consideration by first-year general manager Mike Borgonzi and second-year head coach Brian Callahan for weeks. Ward, rated as a zero-star recruit, began his journey at Incarnate Word, transferred to Washington State and then spent the final season of his five-year college football journey running the Hurricanes' offense and set the FBS record for TD passes (158).

"I'm excited to hopefully hear my name called first to go to a great organization like that," Ward said Wednesday.

The Titans' franchise last had the No. 1 pick in 1978, when the then-Oilers selected running back Earl Campbell.

Callahan was part of the Bengals' organization when Joe Burrow was drafted first overall in 2020 and Borgonzi was a scout with the Chiefs when Kansas City unearthed a franchise quarterback named Patrick Mahomes.

Ward dined with Titans brass before his pro day, where he declared he was "solidifying" his status as the No. 1 pick.

"I like confidence. I think that's a good thing," Callahan said. "When you're in the conversation for the No. 1 pick there's a lot that comes with it. To have fun with that is a good thing."

Ward said the passing game concepts in Tennessee are similar to what he was accustomed to in Miami. He also said he's been in touch with Warren Moon about wearing the retired number -- 1 -- Moon immortalized with the Houston Oilers' franchise.

Barring a trade, the Wisconsin faithful will wait a few hours into the draft for the Green Bay Packers to make their first selection, No. 23. The Packers enter the draft with picks late in the second (54) and third (87) rounds, which take place Friday night. The final four rounds begin Saturday morning.

One position seemingly always settled in Green Bay is quarterback, where Jordan Love has a firm hold on the spot since being drafted 26th in 2020 and developing behind Aaron Rodgers. The Packers have been the youngest team in the playoffs two consecutive seasons. Rodgers was the 24th pick in 2005.

Following the 2024 draft in which quarterbacks went 1-2-3 and six were first-round picks, the landing spots for the other QBs in this class are far less certain. Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart, Alabama's Jalen Milroe and Louisville's Tyler Shough all have been mentioned as options in the top 32.

None are expected to be selected before Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, the two-way dynamo from Colorado who insists he can continue playing two positions as a pro.

"I believe I can do it. They said I can't do it in college, I won the most prestigious award in college football. You still tell me what I can't do and I'm going to go out there and do it," Hunter said Wednesday, standing in the end zone at Lambeau Field. "Why is it important? Because I love football."

Hunter went to the NFL Scouting Combine as a defensive back -- primarily because players are grouped by position for all segments of the event -- and told teams in face-to-face interviews he sees himself as a wide receiver and cornerback.

Few debate his gamebreaker ability, but teams are far from unanimous on the best way to use Hunter.

Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty could be the first running back picked in the top five since Saquon Barkley (No. 2, Giants, 2018). Jeanty can break tackles and long runs, and shared his own self-confidence in an open letter to NFL general managers this month with a reminder: "It's tackle football, you know what I'm saying? I'd draft the guy they can't tackle."

Jeanty is the headliner in a deep running back class with the potential to place multiple players in the first round for the second time since 2019.

The supply of blue-chip defensive talent runs deep, starting with Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter. Depending on how Hunter is ultimately classified, Carter is expected to be the first defensive player off the board.

A converted stand-up linebacker with only one season at defensive end, Carter posted 23 sacks with the Nittany Lions but has been hampered by injuries to his shoulder and foot since the end of the extended 2024 college football season.

Carter said he's ready for draft day to finally be here.

"I'm ready to get to tomorrow and find out where I'm going to go," Carter said. "Wherever it is, I'm blessed to have the opportunity. I'm going to take advantage of the opportunity."

Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, Georgia edge defenders Jalon Walker and Mykel Williams and SEC offensive tackles who've blocked them -- Missouri's Armand Membou and Will Campbell of LSU -- are also leading options in the top 10.

The Patriots, who drafted Drake Maye behind Caleb Williams (Bears) and Jayden Daniels (Commanders) last year, are one of the teams eyeing betting pass protection under new head coach Mike Vrabel.

Pete Carroll is back in the saddle, too, after a year away and helping guide the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 6 with a fresh Jacksonville regime in between with the fifth overall pick. Jaguars' first-time general manager James Gladstone has taken an unconventional approach to the draft, and along with 39-year-old first-time head coach Liam Coen, brings an unpredictable element to the middle of the top 10.

A pair of Michigan All-Americans, defensive tackle Mason Graham and cornerback Will Johnson, are projected to be in play for the Jaguars and Raiders. Las Vegas scored a superstar in the first round last year with record-setter Brock Bowers, the 13th pick in 2024.

Michigan tight end Colston Loveland and Penn State's Tyler Warren are candidates to be picked in that same range this year.

When and where a second quarterback will come off the board is complicated.

Factors include talks with veterans in Pittsburgh, where the Steelers are considered the frontrunners to sign Rodgers in free agency. A similar scenario could unfold with the Cleveland Browns, who have the No. 2 pick, with reported interest in acquiring Falcons backup quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Cousins holds a no-trade clause and reportedly plans to resist waving that provision until after the draft to avoid landing in the same situation he found himself in a year ago. After signing a four-year, $180 million contract with Atlanta in free agency, the Falcons shocked Cousins and many more by using the No. 8 pick on Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

It's not just analysts, talk show hosts and fans who have varying opinions of the former Colorado quarterback. Oddsmakers have been constantly adjusting their Sanders-related markets during the pre-draft season as well.

Once projected by many to battle fellow quarterback Cam Ward to be the No. 1 overall selection, Sanders now has an Over/Under selection spot of 8.5 at DraftKings. The public has backed Sanders with 76 percent of the money to hear his name called before the ninth pick on Thursday, while 57 percent of the total bets have him going even later.

Sanders is widely viewed as the second-best prospect in a somewhat lackluster quarterback class. With Ward expected to go No. 1 to Tennessee, Sanders' former Colorado teammate Travis Hunter is in the mix to go next along with Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter.

New England and Jacksonville, who own the fourth and fifth overall picks, already have their franchise quarterbacks. That leaves the first intriguing potential fit for Sanders with Las Vegas at No. 6, followed by the New York Jets. The Carolina Panthers at No. 8 still have 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young, while the New Orleans Saints might be hoping Sanders falls to No. 9 with Derek Carr's 2025 and beyond status uncertain due to a shoulder injury.

Should Sanders fall beyond the Saints, his drop could become the story of the first round with the next four teams each set at quarterback in Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas and Miami.

BetMGM is offering Sanders as a +2200 longshot to go No. 2 overall, followed by +700 odds he will go No. 3. The book is also overing +2200 odds Sanders will be selected with the eighth pick, with his shortest odds being +500 to go No. 9, where the Saints currently sit.

A trade could see Cleveland slide down a few spots into a place where the front office might be more comfortable selecting Sanders. With Deshaun Watson sidelined by a second torn Achilles, the quarterback depth chart currently includes former Pittsburgh first-round pick Kenny Pickett and veteran Joe Flacco.

SHEDEUR SANDERS TEAM ODDS*

Cleveland Browns (+200)

Pittsburgh Steelers (+250)

New Orleans Saints (+300)

New York Giants (+350)

Las Vegas Raiders (+750)

Los Angeles Rams (+1200)

New York Jets (+2000)

Miami Dolphins (+2800)

Seattle Seahawks (+3300)

Dallas Cowboys (+3300)

Indianapolis Colts (+5000)

San Francisco 49ers (+7500)

Tennessee Titans (+10000)

Minnesota Vikings (+10000)

Detroit Lions (+10000)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+10000)

Carolina Panthers (+10000)

Arizona Cardinals (+10000)

Remaining 14 Teams (+15000 Each)

*Odds from SportsBetting.ag provided for entertainment purposes only.

Sanders' pre-draft journey has been rife with conjecture, and he will not be on-hand for Thursday's first round in Green Bay along with other top prospects.

Sanders elected not to participate in workouts at the Big 12 Conference's inaugural Pro Day last month, though he was in attendance at the event in Frisco, Texas, highlighting the top NFL prospects in the Big 12, and he told NFL Network (broadcasting the event) that he isn't letting critics get to him.

"It's a lot of critics, it's a lot of hate," Sanders said. "But we know what to do. We know how to handle that in every way, so we remain happy."

Sanders chose instead to work out at Colorado's "CU Football Showcase" on April 4. He spoke about his approach and the NFL draft process in general.

"It's definitely a learning experience," Sanders said. "A lot of things aren't in your control, and getting the knowledge from Dad (Deion Sanders) ... coaches, family and friends and everybody that's supporting me and helping me through this process, it's extremely important. I'm thankful that I have those resources."

Sanders was the Offensive Player of the Year and a first-team quarterback on the All-Big 12 team in 2024, throwing for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns for 9-4 Colorado, finishing eighth in the Heisman Trophy balloting.

Sharpe, in a video posted to Instagram on Tuesday, said the suit is a "shakedown" and that he believes a 30-second clip of a "sex tape" will be deceptively cut to make him appear guilty of sexual assault.

Therefore, Sharpe said he wants the full 10-minute recording to be publicly released, believing it will vindicate him.

The lawsuit seeks more than $50 million in damages. Sharpe's attorney, Lanny Davis, said the accuser turned down a $10 million settlement before filing suit.

Sharpe's accuser has retained Tony Buzbee, a lawyer known for representing accusers in the Deshaun Watson sexual misconduct case and those who alleged abuse by Sean "Diddy" Combs.

Buzbee and his client shared an audio call that is alleged to feature Sharpe threatening to "choke the (expletive) out of" her. The female voice in the call replied, "I don't wanna be choked," and the voice purported to be Sharpe said, "Yes, you do. I don't think you have a choice in the matter."

Davis said his client and the plaintiff were engaged in "a consensual, adult relationship that included role-playing, sexual language and fantasy scenarios." He also said that Sharpe didn't mean the words literally.

Sharpe, for his part, also said he wants to sue his accuser and Buzbee for defamation.

That audio is separate from the video that Sharpe fears will paint him to be guilty "and play into every stereotype you could possibly imagine."

"An incredibly damning video does exist," Buzbee wrote in a message to media members on Tuesday. "That video, which will be played to the jury, is extremely problematic for Mr. Sharpe."