Rounds 2-4 Mason Graham, DT, Cleveland Browns Drafted: Round 1, No. 5 Why he fits: Mason Graham is a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line. His knack for creating interior disruption is exactly what the Browns need. Playing as a 3-technique tackle in Jim Schwartz’s system, Graham’s foot quickness, hand usage, and short-area burst are invaluable. With 17.5 tackles for loss over three seasons at Michigan, he’s poised to make an immediate impact. Schwartz’s ability to scheme for Graham out of multiple fronts will allow him to shine as a pass rusher, utilizing his movement skills on stunts and loops. Expect to see him rushing as a stand-up nose tackle against centers, adding versatility to Cleveland’s defense. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers Drafted: Round 1, No. 8 Why he fits: Under the guidance of coach Dave Canales, Tetairoa McMillan is set to become a key target for quarterback Bryce Young. McMillan’s versatility allows him to play both Z receiver and boundary X, creating isolation matchups for Young. His 6-foot-4 frame is a nightmare for defenses, especially when lined up in the slot. With 40 contested catches and 26 touchdowns at Arizona, McMillan is the matchup player Carolina desperately needed in their passing game. Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, New Orleans Saints Drafted: Round 1, No. 9 Why he fits: New coach Kellen Moore is building a formidable offensive line in New Orleans, reminiscent of his Super Bowl-winning unit in Philadelphia. By drafting Kelvin Banks Jr. to pair with 2024 first-rounder Taliese Fuaga, Moore has secured the edges with two promising tackles. Banks, with his controlled movement and foot speed, is set to be the Saints’ left tackle, addressing their previous struggles in pass and run block win rates. Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears Drafted: Round 1, No. 10 Why he fits: Colston Loveland is a refined route runner who brings versatility to new coach Ben Johnson’s offense. At 6-foot-6, 248 pounds, Loveland can line up in multiple positions, creating mismatches for defenses. His ability to separate from defenders and his quickness make him a three-level target. With Loveland and Cole Kmet on the field, the Bears can utilize two-TE sets, providing quarterback Caleb Williams with a dynamic group of pass catchers. Mykel Williams, Edge, San Francisco 49ers Drafted: Round 1, No. 11 Why he fits: Under new defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, Mykel Williams is a perfect fit for the 49ers’ defense. As a three-down defender, Williams can excel in wide-nine alignments, using his speed-to-power to complement Nick Bosa. His ability to set the edge and compete at the point of attack makes him a valuable asset for early-down work as a run defender. Grey Zabel, G, Seattle Seahawks Drafted: Round 1, No. 18 Why he fits: Grey Zabel is a much-needed upgrade for the Seahawks’ offensive line. At 6-foot-6, 312 pounds, Zabel brings mobility and power to the guard position. His ability to generate movement as a run blocker and his performance at the Senior Bowl make him a tone-setter for Seattle’s offensive line. Malaki Starks, S, Baltimore Ravens Drafted: Round 1, No. 27 Why he fits: Malaki Starks, paired with Kyle Hamilton, gives the Ravens a dynamic safety duo. Starks’ range and versatility allow the Ravens to disguise coverages and create matchup problems for opposing offenses. With six interceptions and 15 pass breakups at Georgia, Starks is a smart fit for Baltimore’s defense. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Philadelphia Eagles Drafted: Round 1, No. 31 Why he fits: Jihaad Campbell is a versatile linebacker who can excel in Vic Fangio’s defense. His ability to play off-ball, blitz, and set the edge makes him a valuable asset for the Eagles. Campbell’s speed and coverage awareness allow him to close on the ball quickly, adding depth to Philadelphia’s defense. Will Johnson, CB, Arizona Cardinals Drafted: Round 2, No. 47 Why he fits: Will Johnson’s aggressive play style and explosive traits make him a perfect fit for the Cardinals’ zone-heavy defense. With a 6-foot-2 frame and nine interceptions at Michigan, Johnson can excel in Cover 3 and quarters coverages, using his backfield vision to make plays on the ball. Mike Green, Edge, Baltimore Ravens Drafted: Round 2, No. 59 Why he fits: Mike Green is a skilled pass rusher who can thrive in Baltimore’s defense. With 17 sacks leading the FBS in 2024, Green’s explosive off-the-ball skills and multiple countermoves make him a valuable addition to the Ravens’ pass rush. RJ Harvey, RB, Denver Broncos Drafted: Round 2, No. 60 Why he fits: RJ Harvey is a dual-threat running back who fits perfectly into Sean Payton’s offense. At 5-foot-8, 205 pounds, Harvey can handle volume as a lead runner and contribute to the passing game. His lateral quickness and straight-line speed make him a valuable asset for the Broncos. Darien Porter, CB, Las Vegas Raiders Drafted: Round 3, No. 68 Why he fits: Darien Porter has the physical tools to develop into a top press corner. At 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds, Porter can excel in both man and zone coverages. His field vision and closing burst make him a perfect fit for the Raiders’ defensive scheme. Kyle Williams, WR, New England Patriots Drafted: Round 3, No. 69 Why he fits: Kyle Williams is a vertical threat who can thrive in Josh McDaniels’ offense. With 17.1 yards per catch and 14 touchdowns at Washington State, Williams brings big-play potential to the Patriots’ wide receiver room. Kaleb Johnson, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers Drafted: Round 3, No. 83 Why he fits: Kaleb Johnson is a perfect fit for the Steelers’ outside zone game. At 6-foot-1 and 224 pounds, Johnson can press the edges and find cutback lanes, making him a valuable addition to Pittsburgh’s backfield. Jalen Royals, WR, Kansas City Chiefs Drafted: Round 4, No. 133 Why he fits: Jalen Royals is a midlevel target who can thrive in Andy Reid’s system. With his coverage awareness and competitive play style, Royals can make contested catches and turn underneath throws into explosive plays for the Chiefs.
2025 NFL Draft: Analyzing the Best Prospect-Team Matches
The 2025 NFL draft was a spectacle of talent and strategy, with 257 picks that have the potential to reshape the league’s landscape. But the real question is, which players have landed in the perfect spots to maximize their potential? As a seasoned analyst, I’ve taken a deep dive into the draft to highlight my 15 favorite fits. These selections are based on a combination of player traits, team schemes, coaching styles, and playcalling tendencies. Let’s explore who hit the jackpot in terms of landing spots.
To give you a comprehensive view, I’ve included a mix of first-rounders and some hidden gems from later rounds, including a standout Day 3 pick. So, without further ado, here’s my annual list of the best fits, starting with a defensive powerhouse in the AFC.
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Round 1
Original source article rewritten by our AI can be read here.Originally Written by:
Matt Bowen
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