Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft was filled with surprises, strategic picks, and intense roster-building as teams continued to shape their futures. With the second and third rounds completed, here’s a look at the biggest storylines and standout selections from the night.
Defense Takes Center Stage
Teams put a heavy emphasis on defense during Day 2, selecting defensive players in more than half of the picks. Defensive linemen and defensive backs were in particularly high demand, highlighting how teams across the league are focused on strengthening their defensive units for the upcoming season.
Notable Picks and Moves
New York Jets
The Jets bolstered their roster by selecting LSU tight end Mason Taylor with the No. 42 overall pick. Taylor, the son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, offers a strong combination of athleticism and football IQ. Later, the Jets added Florida State cornerback Azareye’h Thomas to reinforce their secondary.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns made a statement early, picking UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger at No. 33 and Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins at No. 36. These selections balanced their roster with high-potential players on both sides of the ball.
Houston Texans
The Texans were one of the most active teams, executing several trades to accumulate four picks on Day 2. They focused on boosting their offense by drafting Iowa State wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, as well as improving their line with Minnesota offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery. USC cornerback Jaylin Smith was also added to strengthen the defense.
Shedeur Sanders’ Unexpected Slide
One of the most surprising storylines was the continued fall of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Projected by many as a first-round talent, Sanders remained undrafted through the end of Day 2. Concerns over his arm strength, decision-making, and coachability have reportedly caused hesitation among teams.
Teams Making Strategic Moves
New England Patriots
The Patriots used Day 2 to build around their offense, drafting two offensive linemen, a running back, and a wide receiver. Their strategy focused on providing better protection and weapons for their young quarterback.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers selected offensive tackle Anthony Belton with the 54th pick and wide receiver Savion Williams at 87, addressing critical needs to support their offensive structure.
Winners and Losers from Day 2
Winners:
- Ohio State Program: Multiple Buckeyes found homes early on Day 2, continuing the university’s reputation as a top NFL talent pipeline.
- Veteran College Quarterbacks: Older prospects like Tyler Shough (25) and Dillon Gabriel (24) were selected, proving that experience is still highly valued.
Losers:
- Shedeur Sanders: The highly anticipated quarterback continues to wait for his name to be called, highlighting how pre-draft perceptions can shift dramatically.
Team Performance Grades
- Chicago Bears: Graded highly for adding key offensive weapons to support their No. 1 overall pick quarterback, Caleb Williams.
- Arizona Cardinals: Earned praise for selecting cornerback Will Johnson, a major boost for their secondary.
What’s Next?
As the draft moves into Day 3, teams will look to find hidden gems and add depth to their rosters. Historically, many late-round picks have gone on to become stars, making the final day just as important for building long-term success.
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