Tag: NFL draft 2025

ESPN predicts two Notre Dame players selected in NFL draft’s 1st round

One not a surprise and one definitely is

The college football season is still a few months away, the NFL season almost the same, but ESPN is already looking ahead to who could be selected in the first round of the NFL draft.

Matt Miller, who compiled the list, unsurprisingly has Notre Dame cornerback [autotag]Benjamin Morrison[/autotag] getting selected with the No. 13 pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He believes that pairing the Irish star with Joey Porter Jr. will solidify their secondary.

The surprise was seven picks later, as Miller projects that quarterback [autotag]Riley Leonard[/autotag] will be the No. 20 pick by the New York Jets. Not many view the Duke transfer as a potential first round pick, but the talent is there.

Miller believes he makes a big jump this fall, saying that Leonard’s “accuracy, mobility and decision-making he showed in 2022 have scouts believing he’s ready to break out in a new scheme.” We would love to see that, both for Notre Dame and Leonard.

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Florida’s incumbent starter among PFF’s top QBs in 2025 NFL draft

Graham Mertz is one of PFF’s top 10 quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL draft. Of course, there is still a lot of football to play before then.

Florida football has a tough road ahead of it in 2024 but the good news is that they were able to bring back starting quarterback [autotag]Graham Mertz[/autotag]. While far from perfect, the former Wisconsin Badger has proven to be an ample bridge to the future in the QB room.

Of course, the Gator Nation is champing at the bit to see five-star freshman [autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag] in action, but the stability that Mertz and his high-percentage accuracy bring under center cannot be understated. In fact, his leadership will be absolutely critical in the team’s efforts to snap a three-year losing record streak.

If the redshirt senior can put together another solid campaign this fall, he could very well hear his name called during the 2025 NFL draft next spring. Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema has the Gators gunslinger among his top 10 quarterbacks in the draft.

Joining Mertz in the top 10 are Connor Weigman (Texas A&M Aggies), Carson Beck (Georgia Bulldogs), Shedur Sanders (Colorado Buffaloes), Jalon Daniels (Kansas Jayhawks), Jalen Milroe (Alabama Crimson Tide), Quinn Ewers (Texas Longhorns), Jaxon Dart (Ole Miss Rebels), Donovan Smith (Houston Cougars) and Noah Fifita (Arizona Wildcats).

Florida’s 2024 season opener

Florida opens up its 2024 regular-season schedule in the Swamp against the Hurricanes on Aug. 31. Kickoff time is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET and the game will be broadcast on ABC Sports.

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