NFL Draft Preview and Rumors with ESPN's Field Yates (Episode 849)
Mar 26, 2025
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Field Yates, an ESPN NFL analyst renowned for his draft insights, teams up with Adam Levitan and Evan Silva to dive into the NFL Draft's latest rumors. They analyze the intriguing quarterback prospects like Cam Ward and Shadur Sanders, and speculate on team strategies, especially for the Giants and Browns. The discussion includes standout running backs Ashton Jeanty and the unexpected WR drops. With the draft proving unpredictable, Yates provides essential insights into both emerging stars and hidden gems that could shape team futures.
Cam Ward has emerged as the leading candidate for the number one overall pick due to his dynamic playmaking abilities and impressive performance at Washington State.
The Cleveland Browns face a critical decision with the second overall pick, potentially favoring a defensive player over a quarterback amid scrutiny of their current investment in Deshaun Watson.
The 2024 running back class is notably deep, featuring talents like Ashton Jeanty who possess the potential to significantly impact NFL rosters immediately.
Deep dives
Impact of Cam Ward on the Draft
Cam Ward is currently the leading candidate for the number one overall pick in the NFL Draft, largely viewed as a more dynamic quarterback compared to his competitors. His ability to make plays outside the pocket and generate offense under pressure has elevated his standing among scouts and analysts. Unlike Shador Sanders, who struggled behind a weak offensive line and demonstrated less mobility, Ward's performance at Washington State showcased his potential for success at the next level. Many believe that Ward possesses both a high floor and ceiling, making him an attractive choice for teams looking for a transformative quarterback.
Browns' Uncertain Strategy
The Cleveland Browns find themselves at a crossroads with the second overall pick, facing the tough decision of whether to secure a quarterback or bolster their defense. With their expensive investment in Deshaun Watson now under scrutiny, the Browns seem more inclined to avoid picking a quarterback, potentially opting for a defensive player like Abdul Carter instead. Given the pressure on management to win this season, they may choose to pursue a veteran quarterback via trade rather than starting anew with a rookie. Ultimately, the unpredictable nature of their draft strategy could lead to significant changes depending on their performance leading up to the draft.
Giants' Quarterback Options
The New York Giants have expanded their quarterback options by signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, which opens the door to various draft strategies. Interestingly, acquiring these quarterbacks does not eliminate the possibility of selecting Shador Sanders with the third overall pick, especially if they seek to build for the future. While fans and analysts may question whether the Giants are set for success with Wilson or Winston, prioritizing a promising rookie like Sanders could serve as a strategic move to secure the franchise's long-term stability. Regardless of their immediate outcomes, selecting a new quarterback may be the best way to protect the jobs of Wilson and Winston's management.
Patriots' Approach to Drafting Wide Receivers
The New England Patriots have faced challenges in successfully drafting wide receivers, often leading to disappointing results on their roster. The team's system relies heavily on high football IQ and adaptability from receivers, making it difficult for less experienced players to thrive in this environment. Historically, the Patriots have managed to fill important roles with non-superstar talents, yet recent drafts have left them empty-handed. Adapting their approach to accommodate varying skill sets and potentially leaning toward talent better suited for their style of play could reinvigorate their wide receiver strategies.
Running Back Class Evaluation
The 2024 running back class is regarded as exceptionally deep, with many prospects poised to make an immediate impact in the NFL. Ashton Jenty is highlighted as a potentially top-tier talent capable of being picked as early as the top ten, with remarkable contact balance and receiving capabilities enhancing his draft stock. Other names mentioned include Omarion Hampton and RJ Harvey, who also show significant promise to disrupt established depth charts. The sheer volume of depth in this class creates a competitive market for running backs, leading teams to potentially overlook established players in favor of new talent.
Adam Levitan and Evan Silva are joined by ESPN's Field Yates to discuss the latest rumors surrounding the NFL Draft and preview how they think it'll shape up.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The latest speculation around which teams will take a quarterback
- How the strength of this draft class compares to recent years
- Which consensus WR could drop out of round one
- Why this year's draft is so unpredictable
- Is Ashton Jeanty as elite as promised?
Timestamps:
2:01 - How Cam Ward Became Favorite to be #1 Pick
8:30 - Cleveland’s Options With The Handle #2 Pick
14:58 - Does Russ & Jameis Eliminate Giants From Taking a QB?
17:53 - Patriots Overpay for Diggs, How it Impacts Their Draft Strategy
22:01 - Projecting Travis Hunter’s Role in the NFL
27:03 - Field’s Thoughts on the RB Class
37:21 - Who s WR1 - McMillian or Golden
42:22 - Field’s Favorite WR Sleeper
43:55 - (Shout-out) Penn State’s Tyler Warren
46:49 - Listener Questions Want ETR on your team this season? Our 2024 NFL IN-SEASON PRODUCT has you covered with: - Silva’s Matchups Column - Projections for Every Player In Every Game - DFS Top Plays - Weekly Fantasy Rankings - And tons more!
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