2025 AFC North NFL Draft recap | Pick-by-pick, trades, analysis
11 min read
The 2025 AFC North NFL Draft recap featured a number of elite talents in the first round.
The 2025 AFC North NFL Draft recap featured three teams trying to catch up to the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens -back-to-back division winners- have established the blueprint.
Physicality.
So how did the other teams respond in turn?
Time to add muscle
After paying two receivers and a tight end to multi-year extensions, the Bengals also re-signed Cody Ford. They did not stop there.
In this year’s draft, they doubled and tripled down on the offensive end with two behemoths at the offensive guard position. And one of those players gives Cincinnati the positional versatility it needs along the offensive line. Defensively, they knew they had to stop Ravens running back Derrick Henry, so they took two of the fastest and strongest players at their respective positions.
Pittsburgh started the draft process by making a statement on its defensive front and continued that theme in Round Five. In fact, they traded a fifth-round pick to not only add a defensive tackle but also a legacy player in Round 7. Two other selections have already faced off. The nation’s sixth-leading rusher went toe-to-toe with a defensive standout from the national champions.
Cleveland’s organization is continuing to make adjustments. By moving down three spots in the 2025 NFL Draft’s first round, the Browns picked up a 2026 first-round pick, 2025 second-round pick and a 2025 fourth-round selection.
As for Baltimore, its draft was about getting value. The draft’s best safety, one of its best pass rushers and arguably an offensive lineman with positional-flex capability.
We go over all of the picks in our 2025 AFC North NFL Draft recap.
| AFC North NFL Draft recap | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Steelers | |||||
| Rd, Selection | Player Selection | Position- School | Nasty’ Take | Value (1-5) | Trades |
| 1 (21) | Derrick Harmon | 6’4 1/2” 313 DT-Oregon, Michigan St. | Harmon has been effective on the move running stunts and plays with a light-footed nature that belies his 313-pound frame. For a team with older defensive lineman, Harmon is the perfect ingredient. | 4.75 | |
| 3 (83) | Kaleb Johnson | 6’1 224 RB-Iowa | One of the smoothest runners in this year’s draft, Johnson’s speed should not be measured in a 40-yard dash time. He got stronger in the second halves of games on a frequent basis. His pass receiving totals are skewed by the team’s run heavy attack. His ability to operate in either a man or zone-based run scheme increases his value at 224 pounds. | 4.5 | |
| 4 (123) | Jack Sawyer | 6’4 260 DE-Ohio State | Sawyer turned it on in each of the last two seasons down the stretch. In 2023, five of his sacks and eight of his 10 tackles for loss came in the team’s last five games. Of the CFP Semifinal MVP’s nine tackles for loss in 2024, six of them came in the final six contests. | 4.5 | |
| 5 (164) | Yahya Black | 6’6 335 DT-Iowa | Aside from some leverage instances where feisty lineman got the best of him (see Luke Newman-Michigan State ’24), Black played with decent pad level at 6-foot-6. He has been a contributor since 2022. When engaged, he uses his length to create separation and make plays in the run game. Runs to the ball with consistency. | 4.25 | The Steelers traded a fifth-round pick (156th overall) to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for the 164th overall pick (Yahya Black) and a 2025 seventh-round pick (226th overall-Bruener). |
| 6 (185) from Seattle via Chicago | Will Howard | 6’4 236 QB-Ohio State, Kansas State | Few quarterbacks changed conferences and made the meteoric jump of Howard. Much of that can be attributed to a talent disparity, but the fact is that Howard’s aggressiveness increased in Columbus. At 236 pounds, Howard rushed for 26 TDs in school. He displayed improved touch getting the ball over second level defenders and in front of third level personnel as a fifth-year senior. | 4.25 | |
| 7 (226) | Carson Bruener | 6’1 227 LB-Washington | Carson’s dad, Mark, played for the Steelers for years after being a first-round pick for the squad in 1995. His 4.5 speed has been on display since 2021. This past season, he made plays on the ball (3 INTs, 5 PBUs). Bruener registered double-digit tackle performances in four of his final six games as a Husky. | 4.25 | |
| 7 (229) | Donte Kent | 5’10 188 CB-Central Michigan | The 4.3 speedster played outside or in the nickel back spot for the Chippewas. He added punt return duties in 2024 and even excelled in that role. Physical enough, he has shown a knack for matching routes in the intermediate zones during school (45 career PBUs). | 4.5 | |
| No. 1 UDFA signing: | Roc Taylor  | 6’2 213 WR-Memphis | While Taylor never made a huge impact in the Red Zone, he did produce 2,033 receiving yards the last two seasons. He shined in matchups against Missouri and Iowa State in 2023 working all over the field. He went for 116 yards in his final career contest by dominating outside the numbers. | 4.25 | |
| Draft Grade: | 4.41 | ||||
| Cincinnati Bengals | |||||
| Selection | Player Selection | Position- School | Notes | Value (1-5) | Trades |
| 1 (17) | Shemar Stewart | 6’5 267 DE-Texas A&M | Stewart’s lack of production should not completely be an indictment on his skill-set, as he plays a physical brand of ball. His get-off out of his right-handed stance at LDE was most comfortable. From the RDE spot, he needs to set up secondary counters with more patience. The tools are there to be a disruptor and the Bengals needed to add speed and physicality on defense. | 4.25 | |
| 2 (49) | Demetrius Knight, Jr. | 6’2 235 LB-South Carolina, Charlotte 49ers, Georgia Tech | Knight, Jr. brings it downhill vs. OGs and the Bengals needed an impact linebacker to compete with the Ravens. You cannot stop Derrick Henry with 215-pound LBs. It’s been a meteoric rise for the former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket and Charlotte 49er. He has matched effectively and run down toss cracks at other stops (Clemson ’22). Knight, Jr. also has played the PP on the punt team. | 4.5 | |
| 3 (81) | Dylan Fairchild | 6’5 318 OG-Georgia | He looks to help out fellow OL if uncovered. A physical OL, he does occasionally lean to connect vs. LBs on the second level. When he time combination blocks, Fairchild connects in a square manner. There are some question marks in pass protection. | 4 | |
| 4 (119) | Barrett Carter (link) | 6’0 231 LB-Clemson | Carter got off to a slow start in 2024 after an All-American-caliber junior campaign. Underrated in pass coverage, Carter broke up 24 passes in his career (7 in 2024). | 4.5 | |
| 5 (153) | Jalen Rivers | 6’6 319 OL-Miami (Fla.) | Rivers’ versatility should bode well for the Bengals as an OG/OT. Even in his last career contest, he moved back-and-forth between LG and LT. He is a physical lineman, but he does have a tendency to play a little too far over his toes at the guard spot. | 4 | |
| 6 (193) | Tahj Brooks (Link) | 5’10 230 RB-Texas Tech | An academic All-American and true team leader, Brooks’ quick-footed stop-and-start approach is complemented by outstanding quick-twitch fibers. Back-to-back 1,500-yard seasons lay credence to his overall skills. | 4.75 | |
| Notable UDFA signing: | Eric GregoryEric Gregory (link) | 6’3 319 DL-Arkansas | Gregory is essentially another draft pick for the team. He is strong (28 reps-225 lbs) and plays with underrated leverage. The sack totals were not there for Gregory, but there have been times when he’s been able to turn the corner after gaining an edge (see Texas A&M ’22). | 4.5 | |
| Draft Grade: | 4.36 | ||||
| Cleveland Browns | |||||
| Selection | Player Selection | Position- School | Nasty’ Take: | Value (1-5) | Trades |
| 1 (5) | Mason Graham | 6’3 1/2” 296 DT-Michigan | The Browns have to be excited about the addition of Graham to their defensive front. Along with Maliek Collins, the pair should be able to create penetration for DC Jim Schwartz’s aggressive schemes. Can Graham become a dominant interior pass rusher? | 4.5 | Cleveland traded the second overall pick, a 4th round pick (104th overall) and a 2025 sixth-round pick (200th overall) i in exchange for this year’s fifth overall pick (Graham), a 2025 second-round pick (36th overall-Judkins), a 4th round pick (126th overall-Sampson) and a 2026 NFL Draft first-round pick. |
| 2 (33) | Carson Schwesinger | 6’2 1/2” 242 LB-UCLA | Schwesinger’s field speed is evident. This was the case even back in 2022 when covering punts for UCLA. The former walk-on combines an explosive element with excellent read-and-react capability. | 4.5 | |
| 2 (36) from Jacksonville | Quinshon Judkins | 6’0 221 RB-Ohio State, Ole Miss | Judkins went ahead of teammate Tre’Veyon Henderson and it may be because of the added 20 extra pounds. In the cold weather of Cleveland, he can provide a bruising presence alongside speedy Jerome Ford. | 4.5 | |
| 3 (67) | Harold Fannin, Jr. (link) | 6’3 241 TE-Bowling Green | Fannin, Jr. was often replaced in run-centric formations behind two of Bowling Green’s blocking tight ends. He’s an on the move blocker who needs improvement in that area. As a receiving option, he may be the most natural flex option at the position in the draft. His run after the catch game speed was on display vs. Texas A&M and Penn State in 2024. | 4.5 | |
| 3 (94) | Dillon Gabriel | 5’11 205 QB-Oregon, Okla, UCF | Gabriel quietly rushed for 33 TDs in school to go along with a decisive nature as a passer. Injuries have been a slight concern. In fact, he missed time in 2022 at Oklahoma. This past season, his distinct timing throwing in the middle of the field kept players like WR Tez Johnson away from danger as run after the catch options. | 4.25 | |
| 4 (126) | Dylan Sampson | 5’9 200 RB-Tennessee | The SEC Offensive Player of the Year may even play faster than his 4.4 speed suggests. He can be more than a complementary runner with his combination of vision and ankle flexion. Ball security (see Alabama ’24) was a concern. | 4 | |
| 5 (144) | Shedeur Sanders (link) | 6’2 215 QB-Colorado, Jackson State | Sanders’ skills have improved exponentially in each of the last three seasons. It was surprising that he did not show off the improvements in the testing portion of the pre-draft process. In an offense that is at its best pushing the ball down the field, the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year could have an opportunity to make a mark. Playing on time will be the key to making the 53-man roster. | 4.75 | |
| Notable UDFA signing: | Donovon McMillon | 6’1 5/8” 213 S-Pitt, Florida | A sparkling Pro Day performance helped put McMillon on the team’s radar. The Florida transfer led the Panthers in tackles (115) and broke up eight passes this past season. This came a year after leading the team in tackles a season before (105). | 4 | |
| Draft Grade: | 4.38 | ||||
| Baltimore Ravens | |||||
| Selection | Player Selection | Position- School | Nasty’ Take: | Value (1-5) | Trades |
| 1 (27) | Malaki Starks (link)  | 6’1 205 CB-Georgia | Starks has been a factor covering the slot as a big nickel, breaking off the hash marks and filling in the alleys of the field. Becoming a more consistent face-up tackler could prevent some of the misses that show up from time-to-time. | 4.75 | |
| 2 (59) | Mike Green | 6’3 251 DE-Marshall, Virginia | Green has to take the pounding of rushing versus OTs with very small hands (8 1/2”).. He elicits power through the lower half and that may be enough for him to make him a tough block for any tackle in the division. Green’s burst led to 17 QB sacks in 2024. | 4.25 | |
| 3 (91) | Emery Jones, Jr. (link)  | 6’5 315 OT-LSU | Jones, Jr. has an injury that may not be ready for training camp. Whenever he gets healthy, Jones, Jr. has the chops to compete for a starting job. | 4.5 | |
| 4 (129) | Teddye Buchanan Teddye Buchanan | 6’2 235 LB-Cal, UC-Davis | Buchanan’s ball skills and feel in coverage complement at least satisfactory key-and-diagnose. While sometimes a step late to react downhill, he is a finisher. Buchanan had 8 INTs at UC-Davis before arriving in Berkeley. In 2024, he provided a blitz element for the Bears. | 4.5 | |
| 5 (141) | Carson Vinson | 6’7 314 OT-Alabama A&M | Vinson’s size is enough alone to get looks. But he forms a pattern in pass pro with feet that creates a cup for the QB. He has starter potential. Rounding out some footwork issues (stepping forward with outside leg) should be a focus in the next few months. | 4.25 | The Titans traded a 2025 fifth-round pick (141st overall-Vinson) and a 2025 sixth-round pick (178th overall-Kone) to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick (136th overall-Ayomanor) and a 2025 sixth-round pick (183rd overall-Harris). |
| 6 (178) | Bilhal Kone | 6’1 190 CB-Western Michigan | Aside from reaching down the field too often in coverage, Kone can stick with receivers due to relatively smooth open-and-run techniques. Kone possesses quick-twitch fibers…but he fits the Ravens because he’s not afraid to mix it up as a tackler. He’ll have to prove it as a gunner on the punt team in training camp. | 4.25 | |
| 6 (186) | Tyler Loop (Link) | 5’11 191 PK-Arizona | We documented the consistency of Loop in our video spotlight. 81-percent of his kickoffs went for touchbacks. The range continued to improve this past season. He blasted a 62-yard field goal at the end of the half against Houston. He missed just five field goals in 2024. | 4.5 | The Ravens traded a 2025 fifth-round pick (176th overall) and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the New York Jets in exchange for the a 2025 sixth-round pick (186th overall-Loop) and a 2026 fifth-round pick. |
| 6 (203) | LaJohntay Wester | 5’11 167 WR-Ret/Colorado, FAU | Wester got more ink at Colorado after leaving FAU, but it was what he did there that grabs attention. His jittery nature makes him impossible to tackle in space at times, evidenced by 252 receptions over a four-year period for the Owls. Wester also adds punt return value, taking one to the house in each of the last two seasons. | 3.75 | |
| 6 (210) | Aeneas Peebles | 6’1 290 LB-Virginia Tech, Duke | Peebles’ energy was evident during the season. He had his moments vs. Miami (Fla.) in Week 5. Some of that instant energy showed itself during the first team period at the 2025 Senior Bowl. The Raleigh, NC native posted 9.5 TFLs for Duke in 2023 and wins with quick penetration skills. Peebles broke 5 seconds in the 40-yard dash (4.92) at the NFL Combine. | 4.5 | |
| 6 (212) | Robert Longerbeam | 5’11 175 CB-Rutgers | Longerbeam’s footwork, recovery speed and hip flexion all get high marks. There were questions about how he’d hold up at just 175 pounds. He’s physical enough (5 career FFs). The 4.39 speedster broke up eight passes over a five-game period the last half of the season and added to that with a pass defensed in the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl. Not a surprise. In his career, he broke up 36 passes. | 5 | |
| 7 (243) | Garrett Dellinger | 6’5 322 OG-LSU | Dellinger fits the mold of Baltimore’s physical OL. He is heavy on contact when pulling in confined areas. Dellinger wins some wrestling matches and sits on defenders inside due to his overall mass. He moves bodies on duo blocks with fellow OL. Had an excellent Pro Day workout. | 4 | |
| Notable UDFA signing: | Jay Higgins | 6’1 226 LB-Iowa | This was close. The Ravens signed three players who could have easily been drafted on Day 3 (S Deondre Jackson, LB Chandler Martin, LB Jay Higgins). Martin would have been the choice, but Higgins’ overall productivity (170 TKLs in 2024) stood out. Not as fast as other LBs in this year’s class, his eye speed ranks as his biggest asset. | 4.5 | |
| Draft Grade: | 4.4 | ||||
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