Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft is complete with the second and third rounds in the books. So let’s take a look at some of the worst picks and biggest reaches from Friday.
New Orleans Saints select QB Tyler Shough
Yes, the Saints needed some quarterback insurance with Derek Carr’s season in jeopardy.
But Tyler Shough, in the second round at No. 40 and as the third quarterback off the board, was a stunning pick early on Day 2.
Shough is older than several veteran quarterbacks in the NFL, and did not have a truly great season in college until his seventh season in the NCAA. Older quarterback prospects who do not excel until they are in their mid-20s do not typically fare well in the NFL.
Baltimore Ravens select edge-rusher Mike Green
From a football standpoint, Green probably should have been a first-round pick. He is certainly a first-round talent. But he has some serious off-field issues and red flags that the Ravens may have wanted to avoid. Especially given the cloud hanging over the organization, given the accusations against kicker Justin Tucker (who remains on the roster). If nothing else, it is a terrible PR pick at No. 59 by an organization that can not afford that right now.
Cleveland Browns select QB Dillon Gabriel
The Browns were in a similar situation as the Saints, needing to take some sort of quarterback to hopefully develop for the future. While Gabriel does have some good pure passing ability, he is undersized and seems like an absolutely wild selection at No. 94 when you consider Shedeur Sanders was still on the board.
Rams select TE Terrance Ferguson
The Rams traded back out of the first round, moving down 20 spots to gain a first-round pick next season. When they finally made their first selection of the 2025 class, they went with Oregon tight end Terrance Ferguson with the 46th pick.
From a position standpoint, tight end is a fair pick. They could use young talent at the position, but it is worth wondering if they chose the right one. Especially with somebody like Miami’s Elijah Arroyo or Bowling Green’s Harold Fannin Jr. still available. Arroyo was picked four spots later while Fannin Jr. went early in the third round. It will be fascinating to see how those careers progress.
Bengals select LB Demetrius Knight Jr.
This was an interesting pick for the Bengals in the second round at No. 49. They need a lot of help on defense, so the need absolutely fits, but Knight Jr. is more of a two-down linebacker who does not play well in coverage. Will that be enough to fix a defense that has been one of the worst in the NFL over the past two years? Especially in an AFC that has Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson playing for the top contenders?
