The 2025 NFL Draft: A Recap of Round 3 Moves

The excitement of Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft has concluded, and teams came ready to make bold moves and strategic picks. From rearranging rosters to filling key positions, here are some standout selections from Round 3.

Hot Picks and Surprises

The Minnesota Vikings kickstarted Round 3 by picking wide receiver Tai Felton from Maryland. Although they have stars Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, Felton adds valuable depth and insurance to their offense. Chris Trapasso rates this choice an impressive A-.

The Denver Broncos opted for EDGE rusher Sai'vion Jones from LSU. Known for his power, Jones fits perfectly into Sean Payton's defense, earning a solid B+ grade.

Staying defensive, the San Francisco 49ers selected cornerback Upton Stout from Western Kentucky. With four defensive prospects in hand, Kyle Shanahan is clearly focused on fortifying the defense, garnering another B+ from Trapasso.

Rising Stars and Value Picks

The Las Vegas Raiders grabbed offensive tackle Charles Grant from William & Mary, a move that reflects their need for athleticism on the line. Trapasso gave this selection an A-.

They followed up by taking Caleb Rogers from Texas Tech, showcasing their commitment to strengthening their line. With a grade of A, he's expected to create run lanes for the team.

Meanwhile, the Houston Texans chose cornerback Jaylin Smith from USC, adding depth to their secondary with a grade of C+. The Atlanta Falcons made a savvy pick by selecting safety Xavier Watts from Notre Dame, who possesses a knack for playmaking, receiving an A grade.

Quarterback Drama Unfolds

The New England Patriots shocked fans by selecting quarterback Dillon Gabriel from Oregon, an underdog candidate who's one of the best passers in the draft, despite concerns about his size, earning him a C grade.

And as the drama unfolds, Shedeur Sanders, the coveted quarterback from Colorado continues to slip down the draft board, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering about his future prospects.

Trading Places and Tactical Picks

Teams have not only focused on immediate needs but also on future trade potentials. The Dallas Cowboys' choice of cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. from East Carolina is particularly intriguing, given his prior first-round potential before an injury, leading to a high A+ grade from Trapasso.

As teams like the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals made aggressive moves to bolster their edge rushing, it's clear that strategic planning is in full swing.

In essence, the 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a turning point for many franchises as they align their rosters for the future. Keep an eye on how these selections impact the upcoming season!