NFL Tampering; Draft Big, Big Board 1.0

A two-fer: Free agency and the draft give new meaning to March Madness

Mar 11, 2025

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We interrupt our focus on the 2025 Draft to bring an update on the fast action during the NFL’s Legal Tampering period. It began with a rush Monday and continues until Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, when the new season officially begins.

We will return to the draft, and NFL Draft Scout has released Big, Big Board 1.0 —350 players complete with Indy Combine data and Pro Day dates.

First, let’s look at the tampering news, which agents leak to their favorite media outlet to feed the frenzy before anything becomes official on Wednesday.

As always, attention was focused on quarterbacks.

As we near midnight Monday (ET, of course), Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson still seem available; the NFL’s unofficial mouthpiece, Adam Schefter, has not announced anything to the contrary. I know — I have the app for that, which has buzzed all day.

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, never bashful about sharing his opinion, thinks Rodgers wants to play with Pittsburgh. We’ll see.

Here is a snapshot of the highlights so far.

The first big domino fell Friday when the Las Vegas Raiders surprised everyone by acquiring quarterback Geno Smith from Seattle, thereby reuniting the quarterback with coach Pete Carroll.

The Seahawks quickly replaced Smith Monday when they agreed to terms with Sam Darnold, who was unwanted in Minnesota after taking the Vikings to the playoffs, where he imploded.

The Jets agreed to terms — unofficially, of course — with Justin Fields, the latest in a long history of quarterbacks who couldn’t find fame with the Bears. That left the Giants, Steelers, Browns, Vikings, Colts and Titans as teams that will likely be in the market for a signal-caller.

In other notable early action (big inhale) …

Edge rusher Khalil Mack, offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, receiver Chris Godwin and linebacker Zack Baun re-signed with their respective teams. Receiver Davante Adams joined the Rams, cornerback D.J. Reed will play with the Lions, pass rusher Haason Reddick is off to Tampa Bay, edge rusher Josh Sweat is headed to the Cardinals and defensive tackle Milton Williams will bolster the Patriots' defense. Offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil was also traded to the Commanders. A few big names were released over the past few days, including Jags tight end Evan Engram and Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa, who may wind up with brother Nick as a 49er.

Exhale.

Unless we update this post 24/7, it will never catch up with the pace of the free agent frenzy, so we will revisit the NFL’s Musical Chairs when the tempo slows later in the week.

In the meantime, let’s move on to our Big Board.

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NFL Draft Scout’s Big, Big Board 1.0

To help match your shopping list, we sorted our Top 350 by position and then compiled the players into one huge chart.

These are hardly our final ratings for 2025. We expect players to move for various reasons. Right now, we list Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter No. 1 as we continue to pay attention to a stress reaction in his foot. Will he work out at his Pro Day on March 28? Will he have surgery? Will any of it matter?

I like Carter ahead of dual-purpose CB/WR Travis Hunter because, despite the latter’s ability to play both ways, I think Carter could be more consistently impactful. Offenses can stay away from a cornerback, but Carter should be more challenging to avoid play after play.

I remain curious if Miami quarterback Cam Ward is better than Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, who seems to be slipping without working out. And I wonder if Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is better than either quarterback.

If Barry Sanders was in this draft, where would you pick him? It’s a question to ponder.

We will be diving into those and other mysteries as Draft Day approaches.

In the meantime, here is NFL Draft Scout’s Top 350. Memorize it for a pop quiz this weekend.

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Legend: Height is four digits — the first number is feet, the next two are inches and the last one is eighths of an inch. Any category with a “C” is from the Combine. So, “C40ET” is a Combine 40-yard time, and ET means that 40 is electronically timed. “Pos Rnk” is where the player is rated within his position. In some cases, as with RB/FB, FS/SS, and G/C, positions are rated together. We trust you will figure out the rest.

QUARTERBACKS

After six quarterbacks were selected in the first round last year, we see a maximum of three first-rounders in this draft, although QB-desperate teams might do anything — and they have. Tyler Shough is an intriguing sleeper here after seven years of college.

RUNNING BACKS

It's the best class in my memory, although my memory isn’t as sharp as it used to be. Jeanty is amazing. We see eight or nine backs in the first 100. Now, let’s see whether the NFL starts to pay this once-proud position what it’s worth.

TIGHT END

Another great crop at this position, with three potential first-rounders.

WIDE RECEIVER

It is not as flashy at the top as usual but has plenty of depth. Lots of speed.

OFFENSIVE TACKLES

It's a pretty good group, with four who look like first-rounders and keepers well into the list.

IOL — CENTERS, GUARDS

Remember the advertisement that asked, “Where’s the Beef?” Here it is.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

After this year’s Super Bowl, this position is getting more attention. There is a lot of talent here in this draft.

EDGE

Talent aplenty with these outside linebackers and defensive ends. We see at least eight good enough for the first round and 18 among the top 100.

CORNERBACKS

These corners are bigger and faster than usual. Heisman Trophy winner Hunter is No. 1. Expect him to play defensive back more than wide receiver in the NFL.

SAFETIES

With offenses remembering that it is legal to run the ball, teams are looking for big safeties to help match up against receivers and runners. Could the return of inside linebackers be next? They better be able to cover.