By JC Nevils
Now that the 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone, the reviews are popping up everywhere. Also the organizations are hopeful that their selections will pan out in the future. You have your no-doubt first rounders, but who is the most intriguing? Here I name mine for every division, continuing with the NFC North.
This past season wasn’t the best for the Missouri product, as he was a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award (best WR) as well as earning second team All-American honors in his sophomore season. While that might be true, his talent was still on display for everyone to see, and it was still undeniable. You don’t like to see such a big drop off from one year to another, but we’ve seen similar. If he comes in and shows his ability to make plays for Caleb Williams, then I see him succeeding early.
Hassanein might be an unknown to many, but when you turn on the film you think of how someone with that type of play can drop so far. From 2023-2024 Hassanein led the nation in tackles for loss with 33.5 along with ranking second in sacks with 22. He plays with a tenacious motor as well that jumps off of the screen even more. If he brings anywhere near that type of production, he certainly can carve out a position for himself.
Ahmed Hassanein is a 6-2, 270-lb DE that the Lions selected in Round 6 of the NFL Draft. The 22-year old Hassanein (#91) made 1st Team All-MWC in '23 & '24 while racking up 22 Sacks.#Lions #DetroitLions #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/cevOkjN3mc
— All 22 Films (@All_22_NFL_Cuts) April 29, 2025
Versatility is the word here with Williams. While he was primarily a wide receiver, he had just as many touchdowns through the air as he did on the ground with six each. He was the only player in the FBS to achieve such a feat other than running back Jaydon Blue of Texas. He even had a passing touchdown on the season as well as returning kicks. He reminds me of Randall Cobb back in the day with his versatility. We shall see.
While Ingram-Dawkins was never quite a full-time starter for the Bulldogs, every time he stepped on the field and got a chance he showed up. Georgia’s defensive line unit was absolutely overloaded with talent, so it was hard to see his full potential. The combine finally gave him an opportunity to show off his freakish athleticism, in which the Vikings took notice. With the guys in front of him not getting any younger, he can certainly develop into a player for the future.
My favorite draft pick for the Vikings has quickly become Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins.
— (@verysadvikings) May 2, 2025
He’s only 21 and has a fantastic athletic profile. Now he gets a chance to learn from Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen. Excited to see how he develops. pic.twitter.com/eHAmdSA4T3
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Marcel Reed was a revelation for the Texas A M Aggies as a redshirt freshman quarterback in 2025. A M started the season off with Conner Weigman under center, but he suffered an injury early on, which opened the door for Reed to take over. The former four-star quarterback from Nashville had an opportunity, and he made the most of it. He led Texas A M to a win in his first three starts and by mid-season, he was the bona fide starter in College Station. Reed finished the season with 1,864 yards and 15 touchdowns compared to six interceptions. He also rushed for 547 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. There are extremely high expectations for Reed heading into 2025 and this offseason, he put in some work to do everything he can to live up to them. One of the things he did was go to the Manning Passing Academy to learn from Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning. What did Manning teach him? The Super Bowl-winning QB was always known as a tactician and a student of the game, and he revealed to those in attendance that intense film study can be the difference between being good and great. “Peyton (Manning) really talked about watching film and how he did it, different things he would look at. That’s something I’m going to take into 2025, for sure,” Reed recently told the media (h/t On3). “There’s levels to it. Last year, I was prepared. I watched film, but there’s another level I can take it to.” If Reed is able to take it to the next level in 2025, he very well could end up being one of the best quarterbacks in the country and even a Heisman Trophy contender. His game is much different than Manning's was, but if he's able to gleam some wisdom from the legend, he'll be all the better for it. Reed will get a chance to make a statement early on in the season when Texas A M takes on Notre Dame in South Bend on Sept. 13. Before that are home games, for the Aggies, against UTSA (Aug. 30) and Utah State (Sept. 6).
Matt LaFleur is earning the ire of several of his Green Bay Packers players early in training camp. On Tuesday, LaFleur punished offensive tackle Rasheed Walker for his altercation with defensive end Kingsley Enagbare. However, the most interesting interaction of the day came between LaFleur and tight end Tucker Kraft. Per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, LaFleur called out Kraft for two questionable fumbles during the first week of practice. Both "fumbles" came after the play was over or when the ball fell out of bounds. "Certainly, we all know what kind of player Tucker Kraft is and can be," LaFleur said. "He can’t allow Evan Williams to reach around and punch a ball out, so it is challenging everybody and hopefully that makes us that much better.” The third-year tight end took issue with LaFleur calling him out in front of the media and blamed the coaching staff for implementing practice rules that made it easy for offensive players to fumble. "I’d say a lot of the times — there’s certain rules you play with in practice, like just letting the defense punch repeatedly," Kraft said. "You’re not allowed to stiff-arm. I guess all I have are excuses. Yes, I am working on not fumbling the ball in practice." Schneidman said Kraft answered the question with a tone of sarcasm. Kraft was frustrated that he couldn't defend the ball by stiff-arming a defender trying to poke the ball from his undefended arm. Kraft acknowledged that during practice, he has to "play by the rules" LaFleur makes and is trying to work on having a "yes sir, no sir" attitude with his head coach. He then made a vague reference about a "bus fine" and accused LaFleur of throwing him under the bus in front of the media. Schneidman believes the tight end might actually be calling for Green Bay to fine LaFleur after his discouraging quote Tuesday morning. "So yes, the Packers’ third-year tight end might be calling for his head coach to be fined — not by the league, of course, but by the team — for what he perceived as throwing him under the bus," Schneidman wrote. "Is Kraft being serious about fining LaFleur? "Probably not. Is he peeved LaFleur called him out? It sure seems like it." LaFleur might do better to have a conversation with Kraft before dragging his name into news conferences with reporters. It's clear Tucker doesn't see eye-to-eye with LaFleur about fumbles. This is a good reminder to those getting overly excited or nervous reading practice reports that what happens at practice should be taken with a grain of salt. Most likely, Tucker is going to be fine.
The Minnesota Vikings are looking to re-establish their defensive identity in 2025, and one of the surprises of training camp so far has been Jeff Okudah. Once labeled by some as a draft bust, Okudah is making waves under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Brian Flores. His performance, work ethic, and the strides he’s made in adapting to the Vikings’ system are quickly altering perceptions of both his potential and his fit in Minnesota. But Okudah’s story stretches far beyond just this training camp. His NFL career has been one of highs and lows, a testament to both his resilience and ambition. With Flores’ mentorship and a clear path to playing time, Okudah might finally be in the right place to thrive. A Challenging NFL Journey Jeff Okudah entered the NFL with monumental expectations. Selected third overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Ohio State standout was viewed as a generational defensive back prospect. His college resume was nothing short of outstanding. At Ohio State, Okudah was a lockdown corner who excelled in press coverage, finished his junior season with three interceptions, and earned unanimous All-American honors. Experts heralded his technique, physicality, and ability to close on the football as elite traits that would translate seamlessly to the professional level. However, like many rookies burdened with high draft expectations, Okudah didn’t get off to the start he dreamed of. His rookie season was marred by injuries and inconsistent play, and Detroit’s overall defensive struggles compounded his growing pains. Things hit a low point during his second season in 2021 when he tore his Achilles just one game into the year. The injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season, raising serious doubts about his durability and ability to regain his form. Even upon returning to the field in 2022, Okudah showed flashes but struggled to secure a consistent role. With the Lions moving in a different direction, Okudah was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2023. Atlanta offered him stability and opportunities to play, but his performances didn’t fully live up to his potential, and he became a free agent after the 2024 season rather than earning a long-term extension. Now with the Minnesota Vikings, Okudah is under scrutiny once again. However, this time, there are signs that he may finally break through. Making Waves at Vikings Training Camp One week into the Minnesota Vikings’ training camp, Jeff Okudah has been a standout. Despite initial reservations about his role, Okudah has been running with the first team at nickel cornerback. For a defensive unit that prioritized upgrades in other areas this offseason, Okudah’s emergence has provided an unexpected boost in the secondary. Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has already praised Okudah’s effort and attention to detail. “He’s been diligent on the field, off the field, in the training room, and in the weight room. He’s always looking to do extra film work,” Flores shared in a recent press conference. One hallmark of Flores’ defense is its reliance on intelligent, adaptable players who can read offenses quickly—and Okudah seems to be rising to the challenge. Flores also made it clear that Okudah’s work ethic and athletic ability are giving him an edge. “He’s getting more comfortable within the defense and has shown up positively in every way,” Flores added. For a player whose confidence was undoubtedly tested in previous seasons, this kind of recognition is both meaningful and motivating. What Okudah Brings to the Vikings’ Defense Okudah’s skill set is what originally made him such a highly valued draft pick. At 6’1” and 205 pounds, he has the size to challenge receivers physically at the line of scrimmage, as well as the speed to keep up in coverage downfield. These traits align well with Flores’ aggressive defensive philosophy, which often calls for corners to play in high-pressure scenarios. Playing in the nickel role can feel limiting to some defensive backs, but it requires discipline and versatility—two strengths Okudah is quickly proving he possesses. Nickel corners must be capable of switching onto slot receivers, dropping back into zone coverage, or even stepping up to help in run defense. It’s no easy job, but Okudah’s adaptability is allowing him to make steady progress. The Vikings are banking on Flores’ knack for turning overlooked talents into key contributors, and Okudah could be the next beneficiary. His ability to stay locked in during practice, both physically and mentally, is earning him trust within the organization. Why This Training Camp Feels Different for Okudah What sets this training camp apart from previous ones in Detroit or Atlanta is the environment. Under Flores, Okudah appears to be part of a system that prioritizes tailored assignments and coaching. The Minnesota Vikings’ staff isn’t asking him to be a savior; they’re asking him to play to his strengths. For a player trying to overcome doubts, this structured approach could be crucial. Additionally, Okudah’s own evolution as a professional is evident. The 24-year-old has dealt with more than his fair share of adversity and seems determined to erase any stigma attached to his draft pedigree. Watching him after practice, continuing reps or working on footwork solo, is a small glimpse into the kind of focus he’s bringing to this opportunity. What His Success Could Mean for the Vikings If Jeff Okudah continues to impress and locks himself into a starting role, the Vikings’ secondary might become more formidable than expected. With veteran safety Harrison Smith anchoring the defense and cornerbacks like Byron Murphy Jr. already contributing, Okudah’s emergence as a dependable nickel corner could provide the versatility needed to counter dynamic passing offenses. It’s also worth noting how Okudah’s trajectory could shape Brian Flores’ reputation. Known for squeezing maximum production out of his players, Flores has a chance to add another reclamation project to his résumé if Okudah lives up to his potential. Final Thoughts Jeff Okudah’s NFL story so far has been anything but linear, but he’s proving at the Minnesota Vikings training camp that the narrative is far from over. Under Brian Flores’ direction, Okudah seems to have found a system and coaching staff capable of helping him tap into his first-round potential. His development could be pivotal not only for the Vikings’ immediate defensive goals but also for reshaping how people view Okudah as a player. It’s still early in camp, and there’s a long season ahead. But for the first time in a long while, it feels like Jeff Okudah is writing a new chapter—one filled with promise, growth, and maybe even the redemption he’s been working toward since 2020.
Stanley Johnson most recently played in the NBA during the 2022-23 season when he was a member of the San Antonio Spurs. He finished that year with averages of 5.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists per contest while shooting 53.3% from the field and 45.0% from the three-point range in 30 games. On Tuesday, the news was announced that Johnson is signing a deal with a team in Japan (h/t HoopsHype). Via BasketNews: "Stanley Johnson, the eighth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft and a former Lakers forward, has officially signed with Nagasaki Velca in Japan's B.League " Johnson was the eighth pick in the 2015 NBA Draft (out of Arizona) by the Detroit Pistons. He has also played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors and New Orleans Pelicans over eight seasons. His career averages are 6.2 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest while shooting 39.1% from the field and 30.5% from the three-point range in 449 games.