The NFL Draft concluded with several teams making strategic moves to enhance their rosters. Among the standout decisions, the Jacksonville Jaguars made headlines by trading up from the No. 5 to the No. 2 spot to select Travis Hunter, widely regarded as the top prospect available. This aggressive maneuver set the tone for a weekend filled with notable picks. ESPN analyst Matt Miller later shared his insights on the top five picks from the draft, revealing some surprises along the way.
In the fifth spot, Miller highlighted Jalon Walker, an EDGE/LB from Georgia, who was selected by the Atlanta Falcons at No. 15. Walker was viewed as a potential top-10 pick, making his selection a steal for the Falcons. His fall in the draft was partly due to the Panthers opting for Tetairoa McMillan, which allowed Walker to be available for Atlanta, strengthening their defensive lineup significantly.
Next up was Jihaad Campbell from Alabama, who was chosen by the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 31, marking one of the draft’s most surprising moments. Campbell, an impressive linebacker with edge-rushing capabilities, had been considered a first-round talent. His addition to the already formidable Eagles defense represents an exceptional value pick for them, further solidifying their position in the league.
Ashton Jeanty, a running back from Boise State, was ranked third by Miller, highlighting his potential to excel in the Raiders’ offensive system under coach Chip Kelly. Jeanty is poised to make an immediate impact in his rookie year, and many believe he could emerge as one of the standout players from this draft class, thanks to his versatile skill set and ability to fit seamlessly into the team’s plans.
Miller’s second favorite pick was Will Johnson, a cornerback from Michigan, who was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round at No. 47. Despite concerns regarding his injury history, Johnson represents a major value pick for the Cardinals, potentially securing a top corner for the franchise for years to come and addressing a crucial need in their secondary.
Finally, topping Miller’s list was Luther Burden III, a wide receiver from Missouri, who astonishingly fell to the Bears at No. 39. Burden was previously considered among the top receivers in the draft, but his unexpected drop raised eyebrows. Miller’s belief is that NFL teams may have overlooked Burden, and with him joining Caleb Williams in Chicago, the Bears have gained a potent offensive weapon capable of making significant plays in the upcoming season.
