OTF Premium Perfect Fits for 2025 NFL Draft Hopefuls (Tuesday AM)

[CJ Vogel]

Just a smidge over ten weeks away from the 2025 NFL Draft and 16 days away from the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

While we sit a wait for the actual progressions to take place, I wanted to theorize with you all to find perfect Draft fits for each Longhorn hopeful.

Whether it be scheme fit, style of play of success from previously drafted players, I thought this would be a fun practice. Starting position by position, let's get to it.

***

QB Quinn Ewers – Los Angeles Rams

There were only a few teams that I see as fits for Quinn Ewers, which is fine when you consider 18 quarterbacks are making north of $30,000,000 per year currently. There is an obvious connection with Ewers and Sean McVay, but even more than that, the fit with Matthew Stafford and his career timeline line up perfectly for a natural succession process in LA. Puka Nacua provides a great intermediate route winner and there is familiarity with Jordan Whittington already. This is my favorite of the 32 possible destinations for Ewers.

 

RB Jaydon Blue – Cleveland Browns

Someone is going to see what Jahmyr Gibbs has done for the Detroit Lions and take a flier on Jaydon Blue. The receiving ability matched up with elite, breakaway speed will have some team calling is name pretty early. The oft-injured Nick Chubb and emergence of Jerome Ford makes for a fine tandem, but neither possess the soon-to-be 4.3 speed of Blue. Both can knock out the inbetween the tackles work, while Blue's third down playmaking ability complements very well.

 

WR Matthew Golden – Dallas Cowboys

Sorry to any Texans fans in the chat, and I promise my Cowboys Blue isn't the lead reason for this marriage here. The Cowboys desperately need a No. 2 next to CeeDee Lamb. When comparing other playoff-level teams and their No. 2 option at wide receiver with the Cowboys, there are very few option worse than Brandin Cooks and 259 receiving yards in 2024. The Cowboys need someone to alleviate the pressure put on Lamb and Golden's ability to win one-on-one routes does just that.

 

WR Isaiah Bond – New York Giants

Similarly to Golden, I love the idea of Bond coming into the league as the No. 2 option to Malik Nabers. It is clear the Giants have themselves a solidified top option after 1200-yard season in year one, but now a speedster to open up the middle of the field will go a long way. Not to mention, at pick 1.3, it is very likely the Giants go with Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, both of whom were very solid in the deep passing game in college.

 

TE Gunnar Helm – Denver Broncos

Perhaps as surprising as any development in 2024 was the play of rookie QB Bo Nix. The Broncos are set at wide receiver with Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims, but are completely lacking at the tight end position. Adam Trautman's 188 yards led the Broncos at the tight end position in 2024, Denver finished 30th in the league in receiving yards by tight ends as well. For as well as Nix was able to scramble to create, I couldn't help but think a safety blanket over the middle would solve a lot of issues for the young QB.

 

LT Kelvin Banks – Chicago Bears

Perhaps the worst left tackle play I have watched since Chaz Green allowed 6 sacks in a single game to Adrian Clayborn back in 2017 came from the Bears in 2024. The Bears have their quarterback of the future and surrounded him with playmakers on the outside. The issue is, too often there was no time available to get the ball out that direction. That changes – or at least starts to change – with Kelvin Banks.

 

OC Jake Majors – Indianapolis Colts

Probably the toughest position to try and pick for Majors. Who needs a center? Who needs a center right away? Will Majors be a guy that plays right away? I would imagine the Colts do what they can to retain Ryan Kelly, who is an UDFA this offseason, but regardless, the best situation with an opening at the position gets the nod for Majors.

 

RT Cam Williams – New England Patriots

The Patriots relied on an undrafted Demontrey Jacobs for the final half of the season in 2024, which likely isn't the long-term plan for protecting Mac Jones in year two. Just like Banks, these teams with young quarterbacks need to find a sustainable level of protection and Williams fits the mold right away.

 

DL Alfred Collins – Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs have the blue print already laid out for a former five-star, second round pick who has measurables around 6-foot-6-inches and 300 pounds with Chris Jones. This is not to compare the two and their play, but more everything else. Collins is now north of 320 pounds but the rest remains the same. I like this fit perfectly for the Chiefs and Collins.

 

DL Vernon Broughton – Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota's defense in 2024 took a big step forward and in large part, it is due to the efforts of Brian Flores, their defensive coordinator. Brian Flores is a zero-blitz mastermind which means that a pass-rushing interior defensive lineman like Broughton would be matched up in 1v1 situations plenty. 

 

DB Andrew Mukuba – Pittsburgh Steelers 

I trust a Steeler defensive back more than most of my good friends. They are well-coached, very disciplined and can lay the wood. It has been the case my entire life and it won't change as long as Mike Tomlin is still in charge. Currently, the Steelers run out a tandem of Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott, though Elliott's contract expires after 2025 and a cheaper, longer option next to the $33M Fitzpatrick will make over the next two years makes sense financially.

 

CB Jahdae Barron – Washington Commanders

As a Cowboy fan, hate watching the Commanders and their new, shining toy at quarterback was far too often a Sunday ritual this season. However, one thing was very clear when watching the Commanders – their cornerbacks were atrociously soft and poor in coverage, a perfect fit for the reigning Thorpe Award winner. Per PFF, out of 80 cornerbacks with more than 600 snaps in 2024, Washington CBs ranked 66th, 78th and 79th.

[CJ Vogel]

Steeler!

[CJ Vogel]

 

[Wabi Sabi]

Love the topic, but I'll counter your Blue fit with the Browns with a Chiefs recommendation. His speed, alongside the weapons on the outside, would be lethal in 3rd down packages... And a nice complement to Pacheco. But are his pass blocking skills solid enough for that role? 

Plus it sure doesn't seem like the Browns have the right culture in place for Blue to really take his game to the next level. But admittedly I'm only basing that on a gut feeling. 

[ccarreon]

Agree with Wabi Sabi. Blue and the Browns doesn't seem like a good fit. I don't want any Horns near the Browns.

Blue to a team like the Chiefs would be very interesting!

[FootLaw]

Curious if Jacksonville is going to snag Barron first.  They need serious secondary help and pick 5th.

[CJ Vogel]

46 minutes ago, Wabi Sabi said:

Love the topic, but I'll counter your Blue fit with the Browns with a Chiefs recommendation. His speed, alongside the weapons on the outside, would be lethal in 3rd down packages... And a nice complement to Pacheco. But are his pass blocking skills solid enough for that role? 

Plus it sure doesn't seem like the Browns have the right culture in place for Blue to really take his game to the next level. But admittedly I'm only basing that on a gut feeling. 

I could certainly see the Chiefs as well. Neither Pacheco or Blue have much pass protection in their bag unfortunately.

[CJ Vogel]

22 minutes ago, FootLaw said:

Curious if Jacksonville is going to snag Barron first.  They need serious secondary help and pick 5th.

They absolutely need help in the secondary. I almost picked Jax for Mukuba instead.

[CJ Vogel]

29 minutes ago, ccarreon said:

Agree with Wabi Sabi. Blue and the Browns doesn't seem like a good fit. I don't want any Horns near the Browns.

Blue to a team like the Chiefs would be very interesting!

I did see Ewers mocked to Cleveland in the 2nd round earlier today and almost threw up.

[FootLaw]

42 minutes ago, CJ Vogel said:

They absolutely need help in the secondary. I almost picked Jax for Mukuba instead.

If Travis Hunter doesn't fall to 5, Johnson or Barron make sense, but Johnson has an injury history. It'll be interesting to see which one they choose. If they go Johnson, I could see the Packers/Ravens/Commanders.  Selfishly, I want the Packers.

 

Mukuba to JAX would definitely make some sense. 

[Blake Helm]

From your lips to God's ears--Gunnar to Denver.  Hometown kid!

[NothinButDaHorns34]

6 hours ago, CJ Vogel said:

Steeler!

I am sure it’s because i never paid close attention to clemson, But it sure does seem like mukuba got better at texas. 

[CJ Vogel]

26 minutes ago, NothinButDaHorns34 said:

I am sure it’s because i never paid close attention to clemson, But it sure does seem like mukuba got better at texas. 

Playing Mukuba as a middle of the field safety helped as well. Clemson had him at nickel, which, had him too close to the line of scrimmage which took away his ability to read the QBs eyes and react the way he did so often at Texas.  Basically took him away from a full half of the field while at Clemson.

[4thandFive]

I can see Helm to the Cowboys 

[cmk4pres]

4 hours ago, Blake Helm said:

From your lips to God's ears--Gunnar to Denver.  Hometown kid!

I met you with my son two years ago as the Horns came down Bevo Blvd. My father in law Coach Vogt coached Gunnar at Cherry Creek. Hope all is well. Your son crushed it as a Horn! 

[goattalk100]

I think either Collins or Williams ends up with the Eagles. The way they play & maximize both lines I think they would both have a tremendous chance to maximize there. Imagine Collins in tandem with Jalen Carter? He might get 10+ sacks just off the fact Carter commands a double every snap. Or Williams a year or two to develop even further behind Lane Johnson at RT.

[Jarveaux]

I agree with you completely, with the statement Los Angeles Rams best fit for Quinn Ewers . It would be so great if he would land there. Be a great reunion for Quinn & J. Whitt. to be back together.  

[_everyoneshere]

8 hours ago, CJ Vogel said:

Just a smidge over ten weeks away from the 2025 NFL Draft and 16 days away from the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

While we sit a wait for the actual progressions to take place, I wanted to theorize with you all to find perfect Draft fits for each Longhorn hopeful.

Whether it be scheme fit, style of play of success from previously drafted players, I thought this would be a fun practice. Starting position by position, let's get to it.

***

QB Quinn Ewers – Los Angeles Rams

There were only a few teams that I see as fits for Quinn Ewers, which is fine when you consider 18 quarterbacks are making north of $30,000,000 per year currently. There is an obvious connection with Ewers and Sean McVay, but even more than that, the fit with Matthew Stafford and his career timeline line up perfectly for a natural succession process in LA. Puka Nacua provides a great intermediate route winner and there is familiarity with Jordan Whittington already. This is my favorite of the 32 possible destinations for Ewers.

 

RB Jaydon Blue – Cleveland Browns

Someone is going to see what Jahmyr Gibbs has done for the Detroit Lions and take a flier on Jaydon Blue. The receiving ability matched up with elite, breakaway speed will have some team calling is name pretty early. The oft-injured Nick Chubb and emergence of Jerome Ford makes for a fine tandem, but neither possess the soon-to-be 4.3 speed of Blue. Both can knock out the inbetween the tackles work, while Blue's third down playmaking ability complements very well.

 

WR Matthew Golden – Dallas Cowboys

Sorry to any Texans fans in the chat, and I promise my Cowboys Blue isn't the lead reason for this marriage here. The Cowboys desperately need a No. 2 next to CeeDee Lamb. When comparing other playoff-level teams and their No. 2 option at wide receiver with the Cowboys, there are very few option worse than Brandin Cooks and 259 receiving yards in 2024. The Cowboys need someone to alleviate the pressure put on Lamb and Golden's ability to win one-on-one routes does just that.

 

WR Isaiah Bond – New York Giants

Similarly to Golden, I love the idea of Bond coming into the league as the No. 2 option to Malik Nabers. It is clear the Giants have themselves a solidified top option after 1200-yard season in year one, but now a speedster to open up the middle of the field will go a long way. Not to mention, at pick 1.3, it is very likely the Giants go with Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, both of whom were very solid in the deep passing game in college.

 

TE Gunnar Helm – Denver Broncos

Perhaps as surprising as any development in 2024 was the play of rookie QB Bo Nix. The Broncos are set at wide receiver with Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims, but are completely lacking at the tight end position. Adam Trautman's 188 yards led the Broncos at the tight end position in 2024, Denver finished 30th in the league in receiving yards by tight ends as well. For as well as Nix was able to scramble to create, I couldn't help but think a safety blanket over the middle would solve a lot of issues for the young QB.

 

LT Kelvin Banks – Chicago Bears

Perhaps the worst left tackle play I have watched since Chaz Green allowed 6 sacks in a single game to Adrian Clayborn back in 2017 came from the Bears in 2024. The Bears have their quarterback of the future and surrounded him with playmakers on the outside. The issue is, too often there was no time available to get the ball out that direction. That changes – or at least starts to change – with Kelvin Banks.

 

OC Jake Majors – Indianapolis Colts

Probably the toughest position to try and pick for Majors. Who needs a center? Who needs a center right away? Will Majors be a guy that plays right away? I would imagine the Colts do what they can to retain Ryan Kelly, who is an UDFA this offseason, but regardless, the best situation with an opening at the position gets the nod for Majors.

 

RT Cam Williams – New England Patriots

The Patriots relied on an undrafted Demontrey Jacobs for the final half of the season in 2024, which likely isn't the long-term plan for protecting Mac Jones in year two. Just like Banks, these teams with young quarterbacks need to find a sustainable level of protection and Williams fits the mold right away.

 

DL Alfred Collins – Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs have the blue print already laid out for a former five-star, second round pick who has measurables around 6-foot-6-inches and 300 pounds with Chris Jones. This is not to compare the two and their play, but more everything else. Collins is now north of 320 pounds but the rest remains the same. I like this fit perfectly for the Chiefs and Collins.

 

DL Vernon Broughton – Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota's defense in 2024 took a big step forward and in large part, it is due to the efforts of Brian Flores, their defensive coordinator. Brian Flores is a zero-blitz mastermind which means that a pass-rushing interior defensive lineman like Broughton would be matched up in 1v1 situations plenty. 

 

DB Andrew Mukuba – Pittsburgh Steelers 

I trust a Steeler defensive back more than most of my good friends. They are well-coached, very disciplined and can lay the wood. It has been the case my entire life and it won't change as long as Mike Tomlin is still in charge. Currently, the Steelers run out a tandem of Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott, though Elliott's contract expires after 2025 and a cheaper, longer option next to the $33M Fitzpatrick will make over the next two years makes sense financially.

 

CB Jahdae Barron – Washington Commanders

As a Cowboy fan, hate watching the Commanders and their new, shining toy at quarterback was far too often a Sunday ritual this season. However, one thing was very clear when watching the Commanders – their cornerbacks were atrociously soft and poor in coverage, a perfect fit for the reigning Thorpe Award winner. Per PFF, out of 80 cornerbacks with more than 600 snaps in 2024, Washington CBs ranked 66th, 78th and 79th.

Think you mean Drake Maye at New England..which is an easy mistake cause I couldn't even remember his name for a minute

[Jarveaux]

59 minutes ago, Jarveaux said:

I agree with you completely, with the statement Los Angeles Rams best fit for Quinn Ewers . It would be so great if he would land there. Be a great reunion for Quinn & J. Whitt. to be back together.  

If Quinn was fortunate to get picked by the Rams it would be 26 pk. In 1st. Round .

[ArizonaLonghorn]

1 hour ago, 4thandFive said:

I can see Helm to the Cowboys 

Great news for all you Dallas fans, Dak says the Cowboys are "very close" to competing with the Eagles.

I mean, the Eagles only won this year's games against the Boys 34-6 in Dallas and 41-7 in Philly, but oh so close.