The Miami Dolphins have unveiled new jersey numbers for 18 players, with notable changes including wide receiver Malik Washington switching from No. 83 to No. 6, previously worn by linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. Excitingly, former Jets and Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson will don the No. 0 jersey, following in the footsteps of wide receiver Braxton Berrios. The Dolphins have also assigned No. 8 to Alexander Mattison and No. 18 to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, both previously held by Jevón Holland and Tyler Huntley. As Miami prepares for the 2025 NFL draft, they have 70 players signed and hold 10 total selections, including the 13th overall pick in the first round.

The New Orleans Saints have established a successful pattern of selecting defensive backs in the second and third rounds, especially since 2015. Notable names like Paulson Adebo and Marcus Williams became starters right away, enhancing the team's defensive strength. With Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor set to start this upcoming season, there's a pressing need for a strong cornerback to complement their lineup. Trey Amos and Shavon Revel are potential picks for the second round, but with a projected rush on cornerbacks, the Saints could find themselves needing to settle for a lesser talent if they don’t act fast. Drafting has been fruitful in the past, but the challenge lies in balancing offensive needs with defensive depth.

The upcoming 2025 NFL Draft is a reminder that the journey from college to the pros is fraught with unpredictability. While some players, like Patrick Mahomes, become franchise cornerstones despite being overlooked, others find success after leaving their initial teams.

Quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Geno Smith illustrate this trend. Mayfield, once the top pick of the Browns, rebounded as the leader of the Buccaneers, throwing 69 touchdowns in two seasons. Similarly, Geno Smith, drafted by the Jets, finally found his rhythm in Seattle, delivering an electrifying campaign in 2022.

Running back Saquon Barkley's talent was evident in New York, yet injuries led him to a record-breaking season with the Eagles. A.J. Brown similarly thrived after a trade from the Titans to the Eagles, significantly elevating Jalen Hurts’ performance. Meanwhile, Trent Williams and Demario Davis exemplify defensive success stories, performing at elite levels post-transition. As teams gear up for the draft, the potential for transforming overlooked talent into superstars remains alive and well.

Shemar Stewart's draft prospects have come under scrutiny due to his underwhelming statistics, with only 4.5 career sacks at Texas A&M. Despite being a physical specimen with impressive combine numbers, he emphasizes that stats do not accurately reflect his contributions on the field. Stewart explains that he focused on team success over personal accolades, stating, 'I wasn't a sack-chasing warrior. I just wanted to become the best player for my team.' His rapid time to first pressure at 2.43 seconds shows potential for improvement in finishing plays.

Stewart believes that the surrounding talent at A&M allowed him to play a less prominent role, yet he is confident in his ability to thrive in a more independent defensive role at the NFL level. With teams like the New Orleans Saints interested, scouts will weigh his physical abilities against his production. Ultimately, Stewart aims to prove his value as a disruptive force in the NFL.