The New York Giants are looking to replace Saquon Barkley with Ashton Jeanty, a running back prospect from Boise State, following their decision not to retain Barkley, who went on to win a Super Bowl. Meanwhile, the likelihood of Shedeur Sanders being drafted by the New Orleans Saints appears slim, as the Cleveland Browns may pick Travis Hunter first. The NFL Draft is approaching, and teams are weighing their options for skill positions as they prepare for the future.

In a mock draft focusing solely on skill players, the Tennessee Titans are projected to select quarterback Cam Ward first overall, as they haven't made significant moves at quarterback in free agency. The Cleveland Browns should target wide receiver Travis Hunter to bolster their offense after losing Amari Cooper. Other notable picks include the New York Jets drafting tight end Tyler Warren and the New England Patriots opting for wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.

Three quarterbacks are poised to make early splashes in the upcoming NFL Draft, with the Tennessee Titans expected to select Cam Ward as their franchise quarterback. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns are anticipated to bolster their defense with Abdul Carter, while the New York Giants eye Travis Hunter, a versatile WR/CB, to enhance their options on both sides of the ball. The Las Vegas Raiders are set to draft Shedeur Sanders as they bring in veteran Geno Smith to mentor the young talent.

This year's draft is less about the depth of the quarterback class and more about strategic needs, which could see teams prioritize other positions in the early rounds. As teams focus on building strong defensive lines, expect intriguing picks throughout the first round.

In the latest episode of 'Mock Draft Monday,' Trevor Sikkema joins host Matt Harmon to discuss intriguing prospects from his most recent mock draft. Notably, the New England Patriots are set to explore wide receiver talent, eyeing Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan, while the Philadelphia Eagles have an interest in Missouri's Luther Burden III. Both teams could bolster their offensive strategies with these selections.

Further along the draft, Sikkema highlights defensive upgrades, featuring Michigan's Mason Graham targeted by the San Francisco 49ers and cornerback Will Johnson who may find a home with the Arizona Cardinals. Additionally, potential sleeper running back R.J. Harvey from UCF is gaining traction, expected to appeal to teams looking for value in the later rounds.

The Philadelphia Eagles have made headlines by signing running back Saquon Barkley to a stunning two-year contract extension worth $41.2 million, establishing him as the highest-paid running back in NFL history. This deal is particularly noteworthy as it makes Barkley the first running back to surpass $20 million per year, with an additional $15 million available through incentives and escalators. This extension comes just a year into Barkley’s previous three-year contract, reflecting the Eagles' confidence in his performance after a stellar season that contributed to their Super Bowl victory.

Despite concerns about the wear and tear on running backs as they age, Barkley demonstrated exceptional ability during the previous season, maintaining his status as a top fantasy commodity. His skill in breaking away from defenders and accumulating yards positions him as a high-upside option for fantasy players heading into the 2025 season.

The NFL Combine showcased its usual spectacle as the receivers and running backs shined, drawing significant attention from scouts and fans alike. This year marked a rare occasion where five running backs sprinted the 40-yard dash in under 4.41 seconds, with notable performances from Bhayshul Tuten, Jaydon Blue, Brashard Smith, RJ Harvey, and Montrell Johnson. The depth of this running back class is apparent, and despite the New York Giants not needing a running back, they may still consider this talented group on Day 3.

On the quarterback front, Alabama's Jalen Milroe opted not to run or participate in drills, likely to preserve his top status as the most athletic quarterback in the class. The wide receivers also impressed, with ten running under 4.40 seconds, a feat not seen since 2012. Matthew Golden led the charge with a blistering 4.29 seconds. As these prospects continue to rise, Day 3 will be pivotal for teams looking to enhance their rosters with speed and talent.