One of the underestimations regarding the NFL draft and drafting process is how important a rough fit is. Of course, there are more prospects who are scheme divers (Travis Hunters of the World), but having the right scheme and the right system to optimize those people can turn them from very good players to the best players in the world.
I think the 2025 draft class is a really good example of a good person on a particular scheme or team. Using the top 10 of the NFL Post-NFL Combine Big Board, analyze the best schematics for each guy at the top of the class, regardless of his draft position.
1. Edge Abdul Carter: Tennessee Taitan
I know this might look like Copout, but the Titans have a guy like Carter on the team with great schemes and needs. Carter turns the corner and wins with speed and violence. This could be mobilized in Tennessee, where there are already prominent interior pass rushes such as DT Jeffrey Simmons. In New England's Harold Landry III, Tennessee lacks edge depth, releasing an Abdul Carter-sized hole on the outside.
2. CB/WR Travis Hunter: Green Bay Packers
The Packers are located where more production can be used from the cornerback spot, but the sleazy need for them lies in the wide receivers. They can maintain their health and consistently catch passes even when no one is outside. Enter the hunter that could be a solution in both corners or receivers. I love Hunter as a corner. He can influence defense because his ball skills and instincts make more sense. CB Jaire Alexander is on his way out of Green Bay, and the Packers need a CB1. The Hunter is the ideal fit there.
3. RB Ashton Jeanti: Chicago Bears
Within the perfect dream fit of every dream, Jeanti to Chicago makes too much sense. Some people in the Bears RB room do not accurately affect them. D'Andre Swift is a back boom or bust style, while Roshun Johnson is more of a thumper than a home run batter. Jeanty can do both. This is a tackle break machine that can be explosive as a runner and receiver. Behind the improved offensive line, Jeanty was able to take off in the NFL instantly.
4. DT Mason Graham: San Francisco 49ers
I think Graham is a scheme innovative ball, a wrecking ball that uses leverage and technique to win in the interior, despite its short arms. However, he is at his best on a four-down defense, and can win as a sharp three-technique by setting fire from the ball. The 49ers are looking for players like Graham who can influence the run game and push vertically as a pass rush on defensive tackle.
5. TeTyler Warren: New York Jets
At the OC Tanner Engstrand of the New Jets from Detroit, I think they can go to the market to find their own Samra Porta. Warren is a post-catch monster and has a wide catch radius that helps him in the toughest areas of the field. Jeremy Ruckert and Stone Smart are currently the top two tight ends on the roster. It's not a great start to your position in New York. Warren will add a boost soon.
6. S Malaki Starks: Baltimore Ravens
I think Starks was a victim of the fatigue draft, but he is an incredibly versatile player who played on Georgia roofs in 2023, and ended up becoming more nickel and playing man coverage in 2024 without missing too many beats. Starks' versatility and ball production make too much sense in Baltimore. There, you either play nickel with Kyle Hamilton for deep safety, or you'll return Hamilton to nickel and have Starks play deeper.
7. Edge/lb Jaron Walker: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This was the first team and prediction fit that I came up with when I created this story. Bucs' HC Todd Bowles loves versatility from the front 7 defender, and Walker may be one of the most versatile defensive outlooks of the entire draft. He is a hammer that comes downhill and I think he can survive on the edge despite not having the ideal length for that position. Bowles can move the walker from the outside out of the ball, very similar to what the commander does with LB Frankie Lub. Also, some of the issues that the Bucs had with pass rushes are helped along with issues from the ball.
8. Edgeschemer Stewart: Carolina Panthers
The Panthers were one of the worst teams in the NFL last season, especially in defending runs along the edge. They didn't address this place to too many places with free agency, but Stewart makes a lot of sense here. He's not a perfect outlook, but his blend of speed and power and protecting his strength would fit well with Carolina. Additionally, he makes a wide and wide play that can continue developing as a pass rusher.
9. CB Will Johnson: Miami Dolphins
Johnson and the Dolphins are the fits I think make a lot of sense. After CB Jalen Ramsey, the dolphin cornerback room is in a very bad strait. Johnson's physicality and instinct are quartered, and by covering two types of defenses, he can make more plays with the ball, like he did in Michigan. Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver is a pupil of Mike MacDonald and it makes too much sense to link the two, as Johnson succeeded in such a kind of defense.
10. Office lady Campbell: Houston Texans
Finding the best one for Campbell can be a little difficult. Because Campbell can be a good tackle, but he may be an incredible security guard inside. A team that can use his versatility anywhere can be the best for him. Try to become a tackle for him and then kick him to guard if that doesn't work.
Join the Houston Texans. The Texans need help almost everywhere along the offensive front. Campbell is a technically sound player with incredible core strength and has a profile as one of the best pass protectors in its class. Adding a player like Campbell to the Texans will help fill in the tackle and guard holes, but it gives Houston an impact player up front.
