2025 NFL draft: Best rookie team fits, perfect landing spots - ESPN

The 2025 NFL draft provided plenty of strong prospect-team matches across the 257 picks. But which players are best set up for success?

I wanted to highlight my 15 favorite fits, factoring in traits, schemes, playcalling tendencies and coaching staffs around the league. Who landed in an ideal spot? I tried to include a few first-rounders and a few players taken later in the draft — including one Day 3 pick.

Here's my annual list of best fits, starting with an instant-impact defensive tackle in the AFC. The prospects are listed below by draft order.

Jump to:
Round 1 | Rounds 2-4

Drafted: Round 1, No. 5

Why he fits: Graham's ability to generate interior disruption is a boost for the Browns' defensive front, where he will play as a 3-technique tackle in Jim Schwartz's system. The foot quickness, hand usage and short-area burst led Graham to 17.5 tackles for loss over his three seasons at Michigan.

But let's not forget about Schwartz's ability to scheme for Graham out of multiple fronts as a pass rusher, too. In Cleveland's defense, Graham can use his movement skills on stunts and loops, while also getting the interior one-on-one matchups. And don't be surprised to see him rush as a stand-up nose tackle against centers.

Drafted: Round 1, No. 8

Why he fits: Under coach Dave Canales, McMillan will quickly become a priority target for quarterback Bryce Young from multiple alignments. McMillan can play Z receiver next to the tight end, but I like him best as the boundary X in Canales' system. From the latter position, he can create isolation matchups for Young downfield. And out of slot alignments, his 6-foot-4 frame presents issues for opposing defenses.

Plus, McMillan can be schemed on in-breaking concepts, where he can use his