NFL draft confidential: College coaches' surprise moves, sleeper picks - ESPN

Some college coaches spend the final weekend of April wrapping up spring practice. Others are hitting the road or preparing for a recruiting push.

But most carve out time and join millions of other Americans in watching the NFL draft. Well, perhaps not Curt Cignetti of Indiana, the reigning national champion. While other college coaches joined top prospects in Pittsburgh or at their homes, Cignetti scheduled IU's spring game on the same night as Round 1, which kicked off, as expected, with Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza going No. 1.

«You get so absorbed in your [current] team, you talk about turning the page,» Cignetti told ESPN days before the draft. «But I'm excited for all of them. They've earned that day. I'm excited to see where they all land.»

The excitement is shared by coaches around college football, who bring distinct perspectives to draft evaluation. They have coached the prospects, scouted them as recruits or opponents, and are able to recognize the traits, best fits, potential problems, position values and more.

I spoke with head coaches and coordinators in every Power 4 league, ahead of and after the draft, to gather opinions on what ultimately unfolded April 24-26 in Pittsburgh.

Here's the evaluation of the NFL draft through the eyes of college coaches.

(Note: Coaches are listed according to their roles during the 2025 season.)

In a draft light on top-end quarterbacks, Alabama's Ty Simpson generated significant debate. The Los Angeles Rams' selection of Simpson at No. 13 rattled the first night of the draft.

Simpson, who spent only one season as Alabama's starter, never seriously challenged Mendoza for the No. 1 spot. Still, there was optimism, both internally at Alabama and beyond, that he would