NFL Draft 2025 Buzz: Cowboys, Steelers Eye Rising Stars — Schwesinger, Nolen, Burden, and More Fuel Speculation Frenzy

While not a traditional top-30 visit, UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger recently held a private pro day in Los Angeles, drawing representatives from all 30 NFL teams, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Though not an exhaustive list, Schefter highlighted that the Cowboys, Giants, Saints, Chargers, and Broncos were among those present. Notably, linebacker coaches from Dallas, New York, and New Orleans reportedly held private meetings with Schwesinger.

Although Schwesinger is not universally considered the top linebacker prospect in this year’s draft class, he is frequently projected as the second-best off-ball linebacker behind Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell—or third if Georgia’s versatile Jalon Walker is included in the mix. While there has been some speculation that Schwesinger could sneak into the late first round, most analysts believe he will likely be selected early on Day 2. Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda notes it would be surprising to see him drop beyond the first half of the second round.

Elsewhere, the Cowboys have been particularly active as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches. On Friday, the team hosted their exclusive “Dallas Day,” an event that allows them to meet draft-eligible players without it counting toward their top-30 visit limit. According to FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz, North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton was among the attendees. Hampton’s draft stock has surged recently, with many expecting him to join Ashton Jeanty as a first-round pick. Jeanty was also present at the event, though it remains unclear whether this appearance counts as his previously reported top-30 visit with Dallas.

Other notable prospects at Dallas Day included Texas A&M defensive tackle Shemar Turner, Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon, TCU wide receivers Savion Williams and Jack Bech, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and offensive lineman Cameron Williams, along with Miami’s Elijah Arroyo and Damien Martinez, who play tight end and running back, respectively.

Walter Nolen, a standout defensive tackle from Ole Miss, was also at the event. He is set to continue his pre-draft tour with visits to the Panthers on Monday and the Bengals later in the week, as reported by Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2. Joining him in Carolina will be Boston College edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku, per The Athletic’s Joe Person. Ezeiruaku, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, has drawn increasing attention from scouts and is currently projected as an early Day 2 selection.

Turner, who already met with the Saints, has a packed visit schedule ahead. According to Wilson, he’s also visited the Texans and is set to meet with the Ravens, Rams, Eagles, Dolphins, Colts, Buccaneers, and Cardinals—indicating strong interest across the league.

Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden recently completed a top-30 visit with the Broncos, according to Mike Klis of 9NEWS. Though his production dipped in 2024 following a breakout sophomore season, Burden’s raw potential makes him a fringe first-round candidate. Denver is reportedly eager to add more offensive firepower to support young quarterback Bo Nix.

Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond, another sought-after prospect, has been actively making the rounds. We previously reported his visits to teams like the Falcons, Bears, Packers, and Rams. Now, KPRC 2’s Wilson reports that Bond also dined with the Bills ahead of a private workout and scheduled visits with the Browns and Packers. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler adds that the Chiefs and Titans are also on Bond’s upcoming itinerary.

Lastly, Brooke Pryor of ESPN reports that the Steelers recently hosted a large group of prospects. Among them were Texas wideout Matthew Golden, Florida State cornerback Azareye’h Thomas, Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson, and Pittsburgh tight end Gavin Bartholomew. Pryor also notes that the Steelers are among the teams to have hosted South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori, who’s rapidly climbing draft boards. Emmanwori has also arranged visits with the Falcons, Panthers, Seahawks, Bengals, and Dolphins, solidifying his status as a potential first-round pick.

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