PFSN’s Top 100 NFL Draft Prospect Big Board: Abdul Carter, Cam Ward, Travis Hunter Highlight Impressive Class

The 2025 NFL Draft is nearly here! PFSN has put together our top 100 NFL Draft Prospect Big Board rankings to highlight where we think each prospect should end up being selected. In an impressive class with questions at some of the most important positions like quarterback, where teams rank these players could be anyone’s guess.

Abdul Carter, EDGE | Penn State

Abdul Carter is the top-ranked prospect on PFN’s board, and a blue-chip EDGE talent in the 2025 NFL Draft. It’s an impressive feat, considering that 2024 was his first season playing EDGE full-time. As one might expect, being a young EDGE at just 6’3″, 250 pounds, Carter still has room to improve his run defense, and he’s never going to be immovable against combos and duo blocks.

But as a pass-rusher and pursuit threat, Carter has a kind of instant explosiveness and closing speed that’s near-impossible to replicate, and he builds upon that generational burst with speed-to-power, wicked bend capacity, and strong, intentional hand usage. Additionally, his off-ball background gives him the versatility to rush gaps, disguise blitzes, and drop in coverage. At his peak, he can be an absolute game-wrecker.

Cameron Ward, QB | Miami (FL)

Cam Ward is the QB1 of the 2025 NFL Draft. He’s been productive for a long time, but he realized his full potential in his lone year at Miami. Blue-chip QB prospects usually have the raw talent to set themselves apart. That’s where Ward earns his stripes. He’s a deadly creative presence under center, with truly uncommon arm elasticity, weaponized by his change-of-direction, improvisational feel, and budding football IQ.

With his ball handling and smooth distribution style, he can command the quick game, and with his playmaking propensity, he can make big-time throws in adverse situations. It’s tough to pin down a pro comparison for Ward, but if he can continue to hone his gunslinger predisposition for maximum efficiency and lower volatility, he could grow to be mentioned in the same breath as the game’s best creators at QB today.

Travis Hunter, CB | Colorado

Travis Hunter enters the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the best prospects in the class, and he also profiles as one of most intriguing players in recent memory since he legitimately qualifies as a top-five pick at two positions. He is truly a one-of-one type of NFL prospect. Hunter possesses below-average overall size and length, but offers a once-in-a-generation type of overall athleticism.

As a wide receiver, Hunter can use his elite burst, bend, and speed to carve up coverage defenders and offer RAC dynamism, and as a cornerback, he can match, transition, blanket WRs in trail, read routes, and hawk in front of passes. His mobility profile is generational, as are his ball skills, and that combination is lethal on either side of the ball.

Mason Graham, DT | Michigan

Mason Graham is a well-built interior disruptor with outstanding first-step quickness and good overall athleticism. He lacks prototypical length for the position but makes up for it with quickness, power, and instincts. As a pass rusher, Graham displays elite explosiveness and penetration ability, stressing interior offensive linemen up gaps.

He can create angle advantages with his burst and agility, and then capitalize on mismatches with his violent torque and power output. Graham is a very loose mover for his size and shows outstanding body control and flexibility, and his low center of gravity infuses his leverage game in both phases. His middling length can cause him to lurch at times, but overall, he’s a phenomenal two-phase prospect with impact starter upside.

Will Campbell, OT | LSU

Will Campbell has the size, strength, agility, and football IQ to step in right away as a starting offensive lineman, just as he did at LSU. His upright blocking stance makes him a unique prospect to watch, but more often than not, he makes it work.

Projecting him at the next level, Campbell seems to have enough range on tape to stick around as a left tackle. His average arm length is his biggest question mark, as there are some instances on tape where edge rushers can enter his chest with long-arm moves and bull rushes.

Nevertheless, he compensates for his length deficiency with elite athleticism, footwork, and rare compact power and torquing freedom. Factoring his talent, experience for his age, and positional value, he’s worthy of a top-10 pick, and potentially top-5 capital for the right team.

Ashton Jeanty, RB | Boise State

You’ve heard it since the start of the 2025 NFL Draft cycle: Ashton Jeanty is different. We’re here to confirm that he is. Entering the cycle, Jeanty was PFN’s highest-graded RB since Bijan Robinson. He remains on that podium. College football watchers in the know expected Barry Sanders-esque numbers from Jeanty in 2024, and he got close.

Jeanty’s legendary 2024 campaign placed him second all-time behind Sanders in single-season rushing yards with 2,601, at 7 yards per carry. Jeanty racked up 30 total touchdowns last season, including 29 scores on the ground, en route to a second-place finish in Heisman Trophy voting.

At 5’8 1/2″ and an almost 220-pound playing weight, Jeanty brings a devastating elusion fusion to the fold — using his low center of gravity, elite explosiveness and agility, sharp vision and creative instincts, and physical edge to terrorize defenders every week. And on top of all this, he’s a dynamic, well-versed receiving weapon.

Shedeur Sanders, QB | Colorado

Perhaps the most polarizing prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft class, Shedeur Sanders comes in as our QB2. There’s no disputing Sanders’ production or his pedigree. The debate comes within his projection. Sanders makes his money with accuracy, confidence — a product of his processing and pre-snap ID skills — and composure, and his arm is more than good enough. But he’s not a high-level athlete or creator and his arm isn’t quite elite.

Sanders also has a tendency to drift in the pocket and play light on his feet, which can be harmful at times. A potential pro comparison for Sanders is Brock Purdy — the 2022 seventh-rounder who grew into a Pro Bowl passer with the San Francisco 49ers. Sanders is undersized and unequipped with elite talent, but with his accuracy, ID acuity, and gamer mentality, he can be a very good NFL starter in a system that offers support.

Armand Membou, OT | Missouri

Armand Membou is a powerful, athletic right tackle who brings a rare combination of strength and technique. A standout at Missouri, he thrived against top-tier pass rushers, proving himself as one of the most battle-tested blockers in the country. He still has room to grow before reaching the elite technical tier as a pass protector and run blocker, but his effectiveness and athleticism are unquestionable.

Arguably no offensive lineman in the country faced more high-quality pass rushers than Membou. Likewise, no blocker consistently found a way to disallow pressures and sacks against top-notch competition the way Membou did.

Membou has an elite blend of size, length, mass, explosiveness, and corrective athleticism, and he excels at playing square, with stellar leverage and balance. Any move to the left side will require projection, but at right tackle or guard, he can make an impact early.

Will Johnson, CB | Michigan

Will Johnson is an intelligent cornerback with all the physical tools needed to thrive at the NFL level. He’s tall and lean, and moves with impressive pace and fluidity in coverage. The physical tools are obvious, but the playmaking mentality and route recognition make him a top-12 prospect. He gets the most out of his tools because of his swift processing speed and aggression in coverage.

That proactivity jumping routes can come back to bite him sometimes, but more often than not, it helps Johnson make plays other cornerbacks simply can’t, and that same proactivity shows up in run support. With his size, athleticism, mental game, and turnover-generating chops, he’s a difference-maker on the boundary with legitimate CB1 potential in the NFL.

Tetairoa McMillan, WR | Arizona

Big-bodied wideouts who at times appear over-reliant on contested catches are always polarizing throughout the NFL Draft process. On the surface, Tetairoa McMillan seems to fit that archetype — yet, defiantly, his agility and separation potential serve as two of his best traits.

At 6’4″, 219 pounds, McMillan has truly elite short-area quickness, bend, flexibility, and stop-and-start capacity as a route runner. He brings enough speed and burst to the fold, has nuanced spatial IQ, and plays like a power forward at the catch point.

The biggest question mark for McMillan is whether he can be a true WR1, or whether he profiles more as a high-end WR2. Early in his career, he might function better as the latter, but his quickness and size suggest he can expand his release package and eventually morph into a number one.

Tyler Warren, TE | Penn State

A potential Top 10 pick, Tyler Warren combines an ultra-reliable clutch gene with all-encompassing offensive versatility. Warren dominated to the tune of 104 catches for 1,233 yards, with eight receiving touchdowns in 2024. He also added 218 yards on 26 carries, plus four rushing touchdowns.

The Penn State offense ran entirely through his bulky 6-foot-5, 256-pound frame, and NFL teams will have a chance to emulate that. In every phase, Warren presents as a scout’s dream. He’s an efficient route runner who catches virtually everything, even with defenders inside his frame.

He’s an explosive and physical RAC threat, an offensive weapon, and a central presence who makes teams better. He’ll need to improve his hand application as a blocker, but even there, he brings the play pace and physicality to be an instant contributor.

Jalon Walker, LB | Georgia

Jalon Walker’s projection to the NFL is extremely unique. He has the build and athletic tools of an inside linebacker but found success at Georgia by being deployed primarily as a blitzing pass rusher and attacking SAM-backer.

A prospect as athletic as Walker will likely find a successful role in the NFL, but there are debates surrounding what the best role for him is. Walker doesn’t have high-end gap instincts or coverage ability, nor does he have the size to consistently set the edge and encumber duo blocks.

That said, he’s an explosive QB spy and pursuit threat, a capable pull slabber, and a wide-alignment menace with a sound speed-to-power profile. In the right defensive system with a creative, forward-thinking defensive coordinator, Walker can flourish.

Shemar Stewart, EDGE | Texas A&M

An upside gamble in every sense of the word, Shemar Stewart has become one of the most polarizing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. At 6’5″, 267 pounds, with over 34″ arms, he tested as the most athletic EDGE prospect ever, with a 4.59 40-yard dash, a 40″ vertical, and a 10’11” broad jump.

On the flip side, he never eclipsed 1.5 sacks in a single season at the collegiate level, and has startlingly low production rates as both a pass-rusher and run-stopper. The tape tells a story you might expect: Stewart has rare explosiveness, twitch, and energy for his size, and can channel his traits into awesome power, but he’s also very inconsistent and uncontrolled right now.

At the very least, he can play from different alignments and play contain, and at his max potential, his ceiling is as high as can be — but it also may take him at least a couple years to near that ceiling.

Kelvin Banks Jr., OT | Texas

Kelvin Banks Jr. has all the physical attributes needed to be a high-level starting offensive lineman at the NFL level. He has the athletic traits that scouts drool over at the offensive tackle position. He’s a natural mover with quick feet and impressive short-area explosiveness.

Thanks to his low center of gravity and determined tenacity, he’s capable of driving defenders off the ball. He still stands to improve his hand usage and timing, as premature punches can contribute to lurches and lapses in balance.

Nevertheless, there’s plenty to like with Banks. He’s a former five-star recruit, a team captain, and a translatable talent at both tackle and guard, and his ability to get out in space and finish separates him from most.

Matthew Golden, WR | Texas

Though he broke out late as a 2025 NFL Draft prospect, Matthew Golden has plenty of desirable qualities as a potential high-end movement-Z and impact starter at the NFL level.

At 5’11”, 191 pounds, Golden’s 4.29 40-yard dash has caused many to bill him as a speed WR primarily, but that’s a misconception. He certainly has high-end speed and burst, but he wins with his fluid and twitched-up mobility as a separator, and his liquid-smooth catch-point skills.

With a vast route tree, a prolific separation framework, slippery RAC ability, and stalwart conversion skills, Golden is a complete offensive catalyst, in the mold of Chris Olave or T.Y. Hilton.

Mike Green, EDGE | Marshall

Mike Green’s dismissal from Virginia must be properly vetted, but if he passes the character check for NFL teams, he has the talent to be a top-15 player in the 2025 NFL Draft. Green is the most prolific pass-rush producer in the class, coming off a 2024 campaign that featured 17 sacks and 23 TFLs.

At 6’3″, 251 pounds, with 32″ arms, Green’s length and mass are visibly non-elite, but Green nonetheless terrorizes tackles with his explosiveness, bend, agility, and thorough execution.

His three-cone time near the 99th percentile is evidence of his athleticism and fluidity, and he also has surprising play strength as an edge-setter in run support. Best utilized as a wide-alignment rusher in odd and hybrid-front schemes, Green has impact starter potential.

Colston Loveland, TE | Michigan

Colston Loveland is right in the thick of the TE1 conversation, and in any class without Brock Bowers or Tyler Warren, Loveland would very likely be the unequivocal TE1. Injuries and incompetent quarterback play impacted Loveland’s production in 2024, and yet, he still achieved a career-high 56 catches and five touchdowns, while racking up 582 yards.

While Warren is more complete, Loveland has the higher pass-game ceiling. At 6’6″ and almost 250 pounds, Loveland moves with truly logic-defying flexibility and bend, which lends itself to elite route-running ability. His route tree is all-encompassing, leveraging razor-sharp instincts, with unmatched athleticism that makes him a mismatch nightmare.

Derrick Harmon, DT | Oregon

There’s something to be said about a DT who’s reliable in both phases of the game. Whether you need a pass-rushing catalyst or a stout run defender with two-gapping ability, Oregon’s Derrick Harmon has what you need.

That’s why he’s a popular Round 1 target. At around 6’4 1/2″ and a playing weight of 320 pounds, with over 34″ arms, Harmon outmatches many blockers off size alone. In the run game, his anchor strength and shedding ability can be overwhelming, and his violent hands erode blocks on the rush.

Harmon’s pad level can drift high at times, and he has moderate hip stiffness, which can limit his versatility as a stunting lineman. That said, as a two-gapping Goliath with a ruthless power element and motor in the passing game, Harmon has impact starter upside.

Malaki Starks, S | Georgia

Malaki Starks has many of the tools needed to be a high-level starter at the NFL level. He’s a well-built safety with a large catch radius and the versatility to play across the secondary. His intelligence allows him to thrive in various alignments, and he’s battle-tested as a three-year starter for a blue-blood program.

In coverage, Starks has the athleticism to cover a considerable amount of space and the processing skills to act quickly upon his reads. He aims to disrupt plays when the ball is thrown in his direction, and he can crowd WRs in nickel as well.

As a solid tackler to add onto his abilities in coverage, Starks should project well as a true starting safety with nickel versatility. Cutting down on moments of inconsistency in blind spot IQ and block take-on will be key in unlocking his full potential.

Mykel Williams, EDGE | Georgia

Mykel Williams has the ideal size and length to project seamlessly as a defensive end in a base 4-3 system. His explosiveness off the line of scrimmage is impressive, and while his pass-rush arsenal is relatively raw, he’s capable of winning as a pass rusher on stunts and with speed-to-power.

Williams pairs his elite physical attributes with a red-hot motor and an assignment-sound, role-disciplined imprint in run defense. Williams could be a player who starts slow in the NFL as a pass-rush producer, but he has tremendous growth potential.

He can be weaponized on stunts right away with his burst, power, and hip flexibility, and his high floor as a run defender insulates his profile with additional security.

Nick Emmanwori, S | South Carolina

Nick Emmanwori is one of the rarest safety talents to enter the NFL. He has the build of a linebacker but the movement skills of a compact free safety. The NFL covets speed and size at every defensive position, and Emmanwori fits the bill more than most.

With a 4.38-second 40-yard dash and a 43″ vertical jump, Emmanwori arguably had the greatest testing performance ever by a safety in Indianapolis. NFL teams have been burned by super-athletes at safety before, and to be clear, Emmanwori needs to improve his run support diagnosis and trigger before he can be a true multi-level weapon.

Nevertheless, his explosiveness is lethal as a click-and-close defender, and he has the coverage mobility and half-field vision to play two-high or big-nickel, as well as the catch-point proactivity and physicality to produce in that hybrid role. Usage is key, but his ceiling is incredibly high.

Jahdae Barron, CB | Texas

Jahdae Barron’s impact was visible on a snap-to-snap basis for the Longhorns’ impressive SEC debut. Primarily playing as an outside corner, Barron was not only a lockdown player in coverage but also a turnover machine with five interceptions in 2024.

While he was a successful playmaker on the outside, Barron best projects as a slot defender due to a lack of length. Nevertheless, Barron can be a dynamic and at times dominant slot defender, in an era where slot defenders are being valued more and more — and he still maintains his boundary versatility in zone schemes.

With his shorter arms and relatively sparse press experience, Barron won’t be for every defensive coordinator, but his two-phase playmaking imprint is unique to him, and his football IQ magnifies his blistering play pace. He’s the kind of “glue guy” who can change a secondary, and ultimately a defense.

Tyler Booker, OG | Alabama

If you’re looking for a sturdy anchor at guard who can dish out punishment as well as he can absorb it, Tyler Booker is your guy. With a low center of gravity and a thick, well-proportioned frame, Booker is very tough to move at the point of attack.

His powerful lower half helps him neutralize power rushes along the interior, and his flexibility helps him maximize his power. Booker won’t necessarily wow you in space, though he did look a bit quicker after he lost weight before the 2024 season. His hand placement needs work, though there’s a lot to like in his game elsewhere.

Given his coordination, his length at guard, his IQ and stunt vision, and his power in a phone booth, Booker could end up selected in the middle of the first round. He likely won’t be targeted by wide zone teams, but he has the makings of a quality long-term starter in power, gap, and inside zone looks.

Jihaad Campbell, LB | Alabama

Jihaad Campbell has the skillset to be a disruptive defender who can impact the game in all phases. At 6’2″, 235 pounds, with near-33″ arms, he has the size and length to pace his counterparts, and at that size, he brings truly uncommon explosive capacity, long-strider speed, and short-area quickness.

A former EDGE recruit, Campbell brings incredible pass-rush upside from the second level — not only with his burst, bend, and closing speed, but also with his understanding of angles and hand usage.

Meanwhile, in coverage, he can drop into intermediate and deep zones with keen eyes, or man up big-slot targets like a defensive back. He still needs to improve his play strength and take-on technique in the running game, and his torn labrum injury will impact his availability early in 2025. That said, if long-term vision is your priority, Campbell can be a total X-factor down the line.

Josh Simmons, OT | Ohio State

If it wasn’t for a season-ending injury, Josh Simmons could have been more widely regarded as the best offensive line prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. In the six games he started, Simmons put out some of the best and most consistent tape in the class, allowing just one QB pressure.

While his injury opens the door for other prospects to be picked before him, Simmons still should be a first-round pick and could be a top-20 selection. His physical profile and athleticism are ideal in a franchise’s cornerstone left tackle, and Simmons also has RT versatility.

He does a tremendous job of mirroring pass rushers, using his fluidity to match and stay square. He also flashes high-end driving power as a moving blocker in space, and he can knock rushers off-kilter with disorienting punches. Provided that he makes it back to full health, Simmons can start immediately, and grow into an impact player.

Walter Nolen, DT | Ole Miss

Walter Nolen is an athletic 3-technique defensive tackle, which is a valuable asset in today’s NFL. Combine that with his leap in production in 2024 and his top-notch pedigree, and it’s not hard to see why many are high on him entering the NFL.

Although he’s only 21 years old, Nolen has shown improvement as a technician. He still has more development to undergo, but the arrow is trending up, and he gives coaches an elite talent to work with. At 6’3″, 296 pounds, with over 33″ arms, Nolen’s power profile is spectacular, and his hyper-elite explosive capacity enables him to function as a battering ram when exerting power in both phases.

His pad level can drift high at times, but his raw power can be difficult for blockers to hold at bay in either phase. Gifted young prospects with production at a Power Four level simply don’t often fall out of the first round.

Grey Zabel, OG | North Dakota State

Grey Zabel is a versatile lineman with the ability to play just about anywhere along the offensive line, but likely projects best as an interior player in the NFL. With the thin center group in the 2025 NFL Draft – as well as Zabel’s accurate snaps at the Senior Bowl – he could project best as a center in this particular class.

Zabel is a powerful offensive lineman who generates serious push as a blocker on the move. He applies a “take no prisoners” mentality when he locks up at the point of attack. As a shorter-armed blocker who needs to work on his knee bend, Zabel could face some limitations at the NFL, particularly in his rookie year.

Nevertheless, Zabel is a high-end athlete with the combined size, twitch, flexibility, football IQ, violent hands, and mauler mentality to thrive at any interior spot. As he builds up his play strength, his outlook should only improve.

Nic Scourton, EDGE | Texas A&M

Nic Scourton might be the most aesthetically pleasing pass rusher in the class. He’s wise beyond his years regarding his arsenal of rush moves, and his well-developed frame is NFL-ready despite only being 20 years old. Unfortunately, gaining unnecessary weight for the 2024 season likely hurt his NFL Draft stock.

At a more “natural” weight of around 265 pounds, Scourton would still offer a steady base as an edge setter while improving his initial get-off and bend. That bend at his density is a thing to behold. His ankles allow him to run under the table, and his hips hinge smoothly to soften rush angles while his hands dissect blocks through the outside shoulder.

If he becomes more consistent as a run defender, Scourton could be one of the league’s best dual-threat EDGE defenders. His fluidity and manipulative nature as he closes the gap on blockers makes him potent on both outside rushes and inside counters, and he’s a prime candidate to move about the formation on obvious passing downs to find matchups to exploit.

Emeka Egbuka, WR | Ohio State

Emeka Egbuka is a well-built movement-Z receiver who projects as an impact NFL starter. He offers good overall size for the position and has good strength and athleticism. He primarily aligned in the slot while at Ohio State, but he has the size, athleticism, and separation IQ to move across the formation.

Egbuka is an excellent route runner, who can use head and body fakes to create separation while also using his hands to keep his body clear through stems. He’s a third-down machine who consistently gets open and moves the chains. He has extremely strong hands and outstanding body control over the middle, and after the catch, he’s tough and competitive with the ball in his hands.

Egbuka will likely never be a home-run threat at the next level, as he lacks the deep speed to stress NFL-caliber corners vertically. But ultimately, he’s a valuable high-volume Swiss army knife with multi-level and blocking utility.

James Pearce Jr., EDGE | Tennessee

Pearce is an explosive edge rusher with the athleticism and the motor to generate consistent pressure as a pass rusher. He’s shown that his combination of first-step acceleration, counter agility, and speed-to-power allows him to beat NFL-caliber offensive linemen at the point of attack on a consistent basis.

He knows what moves to use against certain offensive linemen, and he executes those moves with precise timing and placement. Though he projects better as a stand-up edge rusher in a 3-4 base defense, Pearce can rush with his hand in the dirt and could fare well in a 4-3 base system if he can add more mass to his frame.

Pearce’s run defense projection is much less clear with his lower early-down usage and below-average proportional length, and teams will have to assess his mindset. But he’s ultimately one of the most prolific pass-rush producers in the class, and his upside is tantalizing.

Jaxson Dart, QB | Ole Miss

The Lane Kiffin offense at Ole Miss is one that consistently insulates QB production, and Jaxson Dart is the latest to ascend within it. His numbers improved year-over-year in college, culminating with 4,279 passing yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024.

Now, Dart has some fringe first-round hype in the 2025 NFL Draft cycle. Looking at the physical profile, it’s easy to see why. At 6’2″, 223 pounds, he has good size, great athleticism, and toughness, plus a loose, elastic arm that can layer throws. The big question is exactly how translatable his game is to the pros.

There are flashes of window anticipation on film, but NFL progression work is scant, and he often drops his eyes under pressure. Starter potential is there, but he has work to do before he harnesses it.

Omarion Hampton, RB | North Carolina

Jeanty is the most heavily marketed Round 1 RB in the 2025 NFL Draft, but there’s another player who should hear his name called within the first 32 picks in a just world: North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton.

Having amassed 3,164 yards and 30 touchdowns over the past two seasons, Hampton has the tools to be an impact starter as a volume back in the NFL. At 6’0″, 221 pounds, his size and physicality stand out as separating traits, but he brings even more to the table.

Hampton’s speed and burst, when he’s able to find a hole, is borderline special for his size, and he has the vision and spatial awareness to tempo his runs and create second-level windows with his footwork. Additionally, while he’s not as productive as others in the receiving phase, he undoubtedly has enough in his tool box to take short passes for RAC.

Luther Burden III, WR | Missouri

Luther Burden III is a slot receiver with an impressive combination of speed, power, and agility. His 2023 campaign showed that he’s more than capable of taking on a high workload. His natural playmaking skills make him dangerous in space, and he has ball skills to spare when allowed to stretch the field vertically.

As a route runner, Burden has shown progress but still needs additional development. Granted, part of that comes down to the way he was used in college, but his route salesmanship still needs some work.

Burden should end up being an instant starting wide receiver at the NFL level. He has some inside-outside versatility with the ability to thrive on jet sweeps and end-arounds, and his YAC ability is arguably the best of any wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft class.

Tyleik Williams, DT | Ohio State

Tyleik Williams is an exciting defensive tackle prospect who possesses the kind of raw athleticism and physical tools that will get NFL decision makers excited. He is a highly disruptive run defender and is nearly impossible to block 1-on-1.

In the passing game, Williams primarily wins with his bull rush and overall motor, but he can convert speed to power, collapse the pocket, or stunt across alignments and penetrate gaps. Williams makes a ton of plays late in the down, as he never stops working even when his initial rush is stymied.

However, he does lack length, which hurts his ability to finish and pry through extensions at times. Williams must develop consistent hand counters to keep his chest clear as a rusher, but he projects as a high-upside run defender with similar potential in the passing game, and he brings inbuilt alignment versatility from 1-tech all the way to 5-tech on early downs.

Jalen Milroe, QB | Alabama

In a 2025 NFL Draft QB class that lacks abundance, Jalen Milroe is the high-upside gamble who could steal general managers’ hearts. Milroe’s passing production was pedestrian in 2024, but his 3,570 total yards and 36 total scores (20 ground touchdowns) put a spotlight on his ultimate potential.

Top to bottom, there may not be a 2025 QB prospect with a ceiling as high. He’s an elite athlete and a dynamic running threat at 6’2″, 217 pounds, and he has a rocket launcher attached to his right shoulder.

He’ll also check boxes as a leader and competitor. Despite all this, Milroe wasn’t able to put it all together in college. His mechanics are trending up. His accuracy and operational efficiency could follow suit. Front-office executives across the league will have to decide how early they’re willing to take a top-flight talent with unproven effectiveness.

Shavon Revel, CB | East Carolina

Shavon Revel Jr. has a combination of height, length, and speed that you just can’t teach at the cornerback position. His physical tools alone would get him on the radar of NFL teams, but he maximizes well with a high football IQ.

Revel can read and mirror route concepts well, and he’s able to process and act on break angles in zone. His ball-tracking skills and long arms amount to exemplary playmaking chops, just as his length, along with his physicality, enables him to dictate in press-man coverage.

Revel wasn’t always tested to the highest degree by his competition in college, and he’s also coming off a torn ACL. Those two factors muddy his projection somewhat. That said, Revel is reported to be on track for a full recovery, and assuming he is, he’s one of the highest-ceiling CB prospects in the class.

Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE | Boston College

The sack production from 2024 speaks volumes, but Donovan Ezeiruaku’s tape is flooded with pro-ready technique. He uses his hands incredibly well, and he plays with relentless passion when he’s chasing down the ball.

His sack total doesn’t just consist of proverbial empty calories; Ezeiruaku earns his sacks with active rush angle manipulation and intelligent hand application and counter work, emboldened by his natural leverage, burst, bend, and proportional length. Because of his smaller frame, Ezeiruaku could struggle against the run early in his NFL career.

Additionally, while he has good tools overall, he doesn’t quite have elite size-adjusted speed and burst. Still, as a stand-up outside linebacker in a base 3-4 system, Ezeiruaku has the skill set to be a solid starter fairly early in his career, particularly on pass-rushing downs.

Kenneth Grant, DT | Michigan

Kenneth Grant is one of the most explosive DT prospects over 330 pounds to enter the NFL Draft. He fits into a rare player category with his high-level blend of size, burst, and power. With his size and lower body strength, he demands significant attention from opposing offensive lines on a snap-to-snap basis, particularly in the run game.

His physical profile is ideal for eating blockers, freeing up linemates and the linebackers navigating traffic behind him, and he can also ID blocks and stack-and-shed with his length.

On top of his easily visible run defense utility, Grant also flashes brightly as a pass-rusher, showcasing impressive agility, fluidity, and torquing freedom for his size. He has room to further refine his pass-rush ability, and conditioning will be a constant point of emphasis, but Grant is a unique two-phase talent at nose tackle, who could grow to be a high-end starter within his niche.

Donovan Jackson, OG | Ohio State

Donovan Jackson has been on the NFL Draft radar since he joined the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2021 as a five-star recruit. He went on to start 31 games at left guard and the final nine games of his career at left tackle — in a championship run that opened evaluators’ eyes. Jackson’s ability to play tackle in a pinch is extremely valuable, and teams can’t ignore that.

Still, Jackson likely projects better as a guard at the NFL level. He’s not the most flexible in his midsection or on recovery, and that could be a limiting factor outside. On the interior, Jackson has a perfect build. He’s low-to-the-ground and hyper-dense at 6’4″, 315 pounds, with near-34″ arms.

He has great lateral mobility, clean pass sets, forceful and active hands, power in both phases, and the core strength to absorb. With inbuilt security and versatility up front, as well as long-term upside, Jackson is a great prospect to invest in.

Xavier Watts, S | Notre Dame

Watts is a versatile defender who displays the ability to play single high, as a split safety, and in the box as a rover. A ball magnet with 13 INTs through 2023 and 2024, Watts creates turnovers at an abnormally high clip.

He doesn’t have elite speed, but excels anyway with his elite processing ability, instincts, recalibration quickness, and fluidity. Watts’ awareness and feel shine on the back end, and he has the short-area energy to plant and drive on the football.

In run support, he’s tough and physical, displaying a quick trigger, comfort running alleys, and tenacity at contact. In man coverage, Watts is competitive with his frame density and movement skills, but can struggle at the breakpoint, and his speed limits his efficacy in vertical trail.

As such, Watts is best in roles where he can play spacing and roam with confidence. In those roles, he has the mental acuity, competitiveness, coverage mobility, and playmaking propensity to be a quality starter.

Benjamin Morrison, CB | Notre Dame

Benjamin Morrison primarily aligned outside for the Fighting Irish and was often tasked with shadowing the opposing team’s No. 1 option — a challenge he never backed down from. He broke out as a true freshman and boasted elite ball production when healthy, but an injury-riddled 2024 campaign sullied his NFL Draft stock for teams.

How Morrison recovers from his hip injury will be key for evaluators, as hip injuries can be tricky for redirection and coverage mobility. That said, Morrison is trending up, and when he’s fresh, he’s one of the best man coverage defenders in the class.

With his effervescent quickness, competitive mentality, and short-area twitch, he can function as a gnat in press, and that same disruptive imprint shows up at the catch point. At his best in 2022 and 2023, Morrison looked like a first-round talent. With any luck, he can get back to that level.

Josh Conerly Jr., OT | Oregon

Josh Conerly Jr. has tremendous athleticism and body control. His foot speed and redirection ability insulate his range as a blocker, making it easier for him to execute blocking assignments on the move.

Though he projects best in a more zone-oriented running system, he has thrived in gap assignments as well. Conerly’s natural leverage and coordination make it easier for him to climb to the second level and drive linebackers. He’s obviously bigger and stronger than the off-ball defenders he goes up against, but his precision and fluidity on the move allow him to take precise angles blocking in space.

Though his play strength isn’t elite yet, Conerly did get stronger as his time at Oregon progressed. He improved how well he absorbed power at the point of attack, and if he can continue to better withstand bull rushes and stabs, his ceiling is high. He’s athletic, long enough to stick outside, and a high-IQ two-phase player.

Tre Harris, WR | Ole Miss

Tre Harris was originally a transfer from Louisiana Tech, but proved he belonged alongside top SEC competitors with an incredibly productive two-year stretch at Ole Miss. He neared 1,000 yards in 2023, and in 2024, he eclipsed that mark in just eight games, while scoring a TD on over 10% of his catches.

At 6’2″, 205 pounds, with 32″ arms, Harris has the build of a potential X-receiver, and he also has the catch-point authority to hound defensive backs. With his body control, hand strength, and attacking IQ, he controls conversion situations, but his game is also quietly complete beyond his catching ability.

While he’s not an elite vertical threat, he’s an explosive stem artist with great size-adjusted fluidity and angle freedom on in-breakers, and he can use his bend and play strength as a RAC threat, too. Bearing some similarity to prime Allen Robinson, Harris should be in heavy demand just outside of Round 1.

Mason Taylor, TE | LSU

Mason Taylor carries a top-50 grade on PFN’s board, and he has the tools to be an impact NFL starter with time. Taylor can still improve his play strength and blocking, but his ability as a receiver is unquestionable.

He’s fleet-footed, fluid, and explosive out of breaks, with sharp instincts and soft hands at the catch. And his added RAC element makes him a truly complete pass-catching presence.

A common comparison that’s been made for Taylor is former Arkansas standout and second-round pick Hunter Henry. With his skill set, Taylor can mimic Henry’s pass-game reliability, chain-moving chops, and schematic versatility to eventually become a high-end starter.

Landon Jackson, EDGE | Arkansas

With 13 sacks and 25 TFLs over the past two seasons, Landon Jackson has been one of the more productive pass-rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft on the surface. Still, his projection has some complications.

At 6’6″, 264 pounds, with near-34″ arms, Jackson played some 4i at his size, particularly on early downs. He lacks the mass to function inside full-time in the NFL, but profiles well as an even-front defensive end, who can play support at 5-tech and rush from 7-tech and wide-9.

At his size, Jackson has elite explosiveness numbers, and that trait shows up on tape, along with impressive size-adjusted flexibility. He needs to unlock more of his power element, and pass-rush consistency remains an emphasis, but in the right role, Jackson can be a high-floor, high-ceiling addition.

Carson Schwesinger, LB | UCLA

Carson Schwesinger is a dynamic linebacker known for his high football IQ and relentless playing style. He combines impressive lateral agility with a quick first step, enabling him to navigate through traffic and make plays sideline to sideline effectively. His instincts shine in both run defense and pass coverage, as he excels at reading plays, maintaining proper positioning, and disrupting passing lanes.

There are some concerns over his experience as a starter, and he is sometimes overly ambitious when it comes to his tackling angles. Additionally, his play strength taking on blocks can also improve.

That said, Schwesinger’s tackling is generally reliable, and he brings added value as a blitzer, demonstrating a knack for pressuring quarterbacks. His IQ inside the box and playmaking response, combined with his high-level zone coverage feel, gives him impact starter upside.

Trey Amos, CB | Ole Miss

Trey Amos excelled against SEC competition, showing he can hang physically and mentally with the best in college football. The combination of size, length and athleticism makes Amos a prototypical boundary cornerback from a physical perspective.

He naturally has a larger catch radius and can make impressive plays on the ball with his proactivity, but also moves as fast as a cornerback who’s a few inches shorter. As a tackler in space, Amos’ form isn’t incredibly consistent yet. But as a coverage CB, he’s one of the more well-rounded in the class.

He’s quick, fluid, and malleable in man coverage, a smooth mover and stellar processor in zone, and the type of athlete who can match laterally and limit vertical separation in the same rep. A productive career as a starter should be in his future.

TreVeyon Henderson, RB | Ohio State

TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins are graded very similarly on our 2025 NFL Draft board, but Henderson comes away with a slight edge, even though he’s a year older (22). Henderson is the type of back that every offensive coordinator would love to have in their RB room.

Henderson had no qualms about sharing the Ohio State backfield with Judkins, and even as Judkins eclipsed Henderson in carries, Henderson bested Judkins with his efficiency. He was the better goal-line option and receiving threat. At 5’10”, 202 pounds, Henderson is a compact, low-to-the-ground slasher with the burst and speed to reach the second level in a blink.

He’s physical and hyperactive, yet he’s a controlled pass-catcher and an ultra-reliable pass-protector with third-down value. That all-around ability, combined with his home-run speed, could cause him to go higher than expected on draft day.

Jaylin Noel, WR | Iowa State

Jaylin Noel might be one of the most underrated WR prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. He was productive right out of the gate at Iowa State but peaked with 81 catches for 1,194 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024.

Noel’s testing numbers at 5’10”, 194 pounds — a 4.39 40-yard dash, 41.5″ vertical, 11’2″ broad jump, 6.82 three-cone, and a bench press count of 23 — are elite across the board, and it’s reflective of a truly rare three-level skill set that Noel brings on tape.

Noel plays with supercharged energy in short areas, and he has the hyper-elite burst and speed to compound separation, threaten vertical, and extend short RAC passes for big gains.

A cherry on top is his catching reliability; he had just a 3.4% drop rate in 2024. If your offense needs a weapon, Noel can be that player.

Jonah Savaiinaea, OG | Arizona

Jonah Savaiinaea checks a lot of boxes as an early-round offensive line target. He has great size and natural leverage at 6’4″, 324 pounds, with 34″ arms. He’s an elite athlete with a documented 4.95 40-yard dash and 1.72 10-yard split — numbers that are reaffirmed by his energized athleticism and blocking range on tape.

And on top of it all, he has extensive experience at both guard and tackle, and can play both in a pinch.

He’s expressed his desire to play guard at the NFL level, and that’s likely where he projects best with his wide frame, anchor strength, and driving physicality. That said, he has enough length to stick at tackle, and he’s flashed improvement with his hand placement and timing on extensions.

At either spot, Savaiinaea can function as a rangy people-mover with a tone-setting mentality, and sturdiness in pass protection.

Wyatt Milum, OG | West Virginia

Relative to the average prospect heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, Milum is a safe projection. With proper hand placement, a high football IQ, and above-average play strength, he has the intelligence and power needed to slide into a starting NFL offensive line role from Day 1.

His zone-gap versatility as a run blocker should help him out a considerable amount, too. He’s a high-floor prospect, even though he’ll likely need to kick inside to guard due to his shorter arms.

Though his athletic upside isn’t quite elite, he’s far from a liability, with enough explosion and agility to work in small spaces. There are offensive linemen with higher ceilings in the 2025 NFL Draft than Milum, but his floor is one of the highest in the class.

Kaleb Johnson, RB | Iowa

Good things can come from Kirk Ferentz’s old-school Iowa Hawkeyes. Kaleb Johnson is one of those good things. Johnson rumbled for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns on 240 carries in 2024, and he breaks into our Top 5 in a stacked 2025 NFL Draft RB class.

At 6’1″, 224 pounds, Johnson isn’t the most explosive or the fastest back, but he compensates with some of the best vision and creative instincts the class has to offer.

A fast first- and second-level processor, and an efficient footwork technician, Johnson knows how to use his setup space to bait defenders and clear lanes. He also has the bend and constant leg churn to create chunk plays once he’s working vertically.

J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE | Ohio State

J.T. Tuimoloau profiles as one of the safer picks in the 2025 NFL Draft EDGE class. A former five-star recruit, Tuimoloau finally reached his potential in 2024 with a prolific campaign that included 12.5 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and three pass deflections.

At around 6’4″, 265 pounds, with near-34″ arms, Tuimoloau has always had an impeccable power profile, and in 2024, he more consistently generated consistent production from that profile.

With his build, Tuimoloau will never have much of a bend component, but he’s one of the most reliable speed-to-power rushers in the entire class. He can cave in the pocket, finish moves with strong hands, and he’s a sturdy player in run defense, with stand-up and even-front EDGE versatility.

Aireontae Ersery, OT | Minnesota

Aireontae Ersery a highly experienced player who started for three full seasons at left tackle for the Gophers. He played in a zone-running scheme and was a highly productive player throughout his time. At 6’6″, 331 pounds, with a 1.75 10-yard split and a 9’3″ broad jump, Ersery’s combination of size and on-attack explosiveness is a sight to behold.

He’s one of the most dynamic zone blockers in the class; he’ll reach his landmarks with efficiency, and drive through defenders with overbearing physicality. Ersery’s size can be a double-edged sword, however. He plays tall, without elite knee bend, and his non-elite length causes him to lurch and sacrifice balance on extensions.

Ultimately, his best fit may come at guard in the NFL, but more refinement could strengthen his OT projection.

Azareye’h Thomas, CB | Florida State

Azareye’h Thomas won’t be for every team, but for defenses that run an abundance of press-man looks, Thomas can be one of the best in the class. Thomas’ average long speed turns some people away on the surface, but turn on the tape, and you’ll see one of the most complete, physically imposing players in the CB group.

At around 6’2″, 197 pounds, with over 32″ arms, Thomas uses his length to proactivity disrupt and dictate releases at the line, and he’s incredibly competitive at the catch point. While Thomas doesn’t have high-end vertical speed, he’s explosive accelerating up to stems, and uncannily agile and fluid for his size.

That mobility failsafe allows him to smother WRs with his length. Giving shades of Martin Emerson Jr., Thomas can be a quality NFL starter.

Quinshon Judkins, RB | Ohio State

One of the trickiest quandaries for talent evaluators in the 2025 NFL Draft cycle is ranking the two-headed RB tandem at Ohio State. Quinshon Judkins comes in as the second-best of the two on our board, but he’s compelling as an early-round option in his own right.

Judkins rode his historic early production to an opportunity with the Buckeyes in 2024, and he was able to win a BCS National Championship while sharing touches with TreVeyon Henderson. His production dipped, but his projection remains tantalizing for scouts.

At 6’0″, 221 pounds, Judkins is a hyper-energetic, short-strider with elite burst and searing speed through gaps. He’s not an adept creator when things go off-script, but when things are on schedule, he’s a super-charged carving knife with his keen vision and quick pace.

Jalen Royals, WR | Utah State

Quietly, Jalen Royals is one of the more complete three-level threats in the 2025 NFL Draft. He caught 71 passes for 1,080 yards and 15 touchdowns in just his second season at Utah State, and in 2024, he racked up 836 yards and six TDs in just seven games. At around 5’11 1/2″ and 210 pounds, Royals has an appealing build.

He’s low-to-the-ground, compact, and energized as a mover, with easy hip sink, but he also has impressive play strength, particularly as a RAC threat.

There are times where Royals’ middling length hurts him in contested situations, but when he’s clear, he can make impressive body control adjustments, and his flexibility, twitch, and explosive athleticism allow for consistent separation. Royals can be a phenomenal WR2 with impact upside.

Maxwell Hairston, CB | Kentucky

Armed with tremendous speed and a playmaking mentality, Maxwell Hairston is one of the most exciting CBs to watch in the 2025 NFL Draft. His interception numbers (5 INTs in 2023) speak for themselves, but he’s an aggressive playmaker.

He thrives in hook-curl zones and flat zones that allow him to shoot downhill and make plays on the ball. Hairston’s testing athleticism reflects what you see from him on tape. He has the deep speed to defend vertical route concepts and can match some of the fastest receivers in the game stride-for-stride. His instincts in coverage have grown considerably since he began his collegiate career.

The big concern with Hairston is his skinnier frame and lack of top-notch play strength. He won’t amaze you with his physicality, whether it’s as a tackler, in press coverage, or at the catch point. But in spite of that limitation, he can be a solid, scheme-versatile defender in coverage.

Princely Umanmielen, EDGE | Ole Miss

Princely Umanmielen’s collegiate production speaks for itself (17.5 sacks and 26 TFLs over the past two seasons), but it’s his physical attributes and high motor that make Umanmielen an intriguing prospect. He’s explosive off the snap and has the speed to give opposing offensive tackles fits off the edge. His combination of speed and length gives him significant physical upside to work with at the next level.

Umanmielen could struggle early in his NFL career against the run due to play strength, but he has the flexibility to acquire leverage, and the spatial IQ to thrive in gap pursuit. His best role early on would likely be as a pass-rushing specialist in a base 3-4 scheme. Even there, he has to improve his power element, but the upside with his length and hyper-elite first-step quickness is truly extraordinary.

Marcus Mbow, OT | Purdue

Marcus Mbow played at both right guard and right tackle in college, but projects better on the interior at the NFL level. There’s a chance he could stick outside with his explosive, fluid atheticism, but he might not have the level of elite quickness as an athlete to fully compensate for his sub-33″ arms.

Nevertheless, at either spot, Mbow brings viable two-phase utility. In pass protection, he’s explosive laterally, with good natural leverage, incredibly violent hands, and impressive stunt vision. In the running game, he’s one of the best in-space blockers in the class, and particularly thrives when he can climb to the second level and attack defenders in zone looks. Best at guard, serviceable at tackle, with some distant projectability to center, Mbow’s versatility is his greatest strength.

Tate Ratledge, OG | Georgia

Tate Ratledge’s evaluation involves a lot of back-and-forth, but he undoubtedly has a path to becoming a solid if unspectacular NFL starter. A two-time National Champion with 37 starts at right guard to his name, experience is a strength of Ratledge’s, but the 24-year old rookie also missed time to lower-body injuries multiple times in his career.

He’s an elite athlete with rare explosiveness, agility, and second-level mobility, but at almost 6’7″, with arms just over 32″, his build is a bit unorthodox. He plays taller than preferred, and can be coaxed into lurching with his average reach, and those two issues can impact his balance and leverage.

Nevertheless, Ratledge makes up for these flaws with his athleticism, football IQ, flexibility, and grating physicality, and he should be able to carve out a respectable starting career.

Oluwafemi Oladejo, EDGE | UCLA

Oluwafemi Oladejo might be one of the most fascinating talents in the 2025 NFL Draft. He began his collegiate career as a linebacker but transitioned to the edge in 2024, accumulating four sacks and 14 TFLs. He’s still relatively raw, but the arrow is trending up. Oladejo’s evaluation is brimming with developmental potential. At 6’3″, 261 pounds, with over 33″ arms, he has a strong, well-leveraged frame.

He’s explosive, agile, fluid on counters, and flashes the necessary bend to reduce his surface area and pinch corners. While Oladejo is still raw operationally, evaluators will point to his Senior Bowl as reason for optimism. There, he unleashed violent cross-chops and chop-club-rip combos in 1-on-1s. Ultimately, he’s a high-character, high-upside EDGE prospect with coverage drop versatility.

T.J. Sanders, DT | South Carolina

In a pretty deep defensive tackle draft class, T.J. Sanders has managed to stand out as one of the more enticing players in the group. A powerful 3-technique defensive tackle who also brings some juice as a penetrating 1-technique, Sanders appears to have the strength and improving technique to hold his own in NFL trenches.

With solid overall quickness and an improving arsenal of moves to shed blocks, Sanders was a true impact player for South Carolina in 2024. He’s an effective run defender who brings enough pressure as a pass-rusher to entice NFL teams. There’s still some room for Sanders to grow, as his pad level is a pretty consistent issue with his game.

He’s shown development as a technician, but he still could use a little more work utilizing counter moves and taking on down blockers. Overall, he’s a high-floor run defender with good pass-rush upside to hone.

Jayden Higgins, WR | Iowa State

Jayden Higgins is a wide receiver known for his impressive size and reliable hands. After transferring from Eastern Kentucky to Iowa State, he recorded 87 receptions for 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns in the 2024 season, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors. Higgins excels in contested catch situations, utilizing his frame to shield defenders and secure the ball effectively.

He’s also a stellar overall athlete at 6’4″, 213 pounds, with eye-catching explosiveness and seam-stretching strides. On tape, Higgins has enough nuance and foot speed to separate on more rudimentary routes, but his lacking hip sink and flexibility does limit his route variance and consistency against press. As a movement-Z or big-slot receiver, he can make his money with strong hands, chain-moving conversion, and explosive RAC.

Bradyn Swinson, EDGE | LSU

Bradyn Swinson was a late bloomer after beginning his career at Oregon with minimal production, but his breakout at LSU in 2024 — to the tune of 8.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss — makes it impossible to overlook his tape. At 6’3″, 255 pounds, with over 33″ arms, Swinson has virtually every trait you could seek in an edge rusher.

He’s explosive off the edge, he has great bend and sinking capacity around the apex, he can channel speed-to-power and attack blockers inside their frame, and he has the sturdiness in run defense to set the edge and wall off pullers. There’s still room to reach a greater level of consistency in both phases, but Swinson is trending up fast after 2024, and his motor is an undeniable strength.

Darius Alexander, DT | Toledo

Darius Alexander is a versatile and explosive defensive lineman known for his power profile and elite production in the MAC. He consistently disrupts blocks with his quick first step and heavy hands, enabling him to penetrate and stack-and-shed. Alexander’s versatility allows him to play from multiple alignments, from 1-tech to 3-tech and 4i.

His performance during the 2025 Senior Bowl further highlighted his potential, as he demonstrated dominance in 1-on-1 drills and team sessions. Alexander isn’t the most flexible in his midsection, which can limit his appeal on counters and stunts, but he’s well-leveraged, long and powerful, and a hot-motor two-phase player with elite explosive capacity. He’s an older rookie, but he can be a quality starter early in his career.

Darien Porter, CB | Iowa State

Darien Porter is as boom-or-bust of a CB prospect as you can get in 2025. By drafting him, you’re getting a moldable ball of clay with elite height, length, and speed. He has inspiring ball skills, with his background as a receiver showing up in his coordination and ball-tracking capabilities. Porter’s elite physical attributes grant him a fairly high floor in coverage.

His ability to process off the line of scrimmage in off-man and zone is very encouraging, and his long-strider range allows him to close space and limit separation post-breaks. The concerns on tape are about what you would expect given Porter’s profile. He’s lanky, not as fluid, and lacks consistency in run support. But for zone-heavy schemes, he’s a great fit, and he has special teams value as well.

Emery Jones, OT | LSU

In a league desperate for offensive line help, Emery Jones is an intriguing prospect. A three-year starter in LSU’s pass-heavy offense, he brings elite size, strength, and power but is an average athlete overall. As a run blocker, Jones is a true mauler who thrives on physicality.

He fires off the ball with aggression, generating movement at the line of scrimmage. His strong hands allow him to latch onto defenders and control engagements, particularly in man-blocking schemes.

However, Jones’ balance and flexibility are concerns. He often plays too far over his toes, causing him to fall off blocks. He also struggles in space, making second-level blocking a challenge.

In pass protection, Jones’ size and length are his best assets. His powerful punch can disrupt rushers early in the rep, and his ability to anchor makes him tough to beat with power. His ceiling is uncertain, but he can be an above-average right tackle or guard.

Andrew Mukuba, S | Texas

Andrew Mukuba is a valuable coverage safety who brings an intriguing combination of ball skills, route recognition, and range. He’s a quick processor whose brisk responsiveness is maximized his fluidity and short-area energy. During his time at Clemson, he showed he could break up passes and track down the deep ball.

At Texas, he finally had the interception production to back that up. His skinnier frame could make it difficult to be a consistent tackler at the NFL level, and if he does add more weight to his frame, it could take him some time to adjust appropriately. In man coverage, physicality can be an issue for Mukuba.

But when he’s able to manage space and pin his ears back as a heat-seeking missile, he appears to be in his element. As a versatile two-phase playmaker with elite coverage mobility and sharp eyes, Mukuba has impact starter upside.

Kyle Williams, WR | Washington State

Kyle Williams has had one of the strongest offseason performances in the 2025 NFL Draft class. After routing up defenders at the Senior Bowl and testing with 4.4 speed at the NFL Combine, he’s become a regular in the early-round conversation.

Williams played three seasons at UNLV before transferring to Washington State. He caught passes from Cam Ward in 2023, and then broke out in 2024, with 70 catches for 1,198 yards and 14 touchdowns. At 5’11”, 190 pounds, Williams’ length is a limitation, and his hand technique can be inconsistent at times as a catcher.

But as a route runner, he has arguably the best combination of quickness and coordination, which he weaponizes with a full release package and razor-sharp route breaks. Packaging his separation skill set with his vertical speed and RAC ability, Williams has quality movement-Z upside.

Alfred Collins, DT | Texas

Alfred Collins has enigmatic qualities as a 2025 NFL Draft prospect. He accumulated just seven career sacks in five seasons at Texas, and as expected, he struggles to attack independently on pass-rushing downs, despite his physical tools. However, he is extremely effective as a run defender — perhaps the most effective in the class.

His style will not suit every team, but Collins’ high floor in the run game, combined with his athletic upside, makes him an extremely compelling Day 2 investment. At 6’5″, 332 pounds, with long levers for arms, Collins is a pure space-eater who also has the explosiveness to reset the line and hit blockers with jarring power. He can slab blocks, stack-and-shed with violence, and snuff out carries, and his power profile and motor imply untapped potential on later downs.

Harold Fannin Jr., TE | Bowling Green

No prospect was more productive in the 2024 season than Bowling Green’s Harold Fannin Jr. He led all FBS pass-catchers — wide receivers and tight ends — in catches and receiving yards, with 117 catches for 1,555 yards and 10 scores.

Not only did Fannin feast against MAC opponents, but he also proved himself against his toughest foes, like Penn State and Texas A&M. Fannin’s production has made him a darling of the NFL Draft community, and it points to his translatable pass-catching skill set. He’ll never be a great factor as a blocker and he’s not an elite size-adjusted athlete, but Fannin is sudden and savvy, as a route runner and RAC threat, and he’s physical and reliable with his hand-usage across phases. At his maximum, he can be a route running and RAC specialist in the mold of Jordan Reed.

Jared Wilson, OC | Georgia

Jared Wilson projects as a high-upside starter in the NFL. While he is still raw as just a one-year starting center, the three-star Bulldogs recruit has the athleticism and natural leverage to be one of the first pure center prospects off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The 6’3”, 310-pound starter has a strong base and impressive hand usage while also possessing the fluid mobility to work in space. Despite his athleticism, his footwork can be a bit slow and plodding in pass protection, and overall, he’ll need to up his play pace to survive down in and down out at the NFL level. But in the Day 2 range, Wilson’s elite physical upside and good baseline awareness is worth taking a gamble on.

Jack Bech, WR | TCU

Jack Bech is a versatile and physical wide receiver who brings strong hands, sharp route-running, and a tough playing style to the field. He excels in contested-catch situations, using his body control and strong hands to secure difficult grabs in traffic.

Bech’s ability to work both outside and in the slot makes him a valuable weapon in different offensive schemes. He has reliable ball skills, tracks the ball well, and shows a willingness to fight for extra yards after the catch. While not an elite burner, his toughness, football IQ, and playmaking ability make him a dependable and productive target, and for his 6’1″, 214-pound frame, he has extremely impressive short-area quickness, foot speed, and fluidity, which he can use to separate. He could grow into a strong WR2.

Kevin Winston Jr., S | Penn State

When it comes to raw upside, few safeties in the 2025 NFL Draft present more than Kevin Winston Jr. Winston played just three games in 2024 before missing the rest of the campaign with a season-ending injury, but when he was healthy in both 2023 and 2024, he was one of the best run support defenders in all of college football.

At around 6’2″, 215 pounds, with over 32″ arms, he has the size and range to overwhelm outside runs, and he tackles like an apex predator in space. Along with his obvious early-down appeal, Winston has upside in coverage. His brand of mobility lends well to quick transitions and explosive closing reps, but he’s still learning how to manage space, position himself between routes, and use his length at the catch point.

There’s projection involved with Winston, but he’s a borderline elite run wrangler who’s incredibly talented, sharp for his age, and still just 21 years old.

Ozzy Trapilo, OT | Boston College

Ozzy Trapilo is a technically sound and powerful offensive lineman with experience at both tackle positions. He has the size and strength to anchor effectively in both pass protection and run blocking. He displays good footwork and balance, allowing him to handle speed rushers while maintaining a strong base against power moves.

Trapilo excels in run blocking, using his leverage and hand placement to drive defenders off the ball. His awareness and ability to pick up stunts and blitzes make him a reliable presence on the line. However, refining his weight transfer and consistency in pad level will help maximize his effectiveness against quicker defenders. Overall, Trapilo can be a quality swing tackle right out of the gate, with projectable starting ability.

Denzel Burke, CB | Ohio State

Denzel Burke announced his introduction to the CFB stage with a dramatic 12-PBU freshman campaign in 2021, and effectively reserved space in the early-round NFL Draft conversation for the years to come. Injuries would play a hand in Burke’s NFL ascent being delayed, and his trajectory being stalled.

But Burke still has appeal as a scheme-versatile CB prospect in the Day 2 or early Day 3 range. At 5’11”, 186 pounds, with around 31 3/8″ arms, he has decent size and length, but the brunt of his physical appeal comes from his explosiveness as a click-and-closer and his recalibration quickness in press-man and off-man.

A former WR, Burke has ideal ball skills and competitiveness at the catch, as well as desirable physicality in support. He’s not elite in any area, and his consistency may suffer at times as a result, but he’s well-rounded enough to have a productive career if he can stay healthy.

Barrett Carter, LB | Clemson

Barrett Carter has been in the NFL Draft scope for a long time — ever since he amassed 73 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, and 8 pass breakups as a true sophomore in 2022. A former five-star recruit, Carter never quite took the leap toward becoming a first-round prospect, but he remains a compelling player with an exciting pro projection in the right role.

At 6’0″, 230 pounds, with average length, size could be an issue for Carter, both with engaging blocks and reading past linemen to ID gaps in run defense. That said, Carter is an explosive, dynamic athlete with great downhill speed, and his bend lends well both as a blitzer and a coverage chess piece.

Ideally a WILL linebacker at the NFL level, Carter could grow to become a solid starter.

Elic Ayomanor, WR | Stanford

Elic Ayomanor has the physical tools to hypothetically thrive along the perimeter in the NFL. He has a large catch radius and impressive ball skills, and his coordination helps him track down the ball well and take optimal angles in the air.

He offers good speed for his size, too, and the combination of his size and speed make him a difficult defender to bring down after the catch. If you’re looking for a polished route-running technician, Ayomanor might not be your first choice.

He’s a bit high coming into his breaks and doesn’t have the explosiveness in his lower half to consistently create separation. He’s still developing his release package, and a high center of gravity can make it easier for cornerbacks to press him near the line of scrimmage.

Ayomanor is quick but not efficient, and well-built but not as strong as you’d expect. Those issues invite uncertainty, but his big-play ability and run blocking presence emphasize his worth.

Chris Paul Jr., LB | Ole Miss

Chris Paul is a versatile linebacker with the speed and instincts to impact all phases of the game. At 6’1”, 235 pounds, he combines sideline-to-sideline range with exceptional tackling and strong hand usage. His natural feel for spacing helps him disrupt passing lanes, while his precise angles and sure tackling make him a reliable defender in pursuit.

The biggest hang-up with Paul is his arm length. With sub-30″ arms, he’s an outlier at the LB position, and there’s reason to project difficulty deconstructing blocks with his length deficiency. That said, Paul makes up for it on tape with his outstanding range, instincts, and finishing ability at contact. He could ultimately be the outlier who beats the odds and becomes a solid starter at MIKE or WILL.

Tyler Shough, QB | Louisville

Tyler Shough is a seventh-year senior. He’ll turn 26 years old in September of his rookie season. And yet, he’s receiving some Day 2 buzz in the 2025 NFL Draft class. You can attribute that to the 2025 group being weaker overall, but Shough’s profile has merit. Injuries prevented Shough from starting a full season before 2024.

When he finally got the chance to settle in and find a rhythm, the results were encouraging. At Louisville, he racked up 3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. Accuracy, precision, and mechanical quickness are still issues for Shough, but he’s a 93rd-percentile athlete at the QB position.

He can hit the ground running as a quality backup passer, thanks to arm talent, progression prowess, and a gunslinger mentality, and he has the physical talent and competitiveness to earn a run as an NFL starter.

Omarr Norman-Lott, DT | Tennessee

Omarr Norman-Lott is an explosive and versatile defensive tackle known for his quick first step and disruptive presence along the interior line. After transferring from Arizona State to Tennessee, he recorded 26 tackles, including six for loss, and 5.5 sacks in the 2023 season.

In 2024, he added four more sacks to his career totals. Norman-Lott excels in penetrating gaps, utilizing his agility and active hands to challenge offensive linemen. However, his relatively lighter frame can make him susceptible to being overpowered in run defense, particularly against double teams.

His athleticism and pass-rushing prowess make him a valuable asset in schemes prioritizing interior disruption, and at 6’2″, 291 pounds, with near-34″ arms, his combination of natural leverage and proportional length is something NFL teams can build on.

Shemar Turner, DT | Texas A&M

Shemar Turner is a disruptive and versatile defensive lineman with the ability to excel at multiple positions across the front. He combines a quick first step with impressive strength, allowing him to penetrate gaps and create consistent backfield pressure.

Turner’s hand usage and lateral movement make him effective against both the run and pass, while his motor and physicality enable him to shed blocks and pursue plays with intensity. His agility and athleticism for his size are notable, giving him the flexibility to line up inside or on the edge.

Ultimately, Turner will project best as a 3-tech or 4i at 6’3″, 290 pounds, but he has the athleticism to rush from different alignments, and his 33″ arms serve as a great conduit for power. His aggression can contribute to a lack of discipline at times, but he’s a fiery disruptor with a great ceiling if coaches can temper his passion.

Lathan Ransom, S | Ohio State

Lathan Ransom is a fast-flowing, instinctive safety with an appealing skill set in the box. He excels in run support, displaying the range and the physicality to make plays near the line of scrimmage. He’s a hard-hitter who can run alleys with determination, and he also has the size to take on blocks in space and pry his way to the football.

At his size, Ransom also profiles as an exceptional athlete, with solid explosiveness and fluidity, which gives him some inbuilt potential in coverage. And at the very least, Ransom’s football IQ and ability to read the quarterback allow him to effectively anticipate routes in the short and intermediate ranges.

Ransom’s lack of elite long speed and range limits him to two-high looks, and he’s still fairly rudimentary as a playmaker in coverage. Additionally, his motor can give way to recklessness as a tackler. Still, as a strong safety with early special teams utility, he has merit.

Ashton Gillotte, EDGE | Louisville

Ashton Gillotte is a disruptive and high-motor edge rusher with a strong combination of speed, power, and technique. He excels at getting off the line quickly, using his explosive first step to gain an advantage against blockers.

Gillotte’s hand-fighting skills and array of pass-rush moves allow him to consistently pressure the quarterback, while his agility and balance make him effective at bending the edge. Against the run, he displays good discipline, setting the edge and pursuing plays with relentless effort.

Gillotte is a bit confounding because his below-average length can impact his reach at times, but he has great natural leverage, compact mass, explosive capacity, and ankle flexibility, and his collegiate production could carry over to the NFL with his motor.

Cameron Williams, OT | Texas

Cameron Williams has rare physical tools with his size and length, and NFL teams will want to get their hands on him. With that said, he is just a one-year starter at right tackle with the Longhorns and his play was inconsistent overall.

In the run game, Williams primarily wins by using his size to seal and wall off defenders. He can quickly engulf ensuing defenders at the point of attack, and has the width and core strength to absorb opposing power. He has good initial pop at the point of attack and can control and steer defenders. In the passing game, he uses his size and length to create a wide path between the rusher and the quarterback.

Williams makes it very difficult for defenders to go around or through him with his overall size and athleticism alone, but he’s still refining his anchor footwork, hand placement, and leverage maintenance. Early NFL starts could expose his deficiencies, but he has great potential.

Josaiah Stewart, EDGE | Michigan

Josaiah Stewart is an explosive and relentless edge rusher who thrives off creating disruption in the backfield. He possesses a quick first step and uses his speed and agility to challenge offensive tackles off the edge. Stewart’s compact frame and strong leverage allow him to maintain balance while employing a variety of pass-rush moves around the apex.

He’s a high-energy player who excels in pursuit, demonstrating excellent closing speed and the ability to chase down plays from the backside. He needs to add strength in order to enhance his run-stopping ability, and his size could leave him stuck between roles in the NFL.

That said, in odd and hybrid-front schemes, Stewart has built-in effectiveness as a pass-rush specialist who can attack on later downs, and he brings value in run pursuit as well.

Gunnar Helm, TE | Texas

Don’t make the mistake of judging Gunnar Helm solely from his subpar athletic testing at the NFL Combine. Helm sprained his ankle on his first 40-yard dash attempt, and that injury impacted his testing. Trust the film with Helm; it conveys his upside well enough.

While Helm isn’t at the level of the top athletes in this year’s tight-end class, he still has enough burst and bend at 6’5″ and 241 pounds to sear up seams and make himself available on the vertical plane. Additionally, Helm can make plays underneath with his soft hands and rumbling RAC ability.

Helm can continue to add mass to his frame, despite not having the high-end quickness to be a viable route runner against man coverage. Nevertheless, he’s a valuable two-pronged receiving threat, and a high-effort blocker who can play with leverage.

DJ Giddens, RB | Kansas State

DJ Giddens is a versatile running back with the ability to impact the game as both a runner and a receiver. He runs with a physical style, displaying excellent balance and the ability to break tackles in tight spaces. Giddens combines good vision and patience with strong acceleration through the hole, making him effective between the tackles and in open space.

As a receiver, he shows reliable hands and the ability to create mismatches against linebackers. The main concerns with Giddens are a lack of elite mass, and his ability to be a reliable pass blocker. However, he is relatively new to the position, so there is plenty of development potential.

Overall, Giddens is a lean slasher with enough speed to stretch seams and generate momentum, and his skill set lends well to schematic flexibility.

Elijah Arroyo, TE | Miami (FL)

Heading into the 2024 season, Elijah Arroyo had just 11 career catches in three years at Miami. Catching passes from potential No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward, Arroyo broke out and amassed 35 receptions for 590 yards and seven TDs, averaging 16.9 yards per catch. Injuries impacted Arroyo’s availability earlier in his career, but now that he’s proven his ability when healthy, he has legitimate Top 100 potential.

He’s one of the most explosive athletes in the TE class, with a well-built frame at 6’5″ and 250 pounds, with 33″ arms. Right now, Arroyo makes his money as a pass-game weapon — particularly on the vertical plane and up seams. His play strength and sturdiness as an in-line blocker can be an issue. But all of the tools are there to develop, and there’s a path for him to produce early on.

Cameron Skattebo, RB | Arizona State

A star of the Sun Devils’ CFB Playoff run in 2024, Cameron Skattebo managed to shove his way into the early-round 2025 NFL Draft RB conversation, much like he shoves past first- and second-level defenders with brawling, prejudiced physicality.

At 5’9 1/2″ and almost 220 pounds, Skattebo is one of the most rocked-up runners in the 2025 NFL Draft, and his 39.5″ vertical and 10’3″ broad jump showcase the explosive capacity he still has at that size. He’s a rare specimen with special contact, balance, and grit.

As a runner, Skattebo bears some similarity to former Carolina Panthers’ Pro Bowler Jonathan Stewart — except that Skattebo has a lot more potential out of the backfield as a receiver. Combining all this with his stellar vision and spatial IQ between the tackles, Skattebo may go on to be one of the best value buys in the 2025 class.

Tez Johnson, WR | Oregon

Tez Johnson is a productive slot receiver whose tape generates looks due to his twitchy style of play and high route-running IQ. He understands how to work himself open, using a variety of releases and adjusting his stems to best attack each coverage he faces. He’s crisp coming out of his cuts and has the agility to make defenders miss after the catch.

hough he thrives on shorter routes, his quickness can be an asset on intermediate stems, too. Given his smaller stature and lack of ideal physicality, there’s always going to be a cap on Johnson’s ceiling at the next level. He struggles against press coverage and, while he can win on the perimeter if he has enough space, has limitations that will reduce his effectiveness against bigger CBs.

An ideal ceiling projection for Johnson is Tank Dell with his route running and catching instincts at his size, though Johnson doesn’t have as much vertical speed.

Jordan Burch, EDGE | Oregon

A former Feldman Freak at 6’4″, 279 pounds, Jordan Burch distinguished himself with a career-best season at Oregon in 2024, amassing 8.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and six pass breakups. Operational development has always been the question for Burch, and the 2024 campaign was a massive step in the right direction.

Burch stayed productive while also commanding the lion’s share of attention from opposing offensive lines each week. At his size, he’s uncommonly explosive and fluid in his lower half, with the speed-to-power to demolish anchors 1-on-1 and stunt against inside blockers. He’s still trending up with his refinement, but Burch’s skill set offers both schematic and alignment versatility, and he’s a high-upside investment.

Deone Walker, DT | Kentucky

Deone Walker is an absolute behemoth at 6’7″, 331 pounds, with over 34″ arms, and after a 2023 campaign that saw him amass 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss, he was an early favorite to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. But then the 2024 season happened.

Walker disappeared more often than not, and his production went down by over 50%. Walker did play the 2024 campaign with a major back injury, but that injury in turn raises questions about his durability and the translatability of his build overall. While Walker thrives on the attack with his charged-up athleticism, he’s a liability with his pad level, especially in the run game, and that high pad level drastically reduces his effectiveness at nose tackle in run defense.

Any team that drafts Walker will have to not only be comfortable with his medical history, but also have a plan in place to use his unorthodox profile to its strengths.

Dorian Strong, CB | Virginia Tech

Dorian Strong is a skilled and instinctive cornerback who excels in man coverage but is also more than competent in zone coverage schemes. He possesses fluid hips, quick feet, and solid closing speed, allowing him to stick with receivers and disrupt passing lanes.

Strong’s ball skills stand out, as he consistently tracks the ball and makes plays in contested situations. He plays with physicality at the line of scrimmage, using his length effectively to disrupt routes. Strong’s football IQ and anticipation enable him to read quarterbacks and jump routes, but his aggression can leave him vulnerable if he mistimes plays and double-moves.

Adding mass will be necessary for Strong to handle bigger receivers and further enhance his game as a lockdown defender, but his blend of coverage mobility and ball skills grants him scheme-versatile starter upside.

Terrance Ferguson, TE | Oregon

He doesn’t always get the same flowers as the top tight ends in the 2025 NFL Draft class, but Terrance Ferguson is one of the most well-rounded prospects this cycle. He’s coming off a stellar 2024 campaign at Oregon — 43 catches for 591 yards, with three touchdowns — in which he showed he can be productive in the pros.

At 6’5″ and 247 pounds, Ferguson was one of the fastest and most explosive testers at the NFL Combine, and that athleticism shows up on film. His acceleration is more powerful than energetic, but he’s a nuanced separator, as well as a solid RAC threat and dutiful blocker.

An emphasis for Ferguson at the NFL level should be limiting focus drops over the middle. But, looking at the full checklist, Ferguson fills the boxes. Plus, he has an elite athletic profile to build upon.

Kyle Kennard, EDGE | South Carolina

Kyle Kennard has plenty of traits to like. He has a lean frame with compact mass and excellent length. He’s also an explosive athlete with quickness, speed, and agility. As a pass rusher, Kennard primarily wins with his length and burst. He’s at his best when lined up wide, allowing him to use his quick get-off to beat offensive tackles around the edge and finish with his length.

Kennard’s best attribute is his length. He uses it effectively to keep his frame clear and flashes a well-timed, efficient punch. He has a solid dip-and-rip move, and his combination of burst, length, and mass also shows up as a speed-to-power boon.

Kennard is a bit high-hipped, which can reduce his maximum bend capacity, and he can better apply his power in run defense, but he’s a productive pass-rusher with an exciting developmental skill set.

Dylan Fairchild, OG | Georgia

Dylan Fairchild is a powerful and technically sound offensive lineman with the versatility to excel at guard or tackle. Known for his physicality and aggression, he can at times be over-aggressive, which can hurt his technique and positioning.

Nevertheless, Fairchild’s quick feet and balanced stance make him effective in pass protection, where he handles speed rushers and anchors well against power. He also has a high football IQ and some projected positional flexibility, having been a two-way player in high school.

Fairchild can be a bit stiff at times when redirecting laterally, but as a blocker with solid baseline mobility, power, and strength, as well as 24 starts against SEC competition to his name, he profiles as a respectable middle-round add.

Demetrius Knight Jr., LB | South Carolina

Demetrius Knight Jr. is a seasoned linebacker with a robust frame and notable arm length, bringing extensive experience from tenures at Georgia Tech, Charlotte, and South Carolina. His adeptness in reading plays allows him to position himself effectively, while his strength and hand technique enable him to shed blockers and disrupt offensive schemes.

Knight’s versatility is evident in his ability to contribute both in coverage and as a blitzer, showcasing a well-rounded skill set. However, concerns regarding his age and agility may impact his draft stock.

Overall, Knight’s maturity, football intelligence, and physicality make him a compelling prospect for teams seeking a dependable linebacker, and his explosiveness testing showcases the dynamic downhill flair he provides on top of everything else.

Tory Horton, WR | Colorado State

Like many of the prospects in this class, Tory Horton has suffered from NFL Draft fatigue. People have watched him for three cycles now, and he’s been somewhat lost to time. But Horton’s game hasn’t vanished. He’s a leggy runner who covers a lot of ground when he hits top gear, with some carbon ceramic brakes that let him stop on a dime and return toward the line of scrimmage.

Horton elevates and high-points well while also being a natural separator. He’s a bit lean, and doesn’t have elite proportional length, and his lighter frame impacts his play strength in the RAC phase. However, overall, Horton has the vertical speed, athleticism, size, route running instincts, and catch-point ability to be a quality WR2.