In the last few weeks before the NFL scouting combine, teams conduct scouting meetings to have healthy debates on prospects and build initial draft boards. Their rankings won’t be set in stone as the 2025 NFL Draft process continues to play out, but they establish a foundation going into the combine later this month.
Similarly, our board will have some fluctuation before the draft arrives in April, but this updated top 100 provides a frame of reference as the final draft picture comes into focus.
Loading
Try changing or resetting your filters to see more.
Hunter ranked No. 1 on my November draft board, and nothing has changed over the last few months.
He doesn’t have the top spot just because he can play both ways — that is more of a bonus. His athleticism, length and ball instincts are why he’s here, and those traits give him a sky-high ceiling at cornerback.
Photo:
Mike Watters / Imagn Images
This is the third version of my 2025 draft board, and both Carter and Hunter have ranked in the top three for all of them. (Carter was No. 2 on the August board and No. 3 in November.)
Carter might not have elite size, but his explosiveness is special and allows him to win with initial burst, edge speed or power through contact. His rush plan and sequencing continue to improve with his reps, and he projects as the type of pass rusher that can force offenses to alter their game plan.
Photo:
Ben Queen / USA Today
Though he played more of an off-ball linebacker role in college, Walker is at his best getting after the quarterback. He is an outstanding space athlete because of his long, rangy frame, as well as his burst, change of direction and closing speed. He has the versatile skill set to play man-up against backs and tight ends, or put his hand on the ground and create pressure off the edge.
Photo:
Steve Limentani / ISI Photos / Getty Images
Graham naturally plays from a low position, which helps him score consistent wins in leverage through contact — he credits his championship-level wrestling background for his athletic twitch and understanding of angles.
He does need to develop his efficiency against doubles, but he violently sheds single blocks and plays the piano up and down the line with outstanding chase effort.
Photo:
Michael Miller / ISI Photos / Getty Images
With his low center of gravity and explosiveness, Jeanty has an uncanny ability to stay afloat through contact and be elusive in space. He led the FBS this season with 151 forced missed tackles, 57 more than the No. 2 player on the list.
He trusts his vision when following his blocks, but instead of predetermining his path, he displays outstanding reactionary reads to sort, cut and create (12 carries of 50-plus yards in 2024; no other FBS player had more than five).
Photo:
Marco Garcia / Imagn Images
Campbell stays balanced in pass protection using his weight distribution and controlled technique, although he can do a better job protecting versus inside/counter moves. He plays rugged in the run game and offers the body fluidity and explosive power to torque and displace defenders.
If I were running an NFL team, I’d be keeping him at tackle until I have a reason to move him inside to guard.
Photo:
Andy Altenburger / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Hawaii native was one of the most productive players in college football over the last two seasons, leading the FBS in combined receiving yards (2,721), first downs (112) and catches of 20-plus yards (42) over that span.
Showing off his volleyball and basketball background, McMillan shines at the catch point. He uses Gumby-like body adjustments to frame the football with his hands, regardless of the placement or action required.
Photo:
Scott Winters / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
As a pass blocker, Membou displays above-average balance and quickness plus a jolting punch in his sets to mirror up and down the arc. He was equally effective in the run game, as the Missouri offense often ran behind No. 79 (and his drive power).
Some teams like him best inside at guard, although there is nothing on his tape that says he can’t stay outside at tackle.
Photo:
Denny Medley / USA Today
Stewart explodes out of his stance and is capable of creating immediate knockback or winning high side with upfield burst/flexibility.
He is the type of prospect who will test the “traits over production” slogan to which many NFL teams subscribe, as he never had more than 1.5 sacks in any of his three seasons. However, his tape shows a far more disruptive player than his numbers suggest — he led the Aggies in pressures (39) in 2024.
Photo:
Tim Warner / Getty Images
A high school quarterback, Warren initially joined a Penn State tight end room that included four other future NFL Draft picks (Pat Freiermuth, Brenton Strange, Zack Kuntz and Theo Johnson) — and he became the best of the group.
He moves with light feet, fluid body movements and natural balance, all of which help him transition instantly from receiver to runner and become a threat with the ball in his hands.
Photo:
Matthew O’Haren / Imagn Images
His final season was marred by injury and below-average quarterback play, but Loveland still led Michigan in receiving in nine of his 10 games and set program records at tight end. With his speed and ball skills, he can line up anywhere on the field and win as a QB-friendly, multi-level receiving threat. He has the most upside of any pass catcher in this draft class.
Photo:
Gregory Shamus / Getty Images
Too many people are hung up on Green’s size instead of appreciating his edge speed, play violence and the ways in which he impacts the game. He has serious juice as a pass rusher to bend, capture the corner and finish at the quarterback.
He might not have 35-inch arms to easily outleverage blocks in the run game, but he plays with the pop to shock and separate, which allows him to impact the ball carrier. Green also led the FBS this season with 17 sacks.
Photo:
Lee Coleman / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
After an All-America sophomore season, which included defensive MVP honors in the national championship, Johnson put up-and-down play on his 2024 tape before missing most of his final season due to injuries.
Johnson is comfortable in both press and off-coverage, with the fluid athleticism and route recognition to seamlessly transition or attack the football.
Photo:
Steph Chambers / Getty Images
With his length, athleticism and recognition skills, Starks is a strong space defender and plays confident in all aspects of coverage and run support. There are plenty of examples of his range and playmaking skills, but he doesn’t consistently position himself to be disruptive in man-to-man situations — which is why he allowed several big plays in 2024.
Photo:
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
It became clear pretty early in the 2024 season that if an NFL team was to bet on a quarterback in this draft class, Ward would be the guy. There is a looseness to his game that is both worrisome and exciting, but it allows him to buy time and create explosive plays.
After playing in a Wing-T offense in high school, Ward has made noticeable improvements each season in college, which creates optimism for his NFL future.
Photo:
Peter Joneleit / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Consistent production was absent from his 2024 tape, but Williams battled through an ankle injury much of the year and flashed enough high-end plays to remind teams why he belongs in the first-round mix. He has length for days with the athletic body control and natural power teams will be willing to bet on, even if the nuance in his game isn’t there yet.
Photo:
Perry McIntyre / ISI Photos / Getty Images
Simmons made a strong case over the first month of the season for OT1 status in this class, before a non-contact knee injury ended his year. His projection is still somewhat in limbo until NFL teams get updated medical info on his patella injury.
If fully healthy, Simmons has the body control and nimble feet to be a starting blindside tackle in the NFL.
Photo:
Jason Mowry / Getty Images
After an inconsistent yet promising first two years at Alabama, Booker had an All-America junior season as one of the Crimson Tide’s team leaders and made the key improvements NFL scouts were hoping to see.
He is built like a bull, with the play strength and finishing mentality to match, although his average foot quickness might not be ideal for every scheme. Booker is a plug-and-play guard and should be a longtime pro.
Photo:
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
Harmon is a player who can win in different ways. He forces blockers to attack air because of his lateral explosiveness, but he also uses strong, crafty hands to swat away their reaches as he bursts through gaps to close on the ball carrier.
He must become a more consistent finisher, but there wasn’t a more disruptive interior defensive lineman in college football this season.
Photo:
Steve Dykes / Getty Images
With just one 100-yard receiving performance in 2024, Burden wasn’t able to build on his All-America sophomore season as the entire Missouri offense struggled — but there were enough flashes to tease his high-level talent.
Because of his run-after-catch skills, Burden saw a high-volume of quick hitters and crossers, which showcased his any-direction burst and physicality to give defenders the shake.
Photo:
Ed Zurga / Getty Images
Long and athletic, Pearce is able to convert his speed to power, and he rushes from a low position to forklift blockers using his extended levers. There are some question marks about his ability in the run game, but he chases with terrific effort to make stops near the sidelines.
In several ways, Pearce reminds me of Will McDonald IV, who wasn’t the most well-rounded prospect but had the juice to create pressure. Pearce’s game will be valued at the next level.
Photo:
Johnnie Izquierdo / Getty Images
With his well-timed feet and handwork, Banks is a natural in pass protection. He also shows an instinctive feel for his biomechanics, which allows him to attack with leverage, bend and create force.
That said, although he has the initial timing and mechanics down, his balance can be too easily disrupted — especially in the run game — and leave him overextended or on the ground. Teams are split on his best position, between tackle and guard.
Photo:
Michael Wade / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Campbell is one of the more interesting prospects in this draft class. Though he doesn’t have top-tier instincts as an off-ball player, his sideline-to-sideline speed and explosiveness lead directly to production (he led Alabama in tackles, tackles for loss, sacks and forced fumbles in 2024).
Some teams have him as part of their edge-rusher stack, while others want his promising versatility at linebacker. Regardless, Campbell is a first-round talent.
Photo:
Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images
If you want flashy, jump to another receiver. If you want a savvy, rugged receiver with NFL-ready instincts, Egbuka fits the bill.
Over his four seasons in Columbus, he played next to four wide receivers who ultimately became top-20 draft picks (Marvin Harrison Jr., Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave and Jaxon Smith-Njigba) and two likely future early-round picks (Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate). The talent around Egbuka made it easy to overlook his offensive impact, but he finished with the most career receptions (205) in Ohio State history and ranked No. 2 in receiving yards (2,868, 30 behind Michael Jenkins).
Photo:
Ian Johnson / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Sanders is smart, tough and accurate, which makes a great foundation for an NFL quarterback. I have no doubts that he can start at the next level. My concerns are more about his overall ceiling, because of his average physical traits and mismanagement of the pocket.
The draft opinions on Sanders are wide-ranging throughout the league — and my evaluation of him seems to be somewhere in the middle.
Photo:
Ron Chenoy / USA Today
A dominant run presence, Grant is a powerful 340-pound boulder who can execute two-gap techniques or stack single blocks and work down the line with quickness. He looks to fire off the ball, although his tall pads will negate his leverage and lower-body strength, which diminishes his bull rush and limits the ways he can impact the quarterback.
Photo:
Ric Tapia / Getty Images
After two promising seasons in Houston’s Air Raid scheme, Golden was an underrated addition for the Longhorns in 2024 — and proved especially valuable when it mattered most, averaging 102.8 receiving yards over the final four games (SEC championship and three College Football Playoff games).
Fluid in his releases and breaks, he shows a plan as a route runner, and I love his ability to break down corners by keeping his eyes, hips and feet in sync.
Photo:
Butch Dill / Getty Images
After leading the team in tackles as a true freshman (85), Emmanwori did it again as a junior (88) and was one of just three FBS players in 2024 with multiple pick sixes. He is an impressive size/speed athlete and does a nice job reading route concepts in underneath coverages, which allows him to make plays on the ball using his reaction quickness.
He models his game after Derwin James Jr. — and it shows.
Photo:
Jacob Kupferman / Getty Images
With his length and surge off the ball, Nolen creates immediate force and can be a play-wrecker because of how quickly he penetrates gaps. He generates the type of leverage that forces holding calls.
He doesn’t rely just on quickness to win, but there are inefficiencies in his attack, especially when he is late to read the play.
Photo:
Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images
Ezeiruaku is more “dip and rip” than “force player” as a pass rusher, because of his natural feel for depth points and the different ways he uses jab steps and cross-chops to soften the corner. He ranked top three in the FBS this season in both sacks (16.5) and tackles for loss (20.5).
He can be overwhelmed at times versus the run but flashes the length to get into his opponent’s pads, lock out and stalemate the point of attack, especially on the move.
Photo:
Barry Chin / The Boston Globe via Getty Images
A quick, fluid mover, Conerly has the range to reach his landmarks laterally in pass protection, on the move at the second level and in the run game.
Because of the underdeveloped parts of his game, he will put himself in some compromised positions, especially against power rushers — but his recovery balance is exceptional.
Photo:
Brandon Sloter / Image Of Sport / Getty Images
Including his impressive body length and speed, Revel has the traits NFL teams want at the cornerback position. He also has the production (17 passes defended in 15 starts at East Carolina).
He tore his ACL in September, so his updated medicals at the combine will be key toward figuring out whether Revel will sneak into the first round or be drafted on Day Two.
Photo:
Scott Kinser / Cal Sport Media via AP
Although his production won’t jump off the page, Williams’ impact as a dominant run defender is much clearer on tape. He needs further development as a pass rusher, but he is one of this class’ best run-defending linemen, because of his recognition skills and disciplined execution deconstructing blocks.
Photo:
Joseph Maiorana / magn Images
After a rough first start at left tackle against Penn State’s Abdul Carter, Jackson played at a high level the rest of the way in 2024 — including an impeccable playoff run. Long considered a guard prospect by NFL teams, his left tackle tape was better than what he showed at his previous position, forcing scouts to reevaluate his best fit at the next level.
Photo:
Jason Mowry / Getty Images
Despite consistently facing stacked boxes (Iowa ranked 130th out of 133 FBS teams this season in passing offense), Johnson shined on outside-zone runs. He is at his best when he can quickly read and set up his blocks and anticipate backside/frontside lanes to find yardage that isn’t there.
Though he’s not as loose as Le’Veon Bell, Johnson has a similar run style with a three-down skill set.
Photo:
Jeffrey Becker / Imagn Images
Hampton was a beast during the 2023 season, as he finished as the ACC’s leading rusher (1,504 yards). But it was even more impressive to see him repeat in 2024, while playing without QB Drake Maye and as defenses sold out to stop the run. Hampton rushed for 100-plus yards in 10 of 12 games this season and set a North Carolina single-season record with 2,033 all-purpose yards.
He is a bruiser with an effective blend of patience, power and speed.
Photo:
Don Juan Moore / Getty Images
Taylor was Mr. Reliable in the LSU offense. He is a loose mover, which shows in his route running and at the catch point, and he has the hand-eye coordination to make natural adjustments and finish in traffic.
In the run game, he is more of a wall-off blocker than violent people-mover, but his toughness and athleticism at the point of attack — especially out in space as a move blocker — help him execute his assignments.
Photo:
Sean Gardner / Getty Images
Be it out in space or in confined areas, Zabel shines as a run blocker with his athletic range and grip strength to connect, strain and seal lanes. In pass protection, he can be walked back and will surrender depth versus power, but he mirrors well and stays balanced through contact as he refits his hands to grind bull rushes to a halt.
Zabel is a college left tackle who fits best inside and is the draft’s top prospect at center.
Photo:
Kevin Langley / Icon Sportswire via AP Images
An awesome athlete at 251 pounds, Arroyo gets in and out of his breaks with efficiency and speed to consistently create separation, making him a threat to score anytime he touches the ball (71.4 percent of his catches in 2024 resulted in a first down or touchdown).
He will need to prove himself through contact in the passing game at the next level, where he won’t be given as much space to operate.
Photo:
David Rosenblum / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Barron holds a Master’s degree in coverage schemes. He has done a great job developing the mental part of his game, so he can get a headstart keying and diagnosing opposing quarterbacks and blocking schemes.
He doesn’t have the ideal length or movement burst for easy recoveries, but he plays with supreme confidence and physicality without crossing the line, especially in zone coverage.
Photo:
Wesley Hitt / Getty Images
A flexible, long athlete, Tuimoloau creates lift and extension through contact and uses his football GPS and short-area agility to close on the ball carrier. He frequently saw four hands as a pass rusher — opponents knew he was the main threat on a talented Buckeyes defensive line — but he needs to develop more seamless counter sequencing when left one-on-one on the edge.
Photo:
Jason Mowry / Getty Images
Thomas isn’t the fastest cornerback in this draft class, but he’s a good-sized athlete who recovers well from missteps and rarely gets beat over the top.
His strengths are his length and physicality to disrupt the timing of routes and be a factor at the catch point. That said, you would like to see him come away with more interceptions.
Photo:
James Gilbert / Getty Images
A player in perpetual chase mode, Schwesinger is lightning quick in his key-and-react processing and flies to the football with an innate feel for beating blockers to the spot and navigating box traffic to stay clean.
I’d like to see more shock and leverage in his hands when he does take on contact, but he has a high batting average as a tackler — his average of 7.5 solo tackles per game this season was the highest in the FBS since 2020.
Photo:
Keith Birmingham / MediaNews Group / Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images
An Ohio kid who grew up to be a Buckeyes captain, Sawyer increased his number of pressures created from 22 to 37 to 64 over the last three seasons. He will forever be remembered within the program for his strip-sack, 83-yard scoop and score against Texas in the College Football Playoff title game.
He is one-dimensional as a pass rusher and lacks the ideal suddenness or length for an edge player, but his activity level and the strength in his hands make him an every-down factor.
Photo:
Ben Jackson / Getty Images
With his athletic, broad-shouldered physique, Jackson has NFL size and attacks blocks with physical hands and active feet to shock and separate from contact.
His tall pads and lower-body stiffness will create occasional issues when he’s setting the edge and diminish his ability to counter when his first move is ineffective. He maintains his vision to clean up plays and constantly be around the action, though.
Photo:
Andy Altenburger / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
After toiling on offense when he arrived in South Bend, Ind., Watts moved to rover linebacker before finding his home at free safety. There, he became one of the most decorated players in Irish history. He collected 13 interceptions (and allowed zero touchdown catches) over the last two seasons and became Notre Dame’s first two-time consensus All-American since 1993.
The size-speed traits might be average, but Watts is consistently in the right place at the right time.
Photo:
Brett Davis / Imagn Images
Highly recruited out of the Austin, Texas area, Collins was given the “underachiever” label by some while playing behind T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy III in 2023. But when given starting-level snaps in 2024, he played his best ball.
With his natural size, power and coordination, he does a great job as a two-gapper, stacking, peeking and grounding ball carriers between the tackles.
Photo:
Todd Kirkland / Getty Images
A basketball-focused athlete much of his life, Higgins played two seasons at Eastern Kentucky before putting up more than 2,000 combined receiving yards in two seasons with the Cyclones.
With the body control and grace of a former point guard, Higgins has the smooth athleticism that translates to his route running. He’s also a natural tracking and adjusting to the football, regardless of the placement or coverage (just three drops on 210 targets at Iowa State).
Photo:
Keith Gillett / IconSportswire
Although his inside vision can get a little messy, Henderson can bounce laterally and smash the accelerator to sprint through voids or convert his speed to power as a finisher.
His impact on passing downs will help separate him in the running back stack — he delivers thunderbolts into targets as a pass blocker and secures grabs away from his frame as a receiver, showing dynamic ability on option routes.
Photo:
Jason Mowry / Getty Images
With his NFL-ready build and length, Ersery has a stiff punch to steer rushers wide of the pocket, and he can anchor down when rushers try to attack him up the middle.
Ersery moves well for a big man, especially as a zone blocker, but there are some sloppy elements to his game. He must improve his timing and consistency during his NFL transition.
Photo:
James Black / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Burch is somewhat of a one-trick pony as a pass rusher — he creates pocket push with power. But the 285-pounder has the unique athletic traits to be more, if he improves his setup and secondary moves.
He needs to be more explosive with his hands to shed blocks in the run game, but he showed much improved awareness and finishing skills on his 2024 tape.
Photo:
Troy Wayrynen / Imagn Images
A physically imposing blocker, Savaiinaea is both alert and powerful with the competitive demeanor to complete his assignment.
Though he has the length and functional movements to stay at tackle, his square play style and bear-claw hands are better suited inside at guard, where he can develop into an NFL starter.
Photo:
Ric Tapia / Getty Images
A thickly built, high-motor rusher, Scourton is a banshee off the edge with the quickness and power to work half-a-man and wear down blockers. His game plan, however, is overly reliant on effort because of his average athletic tools, which keeps his approach relatively basic.
Still, his aggressive worker-bee play style should translate to NFL starting snaps.
Photo:
Michael Wade / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Hairston moves fairly effortlessly in all areas of the field, and he plays to his help in man-to-man coverage while showing conviction and awareness in Cover 3. He is a natural making plays at the catch point, but he’s also more scrappy than strong, which will show up against physical NFL receivers and in run support.
Photo:
Alex Slitz / Getty Images
Regardless of the coverage, Morrison has terrific foot quickness, body fluidity and technique to mirror early and regain phase late, which allows him make plays on the football without panic. He shows a natural feel in coverage and understands play indicators, although play-strength and durability concerns will follow him to the next level.
As he’s back from his second hip surgery, Morrison’s medicals will be critical for his final grade.
Photo:
Matt Cashore / USA Today
Much will be made of Turner’s “overaggressive” tendencies that draw attention from officials. But as one scout described him, “he’s the type (of player) you want on your side.”
Turner needs to introduce more discipline to his play style, but he prides himself on being the aggressor and relies on his initial twitch, fierce hands and combative mentality to be a factor.
Photo:
Matthew Visinsky / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
After transferring out of USC once Caleb Williams arrived, Dart found a home with Lane Kiffin. He leaves Oxford, Miss., with numerous season and career records, including the Rebels’ all-time lead in wins (28), passing yards (10,617) and total offense (12,117).
He needs time to develop his progression-based reads and anticipation (things he wasn’t asked to regularly do in college), but Dart is a natural thrower of the football with promising mobility and high-level competitive intangibles.
Photo:
Wes Hale / Getty Images
Thanks in part to his basketball background, Royals has a controlled, fluid stride and natural body coordination to be a weapon before and after the catch (10 catches of 50-plus yards over the last two seasons, No. 1 in the FBS).
His tape showed heavy helpings of screens, hitches and go routes, and he is still learning the nuances of route running, but he already showed improvements during Senior Bowl practices.
Photo:
Justin Fine / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
I understand why some are caught up on Shough’s age (he will be 25 on draft weekend), but that should be less of a concern for the quarterback position — especially outside of the first round.
A good-sized athlete, Shough engineered an offense that averaged 36.6 points per game in 2024. As long as team doctors sign off on his medicals, he has tools worthy of a Day Two dice roll.
Photo:
James Black / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
He didn’t start playing football until his junior year of high school, but Sanders showed promising talent throughout his four seasons with the Gamecocks. He plays with the initial twitch and effort to be a problem for blockers and consistently make plays away from his starting point.
Sanders should prove himself as part of a defensive line rotation as a rookie.
Photo:
Johnnie Izquierdo / Getty Images
There might not be a prospect whose ranking will fluctuate more during the draft process than Milroe’s does.
As an athlete and person, he belongs in the first round. But can he develop the passing consistency needed to grow into an NFL starter? Milroe will be worth the chance at some point on Day Two, but where is that sweet spot?
Photo:
Jason Clark / Getty Images
Built low to the ground, James is quick to scan, drop his pads and slam the gas through cracks at the line of scrimmage (36.5 percent of his 2024 carries resulted in a first down or touchdown, No. 2 in the FBS). Although he’s not much of a home run threat, he rips off a ton of doubles — and you can’t gauge his determination with a stopwatch or measuring tape.
Photo:
Justin Casterline / Getty Images
With his wide frame, long arms and functional movement skills, Williams has the ability to overwhelm defenders in the run game and force rushers to take a $20 Uber ride to get around him in pass pro. However, there are several basic (and non-negotiable) details that he must develop for the next level, including well-timed or repeatable hands.
Williams is another prospect for whom the medicals will influence the final draft ranking.
Photo:
Gregory Shamus / Getty Images
After seeing just 22 targets through his first three seasons, Helm became “the guy” as a senior — and didn’t disappoint. He emerged as the most consistent aspect of Texas’ offense, providing a team-best 60 receptions.
A fluid athlete for the position, Helm does a great job finding space in coverage, contorting his body to finish the catch and giving defenders the slip as a ballcarrier.
Photo:
Butch Dill / Getty Images
An explosive pass rusher, Stewart has the arc acceleration and flexibility to win high side, although his speed-to-power moves and bull rushes are uniquely effective when he is given a little runway. He plays bigger than he looks in the run game but will struggle to disengage when blockers are able to latch on to him.
Stewart has the talent to be more than a designated pass rusher in the NFL.
Photo:
Scott W. Grau / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Some of his strength and anchor concerns popped up during one-on-ones at the Senior Bowl, but Mbow will regain some of his draft momentum after he tests at the combine. His fluid footwork and body adjustments allow him to mirror rushers and operate well in space.
Some teams are keeping him at tackle on their boards, while others like him best inside at guard or even center.
Photo:
James Black / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Despite being part of a loaded defensive line group at the Senior Bowl, Alexander was able to shine brightest, putting himself in the mix to be a second-round pick. He has loose body control for a 304-pounder, and his play activity and toughness show, both on the interior and when rushing off the edge.
Photo:
Derick E. Hingle / Getty Images
Though he’s not a burner, Harris has the stride speed to be a factor on linear/one-cut routes and displays smooth gear-down for clean transitions. The best parts of his game are his hand-eye coordination and finishing toughness to make catches over defensive backs. He can be a productive Robin for an NFL offense that already has a go-to target.
Photo:
Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images
NFL teams are searching for guards who can move defenders with their lower body and control them with their upper half. Ratledge shows that consistently on his college tape.
He is a self-described “dirtbag” who should compete for a starting role as a rookie and has the necessary tools for a decade-long pro career, if he stays healthy.
Photo:
Jeffrey Vest / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
An Ole Miss transfer, Judkins joined Ohio State because he wanted to win a national title — and he helped pay off that goal by scoring three touchdowns in the championship game against Notre Dame. His best traits are his play strength and the run toughness he shows to drop his pads, barrel through heavy contact and come out the other side.
Photo:
Jamie Squire / Getty Images
Gillotte announced himself as a potential top-100 draft pick with his All-America junior season. And although his sack numbers dipped as a senior, he had more pressures created in 2024 (60) than in 2023 (58). His speed and flexibility as a high-side rusher are mediocre, but Gillotte creates leveraged power and natural downhill force with the way he fires off the ball and delivers pop at contact.
Photo:
Chris Bernacchi / Diamond Images via Getty Images
A sturdy and speedy athlete, Noel is smooth in and out of his breaks and plays with “Stick ’em” hands to consistently secure throws away from his body. Despite not being much of a tackler-breaker, he has a pull-away gear (with or without the ball) that makes him a playmaker (eight catches of 50-plus yards over the last two seasons, third most in the FBS.)
Photo:
Dustin Markland / Getty Images
Young, explosive and powerful is a great place to start for a defensive tackle prospect, and that is exactly what Phillips has to offer. He often negates those traits by being late off the snap and losing leverage, but NFL teams will gladly bet on the talent.
Photo:
Chris Bernacchi / Diamond Images via Getty Images
After his standout week at the Senior Bowl, Bech cemented himself as a top-75 pick.
Although he isn’t super dynamic, Bech is a smooth, physical athlete who can get in and out of breaks and catches the ball with supreme confidence.
Photo:
Matthew Visinsky / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
As a pass rusher, Umanmielen is at his best from distance, where he can bend and use his movement skills to turn the corner on his way to the quarterback (his pressures created increased each season). He has gotten bigger and stronger and is better equipped to hold up against the run, but he needs to play with more violence and refinement with his shed hands.
Photo:
Andy Altenburger / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Walker certainly benefits from the “planet theory” — there are only so many 340-pound humans walking the earth who have his combination of size, strength and sweet feet. But there are sloppy elements to his game, and his technique and pad level must catch up with his physical talent for the flashes to become more consistent.
Photo:
Rick Ulreich / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Using his athletic traits, Riley stays attached in man-to-man coverage, and he displays the click-and-close technique and ball skills to be disruptive (only player in this draft class with at least 15 career interceptions). Some might see his size as a liability, but his nose for the ball stands out.
Photo:
M. Anthony Nesmith / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Having averaged just 17.4 defensive snaps per game in 2024, Norman-Lott was part of a heavy rotation for Tennessee’s talented front — but you noticed him every time he was on the field.
With his movement and strength traits, he creates disruption versus both run and pass. Can he sustain that level of impact if he’s asked to handle double the number of snaps?
Photo:
Bryan Lynn / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Winston entered the season with a ton of promise and was viewed in September as a potential top-50 pick. A torn ACL in Week 2 sidelined him for the season, though, and put a discount sticker on his 2025 NFL Draft stock. He is expected to be cleared for workouts in March.
Photo:
Roger Wimmer / ISI Photos/Getty Images
While averaging 131.4 rushing yards per game in the SEC, Sampson set several school records this season. Although it is chaotic at times when he plays in overdrive, he runs with urgent speed getting through the first wave and opens up the field with his sharp lateral cuts.
Photo:
Jacob Kupferman / Getty Images
Although he never had the chance to see his late father, Steve, play in the NFL, Ozzy Trapilo has the same offensive line talent in his DNA, with natural movements and technical control. He needs to be more consistent blocking low to high in the run game, but he quickly establishes body positioning to manipulate spacing and cut off defenders.
Photo:
Joe Robbins / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
In an offense designed to weaponize its tight end, Fannin transitioned from high school safety to college tight end and in 2024 had arguably the greatest tight end season in FBS history. He set the position’s single-season records for catches (117) and receiving yards (1,555).
Fannin catches everything and shows a unique feel for creating as a ball carrier.
Photo:
Isaiah Vazquez / Getty Images
It was disappointing that Wilson had to pull out of the Senior Bowl, because he could have boosted his draft stock during the week of practice. He only started for one season in college but put promising play on his film, and scouts are excited about his movement skills.
Photo:
Dale Zanine / USA Today
Howard entered the season as a mid-round prospect. After a run that resulted in an Ohio State national championship, however, he likely won’t get out of Day Two.
He has functional mobility, arm talent and decision-making skills. NFL teams also appreciate his competitive toughness, which is a non-negotiable trait for the position at the next level.
Photo:
Ronald Martinez / Getty Images
Stutsman doesn’t have the proven coverage talent required of modern-day linebackers, but he is a gap-sound run defender and thundering tackler with the swagger (on and off the field) that will be welcomed in the NFL.
Photo:
Chris Gardner / Getty Images
A smooth athlete in coverage, Parrish can flip his hips downfield and has fast feet in his transitions to click and close on the ball very quickly. His toughness is apparent in coverage and run support, although his lack of size will show up if he loses positioning downfield or doesn’t square up the ball carrier.
Photo:
Peter G. Aiken / Getty Images
After four seasons at Georgia Tech, Kennard transferred to South Carolina for the 2024 season and played his best ball (11.5 sacks). He was probably the third-best player on the Gamecocks’ loaded defensive line, but he gave his draft grade a boost into the Day Two range.
Photo:
Isaiah Vazquez / Getty Images
A lot went wrong for Florida State this season, but there were several bright spots on the defense, such as Azareye’h Thomas at corner and Farmer in the trenches.
A team captain, Farmer is an explosive mover and attacks gaps like a bull in a china shop.
Photo:
James Gilbert / Getty Images
With his explosive speed, Johnson is electric before and after the catch. He also requires no gear-down at the catch point, which makes him a nightmare for open-field pursuit, because he can stick his foot in the ground and fly.
That said, at 156 pounds (10 pounds lighter than Tank Dell), he is a complete outlier.
Photo:
Jayne Kamin-Oncea / Imagn Images
After shifting from hockey to football while growing up in Canada, Ayomanor emerged as a go-to weapon at Stanford, despite playing for an offense that ranked 128th in the FBS this season.
He lacks natural refinement but can be a matchup weapon because he is a large, physical target for the quarterback, with a sizeable catch radius.
Photo:
Michael Reaves / Getty Images
After three years at UNLV, Williams transferred to Cal and had an All-America super-senior season. His outstanding ball skills are reflected in his 2024 production: seven interceptions (No. 1 in the FBS) and 16 passes defended (No. 1 in the ACC).
Williams’ 40-yard dash might determine whether he lands on Day Two or Day Three.
Photo:
Chris Leduc / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Straight out of central casting, Oladejo looks like an NFL pass rusher and teased NFL talent (see the Iowa and Penn State tapes). After playing Mike linebacker his first three years with the Bruins, he moved to an edge role three games into the 2024 season — so his best football is still ahead of him.
Photo:
David Dennis / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
At six feet tall with 32-inch arms, Amos can match up well against NFL size. He is very scheme-specific, though, which will eliminate him for several teams. But his consistency in coverage improved each season.
Photo:
David Rosenblum / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
I really wanted to like Bond more, because he is a tremendous athlete (and will show that at the combine). But given his lack of reliability, it is hard to justify putting him too high on this list. He is a complete wild card.
Photo:
Tim Warner / Getty Images
Though he doesn’t have the power to drive through the first level, Harvey is a dynamic make-you-miss runner using his tempo and burst (54 carries of 10-plus yards in 2024). Those skills made him a frequent visitor to the end zone, too (UCF-record 48 career touchdowns).
Photo:
Andrew Dieb / Imagn Images
Bryant barely tops 170 pounds after a good meal, but he rarely gets punked by size on the field. He is a quick read-react athlete and plays with the compete skills that will speak to NFL coaches.
Photo:
G Fiume / Getty Images
Plenty of teams won’t consider drafting a sub-200-pound safety, but Mukuba put enough on tape in 2024 to force GMs to rethink that threshold. He is at his best flying through alleys with urgency and conviction.
Photo:
Matthew Visinsky / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
I expected a little more from Ferguson this season, but he has NFL athleticism as a route runner and pass catcher. With improved technique as a blocker, he will be able to stay on the field — and be an asset — in any situation.
Photo:
Jeffrey Brown / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Porter (33 1/4-inch arms) is a towering corner with legit speed. The traits are too appealing for him to fall out of the top 100, but why did it take until his sixth season in college for him to see steady snaps?
Photo:
Keith Gillett / Icon Sportswire
Though he’s undersized, Paul is a high-energy Mike ‘backer who sees the field well and had the dirtiest jersey on each tape studied. He might not be a fit for every scheme, but I’ll bet he finds a way to be productive at the next level..
Photo:
Andy Altenburger / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
(Top photos of Jalon Walker and Ashton Jeanty: CFP / Getty Images; Robin Alam / ISI Photos / Getty Images)
