Now, it gets serious.It’s still too early to say exactly how the top of the
2025 NFL Draft will shake out come April. The number of quarterback-needy teams once again outweighs the reasonable first-round options, so both of the top spots in Round 1 could be on the trading block.But with the all-star circuit and Super Bowl now behind us — and the scouting combine fewer than 20 days away — teams can begin firming up their respective draft boards ahead of the final evaluation stretch.
(Note: Nos. 97-101 are projected compensatory picks in Round 3. The 49ers, Rams and Lions all are guaranteed Round 3 comp picks this year per the NFL’s Rooney Rule.)Are the Titans really in position to roll the dice on either
Cam Ward or
Shedeur Sanders? This roster needs to be rebuilt first, and Carter is the prospect most like
Micah Parsons since Parsons himself.Carter and
Travis Hunter are pretty clearly the two best players in this draft. Either would be a great addition to a rebuilding culture.
2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
The same rule applies here: The Browns have too many other areas to fix right now — and the 2026 quarterback class likely will be much better at the top.
Hunter’s skill set, frame and IQ as a wide receiver could be Pro Bowl caliber for a long time. His entire package as a cornerback, however, could be generational.
It’s certainly possible
New York will have to move up if it wants a choice between Ward or Sanders, but (as explained at Nos. 1 and 2 here) the Giants might be able to sit, wait and have their pick this year.Ward has never taken a step back on his improvement track from Wing-T prep QB to Heisman candidate. And though there’s plenty of heat on Giants coach Brian Daboll, I’m eager to see him finally get to work with a young passer.
There’s plenty to nitpick with Campbell (and this offensive tackle class, in general). However, the longer you watch tape — and the more you hear from people about his football character — the harder it is to doubt him. Familiar story, new year: Campbell’s length isn’t ideal, but everything else is elite. He’s clearly OT1 and a top-10 prospect in this class.
This actually could be a trade-back spot for Jacksonville, if it falls this way — Graham will have a top-three grade on more than a few boards as the best defensive lineman in what is an outstanding class. Sanders is still on the table here, too.The twitched-up Graham is 320 pounds of dynamite and can line up anywhere tackle to tackle.
My bet is that Ward’s proven history of gradual improvement will continue in the NFL and he’ll eventually outpace Sanders on the field. However, it would not be a surprise, at all, if Sanders has the better rookie season. His game is reminiscent of a more athletic version of
Bo Nix.A mobile pocket battler with terrific accuracy and toughness, Sanders always will need more help from the roster around him than your average top-10 QB — but he can be a terrific point guard for a long time.
7. New York Jets: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Teams will have to take a deep look at Johnson’s medicals after he missed most of his junior season. However, when you turn on Johnson’s tape — especially from the Wolverines’ 2023 title run — you see a truly elite college corner. Johnson was
Michigan’s
best at the position since Charles Woodson, and he’d be a perfect fit for new Jets coach Aaron Glenn.
Walker is another player built in the Parsons mold. He could give a defensive coordinator the type of front-seven hybrid that offenses still haven’t quite figured out. Walker is an explosive, powerful playmaker from the box or off the edge, and the pro possibilities for the 6-foot-2, 250-pounder are a lot of fun.
This would feel like a steal for the Saints. The 6-5, 210-pound McMillan has freakish explosion and length, and he caught a combined 174 passes for more than 1,700 yards and 18 touchdowns over his last two seasons.
Arizona hardly faced a top-end schedule, but it’s impossible not to see McMillan’s dominance — and immense potential — on tape.
Membou (6-3, 332) has a bit of an awkward build for a tackle, but his 34-inch arms and 81-inch wingspan more than make up for it. The 20-year-old was a three-year starter at Missouri and made a gigantic leap from his sophomore to junior year, most notably as a run blocker. Be it as a tackle or guard, Membou is still not close to his ceiling.
Before suffering a knee injury in October, Simmons was right there with Campbell as the smoothest and most agile offensive tackles in college football. His pre-injury 2024 showing made for easily his best stretch in college, as he allowed just one pressure in 306 snaps. The medicals will be critical here, though the timing of Simmons’ injury should allow him to be ready for training camp.
The ace of a terrific running back class, Jeanty is one of the rare ball carriers who can be a true three-down NFL threat as a runner or receiver, in just about any scheme. The
most productive college back since Barry Sanders, Jeanty would fill a clear need in Dallas — and give Jerry Jones a potential star.
There will be teams that like Banks more as a guard than a tackle, though he probably could hang outside. Either way, the Dolphins have to find help for their offensive line, so Banks — who had dominant run-blocking stretches this season — would be a big help.
This should be another great tight end class — Warren and Michigan’s Colston Loveland are the best of the bunch, but don’t be shocked if as many as four tight ends hear their names called in the first round. With this pick,
Anthony Richardson would find his new best friend.
Stewart was one of the best players at the Senior Bowl (despite not actually being a senior). His blend of burst, power and length (34 1/4-inch arms at 6-5, 280) outweighs his lack of high-end college production. Stewart will have to prove it at the next level, but he is a possible top-10 talent.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
Green (6-4, 250) topped 19 miles per hour on the GPS at the Senior Bowl and was the FBS sack leader this season with 17. He put up close to 100 combined pressures during his sophomore and junior seasons at Marshall. An elite athlete and former wrestler, Green also saw more than 40 snaps in the box for the
Thundering Herd.
A powerful, explosive inside hammer, Harmon (6-4, 310) is another member of the transfer portal jackpot club — he left
Michigan State as a relative unknown before exploding this past season at Oregon. Harmon’s disruptive impact outweighs his light box-score production. We haven’t seen his best ball yet.
One of the most powerful big men in the country, Booker is a 6-5 house of a man who features great bend and athleticism to complement his ability to move people inside. A three-year starter, Booker weighed more than 350 pounds as a true freshman but played at closer to 320 this season and flashed dominant run-blocking stretches.
There’s going to be a pretty wide range for Starks, not only because he’s primarily a safety (though he’s capable of playing slot or corner), but also because his junior year wasn’t quite as outstanding as his sophomore year.Either way, putting Starks in a Todd Bowles defense would be an incredible fit. Great value at this spot, too.
20. Denver Broncos: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
It’s very possible Loveland is the first tight end off the board, despite all of Warren’s highlights and 2024 stat advantages. Loveland is a better route runner, and though he’s not as powerful as Warren, his run blocking during Michigan’s 2023 title run was more than fine. Sean Payton might do cartwheels if Loveland is still on the board here.
Burden’s 2024 season was nowhere near as explosive as his 2023, when he looked for stretches like the next Deebo Samuel. However, a large part of that drop-off was due to
Missouri’s poor QB play (and general offensive stagnation). Burden is a unique weapon who should only help himself at the combine.
The most QB-friendly receiver in this year’s draft class, Egbuka’s effort, consistency and toughness are an offensive coordinator’s dream. He’s a
slightly taller version of Amon-Ra St. Brown and, alongside
Ladd McConkey, would give
Justin Herbert two of the craftiest young WRs in football.
On traits alone, Williams is a top-10 player in this class — a raw, less-proven version of former No. 1 pick
Travon Walker. But Williams is a long-term investment who’ll require plenty of coaching. Green Bay could handle that task, and the reward might be terrific.
It’s not impossible the Vikings (or the Chargers two spots earlier) go with a running back, as both
Iowa’s
Kaleb Johnson and
North Carolina’s
Omarion Hampton would be great fits in either scheme. Same time, the Vikings are in a division with the run-heavy Lions and a Bears team that
just hired the Lions’ old OC. More help over the ball is always needed.
25. Houston Texans: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
There’s a real chance Grant has one of those unforgettable testing weeks at the combine and rockets his stock into the top-15 range. If he doesn’t, he could be in line to slip. A phenomenal athlete at 340 pounds, Grant is still more traits than production.Don’t rule out North Dakota State OL Grey Zabel, the draft’s top center/interior O-lineman, as the Texans’ first-round pick.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
The complaints from scouts about Conerly’s inconsistency and technical sloppiness are all fair — and easy to spot in just about any Oregon game. However, the same could be said about the 21-year-old’s athletic profile, power and potential. Conerly is the type of athlete who theoretically could line up anywhere on the offensive line. He’s another traits-heavy prospect who could blossom into a star.Senior Bowl winners by position: Which 2025 NFL Draft prospects impressed scouts?
This feels very low for a player with Pearce’s twitch, burst and bend off the corner — he recorded more than 100 combined pressures over his two years as a starter at Tennessee, with a 23 percent win rate last season. But he’s just 243 pounds and exactly the type of uber-talented player who’s going to need a specific team fit.
Ezeiruaku (6-2, 248) pairs outstanding burst with near-35-inch arms. He’s another tenacious edge rusher who had a phenomenal 2024 (60 pressures, 16 1/2 sacks and 20 1/2 tackles for loss). The Lions need someone who can win one-on-ones opposite
Aidan Hutchinson, and this would qualify.Donovan Ezeiruaku appreciation.
The Commanders need more speed and playmaking ability around
Jayden Daniels, be it at tight end, running back or wide receiver. All feel like options — good options, given how the board could fall — in Round 1.Golden exploded as Texas’ top WR this year, and the 6-foot, 200-pound burner will flirt with a 4.3-second 40-yard dash at the combine.
One of my favorite players in the class, Barron could come off the board before Starks and it wouldn’t be a huge shock. Barron might not blow anyone away with his testing, but he has the potential to be this draft’s version of
Brian Branch — a do-it-all defender who can make plays at safety, outside corner or in the slot, so long as you’ve got a plan for him.
One of the most versatile offensive linemen in this class, Jackson (6-4, 320 with ridiculous 36-inch arms) was a three-year starting guard before stepping in at tackle after Simmons’ injury. He did just fine playing outside the rest of the way for the national champs, skyrocketing his stock in the process.
A long corner with speed headed to the Eagles — where have we heard that before? Revel is still rehabbing a knee injury that wiped out his 2023 season, but the 6-2, 190-pounder with near-33-inch arms covers a ton of ground. He would be a total menace alongside Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.
Round 2
The QB3 debate is far from closed — the same could be said for QB4, QB5 or any other spot at that position.
Jaxson Dart,
Jalen Milroe and
Will Howard all could emerge, but the buzz around Shough
has picked up in recent weeks. He only started one full year for Jeff Brohm at Louisville after stops at Oregon and
Texas Tech, but Shough (6-5, 225) has a big-time arm and quick feet. He’s also a seasoned prospect — the 25-year-old is coming off the best year of his career.
34. New York Giants: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
35. Tennessee Titans: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
The questions about whether or not anything from Lane Kiffin’s passing offense can translate to an NFL system will follow Dart until he proves he’s not
Matt Corral. But Dart (6-2, 225) has solid size with an accurate arm, quick release and great football IQ/character. There’s enough here to bet on, especially in this class — and Tennessee wouldn’t have to do it at No. 1.
36. Jacksonville Jaguars: Grey Zabel, G/C, North Dakota State
37. Las Vegas Raiders: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
39. Chicago Bears (from CAR): Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
40. New Orleans Saints: Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
41. Chicago Bears: JT Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State
42. New York Jets: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
Wherever he goes, Milroe more than likely will need a full year on the bench, because nothing about his college tape — accuracy, processing or technique — shows a player remotely ready to challenge an NFL defense.That said, Milroe is 6-2, 220 with a cannon for an arm and probably will run in the 4.3s. He moves like
Lamar Jackson, but be advised: He’s nowhere near the passer Jackson was at this age.Who are the 2025 NFL Draft's most intriguing underclassman prospects?
43. San Francisco 49ers: Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State
46. Atlanta Falcons: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
47. Arizona Cardinals: Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
48. Miami Dolphins: Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami
49 .Cincinnati Bengals: Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M
50. Seattle Seahawks: Landon Jackson, Edge, Arkansas
51. Denver Broncos: Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
55. Los Angeles Chargers: Gunnar Helm, TE, Texas
56. Buffalo Bills (from MIN): Jack Bech, WR, TCU
The
best story from the Senior Bowl, Bech’s on-field performance in Mobile, Ala., was reminiscent of what
Puka Nacua did at the event a few years ago. Bech took the long way to get here, but he’s reminded scouts and GMs exactly who he is — and why he could land in Round 2.
57. Carolina Panthers (from LAR): Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State
58. Houston Texans: Jonah Savaiinaea, G, Arizona
59. Baltimore Ravens: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
61. Washington Commanders: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
62. Buffalo Bills: T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina
63. Kansas City Chiefs: Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
64. Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State
Round 3
65. New York Giants: Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
66. Kansas City Chiefs (from TEN): Josaiah Stewart, Edge, Michigan
67. Cleveland Browns: Cameron Williams, OT, Texas
68. Las Vegas Raiders: Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon
69. New England Patriots: Princely Umanmielen, Edge, Ole Miss
70. Jacksonville Jaguars: Marcus Mbow, G/T, Purdue
Shrine Bowl takeaways: Which 2025 NFL Draft prospects have raised their stock?
72. Chicago Bears: Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M
74. Carolina Panthers: Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee
75. San Francisco 49ers: Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State
76. Dallas Cowboys: Jared Ivey, Edge, Ole Miss
77. New England Patriots (from ATL): Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
78. Arizona Cardinals: Jared Wilson, C, Georgia
79. Washington Commanders (from MIA): Kyle Kennard, Edge, South Carolina
80. Indianapolis Colts: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
81. Cincinnati Bengals: Tate Ratledge, OG, Georgia
83. Pittsburgh Steelers: Will Howard, QB, Ohio State
There’s enough buzz around Howard to push him into the top 100, even if NFL teams may still have their doubts. From toughness and character standpoints, however, there are no questions — Howard entered an insanely difficult situation this year and left with a national title. His competitive nature and ability to move on to the next play are enough to take a chance on, especially in a situation like Pittsburgh’s.
84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nohl Williams, CB, Cal
85. Denver Broncos: Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas
86. Los Angeles Chargers: Oluwafemi Oladejo, Edge, UCLA
87. Green Bay Packers: JJ Pegues, DT, Ole Miss
88. Jacksonville Jaguars (from MIN): Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas
89. Houston Texans: Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
If this happens, let’s hope
Matthew Stafford stays another year in Los Angeles. Fannin is one of the most electric pass catchers in this class and a much better blocker than people realize. Sean McVay — and Stafford — would have a lot of fun here.
91. Baltimore Ravens: Ty Hamilton, DT, Ohio State
92. New York Jets (from DET): Ashton Gillotte, Edge, Louisville
93. New Orleans Saints (from WAS): Kaimon Rucker, Edge, North Carolina
94. Cleveland Browns (from BUF): TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
95. Kansas City Chiefs: Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee
97. Minnesota Vikings*: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
98. Miami Dolphins*: Miles Frazier, G/T, LSU
99. San Francisco 49ers*: Jackson Slater, G/C, Sacramento State
100. Los Angeles Rams*: Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
101. Detroit Lions*: Charles Grant, G/T, William & Mary
