The top 50 prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, at least before the 2025 NFL Combine kicks off this week. I, Hayden Winks, will be live in Indianapolis for the event and ready to podcast. It's one of my favorite weeks of the year, and I'm more prepared than ever. I've crammed in 60 prospects before my flight took off, meaning I've watched their All-22, crunched their box scores, and sometimes came up with some player comparisons. There will be some slight adjustments made based on official Combine results and movement in consensus rankings, but the meat and potatoes of the 1st Round is set here. I will obviously add new members to the top 50 (and potentially even into the top 32) as I get more players done.
The goal, of course, is to repeat my crown of having the best Top 100 big board on the internet per Arif Hassan when we finally get to draft week.
As usual, these rankings adjust for positional value. I still don't understand why most big boards are based on "best players" yet that's not how these big board rankers would actually draft players when on the clock. How is it helpful to the reader? I now have to guess how you'd re-arrange the draft board to adjust for positional value? That's the hard part!!! Are you taking the QB that makes you nervous, or the layup-line stud RB in the middle of Round 1? Well, I laid out my choice in this column. Other analysts get to coward away behind their fake big boards.
Sigh... Scared to compete.
The 21-year-old early declare is a classic speed rusher with a strong 19% pressure rate and 12.0 sacks in 16 games. That was his first season as an edge rusher after beginning as an off-ball linebacker. At 6'3" and 253 pounds, he wins with burst and bend, sometimes using a deadly ghost move to turn the corner. His inside counter is also highly effective, boasting a 60% win rate against over-setting tackles. While primarily an edge rusher, he has shown versatility by standing up in the A-gap or blitzing from middle linebacker to take advantage of slow-footed centers. His chase-down speed allows him to occasionally spy on scrambling quarterbacks, and he holds up well against the run, ranking in the 85th percentile for tackles for loss among drafted edge players since 2005. His relative weakness is his sheer force and power. He's in the 25th percentile in weight and only attempted 14 bull rushes all year. He's closer to Will Anderson or Josh Hines-Allen than total freaks Myles Garrett or Nick Bosa. Despite that, Carter profiles as a double-digit sack artist who is (scarily) still developing his pass rush arsenal after just changing positions. If he reaches his ceiling, Micah Parsons is the comp. Just look at his 23% pressure rate when rushing outside the C-gap.
We'll have a ton to say about the QBs shortly. In short, Ward's tools are promising (see clip below), and he checks almost all analytical boxes. There is a little circus to his game stylistically that makes him more boom-bust than others I've ranked this highly. Ultimately, Ward shares traits to Jordan Love and the better version of Deshaun Watson.
The 2024 Heisman winner is a generationally unique prospect, redefining what’s possible as a two-way player in the modern era. He logged an absurd 1,562 snaps, including 163 in a single game against Texas Tech, showcasing elite flexibility, body control, and all-around toughness . As a cornerback where most evaluators project him, he allowed just 0.44 yards per snap in man coverage-- mirroring, closing, and playing the ball at an elite level. His 6'0", 181-pound frame may raise concerns in the pros, but his athleticism, instincts, and open-field grit make up for it. His coverage ability is reminiscent of Sauce Gardner. There is little doubt that his lack of two-high zone defense snaps are going to hold him back. Just worth noting Colorado only had 105 snaps in Cover 2, 4 snaps in Quarters, and 9 snaps in Cover 6.
On offense, Hunter averaged 97 receiving yards per game with 15 touchdowns (lol). He thrives on fades, intermediate-breaking routes, and screens (21 receptions), using explosive athleticism and high-level body control at the catch point. There is too much to like to not trot him out for 5-20 offensive snaps per game early in his career. That probably makes him an overrated fantasy football asset, but he can make a positive impact for an NFL team if he literally never played a snap on defense. He's that special.
The 21-year-old early declare is a dominant right tackle built like a brick wall at 6’4”, 332 pounds. He faced elite pass-rush competition, and dominated. He allowed a 2.7% pressure rate against the consensus top 50 EDGE players in this class per PFF. His combination of strength, density, and long arms will make him nearly impossible to bull rush with more development, and he's an excellent athlete on outside/inside moves. In the run game, Missouri purposefully ran behind him. Membou can maul with his head-on power, but his quick feet showed off elite reps on the most difficult zone blocks. He should stick at right tackle, but if he had to play guard, he could be an All Pro player. He's been my favorite player to watch this class so far.
The 21-year-old early declare put up impressive production with 108 and 110 yards per game as a true sophomore and junior. His 6-foot-5 frame immediately stands out on tape, giving him a major advantage in contested situations and while working over the middle. He has strong hands to pluck the ball out of the air and elite body control for his size, showcased by a highlight one-handed grab against Travis Hunter. His back-shoulder catch ability makes him a dangerous downfield weapon, while his surprising shiftiness allows him to generate yards after the catch underneath. He wins consistently on slants and in-breaking routes, with go balls, posts, and fades all well within his arsenal. Though he’s not a true burner, he can threaten every level of the field with his route-running and physicality. McMillan profiles as a No. 1 X receiver with a Tier 2 high ceiling. ... Comps: Mike Evans, Drake London, Tee Higgins.
The 21-year-old early declare and three-year starter at left tackle brings a well-rounded skill set with impressive movement skills for his 6’6”, 323-pound frame. Campbell plays light on his feet and with great balance, giving him a calm presence in pass protection. His timing to engage with defenders is a plus, helping him allow just a 3% pressure rate against outside rushers. He was worse on inside moves (10% pressure rate), where his average length and strength make recovery harder. Campbell is an asset in the run game because of his body control and fluidity. He'll climb to the second level and be used as a puller. On top of that, there were times where he'd call out incoming blitzers. It's easy to see how he was a captain. There's positional versatility here.
The 21-year-old early declare and national champion is a high-floor prospect with impressive agility for his size. At 6'3", 320 pounds (79th percentile weight), he primarily lined up between the 2- and 4i-tech spots, showcasing his ability to win with quickness rather than pure power. His 10% pressure rate, despite facing some double teams, highlights his effectiveness as an interior disruptor, particularly with his swim move and ability to excel on stunts. While more of a slasher than a bull-rusher, his wrestling background is evident in his leverage, balance, and ability to shed blocks. He’s a strong run defender, using a fast first step and low pad level to beat guards off the snap. His 60th percentile solo tackle rate among drafted DTs since 2005 is solid. With his mobility and versatility, he profiles as a dependable presence along the defensive line. ... Comps: Christian Wilkins, Devonte Wyatt, and Byron Murphy.
The 21-year-old early declare and national champion has a rare blend of size and athleticism, earning the No. 3 spot on The Freaks List. At 6'3", 339 pounds (95th percentile weight), he’s an overwhelming force in the middle, dominating centers as a nose tackle (9% pressure rate) while also playing significant snaps in the B-gap (7% pressure rate). His power and ability to bulldoze through combo blocks make him an outstanding run defender, consistently holding his gap or disrupting plays himself. Despite his size, he has surprising agility and quickness, highlighted by a hilarious chase-down tackle on a Penn State running back (see below). As a pass rusher (3.5 and 3.0 sacks), he’s still developing his technique and needs to improve hip flexibility and snap timing, but his flashes show high upside. I liked his 10 pass deflections, too. Given his frame, Grant will likely need to be subbed out for a third of his snaps, but his physical tools make him an exciting interior disruptor. ... Comps: Dexter Lawrence, Derrick Brown, Jordan Davis.
Unfortunately, there are multiple reports of Pearce being flagged for character. I obviously have no clue what's going on there, but he was ranked highly by Daniel Jeremiah then left out of his mock draft for a reason. The Athletic's Dane Brugler mentioned character concerns here.
The 21-year-old early declare is one of the most explosive speed rushers in the draft at 6'4", 245 pounds. His elite first step and natural burst helped him post a 24% pressure rate when rushing from the C-gap or wider, consistently standing out as the fastest off the ball. He tallied 10.0 sacks in 13 games as a sophomore before recording 7.5 this year. While he’s pound-for-pound strong, his lighter frame can make him vulnerable against powerful OTs (see: Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson) and prevents him from sliding inside (only 47 pass rushes in tha A- or B-gap). He occasionally struggles against down-blocking tackles, ranking in the 40th percentile for tackles for loss among drafted EDGEs since 2005. However, his high motor, backside pursuit, and ability to chase down scrambling QBs and screens make him a disruptive force in both phases. Heck, Pearce even added a Pick 6 while zone dropping into the flats. There are a lot of athletic traits to develop here. The upside is obvious. ... Comps: Brian Burns, Nolan Smith, David Ojabo.
The 21-year-old early declare is the best rushing prospect since Saquon Barkley, posting a ridiculous 195 total YPG and 30 TDs in 14 games, ranking in the 99th percentile of PPR points per game among drafted RBs since 2005. At 5'8"/218 with a 98th percentile BMI, he combines rare contact balance, core strength, and a low center of gravity that allows him to absorb and shed hits with ease. He runs through defenders like a Looney Tunes highlight reel, making LBs bounce off him and leaving DBs on the ground. PFF charted him with 158 forced missed tackles on 388 carries last year. That feels like a record. While his long speed is more good than elite, he has plenty to break off 50+ yard scores with quality vision and quick decision making. Jeanty is scheme versatile and solid as a receiver (43-589-5, 23-138-0 receiving lines), comfortable with screens, fast 3s, and quick outs. Just don't expect real route running like Christian McCaffrey types. ... Comps: Nick Chubb, Prime Ezekiel Elliott.
The early-declare junior is a versatile move tight end who can line up all over the field, even as a perimeter option. He’s a sharp route runner with great burst out of his breaks, especially on crossing routes. There are reps where he looks like an NFL wide receiver at 6'5"/245. He often just wins with his burst and route running, but Loveland also knows how to use a subtle push-off to create separation. He struggled with contested catches, wasn’t heavily utilized in the screen game (6 catches), and rarely runs through tacklers. That's fine because he's a legit weapon 10+ yards downfield and can be a part of the explosive pass game. His production (58 YPC) would've been higher in another college offense or with another quarterback. As a blocker, he’s inconsistent but can survive in 11-personnel. He’s just better on the move, either working combo blocks or when pulling. The 21-year-old has time to get stronger and be a more well-rounded NFL player, but he profiles as a Day 1 pass catching option with Pro Bowl upside. ... Comps: Travis Kelce, Trey McBride, Sam LaPorta.
The 21-year-old early declare has just 1,152 career snaps at off-ball linebacker, but he made 9.0 tackles per game in his first full season as a starter (77th percentile among drafted LBs). He racked up 12 TFLs, showcasing elite chase down speed and a quick ability to diagnose. He'll be great against zone reads in the modern era. His frame is ideal (6'3"/245) and 5-star recruit worthy. He was the No. 1 EDGE recruit (IMG Academy) before making the position switch in college. Campbell deserves pass-rushing snaps, however, after posting a 15% pressure rate when lined up on the defensive line. He has explosive speed and will be a valuable blitzer when lined up at off-ball (5.0 sacks as a junior). His coverage ability is rooted in his elite athleticism. He's already solid in man coverage and made some plays in zone (INT vs. Carson Beck), but his coverage instincts and confidence in his assignments will improve with more experience. He's a high ceiling linebacker prospect with a path to edge snaps. Sometimes just get the good football player on your team and figure the rest out later. ... Comp: Zack Baun.
The 21-year-old early declare from Georgia played both off-ball linebacker (319 snaps) and EDGE (254 snaps), showcasing versatility, but his upside is at outside linebacker as a pass rusher. He posted a solid 17% pressure rate but had only 6.5 sacks in 14 games because his pass-rush repertoire is still developing. He compensates for a squatty frame (6'2"/245) with explosive power and controlled athleticism. For example, Walker only cut inside on 12% of his rushes, yet won 61% of those attempts because of his elite closing speed and fight to work through bodies. His ability to chase QBs as a spy or on the outside after winning with bend is very impressive. His Georgia coaches rave about his leadership and intangibles, according to Daniel Jeremiah. His involvement as an off-ball linebacker can be a plus as a changeup with a creative coordinator because he is a freak athlete with downhill ability. ... Comps: Clay Matthews, Nik Bonitto.
The 21-year-old early declare has standout leadership qualities, earning comparisons to Will Anderson Jr. from Alabama sources per Daniel Jeremiah. At 6'5", 325 pounds (if not bigger), he brings a massive frame and dominant strength, making him nearly impossible to bull rush. He allowed a mere 2.2% pressure rate at left guard with zero sacks, consistently knocking defenders off balance in one-on-one situations. His biggest area for growth is recognizing and reacting to stunts, where occasional indecisiveness led to pressures—something that should improve with experience. Booker is a powerful finisher in the run game, excelling in downhill schemes, though he’s not as fluid in space. He has an extremely high floor and could unlock another level if he trims some weight and refines his movement skills. Alabama rarely used outside zone, rather using inside zone and gap schemes.
The 20-year-old -- yes 20 years old -- early declare from Georgia made an impact early, playing real snaps during the Bulldogs' 2022 national championship run. His bullrush sack as an 18-year-old against No. 6 overall pick Paris Johnson showcased his raw power. Williams stands at 6'5", 265 pounds with long arms, and he consistently collapsed pockets and stood his ground against the run. He maintained a relentless motor despite an ankle injury. His 12% pressure rate and 5.0 sacks in 12 games don’t fully reflect his pass-rush upside, as he had equal pass rush snaps up the A- or B-gap as he did on the outside. It also doesn't account for his run defense, where he controls his gap and can work back inside to make tackles. If he can get back to full health and has more freedom to attack outside, Williams' blend of length, power, and motor could translate into high-level production. The partial stiffness likely caps his total ceiling, however. ... Comps: Preston Smith, George Karlaftis, Clelin Ferrell.
The 21-year-old early declare is a 6’4”, 320-pound left tackle with three years of starting experience. Banks is a great athlete, excelling as a puller and in the screen game, where his movement skills shine. His footwork is solid and he’s strong enough to hold up at either spot, but his average length isn’t a major advantage. He showed impressive pass protection reps against Mason Graham, handling power and quickness well. In the run game, he’s good but not dominant, fitting well in a wide zone scheme where his mobility can be maximized. However, he can get off balance by overextending, possibly compensating for his lack of length, and he doesn’t always sustain power blocks. Banks should have split opinions based on scheme and position of interest. I'd start him at LT and be open to moving inside.
The senior moved across the formation as Penn State's top pass-catching option (77 YPG). Warren won from the slot on breaking routes against man coverage with quality route-running ability. His best work is at the catch point. His 6-foot-6 frame walls off defenders on seam balls, wheel routes, and slot fades. He has multiple Sports Center Top 10 moments as a Moss-er, making him a red zone staple and potential mismatch against smaller nickels and safeties. Warren is a physical athlete, but he's not graceful out in space. He's more likely to attempt a truck stick than run around or evade a defender at the second level. His size (6'6/255) shows up as an in-line blocker where he flashed the ability to block edge players. He's not consistent there yet -- especially when he was asked to block on the move, as a FB, or as a slicer -- but with more experience, Warren has all-around upside. For now, his value is as a plug-and-play starter with good skills in all phases. ... Comps: T.J. Hockenson, Hunter Henry, Dallas Goedert.
The senior is a classic, reliable slot receiver with more speed and size (6'1", 205) than most inside receivers. He has an excellent feel for zone coverage, making himself QB-friendly by breaking at the right time when being passed off and coming back to the ball. Ohio State’s all-time leader in receptions (205), Egbuka averaged 89 yards per game with C.J. Stroud in 2022 before playing in a more balanced Chip Kelly offense (63 YPG) as a senior, where he still led the team in receptions over five-star phenom Jeremiah Smith. Egbuka has enough speed to threaten defenses on seam balls, crossers, and outs, and his 2022 tape showcases more reps of him winning vertically. Notably, he had success in man coverage against Mike Sainristil and Georgia’s secondary, proving he’s more than just a zone-beater. He's also a willing and physical blocker, making him a candidate to stay in 2-WR sets despite his slot profile. Egbuka is polished with a very high floor. If he's a No. 2 option, your team is cooking. ... Comps: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Robert Woods.
The redshirt senior (5'11"/200) is a versatile, experienced defensive back who has played outside corner, slot, and even some dime linebacker. He moves like a natural nickel at the NFL level, bringing instincts in coverage and physicality as a tackler. His timing in zone coverage make him a trusted defender, and he consistently fights through contact to disrupt passes. While not the most explosive straight-line athlete, he makes up for it with sharp decision-making and strong ball production—posting 11 pass deflections and 5 interceptions in 2024. Those are elite numbers. His 0.33 yards per man coverage snap in 2024 as a primarily outside corner underscores his ability to stick with receivers underneath, though he can be vulnerable against perimeter WRs downfield. With elite tackle production (78 in 2022) and a knack for blitzing, Barron projects as a valuable chess piece who can match up with pass-catching tight ends and running backs when he's not lined up with receivers. ... Comp: Cooper DeJean, Brian Branch, Byron Murphy.
The 22-year-old early declare and National Champion is a composed, fluid athlete who thrives in zone coverage. At 6'2", 202 pounds, Johnson has decent length, change of direction, and instincts to read quarterbacks' eyes, making him a strong fit for the modern NFL’s zone-heavy schemes. He’s smooth in his backpedal, with impressive timing on when to break on the ball. While he occasionally presses in short-yardage situations, he primarily operates in off-coverage, where his natural feel for the game shines and his lack of top-end explosiveness is minimized. There were multiple lost reps to Marvin Harrison Jr. and Rome Odunze down the field, neither of whom are burners by NFL standards. Michigan deployed man coverage on just 83 snaps (0.88 yards per coverage snap), leaving some questions about his ability in that area. His toe injury will need medical clearance, but Johnson’s intelligence, size, and instincts should make him a strong fit for teams that prioritize zone coverage principles.
He is a three-year starter at Ole Miss after transferring from USC with a solid 6'2"/222 frame and plenty of toughness. As a senior, Dart put up 329 passing yards per game, 10.8 yards per attempt as a senior, and 81st percentile EPA per play. His elite 9.3 yards per dropback on non-RPO and non-screen throws ease criticisms about Rebels' scheme driving his production. His arm strength is decent, and he’s particularly effective on high-point throws, with a quick release and compact throwing motion. He’s also comfortable throwing on the move, delivering what might be the best throw of this draft cycle on a deep shot while rolling left (see below). A good athlete, Dart scrambled 40 times compared to just 29 sacks and showed impressive mobility against Georgia, with QB draws and zone reads as part of his overall game. His last four games against SEC competition included 61 rushing yards per game, and his total rushing EPA is in the 67th percentile among drafted QBs since 2005.
Dart's accuracy underneath is just average, and he sometimes places passes too far in front of receivers. A bigger issue is his timing can be late, occasionally skipping past open reads in his progressions. Dart also has limited experience commanding a traditional huddle, relying on Lane Kiffin’s sideline assistance, and he took only 15 snaps under center in 2024. Given these factors, he’ll likely need at least half a season, if not a full year, developing on the sideline before being ready to start. Long term, Dart has starter traits with reasonable upside... Comps: Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Bo Nix, Drew Lock.
The redshirt junior declare has undergone a long development process after starting at 360 pounds in high school and transferring from Michigan State. Now at 6'5", 310 pounds, Harmon is a versatile defensive lineman who can play both 3- and 5-technique. His elite 17% pressure rate and arsenal of moves make him a long and physical disruptor. In a small sample of rushing from the A-gap, he had a 22% pressure rate while demonstrating a bull rush. However, his high pad level and lack of agility limit his ability to bend, sometimes leading to balance issues. As a run defender, he’s fine, ranking in the 58th percentile for solo tackles among drafted DTs since 2005, with moments of both sealing off and slicing through blocks. While he may not have much more developmental upside, Harmon's ability to contribute in multiple situations makes him a valuable piece... Stylistic comp: Less agile Chris Jones.
The 21-year-old early declare from Texas A&M is a boom-or-bust prospect with elite size and power at 6'5", 281 pounds. His best trait is his raw strength, evident in his 22% pressure rate with a bull rush against tackles, but he lacks a consistent go-to move beyond that. While he has solid initial burst, his middling 14% pressure rate from the C-gap or wider and just 1.5 sacks in each of his three seasons highlight his struggles as a closer. Despite his frame, his run-stopping production was underwhelming, ranking in the bottom 5th percentile among drafted EDGE players with only 6.0 TFLs in 12 games. His upside likely lies as a No. 2 EDGE (or as an interior disruptor if a team envisions him as more of a tweener type). If he can refine his technique and develop counters, he has the tools to be a valuable contributor. His skill set draws comparisons to Keion White, Zach Allen, and Darius Robinson. I'm curious if some teams want him as a pass-rushing DT instead.
The 22-year-old senior and National Champion has three years of starting experience at left guard before he filled in at left tackle for Josh Simmons halfway through 2024. While his versatility is a plus, Jackson moves and looks like a guard at 6'4", 320 pounds and is unlikely to play tackle in the NFL. He plays with strong upper-body power, low pad level, and good leverage, making him a natural fit in a downhill rushing scheme. His experience in Chip Kelly’s zone-heavy system, which also frequently used pin-and-pull concepts, adds to his overall versatility. His lateral movement is strong, but he can be vulnerable to quick inside rushes and stunts, as seen in reps against Mason Graham (at guard) and Abdul Carter (at tackle). If he wins early in a rep, though, he typically stays locked in, making him a dependable interior presence. His 2.5% pressure rate from 2023-24 as a guard is promising.
The 21-year-old senior had a monster final season, posting an elite 16.5 sacks on a 14.7% pressure rate, making him one of the most productive pass rushers in the class. At 6'2", 248 pounds, Ezeiruaku primarily played outside linebacker, occasionally blitzing from off-ball alignments. He’s a pure speed rusher, with a full arsenal of moves—dip, swim, spin—along with the requisite bend to turn the corner. His first step is explosive, too, but he lacks power, which can get him swallowed up by bigger tackles. Against the run, he punches above his weight. Ezeiruaku had 21 TFLs (95th percentile among drafted EDGEs) thanks to extremely long arms (6'10" wingspan), strong backside pursuit, good instincts, and a nice swim move to dart inside. While willing to take on contact, he can get washed out of gaps too often. His high-end production, effort, and first step make him a bet worth taking. ... Comps: Vic Beasley, Will McDonald IV, K'Lavon Chaisson.
The Athletic's Dane Brugler mentioned some teams checking in on character.
The 21-year-old early declare, who transferred from Texas A&M, projects best as a 3-technique. At 6'3", 305 pounds, he looks light for the position and played only 19 snaps as a nose tackle. However, his explosive first step and low pad level make him a disruptive pass rusher, reflected in his 10% pressure rate and 6.5 sacks. While he’s still refining his pass-rush plan, his ability to maneuver through gaps gives him upside as an interior disruptor. He’s an active tackler when in the area, ranking in the 62nd percentile for solo tackles among drafted DTs since 2005, but his lack of density raises questions about his long-term effectiveness against the run. He may need to settle into a rotational pass-rushing role rather than being an every-down interior presence.
Unfortunately, Green was dismissed from Virginia and his old coach gave a no comment on why. The Athletic's Dane Brugler hinted at character concerns here, and there are some unsubstantiated reasons why online if you want to dig for them yourselves. I obviously have no idea what is true or not. I just know he was kicked off Virginia.
Before a legendary redshirt junior campaign with The Herd, Green was a 3-star recruit and silver medalist in Virginia's state wrestling tournament. He only played one season at Virginia before blowing up at Marshall (17.0 sacks and 23.0 tackles for loss in 13 games). He's a stand up edge rusher at 6'3", 251 pounds who thrives on speed and effort rather than power. He rarely rushed inside and only used the bull rush 6 times. Green's spin move and motor stood out against Ohio State, but he's also effective on stunts, rip-and-dip moves, and on chase-down plays. His 24% pressure rate when rushing from the C-gap or wider highlights his ability to make slow-footed OTs nervous. Against the run, Green can get knocked back against tackles, but he was also a crafty run defender against TEs and on the backside. His TFLs put him in the 93rd percentile among drafted EDGEs since 2005, but he has 0th percentile hands, 8th percentile arms, and 22nd percentile weight. Green's Senior Bowl practices alleviated some concerns about his lower level of competition, which stood out on tape.
The 5'11"/179 junior is an inexperienced but highly athletic corner with great downhill reaction in zone coverage. He racked up 5 INTs, including 2 pick-sixes, in his first season as a starter, though he struggled playing the ball over the top. His recovery speed flashes on tape, particularly in reps against Texas and Alabama. While he’s aggressive and willing to tackle, his smaller frame limits his effectiveness in run support. Injuries and limited man coverage reps (83 career man snaps) leave questions, but his athleticism and zone instincts stand out. The fact that he made 55 solo tackles in his lone full season shows off his competitiveness, so it wasn't a surprise that he was considered a Senior Bowl winner.
The redshirt junior early declare has just 719 career snaps at off-ball linebacker, but his instincts and speed make him a high-level playmaker. He diagnoses plays quickly, consistently beating offensive linemen to the spot and racking up tackles in zone coverage, averaging an impressive 11.3 tackles per game (95th percentile among drafted LBs). At 6'2", 225 pounds (3rd percentile weight), he’s undersized but fluid in coverage, showing great zone awareness with multiple interceptions after shuffling and turning while watching the QB's eyes. His size may lead to missed tackles in space and struggles against physical tight ends, but his three-down ability and modern linebacker traits make him a valuable asset.
The 22-year-old senior posted a 72nd percentile EPA per play with a solid 7.3 YPDB on non-RPO, non-screen throws. He’s accurate in the short-to-intermediate game with a smooth delivery and a willingness to attack middle-of-field zone windows. Smart with the football, he avoids turnovers relative to his depth of target and shows toughness by standing in to take hits. While his arm strength is mediocre, it’s serviceable for pushing the ball downfield. His scrambling ability is average, reflected in his 54th percentile rushing EPA, and he wasn't tasked with QB designed runs ofter (11 zone read attempts and -50 total rushing yards including sacks).
The biggest red flag is his sack problem—he scrambled 42 times but was taken down for a sack 39 times, ranking in the bottom 5th percentile in EPA lost to sacks among drafted QBs since 2005. He drifts at the top of his drop, bouncing into pressure instead of avoiding it, which is made worse by his lack of suddenness and slight 6'1"/198 frame. With below-average drive in his throws, too, his NFL ceiling is tough to project and the floor is backup worthy. ... Comps: Bryce Young, Teddy Bridgewater, Zach Wilson.
A primary slot receiver, Burden can run the full route tree but specializes in option routes, flats, screens, and drags. He’s effective after the catch, using both agility and pound-for-pound strength to break tackles. He caught 54 screens over the last two seasons. Beyond that, the 2024 numbers disappointed (48-695-6). Burden's tape was better, however. He can track the ball well over his shoulder on slot fades and can create separation, especially when put in bunched sets, in motion, or with two-way option routes. His size will limit his overall ceiling, and there's a downside case after catching just 9 passes beyond 5 air yards against man coverage last year, but the right scheme could make him a very productive player. ... Comps: Rashee Rice, Sterling Shepard, Skyy Moore.
The 21-year-old early declare is a skilled route-runner, especially excelling on out routes with sharp breaks and fluid movement. His body control makes him an explosive downfield target, and he has a knack for finding space in zone coverage, projecting well as a dependable secondary option in the NFL. While he doesn’t have an elite athletic trait at 6'0", 195 pounds, his patience and craftiness allow him to win in different ways, including on double moves and post routes, where he scored three touchdowns. Golden’s versatility could lead to more slot snaps at the next level, adding to his value as a chess-piece receiver. His production at Texas was modest, however, averaging just 62 yards per game after transferring from Houston.
The 21-year-old early declare has a massive 6'3", 227-pound frame, putting him in the 98th percentile for weight among safeties. He led South Carolina in tackles as both a true freshman (85) and junior (88), ranking in the 75th percentile for tackles among drafted safeties since 2005. Best utilized in the box, Emmanwori plays aggressively downhill and has the size/speed to match up against tight ends in man coverage. While he flashed playmaking ability with a 101-yard Pick 6 vs. LSU and a 30-yard Pick 6 vs. Kentucky, his deep safety instincts remain a work in progress, with occasional late reactions and coverage busts. Despite his physicality, he can also be inconsistent in diagnosing run plays in the box. Emmanwori projects best as a strong safety in a single-high-heavy scheme, where his versatility and tackling ability can shine.
The 21-year-old early declare started as a true freshman on Georgia’s National Championship team, and any defensive back from Kirby Smart’s system gets a bump to me. Daniel Jeremiah also noted the Bulldogs rave about his leadership and character. Starks has shown NFL-translatable coverage knowledge, splitting time between the slot and deep safety in 2024. He recorded 77 tackles with downhill aggressiveness. Athletically, he isn’t quite elite, which can be seen with some poor angles in deep zone coverage or when covering the vertical from quarters. His slot snaps were mixed, with some first downs allowed and an incredible high-pointed interception near the sideline. Starks' profile on the surface is exactly what we want, so he could get better with time.
He's a 6'4", 280-pound EDGE with 87th percentile weight, who almost exclusively played outside linebacker but could benefit from kicking inside more in the NFL. An early declare at just 20 years old, Scourton transferred from Purdue, where he posted a great 17.1% pressure rate and 10 sacks in 2023 before a less productive SEC season (12.1% pressure rate, 5 sacks) where he looked bigger in a bad way. He wins with a strong bull rush, collapsing pockets with violent hands and high effort, even if his style can look chaotic. His best pass-rushing counter move is a hilariously effective spin, which helped him win against OT Will Campbell. He shows good instincts in tracking the QB, too, but Scourton lacks elite bend, and his heavy-footed style generally keeps his upside in check. His power and effort should translate well, especially against the run. His 14.0 TFLs put him in the 55th percentile among drafted EDGEs.
He is a senior, two-year starter, and National Champion cult hero at 6'4"/271. He posted an impressive 18% pressure rate with 9.0 sacks, using a well-rounded pass-rush arsenal led by his bull rush and outside dip. While not an elite athlete, he combines solid burst, endurance, and hand usage to consistently collapse the pocket. His 7 pass deflections highlight his awareness and length, a rare but predictive trait for his position. Though he recorded 59 tackles, his 9.0 TFLs in 16 games (10th percentile) suggest modest playmaking against the run, though he performs better on tape than the numbers imply. At 23 years old as a rookie, Sawyer is likely maxed out physically, but his technique, effort, and pass-rush production make him a strong candidate for a three-down role as a functional EDGE2.
The 23-year-old senior from FCS powerhouse NDSU is a versatile offensive lineman who played LT as a senior (1.6% pressure rate) but played RT and LG in previous seasons. He even played center in high school. At 6'5", 316 pounds, he’s on the leaner side for an NFL interior lineman and he's not as long as most OTs, but he'll likely get stronger and denser in the pros, ultimately ending up at C or OG. Despite his size, Zabel plays with surprisingly low pad level, which helps him maintain leverage, though there are concerns about his ability to anchor against power rushers. His mobility allows him to get out in space, making him a potential fit in zone-blocking schemes. Reports from the Senior Bowl suggest he was the best player, an important showcase given the lower level of competition he faced in college.
This profile feels too good to be true. 120 yards per game (!!!), including massive ones against Penn State (137), Texas A&M (145), and in the bowl game (213). Fannin is an excellent hands catcher at all levels with athleticism to create separation from all alignments. He has "by you" speed on seam routes and won on breaking routes, even as the isolated receiver at times. Bowling Green tossed him 37 receptions behind the line of scrimmage to showcase his yards after the catch ability (34 forced missed tackles), too. The 20-year-old early declare is undersized (6'3/238), but he is pound-for-pound strong. He'll be a move TE rather than a Y TE in the pros, but Fannin was strong enough and willing enough to be available in 2-TE sets and occasionally as a run blocker in 11-personnel. In fact, he's a positive blocker when working as a puller, slicer, and combo blocker to the second level if he's not spotting 30 pounds on an edge rusher. Ultimately, Fannin's historical receiving profile and explosiveness give him an underrated ceiling in an offense that can pair him with a traditional TE in 12-personnel. ... Comps: Jordan Reed, Evan Engram, Jonnu Smith.
He is a senior with experience at both left tackle (Ohio State) and right tackle (San Diego State). At 6'5", 310 pounds, he has an ideal frame and is an excellent athlete, showing fluid movement and the ability to get out in space in a complex Chip Kelly offense. His pass protection was outstanding in 2024, allowing just one pressure on 158 dropbacks at left tackle. He was at 4.1% pressure rate in 2023. Simmons also brings plenty of physicality as a run blocker, frequently finishing plays with authority. He can get out in space on run plays, too. However, his draft stock is clouded by a torn patella injury, a devastating setback that has ended many careers and will likely keep him off the field early as a rookie. If fully healthy, he would have been a top-8 player in the class, making him a high-risk, high-reward prospect.
The 22-year-old early declare averaged 169 total YPG and ranks in the 77th percentile of PPR points per game among drafted RBs since 2005. At 6'0"/219 with tree trunk quads, his contact balance is a strength, forcing a missed tackle every 3.8 carries. Jeanty was at 2.5 for reference. Hampton has good burst through gaps and long speed for his size, making him a threat to break long runs. Most of his experience is in a zone-based, RPO and shotgun-heavy offense with just 31 under-center carries over the last two years. The vision can be a little excited. As a receiver, he caught 29 and 38 passes in his last two seasons, primarily on swing passes, shovels, and screens, but Hampton occasionally ran option and angle routes. His open-field explosiveness and slalom-like agility make him dangerous with the ball in space. He has clear 3-down ability. ... Comps: Joe Mixon, Melvin Gordon, Jonathon Brooks.
A smooth route runner with plus releases, this 6'3", 210-pound receiver dominated man coverage in 2024, posting an elite 20.7 yards per target. His route tree is mostly built on go routes, posts, hitches, and screens, so everything beyond that is a projection. He can win on the line of scrimmage with releases, but he's even better playing through contact at the catch point. He broke some tackles after the catch and can split safeties up the seam. Harris isn't overly shifty or agile underneath, rather profiling as a vertical-stemmed downfield X receiver. His handful of breaking-route targets were clean as hell, for what it's worth. Overall, his middling production at Louisiana Tech can partially be explained by being a QB in high school where he was throwing passes to Malik Nabers (lol). If he aces the NFL Combine with timed speed, Harris should lock into Round 2. He seems like an ascending player. ... Comps: Courtland Sutton, Cedric Tillman.
The 6'4"/284 redshirt junior is a long and twitchy interior rusher with a solid 13% pressure rate but just 4.0 sacks. Sanders attacks with a clear pass-rush plan, showing the ability to split double teams and consistently target the shoulder of guards to overwhelm them up the middle. While he can win with a bull rush and has impressive movement skills, his run defense remains a work in progress, with only 7 TFLs in 13 games (32nd percentile among drafted DTs). Sanders has intriguing pass-rush upside but needs to improve his ability to anchor against double teams to earn more reps. For now, he's a quality mover who comes equipped with a pass-rush plan.
The 6'2"/322 senior and National Champion was a four-year contributor who played all across the line but projects as a 1- or 3-tech in the NFL. His 6.5% pressure rate and 2.5 sacks highlight his limited pass-rush upside, though he can collapse the pocket with a bull rush and sets up his teammates for wins, especially on stunts. Occasionally, you will see him come downhill on a stunt with surprising speed. Williams' calling card, however, is as a run defender. His quick first step helps him control gaps and his strength can hold up against combo blocks. While he lacks a go-to move or elite athleticism, his selfless play and ability to anchor make him a reliable, high-floor interior presence with a translatable skill set.
The 21-year-old early declare stands at 6'0"/225. He averaged 144 total YPG as a junior and ranks in the 74th percentile of PPR points per game among drafted RBs. Johnson is a patient runner with good decision-making, primarily excelling in zone runs. While he lacks elite explosiveness, he forced a missed tackle every 3.4 carries on average, showing compact movement, balance, and sturdiness through contact. He plays with a nice forward lean to finish runs, making him more refined than flashy. As a receiver, he only caught 22 passes as a junior, with most of his targets coming on swing passes, but he has confident hands and more potential in the passing game than he's shown. His YAC effort against Nebraska (see below) was one of the most impressive clips of draft season. Johnson is a well-rounded prospect for a zone-based system. ... Comps: Le'Veon Bell, Melvin Gordon, Alexander Mattison.
The four-year contributor and National Champion is a speedy committee member at 5'10"/208 who had below-average rushing production alongside another NFL-caliber back. His 82 total YPG ranks in the 29th percentile among drafted RBs, but his real value lies on passing downs. With a 27-312-7 receiving line as a true freshman and a 75-yard screen TD in the title game this past year, he’s a high-end receiving threat who can run option routes, angles, wheels, and even double moves from the outside. He’s also tough and experienced in pass protection, handling all responsibilities at a high level. As a rusher, he forced a missed tackle every 3.9 carries (average), but he can get a little jumpy and lacks elite play strength between the tackles. In a pass-heavy offense, Henderson can be a highly productive, quickly shifting from receiver to open-space weapon on tape. ... Comps: Tony Pollard, Giovani Bernard, Rachaad White.
Gunnar Helm emerged as the Longhorns' top receiving option in his senior year, leading the team in receptions while accounting for 18% of their receiving yards (62nd percentile among drafted TEs since 2005). He was designed first-read targets for him off motion and showcased impressive ball tracking on downfield routes. After the catch, he displayed agility with hurdles and sidesteps to extend plays. While his route running helps him win against man coverage, his run blocking remains a work in progress—though his size gives him the potential to develop into an every-down player if he's not there already. At the very least, Texas tasked him with challenging in-line blocking assignments. Helm profiles as a reliable pass-game Y with an ascending profile.
He is 21-year-old early declare with steady production, hauling in 36+ receptions in each season while averaging 46 YPG as a junior. At 6'5"/250, Taylor has functional catch-and-turn athleticism, excelling on out routes near the sticks and occasional acrobatic catches up the seam or near sideline. His hands are reliable—55 receptions with only six coming on screens—and he can run a variety of routes. That's where his game starts and ends right now. Taylor's run blocking is underwhelming, as he plays too tall and struggles to generate force with his 42nd-percentile weight. He needs time to develop into a well-rounded player. For now, Taylor is a receiving-first tight end in the 5-15 air yard range with the ability to play in the slot. ... Comps: Hunter Henry, Pat Freiermuth, Dalton Schultz.
He is a redshirt junior who battled injuries early in his career, leading to just 11 receptions between 2021 and 2023, but he broke out with a 35-590-7 receiving line. With a 13% share of his team’s receiving yards, he only ranks in the 36th percentile among drafted TEs, but his touchdowns place him in the 74th percentile and showcase his explosive play ability. At 6'5"/251, he shows excellent long speed for his size and could be elite in straight-line testing. Arroyo excels on seam routes, wheels, and glance-type routes, and is a play-action threat against linebackers. He's tight laterally and inexperienced on shorter routes, catching just 11 passes between 1-9 air yards. He has room to grow as a run blocker given his size and athleticism, but he wasn't frequently asked to block defensive ends and struggled with slice blocks at times. In general, he can be a traditional TE starter even if he's a boom-bust prospect. ... Comps: Jared Cook, Kyle Pitts, Mike Gesicki.
He is a senior and National Champion with a strong physical presence at 6'4"/269 (69th percentile weight among drafted EDGEs). Primarily an outside linebacker, Tuimoloau posted an average 14% pressure rate while lining up almost exclusively out wide. His pass-rush wins come more from power than speed, using heavy hands and inside moves, including an effective spin. However, he lacks an explosive first step or high-end bend, struggling in one-on-one matchups against top tackles like James Conerly and Kelvin Banks. Against the run, Tuimoloau is strong as an edge setter with competitve hand-fighting technique, contributing to 22 TFLs in 16 games (78th percentile). While his pass-rush upside is limited, his strength and discipline could make him a valuable run-stopping EDGE or even a candidate to kick inside on certain downs.
A 21-year-old early declare and two-year starter at Oregon, Conerly has a light frame (6'4"/313) but has the length and frame to continue developing. He's long and fast, as seen by playing RB early in high school (LMAO). His game fits better in zone schemes (or as a puller) to take advantage of his movement skills and hide his relative lack of power. Currently, he lacks the strength to anchor consistently, can get flat-footed, and tends to play too upright. That shows up as a run blocker and against power rushers in pass protection. His 1.9% pressure rate in general is elite, and he allowed 0 pressures against Michigan and Penn State. His long-term potential hinges on improving his density and lower his base. He may struggle in year one and evolve into a solid long-term starter (in the right scheme) later on.
The 21-year-old early declare has rare size at 6'7"/340 with a massive 7'0" wingspan. Walker's pass-rush upside is real, especially compared to other nose tackles. When lined up as a 0- or 1-technique, he had 19% and 14% win rates with 7.5 and 1.5 sacks respectively. His wins block out the sun for the quarterback, and his agility is pretty sweet for his size. That said, his run defense is a major concern, with only 5 TFLs last year. He’s often late off the snap and gets driven back, making him a liability on early downs. Remember, low man wins in physics. Walker’s future hinges on his development—his pass-rush flashes are enticing, but he needs serious work to avoid being a situational player. The good news is age is on his side.
The 6'2"/295 redshirt senior played three years at Arizona State before finishing with the Vols. Norman-Lott flashed elite explosiveness with a dominant 22% pressure rate on a minuscule 17 snaps per game in his final season. His speed-to-power bull rush and first-step quickness make him a dangerous interior disruptor, but he lacks the density to hold his gap against the run. With only 6 and 4 TFLs over his last two seasons, his impact outside of passing downs is limited. While his flashes are enticing, his role projects as a rotational pass-rush specialist rather than an every-down player. His unique build includes monster 11" hands and a very low pad level.
He stands at 6'2"/200 with great size and length but is total projection with a torn ACL in September. Revel looked like a standout athlete against Michigan in 2023 (see his downfield pass deflection in zone) or on his crossing route Pick 6. However, with only 68 career man coverage snaps, there are major unknowns. At his best, he's a rangy zone corner who can survive one-on-one downfield. Revels physical tools give him a high ceiling if his recovery goes well.
The 21-year-old early declare won a National Championship in his lone season at Ohio State after two years as a starter at Ole Miss. Judkins' freshman season was his most statistically productive, averaging 131 total YPG with 51st percentile PPR points per game among drafted RBs. On tape, his short strides limit his long speed and he's not as laterally gifted nor given the opportunities of the other top prospects. His final season included a forced missed tackle on every 4.4 carries on average (slightly below average), confirming that he's more of a finisher (6'0"/219) than a home-run hitter. Judkins isn't a dynamic receiver or route runner, but he did catch 15-22 passes per year, mostly on swings and check-downs. While he does have 3-down potential, Judkins' skill set leans more toward an early-down power rusher with a solid foundation missing a standout trait. ... Comps: Kareem Hunt, Sony Michel, Damien Harris.
On the watch list next: QB Jalen Milroe, QB Tyler Shough, OT Aireontae Ersery, OT Marcus Mbow, OG Jonah Savaiinaea, EDGE Princely Umanmielen, EDGE Landon Jackson, EDGE Josaiah Stewart, DT Alfred Collins, DT Shemar Turner, DT Joshua Farmer, DT Darius Alexander, DT Jordan Phillips, CB Azareye'h Thomas, CB Benjamin Morrison, and S Xavier Watts.
Fantasy football watch list: RB Jordan James, RB Dylan Sampson, RB Cam Skattebo, RB Woody Marks, RB RJ Harvey, RB Devin Neal, RB Bhayshul Tuten, RB Ollie Gordon, RB D.J. Giddens ... WR Isaiah Bond, WR Jayden Higgins, WR Jalen Royals, WR Jack Bech, WR Savion Williams, WR Xavier Restrepo, WR Tez Johnson, WR Jaylin Noel, WR Tai Felton ... TE Terrance Ferguson.