2025 NFL Draft Sneak Peek

Travis Hunter, Colorado

The 2024 NFL Draft will go down as one of the most memorable in NFL history, thanks in large part to the phenomenon of watching a whopping six quarterbacks go off the board within the first 12 picks. Even teams that appeared to have an established starter in the fold, namely Atlanta, invested in the position, yet another reminder of what a pass-centric league the NFL has become. The QB moves were also likely a reflection of what pro teams thought of the coming quarterback classes down the line - mainly a 2025 group that looks rather pedestrian. Yet, that should return the Draft to something resembling normalcy next year, with quality at just about every level on both sides of the ball. Plenty is sure to change between now and next spring, but these are the names to keep a close eye on as we slowly gear up for another football season on the horizon.

Quarterbacks

Quinn Ewers, Texas -- The 2024 season was a statement from Quinn Ewers, and Texas as a program. Ewers was a blue chip prospect who began his career at Ohio State before returning to the flagship university of his home state. He posted solid numbers in his first season as starter but injuries derailed what could have been a promising 2022 and with Arch Manning arriving on campus in the spring, attention quickly shifted away from the incumbent starter. The reduced pressure seemed to be a good thing for Ewers, and he responded with a year in which he tallied 3,479 yards, 27 total touchdowns, and a 69% completion rate, while leading the Longhorns to their first ever CFB Playoff berth. There remained a chance Ewers was going to come out for the 2024 NFL Draft but he instead opted to stay in Austin for one more season, and should begin the year as a Heisman frontrunner on a team with National Title aspirations. There will be work to do to prove to NFL teams that he's worthy of a high selection, but any Ewers detractors should go back and watch his tape against Alabama this past fall. He put on a masterful showing in primetime against a Tide defense that included several future NFL defensive backs, namely Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold. The jump to the SEC this season should be a good thing, giving him an opportunity to elevate his play against the most elite competition the sport has to offer and getting plenty of eye balls on him as he hopes for an epic finale to his college career.

Jalen Milroe, Alabama -- Alabama's quarterback battle was one of the most intriguing storylines of the early 2024 college football season, with Jalen Milroe emerging as the guy and leading the Tidee on an impressive Playoff run in Nick Saban's final run as head coach. Now entrenched as the starter, Milroe will have to adjust to a new offense ran by new head man Kalen DeBoer, one that will either be a match made in heaven for him, or threaten to be a disaster. DeBoer is an expert at scheming players wide open down the field and with Milroe's huge arm, it could be the scheme that fully unlocks his vast potential. Still, Milroe struggled with accuracy and decision-making in 2024, which was to be expected in his first year as starter, and he'll need to clean it up if he wants to have an NFL future. With that being said, there's not a QB in this class with his blend of size, arm strength, and running ability, a combination that is undoubtedly going to make some NFL folks fall in love.

Carson Beck, Georgia -- In the transfer portal era, Carson Beck represents a bit of a throwback, a former high profile recruit who waited his turn for years in Athens before winning himself the starting gig. And, it certainly panned out for Beck in 2024, as he threw for nearly 4,000 yards in a surprisingly aggressive Georgia aerial attack. Beck flirted with the idea of going pro, but instead returns for his senior season, hoping to get the Bulldogs back up the mountaintop following a disappointing conclusion to last fall. There's nothing about Beck that necessarily jumps out at you, but he's a fundamentally sound, accurate signal-caller who stands at 6'4" - that's awfully attractive for any pro team. He feels like the type of NFL prospect who isn't flashy, but will acclimate well to the pros and have a long and productive career somewhere. I am curious, however, if we see him unlock something even more in his second season as starter. We'll likely see the Bulldogs take their shots down the field with some of the pieces on this roster, and it will be interesting to see how Beck handles longer, more difficult throws as he looks to build his NFL resume.

Others to Watch

Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

Will Howard, Ohio State

Riley Leonard, Notre Dame

Cam Ward, Miami (FL)

Cade Klubnik, Clemson

Runningbacks

Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State -- Ollie Gordon II looked like a prime breakout candidate entering last season, but I'm not sure even the most optimistic Oklahoma State fan could have expected a Doak Walker Award caliber season from the tailback. He was just that good, totaling over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 21 rushing touchdowns, enough to finish seventh in Heisman voting. He'll get NFL looks thanks to his size (6'2", 220 pounds) and burst, potentially even first round consideration, a welcome change for the position after the first tailback went off the board 46th overall in Detroit (the second-latest in NFL Draft history). With that being said, we've seen countless college running backs fall back to Earth the season following a breakout - the Bryce Loves, the Leonard Fournettes, even fellow Oklahoma State product Chuba Hubbard. Gordon is good enough to reverse that trend, but it's something to monitor as he and the Cowboys gear up for the new-look Big 12.

TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State -- Ohio State has produced productive college running back after productive college running back in the last decade, from Ezekiel Elliott to J.K. Dobbins, to Trey Sermon. But, Buckeye tailbacks have struggled to take their talents to the next level in the pros, with mixed results to say the least. TreVeyon Henderson may be ready to change that, as the senior prepares for his fourth season as the feature option in Columbus. Henderson looked well on his way to superstardom in 2021, but injuries have derailed each of his last two seasons, likely a motivating factor in his eventual return. I firmly believe he's the nation's best when he's on the field, but he has to figure out a way to stay healthy. The addition of Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins throws a curveball into the mix - he'll either eat into Henderson's carries and hurt his stock, or help him take more of the load off and keep Henderson fresh and rested. Which direction things go remains to be seen, but Henderson should have an NFL future regardless.

Trevor Etienne, Georgia -- Trevor Etienne made waves over the offseason with his decision not just to transfer from Florida, but to go to a heated rival in the Georgia Bulldogs. But in a way, the move doesn't come as altogether too surprising, as he becomes the clear go-to guy in Athens instead of splitting carries with Montrell Johnson and goes to a program with a proven track record of producing NFL tailbacks. It's the type of situation that should bring out the best of a player who impressed during his two seasons in Gainesville, but seems to be just scratching the surface of his potential. Like his older brother Travis, Trevor Etienne's speed and explosiveness through the hole are a joy to watch, and if he can round out his game, he could be a first-round pick.

Others to Watch

Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State

Donovan Edwards, Michigan

Chez Mellusi, Wisconsin

Omarion Hampton, North Carolina

Nicholas Singleton, Penn State

Receivers

Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State -- The wide receiver factory at Ohio State continues. In fact, if not for the surprising decision by Emeka Egbuka to stick around for the 2024 season, the Buckeyes likely would have had two first-rounders at the position this spring. Considering that Egbuka's numbers tailed off during the 2023 season after a huge 2022, it's likely a smart move by the talented wide out, giving him a year as the top option in a Buckeye offense that should be improved. He's no Marvin Harrison Jr., but Egbuka is a speedster who you can imagine being a formidable deep threat at the next level. He should be the best among a good, but not great, 2025 receiver group.

Luther Burden III, Missouri -- Luther Burden III was a huge get for Eli Drinkwitz and the entire staff at Missouri, a consensus five-star prospect ranked as the top wide out in his class coming out of high school. After two seasons in Columbia, Burden has not disappointed, putting together a dominant 2023 in which he hauled in 86 receptions for 1,212 yards on a Tiger team that was one of the nation's most pleasant surprises. Even greater things are expected from Burden as he gears up for what will almost surely be his final year at Missouri, and he'll be a Biletnikoff Award frontrunner from Day One. As an NFL prospect, he's slightly undersized (5'11", 210 pounds) but is an elite athlete who has really worked on ironing out his entire game - he'll likely be a first round selection next spring.

Evan Stewart, Oregon -- Although Texas A&M's 2022 recruiting class, at the time considered the best ever, didn't come close to living up to those lofty expectations, wide out Evan Stewart proved to be a gem. The talented wide out impressed with 53 receptions for 649 yards as a true freshman and even though he didn't quite build on it in 2023, showcased the type of physical tools that should have NFL folks intrigued. Following Jimbo Fisher's firing, Stewart opted to head north to Oregon, where he should benefit from a fresh start in an offense that will be much more wide open than the group he ran with in College Station. He'll be catching passes from Dillon Gabriel and should have more opportunities down the field, a chance to showcase his blazing speed and acrobatic ability. There are some character concerns that Stewart may have to answer, but he's the type of prospect who could rise up boards quickly with a stellar 2024. He clearly has loads of talent, now it's all about harnessing it over the course of an entire year.

Others to Watch

Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona

Isaiah Bond, Texas

Antwane Wells Jr., Ole Miss

Germie Bernard, Alabama

Bru McCoy, Tennessee

Tight Ends

Colston Loveland, Michigan -- Jim Harbaugh has produced plenty of elite tight ends over his time at Stanford and Michigan, and junior Colston Loveland is the latest in line. Even with Harbaugh now in the NFL, Loveland should remain a central focus in the Wolverine offense as they break in a new quarterback as a reliable, sure-handed pass-catcher with underrated physical gifts. He's surprisingly nimble for his size, but still blocks well for the position and should be able to bring that physicality to the next level. I don't think he's at Brock Bowers level from this past Draft, but feels like a guy who is going to have a lengthy NFL career - expect him to warrant first or second round consideration.

Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame -- Notre Dame has also produced countless NFL tight ends, and the next in line in South Bend is Mitchell Evans. He emerged from a crowded tight end room last fall to grab ahold of the position following the departure of Michael Mayer, finishing with 29 receptions for 422 yards. He's not the athlete Mayer was and isn't going to make the same type of impact in the passing game, but he's very effective at finding open space and moving the chains. He's also a skilled blocker who will play a pivotal role in an NFL team's rushing offense once he hits the pros. But, one area he'll have to improve at is in the red zone - just one touchdown reception last fall isn't going to cut it, but he should benefit from having Duke transfer Riley Leonard under center.

Oscar Delp, Georgia -- Brock Bowers is now as Las Vegas Raider, fully opening the door for Oscar Delp to emerge as the go-to guy at the tight end spot in Athens. Delp benefitted from the unfortunate injury to Bowers this past fall and ended up with 24 catches, but it feels like there's so much more that he can do as a 6'5", 245-pounder with real breakaway speed for the position. I could see Georgia using him in much the same way they used Bowers, lining him up all around and pinpointing key mismatches, and with Carson Beck feeding him the ball, he could work his way into No. 1 tight end territory.

Others to Watch

Luke Lachey, Iowa

Jake Briningstool, Clemson

Brant Kuithe, Utah

Mason Taylor, LSU

Jake Johnson, North Carolina

Offensive Linemen

Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas -- The most underrated aspect of Texas' success in 2023 was their offensive line. Steve Sarkisian and staff worked tirelessly to upgrade the unit after years of struggles from Mack Brown through Tom Herman, and it paid off in a big way last fall. Tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. was a major reason for that, allowing just one sack through all of 2023, despite consistently facing elite pass rushers from both Alabama in the non-conference and the Big 12 in-conference. He's played primarily tackle in the college ranks, but there are some that feel he may fit best at guard in the next level. Either way, he's got the looks of a future high draft selection, and moving to the SEC should give him a chance to show what he can do against the best the sport has to offer each week.

Will Campbell, LSU -- Will Campbell arrived in Baton Rouge and proceeded to start 13 games at left tackle his true freshman campaign, a remarkable feat for a teenager in the most competitive conference in America. And he was super impressive too, before building on it with another rock-solid campaign in 2023, helping spring the Heisman campaign of Jayden Daniels. As the Tigers break in a new quarterback, almost sure to be Garrett Nussmeier, Campbell will once again play a key role, and will enter the NFL with three years of starting experience in the SEC, one heck of a resume. As things stand today, he's firmly in the hunt to be the No. 1 pick come spring 2025.

Blake Miller, Clemson -- Clemson's Blake Miller is another guy who got the starting nod as a true freshman, and he's proceeded to start all 27 games of his collegiate career at right tackle. The moment hasn't been to big for him at any time, as he earned Freshman All-American honors in 2022, and then built on it with All-ACC recognition last season. Assuming he continues on his upwards trajectory, he's in good position to be the highest selected linemen of the Dabo Swinney era and should have a bright future as a tackle for an NFL team.

Others to Watch

Jonah Monheim, USC

Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon

Wyatt Milum, West Virginia

Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona

Tate Ratledge, Georgia

Defensive Linemen

James Pearce Jr., Tennessee -- Next year's defensive line group is looking strong, but Tennessee's James Pearce Jr. has a chance to be the best of the best. The junior had a breakout last fall after flashing in 2022, compiling 8.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss in an aggressive Volunteer defensive scheme. Amazingly, he projects even better to the pros as a long, athletic edge rusher with explosive playmaking ability. It will be interesting to see how he responds to the hype and heightened expectations in 2024 - he'll undoubtedly face double and triple teams all season long. That could give him an opportunity to showcase other parts of his game, most notably his work in run support. 

J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State -- J.T. Tuimoloau was another Buckeye who would have likely been a first or second round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft who decided to stay back for one more year. Now, he'll command an Ohio State defensive line that looks to be the most fearsome in all of FBS ball, flanked by Jack Sawyer and Tyleik Williams, who are also sure to be high draft picks. Tuimoloau is the headliner because of his ability to take over games - he's an unstoppable pass rusher who also has a knack for getting his hands in passing lanes. He is more comfortable on the edge and should play there in the pros, but has also shown the ability to kick inside and make his presence felt against slower interior linemen. It's likely to be a banner year for Tuimoloau on a team with serious National Title aspirations, the type of combination that could cement him as a No. 1 overall pick candidate.

Mason Graham, Michigan -- As compared to a James Pearce Jr. or J.T. Tuimoloau, both incredibly athletic and agile edge rushers, Mason Graham is a bit of a throwback interior linemen. He's not super flashy, but is a powerful defender with an unlimited motor. He just finds a way to impact the game every time he's on the field and there's no plays off, Graham is going to get after it. He'll be a central focus for new Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, whose background in the NFL should help him unlock even more from players like Graham.

Others to Watch

Patrick Payton, Florida State

Jack Sawyer, Ohio State

Nic Scourton, Texas A&M

Mykel Williams, Georgia

Abdul Carter, Penn State

Linebackers

Harold Perkins, LSU -- Harold Perkins is going to be a fascinating player to monitor this fall, the type of prospect who will either cement himself near the top of the Draft or potentially slide out of the first. Perkins was a superstar as a true freshman in 2022 and looked well on his way to being one of the faces of college football, but his size (6'1", 220 pounds) necessitated a move inside, where he struggled to make his presence felt. However, Perkins did flash as a coverage linebacker and if he can continue to improve in run support, the transition to inside linebacker could end up being a great thing for his career. We know Perkins has elite talent, now it's going to be about finding the right spot for his talents as LSU's new-look defense takes shape in 2024.

Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia -- There's a linebacker factory located in Athens, and Smael Mondon should be the next Georgia Bulldog to come out of it. Mondon may not be a Roquan Smith or Nakobe Dean, but he's an incredibly rangy inside linebacker with the ability to play sideline to sideline in a variety of defensive schemes. He's a proven tackler who should rack up plenty in 2024, but his return for his senior season was likely all about improving in other areas of his game, most notably in coverage. If he can also grow as a pass rusher, that will be another feather in his cap to sell to prospective NFL teams.

Jason Henderson, Old Dominion -- Old Dominion's Jason Henderson is the best college football player you've probably never heard of, a ferocious defender who has racked up a staggering 424 tackles over his three seasons with the Monarchs. But, Henderson isn't just a college star - he's going to get looks at the next level. Although a tad undersized, Henderson makes up for it with fabulous instincts and a real nose for the football, always finding himself in the right spot at the right time. He's the type of proven run defender in the middle that every NFL team covets and although his measurables won't jump off the page at you, I think he's going to go higher next year than most would think.

Others to Watch

Barrett Carter, Clemson

Jay Higgins, Iowa

Deontae Lawson, Alabama

Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma

Justin Flowe, Arizona

Defensive Backs

Travis Hunter, Colorado -- There may not be a more talented player in all of college football than Travis Hunter. The two-way phenom had no issues making the jump from Jackson State in the FCS ranks to the Power Five level with Colorado, although his production did tail off down the stretch as the Buffaloes sunk to the bottom of the Pac-12. You almost wonder if his ability to play both corner and receiver hurts him in some ways, and the Buffs will choose to go away from that in 2024. Unsurprisingly, Hunter was absolutely gassed week-in, week-out, and took an absolute beating. Still, a player this talented you understand why Colorado wants him on the field so often and his ability to impact the game is such a strong selling point for NFL teams. He's another name that is certainly in the mix for No. 1 pick consideration, and 2024 will be an important one.

Will Johnson, Michigan -- A Michigan legacy from Detroit, Will Johnson has lived up to all the hype that surrounded him coming out of high school. He enrolled early in winter of 2022 and proceeded to start all 14 games as a true freshman. But, 2023 was even better for him, as he allowed just 17 receptions on 321 coverage snaps, with zero touchdowns. Johnson did miss some time last year and was banged up, but as he prepares for 2024 and looks close to 100 percent, he'll be a Jim Thorpe Award favorite. He's not as flashy or attention-grabbing as Hunter, but I firmly believe he's the better overall corner as things stand today.

Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame -- Benjamin Morrison broke onto the scene for Notre Dame during the 2022 campaign, picking off six passes as a true freshman, including three in a win over Boston College. He wasn't quite able to live up those numbers last fall, with three interceptions, but he seemed to better round out his game, developing more consistency and improving in run support. Morrison looks to be one of the top corners in college football entering 2024 and his playmaking ability should garner him plenty of attention. With that being said, Morrison is another player who will have to get fully healthy, as he missed most of the spring with shoulder surgery.

Others to Watch

Malaki Starks, Georgia

Denzel Burke, Ohio State

Cobee Bryant, Kansas

Jabbar Muhammed, Oregon

Domani Jackson, Alabama