In the previous few weeks earlier than the NFL scouting mix, groups conduct scouting conferences to have wholesome debates on prospects and construct preliminary draft boards. Their rankings received’t be set in stone because the 2025 NFL Draft course of continues to play out, however they set up a basis going into the mix later this month.
Equally, our board could have some fluctuation earlier than the draft arrives in April, however this up to date prime 100 supplies a body of reference as the ultimate draft image comes into focus.
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Hunter ranked No. 1 on my November draft board, and nothing has modified over the previous few months.
He doesn’t have the highest spot simply because he can play each methods — that’s extra of a bonus. His athleticism, size and ball instincts are why he is right here, and people traits give him a sky-high ceiling at cornerback.
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That is the third model of my 2025 draft board, and each Carter and Hunter have ranked within the prime three for all of them. (Carter was No. 2 on the August board and No. 3 in November.)
Carter won’t have elite dimension, however his explosiveness is particular and permits him to win with preliminary burst, edge pace or energy by way of contact. His rush plan and sequencing proceed to enhance together with his reps, and he initiatives as the kind of cross rusher that may drive offenses to change their recreation plan.
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Although he performed extra of an off-ball linebacker position in faculty, Walker is at his greatest getting after the quarterback. He’s an excellent area athlete due to his lengthy, rangy body, in addition to his burst, change of course and shutting pace. He has the versatile talent set to play man-up in opposition to backs and tight ends, or put his hand on the bottom and create stress off the sting.
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Graham naturally performs from a low place, which helps him rating constant wins in leverage by way of contact — he credit his championship-level wrestling background for his athletic twitch and understanding of angles.
He does must develop his effectivity in opposition to doubles, however he violently sheds single blocks and performs the piano up and down the road with excellent chase effort.
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Together with his low middle of gravity and explosiveness, Jeanty has an uncanny potential to remain afloat by way of contact and be elusive in area. He led the FBS this season with 151 compelled missed tackles, 57 greater than the No. 2 participant on the checklist.
He trusts his imaginative and prescient when following his blocks, however as an alternative of predetermining his path, he shows excellent reactionary reads to type, minimize and create (12 carries of 50-plus yards in 2024; no different FBS participant had greater than 5).
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Campbell stays balanced in cross safety utilizing his weight distribution and managed approach, though he can do a greater job defending versus inside/counter strikes. He performs rugged within the run recreation and presents the physique fluidity and explosive energy to torque and displace defenders.
If I have been operating an NFL staff, I’d be conserving him at deal with till I’ve a cause to maneuver him inside to protect.
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The Hawaii native was one of the crucial productive gamers in faculty soccer during the last two seasons, main the FBS in mixed receiving yards (2,721), first downs (112) and catches of 20-plus yards (42) over that span.
Exhibiting off his volleyball and basketball background, McMillan shines on the catch level. He makes use of Gumby-like physique changes to border the soccer together with his palms, whatever the placement or motion required.
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As a cross blocker, Membou shows above-average stability and quickness plus a jolting punch in his units to reflect up and down the arc. He was equally efficient within the run recreation, because the Missouri offense usually ran behind No. 79 (and his drive energy).
Some groups like him greatest inside at guard, though there may be nothing on his tape that claims he can’t keep exterior at deal with.
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Stewart explodes out of his stance and is able to creating speedy knockback or profitable excessive aspect with upfield burst/flexibility.
He’s the kind of prospect who will check the “traits over manufacturing” slogan to which many NFL groups subscribe, as he by no means had greater than 1.5 sacks in any of his three seasons. Nevertheless, his tape exhibits a much more disruptive participant than his numbers recommend — he led the Aggies in pressures (39) in 2024.
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A highschool quarterback, Warren initially joined a Penn State tight finish room that included 4 different future NFL Draft picks (Pat Freiermuth, Brenton Unusual, Zack Kuntz and Theo Johnson) — and he turned the very best of the group.
He strikes with mild ft, fluid physique actions and pure stability, all of which assist him transition immediately from receiver to runner and grow to be a risk with the ball in his palms.
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His remaining season was marred by harm and below-average quarterback play, however Loveland nonetheless led Michigan in receiving in 9 of his 10 video games and set program data at tight finish. Together with his pace and ball abilities, he can line up anyplace on the sphere and win as a QB-friendly, multi-level receiving risk. He has probably the most upside of any cross catcher on this draft class.
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Too many individuals are hung up on Inexperienced’s dimension as an alternative of appreciating his edge pace, play violence and the methods during which he impacts the sport. He has critical juice as a cross rusher to bend, seize the nook and end on the quarterback.
He won’t have 35-inch arms to simply outleverage blocks within the run recreation, however he performs with the pop to shock and separate, which permits him to impression the ball provider. Inexperienced additionally led the FBS this season with 17 sacks.
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After an All-America sophomore season, which included defensive MVP honors within the nationwide championship, Johnson put up-and-down play on his 2024 tape earlier than lacking most of his remaining season as a consequence of accidents.
Johnson is comfy in each press and off-coverage, with the fluid athleticism and route recognition to seamlessly transition or assault the soccer.
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Together with his size, athleticism and recognition abilities, Starks is a robust area defender and performs assured in all features of protection and run help. There are many examples of his vary and playmaking abilities, however he doesn’t constantly place himself to be disruptive in man-to-man conditions — which is why he allowed a number of massive performs in 2024.
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It turned clear fairly early within the 2024 season that if an NFL staff was to wager on a quarterback on this draft class, Ward could be the man. There’s a looseness to his recreation that’s each worrisome and thrilling, nevertheless it permits him to purchase time and create explosive performs.
After taking part in in a Wing-T offense in highschool, Ward has made noticeable enhancements every season in faculty, which creates optimism for his NFL future.
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Constant manufacturing was absent from his 2024 tape, however Williams battled by way of an ankle harm a lot of the yr and flashed sufficient high-end performs to remind groups why he belongs within the first-round combine. He has size for days with the athletic physique management and pure energy groups might be keen to wager on, even when the nuance in his recreation isn’t there but.
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Simmons made a robust case over the primary month of the season for OT1 standing on this class, earlier than a non-contact knee harm ended his yr. His projection remains to be considerably in limbo till NFL groups get up to date medical data on his patella harm.
If totally wholesome, Simmons has the physique management and nimble ft to be a beginning blindside deal with within the NFL.
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After an inconsistent but promising first two years at Alabama, Booker had an All-America junior season as one of many Crimson Tide’s staff leaders and made the important thing enhancements NFL scouts have been hoping to see.
He’s constructed like a bull, with the play power and ending mentality to match, though his common foot quickness won’t be best for each scheme. Booker is a plug-and-play guard and ought to be a longtime professional.
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Harmon is a participant who can win in several methods. He forces blockers to assault air due to his lateral explosiveness, however he additionally makes use of sturdy, artful palms to swat away their reaches as he bursts by way of gaps to shut on the ball provider.
He should grow to be a extra constant finisher, however there wasn’t a extra disruptive inside defensive lineman in faculty soccer this season.
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With only one 100-yard receiving efficiency in 2024, Burden wasn’t capable of construct on his All-America sophomore season as your complete Missouri offense struggled — however there have been sufficient flashes to tease his high-level expertise.
Due to his run-after-catch abilities, Burden noticed a high-volume of fast hitters and crossers, which showcased his any-direction burst and physicality to present defenders the shake.
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Lengthy and athletic, Pearce is ready to convert his pace to energy, and he rushes from a low place to forklift blockers utilizing his prolonged levers. There are some query marks about his potential within the run recreation, however he chases with terrific effort to make stops close to the sidelines.
In a number of methods, Pearce jogs my memory of Will McDonald IV, who wasn’t probably the most well-rounded prospect however had the juice to create stress. Pearce’s recreation might be valued on the subsequent degree.
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Together with his well-timed ft and handwork, Banks is a pure in cross safety. He additionally exhibits an instinctive really feel for his biomechanics, which permits him to assault with leverage, bend and create drive.
That mentioned, though he has the preliminary timing and mechanics down, his stability will be too simply disrupted — particularly within the run recreation — and go away him overextended or on the bottom. Groups are cut up on his greatest place, between deal with and guard.
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Campbell is among the extra fascinating prospects on this draft class. Although he doesn’t have top-tier instincts as an off-ball participant, his sideline-to-sideline pace and explosiveness lead on to manufacturing (he led Alabama in tackles, tackles for loss, sacks and compelled fumbles in 2024).
Some groups have him as a part of their edge-rusher stack, whereas others need his promising versatility at linebacker. Regardless, Campbell is a first-round expertise.
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If you would like flashy, bounce to a different receiver. If you would like a savvy, rugged receiver with NFL-ready instincts, Egbuka suits the invoice.
Over his 4 seasons in Columbus, he performed subsequent to 4 large receivers who in the end turned top-20 draft picks (Marvin Harrison Jr., Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave and Jaxon Smith-Njigba) and two possible future early-round picks (Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate). The expertise round Egbuka made it simple to miss his offensive impression, however he completed with probably the most profession receptions (205) in Ohio State historical past and ranked No. 2 in receiving yards (2,868, 30 behind Michael Jenkins).
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Sanders is wise, powerful and correct, which makes a fantastic basis for an NFL quarterback. I’ve no doubts that he can begin on the subsequent degree. My considerations are extra about his total ceiling, due to his common bodily traits and mismanagement of the pocket.
The draft opinions on Sanders are wide-ranging all through the league — and my analysis of him appears to be someplace within the center.
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A dominant run presence, Grant is a robust 340-pound boulder who can execute two-gap methods or stack single blocks and work down the road with quickness. He seems to be to fireplace off the ball, though his tall pads will negate his leverage and lower-body power, which diminishes his bull rush and limits the methods he can impression the quarterback.
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After two promising seasons in Houston’s Air Raid scheme, Golden was an underrated addition for the Longhorns in 2024 — and proved particularly beneficial when it mattered most, averaging 102.8 receiving yards over the ultimate 4 video games (SEC championship and three Faculty Soccer Playoff video games).
Fluid in his releases and breaks, he exhibits a plan as a route runner, and I like his potential to interrupt down corners by conserving his eyes, hips and ft in sync.
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After main the staff in tackles as a real freshman (85), Emmanwori did it once more as a junior (88) and was one in all simply three FBS gamers in 2024 with a number of choose sixes. He’s a formidable dimension/pace athlete and does a pleasant job studying route ideas in beneath coverages, which permits him to make performs on the ball utilizing his response quickness.
He fashions his recreation after Derwin James Jr. — and it exhibits.
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Together with his size and surge off the ball, Nolen creates speedy drive and is usually a play-wrecker due to how shortly he penetrates gaps. He generates the kind of leverage that forces holding calls.
He doesn’t rely simply on quickness to win, however there are inefficiencies in his assault, particularly when he’s late to learn the play.
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Ezeiruaku is extra “dip and rip” than “drive participant” as a cross rusher, due to his pure really feel for depth factors and the alternative ways he makes use of jab steps and cross-chops to melt the nook. He ranked prime three within the FBS this season in each sacks (16.5) and tackles for loss (20.5).
He will be overwhelmed at occasions versus the run however flashes the size to get into his opponent’s pads, lock out and stalemate the purpose of assault, particularly on the transfer.
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A fast, fluid mover, Conerly has the vary to succeed in his landmarks laterally in cross safety, on the transfer on the second degree and within the run recreation.
Due to the underdeveloped elements of his recreation, he’ll put himself in some compromised positions, particularly in opposition to energy rushers — however his restoration stability is outstanding.
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Together with his spectacular physique size and pace, Revel has the traits NFL groups need on the cornerback place. He additionally has the manufacturing (17 passes defended in 15 begins at East Carolina).
He tore his ACL in September, so his up to date medicals on the mix might be key towards determining whether or not Revel will sneak into the primary spherical or be drafted on Day Two.
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Though his manufacturing received’t bounce off the web page, Williams’ impression as a dominant run defender is way clearer on tape. He wants additional growth as a cross rusher, however he’s one in all this class’ greatest run-defending linemen, due to his recognition abilities and disciplined execution deconstructing blocks.
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After a tough first begin at left deal with in opposition to Penn State’s Abdul Carter, Jackson performed at a excessive degree the remainder of the best way in 2024 — together with an impeccable playoff run. Lengthy thought of a guard prospect by NFL groups, his left deal with tape was higher than what he confirmed at his earlier place, forcing scouts to reevaluate his greatest match on the subsequent degree.
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Regardless of constantly going through stacked packing containers (Iowa ranked one hundred and thirtieth out of 133 FBS groups this season in passing offense), Johnson shined on outside-zone runs. He’s at his greatest when he can shortly learn and arrange his blocks and anticipate bottom/frontside lanes to search out yardage that isn’t there.
Although he isn’t as free as Le’Veon Bell, Johnson has an analogous run model with a three-down talent set.
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Hampton was a beast throughout the 2023 season, as he completed because the ACC’s main rusher (1,504 yards). Nevertheless it was much more spectacular to see him repeat in 2024, whereas taking part in with out QB Drake Maye and as defenses bought out to cease the run. Hampton rushed for 100-plus yards in 10 of 12 video games this season and set a North Carolina single-season document with 2,033 all-purpose yards.
He’s a bruiser with an efficient mix of endurance, energy and pace.
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Taylor was Mr. Dependable within the LSU offense. He’s a free mover, which exhibits in his route operating and on the catch level, and he has the hand-eye coordination to make pure changes and end in visitors.
Within the run recreation, he’s extra of a wall-off blocker than violent people-mover, however his toughness and athleticism on the level of assault — particularly out in area as a transfer blocker — assist him execute his assignments.
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Be it out in area or in confined areas, Zabel shines as a run blocker together with his athletic vary and grip power to attach, pressure and seal lanes. In cross safety, he will be walked again and can give up depth versus energy, however he mirrors effectively and stays balanced by way of contact as he refits his palms to grind bull rushes to a halt.
Zabel is a school left deal with who suits greatest inside and is the draft’s prime prospect at middle.
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An superior athlete at 251 kilos, Arroyo will get out and in of his breaks with effectivity and pace to constantly create separation, making him a risk to attain anytime he touches the ball (71.4 % of his catches in 2024 resulted in a primary down or landing).
He might want to show himself by way of contact within the passing recreation on the subsequent degree, the place he will not be given as a lot area to function.
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Barron holds a Grasp’s diploma in protection schemes. He has accomplished a fantastic job creating the psychological a part of his recreation, so he can get a headstart keying and diagnosing opposing quarterbacks and blocking schemes.
He doesn’t have the best size or motion burst for straightforward recoveries, however he performs with supreme confidence and physicality with out crossing the road, particularly in zone protection.
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A versatile, lengthy athlete, Tuimoloau creates elevate and extension by way of contact and makes use of his soccer GPS and short-area agility to shut on the ball provider. He regularly noticed 4 palms as a cross rusher — opponents knew he was the primary risk on a gifted Buckeyes defensive position — however he must develop extra seamless counter sequencing when left one-on-one on the sting.
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Thomas isn’t the quickest cornerback on this draft class, however he is a good-sized athlete who recovers effectively from missteps and barely will get beat excessive.
His strengths are his size and physicality to disrupt the timing of routes and be an element on the catch level. That mentioned, you want to see him come away with extra interceptions.
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A participant in perpetual chase mode, Schwesinger is lightning fast in his key-and-react processing and flies to the soccer with an innate really feel for beating blockers to the spot and navigating field visitors to remain clear.
I would wish to see extra shock and leverage in his palms when he does tackle contact, however he has a excessive batting common as a tackler — his common of seven.5 solo tackles per recreation this season was the best within the FBS since 2020.
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An Ohio child who grew as much as be a Buckeyes captain, Sawyer elevated his variety of pressures created from 22 to 37 to 64 during the last three seasons. He’ll eternally be remembered inside the program for his strip-sack, 83-yard scoop and rating in opposition to Texas within the Faculty Soccer Playoff title recreation.
He’s one-dimensional as a cross rusher and lacks the best suddenness or size for an edge participant, however his exercise degree and the power in his palms make him an every-down issue.
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Together with his athletic, broad-shouldered physique, Jackson has NFL dimension and assaults blocks with bodily palms and lively ft to shock and separate from contact.
His tall pads and lower-body stiffness will create occasional points when he is setting the sting and diminish his potential to counter when his first transfer is ineffective. He maintains his imaginative and prescient to scrub up performs and consistently be across the motion, although.
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After toiling on offense when he arrived in South Bend, Ind., Watts moved to rover linebacker earlier than discovering his residence at free security. There, he turned one of the crucial adorned gamers in Irish historical past. He collected 13 interceptions (and allowed zero landing catches) during the last two seasons and have become Notre Dame’s first two-time consensus All-American since 1993.
The dimensions-speed traits could be common, however Watts is constantly in the best place on the proper time.
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Extremely recruited out of the Austin, Texas space, Collins was given the “underachiever” label by some whereas taking part in behind T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy III in 2023. However when given starting-level snaps in 2024, he performed his greatest ball.
Together with his pure dimension, energy and coordination, he does a fantastic job as a two-gapper, stacking, peeking and grounding ball carriers between the tackles.
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A basketball-focused athlete a lot of his life, Higgins performed two seasons at Jap Kentucky earlier than placing up greater than 2,000 mixed receiving yards in two seasons with the Cyclones.
With the physique management and charm of a former level guard, Higgins has the graceful athleticism that interprets to his route operating. He is additionally a pure monitoring and adjusting to the soccer, whatever the placement or protection (simply three drops on 210 targets at Iowa State).
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Though his inside imaginative and prescient can get a little bit messy, Henderson can bounce laterally and smash the accelerator to dash by way of voids or convert his pace to energy as a finisher.
His impression on passing downs will assist separate him within the operating again stack — he delivers thunderbolts into targets as a cross blocker and secures grabs away from his body as a receiver, displaying dynamic potential on choice routes.
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Together with his NFL-ready construct and size, Ersery has a stiff punch to steer rushers large of the pocket, and he can anchor down when rushers attempt to assault him up the center.
Ersery strikes effectively for an enormous man, particularly as a zone blocker, however there are some sloppy components to his recreation. He should enhance his timing and consistency throughout his NFL transition.
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Burch is considerably of a one-trick pony as a cross rusher — he creates pocket push with energy. However the 285-pounder has the distinctive athletic traits to be extra, if he improves his setup and secondary strikes.
He must be extra explosive together with his palms to shed blocks within the run recreation, however he confirmed a lot improved consciousness and ending abilities on his 2024 tape.
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A bodily imposing blocker, Savaiinaea is each alert and highly effective with the aggressive demeanor to finish his task.
Although he has the size and useful actions to remain at deal with, his sq. play model and bear-claw palms are higher suited inside at guard, the place he can become an NFL starter.
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A thickly constructed, high-motor rusher, Scourton is a banshee off the sting with the quickness and energy to work half-a-man and put on down blockers. His recreation plan, nonetheless, is overly reliant on effort due to his common athletic instruments, which retains his method comparatively primary.
Nonetheless, his aggressive worker-bee play model ought to translate to NFL beginning snaps.
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Hairston strikes pretty effortlessly in all areas of the sphere, and he performs to his assist in man-to-man protection whereas displaying conviction and consciousness in Cowl 3. He’s a pure making performs on the catch level, however he is additionally extra scrappy than sturdy, which can present up in opposition to bodily NFL receivers and in run help.
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Whatever the protection, Morrison has terrific foot quickness, physique fluidity and approach to reflect early and regain part late, which permits him make performs on the soccer with out panic. He exhibits a pure really feel in protection and understands play indicators, though play-strength and sturdiness considerations will observe him to the subsequent degree.
As he is again from his second hip surgical procedure, Morrison’s medicals might be crucial for his remaining grade.
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A lot might be fabricated from Turner’s “overaggressive” tendencies that draw consideration from officers. However as one scout described him, “he’s the kind (of participant) you need in your aspect.”
Turner must introduce extra self-discipline to his play model, however he prides himself on being the aggressor and depends on his preliminary twitch, fierce palms and combative mentality to be an element.
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After transferring out of USC as soon as Caleb Williams arrived, Dart discovered a house with Lane Kiffin. He leaves Oxford, Miss., with quite a few season and profession data, together with the Rebels’ all-time lead in wins (28), passing yards (10,617) and complete offense (12,117).
He wants time to develop his progression-based reads and anticipation (issues he wasn’t requested to frequently do in faculty), however Dart is a pure thrower of the soccer with promising mobility and high-level aggressive intangibles.
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Thanks partially to his basketball background, Royals has a managed, fluid stride and pure physique coordination to be a weapon earlier than and after the catch (10 catches of 50-plus yards during the last two seasons, No. 1 within the FBS).
His tape confirmed heavy helpings of screens, hitches and go routes, and he’s nonetheless studying the nuances of route operating, however he already confirmed enhancements throughout Senior Bowl practices.
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I perceive why some are caught up on Shough’s age (he might be 25 on draft weekend), however that ought to be much less of a priority for the quarterback place — particularly exterior of the primary spherical.
-sized athlete, Shough engineered an offense that averaged 36.6 factors per recreation in 2024. So long as staff docs log out on his medicals, he has instruments worthy of a Day Two cube roll.
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He didn’t begin taking part in soccer till his junior yr of highschool, however Sanders confirmed promising expertise all through his 4 seasons with the Gamecocks. He performs with the preliminary twitch and energy to be an issue for blockers and constantly make performs away from his place to begin.
Sanders ought to show himself as a part of a defensive position rotation as a rookie.
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There won’t be a prospect whose rating will fluctuate extra throughout the draft course of than Milroe’s does.
As an athlete and individual, he belongs within the first spherical. However can he develop the passing consistency wanted to develop into an NFL starter? Milroe might be definitely worth the likelihood sooner or later on Day Two, however the place is that candy spot?
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Constructed low to the bottom, James is fast to scan, drop his pads and slam the gasoline by way of cracks on the line of scrimmage (36.5 % of his 2024 carries resulted in a primary down or landing, No. 2 within the FBS). Though he isn’t a lot of a house run risk, he rips off a ton of doubles — and you may’t gauge his willpower with a stopwatch or measuring tape.
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Together with his large body, lengthy arms and useful motion abilities, Williams has the flexibility to overwhelm defenders within the run recreation and drive rushers to take a $20 Uber experience to get round him in cross professional. Nevertheless, there are a number of primary (and non-negotiable) particulars that he should develop for the subsequent degree, together with well-timed or repeatable palms.
Williams is one other prospect for whom the medicals will affect the ultimate draft rating.
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After seeing simply 22 targets by way of his first three seasons, Helm turned “the man” as a senior — and didn’t disappoint. He emerged as probably the most constant facet of Texas’ offense, offering a team-best 60 receptions.
A fluid athlete for the place, Helm does a fantastic job discovering area in protection, contorting his physique to complete the catch and giving defenders the slip as a ballcarrier.
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An explosive cross rusher, Stewart has the arc acceleration and suppleness to win excessive aspect, though his speed-to-power strikes and bull rushes are uniquely efficient when he’s given a little bit runway. He performs greater than he seems to be within the run recreation however will wrestle to disengage when blockers are capable of latch on to him.
Stewart has the expertise to be greater than a delegated cross rusher within the NFL.
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A few of his power and anchor considerations popped up throughout one-on-ones on the Senior Bowl, however Mbow will regain a few of his draft momentum after he checks on the mix. His fluid footwork and physique changes enable him to reflect rushers and function effectively in area.
Some groups are conserving him at deal with on their boards, whereas others like him greatest inside at guard and even middle.
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Regardless of being a part of a loaded defensive position group on the Senior Bowl, Alexander was capable of shine brightest, placing himself within the combine to be a second-round choose. He has free physique management for a 304-pounder, and his play exercise and toughness present, each on the inside and when dashing off the sting.
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Although he isn’t a burner, Harris has the stride pace to be an element on linear/one-cut routes and shows clean gear-down for clear transitions. The most effective elements of his recreation are his hand-eye coordination and ending toughness to make catches over defensive backs. He is usually a productive Robin for an NFL offense that already has a go-to goal.
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NFL groups are looking for guards who can transfer defenders with their decrease physique and management them with their higher half. Ratledge exhibits that constantly on his faculty tape.
He’s a self-described “dirtbag” who ought to compete for a beginning position as a rookie and has the mandatory instruments for a decade-long professional profession, if he stays wholesome.
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An Ole Miss switch, Judkins joined Ohio State as a result of he wished to win a nationwide title — and he helped repay that purpose by scoring three touchdowns within the championship recreation in opposition to Notre Dame. His greatest traits are his play power and the run toughness he exhibits to drop his pads, barrel by way of heavy contact and are available out the opposite aspect.
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Gillotte introduced himself as a possible top-100 draft choose together with his All-America junior season. And though his sack numbers dipped as a senior, he had extra pressures created in 2024 (60) than in 2023 (58). His pace and suppleness as a high-side rusher are mediocre, however Gillotte creates leveraged energy and pure downhill drive with the best way he fires off the ball and delivers pop at contact.
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A sturdy and speedy athlete, Noel is clean out and in of his breaks and performs with “Stick ’em” palms to constantly safe throws away from his physique. Regardless of not being a lot of a tackler-breaker, he has a pull-away gear (with or with out the ball) that makes him a playmaker (eight catches of 50-plus yards during the last two seasons, third most within the FBS.)
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Younger, explosive and highly effective is a superb place to begin for a defensive deal with prospect, and that’s precisely what Phillips has to supply. He usually negates these traits by being late off the snap and dropping leverage, however NFL groups will gladly wager on the expertise.
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After his standout week on the Senior Bowl, Bech cemented himself as a top-75 choose.
Though he isn’t tremendous dynamic, Bech is a clean, bodily athlete who can get out and in of breaks and catches the ball with supreme confidence.
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Matthew Visinsky / Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures
As a cross rusher, Umanmielen is at his greatest from distance, the place he can bend and use his motion abilities to show the nook on his strategy to the quarterback (his pressures created elevated every season). He has gotten greater and stronger and is healthier geared up to carry up in opposition to the run, however he must play with extra violence and refinement together with his shed palms.
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Andy Altenburger / Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures
Walker definitely advantages from the “planet principle” — there are solely so many 340-pound people strolling the earth who’ve his mixture of dimension, power and candy ft. However there are sloppy components to his recreation, and his approach and pad degree should meet up with his bodily expertise for the flashes to grow to be extra constant.
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Rick Ulreich / Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures
Utilizing his athletic traits, Riley stays connected in man-to-man protection, and he shows the click-and-close approach and ball abilities to be disruptive (solely participant on this draft class with at the very least 15 profession interceptions). Some would possibly see his dimension as a legal responsibility, however his nostril for the ball stands out.
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M. Anthony Nesmith / Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures
Having averaged simply 17.4 defensive snaps per recreation in 2024, Norman-Lott was a part of a heavy rotation for Tennessee’s gifted entrance — however you seen him each time he was on the sphere.
Together with his motion and power traits, he creates disruption versus each run and cross. Can he maintain that degree of impression if he is requested to deal with double the variety of snaps?
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Bryan Lynn / Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures
Winston entered the season with a ton of promise and was seen in September as a possible top-50 choose. A torn ACL in Week 2 sidelined him for the season, although, and put a reduction sticker on his 2025 NFL Draft inventory. He’s anticipated to be cleared for exercises in March.
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Roger Wimmer / ISI Photographs/Getty Pictures
Whereas averaging 131.4 dashing yards per recreation within the SEC, Sampson set a number of college data this season. Though it’s chaotic at occasions when he performs in overdrive, he runs with pressing pace getting by way of the primary wave and opens up the sphere together with his sharp lateral cuts.
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Jacob Kupferman / Getty Pictures
Though he by no means had the prospect to see his late father, Steve, play within the NFL, Ozzy Trapilo has the identical offensive line expertise in his DNA, with pure actions and technical management. He must be extra constant blocking low to excessive within the run recreation, however he shortly establishes physique positioning to control spacing and minimize off defenders.
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Joe Robbins / Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures
In an offense designed to weaponize its tight finish, Fannin transitioned from highschool security to school tight finish and in 2024 had arguably the best tight finish season in FBS historical past. He set the place’s single-season data for catches (117) and receiving yards (1,555).
Fannin catches all the pieces and exhibits a singular really feel for creating as a ball provider.
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Isaiah Vazquez / Getty Pictures
It was disappointing that Wilson needed to pull out of the Senior Bowl, as a result of he might have boosted his draft inventory throughout the week of follow. He solely began for one season in faculty however put promising play on his movie, and scouts are enthusiastic about his motion abilities.
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Dale Zanine / USA At the moment
Howard entered the season as a mid-round prospect. After a run that resulted in an Ohio State nationwide championship, nonetheless, he possible will not get out of Day Two.
He has useful mobility, arm expertise and decision-making abilities. NFL groups additionally recognize his aggressive toughness, which is a non-negotiable trait for the place on the subsequent degree.
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Ronald Martinez / Getty Pictures
Stutsman doesn’t have the confirmed protection expertise required of modern-day linebackers, however he’s a gap-sound run defender and thundering tackler with the swagger (on and off the sphere) that might be welcomed within the NFL.
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A clean athlete in protection, Parrish can flip his hips downfield and has quick ft in his transitions to click on and shut on the ball in a short time. His toughness is obvious in protection and run help, though his lack of dimension will present up if he loses positioning downfield or doesn’t sq. up the ball provider.
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Peter G. Aiken / Getty Pictures
After 4 seasons at Georgia Tech, Kennard transferred to South Carolina for the 2024 season and performed his greatest ball (11.5 sacks). He was in all probability the third-best participant on the Gamecocks’ loaded defensive position, however he gave his draft grade a lift into the Day Two vary.
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Isaiah Vazquez / Getty Pictures
Quite a bit went improper for Florida State this season, however there have been a number of vibrant spots on the protection, akin to Azareye’h Thomas at nook and Farmer within the trenches.
A staff captain, Farmer is an explosive mover and assaults gaps like a bull in a china store.
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James Gilbert / Getty Pictures
Together with his explosive pace, Johnson is electrical earlier than and after the catch. He additionally requires no gear-down on the catch level, which makes him a nightmare for open-field pursuit, as a result of he can stick his foot within the floor and fly.
That mentioned, at 156 kilos (10 kilos lighter than Tank Dell), he’s a whole outlier.
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Jayne Kamin-Oncea / Imagn Pictures
After shifting from hockey to soccer whereas rising up in Canada, Ayomanor emerged as a go-to weapon at Stanford, regardless of taking part in for an offense that ranked 128th within the FBS this season.
He lacks pure refinement however is usually a matchup weapon as a result of he’s a big, bodily goal for the quarterback, with a sizeable catch radius.
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Michael Reaves / Getty Pictures
After three years at UNLV, Williams transferred to Cal and had an All-America super-senior season. His excellent ball abilities are mirrored in his 2024 manufacturing: seven interceptions (No. 1 within the FBS) and 16 passes defended (No. 1 within the ACC).
Williams’ 40-yard sprint would possibly decide whether or not he lands on Day Two or Day Three.
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Straight out of central casting, Oladejo seems to be like an NFL cross rusher and teased NFL expertise (see the Iowa and Penn State tapes). After taking part in Mike linebacker his first three years with the Bruins, he moved to an edge position three video games into the 2024 season — so his greatest soccer remains to be forward of him.
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David Dennis / Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures
At six ft tall with 32-inch arms, Amos can match up effectively in opposition to NFL dimension. He’s very scheme-specific, although, which can get rid of him for a number of groups. However his consistency in protection improved every season.
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David Rosenblum / Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures
I actually wished to love Bond extra, as a result of he’s an incredible athlete (and can present that on the mix). However given his lack of reliability, it’s laborious to justify placing him too excessive on this checklist. He’s a whole wild card.
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Tim Warner / Getty Pictures
Although he doesn’t have the facility to drive by way of the primary degree, Harvey is a dynamic make-you-miss runner utilizing his tempo and burst (54 carries of 10-plus yards in 2024). These abilities made him a frequent customer to the tip zone, too (UCF-record 48 profession touchdowns).
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Andrew Dieb / Imagn Pictures
Bryant barely tops 170 kilos after a great meal, however he hardly ever will get punked by dimension on the sphere. He’s a fast read-react athlete and performs with the compete abilities that may communicate to NFL coaches.
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G Fiume / Getty Pictures
Loads of groups received’t take into account drafting a sub-200-pound security, however Mukuba put sufficient on tape in 2024 to drive GMs to rethink that threshold. He’s at his greatest flying by way of alleys with urgency and conviction.
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Matthew Visinsky / Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures
I anticipated a little bit extra from Ferguson this season, however he has NFL athleticism as a route runner and cross catcher. With improved approach as a blocker, he’ll be capable of keep on the sphere — and be an asset — in any state of affairs.
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Jeffrey Brown / Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures
Porter (33 1/4-inch arms) is a towering nook with legit pace. The traits are too interesting for him to fall out of the highest 100, however why did it take till his sixth season in faculty for him to see regular snaps?
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Keith Gillett / Icon Sportswire
Although he is undersized, Paul is a high-energy Mike ‘backer who sees the sphere effectively and had the dirtiest jersey on every tape studied. He won’t be a match for each scheme, however I’ll wager he finds a strategy to be productive on the subsequent degree..
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Andy Altenburger / Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures
(High pictures of Jalon Walker and Ashton Jeanty: CFP / Getty Pictures; Robin Alam / ISI Photographs / Getty Pictures)
