early thread on the 2025 draft

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2025 NFL Draft: Strongest, weakest position groups in the class

https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2025-nfl-draft-strongest-weakest-position-groups

• It’s a good year to target defensive backs and interior defenders: Star-studded cornerback and safety classes lead the way in the 2025 NFL Draft, while the defensive tackle group is flooded with depth players and potential NFL starters.

• Michigan’s Colston Loveland tops a strong tight end class: He and Penn State’s Tyler Warren have a chance to be first-round picks.

• Unlock your edge with a PFF+ subscription: Get full access to all our in-season fantasy tools, including weekly rankings, WR/CB matchup charts, weekly projections, the Start-Sit Optimizer and more. Sign up now!

The 2025 NFL Draft is only nearing, and the stars of each position group are breaking away from the pack. We’ll briefly dive into the depth and talent available at each position with just less than six months until showtime.

The scale: great, good, average, below average, scarce

QUARTERBACK: BELOW AVERAGE
The high-profile quarterback class in 2024 is giving way to a 2025 group with less hype, though we know the NFL’s need for the position will still be strong.

Miami’s Cam Ward is racing up Heisman boards with his Hurricanes at the top of the ACC. His improved big-time throw and turnover-worthy play rates make him an intriguing bet at the top, but it is no guarantee due to his up-and-down play style.

Shedeur Sanders, Jalen Milroe and Garrett Nussmeier offer intrigue of their own, but again, not to the level we saw last year, which could mean an NFL team may be able to draft a top quarterback in a lower slot, even outside of the first round.

RUNNING BACK: GOOD
Running back draft classes seem to be at least average every year. The 2025 class is once again a deep group that can litter the league with starters and committee backs.

Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, who boasts a 96.8 PFF rushing grade through Week 10, is on a record-breaking pace this season and will surely be the top running back taken. The only question now is whether he can crack the top 10. Omarion Hampton, Kaleb Johnson and Quinshon Judkins could be considered as late first- or early second-round picks, while Ollie Gordon, DJ Giddens, Jonah Coleman and TreVeyon Henderson could hear their names called early on Day 2.

WIDE RECEIVER: GOOD
Every year is a good year for the wide receiver class, but it doesn’t feel as star-studded at the top compared to 2024. Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan will be coveted by every team in the top 10, as will two-way phenom Travis Hunter. After them, Luther Burden III, Isaiah Bond and Emeka Egbuka all possess first-round talent. It’s not quite the top-10-rich class we’ve seen in years past, but it is a good one nonetheless.

TIGHT END: GREAT
I really like this tight end class. Michigan’s Colston Loveland remains a first-round type of talent as a receiving tight end despite the Wolverines’ quarterback struggles this season. Penn State’s Tyler Warren has also come on as a complete in-line player whom every NFL team will love. Both have a chance to be first-round picks.

Then there are players like Eli Stowers, Mason Taylor, Gunnar Helm and Harold Fannin Jr., all of whom I would feel comfortable drafting on Day 2. That kind of first-round potential and depth doesn’t come around often with tight end classes.

OFFENSIVE TACKLE: GOOD
The 2024 NFL Draft featured a high-profile offensive tackle class that yielded eight first-rounders, with four going in the top 15 and two in the top 10. This year’s class doesn’t appear to be as strong at the top, but it is deep enough that five or six names could land in the top 40.

Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. and LSU’s Will Campbell have top-10 potential. Banks’ 91.4 PFF pass-blocking grade ranks first among FBS tackles and Campbell is on track for his third straight 70.0-plus season-long PFF overall grade, but neither is at 2024 prospect Joe Alt‘s level.

While Cameron Williams, Wyatt Milum, Aireontae Ersery and Josh Simmons could each hear their name called in Round 1, too, this group doesn’t feel as polished as 2024’s batch.

INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINE: SCARCE
The 2025 class may churn out some starting NFL interior offensive linemen, but it is a tougher group to find players you are confident in.

At least one center has been selected in the top 50 in every draft since 2017, but there is a good chance that streak ends in 2025.

As for guards, Tyler Booker, Tate Ratledge and Donovan Jackson seem to be getting the most hype. However, it’s currently a long shot that we see any of them drafted in the first round. For that reason, look for NFL teams to hit free agency hard at center and guard in March.

INTERIOR DEFENDER: GREAT
Michigan’s Mason Graham, who would have been the first defensive tackle off the board in the 2024 class, leads this year’s strong interior defender group. After that, Omarr Norman-Lott, Kenneth Grant and Tyleik Williams are first-round talents, and Walter Nolen, T.J. Sanders, Dontay Corleone and Deone Walker are all firmly in the top-50 conversation. Oregon’s Derrick Harmon is a big riser, too.

It feels like one of the deeper defensive tackle groups over the past five years. It’s a good year for NFL teams with a need for the position.

EDGE DEFENDER: GOOD
This is a tricky position group to label because its star power isn’t a lock despite the class’ potential.

There are years when we talk about edge rushers in the top five and even No. 1 overall. But although 2025 doesn’t include a Jadeveon Clowney, a Myles Garrett — or even a Will Anderson Jr. or an Aidan Hutchinson in terms of pre-draft dominance — there are plenty of names to know.

First-round chatter often includes Nic Scourton, Abdul Carter, James Pearce Jr. and Mykel Williams, but even they are currently expected to be selected between Pick Nos. 10-20. Then there are Landon Jackson, LT Overton, Shemar Stewart and Princely Umanmielen, all of whom could be late first- or early second-round options.

LINEBACKER: SCARCE
It will be hard for NFL teams to find a linebacker they love in this class.

LSU’s Harold Perkins Jr. possesses intriguing athleticism, but he is undersized and is now coming off an ACL tear. Oklahoma’s Danny Stutsman is a thumper who checks the size boxes but isn’t coveted at a first-round level. Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell is a high-ceiling player, but a young one who is still growing.

Deontae Lawson, Lander Barton and Jack Kiser are likely mid-to-late Day 2 selections at best right now, although they can be contributing NFL players.

Reliable starting linebackers could be at a premium in the 2025 NFL Draft.

CORNERBACK: GREAT
Headlining a star-studded cornerback class are Colorado’s Travis Hunter and Michigan’s Will Johnson — currently top-10 prospects. Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison and East Carolina’s Shavon Revel were also showing first-round-worthy play before going down with injuries.

Jahdae Barron and Sebastian Castro have shown reliable coverage ability in the slot, and Barron has even played strong on the outside. Tacario Davis brings unique size at 6-foot-4. A handful of names could go off the board in the top 50 this year, and plenty should be drafted on Day 2.

It’s a good year to need a secondary player. Though Georgia’s Malaki Starks is having a bit of a down season, his freshman and sophomore campaigns were elite, making him worthy of a first-round pick.

Penn State’s Kevin Winston Jr. showcases NFL-level ability but was injured early this season. Oklahoma’s Billy Bowman Jr. and Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts have been talked about in the top 60, and South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori has been a massive riser, as well. Throw in Lathan Ransom, Kamari Ramsey and Keon Sabb, and you’ve got a bigger buffet of safety choices than we typically see in one draft class.

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Early position grades for the 2025 NFL Draft: Down year for QBs, WRs stand out, No. 1 contenders at EDGE, CB
The run on QBs in 2024 suggests teams know the 2025 class isn’t as good

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/early-position-grades-for-the-2025-nfl-draft-down-year-for-qbs-wrs-stand-out-no-1-contenders-at-edge-cb/

The 2024 NFL Draft is in the books. In many ways it was historic, with six quarterbacks going off the board in the first 12 picks — the fastest we’ve ever seen.

Watching the run on quarterbacks made me think NFL teams had already done their due diligence on the 2025 class of draft-eligible quarterbacks, which is not as good. And that gave me the idea to project way-too-early positional grades for the 2025 NFL Draft.

As a devourer of college football film (I ranked my top 100 players two weeks ago for CBSSports.com), I absolutely love putting my name on early projections a year out. This complements my way-too-early mock draft.

Quarterback: C+
There’s no Caleb Williams or even Bryce Young in this class. It’s a pretty deep group, but we’ll have to see this fall if any player emerges as a top-end, franchise-level quarterback. Fourteen quarterbacks made my ranking of the top 100 players in college football and I have fifteen others on my watch list. The overall consensus is Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, Texas’ Quinn Ewers and Georgia’s Carson Beck are likely to be the first three off the board but all of them have lots of questions to be answered this season. I’m not sleeping on Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, either, and actually have him as the second quarterback selected in 2025. His skillset as a runner gives him the potential for a Jayden Daniels-type leap this fall, plus he’ll be coached up by Kalen DeBoer, who turned Michael Penix Jr. from damaged goods to top-10 pick.

Nobody would have had Bo Nix as a Round 1 pick a year ago, which means there’s a huge opportunity this fall for guys like Miami’s Cameron Ward, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier and Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart to crash the conversation.

Running Back: A-
Solid year for some top-end backs who could find their way into the first round. I’ve got 12 backs on my top 100; three of them won’t be draft-eligible in 2025. Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins has a really good shot of going in the first round. Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon and Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson are expected to go high as well. Cal’s Jaydn Ott is a sleeper who scouts will fall in love with. Lots of quality backs round out the class. It’s a much better group of running backs than the 2024 draft class, but there’s not a Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs here.

Wide Receiver: A
This position is loaded with talent every year. The 2025 draft won’t be any different. If you’re looking for a game-breaking, future No. 1 guy, you are in luck. There are 17 receivers in my top 100 and 15 are draft-eligible. Missouri’s Luther Burden, Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan, Texas’ Isaiah Bond, Oregon’s Evan Stewart and Ole Miss’ Tre Harris headline the class.

Tight End: B
You don’t just grow Brock Bowerses on trees, you know. There may not be any first rounders in this group, but a few profile as really good Day 2 picks. I’ve got five guys in my top 100 headlined by Michigan’s Colston Loveland, LSU’s Mason Taylor, Ole Miss’ Caden Prieskorn and Iowa’s Luke Lachey.

Offensive Line: B
Big drop off-in talent from the 2024 NFL class to next year’s group but still some gems. I’ve got 10 offensive linemen in my top 100, only one underclassmen, headlined by LSU’S Will Campbell and Texas’ Kelvin Banks. They’ll be top-15 picks next year. Oregon’s Josh Connerly Jr and LSU’s Emery Jones are two other guys to keep an eye on as well. Alabama’s Tyler Booker will be the highest-rated interior lineman.

EDGE: A
The edge class has the potential to be a really strong group and could possibly have the No. 1 pick in Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr., depending on how the top quarterbacks perform.

I have 17 edge players in my top 100 and expect to see some movement once the season gets going on who can separate and dominate. There are likely two or three of these guys who will eventually become interior players at the next level. Penn State’s Abdul Carter, FSU’s Patrick Payton, Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer and Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton headline the edge class and I could see up to four edge players go in the first round.

Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell is one of the most unique prospects I’ve watched with ridiculous twitch and get off.K eep an eye on him early on to see if he can translate at the next level of competition.

Defensive Tackle: A
This is a strong group overall and one of the better defensive tackle classes I’ve seen in years. I’ve got 11 in my top 100, one underclassman. Expect to see multiple first-rounders including Michigan’s Mason Graham, Ole Miss’ Walter Nolen and Oregon’s Jamaree Caldwell as the early favorites followed by Kentucky’s Deone Walker and Michigan’s Kenneth Grant. The latter two are large bodies that can stuff the line of scrimmage and play ball.

I love this group and feel bad leaving somebody out, because it’s a terrific year.

Box Linebacker: C
Not the strongest group of box linebackers, so you’ll have to take one early if you need one. There are four dudes worth watching: Clemson’s Barrett Carter, Iowa’s Jay Higgins and Oklahoma’s Danny Stutsman. LSU’s Harold Perkins could be the best of the bunch but I’ll wait to pass judgment until I see if he has embraced his role in the box. If not, then Perkins would join a strong edge class. Those four ‘backers all made the top 100 and are expected to be impact players this season.

Cornerback: A-
Only six corners made the top 100 but some serious quality over quantity led by Colorado’s Travis Hunter, my No. 1 player in the country. Hunter is someone who could be in the mix for the first pick in the draft in 2025. Maybe the Panthers get the first pick again and turn Hunter into their next Chris Gamble — but actually let him play receiver some, too.

Michigan’s Will Johnson, Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison and Wisconsin’s Ricardo Hallman would be headliners in any other class. They are ballhawks with high ceilings.

Safety: C-
Meh. Four safeties made my top 100 list of the best players in college football, including one underclassman. Georgia’s Malaki Starks, Alabama’s Malachi Moore and Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts round out the draftable center fielders. Starks may be the only one worth taking in the first round. The 2026 draft will be better as Ohio State’s Caleb Downs profiles as a top-10 pick.

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Dane Brugler@dpbrugler
this RB draft class is the bee’s knees.

There are 30+ backs in this class with legit draftable grades.

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Daniel Jeremiah@MoveTheSticks
This draft is so deep at RB & they come in all different flavors. The prospects will have similar grades but teams will stack them differently based on fit/need. Day 2 is going to be a RB bonanza.

[nittany ram]

Rams needs as I see it…

WR (regardless if Kupp returns they need speed at WR)
Tackle (need depth)
Inside LB (Speights is fine, but Roseberg and Reeder are liabilities in run defense)
CB (although maybe not as big of a need as it looked like earlier in the season)
TE (Higbee is great when healthy but he’s old – the other TE’s on the roster are meh)

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2025 Los Angeles Rams Draft Targets: Ranking The Top 5 Rams Position Needs @Rams_LAFB https://t.co/B8jmd7qDmy

— LAFB Network (@LAFBNetwork) January 27, 2025

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from Vincent Bonsignore on the Senior Bowl, edited [ie. chopped up] for a Rams perspective https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/raiders/3-observations-from-raiders-perspective-at-senior-bowl-3273434/

Deep class along defensive line

…The Senior Bowl offered plenty of worthy candidates on the interior and edge.

The best at the positions — Penn State’s Abdul Carter, Michigan’s Mason Graham and Georgia’s Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker — didn’t attend this week. But the slew of impressive prospects who did proved this is a deep draft on the defensive front.

Toledo defensive tackle Darius Alexander solidified himself as a second-round pick with incredible strength and quickness. Virginia Tech’s Aeneas Peebles, Ole Miss’ Walter Nolen, South Carolina’s T.J. Sanders, Florida State’s Joshua Farmer and Kentucky’s Deone Walker round out a deep group of interior linemen.

On the edge, Marshall’s Mike Green, Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku, Minnesota’s Jah Joyner, Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, UCLA’s Olu Oladejo, Ole Miss’ Princely Umanmielen and Nebraska’s Ty Robinson had impressive weeks.

Plenty of receivers available

…Arizona star wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan profiles as an instant impact player, but the Raiders would have to take him at No. 6. They might decide to address other needs at that point.

If so, there are many wide receiver prospects beyond the first round.

Iowa State’s Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, two distinctly different players and body types, were unguardable this week.

Higgins is a 6-foot-3-inch, 215-pounder who projects as more of a perimeter weapon. Noel measured at 5-9 and is expected to play in the slot. He flashed tremendous speed, quickness and explosiveness.

Washington State’s Kyle Williams, TCU’s Jack Bech, Oregon’s Tez Johnson, Utah State’s Jalen Royals, Georgia’s Arian Smith and Miami’s Xavier Restrepo had productive weeks.

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2025 NFL draft rankings: Field Yates’ top 32 prospects

Field Yates

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2025/insider/story/_/id/42605227/2025-nfl-draft-rankings-board-top-prospects-best-positional-field-yates

We’re officially into the offseason for college football and the NFL — and all eyes are focused on the 2025 NFL draft. So now seems like an appropriate time to unveil a fresh set of player rankings for this class.

Two important things to understand here:

This isn’t representative of where I think players will get drafted. This is my personal ranking of how I stack the prospects based on their overall talent and what I see on tape. This list doesn’t factor in team needs or positional value. For my projection of where I believe players could actually be drafted, check out my new mock draft.

Even though the 2024 season is over, a lot can still change, and this list will remain fluid up until Round 1 on April 24. The combine is in a few weeks, and pro days follow. We’ll also learn more about injury situations for a handful of players over the coming months.

Here is my updated ranking of the top 32 players in the 2025 class, along with the top names at every position.

1. Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight: 185 pounds

One of the most unique prospects we have ever seen, Hunter has rare versatility and legitimate upside to be a top player as a wide receiver or cornerback. His ball skills are outstanding; he is a true playmaker on offense, and his instincts give him lockdown ability on defense. I’m sure he will get the opportunity to contribute on both sides of the ball in the pros in some capacity, but I have him ranked as primarily a cornerback right now. He finished the 2024 season with 36 tackles, 4 interceptions and 10 pass breakups on defense, along with 96 catches for 1,258 yards and 15 scores on offense.

2. Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 259

It’s a coin flip for the top player in the class between Hunter and Carter, whose profile screams Pro Bowl pass rusher. He has an elite first step and can bend the edge extremely well. He dominated this past season — his first as a full-time edge rusher after converting from linebacker — with 12 sacks, 23.5 tackles for loss and 61 pressures. I love his acceleration off the edge, which will lead to many game-wrecking moments in the NFL.

3. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 320

Graham will wreck the interior of opposing pockets as a pass rusher and is stout against the run (14 run stops this season). He is strong at the point of attack, is willing to do the dirty work and has active hands that make him a brutal assignment to block for 60 minutes. He fires off the ball with great first-step quickness and combines that with an understanding of how to win with leverage. He has more upside than his 3.5 sacks over 12 games in 2024 would suggest.

4. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Height: 5-9 | Weight: 215

Jeanty has exceptional speed, contact balance, vision, receiving ability and stamina, as he put together an incredible final season in college. He finished with 2,601 rushing yards and 30 total touchdowns (29 rushing, one receiving). No running back in this class comes close to his ability to make defenders miss in the hole, run through tackles, make decisive cuts and affect the passing game. We can debate the merits of taking a running back early all day, but Jeanty is a top-five prospect on talent alone.

5. Jalon Walker, Edge/LB, Georgia
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 245

Walker played 591 defensive snaps this season and moved between standup linebacker and lining up at edge. The latter spot is his best position despite his modest length. No Georgia player’s impact was felt more consistently this season than Walker’s. He had 6.5 sacks (tied for team lead), 62 tackles, 7 tackles for loss and a pair of fumble recoveries. He has the juice to fire off the edge and disrupt the quarterback.

6. Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 320

Campbell is a battle-tested tackle (38 career starts) with excellent footwork and body control. He was a Week 1 starter at left tackle as a true freshman back in 2022, and he rarely allows his quarterback to come under duress; only two sacks have been attributed to Campbell over the past two seasons. His ability to match and mirror opposing edge rushers gives him serious upside despite arm length concerns.

7. Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 265

Williams looks the part. He has rare length for the position and an explosive first step. Williams’ production is not exactly eye-popping (just 14 sacks in three seasons), but he does more outside of the box score as an edge setter. He brings power, bend and acceleration off the edge, and he hit double digits on tackles for loss for a second straight season (10.5) despite missing a few games with an ankle injury.

8. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 210

McMillan has exceptional size for the position and runs great routes. He is an explosive red zone target, tapping into his volleyball background to use his size to his advantage and make the tough 50-50 catches. He is the only FBS player with 1,300-plus receiving yards in each of the past two seasons (1,319 in 2024).

9. Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 257

Warren’s breakout 2024 season solidified him as one of the “don’t overthink this one” prospects of this class. In other words, you know what you’re getting with him in a pro offense. Warren is a force with the football in his hands, as his power helped him to 700 yards after the catch, third most in the FBS. He brushes tacklers off with ease, plays with great vision and shows sure hands on the tape. He’s a huge factor as a blocker, too. Warren finished the season with 104 catches for 1,233 yards and eight TD receptions.

10. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 202

Johnson was limited to six games in 2024, but we can go back to 2023 to see his potential. He had a case as the best player on arguably the best defense we’ve seen in recent college football history. Johnson has excellent size, reactive traits and ball skills, with nine career picks. If there is a question surrounding Johnson, it would be his speed. It’s unclear if we’ll get a timed answer before the draft, though, because of his toe injury.

11. Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 320

Banks will arrive to the NFL with an unusual amount of experience for a third-year player — he started from day one at Texas and held up extremely well against excellent competition. Much like Campbell, there are some questions about whether Banks has the ideal frame and length to play left tackle, but he has light feet, reactive traits and very good pass protection instincts. Over 42 career starts, he allowed just three sacks.

12. Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 223

The top-ranked quarterback on my board is the best innovator in this year’s class. Ward — a strong-armed, mobile and experienced player — often turns nothing into something. His decision-making early in games put Miami in some deficits this season, but his overall poise and fearlessness in key moments is unmistakable. Ward completed 67.2% of his throws, led the FBS with 39 passing TDs and ran for four more scores in 2024.

13. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 245

Loveland has what it takes to change a passing offense at the NFL level as a mismatch player. Defenses have to decide whether a linebacker is skilled enough to hold up against him or if a defensive back has the adequate size. He is talented route runner with a quality catch radius and the ability to line up at a variety of different spots. He also runs fluidly and with purpose after the catch, and he can consistently generate separation against man coverage. Loveland produced despite a lackluster Michigan offense in 2024, posting 56 catches and 582 yards to lead the Wolverines in both categories.

14. Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 325

Booker brings about as much strength and force as any player in the entire class. His powerful frame creates lanes in the running game. But on top of his run-game prowess, Booker also did not allow a single sack in 741 snaps played for Alabama this season.

15. Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 310

It’s hard to find an offensive tackle who moves as smoothly as Simmons, as he has outstanding feet that lead to elite pass protection skills. Simmons suffered a major knee injury in October, which clouds his draft range a bit. But if not for the injury, he’d be inside my top 10 players overall. In 153 pass protection snaps this season, he did not give up a single pressure.

16. Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 248

Green led the FBS with 17 sacks in 2024, and he added 22 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles and 51 pressures. His excellent first-step quickness, power and deep arsenal of rush moves helped him become an unstoppable force for the Thundering Herd. While Marshall’s schedule did not include a bunch of NFL-caliber offensive tackles, scouts saw Green more than hold his own against Ohio State this past season. He also looked good at the Senior Bowl.

17. Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 290

Stewart is a big-swing prospect. On one hand, his traits are as impressive as any pass rusher’s in this entire class. He has excellent size, length, fluidity, power and acceleration off the edge. It also wouldn’t surprise me if he runs at or below 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the combine. But on the other hand, he had just 4.5 sacks over three college seasons. He must still prove he can become a much better finisher to realize his first-round potential.

18. Armand Membou, OT/G, Missouri
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 314

Few players helped their draft stock this season more than Membou. The 20-year-old showed incredible power and physicality for the Tigers. He’s a very capable mover, too, and he allowed just five sacks over 36 career games (36 starts). Some scouts believe he is best suited to play guard at the NFL level, but I won’t discount a future home at tackle considering his 81-inch arm length. He is an ascending player.

19. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 215

Sanders is the best pocket passer in this class, as his ball placement and ability to throw with touch are outstanding. He led the FBS with a 74.0% completion percentage and was fourth with 4,134 passing yards. He has a ton of experience (25 starts at Colorado and 25 more at Jackson State) and brings elite toughness to the table. However, he must play with more urgency in the pocket, as he took more sacks (behind a shaky offensive line) than any quarterback in the nation for a second straight year (42).

20. Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 310

Harmon made major strides in his first and only season with the Ducks after transferring from Michigan State. He led FBS tackles in pressures (35), and his length and power at the point of attack lend themselves to scheme versatility in the NFL. He can rock pass protectors backward to collapse the pocket and stuff runners with effortless strength. And another trait that is hard to quantify but you know when you see it: Harmon is a no-plays-off player. His motor runs nonstop.

21. Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 315

Conerly was a steadying force along the Oregon offensive line, as he surrendered just one sack in 2024 and even held Abdul Carter without a pressure in the Big Ten championship. While Conerly lacks elite foot quickness, he has very good length and a fundamental understanding of pass protection that make him so reliable.

22. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 205

Starks was a ball magnet for much of his college career, as he posted six interceptions and 15 pass breakups over three seasons. He has the vision and speed to limit explosive plays on the back end, but he also has the coverage skills and agility to hang over the slot in man-to-man. He is a forceful safety against the run, as well. Starks has the versatility to play as a center fielder or in the slot in the NFL, though his production and overall impact dipped in 2024.

23. Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 305

The NFL has prioritized defensive tackles who can really rush the passer, and Nolen fits the bill. He finished with 6.5 sacks in 2024, his first and only season with Ole Miss after transferring from Texas A&M. His explosion off the snap and power make him disruptive, and he can run through offensive linemen or rush around them with his suddenness and acceleration. He needs to be more consistent than streaky, but someone with his upside doesn’t typically last long in the draft.

24. James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 243

Pearce entered the 2024 season with lofty expectations, as he has rare burst off the edge and the ability to bend around offensive linemen to create pressure. He had a solid 7.5 sacks, but his impact was not felt consistently enough. Even so, his physical traits are so good that NFL teams should be very interested in Round 1. He has length, power and body control, and he got pressure on 19.0% of his career pass-rush snaps.

25. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 208

This ranking would have raised eyebrows a year ago, as Burden was a dominant force in 2023 with 1,212 receiving yards. But 2024 was a bit of a disappointment; he totaled 676 yards on 61 catches. Still, Burden’s power, explosiveness and run-after-catch traits illustrate his potential. Over three seasons, Burden averaged 7.0 yards after the catch per reception and forced 72 missed tackles.

26. Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 339

In what is a loaded defensive tackle class, I’m not sure any DT is more difficult to move at the point of attack than Grant. He has a fantastic blend of size and power in the middle of a defense, and while he is not going to be the first man home on most pass rushes, he takes up space that allows others to go to work. (He also still had three sacks in 2024, along with 17 pressures.)

27. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 244

For a linebacker to go in Round 1, he needs to have versatility and the capacity to be on the field whether the opponent needs one or 10 yards. Campbell is that guy, as he has excellent speed and range to hold up against the pass, along with the downhill force to make tackles as a run defender. He also rushed off the edge occasionally at Alabama. Campbell finished his final college season with 112 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 12 run stops, 5 sacks and an interception. He does it all.

28. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 205

Egbuka finished his Ohio State career as the school’s all-time leader in receptions (205), a testament to his dependability. He might not have the elite size or speed that travels to the NFL, but he does not have a glaring hole in his game. Egbuka runs great routes, rarely drops passes and can play both in the slot and on the perimeter. Scouts love his makeup, and he’s a clutch player who should fit in well with an NFL offense. Egbuka had 1,011 yards and 10 scores in 2024.

29. Donovan Jackson, OT/G, Ohio State
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 320

After spending his entire career as a guard, Jackson kicked out to left tackle for Ohio State in October when Josh Simmons went down due to injury. He more than held his own, which exemplifies the reliability he brings to the table. Jackson is still an NFL guard to me. He has the power, toughness and size to anchor after allowing four total sacks over 53 career games (40 starts).

30. Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 186

I’m a fan of corners who find the football, and Hairston knows how to do that. His five interceptions led the SEC in 2023, and he had three pick-sixes over the past two seasons (including on his lone 2024 interception). He has elite ball skills and excellent speed that I think will help him work his way up the boards as the process continues. I saw some really good timing and instincts from him at the Senior Bowl, and he should fly in the 40-yard dash later this month.

31. Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 227

Emmanwori is another prospect who might climb even further up the board over the next couple of months, as his physical tools are extremely hard to find in a safety. Several scouts I’ve spoken with believe he could be the first safety taken in the draft after a stellar final season that featured four interceptions and two pick-sixes.

32. Jonah Savaiinaea, OT/G, Arizona
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 330

Savaiinaea has experience at both tackle spots and at guard during his time at Arizona yet scouts still aren’t sure where he’ll settle at the NFL level. He has an enormous build and can generate significant power in the running game, but he must work to use that same power to build a sturdier base in pass protection. He allowed two sacks over three seasons, which included 36 starts.

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The 2025 defensive line class is a goldmine. We examine and provide context. Not surprisingly, it took over an hour. Join us here —-> https://t.co/HvR2tw05cF

— Todd McShay (@McShay13) February 18, 2025

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Stu Jackson@StuJRams
NFL Network Lead Draft Analyst Daniel Jeremiah hosting conference call with reporters ahead of next week’s combine. Asked him about Rams addressing needs by sticking + picking at 26th pick vs. trading back and collecting extra picks, and he said he’d be for the latter. Likes Day 2 options for CB, WR and TE, less confident in Day 2 options for tackle

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zn wrote:

Stu Jackson@StuJRams
NFL Network Lead Draft Analyst Daniel Jeremiah hosting conference call with reporters ahead of next week’s combine. Asked him about Rams addressing needs by sticking + picking at 26th pick vs. trading back and collecting extra picks, and he said he’d be for the latter. Likes Day 2 options for CB, WR and TE, less confident in Day 2 options for tackle

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah on Rams’ options at No. 26 overall pick in 2025 draft, including why he would be in favor of trading back and collecting extra picks

Stu Jackson

https://www.therams.com/news/nfl-network-2025-draft-daniel-jeremiah-on-rams-options-at-no-26-overall-pick-in-favor-trading-back-collect-more-picks

The Rams are scheduled to pick in the first round for the second-straight year, holding the No. 26 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

However, they currently do not have a 2025 second-round pick after trading theirs to the Panthers as part of moving up to select defensive end Braden Fiske in last year’s draft. While Fiske’s team-leading 8.5 sacks and Defensive Rookie of the Year-finalist performance more than justified that decision, it currently has Los Angeles looking at a big gap between its first two selections in this year’s draft.

On a conference call Thursday ahead of next week’s scouting combine, NFL Network lead draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah was asked by TheRams.com if it made more sense to stick-and-pick at 26th overall, or trade back to acquire more picks given the aforementioned gap.

Jeremiah said he’d be in favor of trading back.

“Well, (Rams general manager) Les (Snead) has done such a good job in that range, so getting out of there and collecting extra picks, I’m all for that, especially when you kind of look at the direction that they could be looking,” Jeremiah said. “The tackle (position), I wouldn’t feel as confident of what you are going to get if you trade back, but there’s still a need for corners, receivers. They could pluck a tight end. That’s good position groups there on Day 2. If they were to slide back a little bit and collect some more resources there, I’ve got a lot of respect and appreciation for their ability to scout and find guys there. That would definitely make sense to me.”

Cornerback and wide receiver make sense as positions of need for the Rams. Ahkello Witherspoon is a pending unrestricted free agent at cornerback, and Los Angeles has two at wide receiver in Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell. Additionally, Cooper Kupp announced on social media earlier this month that the team intended to trade him.

In his latest mock draft, Jeremiah projected the Rams to take Toledo defensive tackle Darious Alexander – one of his top performers at this year’s Senior Bowl – at No. 26.

“Alexander flashed every day in practice this week,” Jeremiah wrote in his Senior Bowl recap for NFL.com. “His combination of size and athleticism is really impressive. He has long arms (34 inches) and is a rangy interior defensive lineman. His body type reminds me of Chiefs All-Pro DT Chris Jones.”

Jeremiah said on Thursday’s conference call it’s “the deepest defensive tackle class I can remember.”

Speaking of depth, Jeremiah has five cornerbacks in his top 50, five wide receivers (five including two-way star Travis Hunter, whom he lists at that position instead of corner), and four tight ends. As for offensive tackle, he has five on that list, but four of the five are projected to be off the board by the time the Rams are on the clock, based on his latest mock draft.

In his first mock draft, he had the Rams taking Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr.

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