2025 marks the 11th year that I've done a deep dive on the NFL draft. After evaluating roughly 50 prospects over the past month, I can say without hesitation that this is the weakest draft class I've seen over this period. While there's good depth at quite a few positions including defensive tackle, running back and edge rusher, there's a staggeringly low volume of potential All-Pro/Pro Bowl players sitting at the top of the draft board. Perhaps some of the guys that are projected to go outside of the top 5-15 picks will be able to overcome the modest expectations that are currently being placed on them or there are some diamonds in the rough who will emerge as I descend further into the player pool, but as of right now at least, having a high draft pick this year feels like more of a burden than a blessing. Here are the 25 prospects that I feel have the best chance of succeeding in the NFL at this stage of the evaluation process.
Still Need to Evaluate: Josh Simmons, Tyler Booker, Josh Conerly Jr., Shavon Revel, T.J. Sanders, Xavier Restrepo, Tyleik Williams, Azareye'h Thomas, Bradyn Swinson, Jayden Higgins, Carson Schwesinger, Shemar Turner, Benjamin Morrison, Aireontae Ersery, Alfred Collins, TreVeyon Henderson, Jalen Milroe, Jack Sawyer, Ozzy Trapilo, Will Howard, Omarr Norman-Lott, JT Tuimolau, Jared Ivey, Kaleb Johnson, Josiah Stewart, Kyle Kennard, Jared Wilson, Chris Paul Jr., Tez Johnson, Donovan Jackson, RJ Harvey, CJ West, Tre Harris, Quinn Ewers, Dillion Gabriel, Mason Taylor, DJ Giddens, Jaylin Noel, Marcus Mbow, Vernon Broughton, Wyatt Milum, Riley Leonard, Terrance Ferguson, Jordan Burch, Isaiah Bond, Elijah Roberts, Jonah Savaiinaea, Lathan Ransom, Devin Neal, Tate Ratledge, Joshua Farmer, Savion Williams, Andrew Mukuba, Jordan Phillips, Damien Martinez, Kyle McCord, Kevin Winston Jr., Jalen Royals, Harold Fannin Jr., Willie Lampkin
1.Abdul Carter, edge rusher (Penn State)
2.Travis Hunter, cornerback/wide receiver (Colorado)
3.Mason Graham, defensive tackle (Michigan)
4.Tetairoa McMillan, wide receiver (Arizona)
5.Tyler Warren, tight end (Penn State)
6.Ashton Jeanty, running back (Boise State)
7.Mike Green, edge rusher (Marshall)
8.Armand Membou, tackle (Missouri)
9.James Pearce Jr., edge rusher (Tennessee)
10.Luther Burden III, wide receiver (Missouri)
11.Donovan Ezeiruaku, edge rusher (Boston College)
12.Will Johnson, cornerback (Michigan)
13.Kelvin Banks Jr., tackle/guard (Texas)
14.Will Campbell, tackle/guard (LSU)
15.Malaki Starks, safety (Georgia)
16.Omarion Hampton, running back (North Carolina)
17.Kenneth Grant, defensive tackle (Michigan)
18.Emeka Egbuka, wide receiver (Ohio State)
19.Matthew Golden, wide receiver (Texas)
20.Walter Nolen, defensive tackle (Ole Miss)
21.Cam Skattebo, running back (Arizona State)
22.Cam Ward, quarterback (Miami)
23.Jihaad Campbell, inside linebacker (Alabama)
24.Colston Loveland, tight end (Michigan)
25.Jahdae Barron, cornerback (Texas)