2025 Draft Big Boards, Position Rankings, and Mocks

[Cowboysrock55]

Kind of feels like every year has been this same sentiment. I will say, this draft feels different. The WR class doesn't catch me like in years past. I don't know if there are any DE or pass rushers that I'm really like, that's a dude. The corners on the other hand seem stronger at the top than in a long time. The RBs seems stronger at the top. There seems to be more at DT than in years past for the first round.

It's kind of a weird draft. I'm not going to say it lacks talent. And honestly it should be a very deep draft. But at the top it's not sort of your usual positions of QB, WR and pass rusher. Instead it's Travis Hunter and Will Johnson headlining the class. A couple of elite corner prospects. But they are better corners than we have seen in a long time in the draft. And I guess technically Travis Hunter is sort of a top 5 WR as well.

 

[Simpleton]

This is basically what I said in the other thread last night, it's a very weak class at the top with very few blue-chip talents.

You have Hunter (but what position?), Will Johnson, Graham, Abdul Carter, 1-2 OT's (maybe) and maybe a WR, although guys like McMillan and Burden aren't even in the same galaxy as Harrison/Nabers, or these freshmen monsters like Smith at OSU.

And even guys like Graham and Carter aren't in the same tier as the top 5-10 locks of the last few years. You then have others like Pearce and Mykel Williams who have been relatively disappointing.

All of this is to say that the weakness at the top makes me even more comfortable taking Jeanty in the first since the alternatives aren't that strong.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

This is basically what I said in the other thread last night, it's a very weak class at the top with very few blue-chip talents.

Yeah I feel like this is said about every draft lately but this year I think it's actually true. The top 10 feels like more of a crap shoot than ever. Wouldn't even fault a team if they took Hunter #1.

 

[Simpleton]

Yeah I feel like this is said about every draft lately but this year I think it's actually true. The top 10 feels like more of a crap shoot than ever. Wouldn't even fault a team if they too Hunter #1.

I think it's said each year in different contexts (i.e. XYZ positions are really weak, there aren't many top QB's) but this year it's kind of everything.

The QB class is as bad as anything in the last few years, Hunter and Johnson might be the only blue chip guys but even then I don't think either of them is as good as the blue chip guys from previous years like Harrison, Hutchinson, Will Anderson, Quinnen Williams and so forth.

I'm sure certain guys will ascend and it may look stronger in a few months than it does now, but there isn't going to be a sudden influx of 10 more elite talents. Like I said yesterday, I don't think there are 10 better prospects than Jeanty, so I'd consider him almost no matter where we pick, assuming we aren't in the top 5-7 (we won't be).

 

[Cowboysrock55]

I think it's said each year in different contexts (i.e. XYZ positions are really weak, there aren't many top QB's) but this year it's kind of everything.

The QB class is as bad as anything in the last few years, Hunter and Johnson might be the only blue chip guys but even then I don't think either of them is as good as the blue chip guys from previous years like Harrison, Hutchinson, Will Anderson, Quinnen Williams and so forth.

I'm sure certain guys will ascend and it may look stronger in a few months than it does now, but there isn't going to be a sudden influx of 10 more elite talents. Like I said yesterday, I don't think there are 10 better prospects than Jeanty, so I'd consider him almost no matter where we pick, assuming we aren't in the top 5-7 (we won't be).

I'll assume we are picking between 10-20. Just my gut feeling based on how the season has gone so far. We will win enough games to not be top 10 but I don't think we will be picking in the 25 range this year.

And things will change. I'm sure players will ascend but I'm with you. I do think Hunter and Johnson are the best corners we have seen in a very long time. But I also don't put as high of value on the position. Hunter as a WR is elite too but it's hard with the way he is sort of great at both positions and I'm not sure where I'd even play him in the NFL. McMillan feels sort of like a Drake London prospect. So if you ignore Hunter at WR, your best WR is probably Drake London level. Sort of like this is the best RB class in my opinion in some time but it's a lower value position. We are really only 4 or 5 games into the college season so there is still plenty of time for guys to step up. But there isn't the pedigree of guys who have had the success over multiple years that you sort of look at and go, that guy is a lock.

I'd have no problem with Jeanty between 10-20. At least I feel confident he will be an elite RB for this team. Hunter, Graham I may take above him but those guys are probably gone in the top 10.

And frankly the QB class may end up like last year. Sanders, Beck, Ewers and Ward may go in the first but do you feel great about any of them? I could go through a list of concerns I have for each of them.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

2025 NFL draft: Debating top prospects, QBs, WRs, sleepers

• Multiple Contributors

Sep 30, 2024, 07:00 AM ET

The first five weeks of the 2024 college football season have seen some big performances from top 2025 NFL draft prospects. But who is moving up or down the board? And what's going on with an interesting quarterback class as schools dive into big in-conference matchups?

Draft analysts Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Miller, Steve Muench, Jordan Reid and Field Yates answered big draft-related questions coming out of the first month of college football. As we head into October, who is the No. 1 prospect on each of our analysts' boards? What's the word on Georgia's Carson Beck and Alabama's Jalen Milroe after their showdown in Tuscaloosa? Is Miami's Cam Ward emerging in the Round 1 picture? And how does the top of the receiver board look compared to 2024's loaded class?

Our analysts get into all of that and empty their notebooks with everything they have seen and heard over the past few weeks. Let's start with the No. 1 player in the class, where three of our five experts agree.

Jump to a section:
No. 1 prospect | Beck | Top WRs
Ward | Milroe | Early sleepers
Latest draft buzz, notes​

Who is your No. 1 overall prospect right now?

Kiper: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado. He has been No. 1 on my Big Board all season, and he's not going anywhere. The hand-eye coordination, ball skills and quickness are all outstanding. And the way he thinks about the game continues to catch my attention. This is a guy who has played essentially the entire game every week, yet he's still so plugged in that he's out there counting how many guys are on the field on punt plays. That kind of focus is impressive. Simply put, Hunter is doing things we rarely, if ever, see in college football; he has six TD catches and two interceptions.

Reid: Hunter. However you want to slice it, Hunter has been the best player in college football. Not only has he caught 46 passes for 561 yards and six touchdowns on offense, but he has also picked off two passes while serving as a lockdown corner on defense. Now, is he a receiver or a corner at the next level? That's still up for debate, but he's the type of player who can make an immediate impact. Hunter is one of the more unique two-way prospects that we've ever seen, and I just moved him to No. 1 overall ahead of Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams.

Miller: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan. I love Hunter -- he would be my pick for the Heisman Trophy -- but I can't put him at No. 1 over Johnson. The Michigan junior is a bigger (6-foot-2, 202 pounds), better cornerback than Hunter. That physicality shows in how he attacks the ball and impacts the run game. Johnson is also equally as dynamic with the ball in his hands, as he has returned both of his interceptions this season for touchdowns. And he now has nine career interceptions.

Muench: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan. A defensive tackle hasn't gone first overall since the Bengals took Ohio State's Dan Wilkinson in 1994, but Graham has an outside shot of breaking that streak. Graham was the top prospect on my board coming into the season and has remained there. He demands double-teams, and that makes it tougher for opponents to get blockers up to the linebackers and creates more one-on-one matchups for Michigan's edge rushers. Graham is the best defensive tackle I've evaluated since Alabama's Quinnen Williams, who went No. 3 in 2019. With two sacks on Saturday against Minnesota, he now has three on the season.

Yates: Hunter. Yeah, I agree with Mel and Jordan. I had Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. as my preseason No. 1 prospect, but the best player in college football this season has been Hunter -- and it's not close. Trying to encapsulate his greatness is a tall task, as he has been equally dominant as a wide receiver as he has been as a cornerback. Hunter is a natural playmaker and makes everything look effortless. Whether you choose to grade him as a wide receiver or a cornerback, he is a difference-maker.

What is your predicted chance that Carson Beck will be the first QB selected in April?
Reid: 5%. I gave Beck the class's highest odds (20%) of being selected first overall in the preseason, regardless of position, but he hasn't looked like the same passer who we saw in 2023. Georgia's offense has used a high percentage of underneath throws, resulting in some overly cautious play, and Beck has struggled with ball placement on deeper throws. There's plenty of time for him to recover, but with the play of Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, Texas' Quinn Ewers, Miami's Cam Ward and Alabama's Jalen Milroe, the race for QB1 is getting closer and closer.

Miller: 15%. Beck hasn't really broken out this season, and much of his preseason draft prospectus was based on him taking another step in his second season as a starter. Beck (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) struggled with underthrown passes, poor ball placement and turnovers in the first half of Saturday's loss to Alabama. He led a second-half comeback bid but still suffered from key misses. Beck has largely played safe, conservative, check-down football and hasn't taken many chances down the field.
The emergence of Milroe, strong starts from Sanders and Ewers, and the jump in play from Penn State's Drew Allar have Beck's chances much lower than at the start of the season. That said, a longtime GM told me once, "Quarterbacks are ranked based on what happens from January to April, not September to December." That means the combine, his pro day and private workouts will be as important for Beck's slotting as his early-season play.
Kiper: 35%. Yes, Beck had a slow start against Alabama and threw a late back-breaking pick. But he took command to bring the Bulldogs back from a 30-7 second-half hole, is very capable of making full-field reads and gets the ball out accurately and on time. He's going to be in the mix. I have Sanders as my top quarterback, and there are too many challengers to feel confident about any of these QBs being first off the board right now. Plus, losing tight end Brock Bowers and receiver Ladd McConkey has hurt Beck. Georgia doesn't have any playmakers of their caliber this season.
Muench: 20%. Beck was my QB2 coming into the season with the same grade as Sanders. He moved ahead by the slightest of margins, but Beck is coming off an uneven-at-best performance against Alabama. Meanwhile, Ewers (my QB3) was closing the gap before he got hurt, and it's likely that at least one other quarterback enters the QB1 chat. I'm not as high on Ward, Milroe, Allar or Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart as others, but each of them could also shoot up boards as the process progresses.
Yates: 15%. Beck held a small lead in my personal quarterback rankings entering the season, but this is a truly wide-open race, with a handful of players very much in the mix. I believe five have a real shot to be QB1. Beck's combination of accuracy, urgency as a thrower and in-pocket navigation makes him a unique player in my book, though. He has a 62.9% completion rate this year, throwing 10 touchdown passes to three interceptions.


Where would your current WR1 rank among the 2024 class's receivers?

Miller: My top receiver is Missouri's Luther Burden III, though he would have been WR4 in the loaded 2024 class. Burden is an elite playmaker after the catch, with 19 career touchdowns and an average of 13.8 yards per catch over the past season and a half. He has a powerful build at 5-foot-11 and 208 pounds and displays some afterburner speed. Burden is truly a star, but the 2024 class was the best I've ever scouted at the top of the receiver board. Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze would all rank above him.

Muench: At 6-foot-5 and 212 pounds, Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan can stretch the field vertically and pick up yards after the catch. He gets off the line and separates well for his size. He has the wide catch radius to make contested catches downfield and in the red zone. McMillan was one of the most productive receivers in the country last season, posting 1,402 yards. He already has 503 receiving yards and four scores this season. That makes him my WR1 and the fifth overall player on my board with a grade of 92. That said, McMillan would have still been WR4 in the 2024 class. Harrison (95), Nabers (95) and Odunze (93) all had higher grades.

What would you need to see from Cam Ward to confidently put him in the first-round conversation?
Reid: Every season there's a QB who unlocks the next stage of his development and shoots up draft boards. Last season, it was LSU's Jayden Daniels, who eventually won the Heisman Trophy and became the No. 2 pick in the 2024 draft. Ward is currently the leading candidate to make a big rise in the 2025 class. He has 1,782 passing yards, 18 TD passes and four interceptions over five starts. Thursday's game against Virginia Tech was Ward's first matchup against a quality opponent, and he continued his magical season with a top performance against the Hokies.

Ward (6-foot-2, 223 pounds) impressed evaluators, showing a calm presence while throwing with accuracy and aggressiveness. He finished 24-of-38 for 343 yards and four touchdown passes against Virginia Tech while adding another score on the ground, all while overcoming an early turnover. His most impressive stretch came in the fourth quarter, as Ward completed 8 of 11 passes for 88 yards and two touchdown passes, including the go-ahead score. Ward still has moments when he tries to do too much and must learn to be more selective in pursuing those type of plays. But he is already squarely in the first-round conversation.

And what about Jalen Milroe?
Kiper: Like Ward, Milroe is already firmly in the first-round discussion, and he has the chance to rise much higher because of the early season uncertainty of the quarterback class. I mean, what's not to like about his game? He's physical and tough, with a rock-solid 6-foot-2, 225-pound frame. He shows strong accuracy on deep throws, averaging 11.3 yards per attempt this season. He's a dynamic player who can beat defenses with his underrated speed, even when he has to deal with Georgia's talented defensive playmakers. Milroe ran for his seventh and eighth rushing TDs of the season on Saturday night, and completed 81.8% of his throws for 374 passing yards. Nothing fazes him and he can make all the throws.
Coming into the season, we really needed to see improved ball placement in the short and intermediate areas. I think he has taken a step there. Milroe is completing 75.8% of his passes thrown 15 or fewer yards downfield this season, up a notch from 73.2% in 2023. He was also too quick to bail, tuck and run in the past, but I'm seeing more slipping and sliding in the pocket this season. That's a good sign for his pro evaluation. The area in which he can most stand to improve now is the pre-snap process. Milroe must be more consistent identifying the blitz, setting his protections and getting his players lined up.
Which sleeper has caught your eye in the first five weeks?

Miller: Jalon Walker, Edge/LB, Georgia. The buzz around the Georgia defense this summer was focused on junior edge Mykel Williams, but his ankle injury has allowed Walker to emerge as a game-changing defender. The 6-foot-2, 245-pounder has played as an off-ball linebacker and a true edge defender, shining in both roles. Walker had five sacks in 2023, but it's his hybrid ability as an edge setter and pass rusher that's propelling him up my board. Right now, he has an early Day 2 grade.

Muench: Kalel Mullings, RB, Michigan. Mullings is a former linebacker who had 50 career carries and figured to be a complement to Donovan Edwards this season. But he has been much more than that, rushing for 423 yards and six touchdowns over the past three games. His tough running, paired with Michigan's talented defense, is a big reason the Wolverines are 4-1. At 6-foot-2 and 233 pounds, Mullings is patient and powerful with good burst through the hole and quick feet for his size. He has three career catches, so he can improve his stock if he can become reliable as a receiver, but Mullings has moved into the Day 2 conversation for me.

Kiper: Kenny Gallop Jr., S, Howard. The 6-foot, 214-pound senior has double-digit tackles in four of five games this season. He plays traditionally in the box as a throwback strong safety-type but can play center field, too. Gallop's instincts pop on tape, and he shows good tackling ability and closing speed. He is always around the football and flies around the field. Sure, his ball production could improve -- only two interceptions over 36 career games -- but Gallop has stacked some really good games (and seasons) together. Turn on the Howard film, and he jumps out as the best player on the field. I like him as a Day 3 pick with upside.

Reid: Jake Majors, C, Texas. Majors stands to move up the center position's board, which lacks a clear-cut No. 1 prospect. With 46 career starts, he's the anchor of the Texas offensive front. Tasked with altering and setting protections, Majors has been a consistent steady presence in the face of quarterback turnover. He hasn't given up a sack since November 2022. Coming into the season, the 6-foot-3, 315-pounder wasn't one of my top five center prospects, but that is likely to change. He is trending upward, receiving Round 3-4 grades from scouts.

Yates: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon. Harmon is in his first season with Oregon after two years at Michigan State and has made an immediate mark on the Ducks. At 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, he has elite length, similar to what we've seen from former Ducks D-linemen such as DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead. And Harmon has shown dominant flashes as a pass rusher, already picking up two sacks and eight pressures this season. He is a true junior, so he's no lock to be in the upcoming draft class, but he has the look of a future Sunday starter. I think he could be a solid fourth-rounder.
What else are you hearing from sources or seeing on tape this week?
Miller:

• Scouts are buzzing about Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond. A transfer from Alabama, Bond has shown game-breaking speed, an ability to track the deep ball and a knack for creating yardage with the ball in his hands as a runner. One scout texted me after Bond's 56-yard catch-and-run touchdown against Louisiana-Monroe in Week 4: "I think [Bond] might be faster than Xavier Worthy." Worthy, of course, posted a combine record 4.21-second run in the 40-yard dash this past spring.
• Ole Miss wide receiver Tre Harris is one of my biggest risers so far this season. At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, he has wowed with after-the-catch ability and is playing above the rim on deep shots from quarterback Jaxson Dart. Harris has three straight games with more than 10 receptions, including an 11-catch, 176-yard performance with a touchdown in Saturday's upset loss to Kentucky. He entered the season as a Round 3-4 prospect on my board, but he has risen into my overall top 50.

• We don't talk about Bowling Green a lot when it comes to the draft, but tight end Harold Fannin Jr. is a legitimate pro prospect. Fannin has 37 receptions with four touchdowns in four games, including a 12-catch, 188-yard effort Saturday against Old Dominion. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound junior is a bit of a tweener and plays split out wide often, but NFL scouts are very intrigued with his ability in a pro offense. One scout I spoke to this week says Fannin is the second-best tight end in the class, behind Michigan's Colston Loveland.

Reid:

• Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons and Texas right tackle Cameron Williams are two names that weren't mentioned often during the summer, but scouts have been very complimentary of both players over the first month of the season. Simmons, a 6-foot-5, 310-pound transfer from San Diego State, joined the Buckeyes before last season and has quickly become a staple of their offensive line. And while Kelvin Banks Jr. gets plenty of attention at left tackle for Texas, multiple scouts mentioned Williams during our discussions over the past month. Evaluators have continued to rave about the 6-foot-5, 335-pound blocker. They are both Day 2 prospects.

Yates:

• One of the ways in which the 2025 draft appears much different than 2024 is the depth of the running back and safety classes. The 2024 draft saw only one running back taken in the first two rounds and no safety was selected until the No. 47 pick (Tyler Nubin to the Giants). Don't expect a repeat next April, as I do think there's a chance of a first-round running back (Boise State's Ashton Jeanty is my best bet) and at least one safety will go in Round 1 (Georgia's Malaki Starks).

Muench:

• I'll add a sleeper tackle to follow up Jordan's note above. William & Mary's Charles Grant is on the smaller side (6-foot-4, 300 pounds) and needs to clean up some technique issues -- most notably his hand placement -- but his length and mobility make him a potential Day 2 prospect if he performs well during the pre-draft process.
• It's obvious we don't think the talent at the top of the 2025 receiver crop is going to be the same as 2024's banner class, but teams should still be able to strengthen their WR corps in April. Iowa State's Jayden Higgins, Utah State's Jalen Royals, UNLV's Ricky White III and Maryland's Tai Felton project as midround picks. They might never develop into an NFL team's No. 1 receiver, but each has a skill set to carve out a valued role in the pros.

Kiper:

• I kept waiting for the pass-rushing class to finally break out one weekend. And that came in Week 5. Everything came together for dynamic performances from some top prospects. Texas A&M's Nic Scourton (DE1) had two sacks against Arkansas. Landon Jackson (DE2) had two of his own for the Razorbacks in the same game. Boston College's Donovan Ezeiruaku (OLB6) had three sacks, four tackles for loss and a big fourth-quarter forced fumble against Western Kentucky. Michigan's Mason Graham -- my top-ranked DT -- picked up two sacks against Minnesota. The big games arrived all over.
• Running backs sometimes get lost in the shuffle, but I've been impressed with Texas Tech's Tahj Brooks, who could end up being a good pick in the fourth- or fifth-round range. He has quick feet and can string together multiple cuts on his runs. At 5-foot-10 and 230 pounds, Brooks shows good contact balance and picks up a lot of yards after first contact, making defenders miss. He has 551 rushing yards and four TDs in four games this season, and though he has only five catches, Brooks has shown the ability to catch passes out of the backfield in the past.
• Two players playing at their third program are making cases to rise up draft boards. Receiver Dorian Singer has gone from Arizona to USC to Utah, where he has 26 catches so far. That includes nine for 155 yards against his former Wildcats team on Saturday. Singer doesn't drop anything and attacks the football in the air with tremendous hand-eye coordination and reliable hands. And UNLV safety Jalen Catalon (5-11, 205) is making plays all over the place. He was an elite prospect early in his time at Arkansas but struggled with injuries and missed tackles over four seasons there (2019-22) and one more at Texas (2023) before coming on strong this season with the Rebels. Catalon has stayed healthy and improved as a tackler; he has 10 tackles over four games, along with four interceptions.
• I was intrigued by Penn State's usage of tight end Tyler Warren against Illinois. The Nittany Lions used the versatile playmaker all over, including as a wildcat QB. The 6-foot-6, 257-pound Warren played quarterback in high school and picked up a rushing touchdown on Saturday. He can play out wide, in-line or out of the backfield, and he's a player to watch going forward. Warren is my No. 2 tight end behind Loveland.

• Lastly, it has been good to see Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka get back to form after injuries limited him in 2023. He caught seven balls for 96 yards and a touchdown on Saturday against Michigan State, his third straight performance with at least 95 receiving yards. Egbuka (6-1, 205) is a good route runner and can pick up chunks after the catch. I have him as my sixth-ranked WR right now.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

2025 NFL draft Big Board rankings: Mel Kiper's top prospects

• 
  
  Mel Kiper Jr., Football analyst
• Sep 26, 2024, 11:45 AM ET

The 2024 college football season is underway, which gives us a great opportunity to see the top prospects for the 2025 NFL draft in action. Which players are already impressing and look the part of future first-rounders?
After watching game tape over the summer and the first few weeks of the season, I'm updating my Big Board for 2025, stacking the top 25 prospects in the class. Defense is the strength of this group right now, but I have four quarterbacks on the list.
Remember, this is not a mock draft or prediction of where players will be drafted. These are my personal rankings. Sure, I want to have a realistic board based on how the draft will play out, but my goal is to include the best players based on what I'm seeing and my own evaluations. In addition to the top-25 list, I also ranked the best prospects at every position at the bottom.

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Let's dig in, and be sure to check back regularly from now until Round 1 begins on April 24. I plan to update this Big Board often over the coming months as players rise and fall. All stats are through Week 5 of the season, and underclassmen are noted with an asterisk.
Last updated: Sept. 26

​

1. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado*
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 185 | Prev. rank: 1
2024 stats through four games: 37 catches, 472 receiving yards, 5 receiving TDs, 14 tackles, 2 pass breakups, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble
Hunter has a great feel for the game on both offense and defense, and he has played a whopping 495 snaps through four games this season. I really think he has a chance to play both sides of the ball early in his pro career and make an impact both ways, though I'm ranking him as a receiver right now. The offensive and defensive coordinators for the team that ultimately drafts him are going to be battling each other to use him.
Hunter has tremendous hand-eye coordination and elite ball skills. His physical traits and quickness are off the charts, but he also thinks about the game at a high level. He is a highly competitive prospect who works hard to maximize his potential. Hunter has at least 100 receiving yards in every game so far this season.

2. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 202 | Prev. rank: 2
2024 stats through four games: 17 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 2 interceptions, 3 pass breakups, 2 defensive TDs
Johnson is so instinctive in coverage, and his ability to read quarterbacks jumps out when you watch him. He has great quickness in his transition, allowing him to make plays on the ball. Johnson has returned both of his interceptions this season for touchdowns, and you can see those instincts throughout his first pick-six in Michigan's opener against Fresno State -- when he jumped a screen and took the ball 86 yards to the house. He now has nine career picks.

3. James Pearce Jr., OLB, Tennessee*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 243 | Prev. rank: 3
2024 stats through four games: 3 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 1 tackle for loss, 1 run stop
Tennessee spent the early part of the season rolling its opponents, limiting Pearce to 56 snaps over the team's first three games. But Pearce -- who is coming off a 10-sack season in 2023 -- saw plenty of action in Week 5, picking up a half-sack. I see a lot of speed off the edge, and he does a nice job mixing up his pass-rush moves to keep offensive tackles on their heels. Pearce could still add weight to his frame. But even at 243 pounds, he shows the ability to win with power. And when asked to help in run defense, he has the quickness to make plays in lateral pursuit.

4. Mykel Williams, OLB, Georgia*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 265 | Prev. rank: 4
2024 stats through one game: 2 tackles, 0 sacks
Williams is extremely explosive and wins as a pass rusher with speed-to-power. His bend off the edge is outstanding. The tools are all there, and his upside is immense. Scouts just need to see more consistency in his game and some improvement in his sack totals -- he had 4.5 in back-to-back seasons while playing in Georgia's deep front seven. Williams is currently dealing with a Grade 2 left ankle sprain, though he could play against Alabama.

5. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 205 | Prev. rank: 5
2024 stats through three games: 10 tackles, 1 interception
Starks has the skill set to affect the game in a variety of ways. He's a force against the run from the back end and doesn't miss many tackles. He closes so fast in coverage, allowing him to break up some passes, and he has spent some time lined up over the slot. Plus, he has outstanding hands to finish plays. We saw that in action in Week 1 against Clemson, when Starks made an incredible leaping interception in the fourth quarter.

6. Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 320 | Prev. rank: 7
2024 stats through four games: 4 starts, 0 sacks allowed
Banks has 31 career starts under his belt, with every single snap coming at left tackle. And amazingly, he has given up only two sacks. He has the mobility to quickly block off the edge and then the frame and strength to take care of power rushers. He just needs to become more consistent in the run game as a blocker.

7. Abdul Carter, OLB, Penn State
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 259 | Prev. rank: 6
2024 stats through three games: 15 tackles, 1 sack, 5 pressures, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 pass breakup
Carter is versatile and has plenty of experience effectively operating as an off-ball linebacker, helping him crack 60 tackles in each of the past two seasons at Penn State. But the hope this season is he can make a dent in opponents' game plans as a pass rusher off the edge. Carter has the traits to wreak havoc there, getting pressure on 24% of his pass rush snaps last season. He is instinctive and fast flying to the football.

8. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 320 | Prev. rank: 8
2024 stats through four games: 18 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 6 pressures, 5 run stops
I love Graham's technique. His leverage gives him an advantage at the point of attack, and interior offensive linemen struggle with his power and quickness. Graham has strong and active hands, and he has proven effective against both the run and pass from inside. He had 5.5 sacks in his first two seasons at Michigan, and I'd like to see him step up as a pass rusher this season.

9. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 212 | Prev. rank: 9
2024 stats through three games: 23 catches, 453 receiving yards, 4 receiving TDs
McMillan is a big-bodied receiver who can be a mismatch for smaller corners. And his great size, body control, concentration and hands help him consistently win in contested-catch situations. He can snatch the ball and make it look easy. And while McMillan plays with more physicality than speed, he generates late separation to get open.

10. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri*
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 208 | Prev. rank: 10
2024 stats through four games: 19 catches, 257 receiving yards, 4 receiving TDs
Burden is an explosive playmaker who really stands out after the catch, using his quickness and elusiveness to pick up extra yards. His 710 yards after the catch last season ranked third in the nation, and 138 of his 257 total yards this season have also come once the ball is in his hands. He tracks the vertical throws well and makes some big plays down the field.

11. Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 245 | Prev. rank: 11
2024 stats through three games: 12 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 tackle for loss, 9 pressures
Walker gets into the backfield as if he were shot out of a cannon, and his bend and explosion off the edge help him beat blockers and get to the quarterback or ball carrier. He's a versatile defender, with experience both as an off-ball linebacker and a pass rusher. His sideline-to-sideline speed gets your attention when you watch the tape.

12. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 215 | Prev. rank: 14
2024 stats through four games: 67.9% completion rate, 1,340 passing yards, 11 TD passes, 2 interceptions
You won't find a tougher or more resilient quarterback prospect than Sanders, who took 52 sacks last season but still put up really strong numbers. I'm always impressed watching him throw on the move, rolling either left or right. He is very accurate in those spots and has the arm to drive the ball. When his mechanics and footwork are sound, he can pick apart a defense. And while he's not necessarily a major rushing threat, he can keep the chains moving with his legs when there is an opening.

13. Carson Beck, QB, Georgia*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 220 | Prev. rank: 12
2024 stats through three games: 68.3% completion rate, 680 passing yards, 7 TD passes, 0 interceptions
Beck is a really good decision-maker (six picks in 14 starts last season) who gets the ball out quickly and accurately to all levels of the field. He does a great job reading the field and finding the open target, with a career completion percentage north of 70%. But he's also mobile and can frustrate defenses with his legs. That's definitely an underrated part of his game. And even though he sat for a few years early in his career at Georgia, Beck is still only 21 years old.

14. Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 210 | Prev. rank: 13
2024 stats through three games: 73.4% completion rate, 691 passing yards, 8 TD passes, 2 interceptions
Ewers has the opportunity and traits to climb in this quarterback class, but he needs to keep improving his consistency as a passer. Though he has already taken big steps there since his freshman year -- his completion rate jumped from 58.1% in 2022 to 69.0% in 2023 -- he misses on too many throws.
Ewers can spin it effortlessly to any part of the field and hit his spots, though, thanks to elite arm talent. He also does a nice job avoiding pressure in the pocket, slipping and sliding to create time and room to operate. He looked great against Michigan in Week 2, finishing with an 89.6 QBR, but he left the Longhorns' Week 3 game against UTSA with an oblique strain. His status is still up in the air.

15. Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 223 | Prev. rank: NR
2024 stats through four games: 72.4% completion rate, 1,439 passing yards, 14 TD passes, 2 interceptions
Ward has an unorthodox delivery, but he throws with accuracy and velocity from different arm angles. His 11.7 yards-per-attempt mark is a career high. He displays solid game management traits, and while he had some ball security issues last season at Washington State, that doesn't appear to be an issue in 2024. And when things break down around him, Ward can extend plays with his legs, either throwing on the move or picking up first downs as a runner.
To say Ward has been a perfect fit with the Hurricanes might still be an understatement; I like his toughness, swagger and confidence. It's early, but don't be surprised if Ward ends up being the 2025 class's version of Jayden Daniels -- the fast-rising QB who ultimately goes in Round 1.

16. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State*
Height: 5-9 | Weight: 215 | Prev. rank: 15
2024 stats through three games: 56 carries, 586 rushing yards, 9 rushing TDs
After finishing just outside the top 10 in rushing last season with 1,347 yards, Jeanty has picked up where he left off. He's a determined runner with excellent contact balance, forcing an FBS-high 100 missed tackles last season. And don't sleep on his receiving skills. He has sure hands out of the backfield, catching 43 passes in 2023.

17. Will Campbell, OT, LSU*
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 323 | Prev. rank: 22
2024 stats through four games: 4 starts, 1 sack allowed
Campbell has started for LSU since 2022 and has given up just one sack since that first season. He has a big frame, and his solid footwork and technique make him an effective pass protector at left tackle.

18. Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 330 | Prev. rank: NR
2024 stats through four games: 4 starts, 0 sacks allowed
Ersery is a massive blocker who has made 31 career starts, nearly all of which at left tackle. He drives defensive ends off the ball with his power and uses his movement skills to keep quicker pass rushers in check. Ersery is a rising prospect in the early parts of the season.

19. Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 193 | Prev. rank: 16
2024 stats through three games: 13 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 2 pass breakups, 1 defensive TD
Revel's 2024 season ended with a torn ACL after three games, so teams will be paying close attention to his recovery over the next few months. He came to East Carolina in 2022 after a few years at Louisburg College, and his physical traits and speed have impressed scouts. He's big and long, and his ability to locate the ball down the field helps him make plays. His pick-six against Appalachian State in Week 3 showed his excellent instincts.
Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL draft

20. Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame*
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 190 | Prev. rank: 17
2024 stats through four games: 12 tackles, 2 pass breakups
Morrison has extremely sound technique in the way he covers opposing receivers. He's really good in press coverage and gets his hands on the ball before it arrives to the receiver. The ball skills are impressive. Morrison had nine interceptions and 17 pass breakups over his first two seasons.

21. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 245 | Prev. rank: 18
2024 stats through three games: 19 catches, 187 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD
If you are looking for a tight end who can consistently stretch the deep middle part of the field, Loveland is your guy. He has averaged 8.7 air yards per target over his three college seasons. I'm going to be watching him closely this season as his role continues to expand in the Michigan offense (he is averaging eight targets per game so far). Loveland missed the Wolverines' game against USC with an injury.

22. Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 193 | Prev. rank: 19
2024 stats through three games: 8 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass breakup
Igbinosun certainly looks the part of a top cornerback prospect. His great length and quickness will serve him well at the next level as a cover corner, and his confidence and swagger are obvious when you watch him play. But what jumps out even more is his toughness; Igbinosun isn't afraid to step up and make tackles in run support.

23. Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 339 | Prev. rank: 20
2024 stats through four games: 5 tackles, 1 sack, 4 pressures, 2 pass breakups
Grant started only five games before this season, which means 2024 should be huge for his draft stock. Considering his size, he has terrific athletic traits and explosion. His instincts stand out, too -- he's an extremely alert football player. And while he might not rack up sacks (3.5 last season), he is adept at batting down passes at the line of scrimmage, recording five pass breakups in 2023.

24. Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 285 | Prev. rank: 21
2024 stats through four games: 12 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 9 pressures, 3 run stops
Scourton joined the Aggies after two seasons at Purdue, and SEC run games will feel his presence in a big way. He had 14 tackles for loss and 12 run stops last season, using his frame and strength to stop ball carriers in their tracks. Scourton is a power rusher off the edge, but he also shows impressive closing speed to the QB and is always hustling.

25. Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky*
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 345 | Prev. rank: 23
2024 stats through four games: 18 tackles, 5 pressures, 2 run stops, 1 pass breakup
Thanks to his gap-filling 6-foot-6 frame, Walker recorded 22 run stops and 17 tackles for loss over the 2022-23 seasons. He's more than just a run stuffer, though, as he has an impressive array of pass-rush moves for a defensive tackle of his size and finished last season with 7.5 sacks. He's scheme-versatile, too.

Rankings at every position
Quarterbacks
1. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
2. Carson Beck, Georgia
3. Quinn Ewers, Texas
4. Cam Ward, Miami (FL)
5. Jalen Milroe, Alabama
6. Drew Allar, Penn State
7. Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
8. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
9. Miller Moss, USC
10. Will Howard, Ohio State

Running backs
1. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
2. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
3. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
4. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
5. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
6. RJ Harvey, UCF
7. Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State
8. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
9. Jaydn Ott, California
10. Trevor Etienne, Georgia
Fullbacks/H-backs
1. Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green
2. Bryson Nesbit, North Carolina
3. Kalel Mullings, Michigan
4. Jake Briningstool, Clemson
5. Brant Kuithe, Utah
6. Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse
7. Ben Yurosek, Georgia
8. Tyler Neville, Virginia
9. RJ Maryland, SMU
10. Jared Casey, Kansas
Wide receivers
1. Travis Hunter, Colorado
2. Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
3. Luther Burden III, Missouri
4. Tre Harris, Ole Miss
5. Isaiah Bond, Texas
6. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
7. Bru McCoy, Tennessee
8. Jalen Royals, Utah State
9. Xavier Restrepo, Miami (FL)
10. Elic Ayomanor, Stanford
Tight ends
1. Colston Loveland, Michigan
2. Tyler Warren, Penn State
3. Luke Lachey, Iowa
4. Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame
5. Mason Taylor, LSU
6. Caden Prieskorn, Ole Miss
7. Gunnar Helm, Texas
8. Terrance Ferguson, Oregon
9. Oscar Delp, Georgia
10. Gavin Bartholomew, Pitt


Offensive tackles
1. Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
2. Will Campbell, LSU
3. Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota
4. Josh Simmons, Ohio State
5. Emery Jones Jr., LSU
6. Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona
7. Wyatt Milum, West Virginia
8. Jalen Rivers, Miami (FL)
9. Charles Grant, William & Mary
10. Anthony Belton, NC State
Interior offensive linemen
1. Tyler Booker, Alabama
2. Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
3. Jaeden Roberts, Alabama
4. Tate Ratledge, Georgia
5. Dylan Fairchild, Georgia
6. Joshua Gray, Oregon State
7. Armand Membou, Missouri
8. Connor Colby, Iowa
9. Luke Kandra, Cincinnati
10. Parker Brailsford, Alabama
Defensive ends
1. Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
2. Landon Jackson, Arkansas
3. Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
4. JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State
5. Jared Ivey, Ole Miss
6. Tyler Baron, Miami (FL)
7. Jah Joyner, Minnesota
8. Ashton Gillotte, Louisville
9. Jordan Burch, Oregon
10. Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
Defensive tackles
1. Mason Graham, Michigan
2. Kenneth Grant, Michigan
3. Deone Walker, Kentucky
4. Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
5. Joshua Farmer, Florida State
6. Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
7. Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati
8. T.J. Sanders, South Carolina
9. Aeneas Peebles, Virginia Tech
10. Derrick Harmon, Oregon
Off-ball linebackers
1. Jalon Walker, Georgia
2. Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
3. Barrett Carter, Clemson
4. Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
5. Deontae Lawson, Alabama
6. Harold Perkins Jr., LSU
7. Eric Gentry, USC
8. Francisco Mauigoa, Miami (FL)
9. Teddye Buchanan, California
10. Lander Barton, Utah
Outside linebackers
1. James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
2. Mykel Williams, Georgia
3. Abdul Carter, Penn State
4. Josaiah Stewart, Michigan
5. Jack Kelly, BYU
6. Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
7. Patrick Payton, Florida State
8. Bradyn Swinson, LSU
9. Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Virginia Tech
10. Ben Bell, Texas State
Cornerbacks

1. Will Johnson, Michigan
-- Travis Hunter, Colorado*
2. Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina
3. Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
4. Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State
5. Tacario Davis, Arizona
6. Quincy Riley, Louisville
7. Jahdae Barron, Texas
8. Denzel Burke, Ohio State
9. Tommi Hill, Nebraska
10. Sebastian Castro, Iowa
* Hunter is ranked positionally as a wide receiver, but he would slot in as the No. 2 cornerback.
Safeties
1. Malaki Starks, Georgia
2. Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
3. Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State
4. Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma
5. Jaylen Reed, Penn State
6. Keon Sabb, Alabama
7. Andrew Mukuba, Texas
8. Malachi Moore, Alabama
9. Hunter Wohler, Wisconsin
10. Lathan Ransom, Ohio State
Kickers and punters
1. Dominic Zvada, Michigan (PK)
2. Jeremy Crawshaw, Florida (P)
3. Graham Nicholson, Alabama (PK)
4. Trey Smack, Florida (PK)
5. Noah Burnette, North Carolina (PK)

 

[Cowboysrock55]

2025 NFL mock draft: Could Travis Hunter go No. 1? Who’s the top QB?

By Nick Baumgardner
6h ago


The 2025 NFL Draft class won’t be a bad one. But it might be a weird one.
The best player in this class isn’t sure what his position will be. The best position in this class (cornerback) is one teams typically shy away from toward the top of the first round. The position usually most in demand (offensive line) is certainly intriguing, but nowhere near on the level of what the ’24 class offered. And the quarterbacks? Insert the concerned Larry David face here.
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That’s not to say this class is lacking terrific prospects or players who can help NFL teams next season, but there might not be much of a consensus come April.

To set the order for this mock, we’re using Austin Mock’s NFL projections model. Let’s get into it.
1. New England Patriots: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
New England’s rebuild has its quarterback, Drake Maye, but still needs a bit of basically everything else. A quarter of the way through the college season, it’s impossible to say there’s been another player better than Hunter — and it might not be close.
A prospect who will make an impact on day one, on offense or defense, Hunter plays like a modern-day Charles Woodson — only with more offensive polish. A corner has never gone No. 1, and it’s been a long time since a WR landed in that top spot (1996). If ever there were a player to change those histories, though, it’s Hunter.

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2. Cleveland Browns: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
We’ll see what happens with the Browns’ QB situation this offseason. It’s important to remember there will be a larger-than-normal market for younger starting QBs already on their second teams. Quarterback-needy teams don’t necessarily have to draft that position this high if there are better options elsewhere — and there absolutely should be.
Banks has had an outstanding start this season and would fill a need in Cleveland immediately.
3. New York Giants: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
The above QB discussion applies here, too — if New York is picking No. 3, it’s probably done with Daniel Jones. Same time, if you reach for a rookie quarterback and then can’t protect him, you’ll be right back here again in no time. Keep building up front.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Johnson did miss Michigan’s win over Minnesota with a shoulder injury (and has missed on a few gambles while trying to make plays early this season), but he’s also housed two pick sixes effortlessly and remains an elite-level CB prospect with speed, length, power and IQ. A Will Johnson-Tyson Campbell combination would be quite fun.
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5. Arizona Cardinals: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Graham might wind up as a top-three pick in this draft given how much destruction he can create from multiple spots inside, and possibly even outside in certain situations. He’s the best of a very intriguing DT class.


6. Tennessee Titans: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
I’m not ready to give up on Will Levis just yet, but Tennessee might be if it’s picking in the top 10 again. Either way, the Titans need help at wide receiver, and McMillan — a 6-foot-5, 212-pound unicorn of an athlete — would be a big-time addition.
7. Carolina Panthers: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
It remains to be seen whether Carolina’s ready to give up on Bryce Young. Don’t be surprised if he starts again later this year.
However, as with Tennessee, Carolina’s next QB — no matter who it is — will need more help. And Burden is the most versatile pass-catching asset in this class.

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8. Las Vegas Raiders: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
This is too high for a QB in this class. However, based on how willing QB-needy teams have been in recent years to reach for unfinished products, it’s certainly not a stretch to suggest a quarterback will come off the board inside the top 10 in April.
Sanders, whose arm talent and playmaking ability have become undeniable, has the confident personality that’s a perfect match for Raider nation.



9. Indianapolis Colts: Malaki Starks, DB, Georgia
Kirby Smart has already compared Starks’ ball skills to those of Champ Bailey, which is about the highest praise he can give a player. Starks’ interception versus Clemson earlier this year was one of the best you’ll ever see. He’s just 20 years old, could play either safety spot and probably even could handle corner reps if he had to. Starks is a difference-maker and a tone-setter.


10. Miami Dolphins: Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
This is tough right now — for Miami, which still doesn’t know what’s next for Tua Tagovailoa, and for people who have to stack quarterbacks in this draft class.
Beck is coming off the worst start of his career versus Alabama, but it was one that also featured a lot of really good stuff and nearly a comeback victory against a top-five team. Still, the QB in charge of one of college football’s most talented football teams was shaken early in a three-interception day. We (and NFL scouts) can’t unsee that. But every passer in this class will come with questions, even as we get more data on them this season.
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11. Denver Broncos: Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
It’ll always be hard for me to guess that someone will be fast enough to break Xavier Worthy’s combine 40 record, especially because that run just happened in February and it was wild. However, if anyone’s going to come close, it’ll be Worthy’s replacement at Texas. Bond’s speed and burst are elite, and he’s also bigger than Worthy.
12. Los Angeles Rams: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Back on the field after missing time in spring with a shoulder injury, Morrison has the burst, quickness and ability to do everything low to the ground that will make him a coveted defender in spring. He can be a versatile corner, in man or zone, and will fit the run with tenacity.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5791131/2024/10/02/nfl-player-polls-josh-allen-tyreek-hill-justin-jefferson/
13. Chicago Bears: Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU
A junior classmate of Campbell’s, Jones is still fine-tuning his rep-to-rep consistency. When everything clicks and goes where it’s supposed to on a play, however, he’s outstanding. With terrific length, size, foot speed and power, Jones will continue to improve in the NFL.
The Bears, meantime, need to continue building a wall around Caleb Williams.
14. Cincinnati Bengals: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
The 6-3, 339-pound Grant is one of the best pound-for-pound athletes in this class. And though there’s still plenty for the junior to refine his game, he’s nowhere near his ceiling and appears to be improving each week — he has a combined seven pressures and two sacks over his last two games (USC and Minnesota).
Kentucky’s Deone Walker also has an argument to be DT2 in this class.
15. Atlanta Falcons: James Pearce Jr., edge, Tennessee
This could be way too low for Pearce, who looked like a terror for stretches last week with seven pressures against Oklahoma. Pearce (6-5, 243) is a pass-rushing specialist, so if the right team inside the top 10 falls in love with his game, they’ll go for it. Can he be as impactful against the run in the NFL? His win rate (16.7) has dipped a bit this year (21.8 last season).
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16. Dallas Cowboys: Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
The Cowboys have the worst run defense in football through four games this season and could desperately use someone like the gigantic and explosive 6-6, 345-pound Walker. Just a junior, Walker could be much higher on mock drafts in a month or so.


17. New Orleans Saints: Nic Scourton, edge, Texas A&M
Scourton (6-4, 283) still needs to work on his consistency versus the run, but he is a versatile three-down pass rusher who can give offensive tackles problems with his move set and power. The Saints need help up front defensively, in general, and Scourton could fill a few different gaps.
18. New York Jets: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
It’s entirely possible Loveland won’t be around at Pick 18. An outstanding blend of size, speed and hands, Loveland lines up all over the field and routinely beats linebackers, safeties and corners in man coverage. His catch radius is impressive, as is his ability to adjust to poor throws. With or without Aaron Rodgers on next season’s roster, Loveland would be an investment in the Jets’ present and future.
19. Los Angeles Chargers: Abdul Carter, edge, Penn State
It was a bit of a slow start for Carter, who is playing full time as an edge after working in the stack last season. However, he was dominant during a tough Penn State win over Illinois last week (eight pressures, two sacks). We still need to see more from him, but if he repeats his performance from the Big Ten opener against some of the top teams in the league, he could emerge as a top-10 prospect.
20. Philadelphia Eagles: Mykel Williams, edge, Georgia
Williams hurt his ankle just about the same time the season started, which has slowed his 2024 a bit. However, as with Carter, he could play his way into being a top-10 pick if he can get healthy and rattle off some consistent games. If he’s hurt and sluggish all year? He might wind up as a steal down in this range.

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21. Green Bay Packers: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
There’s still some sloppiness and stiffness to the 6-6, 330-pound Ersery, but everything else is pretty outstanding. A great mover at that size, with a powerful punch and positional versatility (he probably could play guard, too), Ersery feels like a perfect fit for Green Bay’s offense.
22. Seattle Seahawks: Jalon Walker, edge/LB, Georgia
Seattle seems to be headed in a strong direction under first-year head coach Mike Macdonald and his new-look defense. One area the defense does need help in, though, is at off-ball linebacker. Walker, who also can line up and rush, is exactly the type of playmaker who could help elevate Macdonald’s system.
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23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
Had he not torn his ACL last month in practice, Revel would be near the top 10 here. As is, it’s still hard to push him out of the first round, because of all we’ve seen and know about him. If he heals quickly, maybe he’ll still get back into that top-10 range. Revel (6-3, 193) reminds a lot of people of Tariq Woolen, and he had 11 pass breakups and two defensive touchdowns in just three games this season.
24. Washington Commanders: Mansoor Delane, CB, Virginia Tech
Delane and fellow Virginia Tech corner Dorian Strong gave Ole Miss, the country’s top pass offense, all it could handle last week in a narrow loss. Long, explosive and hard for receivers to stack out wide, Delane would fill a need for a young and suddenly exciting Washington club.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Justin Fields didn’t play with Egbuka at Ohio State. Give them a week of practice together, though, and Fields will feel like he did. The quintessential Buckeyes receiver, Egbuka’s greatest strength is that he doesn’t do anything wrong. He’s always on time and always reliable.


26. Baltimore Ravens: Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona
The Ravens need help at tackle and guard, and Savaiinaea (6-5, 330) has played both spots for Arizona — quite well, in fact. He has great movement skills and power throughout his huge frame.
27. San Francisco 49ers: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Corner is going to be on the list for the 49ers this offseason and, thankfully for them, this is shaping up to be a great CB class. Barron has range to do all sorts of stuff in the defensive backfield. He’s a very exciting draft prospect.
28. Houston Texans: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins, Tank Dell and Jeanty. Sounds like a great wrestling stable or law firm — or the future of one of football’s most exciting young teams. Jeanty is a monster, and in a year with so few true blue-chip prospects, rolling the dice on a very good RB late in Round 1 wouldn’t feel like a big deal.


29. Detroit Lions: Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford
Literally the only thing Detroit is missing offensively right now is a big-bodied X receiver. Ayomanor (6-2, 210) is powerful, explosive and great in the air. He would be a physical fit with this Lions offense.
30. Buffalo Bills: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
Burke has played a lot of high-level football and been very tough to fool over his long college career. A four-year starting corner at Ohio State, he gives up a bit in the run game but is a high-floor corner who came back to fine-tune his game — and to have one more shot at Michigan.
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31. Minnesota Vikings: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Cut from the same cloth — both in attitude and mindset — as former Kentucky standout (and current New York Giants rookie) Andru Phillips, Hairston is another big and physical corner. He still could use a bit more weight on his frame, but he has enough length and passion to be a problem for receivers.

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32. Kansas City Chiefs: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
A great blend of power, agility and size, Williams is a three-down defensive tackle. He’s another prospect who could wind up a lot higher in the draft if he’s able to shake off an early-season injury and finish the 2024 season strong.
(Top photos of Carson Beck and Travis Hunter: Jeff Moreland, Chris Leduc / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

 

[bbgun]

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Eli Heidenreich Cowboys/Belichick 7th round pick next year?

 

[Sheik]

Can we suck enough to get Jeanty?

 

[Rev]

Can we suck enough to get Jeanty?

if we let the bullshit continue

 

[boozeman]

 

[Simpleton]

Can we suck enough to get Jeanty?

It's not going to take a top 5 pick, maybe not even top 10, if we miss the playoffs and are sitting in the 15ish range I could easily see him being there.

 

[NoDak]

It's not going to take a top 5 pick, maybe not even top 10, if we miss the playoffs and are sitting in the 15ish range I could easily see him being there.

If he keeps putting up these video game numbers, he won't fall out of the top 15. Maybe not even the top 10. Somebody will take him.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

If he keeps putting up these video game numbers, he won't fall out of the top 15. Maybe not even the top 10. Somebody will take him.

I wouldn't be shocked if he went top 10. The only positive is the guy is on the short side. If he was 6 ft I'd say he is top 10.

 

[Rev]

If he keeps putting up these video game numbers, he won't fall out of the top 15. Maybe not even the top 10. Somebody will take him.

Yep. Also have to figure in the amount of players with a first round grade. Wasn't it a lower than normal amount? Is he one of those?

 

[Cowboysrock55]

Yep. Also have to figure in the amount of players with a first round grade. Wasn't it a lower than normal amount? Is he one of those?

It's early. A lot depends on who is picking in the top 10 and who reaches for a QB. Right now it's just too early.

 

[Rev]

 

[bbgun]

We're not finishing with a better record than Green Bay.