The war rooms are prepped. The mock drafts are finalized. The prospects have been measured, timed, and scrutinized from every angle. As the football world turns its attention to historic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the 2025 NFL Draft looms as a pivotal moment that will reshape franchises and fulfill lifelong dreams.
Unlike last year's quarterback bonanza that saw six signal-callers taken in the first dozen picks, this year's draft brings a different kind of drama. The Tennessee Titans, battered after a dismal 3-14 campaign, hold the keys to the kingdom with the first overall selection. Will they stake their future on Colorado's poised pocket passer Shedeur Sanders or Miami's strong-armed gunslinger Cam Ward? Or might they shock the world with a pivot to the draft's most electric defender?
What makes this draft so compelling isn't just the uncertainty at the top – it's the abundance of defensive game-changers lurking throughout the first round. Penn State's Abdul Carter, a tornado off the edge with first-step explosiveness that offensive tackles have nightmares about, headlines what analysts are calling the strongest edge rushing class in years.
Then there's Travis Hunter, the two-way sensation and Heisman Trophy winner whose rare ability to dominate as both cornerback and receiver has teams debating not just when to draft him, but how to deploy him.
As the countdown to April 24th continues, one thing is clear: in a league where one pick can alter a franchise's trajectory for years to come, the 2025 NFL Draft promises high-stakes drama that even the most elaborate Vegas production can't match.
Quarterbacks: Searching for the Next Franchise Signal-Caller#
The 2025 quarterback class doesn’t have the surefire star power of last year’s group, but there are still a few intriguing prospects at the top. Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) and Cam Ward (Miami via Washington State) have emerged as the headliners, though evaluators are split on their ceiling. Sanders is a poised pocket passer who transformed two college programs into winners, displaying superb timing, touch, and anticipation. Ward, a strong-armed gunslinger with experience in multiple systems, offers Pro Bowl potential with his confidence and ability to stretch the field. Behind them, prospects like Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) – a vertical passing specialist with mobility – and Jalen Milroe (Alabama) – an electric dual-threat athlete – bring upside but also inconsistency.
Overall, it’s considered a lighter QB crop in terms of “can’t-miss” talent; unlike 2024 (which saw six QBs in the first 12 picks), this year’s class lacks an obvious top-5 lock. Still, quarterback-needy teams will certainly take their swings early, even if these passers come with more questions than last year’s cohort. In fact, many mock drafts project Sanders or Ward to go No. 1 overall to kick off the draft, underscoring how positional value can push QBs up the board despite a relative lack of star power.
Edge Rushers: A Deep and Disruptive Pass-Rush Class#
If your favorite team needs help getting after the quarterback, this is the year to pay attention. The edge defender class is widely regarded as the strongest position group in 2025. At the top is Abdul Carter (Penn State), an explosive pass rusher with elite first-step quickness and burst. Carter’s ability to bend and flatten around the corner routinely wrecked offensive game plans in college, and he “demands attention on every snap” with his game-changing speed. Behind him is a cadre of rushers with high ceilings:
James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee) is a freakishly quick sack artist, Mike Green (Marshall) is a polished technician with a nonstop motor, and Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College) brings underrated production and burst. Even the second tier – including big, athletic edge players like Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M) and Mykel Williams (Georgia) – offers impressive traits and two-way ability. The consensus is that pass rush depth will carry well into Day 2, with future starters available even in the middle rounds. That’s great news for teams looking to beef up their defense: 2025’s edge class could produce a slew of 8-10 sack contributors and perhaps a few game-changing Pro Bowlers in the mold of recent top pass rushers.
Wide Receivers: Solid Depth Over Superstar Talent#
After a 2024 class that spoiled us with blue-chippers like Marvin Harrison Jr. and others, this year’s wide receiver group is seen as lacking a bona fide top-10 star, but it makes up for it with depth. There may not be a “can’t-miss” Pro Bowl-caliber receiver in this class, yet several pass-catchers project as quality contributors. Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona) is a big-bodied, acrobatic target who thrives on contested catches downfield, routinely winning 50-50 jump balls with his exceptional body control. Matthew Golden (Texas) has been one of the pre-draft process’s biggest risers – his blazing 4.29-second 40-yard dash and overall explosiveness have turned heads, boosting him into first-round conversations. Golden’s game isn’t just straight-line speed, either; he’s shown crafty route-running to create separation underneath, making him a dangerous all-around weapon.
Also in the mix is Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State), the latest polished Buckeye receiver who runs sharp routes with reliable hands, projecting as a high-floor NFL starter. Playmakers like Luther Burden III (Missouri) – a dynamic catch-and-run specialist – and Isaiah Bond (Texas) – a speedy slot chain-mover – add to the depth through Rounds 2 and 3. The 2025 receiver class might not have a Harrison Jr., but it offers plenty of talent for teams seeking a new target. Look for many of these receivers to come off the board between the late first and the middle rounds as teams fill out their receiving corps.
Offensive Linemen: Protecting the Future up Front#
Offensive line talent is always at a premium, and this year’s class offers a few potential cornerstones, especially at offensive tackle, though opinions vary on how NFL-ready they are. The top tackle prospects include Will Campbell (LSU), Armand Membou (Missouri), and Josh Simmons (Ohio State). Campbell is viewed by some analysts as the “crown jewel” of the OTs, a nasty blocker who can fit any scheme once he refines his technique. Membou is a massive yet agile lineman with rare movement skills for his size – he overwhelms defenders at the point of attack and climbs to the second level like a much lighter player. Simmons, a transfer who impressed as a one-and-done starter for the Buckeyes, combines long arms and quick feet, showing flashes that suggest he could be a perennial Pro Bowler in the pros. The consensus is that perhaps five offensive tackles could go in Round 1, but there’s also a feeling that many of this year’s tackles come with boom-or-bust potential. As one draft analyst noted, beyond the top few, a lot of the Day 2/Day 3 tackles might end up as average starters rather than high-impact stalwarts.
On the interior line, the class is a bit thinner. There’s a clear “big three” among interior OL: Tyler Booker (Alabama), Donovan Jackson (Ohio State), and Grey Zabel (NDSU). All three could be plug-and-play starters at guard (or center in Zabel’s case), but after them there’s a noticeable drop-off in talent. Teams that don’t grab one of the top interior guys by about the early fourth round may opt to wait until late in the draft for developmental depth. In short, 2025 offers a few excellent O-line prospects at the top – particularly at tackle – but it’s not the deepest trench class overall. Look for those elite tackles to come off the board early as teams with vulnerable quarterbacks jockey to improve their protection.
Draft Class Strengths and Weaknesses: Edge and D-Line Shine, QB and Safety Thin#
Every draft develops its own personality based on positional strength, and in 2025 a few trends stand out. Defense dominates the top tier of talent this year, with edge rushers and defensive linemen leading the way. Analysts rank edge defender as the strongest position in this class, thanks to the abundance of pass rushers we described earlier – teams in need of sacks should be thrilled with the options through the first two days. The defensive tackle group isn’t far behind; up to four interior D-linemen could carry first-round grades. In fact, this DT class could be one of the deepest in recent memory – names like Mason Graham (Michigan), Kenneth Grant (Michigan), Derrick Harmon (Michigan State), and Walter Nolen (Texas A&M) all project as potential impact starters. Overall, front-seven defensive talent is plentiful. The running back class is also notably strong, boasting a mix of star power at the top (e.g. Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty) and lots of depth throughout the middle rounds. In fact, one analyst compared Jeanty’s collegiate impact to Saquon Barkley’s, noting the wealth of productive runners available into Day 3.
On the flip side, a couple of position groups are viewed as weak links. As discussed, quarterback is considered a below-average class in terms of elite talent – outside of the top two names, there’s limited star potential and many of the QBs project more as future backups or developmental starters. That could make teams nervous if they’re desperate for a QB, potentially fueling trade-ups to ensure they get their guy (or, conversely, causing some QB-needy teams to wait until 2026). The safety position is another sore spot. For the third straight year, safety ranks near the bottom of positional strength. There are a few solid prospects – Georgia’s Malaki Starks and Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts among them – but overall the class lacks both star power and depth. Even the top safety on many boards, South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori, is seen as more of a raw traits-based pick than a polished product. Teams prioritizing a safety may have to reach a bit or settle for developmental types. Other positions like off-ball linebacker and tight end fall somewhere in the middle: not particularly deep, but with a couple of intriguing players at the top.
All told, expect defensive linemen (edge and interior) and running backs to fly off the board relatively early and often, while teams hunting for quarterbacks or safeties might find the selection pool disappointingly thin after the first handful of names.
With the draft order set and free agency mostly in the rearview, the picture of the early first round is coming into focus. Several franchises picking in the top 10 have glaring needs that align with this class’s strengths – and of course, the quarterback drama will be front and center. Here’s an overview of what to watch among the draft’s opening picks:
Tennessee Titans (Pick #1) – After a 3-14 season, Tennessee owns the top pick and everyone expects a quarterback to be in play. The Titans’ search for a franchise QB continues in earnest. Will it be Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders? Recent projections have leaned toward Ward at No. 1 overall, but the Titans will certainly evaluate both closely. Beyond quarterback, the Titans also badly need an edge rusher (they’re still looking to replace Harold Landry’s production) and could use a top receiver, so those are fallback options if they trade down. But barring a trade, it’s QB or bust – the Titans need a new face of the franchise.
Cleveland Browns (Pick #2) – Cleveland’s brief experiment with veteran QBs hasn’t solved their dilemma, so they too are quarterback-hunting. However, the Browns might face a tough choice if only one of the top two QBs is left at #2. Some mocks have Cleveland opting for the draft’s best defensive player – e.g. edge rusher Abdul Carter – at this spot. In that scenario, they could target a second-tier QB in Round 2. The logic: Cleveland also needs offensive line help and a running back, and pairing Myles Garrett with another elite pass rusher (like Carter) could supercharge their defense. It’s a risky move to pass on a QB, but if they aren’t sold on Sanders or Ward, the Browns might go defense here and address QB later. Still, quarterback remains their #1 need on paper, so the pressure is on to get this pick right.
New York Giants (Pick #3) – The Giants find themselves picking third after a disastrous season, and quarterback is absolutely on their radar. In fact, New York brought in veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in the offseason, but those are stop-gaps. If one of the top QBs is available at #3, the Giants are expected to pounce. Daniel Jeremiah’s latest mock has New York taking Shedeur Sanders in this spot. Alternatively, if both top QBs somehow went #1-2, Big Blue could pivot to the best defensive prospect (an elite edge or perhaps two-way star Travis Hunter). But given their longstanding QB woes, Giants fans are likely dreaming of finally snagging a young franchise signal-caller on Day 1.
New England Patriots (Pick #4) – New England spent a top pick on a QB (Drake Maye) last year, so they’re one of the few early teams not in the QB market. Instead, protecting Maye and giving him weapons is the priority. The Patriots’ biggest need is along the offensive line – last year, PFF rated their O-line as the worst in the NFL, and it showed. Many expect the Pats to target the top tackle on their board here. However, an X-factor could be two-way sensation Travis Hunter. In one scenario, New England is tempted by Hunter’s unique talent as a WR/CB hybrid and selects him at #4 to add a dynamic playmaker for Maye. It would be a splashy pick deviating from their typical O-line focus, but Hunter’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways is hard to ignore. Still, offensive line, defensive line, and offensive skill weapons (RB/TE) round out New England’s top needs, so expect them to address one of those areas.
Jacksonville Jaguars (Pick #5) – The Jaguars under new GM James Gladstone are looking to bolster the trenches. They’ve been rumored to covet a disruptive interior defensive lineman, which aligns perfectly with this class. Don’t be surprised if Michigan DT Mason Graham or another top tackle is the pick here. In Jeremiah’s mock, Jacksonville grabs Georgia’s Jalon Walker, an athletic edge/linebacker tweener, to pair with Travon Walker on defense. Either way, beefing up a defense that underperformed is a priority in Duval. The Jags have also been busy in free agency addressing other needs (corner, safety, etc.), but D-line and cornerback remain high on their list. With Trevor Lawrence leading the offense, giving him a short field via defensive upgrades could be Jacksonville’s strategy.
Las Vegas Raiders (Pick #6) – The Raiders addressed quarterback in free agency by signing Geno Smith, so they can go in several directions at #6. Many see this pick as a luxury spot for Vegas to grab an offensive playmaker. A popular prediction is Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty, the dynamic runner who some scouts rate among the top three overall talents in the class. Pairing Jeanty with Geno Smith would give Las Vegas a true RB1 and offensive centerpiece. Alternatively, Las Vegas might consider a top receiver to groom as a new WR1, or a cornerback to shore up a secondary hit hard by departures. Their list of needs is long (RB, WR, CB, OL, LB all stand out), which actually gives the Raiders flexibility – they can take the best player available at almost any of those spots. But the buzz around Jeanty here is real, and it would certainly add some flash to the Silver and Black.
New York Jets (Pick #7) – The Jets made a bold move trading for QB Justin Fields, so like New England, they’re focused on building around a young passer instead of drafting one. The consensus top need for Gang Green is the offensive line, especially a tackle to plug in on the right side. Protecting Fields is paramount after the Jets struggled up front in 2024. Missouri OT Armand Membou has been a popular pick in this slot – he’s an athletic mauler who could start at RT from Day 1. If Membou (or another top tackle like Will Campbell) is there at 7, the Jets would likely sprint to the podium. Beyond the O-line, New York could also consider adding a pass catcher; a speedy receiver or a “move” tight end would complement their offense nicely. But given the investment in Fields, the safest bet is the Jets reinforce the trenches to keep their new quarterback upright.
Carolina Panthers (Pick #8) – The Panthers have their young franchise QB in Bryce Young, but unfortunately a historically bad defense let them down last season. New coach Dan Morgan is expected to focus on fixing that defense immediately. Carolina’s defense ranked dead last in both points and yards allowed, and notably generated the lowest pressure rate in the NFL (just 25.5%). That screams edge rusher or defensive tackle at #8. A pass rusher like Dallas Turner (Alabama) or a stout DT like Mason Graham (if he’s still there) would make a ton of sense. In one projection, the Panthers snag Graham to plug into the interior line, boosting a unit that failed to sign their top DT target in free agency. Carolina could also look at a cornerback or safety given their defensive woes, but fixing the pass rush is priority one. Don’t entirely rule out an offensive weapon – giving Bryce Young a new WR might be tempting – but the smarter money is on Carolina using this pick to start rebuilding their defense in earnest.
New Orleans Saints (Pick #9) – The Saints are a bit of a wild card. Their roster has needs on both sides of the ball, but cornerback stands out as the top concern. At pick 9, they might be in perfect position to take the draft’s best pure cover man. Two-way star Travis Hunter would be a fascinating option if he’s still on the board; New Orleans could draft him as a CB (their biggest need) while also knowing he has offensive upside. In fact, one storyline to watch is whether the Saints consider a QB here – Derek Carr’s future is uncertain and they had a rough 5-12 year. The team has hinted they’d be tempted if a “potentially franchise-altering QB” is available. So if, say, Shedeur Sanders somehow fell to 9, New Orleans might jump. Barring that, expect them to address a core need: corner, O-line (left guard in particular), or a playmaker at receiver to juice up the offense. New head coach Kellen Moore, an offensive mind, could lobby for a weapon like a receiver or even a young QB, but fixing the secondary with a top CB might be the most sensible move given how porous their pass defense was at times.
Chicago Bears (Pick #10) – Chicago rounds out the top 10 with an interesting position: they have Justin Fields’ old Ohio State teammate Marvin Harrison Jr. now (drafted in 2024) and made several O-line additions in March. Yet tackle is still a need, as their current LT situation is unsettled beyond 2025. In Daniel Jeremiah’s mock, the Bears grab LSU OT Will Campbell at #10, finishing off an offensive line overhaul to protect whomever is under center. The Bears also need pass rush help – they’ve lacked a double-digit sack guy – so an edge rusher could be in play if one of the top fell to this spot. Running back and safety are needs too, but likely not at pick 10. Chicago has flexibility after addressing many holes in free agency, so this pick could truly be best player available. Still, a trench pick (OT or edge) that solidifies one side of the ball makes the most sense for a team looking to turn the corner in their rebuild.
These are just the top 10, but the early first round is packed with pivotal decisions. We may see three quarterbacks go in the first handful of picks despite the class’s questions, simply because Tennessee, Cleveland, and New York are all QB-needy. And don’t discount a potential trade or two – a QB-desperate team in the teens (like perhaps the Pittsburgh Steelers, who traded away Kenny Pickett and could be eyeing a young QB) might try to leap into the top 5. Conversely, a team sitting high that isn’t chasing a QB (Patriots or Jaguars, for example) could consider moving down to collect more picks. As always, the top of the draft will set the tone for the chaos to follow on draft night.
Draft Storylines to Watch: Comebacks, Risers, and Trade Buzz#
Beyond the names on the big board, several storylines are shaping the narrative of the 2025 draft season:
Injury Comebacks: This class features a few high-profile players looking to rebound from injuries. At cornerback, both Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina) and Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame) are coming off season-ending injuries suffered in 2024. Revel was climbing draft boards as a ballhawk before a knee injury cut his senior year short, and teams will be evaluating his medical reports closely. Morrison, who sustained a hip injury mid-season, has reportedly recovered well – he’s spoken about finding “blessings” in the injury and impressing in his pro day workouts to remind scouts of his lockdown ability. On the edge rusher front, top prospect Abdul Carter gave teams a brief scare with a foot injury this offseason. He skipped some combine drills to let it heal, but is expected to work out at his pro day and teams “don’t seem overly concerned” about his health. Carter’s situation will be monitored, but so far it appears he dodged any major issue. Another scare came at Ohio State’s pro day: defensive tackle Tyleik Williams collapsed grabbing his leg during a 40-yard dash attempt, momentarily alarming scouts in attendance. Fortunately, he walked off under his own power and later returned to watch drills, indicating the injury was minor. If any medical red flags do arise for prospects in coming weeks, it could shuffle some rankings at the last minute – but as of now, most of the top talents seem to be heading into draft night healthy or on a clear recovery path.
Risers and Fallers: Every year certain players see their stock surge or tumble after the college season ends. This year one of the biggest risers is WR Matthew Golden, who was not on many top-5 positional lists in January but has leapt up after stellar workouts. Golden’s speed and quickness in combine drills validated the hype, and he’s now viewed as a likely Day 1 pick as noted above. Another riser is OT Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon) – a raw talent who has wowed scouts with his athletic upside, pushing him into first-round consideration. On defense, keep an eye on names like Jalon Walker (Georgia LB/Edge) and Jihaad Campbell (Alabama LB). Walker’s versatility and explosive testing numbers have some viewing him as a top-15 surprise (indeed, Jeremiah projected him at #5 overall to Jacksonville), while Campbell’s stock is climbing as teams covet his athleticism at linebacker (DJ had him cracking the top 10 to New Orleans). As for fallers, a few quarterbacks who once had first-round buzz have slid down boards. Quinn Ewers (Texas) was mentioned as a possible QB1 early last year, but an uneven 2024 season means he’s now seen more as a Day 2 project. Similarly, guys like Tyler Shough and Dillon Gabriel are now viewed as mid-rounders and potential backups after failing to truly separate themselves. The pre-draft process hasn’t been kind to everyone – some receivers (for example, those who didn’t run as fast as expected) have dropped a tier, and a few underwhelming combine showings likely knocked certain prospects from Round 1 to Round 2 or 3. The coming weeks will continue to see mini-rises and falls as teams finalize their boards. A strong or poor showing at a pro day – or new information from team interviews – can still move the needle for players on the cusp.
Trade Winds Blowing: Draft day trades are almost a tradition at this point, and 2025 should be no different. The big question is whether any team will make a bold move up to snag a quarterback. If you’re a QB-needy team sitting outside the top three, you’ve probably already made calls. There’s speculation that the Steelers, picking in the middle of Round 1, could try to trade up for a QB and might not want to rely on a stop-gap. The Jets were also rumored as a trade-up candidate earlier in the process (before they acquired Justin Fields) – one early mock draft even imagined New York packaging a deal to jump into the top five for Travis Hunter. While the Jets’ QB situation has changed, that scenario underscores Hunter’s perceived value; a team in the teens could be enamored enough with him (or another blue-chip defender like Abdul Carter) to move up. On the flip side, teams like New England or Jacksonville, who sit at #4 and #5 without a dire QB need, might trade down to accumulate picks. A quarterback rush at the top could incentivize someone like Atlanta or Minnesota to leap from the teens into their spots. Additionally, watch for potential player-for-pick trades: Draft day sometimes features veterans on the move. Given the aggressive trades we saw last year, nothing’s off the table. Fans should brace for at least one significant trade during the first round – whether it’s for a QB, a unique talent like Hunter, or a team looking to stockpile picks in a deep position group.
Two-Way Player Hype: A unique storyline this year is the presence of a genuine two-way college star in Travis Hunter. It’s extremely rare in the modern era to see a player excel at both cornerback and wide receiver, but Hunter did exactly that (even winning the Heisman Trophy in 2024 as a do-it-all playmaker). The big debate: What position will he play in the NFL? Some teams view him primarily as a corner – his natural instincts, 7 interceptions in two seasons, and improved discipline in coverage make him an elite CB prospect. Others are tantalized by his offensive ability, noting how effortlessly he gets open and plucks the ball out of the air. Hunter has publicly stated he wants to play both ways as a pro, but it’s unlikely an NFL team will ask him to do that full-time. Bucky Brooks previously argued Hunter should start his career at cornerback, with perhaps a small offensive package to utilize his playmaking. How high Hunter is drafted – and by which team – will likely indicate the plan for him. If a defense-oriented coach grabs him in the top 5, he’s probably a corner who occasionally moonlights on offense. If an innovative offensive mind gets him a bit later, perhaps they consider featuring him as a receiver who can play situational defense. Either way, his journey will be one of the most closely followed narratives of the draft. Hunter’s success or struggles could also influence how teams treat two-way talents in the future, making him something of a trailblazer for modern prospects.
Running Backs Breaking the Mold: In recent years, running backs have rarely cracked the top 10, but 2025 might buck that trend. Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty has generated top-10 buzz in a way we haven’t seen since Saquon Barkley. Described as a “star power” back who can be a workhorse and offensive focal point from Day 1, Jeanty could very well be the highest-drafted RB in several years. The Raiders at #6 have been heavily linked to him, which has draft traditionalists raising eyebrows since conventional wisdom says “don’t draft a RB that early.” If Vegas (or any team) does pull the trigger, Jeanty will carry the torch for running backs in a league that often devalues them. Beyond Jeanty, there are other RB storylines: TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State) and Quinshon Judkins (Ole Miss) were once considered 5-star recruits and future first-rounders; they could sneak into late Round 1 or early Round 2 if teams view them as three-down backs. And later, the draft offers a wealth of mid-round runners with starting potential – from speedsters like Devon Achane (just as an example) to bruisers like Omarion Hampton. It will be interesting to see if the success of 2023 rookie backs (like Breece Hall and others) encourages teams to spend a premium pick on a running back again. Jeanty’s selection, in particular, could be a barometer for the position’s value.
In short, the 2025 draft is rich with plotlines: players overcoming adversity, under-the-radar prospects shooting up boards, and front offices wheeling and dealing to shape their franchise’s future. It’s these human and strategic elements that make the NFL Draft so much more than just a talent grab – it’s three days of drama and intrigue that captivate fans nationwide.
A top prospect and two-way college star celebrates after a victory, embodying the confidence and talent of this draft class.
This year’s NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis provided plenty of buzz and some eye-opening performances. Here are a few key takeaways from the combine and college pro days:
Speed on Display: Every combine produces a few athletic marvels, and 2025 was no different. The fastest man in Indy was Kentucky corner Maxwell Hairston, who blazed a 4.28-second 40-yard dash. Not far behind was Texas WR Matthew Golden at 4.29, confirming the deep speed that has rocketed him up draft boards. (For context, those times are in the territory of the all-time combine record.) Another burner was Iowa State CB Darien Porter, who posted a 4.30. Clearly, the defensive back group brought serious wheels this year. These forty times not only turn heads but can genuinely boost a player’s draft stock – Golden, for one, likely cemented himself as one of the top receiver prospects with that blazing run.
Big Men, Big Moves: Perhaps the most impressive athletic feat came from an offensive lineman. LSU OT Will Campbell ran an official 4.98-second 40-yard dash, leading all O-linemen, and even hit a max speed over 20 mph – at 306 pounds! Campbell’s sub-5.0 time drew audible gasps, showing rare straight-line speed for a tackle. It certainly helps dispel any concerns about his athleticism, though scouts did note his arm length is historically short for a tackle. Campbell wasn’t done – he gave everyone a scare when he slipped during a drill (the “wave” drill for linemen) and his leg buckled, but he quickly popped up okay. Crisis averted, and Campbell’s combine overall can be considered a win. Among defensive linemen, players like Georgia DT Aireontae Ersery turned heads with explosiveness (broad jump, vertical) that suggest he could sneak into Round 1. When linemen test like skill players, teams take notice.
Quarterbacks in Focus: Most of the big-name QBs opted to throw and do drills, and while none had a historic combine performance, they generally solidified their standing. Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders participated in interviews and measurements; both looked the part physically (Sanders came in around 6’2″, 220 with big hands, Ward similarly sized). Quinn Ewers and Jaxson Dart threw during the QB session and showed off their arm strength in downfield drills, though minor accuracy inconsistencies kept their workouts in the “good not great” category. One QB who helped himself was Jalen Milroe – he ran and jumped exceptionally well (unsurprising for an athlete of his caliber), reminding teams of his raw tools and perhaps inching up a few boards of QB-needy teams intrigued by a project. On the flip side, Tyler Shough struggled a bit in passing drills, and given questions about his college production, he may have slid into Day 3 territory. The combine didn’t drastically reshuffle the QB rankings, but it confirmed the athletic upside of guys like Milroe and provided more data points as teams go back to the tape.
Pass-Catchers on the Rise: Besides Matthew Golden’s speed, another receiver who created buzz was Missouri’s Luther Burden III. Burden had faced questions about his top-end speed after a slight production drop in 2024, but his combine performance alleviated any doubts about his athleticism. He ran well (mid-4.4s), showed excellent burst in the shuttle drills, and looked fluid in pass-catching sessions. ESPN’s Matt Miller noted that Burden’s strong combine answered concerns and solidified his status as a first-round talent. At tight end, Penn State’s Tyler Warren put on a show in positional drills, running routes and catching the ball like a big receiver. While the TE group isn’t deep, Warren’s performance likely locked him in as TE1 for many teams.
Combine Records and Oddities: We saw a couple of fun moments – Georgia WR Arian Smith even did a backflip on the field after running his 40, drawing cheers. (Don’t try that at home!) It was noted that one of the longest wingspans ever for an OL was measured this year (Minnesota OT Patrick Paul came in with arms over 36″ and a huge wingspan), which had scouts buzzing about how he’s literally built to block out the sun. And of course, the bench press crown went to a lesser-known lineman who repped 225 lbs over 40 times, eliciting a roar from fellow prospects.
Pro Day Updates: Following the combine, college pro days have allowed some prospects who sat out in Indy to perform. Notably, Abdul Carter skipped combine drills due to that minor foot injury, but he’s scheduled a full workout at Penn State’s pro day and reportedly looks in great shape. Teams will also be closely watching the pro days of quarterbacks like Shedeur Sanders (who might throw in a more controlled environment to his own receivers) and Cam Ward (who had multiple stops in college and can use the Miami pro day to show timing with unfamiliar receivers). Already, Ohio State’s pro day gave a platform to Kyle McCord (who transferred to Syracuse for his final year) – McCord threw well and helped remind scouts of why he was a highly touted recruit, possibly securing a mid-round selection. Pro days have also been a stage for small-school prospects: one example is NDSU OL Grey Zabel, who at his pro day demonstrated impressive agility in the cone drills for a 6’6″, 315-lb blocker, reinforcing his mid-round grade as a potential starting guard. As always, we must be cautious not to put too much stock into workouts in shorts, but these combine/pro day showings often confirm what the tape suggested – or occasionally prompt teams to go back and re-evaluate a player they may have overlooked.
All in all, the combine and pro days have provided valuable data and some memorable moments. They’ve helped shape the narrative for many prospects – some boosted their stock by answering questions (be it speed, strength, or health), while others left scouts wanting to dig back into the film to reconcile testing vs. on-field play. Now, with the workouts essentially done, it’s full speed ahead to draft night, with teams assembling all these puzzle pieces (game tape, measurables, interviews, medicals) to finalize their draft boards.
The stage is set for the 2025 NFL Draft, and it promises to be an exciting blend of uncertainty and talent. We have a draft class where defensive studs and offensive playmakers abound, even if the quarterback crop isn’t as hyped as last year’s. We’ve got teams at the top desperate to find their quarterback of the future, and others eager to load up on the exceptional defensive prospects available. The narrative threads – from Travis Hunter’s two-way ambitions to players fighting back from injuries – add depth beyond just the mock drafts and big boards. And with the draft headed to historic Green Bay, Wisconsin (Titletown is hosting this year), the atmosphere should be electric as a new generation of players fulfills their NFL dreams.
As dedicated fans and casual observers alike prepare for draft day, one thing is certain: there will be surprises. Maybe it’s a trade that no one saw coming, or a late-rising player sneaking into the top 10, or a franchise-altering quarterback gamble. The beauty of the NFL Draft is that it combines thorough scouting with a little bit of Vegas uncertainty – you truly don’t know how it will unfold until the commissioner steps up to the podium and the picks start flying. So grab your favorite beverage, settle in on April 24th, and enjoy the drama of the 2025 NFL Draft. Whether your team is picking first, last, or not until Day 3, the ripple effects of these three days will shape the league for years to come. Football’s next wave is here – and we’re about to find out where all these talented young men will begin their NFL journey. Let the draft begin!
Sources:
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com – Ranking 11 position groups in 2025 NFL Draft from strongest to weakest
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com – Top 5 prospects by position (2.0)
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com – Mock Draft 3.0 (March 18, 2025)
Dan Parr, NFL.com – Team needs for all 32 teams (after free agency)
Matt Miller, ESPN.com – 2025 NFL draft: Prospects with first-round grades, plus comps
Lorin Cox, SI.com – Bears: Top prospect injured at Pro Day (Tyleik Williams update)
Jordan Dajani/Chris Trapasso, CBSSports.com – 2025 NFL Combine takeaways
