It’s NFL Draft season which means we all need to get familiar with the players who we’ll be hearing so much about for the next two months. I have finished my initial round of scouting and compiled a list of the top 50 prospects going into the 2025 NFL Combine.
These players were scouted based on their collegiate careers with an eye on how they project into the NFL landscape. Some of them may rise or slide due to injury concerns, which will likely be addressed during their medical evaluations. Injuries were not factored into their position in this Top 50. The next edition will include their sizes once they are measured at the Combine.
This is my initial Top-50, meaning it will likely change quite a bit as I take deeper dives into these players. I will also offer Mock Drafts, with the first one set to release following the Combine this weekend. Give me a follow on X @JLSports24 for more Draft and NFL bits. You can also visit our main NFL page for all league, draft, and free agency updates.
Prospects 1-10
1. Travis Hunter WR/CB Colorado
A generational talent unlike anyone we have seen in the modern NFL. Hunter is the top prospect at WR and CB with the ability to contribute at both at an elite level.
2. Abdul Carter EDGE Penn State
Carter is a relentless edge defender without weakness. He is capable of simply taking over the game and wrecking a QBs day.
3. Mason Graham DT Michigan
Graham possesses excellent strength, hands, and leverage making him nearly immovable on the interior. His instincts and athleticism allow him to snuff out screens and run plays down from behind. He’ll solidify the middle of any defense and require double teams on almost every play.
4. Tyler Warren TE Penn State
There is no weakness in Warren’s game as he has elite hands, route running, and run-after-catch ability. He lines up all over the field and is a strong blocker in the run game. Warren is the top talent in a strong class of tight ends.
5. Kelvin Banks Jr. OT Texas
Banks wins with tremendous power but is quick enough to handle outside rushers and easily get to the second level on run plays.
6. Will Campbell OT LSU
Campbell has quick feet and keeps his shoulders square while mirroring defenders. Dominates working downhill in the run game.
7. Donovan Jackson OL Ohio State
Jackson started at both LG and LT throughout Ohio State’s 2024 National Championship season with ease. He projects as a guard in the pros, but his versatility adds even more value to this already talented prospect.
8. Benjamin Morrison CB Notre Dame
Morrison mirrors receivers well and displays an elite ability to disrupt the play at the catch point. His medical evaluation is a major question mark as he underwent hip surgery in October of 2024.
9. Tetairoa McMillian WR Arizona
McMillian is a large, easy target who creates high percentage passes working towards the QB. He can line up out wide or in the slot and has the speed and athleticism to create chunk plays. The Arizona standout will produced immediately at the Pro level.
10. Mike Green EDGE Marshall
There is no weakness in Green’s game. He has a relentless motor and uses great hands to finish at the QB as well as the strength to set the edge in the run game. Green has all the tools to be a big-time difference maker in the NFL.
Prospects 11-20
11. Walter Nolan DT Ole Miss
Nolan is an elite defender who plays an attacking up-the-field style. He can play inside and outside but will excel as an inside rusher. He has a quick first step and a relentless motor. He’s a bit raw in his technique but has the physical capabilities to dominate at the next level.
12. Kenneth Grant DT Michigan
At 340 pounds, Grant is a mountain of a man who is nearly impossible to move at the nose tackle position. He becomes especially valuable as bigger bodies are needed across the NFL to halt the expanding power run games.
13. Luther Burden III WR Missouri
Burden is an elite talent with the ball in his hands, comparable to Ja’Marr Chase after the catch. He can be lackadaisical when he is not the focal point of the play and has suffered some post-play penalties, but his elite talent is undeniable.
14. Ashton Jeanty RB Boise State
An elite between-the-tackles runner, Jeanty possesses rare strength, balance, and vision, which served him well in his 2,601-yard, 29-TD rushing campaign in 2024. The uber-productive back fits right into any NFL offense looking to build a power run game, which has been resurgent in the NFL.
15. Will Johnson CB Michigan
Johnson thrives with his eyes on the QB and is a prototype zone or off-man corner. He reads and reacts well resulting in 10 pass deflections and 9 interceptions during his time in the Wolverines defense.
16. Joshua Farmer DL Florida State
Farmer has a quick first step and uses his thick build well in leverage. He has a great feel for attacking the QB and finishes on every play.
17. Tyler Booker OG Alabama
Booker dominates with power in the run game and sets a solid base in pass protection. Best suited for a power scheme, Booker is a day-one starter with Pro Bowl potential out of the gate.
18. Josh Simmons OT Ohio State
Simmons is a quick tackle who forces rushers outside to create a wide pocket. He lets defenders into his body too often but can redirect himself to block pass rushers or create running lanes. He will need to learn to use his hands better in the pros but is talented enough to learn on the job as a starting tackle.
19. Carson Schwesinger LB UCLA
This rangy middle linebacker excels at working in space. He’s a plus zone coverage defender and excels at finishing at the QB with late blitzes. He possesses sideline-to-sideline speed and the instincts and IQ to excel early in his NFL career.
20. Mykel Williams LB Georgia
Williams is a powerful edge defender with a relentless motor. He has great discipline against the run and sets the edge well. He’s not as explosive as his Georgia counterpart (Jalon Walker), but has the potential to be a game-changer in the NFL nonetheless.
Prospects 21-30
21. Malaki Starks S Georgia
Best played near the line of scrimmage, Starks displays the tenacity of a linebacker in the body of a defensive back. His ability to diagnose plays and read and react makes up for his lack of top-end speed. Starks is always around the ball and can line up all over a defense.
22. Alfred Collins DL Texas
As a massive prospect, Collins has great athleticism and a relentless finish. He’s armed with a spin move a man of his size should not be capable of but he struggles to finish at the QB.
23. Emeka Egbuka WR Ohio State
Egbuka is a prototypical “chain mover” as he runs exceptional routes and presents himself well to the QB. He displays elite late hands which often results in great sideline catches and YAC opportunities. Egbuka is also a willing and talented blocker in the run game. As a day 1 pick, he will immediately step in and help any offense be more efficient.
24. Jihaad Campbell LB Alabama
Campbell is a versatile player who can play on the edge or at inside linebacker. Despite lacking elite speed, he closes well and finishes at the ball carrier or QB.
25. Mason Taylor TE LSU
Taylor is a complete tight end with the ability to line up next to the tackle or out in the slot. He displays soft hands and has a nice burst of speed after the catch. He’s a polished route runner and uses his hands well to shield from defenders. He’s also able to assist in the run game as a plus blocker and can even effectively pass protect. He should find immediate success in the NFL.
26. Jack Sawyer EDGE Ohio State
Sawyer is often the first defender off the ball and has an uncanny ability to keep his eyes on the QB during his rush, often resulting in pass deflections. He lacks straight-line speed but starts and finishes with a burst. He’s also strong and sturdy in the run game. Sawyer could start immediately but is a high-floor/low-ceiling prospect.
27. Shemar Stewart EDGE Texas A&M
Stewart has tremendous power and a quick first step to boot. He’s capable of splitting double teams and works right through blockers in the run game. He lacks pass-rush moves but can win with pure power until he works that out.
28. Nic Scourton EDGE Texas A&M
Stewarts counterpart, Nic Scourton bullies blockers in the backfield in the run game and has impressive pass rush moves for a man of his size. He can play inside and outside but will likely settle in as a plus-run defender.
29. Armand Membou OT Missouri
Membou has tremendous tools and good movement for a tackle of his size. Some project him as a guard, but I believe he can excel at tackle. He moves defenders with ease in the run game and is great at sealing the edge. As a raw talent, he projects as a plus starter but will take some time to develop.
30. Jahdae Barron CB Texas
Barron played every secondary position at some point in his college career, making him an interesting subject for NFL teams. He lacks top-end speed, but his football IQ is second to none. He will be a very valuable piece to an NFL defense as someone who can move around the secondary.
Prospects 31-40
31. Jordan Burch DL Oregon
The former RB/WR has great movement for his size but can still dominate with power. He works well with his hands but has no real pass-rush moves or plans. He’s a raw product who will have plenty of NFL interest due to his athleticism.
32. James Pearce Jr. EDGE Tennessee
Pearce is an NFL-ready pass rusher who will be able to contribute on day one. He uses his hands masterfully to win early against blockers. He chooses quickness but has a deceptively powerful bull rush as well. He will primarily play in passing situations, but is good enough to log 10+ sacks during his rookie year.
33. Colston Loveland TE Michigan
Loveland is a lean, route-running hands catcher who can contribute immediately to an NFL offense.
34. Omarion Hampton RB North Carolina
Hampton is a power runner with deceptive long speed which can often result in house calls. He displays great vision and an ability to run through arm tackles, excelling as a between-the-tackles runner.
35. Maxwell Hairston CB Kentucky
With the temperament to play inside, Hairston lacks the size needed, forcing him to play strictly outside corner. He has a strong football IQ and attacks the ball at the catch point, but lacks the size to compete with larger receivers. He’s talented enough to be a difference-maker at the next level, but it will be up to a good coaching staff to determine his role.
36. Shavon Revel CB East Carolina
A freakish athlete, Revel is extremely raw as far as coverage skills but has all the physical tools to be a dominant outside corner.
37. Nick Emmanwori S South Carolina
Emmanwori is a massive, fast-moving safety with great football instincts. He projects as a nickel linebacker or strong safety at the next level and should immensely help his stock at the scouting combine.
38. Josiah Stewart EDGE Michigan
Stewart is an all-around talent at OLB without any glaring weaknesses. With 30 collegiate sacks, he has shown the ability to rush the passer and finish at the QB.
39. Cam Ward QB Miami
Ward heads the 2024 QB class but will need some time to develop to become a plus starter. He has a big arm but can throw with accuracy and touch. He has limited athleticism but it’s enough to get him out of trouble. It will take the right surroundings, but Ward can develop into an above-average NFL QB.
40. Tyleik Williams DL Ohio State
Tyleik Williams being my 40th best player is proof of a strong defensive line class. He has a rare blend of quickness and power, with the ability to beat double teams. He lacks pass-rushing moves, but his overall athleticism lends itself to learning and utilizing them well.
Prospects 41-50
41. Jalon Walker EDGE Georgia
Walker was a playmaker at both edge and linebacker at Georgia, but I project him as an outside linebacker in the NFL. He has an elite motor paired with blazing speed, but is slow to trust his eyes and react when off the ball. He possesses a quick change of direction which gives stiff blockers fits. He needs to develop some pass-rushing technique as he often rushes without a plan. Walker is a raw talent who has Micah Parsons-type upside.
42. J.T. Tuimoloau EDGE Ohio State
Sets the edge in the run game and possesses above-average pass-rush moves. Spends a lot of time in the backfield but often fails to finish at the QB due to tight hips and slow change of direction.
43. Donovan Ezeiruaku EDGE Boston College
An outstanding, polished pass rusher who has a variety of moves and good sack production. Has great instincts and a feel for the QB in the backfield. Will be an immediate effective pass rusher at the next level.
44. Princely Umanmielen EDGE Ole Miss
Good first step and bend for his size. Displays effective spin and bullrush moves to get to the passer but still has room to improve. Good first step but can play tight at times.
45. Tre Amos CB Ole Miss
Great frame with long arms he uses to create PBUs and interceptions. Redirects receivers well in the press and trusts his eyes to break on the ball. Projects as a CB2 who could start right away.
46. Landon Jackson EDGE Arkansas
Jackson wins with his motor and power on the edge. Lacks pass-rush moves but reads and reacts well. He’s a day 1 run stopped who will need to develop pass rush moves to stay on the field.
47. Derrick Harmon DL Oregon
Plays with great leverage and breaks blocks with a powerful shove. Keeps his eyes on the QB as they move in the pocket. Excels at getting hands-on passes at the line of scrimmage.
48. Shedeur Sanders QB Colorado
Sanders’ game is predicated on timing and accuracy. He doesn’t possess top-level arm strength but makes up for it with placement and touch. He can get lazy in his dropback which often disrupts passing lanes or the timing of the play. In the correct offense, Sanders can succeed in being a quality QB, but will need some work.
49. Matthew Golden WR Texas
Golden is a plus route runner who presents himself well to the QB. He has a good burst with the ball in his hands, which also helped him be a successful kick returner. He projects as a strong slot receiver in the NFL who can contribute immediately.
50. Marcus Mbow OT Purdue
Marcus Mbow is a powerful prospect who often takes defenders to the ground. He can look lackadaisical at times but has the physical makeup to be a plus starter in the NFL.
[…] With 11 total draft picks, the Ravens’ biggest need that can be addressed this offseason could be edge rusher, depending on free agency. Assuming they can re-sign tackle Ronnie Stanley, the offensive line is their other big need, as guards can be found later in the draft. However, impact edge rushers are at a premium and this class is loaded with them. Baltimore will likely target someone with their first or second selection from Thursday’s workout. […]
[…] The NFL Combine is now behind us, which means we’re officially into pro day and mock draft season. This is the first of five mock drafts I will release, with the final edition coming the week of the NFL Draft. This, of course, will change quite a bit after many teams’ rosters change through free agency. Follow me on X at JLSports24 for more draft updates and my Top-50 Prospects. […]