2025 NFL Draft Quick Hits

Significant data has already been collected on the 2025 NFL Draft Class. Now in the final years of the extra “COVID year” being a thing, evaluators still must weigh how use of the Transfer Portal or collection of NIL dollars may alter how they view prospects in this changing college landscape. With the home stretch of the season, player interviews, and Combine workouts still ahead, let’s look at some quick Draft buzz on top targets and positions:

-       The Quarterback Class remains one of significant contention. I believe this is a down year at the position and question whether any prospect in this class really has elite value. However, there remains no consensus on who is the top – or even top 3 – signal caller(s) in this class.

-       That said, Shedeur Sanders is making the case to be QB1 on my Board. Despite all the noise and attention on Sanders, his father, and the Buffaloes program, he continues to string together strong performances even with a lackluster OL. One red flag, however, is 5 interceptions over the last three games (in which he’s thrown 8 touchdowns). Previously, a major selling point on the big play QB was his ability to take care of the football. He only threw 3 INTs all of last season. At this point, though, I think the likelihood of Vegas tanking for Shedeur is real.

-       While Shedeur is making moves, so is Cam Ward. He’s putting up video game numbers and making highlight reel throws. Nobody had the Hurricane as a Day 1 pick going into the season, and he’s benefitting from stellar OL play. However, I believe he’s firmly in Round 1 and making moves for higher. He unquestionably has the best tape of any QB this season.

-       It’s been a rough stretch for Jalen Milroe. His team is 1-2 while he’s thrown for 3 TDs to 5 INTs over the last 3 contests. Moreover, his fan base is turning on him and there are calls for his benching. Those may be unwarranted, but I think the Tide QB probably has the biggest range of anyone right now regarding where he could ultimately be drafted.

-       Quinn Ewers had a chance to really position himself in the battle for QB1 with all eyes on him against Georgia, but he failed spectacularly. The Longhorns’ anticipated postseason run may afford him further opportunities, but the only remaining top 25 games for the team are Vanderbilt and Texas A&M. He looks like a Day 2 pick right now, and that could lead him to come back for another year or transfer out.

-       At this stage in the NFL season, the top five passers are Geno Smith (journeyman), Baker Mayfield (journeyman), Brock Purdy (former Mr. Irrelevant), Kirk Cousins (journeyman), and Lamar Jackson (last pick in the first round). Could this give teams comfort in a lackluster QB Class?

-       Conversely, one has to wonder whether the success of 30-year-old Derrick Henry will give a resurgence to the RB position in a strong year for that class. Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, Ollie Gordon, Quinshon Judkins, and Kaleb Johnson are just some of the backs that, in my opinion, represent the best group of backs we’ve seen in a long, long time. Jeanty looks like a surefire first rounder, and I think at least one other will be off the board Day 1.

-       Tetairoa McMillan has not been the dominant force he was last season. He already has more games 50 yards or under (3) than he did all of last season (2), and the Wildcats are terrible. Still, he has all the attributes of a WR1, and I still think he’s a top half of RD1 pick. 

-       I don’t think the same about Luther Burden. He was getting top 10 buzz to start the season, but I think he’s late RD1 at best. 

-       Colston Loveland will be drafted in RD1. He won’t put up Brock Bowers numbers as a rookie, but some team will convince themselves that he will.

-       In addition to Loveland, I still expect Michigan DT Mason Graham and CB Will Johnson to be high RD1 picks despite the Wolverines vast fall coming off their national championship run.

-       Mykel Williams and James Pearce Jr. both made themselves a lot of money in marquee matchups against Texas and Alabama on Saturday. They were highly disruptive and the key to their team’s wins. 

-       Cornerback and running back are the strongest positions of this draft.