While assembling this list -- my initial ranking of the top 100 players in the 2025 NFL Draft -- I compared this year's prospect crop to that of 2024. My biggest takeaways: This just isn't as talented a group overall, and there are fewer blue-chippers at the top. That's clear at quarterback, but it also applies to other positions.
On the bright side, the DL, RB and TE groups appear to surpass what we were offered in the '24 draft class.
I had less trouble whittling down my list this time around, although a few notable names failed to crack my top 100, including Texas WR Isaiah Bond and Ohio State QB Will Howard. Disappointing showings at the NFL Scouting Combine didn't help, but I considered several other factors in compiling this hierarchy.
Pro days and updated medical information could alter the order when I take a second shot at the top 100 in April, but here's the pecking order as things stand now.
Abdul Carter
Penn State · Edge · Junior
His medical evaluation has been complicated by a foot injury, but I believe Carter is the surest thing in this draft class. The versatile Penn State product, who's just starting to scratch the surface of his potential, has a chance to be a Micah Parsons-like defender at the next level.
Travis Hunter
Colorado · CB/WR · Junior
I'd grade him as a corner first, receiver second, but Hunter is a special talent with the drive to be one of the game's best. Instant talent upgrade, wherever he winds up.
Ashton Jeanty
Boise State · RB · Junior
I might have rated Bijan Robinson slightly higher if both were in the same class, but Jeanty still possesses elite traits -- even if his ranking here also reflects the lack of true blue-chip prospects in this draft.
Tyler Warren
Penn State · TE · Senior
Do-it-all tight end who has a pro physique and should be able to contribute in multiple ways early on. Warren doesn't quite separate the way you'd hope on tape, but there's some George Kittle to his game.
Mason Graham
Michigan · DT · Junior
Graham's superpower is block destruction in the run game, though there really aren't big weak spots in his game. He is not a special athlete, but is an elite competitor with a high floor as a prospect.
Jalon Walker
Georgia · LB · Junior
Walker brings exciting tools to the table and should be ready-made as a pass rusher and QB spy. His linebacker instincts still must be honed, especially in coverage, but the reigning Butkus Award winner can upgrade a defense immediately.
Armand Membou
Missouri · OT · Junior
Membou will take some false steps and give some ground in his pass pro, but his twitch and explosion often overcome that. He's a thickly built, athletically gifted right tackle or guard with big upside.
Will Campbell
LSU · OL · Junior
Campbell doesn't meet every team's arm-length floor for left tackle, but he's a really tough, powerful competitor with a ton of top-notch pass sets on tape. He'd make a quality starter at any OL position -- including center, if you wanted to try him there.
Will Johnson
Michigan · CB · Junior
There are still some lingering questions about his health and long speed, but Johnson has the instincts and frame to be a quality perimeter defender.
Cam Ward
Miami · QB · Senior
There are thrilling plays on his tape ... along with some head-scratchers. Ward can have a Bo Nix-like effect on an offense in the right hands, and he has very good arm talent to make all the throws, but he's not an elite creator by himself.
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Colston Loveland
Michigan · TE · Junior
Even with a shoulder injury that likely will keep him out until the start of training camp, Loveland generated a lot of buzz in Indianapolis and could be the second or third pass catcher off the board.
Tetairoa McMillan
Arizona · WR · Junior
Speed questions will persist until (if?) he runs a 40-yard dash, but McMillan fits the Drake London mold at the next level and should be a great weapon over the middle and in the red zone.
Mike Green
Marshall · Edge · Junior (RS)
Green had to answer character questions -- denying past sexual assault accusations while addressing his previously murky departure from the Virginia football team -- at the combine. If those issues are fully vetted, he could end up being the first or second pass rusher off the board, with an explosive game that combines speed and physicality.
Matthew Golden
Texas · WR · Junior
Fast-rising prospect with a good slugging percentage whose deep speed (SEE: 4.29 40-yard dash) wasn't always maximized in college. Golden could end up WR1 in this draft. He reminds me of early-career Brandin Cooks.
Shemar Stewart
Texas A&M · Edge · Junior
Workout warrior whose college production (4.5 sacks in three years at Texas A&M) is a turnoff, but Stewart easily could take the Danielle Hunter road to success as an NFL edge.
Malaki Starks
Georgia · DB · Junior
He could end up being this draft's Cooper DeJean or Brian Branch -- a hybrid defender whom too many teams overthink. Starks wasn't quite as good in 2024 as he was in '23, but he has Day 1-starter potential.
Mykel Williams
Georgia · Edge · Junior
Twitchy, leggy pass rusher with oodles of potential, and he doesn't turn 21 until June. A patient team should be rewarded down the road as Williams develops.
Tyler Booker
Alabama · OG · Junior
Elite size and intangibles should allow Booker to be a Day 1 starter and run-blocking force at guard, even though his athletic limitations must be factored into the evaluation. The highly pedigreed Alabama product doesn't turn 21 until April.
Kelvin Banks Jr.
Texas · OL · Junior
There's a fair guard-tackle debate here, but I still remember seeing Banks as a freshman LT against 'Bama and thinking he was a future top-10 pick. He's got the goods; now he needs to put it all together.
Jihaad Campbell
Alabama · LB · Junior
He's similar to Jalon Walker, as both appear to be further along, development-wise, attacking quarterbacks. Campbell's LB instincts are still evolving, but he can add a playmaking flourish to a defense.
Nick Emmanwori
South Carolina · S · Junior
A freaky athlete who isn't afraid to play the role of agitator, Emmanwori still needs to clean up his tackling if he wants to become a Derwin James-like defender.
Derrick Harmon
Oregon · DT · Junior (RS)
Harmon does some wild things for a big man, and he carries his weight well. He'll always be a player who's more impactful than his stat line might indicate.
Donovan Ezeiruaku
Boston College · Edge · Senior
Ezeiruaku really elevated his game this past season with 16.5 sacks, and I love that he almost never left the field. His undersized build will hinder him in the NFL, but this is a pass rusher with a lot of tricks in his bag.
Kenneth Grant
Michigan · DT · Junior
Dancing-bear big man who can occupy two gaps and close down run lanes. Grant's pass-rush value is higher than you might expect, given his sheer mass.
James Pearce Jr.
Tennessee · Edge · Junior
He's not a complete player yet, but turn on the Alabama tape from last October and you can easily see just how disruptive Pearce can be as a pass rusher.
Luther Burden III
Missouri · WR · Junior
Burden ran well at the combine, is a YAC monster and will benefit from a weaker WR class. But his high slot usage, decreased production in 2024 and limited punt-return opportunities make him something of a projection.
Josh Simmons
Ohio State · OT · Junior (RS)
A season-ending knee injury in October complicated Simmons' evaluation. He was starting to look like the best left tackle in this class before suffering the setback that ultimately dropped him 10-15 spots on this list (for now).
Omarion Hampton
North Carolina · RB · Junior
A personal favorite, Hampton is a true three-down back who could take over RB1 duties for a team this fall. The North Carolina product is big but nimble, even if he occasionally leaves some meat on the bone as a runner.
Jahdae Barron
Texas · DB · Senior
A smooth, patient coverage artist. Barron's lack of length could kick him inside to nickel and make him a Round 2 pick. I also think he could play safety and be very good at it.
Emeka Egbuka
Ohio State · WR · Senior
I really like how clean and steady Egbuka's game is. He's not an elite athlete and might never be a true WR1, but I could see him having a Tyler Boyd-like impact in the league.
Maxwell Hairston
Kentucky · CB · Junior (RS)
A 4.28 40-yard dash in Indy helped boost his stock after he missed a chunk of last season with a shoulder injury. Hairston's lean build will limit him in the NFL, yet there's a place for his speed and toughness.
Grey Zabel
North Dakota State · OL · Senior
A clear Senior Bowl winner who can crash the first-round party. He was mainly a college tackle but has played all across the offensive line and could start inside as a rookie.
Walter Nolen
Mississippi · DT · Junior
Nolen has some ho-hum stretches during games, but he can split gaps quickly and cause backfield havoc. He's ideal for a slanting front as a 3-technique.
Josh Conerly Jr.
Oregon · OT · Junior
Conerly got posterized by Mike Green in one-on-ones at the Senior Bowl, but what I loved was that the 21-year-old battled back and won his next rep cleanly. He might not be special, yet Conerly projects to eventually be an above-average starting tackle.
Shedeur Sanders
Colorado · QB · Senior
If accuracy, toughness, instincts and NFL bloodlines are traits you value in a QB, Sanders could be your man. He's been beaten up a bit in media reports, but I'd bet on him overcoming average physical skills to eventually find some success as a rhythm passer in the NFL.
Donovan Jackson
Ohio State · OL · Senior
When Josh Simmons went down, Jackson shifted from left guard to left tackle and played some of the best ball of his career, helping Ohio State win the national title. He eventually could start inside or outside.
Mason Taylor
LSU · TE · Junior
Still so young and very talented, Taylor is my favorite longer play at tight end in this draft. He might take time adjusting to NFL speed and strength, but his skill set is worth investing in.
JT Tuimoloau
Ohio State · Edge · Senior
He's being slept on a little, I think. Tuimoloau was all the rage in draft spheres two years ago after his monster game vs. Penn State, but JTT is no worse a player now than then.
Kaleb Johnson
Iowa · RB · Junior
A big back with light feet, Johnson could be a Year 1 weapon in a zone running scheme with a role as a receiver.
Tyleik Williams
Ohio State · DT · Senior
Run-stuffing interior defender who won't offer a ton of pass-rush upside, but he collapses pockets and gets his paws up in the passing lanes well.
Azareye'h Thomas
Florida State · CB · Junior
Thomas has textbook length and ability to make plays in the air. A sub-200-pounder with less-than-ideal speed, he's going to win the way Ahkello Witherspoon does.
Landon Jackson
Arkansas · Edge · Senior
Jackson suffered a scary-looking neck injury late last season and had a rough first practice in Mobile, but he rallied at the Senior Bowl and later tested well in Indy. He's a quality building block up front.
TreVeyon Henderson
Ohio State · RB · Senior
Henderson profiles as a three-down back, even if he could use a running mate. His polished skill set projects nicely to the NFL, though he might never be a true Sunday star.
Carson Schwesinger
UCLA · LB · Junior (RS)
Highlights are all over Schwesinger's tape, including two great picks vs. Iowa, and his motor stayed hot, even for a team that sunk to 1-5 at one point. His 39.5-inch vertical leap was a pleasant surprise in Indy.
Jaxson Dart
Mississippi · QB · Senior
Dart is a fascinating prospect who could end up in Round 1. The combine QB buzz seemed to revolve around him. Dart had a lot of first reads open in Lane Kiffin's offense, but he also made some gutsy throws -- and some regrettable ones -- in a flashy final season.
Jaylin Noel
Iowa State · WR · Senior
After a great Senior Bowl week and impressive combine workout, Noel is a strong candidate to land in the top 50 picks. He's a speedball who expanded his offensive arsenal last season for the Cyclones.
Shavon Revel Jr.
East Carolina · CB · Senior
A torn ACL cut his 2024 season short; otherwise, Revel could have been this year's Quinyon Mitchell as a smaller-school corner who shoots up the charts. He still could ultimately make a Mitchell type of impact in the NFL, but Revel has yet to be cleared from his September injury.
Jack Sawyer
Ohio State · Edge · Senior
Sawyer's 83-yard scoop-and-score after sacking Quinn Ewers in the College Football Playoff semifinals was quite a moment, assuring he'll never have to buy a beer in Columbus again. He's a thick-framed power rusher who might never be a sack vacuum in the NFL, but his effort and toughness should allow him to thrive.
Benjamin Morrison
Notre Dame · CB · Junior
This placement hinges on clean medical reports coming back after hip surgery. That's a concerning injury for a cornerback, and his long speed was already in question, but Morrison has great coverage feel and instincts when healthy.
Nic Scourton
Texas A&M · Edge · Junior
Bull-in-a-china-shop defender who wins with mass, effort and will. Scourton might have bulked up too much last season, but he came to the combine at 257 pounds, which might be a better playing weight for him.
Trey Amos
Mississippi · CB · Senior
Amos won't be a fit for every defensive scheme, but his solid length and long speed will make him attractive to press-man teams. He finished his college career strong.
Aireontae Ersery
Minnesota · OT · Senior
A fascinating OT prospect with the size and movement skills to go higher than this. He looks like a player you'd expect the Ravens or Chiefs to draft.
Quinshon Judkins
Ohio State · RB · Junior
I spoke with one NFL team evaluator (and I suspect he's not alone) who put a higher grade on Judkins than Ohio State backfield mate TreVeyon Henderson. Judkins' power and explosiveness are easy to spot on tape, even if he's not quite as complete a back as Henderson appears to be.
Jack Bech
TCU · WR · Senior
An inspirational inside-outside playmaker who attacks the ball in the air, has very sure hands and blocks his tail off, Bech could emerge as one of the more productive rookie pass catchers as a Rams-style receiver.
Xavier Watts
Notre Dame · S · Senior
Considering he only moved to safety a few years ago, Watts' instincts and ball-playing skills are top notch, even if he isn't a special athlete. He made wild plays against USC and Northern Illinois and broke up a possible TD pass in the national championship game.
Tre Harris
Mississippi · WR · Senior
Perimeter, height-weight-speed threat who might never be a true game breaker, but Harris profiles as a future WR2 who can attack short or deep.
Jordan Burch
Oregon · Edge · Senior
Burch has an ideal frame for the trenches, and he's capable of some dominant reps, even if his flashes are inconsistent. Teams will bet on his traits developing.
Jalen Royals
Utah State · WR · Senior
Royals averaged 107.3 receiving yards and more than a TD per game over his final 16 college contests before a foot injury ended his 2024 campaign. Thankfully, a 4.4 40 in Indianapolis showed he's now healthy.
Jonah Savaiinaea
Arizona · OT · Junior
I think you can try him at right tackle, but two teams I spoke to at the Senior Bowl projected Savaiinaea to be a guard. His slightly-better-than-expected combine testing and a shallow OT class could land him in the top 50 picks.
Elijah Arroyo
Miami · TE · Junior (RS)
Cam Ward helped coax out Arroyo's talent in 2024, and staying healthy was also a big reason for his breakout. His length and athletic traits are enticing.
Jayden Higgins
Iowa State · WR · Senior
Higgins is a little raw in some elements of his game, but all the physical tools are there for him to develop into a big-bodied, big-play threat in time at the pro level.
Alfred Collins
Texas · DT · Senior
His pass-rush effectiveness waned while playing more snaps last season, but Collins rounded into a better all-around player in 2024 than he'd previously been.
Princely Umanmielen
Mississippi · Edge · Senior
I'm not sure Umanmielen will go vastly higher in this draft than if he'd come out last year -- thanks to just OK testing at the combine -- but he improved his production in three straight years in the SEC.
Shemar Turner
Texas A&M · DT · Senior
Violent, forceful 5-technique whose production dropped in 2024. He also was guilty of far too many 15-yard penalties last season.
Cameron Williams
Texas · OT · Junior
A massive-framed OT with below-average foot quickness and injury questions, Williams still can be developed as a right tackle or guard if he adopts better technique and reaction skills.
T.J. Sanders
South Carolina · DT · Junior (RS)
Heavy-handed late bloomer who can grow into a steady contributor with a year or two of seasoning. Sanders isn't a plus athlete, but he has the requisite strength to handle blue-collar trench duty.
Dylan Sampson
Tennessee · RB · Junior
He measured in a bit smaller than I anticipated at the combine, but Sampson has been too lost in the RB shuffle for my taste thus far in the pre-draft process. He's explosive and excellent in the red zone.
Darius Alexander
Toledo · DL · Senior
He's on the older side and didn't truly break out in the MAC until last season, but Alexander has steadily built up admirers with his solid all-around game and three-down ability.
Tate Ratledge
Georgia · OL · Senior
One part mulleted tough guy, one part underrated athlete, Ratledge was the glue of UGA's O-line. He can start early on at guard, so long as he doesn't encounter more health issues.
Jalen Milroe
Alabama · QB · Junior (RS)
Elite, explosive athlete at QB with raw arm talent. Milroe's passing inconsistency and scattershot accuracy could test a coach's patience, but he was a popular interview at the combine. All the tools are at Milroe's disposal to become dangerous in the NFL.
Andrew Mukuba
Texas · S · Senior
Mukuba's a leaner-framed safety, but he is one of my personal favorites in this class. His instincts playing the ball in the air are very good, his tackling improved over his career and he can help at nickel, too.
Joshua Farmer
Florida State · DT · Junior (RS)
Burly, broad-chested and long-armed agitator whose lack of elite burst and twitch likely keep him in a rotation in the pros. He played hard and well for a bad FSU team last season.
Josaiah Stewart
Michigan · Edge · Senior
I might be selling Stewart short, as he can really crank up the RPMs as a pass rusher, but his lack of length and bulk scare me just a bit and would prevent me from taking him higher than, say, Round 3.
Marcus Mbow
Purdue · OL · Junior (RS)
At the Senior Bowl, Mbow put in some work at center, which I think could be his best NFL position, but he also made hay in college at tackle and guard. Mbow will get pushed around a bit and lacks ideal bulk but always seems to make it work.
Elic Ayomanor
Stanford · WR · Sophomore (RS)
Toolsy hockey convert who's still learning to harness his strong physical skills. Ayomanor is tough and coordinated but must learn to separate better.
Kevin Winston Jr.
Penn State · S · Junior
Limited tape and a September ACL injury hinder his evaluation, but Winston has all the elements to develop into a starting-caliber safety, including ideal size for the position.
Savion Williams
TCU · WR · Senior
Williams is a physically blessed but raw playmaker who made his impact at TCU as a receiver, runner and even occasional passer. A great developmental prospect to create an offensive package for.
Kyle Kennard
South Carolina · Edge · Senior
A long-levered pass rusher with OK athleticism who had his best production yet in 2024, but the Georgia Tech transfer probably benefited from playing on such a talented D-line in his lone season at South Carolina.
Quincy Riley
Louisville · CB · Senior
Riley might be limited to slot duty, but he offers five years of college ball production and untapped ability as a punt returner. Riley's cornerbacks coach at Louisville, Steve Ellis, raved to me about his instincts and preparedness.
Jared Wilson
Georgia · C · Junior (RS)
One-year starter at Georgia whose lack of tape was offset by the two best 40 times at the combine among offensive linemen. He's likely a center-only in a zone system but could go on Day 2 with several teams seeking quality pivots.
Harold Fannin Jr.
Bowling Green · TE · Junior
Volume pass catcher in college who could settle into a Jonnu Smith-like role. Fannin possesses an intriguing skill set in a smaller frame and grew on me the more I watched the total package.
Tyler Shough
Louisville · QB · Senior
His age (26 in September) and injury history could turn teams off, but Shough was one of the more effective Senior Bowl passers and could help steady a QB room with a pocket-based aerial attack.
Ozzy Trapilo
Boston College · OT · Senior
The son of a BC legend, Trapilo looked solid at the Senior Bowl and tested fairly well for his size at the combine. The 6-foot-8, 316-pounder is a right tackle in the Kaleb McGary mold.
Terrance Ferguson
Oregon · TE · Senior
The combine testing was a reminder of how talented an athlete Ferguson is, despite the fact that he seldom took over games in four college seasons.
Nohl Williams
California · CB · Senior
Williams has excellent ball production and enough length to be an outside, man-cover corner. He's not blazing fast but has improved steadily over his career.
Darien Porter
Iowa State · CB · Senior
One of the trickier evaluations in this class, Porter looks like a typecast NFL corner at 6-3 with 33-inch arms, and his coverage numbers were insane in 2024. But he's 24 years old, not yet a quality run defender and didn't see major snaps 'til Year 6 in college.
Cam Skattebo
Arizona State · RB · Senior
Inspirational playmaker who almost never goes down on first contact, Skattebo could develop into a David Montgomery-style back and be used in creative ways by an innovative play-caller.
Ashton Gillotte
Louisville · Edge · Senior
Strong production source with good mass who wins with power and quick initial moves more than speed and bend around the edge.
Xavier Restrepo
Miami · WR · Senior
Restrepo is a slot receiver who's built like a running back. He takes pride in his craft as a route runner and wins with grit, determination and decent quickness.
Gunnar Helm
Texas · TE · Senior
Helm's combine testing was wildly disappointing until we learned he suffered an ankle injury during his first 40-yard dash attempt. He's a quality receiver who can be a nice security blanket as a TE2.
RJ Harvey
UCF · RB · Senior
A compact back with enticing short-area burst and tackle-breaking quickness who profiles as an excellent complementary runner and receiver.
Danny Stutsman
Oklahoma · LB · Senior
Stutsman must prove he can cover to earn third-down duties, but he's a heavy hitter who set an intense tone on OU's defense.
Deone Walker
Kentucky · DT · Junior
King-sized space eater who lacks explosion and could stand to play with more punch, but you just can't teach this kind of rare mass.
Jacob Parrish
Kansas State · CB · Junior
Size questions might limit his ability to play outside full time, but Parrish tested very well at the combine and displayed good coverage instincts over the past two seasons.
David Walker
Central Arkansas · Edge · Senior
A sawed-off sack master at the FCS level, Walker's lack of length might hinder him in the NFL. His combine testing was encouraging.
Chandler Martin
Memphis · LB · Junior (RS)
A candidate for highest-drafted non-combine player, Martin is an explosive athlete with coverage potential who lacks ideal size and can be overly aggressive at times.
Barryn Sorrell
Texas · Edge · Senior
Sneaky-good disruptor who had a nice Senior Bowl week and tested better than anticipated in Indy. Sorrell can develop into a higher-floor starter in time, even though I suspect he could slide further than this ranking.
Charles Grant
William & Mary · OT · Senior
Developmental OT with vines for arms and the requisite athleticism to be a swing tackle in Year 1 and develop into a starter eventually.
Omarr Norman-Lott
Tennessee · DT · Senior
ONL is a penetrating 3-technique with a high win rate as a pass rusher, but there's a reason he has averaged 20-25 snaps per game over the past few years with two different programs.
Sai'vion Jones
LSU · Edge · Senior
Ascending talent who cranks up the intensity but can overrun some plays and lack gap integrity. He packs a punch and would be a good developmental project.