NFL.com's ranking of draft's strongest position groups
While mock draft season has officially kicked into high gear, let's take a look at something a little different this time around.
NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein recently released his annual ranking of the draft's strongest position groups.
As Zierlein notes, "This is a great year to need D-line help, because future starters will be found into the middle rounds at both defensive tackle and along the edge. And the RB depth in this draft class is a gift to any roster that could use another backfield weapon. Elsewhere, there appears to be more star potential at tight end than wide receiver, while the offensive tackle and cornerback markets feel a little more hit-or-miss than usual."
Let's dive right into it.
Here are Zierlein's ranking of the 11 position groups in the 2025 NFL Draft, listed from strongest to weakest.
1. Edge Defender
"If you need edge help, it will be difficult to not come away from this draft happy. Abdul Carter is at the top of the list, but Mike Green, James Pearce Jr. and Donovan Ezeiruakuhave high ceilings as pass rushers, while Shemar Stewart and Mykel Williams are impressive physical specimens with two-way value. Day 2 of the draft will offer starters galore, with plenty of high-energy, high-aggression talent at both even-front end and 3-4 rush linebacker. What stands out, in my opinion, is the sheer number of future starters and high-quality rotational players that should be available into the deeper stages of the fourth round."
2. Running Back
"Ashton Jeanty brings a level of star power at this position that we haven't seen since Saquon Barkley (although Bijan Robinson came close). Beyond Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins are early-impact runners. Teams seeking draft discounts with high ceilings will be able to target Bhayshul Tuten and Dylan Sampsonaround Round 3, while Trevor Etienne and Jaydon Blue offer speed and pass-catching talent in the middle rounds. There will be fourth- and fifth-rounders who develop into productive backups and committee backs."
3. Interior Defensive Line
"There hasn't been a draft with more than 11 defensive tackles taken inside the first 100 picks since 2016 (when there were 14), but this year could match that total. There should be four first-rounders who could all become stars -- Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, Derrick Harmon and Walter Nolen -- but the most impressive part of this group is how many quality starters it is likely to produce. T.J. Sanders, Joshua Farmer and Tyleik Williams could all go in the second round, but the run on tackles should be hot and heavy throughout Day 2 of the draft. The position is not only deep but also filled with more pass-rush potential than we usually see."