The 2025 NFL Draft class lacks some of the pizzazz and sizzle of previous groups, featuring a less than ideal number of elite prospects (blue-chip players), but astute evaluators can still find plenty of rock-solid options. The collection of Day 1 starters and key contributors available within the first 50 selections could make this a “stick-and-pick” draft, with teams taking the best players available when they are on the clock (April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin) instead of moving up and down the board to grab a targeted name.
There is uncertainty surrounding the top QB prospects in the 2025 class. While Miami’s Cam Ward is viewed as the consensus QB1 by the scouting community, the identity of the second quarterback selected could be a draft-day surprise, thanks to debates over the talent and long-term potential of Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart. With Alabama’s Jalen Milroe (speed and arm strength) and Louisville’s Tyler Shough (arm talent) piquing the interests of scouts with their unique superpowers, teams might end up hoping to flip a Day 2 gamble into a franchise quarterback.
The running back class is loaded with talented prospects possessing RB1 potential. Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty has superstar written all over him after nearly eclipsing Barry Sanders’ single-season college rushing record last year. North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton also flashes star power as a dynamic runner with a pair of 1,500-yard seasons on his collegiate resume. Throw in the talented tandem from Ohio State (TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins) and Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo, and the scouting community has plenty of RB1 options to choose from in the 2025 class.
The 2025 wide receiver class features a two-way superstar and a collection of solid starters built for complementary roles. Colorado’s Travis Hunter — whose name you will see again when we get to this year’s top DBs — headlines the group as a spectacular WR1 candidate with big-play potential. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner dazzles as an electrifying playmaker with outstanding ball skills and “catch-and-run” ability.
Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan (size/leaping ability), Texas’ Matthew Golden (speed), Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka (slot route-running skills), and Luther Burden III (catch-and-run specialist) are intriguing WR2 candidates with special skills that enable them to shine as key contributors in designated roles.
The tight ends might be the most talented group of the 2025 class. Penn State’s Tyler Warren and Michigan’s Colston Loveland are the headliners as the top “Y” (traditional tight end) and flex (pass-catching tight end) options of the group, respectively. As scouts gain a greater appreciation for LSU product Mason Taylor‘s game as a classic “Y” boasting big-play potential, he figures to be a late riser up the charts. Then there are Miami’s Elijah Arroyo and Bowling Green’s Harold Fannin Jr., ideally suited to thrive as flex tight ends in spread formations. Coaches and scouts seeking help at this position should be able to find a good one.
The collection of offensive line prospects will produce plenty of starters this season. There is a chance LSU’s Will Campbell, Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr., Ohio State’s Josh Simmons or Missouri’s Armand Membou could develop into Pro Bowl-caliber players, based on their natural talent and potential to improve with a little skill refinement.
Alabama’s Tyler Booker and Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson are rock-solid interior blockers with rugged games and nasty dispositions. With North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel showing promise as a flex player with the potential to play tackle, guard or center, the 2025 class is intriguing, despite being short on star power.
