Top 50: 2025 NFL Draft Big Board

With the 2025 NFL Draft only a few short days away, I figured that it would be fun to post my ranking of the Top 50 prospects in this class. In these rankings I do not take positional value into account, so some players may be lower or higher than the consensus.

• 1. Travis Hunter - WR/CB - Colorado

  Big Board Rank: 1 | Position Rank: 1/1

  The best player in the NFL Draft is a true unicorn. Hunter, the reigning Heisman Award winner, demonstrated best-in-class ability on both sides of the ball. As a corner, Hunter excels in zone. His incredibly high football IQ and quick twitch allows him to constantly make plays on the ball. He also possesses willingness and aggression in the run game through flying into his run fits.

  On offense, Hunter would be the best wide receiver in this class if he gets deployed there. There is plenty of doubt surrounding if he will play consistently out wide, but if he does the sky is the limit. The Biletnikoff Award winner would be a blessing at WR for every NFL team. Hunter’s greatest attributes are his hands and ball tracking skills, which is not to say that he doesn’t excel in all other aspects. He stacks corners incredibly well and is fantastic after the catch too.

  Hunter had a great shot at being the best player in this class if was only a receiver or a corner. The fact that he plays both positions at an elite level adds to his value significantly. It is extremely presumptuous to hand out gold jackets to players who have yet to be drafted, but Hunter is as close to a Hall-of-Fame level prospect as you are going to get.

• 2. Ashton Jeanty - RB - Boise State

  Big Board Rank: 2 | Position Rank: 1

  A true blue-chip prospect that plays a non-premium position, Jeanty set the college world alight en route to recording the second most rushing yards in a college football season. Running backs of this caliber do not come around too often and when they do, they have a high success rate. Over the past 10-seasons there have been eight RB’s drafted within the top 15 picks of the NFL Draft (where Jeanty is projected to go). Seven out of these eight players have made the pro-bowl, with the one outlier being Leonard Fournette.

  Ashton Jeanty’s best ability is his superhuman power to break tackles. Jeanty forced 152 missed tackles last season, 49 more than second placed Cam Skattebo. Last season Jeanty had 2,595 rushing yards, far and away first in college football. Who was the second leading rusher? Ashton Jeanty’s yards after contact.

  In addition to being an excellent runner, Jeanty is an asset in the receiving game. His 2024 statistics are not pretty, but I think that this is a result of his usage and defenses throwing everything they can towards stopping him. In 2023 Jeanty was a weapon for Boise State in the passing game. He caught 44 of his 48 targets for 578 yards. I believe that Jeanty will play a significantly larger role in the passing game for whoever drafts him than expected as a result of not facing eight and nine man boxes every play.

• 3. Abdul Carter - EDGE - Penn State

  Big Board Rank: 3 | Position Rank: 1

  Abdul Carter is a freak athlete and absolutely relentless of the edge. His elite combination of burst and speed can have a similar impact in the NFL as another former Nittany Lion, Micah Parsons. While Carter is not the biggest prospect, his build is almost identical to Parsons.

  Carter’s best asset is his ability to get after the quarterback and in the modern NFL this is viewed as a necessity for an edge. What makes him special is his ability to defend the run and pursue plays. His background as an inside linebacker was evident as he is a naturally violent tackler. He led the nation with 23.5 tackles for a loss, showing off a knack for disruption that every defense can use.

  My one slight red flag for Carter is his ability to take on double teams. He may struggle out the gate in run support as a result, especially if he goes to an organization that is severely lacking pass rush. Fortunately for him, every team picking inside the top four (where I expect him to be selected) has at least one player that commands a double team currently on their defensive line.

• 4. Tyler Warren - TE - Penn State

  Big Board Rank: 4 | Position Rank: 1

  Tyler Warren is a hulking tight end who was the backbone of Penn State’s offense last season. He stands at 6-6 260lbs and boasts plenty of features that can be tantalizing to an NFL franchise. Warren’s best trait is yards after the catch and if he is able to find himself in a situation with an innovative offensive mind like Ben Johnson or Sean Payton, I would be incredibly excited to see the types of ways that they can devise to get Warren the ball.

  In addition to his ability with the ball in his hands, Warren is fantastic at contested catches. His massive frame gives him an advantage over the smaller linebackers and safeties that will be covering him. Warren also showed flashes of being a great and willing in-line blocker, which he profiles as given his size. His ability to match up with edge rushers and five techniques sets him apart in a tight end class that more or less aligns with the NFL’s “Big Slot” fad.

  A player that comes to mind for a Warren comparison is Taysom Hill. Warren, a former high school quarterback, has taken snaps for Penn State as a goal line rusher and I believe that this can and should be replicated in the NFL.

  Warren’s big red flag is his lack of separation ability, but as long as he goes to a relatively competent play caller this should not be an issue. His catch radius and prowess with the ball in his hands should have offensive coordinators desperate to add him to their arsenal.

• 5. Will Campbell - OT - LSU

  Big Board Rank: 5 | Position Rank: 1

  As the consensus top offensive tackle in this class, Will Campbell is a premier blind side protector. Campbell started for LSU at left tackle as a freshman, playing in 38 games during his time at Baton Rouge. What set Campbell apart from all of the other tackles in his class are his elite technique and processing ability. Against fierce competition in the SEC, Campbell dominated every pass rusher lined up across from him, include some players that are expecting to hear their name called on day one.

  Campbell is an excellent finisher in the run game and is able to quickly get to the second level. He is also adept at combo blocks. The consistency in his pass protection technique is one of the best parts of his game. Sound footwork, a great anchor, and his ability to maintain proper depth make Campbell an incredibly well rounded prospect.

  There really weren’t too many complaints about Campbell prior to the combine. He weighed in at 6-6 319lbs, but all the attention went towards his sub-33inch arms. Typically, arm length can be an indicator of how successful offensive tackles can be at the NFL, but Campbell’s ability should qualm these questions. His combination of an elite 9.91 RAS score and incredible technique should have teams skipping to turn the card in on draft day.

• 6. Malaki Starks - S - Georgia

  Big Board Rank: 6 | Position Rank: 1

  Plenty of question marks are surrounding Malaki Starks following his lackluster numbers at the combine. I believe that these numbers are irrelevant because of the player that he is. If Starks were eligible to come out after the 2023 season, I am confident in saying that he would have been viewed as a top 10 prospect in that draft class. That begs the question, what changed? The simple answer is that Starks’ role within Georgia’s defense changed. In 2023 Starks played 52.5% of his snaps at free safety and 25.5% of his snaps in the slot. This past season the number of snaps at FS dropped to 45% and his slot snaps rose to 30.5%.

  While Starks does have some versatility to play in the slot, his best role is as deep safety. I have seen plenty of people comparing him to Brian Branch, but I believe that Starks is more in the Earl Thomas and Jessie Bates mold. In 2023, Starks gave up a passer rating against of 61.6, that number jumped to 99.6 and I do not think that is coincidence. His best attribute is his closing speed. Contrary to his testing numbers, his tape displays fast feet and fluid hips, which allow him to break quickly on the ball, specifically on deep crossers over the middle.

  Starks one flaw is that he can be a bit too aggressive, which is something that experienced quarterbacks are able to take advantage of. His recovery speed is something that can help him in this regard, but overall it certainly has room for improvement.

• 7. Mason Graham - DT - Michigan

  Big Board Rank: 7 | Position Rank: 1

  Consistency is the biggest factor of Mason Graham’s game. He has one of the safest floors in this draft class because of the safety that he represents. Graham is excellent against the run. His smaller frame for a DT gives him great natural leverage and he takes advantage of that. This natural leverage in addition to his phenomenal burst allows him to blow up rushing plays. Hand fighting and play recognition are also high quality traits for Graham.

  Graham’s wrestling background is evident with every snap that he plays. He has one of the highest motors in the class and gives 100% effort on every single play. My issue with Graham is that he is not a prolific pass rusher, which is an almost necessary attribute for a player who is being considered in the top 10. At Michigan, Graham was overly reliant on his bull rush to push the pocket and get after the quarterback. While quite good, the lack of diversity in his pass rush arsenal is something that can raise eyebrows.

  Although Graham is not a true game wrecker like Quinnen Williams or Dexter Lawrence, he is still a very high quality player. I find him to be more similar to Christian Wilkins and I would not fault a team for taking him in the top five.

• 8. Armand Membou - OT - Missouri

  Big Board Rank: 8 | Position Rank: 1

  Armand Membou is an incredibly talented tackle, all be a very raw one. As a pass protector, Membou is very fluid and smooth. He is prone to giving up ground to power moves quickly into a rep, but has shown a great ability to regain control. Membou is best in the run game. He explodes out of his stance and possesses the power to supplant opposing linemen. In a zone heavy running scheme like San Francisco’s or Miami’s, Membou would be a monster in the run game.

  Membou’s excellent combine helped cement his status as a top 15 caliber prospect. His 9.90 RAS ranked 16th out of 1502 offensive tackle prospects since 1987. The upside of players is what we have seen define the NFL Draft and Membou fits this mold. His technique needs some refinement and he can get a bit over extended at times, especially when it comes to facing speed rushers. Some team is going to be happy to take a chance on him later this month, and if that team operates within a Shanahan scheme… watch out.

• 9. Jalon Walker - EDGE - Georgia

  Big Board Rank: 9 | Position Rank: 2

  Jalon Walker is truly an enigma of a player. His size makes him considered a “tweener” player as nobody knows how the NFL team that drafts him will deploy him. At Georgia, Walker had a relatively even split between run defending, pass rushing, and coverage snaps in 2024. He played a 40%, 31.5%, 28.5% snap share at these positions respectively. While Walker could do a solid job as an off-ball linebacker, I believe that his best skill is going after the quarterback.

  His junior year at Georgia, Walker terrorized defenses with a pressure to sack ratio of 20%. At 6-2 243lbs, Walker is a bit small for the EDGE position, hence why he was given the “tweener” tag. Walker’s aggression allows him to play bigger than his size at the point of attack and his great understanding of leverage allows him to both move and evade opposing tackles.

  Walker is truly a great football player, but we have seen plenty of players that fit this archetype before who stumbled out of the gate in the NFL. The Arizona Cardinals took three tweener players in a five-year span with Haason Reddick, Isaiah Simmons, and Zaven Collins. All three have had underwhelming careers given their draft status. Reddick has been the most successful of the three, and that is taking into account his absolutely disastrous 2024 season. Can Walker avoid the same fate of his archetype predecessors?

• 10. Grey Zabel - IOL - North Dakota State

  Big Board Rank: 10 | Position Rank: 1

  The first major surprise on my big board comes from FCS powerhouse North Dakota State. Grey Zabel was not very well known prior to the Senior Bowl, but his performance in Mobile, Alabama certainly put him on scout’s radars. Playing against what is widely considered to be inferior competition in the FCS, talking heads were wondering how Zabel would hold up against tougher competition. He didn’t just hold up well, he utterly dominated the competition.

  At North Dakota State, Zabel primarily played left tackle, but he played all five offensive line positions throughout his collegiate career. Whoever draft’s Zabel will almost certainly play him in the interior, given that his 32 inch arms are shorter than Will Campbell’s much maligned 32.5 inch arms. When viewed as a guard, Zabel’s RAS score of 9.90 ranks 18th out of 1730 guard prospects since 1987.

  Zabel’s defining traits as a player are his footwork and ability with his hands. With a solid base in pass protection, Zabel is incredibly well rounded as a lineman and has shown a knack for getting to the second level. Coaches have raved about Zabel’s character and leadership abilities, as well as a his ability to stay on the field. Zabel finished his career at NDSU starting 36 straight games. His major flag is that he can be a bit prone to committing penalties, with 15 penalties against him accepted over his final two seasons.

  Interior offensive line might not be the most valuable position in the grand scheme of things, but whichever team drafts Zabel is getting a high quality player for a long time.

• 11. Jahdae Barron - CB - Texas

  Big Board Rank: 11 | Position Rank: 2

  Jahdae Barron is the perfect player for the modern NFL defense. Nickel has become the base personnel for the majority of teams and the impact of a high quality nickel position has separated the good defenses from the great. The past four Super Bowl Champions have had an elite player at nickel in their defense and that is no coincidence. With similarities to All-Pro nickel Trent McDuffie, Barron could have a similar impact on whatever team drafts him.

  Barron’s football IQ makes him stand out in this draft class. His ability to quickly process plays made him a nightmare on one of the best defenses in college football. Versatility is also an important part of Barron’s game. While I believe that he is best as a nickel, Barron played the majority of his snaps at outside corner last season and also saw some time at safety. Barron is a true chess piece that will be an impact defender for the team that drafts him.

• 12. Omarion Hampton - RB - North Carolina

  Big Board Rank: 12 | Position Rank: 2

  Like Zabel, Omarion Hampton is a player that has been shooting up consensus draft boards recently. At 5-11 221lbs, Hampton is a bruiser of a running back with real breakaway speed. His size, weight, and speed combination is similar to that of Jonathan Taylor.

  Workhorse running backs are becoming uncommon in the NFL, but Hampton is a true three-down threat. In the running game, Hampton’s excellent vision and ability to set up blocks allow him to get to downhill to the second level quickly. Hampton is great at both pass protection and catching balls out of the backfield. With an ability to hold onto and catch the ball (only one fumble and two drops in 2024), Hampton is going to be a reliable asset to any NFL offense.

  I would not be surprised if we have a similar situation to 2023, where Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs were drafted within a few picks of each other with Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton come draft day.

• 13. Nick Emmanwori - S - South Carolina

  Big Board Rank: 13 | Position Rank: 2

  Every NFL draft has players that shoot up boards as a result of an elite combine and that player for me this year is Nick Emmanwori. The safety from South Carolina set the combine ablaze with a perfect 10.00 RAS, ranking first out of 1235 safeties from 1987-2025. The 6-3 220lbs safety ran a blistering 4.38 partnered with a 43.00 inch vertical and a 11-6 broad jump. His off the charts athletic testing partnered with the quality film he put on display makes him a tantalizing prospect.

  A three-year starter at South Carolina, Emmanwori plays like his hair is on fire in the run game. An elite tackler, Emmanwori can comfortably play at either safety spot or in the nickel. Last year he was phenomenal in coverage. While only allowing 8.3 yards per reception, Emmanwori had four interceptions to go with three pass breakups. He was so good last season that opposing quarterbacks would have a better passer rating if they spiked the ball on every play than if they targeted him.

  My two worries are that he can be a bit slow breaking on the ball in coverage at times and can take overaggressive angles for his run fits. That being said, his mouthwatering physical traits combined with versatility and quality tape make Emmanwori an asset for any defense.

• 14. Will Johnson - CB - Michigan

  Big Board Rank: 14 | Position Rank: 3

  Will Johnson is the prototypical modern NFL corner. Standing at 6-2 195lbs, Johnson excelled in zone coverage at Michigan. His high football IQ allowed him to quickly diagnose route concepts and make plays on the football. Fluid hips and quick footwork make up for his lack of long speed, as he has only average speed by NFL corner standards.

  Johnson is strictly an outside corner as he played less than 5% of snaps in his college career in the slot. In addition to his lack of slot snaps, he played man coverage on only 14.8% of his snaps in 2024. Injuries are also a major concern with Johnson. Shoulder and toe injuries cut Johnson’s junior year short as he only completed five games last season.

• 15. Josh Simmons - OT - Ohio State

  Big Board Rank: 15 | Position Rank: 3

  If it wasn’t for his devastating knee injury that cut his 2024 season short, there is a good chance that Josh Simmons would have been OT1 coming into this class. Simmons was on All-American pace last year prior to getting hurt and despite winning the National Championship, Ohio State’s offensive line was not the same without him. Simmons has the ability to play both left and right tackle.

  Simmons’ blend of power and agility is what makes him a great tackle prospect. His wide base and patient approach to using his solid hand fighting skills are also an asset to his game. Talent-wise, Simmons has the ability to be a long-time high quality starting tackle in the NFL. The only issue is if he is able to recover from his current injury and stay on the field.

• 16. Mykel Williams - EDGE - Georgia

  Big Board Rank: 16 | Position Rank: 3

  Mykel Williams will be less than 20-years old on draft day. The 6-5 267lbs EDGE from Columbus, Georgia has been a high quality rotation piece on the vaunted Georgia Bulldog defensive line over the past three seasons. His extreme raw strength is one of his best features as he bull rushed opposing offensive linemen. A massive wingspan paired with good flexibility and a violent first step made Williams a formidable run defender. He maintained gap alignment well against the run and was more than capable as a zone dropper in coverage.

  The looming question surrounding Williams is: If he’s such a good player, why aren’t his stats good? I think that some of his lack of statistics can be attributed to playing on the best defense in college football over the past few years. Not everyone gets to eat in the stats columns. The reason for the lack of production when rushing the quarterback is because Williams is very one dimensional in this regard. His main move is his aforementioned bull rush. Williams lacks nuance and versatility when rushing the passer. His hands move around a lot, while not really doing anything.

  If a team is looking for someone who can flat out rush the quarterback right away, Williams will not be that guy. But as an impact player in the run game and a developmental piece in the pass game, Williams is worth taking a flyer on in the right situation.

• 17. Derrick Harmon - DT - Oregon

  Big Board Rank: 17 | Position Rank: 2

  Derrick Harmon’s quickness at his large frame made him a force for Oregon’s defense last season. His agility is better than most of the interior linemen that he lined up across and he used this quickness advantage to fill gaps. He has a variety of pass rush moves that allow him to leave blockers behind in a multitude of ways. Double teams do not phase Harmon as he anchors well and tends not to be pushed back by them.

  While he excels at reaching the ball carrier on run plays, Harmon has plenty of issues finishing the play. A whopping 26.7% missed tackle percentage in 2024 is something that is going to need to drop pretty drastically in order to him to be a high quality piece on a defensive line.

  Harmon’s ability to play the 1-tech through 5-tech at a high level makes him scheme proof. If he can clean up his tackling and undisciplined penalties he could be a quality piece on the interior defensive line.

• 18. Tetairoa McMillan - WR - Arizona

  Big Board Rank: 18 | Position Rank: 2

  There is a lack of traditional X-receivers in the modern NFL and Tetairoa McMillan is a great, big-bodied prospect to fill that void. McMillan has versatility in the slot, but he was split out wide for at least 75% of snaps each year over his collegiate career. McMillan constantly shows off his volleyball background in contested catch situations. He is excellent at high pointing the ball with his hands and has an innate ability to correctly time his jump.

  McMillan fits into the Tee Higgins mold of NFL prospects, but is better after the catch than Higgins. Despite average speed, McMillan quickly hits top gear. He lacks true breakaway speed and one major issue is that a good chunk of his production came off-script in scramble situations.

  While I don’t think McMillan possesses the attributes to ever be a true alpha receiver, I do think that, like Tee Higgins, he can be a high quality 1B for a team.

• 19. Jihaad Campbell - ILB - Alabama

  Big Board Rank: 19 | Position Rank: 1

  Jihaad Campbell is a true sideline-to-sideline off-ball linebacker. Campbell explodes to the hole in his run fits when taking on blockers and ball carriers. With a missed tackle percentage of 7.3% over his two seasons as a starter for the Crimson Tide, Campbell’s secure tackling is one of his best attributes. This past year specifically, Campbell showed prowess as a pass rusher. With eight sacks and a whopping 40% pressure to sack rate, Campbell projects to be a high quality blitzer at the next level.

  Despite his lateral quickness, Campbell can be a bit slow when it comes to reading offensive linemen and is more reliant on his athleticism than his instincts when attacking plays, which does not translate as well to the NFL. Campbell was a great zone defender for Alabama last year, specifically on seams and quick hitting plays. He is lacking quality in man coverage, as he can be grabby and prone to penalties. A shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum in March is a bit of a worry but when healthy Campbell undoubtedly the best off-ball linebacker in this draft class.

• 20. Colston Loveland - TE - Michigan

  Big Board Rank: 20 | Position Rank: 2

  Colston Loveland is an ultra-smooth player who is 6-5 but runs routes like he is 6-0. On paper, Loveland’s stats aren’t the most impressive but context is crucial in this situation. There is no other way to describe Michigan’s quarterback play last year other than utterly pathetic. Loveland fits the “big slot” mold more than being a traditional tight end. Despite his size, Loveland played only 32.5% of snaps inline for Michigan and 47.6% of snaps in the slot. This versatility can be beneficial to an offense and Loveland can be a quarterback’s best friend.

  Loveland’s biggest flaws are after the catch and contested catch situations. His lack of wiggle or ability to shrug off tacklers does limit his upside overall. Loveland’s lack of showing in contested catch situations is a bit of a double-edged sword as he only had 10 contested catch opportunities last season because of his phenomenal separation ability. He is a more than worthy first round pick and will make an organization very happy.

• 21. Emeka Egbuka - WR - Ohio State

  Big Board Rank: 21 | Position Rank: 3

  Emeka Egbuka was a three-year starter for Ohio State University and played next two four receivers who were top-20 draft picks. Egbuka’s playstyle is very reminiscent of Robert Woods and he is the type of player to play a decade in the league. While he did play a majority of his snaps for Ohio State in the slot, Egbuka has the ability to play both inside and outside at the next level. A true jack of all trades, master of none, he is a quality player at all aspects of the position. With blocking, beating man and zone, and good hands, Egbuka has an incredibly high floor.

  His five drops from last season were a result of concentration versus skill. In most instances he was preparing to make his next move versus focusing on securing the football and this is certainly fixable. Egbuka is only one of two-receivers in school history with multiple 1000-yard seasons and looks to be the next great Ohio State receiver.

• 22. Cam Ward - QB - Miami

  Big Board Rank: 22 | Position Rank: 1

  Cam Ward is a player that has grown on me as the draft process has progressed. At this point it is all but certain that Ward is going to be the #1 overall pick to the Tennessee Titans. Ward can flick his wrist and effortlessly put the ball on a rope 40 yards down the field. One of his biggest strengths is his ability to work the intermediate depth of the field. This is something that we are seeing fewer and fewer prospects do in school, with teams instead placing an emphasis on the short game and verticals.

  Ward is going to put some of the most incredible plays you’ll see on tape, almost immediately followed up by the most backbreaking turnover you’ll see. At Miami and WSU, he was prone to playing hero ball and this is something that could get him in trouble at the next level.

  My player comparison for Cam Ward is Geno Smith. Smith, like Ward, has some truly jaw dropping throws threaded in between or over defenders. He also has some turnovers that question how he made it in the NFL. Geno has made 12 game winning drives since his career resurgence in Seattle and Ward has shown that same ability to gut out wins with the Hurricanes.

  Do I think that Ward is truly worthy of the #1 overall pick? No. That being said, he is undoubtedly the best quarterback in this class and will more than likely become a solid player at the next level.

• 23. Kenneth Grant - DT - Michigan

  Big Board Rank: 23 | Position Rank: 3

  The lightning to Mason Graham’s thunder, Kenneth Grant flashed incredible plays and dominant traits during his time at Michigan. The 6-3.5 330lbs DT made more of an impact than his stat sheet suggests. He has a great anchor in the run game and is extremely difficult to move off of his spot. His rare combination of speed, size, agility, hustle, and power makes him a nightmare for opposing linemen to deal with.

  Grant’s biggest issue comes as a pass rusher. If his first move doesn’t work then he isn’t going to get the quarterback. His lack of a plan when attacking offensive players in the pass game is obvious. If Grant can develop a pass rushing plan at the next level and improve his hand fighting, he could have a Jalen Carter-like impact.

• 24. Donovan Ezeiruaku - EDGE - Boston College

  Big Board Rank: 24 | Position Rank: 4

  Donovan Ezeiruaku is a very skilled player coming off the edge and attacking the quarterback. Last season, he ranked second in FBS in sacks with 16.5. For Boston College, he lined up very wide, with 99.7% of his snaps coming as a 7 or 9-tech. At 6-2 245, teams might be a bit weary of his smaller frame for an edge, but I believe that he is the best pure pass rusher in this class behind Abdul Carter.

  That being said, his role might be quite limited as a result. As an elite pass rusher, he has a spot on every team, the question is if a team is willing to spend the capital on someone who already has a defined role. Ezeiruaku has the talent to be an NFL starter, but one that might come down the line. His dazzling pass rush ability will solidify his spot as a designated pass rush however.

• 25. Kelvin Banks Jr. - OT - Texas

  Big Board Rank: 25 | Position Rank: 4

  A starter from the minute he stepped foot on Texas’ campus, Kelvin Banks Jr. projects as a solid building piece on the offensive line. Banks Jr. only missed one game in his Texas career and was named team captain. With a solid frame and good hand fighting skills, I think that Banks will fare very well as a blindside protector for the NFL team that he goes to. While I do think that his best position would be left tackle, his shorter arms and excellent pulling ability do make him a candidate to transition inside to guard.

  Banks did spend a little too much time on the ground for my liking, specifically in the run game. He also was prone to penalties last year as he was tagged for four holding calls and three false starts. I don’t think that Banks will ever become a true, elite tackle, but he is going to be a quality player for a long time.

• 26. Mike Green - EDGE - Marshall

  Big Board Rank: 26 | Position Rank: 5

  The 2025 FBS leader in sacks with 17.0, Mike Green’s explosive first step could entice teams to draft him very high on Thursday. Green’s play-strength is one of the best parts of his game. He can beat linemen around the edge, but he has also shown prowess with leverage and forklifting blockers. His wrestling background is evident in his play as he is great at maintaining the edge.

  Green would have been in my top-10 if it wasn’t for some off-the-field issues. Sexual assault allegations in high school and at Virginia are a glaring red flag on what is an otherwise phenomenal resume. Given his talent, it would not surprise me in the slightest if he did manage to go in the top-10 of the draft. Teams across the league will be doing their due diligence into his history and if it comes up clean they will pull the trigger on a fantastic football player.

• 27. Walter Nolen - DT - Ole Miss

  Big Board Rank: 27 | Position Rank: 4

  Walter Nolen is a defensive tackle that shows flashes of disruption and a knack for wreaking havoc in the backfield. Nolen’s first step is the best among the defensive tackle class and he is adept at shooting gaps, best illustrated by his 14 tackles for loss last season. This blessing is also a curse, as it makes Nolen very susceptible to getting too far up field and allowing cutback lanes for running backs. A very reaction-first player, Nolen tends to move before he thinks.

  He will be a very attractive pick for teams who already have an established defensive line. His ability to create chaos would work best if he played in a more rotational role. If he is drafted by a team that needs him to start on day one then he will either be the most frustrating or most rewarding player to watch.

• 28. Jayden Higgins - WR - Iowa State

  Big Board Rank: 28 | Position Rank: 3

  The first of two Iowa State wide receivers in my top-50, Jayden Higgins. Higgins size, 6-4 215, profiles him as a typical X-receiver, which is where he lined up most of the time for the Cyclones. He plays with very natural hands that combine well with a fantastic catch radius. Higgins works best against zone defenses, but if he continues to develop his route precision I have the utmost confidence that he could be a very good and productive NFL receiver.

  Despite putting up a Third-Team All-American worthy stat line of 87 catches for 1,183 yards and 9 touchdowns, Higgins would have had a much better season if it weren’t for very lackluster quarterback play. Out of every receiver in this class, he had the third-most incompletions because of poor throws. A whopping 29% of his targets last year were on go routes. Out of the 42 go’s thrown his way, only 16 of them were deemed “catchable” and he caught all of them.

  My one worry with Higgins is that he struggled a bit against press coverage and that could be a huge red flag at the next level. Some teams may prefer to play him as a big slot or flanker, which I would totally understand given these concerns. Higgins is a player that I am higher on than consensus and could see going at the back-end of the first round because of these traits.

• 29. Donovan Jackson - IOL - Ohio State

  Big Board Rank: 29 | Position Rank: 2

  Donovan Jackson took over at left tackle for the Buckeyes when Josh Simmons went down with his ACL injury. While it was a rough start, Jackson eventually figured the position out and became a key piece for Ohio State en route to winning the National Championship. That being said, Jackson does profile best as a guard at the NFL-level, but showing the ability to swing outside adds a plus to his prospect profile.

  Jackson’s initial quickness and ability to climb to the second level are what stand out on film. He only committed two penalties over his final two seasons of college football, showing that he is reliable and will not constantly keep the offense behind the sticks. Off the field, Jackson is the model athlete. He graduated with a 3.85 GPA, best on the team, and was extremely well prepared for his opponents on Saturdays.

  My biggest knock on Jackson is his lack of power and ability to move opposing players in the run game. He does move well to latch onto defenders, but is prone to overextending and allowing defenders to use his momentum against him. Jackson projects to be a solid starter for whatever NFL team drafts him.

• 30. Quinshon Judkins - RB - Ohio State

  Big Board Rank: 30 | Position Rank: 3

  Quinshon Judkins is a fantastic RB prospect with NFL size. Judkins stunned scouts in attendance with a 9.90 RAS at the combine in March. The thunder to Treyveon Henderson’s lightning, Judkins was Ohio State’s bruiser between the tackles during the Buckeye’s championship run. Judkins’ mix of contact balance, speed, vision, and power make him my preferred Ohio State running back prospect.

  Despite being the traditional “early down” back for Ohio State, Judkins projects to having 3-down potential in the NFL. A durable and underrated pass catcher, Judkins is more than serviceable in passing situations, although his pass protection does need work. While he isn’t as dynamic as some other running backs in this class, Judkins is going to be a down-to-down workhorse and make some NFL team very happy.

• 31. Nic Scourton - EDGE - Texas A&M

  Big Board Rank: 31 | Position Rank: 6

  Nic Scourton is not the Texas A&M defensive linemen that has made many analysts pre-draft top-50s, yet he is the only one that made mine. After leading the Big Ten in sacks in 2023 for Purdue, Scourton transferred to Texas A&M to join a loaded defensive line unit. He entered the 2024 season with incredibly high expectations and failed to live up to them. Yet, I refuse to believe that the majority of the blame lies within Scourton’s performance, but instead with how A&M deployed him.

  At Purdue, Scourton was a menace off the edge. A&M decided to beef him up a little bit and in 2024 he played at 285lbs versus the 265lbs he played at for Purdue. Scourton has said that he plans to play at 265lbs in the NFL and as a result, I believe that his 2023 tape should be taken into account more than his 2024 tape. He is a physical, hands-first, player and that made him an asset against the run and the pass. His pass-rush game plan can come off as a little basic, but an extremely high motor makes him worthy of starting NFL snaps.

• 32. Tre Harris - WR - Ole Miss

  Big Board Rank: 32 | Position Rank: 4

  Tre Harris might be the most surprising player on my big board so far, but I believe that his is a legit X-receiver that is being extremely overlooked because of the system that he plays in. Despite only finishing 7 games during the 2024 campaign, Harris managed to post 1,030 receiving yards on 60 catches with 7 touchdowns. That level of production is utterly obscene. Harris had 5.12 yards per route run and an average depth of target of 12. He got fed the ball when on the field and most of the routes were deep. Despite his 6-3 frame, Harris is a very smooth route runner. Quick feet allow him to get in and out of his breaks efficiently and his large size is used to box out defenders from getting the ball.

  When using his hands, he is great at securing the ball. Unfortunately, he can be a bit prone to body/cradle catching and that is where all of his drops have come from. He doesn’t have any elusiveness with the ball, but he is physical after the catch and difficult to bring down. My last major issue with Harris is the injuries. Despite his god-like per game statistics last season, he did miss half of his senior year with a groin injury. Harris is a guy that I believe does not get as much pre-draft hype as he should but should be off the board before the end of round two.

• 33. Benjamin Morrison - CB - Notre Dame

  Big Board Rank: 33 | Position Rank: 3

  If it weren’t for a litany of injury issues, I would have absolutely no issue placing Benjamin Morrison as my CB2 in this class. Morrison is the best man coverage corner in this class and that includes Travis Hunter. His patience and fluidity in coverage make him an elite man corner. He excelled in Notre Dame’s press-man heavy scheme and racked up 23 passes defensed and nine interceptions as a freshman and sophomore.

  Morrison is the type of player that could go in the middle of the first round if his medicals check out. Whether or not they do check out is an entirely different question. He has had two hip surgeries in the past four years, as well as a shoulder surgery in March 2024. I have questions about how grabby Morrison can get or his strength in the run game, but when it comes to pure man coverage corners, there is not a better player in the class.

• 34. Kaleb Johnson - RB - Iowa

  Big Board Rank: 34 | Position Rank: 4

  Kaleb Johnson is a bigger back that set records in his one year at Iowa. Johnson excelled in the Hawkeyes’ run-heavy offense. Despite his team having a dreadful passing attack, Johnson put up 1,537 yards to go with 21 touchdowns on the ground. A great one cut runner, Johnson has shades of DeMarco Murray in his game. Another trait that Johnson shares with some of the great NFL backs is that he gets better as the game progresses. He averaged 8.3 yards per carry in the fourth quarter in 2024.

  Johnson is the most scheme dependent running back in the top cut of the position this year. If he lands in the right spot, he could set the league on fire, especially because he has very sound hands and is a viable option on third down. If he ends up with a team that isn’t able to best utilize his talents however, I am worried that Johnson will be nowhere near expectations.

• 35. Matthew Golden - WR - Texas

  Big Board Rank: 35 | Position Rank: 5

  Matthew Golden is the definition of a late riser. The Houston transfer was having a sub-par season until he was unleashed against Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. About 30% of Golden’s production came in two games, which is a huge worry. That being said, there is some context that need to be taken into consideration. Quarterback play for the Longhorns last year was questionable at best, with Quinn Ewers struggling again. At the beginning of the season it seemed like Texas was trying too hard to get Isaiah Bond too involved in the passing game, instead of working to get Golden the ball.

  Golden has average size, but is a very fluid mover. He varies his techniques against corners to create separation and has great body control at the point of attack. He isn’t that great of a blocker and is not someone that I would describe as “electric” with the ball in his hands. That being said, he is a very solid player overall and reminds me of Brandin Cooks.

  Golden’s draft stock was already on the rise by the time the NFL Combine started, but by the time the Combine had ended, the hype around Golden had reached the stratosphere. Analysts expected Golden to run in the mid-high 4.4 range for his 40-yard dash. Instead, he blazed a 4.29 time. My major concern is that this speed doesn’t show up on film. Often some receivers, like Puka Nacua, play significantly faster than they test. It feels like Golden is the opposite of this. I’m not saying that 4.4 speed is a bad thing either, I just think that his draft stock might be juiced because people are expecting a speed that doesn’t show up on the field.

• 36. Josh Conerly Jr. - OT - Oregon

  Big Board Rank: 36 | Position Rank: 5

  Josh Conerly Jr. was a two-year starter for the Oregon Ducks and didn’t miss a game in his college career. With Conerly’s tape there is plenty of good and plenty of bad to see. The good is how he performed against Abdul Carter. The number three player on my Big Board struggled against Conerly when the two teams matched up in the Big Ten Championship. The bad is how he performed against Ohio State. “Bad” might be a bit harsh, but his games against quality NFL talent were not ones to write home about. Conerly only gave up six pressures in his final 12 starts for Oregon, with all six coming in two games against Ohio State.

  Conerly is a very solid pass protector as his elite lateral speed and explosive kick step gave him an advantage against opposing pass rushers. However, he does struggle with his hands and balance. He is susceptible to bull rushes, as illustrated at Senior Bowl practice, and can give up inside moves because he is so explosive off the line. While Conerly is a bit raw as a prospect, he has all potential to be a high quality left tackle in the NFL.

• 37. Tyleik Williams - DT - Ohio State

  Big Board Rank: 37 | Position Rank: 5

  I like to think of Tyleik Williams as the Walmart version of Mason Graham. Williams is a monster against the run who is especially skilled at splitting double teams. At 6-3 330lbs, his robust frame gives him excellent natural leverage that makes him difficult to move off of his spot. An underrated asset of Williams’ game is his play recognition. He is able to quickly snuff out screens and diagnose where the play is going.

  With all his strengths as a run defender, Williams is a bit lacking against the pass. He has a quick first step, but if he can’t win off of the first step then he simply won’t win the rep. He doesn’t possess enough upper body strength to collapse the pocket, nor does he have a pass rush plan for when his first move fails. Williams is a solid overall prospect and is landing-spot proof as a result of his ability to play anywhere on the interior defensive line.

• 38. Luther Burden III - WR - Missouri

  Big Board Rank: 38 | Position Rank: 6

  If Luther Burden III was eligible for the NFL Draft following his 2023 season, I think that he would have firmly been in the Brian Thomas Jr. tier of prospects for that class. Unfortunately, Burden was not eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft, and instead had a very down 2024 season. He had 61 catches for 676 yards and six touchdowns in 2024 compared to 86 catches on 1209 yards with nine scores in 2023. That staggering production drop off is nothing short of alarming.

  There is plenty of good in Burden’s game. He has very solid hands and is great at tracking the ball when it is in the air. Burden offers great versatility in the run game as well. He is incredibly dynamic with the ball in his hands, which is why Missouri schemed up touches for him last season.

  My issue with Burden is the fact that he had to be schemed up touches last season. He is a solid contested catch receiver, but his uninspiring footwork on routes does worry me a bit for a receiver at the next level. Burden brings plenty of value on special teams as well, averaging 10.5 yards per punt return in his college career. Overall I think that Burden could be a great player in the right system, but teams expecting him to come in and dominate right away are going to be disappointed.

• 39. Shavon Revel Jr. - CB - East Carolina

  Big Board Rank: 39 | Position Rank: 4

  Shavon Revel Jr. has elite size and speed for a corner, but a brutal ACL and partial meniscus tear suffered last September is one of the only blemishes on his prospect profile. Revel played almost exclusively as an outside corner for East Carolina and was an excellent press corner for them. He can quickly close gaps in coverage due to his elite acceleration and his long frame allows him to consistently make plays on the ball.

  The other major blemish on Revel’s profile is that he will be 24-years old on draft weekend. He started his college football journey late due to not having the grades to be eligible to play. A tryout at East Carolina landed him a spot on the team and his elite 2023 season put him on draft radars. Had Revel put together a full 2024 season and been able to participate at the Senior Bowl, I think that he would have worked himself into a first round lock. However, because Revel played against “lesser” competition at East Carolina and wasn’t able to prove himself at the senior bowl, he is going to fall to day two. If his medicals clear out, Revel has the chance to be an elite boundary corner for an NFL team.

• 40. Carson Schwesinger - ILB - UCLA

  Big Board Rank: 40 | Position Rank: 2

  A one year starter at UCLA, Carson Schwesinger is the best coverage linebacker in this class, but leaves a bit to be desired in the run game. Schwesinger is great at recognizing plays and flying to the ball, but he is prone to over shooting the running back and leaving gaping cutback lanes. He is quite good at avoiding blockers, but when he engages a block he has a very tough time shedding it. Schwesigner doesn’t have the best tackling technique, but he is a solid finisher and his sideline-to-sideline speed make him a quality player in the middle of the defense.

  My favorite part about Schwesinger is his skill in the pass game. He became an active and effective blitzer as the season progressed. He excels in coverage as a hook/curl defender and has a great understanding of route concepts. Schwesinger isn’t the prototypical run-stuffing linebacker, but his mold fits the modern NFL relatively well. As a number two linebacker he will do a solid job.

• 41. James Pearce Jr. - EDGE - Tennessee

  Big Board Rank: 41 | Position Rank: 7

  A freak athlete off the edge, James Pearce Jr. stuffed the stat sheet for Tennessee over the past two seasons. A vicious first step and strong hands help him get an advantage over opposing linemen. He is great at converting speed to power and flies down the line on stunts.

  While he is a great athlete, Pearce is lacking in agility and is prone to missing plays in the backfield because he is out of control. Pearce also has questions off the field, as he was arrested on traffic charges and some scouts question his work ethic. Pearce is a project player that has elite athleticism and great production, but the issues that surround him on and off the field might make teams wary of spending high draft capital on him.

• 42. Tyler Booker - IOL - Alabama

  Big Board Rank: 42 | Position Rank: 3

  In order for there to be draft risers, there have to be draft fallers and Tyler Booker is one of them for me. Booker is another scheme-dependent player because of his lack of athleticism. He has great size and arm length to go with very consistent tape. His solid base allows him to drive defenders and create lanes for those running behind him. Described as a “natural born leader” and a team captain, Booker possesses qualities that will make him an asset to any offensive line.

  Underwhelming would not even begin to describe how bad Booker’s combine was. His poor speed, explosiveness, and mediocre agility show up on tape. While he isn’t an awful puller by any means, he isn’t a very good one. This limits how effective he will be depending on scheme. His lack of speed leads him to commit a few penalties, including three false starts in 2024. Booker is a player who I believe has a solid floor but a very low ceiling. He projects as the type of player to never make a Pro Bowl, but one who will stick around the NFL for quite a while.

• 43. Mason Taylor - TE - LSU

  Big Board Rank: 43 | Position Rank: 3

  Dependable is the word that I would use if I had to describe Mason Taylor. His strong and natural hands help make him a quarterback’s best friend. He is a smooth route runner for his size and has the awareness to quickly make himself available for his quarterback. He is a solid blocker when it comes to shielding, but doesn’t have the strength to move defensive linemen. He works better as a lead blocker in space, where he looks to attack players at the second and third level.

  Despite being the son of a Hall of Famer, Taylor isn’t a special athlete. He is a well-rounded player and is going to be a solid piece at the next level. However, his lack of elite traits is why I do not have him higher up on my list. I think that he profiles similarly to Hunter Henry, another favorite of mine, and will make a team very happy.

• 44. JT Tuimoloau - EDGE - Ohio State

  Big Board Rank: 44 | Position Rank: 8

  JT Tuimoloau is a good, well-rounded player with no glaring holes in his game. He is a great athlete who was double teamed constantly at Ohio State. His best feature is his motor as he constantly chased down the ball carrier from the backside on plays. He has good leverage despite his size and once the ball is in his sights he closes quickly.

  Tuimoloau didn’t have too many exceptional plays on his tape, but he had a lot of good plays. He didn’t spend very much time inside of the tackles, with only 3.7% of plays coming from over the B-gap. While Ohio State used him primarily as a hand-in-the-ground linemen, I think that he has potential to play an edge role in a 3-4 defense because his athleticism could help him out in coverage.

• 45. Darius Alexander - DT - Toledo

  Big Board Rank: 45 | Position Rank: 6

  A rotational piece before starring for Toledo for the past two years, Darius Alexander was a wreaking ball on the defensive line. At 6-4 305lbs, Alexander plays with incredible body control for his size. He has a great combination of power, length, and body control that make him a disruptive threat. He is at his best when attacking the offensive line and his senior bowl dominance should quell the lack of competition concerns.

  That being said, he wasn’t as dominant at Toledo as one would hope. He will be 25 prior to the start of the regular season and had only nine sacks over his 58 games played for the Rockets. The traits are there for Alexander to be a force on the defensive line. Whether or not a team is willing to overlook the concerns because of the potential is a different story entirely.

• 46. Jonah Savaiinaea - IOL - Arizona

  Big Board Rank: 46 | Position Rank: 4

  With a bulky 6-3 325lbs frame, Jonah Savaiinaea played most of his senior year as a tackle. I project that he will slide inside to guard as his playstyle best fits the interior offensive line. He started 36 games in a row for Arizona before missing the last game of his college career due to injury. He has large hands and is great at using them as he was penalized only once in 2024. His effort stands out on tape because he is constantly looking for a block to make. This combined with a good feel for pulling should make his transition to guard in the NFL easier.

  Savaiinaea’s worst trait is his recovery. If he gets beat he struggles to get back in the rep. I think that switching to guard would help him in this area by minimizing the area that he is working in. Savaiinaea is a hard worker and has a good shot to earn starting spots for an NFL team come September.

• 47. Andrew Mukuba - S - Texas

  Big Board Rank: 47 | Position Rank: 3

  Andrew Mukuba plays like his hair is on fire. He was a three-year starter for Clemson before transferring to Texas for his final season. Mukuba screams downhill on his run fits and is a phenomenal run defender. He has a high football IQ and quickly breaks on the play once he diagnoses it. His ball hawk skills came to life at Texas as he ended the year with 11 passes defensed and six interceptions.

  My two main concerns with Mukuba are injuries and size. At only 5-11 185lbs, he is below-average for NFL size and his playstyle might not translate as well as a result. Mukuba missed time in both 2024 and 2022 because of injuries, but neither of these should be a concern. As a more unique player in this class, Andrew Mukuba is a player that has the potential to transform a defense.

• 48. Jaylin Noel - WR - Iowa State

  Big Board Rank: 48 | Position Rank: 7

  Jaylin Noel is the other Iowa State wide receiver that I mentioned when talking about Jayden Higgins. Noel profiles as a slot receiver, but I could see him doing a great job as a flanker too. He is an excellent man beater, showing great nuance similar to the likes of Josh Downs. Noel served as Iowa State’s primary punt returner while also occasionally returning kicks on special teams. The Big 12 Co-Special Teams Player of the Year reminds me a lot of the prospect Tyler Lockett.

  Noel is great at getting open and securing the catch, but is a bit lackluster with the ball in his hands. He has great straight-line speed but doesn’t have as much wiggle as you would like to see as a ball carrier. Noel is a solid player that will be a start and forget #2 wide receiver for a long time in the NFL, I just don’t see the #1 wide receiver upside, which is why he is not as high on this list.

• 49. Josaiah Stewart - EDGE - Michigan

  Big Board Rank: 49 | Position Rank: 9

  Josaiah Stewart was a very productive edge rusher in college for both Coastal Carolina and Michigan. He is the only FBS player in this draft class with at least 30.0 sacks. On Michigan’s title winning team he was a rotational piece, but was named a captain during his senior year for the Wolverines. His game is power, power, and more power. Despite his smaller frame, 6-1 245lbs, he is extremely explosive when attacking blockers. When partnered with his natural leverage he was a nightmare for opposing defenders. He has solid hand-fighting skills and a variety of moves that allows him to defeat opposing linemen.

  Stewart plays with a major chip on his shoulder and stood out to Michigan’s strength and conditioning coach, who runs one of the most notoriously difficult programs in the country. If I was grading players on “dog” factor, Stewart would be very high on that list. His lack of size might be a deterrent to NFL teams, but his talent and production suggests that he can be a difference maker at the next level.

• 50. Jalen Milroe - QB - Alabama

  Big Board Rank: 50 | Position Rank: 2

  A second quarterback is finally off the board at the last position in my top 50 and I don’t think he is the quarterback you expected to see here. Do I particularly like Milroe as a prospect? No, not really. But I understand why a team would be willing to take a dart throw on him. He possesses the only game breaking attribute among quarterbacks in this class, which are his legs. He is an elite rusher and this will for sure be used at the next level. Milroe’s strong arm, rushing upside, and leadership traits help his case as a prospect.

  What does not help his case is his accuracy. His accuracy leaves a lot to be desired, because if it didn’t he would have been the first overall pick in the draft. Games against Michigan, Tennessee, and Oklahoma were so bad that teams might consider him undraftable and I can’t say that I blame them. Milroe is a ball of clay as a QB prospect and the team that drafts him is going to hope that he hasn’t been thrown in the kiln yet and can still be molded.