2025 NFL Draft Big Board 1.0: Top 1-25 Players

An early look at the top-50 prospects before the 2024 season.

College football season is right around the corner, which means it’s time for NFL draft junkies (like myself) to start taking notes on players all over the country.

Draft Talk has allowed me (forced me?) to really dive into the 2025 NFL Draft more than I have in any previous year. For the first time in my 12 years of covering the draft, I was able to reach 50 prospects graded ahead of the college football season.

One of the biggest goals of Draft Talk was to provide readers with my unfiltered thoughts and process of grading prospects for 2025. Because of that, I wanted to share all of my notes on every player I’ve graded.

Before we dive into the 1.0 big board, a few notes:

-If you’re wondering why a player is missing, it’s because I haven’t watched them yet. These are all 50 players that I’ve watched and graded ahead of this season.

-Please excuse the typos! All of these notes are written into a google sheet, which doesn’t use spellcheck in the cells.

-Some of these notes my look like the inner workings of a mad man. I apologize in advance for some of my ramblings or thoughts that may only make sense to myself. Like I said, this is an unfiltered look at my scouting process.

Let’s get started with the top 25 players.

1. Luther Burden III (WR, Missouri)

5110, 208

A long, well-built, and technically refined WR prospect. Makes effortless, subtle moves with his routes to create separation (3.29 Yards/Route Run were 7th in FBS). Very good footwork at the route stem to evade defensive backs without being disrupted. Very Good elusiveness after the catch to make defenders miss in open space. Very good vision after the catch to find openings and maximize his YAC (8.4 YAC/reception). Good-to-very good play speed to make him a legitimate downfield threat and generate explosive plays. Has some legitimate contested catch ability (13 contested catches on 23 attempts in 2023). Can set up defenders by changing speeds during during his release to catch them off guard and burn past them. Has a good feel for ducking around off coverage DBs without messing up timing or sacrificing speed. Shows that he can be a capable run blocker when he sets his mind to it. Want to see him do a better job of selling routes to get his teammates open on certain concepts. Won't run every route with 100% effort, sometimes biting him when he's targeted.

2. Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)

6020, 202

An elite CB prospect who checks almost every box you could ask for. Very good size and good length allows him to drape opposing WRs (30.9 passer rating allowed was 7th in FBS among CBs). Length allows him to effectively jam WRs off the snap from Press to disrupt their route timing. Very good footwork and discipline in Man coverage to stay patient and wait on WR before committing his shoulders and hips. Very good lateral agility to quickly change direction from trail technique to stay on top of WRs trying to break at the route stem. Very good job of adjusting angles at full speed going from backpedal to downhill. Good post-snap processing and explosiveness to break on routes when transitioning from backpedal to downhill. Good play strength and very good extension to take on blockers and hold the POA instead of getting washed out, even against TEs. Does a good job of staying low in his backpedal, allowing him to stay in control and make breaks on the ball once the WR commits. Good ball skills to come away with INTs, even in contested-catch situations. Teams did not want to throw his way in 2023 (only targeted 17 times). Shows good willingness as a tackler, but needs to focus more on technique instead of relying on his size. Needs to get a tick more comfortable getting his head turned on the deep ball instead of focusing on where the WR is. All-American, first-team All-Big Ten and CFP National Championship Defensive MVP in 2023.

3. Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona)

6050, 210

A massive frame for an outside WR prospect. Very good body control to make tough sideline and contested catches (17 contested catches in 2023 t-2nd in FBS). Very good against press, using good hand usage and very good body control to go along with his size. Good length and good hands to match catches outside of his frame, increasing his already huge catch radius. Good short-area quickness in the red zone while utilizing frame to get in and out of whip routes. Good vision in screen game to set up blockers and maximize YAC. Solid agility to plant outside foot and make in-breaking cuts on intermediate routes. Long strider gives him solid top-end play speed, but adequate explosiveness immediately off the snap. Size and foot speed makes it hard for him to decelerate on curl/comeback routes from full speed (will also look like he gets too far over his toes when gearing down). Need to set better usage/effort as a run blocker, will whiff as blocker on now screens, getting his teammates hit in the backfield. Absurd production in first two college seasons (2,100+ yards and 18 TDs).

4. Nic Scourton (EDGE, Texas A&M)

6040, 280

A big-bodied EDGE prospect with impressive physical tools as well as a handful of developed pass-rush moves. Does a very good job of pressing inside to set up outside counter rush moves (spin especially). Very good size and solid base allows him to wrong arm pulling blockers to prevent himself from being washed out of the gap. Does a very good job of transitioning from speed to power from a wide technique. Good play strength combined with size, pad level, and extension makes him very difficult to deal with at the point of attack. Good hand usage allows him to work on a variety of pass rush moves. Good explosiveness when timing up the snap to win angles into the backfield where he wreaks havoc. Shows good dip and bend around the edge while keeping his pads low to find his way into the backfield. Decent bend, especially at his size, allows him to operate on twists/stunts and with speed around the edge against slower OTs. Solid lateral agility to sidestep blockers when setting up inside moves. Adequate top-end play speed in pursuit will have him struggling to make plays from the backside. There are instances where he'll stop driving his feet on his bull rush despite a good initial transition from speed to power. Does he have the length to consistently disengage from blockers? Wore #5 at Purdue. Second-Team All-Big Ten with 10 sacks in 2023. 21.2 win% on pass rushes in 2023 (10th in FBS).

5. Mason Graham (DL, Michigan)

6030, 318

A run-stuffing DL prospect with excellent play strength, good pad level, and good short-area quickness. However, needs some more polish as a pass rusher to become an every-down player. Outstanding anchor to dig his heels in and control his gap, even when getting double teamed. Very good play strength to punch and get extended at the point of attack. Play strength and low pad level allows him to handle himself at point of attack, especially against double teams to avoid getting washed out. Strength, combined with short-area quickness, allows him to fight through blocks and take winning angles to be able to get into gaps, making it easier to disengage and make tackles. Flashes a good swim move once extended to get disengaged. Good explosiveness off the snap combined with good short-area quickness allows him to quickly get across the line into different gaps. A good communicator, talking with his teammates to make sure everyone is lined up correctly. Limited length could make it harder for Graham to get disengaged at the NFL level. Needs to see more pass-rushing juice. Doesn't have as effective of a bull rush as you'd like for a player with his skill set. Second-team All-American/First-Team All-Big Ten in 2023. Freshman All-American in 2022.

6. Travis Hunter (CB/WR, Colorado)

6010, 185

The ultimate two-way player who could be a legitimate NFL receiver or corner. Unreal stamina to play on both sides of the ball. Great instincts and feel for knowing when to drift from his assignment in order to make a play on a ball intended for a different receiver. Very good lateral agility to quickly change direction multiple times on a given play. Great post-snap processing to diagnose route combos and make the appropriate break on the ball. Good discipline to stay in his Zone as QB breaks to pocket to ensure there isn't busted coverage for a big play. Good play speed and good explosiveness to stay in phase with receivers downfield. Comes into tackles with good technique (3 missed tackles in 2023). Surprisingly solid play strength gives him some stopping power as a tackler when he wraps up and drives his feet. Attempts to undercut routes to jump them, but can take wrong angle and allow a completion behind him. Needs to add a bit more weight physically. Limited length hurts him in 50-50 ball situations against bigger receivers. His body language bothers me a lot on tape. Projects best as an NFL CB with current frame, but don't doubt that he could also play some offense.

7. Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT, Texas)

6040, 324

A legitimate pass protecter (1 sack and 12 pressures allowed on 550 pass snaps in 2023). A thick, well-built albeit shorter frame. Very Good lateral agility at his size to cut back inside during his vertical pass set, handling inside rush moves without issue. Very good natural play strength with good hip launch and leg drive to move bodes in the run game. Good kick step to gain depth on pass sets. Comes into POA with wide base, preventing defenders from getting around him. Good mental processing and hip fluidity to quickly recognize and turn to meet twists and stunts. Solid play speed allows him to occasionally operate in space. Thick frame and wide base should give him a good anchor, but hand placement can make his job a whole lot harder when bull rushers get into his chest. Can be a little too excited about engaging with pass rushers, lunging/leaning and getting off balance. Balance issues also pop up in the run game with Banks trying to lean into defenders instead of striking them. Hand placement and strength needs to drastically improve, as he will often get caught striking outside, allowing EDGEs to get to his chest and control the POA. First-Team All Big 12 in 2023, second-team in 2022.

8. Mykel Williams (EDGE, Georgia)

6050, 265

If you built a 4-3 DE in a lab, it would by Mykel Williams. He has the best physical tools in this draft class, and with more refinement in 2024 will likely be the #1 pick. Impressive size and length immediately jump out when you see him. Has the physical profile to play both EDGE and DL. Elite play strength stands out when he's able to get engaged and extended, dominating SEC tackles and driving them backwards. Play strength also allows him to anchor down against double teams, preventing any push backwards. Very good explosiveness to fire out of his stance once the ball is snapped. Very Good extension and very strong hands allow him to stun blockers and utilize his length in order to get disengaged. His motor has to be terrifying for opponents watching him violently keep attacking through contact. Very good bull rush with his natural play strength, length, and explosiveness allows him to drive blockers back even when his pads are too high. Good leg allows him to keep driving and attacking the POA while engaged. Flashes good lateral agility on his inside moves after setting up outside. Can play with his pads too high at the point of contact, not allowing him to properly utilize his physical tools. Hand placement and technique need overall refinement, giving him even more untapped potential. Needs to keep adding to his pass-rush repetoire. Second-team All-SEC in 2023.

9. Will Campbell (OT, LSU)

6060, 320

Ideal size and length for an OT. Very good in pass protection (0 sacks and 17 pressures allowed).Covers a lot of ground in his vertical pass set with very good footwork. Consistently good hand placement and strike timing to strike inside the numbers to avoid holding penalties while staying latched on. A good anchor with wide base and hop to help dig heels in and slow down the bull rush. Good mental processing to react and pick up twists/stunts. Good play speed off of the snap to reach landmark as backside OZ wall-off blocker. Good play speed and smooth hips allow him to turn and carry speed rushers around the back of the pocket. Pad level suffers due to height. Can try to overplay against inside moves, allowing rushers to try and win with speed and bend around the edge. Adequate play strength has him as more of a stalemate/wall off blocker in the run game vs someone capable of resetting the LOS. Struggles keeping wide base and getting engaged with defenders when climbing to the second level.

10. James Pearce Jr. (EDGE, Tennessee)

6050, 242

A twitched-up EDGE prospect with rare physical traits, who could become a top-10 pick with proper refinement of technique and added weight/strength in 2024. Very good explosiveness to fly out of stance as a pass rusher. Very good motor to get driving his legs through contact to find his way to the quarterback. Very good lateral agility to quickly change direction on inside rush moves. Plays with good extension at the point of attack. Has a good feel for when to retrace the pocket as soon as the QB drops his eyes to try to take off upfield. Shows good discipline when unblocked to shuffle straight down the LOS. Adequate natural play strength to hold his own at POA, even with high pad level, but needs to add weight to be a more reliable three-down EDGE at the NFL level. Want to see him be more consistent when trying to transition from speed to power, because the flashes are DEADLY when it's put together. Needs to play with better pad level, playing way too high at times and losing the leverage battle. Will also come into contact with too narrow of a base. Can get caught jumping offsides. Will be crucial for him to develop and master some pass-rush moves in 2024. First-team All-SEC in 2023 with 9.5 sacks.

11. Benjamin Morrison (CB, Notre Dame)

6000, 186

A lengthy, wiry corner prospect with tenacity and explosiveness and speed to his game. Very smooth hip turn allows him to flip his hips without sacrificing speed. Very good foot quickness allows him to react to any routes that happen in front of him to stay blanketed. Does a good job of using the sideline as leverage when attacked deep while getting his head turned. Very good downhill explosiveness allows him to click-close or operate as a blitzer. That explosiveness gives him plenty of stopping power as a tackler when he's crashing downhill. Good mental processing to drift off of his assignment when QB is staring down a target to come away with turnovers. Good length and play speed allows him to stay consistently stay in phase from trail technique against deep routes. Shows good patience and pad level to stay in control in Off-Man coverage, not overcommitting with shoulders and hips. Comes into POA with good extension and driving his feet to avoid getting washed out by blocking WRs. There's some real tenacity to his play style. Can get caught being too grabby at the route stem, drawing DPI flags. Will also panic on deep routes, even when in good position, opting to bring WRs down instead of trying to make a play on the ball.

12. Carson Beck (QB, Georgia)

6040, 220

A well-built QB prospect that plays with great internal timing, processing, and good zip on the ball that makes him a prototypical pro-style QB. Shows a tight release with very good zip on the ball, while still showing very good placement on intermediate routes (3rd in FBS with 80.6 adj%). Very good patience in the pocket to not rush his reads and scan the field when given the opportunity to go through his reads. Very good discipline to know when to hit the checkdown. Good red zone jump ball placement, allowing his receivers to high-point the ball. Will find clean platforms while keeping his eyes downfield. Good post-snap processing on RPOs, recognizing when to pull and throw. Mobility isn't his calling card, but it's adequate enough to extend plays. Needs to know when to dial back velocity on shorter throws to set his receivers up for success after the catch.

13. Malaki Starks (S, Georgia)

6010, 205

A lengthy, athletic, instinctive safety prospect capable of operating in multiple roles for Georgia. Very good pre-snap communicator with the rest of the secondary to make sure everyone is on the same page with shifts and motions. Very good mental processing to quickly read his keys and get to his spots vs both the run and pass. Very good discipline not to bite on double moves and stay home. Very good downhill explosiveness and good play speed to fill the alley against the run. Good ball skills to come away with interceptions through contact. Good patience and little panic when being targeted deep, getting his head turned and tracking the ball well to try and make a play on it. Good length and pro-caliber frame. Good tackling technique to wrap up and drive legs through contact, along with good play strength to deliver some pop with his pads (only 3 missed tackles in 2023). Good competitive toughness to actively want to get involved in scrums to push the pile backwards. Quick hip turn, but foot quickness doesn't follow alongside it. Adequate transition from backpedal to downhill takes him a tick too long to start attacking downhill. Can be overaggressive in pursuit when filling alley, allowing lead blockers to seal him off for explosive runs. Not sold on Stark's top-end play speed to carry receivers deep downfield on vertical concepts. Some balance and lateral agility issues when changing direction in coverage. Consensus All-American and first-team All-SEC in 2023.

14. Abdul Carter (EDGE, Penn State)

6030, 250

A versatile LB/EDGE prospect who checks all of the physical/athletic boxes, but needs to keep refining his hand usage while maximizing his effort. Has good size and very good length. Very good dip and bend to get around blockers with tight angle towards the quarterback. Very good movement skills in open space, along with good eyes to read QB and attempt to jump routes in Zone coverage. Good explosiveness when triggering downhill can be unbeatable when he times up the snap correctly. Good lateral agility to quickly plant his foot in the ground and cut back inside on rush moves. Good natural play strength allows him to level ball carriers even when tackling too high. A thudder as a tackler, consistently stopping all momentum of ball carriers. Good post-snap processing to quickly diagnose and react to developing blocks in front of him. Hand usage needs to be better instead of constantly trying to throw a shoulder into blockers. Needs to focus on lowering his pad level, particularly into the point of attack. Effort in pursuit needs to be better. Played hybrid ILB/EDGE in 2023, but moving to EDGE full time in 2024. First-Team All-Big Ten and Second-Team All-American in 2023. Facing misdemeanor assault charges.

15. Tacario Davis (CB, Arizona)

6040, 195

An extremely long, fluid, competitive CB prospect who needs to reign in his physicality to become a more complete lockdown coverage corner. Size and length immediately jump out on film. Excellent length allows him to jam and disrupt WRs off of the snap from Press alignment. Very smooth hip fluidity allows him to easily transition and flip hips without sacrificing speed. Good foot quickness and lateral agility to stick to receivers in and out of their route breaks in Man coverage. Good instincts, both pre-snap as a communicator and post-snap to trade off assignments in Zone and Match coverages. Long strides give him good top-end play speed to avoid being beat deep when trailing WRs. Good competitive toughness to embrace physicality at a position where not everyone wants to get their nose dirty. However, that can hurt him at times with being too physical downfield against WRs in coverage. Can play too high on his toes at times, hurting his balance and control when cutting in coverage. Can get caught flipping his hips too early from press alignment. Needs to add some strength to his frame to more consistently handle the POA against blocks on the perimeter. Wore #23 in 2023.