One phase of the 2025 NFL Draft cycle is complete. The Senior Bowl took place in Mobile on Saturday, allowing players to flash in front of team scouts, executives, and coaches. As a result, ESPN’s Mel Kiper has released his latest big board, laying out his top 25 prospects. With so many talented players vying for attention, the excitement is palpable as we look ahead to the draft.
Understanding Kiper’s Rankings
Kiper’s list is not based on where he believes the players will be drafted but instead reflects his personal rankings. This distinction is crucial for fans and teams alike, as it offers insight into how Kiper evaluates talent. It won’t be much longer before Kiper finds out if teams around the league agree with him, making this an exciting time for college football enthusiasts.
The NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. With the anticipation building, let’s dive into Kiper’s updated rankings and see who made the cut.
Top Prospects Overview
Previous ranking: 1
There is no change at the top for Kiper, keeping Hunter at No. 1 overall despite not participating in the Senior Bowl. Exactly what position Hunter will play is still unknown, likely depending on which team winds up drafting him. The potential to continue to play two ways could still be alive too.
Kiper: “Hunter has a great feel for the game on offense and defense, and he played a whopping 1,458 snaps over 13 games this season. I really think he has a chance to play both sides of the ball early in his pro career and make an impact both ways, though I’m ranking him as a receiver right now. The offensive and defensive coordinators for the team that ultimately drafts him are going to be battling each other to use him.”
Previous ranking: 2
Carter is receiving comparisons to Micah Parsons during the draft process. Both came out of Penn State, wore No. 11, and are considered dynamic playmakers on the edge. Certainly in the discussion to go No. 1 overall, Carter is No. 2 on Kiper’s board.
Kiper: “Carter is versatile and has plenty of experience effectively operating as an off-ball linebacker, helping him crack 60 tackles in three straight seasons at Penn State. But the hope this season was he would make a dent in opponents’ game plans as a pass rusher off the edge. Mission accomplished. Carter has the traits to wreak havoc there, getting pressure on 18.5% of his pass-rush snaps. He is instinctive and fast flying to the football. Carter’s 23.5 tackles for loss this season ranked No. 1 in the nation.”
Previous ranking: 3
Graham was one-half of the elite Michigan defensive tackle unit this season. A lot of the traits are what stand out to NFL teams, with the stats not showing up too much in 2024. But interior defensive linemen are coveted more than other positions, making Graham highly sought after.
Kiper: “I love Graham’s technique. His leverage gives him an advantage at the point of attack, and interior offensive linemen struggle with his power and quickness. Graham has strong and active hands, and he has proved effective against the run and pass from inside. He had two sacks against Minnesota in September but managed just 1.5 the rest of the season.”
Quarterback Rankings Heat Up
Previous ranking: 4
Finally, a quarterback appears all the way at No. 4. Kiper continues to rank Sanders as QB1 after spending two years at Colorado. Toughness is a big thing for Kiper when discussing Sanders, battling through some rough offensive lines and injuries in Boulder.
Kiper: “You won’t find a tougher or more resilient quarterback prospect than Sanders, who took 99 sacks over the past two seasons but still put up really strong numbers. I’m always impressed watching him throw on the move, rolling either left or right. He is very accurate in those spots and has the arm to drive the ball. When his mechanics and footwork are sound, he can pick apart a defense. And while he’s not necessarily a major rushing threat, he can keep the chains moving with his legs when there is an opening.”
Previous ranking: 5
Teams vying for a quarterback will debate between Sanders and Ward in the first round. Ward is somebody who can play off schedule and make plays out of thin air. There is certainly some development left, but the potential will make Ward an early pick.
Kiper: “Ward has an unorthodox delivery, but he throws with accuracy and velocity from different arm angles. He displays solid game management traits, and while he had some ball security issues in 2023 at Washington State, that wasn’t an issue in 2024. When things break down around him, Ward can extend plays with his legs, either throwing on the move or picking up first downs as a runner. I like his toughness, swagger, and confidence.”
Rising Stars and Notable Performers
Previous ranking: 9
Jeanty is the first riser in the latest top 25 from Kiper. Running backs have been a more popular pick in the top-10 in recent years, and Jeanty has an opportunity to be the next. The Boise State product’s talent is just too much to deny.
Kiper: “Jeanty displays excellent contact balance and toughness, which help him skirt past the first line of defense and through traffic. He averaged 7.0 yards per carry and forced a nation-leading 126 missed tackles in 2024. And don’t sleep on his receiving skills. Jeanty has sure hands out of the backfield and can be a true all-purpose back in the NFL.”
Previous ranking: 7
Taking out Hunter, there are only three wide receivers placed in the top 25 by Kiper. A number lower than usual in an average draft class, McMillan is standing out above the rest. Kiper believes whoever winds up drafting McMillan will end up with a WR1 on the roster.
Kiper: “McMillan is a big-bodied receiver who can be a mismatch for smaller corners. And his great size, body control, concentration, and hands help him consistently win in contested-catch situations. He can snatch the ball and make it look easy. And while McMillan plays with more physicality than speed, he generates late separation to get open. He was third in receiving yards in the country.”
Previous ranking: 8
Walker is someone who can possibly play multiple positions at the next level. Linebacker is his listed position, but coming off the edge is an option too. NFL teams can never have enough pass rushers, especially if the versatility to play linebacker is there too.
Kiper: “Walker gets into the backfield as if he were shot out of a cannon, and his bend and explosion off the edge help him beat blockers and get to the quarterback or ball carrier. He’s a versatile defender, with experience as an off-ball linebacker and a pass rusher. His sideline-to-sideline speed gets your attention when you watch the tape. In Week 8 against Texas, he picked up three sacks.”
Mel Kiper Jr.’s Big Board — Nos. 11-25
11. Will Campbell, OT, LSU
12. Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M (+9)
13. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan (+2)
14. Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas (-4)
15. Mykel Williams, OLB, Georgia (-3)
16. Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State (-2)
17. Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall (NR)
18. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri (+1)
19. Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami (NR)
20. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia (-4)
21. Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina (-3)
22. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State (+2)
23. Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama (-6)
24. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama (-4)
25. Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss (-7)
As we gear up for the draft, the excitement surrounding these prospects is only going to grow. The potential for these athletes to make an impact in the NFL is immense, and fans can’t wait to see where they land. The journey from college football to the professional ranks is filled with anticipation, and this year is no exception.
