Super Bowl week is in full swing, which is a good reminder that the NFL Scouting Combine is just around the corner. With the Senior Bowl now wrapped up, the pre-draft season is officially upon us. The excitement builds as we look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft in April, which will be here sooner than we think!
Now is the perfect time to re-rank the draft-eligible players with a fresh big board. This updated list combines the top senior prospects with the departing underclassmen, giving us a comprehensive look at the best available talent for the first three-plus rounds of the draft.
NFL Draft 2025: Big board of top 120 players overall
Let’s dive into the rankings! Leading the pack is Travis Hunter, a versatile cornerback and wide receiver from Colorado. At 6-1 and 185 pounds, Hunter is a unique "freak" of the class, showcasing impressive size and athleticism that make him a formidable cover man and an adept receiver. His dual-threat capability became evident as he stepped up in the latter part of the Buffaloes’ season.
Following closely is Abdul Carter, an EDGE rusher from Penn State. Standing at 6-3 and weighing 250 pounds, Carter can effectively play from both the inside and outside positions. His ability to reach the quarterback is complemented by his impressive range against the run, making him a coveted prospect.
Next up is Will Johnson, a 6-2 cornerback from Michigan. Johnson has the potential to be a pure shutdown corner, thanks to his exceptional coverage skills and fluidity for his size. He’s a player to watch as the draft approaches.
In the interior defensive line, Mason Graham from Michigan stands out at 6-3 and 318 pounds. His powerful run-stopping abilities combined with disruptive skills as a pass rusher make him a valuable asset for any team looking to bolster their defensive front.
Another exciting prospect is Tetairoa McMillan, a wide receiver from Arizona. At 6-5 and 210 pounds, McMillan possesses the classic size-speed combination that allows him to stretch the field effectively. His ability to position himself in the red zone is particularly noteworthy.
Quarterback Cam Ward from Miami is also making waves. At 6-2 and 223 pounds, Ward is not just a big-armed pocket passer; he can also extend plays with his legs, showcasing the athleticism needed to thrive as a dual-threat quarterback in the NFL.
As we continue down the list, Ashton Jeanty, a running back from Boise State, has emerged as a high first-round candidate. His compact frame at 5-9 and 215 pounds allows him to run with power while also possessing explosive speed.
Offensive tackle Will Campbell from LSU is another name to keep an eye on. At 6-6 and 323 pounds, Campbell is a smooth pass protector who could anchor a team’s left tackle position for years to come.
The defensive backfield also has talent to offer, with Malaki Starks from Georgia leading the way. Starks, a 6-1 safety weighing 205 pounds, is capable against both the run and pass, making big plays and cleaning up in crucial situations.
With so many talented prospects, it’s essential to highlight some of the other names making headlines. James Pearce Jr., an EDGE rusher from Tennessee, is a naturally explosive athlete who can become even more dangerous with additional polish. Meanwhile, Kelvin Banks Jr., another offensive tackle from Texas, showcases agility and pass protection skills that make him a valuable addition to any offensive line.
The rankings continue with Tyler Warren, a classic tight end from Penn State, and Luther Burden III, a speedy wide receiver from Missouri. Both players have the potential to make significant impacts at the next level.
Position Rankings: Who’s Hot?
As we look at the positional breakdown, it’s clear that certain players are rising to the top. In the quarterback category, Cam Ward leads the pack, followed closely by Shedeur Sanders from Colorado and Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss. Each of these quarterbacks has shown the ability to lead their teams effectively.
The running back class is equally impressive, with Ashton Jeanty at the forefront, followed by Omarion Hampton from North Carolina and Kaleb Johnson from Iowa. This year’s running back group is significantly stronger than last year’s, showcasing depth and talent.
In the wide receiver department, Tetairoa McMillan is the standout, but don’t overlook Luther Burden III and Emeka Egbuka from Ohio State. These players possess the skills to make big plays and contribute significantly to their future teams.
The tight end position features Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland from Michigan, both of whom are drawing attention for their receiving abilities and potential to create mismatches.
On the defensive side, Abdul Carter leads the EDGE rushers, while Mason Graham is at the top of the defensive tackle rankings. The linebacker group is highlighted by Jalon Walker from Georgia, who has shown versatility and playmaking ability.
Looking Ahead
As we gear up for the NFL Draft, the excitement surrounding these prospects is palpable. With the combine approaching, teams will have the opportunity to see these players in action, further solidifying their draft boards.
The 2025 NFL Draft promises to be filled with surprises and standout performances. Who will rise to the occasion? Which players will become the next stars in the league? The answers are just around the corner, and fans can hardly wait to see how it all unfolds!
