The second and final version of my top 100 prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft comes with some revisions.
I've tried to incorporate the feedback I received from scouts, coaches and evaluators around the league since version 1.0 was published. There also have been some important pro-day and medical updates for several prospects in the past month, which has affected the rankings. You'll notice that there are few major tweaks up top, but the back half includes a host of changes -- and even nine new players making their debuts.
This list is largely how I view prospects' pro potential, but this is also a reflection of where players might land in the draft. My goal was to nail as many top-100 draft picks as possible while also finding room for players who belong on this list but might slip a bit farther.
Here's how I see the pecking order.
Provided his medical evaluation comes in clean, I think Carter has the highest ceiling of any defender in this draft. He has the potential to eventually become a weekly nightmare for the opposing offense.
Hunter made a strong statement at Colorado's pro day by catching passes, something he clearly wants to do in the NFL. He's the top CB and WR prospect in this class.
Jeanty is a three-down difference-maker with elite contact balance who can make a good offense great, but I don't view him as a one-man wrecking crew.
The draft's best 3-technique, although Graham's shorter arms (32 inches) and sub-300-pound frame are reasons to worry. I don't think he's a typical top-five prospect, but he lands here in a draft class that isn’t overflowing with blue-chip talent.
There will be some Nolan Smith comparisons, even if the two players are not carbon copies. The team that drafts Walker must have a plan for how to deploy him, and I believe it will pay off in time, but patience is warranted as he adjusts to facing NFL fronts.
Warren is a Gronk-style tight end who isn't yet a dominant blocker, but he has all the goods to be a decade-long standout at the position, offering terrific versatility as a consistent receiving threat.
He might have a slightly higher ceiling than Will Campbell, but Membou could take a little time to adapt to the NFL. At 21 years old, there's exciting potential, but he’s been a starter at right tackle only to this point.
The arm-length debate only goes so far with me. Campbell’s 2023 tape might have been stronger than his 2024 season, but he has held his own against SEC rushers for years and should be tried at left tackle first before a team considers moving him elsewhere.
Injuries have marred Johnson's evaluation. We still don't yet know how fast he is (pending his workout on April 14), but there are only so many pure cover corners who can compete with Johnson's strong skill set.
Ward is good enough to start for an NFL team and make plays with his arm and legs. But is he a franchise-changer? My lack of certainty in response to that question is the biggest thing holding me back from pushing Ward up the board.
Loveland will be a fluid, dangerous pass catcher once he's cleared for contact following shoulder surgery. He isn't a plus blocker, but he can be an offense’s strong second or third option as a receiver.
T-Mac is a big, smooth athlete who is more of a one-speed operator with no true extra gear. With his size and body control, he should be a good complement to a speed threat as an intermediate target.
The top 10 isn't out of the question for this pass-rush talent. He turns 21 in June, and Williams has the tools to be as good as almost any rusher in this class.
Running a 4.29-second 40-yard dash and acing the interview process has bumped Golden's stock up. He'll be a first-rounder even though he lacks a big frame. Some teams believe they could use him more effectively than Texas did.
Stewart’s workouts virtually guarantee Round 1 status, and he has some encouraging tape, but it never quite added up to production in college. You just know some coaches will be itching to work with his tools.
Green brings an arsenal of moves and nearly endless energy, but in lacking ideal length, he's going to need them to be a successful NFL pass rusher.
Thickly built, heavy-handed guard who can elevate a team's run game from Day 1. Scouts also have praised Booker's maturity and approach to the game, even if he has athletic limitations.
Do-it-all defensive back who tested well and could be a valuable first-year piece to a defense. Barron isn't long or thickly built, and his long speed wasn't always evident on tape, but he profiles as a strong contributor.
Long-levered, thick-bodied defender who might lack a superpower outside of his size. Harmon can be a bit chaotic in his rush plan but offers great value for odd-front defenses.
We've seen NFL teams overlook similar players before, so it won't be shocking if he ends up starting for a team that made the playoffs last season. Starks has very few weaknesses in his game, although safeties can be tricky to forecast.
Campbell's shoulder injury bears watching, but he offers great range, closing ability and toughness at the point of attack when healthy. He's easily a top-25 talent in this class.
With 42 starts at left tackle, there's a large body of work for scouts to sink their teeth into. Banks isn't quite the top-10 prospect I imagined he might be this year, but he has enough power and athleticism.
I think Emmanwori is best playing in the box, but his tackling consistency must improve. I love the talent and athletic template, but ironing out his role will be crucial.
Ezeiruaku checks off character, effort and production boxes, which should go a long way. His mass is subpar, but good length and quickness help alleviate those concerns.
Burden could prove to be a Deebo Samuel-like producer in the NFL, but he might never be a No. 1 option and doesn’t quite separate as much as I’d like to see.
I thought he had a so-so week at the Senior Bowl, but Nolen has enough upside to be in the Round 1 discussion. There are not a ton of true 3-technique tackles in this class, and he could end up being one of the first ones taken after Mason Graham.
Pearce has clear first-round traits and could be one of the best players in the draft. You just don't always see it come to action on tape. He's a tricky player to place, but someone will take a chance on his talent. He's kind of right on that first-round bubble, I suspect.
Grant's movement skills are special for a man his size. I wish he'd make more plays, and he benefited from playing next to Mason Graham, but you see at least a semblance of a pass rush when watching Grant's tape.
Egbuka’s game is clean, consistent and well-rounded. I think he'd be a perfect fit as a Tyler Boyd-like slot weapon and No. 3 option.
Simmons' knee injury hangs over his otherwise enticing profile. He's a terrific athlete with nice length and mass.
A nifty big back with some wiggle and juice, Hampton’s instincts might not be truly elite. Still, his size and contact balance should make him a feature back for at least one contract.
Light-footed, lean-framed, instinctive and highly athletic corner in the mold of Adoree’ Jackson. I believe Hairston has a chance to be a late first-rounder for a CB-needy team that isn't hung up on his lack of bulk.
Some of his pro-day deep throws displayed crisper footwork and tighter spirals. Sanders’ toughness, instincts and good accuracy on short and intermediate throws could make him an average starter in time.
Conerly remains a potential first-round left tackle for his pass-blocking prowess. He's hardly dominant, but his feet are good for the position. The run blocking is just OK, but Conerly has a higher floor relative to other top prospects in the OT class.
Zabel spent most of his time at tackle with the Bison, and he probably could play guard, but most teams appear to view him as an NFL center. A lack of length could hinder Zabel, but he's smart and tough.
High-energy, forceful and productive defender who has been a little lost in the shuffle amid a deep edge class. Unless injuries plague him, I'd be shocked if Tuimoloau isn't a solid player in the league.
I don't know if people appreciate Jackson's strength enough, but he's a terrific run blocker who could start early at guard or eventually at tackle. He did yeoman's work replacing Josh Simmons at left tackle and was an underrated element of Ohio State’s title run.
If three years from now Taylor is the most dangerous receiving tight end from this class, it won't shock me. He's so young and still green, but his outstanding bloodlines, competitive spirit and natural gifts as a receiver could make him a star in time, even at a notoriously slow-developing position.
With Jackson's strong athletic testing numbers, I thought he might have a chance at Round 1, but there is some question about how his athleticism translates to his game. Still, with strong measurables and character, he won't last too long.
Injuries weren't an issue last season, but they have been in the past. Henderson checks off a lot of boxes, and he impressed multiple teams during the interview process, but the durability questions could keep him from being a true alpha.
Had Revel not suffered a torn ACL in September, we might be discussing him as one of the first corners to be drafted. And he still could crash the Round 1 party, because of his length, ball skills and confidence. He played well vs. Michigan in 2023.
An apparent injury that he later said was a cramp wiped out Williams' 40-yard dash (and other testing) at Ohio State's pro day, but not before he registered a 1.74-second 10-yard split -- an excellent mark for a 329-pound run stuffer.
Given his strong instincts and athleticism, it's a wonder that the former walk-on didn't get on the field sooner -- or even begin last season as a starter. With an NFL floor as a special-teams demon, Schwesinger would operate best defensively in front of some big block-absorbers.
There's been plenty of Round 1 buzz building in mock-draft world for Dart, who has an above-average arm, good (but not great) athleticism and a decent frame. I'm just always left wanting to see a little more anticipation and big plays out of structure on tape. But he could be a starter in a year or two.
Intense, high-energy leader who wears down opponents with leverage, effort and great hand work. Sawyer isn't a special athlete, but with his hand in the dirt, he's a menace.
Scourton opted not to test athletically before the draft, even after checking in at the NFL Scouting Combine 28 pounds lighter (257) than his listed weight at Texas A&M (285). But he won't turn 21 until August, has heavy hands, plays with a physical edge and could improve with more pass-rush refinement.
Thomas' timed speed at his pro day could hurt his chances of going within the top 40 picks. But big corners who can tackle are hard to find, and he played hard (and well) for a bad FSU team.
Johnson is a big-framed, run-to-space back who doesn't operate with as much power as one might expect. He also hasn't been as proficient a receiver or blocker as one would hope -- but give him a crease, and he'll hit some big runs.
There's starting potential in Ersery, who moves a lot better than one might imagine for a 330-pounder. He has a solid Senior Bowl week and could go higher than expected, given the relatively shallow tackle class.
Hip injuries -- like the kind that ended Morrison's season in October -- and defensive backs can be a scary combination, but if the workout he has set for April 21 goes well, Morrison could land in Round 2. He's an excellent press corner (with safety potential) who can tackle and blitz well when healthy.
Amos improved significantly after transferring to Ole Miss from Bama and will be a good fit for heavy zone or press-man teams. His lateral quickness is lacking, but he can run and cover.
Were it not for injuries in 2022 and 2023, Arroyo might profile more like a first-rounder. He's a natural, long, athletic receiver who blocks pretty well in space.
There are some first-round moments on Collins' tape, and he possesses good length and mass. If he can show more snap-to-snap consistency, he could become a Pro Bowler at the next level.
Judkins is well-built and runs with almost reckless abandon, sometimes to his own detriment. But he might develop into a good first- and second-down back who tenderizes defenses with his power and toughness.
A thick-framed slot receiver who can work underneath and up to the second level, Bech is quick and strong. He plays full tilt. He could end up a dark-horse Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate in the right offense.
I'd love to see him play with a little more nastiness and edge, but Burch is a well-built power end who can kick inside on passing downs.
A squarely built starting tackle in 2024, Savaiinaea could be an NFL standout at guard. His power looked more harnessed playing inside at the Senior Bowl.
There's some finesse to his game for such a big man. Measuring 6-foot-4, 214 pounds, Higgins moves extremely well for his size, provides a nice target for his QBs and easily could go higher than this because of his athletic gifts.
Tough customer who played through injury -- and with an edge -- but he must be more disciplined to earn a regular role as a rookie. Turner's 2024 tape is better than his 2024 production might suggest.
This might be seem like a steep drop for Noel, but I wouldn't get too caught up in it. He was in my top 50 the first time around, and is still in the Round 2 conversation. Noel’s inconsistent hands seem to be the biggest hang-up for scouts, but I love the burst, big-play ability and knack for clutch catches.
Receiver-turned-ballhawk with excellent ball production. Watts was an excellent college player who projects to being a solid-to-good free safety who'll keep a decent lid on big plays over the top and be good for a few turnovers per season.
Harris isn't a terribly sudden player, but his combination of size and athleticism should allow him to be a decent second or third option on the outside eventually.
I'm left wanting a little more when I watch Sanders, but it's hard to find prospects who possess his rare pop and good versatility. He's capable of playing multiple spots up front and has an NFL build.
I think he was tracking toward a top-50 pick prior to his ACL injury, but the speed Winston displayed at his pro day was an encouraging sign. His football character has been praised inside and outside the building.
You can't overlook an SEC rusher who improved his productivity three straight years, but he's not all that powerful and won't enter the league as a plus run defender.
Some teams won't have a role for a 6-foot-1 rusher with sub-32-inch arms, but in the right system, the high-energy Stewart can harness some power and win with effort as a third rusher.
Determining Mbow's best position will be key. I'm not sure he has the pure power to play at guard, but he might be able to translate his skills at tackle or center.
Milroe is a fascinating study. Could he turn into Jalen Hurts or Justin Fields? The running ability is elite, and the arm talent is there, but Milroe's mechanics, instincts, touch and feel are all major works in progress.
He might not be an instant-impact receiver, but Royals put up good production before a foot injury derailed his final season. He stood out fairly well at the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine.
Rock-solid right tackle who has a few more admirers in the league than I initially realized. Trapilo's strong makeup and temperament will make him an easy Day 2 pick with outside potential to start as a rookie.
There are some bad habits in Farmer's rush plan, freelancing and getting too upright, but he's a long, thick-bodied irritator who could be a strong part of an interior DL rotation.
Tall, feisty interior blocker whose ankle injury last season weakened UGA's offensive line the moment he left the lineup. Ratledge might not be special, but he could be a solid glue guy inside.
His lack of size and clear third-down value is concerning, but Sampson could be a great change-up runner and red-zone weapon with his quick feet, pinball style and vision.
Williams is like a Cordarrelle Patterson starter kit, able to impact games in multiple ways. He might never be a true route craftsman, but he’s talented enough to be developed as a weapon.
Late bloomer who came on strong the past two years, working through blockers and into backfields. He's more of a slanting, penetrating type than a true block absorber.
Williams was a right tackle whose lack of quickness was uncovered in Texas' playoff games. He might fit best as an NFL guard.
A Packers-style receiver who has really good size and coordinated athleticism, the gifted Ayomanor isn't quite the sum of his parts yet.
It doesn't seem like scouts are quite as enamored with the lean-framed Mukuba as I am, but I'm willing to bank on his outstanding timing when making plays on the ball and his willingness as a tackler.
His ball production was excellent at both Middle Tennessee and Louisville. Riley's size (5-11, 194 pounds) suggests a move to nickel, but he won’t be lost outside.
The dearth of true centers helps Wilson’s cause tremendously. There’s only so much about his game you might call special, but it doesn’t appear to have many big holes. He also could play guard if needed.
His tape is befitting of a higher ranking, and I think he’s a better prospect than Aidan O’Connell was a few years ago. But Shough’s age (he turns 26 in the fall) and injury history make him a riskier potential Day 2 pick.
He is highly experienced, athletic and could enter the NFL as one of the more ready-made pass-catching talents. Ferguson’s blocking is nothing to write home about, but he can be used like T.J. Hockenson at the next level.
A strong pro day should help his cause. Gillotte isn’t a gifted athlete in space, but his upfield burst and take-on power are notable.
Swinson was just on the outside of my first top 100 list, but there's enough appreciation for his pass-rush potential to break in this time around. He was arguably LSU's best defender last year.
Parrish’s lack of length could hinder his chances to be an outside corner, but his 4.35 speed helps a ton.
Budda Baker-style safety whose smaller frame and tackling efficiency are ripe for criticism, but Bowman has all the instincts, toughness and skill to make an NFL secondary better.
With a year in an NFL strength and conditioning program, Grant could be much improved. Even against a lower level of competition, he offers three-plus years of left tackle experience and great length.
My colleague Lance Zierlein has been all over Mondon since the Senior Bowl, and he's impressed evaluators with his smarts and athletic traits. Mondon keeping his weight above 220 has been a good sign.
Somewhat miscast as a linebacker earlier in his career, Oladejo found a home at rush end and wins consistently with his length, block shedding and bull rush, but his pass-rush arsenal is limited.
Throwback Mike linebacker and possible green-dot defender who has some value in zone coverage. He’s not a special athlete but often reads his keys properly and short circuits run plays before they get started.
The 6-3, 195-pound Porter ran a 4.3 40 at the combine and has 33-inch arms. He has more experience on special teams and might have to cut his teeth there while developing into a role on defense.
Scouts appear to be all over the map on Fannin, who could carve out a Jonnu Smith-like role at the next level. Fannin is best after the catch and has some RB-like skills with the ball in his hands.
Knight's age (turns 25 in July) could hold some teams back, but he brings strength, speed and a professional approach to the position.
I was hoping for more from Robinson at the Senior Bowl, but the broad-framed brawler backed up a so-so showing there with good combine testing. He might never be a stat stuffer, but Robinson can plug gaps and take on blockers with power.
His jumping numbers did not stand out (33 1/2-inch vertical, 10-foot broad jump), but Williams has good athleticism, above-average length (30 3/4-inch arms) and excellent ball production on his résumé to fit a man-coverage system well.
Just outside my last top 100 list, Carter’s size (6-foot, 231 pounds) remains a worry for every-down duty. But his toughness, smarts and some coverage ability should help him land on Day 2. He profiles similarly to the Bills’ Dorian Williams.
Jones remains a project -- more raw than you might expect from a player with 36 starts in the SEC -- but he has starter potential at guard or right tackle if he can clean up his leverage and hand positioning.
I had to keep the intense Jones on the 2.0 list. He’s a pain to block and could have potential at both end and tackle. Check back in a year, and you might just have something here with this talented developmental prospect.
Williams is a lean-framed speed merchant who has displayed high success rates on underneath throws and deep shots alike. He looked the part at the Senior Bowl, gaining easy acceleration and separation in practices.
DROPPED OUT
- Kyle Kennard, Edge (No. 78 in Version 1.0)
- Xavier Restrepo, WR (No. 89)
- Gunnar Helm, TE (No. 90)
- RJ Harvey, RB (No. 91)
- Deone Walker, DT (No. 93)
- David Walker, Edge (No. 95)
- Chandler Martin, LB (No. 96)
- Barryn Sorrell, Edge (No. 97)
- Omarr Norman-Lott, DT (No. 99)
EDITOR'S NOTE: After these rankings were published, Texas WR Isaiah Bond, previously No. 71 on this list, turned himself in on a sexual assault warrant issued by the Frisco (Texas) Police Department, according to a Frisco PD public information officer. He was released after posting bail. Bond later released a statement, calling the allegations against him "patently false."
