NFL

2025 Mock Drafts

Cam Ward is an experienced college football quarterback possessing a lot of the physical traits NFL teams look for in a starter. His career had been defined by its volatility until this season, when he began to dial it back a bit more. Ward displays good pocket mobility and throws with touch and anticipation to all three levels of the field. He tends to stick on his reads, and his ball security has not yet, but could, become a problem at the next level for the natural playmaker.

• 2024: ACC Offensive Player of the Year
• 2024: Heisman Trophy finalist (nation's best player)
• 2024: Led FBS in passing touchdowns (36) and Total QBR (88.0) and ranked second in passing yards (4,123) and total offense per game (359.9)

• Pocket mobility: Ward does a good job keeping his eyes downfield despite being pressured. He is willing to take a hit in hopes of creating a dynamic play.
• Ball placement and anticipation: Ward has improved his ball placement and throwing with anticipation this season.
• Natural playmaker: Ward does a good job extending plays and getting the ball away from different arm slots.

• Ball security: Ward carries the ball out and away from his body as opposed to high and tight. He has had just one fumble this season, but NFL teams will capitalize
• Volatility: He has struggled with decision-making throughout his career, specifically holding onto the ball late in the down and trying to do too much. Over the course of the season, he has improved in this arena, but there is more work to be done.
• Sticky reads: Ward will occasionally get stuck on a read too long or predetermine where he is going with the football before the snap.

Sanders has a solid frame and stature to become an NFL quarterback. He has been highly efficient throughout his collegiate career completing more than 70% of his pass attempts. His decision-making has been generally good, but waned in the latter half of the 2024 regular season. He is a patient passer with a smooth release, but needs a better feel for when to rip it. Sanders does a good job moving around in the pocket and keeping his eyes downfield when pressured, but is known to hold onto the ball too long.

• 2022 (Jackson State): SWAC Offensive Player of the Year
• 2024 (Colorado): Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year
• 2024 (Colorado): Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (nation's best upperclassman QB)

• Good accuracy: Through his collegiate career, Sanders has completed 70.1% of his passes for nearly 15,000 yards, 132 touchdowns and 25 interceptions.
• Surgical from clean pocket: When protected, Sanders will sit back in the pocket and carve opposing defenses.
• Confidence and calmness in critical moments: As the son of Deion Sanders, pressure has followed the young quarterback, but he has elevated both Jackson State and Colorado to higher levels of competitiveness.

• Holds onto the ball too long: Sanders takes too many unnecessary hits late in the down.
• Drifts in the pocket unnecessarily: There are times when he should step up in the pocket rather than sensing pressure and drifting prematurely.
• Average athlete: Sanders has average arm strength and is never going to be known as a quarterback capable of rushing for high-volume yardage.

As a receiver: Travis Hunter is a reasonably-sized, ultra-twitchy, savvy receiver prospect. He plays fast and fluid with incredible burst off the line of scrimmage. His routes feature urgent but not rigid, awkward movements. There's so much bounce and flexibility to his game. Hunter possesses borderline elite-level speed, and his best WR attribute is his ability to track the football. Leaping grabs, finding it in traffic, back-shoulders, near the sideline... he's awesome finding the football downfield and in difficult situations.

As a cornerback: Travis Hunter is a somewhat spindly but super smooth athlete who can match receivers from any pre-snap location. In press, he's calm and rarely shaken at the line. If he is, he can flip on the jets to recover, and has a strong knack for finding the football as it arrives. At times, he can get a tick out-physicaled against blockers or a larger WR. Hunter plays just as well in zone -- because of instincts -- as he does in man. He will bait the quarterback in those scenarios and erupt to the football. He can run with most speedsters and isn't too grabby in most scenarios.

• 2022 (at Jackson State): SWAC Freshman of the Year
• 2023 (at Colorado): Paul Hornung Award winner (most versatile player in FBS)

• Effortless burst and fluidity
• Elite-level ball skills as WR or CB, routinely finds the football
• Plus speed and body control

• Smaller frame than what some teams may look for in a WR or a boundary CB
• Can his body hold up at both positions in the NFL over the course of a season?

Kelvin Banks Jr. has good size to play offensive guard or offensive tackle at the next level. He has good athleticism and quickness to reach block and climb to the second level, as well as cut off backside blocks. The tackle will lean on opponents in the run game and drive his feet, but struggles to sustain blocks. He has good patience working through his pass sets and does a good job adjusting his feet when engaged. Banks occasionally opens his hips too wide and gives up the angle to the quarterback.

• 2024: Unanimous All-American; winner of Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award as the nation's best lineman
• Career: Allowed just 30 total quarterback pressures and four sacks in 1,365 opportunities as a pass blocker, per PFF

• Good first-step quickness to climb, reach and seal off backside pursuit
• Good patience and athleticism working through his pass sets
• Good job adjusting his feet when engaged

• Will lean on opponents and run his feet on contact in the run game, but must do a better job sustaining blocks
• Occasionally opens his hips too early and gives up the angle to the quarterback
• Balance issues arise when he leans too much in his stance

Mason Graham is a high-motor player who does a good job beating linemen to a spot in the run game. He does a good job setting up his pass-rush moves and has the quickness to shoot gaps and get on the hips of blockers, but must continue developing a pass-rush plan. Graham may not possess ideal length for the position, but he makes up for it with great strength to displace blockers.

• Two-time All-American (unanimous in 2024, second team in 2023)
• 2024: Finalist for Bronko Nagurski Trophy (nation's best defensive player) and Outland Trophy (nation's best interior lineman)

• High effort player
• Good foot quickness to cut off and turn back wide zone runs
• Good job setting up his pass-rush moves
• Good quickness to shoot gaps and get on the hips of blockers
• Good upper body strength to push the pocket
• Great upper body strength

• Below-average length for what one would expect from a top-10 overall interior defender
• Needs to develop more of a pass-rush plan
• Motor can be used against him as running backs cut off the backside working downhill

Will Johnson is a smooth athlete who stays in-phase up the boundary without grabbing his opponent. He trusts his eyes and technique as though he is running the route for the receiver. Johnson has a high missed tackle rate each of the past two seasons as a result of not coming to balance in space. The junior could use more exposure to jamming opposing receivers at the line of scrimmage, but he drives hard out of the top of his drop. Johnson displays good spatial awareness in zone coverage.

• Career: Two-time All-American (first team in 2023 and second team in 2024)
• 2023: CFP National Championship Game Defensive MVP

• Stays in-phase while in coverage without grabbing the opposition
• Good hip fluidity to transition across the field
• Good ball production as a result of getting his eyes back to the quarterback
• Great size for the position
• Does not get stuck at the top of his drop, breaks hard downhill
• Great ball production: Nine interceptions through three seasons

• Below-average job coming to balance in space, as evidenced by 20.8% missed tackle rate in 2024, per TruMedia
• Gambled more in 2024 as he dealt with a lingering injury
• Consistently landing jams in press coverage

Tetairoa McMillan is a towering, intimdating boundary WR with a sleek overall body type and good weight on his frame. His burst off the line is good, but he's not overly explosive. His speed is fine for his size. Occasionally, he runs into trouble against press because he doesn't have incredible lateral agility but fights through it with good regularity because of his size and strength. He runs with quality lean and isn't stiff for his size. Very Gumby-like. After the catch, McMillan is an absolute menace, as his speed seems to hit a new level, and he demonstrate tremendous contact balance, plus vision and spatial awareness. Plays just about to his size at the catch point, as he's a decent leaper and can pluck the ball away from his frame, but he's not ridiculously sure-handed. He probably won't be a separator on intricate routes in the NFL. On a more linear route tree, he can become a true No. 1 in time because of his deceptive fluidity, long limbs, quality speed and ferocious YAC talent.

• 2024: Fred Biletnikoff Award Finalist (best WR in FBS)
• Career: First in program history in receiving yards (3,423), third in touchdowns (23) and fourth in receptions (213) despite playing just three seasons

• Towering frame he uses to box out CBs regularly and win in rebounding situations with high regularity
• Smooth athlete for his size, glides across/down the field
• Monster after the catch because of his contact balance, speed and vision

• Not a freakish athlete as a leaper or with pure speed
• Not going to win as a pure separator in the NFL
• Some easy drops on film

Abdul Carter has been a productive pass rusher in his first full season fulfilling that obligation for the Nittany Lions. Carter is a bit shorter in stature, but makes up for that with his ability to bend at the waist and flatten at the high side of his rush. The Philadelphia native is still learning the intricacies of the position, such as block awareness.

• 2023-24: Two-time first-team All-Big Ten
• 2024: Bednarik Award finalist (nation's best defender)
• 2024: Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year

• Great waist bend at the high side of his rush: Carter displays good flexibility to dip and bend the corner to the quarterback.
• Good play strength: Carter shows an ability to hold up against pressure as he is pushing upfield.
• Good quickness: He shows good quickness to exploit oversetting linemen.

• Experience at edge rusher: Carter transitioned to a true edge rusher role from off-ball linebacker this offseason. Block awareness can improve.
• Coming to balance in space: Carter had a 27.6% missed tackle rate in 2023, per TruMedia, when he was serving as an off-ball linebacker. There were still examples from this season.
• Shorter in stature: His length is more of a question than a concern, because it does not impede his performance. It will be interesting to learn his wingspan, but 6-foot-3 is usually a bit small for a potential top-10 overall selection.

Mykel Williams has a built-in-a-lab frame with length for days, which gives him amazing ability to make first contact at the point of attack. Pass-rush move arsenal is good but needs to develop in the NFL. He does possess an impressive inside crossover and can flash some smoothness and explosion, but he's mostly a power player as opposed to a dynamic athlete. Pads can get high when rushing the quarterback. Williams' one-on-one wins don't happen quickly, although the fastest wins occur inside. There are moments of ridiculous flexibility at his size; they're just not a regular part of his game yet. Because of his size and length, he can align anywhere up front and hold his own. Williams is a plus edge-setting run defender who can shed blockers, yet he isn't dominant against the run right now. He's a young prospect with his best football in front of him, although he didn't greatly improve during his three-year college career. Overall, Williams is a ridiculous specimen with raw talent and glimpses of his ascending skill as a DL/EDGE hybrid.

• 2022: True Freshman All-America team (Pro Football Focus)
• 2023: Second-team All-SEC
• 2024: Set career-highs in sacks (5.5) and tackles for loss (9.0)
• Potential Landing Spots
• Panthers: This is a team in need of a clear No. 1 edge rusher after trading Brian Burns.
• Buccaneers: Yaya Diaby could use a running mate on the edge. This is a major need for the Buccaneers.
• Falcons: Atlanta has needed more edge-rushing talent for years now.

• Enormous frame with immense length and flashes of power
• Glimpses of impressive speed and flexibility for his size
• Legitimately position versatile because of his natural physical gifts

• Doesn't win in one-on-one situations quickly
• While hands are active, they're not overly effective right now
• Strong but power isn't trademark of his game

Will Campbell is an ultra-experienced, methodical left tackle. He has an NFL-caliber frame for the position but needs to add weight and power in pass pro to his game at the next nevel. At times, his edge is too easily softened. He's very patient and incredibly balanced in pass pro. His anchor is a weakness right now. Outside of that, Campbell's hand work is fine-tuned. He works defenders with both hands individually in a balanced manner and doesn't lunge with two hands. His feet aren't spectacular, but he's a smooth athlete, as he routinely glides out of his stance and flows to his assignment with ease. Campbell's also a combo-blocking master for the run game and plays with much more power downhill than his anchoring deficiency would suggest. In pass protection, his kick slide is smooth and actually more effective than when quick-setting. Despite his mostly steady pass-protection play, he's clearly susceptible to inside moves. Grip strength is typically a positive element to his game. Overall, this is an experienced LT with a complete game who needs to get stronger at the next level.

• 2023-24: Two-time first-team All-SEC
• Career: 38 starts over past three seasons

• Smooth athleticism appears in every movement he makes on the field
• Very methodical, carries out assignments on time with authority
• Equally as good in pass pro as he is as run-blocker thanks to his size, length and tenacity

• Susceptible to inside moves
• Must get noticeably stronger to deal with NFL-caliber power in pass pro
• Could get more effective in quick-setting scenarios

Jalon Walker is a versatile linebacker/EDGE hybrid with good closing speed and the ability to function as a quarterback spy. He’s effective at climbing and defeating blocks with authority and excels at attacking the edge, using a low center of gravity and surprising power to handle larger offensive tackles. Despite being undersized, he’s aggressive and fearless when taking on blocks, whether as an edge rusher or inside blitzer. His athleticism is solid but not elite, with average burst and change of direction limiting his range. Coverage experience is limited, and while his instincts and movement skills suggest he can handle zone assignments, his ball skills are untested and remain a question mark. Tackling is a strength, with few misses on tape. Walker’s energy can waver as an off-ball linebacker, occasionally reacting slowly to what he sees. While he lacks a standout elite trait, his combination of size, length, and hybrid role experience will appeal to teams seeking a versatile defender.

• 2024: Butkus Award (nation's best LB); third Georgia player in past eight years to take home honor (Nakobe Dean in 2021 and Roquan Smith in 2017)
• 2024: First-team All-SEC

• Serious versatility to play off-ball LB and EDGE
• Defeats blocks well against the run
• Has plenty of power, some pass-rush moves as outside rusher

• Reasonable athlete but doesn't fly to the football on outside runs
• May be a tick too small to routinely win against large NFL OTs as rusher
• Minimal ball skills + average in coverage

Nic Scourton features a big, thick body type at EDGE, almost resembling a streamlined defensive tackle. His game isn't defined by a quick first step -- though he's not sluggish off the ball -- but rather by his slipperiness. Scourton has a knack for ""getting skinny"" in tight spaces, and his closing speed is impressive given his size. While he has some power, it isn't the focal point of his game. His relatively low center of gravity allows for surprising agility and directional changes in space, supported by nimble footwork for a player of his build. His bend is adequate, with flashes of flexibility in his ankles, but it isn't elite. Against the run, his pad level can rise too high at times, which compromises his ability to set a firm edge. He doesn't appear to possess exceptional length and could do more to maximize it at the point of attack. He can also do a better job disengaging from blockers, as he sometimes gets stuck too long. However, he excels as a gap-shooting run defender, where his awareness and change-of-direction skills are most impactful. He also offers interior versatility due to his size and quickness, often winning matchups against interior offensive linemen. Overall, Scourton is a unique, high-caliber prospect best suited as a well-rounded, three-down EDGE. Not solely a pass-rushing specialist, his diverse skillset positions him as a valuable asset in multiple roles.

• 2024: First-team All-SEC
• Career: 109 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 17.0 sacks and three forced fumbles in three seasons (played first two at Purdue)

• Big, thick, NFL-caliber frame that allows him to play any position up front
• Slippery rusher who can get skinny between gaps and use fast hands to beat blockers
• Plays with force that comes from surprising quicks

• Not a burst-based winner around the edge
• Bull rush could be a tick more effective
• Against the run, he often allows his pads to get too high

Malaki Starks is a versatile, high-caliber safety with the size of a big cornerback and the movement skills to match. He's comfortable in the box, the slot or patrolling deep, showcasing rare positional flexibility for a modern safety. Starks brings elite-level hip fluidity and plus instincts, allowing him to read plays in real time and react decisively. In coverage, he's twitchy enough to handle tight ends and bigger slot receivers, and his long strides give him the ability to recover and challenge at the catch point with excellent timing.

While not a punishing hitter, Starks is a reliable tackler who wraps up with textbook form and rarely misses. His range from deep is solid, though his size, instincts and physicality are maximized closer to the line of scrimmage. Athletically, Starks flashes exceptional body control and ball skills, making him a consistent albeit not spectacular playmaker downfield. He may not dominate in one specific area, but his well-rounded skill set, versatility and lack of any glaring weaknesses make him an ideal three-down safety built for today's NFL.

• 2023-24: Two-time first-team All-American (consensus in 2023)
• 2022: CFP national champion

• Big, thick frame ready for the NFL
• Deceptive speed to close throwing windows in man coverage
• Very reliable tackler with plus ball skills

• While a quality athlete, he's not incredibly twitchy when needing to change directions
• Not quite as comfortable out in space as a deep defender as he is closer to the line of scrimmage
• At times a tick heavy-footed

"James Pearce Jr. boasts a long, relatively sleek frame with clear potential to add serious bulk, a necessary step for his development. His first-step explosiveness and ability to convert speed to power stand out immediately on film. Despite his leaner build, he sets a surprisingly strong edge, and his bull rush is a legitimate weapon in his pass-rushing repertoire, even without a naturally low center of gravity. He maintains his speed effortlessly after his initial burst, making his outside speed rush his most dangerous tool at this stage. Pearce displays impressive bend, even when absorbing contact around the corner, occasionally flashing borderline elite ability. His awareness to diagnose quarterback scrambles or running back lanes is well above average, and he consistently sheds blockers to pursue the football effectively. Pearce plays with relentless urgency and mixes up his rush moves effectively. In space, he is remarkably comfortable, showing no stiffness. He is flexible, well-balanced, and exhibits excellent change-of-direction ability.

• 2023-24: Two-time first-team All-SEC
• Career: 71 tackles, 30.0 tackles for loss, 19.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception (returned for a touchdown) in 39 games

• Incredible burst off the snap and bend around the corner
• Demonstrated counter moves off his initial rush with good regularity
• Surprising speed-to-power conversion with plus balance

• Must add bulk to withstand power from OTs in the NFL
• Not always the best finisher once he disrupts
• Some teams won't like his frame because his rushes can be high

Kenneth Grant is a traditional nose tackle who offers a little more, but not much pass-rush potential. He plays a bit high at times but does a good job stacking blockers in the run game. Grant plays to the whistle but has below-average change of direction for an interior defender.

• 2024: Third-team AP All-America honors
• Career: 12.0 tackles for loss, 10 passes defensed, 6.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries and an interception in 41 games

• Two-gap run-stopper
• Occupies two blockers often
• High motor, plays to the whistle

• High pad level
• Offers little in regards to pass rush
• Slow change of direction

Princely Umanmielen is an athletic, high-energy EDGE rusher with a balanced frame and three-down potential. He’s a controlled and reactive rusher, adept at adjusting to quarterback movement, with long strides that cover ground but limit his change-of-direction quickness. His pass-rush arsenal is limited, relying on a solid swipe move, and his hand usage can stall on first contact. While he flashes speed-to-power conversion, it’s inconsistent relative to his size and experience. Umanmielen’s best work comes on outside speed rushes, where his flexibility, balance and occasional low-center-of-gravity spin move stand out. As a run defender, he’s dependable and hard-working, showing toughness at the point of attack despite slightly heavy feet. His athleticism is solid, though not elite, with hips that unlock well around the edge on wider rushes. With refinement to his technique and a broader array of pass-rush moves, Umanmielen has the tools to develop into a productive and versatile defender at the next level.

• Two-time All-SEC (first team in 2024, second team in 2023)
• 2024: Recorded career-highs in sack (10.5) and tackles for loss (14) in his one year at Ole Miss after transferring from Florida

• Three-down ability thanks to fine blend of size, length and athleticism
• Speed-to-power conversion pops setting the edge and when bull-rushing to the quarterback
• Outside speed rush and spin move

• Heavier feet than most EDGEs
• Needs to develop pass-rush move arsenal
• Doesn't have plus twitchiness for change of direction

Luther Burden III has a thick lower body that allows him to run through arm tackles in the open field. He is able to accelerate upfield quickly and has good body control to contort himself downfield. The Illinois native has primarily lined up in the slot, which means he does not have much exposure to getting off press coverage. His route-running must continue to improve. A reason for encouragement is Burden's improved drop rate from his freshman season (9.3%) to 2024 (3.8%).

• Two-time first-team All-SEC (2023 ,2024)
• 2023: Ranked ninth in FBS in receiving yards (1,212) to go along with 86 catches and nine touchdowns

• Strong lower body to run through arm tackles after the catch
• Good body control down the field to adjust to throws
• Drop rate improved from 9.3% in 2022 to 3.8% in 2024, according to TruMedia
• Good acceleration

• Spent 86.5% of 2024 snaps lined up in the slot, according to TruMedia
• Details in his route-running
• Limited exposure to getting off the line against press coverage because of his alignment

Ashton Jeanty is a stocky but fast RB prospect with the best contact balance I've ever scouted. He's essentially impossible to take down on first contact. He can play in a zone or power scheme because he can be a smooth North-South runner or make defenders miss with lateral jukes in the hole. He's very elusive with light feet. His speed is great but not spectacular, and it won't be surprising to see him hit some long runs in the NFL. Jeanty's vision is an asset, too, often running between the tackles and finding tiny creases to squeeze through. He doesn't provide plus ability as a receiver and had some drops in his final season, but of course he can be a weapon in the screen game, though. Altogether, this is one of the finest RB prospects we've seen over the past decade.

• 2023-24: Two-time Mountain West player of the Year
• 2024: Most rushing attempts (312), rushing yards (2,288) and rushing touchdowns (28) in FBS. His 2,288 rushing yards are the fifth-most in a single season in FBS history.
• 2024: Most yards after contact (1,695) and missed tackles forced (130) in College Football Playoff-era records (since 2014). His 1,695 yards after contact were more than the total rushing yards of any other FBS player.

• Unfathomable contact balance
• Plus speed to accelerate past defenders downfield
• Awesome between-the-tackles vision

• Shorter/smaller than most power RBs
• Not a plus receiver
• Played lesser-ish competition

Colston Loveland has good size to be an NFL tight end but can continue adding mass to his frame. Loveland has a good catch radius to make plays outside of his frame and good acceleration to turn upfield post-catch. He drives his feet on contact in the run game, but pad level gets a bit high in pass protection. Loveland has shown the versatility to move around the formation but can continue addressing his play strength and footwork to defeat press coverage.

• 2024: Second-team All-American
• 2024: Mackey Award finalist (nation's best TE) after leading Michigan in receptions (56), receiving yards (582) and receiving touchdowns (5) despite missing two games

• Good range to make catches outside his frame
• Good job settling into soft spots within zone coverage
• 2.4% drop rate in 2024, per TruMedia
• Gets upfield quickly post-catch

• Extra mass necessary to improve as a blocker
• Lines up all over the formation, but can improve getting off press coverage when on the line
• High pad level as a pass protector

Tyler Warren is a tall, well-built tight end who has shown off his versatility fulfilling a variety of roles this season. Warren has shown improvement as a run blocker driving his feet on contact, but must continue working on block retention and engaging as a puller across the formation. The Virginia native does a good job flattening his routes relative to his height and has a wide catch radius to make plays outside of his frame.

• 2024: John Mackey award winner (nation's best TE)
• 2024: Set Big Ten single-season records for TE with 88 receptions for 1,062 yards. Set Penn State record for career receiving touchdowns by a TE with 17

• Soft, strong hands and good hand-eye coordination as evidenced by his 1.8% drop rate during the 2024 regular season, per TruMedia
• Good balance and strength make him difficult to bring down after the catch
• Aligning at quarterback, tight end, receiver spots and more illustrate his versatility

• Block retention
• Engaging as a puller across the formation
• Releases off the line of scrimmage when lining up in space

Shavon Revel is a tall, long and imposing outside cornerback with a frame that naturally stands out. His straight-line speed is a clear asset, although his backpedal can get a bit high, slightly delaying his ability to drive and change direction. Despite this, his instincts are highly evident, as he often reacts to the quarterback's intentions quicker than others and tracks the ball in the air with ease. His height and arm length create an extensive pass-breakup radius, which is a critical strength in contested situations. While his press technique could improve, as he isn't as assertive as his size suggests, he has enough recovery ability to stay with receivers on intricate routes downfield. A linear athletic profile is evident, which limits some of the agility you'd expect, but his reasonable hip fluidity makes him effective near the boundary, particularly in zone coverage. He excels at handling vertical routes, using his instincts and length to close windows even when he isn’t in perfect position. Revel’s contributions in the run game are limited but dependable, with few missed tackles. There’s some rawness to his overall game, particularly in his footwork and twitch, which may not fit every team’s preference. However, his unique combination of size, speed and upside gives him plenty of developmental appeal as a boundary corner.

• 2023: Second-team All-AAC
• Regarded as one of top CB prospects despite suffering torn ACL three games in 2024 season

• Immense height and length for the CB position
• Outstanding ball skills
• Serious downfield speed

• Not as dominant at the line as his size would suggest
• Doesn't mirror against super-quick WRs well
• Backpedal can get a little high